February 4 6, 2016 issue by Richmond Free Press

Former presidential candidate Wilder offers advice to Clinton campaign By Joey Matthews

way Hillary Clinton will get the nomination is with a massive African-American vote,” he added. “Without that, it’s gone.” The former U.S. secretary of state edged out Sen. Sanders by less than a percentage point in the first leg of the presidential nominating Please turn to A4

VOL. 25 NO. 6

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

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Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder — the nation’s first elected African-American governor and one-time Democratic presidential candidate — issued a cautionary warning to Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton’s campaign prior to a talk and book-

signing event Tuesday at his alma mater, Virginia Union University. When a Free Press reporter asked him to assess Mrs. Clinton’s skintight victory over Democratic rival U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in Monday’s Iowa caucuses, he said, “I was shocked that it was that close.” “I think everyone will see now that the only

February 4-6, 2016

Lead poisoning endangers Richmond children, too By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Amid the public outcry over the lead-contaminated public water supply in Flint, Mich., it is easy to forget that lead poisoning remains a threat to children across the country — even in Richmond. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 500,000 young children nationally suffer from lead poisoning that can affect development of their mental capacity, their bones and their organs. In Richmond, 21 children ages 1 to 5 were identified with dangerous levels of lead in their blood in the 2015 fiscal year that ended June 30. The only good news: It’s the lowest number of city children found to suffer from lead poisoning in the last five years,

according to the Richmond City Health District (RCHD). And the number is far below the 60 to 70 children a year who were diagnosed in the city in previous decades. Some see the decline as the result of aggressive efforts of the city health district to address the hazard of lead, while others worry that fewer children are being tested. However, in contrast to Flint, there is no evidence that Richmond children are being poisoned by lead and other heavy metals in the city’s water. Officials say the threat comes largely from old lead-based paint peeling from the city’s older homes and apartments. “Almost never in our investigations is drinking water the culprit in lead poisoning,” said Dona Huang, program man-

ager for RCHD’s Lead Safe & Healthy Homes Initiative. The city Department of Public Utilities has aggressively sought to protect pipes from leeching in compliance with federal guidelines concerning lead and copper levels that went into effect in 1991, according to DPU spokeswoman Angela Fountain. She said the city’s water supply is monitored and tested to ensure that heavy metals like lead are below EPA danger levels, with sampling conducted both at the water plant and at customer sites. Every effort is made to ensure city pipes are protected from corrosion, Ms. Fountain said, adding that a new system is being installed this spring to improve that protection. As a precaution, DPU conducts water sampling in homes when requested or after being notified that a child has been diagnosed with lead poisoning. Of 24 such tests conducted in the past four years, Ms. Fountain said, none turned up dangerous lead levels. According to Ms. Huang, Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Inspector Ben Yan shows how the lead detector instrument works during a demonstration Wednesday in his office at the Richmond City Health District.

Probe launched on city-church ties By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Mayor Dwight C. Jones vows to make “every day count” in his last year as he delivers his final State of the City address on Jan. 28. Location: Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre in Downtown. He will leave office Dec. 31.

Did anything illegal take place? Or is there merely a need for stronger policies covering city officials who engage in outside in endeavors on city time? Those are the kind of questions that Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring will be trying to answer. He said he would do so as he looks into concerns that city employees who are members of First Baptist Church of

South Richmond, where Mayor Dwight C. Jones is senior pastor, conducted church business during their city work hours. Mr. Herring said that he is collaborating with the Virginia State Police in undertaking the probe that also would examine the mayor’s involvement in any potential misconduct. Initially, Mr. Herring said he found little evidence to involve his office in a probe after concerns were raised about the city-church connection last

month. However, Mr. Herring said he grew more interested in probing the matter following the release of hundreds of emails involving the mayor and the city director of public works, Emmanuel O. Adediran, who is a volunteer associate pastor at First Baptist. City Auditor Umesh Dalal reported in early January that Mr. Adediran had spent 38 hours of city time while serving as the volunteer project manager for the church in constructing

Mayor to seek Police body cameras arrive referendum on school funding By Joey Matthews

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Raise taxes or cut services. Those, said Mayor Dwight C. Jones, are about the only options Richmond has if it is to boost spending on public education by the tens of millions of dollars Richmond Public Schools is requesting. And he said he would explore with Richmond City Council “the idea of an advisory referendum on the November ballot to determine whether the public wishes to raise its taxes and by how much.” The focus on public education and its costs was a major highlight of Mayor Jones’ final State of the City speech delivered last week in a Downtown theater to an audience of about 300 people. Shrugging off the recent church and city-related controversy that has tarnished his administration in his final months in office, the mayor spoke of the bright spots, including the strong growth in population and the boom in development in Downtown and elsewhere. He also touted the proposed Bus Rapid Transit system as a way to “address mobility concerns” and promoted the planned redevelopment of the Boulevard as a way “to grow our city and generate the revenues to meet our needs.” But in what could be his frankest remarks, he made it clear that Richmond cannot afford to provide the extra $26 million a year that Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden has said is needed from the city to operate a first class system, or the $17 million a year that would be needed to make a big down payment on the $600 million RPS wants to build or renovate schools. Four days after Mayor Jones’ presentation, the Richmond School Board approved a budget plan that calls for $18 million in additional funds from the city. Please turn to A4

cameras along with Claire Gastañaga, executive director of the Virginia ACLU. Ms. Thompson welcomed the body camera rollout as a means of promoting accountability and trust between law enforcement and the community. “There are citizens and there are criminals in every community,” she said. “But our concern is when our citizens are being treated as

“We finally get the chance to tell our story from beginning to end,” Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham said at a news conference Tuesday announcing the initial deployment this week of 20 body cameras for officers. Flanked by Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond NAACP President Lynetta Thompson and others, Chief Durham said 20 more body cameras will be issued when they arrive within the next few weeks. The initial cameras will be used by Richmond officers at the Fourth Precinct in North Side, he said. The plan is to evaluate their use during the next 30 days and to get officers’ feedback before issuing an additional 160 body cameras the department purchased for use this year. Ultimately, all of RichSandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press mond’s nearly 700 police officers are to have body cameras, This close-up of the body camera worn by Richmond Police Officer Scott Land shows the size of the cameras the chief said. He said half of the initial being used starting this week by officers at the Fourth cameras are Taser Axon Body Precinct in North Side. 2 cameras that are mounted in the center of the criminals by officers that abuse their authority officer’s vest. The other half, Taser Axon Flex and have a lack of respect for the people they are entrusted to protect. cameras, have multiple mounting options. “Anytime you put a system or a practice in The move to use body cameras has been hastened in police departments around the place that assists in eliminating the perception country in response to a growing number of of mistrust or lowers the opportunity to violate highly publicized incidents of police officers the law, it is a good thing,” she added. Chief Durham said officers will receive four killing unarmed black men. Ms. Thompson has consulted with Chief Durham on the implementation of the body Please turn to A4

a new satellite sanctuary in Chesterfield County. Mayor Jones and Selena Cuffee-Glenn, the city’s chief administrative officer, initially Please turn to A4

Register to vote by Feb. 8 Monday, Feb. 8, is the deadline to register to vote in Virginia’s presidential primary March 1. Voters will have the opportunity to cast a ballot for either Democratic or Republican candidates vying for their party’s nomination for the November presidential election. People age 18 and older can vote if registered. However, 17-year-olds are eligible to register now and vote in the March primary if they will turn 18 by the Nov. 8 general election. To register to vote: Online registration is available at www.elections. virginia.gov, or contact the office of the voter registrar in your city or county. Registration forms also are available at public libraries, Department of Motor Vehicles offices, armed services recruitment offices, the Virginia Department of Elections offices, and in state or local government offices when applying or recertifying for Aid to Dependent Children, Food Stamps, WIC, Medicaid or Rehabilitation Services.

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Richmond Free Press

Local News

VCU School of Nursing diversifies with new associate dean Dr. Debra J. Barksdale is family raise tobacco on a farm making history at Virginia Comin Nathalie in Halifax County. monwealth University. She is the Since earning her bachelor’s first African-American named to in nursing from the University a permanent high-level adminisof Virginia, she has earned a trative post in VCU’s School of master’s in nursing from Howard Nursing. University and a doctorate in Previously a professor at the nursing from the University of University of North CarolinaMichigan. Chapel Hill, Dr. Barksdale joined She also is certified as a famthe VCU faculty in early January ily nurse practitioner, an adult as an associate dean and profesnurse practitioner and as a nurse sor in the school, succeeding Dr. educator. She is an alumna of the Ann Hamric. Robert Wood Johnson FoundaHer appointment comes amid tion’s Executive Nurse Fellows pressure from student activist program to train nursing leaders Dr. Barksdale groups and others for VCU to to improve health care. hire more African-American professors and One of her goals is to continue her research administrators. on high blood pressure. She said she became Describing VCU as a good fit, Dr. Barksdale interested in finding out more after members of said, “I’m very impressed with some of the things her family had strokes and suffered other health occurring at the School of Nursing, including problems from hypertension. its connection to the community.” She has sought to learn more about the She praised Dean Jean Giddens for her ef- environmental and biological factors that forts to involve students in hands-on service at make hypertension more of a risk for Africanhealth fairs and in working at a senior facility, Americans. Her published research includes a providing practical experience and gaining more study titled: “Hypertension in Black Americans: understanding of the people being served. Environment, Behavior and Biology,” which Dr. Barksdale is the second African-American explores the various factors that can cause administrator in the school. The first was Dr. hypertension. Inez Tuck, who served as a department chair Among other things, her research has shown and for two years as interim associate dean for that blood pressure tends to remain higher among graduate programs and research. African-Americans even during sleep compared Though Dr. Barksdale is the lone African- with other populations. American administrator in VCU’s School of At the very least, she hopes her tenure at Nursing, she said, “I’m no stranger to being the VCU will encourage nursing students to learn first or only African-American at a venue.” more about hypertension and the devastating She said nursing remains a profession domi- impact it can have on health. nated by white females. Only a small percentage Dr. Barksdale is active in national nursing of those earning bachelor’s degrees in nursing or organizations. She is a past president of the advanced degrees that lead to administrative roles National Organization of Nurse Practitioner are African-American, Dr. Barksdale said. Faculties and a member of the board of governors She cited national statistics indicating only for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research about 5 percent of nurses with four-year degrees Institute. are African-American, and only 10 percent of “Dr. Barksdale’s stellar record of working those earning nursing degrees are minorities. to transform health care will be a huge asset Dr. Barksdale has come long way from her to shaping our current and future academic humble beginnings. The daughter of a Vir- programs,” Dr. Giddens said. — JEREMY M. ginia sharecropper, she grew up helping the LAZARUS

Photos by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape

This new 124-ton crane stands tall at the Richmond Marine Terminal, making it easier to load and unload cargo from ships docked at the James River port off Commerce Road in South Side. The crane, Slices of life and scenes which reaches about 24 stories, cost $4.2 million and is part of the $17 million being invested in the in Richmond port by the Virginia Port Authority, the independent agency leasing and operating the city’s port for the next 40 years. The goal of the investment: To transform Richmond’s port into a job and business generator. Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Mayor Dwight C. Jones joined a parade of state and local officials in touring the port Monday to see the crane and celebrate the improvements.

New VSU president takes charge, inherits challenges Dr. Makola M. S. Mavredes, cited Abdullah is facing the need for VSU immediate chalto improve financial lenges in taking the management and inleadership reins at ventory control. VSU Virginia State Unialso was notified that versity. it needed to improve On Monday, Dr. controls over its proAbdullah formally curement and mantook over from Dr. agement processes Pamela V. Hamas well as policies Dr. Abdullah mond, who served involving employee 13 months as interim president use of travel cards. of the university in Ettrick. The letter from SACS makes Along with meeting students it clear that the issues raised and faculty and getting adjusted, in Ms. Mavredes’ report must Dr. Abdullah must deal with be addressed. Ms. Mavredes’ several items of unfinished busi- staff is auditing VSU and will ness, including the university’s determine whether the probaccreditation, declining enroll- lems cited last year have been ment and campus security. corrected. On the accreditation front, On the enrollment front, Dr. Abdullah faces an April VSU reported a 6.5 percent de1 deadline to respond to cline in the number of students concerns that VSU is out of on campus this fall, compared compliance on four standards with last year when enrollment involving “control of finances, also was down. sponsored research dollars According to the State and physical resources,” ac- Council of Higher Education, cording to a Jan. 19 letter VSU reported an enrollment of from the Southern Associa- 4,696 undergraduate and gradution of Colleges and Schools’ ate students, down 329 students Commission on Colleges. from the fall 2014 enrollment VSU was placed on warning of 5,025 students. in June 2015, a status that was Undergraduate numbers continued in December by the dropped 207 students or 4.6 board of SACS, which governs percent, with 4,291 underaccreditation of higher educa- graduates enrolled in fall tion institutions in most of the 2015 compared with 4,498 South. undergraduates enrolled in Like other institutions, VSU fall 2014. must maintain accreditation For Dr. Abdullah, the chalto enable students to receive lenge is to turn this around. federal grants and loans for Separately, Dr. Abdullah tuition. VSU could be placed must deal with concerns from on the more serious sanction June W. Jennings, state inspecof probation in June unless Dr. tor general, indicating that the Abdullah and his administrative school has not implemented staff can respond to the specific many of the recommendations problems. from two years ago to improve In December, Dr. Hammond security on campus. stated that the accrediting body In a Jan. 12 letter, Ms. was concerned mainly with Jennings set a March 28 VSU’s relationship with its deadline for Dr. Abdullah independent VSU Real Estate to spell out a plan for corFoundation, which owns and rective action to improve operates a 500-bed student campus security. apartment complex near the Ms. Jennings stated in her campus. letter that some corrective However, the Jan. 19 letter measures, such as the instalfrom the accrediting agency lation of security cameras and detailing the issues shows improved lighting, remain that the biggest concern in- unresolved because of funding volves VSU’s ability to correct issues, but “other areas lack problems the state Auditor of adequate response and remain Public Accounts identified out of compliance.” last year. She recommended that In a report issued April 27, VSU and its Department of 2015, the state auditor, Martha Police and Public Safety “ful-

fill commitments” to improve campus safety. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

WE PURSUE

We find inspiration from those who pursue candid conversations on pressing societal issues. People like undergraduate Logan Dandridge, winner of UVA’s Social Justice and Diversity Fellowship. Using only a camera and a few probing questions, Logan introduced a new perspective and sparked candid dialogue around issues of race, identity and community. With a public installation of his work, Logan inspires inclusive insights and a more understanding society for all.

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February 4-6, 2016

Local News

This month, X1 from XFINITY® brings you iconic Black films and the filmmakers that make them. Join us as we relive, rediscover and realize the power of storytelling. See the often controversial, but always poignant look at social injustice in the Black community from Spike Lee, one of the “Greatest Of All Time,” award-winning directors. Or discover who’s next – with a collection of independent films curated by the American Black Film Festival. These movies, and more, are available anytime, anywhere, on any screen with XFINITY On Demand.™

X1 will change the way you experience Black film.

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A4 February 4-6, 2016

News

School Board approves $293M budget plan By Joey Matthews

Even as the Richmond School Board approved its $293 million budget proposal on Monday, some members expressed serious concerns that the school system wouldn’t receive all the money being sought. “I think we’re going to have more discussions about what happens if we get one penny less than what we’re asking for,” board Chair Jeffrey M. Bourne told his board colleagues minutes before they approved the budget by a 6-2 vote at their City Hall meeting. The budget request includes $18 million above

what is allocated currently in the city budget for the schools for fiscal year 2017. “We’ve got to be prepared for the likely event that we don’t get all $18 million,” Mr. Bourne said. “So we’re going to have to figure out whether we don’t do the salary (increases) or whether we don’t do the academic improvement plan or whether we don’t continue to do those things that we’ve got listed.” Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden originally sought about $26.5 million in additional city spending for Richmond schools, but that was pared back to $18 million after accounting for Richmond’s $3.3 million share of state funds

for teacher raises in Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s proposed state budget, and adjusted a plan to upgrade pay for most teachers and other staff over two years instead of one. Dr. Bedden said he sought the additional monies in part to fund the pay upgrade plan and to fund the second year of his academic improvement plan that seeks to add and retain more teachers and pay for more professional development days for teachers. Mr. Bourne said he expects the RPS budget proposal to be delivered to Mayor Dwight C. Jones this week. The mayor is then scheduled to introduce his budget, which will include funds

Mayor to seek referendum Continued from A1

The city in this fiscal year is contributing about $145 million as its share of school costs, a boost of about $11 million from fiscal year 2015. “The bottom line is the money has to come from somewhere,” the mayor said, either slowly from economic growth or more quickly from raising property taxes or cutting city services. With public sentiment growing for major investments in the school system, Mayor Jones said he and other officials need to have a “serious conversation” with Richmond residents “about the resources we have and the tax levels we can stomach.” He said, at this point, the city would need to boost its current property taxes —

already the highest in the area at $1.20 per $100 of assessed value — by at last 15 cents per $100 of assessed value. “If it is the will of the people to significantly raises taxes, then they will have the chance to directly indicate that,” the mayor said in touting his referendum idea. Several members of City Council attending the mayor’s speech embraced the need for serious conversations. However, the referendum idea seemed to fall flat even with allies of the mayor, including Councilwomen Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, and Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District. Councilman Chris Hilbert, 3rd District, dismissed the idea of a vote altogether, saying that decisions on taxes and spending are why people elected City Council representatives.

Mr. Hilbert, who is expected to run for mayor in November, said there is no way he would support a tax increase, even for a good cause like public schools. “That’s a non-starter,” he said. School Board Chairman Jeff Bourne praised Mayor Jones’push for what Mr. Bourne called a “robust and substantive conversation about RPS and funding education.” As for the referendum, he said, “I’d need to see the specifics and what questions it asks.” Dr. Bedden said if a referendum develops, “I hope that it has clarity and a realistic process to it.” However, he said he would prefer to try “many other things” first before trying the vote approach. Staff writer Joey Matthews contributed to this article.

Probe launched on city-church ties Continued from A1

required Mr. Adediran to give up 38 hours of vacation time worth $2,500 as punishment. Mr. Dalal’s staff turned up the churchrelated emails on the city’s computer server and released them last week to the Free Press and other news outlets under the Freedom of Information Act. Mr. Herring said he talked further with the auditor after the emails were disclosed and decided that a probe was warranted. The emails raise questions about the credibility of Mayor Jones, whose term in office ends in December. They show that the firewall Mayor Jones claimed just weeks ago to have maintained between “the church and city business” since he took office seven years ago was more like

a Venetian blind that could be opened or closed at his discretion. The batch of emails show a constant flow of information from Mr. Adediran to Mayor Jones about the progress and challenges involving the construction of the new sanctuary on Iron Bridge Road. The mayor responded to at least three of the emails, virtually all of which were sent during normal city business hours, confirming that he knew Mr. Adediran was involved with the church’s construction project on city time and essentially permitted it. They also confirm a sourced Free Press report that Mr. Adediran’s work for the church was well known and essentially authorized. The emails also show that Mr. Adediran engaged on the church project with companies that had, or were competing for, city contracts and that he communicated much of

the information he received to the mayor. Mr. Dalal has acknowledged he has not turned up any evidence that the city paid for any services or goods used in the church project. As yet, no emails between the mayor and other First Baptist Church members employed in the city government have been made available. City officials have said at least six of the city’s 58 top officials are members of Mayor Jones’ church. While Mayor Jones earlier said he had asked State Police to probe Mr. Adediran’s activities and records to see if city property and resources were used in his role with the church, Mr. Herring said he is working with State Police to conduct the review. “There will be just one review,” Mr. Herring said, which he expects to take “a couple of months.”

Police body cameras arrive Continued from A1

hours of training in using and operating the cameras before wearing them. He said officers will start recording with the cameras as soon as a radio call for service is initiated, in a communication from the Department of Emergency Communication on their mobile data terminal in the patrol car or at the beginning of any self-initiated police action. Officers are required to inform individuals that they are being recorded, the chief said. He said the body camera would continue to record until the officer has completed

his or her report on an incident, at the conclusion of the officer’s involvement in any event, when directed to do so by a supervisor, and in certain areas of medical treatment facilities. He said department policy does not allow citizens to tell officers that they do not want their interactions recorded. Recordings are to be classified as evidentiary, non-evidentiary or training, Chief Durham noted. Non-evidentiary recordings will be retained for 90 days, then automatically purged. All video files will be securely stored in accordance with the records and retention

schedule issued by the Library of Virginia, the chief said. “I am also duty-bound to protect the privacy rights and concerns of all those with whom we interact in instances where the law or the public’s safety requires privacy protections,” Chief Durham said. “This is all new territory for us and the community, so let us all walk together,” he added. Chief Durham said he is committed to releasing video “when it does not jeopardize the integrity of an investigation or the privacy rights of victims, witnesses or other involved parties.”

Lead endangers city children, too Continued from A1

old peeling lead paint in homes is the main threat in Richmond, along with dirt in yards that is contaminated with dust containing the metal, she said. Ms. Huang noted that 83 percent of Richmond’s housing units were built before 1978, the year when lead paint was finally banned. Many of those units still have the old paint that by now may be peeling or generating dangerous dust because the lead paint has not been removed or encapsulated with a safer covering. In some neighborhoods, she said, yards and playgrounds remain contaminated with lead dust from long-closed battery plants and other factories that used the metal or from lead additives once used in gasoline. Just a tiny amount of lead, Ms. Huang said, can affect the brain, organ and bone development of young children. Lead levels in blood are measured in micrograms. Though no level is safe, the CDC raises concern at levels above 5 micrograms, an amount so small it takes a high-powered microscope to see it. To help people understand, Ms. Huang said, “Imagine spreading a packet of sugar evenly over a football field and then testing a square foot of that field for sugar particles. And that’s why parents can miss the problem.” Ms. Huang said she and her staff seek to educate tenants and landlords about the potential risks of lead poisoning, including holding seminars for first-time public housing tenants.

She said RCHD also works with 51 area pediatric practices that serve most of Richmond’s children to encourage testing of young children for lead. State law and regulations strongly encourage medical providers to test children for lead levels and to report elevated levels of lead to state health officials. Tests are encouraged at least once a year in the first two years of life, and more frequently when elevated lead levels are detected. However, advocates are disappointed that lead testing has yet to be made mandatory like immunizations from measles and other diseases. Ms. Huang said her staff seeks to make cursory inspections and offer guidance to families when children are found to have 5 to 9 micrograms of lead in the blood. For children found with higher levels of lead in their blood, Ms. Huang said case managers are assigned to assist the families on ways to secure treatment and to use healthy foods to help reduce the levels of lead in their children’s blood. RCHD also pursues landlords and homeowners to get lead paint or other lead sources removed or remediated if a child is discovered to have blood lead levels of 10 micrograms or more. Ms. Huang said RCHD has the authority to condemn such properties if owners do not cooperate. RCHD also is working with the city building inspector to ensure that contractors renovating buildings understand and follow federal renovation, repair and painting rules when dealing with lead-based paint or other materials, she said.

Ms. Huang said that RCHD has three fulltime employees assigned to the lead program, but has been able to do more because the Centers for Disease Control provides three additional people to work with the Lead Safe & Healthy Homes Initiative. But the effort is insufficient, said Richmonder Zakia Shabazz, a family advocate who founded United Parents Against Lead after her son was found to have lead poisoning in the early 1990s. She has led the group for 20 years. “There’s a lot of inaction in my viewpoint,” said Ms. Shabazz. “The Health District is still using children as lead detectors. They won’t inspect until a child is found to have elevated lead levels. They are not doing enough to be proactive. There is no reason they have to wait to do inspections until a child is poisoned.” She also is disappointed at the city’s failure to go after federal grants to beef up its lead program and gain funding to remediate lead paint. Families often are trapped in homes where their children are exposed to lead hazards because they cannot afford to move, she said. Her group used to offer a lead-free apartment where families could live temporarily until they could relocate, but it had to end the program. “This is really needed,” Ms. Shabazz said, and it’s evidence that the problem is downplayed. Her hope is that the crisis in Flint will raise awareness and show the “need to get serious about eradicating the hazard of lead in our lifetime.”

for the public schools, to Richmond City Council on Monday, March 7. The council ultimately will approve a final budget. Mayor Jones already has said he is not inclined to ask City Council for the entire $18 million in school spending. He said the city can’t afford it and there are other pressing needs in Richmond. In his State of the City speech last Thursday, Mayor Jones took a different tack and proposed that an advisory referendum be placed on the November general election ballot on whether Richmond voters want to raise the city’s real estate tax rate to fund proposed public schools’ projects.

Voice your thoughts What do you want to go on the 60 acres of Boulevard property that Richmond City Hall is seeking to develop in the area where The Diamond baseball stadium is located? A promised online survey is now available to gather input from residents. To participate, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/ boulevard2016survey. The online survey will remain open through Monday, Feb. 15. Public meetings that were postponed because of the recent snowstorm also are back on the schedule. They will be held: * Thursday, Feb. 4: 9 a.m., Main Library, 101 E. Franklin St.; 6 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St. * Thursday, Feb. 11: Noon, Huguenot High School, 7945 Forest Hill Ave.; 6 p.m., Thomas Jefferson High School, 4100 W. Grace St. Residents also are invited to share their comments about the proposed Boulevard development via email at Blvd. Comments@RichmondGov.com.

Wilder offers advice Continued from A1

process. Voters are shifting their focus to the potential outcome of the next contest — the New Hampshire primary that takes place Tuesday, Feb. 9. In 2008 and 2012, President Obama’s presidential victories were fueled largely by huge turnouts from African-American voters, where he earned well in excess of 90 percent of the black vote, including in Virginia. Political pundits also have forecast Mrs. Clinton will need substantial support from the African-American community if she is to prevail in the primary process or be successful in November’s general election against an as-yet undetermined Republican contender. Riding the wave of popularity and national publicity his election as governor brought in November 1989, Mr. Wilder announced midway through his four-year term that he was seeking the Democratic nomination for president. His candidacy lasted just under four months, from Sept. 13, 1991, to Jan. 8, 1992, when he announced he didn’t have time to seek the nation’s highest office and effectively run the state. At the book signing, Mr. Wilder said that he is not ready to endorse a candidate for president at this point. Minutes later, the governor broached the subject of the AfricanAmerican vote again in his address to about 100 people in the L. Douglas Wilder Library & Learning Resource Center, where he also autographed copies of his new autobiography, “Son of Virginia: A Life in America’s Political Arena.” When people talk about a candidate’s possibility of being elected president, “you hear, and I hear someone always saying, ‘We’ve just to have the young people’s vote for this to happen. We’ve just to get that millennial vote. We’ve just got to get the women’s vote. Don’t forget the Hispanic vote. We’ve got to have it.’ “Now I want you to raise your hands. How many of you have heard anyone publicly proclaim, ‘We have got to have the African-American vote?’ “And you won’t hear it,” he said. “People say, ‘Well, you know, they take us for granted.’ Well, what do you do about it? When you stand up, you’re not a team player.” Mr. Wilder told the young people in the audience that it was important for them to attain the best education they can. “When I was growing up, it was not are you going to college, but, where are you going to college?” he said. “If you have no more than education,” he later added, “you are one step ahead of the person who doesn’t have it.” In opening remarks, VUU President Claude G. Perkins introduced Mr. Wilder — who grew up in Church Hill and served in the state Senate, as lieutenant governor and as Richmond’s mayor — as a “man from the East End who has gone to the far ends of the world to carry the message of hope, equality and dignity to mankind.” Richmond residents and longtime friends LaVerne Cooper and Florence Neal Cooper Smith said they were thrilled they could come to see Mr. Wilder at the book signing event. “We went to Armstrong High School with him from 1943 through 1947 and then went to Virginia Union with him from 1947 through 1951,” Mrs. Cooper said. “And our husbands were members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity with him and they were all friends. And we still stay in touch with him today,” she added. “We’re so proud of him,” Mrs. Smith said. “He’s always been a leader and a go-getter.” Former Richmond Judge Willard H. Douglas Jr., who sat near the former governor, noted that when he was elected in 1974 by the General Assembly and became the state’s first fulltime African-American judge, it was then-Sen. Wilder who had nominated him. “He helped me and a lot of other people along the way,” the retired judge said. “He has been a great public servant for the state and the nation.” After his address, about 70 people lined up to have their books signed by Mr. Wilder. Dr. Gerard McShepard, chair of VUU’s Department of Natural Sciences, was first in line. “We talk about him in one of my classes on African-American perspectives in science,” Dr. McShepard said. “He graduated from Virginia Union with a degree in chemistry and we talk about how he used his degree in the STEM field to accomplish all that he has.” Behind him, Delores Llewellyn, an associate math professor, said, “He’s an inspiration to all of us on what you can become in life with hard work and determination.” Jamal Ciego, a VUU junior majoring in history and political science, said he wanted to see “in person the first elected AfricanAmerican governor in the nation, who has done a lot of great things. He’s an inspiration to a lot of people like me.”

Richmond Free Press

February 4-6, 2016

Local News

Payday loan victim joins class action suit By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Henrico resident Donald Garrett is joining a class action suit seeking to hold Advance ‘Til Payday loan company accountable for allegedly evading state law and charging up to 960 percent interest on small loans of $100 to $300. Mr. Garrett was the focus of a front-page article in last week’s edition of the Free Press. The article detailed how he ended up paying $320 in “participation fees” — the company’s definition of its alleged interest charge — after borrowing $100 at a Henrico County outlet of the Illinoisbased Advance ‘Til Payday. After the article’s publication, Mr. Garrett was invited to become a plaintiff in the federal court suit spearheaded by the Virginia Poverty Law Center, a Richmondbased nonprofit advocacy group. The suit, filed in December on behalf of Richmond resident Linda Ashford Mr. Garrett and all others who have borrowed from the company, seeks to prevent Advance ‘Til Payday from escaping interest caps by claiming to only charge fees. As yet, the federal court has not certified the class action. The company also has filed a counter, seeking dismissal of the suit for failing to state a claim “upon which relief can be granted.” As it does in its contracts with borrowers, the company claims that borrowers, including Ms. Ashford, are charged no interest in receiving a “line of credit” from the company. Not only does Advance ‘Til Payday claim it meets federal disclosure requirements, the company claims it is exempt from interest limits under state usury law regarding interest. Because it does not charge interest, the company argues that the monthly $80 “participation fee” it imposes on each borrower is not regulated by state law. That is the meat of the case — whether a fee constitutes interest. The Poverty Law Center filed the case with the assistance of two Northern Virginia law firms, Kelly & Crandall and Surovell, Isaacs, Peterson & Levy.

High court clears use of new congressional boundary lines By Jeremy M. Lazarus

By order of the U.S. Supreme Court, Richmond is now in the 4th Congressional District, with voters to elect their representative in the Nov. 8 general election. The nation’s highest court Monday cleared the use of a new congressional district map imposed last month by a lower court three-judge panel. The new map moves Richmond out of the 3rd Congressional District, which is represented by Virginia’s lone AfricanAmerican congressman, Democratic Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott. The high court took the action even though the justices will hear a Republican challenge on March 21 to the underlying reason for the court-ordered redistricting map — that black voters were illegally packed into the 3rd District. Monday’s decision opens the door for area candidates to challenge the 4th Congressional District incumbent, Republican Rep. J. Randy Forbes. The 4th District’s new boundaries are regarded as more favorable to Demo-

Lawmakers strike bipartisan gun control deal By Gary Robertson Reuters

Virginia lawmakers reached a bipartisan deal Friday that would rescind the state attorney general’s decision to stop honoring permits for concealed weapons issued by 25 states in exchange for concessions from Republican supporters of gun ownership rights. The move by Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring to undo reciprocity agreements with more than two dozen states whose requirements fall short of Virginia’s infuriated many gun rights advocates, who argued it infringed on the constitutional rights of gun owners. In return for reinstating the agreements, Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe said the leaders of the Republican-dominated Virginia General Assembly had agreed to a requirement to make State Police available for voluntary background checks for private sales at all gun shows. The issue of gun control has become heated in recent years after a series of mass shootings at schools, shopping malls and other public venues across the country. Advocates of tighter controls say the government must do more to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill, while opponents say new restrictions would violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Of 77 firearms shows in Virginia last year, state police were present to run voluntary checks at only 42, Gov. McAuliffe said. The governor, who supports tighter gun control, pledged to make more money available to expand police background check efforts. He said expanding background checks had always been his primary issue in gun control legislation. The bipartisan compromise also would prohibit individuals with permanent protective orders from possessing a firearm. Gov. McAuliffe said it was an effort to remove guns from domestic violence situations. The proposal had previously been a non-starter among Republicans. “The measures we announce here today will save lives,” Gov. McAuliffe said, emphasizing that the compromise struck a balance between public safety and individual rights. In a prepared statement, Attorney General Herring, a Democrat, expressed approval but he did not attend the news conference at the state Capitol announcing the deal. “I’m encouraged to finally see a bipartisan conversation

about how we can reduce gun violence and keep guns away from dangerous individuals,” Mr. Herring said. He added that the measure of success for the agreement, when it finally emerges from the legislative process, is whether it makes Virginians safer. Delegate William J. Howell, the powerful Republican

Speaker of the House of Delegates, said the agreement was not about who won and who lost. “Virginia won, and that’s all there is to it,” Delegate Howell said, standing behind a podium flanked by Republican and Democratic lawmakers as well as representatives from domestic violence groups.

crats. Rep. Forbes is so concerned, he’s considering moving to the 2nd District to run for election, rather than seeking re-election in the 4th District. However, both Reps. Scott and Forbes will continue Rep. to represent their old districts until the new representative is seated in January. Among those anticipated to seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Forbes is Henrico state Sen. A. Donald McEachin, chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, though he has yet to announce. Along with Richmond, two other sections of the 3rd District, Eastern Henrico County where Sen. McEachin lives and Charles City County, also are in the 4th District. The state Board of Elections and local voter registrar offices will send notices to voters who have been moved into a new congressional district. Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter said the notices, which will cost the city about $70,000 to mail, also will urge people to check their registration and ensure they have a photo ID, which is needed to vote. In all, the new redistricting map affects five congressional districts, including the 1st, 2nd and 7th as well as the 4th and 3rd, which will be confined largely to Hampton Roads. Rep. Scott of Newport News is expected to run for his 13th term. The one-sentence order from the Supreme Court sided with the state Board of Elections, which argued that halting the new redistricting map would again allow “racial packing” to

taint the elections. GOP lawmakers, who wanted the changes in the map’s boundaries put on hold, warned the justices that they could cause “electoral chaos,” “mass voter confusion” and “the postponement of Scott congressional general elections” if they ultimately decide that the original 3rd District was not illegally packed with black voters as a lower court found. The new map reduces the

black voting-age population in the 3rd District from around 56 percent to about 45 percent and increases the black voting-age population in the 4th District from around 32 percent to around 42 percent. The changes also could impact first-term Rep. Dave Brat, R-7th. He is losing Hanover County, a Tea Party stronghold, which will become part the 1st District. Henrico Sheriff Michael L. Wade, considered a moderate Republican, is planning to challenge Rep. Brat if the party calls a primary in the redrawn 7th District.

Va. Supreme Court election remains on hold The election of a state Supreme Court justice remains on hold, a continuation of a saga that began last summer. Republicans in the House of Delegates remain determined to oust Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s choice, Justice Jane Marum Roush, and replace her with Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. of the Virginia Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, the 40-member Senate is deadlocked, with 20 Republicans backing Judge Alston, an African-American, while 19 Democrats and one Republican, newcomer Glen H. Sturtevant Jr. of Richmond, are backing Justice Roush Judge Alston Justice Roush. That 20-20 tie means neither candidate has the needed majority. Under the Virginia Constitution, the Senate’s presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, is not permitted to break the tie. Only elected Senate members can vote on judges. Both chambers of the legislature were supposed to take up the judicial election on Jan. 28, but the vote was postponed when the House could not get Senate agreement to proceed. This week, the Senate has declined to take up the issue as a result of the deadlock. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

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Richmond Free Press

Vibrant ornamental grass Downtown

Editorial Page

February 4-6, 2016

Lessons from Iowa Now that the Iowa presidential caucuses are over, what can voters in Richmond, a majority African-American city, learn from the political choices of a lily-white state of cornfields and livestock that produced evangelist Robert Schuller and TV mom Donna Reed? (It seems almost prophetic that American public opinion guru, the late George Gallup of Gallup poll fame, was born in Iowa.) We ruminate here on several lessons from Iowa: • The political gap is only getting wider. The victory by Republican Ted Cruz, a Tea Party conservative on one hand, and the near-tie by Democrat Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, a self-identified Democratic Socialist on the other end, shows the wide philosophical chasm that continues to sharply divide this nation and likely will drive the election in November. The champions of Iowa are polar opposites on the political spectrum. No moderate candidate made a strong showing. So what energized both Republican and Democratic voters in Iowa — and what is likely to continue to draw voter interest and turnout across the nation — leaves little room for moderation. In fact, Martin O’Malley, the former governor of Maryland who was viewed as a more moderate candidate on the Democratic side of the aisle, dropped out of the presidential nomination race after Monday night’s results were in. And former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, both considered moderates when compared with their Republican competitors, polled 6th and 8th, respectively, out of a field of 12 GOP candidates. • Young and African-American voters are key. The millennial vote, as well as that of African-American voters, may be the key to winning in November, just as it was for President Obama in 2008 and 2012. About 53,000 young Iowans, defined as voters ages 17 to 29, participated in the Iowa caucuses. They accounted for roughly 15 percent of the total number of caucus-goers, according to Tuft University’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. They are a powerful force. Monday night, 84 percent of the millennials voted for Sen. Sanders. In 2008, President Obama won 57 percent of the youth vote in the Iowa caucuses. While turnout among young Republicans broke a caucus record, according to the Tuft’s center, none of the GOP candidates won a majority of voters in that group. Sen. Cruz won the largest share of GOP millennial voters with 26 percent. As Sen. Sanders said Monday night, “What Iowa has begun tonight is a political revolution. When young people and working people and seniors begin to stand up and say loudly and clearly, ‘Enough is enough’ … that the government of our great country belongs to all of us and not just billionaires, when that happens, we will transform this country.” • Some candidates will change their positions based on the results. Even before all the caucus results were in Monday night, former Secretary of State Clinton took the stage to claim victory — and sounded like Bernie Sanders. There’s no doubt Sen. Sanders’ success is pushing Mrs. Clinton to the left. But it’s also an indication that she is like a jellyfish, moving in the direction the largest wave of voter support will take her. By comparison, Sen. Sanders has been consistent in his message about the wealth inequality in this nation and the steps he’ll take to bring greater equity and opportunity to all people. Mrs. Clinton’s shifting positions pose questions about the lengths she is willing to go should she be overwhelmed by Sen. Sanders’ supporters in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday, Feb. 9, followed by South Carolina’s Democratic primary Feb. 27. In 2008, she saw her nomination for president, which was assumed by many to be a foregone conclusion, snatched away by President Obama, a black man with an odd-sounding name. What will she do if her assumed crown is snatched away by a 74-year-old Jewish man from Vermont in an ending possibly more surprising than Miss Colombia’s at the Miss Universe pageant with Steve Harvey? • Ridiculousness reigns. Just days before the Iowa caucuses, Sen. Cruz promised during a stump speech to put french fries back in school cafeterias if elected. He was loudly cheered. It was a slap at First Lady Michelle Obama, a proponent of healthy eating who has been instrumental in getting more nutritious fare into public schools to combat childhood obesity that can create expensive health issues in adulthood. • Some people just don’t know when to leave. Four candidates have exited the presidential nominating race since Monday — former Gov. O’Malley, a Democrat, and Republicans Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum and Rand Paul. But Ben Carson … We hope the brilliant neurosurgeon will exit the race before he shreds the last of his dignity. He was pretty close to losing what remains last week when, during an appearance with schoolchildren in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he asked the group to point out the worst student in the bunch. He was trying to make a point using his own life story, telling the youngsters that he was a “horrible student” and was called a “dummy” as a youngster. The response? Crickets, initially. Then students at the Christian academy began pointing to one kid, a 10-year-old, as the worst student in the fifth-grade class. Dr. Carson continued, “Well, if you had asked that question in my classroom, there would have been no doubt.” Hearing the story, many people were mortified that Dr. Carson would single out a student for poor achievement. After the rally, the Republican dunce met with the youngster and told him, “So you know what we want from you, right? You’re going to be a neurosurgeon, right? All you have to do to (make) a turnaround is read …” We believe that Dr. Carson needs to read the tea leaves, if nothing else. Someone help him off the stage, puh-lee-zz. • Showing up and voting is critical. This lesson is one we got even before Iowa. But the caucuses remind us of the importance of being a part of the process instead of being left out. Your vote is your voice. When Virginians get to cast ballots in the presidential primaries on Tuesday, March 1, be there. The deadline to register to vote in the Virginia primary is Monday, Feb. 8.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Trump gets trumped in Iowa Ever since Donald Trump entered the Republican presidential race, I have been waiting to see him lose. I wanted to see how he would handle it. Humility, after all, is not an emotion with which The Donald appears to be intimately familiar. Remember when his rival Ben Carson, the retired brain surgeon, was running neck and neck with him in polls back in November, occasionally beating him? “How stupid are the people of Iowa?” Mr. Trump raged about Dr. Carson in a Fort Dodge rant. “How stupid are the people of the country to believe this crap?” What, I wondered, would be his reaction if the people of Iowa decide with their votes that they are not going to believe Mr. Trump’s crap either? Would he stand in stunned disbelief? Would he stagger off the stage babbling nonsense? Would he howl in protest about how he was robbed, perhaps by illegal immigrants? We found out Monday night after he decisively lost Iowa’s Republican caucuses to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and finished only

a whisper ahead of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Mr. Trump tried something that was different, even for him. Call it “humility lite.” “I absolutely love the people of Iowa,” he said, beaming his wall-to-wall grin like a beacon in the night. “Unbelievable.” And he repeated himself in his usual fashion (“I love you

Clarence Page people,” he said. “I love you people”) as if he were talking to third-graders or perhaps trying to woo the crowd through mass hypnosis — and repeated himself again. “I’m honored,” he said. “I’m really honored.” He congratulated the winner Sen. Cruz, thanked Mike Huckabee for dropping out and failed to mention Sen. Rubio, who finished third in a fashion that over-performed his polling as much as The Donald underperformed. “We will go on to get the Republican nomination and we will go on to beat Hillary or Bernie or whoever the hell they throw out there.” But Mr. Trump left quickly. What more was there for him to say? His spell was broken. All of his talk about what a winner he was in a world full

of “loo-zahs” and how he was going to make all of us winners, too, had fallen to dust. When he’s elected, he used to say, “There will be so much winning ...!” Ah, not this time, loo-zah. Suddenly the emperor had no clothes. The man behind the curtain was exposed as a mere mortal, a carnival hustler and flim-flam man who came to town to pitch his magical elixir and motivate the rubes to feel good about themselves in a wicked world full of things that make conservatives worry about their children’s futures — like illegal immigrants, overseas trade, political correctness and, lest we forget, Rosie O’Donnell. Thanks for a great fantasy, The Donald, but votes are for real. The man who never admits to making a mistake apparently grossly underestimated the importance of building a strong on-the-ground grassroots campaign in every single county if you want to win Iowa. That was how Barack Obama beat Hillary Clinton in 2008 and why Sen. Cruz worked tirelessly on his own ground game. Mr. Trump, a virtual master of all media, apparently thought his formidable celebrity and overflow rally crowds was enough. It wasn’t. Watch for more Trump volunteers to knock

Standing on sacred ground Three unarmed black men encountered a group of white men walking down a dirt road in Slocum, Texas, on July 29, 1910. Without warning, and with no reason, the white men opened fire on the black men. And, for two days, white men simply slaughtered black people. Eight deaths have been officially acknowledged, but historians who have studied the Slocum Massacre say that it is likely that dozens more were killed, with some saying as many were killed in Slocum as in Tulsa, Okla, in 1921, and those numbers range into the hundreds. The New York Times quoted William Black, the sheriff at the time of the massacre: “Men were going about killing Negroes as fast as they could find them, and so far as I was able to ascertain, without any real cause. I don’t know how many were in the mob, but there may have been 200 or 300. … They hunted the Negroes down like sheep.” History mostly swallowed the horror of the Slocum Massacre. Some descendants of those massacred pushed for official acknowledgement of the horror, but there have been efforts to cover up the carnage, with some in Slocum pretending that the massacre never happened. It took more than a century, until

2011, for the Texas Legislature to formally acknowledge the massacre. A roadside marker commemorating the tragedy was just placed on Jan. 26. A local member of the Anderson County Historical Commission opposed the marker because “the citizens of Slocum today had absolutely nothing to do with

Julianne Malveaux what happened over a hundred years ago. E.R. Bills, author of “The 1910 Slocum Massacre: An Act of Genocide in East Texas,” says there are more than 16,000 historical markers in Texas. “The Slocum Massacre historical marker will apparently be the first one to specifically acknowledge racial violence against African-Americans.” His book meticulously documents the Slocum facts, and asserts, “Many white folks got away with murder.” Only 11 were arrested for their role in the massacre. Seven were indicted but none were prosecuted for their crimes. The 11 were only the known criminals. The Slocum historical marker stands on sacred ground. There is much more sacred ground in these United States, ground that is soaked with the blood of lynched and murdered AfricanAmericans. Yet there are few markers of our nation’s historical madness. The Equal Justice Initiative, an Alabama-based organization that has documented the magnitude of our

nation’s lynching history, hopes to build markers and memorials on lynching sites, much like the one in Slocum. We need these memorials to remind us of an era of racial terror, and to consider the contemporary consequences of that terror. This year, the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH) has chosen “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories” as their Black History Month theme. The focus on location is important. They mention plantations, historic homes and historic streets. Many of our nation’s major cities have experienced gentrification in the past decade or more. Washington is no longer “Chocolate City” – it’s more like neapolitan or chocolate chip. The 125th Street of the Harlem Renaissance has diversified, as young white people with deep pockets are pushing the prices of historic brownstones into the seven or eight-figure price range. No matter. The places are still sacred ground and should be recognized as such. It is important to acknowledge these places with statues, markers and memorials, lest we forget. Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. We assert that Black Lives Matter because so many black lives were obliterated in Slocum, and because for far too long it was convenient and comfortable to forget a heinous massacre. The writer is an author, economist and founder of Economic Education.

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on doors and ring doorbells in New Hampshire. And which candidate was the first to claim victory in front of the television cameras? Significantly it was neither Sen. Cruz nor Mr. Trump. It was Sen. Rubio. He finished third, but you would not have guessed from the celebration that he and his family brought onstage while music played and the crowd cheered. I was reminded of how Bill Clinton is remembered for winning the 1992 New Hampshire primary, even though he actually came in second. He did such a grand job of declaring himself “The Comeback Kid” that he set a new standard for making a loss look like a win. In similar fashion, Sen. Rubio looked like a winner and had earned it. As Bret Baier noted on Fox News, Iowa’s vote was the first poll to show Sen. Rubio with more than 20 percent support. Sen. Rubio finished Iowa like a rocket in full liftoff. Sen. Cruz finished in orbit. Mr. Trump fizzled on the launch pad.

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Richmond Free Press

February 4-6, 2016

Letters to the Editor

Snow removal a joke All men are created equal, unless you live on South Side. We are the city’s ugly stepchild. The snow removal over here was a joke. Mountains of snow blocked crosswalks and access to the button to cross the street. Maybe to prove we’re not totally ignored, why not plow our streets before Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ street after the next snowfall? Gee, what a novel idea. NOREEN BROWN Richmond

Richmond deeply divided Our desire to live closer to our families and a burgeoning restaurant scene brought my husband and I to Richmond only 14 months ago, despite a commute to Washington each day for work. We first moved into a Shockoe Slip apartment and then purchased our first home together in the Fan District. For the past few months, we’ve relentlessly immersed ourselves in getting to know the city through issues that we care about, and we’ve attended many public meetings on a variety of topics. What we keep hearing is that Richmond wants to attract millennials. What we keep hearing is that Richmond wants to be inclusive. What we keep hearing is that Richmond wants to do things differently. Well, do you really? At these meetings, mostly white baby

boomers who are lifetime Richmonders talk in code about how they really don’t want things to change. The legacy of a pioneering AfricanAmerican woman literally may be overshadowed by a tree. Redevelopment of a brand new urban community along the Boulevard is in danger from minor league baseball. The first Richmond-Henrico public transportation option may well grind to a halt over lost parking spaces. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” so the saying goes. For example, the entire format of the first public meeting on the Boulevard plan was altered when the peanut gallery decided they didn’t come to do group exercises, but, instead, wanted to be heard. So, what ensued were monologues about why baseball should remain on the Boulevard. Another example: Much of the com-

Loan agencies can sometimes help Re ‘Paydazed in RVA: High-fee loan traps Henrico man,” Jan. 28-30 edition: Many people come up short of money. It is an unfortunate situation to be in, especially when you are on a fixed income. I am 56 and was diagnosed in June 2007 with an incurable disease, and was placed on treatment for the rest of my life. I live on $959 monthly from government disability. I have come up short of cash on several occasions and had to use car title loans and cash advance loans. Based on my income, $150 was all I could borrow. I was given a contract to make one

payment of $194.90 within 62 days. I didn’t feel that I was trapped because of the high interest rates. Title loans, lines of credit, cash advance ‘til payday or Internet loans are not a permanent solution for a short-term money problem. My advice to anyone who decides to use one of these lending institutions? Before you sign your name, be aware! My personal experiences have been great. Those people are not the devil. ANTHONY R. FORD Richmond

munity meeting with the Maggie Walker statue designer was a pure embarrassment, with the excuses flowing — the square is too small, why can’t we put her in Abner Clay Park, the tree is a living thing so we can’t cut it down, we shouldn’t close Brook Road, and the intersection will be too congested with Bus Rapid Transit coming. Richmond is a deeply divided city — divided by race, class, age, how long you’ve lived here and where in the city or county you live. My husband and I want to get involved. We want to make a difference. But, at this point, we don’t know where to start. Ultimately, this has left us wondering if moving to Richmond was the right decision for us after all. MELISSA DAVIS-TAYLOR Richmond

Guns a safety issue On the holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gov. Terry McAuliffe stood in front of hundreds of gun violence prevention supporters and activists and told them that “we are not finished” making Virginia a safer place. Unfortunately, less than two weeks later, Gov. McAuliffe made a deal with the National Rifle Association and pro-gun members of the General Assembly that will make Virginia a more dangerous place. The deal includes reversing Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring’s decision to end concealed carry reciprocity agreements with 25 states that fail to meet Virginia’s standards. In fact, it broadens reciprocity with all of the other 49 states in the country. This would allow individuals from other states that do little to regulate the carrying of concealed weapons to legally carry such weapons in Virginia. That means convicted stalkers and abusers, habitual drunks, those with severe mental illness and other dangerous individuals could carry weapons in the Commonwealth. How does this make our communities safer? We don’t want the George Zimmermans of the world to be armed in our neighborhoods. We want the governor, whom we elected to keep us safe, to stand up to the NRA and reject this bad deal. Call your state senator and urge a vote against Senate Bill 610, which embodies the agreement. KAYLA HICKS Hampton The writer is the African-American outreach director for Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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General Assembly A message from Senator Donald McEachin

Incarceration is expensive, in every sense of the word. Incarcerating someone costs the Commonwealth and, by extension, the taxpayers. Virginia tax dollars go to keep offenders fed and clothed behind bars. Moreover, families with someone in jail also suffer. They often lose income and lose the support of a family member. Children lose a parent and that part of their support system. An individual in jail is not earning an income, not contributing to his family’s upkeep, not home to help a child with homework, simply not there when needed. That prisoner is also not contributing to the community, doing a useful job or paying taxes. The difference between grand larceny and petit larceny is significant in every way. Grand larceny is the theft of something worth over $200. An individual convicted of grand larceny has a felony record and can spend up to twenty years in jail. Thefts below $200 are petty larceny which is a class one misdemeanor with no jail requirement. The $200 threshold for grand larceny was set back in 1980, thirty-five years ago. $200 in 1980 has the same buying power as $577.75 in 2014. In other words, the dollar value has almost tripled and the threshold has not changed at all. In 1985, a first class postage stamp cost $.20, a gallon of milk cost $2.26 and a dozen eggs cost $.88. In 2012, the equivalent items cost: a first class stamp - $.45, a gallon milk - $.350 and a dozen eggs - $2.00. Yet, the threshold for grand larceny has not adjusted at all for inflation. Nowadays, a simple first time mistake on the part of a young person can leave him or her with a felony conviction and jail time. Shoplifting a pair of jeans or a winter jacket, a watch or a low end cell phone could all lead to grand larceny felony convictions. This kind of conviction not only leads to jail time and loss of earning power but to all the difficulties exoffenders have re-integrating into their community. Time spent in jail is time not spent on education or job skills. Former offenders have a much more difficult time finding a job and are much more likely to be unemployed. Recidivism rates are significantly higher for individuals who have been jailed for any length of time. While the governor has made remarkable progress in restoring rights, those with a felony conviction lose their right to vote and to obtain many professional and working licenses. The definition of grand larceny needs to be updated. A person who commits a crime should be punished, but the punishment should fit the crime. While $200 may have made sense thirty five years ago, before significant inflation, now it puts people in jail, leaves them with a felony conviction and costs the taxpayers to lock them up for inordinate times. I, and several of my Democratic colleagues, introduced bills in to raise the amount. This bill has now passed the Senate and I hope the House of Delegates will consider the monetary and human relief of raising the threshold. This year begins my third term in the State Senate, the greatest honor and privilege of my life. If I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at the General Assembly at district09@senate.virginia.gov or 698.7509. Further information about the Session can be found on my website at www.donaldmceachin.com. Thank you for your confidence in me and I look forward to hearing from you.

Richmond Free Press

A8 February 4-6, 2016

Sports

Newton vs. Manning in Super Bowl 50 By Fred Jeter

Newton stats Nickname “Superman” Jersey Number No. 1 Age 26 Height & Weight 6-foot-5, 245 pounds Years in NFL 4 NFL Draft First overall pick by Carolina, 2011 Colleges Played one season at Auburn University after first attending University of Florida and then Blinn College in Texas. College credentials Won the Heisman Trophy in 2010, doubling the vote total of runner-up Andrew Luck. As a junior, led Auburn to an undefeated season and national championship.

Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos Sunday, Feb. 7 Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif. Televised on CBS

NFL honors Likely MVP for 2015.

Super Bowl 50 will be played on a football field in Santa Clara, Calif., but a Hollywood movie set seems a more fitting location. High drama is anticipated in this match-up featuring two classic leading men — one likely on the way out, the other definitely on the way up — when the Carolina Panthers and their rocket-armed sensation, Cam Newton, take on the Denver Broncos, led by venerable quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning is among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, but the years and the injuries have taken a toll and he’s near the end of the ride. That distant noise you hear is either his final game clock ticking down or his aching joints clicking with age. Newton, by stark contrast, is a flamboyant up-andcomer, with off-the-charts physical gifts, confidence galore and a seemingly unlimited future. Unfiltered and unafraid of ruffling feathers, Newton poses as Superman, dances in the end zone, struts with a swagger and smiles a hero’s smile. Super Bowl 50 is coming Sunday to a television set near you. It’s about time for lights, camera, a bowl of chips and a comfortable seat on the couch.

Manning stats Nickname “The Sheriff” Jersey Number No. 18 Age 39 Height & Weight 6-foot-5, 230 pounds Years in NFL 18 NFL Draft First overall pick by Indianapolis, 1998 College University of Tennessee College credentials Second to Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson for the Heisman Trophy. As a senior, Manning led Tennessee to a 10-2 record and the Southeastern Conference title. NFL honors Five-time league MVP and holds NFL career records for passing yardage and touchdowns.

Pitch man Appears in ads for Under Armour, Beats by Dre and Oikos yogurt, to name a few.

Pitch man Endorsements from many companies, notably Nationwide, Gatorade, Buick and Papa John’s.

Football father Father, Cecil, played safety at Savannah State University and was in the training camp of the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.

Football father His dad, Archie, was AllAmerican quarterback at University of Mississippi and played for the NFL New Orleans team.

Football brothers Older brother, Cecil Jr., played center for Tennessee State University and in 2009-10 with the NFL Jacksonville team. A younger brother, Caylin, is star quarterback at Atlanta’s Grady High, Class of 2017.

Football brother Brother, Eli, is quarterback for the New York Giants. Family Wife, Ashley, and twins, daughter Mosley and son Marshall, who he calls his “good luck charms.”

Family Longtime girlfriend, Kia Proctor, welcomed son, Chosen Sebastian Newton, in December. In honor of his newborn, he introduced an end zone move he called “Rock the Baby” in a Dec. 27 game in Atlanta. Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton dives for a touchdown during the Jan. 24 NFC championship game against the Arizona Cardinals in Charlotte, N.C.

Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning throws against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC playoff game Jan. 17 in Denver.

Newton joins 5 other black Super Bowl quarterbacks By Fred Jeter

African-American quarterbacks, long absent on Super Bowl Sunday, have become commonplace on football’s brightest stage. Carolina’s Cam Newton will be just the sixth African-American quarterback to start a Super Bowl when the Panthers face the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif. On Sunday, Newton will become the third African-American starter at the Super Bowl since 2013, following San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick in 2013 and Seattle’s Russell Wilson in 2014 and 2015. That means there will be an AfricanAmerican Super Bowl quarterback for four straight years. And the brilliant Newton appears to be capable of returning many more times. Doug Williams (from Grambling State University in Louisiana) became the first African-

Kaepernick passed for 302 yards and rushed for 62 more in 2013, but the San Francisco 49ers lost 31-34 to Baltimore. Then Richmonder Wilson (from Collegiate School) arrived in Seattle for back-to-back appearances in 2014 in East Rutherford, N.J., and 2015, in Glendale, Calif. In outdueling Denver’s Peyton Manning in 2014, Wilson passed for 206 Doug Steve Donovan Colin Russell yards and two touchdowns in Seattle’s Williams McNair McNabb Kaepernick Wilson 43-8 rout. American quarterback to start a Super Bowl in The game, known as “The Longest Last year, Wilson tossed for 247 yards and 1988 when he guided Washington to a 42-10 Yard,” ended dramatically. On the final two touchdowns. But his late interception on win over Denver in San Diego, Calif. snap, McNair completed a pass to Kevin the goal line was crucial in a 28-24 loss to Seizing the moment in history, Williams Dyson, who was tackled on the 1-yard line New England. earned MVP honors, passing for 340 yards as time expired. Among the African-American quarterbacks, and four touchdowns. The next African-American quarterback only Wilson in 2014 and Williams in 1988 The next African-American quarterback after McNair was Philadelphia’s Donovan have tasted victory. to start a Super Bowl was Tennessee’s Steve McNabb in 2005. In a 24-21 loss to New The first African-American to score a Super McNair (from Alcorn State University in England, McNabb passed for 357 yards and Bowl touchdown was Kansas City’s Curtis McMississippi) in a 23-16 loss to the St. Louis three touchdowns but suffered three inter- Clinton on a pass from Len Dawson in Super Rams in 2000. ceptions. Bowl 1 — a 35-10 Green Bay victory.

Serena gracious even in defeat at Australian Open Reuters

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Serena Williams’ relaxed outlook on life spilled over even in defeat last Saturday when she appeared to be almost as happy that Angelique Kerber had won her first grand slam final as the German herself. The 34-year-old Serena lost the Australian Open final to the seventh-ranked Kerber 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in just more than two hours of scintillating tennis at Rod Laver Arena in which the German negated the American’s power and capitalized on unforced errors. “I was actually really happy for her,” Serena told reporters after the defeat. “She played so well today. She had an attitude that I think a lot of people can learn from — just to always stay positive and to never give up. “If I couldn’t win, I’m happy she did.” Serena was bidding for her seventh Australian Open title and 22nd overall, which would have

moved her into a tie with Kerber’s childhood idol Steffi Graf for the record in the Open era. How rare is it for Serena to lose a grand slam final? She had won her last eight and was 21-4 overall. Even though the record Serena sought of winning a 22nd grand slam disappeared into the Melbourne evening, her beaming smile and graciousness in defeat drew warm applause from the crowd and praise from the sporting world. “Fantastic gesture after match point and such kind words — a great champion, @serenawilliams!,” Manchester United and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said on Twitter. The response after defeat was a far cry from the player who was once booed by fans at the 2009 U.S. Open after a heated exchange with a line umpire for which she was given a suspended ban and ordered to pay half of a $175,000 fine. Serena previously said that a

Jason Reed/REUTERS

Serena Williams, right, embraces Angelique Kerber of Germany after losing to the younger player in last Saturday’s final at the Australian Open.

cut foot and blood clot on her lung that almost cost the veteran player her career — and life — five years ago had helped her reassess. During the last 12 months, Serena also has recognized that she is edging toward retirement in her career. Serena was under immense pressure last year when she had the opportunity to become the first player since Graf in 1988 to claim a calendar grand slam, only to have the dream ended by Roberta Vinci in the U.S. Open semifinals. Serena took the rest of the season off to rest nagging injuries and to deal with the disappointment of missing the grand slam achievement. That loss, however, also appears to have helped her deal with expectations and she no longer puts that pressure upon herself. “Every time I walk in this room, everyone expects me to win every single match, every single day of my life. As much as I would like to be a robot, I’m

not,” she said. “I do the best that I can. I try to win every single time I step out there, every single point. But, realistically, I can’t do it.” Kerber showed nerves of steel to fend off Serena, who had roared back from 5-2 down in the deciding set. In a final game ripe with tension, Serena succumbed on the first match point with a volley that floated well past the baseline. Kerber was already flopping to the ground before the ball had landed, and she flung her racquet away as a packed crowd of 15,000 roared in elation and disbelief. Serena has no liking for runnerup finishes at grand slams, and her defeat was the first in a final since her shock loss to Sam Stosur at the 2011 U.S. Open. Serena was nonetheless gracious in defeat, walking directly to Kerber’s side of the court to embrace her warmly as the new 28-year-old champion wept with joy.

Richmond Free Press

February 4-6, 2016

BUILT FOR KIDS. DESIGNED FOR PARENTS. SCHEDULED FOR MARCH. NEW CHILDREN’S PAVILION. OPENING MARCH 21. Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is proud to open our doors to a new standard of outpatient care custom-made for kids. Learn more at chrichmond.org/pavilion.

Richmond Free Press

B2 February 4-6, 2016

Happenings Community groups announce anti-violence summit on Feb. 11 By Joey Matthews

Over the years, countless well-intentioned individuals and groups have organized rallies, prayer vigils and community meetings to stem the tide of violence in Richmond. While the number of homicides and violent crimes in the city has declined during the past 15 years, too many Richmond residents still suffer as victims. Community activist James E. â&#x20AC;&#x153;J.J.â&#x20AC;? Minor III is initiating a more aggressive plan to stem the senseless acts of violence by organizing the State of the Community Action Summit at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at Mount Olivet Church, 1223 N. 25th St. in the East End. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fed up with crime,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Minor told the Free Press Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fed up with the system. We all decided to come together because thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength in numbers. There are some things in place, but we can do a whole lot better to help address the needs in our community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The difference is weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to talk about it; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do it,â&#x20AC;? said Mr. Minor, who also is chair of the Richmond Democratic Committee. Several groups are part of the effort, including Coaches Against Violence Everywhere, Mothers Against Violence, United Communities Against Crime, Virginia State L.O.C., James River Metro Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Confer-

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Organizer James E. â&#x20AC;&#x153;J.J.â&#x20AC;? Minor III, center, speaks at Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news conference announcing the Community Action Summit. Other summit sponsors with him are, from left, Kim Morgan and LaToya Williams of Mothers Against Violence; Charles Willis of United Communities Against Crime; and Woody Winborne, Maurice Tyler and Aaron Turner of Coaches Against Violence Everywhere.

ence, Have a Heart 4 the Homeless and the Richmond Tenants Organization, according to organizers. The summit is open to the public, Mr. Minor said, and will include a panel discussion led by local radio personality â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miss Communityâ&#x20AC;? Clovia Lawrence. He said panelists will include the Rev. Dwayne Whitehead, president of the James River Metropolitan Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and pastor at World Overcomers Family Church in the East End; Minister Tracy Muhammad of Muhammad Mosque #24; Dr. Charles Shannon, president of

Faith Leaders Moving Forward and pastor at Mount Level Baptist Church in Amelia County; Maurice Tyler, director of Coaches Against Violence Everywhere; Kim Morgan of Mothers Against Violence; Charles Willis of United Communities Against Crime; and Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i Chancellor of Have a Heart 4 the Homeless. Among the solutions Mr. Minor said the groups have indicated in preliminary discussions they would pursue are more mentoring and tutoring programs, after-school programs and life skills training for youths in disadvantaged communities.

Let freedom ring!

People of all backgrounds, ethnicities and faiths came from across the nation to participate Monday in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let Freedom Ring: A Call to Heal a Nationâ&#x20AC;? initiative at historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg. There, they rang the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly restored bell as part of the initiative marking the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 240th anniversary and to engender racial healing, peace and justice nationwide. People from across the nation can ring the bell in person or virtually during Black History Month. Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kickoff included noted civil rights and justice advocates, remarks from former U.S. Ambassador

Susan John Cook and the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., as well as descendents of President Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, the African-American woman he enslaved and fathered six children with, who rang the bell. Entertainer Valerie Simpson of the famed singing duo Ashford and Simpson sang during the ceremony, along with the Hampton University Symphonic Choir. Pictured from left: A group of women join togeather

to ring the bell at First Baptist Church, one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest African-American churches. After the ceremony, Rev. Jackson poses for a photograph with Shannon Lanier, center, and his daughters, Madison and McKenzie, who are Jefferson-Hemings descendents. Church member Liz Montgomery, left, of Williamsburg, Congressman Robert C. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bobbyâ&#x20AC;? Scott and entertainer Dionne Warwick, right, leave the church after the ceremony. People interested in ringing the bell during February can register online at www.letfreedomringchallenge.org.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Free access to genealogy website this month During the month of February, the New England Historic Genealogical Society is allowing free entry to its website for those seeking information on their African-American ancestry, it has been announced. In honor of Black History Month, guests can conduct searches on the website,

www.AmericanAncestors. org/AfricanAmerican. Along with a video and study guide, guest users will have access to several databases, including Free Negro Heads of Families in the United States, 1830, which was compiled from the U.S. Census of that year. The database includes the

Grant brings new books to Henderson Middle School Henderson Middle School has received a $10,000 grant from Emilyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hope Foundation to purchase 500 new books for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s library, according to Dr. Vonita Foster, the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media specialist. Dr. Foster said the grant would bolster the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nonfiction, social science, natural science and technology collections. To celebrate the new resources, students from Henderson and from Fairfax schools are to connect via Skype, an Internet audio-video connection, to read books and participate in discussions. The program will be held in the spring. Emilyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hope Foundation was created in 2010 by several Fairfax County Public Schools teachers to honor Emily Michael, a student who died in 2009 from heart disease.

names, ages, family size and county of residence for 47,300 individuals from 27 states.

Do you smoke cigarettes? Men and women who smoke cigarettes between the ages of 18-55 are needed to participate in a research study that requires 5, 3 to 4 hour, laboratory visits. Compensation is provided.

CALL (804) 828-1867 Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm or visit http://wp.vcu.edu/cobbco/current-studies/ for more information. Park Principal Investigator: Caroline Cobb, Ph.D.

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Richmond Free Press

February 4-6, 2016

Happenings Personality: Audrey Anderson Britt

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

Spotlight on sole surviving founder of the Melds Pinochle Club Audrey Anderson Britt became interested in playing pinochle when she was a student at Virginia Union University. “They needed somebody to play,” she says of some of her classmates, “so I told them I knew how to play, but I really couldn’t. “After they talked about me – and I mean talked about me and embarrassed me – I learned how to play,” she adds. She fell in love with the card game and the friendships it spawned. So in the 1960s, she helped found the Melds Pinochle Club. “We had to find a way to meet apart from our husbands and socialize,” she says. Now 89 and retired after decades as a Richmond Public Schools employee, Mrs. Britt is the lone living founding member of the club. “You meld when you play cards,” Mrs. Britt explains of how the club was named. According to the MerriamWebster Dictionary, meld means to blend or combine. In card games, it means to declare or display (a card or combination of cards in a hand) for inclusion in one’s score as in pinochle. At its zenith, the pinochle club had 12 members, with one serving as the hostess, Mrs. Britt says. Currently, the group has seven members, with guests allowed as long as they know how to play. They meet to play once a month, usually at Imperial Plaza on North Side, Mrs. Britt says, “because that’s where most of our members are living now.” She says cash prizes are awarded to winners. Mrs. Britt notes that the club is always looking for new members, but adds they must know how to play in order to join the club. She encourages those interested in playing pinochle to learn the game. “It’s easily taught,” she says. Here’s an ace at playing pinochle, this week’s Personality, Audrey Anderson Britt: Date and place of birth: Aug. 5 in Richmond. Family: Daughter, Veda L. Britt-Handy. Education: Bachelor’s degree, Virginia Union University, with additional studies at Temple University. Is the pinochle club affiliated with a national group: No, we’re local. Do you compete against other clubs: We do if they invite us. Why would you recommend pinochle to others: We just love it. It’s fun. What type of pinochle do

the people don’t speak to each other. They don’t call their neighbors, but I do. I’m nosy. To what do you attribute your longevity: Taking care of my family. I wonder sometimes why does the Lord keep me here? I read the Daily Word. I was taught to give and share and it must be true because I’m always giving and giving.

you play: We play single pinochle. Some people play double pinochle. This is easier than bridge. You can’t talk in bridge, but you can talk a little bit when you play pinochle. How do new members join: Usually, we will invite a person who has been a guest and we make sure this person knows how to play. What was the popularity of pinochle when you founded the club: It was quiet popular. The affluent people played bridge. How do you start your day: I get up at 4:30 in the morning and talk on the phone to other people who get up early. Then I get somebody to walk my dog, Oscar. And I also do some community work. And I am the “mayor” of the block and belong to the Battery Park Civic Association. How do you unwind: I love to cook. I have a Black History Month celebration and invite some of my good friends.

What will make Richmond a better city: If the people who handle the guns knew how to handle the guns. I think you can go down the street and buy a gun just like that if you had the money. Also, the city would be better if we would listen to some of the people who have lived a long time and if we could cooperate with the police. But some of the police should be re-trained. There are some who just shoot, shoot, shoot. And I think we need to look at our leaders. Favorite late-night snack: Gin and tonic. The one thing I can’t stand is: Phony people.

My memories of Battery Park: It’s not like it used to be. Years ago, we were more like a family. If anybody died, we would put up funds and give that person some money. And we would share our losses with each other. Sometimes,

My next goal: I’ve seen the movie “The Color Purple” three times and I want to see it again. And I’d like to try to go to Las Vegas. I’ve been there four times.

The person who influenced me the most: My grandmother, who was bossy, and my late husband, Harold Britt. He would tell me that I talked too much. We got married in 1947. The book that influenced you the most: Now that I look at television, I don’t read as much. I like to read cookbooks.

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Please Mark Your Calendars for the

4th Annual State of Black America Address On Saturday, February 6, 2016 31st Street Baptist Church - 823 N. 31st St. 9:30AM - 3:00PM

Keynote Address by noted author, journalist and former Richmond Free Press columnist Peter Bailey who was also a close personal friend of Malcolm X. To register your family, church group & for more info email AALSCommittee@gmail.com or call 1-888-440-5397

FEBRUARY IS

AMERICAN HEART MONTH Coronary heart disease

is the number one KILLER of women in the United States

RED SCARF /RED TIE SUNDAY Nia, Inc. of Greater Richmond, a ministry affiliate of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, is encouraging local pastors to celebrate a Red Scarf/Red Tie Sunday during the month of February by asking women in their congregation to wear a red dress or red scarf and men to wear a red tie to bring attention to the problem of heart disease in women. For more info and resources go to

www.womentakecharge.org

My friends love me: Because I’m so much fun. And I’m a star. People just love me.

This ad was funded by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health in partnership with The Heart Truth ® program of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The Heart Truth® and Red Dress® are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

My dreams: After I retired, I

What do you place top value on: I’m an organizer and I like to write poetry and travel. For exercise, what do you do: Walk up and down the 13 steps in my house slowly and walking behind Oscar, cleaning up behind him and feeding him.

wanted to have a travel agency because I used to run buses to New York and Virginia Beach. Then I wanted to have a little nursery school, but my daughter took me to Hollywood and I wanted to be a movie star.

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Public Notice

The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 3:00 PM For their regular board meeting at 107 South Fifth Street, Richmond, VA 23219 2nd floor Room 203

VCU Health will be offering the following free health seminars at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Kelly Education Center, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue. Registration is recommended. Free parking available.

Thursday, February 4 | 5:30 p.m.

New Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation Join Drs. Kenneth Ellenbogen and Vigneshwar Kasirajan who will talk about a new procedure — hybrid ablation — that combines a surgical procedure and catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation.

Thursday, February 18 | 5:30 p.m.

Everything You Wanted to Know About a Woman’s Heart Join Dr. Phoebe Ashley who will talk about the anatomy of a woman’s heart and how the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease in women are subtle and very different.

Thursday, February 25 | 5:30 p.m.

Peripheral Artery Disease: Current Treatment Alternatives Join Drs. Luis Guzman and Mark Levy who will talk about peripheral artery disease — a disease that can restrict blood flow to the main arteries — and how it is diagnosed and treated.

NCBW-RMAC advocates for women and girls of color that live in poverty, suffer with mental illness and are victims of domestic violence. 160128-FreePress.indd 1

1/21/16 2:59 PM

Richmond Free Press

B4 February 4-6, 2016

Happenings Richmond native, author to deliver message of chastity By Joey Matthews

Author and Richmond native Ivy Julease Newman is returning home this weekend to encourage teens and single adults to pursue a lifestyle of chastity in order to maintain a closer relationship to God. First, she is scheduled to deliver her message of sexual abstinence to young women ages 13 through 18 on Friday, Feb. 5, at a workshop she designed, “Redefining Chastity.” Participants will come from three East End churches, Thirty-first Street Baptist, Mosby Memorial Baptist and Faith Community Baptist, all of which have played in role in the awardwinning author’s early life. Ms. Newman was baptized at Mosby Memorial, attended Thirty-first Street Baptist as a child and later attended Faith Community as a young adult. On Saturday, Feb. 6, Ms. Newman, 33, will is present a workshop for single adults at the “Infallible Destiny Relationship Summit” at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa in Short Pump. The workshop is based on Ms. Newman’s 2010 book, “A Space Called Chastity,” which

received the Universe Editor’s Asked if she practices chastity, Choice Award and the Rising Star Ms. Newman said, “I have no Award. The book “gives practical shame” in admitting to having insight into common situations premarital sex when she was that unmarried people experience younger. She said she stopped related to the complex three-way after experiencing bad relationrelationship of God, sex and datships and later understanding her ing,” Ms. Newman stated. actions hindered her relationship Ms. Newman also has been with God. featured on ESSENCE.com. Ms. Newman described the She said her mission through relationship that inspired to write her advocacy for chastity is to her book. Ms. Newman “inspire women to take beneficial “I met a man in 2007 who actions to explore their intimacy with God.” told me he was a student at Columbia,” she reIn a Free Press interview, Ms. Newman said called. “Shortly after we started dating, he told she looks forward to returning home and also me his gas had been cut off at his apartment plans to spend time visiting with her family and asked if he could stay in my apartment for and friends. She grew on North Side, where her a day or two to give him somewhere to shower parents, Charles and Dora Newman, still live. and sleep while he made arrangements to live She graduated from Richmond Community somewhere else. High School, then later earned a bachelor’s de“By the third day, I told him he had to leave,” gree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a she said. “I followed him when he left and he master’s degree from Columbia University. went to a car. He had everything he owned in Today, she lives in New York, where she is his car and had been living in it. I also found the president of The Viney Group, a boutique out he had never been a student at Columbia. marketing management firm. Someone had hoodwinked me into believing he She is now engaged. was something that he wasn’t.

“I was devastated,” she continued. “I went to Barnes and Noble. I was looking for a book in the Christian section to help me deal with all the bad feelings I had, but I couldn’t find any. I laid down on the floor and started crying uncontrollably. That’s when I heard God tell me that the book I was looking for was the one he wanted me to write.” She said people have been very receptive to her message on chastity. “I mostly talk with Christian audiences,” she said. “Some of them follow (singer, rapper and songwriter) Nicki Minaj during the week, then go to church on Sunday,” she said. “They are being pulled in two directions. “I don’t talk down to my listeners. I say, ‘This behavior distances you from God, causes you not to be able to receive the blessings of God or not be receptive to God.’ “If you really want to be close to God, this is the best way.” Pastors Breon and Nyah Hamlett of Destined Word, a Calvary Revival Church in Henrico County, are organizing the Infallible Destiny Relationship Summit, a three-day event. Registration is available at www. infallibledestiny.com.

From SAG Awards to Sundance, diversity makes a comeback By Jake Coyle Associated Press

In a flurry of wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Sundance Film Festival, diversity made a comeback. Over just a few hours last Saturday, the SAG Awards and Sundance showered their honors on a parade of performers and films that presented a stark contrast to the crisis that has plagued the Oscars. Shortly after Queen Latifah, Uzo Aduba, Viola Davis and Idris Elba (twice), received awards from the screen actors, writerdirector Nate Parker’s Sundance sensation “The Birth of a Nation,” a drama about Nat Turner’s slave rebellion, swept the festival’s awards. The two ceremonies, in Los Angeles and Park City, Utah, offered a night of reprieve from weeks of rancor over sysMs. Aduba temic inequality in the movie business and a second straight year of all-white Academy Award acting nominees. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to diverse TV,” said Mr. Elba in his third trip on stage as a presenter at the SAG Awards. His first two were to accept awards for his supporting performance in the Netflix child soldier drama, “Beasts of No Nation,” and

for his lead performance in the BBC miniseries “Luther.” Soon thereafter, at Sundance, Mr. Parker took the festival’s grand jury prize and its audience award. “Thank you, Sundance, for creating a platform for us to grow, in spite of what the rest of Hollywood is doing,” said Mr. Parker, whose directorial debut sold for a record sum to Fox Searchlight Pictures. The SAG Awards top honor, best ensemble in a film, went to the newspaper drama “Spotlight,” which came into Saturday’s ceremony badly in need of some momentum. The ensemble award had seemingly come down to “Spotlight” or Adam McKay’s high finance tale “The Big Short,” which last week took the Producers Guild’s top award. The win assures a competitive and unpredictable Oscars finale, with “The Martian,” “The Revenant” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” also Ms. Davis in the mix. Mr. Elba made no direct reference to the uproar that has swept through Hollywood in the last two weeks, which might have been less severe had he been nominated by the Academy Awards, as many expected. But it was on the minds and tongues of seemingly everyone in Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. Accepting the most outstanding ensemble award in a comedy

Black History Month Expo to highlight Petersburg events Petersburg is planning an expo, movie viewings, spokenword and other dramatic presentations, a bus tour and read-in as part of its Black History Month commemoration. All events are free and open to the public. The signature event, according to city officials, is a Black History Month Expo 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Petersburg High School, 3101 Johnson Road. The expo is to include music, dance, theatre, art demonstrations, food vendors and health resources, according to a news release. An opening ceremony will be followed

by performances by TSoul, Tamika Patton in an Ode to Jazz tribute to Billie Holiday, theatrical and tap performances by Derome Scott Smith and high school students, and the Gospel Truth of Richmond Choir. The event is to culminate with a performance by Plunky. The Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St., also will host events throughout the month. On each Thursday in February, the library will show a series of films and include talks and discussions for youths and adults. The films will include “Selma,” “Selma Lord Selma,” “The Help” and “The Great Debaters.” For other library programs, go

to www.ppls.org. The Department of Cultural Affairs, Arts and Tourism/Petersburg Museums will sponsor an African-American history bus tour of historic sites 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. The tour will be led by Dr. Lucious Edwards, archivist and historian emeritus at Virginia State University. Reservations can be made at (804) 733-2400. A spoken word event also will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Union Train Station, 103 River St., with Kondwani Fidel’s “Accusations on Addiction.” For a complete list of Black History Month events in Petersburg, go to www. petersburgva.gov. or call (804) 733-2430.

Political cartoonist Keith Knight to speak Feb. 4 at VCU Political cartoonist Keith creating funny, politically Knight is scheduled to de- astute comic strips that touch liver the 14th Annual Virginia on many divisive issues, includCommonwealth University ing racially motivated police Libraries Black History Month violence, according to a new Lecture titled, “They release announcing Shoot Black People, his appearance. He Don’t They? From will hold a bookFerguson to NYC, signing event for the Political Cartoonpublic afterward. ist Keith Knight on O n T h u r s d a y, Police Violence in Feb. 11, Lawrence the U.S.” Ross, author of the He will kick off new book, “BlackBlack History Month balled: The Black commemorations at and White Politics Mr. Knight VCU with his adof Race on America’s dress 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Campuses,” will speak from 7 4, in the Lecture Hall of the to 8:30 p.m. at the Depot, 814 James Branch Cabell Library, W. Broad St. 901 Park Ave. His book explores the present Mr. Knight is known for and historical issues of racism

on American college campuses, On Thursday, Feb. 18, VCU and how that ties into the Black Libraries and the Richard T. Lives Matter movement. Robertson School of Media Also on Thursday, Feb. 11, and Culture will host an event Dr. Velma P. Scantlebury, the exploring the reaction by Affirst African-Amerrican-Americans in ican woman organ Virginia and across transplant surgeon the country to D.W. in the nation, will Griffith’s 1915 sispeak at 3 p.m. on lent film “The Birth “Health Equity in of a Nation.” That Kidney Transplanwill take place from tation: Experiences 7 to 9 p.m. in the from a Surgeon’s Lecture Hall of the Perspective.” James Branch Cabell Dr. Scantlebury’s Dr. Scantlebury Library. talk will be in the To register for the University Student Commons event, go to www.support.vcu. Theater. She is the associate edu/event/birthofanation. director of the kidney transplant For a full schedule of Black program at Christiana Care History Month events, go to Health System in Delaware. www.vcu.edu.

series for Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” co-star Laura Prepon gestured to the cast of the prison comedy standing behind her. “Look at this stage,” said Ms. Prepon. “This is what we talk about when we talk about diversity.” SAG winners for individual performances the last three years have corresponded with eventual Academy Award winners. Thus Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Revenant”), Brie Larson (“Room”) and Alicia Vikander (“The Danish Girl”) all cemented their status as Oscar favorites. Each won, as expected. But supporting actor will differ this year. The category’s perceived favorite is Sylvester Stallone for the Rocky sequel “Creed.” Stallone, though, wasn’t nominated by the screen actors. Actors make up the largest branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which is why the SAG Awards are a closely watched harbinger of the Oscars. Mr. Elba But the Screen Actors Guild is massive by comparison: some 160,000 members to the academy’s 6,000-plus. Queen Latifah gave one of the evening’s most stirring speeches while accepting the award for most outstanding female performance in a TV movie or miniseries for HBO’s Bessie Smith tale “Bessie.” “I hope that anyone out there who does not come in the package that people say you should, keep fighting for it,” said Queen Latifah. Backstage, she added: “Hopefully our business will continue to supply the demand that people are asking for. The people want it. Give it to the people.” Ms. Aduba, accepting her second straight SAG Award for best actress in a comedy in “Orange Is the New Black,” praised creator Jenji Kohan for making “a show that reflects and represents so many people.” Ms. Davis, who in September became the first AfricanAmerican to win best actress at the Emmys, won again for her performance in “How to Get Away With Murder.” She reminded that “diversity is not a trending topic.” “All of the actors of color I know don’t place any limitations on themselves,” said Ms. Davis. “So regardless of what is going on with the academy, what is going on with Hollywood, they will find a way to be excellent. We always have and we always will.”

Conference to focus on Virginia’s Rosenwald schools John Tyler Community College and Preservation Virginia will host Virginia’s Rosenwald Conference from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 19, at the college’s Chester campus at 13101 Jefferson Davis Highway. The conference will bring people together who are interested in saving Virginia’s remaining Rosenwald Schools and their histories. Between the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, the Rosenwald rural school program was a critical initiative in the effort to provide educational opportunities to African-Americans in the South. More than 5,000 Rosenwald Schools, including 367 in Virginia, were built during that time. However, today, it is estimated that only 10 percent to 12 percent of those buildings remain standing across the nation. The conference will feature presentations about the history of Rosenwald Schools, restoration projects and how some Rosenwald buildings are being repurposed. The conference also will cover preservation efforts, collecting oral histories and engaging the community. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information and registration, contact Dr. Alyce Miller, associate professor of history at John Tyler, at amiller@jtcc.edu or call (804) 897-4179, or Justin Sarafin, director of preservation initiatives and engagement, at Preservation Virginia at jsarafin@ preservationvirginia.org or call (804) 648-1889, ext. 317. John Tyler also is hosting a series of other events to commemorate Black History Month. For more information, go to www.jtcc.edu/about/news/7085.

Richmond Free Press

February 4-6, 2016

Faith News/Directory

Rev. Wright: Faith traditions give hope for life’s journey By Joey Matthews

Photos by Ayasha Sledge

Virginia Union University President Claude Perkins, left, honors Dr. Wyatt T. Walker during a worship service Thursday morning at the campus. Mission Statement: People of God developing Disciples for Jesus Christ through Preaching and Teaching of God’s Holy Word reaching the people of the Church and the Community.

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No 8 a.m. Service | 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship & Holy Communion

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

THURSDAYS 1:30 p.m. Bible Study

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

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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

the other way when black men and black women are murdered. His voice didn’t reach the “We have a faith tradition to thunderous crescendo for which keep alive in this generation, a he is well known. faith tradition that says, ‘Yes, black Nor did he use the fiery cadences lives do matter.’ ’’ with which he has stirringly moved Rev. Wright said it’s critical to worshippers and other audiences preserve the sacred songs enslaved for more than four decades. people sang to help bridge the gap Speaking in mostly soft, meawith the present generation in order sured tones, the Rev. Jeremiah A. to demonstrate that the “faith we Wright, President Obama’s former share today was forged in the flames pastor at Trinity United Church of of the hell called chattel slavery, Christ in Chicago, still drew enthat faith was formed in the nasty, thusiastic applause from about 200 stinking bowels of slave ships; that people last Thursday in the Allix The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, former spiritual adviser faith was carved out on the keloid B. James Chapel at Virginia Union to President Obama, praises Dr. Wyatt T. Walker’s scars on the backs, buttocks and efforts to keep faith traditions alive through his University. Rev. Wright gave the scholarship on African-American sacred songs. breasts of African women and sermon at the “Bridging the Gap men who were beaten mercilessly Community Worship Service” to honor songs to draw nearer to God, form bonds by slave masters and slave drivers who, Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, a Virginia Union and gain strength to try and endure the with their souls intact, held onto faith; was horrific forms of abuse to which they hammered out in the hangman’s noose of alumnus and civil rights icon. The service was the kickoff of the were subjected. the white lynch mobs, who followed in After they came to the Americas, Rev. the footsteps of the founding fathers such “Legacy of a Legend” weekend designed to commemorate Dr. Walker of Chester- Wright said, “Africans took the words of as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson field County, a former chief of staff to Dr. white hymnists and put them in the tunes and Benjamin Franklin, all of whom owned and the melodies from back home,” songs slaves while signing the Declaration of Martin Luther King Sr. The commemorative weekend was that many African-Americans still sing Independence.” organized by the Wyatt Tee Walker Edu- today in houses of worship. He said the sacred spiritual songs “re“The Jews took their songs 5,448 miles mind us who brought us, who kept us and cation Foundation and Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, to which from Bethlehem to Babylon.” By compari- who never left us and remind us of who Dr. Walker has belonged for more than son, he added, “songs that were passed from will never leave us. 70 years and Dr. King was a member, (locales such as) Durban, South Africa, to “I, like Wyatt Tee Walker, am standing Charleston, South Carolina” would have on a foundation laid for me years before I according to organizers. Dr. Walker, who is now 86 and has traveled 8,427 miles. was born. And I’m laying a foundation for “Singing kept their faith traditions future generations that I will never, ever health issues, attended an event on the alive,” Rev. Wright said of the enslaved get to see in the flesh,” he concluded. VUU campus earlier in the day. Rev. Wright, 74, is on the VUU Board Jews and Africans. “Singing the songs The Rev. Michael L.W. Moore of Mt. of Trustees and an adjunct professor in of Zion keeps our faith traditions alive Vernon Baptist Church in the West End served the university’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor in this present generation,” he added of as worship leader at the service, which also African-Americans. School of Theology. featured the church’s choir and band. He praised Dr. Walker’s lifelong efforts He titled his biblical message “SingPowerful spoken word performances ing the Songs of Zion,” and drew it from as an Afromusicologist to study, preserve also were delivered by VUU undergraduate Psalm 137, verses 1 through 4. It tells of and restore the sacred black songs for Destini Boyd in a piece about Dr. Walker the enslaved Jewish people’s efforts to present and future generations. called “Who is this Man,” and VUU gradu“Wyatt Tee Walker spent his whole ate student Ayo M. Morton, who described fight despair and ridicule while in exile following the Babylonian conquest of their ministry trying to make sure we kept that overcoming obstacles in her piece titled tradition alive,” Rev. Wright said. home of Jerusalem in 607 BC. “Genesis 50:20.” Rev. Wright called it a faith tradiIn part, the scripture reads, “By the rivAdditionally, the Wyatt Tee Walker ers of Babylon we sat and wept when we tion “that says no to slavery and yes to Education Foundation awarded scholarremembered Zion. … Our captors asked freedom, a faith tradition that says no to ships to Armstrong High School senior us for songs, our tormentors demanded mis-education and yes to liberation, and Tevin Moore and Thomas Jefferson High songs of joy; they said, ‘Sing us one of one that says, ‘If God be for us, who can School senior Jaivyn Wilkerson for essays be against us.’ the songs of Zion!’ they wrote to honor Dr. Walker. “That faith, he added, “refuses to roll “How can we sing the songs of the Richmond Public Schools Superintenover and play dead in the face of injustice dent Dana T. Bedden delivered greetings Lord while in a foreign land?” Rev. Wright said their plight parallels in Ferguson, will not sit down and shut up at the service that included dignitaries such that of the millions of enslaved Africans in a country with racist people, racist U.S. Henry L. Marsh III, a former civil rights who were transported to the Caribbean and attorneys, racist grand juries and a broken attorney, former Richmond mayor and the Americas. They sang sacred spiritual criminal justice system, one that will look former member of the Virginia Senate.

FirstM iBaptist Church dlothian

St. Peter Baptist Church

Service Times

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities Sundays: Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

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

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

Sunday

Church School 9:45AM Worship 11:00AM

Tuesday

Bible Study 12 Noon

Wednesday Youth & Adult Bible Study 7:00PM Prayer & Praise 8:15PM

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays) Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10 A.M.

Van Transportation Available, Call 804-794-5583

Rev. Pernell J. Johnson, Pastor

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

Remember... At New Deliverance, You Are Home! See you there and bring a friend.

Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

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

Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m. Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Bible Study Count: noonday Wednesday night 7 p.m. Prayer

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online! Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.” Visit www.ndec.net.

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2016: Becoming a Five-Star Church of Excellence With Mission, Growth, Prayer, Purpose, Vision We Are Growing In The Kingdom As We Grow The Kingdom with Word, Worship and Witness 10:40 AM Worship and Praise

Sunday, February 7, 2016 11:00 AM Divine Worship Message by: Pastor Sermon Series #5 Prayer Power

Refueled: Beginning February 10, 2016 Wednesdays at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM Visit website: www.sixthbaptistchurch.org Or call (804) 359-1691and hit number when you hear REFUEL

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m. Sunday TV Broadcast WTVZ 9 a.m. Norfolk/Tidewater Thursday & Friday Radio Broadcast WREJ 1540 AM Radio - 8:15 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.

THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

ENROLL NOW!!! Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 3rd Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program. Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old. For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Save The Date: February 14 – 4:00 PM E.L. Fleming Gospel Chorus Anniversary 3:30 PM Combined Ushers Anniversary Guests: Pastor Mooreand Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Yvonne 400 South Addison Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park) (804) 359-3498 • Fax (804) 359-3798 Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 • Email: ebcofﬁce1@comcast.net • web: ebcrichmond.org Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

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11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m. Mon. 6:30 p.m. Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wed. 7:45 p.m. Wed. 4:30 p.m. Wed. 6:00 p.m. Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

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

Richmond Free Press

B6 February 4-6, 2016

Obituaries/Faith Directory

Dr. Freddie Nicholas, former president of John Tyler Community College Dr. Freddie W. “Nick” NichoDr. Nicholas is being relas Sr. was known as a trailblazing membered following his death educator, stalwart community Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at his servant, committed family man home in Ettrick. He was 89. and active church member. Family and friends will celThose who knew him best said ebrate his life during services 1 he was driven to succeed and p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Zion always sought to help others. Baptist Church, 225 Byrne St. in “He was hard-working, had Petersburg. Interment will follow great perseverance and always at Bermuda Memorial Cemetery, wanted to do what is right,” 1900 Bermuda Hundred Road his wife, Fay Jordan Nicholas, in Chester. said. Dr. Nicholas was born Dec. “He never met a person 22, 1926, in Hanover County. who needed something who After obtaining his high school he wouldn’t seek to help,” she diploma from Hanover County Dr. Nicholas added. Training School in 1944, he atDr. Nicholas carved out a long list of remark- tended Virginia State University. His education able achievements during his storied life. As was interrupted when he served in the Army president of John Tyler Community College in during World II from 1945 through 1946. Chester from 1979 through 1990, Dr. Nicholas Dr. Nicholas then returned to Virginia State was the first African-American president in the to earn a bachelor’s degree in agricultural eduVirginia Community College System. cation in 1951. “He was proud of that,” his wife said. “He While at VSU, he met his future bride, Frances was very conscious about working to help black Fay Jordan, whom he married on April 9, 1952. people move forward and being involved in He then earned a master’s degree in agricivil rights.” cultural education from VSU in 1965 and later After a brief retirement, he came back to earned his doctorate in higher education adminserve as the interim chancellor of Virginia’s istration from the University of Virginia’s Curry community college system from 1990 through School of Education in 1973. He was the first 1991 before he fully retired. African-American to graduate from the doctoral Dr. Nicholas also served as the Matoaca Dis- program, his family said. trict representative on the Chesterfield County Dr. Nicholas’ career in education began in Board of Supervisors from October 1994 through the classroom as a vocational agriculture teacher December 1995, filling the seat held by Whaley in Culpeper and moved to the realm of higher Colbert, who had died. education in 1966, when he became an assistant And he was one of the first African-Americans professor and teacher trainer at VSU. to serve on the University of Virginia’s Board After earning his Ph.D., Dr. Nicholas emof Visitors from 1990 through 1994. He was barked on an amazing journey as an educational appointed by then-Gov. L. Douglas Wilder. leader. He first served as dean at J. Sargeant

REMEMBERING LUCILLE HEWLETT KENNY Lucille Hewlett Kenny was born in Richmond, Virginia on July 14, 1917. She was the daughter of the late Lucille Randolph Hewlett and Harrison A. Hewlett. Lucille Hewlett Kenny joined Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church at the age of twelve. She attended Moore Street School, graduated from Armstrong High School in 1934 and attended Virginia State College. Lucille Hewlett Kenny married William H. Davis, Jr. of Petersburg, Virginia on January 4, 1940. Of this union, one son was born, William H. Davis, III. When William H. Davis, Jr. was killed in a vehicular accident in 1942; Lucille Hewlett Kenny returned to the home of her parents in Richmond, Virginia with her son, William H. Davis, III. June 15, 1949, Lucille Hewlett Kenny married Emanuel J. Kenny, Jr. Of this union one, daughter, Alfreida B. Kenny, was born. Mrs. Kenny, worked with her mother, Lucille Randolph Hewlett, the owner of the AfroAmerican Old Folks Home for a period of time prior to receiving her certificate as a practical nurse. In 1963, Lucille and Emanuel Kenny moved to Frazer, Pa. with their daughter, Alfreida. Lucille Hewlett Kenny worked at General Electric from 1963 to 1977. From 1977 to 1982, she was employed by the Pennsylvania State Employment Service, from which she retired. After her retirement, she worked for several years as a tutor, tutoring academically challenged students in the West Chester Area School District, a tutorial program administered by Dr. John H. Hewlett, III. For more than fifty years, Lucille Hewlett Kenny was a member of the Eastern Star, Chapter #1, O.E.S., Prince Hall Affiliation and Daughter of Isis. She also was a life member of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People and charter member of the Women’s League for Minority Education. Lucille Hewlett Kenny was known for her beautiful smile. She was a giving person, who contributed to helping young people attain higher education. Lucille Hewlett Kenny was the last survivor of the children of Lucille Randolph Hewlett, the owner of the African-American Old Folks Home. In 1904, Sir John C. Randolph, the father of Lucille Randolph Hewlett, founded the Afro-American Old Folks Home. In 1929, Secretary of Labor James Davis recognized the Afro-American Old Folks Home as being ranked among the best of its kind and one of few being maintained by Negroes. In 1944, when Sir John C. Randolph died, Lucille Randolph Hewlett took the helm and operated the Afro-American Old Folks Home, which later became known as the AfroAmerican Nursing Home, and later the Afro-American Home for Adults. John A. Hewlett and later Alease Hewlett Payne operated the business for a time after Lucille Randolph Hewlett retired in the late 1970s. The Afro-American Old Folks Home is believed to be the first black owned and operated nursing home in the South. Lucille Hewlett Kenny is preceded in death by her siblings, Harrison A. Hewlett, Alease Hewlett Payne, James O. Hewlett, and John A. Hewlett. She is survived by Emanuel J. Kenny, Jr., her husband of sixty-six years, her son, William H. Davis, III, her daughter, Alfreida B. Kenny, Esq., her grandchildren, Taunya Renée Davis, Kesha Davis, Taisha Smith, Devon J. Chandler, Tina White, and Carla Davis, her great grandchildren, Micaiah Davis, Taylor White, Jayla Howard, Taylor Howard, Jordan Howard, Hailey Smith, Justin Chandler, Jaden Chandler, and Jaylen Chandler, her nieces, Alease Payne Jackson, Dr. Geraldine Hewlett Ellison, and Rosemarie Hewlett, her nephews, John A. Hewlett, Jr., Douglas Hewlett, Harrison Hewlett, III, and grandnephews and grandnieces.

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00 A.M.

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Reynolds Community College in Richmond from 1972 through 1974, then provost from 1974 through 1978 and then as executive vice president at VSU from 1978 through 1979. Dr. Nicholas received numerous commendations, awards and honors for distinguished service and leadership from various civic, educational, governmental and religious organizations and institutions. He also served on numerous boards, commissions and associations and was a member of several social and civic organizations, including his beloved Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He also was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa, Grand United Order of Oddfellows and the Masonic Lodge of Culpeper. He was active at Zion Baptist, where he served on the Finance Board and the Men’s Choir.

Additionally, he was a lifetime member of the NAACP, served on the Futures Committee of Chesterfield County and belonged to the Petersburg Rotary Club, the board of directors of the Richmond Urban League, the board of directors of Southside Regional Medical Center, the Civic and Progressive Action Association of the Matoaca District and the Chesterfield Historical Society. In addition to his wife, Dr. Nicholas is survived by his son, Freddie Warren Nicholas of Chester; two daughters, Pamela Yvette NicholasStokes of Chesterfield County and Lisa Melanie Nicholas of Charlotte, N.C.; two brothers, Henry R. Nicholas and John R. Nicholas, both of Hanover County; eight grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends.

Madeline W. Jones, retired city teacher, dies at 82

Madeline W. Jones had a passion mond and graduated from Armstrong for African-American history and High School in 1952. She earned a the Pan-African movement. And she bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union eagerly taught both to her students University in 1965. in Richmond Public Schools for 30 In 1954, she married Mr. Jones and years before retiring in 1995. they first lived in Washington for a few Her passion to teach black history years. They moved back to Richmond, and of the need for people of African where they raised their sons, Willie descent to unite for progress was first and Robert, first in the West End, then fueled when she attended a Black later in North Side. Mrs. Jones History Class in the city taught in In 1960, the family joined Sixth 1950 by Dr. Joseph Ransome, a history teacher Baptist Church. Mrs. Jones joined the Deaconess at Armstrong High School. Ministry, taught Sunday school and was involved “She was a quiet person, but a person who in the Women’s Ministry. was always eager to help others,” said her She began her career in 1966, teaching hishusband, Wille C Jones, a retired major with tory, English and reading in Richmond Public the Richmond Police Department. Schools. She taught at Binford Middle School, “She was a strong person,” he added. “She then moved shortly thereafter to Albert H. Hill loved black history and she loved history.” Middle School. Mrs. Jones is being remembered following Mrs. Jones also was a lifetime member of her death Jan. 20, 2016. She was 82. the NAACP. Her life was celebrated by family and friends In addition to her husband, Mrs. Jones is surat a funeral Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Sixth Baptist vived by her sons, Willie C Jones and Robert P. Church in the West End. Jones; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; Mrs. Jones was born May 23, 1933, in Rich- and a host of other family and friends.

Zion Baptist Church 2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224

�

Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Sunday Service 10 a.m. Church School 8:45 a.m.

Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

2016 Theme: The Year of Restoration



Sundays

8:00 a.m. Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship

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

Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m. Transportation Services 232-2867

Tuesdays

Noon Day Bible Study

Wednesdays

6:30 p.m. Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study

“Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”

Moore Street Missionary

Baptist Church

1408 W. Leigh Street • 358-6403

Dr. Alonza Lawrence Pastor

Sundays

Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Tuesdays

Bible Study 12 noon

Wednesdays

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

Triumphant

Baptist Church

2003 Lamb Avenue Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 Church School - 9:30 a.m. Worship Service - 11:15 a.m. Bible Study: Tuesday - 9 a.m. Wednesday - 7 p.m. Prayer Services: Wednesday (1st & 3rd ) 7 a.m. Every Wednesday 8 p.m. Communion - 1st Sunday

Richmond Free Press

February 4-6, 2016 B7

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, February 22, 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. 2016-016 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 105 East Duval Street, 701 North 1st Street, and 708, 708 A, 710, 712, 714, 718, 722, 724, 728, 730, 732, 736 and 744 North 2nd Street for the purpose of authorizing up to 182 multifamily dwelling units, commercial uses, and accessory off-street parking, upon certain terms and conditions. The Richmond Downtown Plan recommends General Urban and Urban Center Areas for the subject property. The Plan states, “Historic Jackson Ward is also an example of the general urban condition in Richmond. The district represents the historic pattern of settlement in Downtown Richmond, with a connected network of blocks and streets and buildings shaping the public space. A mix of buildings types exist in the neighborhood, ranging from single-family homes to rowhouses to mixeduse, main street buildings (p. 3.24).” “The Urban Center Area is characterized by higher density, mixed-use development, typically arranged on a fine-grained street network, with wide sidewalks, regular tree planting, and minimal setbacks. The apartment buildings along The Boulevard are an example of a residential urban center condition in Richmond, with a dense urban fabric of three to five story buildings, and limited retail at key intersections (p. 3.25).” The Urban Center Area designation is applied to the eastern half of the subject property, running along North 2nd Street. 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 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 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER FAHAD SYED, Plaintiff v. Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

TURKESA BEAVER, Defendant. Case No.: CL16000028-00 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 2nd day of March, 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 EUSEBIO PEREZ SANCHEZ, Plaintiff v. AILEEN SANCHEZ, Defendant. Case No.: CL16000123-00 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 2nd day of March, 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 BARBARA CHALKEY, Plaintiff v. WILLIAM CHALKEY, Defendant. Case No.: CL15002663-00 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 2nd 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 FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MELODY WILLIS, Plaintiff v. ROD WILLIS, Defendant. Case No.: CL15002953-00 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 26th day of February, 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 HENRICO MY THANH LAM, Plaintiff v. HOANG NHU NGO, Defendant. Case No.: CL15-2809 ORDER PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTION 20-104 The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of desertion. The defendant did leave the marital residence on July 4, 2014 and has not yet returned. Plaintiff seeks divorce a vinculo matrimonii based on the charge of desertion, and that the bonds of matrimony entered into between plaintiff and defendant on June 3, 1980 be dissolved. Plaintiff also seeks title to the marital residence. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear before this Court on or before the 16th day of February, 2016 to protect his interests herein. A Copy, Teste: YVONNE G. SMITH, Clerk Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

I ask for this: Jessica Thompson (VSB #75514) Doris Henderson Causey (VSB #50944) Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc. P.O. Box 122063 Richmond, VA 23241 804-648-1012 x 6037 804-648-1012 x 6041 Counsels for Plaintiff

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re eric brendan short, Juvenile Case No. JJ082673-12-00 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown (Father) of Eric Brendan Short, child, DOB 2/24/2009, “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 above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before June 8, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Diane Abato, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kristopher joseph packer, Juvenile Case No. JJ089895-07/ JJ089895-08 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Tyrone Arlington, (Father), and Unknown (Father) of Kristopher Joseph Packer, child, DOB 05/16/2013, “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 Tyrone Arlington (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 17, 2016 at 2:20 p.m., Court Room #3. Kate O’Leary, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kyashawn M. packer, Juvenile Case No. JJ076508-08/ JJ076508-10 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Malcolm Barnes, (Father), and Unknown (Father) of Kyashawn M. Packer, child, DOB 06/12/2005, “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 Malcolm Barnes (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 17, 2016 at 2:20 p.m., Court Room #3. Kate O’Leary, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DIVIne packer, Juvenile Case No. JJ076508-08/ JJ076508-10 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Ivan Antonio Smith, (Father), and Unknown (Father) of Divine Packer, child, DOB 03/05/2010, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Ivan Antonio Smith (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 17, 2016 at 2:20 p.m., Court Room #3. Kate O’Leary, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re IYanna mildred packer, Juvenile Case No. JJ076508-08/ Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

JJ076508-10 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Pierre Jermone Bush, (Father), and Unknown (Father) of Kyashawn M. Packer, child, DOB 06/12/2005, “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; adop-

tion consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Malcolm Barnes (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 17, 2016 at 2:20 p.m., Court Room #3. Kate O’Leary, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219

Continued on next column

D/M/WBE SUBCONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS WANTED

T. A. Loving Company is seeking certified DBE, MBE, and WBE subcontractors and suppliers for the City Lock River Crossing Inlet & Junction Chambers Improvements Richmond, VA project which bids February 17, 2016 at 2:30 PM. Plans and specifications are available at the following locations: T.A. Loving Company, Goldsboro, NC. Potential subcontracting opportunities include but are not limited to demolition, earthwork, erosion control, seeding/sodding, concrete (CIP), survey, concrete forms and concrete rebar. Please contact David Pittman (dpittman@ taloving.com) if you are interested in submitting a proposal on any portion(s) of this project. Contact via phone 919-734-8400; fax 919-7362148; or email. All quotations will be accepted up to bid closing time on bid date. TA Loving Company is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer

SENIOR CONSTRUCTION CONTROL OFFICER Come join our team! Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) is seeking a highly self-motivated individual to work as a liaison between VHDA’s Loan Officers and multi-family developers and general contractors. This person will conduct regular site visits to monitor all phases of construction for both new and/or renovations of multi-family dwellings. Responsibilities include approval of construction funding, monitoring construction progress, and general conformance with plans and specifications. Statewide travel is required. The ideal candidate will possess many of the following attributes: • Bachelor of Science degree/equivalent in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or Real Estate • Good mathematical and computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word • Excellent communication skills • Analytical and organizational skills • A good driving record A minimum of 5 years of experience in the construction industry (design, construction or inspection of construction) is preferred. We offer a competitive salary with generous benefits package. Submit resume with cover letter stating salary requirements online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE This position closes at midnight on Monday, February 22, 2016. Hiring range - $59,439 – 77,271 Background, credit, and driving record checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

Employment opportunities

Security Officer Opioid Treatment Facility downtown. Must be DCJS certified, unarmed with current First Aid/ CPR. Have proven customer service skills, valid VA drivers’ license, reliable transportation and a flexible schedule. Hours will include early evening weekdays and weekend mornings. EOE. Please call 804-592-2852; ask for Brenda or Mary.

Traffic conTenT SpecialiST NBC12 seeks part-time Traffic Content Specialist to work closely with Morning Traffic Anchor inputting traffic data and monitoring traffic patterns and accidents during morning commute and post critical traffic information to social media. Work schedule is M-F 4:30am – 8:30am. Good computer and internet skills. Apply on line at https:// careers-raycommedia.icims.com Drug Screen required. EOE M/F/D/V.

Career OppOrtunity

DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING

DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Position Number: FA501 Salary Range: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience The Director of Annual Giving is essential in targeting efforts at garnering annual support from alumni, faculty, staff, corporations, businesses, and friends. The Director of Annual Giving will report to the Associate Vice President. The Director of Annual Giving will develop and implement the annual fund strategies and programs that include the identification, cultivation, soliciting, and stewardship of annual gifts from trustees, alumni, parents, and friends, including personal solicitations, telemarketing, and direct mail. This program is pivotal within the University for it is the initial solicitation contact that many individuals have with the University after graduation. The Director of Annual Giving should have a proven track record of developing and implementing an effective and comprehensive annual fund program. An experienced and motivated Annual Giving Director with strong strategic and tactical management skills and an unflagging commitment to purpose that will help the institution realize its long-term financial goals. Employee will exercise substantial independence of administrative authority and discretion in areas such as program planning, design, implementation, and solicitation while increasing the understanding, services and financial support to the academic institution. The Director of Annual Giving will plan, develop and implement a strategic plan of action with objectives, timelines and evaluation plans for the Annual Fund program, to include identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of constituents. Create, administer, and conduct a program and activities to solicit gifts from alumni, small businesses, parents and friends utilizing a variety of techniques such as personal solicitations/visits, telemarketing, and mail programs for the Annual Fund.

The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following positions: Administrative Program Support Assistant 35M00000015 Public Utilities Apply by 02/14/16 Appraiser III (Assessor)-2 Positions 08M00000041 City Assessor’s Office Apply by 02/21/2016 Appraiser IV 08M00000046 City Assessor’s Office Apply by 02/21/2016 Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) – Operations 35M00000861 Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Apply by 02/05/2016 Equipment Operator II 30M00000195 Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities Apply by 02/14/2016 Maintenance Worker II 30M00000115 Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities Apply by 02/14/2016 Operations Manager- Finance and Administration 27M00000143 Department of Social Services Apply by 2/07/2016 Project Manager Analyst- DSS Grants Manager 27M00000038 Department of Social Services Apply by 2/07/2016 Senior Paralegal 10M00000001 City Attorney’s Office Apply by 02/7/2016 Superintendent of Accounting 27M00000550 Department of Social Services Apply by 2/07/2016 Systems Engineer 20M00000017 Department of Technology Information Apply by 02/14/2016 Trades Supervisor II (Night) – Gas Distribution Public Utilities 35M00000239 Apply by 2/21/16 ****************** 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

More specifically, the Director will: • Manage and implement the class reunion gift effort, including a strategic plan of action and identifying, recruiting, soliciting and training alumni volunteers and class members; solicit leadership gifts to the reunion effort; set goals for each class; and work in coordination with the Alumni Relations Office. Design and conduct mass solicitation programs that address the major portion of our constituents. Ensure that gifts of this nature are renewed and donors are properly recognized. • Oversee annual Faculty and Staff Campaign and personal solicitations for annual gifts. Develop direct mail appeals, recruiting and training student callers and oversee activities and events associated with giving society members and other gift club societies for the Annual Fund. Work closely with Director of Alumni Relations and other departmental directors to ensure fundraising coordination. • Oversee the recognition of all annual fund gifts, including the annual report to donors. Develop and implement a plan of reporting of Annual Fund progress to the university. Represent annual fund issues, promote community awareness and support for the annual fund program to stimulate private giving by creating an awareness of the important role that private gifts play in VSU present and future. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree with 5 or more years of successful annual giving management experience in higher education is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices associated with fundraising in higher education including familiarity with direct mail, telemarketing, face-to-face solicitations, reunion giving and other related annual giving programs is required; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required; database management experience with Banner is preferred; coordination and management of events are essential; experience in leading an annual fund effort, from strategizing to implementation to management of a creative staff is required. Director will need mature management and communication skills, and have the ability to shepherd a targeted effort within a large and more complex department and the operational skills that ensure tactical project management. Strong computer and analytical skills are required, along with excellent writing and oral communication skills. It is important for a candidate to feel a commitment to the academic institution, mission and programs of the university. In addition, the candidate should have some expertise in marketing, branding and communications. A results-oriented individual, who demonstrates the ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization, warmly develop relationships with diverse constituencies, and simultaneously employs keen judgment has the best opportunity for success. A strong, collaborative, energetic individual with seasoned fundraising skills is required. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Virginia State University will accept applications through the on-line Recruitment Management System (RMS) at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com Interested persons must attach a letter of interest, a current resume/vita, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses (if available) of three professional references. Transcripts and three (3) letters of references must be attached to online application or mailed to: Office of Human Resources Virginia State University 1 Hayden Drive, Box 9412 Petersburg, Virginia 23806-9412 Your name and the position number (FA501) must be clearly identifiable on each item submitted. Official transcripts and three (3) letters of reference will be required prior to employment. Screening of applications will commence immediately, although applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Selected candidate must pass a Criminal Background check, including fingerprinting and must complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment, if applicable. VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WOMEN, MINORITIES, AND VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

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Richmond Free Press call 644-0496

Richmond Free Press

B8 February 4-6, 2016

Sports Plus Stories by Fred Jeter

Former AAU player is NCAA leading scorer A Howard University junior with Richmond connections is the NCAA’s leading basketball scorer. James Daniel III starred at Phoebus High School in Hampton and played offseason AAU ball for Richmond-based Team Loaded. As of Feb. 2, Daniel was averaging 27.5 points per game for the Bisons, which are in the MidEastern Athletic Conference. The 5-foot-11, 165-pounder is dangerous from long range (56 threeJames Daniel pointers) and at the foul line (189-219, .863). Daniel, who had more than 1,000 points his first two seasons at Howard, scored a season high 39 points in the team’s victory this season over The College of William & Mary. At Phoebus, Daniel played for his father, Coach James Daniel Jr., and was lightly recruited. Only Howard University and College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts offered full rides. Howard will play at Hampton University on Feb. 27, at Norfolk State University on Feb. 29 and in the MEAC tournament at Norfolk Scope beginning March 7. Howard has produced just one NBA player, Larry Spriggs, who played with Houston, Chicago and the LA Lakers from 1982 to 1986. The NCAA Division I’s first African-American scoring champion was Oscar Robertson, who averaged 35.1 points per game in 1958 as a player for the University of Cincinnati. He went on to an illustrious career in the NBA with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks from 1960 to 1974.

Maggie Walker among local schools receiving an NFL Golden Football The former Maggie L. Walker High School has been awarded an NFL Golden Football for being among the high schools that contributed to the first 49 years of Super Bowls. Willie Lanier, a member of the Maggie L. Walker Class of 1963, helped the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV on Jan. 11, 1970, in New Orleans. From Walker, Lanier went on to star at Morgan State University in Baltimore before embarking on a Hall of Fame career with the Chiefs. Maggie Walker, under Coach Fred “Cannonball Cooper” and Lou Anderson, was a football powerhouse until 1979, when it merged with John Marshall to form the Marshall-Walker Complex. The building on Lombardy Street is now home to the Maggie Walker Governor’s School and is a regional school for the gifted. The school no longer fields a football team but maintains its original mascot, the Green Dragons. According to CBS Sports.com, Golden Footballs are being sent to high schools of every player or coach who was on an active Super Bowl roster. “As we mark our 50th Super Bowl, we are celebrating the players and coaches of the past 49 Super Bowls and their high schools that have impacted the game,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. More than 2,000 high schools will be recognized, Goodell said. Other local high schools to receive Golden Footballs and their Super Bowl connection: Russell Wilson, Collegiate School: Wilson played quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks during the team’s victory over Denver in 2014 and its loss

to New England in 2015. Jamie Sharper and Darren Sharper, Hermitage High School: Linebacker Jamie helped Baltimore to its 34-7 win over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. Darren, a defensive back, helped New Orleans defeat Indianapolis 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. James Farrior, Matoaca High School: James starred at linebacker in Pittsburgh’s win over Seattle in Super Bowl XL in 2006 and in the Steelers’ victory over Arizona in Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Damien Woody, Patrick Henry High School in Ashland: Damien was a center for New England’s Super Bowl XXXVI win in 2002 over St. Louis and the win over Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII. William Henderson, Thomas Dale High School: William was the blocking back for Brett Favre in Green Bay’s win over New England in Super Bowl XXXI in 1997. Michael Robinson, Varina High School: Michael was a backfield teammate of Wilson in Seattle’s win over Denver in Super Bowl XLVIII. At least one area school, Virginia Randolph, fell through the cracks. Cornelius Johnson played offensive guard for the Baltimore Colts in the team’s victory over Dallas in Super Bowl V in 1971. Johnson graduated from Virginia Randolph, the school for African-American students in Henrico County during segregation prior to 1969. He later Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press went to Virginia Union University and then played for the Colts, where he lined up with Hall of Famers Johnny Unitas and John Mackey. Virginia Randolph is now called the Academy at Virginia Randolph. It provides career and technical training as part of Henrico County Public Schools.

Area high school basketball standouts racking up points in college The University of Kansas has won three NCAA basketball tournaments —1952, 1988 and 2008. If the Jayhawks are soon to add No. 4, look for Frank Mason III at center stage. Area fans recall Mason as Petersburg High School’s do-it-all megastar. In 2012, Mason guided the Crimson Wave to the Central Region title and runner-up finish to Hampton High School in the State Group AAA basketball championship. Both the region and state events were held at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center in Richmond. Since then, the 5-foot-11 whirlwind has lifted his area and state star power to a national level. The University of Kansas was ranked No. 7 by the Associated Press starting this week, with Mason a leader in almost all categories.

While he wears No. 0, asphalt courts, where Mahe’s anything but a zero on son honed his jump shot, the statistics sheet. to Houston’s NRG StaIn spurring Kansas to dium, site of this year’s a 17-4 mark as of Feb. 3, NCAA Final Four on April Mason is first among the 2 through 4. Jayhawks in minutes played If Mason and the Uni(33 per game), assists (4.7 versity of Kansas get that per game) and steals (1.7 far, it won’t be the first Frank Mason III time a local athlete was in per game). He ranks third in rebounding (5.0) the Final Four spotlight. and scoring (13.3) while shooting .411 In 2009, Ed Davis, out of Benedicoverall from the field, .397 beyond the tine, was a freshman on the University arc and .760 at the foul line. of North Carolina’s national champiTo go with all that, the versatile onship team. In 2008, Shawn Taggart 21-year-old even had a song written in of George Wythe High School helped his honor by rapper RedHead, whose Memphis to the finals, where the Tigers name is Derek Minigan. lost to Kansas in overtime. The song, with a parental warning In 2011, Brandon Rozzell from of “explicit content,” is available on Highland Springs High School and YouTube. Minigan is from Hopewell Bradford Burgess from Benedictine and was inspired by watching Mason were keys to VCU’s Final Four run. play for Petersburg. The Richmond area has become a It’s a long haul from Petersburg’s boon for college scouts. Here are other

local athletes playing for schools with national brands (statistics, records as of Feb. 2): Devin Robinson, Florida: The 6-foot-8 sophomore averages 9.1 points and 6.0 rebounds for the 14-7 Gators. Robinson grew up in Chesterfield (Manchester High School district) but transferred to Christchurch School. Michael Gbinije, Syracuse: The 6-foot-7 graduate student from Benedictine leads the Orangemen in scoring (17.2), assists (4.5) and steals (2.4) for the 15-8 Atlantic Coast Conference squad. Gbinije, who transferred to Syracuse from Duke, is from Chesterfield County. Robert Johnson, Indiana: The 6-foot-2 sophomore out of L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield and Benedictine has started 16 of 22 games for the 18-4 Hoosiers. He averages 7.5 points with 29 three-pointers.

Andrew White III, Nebraska: After transferring from Kansas, the 6-foot-7 junior leads the Cornhuskers in scoring (17.0), rebounds (6.3) and three-pointers (57). White played at Thomas Dale High School before finishing at Miller School. Troy Caupain, Cincinnati: The 6-foot-3 junior from Cosby High School has started all 22 games for the 16-6 Bearcats. He is second in scoring (6.0) and first in assists (97). Kenny Williams, North Carolina: Off to a slow start, the 6-foot-4 freshman from L.C. Bird High School has played in 18 games for the 19-3 Tar Heels. Williams first signed with VCU. Jordan Burgess, VCU: Sidelined eight games with a hand injury, the 6-foot-5 junior from Benedictine averages 5.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, and is a lockdown defender for the Rams, which has 11 straight wins.

Employment Opportunities Saint Mark Baptist Church, serving the Goochland Virginia and surrounding communities, is seeking a

Health Information Management Instructor/Program Head (Position #FO410) (J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Two (2) years experience in a medically related field or two (2) years of Health Information Management (HIM) experience. A Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential or the ability to obtain within six months of hire. Two (2) years of previous teaching experience in higher education and one (1) year of online teaching experience. Pre-employment security screening is required. TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Needed for start of the Fall 2016 semester (August 16th). Full-time nine-month faculty ranked appointment. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant. Salary range: $42,501-$71,595. Approximate maximum hiring salary: $61,230. Additional information is available at the College's website: www.reynolds.edu. APPLICATION PROCESS: Application reviews will begin APRIL 7, 2016, and will be accepted until the position is filled. AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/ AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

Music Director/Choir Director and Organist/Pianist.

As music is a key component in our Worship Services, we are seeking a person with a strong background and commitment to both traditional and contemporary styles of gospel music, experience with choral leadership and excellent communication skills. The salary of this part-time position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Please send resumes with references by e-mail to stmarkmaidens@aol.com or by mail to Saint Mark Baptist Church, C/O Marie Hewlett, Clerk, 4596 Factory Mill Rd, Maidens Va 23102. The Richmond Free Press is seeking a reliable and creative person for a part-time graphics position. Enthusiastic individual must be proficient in Macintosh Creative Suite Design software (Indesign and Photoshop) to produce accurate, high quality camera-ready advertisements and news page layouts for print production. Duties will include weekly website maintenance. Meticulous attention to details. Ability to be flexible and work under deadline cooperatively in a team environment is essential. Submit resumé and samples of work to address: Human Resources, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, Virginia 23261. No phone calls please

Church Administrator Second Baptist Church (South Richmond) is seeking candidates for a Church Administrator. Interested parties can view the job description, the employment application and authorization for background check form at www.2bcsouthside.org. Look under the “Announcement” section. Application, authorization for background check form and resume (if desired) can be emailed to employment@2bcsouthside.org or mailed by February 19, 2016 to: Second Baptist Church Attention: Human Relations 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. Richmond, VA 23224 If questions, contact Human Relations at 804-232-5124, your call will be returned.

Director of Capital Planning and Facilities Position #00333 (Architecture/Engineering Manager I) $70,000 - $90,000 Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is accepting applications now through February 16, 2016. For information on duties, responsibilities and qualifications, and to apply visit http://jobs. virginia.gov. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT, PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES

Position Available:

Administrative Assistant Position Available: Full Time w/ benefits

Administrative Assistant The successful candidate will have

experience in providing executive-level The successful candidate will have experience insupport, providing administrative administrative be computer support on an executive level, be proficient, and have a track record of computer proficient, and have a track working well with a ateam. record of working well with team. • • •

Northside Richmond • Full Time w/ benefits location • Northside Richmond location skills Strong written and verbal • Strong organizational, written Highlyandorganized and efficient verbal skills

EmailEmail resume cover to resumeand and cover letterletter to jwark@partnershipforfamilies.org. vfleming@partnershipforfamilies.org No calls please. By 2/16/2016. No calls please.

Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services – Posting # 00003944 Senior Budget Planning Analyst Posting # 00003942 Director of Budget and Planning Posting # 00003943 For application and full job description, access www.richmond.k12.va.us. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, tuberculosis screening and drug/alcohol testing as a condition of employment. EOE.

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 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. Provide 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). Closing date: 2/11/16. For more information and to apply, please visit zionbaptistpetersburgva.org.

Director, Information Technology (Position #FA390) (John Tyler and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community Colleges - Chester, VA and Richmond, VA) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business, educational technologies, or related area. Completion of the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest and pre-employment security screening required. TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, twelvemonth administrative faculty-ranked appointment. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant. Salary range: $65,953$132,265. Approximate maximum hiring salary: $68,814. Additional information is available at the College's website: www.reynolds.edu. APPLICATION PROCESS: Application reviews will begin MARCH 31, 2016, and will be accepted until the position is filled. AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/ AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.