Goodnight, sweet Prince
Richmond Free Press
VOL. 25 NO. 18
© 2016 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
www.richmondfreepress.com
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A8, B4
April 28-30, 2016
Power to vote By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Gov. McAuliffe boldly restores voting rights of 206,000 Virginians, including disenfranchised African-Americans
Gov. Terry McAuliffe triumphantly holds up the historic order he signed last Friday outside the state Capitol.
Michaele White/Governor’s Office
Richmond City Council appears to be stuck between a rock and a hard place as it seeks to craft a balanced $709 million operating budget that would become effective July 1. On one side are passionate supporters of Richmond’s public schools who want the council to shift more local tax dollars into public education to avoid the potential shutdown of Armstrong High School and four elementary schools. Find the money, they say. On the other side is a city administration led by Mayor Dwight C. Jones warning that cutting any more money could cause disruptions of city services and deeper financial problems.
Overhanging the budget talks — and adding to the council’s angst — are projections of a deficit of between $6 million and $9.6 million in the current budget and concerns that additional slashes by the council could ensure that expenses exceed revenues in the fiscal year that begins July 1. “We are doing everything we can, but we have not been able to close the gap,” the city’s chief administrative officer, Selena Cuffee-Glenn, disclosed Monday. She reiterated that she plans to work with the council to consider options to end the year in balance, as state law requires. On Thursday, April 28, the nine council mem-
By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Please turn to A4
Cleveland to pay $6M in Tamir Rice’s death Reuters
Aaron Josefczyk/Reuters
Samaria Rice, center, the mother of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, speaks during a December 2014 news conference about her son, who was shot and killed by Cleveland police while playing in a park. With Mrs. Rice are attorney Benjamin Crump, left; Tamir’s father, Leonard Warner, second from right; and attorney Walter Madison, right.
CLEVELAND Cleveland officials have agreed to pay $6 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old who was shot and killed by a police officer in 2014, according to documents filed in federal court on Monday. The city admitted no wrongdoing in the shooting and Tamir’s family agreed to drop the complaint against two officers, including the one who shot the child, U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster, who mediated the settlement, said in the documents. Tamir was shot in a local park by Timothy Loehmann after Please turn to A4
Please turn to A5
Morgan Bullock stands out in Irish dance
City Council continues talks on school funding By Jeremy M. Lazarus
David Mosby no longer feels like a second-class citizen. After years of being barred from the ballot box because of his criminal record, the 46-year-old home improvement contractor is finally able to vote and fully take part in the life of his community. “I never thought I’d have this opportunity,” said the tearyeyed Varina resident, one of more than 200,000 Virginians whose lives have been changed with a stroke of Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s pen. Last Friday, Gov. McAuliffe went further than any state chief executive to eliminate the last big barrier to voting in Virginia — a felony conviction. He signed an order restoring the right to vote to anyone who had completed a prison term as well as any probation or parole requirements as of April 22. The change also allows the former felons to serve on a jury or to run for political office. Even more stunning, the governor made no distinction between those with records for violent crimes such as robbery
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Morgan Bullock, seen in silhouette, practices one of the intricate and athletic Irish dance moves. Location: Baffa Academy of Irish Dance in Chesterfield County.
Morgan Bullock is starting to make a name for herself in the fast-growing arena of Irish dance. In late March, the Richmond area teen placed 50th for her solo dancing in her first foray into World Irish Dance Championships, becoming the only Virginian to be ranked among the 200 competitors in the age 15-16 category. She qualified to participate in the competition in Glasgow, Scotland, by placing among the top 15 dancers in regional competition in Dallas. “I still have so much more to learn,” said Morgan, a honor roll student at James River High School in Midlothian. She also is taking classes at John Tyler Community College through Chesterfield County Public Schools’ dual enrollment program. Still, dancing to Irish music is her passion. “This is what I want to do the rest of my life.” Once little known, Irish dance has exploded in popularity as a result of such shows as “Riverdance” and champion Irish dancer Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” that have been performed on stages around the world since the mid-1990s. As an African-American, Morgan is still a rarity in this type of dancing. Ballet, tap, hip-hop and jazz styles are more popular with young Please turn to A4
3 team up to find new home for Squirrels in Boulevard area By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Public pressure to keep baseball on the Boulevard appears to be having an impact. In a new effort, Mayor Dwight C. Jones is teaming up with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Virginia Commonwealth University to find a site for a new ballpark near The Diamond, but not on the 60 acres of public property the city
wants to redevelop. The announcement came Tuesday, a day after the issuance of a consultant’s report that
Related story on B2 essentially called for office, residential, hotel and retail development on the city land bounded by the Boulevard and Hermitage and Robin Hood
roads, and inclusion of sports and entertainment facilities on nearby property. There have been repeated attempts during the past 13 years to replace The Diamond, but none have worked. There appears to be fresh optimism with this effort. Mayor Jones issued a joint announcement about the new approach to finding a site for a ballpark that the San Francisco Giant’s affiliate
and VCU baseball team could share. According to the announcement, the three parties are to work together to find a property. However, one point was emphasized: The cost of any development would fall largely on the ballpark’s users, not the city government. The statement noted that public engagement Please turn to A4
Richmond Free Press
A2 April 28-30, 2016
Local News
Henrico School Board to vote on new school name The former Harry F. Byrd Sr. Middle School may get a new name this week. The Henrico County School Board is expected to vote on a new name at its meeting 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the New Bridge Learning Center, 5915 Nine Mile Road, board Chairwoman Michelle F. “Micky” Ogburn told the Free Press. The board unanimously voted to change the name in early March, then sought community input on suggested names for 30 days. More than 3,500 suggestions were submitted, officials said, with the name of Alysia Burton, a Byrd alumni who lost her life in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, recommended by 1,626 people. Other popular submissions were Neil Griffin, a school resource officer at Byrd who died from cancer in March recommended by 805 people, and 594 recommendations for the Vandervall family, the African-American family that once owned the land where the middle school sits, along with the adjacent land were Pemberton Elementary is located. Other top vote getters include former Byrd Principal Lonnie E. Gailes with 292; 113 for late Henrico Schools Superintendent William C. “Bill” Bosher; and 60 for Benjamin J.
Lambert III, the late state senator and optometrist who served in the General Assembly for nearly 30 years and who grew up nearby in Henrico’s Ziontown. Hermitage High School senior Jordan Chapman initiated the name change campaign last fall after she learned in history class of the racist legacy of Mr. Byrd, the late former Virginia governor and former U.S. senator. He was an architect of Virginia’s “Massive Resistance” campaign to shut down public schools rather than desegregate them following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 ruling in the Brown v. Board of Education case. Community members joined Jordan’s campaign and lobbied the School Board via emails, letters, phone calls and meeting appearances to change the middle school’s name. As it considers which name to choose, the board also will consider the preference of Tuckahoe District representative Lisa Marshall, whose district includes the middle school, before making a final selection. — JOEY MATTHEWS
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Cityscape
The foundation is being laid for the their skin. The building collapsed and the $6.3 million Eggleston Plaza at 2nd and site was cleared in 2009. Leigh streets in Jackson Ward, as captured The Eggleston family teamed up with Tuesday by a fisheye lens. Slices of life and scenes developer Kelvin Hanson on the new When complete, the development is project, according to city documents. MGT in Richmond to include 31 apartments and a first-floor Construction is doing the work. restaurant on the former site of the historic Eggleston Hotel. DurThe project is across 2nd Street from the Hippodrome Theater ing the era of segregation, the hotel served renowned civil rights and Taylor Mansion entertainment, restaurant and residential leaders, famous entertainers and other African-Americans who complex. The planned development also includes 10 housing were barred from other Richmond hotels because of the color of units going up nearby at 1st and Jackson streets.
March set for Linwood Lambert death
The family of Linwood Lambert Jr. and other community members will mark the third anniversary of the former Richmond resident’s death with a march for justice Wednesday, May 4, in South Boston, where he died after three police officers stunned him 20 times with Tasers while he was in their custody. Meanwhile, U.S. District Court Judge Jackson L. Kiser has set a Jan. 31 trial for a jury to hear the $200 million lawsuit that Mr. Lambert’s sister, Gwendolyn Smalls of Richmond, filed against the officers, the South Boston Police Department and the City of South Boston. The suit, originally scheduled for a
hearing in May, will be held in the federal court in Danville. The third anniversary commemoration will begin with a rally at 11 a.m. in front of the Halifax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, 8 S. Main St. in Halifax. Mr. Lambert The march will start about noon at the Food Lion, 1020 Bill Tuck Highway, next to the Super 8 Motel in South Boston where police officers picked up Mr. Lambert that night. The
Contract awarded for Richmond Pulse construction
$32.7M
That’s the amount state gives city for jail costs Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
$32,756,396.80. That’s how much cash-strapped Richmond has received from the state for reimbursement of costs related to the construction of the six-story, $134.6 million Richmond Justice Center in Shockoe Bottom, Tammy Hawley, a spokesperson for Mayor Dwight C. Jones, told the Free Press last Friday. “The funds go to (help) pay off the debt we incurred to build the jail,” Ms. Hawley stated in response to a query. Additionally, she added, “The reimbursement does open up some debt capacity” for the city. The funds initially were authorized by the 2010 General
march will go to the police station and the Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital, where Mr. Lambert was Tased. For more details on event, contact the NAACP state headquarters at (804) 3215678 or (804) 251-1102. Separately, Halifax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tracy Q. Martin, with consultation from the office of Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring, is expected to announce findings from her investigation to determine if the officers will be charged criminally. The FBI also is investigating the incident, Ms. Smalls told the Free Press. — JOEY MATTHEWS
Assembly, then reauthorized in the 2015 budget that was passed last year, according to Dan Timberlake, director of the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget. Richmond received the reimbursement after submitting documents to the Virginia Department of Corrections providing proof the work was completed and payment was made. Construction of the new 1,032-bed jail began in January 2012 and the Justice Center opened in July 2014. The project earned LEED Gold certification in February for its design, construction and operation as energy efficient. — JOEY MATTHEWS
Richmond’s Bus Rapid Transit project has cleared its final funding hurdle. On April 20, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the state body that oversees transportation spending, approved a $47.3 million contract to a construction team to develop the express bus service to be called GRTC Pulse. The winner is the design-build team of Lane Construction Co. of Cheshire, Conn., and STV Design of New York, which will revamp medians and install the 14 stations to make way for the speedier buses that will operate on a 7.6-mile route largely along Broad Street between Rocketts Landing to the east and The Shops at Willow Lawn to the west. Work is expected to begin by July, according to the state Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Meanwhile, GRTC and the City of Richmond are working on a plan to improve transit service overall and to ensure better connections between current routes and the Pulse. Two community meetings are being held to gather public input as part of the planning. The first is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at the state Department of Motor Vehicle’s Richmond Central location, 2300 W. Broad St.. The second will be noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch auditorium, 101 E. Franklin St. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS
U.S. Supreme Court hears appeal of convicted former Gov. McDonnell Reuters
WASHINGTON The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday in former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s appeal of his conviction on corruption charges involving $177,000 in gifts and sweetheart loans from a businessman seeking to promote a dietary supplement. The eight justices began hearing a scheduled hour of oral arguments in the case, with a ruling due by the end of June. On a dreary, rainy day in Washington, Mr. McDonnell arrived at the white marble courthouse ahead of the arguments. U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer sentenced Mr. McDonnell, a 61-year-old former Republican Party
rising star, to two years behind bars, but the Supreme Court last year said he would not have to report to prison while his appeals were ongoing. His lawyers contend the former governor’s conduct did not constitute “official action” in exchange for a thing of value, as required for conviction under federal bribery law. The actions in question “were limited to routine political courtesies: arranging meetings, asking questions and attending events,” the lawyers wrote in court papers. His lawyers wrote that a ruling against Mr. McDonnell, who served as governor from 2010 to 2014, would “upend the political process” by transforming ordinary interactions between a politician and political donors into criminal acts.
Mr. McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted of taking the gifts and loans from Virginia businessman Jonnie Williams. Prosecutors during the trial described the luxurious lifestyle the McDonnells lived thanks to Mr. Williams, including vacations, designer clothing and shoes, a $6,500 Rolex watch, $15,000 for their daughter’s wedding, golf outings and more. After a trial that laid bare rifts in his marriage, Mr. McDonnell was convicted of 11 corruption counts including conspiracy, bribery and extortion for taking the gifts and loans in exchange for promoting a dietary supplement called Anatabloc made by Mr. Williams’ company, Star Scientific. Mrs. McDonnell was found guilty of nine criminal counts and received
a one-year sentence. U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, the federal government’s lawyer before the high court, said in court papers the convictions are valid because Mr. McDonnell took the money “in exchange for agreeing to use the power of his office to help his benefactor.” Federal prosecutors have used the vaguely written “honest services” fraud statute, one of the laws Mr. McDonnell was convicted of violating, against several high-profile government and business officials accused of wrongdoing. They included former Democratic Alabama Gov. Donald Siegelman, convicted in 2006. U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 2010 involving former Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling and media baron Conrad Black narrowed the
Mr. McDonnell
scope of the law to just bribes and kickbacks. The Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Mr. McDonnell’s conviction in July 2015, and he subsequently appealed to the nation’s highest court. If the U.S. Supreme Court, shorthanded since the Feb. 13 death of Justice Antonin Scalia, is split 4-4 in Mr. McDonnell’s appeal, that would leave intact the lower court’s ruling, upholding his conviction.
Richmond Free Press
April 28-30, 2016
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Richmond Free Press
A4 April 28-30, 2016
News
Morgan Bullock stands out in Irish dance Continued from A1
Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Morgan Bullock poses in front of a mirror during a recent practice. She shows off the special shoes she uses to perform the fast-paced Irish dance routines.
African-Americans. As a child, Morgan was among the legions of girls who began taking classes in those types of dance, with the support of her parents, Yvonne Bullock, an employee of the City of Richmond, and L. Ray Bullock, commissioner of the MidSouth Basketball Officials Association, a supplier of referees. But at 10, Morgan said an instructor told her that her long legs made Irish dance a better fit for her. She fell in love after trying the dance style, notable for its intricate and fastpaced footwork. “You keep the upper body still,” she said, while keeping the legs and feet moving.
The artistic routines require a high degree of athleticism, with jumps, leg kicks and a blur of foot movements that require focus and agility. There also are Gaelic terms to learn in performing. Miss Bullock Morgan now trains at the Baffa Academy of Irish Dance on Huguenot Road in Chesterfield. The academy is owned and operated by sisters Jessica and Megan Baffa, Irish dance professionals who have performed with “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance” companies. They also have studios in
Stafford County and Fredericksburg and are still expanding. The third instructor, Emma Cross, also has toured with “Lord of the Dance.” Jessica Baffa said that Morgan has helped raise the profile of the two-yearold studio with her success at the world championships. Morgan credits the instruction with propelling her in the field. She is preparing to compete in the North American Irish Dance Championships to take place in early July in Orlando, Fla. Later in July, she will spend a week at an Irish dance camp at Kean University in New Jersey learning more about stage performance. For her, that is just part of the preparation to achieve her dream of a dancing future.
City Council continues talks on school funding Continued from A1
bers are to gather for another attempt to reach a consensus on changes to the mayor’s proposed 2017-2018 operating and capital budgets, mostly to increase school funding. Providing even a portion of the $18 million that the Richmond School Board is demanding, though, is proving stressful — with a May 15 deadline looming to approve the education portion of the new city budget. Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, offered a real-
provide the public schools with $18 million more. Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, 8th District, fired back that it was insulting that anyone would believe that City Council is deliberately ignoring the educational needs of city children. She cited her proposal to provide new funding to reopen the now vacant Summer Hill Elementary School to provide relief from overcrowding in South Side schools. Ms. Trammell claimed the School Board and its top officials are not providing the council with accurate information about
Joey Matthews/Richmond Free Press
Marchers cross the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge on Monday en route to a rally outside Richmond City Hall seeking more money for Richmond Public Schools.
ity check to school supporters during Monday night’s council meeting, telling them that the best the schools can expect is $4.97 million in additional funds, an amount that he and five other members support and that would be aimed at improving teacher pay. Still, at this point, the council has been unable to reach agreement on possible cuts or revenue enhancements to provide that money. For example, only two members so far want to impose a 60-cent tax on cigarettes to raise a projected $5 million. Richmond is the only city in Virginia that does not tax smokes. The stress that council members are feeling in finding extra dollars seemed to boil over during the public comment period. Council members started verbally pushing back when school supporters accused them of not caring. Several speakers insisted the city has plenty of money and only has to make adjustments to
the money it receives, creating mistrust and frustration. “What happened to the $18 million that council provided last year?” she asked, unaware Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ administration had only recently released the money. “We’ve been told there are 9,300 vacant seats and now its 5,000. What’s with that? We need to know.” When a school supporter expressed surprise that the council was not receiving the same updated and informative responses she received, Council President Michelle M. Mosby, 9th District, disagreed. Not only is City Council not receiving timely information, Ms. Mosby said, “there are inconsistencies in the information” the council is receiving. “We were told that Elkhardt Middle School was going to be demolished, but yet it is still standing,” she said. The lack of straightforward information
is adding to council’s angst, she said, noting the school system has not reported how the extra $9 million the council provided during the current fiscal year has been spent. Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, 3rd District, was equally trenchant about boosting funding. “I want everybody to know that this body spent hours and hours and hours last year and found $9 million,” he said. He noted the school system would receive that same increase this year, but he joined Ms. Mosby in insisting that the council, too often, is left in the dark on where the money is spent. He said that the council needs the cooperation of the School Board to ensure that “when the money is sent over for ‘x’ that it’s spent for ‘x.’ ” No one from the school system’s administration or the School Board was in the City Council chamber when the remarks were made. But afterward, School Board member and council candidate Kim Gray, 2nd District, said she had no idea what “the council members are talking about.” “What inconsistencies?” she asked. Ms. Gray said the School Board posts its spending online and has sought “to be as transparent as possible.” Council had spent four hours earlier in the day on the budget, but left with nothing resolved. Mr. Hilbert, who recently dropped out of the mayoral race and plans to run again for City Council, has tried to make it simple to find the money. But he has yet to win support for his plan to cut appropriations to departments by an additional 1 percent across the board to raise $4.7 million. That would be on top of the mayor’s 12 percent cut in spending for city agencies. The administration previously said departments
cannot stand an additional reduction if council does not want services slashed. Nor is there any agreement on a proposal to cut $1.7 million from the Richmond Ambulance Authority’s $4.5 million in savings to free up funds for schools. Council’s staff on Monday offered 22 additional proposals for budget cuts to free up at least $2.6 million for members
to reallocate. The proposals would roll back appropriations for a variety of items in which spending in recent years has fallen short of appropriations, ranging from overtime for the Fire Department and funding for plowing winter snow to payments for natural gas for the Richmond Justice Center and Public Works. However, the administration appealed for time to address the
fresh proposals, and is to respond at the session on Thursday. The only good news came from the administration. Ms. Cuffee-Glenn acknowledged real estate taxes are projected to yield $1.7 million more than anticipated in the next budget. However, the mayor has yet to certify that increase, and until he does, the money cannot be recognized and used by the council.
Fill schools, not jails More than 200 demonstrators call for more school funding
By Joey Matthews Kevin Lauray resolutely marched across the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge late Monday afternoon with his 4-year-old daughter, Aiyanna Lauray, on his shoulders as she held high a sign, “Support Our Schools.” His girlfriend, Shaira Maravilla, and their four other children walked the distance — from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End, across the bridge, to City Hall — with a crowd of about 200 to demand more money for Richmond Public Schools. “I served 20 years in prison for murder,” Mr. Lauray, a 52-year-old Church Hill resident and native of Hartford, Conn., told the Free Press. “I had a good upbringing, but allowed the streets to take me over. “I don’t think I would have gone to prison if I had a better education while I was in school. I had to go to prison to go to college,” he said, adding he earned his GED and took college courses while behind bars. “That’s why I’m here — to support the kids and to support finding more money for the schools,” said Mr. Lauray, who now owns a lawn care business. “City Council can find the money to build jails, but they can’t find the money to educate the kids to help keep them out of jail.” The march was organized by Chris Lombardi, a teacher at Mary Munford Elementary School, and Fox Elementary teachers Keri Treadway, Jen Ramachandran and Diane Marshall. Their “Support Richmond Public Schools” Facebook page calls for the city to provide $18 million in additional funding for
fiscal year 2017 school officials are seeking for teacher pay raises and to fully implement its academic improvement plan. The issue has garnered the support of a cross-section of parents and community members, hundreds of whom have turned out at demonstrations and public comment sessions at City Hall. On April 11, a demonstration led by students at Open High School drew about 500 supporters. Days later, more than 500 people attended a community forum at Mt. Olivet Church in the East End to speak against a RPS cost-cutting proposal to close Armstrong High School, four elementary schools and to consolidate three specialty schools if City Council does not provide substantial additional funding to the school district. Among the marchers Monday was Gordon Hadley, a dental laboratory owner, who rode a unicycle along the route as he supported his wife, Dawn Hadley, who teaches sixthgrade English at Lucille Brown Middle School in South Side. “We’re trying to get council to understand that we need more money to keep our schools operating at a high level,” Mrs. Hadley said. “As teachers, we are required to do so much with so little.” Outside City Hall, Kimberly Bailey, a fifthgrade teacher at Fairfield Court Elementary School, led the marchers in chants of “Our Children! Our Future!” through a bullhorn. “We just want our trusted officials that we put in office to hear our voices,” she said. “We don’t want our kids to fill jails, we want them to fill our classrooms.”
Cleveland to pay $6M in Tamir Rice’s death Continued from A1
he and another officer, Frank Garmback, responded to reports of a suspect with a gun. An investigation revealed that Tamir, who died a day after the shooting, had been seen holding a pellet gun. The shooting was one of several that have fueled scrutiny of police use of deadly force, particularly against minorities. “Although historic in financial terms, no amount of money can adequately compensate for the loss of a life,” Subodh Chandra, the Rice family’s attorney, said in response to the reported settlement. “It is the Rice family’s sincere hope that Tamir’s death will stimulate a movement
for genuine change in our society and our nation’s policing,” he added. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said at a news conference he would not elaborate on the settlement or how the city would pay for it. “There is no price you can put on the loss of a 12-year-old child.” The two officers have been on restricted duty since the shooting and will remain so through an internal police review. The American Civil Liberties Union said the case highlighted the need to reform the criminal justice system. “The web of laws and practices that prevent accountability for police misconduct needs to be taken apart and replaced with concrete solutions to eliminate racial
bias in the justice system,” Christine Link, executive director of the ACLU’s Ohio chapter, said in a statement. Tamir’s family filed its lawsuit against Cleveland and the officers two weeks after the shooting. They had also demanded the officers be charged, a special prosecutor handle the case and the U.S. Justice Department investigate. In December, a grand jury declined to bring criminal charges against the officers. Under settlement terms, which must be approved by a probate judge, Tamir’s estate will receive $5.5 million and his mother, Samaria, and his sister each will receive another $250,000, the documents said.
3 team up to find new home for Squirrels in Boulevard area Continued from A1
in recent months brought the parties together, particularly public meetings and online surveys in which more than 5,000 area residents participated. The clear message from the participants: Keep baseball on the Boulevard. Whether all the wrinkles and financing issues can be worked out remains to be seen. “This new initiative may very well serve everyone’s interests, while allowing the Squirrels to stay in our hometown,” said Lou DiBella, president and managing general partner of the Flying Squirrels. “It feels like we’re closer to a solution than ever before,” said Mr. DiBella, who has been pressing for a replacement for the 30-year-old stadium since bringing the team to Richmond in 2010 from Connecticut. Still, as yet, he has no plans to move the team from the Richmond area, which has provided
an attendance bonanza unmatched by most other communities with Double A teams. For Mayor Jones, this new effort may quell critics on RichMayor Jones Dr. mond City Council and in the community who opposed his efforts to develop a new stadium in Shockoe Bottom. It could also pave the way for a desired goal of removing The Diamond from the development area, enabling the city to generate higher-value development on the city property that would yield more new revenue. “This approach opens a pathway for full development of the city’s most valuable land,” Mayor Jones stated, while offering a potential way to provide “the Squirrels and VCU baseball with a new home and keep their ballpark in an area
that Richmonders love.” VCU President Michael Rao said, “VCU and the Squirrels have a great sports partnership, and we are excited Rao Mr. Parnell about moving toward a new ballpark that would enable our teams to compete at the highest level and improve the fan experience at our games.” VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin said that VCU is eager to work with the Squirrels on a new facility. The Rams play at The Diamond under a sublease with the Squirrels, but the facility is not considered ideal. Todd “Parney” Parnell, vice president and chief operating officer of the Squirrels, underscored the team’s desire to have a space that could offer year-round programming in addition
to baseball. A new facility would help the team accomplish that, he stated. The partners plan to report progress on locating a stadium site to the public in about 90 days. At the same time, the city is proposing to extend the Squirrels’ lease on The Diamond until Dec. 31, 2018. Meanwhile, the city plans to move forward on seeking a national real estate developer for the 60-acre site. The city expects to issue a “request for qualifications (RFQ)” by the end of May, while also seeking additional public comment on the proposed development of the land. The RFQ process would allow the city to identify companies with sufficient ability to undertake development of the 60 acres. Officials have yet to say how the city would replace the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center, the school system’s basketball and convocation center located on the Boulevard, that occupies a key area of the 60-acre site.
Richmond Free Press
April 28-30, 2016 A5
Local News
‘Our ancestors mandate this opportunity not be wasted’ By David P. Baugh
In 1901, Virginia redrafted its Constitution for the express purpose of stripping African-Americans of their voting rights. “The Democratic party is pledged in its platform to eliminate the ignorant and worthless negro as a factor from the politics of this State without taking the right of suffrage from a single white man,” Virginia Flyer, 1901 — “No white man to lose his vote.” Following these changes, almost all African-American Virginians, and more than half of white Virginians, lost their right to vote. This redrafted Constitution gave rise to poll taxes, literacy tests and other legal methods to take the right to vote. During this time, there was a calculated effort to make more poor people convicted felons with the intent to remove their right to vote. They were removed from any participation in the selection of their government. Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe, in a heroic and bold effort,
used his lawful and constitutional pardon power to restore the voting rights to more than 200,000 Virginians who had been convicted of a felony. Virginia has a long history of government and non-government efforts to eliminate African-Americans from participating in elections. Simply attempting to register and vote led to lynching, beat-
Commentary ings, torture and loss of employment. White primaries were instituted so that only white candidates could run for office. Mr. Baugh Our ancestors risked their very lives for decades so African- Americans could vote. Medgar Evers, Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman, Viola Liuzzo, Rev. George Lee, Herbert Lee and so many others were murdered merely for encouraging African-American voting.
Applications to vote pouring into Richmond office at City Hall By Joey Matthews
Ex-offenders are acting quickly in Richmond to register to vote after Gov. Terry McAuliffe restored the rights of more than 200,000 felons in Virginia last Friday through an executive order. Meanwhile, in Chesterfield and Henrico counties, reaction has been mostly muted so far from those eligible to regain their voting rights. Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter told the Free Press she has received voter registration applications from 102 people with felony convictions as of the close of business Tuesday. Most of those, she said, were submitted online, while others were walk-in registrants. “I have no idea how many additional registrants are likely to result
Ms. Showalter
Mr. Haake
from the governor’s action as that will depend on where these individuals are living and whether or not they take advantage of this action,” Ms. Showalter said. “The office of general registrar, however, stands ready to assist these voters in being able to again participate in our democratic process.” In Henrico County, Voter Registrar
Mark Coakley said his office had received fewer than 10 phone calls since the governor’s announcement. Chesterfield Registrar Lawrence Haake said Monday, “Not much here,” in response to a query. “A couple of phone calls and one email.” “I would imagine many of those included in the 206,000 were already eligible to apply for rights restoration and would have done so if they really wanted to vote,” he added. “There will probably be a delayed reaction until the fall, closer to the general election,” he continued. The deadline to register to vote in the June 14 primary elections is May 23. The registration deadline to vote in the Nov. 8 presidential and general election is Oct. 17.
One of the last obstructions to voting in Virginia was removed by Gov. McAuliffe by ordering restoration of voting rights to felons. But it is only a start — an opportunity. Having the right to vote restored is not the same as registering and voting. It is the duty of each of us in the Commonwealth of Virginia to encourage, cajole, beg and insist that all people who have been restored to the status of participating citizenship now register and vote. The wishes and desires of millions of our ancestors mandate this opportunity not be wasted. Each of us is required to register. Our moral debt compels us to ask and inquire of each as to their voter status and, if available, get them to register and vote. Call every husband, wife, friend, co-worker or parent and insist they register and vote. Vote. And encourage — no, demand — that everyone register and vote. So many died. We have no right to waste those lives. The writer is a former federal prosecutor and longtime criminal defense attorney and legal expert.
Restoration of voting rights in Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe is far ahead of his predecessors in restoring the voting rights of Virginians with felony convictions. Here is a list of the 12 most recent governors and the number of people whose rights were restored during their administrations. # of people Governor Term rights restored Terry McAuliffe Bob McDonnell Tim Kaine Mark Warner Jim Gilmore George Allen L. Douglas Wilder Gerald L. Baliles Charles S. Robb John Dalton Mills E. Godwin Jr. A. Linwood Holton Jr. Mills E. Godwin Jr.
2014-present 2010-2014 2006-2010 2002-2006 1998-2002 1994-1998 1990-1994 1986-1990 1982-1986 1978-1982 1974-1978 1970-1974 1966-1970
224,000 8,111 4,402 3,486 238 460 427 853 1,180 939 515 303 260
Source: Secretary of the Commonwealth
Seeking to find out if your rights have been restored? Check online at https://solutions.virginia.gov/RestorationOfRights/Search
Gov. McAuliffe gives back the power to vote Continued from A1
and rape and those who committed nonviolent offenses such as fraud and illegal drug use. The policy change represents a victory for the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, which have been urging such action from the past three governors. Immediately, state Republican leaders charged that Gov. McAuliffe had overstepped his authority and urged him to call a special session of the General Assembly to review his action, a call he rejected. Yet despite the GOP backlash, the Democratic governor has promised to update the order monthly to include other Virginians who fully complete felony sentences after April 22. Essentially, Gov. McAuliffe has transformed Virginia from one of the most restrictive states in restoring citizenship rights. A majority of states allow for automatic restoration of rights once a felon completes his or her sentence. Only Florida, Kentucky and Iowa were like Virginia in barring felon voting unless a governor restored rights. In a state where 307,000 people with felonies are believed to be disenfranchised, according to the Washington-based Sentencing Project, Gov. McAuliffe stated that his order would impact 206,000 people immediately, possibly half being African-American. He has rebuffed a request from the General Assembly to release the names and backgrounds of those whose rights are restored. However, newly appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson has put up a searchable database on her office’s website giving individuals the ability to check to see if their rights have been restored. Should the next Virginia governor rescind the order when he or she takes office in January 2018, state Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, said that Gov. McAuliffe’s action could not be reversed for those whose rights he has restored and who now can register and vote for the next president and for others seeking local and state office. Before signing the order, the governor said his action would help undo the state’s long history of trying to prevent African-Americans from full participation. As he and others noted in remarks made on the South Portico of the Virginia Capitol, African-Americans did not gain full voting rights until 1965, when Congress passed the federal Voting Rights Act. Virginia’s Constitution has prohibited felons from voting since the Civil War, helping to reduce AfricanAmerican influence at the polls. Those restrictions were expanded in 1902 as part of an updated state Constitution that included poll taxes and literacy tests that were not elimi-
Photos by Michaele White/Governor’s Office
Gov. McAuliffe signs the sweeping order restoring felons’ voting rights Friday as supporters watch. Among them, from left: former Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney, Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, current Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson, First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe and Chesapeake Delegate Lionell Spruill Sr. Location: South Portico of the State Capitol. The signing drew a standing ovation from advocates and former felons gathered on the Capitol grounds to witness the historic event abolishing second-class status for more than 200,000 people who have fully completed their sentences.
nated until the passage of the Voting Rights Act. In researching the provisions, aides to the governor turned up a 1901 quote from a principal author of that Constitution, Lynchburg state Sen. Carter Glass, noting that its voting provision would “eliminate the darkey as a political factor in this State in less than five years, so that in no single county of the Commonwealth will there be the least concern felt for the complete supremacy of the white race in the affairs of government.” As Gov. McAuliffe noted, “Too often in both our distant and recent history, politicians have used their authority to restrict people’s ability to participate in our democracy,” he said. “Today we are reversing that disturbing trend and restoring the rights of our fellow Virginians who work, raise families and pay taxes in every corner of our Commonwealth.” The right to vote “is the essence of our democracy and any effort to dilute that fundamental principle diminishes it for all of us,” he said, in addressing the crowd of more than 100 people, including ex-convicts like Mr. Mosby, as well as supporters of his executive action like Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott and seven Democratic members of the General Assembly. “This makes me feel so good,” said Darlene Jewell, 61, of Richmond, who, for the first time, signed a voter registration application. Her checkered past had ensured she could not vote until now. Other speakers added their words of support, including former Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney, who helped the governor reach this step before stepping down from his post to run for mayor of Richmond; his successor, Secretary Thomasson; and the Rev. Benjamin Campbell, former director of the ecumenical Richmond Hill retreat center in Church Hill; and Raja Johnson, a 40-year-old Richmond mother who spent two years
in prison. Her rights were restored in 2014, more than 15 years after being convicted of grand larceny. She now is completing her associate degree in medical technology. How many of the people whose rights have been restored will register to vote is unknown. An early estimate from the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia suggested about 35 percent, or about 72,000 people of those whose rights were restored by the governor. That represents 1.3 percent of the 5.3 million Virginians currently on the state’s voter rolls. In Richmond, as well as most communities, there is no data on the number of people with felony records or the number affected by the governor’s order. However, Census data and other information can provide a guess. Currently, 134,500 people are registered to vote in Richmond, state figures show. The city has about 179,000 people of voting age, 18 and over, according to the U.S. Census, a difference of about 44,500. According to the Sentencing Project, 20 percent of African-Americans in Virginia cannot vote because of felony records. Applying that percentage to Richmond’s population, which includes about 107,000 AfricanAmericans, at least 15,000 and possibly more of those 44,600 unregistered people would have felony records. Non-citizens and college students who maintain residences in other states would be among the rest. Advocates such as Richard Walker, founder and chief executive of Bridging the Gap in Virginia, a felon support and advocacy group, are planning to step up efforts to find people who now qualify to vote. However, he noted that the governor can only go so far and that his action would not expunge felony convictions, leaving most of the beneficiaries still struggling to find housing or an employer willing to give them a second chance.
Ms. Jewell agreed, saying that the action is unlikely to make employers hire her after seeing her criminal record. “I wish it would,” she said, “but I’ll take what I can get.” The question of the governor’s authority to undertake such a sweeping action is sending people to read Article 5, Section 12 of the state Constitution which spells out the governor’s clemency power. A strict reading of that section indicates that the governor’s power to “remove political disabilities,” as restoration of rights is called, is unfettered, according to Secretary Thomasson. Removal of political disabilities is not on the list of items the governor must report on a case-by-case basis to the General Assembly. The Constitution states the governor must report to the General Assembly the particulars of each case in which he uses his authority to grant pardons, issue reprieves, commute sentences or reduce or eliminate fines and penalties. Secretary Thomasson said the governor sidestepped the reporting requirement by keeping intact the obligation of those with restored rights to pay court fines, fees and penalties. That obligation is unchanged, she said. Instead, the governor decoupled the obligation to repay, said Congressman Scott said. The governor said such debts would constitute “a poll tax” if they were used to block the right to vote, the congressman said. Away this week on a trade mission, Gov. McAuliffe said he was assured by state Attorney General Mark Herring and the author of the current state Constitution, University of Virginia law professor A.E. “Dick” Howard, that he had authority to take executive action. Through a spokesman, Mr. Herring confirmed his support: “We believe that the Constitution provides sufficient authority for the governor’s restoration order and are prepared to defend it in court if necessary.”
Republican Delegate Bob Marshall of Prince William County, however, has asked Mr. Herring to issue a formal, written opinion to spell out that view. Mr. Howard did not respond to a request for comment, but has previously written in his commentaries on the state Constitution that governors have considered the restoration of rights “on an individual basis.” Others who have reviewed that section of the Constitution agreed. Paul Goldman, a former state Democratic Party chairman who served on a panel that then-Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli created in 2013 to find ways to expand restoration of rights, said that was the conclusion the panel reached. Everyone on the panel “who looked at it agreed the governor could not” issue a blanket restoration. Among those gasping at the governor’s action is Republican House Speaker William J. Howell. “I am stunned at (the governor’s) broad and unprecedented view of executive power, which directly contradicts how past governors have interpreted their clemency powers. And I am stunned at his willingness to restore the rights of the most heinous criminals without batting an eye.” Speaker Howell went further to claim the governor was simply trying to make it easier for his friend, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, to win Virginia. The governor denied that charge, saying that “there are elections every year in Virginia,” and that his action was based on principle, not partisanship. Since taking office in 2014, Gov. McAuliffe, with the help of Mr. Stoney, already had gone further than any previous governor in restoring rights. As of this year, he had restored the rights of 18,000 people, particularly after eliminating in 2015 a requirement that felons had to repay court debts before their rights could be restored and after changing drug crimes to nonviolent offenses.
Richmond Free Press
An iris bloom in North Side
Editorial Page
A6
April 28-30, 2016
It’s about time Friday, April 22, was a red-letter day for the Commonwealth of Virginia. That’s when Gov. Terry McAuliffe removed the rusty shackles of discrimination from more than 200,000 men and women in Virginia, restoring their constitutional right to vote. At some point during their lives, these men and women had broken the law and been found guilty of committing a felony. But they have since completed their sentences and finished all supervised probation and parole. Yet, while living, working and paying taxes alongside others in their return to society, they continued to be punished by not being able to fully participate in the democratic process. They could not vote, could not serve on a jury or run for and hold elective office. The penalty for their crimes amounted in many cases to a lifetime ban on voting. Their branding as felons continued. It is important for Free Press readers to understand that this disenfranchisement was not by accident. We have only to look at the racist history of this state and the writings left by many of its evildoers to realize that Virginia’s abrasive laws were designed to keep African-Americans in subjugation while retaining power for white people who have been in control of the government since Virginia was a colony. “This plan, will eliminate the darkey as a political factor in this state in less than five years, so that in no single county will there be the least concern felt for the complete supremacy of the white race in the affairs of government,” said Carter Glass, a Lynchburg newspaperman and politician who had a major impact in the adoption of poll tax and literacy test requirements in the state’s Constitution in 1902. Almost immediately, the number of African-Americans able to vote in Virginia plummeted at the time from 147,000 to 21,000. Until Gov. McAuliffe acted, an estimated one in five African-Americans in Virginia were unable to vote because of felony convictions. That’s 20 percent of the state’s black population. While it took a federal act in 1965 to eliminate the poll tax, no Virginia governor, legislature or politician has had the will to abolish this remaining vestige of discrimination until last week, when Gov. McAuliffe did it by executive order. We applaud this gutsy governor who showed he isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s morally and legally right, knowing that elements of evil lurking in the Commonwealth would howl. As if on cue, state Republican leaders have accused Gov. McAuliffe of political shenanigans and demanded that he call a special session of the state legislature. They also insist he provide to them a detailed accounting of each of the 206,000 people whose rights were restored. We hope Gov. McAuliffe laughed like we did. It is clear the state Constitution gives the governor broad clemency powers, including the discretion to “remove political disabilities” when it comes to people with felony convictions. The governor also can reduce or eliminate fines and penalties, issue pardons and reprieves in criminal cases and commute sentences, all of which require him to report the particulars of the cases to the General Assembly. But Gov. McAuliffe shrewdly did none of those things. He didn’t alter, eliminate, waive or change fines and penalties that felons may still owe. He did not pardon or commute anyone’s sentence. What he did was to remove “political disabilities,” which requires no reporting or accounting to the legislature. He stands on the pillars of truth and right — along with an authority to take this incredible step to reduce oppression and promote democracy that likely will withstand any court challenge. Only three other states have laws like Virginia’s that amount to a lifetime ban on voting rights for felons. More than 30 states have automatic rights restoration for felons who complete their sentences. We urge those who believe in the fairness of what Gov. McAuliffe has done to publicly stand with him. And we urge people of conscience, who see the rantings of the Republican challengers as part of the hateful continuum that seeks to hold us back in Virginia, to withhold any campaign contributions and votes that would help return those people to office in 2017. It’s about time Virginia stood up for what’s right. And those for whom the fundamental right of democracy has been restored, we say: Don’t hesitate. Register now and exercise your right to vote. There’s a primary election June 14, and a presidential election Nov. 8. Your vote and your voice are important. Gov. McAuliffe, thank you for truly believing in democracy.
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
New $20 bill forces us to face past
Harriet Tubman soon will become the first African-American to appear on U.S. currency. This monumental decision is not only politically correct, as some have suggested, it is morally and socially correct. AfricanAmericans have long been vocal in their criticism over the lack of inclusion in American history lessons. As Ms. Tubman takes her place as the new face of the $20 bill, her image now will be further etched into the lives of a global community. Ms. Tubman will now be forced to pass through hands again, not as a slave commodity, but rather as validated currency of U.S. economic might. As these new bills enter into circulation many may wonder: “What do I know about Harriet Tubman?” If currency truly speaks to worth or value, Ms. Tubman
is right on the money. Born a slave in Dorchester County, Md., the revolutionary activist escaped slavery in 1849 by fleeing a Maryland plantation. She later became the conductor for the Underground Railroad and, over a span of 10 years, made 19 trips into the South, leading more than 300 slaves to freedom.
Rev. Daren C. Jaime In her own words, Ms. Tubman was quoted as saying, “I freed a thousand slaves; I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” Ms. Tubman also served in active duty during the Civil War as a cook, spy, scout and nurse for the Union Army. The journey to the $20 bill began through bipartisan legislation sponsored by New York Congressman John Katko and Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings. The Harriet Tubman Tribute Act required the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
to place Ms. Tubman’s image on a Federal Reserve note by 2017. For Rep. Katko, the inspiration was birthed out of his experience last year of attending the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Annual Harriet Tubman Pilgrimage held on the grounds of the Tubman Home in Auburn, N.Y. In 1903, Ms. Tubman was unable to make tax payments on the property so she bequeathed it to the A.M.E. Zion Church under the condition that the church would continue to operate her home and property. The church still oversees Ms. Tubman’s property and possessions. Ms. Tubman’s living descendants are members of the Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Auburn, N.Y. In 2014, President Obama signed into law a measure creating a national historical park at her property in Auburn as well as in Maryland. By stamping her likeness on our currency, the United States is now forced to awkwardly
Raise the minimum wage “We find our population suffering from old inequalities, little changed by vast sporadic remedies. In spite of our efforts and in spite of our talk, we have not weeded out the over privileged and we have not effectively lifted up the underprivileged. Both of these manifestations of injustice have retarded happiness. No wise man has any intention of destroying what is known as the profit motive; because by the profit motive we mean the right by work to earn a decent livelihood for ourselves and for our families.” — President Franklin D. Roosevelt, State of the Union Address, Jan. 4, 1935 Day in and day out, men and women all over our country work hard at their jobs but hardly have anything to show for it. As the debate over income inequality and narrowing the ever-widening wealth gap continues to dominate our national and political conversations, private corporations and states are taking matters into their own hands, bridging the dueling divides of income and opportunity by increasing the minimum wage. Target reportedly is raising employee wages to a $10 hourly minimum in May. This would be the second wage hike in a year for the retail giant. Only a few weeks ago, the governors of New York and California signed
bills that would gradually increase their states’ minimum wages to $15 an hour — the highest in the nation. In the face of Congress’ refusal to increase the federal minimum wage, these gestures from private enterprise and legislative offices reflect a new reality in our post-recession economy. Jobs are coming
Marc H. Morial back, but, for the most part, they aren’t the kinds of jobs that pay a living wage. Very often, they are not the kinds of jobs that serve as a platform to better paying work. And they are the kinds of jobs that predominately employ young people, minorities and women — the most vulnerable members of our low-wage, slow- growth recovery economy. What was a Franklin Roosevelt-era labor law meant to put a floor on poverty in America has become a low ceiling barring millions of American workers from present and future prosperity. For 10 years, the National Urban League has advocated for a federal minimum wage hike tied to the Consumer Price Index, which tracks inflation by observing changes over time in consumer pricing for a variety of goods. If prices are going up — and they are — wages that don’t reflect these hikes in prices translate into workingclass employees never getting ahead and being forced to make difficult choices to survive and
provide for themselves and their families. The current federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 an hour. President Obama, during a State of the Union address, said, “Let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works full time should have to live in poverty.” Well, on $7.25 an hour, you can bet they will. If the minimum wage kept pace with inflation, the current minimum wage would be $19 per hour. We support a $15 minimum wage, tied to inflation. With more Americans surviving on minimum wage than at any other point in our history, to ignore the issue of wages is to ignore the problem of income inequality, and to ignore the struggles of men and women left behind as the economy recovers. While I applaud the initiative taken by states and businesses to provide employees with living wages, we must put an end to the “vast, sporadic remedies” condemned by President Roosevelt. The current patchwork of state minimum wages is not a solution. Congress needs to do its job. Republicans supported minimum wage increases under President George W. Bush, but have blocked all efforts to raise it since then. Rather than condemn a generation to a lifetime of poverty, let’s afford them the opportunity to earn living wages and climb the economic ladder of opportunity and success. The writer is president of the National Urban League
The Free Press welcomes letters The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you. We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.
roll away, unseal and uplift the highly secured stones of its dark and embarrassing past. Ms. Tubman’s honor acknowledges slavery and many today would prefer to keep that part of American history buried. While the U.S. government has never — and may never — issue a formal public apology for slavery, this move, in part, acknowledges its existence. (The House of Representatives issued an apology in 2008; the U.S. Senate, in 2009. But the two chambers could never agree on a joint resolution because of differing views on how an apology may impact any discussion of possible reparations. No U.S. president has ever issued a formal apology for slavery.) The writer is pastor of Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Auburn, N.Y., and People’s A.M.E. Zion Church in Syracuse, N.Y.
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Richmond Free Press
April 28-30, 2016
A7
Letters to the Editor
Henrico resident’s letter draws response, help Henrico resident Vivian Christian will have the opportunity to attend an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the first African-Americans to be hired by the Richmond Police Department in 1946, thanks to the generosity of the event’s organizers. In a letter to the editor published in the April 14-16 edition of the Free Press, Ms. Christian wrote that she knew three of the four trailblazing officers and would like to attend the event, but could not afford the $50 ticket because she “lives off a very low income each month.” When the organizing groups, the Richmond Black Police Officers Association and Engine Company #9, read of Ms. Christian’s quandary, they offered to pay for her to attend the event slated for 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Hilton Richmond Downtown, 501 E. Broad St. They reached out to her this week with the good news. The celebration will honor Officers Doctor P. Day, John W. Vann, Frank S. Randolph and Howard T. Braxton, who made history when they were hired May 1, 1946, by the Richmond Police Department. They were the first African-Americans allowed to join the department, which was formed in 1807. For more information on the event, call Betty Squire at (804) 347-5289, Robert Jones at (804) 640-3621 or Thomas Williams at (804) 382-3644 or email E9andAssociates@ gmail.com.
‘Every time I read your paper, I feel uplifted’ My family just moved to Richmond less than a year ago. One of the first things I did was research local news outlets to see what publications were worth reading. The Richmond Free Press is my favorite because it gives me the rest of the story — the things that people here actually care about in their communities, rather than just petty or sensational headlines. There is always reporting on the good news that everyone else overlooks. Recently, it was the couple giving away surplus food (“Unsold food is ‘a godsend,’ ” April 14-16 edition). And a few months ago, it was the Henrico girl fighting to change Byrd Middle School’s name (“Stained by dishonor,” Feb. 1113 edition). Every time I read your paper, I feel uplifted rather than just upset by crime reports. The Richmond Free Press feels like the real community-building paper that Richmond needs. I know your news is oriented toward a black audience. But even though I’m not of much color (OK, I’m white), as an avid reader of everything and admirer of great writing, I do hope the newspaper regularly reaches a wider audience than one limited to race. Congrats on your latest slew of awards (“Free Press wins big,” April 14-16 edition)!
‘Do empty seats in schools mean no property upkeep?’ Re “Saving Armstrong High priority for hundreds,” April 21-23 edition: I am a fifth-generation graduate of Armstrong High School and currently a social science major at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Not only did I graduate from Armstrong, I was the only female chosen to represent the city in the AllVirginia Choir. I take my alma mater as seriously as I take my city. I attended the meeting where school officials told people packed into Mount Olivet Church these decisions to close schools are being made based on the number of empty seats. That is an absolute crock. Do empty seats in schools mean no property upkeep for 60-plus years? It feels as though these problems were allowed to fester for years in the East End as a way to explain away gentrifying the area, with little to no protest from the violent zombies they believe inhabit the streets of East Richmond. I am well-educated about my city, as was my father who
was a graduate of the original Maggie L. Walker High School and Virginia Union University. He instilled in me a love for this city that is unmatched. DENAE LONZER Richmond
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Richmond Free Press
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Sports Stories by Fred Jeter
Prince took it to the hoop as a youngster
The hilarious 2004 “Chappelle’s Show” sketch featuring musician Prince and basketball was based as much on fact as fiction. In the comedy sketch, the impromptu pickup game matched Prince, played by comedian Dave Chappelle, and musical Revolution stand-ins against Charlie Murphy, the brother of Eddie Murphy, and several buddies. Murphy dubbed it “Shirts and Blouses” because “Prince” was wearing a signature, ruffled purple shirt in the skit. As you might surmise, “Prince,” — the baller — schooled Murphy & Co. in all aspects of hoops. He polished his flustered foes off with a soaring two-hand slam with the help of trick photography. Victory achieved, “Prince” proclaimed “Game, Blouses!” while hanging from the rim. The skit ended with “Prince” serving pancakes to his defeated houseguests. Imagining the real 5-foot-2 Prince, whose real name is Prince Rogers Nelson, excelling at basketball isn’t as far-fetched as some may believe. Before the late musical genius was known for “Purple Rain,” he was raining jump shots at Bryant Junior High and Central High schools in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minn. “Prince was an excellent player, a good ball handler and shooter, but very small. I’d say he was our sixth or seventh man,” Bryant Junior High School Coach Richard Robinson told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “With a different group, he would have been a starter. But as it turns out, he was with about the best group to ever come through here.” Wearing a huge Afro, Prince played at Bryant
Junior High and then as a freshman and sophomore on Central High’s junior varsity team. “He could handle the ball, penetrate to the basket and dish,” Central High Coach Al Nuness told the Aurora (Colo.) Sentinel. “I really believe basketball was his first love. I remember Prince, Duane and their close friend, Paul Mitchell, always sneaking into the gym when school was closed.” A prominent player at Bryant and Central was Prince’s half brother, 6-foot-2 Duane Nelson, who went on to compete at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a NCAA Division I team, from 1977 to 1981. Central went 25-1 in 1976-77, the season following Prince’s graduation from Central, which closed in 1982. Duane Nelson, who died in 2013, was at one time head of security at Prince’s Paisley Park studio. While music was his calling, Prince continued to shoot hoops recreationally as an adult — sometimes wearing heels. The “Chappelle’s Show” comedy was based on real life. Following a 1985 party at Prince’s digs in Los Angeles, the rock star challenged his guests, including Charlie and Eddie Murphy, to some hoops. And, yes, as host, he did serve pancakes at a postgame party. “People always ask me if it was a joke. It’s not,” Charlie Murphy told Huffington Post.com of the sketch. “The cat could ball, man.” Prince had other associations with the sports world. Among them: • Many insist his performance at the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami, in the rain, was the most entertaining halftime show in Super Bowl annals.
Prince is remembered as an excellent basketball player at Bryant Junior High School in Minneapolis, where he played on the team with his half brother, Duane Nelson. In this junior high yearbook photo, Prince is wearing a jersey with No. 3, while his half brother is wearing No. 21.
• In 2010, Prince composed “Purple and Gold” as a tribute to the Minnesota Vikings’ run to the NFC final. • Last summer, following the Minnesota Lynx’s WNBA championship, Prince hosted and performed at a celebration bash at Paisley Park. The party lasted until 4 a.m. • On March 3, Prince attended the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder and received a standing ovation from the crowd. • At one point, Prince rented the Beverly Hills home of NBA standout Carlos Boozer. Prince dramatically re-decorated the house — then handed Boozer a check for $1 million to cover “damages.” • Prince’s hobbies included roller skating — on clear skates that lit up in purple.
Allen Iverson lone Virginian to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame Richmond’s high schools got an early glimpse of Allen Iverson’s athletic greatness. Before taking his talents to Georgetown University, the NBA and what will soon be the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Iverson left his mark on RVA. Iverson will be the lone Virginian inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sept. 9 in Springfield, Mass. A football quarterback, Iverson led Hampton’s Bethel High School to the 1992 State Group AAA, Division 5 title with a semifinal win over Richmond’s Huguenot High School (2216) and victory over E.C. Glass Basketball Hall of Fame High School of Ten people will be inducted into the Lynchburg (27-0) Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall in the finals. of Fame on Sept. 9 in Springfield, In addition to quarMass.: terbacking, Iverson re• Zelmo Beaty, college, NBA player * turned a punt for a 60• Darell Garretson, NBA official yard touchdown against • Allen Iverson, college, NBA player E.C. Glass High and had • Tom Izzo, college coach a touchdown saving inter• John McLendon, college, pro coach ception in the end zone. • Yao Ming, international, NBA player Iverson then paced Bethel • Shaquille O’Neal, college NBA player High to the State Group • Cumberland Posey Jr., college, pro * AAA basketball crown with a championship game win • Jerry Reinsdorf, pro owner over Richmond’s John • Sheryl Swoopes, college, WNBA player Marshall High School * Honored posthumously (77-71) at the University of Virginia. Iverson collected 28 points in the state finale, giving him the Virginia High School League record of 948 points for the season in 31 games. John Marshall High’s E.J. Sherod had 34 points for the Justices. “AI” was named State Player of the Year for both football and basketball by the Associated Press. As a senior, Iverson did not compete because of legal problems incurred during an altercation at a Newport News bowling alley.
Icons admitted posthumously A look at the basketball icons to be honored posthumously in Springfield: A search for America’s first great AfricanAmerican basketball player might lead historians to the Pittsburgh suburb of Homestead, Pa., in the early 1900s. That’s where information might be gathered on Cumberland Posey Jr. (1890-1946), aka “Charlie Cumbert.” Posey was a megastar in what is known as the Black Fives era of basketball, when all-black teams competed from 1906 to 1950, before the all-white NBA dropped its color barrier. The light-complexioned son of a railroad engineer who was president of the Pittsburgh Courier newspaper, Posey led the Monticello Rifles to the 1912 Colored Basketball World Championship. Later he paced the Loendi Big Five to four straight Colored World crowns, 1920 through 1923. Both Monticello and Loendi were based out of the Pittsburgh area. In between the world championships, he led Duquesne University in scoring in 1916, 1917 and 1918 under the assumed name Charlie Cumbert. There are two theories for the hidden identity — to dodge questions of professionalism because some money may have changed hands during the world tournament and to pass as white at then all-white Duquesne University. An exquisite athlete, Posey also played baseball for the Homestead Grays of the
Negro National League and later managed and owned the team. Posey becomes the only person selected to both the baseball (2006 induction in Cooperstown, N.Y.) and basketball Hall of Fames. In 1988, he was selected to the Duquesne Athletic Hall of Fame, not under an alias, but under his real name, Cumberland Posey. • Zelmo Beaty (1939-2013), out of Prairie ViewA&M University in Texas, becomes the fourth inductee into the Hall of Fame from an HBCU following Willis Reed (Grambling), Sam Jones (North Carolina Central) and Earl Monroe (Winston-Salem State University). The agile 6-foot-9 Beaty was picked by St. Louis as the third overall choice of the 1962 NBA draft. At the time, he was the highestround pick ever selected from an HBCU. It was a bold but wise choice. Beaty was among the few players who could battle the top big men of the day — Boston’s Bill Russell and Philadelphia’s Wilt Chamberlain — on fairly even terms. Following a brilliant career with the NBA’s Hawks and Lakers and the ABA’s Utah Stars, “Big Z” briefly coached the ABA’s Virginia Squires in 1975-76. • In coaching stints at Hampton Institute, Tennessee State, Kentucky State, Cleveland State and North Carolina College of Negroes,
John McLendon (1915-1999) won an official 496 college games. Then, unofficially, there was “the secret game.” While much of Durham was attending church on a Sunday morning, March 12, 1944, McLendon quietly arranged for his all-black North Carolina College Eagles (coming off a 26-1 season) to play all-white Duke University, the Southern Conference champs, just across the town. This was unheard of — even illegal — during that segregated period in the South and those involved kept the matchup hush-hush. Secretly, the teams met on the NCC campus (the school is now called North Carolina Central University) with doors locked, windows covered and no constables or mainstream media in sight. It is considered the first integrated basketball game in the South, albeit unofficial. After a spirited contest, both sides agreed NCC had won decisively, with an uptempo style Duke had never seen. But the story gets better. After a short rest, the young men decided to play again, mixing the lineups to even the sides. Instead of playing against each other, they played with one another. As it turns out, Coach McLendon’s “secret game,” a game that officially didn’t count, in the end might have counted most of all. Additionally, the CIAA Hall of Fame is named for Coach McLendon.
• At Minnesota Twins baseball games, the sound system plays Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” following Twins home runs. • The Twins have made “Little Red Corvette” the standard tune during the seventh-inning stretch. • Prince often attended Minnesota Timberwolves NBA games and was chummy with many of the players. Following Prince’s death, the Timberwolves posted to social media this touching tribute: “When Doves cry, Wolves cry.” So who knows? Had Prince been a few inches taller, and had he attended a school more in need of his basketball skills, would Prince, the pop icon, ever have emerged? As it turns out, basketball’s loss was the world’s gain.
HU’s Miles Grooms awaiting draft call from NFL A native Richmonder who got a late start in football could be Hampton University’s next NFL entry. Miles Grooms hopes to hear his name called in the NFL draft scheduled for Thursday, April 28, through Saturday, April 30, in Chicago. If not, the Henrico High School alumnus almost surely will sign as a free agent — a path numerous former HU Pirates have taken to the NFL. The 6-foot-3, 251-pound defensive end/outside linebacker came on strong as a senior with the Pirates. Earning All-MEAC honors as a bigplay defender, Grooms had 16 tackles for losses, 8.5 quarterback sacks and 15 quarterback hurries. He added three sacks at the Dream Bowl in Virginia Beach with scouts from every NFL team in attendance. The Dream Bowl is an event for Miles Grooms athletes from non-FBS (Division IA) schools. “Miles is athletic and explosive, and has shown the ability to bend the edge,” said HU pro liaison Gary Lowery. “If he isn’t drafted, he’ll sign as a free agent,” said Lowery. “There are teams from the Canadian League already offering him contracts.” According to Lowery, HU has more active NFL players now than any other HBCU. “All 32 (NFL) teams came by our campus this past season. And at least half of them came more than once,” said Lowery. Miles showed off at HU’s Pro Day and also in several workouts for individual teams. At an NFL Regional Combine, he ran the 40-meters in 4.89, benchpressed 225 Hampton University Pirates know the way to the NFL Current NFL player Position Kenrick Ellis Defensive tackle Kendall Langford Defensive end Chris Baker Defensive end Michael Ola Offensive tackle
Team Minnesota Vikings Indianapolis Colts Washington Detroit Lions
Linebacker Justin Durant, released by the Atlanta Falcons, and safety Micah Pellerin, formerly with the Cleveland Browns, are free agents after playing in the NFL in 2015. Other HU alumni who previously played in the NFL since 2006: Brandon Pequese, Ricardo Silva, Darian Barnes, Alonzo Coleman, Jerome Mathis, Courtney Bridget, Marcus Dixon and Nevin McCaskill.
pounds for 25 reps, performed a 29-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-3 standing long jump. Richmond area sports fans may recall Grooms more for basketball than football. He was a starting post player under Coach Vance Harmon at Henrico High School, averaging six points and five rebounds as a senior. “We called him Otis and he was a big rugged kid on the basketball floor,” said Harmon. “He’d knock three guys over going across the lane without even noticing it — not maliciously — he was just that strong.” Grooms didn’t take up football until his junior year in high school and didn’t play defense until he was a senior. He spent a post-grad season at Hargrave Military before signing with Hampton University. A second HU player who has turned NFL heads is 6-foot-6, 316-pound offensive tackle Torian White, a transfer from UCLA. HU has sent 30 players to the NFL during the decades, starting with running back/defensive back Tom Casey in 1948, who was drafted by the All-American Football Conference’s New York Yankees. Casey played one year in New York before becoming a perennial all-star with Hamilton and Winnipeg of the Canadian Football League. In 1964, Casey became the first African-American named to the CFL Hall of Fame.
Richmond Free Press
Trees that grow minds. One redbud seedling can change the way a child cares for the world. Project Plant It! is a hands-on educational program that uses trees to connect environmental awareness with science, technology, engineering and math—connections that can grow into a greener future for us all.
ProjectPlantIt.com Project Plant It! is a partnership between Dominion and the Arbor Day Foundation, and is offered at no charge to elementary schools in Dominion service regions.
April 28-30, 2016
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Richmond Free Press
B2 April 28-30, 2016
Happenings Flying Squirrels seek to attract more African-American fans By Joey Matthews
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Each year the Flying Squirrels host Jackie Robinson Day at the Diamond. The baseball trailblazer’s No. 42 has a permanent home in right field.
“I had a good time tonight,” Bobby Brown said to his family as they left The Diamond after attending a recent Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game. “I had never been to a baseball game before,” the Brooklyn, N.Y., resident told the Free Press. But this was a special outing. His sister, Michelle Jackson, bought the game tickets after her daughter, Emeriah, a student at A.P. Hill Elementary School in Petersburg, was awarded a ticket to the game for reading so many books in the Flying Squirrels’ Go Nuts for Reading! Program. The program is one way the Flying Squirrels are reaching out to the African-American community while increasing attendance. Todd “Parney” Parnell, vice president and COO of the Flying Squirrels, said the team has made great strides in connecting with the African-American community. In addition to the rewarding reading program, the team makes promotional visits to Richmond Public Schools, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University and other city groups. He said minor league baseball officials also are pushing not only to draw more fans of color, but also to hire more minorities in team offices and at ballparks. But, Parney said, more work needs to be done. “It’s about developing relationships with people and eventually connecting with them so they will want to be a part of what we’re
doing here at The Diamond and in the community,” he said. One such relationship bore fruit when Parney partnered with William Forrester Jr., executive director of the Richmond-based Metropolitan Junior Baseball League for inner-city youths, to host the MJBL’s annual Inner-City Classic and Black World Series at The Diamond in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, the Squirrels are entering the fourth year of a partnership with the youth baseball organization in which MJBL’s players compete against their suburban counterparts in the Flying Squirrels Regional Youth Championship. “It lets our players see that caliber of competition, and to see where those players play some of their games. And it brings the community together,” Mr. Forrester said. “They are inclusive,” Mr. Forrester said of Parney and the Flying Squirrels. “They make sure that they’re reaching all the kids in a manner that would be attractive to them.” Mr. Brown and his family were among several hundred African-Americans in the crowd of 9,500 fans at the Squirrels’ Jackie Robinson Day game on April 15. Like many major league teams, the Squirrels were celebrating and honoring the late trailblazing player who, in 1947, broke baseball’s color barrier when he was signed to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Mr. Robinson wore No. 42. On Jackie Robinson Day, the Squirrels gave away T-shirts with that number. A permanent sign saluting Mr. Robinson is in right field at The Diamond,
and a plaque etched with No. 42 is near the home team dugout. The sign and plaque are tangible reminders of Parney’s partnership — and friendship — with the late Free Press Editor/Publisher Raymond H. Boone, who sought local recognition for Mr. Robinson. Parney believes some of the efforts are paying off. At a recent community meeting sponsored by the City of Richmond, he said an African-American woman stood to inquire where a new ballpark would be built. He said he was thrilled when she shouted, “These are our Squirrels!” Still, Victoria Parrish, 56, who attended a recent game with her granddaughter, Jamya Dawkins, a ticket-winning reader from Henrico County’s Glen Allen Elementary School, said cultural preferences may be keeping some African-Americans away from the ballpark. “I love baseball,” Ms. Parrish said. “We were raised playing ball. I played softball at Hermitage High School.” But “our culture, I think, sometimes pays more attention to football and basketball” and other fast-paced sports, she said. Mr. Brown laughed when he was asked by a Free Press reporter to assess his experience at The Diamond. “There were a lot of Squirrels going around,” he said, referring to team members and the Squirrels’ mascots “Nutzy” and his new pal “Nutasha.” “It was a lot of fun watching them play and hanging out with my family,” he said.
Coloring the universe Dominique Vick, center, carefully paints a mandala last Saturday at the 7th Annual RVA Earth Day Festival in Manchester. A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Indian religions representing the universe and most often is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. It was one of several family friendly activities at the event in South Side designed to promote environmental awareness.
James Haskins/Richmond Free Press
Teacher Appreciation Binford celebrating 100th anniversary event scheduled on Friday Downtown with entertainment, time capsule April 29 Richmond School Board member Shonda Harris-Muhammed, 6th District, is organizing the 4th Annual Teacher Appreciation Dance from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Hilton Richmond Downtown, 501 E. Broad St. There will be food, dancing and prizes, Ms. Harris-Muhammed stated in a news release. The event is free and open to Richmond Public Schools staff member, who may bring a guest. “The purpose is to celebrate the work they do and the contributions they continue to make with the increased challenges with instruction, lesson development and pay scale. This is my personal and professional way to say, ‘I appreciate you, I care about all of you and thank you,’ ’’ Ms. Harris-Muhammed said. The event was first held in 2013. Ms. Harris-Muhammed said she pays for it from her constituent services funds. She said money also has been donated by School Board Chairman Jeffrey M. Bourne and School Board members Kim Gray, Kristen Larson, Donald Coleman and Derik Jones, along with former School Board member Glen Sturtevant, who now serves in the state Senate.
Binford Middle School is marking its 100th anniversary at the Binford Centennial Celebration, featuring entertainment, dance performances, student art exhibits and activities 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the school, 1701 Floyd Ave., in The Fan. Performances scheduled include Music in the Garden by folk
City to hold radiothon to send kids to camp Music lovers in Central Virginia can listen to their favorite song on the radio and help send a child to summer camp in the process. It’s possible through the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ 9th Annual Send a Kid to Camp Radiothon on Thursday, May 5. Through the city’s partnership with the Enrichmond Foundation and Radio One, residents can call (804) 5218400 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and make a donation. For a donation of $25 or more, the caller can have a favorite song
Volunteers ‘Rebuilding Together Richmond’, on Saturday With hammers, paintbrushes and screwdrivers, hundreds of Richmond volunteers will spend Saturday, April 30, fixing up 39 homes in the Ruffin Road area of South Side. This will be the 24th year that Rebuilding Together Richmond has staged a home improvement blitz for low-income homeowners in a particular area of the city who cannot afford to have the work done themselves. The cooperative effort is being done in celebration of National Rebuilding Day,
duo Colin & Caroline; Binford’s choir, band and orchestra; the Latin Ballet and Binford dance students; and a poetry slam. A time capsule, Binford timeline and museum also will be featured. The event is free and open to the public.
organizers said. “We will be repairing roofs and floors, building handrails and steps, making sidewalk repairs and replacing windows. And on one home, volunteers will repaint the entire exterior,” said Malcolm Jones, RTR’s development and communications associate. In addition, he said, some people will repaint the parking lot at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 2611 Bells Road, and others will landscape and paint the basketball court at the city’s P.B. Smith Recreation
Center, 2015 Ruffin Road. Mr. Jones said everyone is welcome to join the effort that is expected to attract at least 1,000 workers. “Just show up by 9:30 a.m. at the P.B. Smith Center,” he said. “We’ll have a place for everyone to participate, whether you’re skilled or unskilled. We’ll have all the tools, and every volunteer will get a Rebuilding Together Richmond T-shirt.” Information: (804) 447-3841 or info@ rebuildingtogetherrichmond.org.
played on KISS 99.3/105.7 FM or iPower 92.1/104.1 FM. Donations also will be accepted online at www.enrichmond. org/send-a-kid-to-camp. All donations are tax deductible and will help pay for city children to attend any of the summer camps hosted by the recreation department. This year’s Great Summer Escape camp theme of “Up, Up and Away” will feature activities such as swim lessons, participation in the STEM summer program in partnership with the 4H Virginia Cooperative Extension, and how music has influenced our culture, according to a news release. “These funds help us reach children in the city who often have few constructive options for summer activities,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. “By making a donation, you are helping with the city’s efforts to shape the future of our children.” The summer camp programs offer nine weeks of structured activities for children ages 6 to 12 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The summer camp session begins June 27 and ends Aug. 26. The cost to send one child to the Great Summer Escape camp is $250. Donations from the radiothon will provide scholarships for youngsters who need them. For more information: www.richmondgov.com/parks or call (804) 646-5733.
Richmond Free Press
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planning office of Western Pennsylvania Hospital and serving previously as a bio-statistician in a local health department in Pittsburgh. When I get restless, I: Create digital art pieces for my M2ARM Art Gallery. Best thing my parents ever taught me: The sky is the limit and give back/share what you have with others in need. Next goal: Spend more time with my husband, children and two beautiful grandchildren, Reagan Danielle and Daniel Marcus Jr.; go fishing, play tennis and bridge. I also want to help fill the pipeline with younger leadership. We have many talented millennials who need a chance to demonstrate their capability at the governing board and executive levels in businesses of diverse industries.
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Museum’s current exhibition: When the museum opens, the “Funky Turns 40: Black Character Revolution” exhibition will showcase more than 50 vibrant pieces of 1970s animation art. In September, a traveling Romare Bearden exhibition, “Vision to Activism,” will replace it and continue through December. Most important museum possession: Its many funders, supporters, partners, ambassadors, volunteers, staff and collections. Why: The BHM can’t sustain itself on one individual, business or leader. It will take a diverse team of partners to realize and sustain the BHM vision. When and how I got involved with the Black History Museum: I was asked by former BHM board members and leaders such as Barbara Grey, Roice Luke and Stacy Burrs to become involved. Why I wanted to serve as president: It was not part of my vision to serve as president, but rather to serve with the team of other committed leaders who were passionate about taking the museum to another level. I am proud and privileged to serve with the likes of Stacy Burrs, Dr. Monroe Harris, Bessida White and Hossein Sadid and to represent all the prior leaders and African-American pioneers upon which the current leaders stand. My No. 1 goal as president: Help leverage the investment made by the museum’s many partners such as the City of Richmond, Dominion and Altria, The Virginia Community Development Corp., the M Companies LLC, the Richmond Chapter of the Links Inc. and so many other business and community leaders, the media and the public at
large to ensure that the museum is sustained into the 22nd century. Foremost museum challenge: Sustain the energy, visibility, purpose, funding and commitment of the museum’s customers, as well as build and diversify the executives and other staff. The museum is fortunate to have Tasha Chambers as the current director, Mary Lauderdale, operations manager, and a dedicated corps of volunteers. My plan for meeting it: Work with the board, the museum director and known experts in the business to build a business model that aligns with the museum’s strategic plan that will soon be revamped/revised. The former museum location will: In the short term, it will continue to house the vast inventory of museum collections acquired since its inception. How to become a member: Contact the BHM by telephone at (804) 780-9093 or by email at information@blackhistorymuseum.org. Foremost dream for museum: That the museum becomes a gold standard for educating. Favorite African-American artist: August Wilson. Reason: He realized his dream by using his persistence and talents to become a writer and more against many odds. I have a few letters from him that he wrote to me. I met August, who was known as Fred Kittel at that time, while working during summer breaks as a college student in Pittsburgh for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Nobody knows that I: Am writing a book about my Selma experiences where I have been forced to overcome negative experiences (past and present) to move forward. Book I’m presently reading: “Keeping the Promise (150 Years of Advocacy for Children and Public Education – The Virginia Education Association 1863-2013)” by William H. Johnson. Jr. Biggest change in my life: Marrying and relocating to Richmond from Pittsburgh. I was on a track to go to medical school, which seemed to be a logical next step after playing a leadership role in the
2016
The doors are about to open at the new Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward, and Marilyn H. West can barely contain her excitement. “It represents an opportunity to observe how hard and smart work on the part of many has provided a huge return on continuing African-American history in Virginia,” says Ms. West, who serves as the president of the museum’s board of directors. “I also am very excited about the museum’s capacity to help ensure that our youths, especially, can observe firsthand and learn from contributions made by African-Americans who, through their efforts, have paved the way for success,” she adds. The museum will open to the public 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, at its new location at the former Leigh Street Armory, 122 W. Leigh St. It moved from its previous location at 00 Clay St. after the armory building underwent a two-year, $13 million renovation. The grand opening will be preceded by three days of public preview events Thursday, May 5, through Saturday, May 7. Details: www.blackhistorymuseum.org. Among the highlights: A VIP reception and ribbon-cutting May 5; entertainment and a poetry event in conjunction with First Friday’s Art Walk on May 6; and free public tours and family activities May. 7. The museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays by appointment only. Ms. West sees the opening of the historical community treasure as “a continuing opportunity to build on a rich legacy of contributions made by distinguished African-Americans such as John Mitchell and Maggie Walker, churches such as Ebenezer Baptist Church and others that helped create the Jackson Ward culture. “The museum will serve as an economic driver to help sustain Jackson Ward,” she predicts. Through its programming and technology at the new site, the museum has the capacity to tell the story about African-Americans with roots in or connections to Richmond, the state and America. Those who know her are not surprised that Ms. West is among those leading the opening effort. Taking on big challenges and community betterment efforts is a way of life for her. She is chairwoman and CEO of her own company, M.H. West & Co., a management, planning and education consulting firm she launched 25 years ago. Ms. West also has served as volunteer chair for the Go Red for Women luncheon, an annual benefit for the American Heart Association, and on the executive committee of the Downtown promotional group Venture Richmond. She also has served in various capacities with other community groups. She has pitched in to help the younger generation by creating scholarships for students at her alma maters in her home state of Pennsylvania — Waynesburg University and Elizabeth Ford High School. “It’s not about me,” Ms. West says. “It’s really about rolling up the sleeves and trying to help out.” Let’s learn more about this week’s Personality, Marilyn H. West: Date and place of birth: Oct. 31, in Elizabeth, Pa. Alma maters: Waynesburg University, bachelor’s degree; University of Pittsburgh, master’s degree. Family: Husband, Edward G. West; daughter, Meaghan West, and son, Brennan West. When museum was founded: 1981. Name of founder: Carroll Anderson. Museum’s No. 1 project now: To experience memorable grand and official openings to demonstrate to its many investors and supporters that the BHM has the capacity to work on their behalf to continue the contributions made by many African-Americans in Richmond and Virginia.
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Richmond Free Press
B4 April 28-30, 2016
Prince tribute
Goodnight, sweet Prince
Prince performs in front of adoring fans at the Billboard Music Awards on May 19, 2013. Location: The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Steve Marcus/Reuters
figures, including President Obama. “Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people MINNEAPOLIS with their talent,” President Obama said in a statement. “ ‘A Fans in the Richmond area and around the world are listenstrong spirit transcends rules,’ Prince once said — and nobody’s ing to their favorite Prince songs, watching his iconic movie spirit was stronger, bolder or more creative.” “Purple Rain” and partying like it’s 1999 in memory and honor Sheila E., the singer and percussionist who worked closely of the pop icon who died Thursday, April 21, 2016, in his with Prince in the 1980s and credited him with fueling the start hometown of Minneapolis. of her career, wrote on Twitter: “My heart is broken. There are The 57-year-old was found unresponsive in an elevator at no words. I love you!” his Paisley Park Studios compound, which included his home, “Prince the doves really are crying now. Listening to your music. in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen, according to the Remembering you. #RIPPrince,” tweeted Oprah Winfrey. Carver County Sheriff’s Office. Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger hailed his fellow singer Prince was known for his unique songwriting, energetic and musician as “revolutionary” and one of the most unique stage performances and break-the-mold creative talents. He and exciting artists of the last 30 years. Prince was an original electrified fans around the world with his hits that included lyricist and a “startling” guitar player, he added. “Purple Rain,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Little Red Corvette” and “His talent was limitless,” Mr. Jagger wrote on Twitter. “When Doves Cry.” In Minneapolis, thousands of his fans hit the streets and held Steve Karnowski/Associated Press He drew upon musicians ranging from James Brown to Jimi an all-night block party. Fans hugged, cried, danced, laughed and Hendrix to the Beatles while creating a gender- and genrePrince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, holds out a rose to mourners who sang along with local bands playing covers of Prince’s music. defying blend of rock, funk and soul. gathered outside Paisley Park last Thursday to remember the The crowd sang Prince’s signature “Purple Rain” outside the Last Friday, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton directed the iconic entertainer who died earlier in the day. First Avenue music club. The venue was featured in scenes of Minnesota Department of Transportation to continue the purple the movie and Prince has performed there many times. recently as two weeks ago. lighting of the Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis through last Entertainers around the world played songs to honor the icon, On Friday, April 15, he was briefly hospitalized with what his weekend. “Prince and his music defined an era,” Gov. Dayton said last representative told celebrity news website TMZ was the flu after including many of those who performed at last weekend’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Comedian Dave Chapelle dedicated his Friday. “His tremendous talent was matched only by his generosity his plane made an emergency landing in Moline, Ill. The representative said Prince had performed in Atlanta despite four-hour set at a San Francisco venue last Friday to Prince. and commitment to improving his community. Minnesotans and our NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” aired a special tribute show, nation mourn the loss of a great artist today, one who has left an not feeling well and felt worse after boarding the plane back to “Goodnight Sweet Prince.” It included a video of Prince’s imunforgettable mark on music history, and whose contributions to the Minnesota, the website reported. But during the weekend of April 15, the musician hosted a party at promptu performance at an after-party following the show’s betterment of our state will be remembered for years to come.” Paisley Park. One attendee, 26-year-old Jamie Reimann, said Prince 40th anniversary special last year, where Prince sang “Let’s Go In Richmond, local radio personalities Kelli Lemon and DJ Lonnie B hosted a free tribute to Prince on Tuesday night at the Hippodrome appeared after midnight Saturday, April 16, and played two songs Crazy” on a small stage alongside Jimmy Fallon, fellow SNL vets Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Martin Short and other celebrities. Theater then scheduled another 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, April 28, next on a piano in what would turn out to be his final performance. Richmond’s own D’Angelo paid a touching tribute to Prince on “It was just five or six minutes. He introduced his doctor ... and door at The Speakeasy, 526 N. 2nd St., in Jackson Ward. “It’s for people who respect his genius and want to get together asked fans to give him a round of applause and said the doctor Tuesday’s “The Tonight Show” with a performance of “Sometimes It Snows in April.” and have a good time while watching some of Prince’s videos on was helping him feel better,” the fan said. Prince first found fame in the late 1970s. Often making a “He (Prince) looked fine, but his voice sounded like he might one of our five screens,” said Hippodrome owner Ron Stallings. statement with bold fashion choices, the diminutive, 5-feet 2 star have had a cold or something. He didn’t look sickly.” “We encourage everyone to wear purple.” But just days later, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office received sometimes appeared on stage sporting ruffled shirts and tight pants Several area theaters are hosting showings of “Purple Rain,” a 911 call at 9:43 a.m. Thursday, April 21, made from the complex. or elaborate costumes. including an 8:05 p.m. show Thursday, April 28, at the Goochland “He was a legend,” said another fan, Karen Menardy, 45, Drive-In, 4344 Old Fredericksburg Road, and a midnight show, In the transcript, which was released last week by the sheriff’s Saturday, April 30, at the Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., in the office, an unidentified male initially reported that someone was weeping outside New York City’s storied Apollo Theater, where dead at the home. The victim later was identified during the call some passers-by danced in the street as Prince songs played on a West End. portable speaker. Born in Minneapolis as Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, as Prince. Calling Prince a “once-in-a-lifetime artist,” music TV channel He was pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m. Prince is said to have written his first song at age 7. As well as Police found no signs of suicide or obvious trauma in his MTV changed its logo to purple in his honor, and the search engine singing and writing, he played multiple instruments, including death, authorities said at a news conference last Friday, but said Google changed the color of its name to purple, with a background guitar, keyboards and drums. In a 1998 interview with Reuters, Prince said he ignored critics it could take weeks before autopsy results reveal the performer’s of falling purple rain. Prince was regarded as a perfectionist who, from 1993 to 2000, and focused on a quest for great music. “I just do what I feel I’m cause of death. Prince’s death shocked his millions of fans around the world changed his name to a symbol in an apparent protest against his supposed to do,” he said. Prince was a beloved icon in his home state. As news of his and prompted glowing tributes from fellow musicians and public record label at the time. For a while, he was dubbed “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” death spread last week around An intensely private person, the nation and the world like Prince sold more than 100 million wildfire, distraught devotees records. He was inducted into the gathered outside the Paisley Park Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in compound in mourning, leaving 2004, and his most recent album, purple flowers and balloons. “HITnRUN: Phase Two” was “His music made the hair released in December 2015. on your arms stand up,” said Prince became a Jehovah’s Kristina Dudziak, 44. “It felt Witness about 15 years ago, and like he was making love to his was a strict vegan. In 2009, he guitar. ... It’s a sad day,” she told PBS television about being added, starting to sob. born an epileptic and suffering Prince’s publicist, Anna seizures as a child. Meacham, said in a statement He also said he was teased that his body was cremated, in school, and that “early in my and his final resting place will career I tried to compensate by remain private. being as flashy as I could and Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Meanwhile, his family and friends attended a private cer- Prince fans party like it’s 1999 under purple lights at a pop-up party Tuesday at the Hippodrome Theatre in Jackson Ward. as noisy as I cowuld.” Prince won an Academy emony last Saturday at the studio Right, Sherrie Thornhill is among those who came to groove to the sounds of their favorite performer. Award for best original song complex, she said. score for “Purple Rain,” the movAmong those seen enterie in which he also starred. ing the Paisley Park Studios His private life was marked complex were his sister, Tyka by a string of romances linking Nelson, musician and former him with the likes of Madonna collaborator Sheila E., his former and actresses Kim Basinger bass player Larry Graham and and Carmen Electra. He was model Damaris Lewis. married twice — to his backup “Prince was celebrated by singer, Mayte Garcia, in 1996, a small group of his most beand then to Manuela Testolini in loved: Family, friends and his 2001. Both marriages ended in musicians, in a private, beautiful divorce, and a son he had with ceremony to say a loving goodMs. Garcia died a week after bye,” Ms. Meacham stated. birth in October 1996. Participants in the ceremony “I loved him then, I love handed some fans outside gift him now and will love him boxes that contained items such eternally,” Ms. Garcia told as Prince-themed apparel and a Minnesota Governor’s Office People magazine. “He’s with compact disc of music. Purple lights adorn a bridge on Interstate 35 in Minneapolis-St. Paul in honor of Prince, one of many structures in the our son now.” Prince was on a U.S. tour as country and around the world lighted in tribute to the “Purple Rain” star. Free Press staff, wire reports
Richmond Free Press
April 28-30, 2016
B5
Faith News/Directory
RISC to host ‘Nehemiah Action’ at St. Paul’s Baptist Church By Joey Matthews
An interfaith group of more than 1,600 people are expected to gather 7 p.m. Monday, May 2, at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County. They will call on Henrico school leaders to “address the crisis of students who cannot read,” according to event organizers. Additionally, event organizers are to discuss efforts to get a commitment from VCU Medical Center and HCA hospital systems to hire and train employees for health care jobs. The gathering at St. Paul’s is called a “Nehemiah Action” and is being organized by Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities, or RISC, an interfaith, multiracial coalition of 17 congregations in the greater Richmond area. The group bases its coalition efforts on the biblical story of Nehemiah, who organized a group of people to affect change
on the social injustices of their day. At St. Paul’s, speakers will include parents and students who are concerned about the reading issue, which RISC has been raising with Henrico school leaders for more than a year, organizers stated in a news release. RISC is calling on school leaders to implement a proven pilot reading program for children in kindergarten through second grades at the five elementary schools in the county that had the lowest Standards of Learning test scores for reading in 2015. Those schools, Highland Springs, Montrose, Laburnum, Ratcliffe and Sandston elementary schools, are located in the eastern end of Henrico County, organizers said. Schools in Eastern Henrico tend to have larger populations of African-American students. “None of those schools met the benchmark for even a narrow
margin of improvement, which is true of eight additional elementary schools in Henrico County,” event organizers stated. RISC members stated they are seeking to get job hiring and training commitments from the hospital systems for people referred from a coalition that includes J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and local nonprofits. “Hundreds of entry level jobs go unfilled every year in Richmond’s hospital systems” and “no low-cost training programs are available in the Richmond region for the most in-demand, living wage jobs in the hospital systems,” organizers stated. While the focus will be on helping North Side and East End residents of Richmond to land health care jobs, participation will be open to people in other low-income communities as well. For more information on the event, call (804) 476-0889, email riscoffice@gmail.com or go to riscrichmond.org.
Oprah Winfrey to star in black megachurch TV drama series Reuters
said she saw “Greenleaf” as continuing the mission behind her long-running TV talk show that ended in 2011, and that also informs her magazine “O.” “My real role on earth is to lift the consciousness … It’s about showing people new ways of seeing themselves and seeing the problems and flaws and dysfunctions that we all have and being able to lift that just enough that you can see yourself in that,” she told the Tribeca audience. Ms. Winfrey, who was nominated for an Oscar in 1986 for her role in “The Color Purple,” and appeared in movies “The Butler” and “Selma,” last had a regular acting TV part in “Brewster Place” in 1990. “Greenleaf,” created by “Six Feet Under” writer Craig Wright, tells the story of a wealthy African-American family behind a megachurch, their rivalries, secrets and hypocrisies. Mr. Wright said the show takes religion, and its role in the black community seriously, but also raises questions. “It is not a soap. It is not a sermon,” he said. “It is a story about a lost faith and an attempt to get it back by setting things right and all the challenges that come your way when you try to fix the system,” Mr. Wright added.
NEW YORK Oprah Winfrey is returning to scripted television more than two decades after her last regular small screen acting gig in a show that is close to her heart — a family drama centered around a black megachurch in Memphis.
Oprah Winfrey and Lynn Whitfield
Ms. Winfrey, 62, plays a manipulative blues club owner in the 13-episode series “Greenleaf” for her OWN cable television channel that she called “a dream come true.” “I believe that what we all love is a good story,” Ms. Winfrey said at a screening April 20 at the Tribeca film festival, ahead of the show’s TV debut on June 21. Ms. Winfrey, also an executive producer,
Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858
“The People’s Church”
216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 • Email: ebcoffice1@comcast.net • web: ebcrichmond.org Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study
11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m. Mon. 6:30 p.m. Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wed. 7:45 p.m. Wed. 4:30 p.m. Wed. 6:00 p.m. Thurs., 11:45 a.m.
Dr. Levy M. Armwood, Pastor Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus
Antioch Baptist Church “Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”
Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m. 4th Sunday Unified Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org
Pastor Kevin Cook
Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2016: Becoming a Five-Star Church of Excellence With Mission, Growth, Prayer, Purpose, Vision We Are Growing In The Kingdom As We Grow The Kingdom
Sunday, May 1, 2016
with Word, Worship and Witness Pastor Bibbs 15th Anniversary 10:45 AM – Speaker: Bishop Robert Williams 11:00 AM – Divine Worship 3:00 PM – Speaker: Reverend Rodney Waller and the First African Baptist Church Pray for her and join us. Friday, May 6th – 6:30 PM Belmont Recreation Center Twitter sixthbaptistrva
A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT
Thirty-first Street Baptist Church o
everence e with e evanc R ing Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin ❖
Church School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. ❖
SATURDAY MAY 7 10:00 a.m. “Caregiving For Today” Presented by the Parish Nurse Ministry Facilitator: Mrs. Patricia Jones-Scott
Vendors will include Senior Connections and JenCare Call 226-0150 to register
Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor
Facebook sixthbaptistrva
400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park) (804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org
New Deliverance Evangelistic Church
1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 (804) 276-0791 office (804)276-5272 fax www.ndec.net
Remember... At New Deliverance, You Are Home! See you there and bring a friend
Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady
Monday March 7, 2016 Corporate Prayer Attendance - 167
Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m. Attendance - 73 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m. Attendance - 103
Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer
823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office www.31sbc.org
who departed from us twenty years ago.
“MAKE IT HAPPEN”
15th Anniversary Banquet
DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR
community. “This is a story we have not seen on TV for a long time … It is not about racial problems or financial difficulty. These people have to deal with themselves and their lives,” she said.
5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org
SERVICES
C
Merle Dandridge stars as Grace Greenleaf, the prodigal daughter who returns home after a 20-year rift, and Lynn Whitfield plays family matriarch Lady Mae Greenleaf. Ms. Whitfield said the series represented a departure from other TV depictions of the black
Broad Rock Baptist Church
1384 New Market Road, Richmond, Virginia 23231 | 804-222-8835
SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M.
Photo by Eli Ade; Courtesy of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
Merle Dandridge and Kevin David
You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online! Also, for your convenience.
And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again. Daddy, we cherish our sweet memories of you. You continue to be an inspiration to each of us. We miss you dearly and will always love you. — Mary, Martha and Curtis
Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor
2016 Theme: The Year of Restoration
8775 Mount Olive Avenue Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 262-9614 Phone (804) 262-2397 Fax www.mobcva.org
Sundays
8:00 a.m. Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
Tuesdays
Noon Day Bible Study
Wednesdays
6:30 p.m. Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) www.ndec.net Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR-Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m. THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)
ENROLL NOW!!! Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 3rd Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program. Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old. For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
P ILGRIM J OURNEY B APTIST C HURCH R EV. ANGELO V. C HATMON, P ASTOR 7204 Bethlehem Road • Henrico, VA 23228 • (804) 672-9319 UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
PASTOR’S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATING 17 YEARS
“Journeying Forward on a Strong Foundation” - Psalm 26:8 Sunday, May 1, 2016: 10:00 a.m. Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Chicago, IL
WOMEN’S DAY
“Women Journeying Forward on a Strong Foundation” Sunday, May 15, 2016: 10:00 a.m. Guest Speaker: Rev. Cynthia Rioland Union Branch Baptist Church—Chesterfield http://ustream.tv/channel/pjbc-tv
WEEKLY SERVICES
Sunday: Church School: 8:45 a.m. Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Children’s Church: 10:00 a.m. (2nd, 3rd, 5th ) Wednesday: Prayer & Praise 6:30 p.m. Bible Study 7:15 p.m. (Men’s Bible Study -3rd Wednesday) Thursday: Women’s Bible Study 7:00 p.m. www.pjbcrichmond.org
Richmond Free Press
B6 April 28-30, 2016
Faith News/Obituary/Directory
‘Me and Mrs. Jones’ singer Billy Paul dies at 80
Temple of Judah starts ‘God’s Army’ initiative The congregation of a Richmond church is taking to the streets in a bid to use prayer to halt the rash of homicides afflicting the city. Last Saturday, the Temple of Judah sent people to sites where 18 people were gunned down this year. At each site, they prayed and ministered to community members for two hours. “We want people in those areas to know that there is hope and a caring approach for them,” said Crystal Thomas, a spokeswoman for the church based on Venable Street in Church Hill and led by Bishop Melvin Williams Jr. Bishop Williams said that the Temple of Judah has a history of community outreach and is reinstituting an initiative known as “God’s Army” to help members of the community affected by gun violence. He said the plan is to return each week to those sites and any additional sites where fatal shootings occur. Richmond Police has recorded Bishop Williams 20 homicides as of April 19 this year. “The goal is to empower residents to share their feelings and participate in the process of diminishing crime,” Bishop Williams said. He said the God’s Army initiative is open to all faiths and any members of the Richmond community who want to participate. Additional information: (804) 780-0841 or contact@templeofjudah.org.
Most Americans pray for healing By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service
The vast majority of Americans have prayed for the healing of others, and more than one in four have practiced the laying on of hands, a Baylor University expert reports. “Outside of belief in God,
Moore Street Missionary
Baptist Church
1408 W. Leigh Street • 358-6403
Dr. Alonza Lawrence Pastor
Sundays
Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.
Tuesdays
Bible Study 12 noon
Wednesdays
New Mercies Ministry 6:00 A.M. Youth Bible Study 6:00 P.M. Adult Bible Study 6:30 P.M.
Zion Baptist Church 2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224
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Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Sunday Service 10 a.m. Church School 8:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m. Transportation Services 232-2867 “Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”
there may be no more ubiquitous religious expression in the U.S. than use of healing prayer,” said Jeff Levin of the university’s Institute for Studies of Religion in an announcement of his findings. Prayer, he said, is no “fringe activity,” but rather a frequent form of treatment for medical problems. “Interestingly, most people who use prayer for healing do so alongside regular medical care, rather than as a substitution, as has been presumed up to now,” Mr. Levin said. “Healing prayer is being used more as a complementary treatment rather than as an alternative one.” Mr. Levin’s findings, based on analyses of the Baylor Religion Survey of 1,714 U.S. adults conducted in 2010, were published April 13 in the Journal
Riverview
Baptist Church Sunday, May 1, 2016
of Religion and Health. They include: • 87 percent have prayed for healing for others. • 79 percent have prayed for healing for themselves. • 54 percent have asked for prayers for their health. • 26 percent have given a “laying on of hands” for healing. The laying on of hands is a ritual, referred to in the Book of Acts, in which Christians place hands on the person who is the subject of prayer and invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit. Mr. Levin said determining whether the prayers worked was beyond the scope of his research.
Prayer Partner Ministry 5:00pm Guest Speaker: Rev. Delano Douglas Virginia State University
Music by: The Gospel Music Workshop Richmond, VA.
NEW YORK Billy Paul, a jazz and soul singer best known for the No. 1 hit ballad and “Philadelphia Soul” classic “Me and Mrs. Jones,” died Sunday, April 24, 2016. Mr. Paul, whose career spanned more than 60 years, died at his home in Blackwood, N.J., his co-manager, Beverly Gay, told The Associated Press. Mr. Paul, 80, had been diagnosed recently with pancreatic cancer, Ms. Gay said. Known for his beard Mr. and large glasses, Mr. Paul was one of many singers who found success with the writing and producing team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, whose Philadelphia International Records also released music by The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and Lou Rawls. “Me and Mrs. Jones” was an extramarital confession and a characteristic Gamble and Huff production, setting Mr. Paul’s thick tenor against a lush and sensuous arrangement. Mr. Paul, however, was married to the same woman for decades. The song was one of the top singles of 1972 and brought Mr. Paul a Grammy the following year for best male rhythm and blues performance, with runners-up including Ray Charles and Curtis Mayfield. Mr. Paul remained identified with the song for the rest of his life. Mr. Paul continued to perform live until he fell ill. His manager said he had been lining up numerous appearances at the time of his death. Among his favorites in concert was a cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” He was born Paul Williams, but later agreed to his manager’s suggestion that he change
Zion’s Voice and
Free & Open to All
The J.J. Neblett Singers
Please come and be blessed through songs!
In Concert
Sunday, May 1, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by The Jones-Parker Missionary Circle # 4
Second Baptist Church
Sunday School – 9:45am Morning Worship – 11:00am Come Celebrate Our Tenth Anniversary Celebration With Us!
Associated Press
1400 Idlewood Avenue • Richmond, Virginia 23220 Rev. Dr. James Henry Harris, Senior Pastor For more info call (804) 353-7682
Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting
11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation
his name to Billy Paul to avoid confusion with songwriter Paul Williams and other musicians with the same name. A Philadelphia native, he sang much his life, performing with such jazz stars as Charlie Parker and Dinah Washington and being featured on a handful of singles while still in his teens. Mr. Paul was drafted into the military in his early 20s, and found himself on the same base in Germany with a couple of famous show business names, Elvis Presley and Gary Crosby, Bing Paul Crosby’s son. “We said we’re going to start a band, so we didn’t have to do any hard work in the service,” he told bluesandsoul.com in 2015. “We tried to get Elvis to join but he wanted to be a Jeep driver. So me and Gary Crosby, we started it and called ourselves the Jazz Blues Symphony Band.” By the mid-1960s, the Beatles had inspired him to incorporate more rhythm and blues into his singing and he had found a new home for his recordings after meeting Mr. Gamble at a Philadelphia music shop. His early albums with Gamble and Huff, including “Ebony Woman” and “Going East,” sold modestly, before “Me and Mrs. Jones” briefly made him a superstar. Mr. Paul faced numerous obstacles following his biggest hit. Radio stations resisted his more socially conscious follow-up song, “Am I Black Enough for You” and many people objected to the explicit “Let’s Make a Baby.” Years later, Mr. Paul sued Gamble and Huff and other industry officials over unpaid royalties and was awarded $500,000 by a Los Angeles jury in 2003. Mr. Paul is survived by his wife, Blanche Williams, with whom he had two children.
Mission Statement: People of God developing Disciples for Jesus Christ through Preaching and Teaching of God’s Holy Word reaching the people of the Church and the Community.
Sharon Baptist Church 22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219 • 643-3825 thesharonbaptistchurch.com Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016 No 8 a.m. Service | 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
Morning Worship & Holy Communion
WEDNESDAYS 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study
THURSDAYS 1:30 p.m. Bible Study
St. Peter Baptist Church Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor
2016 Women’s Retreat “Faithful Women: Inspiring Change through Intercessory Prayer” James 5:13-16
Thursday, April 28, 2016
6:30 p.m. - Prayer & Praise 7:00 p.m. - Women’s Bible Study Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Lena Thompson
Saturday, April 30, 2016
8:30 a.m. - Women’s Fellowship Breakfast Wyndham Virginia Crossings Cost: $14.00 per person
Sunday, May 1, 2016
10:00 a.m. - Unity Worship Service Guest Minister: Minister Desiree A. Jenkins
Color scheme for this event will be shades of pink with accents of silver.
Spread the Word To advertise your church: Worship Service Gospel Concert Vacation Bible School Homecoming Revival call
804-644-0496
2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net
Koinonia Christian Church
3600 McRand St., Richmond, VA (804) 231-0092 Rev. Keith E. Edmonds Sr., Senior Pastor
PRESENTS
“Raise the Roof”
Music Extravaganza SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2016 AT 3:00 P.M. FEATURING
MIN. STUART HAMLIN & THE ZION CHESTER AME ZION CHURCH CHOIR FIRST LADY LYNETTE BRANCH THE RADDENS SOLID ROCK YOUTH CHOIR DIME MIME MINISTRY
Mosby Memorial Baptist Church
“A Caring Community Committed to Listening, Loving, Learning and Leaning While Launching into our Future.”
May 1, 2016
Join us for morning worship at 10:30 A.M. as we celebrate Communion Sunday. Upcoming Events Family Night ~ May 6 @ 6:30 P.M. Fine Arts Workshop ~ May 13 & 14 Family & Friends Day ~ May 15 Revival ~ May 16 - May 19 Guest Ministers for the week:
Richmond Free Press The People's Paper.
Rev. Dr. Adam L. Bond Providence Baptist Church, Ashland Rev. Kimberly Ridley The Light Community Church, Richmond
2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor
Richmond Free Press
April 28-30, 2016
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Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities 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, May 9, 2016 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. 2016-128 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $18,000 from the Supreme Court of Virginia and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Judiciary for the purpose of providing drug treatment services through the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court Program. Ordinance No. 2016-129 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the total amount of $89,927 from the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy; and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Utilities’ Gas Utility New Business project in the Utilities category by $89,927 for the purpose of abating the cost of purchasing replacement vehicles fueled by compressed natural gas. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com 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. Jean V. Capel City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, May 23, 2016 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. 2016-131 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of North 32nd Street, located south of East Franklin Street and north of Williamsburg Avenue and consisting of 5,418± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2016-132 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1702 Floyd Avenue for the purpose of permitting one two-family attached dwelling with accessory parking, upon certain terms and conditions. The Richmond Master Plan designates this property as Single-Family (medium density) in the Near West Planning District. “Primary uses are single-family and two-family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi-public uses. Typical zoning classifications that may accommodate this land use category are R-43 and R-48” (133). Ordinance No. 2016-133 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 80-103-90, adopted Jun. 16, 1980, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2003-26-24, adopted Feb. 10, 2003, and Ord. No. 2007-264-231, adopted Oct. 22, 2007, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1617 Monument Avenue as a day nursery, to authorize expansion of the existing day nursery and accessory parking on the properties known as 1617 Monument Avenue, 1627 Monument Avenue, and 1627 Rear Monument Avenue, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends Singlefamily (Medium Density) land use for the property. The Master Plan defines the primary uses for this category as single-family and two-family detached and attached dwellings at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre, and includes residential support uses such as schools, places Continued on next column
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of worship, and neighborhood parks, among others.
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 27th day of May, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Dixie Marie Alley JACE & COURTNEY GOODNIGHT v. WESLEY ALLEY, JR. & TIFFany kelley Case No. JJ055211-15-00, -16-00, -17-00,-18-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Determine custody and visitation of Dixie Marie Alley (DOB: 9/28/02), whose parents are Wesley Franklin Alley, Jr. and Tiffany Lee Kelley (last known address 621 Westover Hills Blvd. Apt. B, Richmond, Va.), pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241(A3). It is ORDERED that the defendant Tiffany Lee Kelley appear at the above-named Court and protect her interests on or before June 22, 2016 at 12:00 P.M.
at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 25, 2016 at 12:00 P.M.
pumping stations. Due 3:00 pm, June 7, 2016. Additional information available at: http:// henrico.us/purchasing/.
der of Publication because the Petitioner has used diligence without effect to ascertain her location, but has been unable to do so. 8. The Respondent, Williana Harris, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because she is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Williana Harris’ last known address is 423 Blake Avenue, Apt. 1E, Brooklyn, NY 11212. 9. The Respondent, Gertrude Minor, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because the Petitioner has used diligence without effect to ascertain her location, but has been unable to do so. 10. The Respondent, Harold Lucas, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because he is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Harold Lucas’s last known address is 87 Wedgefield, Drive, Hilton Head, SC 20026. 11. The Respondent, Herbert J. Ramsey, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because he is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Herbert J. Ramsey’s last known address is 5722 9th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046. 12. The Respondent, Michael A. Dymally, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because he is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Michael A. Dymally’s last known address is 4508 8th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043. 13. The Respondent, Lenora C. Evans, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because she is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Lenora C. Evans’s last known address is 22628 Radnor Lane, Moreno Valley, CA 92557. 14. The Respondent, Regina E. Dymally-Wilson, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because she is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Regina E. Dymally-Wilson’s last known address is 14193 Casa Blanca Court, Fontana, CA 92336. 15. The Respondent, Reginald A. Dymally, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because he is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Reginald A. Dymally’s last known address is 4508 8th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043. 16. The Respondent, Linda M. Clark, is being
proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because she is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Linda M. Clark’s last known address is 4508 8th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043. 17. The Respondent, Angela L. W. Whitaker, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because she is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Angela L. W. Whitaker’s last known address is 818 N. Eucalyptus Avenue, #11, Inglewood, CA 90302. 18. There may be persons other than those named in the Amended Petition for Aid and Guidance filed in the abovestyled case who have an interest in the Estate of Edith R. Jackson, deceased, whose identities and whereabouts are not known, and their heirs, devisees, assigns, surviving spouses, and successors in interest, if any, whose names and whereabouts are unknown and who are made Respondents herein by the general description of PARTIES UNKNOWN, because the Petitioner, has used diligence without effect to ascertain their identities or location, but have been unable to do so. It is hereby ORDERED that the aforesaid respondents do appear on or before March 20, 2016 in the Clerk’s office of the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond, Virginia, and do what is necessary to protect their interests. Hon. William R. Marchant FloranceGordonBrown A Professinal Corporation 1900 One James Center 901 East Cary Street Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone: (804) 697-5118
Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com 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. Jean V. Capel City Clerk
Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER EVELYN CANALES, Plaintiff v. EDGAR LEMUS, Defendant. Case No.: CL16000884-00 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 27th day of May, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BERTA HERRERA, Plaintiff v. ANGEL COBARRUVIAS, Defendant. Case No.: CL15002074-00 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 27th day of May, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANGELA MULLINGS, Plaintiff v. LARRY WILSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL15-2232 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 27th day of May, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANGELA LEWIS, Plaintiff v. OKEMA LEWIS, Defendant. Case No.: CL16001068-00 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 27th day of May, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER EDWARD MARROW, SR., Plaintiff v. KHRISTY MARROW, Defendant. Case No.: CL16000988-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from Continued on next column
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER EARL BREWSTER, Plaintiff v. CATHY BREWSTER, Defendant. Case No.: CL16001138-00 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 27th day of May, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD JOSE ALFREDO HERNANDEZ, Petitioner, v. MARTA ARASELY ASENCIO, Respondent. Chancery No. CL16-738 ORDER OF PUBLICATION 3/25/16 The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the Bond of Matrimony from the Respondent on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation or interruption for a period of more than one year, and with the Petitioner’s intent to terminate the marriage. It appearing from the Affidavit that due diligence has been used by and on behalf of the Petitioner to ascertain in what county or city the Respondent is without effect, it is ORDERED that the Respondent appear before this Court on or before the 17th day of May, 2016 to protect her interests herein. An Extract, Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk L. Wendell Allen, Esquire (VSB# 43413) 4906 Fitzhugh Avenue, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23230 Telephone: (804) 358-0368 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SHEENA HUGHES, Plaintiff v. DARYL WHITFIELD, Defendant. Case No.: CL16000868-00 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 4th day of May, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER NATHANIEL LEWIS, Plaintiff v. CAROL LEWIS, Defendant. Case No.: CL16000867-00 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 4th day of May, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Continued on next column
virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KRISTOPHER L. & KENNEDY L. BROOKS ANGELIQUE PITTMAN SKIPPER v. ROBINETT BROOKS & KEITH BROOKS Case No. JJ048485-03-00, -04-00; JJ048482-03-00, -04-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Determine custody of Kristopher Lamont Brooks ( D O B : 11 / 0 9 / 0 0 ) , a n d Kennedy Lynnea Brooks (DOB: 10/19/99), whose parents are Robinett Pittman Brooks and Keith Lamont Brooks, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241(A3). It is ORDERED that the defendant Keith Lamont Brooks appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interests on or before July 11, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re LYNIAH MARIE DABNEY CRYSTAL DABNEY v. CIARA DABNEY and LYNWOOD WYNN Case No. JJ087614-01-00, -02-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Determine custody and visitation of Lyniah Marie Dabney (DOB: 1/25/12), whose mother is Ciara Dabney and whose putative father is Lynwood Earl Wynn, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241(A3). It is ORDERED that the defendant Ciara Dabney appear at the above-named Court and protect her interests on or before June 3, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kentre tavon harris, Juvenile Case No. CL16000983-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Change minor child’s name. It is ORDERED that the defendants Michael Rogers, appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before May 26, 2016. An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT,Clerk virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re niKKOLE ANTONETTE MCDONALD Jessica sedonia mayo v. etta mcdonald, tony mcdonald & desiree mcdonald Case No. JJ071612-05-00, -06-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Determine custody and visitation of Nikkole Antonette McDonald (DOB: 9/28/09), whose parents are Desiree Dominica McDonald and Tony Vashara McDonald, Jr., pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241(A3). It is ORDERED that the defendant Tony Vashara McDonald, Jr. appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before June 6, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re SHUNTI DESHELLE WASHINGTON MELVIN & VERNICE WASHINGTON v. DAVID HALL & SHAMEKA WASHINGTON Case No. JJ087959-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Determine custody of Shunti Deshelle Washington (DOB: 10/7/2000),whose whose parents are David Hall and Shameka Washington, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241(A3). It is ORDERED that the defendants David Hall and Shameka Washington appear Continued on next column
virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Clarence McCutchen Jr., Juvenile Case No. JJ083630-11, 12 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Clarence McCutchen Sr., (Father), Shantae Yolanda Boisseau, (Mother), Clarence McCutchen Jr., child, DOB 06/30/2010, “RPR” 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 defendants Clarence McCutchen Sr., (Mother), Shantae Yolanda Boisseau (Mother), appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before June 1, 2016 at 11:40 AM, Court Room #5. Diane Abato, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Sha’Keem Criss, Juvenile Case No. JJ90309-06, 07, 08 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Cokeia Criss, (Mother), Shasha May (Father), &Unknown, (Father), Sha’keem Criss, child, DOB 09/18/2014, “RPR” 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 defendants Unknown (Father), Shasha May (Father), Cokeia Criss (Mother), appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before June 29, 2016 at 2 PM, Court Room #5. Diane Abato, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Shantae BOISSEAU, Juvenile Case No. JJ078220-12, 13, 14 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Sean Wilson, (Father), Unknown, (Father), Shantae Yolanda Boisseau (Mother), Shantae Boisseau, child, DOB 12/18/2007, “RPR” 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 defendants Sean Wilson (Father), Unknown (Father), Shantae Yolanda Boisseau (Mother), appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before June 1, 2016 at 11:40 AM, Court Room #5. Diane Abato, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re TADIYAH BOISSEAU, Juvenile Case No. JJ056949-14, 15 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Shantae Yolanda Boisseau, (Mother), Unknown, (Father), and Tadiyah Boisseau, child, DOB 01/31/2006, “RPR” 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 defendants Unknown (Father), Shantae Yolanda Boisseau (Mother), appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before June 1, 2016 at 11:40 AM, Court Room #5. Diane Abato, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493
BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION I T B # 1 6 - 11 8 5 - 4 C E – Rooty Branch SPS and Virginia Center SPS Station Improvements - This project consists of providing one additional pumping unit and variable speed drive(s) in both Continued on next column
Estate V I R G I N I A: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND TERRY T. HUGHES, Administrator Of the Estate of Edith R. Jackson, Deceased, PETITIONER, v. Case No.: CL13-3435 TRUSTEES OF VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY, et al., RESPONDENTS. ORDER OF PUBLICATION In this proceeding, the Petitioner requests that the Court provide her aid and direction in determining who are the heirs or beneficiaries of the Estate of Edith R. Jackson, Deceased, and each heir or beneficiary’s share of the Estate of Edith R. Jackson, with such findings and conclusions of law and fact, directives and orders as are necessary to make such determination (including without limitation, a declaration of whether Edith R. Jackson died intestate or whether she died leaving a Last Will and Testament, and, if there is a Last Will and Testament, what said Last Will and Testament consists of and what its terms are, and if not, who the heirs of her intestate Estate are and what each of their respective shares are), that she receive a reasonable sum from the Estate of Edith R. Jackson for the expenses, costs and attorney’s fees she has expended in her efforts to locate the heirs of beneficiaries of the Estate of Edith R. Jackson and to pursue the instant litigation, that she receive her costs expended herein, that a guardian ad litem be appointed to represent and protect the interest of any infant or incapacitated persons, that those who are unknown, whose addresses or whereabouts are unknown, or who are nonresidents may be proceeded against by Order of Publication, and grant her such further relief as the Court deems appropriate. And it appearing by affidavit filed according to law that: 1. The Respondent, Alfred Cary, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because he is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.21426. Alfred Cary’s last known address is 170 Sungold Way, Fairfield, CA 94533. 2. The Respondent, Brenda J. Pierce-Ince, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because she is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Brenda J. Pierce-Ince’s last known address is 220 Varnum Street, Washington, D.C. 20011. 3. The Respondent, Shirley V. Douglas, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because she is a nonresident individual, other than a nonresident individual fiduciary who has appointed a statutory agent under § 64.2-1426. Shirley V. Douglas’s last known address is 16820 Coronado Road, Apt. 206, Eagle River, AK 99577. 4. The Respondent, John K. Adams, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because the Petitioner has used diligence without effect to ascertain his location, but has been unable to do so. 5. The Respondent, Iris Cecilia Green, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because the Petitioner has used diligence without effect to ascertain her location, but has been unable to do so. 6. The Respondent, Marilyn Green, is being proceeded against herein by Order of Publication because the Petitioner has used diligence without effect to ascertain her location, but has been unable to do so. 7. The Respondent, Mable S. Mills, is being proceeded against herein by Or-
License Nisa Thai Cuisine Corp Trading as: Nisa Thai Cuisine Corp, 118 S. Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia D epartment of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for a Wine and Beer license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Owner NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Name: Mechanical Balancing Services The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: To view a copy of RFP# DM042616 go to Procurement Services Site: http://www.procurement. virginia.edu/main/ publicpostings/RFP.html, or email: pur-rfp@virginia.edu
Public Notice
The City of Petersburg has received unsolicited development proposals for its property located at 501 E. Washington Street. The 1.77 acre site was formerly a Holiday Inn and was acquired by the city in 2014. The City of Petersburg welcomes additional proposals for the site by Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Proposals should be mailed to the Office of Economic Development, 400 E. Washington Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23803. Proposals may also be faxed to (804) 733-1276 or emailed to tjohnson@ petersburg-va.org. For information about the property and the content for proposals, please contact the office by telephone at 804-733-2352 or email.
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HomeownersHip Loan program supervisor VHDA’s Homeownership division is seeking an individual to coordinate activities related to new program development and special program administration to include supervision of staff and responsibilities related to the Mortgage Credit Certificate program. Responsibilities will include development of processes, coordination of activities with other departments, review of compliance documents, system testing, report monitoring and communication with participating lenders, borrowers and internal associates. In addition, successful candidate will be responsible for participating in business partner trainings. Candidates must possess several years of experience working with homeownership originations programs with specific knowledge of VHDA program criteria and procedures. An understanding of mortgage lending procedures and experience working with the development of new programs and systems as well as working with support areas in the development and enhancement of systems is required. In addition, candidate must possess specific detailed knowledge of the Mortgage Credit Certificate program requirements. Candidates must possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail and effective communication skills. Experience working and communicating with industry business partners related to specific programmatic issues and lender approval requirements is preferred. VHDA offers an excellent working environment, generous benefit plans and market competitive compensation. If you meet the above stated criteria, please submit your resume with cover letter stating salary requirements online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers an eoe This position closes at midnight on monday, may 9, 2016. Background and credit checks will be performed as a condition of employment. Hiring Range - $44,946 - 58,428
Richmond Free Press
B8 April 28-30, 2016
Sports Plus
Gabby poised for gold at 2016 Summer Olympics Free Press wire reports
Gabby Douglas is seeking to become the first gymnast since Romanian Nadia Comaneci to win gold medals at back-to-back Olympics. Now 20, Douglas was the toast of the country when she won the all-around title at the 2012 Olympics in London, as well as a team gold medal. After taking two years off, the Newport News native who grew up in Virginia Beach is returning to the form that enabled her to win the top Olympic prize in gymnastics four years ago. Douglas placed second in the World Games in November and last month won the national title — the American Cup — on her way to the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this summer. The March 5 victory in Newark, Gabby Douglas N.J., is seen as an important stepping stone for Douglas, who won the title with 60.165 points. She took top honors in the uneven bars, vault and balance beam events, and placed second to teammate Maggie Nichols in the floor exercise. Nichols was second in the all-around with 59.699 points. The American Cup has a history of forecasting the Olympic all-around champion, with past Olympic winners Mary Lou Retton (1984), Carly Patterson (2004) and Nastia Liukin (2008) winning the cup ahead of the their victories in the international games. “I’m stronger now than in 2012,” said Douglas, who is seeking to better Comaneci who won the all-around title at the1976 Olympics and won silver in the all-around in 1980, plus two gold medals in individual events. “The form needs to be better” to win at the Olympics, Douglas said, “but my mental game is more there, and I feel more aggressive.”
Hoops legend ‘Pearl’ Washington, 52, dies Basketball legends often leave a personal calling card. For some, it’s soaring dunks. For others, it’s 3-point accuracy, defense, toughness under the boards or floor leadership. Dwayne Washington, known as “Pearl,” is remembered best for his signature crossover dribble — a quicksilver strike that froze defenders and helped put Syracuse University on the college hoops map. ‘Pearl’ Mr. Washington, a three-time All Big Washington East selection, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016, of brain cancer at his home in Bronx, N.Y. He was 52 and was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. Among those recalling Mr. Washington’s brilliance is former Virginia Commonwealth University standout Calvin Duncan, who is now pastor of Faith and Family Church in Chesterfield County. VCU played Syracuse University on March 18, 1984, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. “Pearl had probably the best crossover of all time. And he was one of the greatest college players of all time,” recalled Duncan. “He played with a flair. He was electrifying.” Mr. Washington had 18 points and four assists in the 1984 tournament game against VCU. The Orange led by just 1 point at halftime but pulled away following intermission. “Bottom line — they had too much talent,” said Duncan. Especially, Pearl. Mr. Washington hailed from the Brownsville section of Brooklyn and was the nation’s top prospect at Boys & Girls High as a senior. His nickname stems from his flamboyant on-court resemblance to another legend, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim told Syracuse.com about a memorable recruiting trip to one of Mr. Washington’s home games. “People were lined up to get in hours before the game,” Boeheim recalled. “At the time, I thought he was the most exciting player I’d ever seen. And I still think it.” The 6-foot-2 guard scored 1,484 points while passing for 637 assists and making 220 steals in 95 games for Syracuse. Mr. Washington was a first round draft pick of the New Jersey Nets following his junior year and played three NBA seasons — two with the Nets and one with the Miami Heat. “Pearl turned Syracuse from a regional team into a national team,” said Boeheim. His No. 31 jersey has long been retired and hangs from the rafters of Syracuse’s Carrier Dome, where he attracted crowds of more than 40,000 a night. Duncan hails from Linden, N.J., near the Big Apple, and
Brady’s ‘Deflategate’ suspension upheld Reuters
NEW YORK A U.S. appeals court on Monday restored the fourgame “Deflategate” suspension of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, handing the National Football League a victory in the latest round in a battle with one of its marquee players. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York reversed a federal judge’s ruling that had overturned NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to penalize Brady over his alleged involvement in a scheme to deflate footballs used in a 2015 playoff game. The Patriots won that game over the Indianapolis Colts, putting the Patriots in the final where they won the Super Bowl. Writing for the majority, U.S. Circuit Judge Barrington Parker said that under the players’ collective bargaining agreement, Goodell had “especially broad” authority as an arbitrator to decide whether to confirm Brady’s suspension. “Our review of the record yields the firm conclusion that the Commissioner properly exercised his broad discretion to resolve an intramural controversy between the League and a player,” Parker wrote. A statement from the NFL
in January 2015’s welcomed the ruling AFC championship for recognizing that game. Goodell “properly That win took exercised” his authe Patriots to the thority as laid out Super Bowl, where by the collective they defeated the bargaining agreedefending champion ment “to act in cases Seattle Seahawks, involving the integgiving Brady his rity of the game.” fourth championship The ruling came Tom Brady title. in a 2-1 vote by the The NFL suspended Brady three-judge panel, and followed arguments last month after Ted Wells, a lawyer hired where a lawyer for the players’ by the NFL to investigate the union faced tough questioning incident, said Brady was “genthat signaled the likely reversal erally aware” that two Patriots of U.S. District Judge Richard employees had conspired to deflate the balls, which could Berman’s ruling. U.S. Circuit Judge Robert make them easier to grip. Goodell upheld the suspenKatzmann dissented, calling it “ironic that a process designed to ensure fairness to all players has been used unfairly against one player.” The National Football League Players Association, the union which pursued the court challenge, in a statement said it was disappointed and would “consider all of our options.” That could include seeking rehearing from the 2nd Circuit Meet sexy friends or asking the U.S. Supreme who really get your vibe... Court to review the case. Try FREE: 804-278-6045 Brady, 38, was suspended in More Local Numbers: 1-800-811-1633 May 2015, four months after under-inflated footballs were used in the New England’s vibeline.com 18+ 45-7 victory over Indianapolis
sion on July 28, prompting the legal challenge on Brady’s behalf. Brady has denied knowing about any plan to deflate footballs. Berman overturned Goodell’s decision Sept. 3, allowing Brady to play the full 2015 NFL season. He said Brady “had no notice that his discipline would be the equivalent of the discipline imposed upon a player who used performance enhancing drugs.”
began hearing of Mr. Washington years before the dazzling guard became a celebrity. “He was special,” recalled Duncan. “He played with incredible confidence. But off the floor, he was a humble person.” Duncan last saw Mr. Washington several years ago at an Oak Hill Academy hoops reunion in Charlotte, N.C. Mr. Washington was there in support of a friend, Rod Strickland, an Oak Hill alumnus. This past season, Syracuse University honored Mr. Washington by wearing orange warm-ups inscribed with the words “Pearl” and “31.” Though in deteriorating health, Mr. Washington survived long enough to enjoy this season’s spirited, unexpected drive by 10th-seed Syracuse to the NCAA Tournament Final Four, including a come-from-behind upset of No. 1 seed University of Virginia in the NCAA Midwest Region final. Mr. Washington referred to his crossover as his “shake ‘n’ bake,” and those who saw it aren’t likely to forget. “Nowadays, officials let you get away with using your palm on the crossover,” said Duncan. “Back when Pearl and I were playing, they’d call a ‘carry’ if you did that. “Pearl didn’t need to use his palm. He did it with his fingertips. He did it with ball skills. That’s why he was the best.”
Rodney Sledge, former standout at George Wythe, dead at 41 Longtime football standout Rodney Alan Sledge, nicknamed “Percy,” died Monday, April 18, 2016, from injuries suffered in a March 29 automobile accident on Interstate 95 in Chesterfield County. He was 41. Mr. Sledge starred in football at George Wythe High School and became a legend on the area semipro circuit. Rodney Sledge His remarkable strength, quickness and knowledge of the sport allowed him play virtually any position on the field, from quarterback to down lineman. He was a fan favorite and highly popular among his teammates. Mr. Sledge played many seasons with the Virginia Ravens under Coach Hal Lockhart, who nicknamed him “Percy” after singer Percy Sledge, famous for the 1966 hit “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Within the last year, the affable Mr. Sledge commented on his nickname: “No one anymore knows who Percy Sledge is. There’s a better chance they’ve heard of Sister Sledge,” he said with a laugh while working at American Family Fitness at Swift Creek. Mr. Sledge also played with the Richmond Raiders Arena League team and most recently with the Petersburg Lions. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 23, at Metropolitan African American Baptist Church in South Richmond. He is survived by his father, James Fleming; his mother, Claudia Sledge; brothers, Aram Goodman, Wendell Fleming and James Aaron Fleming; his girlfriend, Dionna Diggs; and children, Rodney Jr., Robyn, Reva, Ryland and Ryan.
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Employment Opportunities BUSINESS ATTRACTION MANAGER Richmond, Virginia
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced sales and marketing professional for the Business Attraction team to build corporate and consulting relationships and aggressively promote Virginia as a suitable location for establishment of new business facilities. The Business Attraction Manager will generate projects by conducting extensive marketing outreach to prospective companies, site selection consultants, and commercial real estate brokers. This position will work with interested company executives and regional and local economic developers to successfully locate new business operations to Virginia. Private-sector experience or relevant economic development experience preferred, as well as a demonstrated ability to aggressively sell and close deals while effectively providing client support.
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Musician Needed
1st, 3rd, 4th Sundays Forward resume to: Shiloh Baptist Church P.O. Box 973 Powhatan, VA 23139 Or call Darlene at (804) 921-2564
St. Peter Baptist Church A progressive suburban church is seeking grant writers and a video media technician. Interested persons please forward resumes to spbcoffice@verizon.net. Salaries are negotiable.
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Contract Specialist I 35M00000910 Procurement Services Apply by 05/08/2016 Equipment Operator III – Wastewater 35M00000729 Public Utilities Apply by 5/8/16 Maintenance Technician IV – Wastewater 35M00000303 Public Utilities Apply by 5/15/16
Hiring Range: $64,300 - $75,000. All candidates must apply through our website http://www. yesvirginia.org/AboutUs/Employment. Application deadline: May 6, 2016.
The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following position:
Manager Nutrition – Non-Degree Posting #00004059
Operations Manager – Water Distribution 35M00000801 Public Utilities Apply by 5/22/16
For application and full job description, access www.richmond.k12.va.us. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, tuberculosis screening and drug/alcohol testing as a condition of employment. EOE.
****************** For an exciting career with the City of Richmond, visit our website for additional information and apply today! www.richmondgov.com EOE M/F/D/V
Freelance Writers: The Richmond Free Press has immediate opportunities for freelance writers. Newspaper experience is a requirement. To be considered, please send 5 samples of your writing, along with a cover letter to newsrichmond freepress.com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P. O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261. No phone calls.