February 25 27, 2016 issue

VSU Trojans ready; VUU Lady Panthers seeking title

Richmond Free Press © 2016 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 25 NO. 9

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

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A8

February 25-27, 2016

Super Tuesday Virginians to vote in presidential primaries March 1

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

South Carolina voters will make their choice in a Democratic primary Saturday.

Now it is up to the voters.

On the Republican side, billionaire businessNext week, Virginians will help pick the Demoman Donald Trump will be seeking to pump up Tuesday, March 1 cratic and Republican nominees for president. his front-runner status for the GOP nomination Presidential The presidential primary elections for both with a win in Virginia. At this point, he has primary elections parties are scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, in won in primaries in New Hampshire and South the Old Dominion, with polls open from 6 a.m Carolina and the GOP caucus in Nevada heading Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Richmond and across the state. into next week’s Virginia primary.

Polls close 7 p.m.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton, a former He has four rivals who are still trying to catch U.S. secretary of state under President Obama who him, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who beat previously served as a U.S. senator from New York, is Mr. Trump in Iowa, and three others who have no wins battling U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont for the right to carry yet, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Ohio Gov. John Kasich the party banner into the fall election. and retired pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson.

Sen. Sanders stumped in Norfolk on Tuesday and Mrs. Clinton’s The GOP primary ballot in Virginia will include the names of husband, former President Bill Clinton, addressed a Richmond candidates who already have dropped out, such as former Florida audience Wednesday night to urge support for his spouse. He Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. spoke at the Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward around 7 p.m.

Gov. Kasich held a town hall Monday at Virginia Commonafter making a morning campaign stop in Northern Virginia. wealth University in seeking votes.

So far, Mrs. Clinton has won in caucuses in Iowa and NeThe most recent polls in Virginia indicate that Mrs. Clinton vada, while Mr. Sanders won a primary in New Hampshire. and Mr. Trump lead in their respective races.

Vote

If endorsements count, Mrs. Clinton is well ahead of her rival. Most of the state’s elected Democratic officials are backing her, including 14 of the 18 members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and the three Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, the lone African-American in the state’s Washington delegation.

Endorsements are far more split among Republicans, although Mr. Trump has garnered almost none from Virginia’s Republican elected officials.

Please turn to A5

Mr. CIAA

Courtesy Richmond Public Art Commission

A design team rendering offers a street-level view of the planned Maggie L. Walker statue, plaza and landscaping at Adams and Broad streets in Downtown. Below, Jennie Dotts and about 20 people continue their protest last Saturday to try to keep the tree on the Walker statue site.

Walker statue to rise above Downtown plaza

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

proposed design.

Mr. Mendez said the tree had to go if the figure of Mrs. Walker is to have pride of place.

“If the tree stayed, it would take up so much room that the statue would have to be moved to the sidewalk,” he said.

The design includes 12 black granite benches inside the plaza for people to spend time with the statue. While the plaza itself would be crafted mostly of gray or white granite, black granite bands inscribed with quotes from Mrs. Walker or historical references would be inset into the space.

The design also calls for landscaping to include perennial grasses that change color in different seasons and smaller,

The bronze statue of Richmond businesswoman Maggie L. Walker is to be the centerpiece of a 3,000-square-foot circular plaza made of granite.

The preliminary design was unveiled last Saturday to an audience of about 100 people at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch in Downtown.

According to sculptor Antonio T. “Toby” Mendez, the statue would stand 10 to 12 feet tall and rise even higher on a 4- to 6-foot base in the center of the planned plaza at Adams and Broad streets in Downtown.

As the Free Press reported last week, the live oak tree that now dominates the approved site, called the gateway into Jackson Ward, is eliminated in the

Please turn to A4 Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

CIAA legend to be inducted into Hall of Fame

By Joey Matthews

Abraham “Ham” Mitchell has wowed audiences at the CIAA Basketball Tournament for more than four decades with his dazzling attire, engaging personality and stylish strut.

Known as “Mr. CIAA,” he has entertained thousands of appreciative fans with the dapper tailor-made suits he wears during games that often reflect the official colors of the teams playing at the time on the basketball court.

Appreciative of his efforts to brighten the annual tournament’s atmosphere, the CIAA is honoring the Suffolk native this weekend at the tournament in Charlotte, N.C., by inducting him into the John B. McLendon Jr. Hall of Fame.

Mr. Mitchell will be one of 10 inducted into the CIAA Hall Please turn to A4

Cooper responds to Henrico school video apology

Petersburg roils with turmoil

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

By Joey Matthews

“We need not apologize for the video.”

That’s the view of Henrico School Board member Rev. Roscoe Cooper III about the 4-minute video on racism that was shown to Glen Allen High School students Feb. 4 at two assemblies.

Superintendent Patrick Kinlaw and School Board Chairwoman Michelle F. “Micky” Ogburn publicly apologized after parents at Rev. Cooper the predominately white school complained that their children felt uncomfortable after seeing the video.

Ms. Ogburn also vowed to ban the video from future use by other county schools.

“My personal opinion is that I don’t think the video should be banned,” said Rev. Cooper, the lone African-American member of the five-member School Board. He represents the county’s Fairfield District.

He articulated his views in statements emailed to the Free Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

For the love of reading Bruno Marvia of Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries in Richmond reads to third-graders at Bellevue Elementary School last Friday as part of the Church Hill school’s annual “100 Black Men Read” program. This is the sixth year that volunteers from the church have led the effort to foster a love of reading among the school’s students. The men read works of African-American authors and discuss with youngsters the values exhibited and how they can be emulated. The award-winning program is part of Bellevue’s Community of Caring initiative.

There’s trouble in Petersburg.

Petitions are being circulated to remove Petersburg Mayor W. Howard Myers.

Separately, a majority of the Petersburg City Council has voted to begin talks to remove Petersburg City Manager William E. Johnson III and City Attorney Brian K. Telfair, although some are questioning whether the action came at a legal meeting.

All of this comes as residents are venting over the way the city is being managed, over sky-high water bills and about property tax bills that are arriving close to the deadline for payment.

The city with a majority Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 February 25-27, 2016

Local News

Jackson Place project moves ahead

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

After more than 26 years of promises, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority finally may be ready to fill nearly a block of vacant land in Jackson Ward.

On Monday night, Richmond City Council gave RRHA the green light to move ahead with a $32 million plan to redevelop the land in the block bounded by 1st, 2nd, Duval and Jackson streets.

The Free Press previously reported about this proposed development.

The plan calls for creating 182 apartments, including 72 that would replace units for the elderly and disabled in Fay Towers in nearby Gilpin Court.

RRHA is teaming up with the nonprofit Community Preservation and Development Corp. of Silver Spring, Md., on the mixed-income development, which also will include 44 units for low-income individuals and 66 units to be offered at Mr. Somanath market rates.

CPDC separately is investing $11 million to renovate a former school in Highland Park to replace 77 units in Fay Towers. The company also plans to install 51 units in the vacant Baker School building in Gilpin Court as the final step to replacing all 200 units in Fay Towers.

Construction could begin on the Jackson Ward apartment complex in 2017, according to RRHA CEO T.K. Somanath, if CPDC can secure the needed financing and tax credits.

The land is part of the Jackson Place urban renewal that the city charged RRHA with undertaking around 1990. But repeated attempts to bring in new housing or commercial projects ultimately flopped in this block.

The property the apartments will occupy includes the site of the former Van de Vyver Catholic School that served African-American children. It includes a building that served as a home for nuns of the once-thriving St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, which was torn down years ago. St. Joseph’s was the first Catholic church for AfricanAmericans in the South.

RRHA has yet to tackle redevelopment of the vacant land in an adjacent block of property bounded by 2nd, 3rd, Duval and Jackson streets, where Club 533 has its home.

Mr. Somanath said he hopes to secure a hotel development for that swatch of property.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Marchers protest coal ash dumping in James River

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More than 700 demonstrators march to the State Capitol last Saturday to protest plans by utility giant Dominion to deal with coal ash, the residue of burned coal that marchers say will pollute the James River. Left, Capitol Police carry off a demonstrator who refused to leave the south steps of the Capitol at the end of the protest. About eight people were arrested

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

during the protest. The uproar involves Dominion’s plan to dump millions of gallons of water from coal ash ponds into the river to meet new federal rules. The company, whose plan has won state and federal approval, has stated that the water would be treated to remove potential environmental hazards before it is released into the James River.

Paid Political Advertisement

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Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2016

A3

T:21”

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Plus, watch “For the Love,” a special 5-part video that takes a personal look at what drives Hollywood’s best and brightest stars to do what they do. Catch this series, produced by the American Black Film Festival, and more, at CelebrateBlackTV.com and with XFINITY On Demand.™

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Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved.

Richmond Free Press

A4 February 25-27, 2016

News

Cooper responds Legendary Mr. CIAA to Henrico school to be inducted into Hall of Fame video apology Continued from A1

of Fame. He will join a prestigious group of 264 mostly athletes and coaches who have been inducted since the first class in 1967.

“I’m surprised, shocked and honored,” Mr. Mitchell told the Free Press on Tuesday of his selection.

He and the 2016 inductees will be recognized during halftime of the CIAA men’s championship game Saturday evening at the Time Warner Cable Arena.

“They told me they’re presenting me with a plaque,” Mr. Mitchell said.

Asked what he plans to wear during the halftime ceremony, he said, “I’ve got something they’ve never seen. I’ve been working on it for a while. It’s going to be an eye catcher. I have gold shoes, a gold hat, a white suit and a white and gold necktie with sequins.”

He said he chose the colors because they are neutral to all the participating CIAA schools.

Mr. Mitchell said he first learned of his Hall of Fame selection in a Dec. 31 letter from the CIAA. “I had no idea it was coming,” he said.

“It makes me really happy.”

CIAA officials no doubt see it as a fitting reward for the man who has made so many others happy with his stunning array of suits and flamboyant style.

Mr. Mitchell, who politely declined to provide his age, said he first started dressing to the nines for games in 1971, when his nephew, Peter Mitchell, played

Continued from A1

at Norfolk State University. who had traveled from Paris for He said he started by wearing a the tournament said she made it a shirt and tie bearing Norfolk State’s point to meet him because she had colors of green and gold. Later, he heard so much about him. He said decided, to take it up another he also “makes it a point” to notch by changing clothes at go to a special section at the halftime to bear the colors of arena where senior citizens the opposing team. are seated.

Now, Mr. Mitchell said, “I also love it when the “I sometimes do eight” young children come lookchanges of clothes ing for me,” he said of his in a given day at quest to entertain others. “I the CIAA Tournausually give them a treat of ment. some type when they come Abraham No longer up to see me.”

“Ham” does he have The former drum maMitchell, aka to run into bathjor at Booker T. Wash“Mr. CIAA,” rooms to dress ington High School in is dapper and re-dress. He Norfolk learned how to at the said CIAA officials sew from his mother, a 2005 CIAA Tournament. now provide him seamstress. He tailors most of with his own dressthe clothes that he wears. Other ing room. clothes, he’ll buy, he said, when He credits his abilhe travels to places such as New ity “to glide” up and York City or Boston. down the steps at the Mr. Mitchell is now retired from arena for helping him Crocker Funeral Home in Suffolk, make the quick changes. where he worked in a public relations Jerome Reid/ capacity for many years.

“I also watch the game Richmond clock so I’ll know when He said fans occasionally will Free Press my next change of clothes will ask him when he plans to retire as be.”

“Mr. CIAA.” But so many other fans, he During games, he poses for photo- said, make it clear they want to see him graphs with fans, signs autographs and perform his fashion magic at the followsmiles and waves to just about anyone ing year’s tournament. And, so, he returns he sees. year after year.

Among his countless warm tournament “This is something I’ve enjoyed dorecollections, Mr. Mitchell said one fan ing,” he said.

Press during the past week after drawing criticism for not speaking out on the hot button issue.

“I think there are times and places for the video,” Rev. Cooper said. “Like anything, context is important. Like the age of the children, the classroom environment, the surrounding activities all matter.”

The animated video titled “Structural Discrimination: The Unequal Opportunity Race” showed white and nonwhite students lining up on a track for a foot race. The white runners competed with no obstacles and several advantages, while various forms of oppression and inequality impeded nonwhite runners.

“One of the values we want to teach all our children,” Rev. Cooper said, “is that when they see someone falling in the race of life, we want to reach back and offer that struggling individual a helping hand.”

He said he had not rendered a public opinion earlier because he had been traveling in Israel “and when I returned, I was reacclimating to being back here and catching up.”

He said his constituents in the predominately African-American district he represents have told him “they feel this entire event will assist us in dealing with the realities of racism and our ability to address it and assess it as a community.”

He added, “We need to re-open a dialogue with all the stakeholders, including the community and the parents, and make some plans and guidelines for going forward.”

Rev. Cooper also said he believes the name of Harry F. Byrd Sr. Middle School should be changed as a growing coalition of students, parents and community members are advocating.

The Henrico school is named after the former Virginia governor and U.S. senator who was one of the chief architects of “Massive Resistance,” a state-sanctioned policy that closed down public schools in many Virginia localities rather than follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 ruling ordering public schools to be desegregated to end educational inequities.

Thousands of AfricanAmerican children were denied a public education as a result, while state money was allotted to all-white private schools in many places where schools were closed.

Rev. Cooper said his opinion is “not the most important” in the issue.

“I think this is a good issue for the community to determine,” he said about renaming the school. “I think this is a learning experience for our children and an opportunity to learn history and create change.”

The School Board is holding two public meetings to discuss the Byrd School name change. They are 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, March 2, at New Bridge Learning Center, 5915 Nine Mile Road, and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, Courtesy Richmond Public Art Commission at Byrd Middle School, 9400 A rooftop view of the planned Walker statue site looking northwest shows the size of the planned plaza and anticipated landscaping with a short segment of Brook Road closed off.

Quioccasin Road.

Walker statue to rise above Downtown plaza

Petersburg roils with turmoil Continued from A1

African-American population 23 miles south of Richmond is obviously in an uproar.

Whether ultimately there is a shakeup in the city’s leadership remains a question as residents’ anger and concerns reach a boiling point.

The latest evidence came Wednesday when the Free Press received an email that included a copy of the petition being circulated in Ward 5, which Mayor Myers represents.

His fellow council members elected him mayor after he won re-election to the Ward 5 seat in 2014. But at least some of his constituents are blaming him for the city’s problems.

The petition outlines no specific allegations, but cites a state law that authorizes the Circuit Court to remove an elected official if it is found the official was involved in “neglect of duty and/or misuse of office and/ or incompetence in the performance of his duties having a material adverse effect upon the conduct of such office.”

To get into court for a hearing, organizers of the petition drive would have to collect the signatures of at least 86 registered voters living in the ward, or 10 percent of the 852 voters who participated in the Ward 5 election two years ago. There are 3,051 registered voters in the ward, according to the state Board of Elections.

Reached Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Myers laughed when he was asked about the petition. Then he said, “I have no comment at this time.”

The petition drive follows a special meeting Feb. 18 when five of the seven council members voted to begin negotiations to end the tenures of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Telfair.

However, the council may not have provided the public three-day notice required by state law, raising questions about whether the vote was valid.

Upset, Mr. Telfair sent an email rant at 5 a.m. the next day that seemed to indicate he had resigned.

“I decided that I needed a month or two of me time. Despite what’s being reported in the media, I made the decision … My girls, my health and my life are too important for

Mayor Myers

Mr. Johnson

Mr.

me to continue on this path. … I just might return one day, but in a different role,” he said in the email.

Reached Wednesday, Mr. Telfair disavowed the statements he wrote. “I did it at a low point,” he said.

He said he has not resigned, but remains uncertain about his status.

Mr. Johnson was not available for comment.

The council would have to approve big checks for the two men if it actually ended up forcing their resignations.

Both men would have to be paid severance that could total more than $120,000 based on their current salaries and other money they could be due for unused vacation or sick leave.

Mr. Johnson now earns a base salary of $170,000, and city records show he would be due a minimum of six months pay, or at least $85,000, if his contract were terminated.

Mr. Telfair is paid about $135,000 a year, and would be due a minimum of three months pay, or at least $33,000 if terminated, his contract shows.

The trigger for the uproar appears to have begun with malfunctions in newly installed wireless water meters that were supposed to save the city money. Instead, bills began getting fouled up and then got backed up 90 days.

As bills began going out in February, residents found themselves facing bills two to three times normal levels, a hardship for many in a city with a high level of poverty.

The problem got worse when property tax bills started hitting mailboxes just two weeks before the due date, adding to the financial demands on residents. Traditionally, such bills

are issued a month or more before the due date. But workers in the office of the Petersburg commissioner of revenue, an elected position, got behind and only began issuing the bills 14 days ahead of the payment deadline.

Then upset residents learned that the city is struggling to pay its bills, triggering demands for the departure of Mr. Johnson, Telfair who has served since 2011, and Mr. Telfair who has been in office for three years.

The alarming Feb. 2 financial report from the city’s outside auditor, Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates of Charlottesville, disclosed financial problems that had accumulated.

Among other things, the report showed that the city’s revenue has fallen short of spending by about $6.3 million, or about 7 percent of the $85 million budget. Among the reasons for the deficit: A decline in property tax collection, according to David L. Hughes, an accountant with the firm.

Mr. Hughes told the council that it could take two to four years for the city to re-gain financial stability.

The concern was exacerbated when Mr. Johnson directed city departments to slash spending after the city treasurer, also an elected position, notified him of a $3.4 million shortfall in tax collections.

Mayor Myers said Wednesday that rumors are being circulated that Petersburg “is going bankrupt.”

“That’s just wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.

He said the city is facing a financial challenge, but is dealing with it. “We have $21 million in uncollected revenue,” he said, “and we’re going to be collecting it.” He said the city hopes to bring in up to half of that.

He also noted Petersburg residents are wrongly blaming the city administration, which does not control the commissioner of the revenue or the treasurer, but relies on them to bill and collect real estate and personal property taxes.

Continued from A1

background trees.

This is an expensive project. Mr. Mendez has been awarded a $300,000 contract to create the statue and base, and a preliminary estimate suggests the city would need to spend $400,000 to $500,000 to develop the proposed plaza.

Because Mr. Mendez offered no alternate design, the tree’s removal is essentially a done deal, even if the Richmond Planning Commission officially has final approval on the project. With city officials expecting the commission to act by mid-April to approve the design, there would be little, if any, time to come up with an alternative.

With the design in hand, Mark Olinger, city director of planning and development review, made it clear that the push is on to complete the internal reviews quickly so the project can go to bid and be started within a few months.

Mr. Olinger said the goal is to have the city Planning Commission vote on the final design at its meeting Monday, April 18. He said that would give the city Public Art Commission and the Urban Design Committee time to offer their recommendations.

Any delay would mean that the statue and plaza likely could not be completed in time for Mayor Jones to unveil the finished product before he leaves office Dec. 31.

Even if the schedule is met, Mr. Mendez said he could not guarantee that the statue would be finished

by December. He said that he expects to finish the clay model by August. Then, it would take another four to six months for the Baltimore foundry he uses to cast the bronze figure from the model, he said.

He said that he wants to ensure the casting is done right.

“I’m not going to rush the process,” he said. “It will take as along as it takes.”

Based on the public comments received Saturday, the removal of the live oak tree appeared to cause little angst among the audience members who came to get the first look at the proposed statue and plaza design, including Mayor Dwight C. Jones, who once supported keeping the tree.

Mayor Jones said he found the treeless design Mr. Mendez and the plaza design team from VHB Boston showed off in a series of renderings very acceptable.

That was also the case with Gary Flowers, who led a petition drive seeking the tree’s removal. He said he was impressed with much of what he saw, which he said provides appropriate recognition to a Richmond hero.

“People who come will look up to her,” he approvingly told the sculptor.

Some concerns were expressed about elements of the design.

Viola O. Baskerville, a former Richmond City Council member and former state secretary of administration, expressed disappointment that Mrs. Walker’s statue would be placed on a pedestal and be out of reach of children.

“She ought to be more accessible,” Ms. Baskerville said, similar to the Civil Rights Monument at the State Capitol.

She recalled seeing a youngster place a scarf around the figure of a child on the Capitol Square monument, which sits at ground level. “That’s the kind of interaction we should be promoting,” she said.

However, Mr. Mendez disagreed, saying the raised base is more appropriate for Mrs. Walker’s statue.

Mr. Flowers was among those who expressed concern about the 13 proposed background trees to be planted among the bricks surrounding the plaza and along Adams Street. He and others said they envision the trees attracting birds with their droppings possibly marring the statue. They said they are skeptical about the city’s ability to keep the site attractive.

Jean Garbier, a landscape designer from VHB, said the background trees would have trunks that grow like columns. She said they were included in the design to screen out some of the busy background of buildings.

Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2016 A5

News

2016 Presidential primary candidates

Democrats

Source: Insidegov.com

Republicans

Hillary Clinton

Bernie Sanders

Ben Carson

Ted Cruz

John Kasich

Marco Rubio

Donald Trump

Age: 68 Birthplace: Chicago, Ill. Residence: Chappaqua, N.Y. E d u c a t i o n : J . D . , Ya l e U n i v e r s i t y, 1 9 7 3 ; B . A . , Wellesley College, 1969 Professional experience: Assistant professor, University of Arkansas Law School, 1975; attorney, Rose Law Firm, 1976-1992; author; former board member, Walmart and Children’s Defense Fund Political experience: U.S. secretary of state, 2009-2013; U.S. senator, New York, 20012009; First Lady, President Bill Clinton, 1993-2001; First Lady, State of Arkansas, 1979-1981, 1983-1992 Personal net worth: $21.5 million Family: Married, one child Religion: Methodist Campaign website: www.hillaryclinton.com

Age: 74 Birthplace: New York, N.Y. Residence: Burlington, Vt. Education: B.S., University of Chicago, 1964 Professional experience: Author; documentary filmmaker; lecturer, Hamilton College,1989-1990; lecturer, Harvard University, 1989 Political experience: U.S. senator, Vermont, 2006-present; U.S. House of Representatives, 19902006; mayor, Burlington, Vt., 1981-1989 Personal net worth: $330,506 Family: Married, one child Religion: Jewish Campaign website: www.berniesanders.com

Age: 64 Birthplace: Detroit, Mich.

Residence: Baltimore, Md. Education: M.D., University of Michigan; B.A., Yale Professional experience: Former director of pediatric neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital; former co-director of Johns Hopkins Craniofacial Center; former neurosurgeon; author Political experience: Never held elective office Personal net worth: $10 million Family: Married, three children Religion: Seventh-Day Adventist Campaign website: www.bencarson.com

Age: 45 Birthplace: Calgary, Canada Residence: Houston, Texas Education: J.D., Harvard Law School, 1995; A.B., Princeton University, 1992 Professional experience: Adjunct professor of law, University of Texas School of Law, 2004-2009; associate deputy U.S. attorney general, 2001; director, Office of Policy Planning, Federal Trade Commission, 2001-2003; solicitor general of Texas, 20032008 Political experience: U.S. senator, Texas, 2012-present; domestic policy advisor, Bush Presidential Campaign, 19992000 Personal net worth: $3.17 million Family: Married, two children Religion: Southern Baptist Campaign website: www.tedcruz.org

Age: 63 Birthplace: McKees Rocks, Pa. Residence: Westerville, Ohio Education: B.A., Ohio State University, 1974 Professional experience: Commentator, Fox News; management director, Lehman Brothers Investment Banking Division; Ohio Senate, aide, 1975-1978 Political experience: Governor, State of Ohio, 2010-present; U.S. House of Representatives, 19832000; Ohio State Senate, 1979-1983 Personal net worth: $2.5 million Family: Married, two children Religion: Roman Catholic Campaign website: www.johnkasich.com

Age: 44 Birthplace: Miami, Fla. Residence: West Miami, Fla. Education: J.D., University of Miami, 1996; B.S., University of Florida, 1993 Professional experience: Political analyst, Univision, 2008; visiting professor, Florida International University Political experience: U . S . s e n a t o r, F l o r i d a , 2011-present; Florida House of Representatives, 2000-2008; Speaker, Florida House of Representatives, 2006-2008; Majority Leader, Florida House of Representatives, 2003-2006; Commissioner, City of West Miami, 1998-2000 Personal net worth: $443,508 Family: Married, four children Religion: Roman Catholic Campaign website: www.marcorubio.com

Age: 69 Birthplace: Manhattan, N.Y. Residence: Manhattan, N.Y. Education: Attended, Fordham University; B.S., Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania Professional experience: Founder/chairman/president/ chief executive officer, The Trump Organization, 1975-present; chairman, Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc. Political experience: Never held elective office Personal net worth: $10 billion Family: Married, five children Religion: Protestant Campaign website: www.donaldjtrump.com

Super Tuesday voting problems

Former President Bill Clinton fires up the audience Wednesday night at the Hippodrome Theater in Richmond’s Jackson Ward during a campaign appearance for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Voters who experience any difficulties in casting a ballot during the Tuesday, March 1, presidential primary can call the following phone numbers to report problems and receive assistance: Virginia Department of Elections: (804) 864-8901 or (800) 552-9745 Virginia State Conference NAACP: (804) 321-5678 or (804) 677-8349 The ACLU of Virginia: (804) 644-8022 Richmond voter registrar: (804) 646-5950 Chesterfield voter registrar: (804) 748-1471 Henrico voter registrar: (804) 501-4347 Hanover voter registrar: (804) 365-6080 Petersburg voter registrar: (804) 733-8071 Democratic Party of Virginia: (844) 482-8683 Republican Party of Virginia: (804) 780-0024

Steve Helber/Associated Press

GOP presidential candidate John Kasich speaks Monday at a town hall meeting at the Egyptian Building Auditorium on the VCU Medical Center Campus in Downtown.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Virginians to vote Clinton favored by voters on the street on Super Tuesday

By Joey Matthews

And the winner is … Hillary Clinton.

In on-the-street interviews by the Free Press, voters who said they intend to vote in the Tuesday, March 1, presidential primaries favored Mrs. Clinton over her Democratic rival Sen. Bernie Sanders by 8 to 1.

None of the persons interviewed said they would vote for a Republican candidate.

“Hillary has a record of working for civil rights and working with the poor,” said Hanif Saleem, a 57-yearold self-employed businessman. “I believe she can work with the common people and Mr. Saleem international leaders alike.

“And Bernie Sanders doesn’t have any foreign policy experience. He talks about giving so many things to people, but he doesn’t explain how he would pay for them.”

Mr. Saleem said he is a Muslim and is shocked that Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said he wants to temporarily ban all Muslims from entering this country. “That’s just such hateful speech,” he said. “He’s not qualified to be president.”

Zorator Miles, a 60-year-old East End resident who cares for her grandchildren, said she would vote for Mrs. Clinton.

“I think having a woman for president would be awesome,” she said. “I Ms. Miles see something in her where she has the ability to give hope to other people who are less fortunate and I think she would work to help the poor and others in need.”

Dominique Brown, a 29-year-old Downtown resident, said he plans to vote for Mr. Sanders.

“I think he’s the best Democratic candidate,” he said. “I feel like he’s for everybody. And I think he’s smart.”

Henrico resident Steve Benham, 59, said he’s backing Mrs. Clinton because “I think she probably has the soundest experience and record. And she seems in tune with most of the issues that I care about.

She’s committed to carrying on many of the policies that President Obama has backed.”

Shyniqua EverMr. Benham ett, 44, of Peters-

burg, who said she is between jobs, said she plans to vote for Mrs. Clinton because “she has a record of working to help others and she has good experience in foreign policy. And she would be our first female president. I think it’s about time.”

Andrew Jackson, a 23-year-old barber from Hopewell, said he will vote for Mrs. Clinton because “she said she will work to provide ladders of opportunity” to everyone and has “worked with leaders from all over the world. And she is a strong leader herself. She has already proven that.”

Montgomery Pershing, a 55-yearold self-employed Chesterfield County resident, said he is backing Mrs. Clinton “because she wants to help everyone, not just the rich people. And it’s about time we elected a female president.”

Sam Smith, a 68-year-old retired educator from Henrico County, said he will support Mrs. Clinton because of her strong background in foreign policy” and because of her commitment to “helping all people, especially the poor.”

Mark Howring, a 58-year-old Hopewell resident who is a mason, said he will vote for Mrs. Clinton “because I think she has the best opportunity to be elected against whomever the Republicans choose to run. I think she’s the best person for the job. She has a long record of success and she has worked hard to get the experience necessary to be president.”

Continued from A1

The political spotlight will only be so bright on Virginia as this will be just one of a number of contests on Super Tuesday, as March 1 is known in political circles.

Nine other states, ranging from Alabama to Minnesota and Arkansas to Massachusetts, also will be holding presidential primaries that same day. Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont are the other states with primaries.

Democrats also will be caucusing on presidential picks in Colorado and American Samoa, with Republicans holding caucuses in Alaska, North Dakota and Wyoming.

The results of the popular vote on Super Tuesday is important, with all of the candidates vying for delegates to their respective party conventions, which the outcome of the balloting will decide.

On the Democratic side, 865 delegates, or about 18 percent of the 4,763 convention delegates will be apportioned Tuesday.

Each candidate will get a proportion of each state’s pledged delegates based on the percentage of votes. In Virginia, 95 Democratic delegates will be divvied up.

On the Republican side, 595 delegates will be at stake, including 49 in Virginia, also to be divvied up based on the outcome.

The turnout in Virginia and other states is expected to be far smaller than the general election turnout. Based on voter turnout in Virginia’s four presidential primaries since 2000, only about 10 percent to 15 percent of Virginia’s 5.2 million registered voters are expected to turn out.

However, about 30 percent of state voters turned out for the 2008 primaries, when President Obama was on the Democratic primary ballot for the first time, battling Mrs. Clinton, and the Republicans also had a hot primary contest with a five-way race.

Richmond is preparing for a large turnout. Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter said Monday she is projecting that about 62,000 people will vote in both primaries, or about 47 percent of the city’s 131,000 registered voters.

That would exceed 2008, when an apparent record 41 percent of the city’s 100,956 registered voters at the time turned out.

Richmond facing $9.6M deficit

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Belt tightening.

That’s what Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones is likely to be talking about when he introduces his amended budget plan for the upcoming 2016-17 fiscal year next Friday, March 4.

Richmond may be enjoying a wave of new development, but that has not produced a significant flood of new dollars into the city’s coffers. The result: A likely squeeze on spending.

Revenues are projected to grow just 1.5 percent, or about $11 million, in the new budget year compared with the current year. That’s just half of the estimated 3 percent annual growth the city needs to keep up with costs.

The problem is already apparent this year. Richmond is facing a projected $9.6 million budget shortfall,

according to city Chief Administrative Officer Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

She advised Richmond City Council’s Finance Committee of the problem. She said that would be the deficit on June 30 if revenue and expenditure projections remain unchanged. The shortfall is based on revenue and expenditures through the first six months of the budget year.

What happened? Revenue projections are falling short of budget targets, while departments from police to public works did not receive enough money to cover the services and programs they are expected to undertake.

That also includes the finance and budget departments that are working to prepare the administration’s spending plan for 2017. This week, Mayor Jones’ office announced it was bringing

in a $175-an-hour consultant on an emergency basis to assist in getting the budget done on time.

Tammy Hawley, the mayor’s press secretary, said the mayor approved the expenditure to assure that “a sound budget could be prepared.”

At the very least, the projected deficit shows how hard it will be for the School Board to get any traction on its request for an $18 million increase in city contributions to education in 2017.

While $9.6 million is a big number, this is not a huge shortfall. It amounts to 1.3 percent of the $689.2 million that was budgeted. However, as the city is required to finish the year with at least an even balance, the shortfall has to be addressed.

Although Ms. Cuffee-Glenn did not mention such actions, furloughs,

spending freezes and layoffs are traditional ways that governments and private businesses bring revenues and expenditures into balance.

Ms. Cuffee-Glenn assured the Finance Committee, led by Councilwoman Kathy C. Graziano, that she has asked the staff and all departments to look for ways “to generate efficiencies and identify savings to help eliminate or reduce the projected deficit.”

However, the budget shortfall could widen. Her projection did not include the $1.75 million the city spent on snow removal in late January and the smaller amount that was spent to keep streets open after a lighter February snow.

Only $700,000 had been budgeted for storm work, meaning that Public Works is now further in the hole. As of Dec. 31, it was already nearly $2

million over budget.

The big reason for the shortfall: City Council in its approved 2016 budget shifted $9 million to Richmond schools from departmental funding for personnel despite warnings from the administration that it would force cuts in services, ranging from alley maintenance to snow removal and availability of police officers and firefighters.

In her remarks to the Finance Committee, Ms. Cuffee-Glenn said she felt that the council needed better information on where the money would be used. For example, she said that for the past 20 years, the city has not included leaf pickup as a line item in the Public Works budget.

“There is a cost associated with that service,” she said, “and that cost should be reflected in the budget.”

Richmond Free Press

Raindrops in the West End

Editorial Page

A6

February 25-27, 2016

VOTE

Tuesday, March 1 Presidential primary elections Polls open 6 a.m.

Polls close 7 p.m.

2016 Virginia presidential primaries Tuesday, March 1, is a red-letter day in Virginia. It is the day that voters across the Commonwealth can go to the polls and select their preference for a Democratic or Republican nominee for president.

Both major political parties are holding primaries on the same day. And voters must choose whether they want to cast a ballot in the Democratic primary or the Republican primary. They cannot vote in both.

Your vote will help allocate delegates to the national conventions, where each party will choose who will run under their banner in the November presidential election.

The Democratic National Convention will take place July 25 through 28 in Philadelphia; the Republican National Convention will be held July 18 through 21 in Cleveland.

In 2008, President Obama ran on the campaign mantra, “Change we can believe in.” In 2012, his re-election slogan was “Forward.” In 2016, we are not there yet. An obstructionist GOP Congress has blocked the path of progress.

So now we are looking for the candidate with the vision, energy and ability to motivate and move the nation ahead on the next four-year leg of the journey.

Our choice: Anybody but one of the Republicans.

Already, we have witnessed a slugfest by a string of Republican candidates, all of whom are disappointing in their positions that hold no promise for progress for this nation or its citizens. Of the 13 GOP candidates certified to be on the Virginia ballot by the state Department of Elections, only five are left. Their shrill stances and meanspirited platforms would do little to improve the lives of the Free Press readership.

We believe a vote cast in the Republican primary would be a wasted vote because none of the GOP candidates are offering meaningful uplift for the African-American community.

Therefore, we urge our readers to use their votes to select one of the two Democratic candidates in this presidential nomination battle ‑— Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.

Both support raising the federal minimum wage – she says $12 per hour; he says $15 per hour.

Both support equal pay for women; higher taxes on the nation’s wealthiest citizens; universal pre-kindergarten for youngsters; background checks for all gun purchases; samesex marriage; a woman’s right to choose an abortion; and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Both opposed the Keystone Pipeline, want to abolish private prisons and believe the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision should be overturned in Citizens United that allows corporations to give unlimited campaign contributions to super PACs. He supports free public college tuition; she supports President Obama’s plan for tuition-free community college.

She supports leaving Obamacare in place; he wants to create a single-payer system for universal health care.

She has received millions in campaign cash and speaking fees from Wall Street; he is unbought on that score.

She has more foreign policy experience from her former role as secretary of state under President Obama. She supported the Iraq war; he did not.

We encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote on Tuesday, March 1. We also urge voters to remain engaged in the process through the final candidate selection process. The outcome of the Nov. 8 election will be critical to the future of this nation.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond voters stand in line at the Randolph Community Center to cast ballots in the November 2012 presidential election.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Afflicting the comfortable In American society, we claim to support freedom of speech as a cornerstone of our democracy. Yet when it comes to certain kinds of information — particularly ideas that threaten the basis for white supremacy — censorship suddenly becomes justifiable. A teaching tool created by the African American Policy Forum recently was subject to this form of censorship in Henrico County.

As part of Black History Month at Glen Allen High School, Ravi Perry, president of the National Association of Ethnic Studies, showed AAPF’s “Unequal Opportunity Race” video at an optional-attendance assembly. In consultation with school officials, Dr. Perry developed a program to facilitate dialogue with students about contemporary racial issues that responded to a recent instance of racism at the school.

The 4-minute video uses an age-old metaphor that represents opportunity in our society as a foot race that is rigged from the start. The video highlights racial obstacles that disadvantage nonwhite runners.

Through calling attention to hardships such as slavery, genocide, inferior education, housing discrimination, racial profiling and health disparities, the video displays that it is the conditions on the track rather

than the capacity of the runners that impede the advancement of some more than others.

Despite its accurate representation of historical events and ongoing racial inequities, the video has been demeaned as a “white guilt video” by a vocal minority, egged on by national outlets such as Fox News. Far more alarming than this backlash is Henrico School Board Chair Micky Ogburn’s apology. Denouncing the content as “racially divisive,” Ms. Ogburn proclaimed that “school leaders have been instructed

Kimberlé Crenshaw not to use the video in our schools.” Reportedly, students or teachers wishing to discuss the merits of the video are no longer permitted to view it on school premises.

In banning this video, the School Board rehearses a response to critiques of racial injustice that is as old as the

Luke Harris nation itself. It was once a criminal act punishable by heavy whipping for black people to read and write, squelching our capacity to contest the logic of an inhumane system.

Literature that challenged the moral basis for slavery was not only banned, but authors who produced them were punished by law. Throughout American history, vigilantes shut down printing presses and silenced abolitionists. Ida B. Wells was run out of Memphis and her paper was destroyed because she dared to question prevailing justifications for lynching.

These acts of terror were justified by those who believed that certain ideas should be quashed

by any means necessary.

Many Americans believe that this ugly history of racial suppression is forever locked in the past. Yet the barrage of racist hate messages that have supported the ban belie claims that criticisms of the video reflect colorblind values. To the contrary, the justification for censoring the “Unequal Opportunity Race” video is tied to white racial comfort.

According to Ms. Ogburn, the video was banned in response to those who were offended by the suggestion that “white people face fewer challenges than minorities and that the video portrays life being easier for white people.”

The critique now boils down to a demand that a video designed to present the continuing legacy of white supremacy cannot suggest that white people are advantaged by not having to confront the legacy of racebased obstacles.

Research suggests that such disgruntlement is not exclusive to Henrico County. A majority of white people apparently believes that they are now the most likely victims of racial discrimination. The School Board’s capitulation to these sentiments embodies a preference for dialogue in which any assertion of structural advantage is a non-starter.

Ironically, the power exercised by some white parents to dictate the terms of acceptable racial discourse is precisely the kind of racial advantage that cannot be named. Perhaps the only thing worse than exercising racial power is denying that it even exists.

The bottom line is that white discomfort with the “Unequal Opportunity Race” video is spilling over into public policy.

To put it plainly, in facilitating demands for racial comfort,

Voting: Powerful, transformative The 2016 election is historic, not only because we could elect the first woman president, but because for the first time in more than 50 years, this nation will vote without the protection of the Voting Rights Act, which kept discriminatory voting changes from becoming law. Under the guise of preserving election integrity, more than 37 states around the country, including Virginia, have implemented new voter ID laws designed to suppress the votes of certain citizens.

Actually, an ID always has been required to vote. But until now, a wider array of identification was acceptable, such as a utility bill or Social Security card or an employer or college-

issued photo ID. Mandating that only a government-issued photo ID is acceptable places an extra burden on every citizen to travel to the closest government office, which can be hundreds of miles away in big states like Texas, and pay whatever fee is

Rep. John Lewis required to purchase a new ID. People with driver’s licenses see no inconvenience, but for the poor, senior citizens, the disabled and rural voters, it is an added burden many cannot overcome.

That’s why the Democratic Party has been suing in Virginia and around the country to challenge these laws. The general counsel to Hillary Clinton’s campaign will represent the interests of the most vulnerable voters in this suit. Mrs. Clinton’s dedication to this issue has

been more long-standing than any other candidate. As a senator, she introduced legislation hailed as the “gold standard” for voting access, including automatic voter registration at birth, a national standard for early voting and an Election Day federal holiday so that nothing blocks the ability of citizens to make their voices heard.

People shed blood in this country so that you would have the right to vote. It is the most powerful transformative tool we have in our democracy. Though voter fraud is statistically nonexistent, this country has a long history of suppressing and restricting voting access. Make sure your candidate of choice demonstrates a commitment to unimpeded access to the ballot box. Exercise your right to vote on March 1.

The writer represents Georgia’s 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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.

the censorship of contested ideas about racial inequality is now taking place in Henrico County. This is a troublesome development in a society such as ours.

Surely there are other ways to foster healthy debate about contemporary forms of racial inequality, but the School Board cannot claim to be open to fostering critical reflection on these matters so long as the video remains banned.

Parents and students who value the perspective that the video represents are right to insist that the ban must be rescinded.

All those who value informed dialogue — whether they agree with the video or not — should stand with them.

The writers are co-founders of the African American Policy Forum. Ms. Crenshaw is a law professor at UCLA and Columbia Law School. Dr. Harris teaches American politics and constitutional law at Vassar College.

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Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2016

A7

Letters to the Editor

Hillary Clinton has ‘best plans to tackle the challenges’ Last week, I was proud to join the majority of members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus to express my support for Hillary Clinton.

I support Hillary because she has the best plans to tackle the challenges facing our community and a record of following through on her promises. As a young lawyer with the Children’s Defense Fund, Hillary worked on juvenile justice reform and fought to end school segregation in Alabama. Throughout her career, Hillary has worked to advance civil rights and access to health care.

President Obama chose Hillary as a partner in his administration as secretary of state. And in this role, she represented American interests well across the globe. Moreover, she is the only candidate who has promised to protect and build on one of President Obama’s most important accomplishments: The Affordable Care Act that has helped 18 million Americans obtain health insurance.

Hillary has called out systemic racism for what it is — in Flint, Mich., and in our broken criminal justice system — and laid out steps she will take as president to

guarantee justice and invest in communities that have been left behind.

I’ll be voting for Hillary on March 1 in Richmond, and I hope to see many of you at

DELEGATE JENNIFER MCCLELLAN Richmond

Email issue will follow Clinton if she wins nomination The big picture is the very real likelihood that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for president and should not be underestimated about getting into the White House.

If Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee, the email issues — exclusive use of a home private server and personal emails while secretary of state — will be front and center and linked to other foreign affairs and national security issues, including her vote on the Iraq war, the embassy attack in Benghazi, Libya, and the post-Gaddafi turmoil. That’s along with any ongoing FBI or new congressional investigations.

It’s hard to imagine that the negative attacks and ads that will come from the Trump campaign would not be a big problem for anyone, even the Clintons, to overcome.

Bernie Sanders’ campaign pass on pursuing this very serious issue during the Democratic

primary doesn’t lessen its importance as a national security issue, especially when cyber attacks are a major threat to the homeland.

Sen. Sanders’ pass on attacking Mrs. Clinton on this issue is in keeping with his campaign’s moral compass and style. That doesn’t mean it should be left out of the primary campaign conversation in such a tight race. It will be a major issue in the general election that can’t be overlooked now.

Primary voters and the public deserve to know about all of this. This presidential race is pivotal by any standard and the Clinton emails issue speaks to judgment on both sides.

South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn said “all’s fair” in campaigns during an interview about his endorsement of Mrs. Clinton. Sounds like a prediction and a heads up to Sen. Sanders.

SIMEON BOOKER III Washington

Tell someone about ‘our amazing heritage’ This month is Black History Month, the shortest month of the year. But no matter how brief, we still can illuminate ourselves concerning our splendid and marvelous contributions to the world. So, take some time to read about the struggles and tribulations of our people.

Thanks to a profoundly concerned Afro-American, Carter G. Woodson who commenced Black History Week in 1926, we can read about our heritage and refute the numerous myths that have been coined and propagated that continue to provoke diffidence in our people.

White people always are boasting about the greatness of their ancestors, and they are deeply proud of their heritage. We, too, should take pride in our heritage. But we don’t. There’s nothing wrong

the polls. Remember, one vote can make the difference!

with being ethnocentric. This could obliterate low self-esteem among our people.

In the past, black people showed no concern about “blackness” because of their limited information concerning our condition. Most black people felt we weren’t worth being praised because we had not contributed anything worthwhile to civilization.

But once again, truth has prevailed and the lies have been exposed. Thanks to Brother Woodson, we can tell someone about our unique and amazing heritage!

Mothers’ teach this to your children, that they might teach their children. – Joel 1:3 FARUQ SHABAZZ Richmond

Public Notice The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority Board of Directors Will meet Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 3:00 PM For their regular board meeting at 107 South Fifth Street, Richmond, VA 23219 2nd floor Room 203

Don’t forget your

Photo ID when you vote.

Virginia law now requires all voters to show an acceptable photo ID at the polls.

For more information or a FREE Voter Photo ID, contact your local voter registration office or the Virginia Department of Elections at elections.virginia.gov or call 800.552.9745.

Vote March 1st in Presidential Primaries VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT of ELECTIONS

Prime Office Space Available for Lease in the Historic Imperial Building

What role has Bernie Sanders played to help President Obama?

From his first day in office, President Obama has faced blistering attacks and unceasing obstruction from the Republicans in Congress. It continues today, as we witness their latest tactic to block anyone the president nominates to replace the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Their constant refusal to accord to our first African-American president the same respect and authority given all of his predecessors is a disgrace and a stain upon the character of this country.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has been a member of Congress for more than 25 years. So exactly what role has he played these past seven years to help President Obama govern this nation?

While Hillary Clinton was traveling the world as President Obama’s chief spokesperson for foreign policy, Sen. Sanders was launching criticisms against President Obama for attempting to work with congressional Republicans. For Sen. Sanders, compromising was an unforgivable betrayal. The final straw for me was his statement, prior to President Obama’s 2012 reelection bid, that he was thinking about finding a challenger to run against our president.

Many things give me great pause in jumping on the Bernie bandwagon. My support will go to the candidate who promotes a “progressive” agenda, has steadfastly had President Obama’s back and is someone I trust to protect the legacy of our phenomenal president. And it’s not Bernie Sanders.

OPHELIA GILLIAM Henrico County

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6 VIRGINIA 201

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General Assembly A message from Senator Donald McEachin

Sexual assault is an egregious heinous crime that happens all too often here in the Commonwealth. In 2012, there were 1,277 adult and juvenile arrests for sexual offenses including forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, forcible fondling, incest, and statutory rape. Of these arrests, fifteen percent were juvenile arrests. Nearly one-half (52%) of reported victims of forcible sex offenses, both male and female, were under the age of eighteen.

Approximately one in four (27%) of the reported forcible sex offenses were committed against family members or intimate dating partners. Unfortunately, sex offenses remain largely unreported to law enforcement. Just over one-half (55%) of those individuals who sought sexual violence crisis services in Virginia in 2012 had reported the incident to law enforcement. Some studies suggest that less than 20% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement authorities.

While providing numerous counseling and support services for victims, the Commonwealth needs to ensure it is doing everything possible to get convictions when sexual assaults are reported to the police. These convictions can be difficult to obtain because only two individuals were present – the perpetrator and the victim. Perpetrators have three defenses in Virginia which are to claim it was consensual, to say there was no actual rape and to say it is a case of mistaken identity. The last defense has become much more difficult with the sophisticated DNA tests now available. Fortunately, DNA has made it much harder to just claim it is a case of mistaken identity.

This year, in the General Assembly, Delegate Jennifer McClellan has introduced legislation that will further rape prosecutions. Her bill would require the Department of Criminal Justice Services to create training standards and a model policy for law-enforcement personnel involved in sexual assault investigations for the collection and storage of evidence, including sexual assault evidence. It would also mandate that the Department of State Police, local law-enforcement agencies and campus police departments collect and store any evidence obtained in sexual assault investigations, including physical evidence recovery kits in accordance with the model policy developed by the Department.

With the passage of this legislation, policies for handling and storing evidence would be standardized and improved, making it more likely that such evidence is available and usable for prosecutions. Considering the difficulty of sexual assault prosecutions and the additional hardship for the victim, this bill is an important step forward. When a victim decides to go forward with reporting and trial, we need to ensure the greatest likelihood of success and of being sure that all tools are available for prosecutors. We should not put victims through the additional tribulations of a trial if we do not have all the evidence we can. I will work with my colleagues to do everything we can to reduce sexual assault cases and ensure perpetrators are not on the streets seeking out other victims.

Please let me know your thoughts about this and any other pending legislation. Thank you for the great honor of serving you. If I can be of any help or to express your opinions, please contact me at district09@senate. virginia.gov or 698.7509. Additional information about the General Assembly can be found on my website at www.donaldmceachin.com.

Richmond Free Press

A8 February 25-27, 2016

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Thursday, Feb. 25 Quarterfinals, 1, 3, 7 and 9 p.m., broadcast live on ASPIRE TV. Virginia Union University plays at 9 p.m. against Shaw University.

Virginia State University will play at 3 p.m. against play-in survivor.

Friday, Feb. 26 Semifinals, 7 and 9 p.m.

Virginia State University in 7 p.m. bracket; Virginia Union University in 9 p.m. bracket.

Saturday, Feb. 27 Final, 7 p.m., delayed broadcast on ESPNU.

WOMEN’S SCHEDULE

MEN’S SCHEDULE

Tournament opens in Charlotte

CIAA Tournament Schedule Monday, Feb. 22, through Saturday, Feb. 27 Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C. The CIAA tournament opened with play-in games Tuesday and Wednesday for teams finishing fourth, fifth and sixth during the regular season.

Teams finishing first, second or third during the regular season advanced automatically to the quarterfinals.

Friday, Feb. 26 Semifinals, 1 and 3 p.m.

Virginia Union University plays at Virginia State University plays 3 p.m. after beating J. C. Smith 84- at 1 p.m. if successful in two 50 in Wednesday’s quarterfinals. play-in contests.

Saturday, Feb. 27 Final, 4 p.m., broadcast live on ASPIRE TV.

Trojans ready with Kevin Williams Lady Panthers seeking first title since 1982

Kevin Williams was worth waiting for. process. Academically, he needed work and enrolled at For two frustrating seasons, Virginia State University Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson, N.C., basketball Coach Lonnie Blow patiently cooled his heals, for the 2013-14 season. Then last year, he transferred to anticipating Williams’ arrival as a Trojan.

VSU but did not play while continuing to spruce up his Known as “Roc,” Williams has demonstrated this winter academic résumé. why Coach Blow kept the faith.

Not yet qualifying for a scholarship, he paid his own The 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior from Franklinton, way.

N.C., is arguably the tip-top reason VSU is 20-5 overall, “I didn’t play pick games, IMs or anything,” said 14-2 in the CIAA and heading to Williams. “All I was concerned the CIAA Tournament this week in with was making good grades and Charlotte, N.C., as the clear tournabecoming eligible.” ment favorite.

Also, Williams noted that when The Trojans men will open with he wasn’t studying, he was doing a 3 p.m. quarterfinal game Thursday, what he could to help his infant Feb. 25. daughter, Pashion Williams, living VSU seeks its third CIAA title in North Carolina. since the event’s inception in 1946.

“Even though she’s in Carolina, The Trojans prevailed in 1947 with we have a very close relationship,” Coach Harry Jefferson and in 1988 Williams said. under Coach Harold Deane.

Last season on game nights, Despite a gloomy past, the TroWilliams inconspicuously sat with jans may face a rosy future due, in friends in VSU’s Daniel Gymnasium part, to Williams joining the team. cheering section.

Any rust from two years of inactiv“I wanted to be out there so bad. ity quickly vanished.

It was very hard,” said Williams.

As a newcomer, he leads the Overhearing Williams’comment, team in scoring (14.5 points avera smiling Coach Blow chimed in: age), assists (2.6), three-pointers “It was hard on me, too.”

(48 of 118, 41 percent), freethrow *** shooting (52 of 62, 84 percent) and By extraordinary standards set minutes per game (28.3). under former Coach Dave Robbins, The 23-year-old relies on excepVirginia Union University also is tional quickness, court savvy and overdue for a CIAA title. leaping to average 4.5 rebounds The Panthers won the CIAA 13 per game. times between 1979 and 2006. But “The player I really compare him the team has gone six agonizing to physically is Allen Iverson,” said seasons without advancing.

Coach Blow. “I know some will This year, the Panthers will be feel that’s disrespectful to Iverson, alive at least until the quarterficomparing a college player to an nals on Thursday, when the team all-time NBA great. But they’re faces Shaw University at 9 p.m. much the same in terms of size, VUU lost 58-56 to Shaw Jan. 7 in speed, jumping ability, hand speed Richmond. on defense and shooting.”

VUU earned the No. 2 seed in Wearing the No. 3 jersey, the the CIAA’s Northern Division after number Iverson wore during an defeating Chowan University Feb. illustrious NBA career, Williams 20 to finish 15-13 overall and 8-8 stands out statistically in many in the CIAA. categories.

VUU Coach Jay Butler played On top of that, he’s added a on two tournament champion“wow” factor to VSU hoops. ship teams in the 1990s with “I’ve had so many people ask me Ben Wallace. He takes a talented ‘Who’s No. 3?,’ ” said Coach Blow. team to Charlotte showcasing Ray “Some of his dunks are amazing for Virginia State University’s Kevin Williams, Anderson. who leads the Trojans in scoring and a player his size.”

The lithe junior from WilmCoach Blow was coaching at assists, fires off a jump shot in a recent ington, Del., was second in CIAA St. Augustine’s University in 2012 game. scoring (20.7 points per game). when he began recruiting Williams at Louisburg College, He has hit 52 percent from the field and 75 percent at a two-year program in North Carolina. the foul line, while also averaging 4.3 rebounds and When Coach Blow moved to Ettrick in 2013 as the 3.5 assists.

Trojans’ coach, he continued to recruit the Junior College Despite individual accolades, the 6-foot-3 All-CIAA All-American. stalwart needs a strong tournament to establish himself Williams agreed to join Coach Blow at VSU, but as an “all-time” Panther. He is 0-3 in CIAA elimination there were extenuating circumstances that slowed the games.

VCU on the rise Coach Wade

Virginia Commonwealth University’s offensive efficiency is on the rise under first-year basketball Coach Will Wade.

The Rams are shooting better and scoring more than during former Coach Shaka Smart’s sparkling six-year run (180-65 record, five NCAAs).

After beating the University of Richmond 8774 last Friday at the sold-out (7,657 fans) Siegel Center, the Rams are averaging 78.3 points while hitting .457 from the field.

By comparison, the Rams averaged 72.5 points in Coach Smart’s final season, hitting .419 from the field.

The Rams are soaring in the standings as well as statistically.

VCU’s victory over the Spiders vaulted the Rams into first place in the Atlantic 10 Conference. VCU is a game up on St. Joseph’s and Dayton and two up on St. Bonaventure.

Only in Coach Smart’s first season (2009-10) did VCU shoot better (.462 while in the weaker Colonial Athletic Association) than Coach Wade’s current team.

No Smart team ever scored as much per game as Coach Wade’s club is doing now.

During a three-game winning streak over St. Louis (85-52), Rhode Island (83-67) and UR, VCU tallied at least 80 points while hitting more than 50 percent each game.

Overall, Coach Wade’s first edition team has scored more than 80 points on 13 occasions and reached 90 four more times.

The Rams revved their engines in dismantling a slower UR outfit that was hopelessly outmatched on defense. Led by Melvin Johnson’s 20 points, VCU hit .530 from the field (35 of 66), .500 behind the arc (11of 22) and 1.000 at foul line (6 of 6).

After leading 42-38 at the half, the Rams nailed their first six 3-pointers during the second half, extending their lead to as much as 18 points.

“M3LVIN’S” four 3-pointers tied him with B.A. Walker (127 games, 2003-2007) for career threes with 269. Johnson’s total has come in 134 games.

There is inspiring history associ- the sidelines during the VUU versus ated with Virginia Union University Norfolk State University final at the women’s basketball.

Norfolk Scope.

The problem is it’s mostly “anConference officials offered bereavcient” history. ing VUU the chance to bow out and First-year coach AnnMarie Gilbert, have the contest declared a “tie.” scintillating transfer Kiana Johnson Then known as the “Pantherettes,” and towering Lady Walker have helped the team opted to play — and play they freshen up the team’s résumé. did, with all their hearts, winning what The Lady Panthers headed to Char- would be their only CIAA tournament lotte, N.C., this week as the CIAA in their fallen coach’s honor. tournament favorite. VUU women Louis Hearn, who had been Coach dominated the regular season, going 22-2 overall and 14-2 in the conference.

VUU has averaged 86 points while allowing 64.2.

A former three-year starter at Michigan State University, Chicago native Johnson led the league in scoring (28.0 per game), assists (9.2) and steals (4.3).

Walker, a 6-foot-2 junior from Cleveland, was second in CIAA scoring (18.5 points) and first in rebounding (13.2).

Coach Gilbert is new to VUU, but Virginia Union University’s Lady Walker, left, won her husband, Assis- CIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors, while tant Coach Jonathan teammate Kiana Johnson was named CIAA Player Walker, was a Panthers of the Year. The awards were announced Monday standout during the at a CIAA Tournament luncheon.

Charles Oakley era of the 1980s.

Harris’ assistant, took over the team The Lady Panthers’ history brims under the most stressful of circumwith greatness and tragedy. stances.

In 1982, beloved Coach Tom Harris In 1983, a nucleus of the same cast collapsed and died of heart failure on won the NCAA Division II crown under Coach Hearn, beating defending champ California State Polytechnic Lady Panthers victorious University, Pomona, in the final in Virginia Union University’s CIAA Springfield, Mass.

Northern Division championship VUU narrowly missed repeating in women’s basketball squad is winning 1984, falling to Central Missouri State big in the postseason, too.

University in the NCAA finals.

The Lady Panthers swept the Golden era stars — all signed by major CIAA awards at Monday’s C I A A To u r n a m e n t Ti p - O f f Coach Harris — were Beanie WooLuncheon in Charlotte, N.C. ten, Vita Williams, Maria Nicholson, Coach AnnMarie Gilbert was Paris McWhirter, Sylvia Walker and named CIAA Coach of the Year.

Denise Kizzie.

Senior guard Kiana Johnson Coach Hearn (96-61 record 1982 won CIAA Player of the Year. to 1988) died in 2013.

Junior center Lady Walker was VUU hasn’t won a CIAA title since recognized as CIAA Defensive 1982 and has been back to the finals twice Player of the Year. since then — in 1983 and 2004.

And senior Taylor White is That’s a long time to get by on All-CIAA. memories.

Often the aggressor, VCU has forced 452 turnovers compared to 323 by its opponents. That gives the Rams a Plus 129-plus in possessions.

The Rams are now 49-27 against UR since 1976, and have won at least 20 games for 10 straight seasons.

The fans are buying what the Rams are selling. The full house for the game against UR was VCU’s 82nd straight sell-out.

Gazing forward, the Rams will lose seniors Johnson and Korey Billbury (11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds) but reinforcements have been sighted.

Coach Wade redshirted two freshman, 6-foot-9 Johnathan Nwankwo from Bronx, N.Y., and 6-foot-1 Samir Doughty from Philadelphia.

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press Incoming recruits are 6-foot-6 Virginia Commonwealth University forward Mo Alie-Cox De’Riante Jenkins of Santee, S.C., emphatically slams home two of his 12 points in the Rams’ 6-foot-4 Malik Crowfield of LaPlace, 87-74 win last Friday over the University of Richmond Spiders La., and 6-foot-5 Marquell Fraser of at the Siegel Center.

Hamilton, Canada.

J e n k i n s has helped the postgraduate squad at The senior from New York City has 93 3-pointers this go-round to pull within striking distance of the all-time Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., to a 41-1 record. seasonal leader Troy Daniels (124 in 2013).

Johnson, averaging 18.2 points overall, Coaching Comparisons is a solid Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Will Wade vs. Shaka Smart candidate.

Other VCU statistical leaders: Season Coach Record Scoring Shooting % JeQuan Lewis: Assists (135) and free- 2015-16 Wade 20-7 78.3 .457 throw shooting (.849).

2014-15 Smart 26-10 72.5 .419 Mo Alie-Cox: Blocked shots (42).

2013-14 Smart 26-9 75.0 .420 27-9 76.9 .450 Justin Tillman: Rebounds (5.7 per game), 2012-13 Smart 2011-12 Smart 29-7 68.0 .410 shooting percentage (dunk-aided .587).

2010-11 Smart 28-12 71.6 .434 Doug Brooks: Steals (60).

27-9 76.0 .462 The frenzied style billed as “Havoc” 2009-10 Smart Note: VCU averaged 71.8, 67.4 and 75.0 points in Anthony lives at VCU even though its originator, Grant’s three coaching seasons (2006-2009) and 74.0, 71.0, Coach Smart, is now coaching at the Uni70.0 and 67.7 in four seasons under Jeff Capel III (2002-2006). versity of Texas.

February 25-27, 2016 B1

Richmond Free Press

DiamonDs • Watches JeWelry • repairs 19 East Broad strEEt richmond, Va 23219 (804) 648-1044

Happenings

Personality: Sonny Strong Spotlight on karate Grand Master Grand Master Sonny Strong earned his first belt in karate 44 years ago.

Today, the Richmond resident is still fit as a fiddle, getting his kicks in the sport by teaching karate classes at the Downtown YMCA. Mr. Strong has been teaching karate to children and adults for 38 years.

He says he loves being an instructor because “I meet a lot of people.”

He estimates that he has taught thousands of people, ranging from toddlers to senior citizens.

The chief benefit of karate, Mr. Strong says, is that “you learn how to defend yourself.”

Mr. Strong is a ninth degree black belt. That is one rank beneath the highest level one can achieve in the sport.

He has earned the designation of “Grand Master,” a title used to describe or address senior or experienced martial artists.

Mr. Strong says he caught the karate bug when he was lifting weights at the Downtown YMCA in 1970 and heard karate students in a nearby class. He asked the instructor how much it would cost to take a class and mentioned that he was 36 years old.

The instructor told him age “was no barrier” to learning karate.

The rest is martial arts history for Mr. Strong. He earned his first black belt in 1976. Two years later, he became an instructor at the YMCA. Mr. Strong says karate has taught him “good selfcontrol.”

He says he practices the form of martial arts known as Chinese Kenpo, which is a fighting style that has a mixture of Chinese and Japanese origins.

As part of that style, he has broken cinder block slabs during demonstrations.

Here’s a look at this week’s hard-hitting Personality, Sonny Strong:

like stretching, sit-ups, push-ups, leg lifts, lying on our backs and doing the bicycle with the legs. It takes half an hour to 35 minutes to warm up. After that, they’re ready.

What is a good age to enroll a child in karate: The YMCA policy is 8 years old. I say between 4 and 5 years old. In the tournaments, they have divisions for children 5 and 6 years old.

Yo u n g e s t s t u d e n t you’ve taught: 8 years old.

Oldest student you’ve taught: 60 years old.

Date and place of birth: Aug. 10 in Detroit.

How popular are your classes: In the 1970s, 1980s and the mid-1990s, I had so many students we had to move into the small gym. Our classes are smaller now.

Your instructor’s name: John Waters.

Why are fewer children participating in karate: When children get home from school nowadays, the first thing they do is get on their computers.

They don’t want to go to the gym to play other sports or participate in karate.

How do you prepare for your classes: Warm-up exercises

Do your students participate in tournaments: When they join my class, we train them for tournaments. We usually go to tournaments every other Saturday. When we go to the tournaments, they go by belt division and by their age groups.

Describe one self-defense move someone can do: Breaking the chokehold. Like if you go in the parking lot to the car and a guy walks up on you and starts choking you or puts you in a bear hug from behind. I teach a lot of self-defense about breaking the hold and taking your opponent down.

What are the benefits of ka-

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rate: It keeps me in shape and as I get older, it keeps me able to defend myself. When you get up in age, you’re slower.

As long as you stay active in a martial arts class, you’re able to defend yourself.

Have you ever had to use karate for self-defense: So many people know me that they might think twice about doing that. By luck, so far, I haven’t been approached.

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What is required to take karate: You wear loose clothes just starting off. We get together as black belts and we find out what size uniform they wear and we order the uniform for the students.

How would others describe you: He doesn’t play, as far as the art is concerned. He’s very serious about what he does in martial arts.

My next goal is: Hoping that the class will grow in numbers so I can continue to teach karate.

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Thursday, March 24 | 5:30 p.m

When Arthritis Affects the Foot and Ankle Arthritis is a common cause of pain and disability involving the joints in the hips, as well as the joints in the foot and ankle.

Join Dr. Tejas Patel as he discusses both surgical and nonsurgical options that provide symptomatic relief.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 February 25-27, 2016

Happenings 85-year-old barber takes shears from 2nd Street to South Side

Hattitude to honor 5 Free Press President/Publisher Jean Patterson Boone and four other women will be honored by the Cavalier Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association during its “Hats Off to Women” awards luncheon, Hattitude 2016.

The luncheon will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 9901 Midlothian Turnpike.

The program celebrates Women’s History Month by honoring five outstanding women in the Richmond area, according to organizers.

Also to be honored at the event are historian and author Elvatrice Belsches, co-founder of the Central Virginia African-American Genealogical and Historical Society; Sharon Oliver, publisher of CEO Magazine; Samantha Thompson, founder and president of Esteem Teens; and Thelma Bland Watson, executive director of Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging.

Richmond native C. Gail Bassette, Maryland’s secretary of general services, will deliver the keynote address.

Tickets are $45 and may be purchased at Eventbrite. com, or through Sylvia Buffington-Lester at (804) 387-3702 or via email at msbuff@verizon.net.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

William and Ora Lomax, relax at home as they prepare to launch a combination barber-beauty shop on South Side.

Below, view of Mr. Lomax’s longtime barbershop at 420 N. 2nd Street that he is leaving behind.

Jackson Ward is losing another longtime fixture — barber William Lomax.

For more than 62 years, Mr. Lomax cut hair in shops on 2nd Street, the Jackson Ward community’s main commercial corridor.

Now 85, he’s leaving. He has given up his shop at 420 N. 2nd St. and is heading to South Side to launch a new barbering operation.

He and his wife, Ora Lomax, who previously owned a beauty shop next door to the barbershop, have been invited by a friend, Pastor Mario Beckles, to run a combination barber and hair salon operation at 3093 Hull St. The space is in the same block as the church that Pastor Beckles founded and leads, Pan De Vida Minestrerio (Bread of Life Ministries).

Pastor Beckles said he wants the Lomaxes to operate in the renovated space as part of improvements to the area the church is spearheading.

The shop already is outfitted, the pastor said, but needs experienced hands to get the envisioned operation off the ground.

The Lomaxes will bring other connections.

Both are known for their work with the Richmond Branch NAACP, particularly Mrs. Lomax, who served more than three decades as adviser to the branch’s youth programs.

“I’m happy for this opportunity,” said Mr. Lomax, who started Wednesday as head barber.

Mrs. Lomax said she planned to start Thursday in managing the hair salon.

“It was time to move on,” Mr. Lomax said.

“Many of my regular customers on 2nd Street have passed away or are in nursing homes so I didn’t have as many people coming in.”

Mr. Lomax said he learned his trade at Maggie L. Walker High School. After graduation in 1949, he started working at Scotty’s Barber Shop near the Hippodrome Theater. The barbershop was among the buildings that later were torn down to make room for the four-story Jackson Center office building.

Except for the two years he served in the Army in the 1950s, Mr. Lomax has been barbering in the Jackson Ward community. He took over Scotty’s after the deaths of the original owner, Robert Scott, Mr. Scott’s wife and Mr. Scott’s barber son-in-law.

When Jackson Center came along, Mr. Lomax took a chair in Walter Gay’s shop at 420 N. 2nd St. and then took over the operation about 15 years ago following Mr. Gay’s death.

He has sold the shop to another barber.

“Times change, and I have to change with them,” he said.

Va. officials propose commission Blood drive Monday on 400th anniversary of Africans in U.S. to raise sickle cell awareness

By James Wright Special to the Trice Edney News Wire

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott want to set up a federal panel to study the contributions and accomplishments of black people in America.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Rep. Don Beyer of Northern Virginia, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Rep. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina and Hilary Shelton, director of the national NAACP Washington Bureau, joined Sen. Kaine and Rep. Scott on Feb. 11 in announcing the introduction of the “400 Years of African-American History Act.” The bill would establish a commission to plan nationwide programs and activities in 2019 to recognize the arrival and influence of Africans in America.

Sen. Kaine noted that other racial and ethnic groups have had similar commissions.

“I’ve been lucky to be a part of federal commissions that have been formed to study and celebrate English and Hispanic history,” Sen. Kaine said. “Well, if English lives matter, if Latino lives matter, then African-American lives matter and they’ve mattered every day since the landing of those ‘20 and odd’ African-Americans at Point Comfort, Va. The story has a lot of pain to it, but it’s a story that has to be told to commemorate that we, as a nation, had it not been for 400 years

of African-American history, would have been absolutely unrecognizable.”

Sen. Kaine, in referencing other commissions, was pointing out the 400th anniversary of the founding of Sen. Kaine Jamestown that took place in 2007 by the English, and the 450th anniversary in 2005 of the founding of St. Augustine, Fla., by the Spanish.

The first Africans to come to American shores permanently arrived in 1619 on a Dutch ship. They were believed by historians to be indentured servants. Black people could become full citizens in the Virginia colony a few years after their arrival, but restrictions starting in 1639 eventually led to the establishment of slavery based on skin color in 1662.

The legislation calls for the appointment of a 15-member commission. The commissioners will be uncompensated, but will have travel expenses covered. The legislation states that grants will be available for work related to the commission and a final report on the project will be issued on July 1, 2020, the date the commission is scheduled to close down.

“The commission established by this bill

will be charged with the important task of planning, developing and implementing a series of programs and activities through 2019 that fully tells the story ofAfrican-Americans, their contributions to Rep. Scott the fabric of our nation and their resilience over the last 400 years,” said Rep. Scott, the first African-American to represent Virginia in Congress since 1890.

Sen. Warner said that “confronting the sins of our nation’s past is the only sure way to move toward a brighter future.”

Rep. Beyer said the commission could serve as a beacon in the country’s “march toward racial equality,” and noted the bipartisan support for the bill that includes Reps.

Randy Forbes and Scott Rigell, both of whom are Republican. The elected officials at the announcement were all Democrats.

The bill “will offer an important opportunity for discussion on a number of issues, including the ever-growing influence of people of African descent in the daily lives of all Americans,” Mr. Shelton said.

“The NAACP would like to thank Sen. Kaine and Rep. Scott, as well as the cosponsors of this important legislation, for their efforts, vision and foresight.”

Smithsonian African-American history museum to open Sept. 24 Free Press wire reports

The Smithsonian Institution will open the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Sept.

24 in Washington.

Smithsonian chief spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas said President Obama will lead the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A weeklong celebration will follow, including a three-day festival showcasing popular music, literature, dance and film, and a period in which the museum on the National Mall will be open for 24 consecutive hours.

National The celebration also will include events co-hosted by museums around the United States and in Africa.

“After 13 years of hard work and dedication on the part of so many, I am thrilled that we now have this good news to share,” said Lonnie Bunch, the museum’s founding director.

He said the museum will offer exhibitions and programs “to unite and capture the attention” of people around the world.

“It will be a place for healing and reconciliation, a place where everyone can explore the story of America through the lens of the African-American experience,” he said.

Since legislation was signed creating the museum in 2003, the museum has built a collection of 11 exhibits to trace the history of slavery, segregation, civil rights and African-Americans’ achievements in the arts, entertainment, sports, the military and the wider culture.

Highlights include a segregation-era Southern Railway car, Nat Turner’s Bible, Michael Jackson’s fedora, a slave cabin from

Virginia Blood Services will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, at The Shops at White Oak Village, 4500 S. Laburnum Ave., in Henrico County to raise awareness of sickle cell anemia.

Joining the effort are Richmond area radio stations iPower 92.1, KISS 99.3/105.7, Praise 104.7 and Newstalk 1240.

The drive will be held near the DTLR urban footwear and apparel store.

Sickle cell anemia is a chronic, inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. It causes episodes of intense pain.

According to a news release, one in 13 African-Americans is born with the sickle cell anemia trait, with more than 100,000 people affected by the disease.

For more information on the drive, visit www.vablood.org or call (800) 989-4438.

Free legal services clinic for veterans on March 1

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and the Virginia State Bar, has scheduled pro bono Veterans Legal Services Clinics across the state.

They are designed to provide estate planning services to lowincome veterans, according to a news release.

Volunteer attorneys from Mr. Herring’s office and the VSB will help veterans draft wills, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives.

The services are being offered Tuesday, March 1, at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Parham Road Campus, 1651 E. Parham Road, in Henrico County.

Hourlong time slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, veterans and their spouses must fill out an intake questionnaire on the attorney general’s website or at their local Virginia Department of Veterans Services Benefits Center.

Additional details, including qualifications and sign-up links, are at http://ag.virginia.gov/index.php/veteranslegalservices.

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a Edisto Island, S.C., plantation, Harriet Tubman’s hymnal and works by artists including Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Henry O. Tanner and Charles Alston.

Artifacts on loan from other institutions also will be on display, such as two documents signed by President Abraham Lincoln — the 13th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation.

A team led by David Adjaye, a celebrated Tanzanian-born architect, designed the building, which is located on a 5-acre site on Constitution Avenue between 14th and 15th streets N.W. The 400,000-square-foot building has five levels above ground and four below ground. Among its signature spaces is a “Contemplative Court,” a water- and light-filled memorial area that will offer visitors a quiet space for reflection. It also will have a reflecting pool at the south entry and a series of openings, or “lenses,” throughout the exhibition space that will frame views of the Washington Monument, the White House and other Smithsonian museums.

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Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2016

B3

Faith News/Directory ‘Speak Out’ to honor trailblazers in law enforcement Feb. 28 The Reconciliation Church of God in Christ’s Youth Department is hosting “Speak Out,” an event celebrating posthumously five AfricanAmerican trailblazers in law enforcement.

The free commemoration will be 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at the church, 630 E. 16th St., in South Side.

Those to be honored are Bass Reeves of Paris, Texas, the first African-American U.S. deputy marshal west of the Mississippi River in 1875; Georgia Ann Robinson of the Los Angeles Police Department, the first African-American female police officer in 1916; William B. Lindsay of the Illinois State Police, the first African-American state trooper in 1941; Wiley G. Overton, the first AfricanAmerican police officer in New York City in 1891; and Lucius Amerson, the first AfricanAmerican sheriff in the South since Reconstruction in Macon County, Ga., in 1966.

The event will include musical performances and guest speakers, according to a news release.

For more information, call (804) 233-0274.

Anthony Brown & group therAPy wins record 10 Stellar Awards Free Press wire report

LAS VEGAS Anthony Brown & group therAPy made history at the 2016 Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

The Baltimore group won 10 Stellar Awards, the most in the ceremony’s 31-year history.

The winners were announced at the event Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena.

The awards show honored the best of gospel music’s artists, writers and industry professionals with rousing and spirit-filled performances.

Mr. Brown, who serves as assistant minister of music at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Hyattsville, Md., gave all honor to God as he and his group won for their second album, “Everyday Jesus.” Their single “Worth” was named Song of the Year. Mr. Brown and Justin Savage won Producer of the

Riverview

Baptist Church 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

Anthony Brown

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”

7643 Hull Street Road (Off Pocoshock Blvd)

2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224

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

FirstM iBaptist Church dlothian

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Elder Maricia S. Hayes, Pastor

Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

WELCOME TO “THE UPPER ROOM” Morning Worship Service: 10:00 a.m.

(1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays) Sanctuary Prayer: 9:45 am 3RD SATURDAY EVENING Worship Service: 5:00 pm

Sunday Service 10 a.m.

Church School 8:45 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m.

Transportation Services 232-2867

Ministering Encouragement and Hope WEDNESDAY “HOUR OF POWER” Bible Study: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 2ND & 4TH SATURDAY MORNING Prayer Meeting: 8 am – 9 am

“Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”

Moore Street

Spread the Word

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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.

To advertise your church: Worship Service • Gospel Concert Vacation Bible School Homecoming • Revival

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

New Mercies Ministry 6:00 A.M. Youth Bible Study 6:00 P.M. Adult Bible Study 6:30 P.M.

Church School 9:45AM Worship 11:00AM

Tuesday

Bible Study 12 Noon

Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

2016 Theme: The Year of Restoration

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8775 Mount Olive Avenue Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 262-9614 Phone (804) 262-2397 Fax www.mobcva.org

Tuesdays

Noon Day Bible Study

Wednesdays

6:30 p.m.

Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study

1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

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 with Word, Worship and Witness 10:40 AM Worship and Praise

Sunday, February 28, 2016 11:00 AM Divine Worship Message by: Pastor Bibbs

Rev. Pernell J. Johnson, Pastor

5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org



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.

Radio Ministry: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. {1540 AM}

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Mosby Memorial Baptist Church

“A Community Committed to Loving, Listening and Learning While Launching into our Future.”

February 28, 2016

Join us for Morning Worship!

We will be having our Annual Black History Celebration.

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 7:00 P.M.

Go online to follow the Lenten Season outline: Refule 2016: 40 Days of Prayer Rev. Dr. Yvonne 400 South Addison Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park) (804) 359-3498 • Fax (804) 359-3798 Jones Bibbs, Pastor

St. Peter Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities Sundays: Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

8 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11 A.M.

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays) Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10 A.M. Thursdays: Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M. (Children/Youth/Adults) 2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 (804) 276-0791 office (804)276-5272 fax www.ndec.net

20th NDEC Founders’ & Church Anniversary Banquet

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mosbymemorial.org Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis, Pastor

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

THURSDAYS

Sixth Baptist Church

Broad Rock Baptist Church

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 • Email: ebcoffice1@comcast.net • web: ebcrichmond.org

8:00 a.m.

Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship

WEDNESDAYS 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study

Van Transportation Available, Call 804-794-5583

“The People’s Church”

Mount Olive Baptist Church

SUNDAYS 8:00 a.m. .... Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. .... Church School 11:15 a.m. ...Morning Worship

Organizing A Community Celebration Youth Choir Ages 5-18 Call Wanda West (804) 272-5169 You Don’t Have To Be A Member Of This Church

1858

Sundays

22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219 • 643-3825 thesharonbaptistchurch.com Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

7:00PM Prayer & Praise 8:15PM

The People's Paper

Dr. Levy M. Armwood, Pastor  Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

“The Church With A Welcome”

Prayer Power Series Message #8

Ebenezer Baptist Church



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.

Wednesday Youth & Adult Bible Study

Richmond Free Press

Sunday Church School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Service of Holy Communion Every 3rd Sunday Service of Baptism 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

FORUM ON RACE Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis, Pastor “Getting Real and Getting Free From Our Fears and Frustrations-Two Congregations Talk Honestly About Race” Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 1:30 PM Partner Church-Second Presbyterian Moderator- Michael Paul Williams Richmond Times Dispatch

13800 Westfield Dr., Midlothian,VA 23113 804-794-5583 • www.fbcm1846.com

Sunday

call 804-644-0496

Bible Study 12 noon

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Service Times

North Chesterfield, VA 23236 (804) 833-9493 or (804) 585-9186

Markets.

Other honorees included: • Ms. Cobbs for the Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year.

• Casey J as New Artist of the Year.

• O’landa Draper, who was saluted Cobbs posthumously with the Allstate James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Willie Joe Ligon, founder and lead vocalist of The Mighty Clouds of Joy, with the Chevrolet Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award.

• Dr. Marabeth Gentry & the Thomas A. Dorsey Foundation with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.

The awards are scheduled to be aired on TV One at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. Sunday, March 6.

Sharon Baptist Church

Tuesday

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 CHILDREN’S CHURCH - 11A.M.

Grace Evangelistic Ministries Church

Zion Baptist Church

Year for “Everyday Jesus.”

“As a baritone, as a lower voice, as a raspy voice person, I never felt good enough to sing, period,” Mr. Brown told the audience. “I always felt like my voice was a curse.

Tasha And then one day, God told me, ‘I gave you what I wanted to give you.

And I want you to use it for my glory.’ ” The Stellar Awards also honored Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago’s “Any Given Sunday” with four awards. Tasha Cobbs won three honors for her album, “One Place Live.”

Also at the awards, Richmond-based gospel radio station Praise 104.7 FM was honored as Gospel Radio Station of the Year for Medium

o

everence e with e evanc R ing Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin ❖

SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. ❖

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. ❖

MONDAY-FRIDAY Nutrition Center and Clothes Closet 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office www.31sbc.org

Saturday, March 12, 2016 - 5 P.M. Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

Monday February 8, 2016

The Omni Richmond Hotel 100 S. 12th St., Richmond, VA 23219 For more information and to purchase your banquet tickets go to:

Corporate Prayer Attendance - 175

www.ndec.net

Sunday

Women With Mission and Purpose Conference 2016!

8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service

Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m.

Attendance - 82 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m.

Attendance - 127

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online!

Also, for your convenience.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 through Saturday, April 16, 2016

Theme:

In His Presence - "Striving for Total Wellness" - Mind, Body & Spirit

Breakfast

Saturday, April 16, 2016 9 A.M. - Doubletree Hotel For more information and to register visit

www.ndec.net

Richmond Free Press

B4 February 25-27, 2016

Faith News/Directory

Area churches collecting water for Flint relief The Baptist General Convention of Virginia’s Social Concerns Commission and Health Ministry has organized a “Fresh Water for Flint” drive to aid residents of the Michigan city in the ongoing water contamination crisis.

Donations of bottled water are being accepted on weekdays at three Richmond churches through Tuesday, March 1.

Those churches are Fourth Baptist Church, 2800 P St. in the East End; First African Baptist Church, 2700 Hanes Ave. in North Side; and Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St. in the West End. Donations are being accepted at First African and Fourth Baptist churches from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at

Fifth Baptist from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The donations are to be shipped for distribution via Flint-based Hand of God Ministries.

“As compassionate citizens, we have a great opportunity to assist families in need of help by coming together in this effort,” said Fourth Baptist Pastor Emory Berry Jr., co-chair of

the Baptist General Convention of Virginia’s Social Concerns Commission.

“We realize that none of us are immune to misfortune and it is our responsibility to help where we can,” Dr. Berry added.

For more information on the water drive: call Dr. J. Elisha Burke at (804) 228-2421 or Dr. Berry at (804) 644-1013.

At African-American churches

Fellowship with heaps of food

By Frederick H. Lowe Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNewsToday.com

After the Fourth Sunday of Advent Service in December, members and guests of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, a mostly African-American church on Chicago’s West Side, celebrated by hosting a special Advent brunch.

And special it was. Spread out on two long tables in a second-floor room between the kitchen and the pastor’s office were big aluminum pans of ham, turkey, fried chicken, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, gravy, slices of white bread, salad, salad dressings and collard greens. For dessert, there was peach cobbler and several varieties of cookies, along with hot coffee, tea, sodas and water.

Church members sat in folding chairs, balancing their plates on their laps, eating, talking and laughing, often going for seconds.

Some members ate in a back room where there was a table.

Father Christopher Griffin, St. Martin’s pastor, held a plate overflowing with food in one hand. His stomach sticks out well over his belt buckle. When asked if he was concerned This plate is loaded with the typical tasty, high-calorie comfort food served about his weight, he said, “Sure, I’d like to American churches. lose weight. Doesn’t every American?”

The gathering went on for several hours before members, at the University of Michigan, during a seminar at Novemwho also include Asians, Hispanics and white people, washed ber’s Gerontological Society of America conference held in the plates, pots and pans before cleaning the kitchen to go Orlando, Fla. home.

He explained that even middleclass or wealthy AfricanThere was so much food, church members saved the leftovers Americans suffer from daily microaggressions — subtle or for the dinner that would be served after the Christmas Eve not so subtle racist insults — in which they are unjustly viewed as thieves or suspected criminals because of their skin color.

Women clutch their purses in fear when they see black men.

Armed security guards follow black male shoppers throughout stores believing black men may be there to steal, not to shop.

A cop in a retail store gripping the butt of his gun at the sight of a black man who is minding his own business sends an unambiguous message of threat.

Security guards at the former Marshall Field’s Department Store on Chicago’s State Street called black men “88s.” That’s a white supremacist term for “Heil Hitler,” a black security guard said. “The letter “H” is the eighth letter of the alphabet; thus the term“88.”

“Many black Americans live in chronically precarious and difficult environments,” according to the study “Race and Unhealthy Behaviors: Chronic Stress, the HPA [hypothalamic pituitary adrenalcortical] Axis and Physical and Mental Health Disparities Over the Life Course.”

Dr. Jackson and co-authors Dr. Katherine M. Knight and Dr. Jane A. Rafferty wrote, “These environments produce stressful Father Christopher Griffin, left, of St. Martin’s Episcopal living conditions, and often the most accessible options for adChurch in Chicago talks with church members and guests dressing stress are various unhealthy behaviors, e.g., smoking, during a brunch after Advent service. drinking, drug use and so on.” service. In addition to the special meals, there’s coffee hour, They continue, “These unhealthy behaviors may have a saluwhich is held most Sundays. Large amounts of food are also brious effect by helping stave off mental health disorders among served at coffee hour. some race groups.” But, they found, those behaviors combined with stressful living “create large physical disparities that are unfavorable to Blacks.”

High obesity rate Dinners served after church services have been used by some to explain the high obesity rates among black people. At Women seek comfort; men, the gym the same time, the calorie-laden dinners also provide fellowBlack women often reduce stress by overeating comfort foods, ship for African-Americans, a sense of easy community they beginning at an early age, largely because they are encouraged may not experience elsewhere during the week, particularly to do so by their mothers, female relatives and friends. given the prevalence of racially motivated slights, the tense “Overeating is an effective, early, well-learned response to anticipation of slights, or worse, the possibility of violent chronic environmental stressors that only strengthens over the physical assault. life course,” Dr. Jackson said.

African-American men and women who eat high-fat comAfrican-American women may not exercise because they don’t fort foods, such as macaroni and cheese, register higher rates want to mess up their hair. It is expensive to have it straightened of obesity than most other groups in the United States. These and styled with a hot curling iron. White women, on the other men and women, however, took different paths on the road to hand, can wash and blow-dry their hair daily and usually do this excessive girth. In both cases, many African-Americans end up without the assistance or the expense of a hair stylist. suffering from such debilitating physical ailments as diabetes, African-American men, however, begin exercising at a young high blood pressure and heart disease that shorten their lives age to maintain their strength and weight. If they become competicompared with other racial and ethnic groups. tive athletes, they have opportunities to win college scholarships and possibly play professional sports.

Eating to reduce stress However, when they reach middle age, they gain weight African-Americans eat high-fat foods as a way to reduce because their bodies begin to break down, making exercise stress, which comes from living in poverty and residing in much more difficult. Unable to exercise as they did when they neighborhoods with inadequate housing and high crime rates, were younger to reduce stress, the men smoke cigarettes, drink said Dr. James S. Jackson of the Institute for Social Research alcohol and self medicate with illegal drugs.

Spread the Word To advertise your church: call 804-644-0496

Richmond Free Press We care about you and Richmond.

Low-income white women on drugs Middleage black men are not the only ones who are smoking, drinking and using illegal drugs in growing numbers. These behaviors are occurring with much greater frequency with lowerclass white women, especially in rural areas, because they have been pushed out of traditional low-wage jobs that require little to no education, Dr. Jackson explained. Those jobs often go to cheaper migrant labor.

The Sentencing Project, a Washingtonbased think tank concerned with judicial reform, reported that the numbers of white women sentenced to prison rose 48 percent from 2000 to 2009.

In Ohio, for example, white women, many from the state’s rural areas, are the fastestgrowing population in Ohio prisons, according to state records.

“There’s high meth use in rural white areas,” Dr. Jackson said.

The growth in the use of methamphetamines and opioids has gotten the attention of Congress, which at one time wanted to at many African- lock up inmates and throw away the key when most, if not all, were black men. With hard drug use spreading now among the white middle class and in rural areas, congressional support is growing for declaring drug abuse a health issue.

“This shows you how policy blinds you to what is going on in front of your face,” Dr. Jackson said.

Nearly 40 percent of black men, 60 percent of black women obese According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37.9 percent of black men age 20 and older were obese from 2009 to 2012, compared with 57.6 percent of black women during the same time period. Obesity, a medical term, is characterized by excess body fat. It is calculated based on a person’s height and weight, according to the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Jackson said.

Dr. Jackson “This is a very complicated issue,” he explained. “You have the perfect storm factors. You have gender and cultural issues. Girls learn this behavior from their mothers who often eat big meals following Sunday church service or even daily. In so doing, mothers signal to their daughters it’s OK to be overweight.”

African-American men also encourage black women to be obese.

“Being skinny isn’t valued,” Dr. Jackson said.

In the critically acclaimed 2014 movie “Top Five,” starring comedian Chris Rock, the character “Silk,” played by actor J. B. Smoove, constantly hits on heavyset black women. Silk, who complains that women who are trim are too skinny for him, even targets a policewoman, whom he suggestively urges to lock him up. When Silk sees another obese black woman, he says, “Ooh. I love a big girl. You move with a lot of confidence.” A big smile lights up her face. Such incidents are taken from real life and inevitably make their way into reel life.

Church dinners provide food and fellowship Sunday church dinners provide fellowship for AfricanAmericans, refuge from a world where feeling accepted is not always possible. A half-century after the Civil Rights Movement sit-ins, African-Americans may not be served in Chicago restaurants or may receive poor service to discourage their return. This Chicago-based reporter was turned away from a local restaurant, even though there were plenty of empty tables. And I was placed in a seating area with no waitress service at another restaurant. The hostess wanted me to leave. I did.

But black churches, along with their big meals, provide a place for fellowship, a custom that began in slavery. People are welcomed.

“Sunday was the only day blacks were free. At church, black people were somebody. They held positions in the church, such as deacon. They were honored and welcomed,” Father Griffin said. “They then sat down to eat and enjoy their day.”

Zion Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA Minister of Music

Zion Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA is seeking a Minister of Music to provide leadership to a music ministry which is known throughout the area.

The Pastor of Zion Baptist Church is Pastor Michael E. Shannon, Sr. The Minister of Music, in collaboration with the Pastor, plans and administers music for all worship services, including funerals, special services and church programs. Plays the organ and piano. Provides leadership and supervision to a comprehensive music ministry that includes multiple choirs/ensembles, intergenerational volunteers of various musical styles and abilities. Provides leadership and supervision for the accompanying musicians, volunteers and singers and for a Praise and Worship team.

Average of 29 hours per week. Hourly $13.93 - $15.92, ($21K-$24K).

The Minister of Music position at Zion Baptist Church is open until filled.

Applications will be evaluated when received; however, the position will remain open until an individual has been chosen for the position. For more information and to apply, please visit www.zionbaptistpetersburgva.org.

Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2016 B5

Legal Notices/ Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has sceduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 7, 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, March 14, 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 ordinance: Ordinance No. 2016-035 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3410 Cutshaw Avenue for the purpose of single-family and two-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 79-118-111, adopted Jul. 23, 1979. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends Singlefamily (Medium Density) land uses 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 of worship, and neighborhood parks, among others. The proposed special use permit would allow a residential density of approximately 32 units per acre.

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 Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 14, 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. 2016-030 To amend City Code § 4-91, concerning cattle, horses, mules, or goats running at large, for the purpose of making it unlawful to permit any animal or fowl, other than dogs or cats, to run at large and providing for the disposition of any animal or fowl found running at large and seized by the Director of the Office of Animal Care and Control.

Ordinance No. 2016-031 To amend ch. 2, art. VII of the City Code by adding therein a new div.

3, consisting of new §§ 2-1361—2-1366, for the purpose of establishing an open data policy to govern the future use of the City’s open data portal. (Committee: Governmental Operations, Thursday, February 25, 2016, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-032 To amend ch. 2, art. III, div. 6 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 2-188, concerning the City Auditor’s role in information technology projects, for the purpose of requiring that a representative of the Office of the City Auditor be included in the implementation of any projects involving information technology systems with an estimated cost of at least $1,000,000.

(Committee: Governmental Operations, Thursday, February 25, 2016, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-033 To amend ch. 2, art.

III, div. 7 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 2-216, concerning the obstruction of inspector general investigations, to provide that certain employees who obstruct inspector general investigations by denying the Office of the City Auditor, when not required by law to so deny, immediate access to information are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination by their appointing authority. (Committee: Governmental Operations, Thursday, February 25, 2016, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-034 To amend ch. 2, art. V, div.

1 of the City Code by adding therein a new § 2-763, concerning the making of certain appointments by the Chief Administrative Officer, for the purpose of providing for the Chief Administrative Officer to designate the City’s technical representative Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

and alternate technical representative on the Technical Advisory Committee of the Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. (Committee: Governmental Operations, Thursday, February 25, 2016, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) 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 CHESTER ROBINSON, Plaintiff v.

SHANA ROBINSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15002628-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 14th day of April, 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 HANOVER LaVONDA WHITE, Plaintiff v.

JERMAINE HARRIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000553-00 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 14th day of April, 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 SHEILA HAWTHORNELOUM, Plaintiff v.

NJAGA LOUM, Defendant.

Case No.: CL150023648-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 23rd day of March, 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 OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND BEAUTIFUL COURAGEOUS YOUNG, Plaintiff v.

DARLO MONTA YOUNG, Defendant.

Chancery No.: CL15-2396-7 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 March 1, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KEITH O’NEIL BROWN, JR., Juvenile Case No. JJ086675-10 Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown (Father), Keith O’ Neil Brown Jr., child, DOB 12/04/2002, “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 defendant, Unknown (Father), appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interest on or before June 20, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Court Room #1.

Matthew Morris, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lewis, Gabrien Rosi; Stokes, Alexander Sean; Stokes, Amaya Justina, Glenna Daphney Lewis v. antonio Jean stokes Case No. JJ087150-01-00,02-00, JJ087151-01-00,-0200, JJ087149-01-00,-02-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Determine custody of Gabriel Rosi Lewis (DOB: 12/25/02), Alexander Sean Stokes (DOB: 12/22/05), and Amaya Justina Stokes (DOB: 6/15/00), whose mother is Glenna Daphney Lewis, and whose father is Antonio Jean Stokes, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3.

It is ORDERED that the defendant appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 20, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. Adrienne Barnes, Esq. 1326 Alverser Plaza Midlothian, VA 23113 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Coleman, Frank; III DWayne hayes v.

Unknown father Case No. JJ087475-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Determine custody of Frank Coleman, III, (DOB: 3/11/2009),whose mother was Sandgria Banks (Deceased); whose grandfather is Dwayne Hayes; and whose father is unknown, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3.

It is ORDERED that the defendant appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 6, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. Paul Spaulding, Esq. 11901 Iron Bridge Road Chester, VA 23831 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re MARILEA HEFLIN, Juvenile Children’s Home Society of Virginia v.

Unknown Birth Father Case No. J-91969-2

The object of this suit is to: Pursuant to VA. Code Section 16.1-277.01, Children’s Home Society of Virginia is requesting that the Court terminate the residual parental rights of the unknown father, whose identity and whereabouts are unknown, and transfer custody of the infant, Marilea Heflin, d/o/b 11/03/2015 to the Children’s Home Society of Virginia with the right to place the infant for adoption.

It is ordered that the defendant, unknown birth father appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before April 11, 2016 at 11:20 a.m.

Sherry A. Fox, Esq. Thompson McMullan, P.C. 100 Shockoe Slip Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-698-6252 virgiNia: iN thE Circuit court for the county of Chesterfield In the matter of the adoption of a child to be known as AUbrey Future wilson (Birth Certificate registration number 145-10-073618, registered in the commonwealth of virginia) Case No. CA15-60 By julia lynn fullerwilson and Richard allen wilson, sr.

OrDEr Of puBLicatiON January 26, 2016 The object of the above-styled suit is the adoption of the minor child, Aubrey Future Wilson.

And it appearing by affidavit filed according to law that Shaneka Lynette Dunkley, Respondent and biological mother of the minor child, whose location has not been able to be ascertained despite diligence and reasonable efforts of the Petitioner, it is therefore ORDERED that the said Shaneka Lynette Dunkley appear on or before the 30th day of March, 2016, in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and do what is necessary to protect her interests.

An Extract Teste: Wendy S. Hughes, Clerk Stephen R. Bloomquest, Esq. Quest Law PLLC Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

5913 Harbour Park Drive Midlothian, VA 23112 804.396.3329 888.780.5945 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Egypt Townes, Juvenile Case No. JJ0888007-10

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown, (Father), of Egypt Townes, child, DOB 5/6/2013, “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 defendant Unknown, (Father,) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before June 6, 2016 at 9:20 a.m. Court Room #1.

Matthew Morris, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493

Property VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

Case No.: CL15-2346-1 JESSE L. BODRICK, Who May Be Deceased, and THE HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF JESSE L. BODRICK, et al., Defendants.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

to subject the property briefly described as “1717 North 21st Street”, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map/GPIN# E000-0938/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Jesse L. Bodrick, who may be deceased and Geraldine H. Bodrick, who may be deceased.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, JESSE L. BODRICK, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of JESSE L. BODRICK, and GERALDINE R. BODRICK, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of GERALDINE R. BODRICK, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that JESSE L. BODRICK, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of JESSE L. BODRICK, GERALDINE R. BODRICK, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of GERALDINE R. BODRICK, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 18, 2016, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

Case No.: CL15-3425-4 HARRYETTE H. BELL a/k/a HARRYETTE HEWIN BELL, Who May Be Deceased, and THE HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF HARRYETTE H. BELL a/k/a HARRYETTE HEWIN BELL, et al., Defendants.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1406 North 1st Street, Richmond, Virginia, TaxMap/GPIN# N0000198/050, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, HARRYETTE H. BELL a/k/a HARRYETTE HEWIN BELL.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HARRYETTE H. BELL a/k/a HARRYETTE HEWIN BELL who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of HARRYETTE H. BELL a/k/a HARRYETTE HEWIN BELL, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF J. THOMAS HEWIN a/k/a JOHN THOMAS HEWIN, SR., DECEASED, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that HERMIONE BELL TINSLEY, Who May Be Deceased, and THE HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF Continued on next column

Request foR PRoPosals 153311-BlW A/E SERVICES FOR Design and Construction Administration of New Buildings at Montpelier Area Headquarters located on Greenwood Church Road in Hanover County, Virginia.

Documents are located at www.eva.virginia.gov and available from the individual indicated below.

Inquiries should be directed to: Brenda L. Williams at brenda.williams@vdot. virginia.gov, or (804)786-2777.

Proposals will be received in accordance with the information posted at www. eva.virginia.gov until 2:00 P.M. local time on March 21, 2016.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL– 153012-CMW This solicitation to solicit sealed proposals to establish a contract through competitive negotiation to develop the best possible solution for the on-call support, installation and maintenance of advanced signal technology and communication systems field components primarily in the Northwestern and Southwestern Regions operated by the Staunton and Salem Traffic Operations Centers (TOC), respectively, by the Virginia Department of Transportation Advanced Signal Technology & Communications Systems Support Services for Northwestern & Southwestern Regions – 153012-CMW. OPTIONAL Teleconference conference will be held in conjunction with this RFP on February 25, 2016 at 10:30am by dialing 866-842-5779 conference code 8047862143 All proposals must be received by 2:00 pm on (March 17, 2016) local time at the Virginia Department of Transportation, Central Office Mail Center – Loading Dock Entrance, 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Attention: Calisha Williams, ASD. A copy of Request for Qualifications 153012-CMW may be obtained via the website, www.eva.state.va.us, Calisha.Williams@ vdot.virginia.gov or by calling (804) 371-6730, (for TDD requests, please call (804) 371-8499)

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

HERMIONE BELL TINSLEY, who may have an ownership interest in said property, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that PHILLIP TINSLEY, III, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the Complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located, and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit) by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that HARRYETTE H. BELL a/k/a HARRYETTE HEWIN BELL who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of HARRYETTE H. BELL a/k/a HARRYETTE HEWIN BELL, ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF J. THOMAS HEWIN a/k/a JOHN THOMAS HEWIN, SR., DECEASED, HERMIONE BELL TINSLEY, Who May Be Deceased, and THE HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF HERMIONE BELL TINSLEY, PHILLIP TINSLEY, III, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 18, 2016, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

EDDIE A. JONES, et al., Defendants.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1802 North 23rd Street, Richmond, Virginia, TaxMap/GPIN# E0001081/009W, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Eddie A. Jones.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, EDDIE A. JONES, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that EDDIE A. JONES and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 18, 2016, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

Case No.: CL15-3449-4 Continued on next column

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB# 15-1058-9JK Virginia Capital Trail – Dorey Park Connection VDOT Project #EN14-043-835 Due 2:30 pm, March 10, 2016 Additional information available at: http://www.henrico. us/departments/purchasing/ bids-and-proposals/

Opening for Nurse Aides and PCA’s with Alzheimer’s experience.

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Mail resume to J. Martin, CapTech Ventures, Inc., 7100 Forest Ave., Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23226.

Job Openings Mount Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia has the following part-time job openings: Church Administrator, Church Drummer, and Food Service Director. The church is also seeking a full-time Music Director. Please visit the church’s website at www. mobcva.org to view the complete job announcements for these positions. All positions are opened until filled. A Criminal History Background Check and/or credit history check are required.

DIRECTOR NBC12 seeks experienced director. Responsibilities include directing/technical directing, preproduction, audio operation, floor directing, robotic camera operation. Experience with Kahuna HD Video switcher, Chyron/Thunder and audio consoles a plus. Social media competency required.

Qualified applicants only apply on line at https:// careers-raycommedia.icims.com. Drug Screen required. EOE M/F/D/V.

The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following positions:

Public Notice City of Richmond, Virginia Preparation of Five Year Consolidated Plan FY 2016-2020 FY 2016-2017 Annual Action Plan The City of Richmond is in the process of completing its five-year FY 20162020 Consolidated Plan and FY 2016-2017 Annual Action Plan, which will be submitted to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the spring of 2016. Built on a participatory process, this plan will guide the use of certain federal funds in addressing the City’s housing and community development needs related to providing decent affordable housing, providing a more suitable neighborhood environment, or expanding economic opportunities in the city. This document combines the planning, application and reporting requirements for four HUD entitlement programs for which the City of Richmond receives funds: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). The HOPWA funds are allocated to the City to administer for the Richmond-Petersburg MSA. Notice is also hereby given that the Department of Economic and Community Development will hold a public hearing, as provided by the federal regulations and the citizen participation requirements of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, will be held on March 15, 2016, 6:00 P.M. at 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 400, for the purpose of considering the proposed Five-Year Consolidated and Annual Action Plans.

Further Notice is also given that on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, the Richmond City Council will hold a public hearing on the Mayor’s proposed FY 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan and FY 2016-2017 Annual Action Plan budget. The City is encouraging all citizens to participate in this planning process. A draft copy of the report will be available for review beginning February 26, 2016 thru March 28, 2016 at 1500 East Main Street, in the Department of Economic and Community Development Office, Suite 400, at http://www.yesrichmondva. com/neighborhood-revitalization/Federally-Funded-Programs, or at the Richmond Public Library, Main Building, at 101 E. Franklin Street. Public comments and views must be submitted in writing by March 21, 2016 to: Mr. Yong Hong Guo, Project Development Manager of Economic and Community Development, 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23219 or by e-mail to Yong.Guo@richmondgov.com. Comments may also be sent by facsimile (804) 646-6358.

The City of Richmond does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission of, access to or treatment in its federally assisted programs or activities. Virginia Relay Center --- TDD users --- 711.

Administrative Program Support Assistant - MPACT 35M00000879 Public Utilities Apply by 03/06/16 Auditor 09M00000004 City Auditor Office Apply by Continuous Deputy Director II 29M00000594 Department of Public Works Apply by 02/28/16 Labor Crew Chief - Cemeteries 30M00000617 Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Apply by 03/06/2016 Maintenance Technician III – Water Division 35M00000282 Public Utilities Apply by 03/06/2016 Operations Manager – Standards & Materials/Design 35M00000624 Public Utilities Apply by 03/13/2016 Project Management Analyst 09M00000005 City Auditor Office Apply by 03/06/2016 Water Quality Technician – Environmental Laboratory 35M00000644 Public Utilities Apply by 03/06/2016 ****************** 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

Richmond Free Press

B6 February 25-27, 2016

Sports Plus Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU’s Chaz McKenzie named MVP of CIAA field events Chazton McKenzie is the master of multitasking at Virginia Union University.

The recent CIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Winston-Salem, N.C., served as a showcase for his versatility.

“Chaz isn’t some average athlete. He’s a great athlete,” said VUU track Coach Wilbert Johnson.

McKenzie’s academic major, business management, is apropos.

He meticulously took care of business Feb. 14-15 at WinstonSalem’s JDL Fast Track.

For starters, McKenzie won the long jump, sailing 23 feet, 10 inches into the sand, to nip teammate Matthew Ross.

He was just loosening up.

Then the ultralean 6-foot, 178-pound sophomore from Pompano Beach, Fla., went on to win the grueling seven-event heptathlon.

With dreadlocks flowing and muscles glistening, he placed first in the long jump (23’ 3¼”), second in the high jump (6-5), second in the shot put (33’ 7½”) and fourth in the 60 meters (7:36) the first day.

After pausing to catch his breath, on day two he placed third in the 60 hurdles (8.84), fourth in the 1,000 meters (3:17.1) and sixth in the pole vault, an event he’d hardly practiced, at 8 feet 8¼ inches.

Last spring as a freshman, McKenzie set VUU’s long jump record of 24 feet 6¼ inches.

Track and field represents just half of his athletic success on the Lombardy Street campus.

Wearing No. 86 for the Panthers football team, he caught

Courtesy of Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University track star Chazton McKenzie, left, pictured with Panthers Assistant Coach Tom Gosier, won the MVP award at the CIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships after winning the heptathlon and long jump and placing in six other events.

29 passes for 470 yards and five touchdowns last fall, helping VUU to its first NCAA bid since 1992.

A prime deep threat for quarterback Shawheed Dowdy, McK-

enzie had touchdown catch-runs of 54 yards against Virginia State University, 48 yards against Shaw University and 47 yards against Chowan University.

McKenzie saved seven catches for 71 yards during the Panthers’ NCAA game at Slippery Rock University.

His rare blend of speed, strength, jumping ability and agility makes him a coverage nightmare for opposing players on the gridiron.

“My track experience is a definite help on the football field,” he says.

So is McKenzie a track star who also plays football, or a football hero who runs track?

“I just go with the flow,” he told the Free Press. “Whatever sport pops up first is what I enjoy most. My favorite sport is whatever is in season. I came (to VUU) for track, but Coach (Mark) James gave me a little bit of a chance in football. Now I love that, too.”

McKenzie’s athletic scholarship is for both track and football, but weighted more heavily toward track.

For that, he’ll pass on upcoming spring football to concentrate on outdoor track.

Coincidentally, Coach Johnson graduated from the same high school in Florida — Pompano Beach’s Blanche Ely High School — as McKenzie and C’Evon Jones, VUU’s nationalcaliber sprinter.

For his considerable achievement in Winston-Salem, McKenzie was named the CIAA Field Events MVP. It stands for Most Valuable Performer, but Most Versatile Panther also fits.

Marking MJBL’s 50th year

Jason Hundley/Richmond City Council

Armstrong-Walker Alumni Club to honor Coach Christian The Armstrong-Maggie Walker Alumni Club will honor the late Bill Christian at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 3, at Send-A-Chef Restaurant, 1303 Hull Street, in South Side.

The public is invited to join the group that is made up mostly of retirees. Alumni and non-alumni are welcome.

Mr. Christian is credited with shaping the lives of hundreds of young athletes as a coach and mentor through the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and as a teacher at East End Middle School.

“Just about everyone who ever played sports at Armstrong or Maggie Walker was influenced by Mr. Christian,” said Earl Guy, a member of the Armstrong High School Class of 1961.

Mr. Christian’s daughter, Wanda, will accept the award.

Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson presents an award to members of the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League on Monday in recognition of the Richmondbased group’s 50th anniversary of providing youth baseball. Receiving the award, from left, are William M.T. Forrester Jr., executive director and son of the MJBL’s founder, and two coaches from the program, Richmond Police Detective Rahsaan Wigfall and Richmond Fire Lt. Christopher Armstrong.

VSU signs area high schoolers for Trojans football

C.J. Bynum was an All-State football offensive lineman this past fall for Highland Springs High School in Henrico County.

Now he hopes to become an All-CIAA performer for Virginia State University.

Bynum’s powerful blocking helped Highland Springs to the State Group 5A football championship. His postseason honors included All Conference 12, AllRegion 5A South and 5A All-State.

The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Bynum is among 13 high school prospects who have signed scholarship offers to play

for the NCAA Division II VSU Trojans in Ettrick.

The signings were announced by VSU interim Coach Justin Harper, who stepped in following Byron Thweatt’s resignation.

Coach Thweatt stepped down following one season — he had a 6-4 record — to become linebackers coach at James Madison University.

Bynum, who spurred Highland Springs to a 14-1 record, is one of five local athletes signing with VSU. Other area recruits are Monacan High School defensive back Dionte Bruce;

David Hensley, an offensive lineman from Manchester High School; and two Henrico High School athletes, defensive back Andre Taylor and lineman Devonte Demery.

Other signings announced by Coach Harper are lineman Hunter Mac from Virginia Beach, Corey Vickers from Chesapeake, lineman Cullen Marshall from Suffolk, tight end Maurice Davis from Chesapeake, linebacker Jaylen Cuffee from Norfolk, lineman Raequan Carter from Culpeper, running back George Cheatham from Spotsylvania and receiver Guy Keith from Stafford.

Photos by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

The new Virginia State University Multipurpose Center stands impressively near the Ettrick campus off 2nd Avenue where it will be used for an array of events, including sports, concerts and banquets. The $84 million facility includes seating for 5,100 for basketball games, 6,100 for stage events, and has eight luxury suites, five concession stands, weight and locker rooms, a wellness center, a dance studio and classrooms. The Trojans men’s and women’s teams recorded victories over Lincoln University last Saturday at the center’s grand opening.

VSU Multipurpose Center opens to Trojans victories

You can call it Virginia State University or State of the Art University.

VSU’s dazzling Multipurpose Center has emerged as the shining jewel of the CIAA. The grand opening last Saturday was a true celebration. The Trojans men’s and women’s basketball teams defeated Lincoln University and thousands of fans oohed and aahed at the new digs.

“I’ve been to a lot of gyms, and what we have here is as nice as any I’ve seen in (the NCAA) Division II,” said VSU Coach Lonnie Blow.

“We’re looking forward to bringing in some blue chippers (prospects) for visits. It’s an amazing place.”

In terms of seating, the VSU Multipurpose Center dwarfs all but two of

VSU’s conference rivals — Elizabeth City State University and Fayetteville State University.

Some specifics: Architect: Richmond-based Clark Nexsen.

Contractor: S.B. Ballard Con-

struction Co., based in Virginia Beach Location: Off 2nd Avenue in Ettrick, less than a quarter-mile south of VSU’s main campus.

Cost: $84 million.

Groundbreaking: December

CIAA seating Institution Bowie State University Chowan University Elizabeth City State University Fayetteville State University Johnson C. Smith University Lincoln University Livingstone College St. Augustine’s University Shaw University Virginia State University Virginia Union University Winston-Salem State University

Basketball facility Listed Capacity A.C. Jordan Arena 2,200 Helms Center 2,000 R.L. Vaughan Center 5,000 Felton J. Capel Arena 5,000 Brayboy Gymnasium 1,450 Manuel Rivero Hall 2,000 New Trent Gymnasium 1,500 Emery Gymnasium 750 Spaulding Gymnasium 1,000 Multipurpose Center 5,100 Barco-Stevens Hall 2,500 C.E. Gaines Center 2,570

2013.

Seating: 6,100 for stage events; 5,100 for basketball and volleyball; eight luxury suites with 20-person capacity; and the President’s Box. Size: 165,941 square feet.

Dining: Banquet room with seating for 900.

Amenities: Food and retail booths; five concession stands; meeting rooms; classrooms; administration and coaching offices; wellness center; weight room and locker rooms; dance studio; mass communications room with radio/ TV studio.

Planned events: Athletics; trade shows; banquets and receptions; graduations; concerts, etc.

Upcoming: Hip-hop artist Lecrae booked for March 19.

The Multipurpose Center replaces Daniel Gymnasium, which opened in

1966 with seating for 3,200.

Daniel Gymnasium will be remembered most of all as the cozy home of the Trojans for a half century. It also was used for Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA), Central Region and Virginia Independent Schools (VIS) tournaments and was home court for Petersburg’s Moses Malone during his junior and senior years.

In 1971, an unheralded rookie, Julius Erving, made his professional debut at Daniel Gymnasium as a member of the Virginia Squires. On a night older fans will long remember, “Dr. J” outshined the Kentucky Colonels’ Artis Gilmore in an ABA exhibition game.

Erving went on to an NBA Hall of Fame career, and it all started at Daniel Gymnasium.