Ninth District Councilman Michael J. Jones raised concerns at the July 25 council meeting about a possible 150-bed shelter going to the Liberation site, even though it is outside his district.
A4 VOL. 31 NO. 34 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com AUGUST 18-20, 2022 Busy bees B2 Meet this Personalityweek’s B1
Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press Jennifer D. Williams says distributing free playing cards bearing pictures and names of murdered people to inmates at the Richmond City Detention Center is “distasteful, insensitive and upsetting.” She was shocked when she saw one of the people featured is her brother-inlaw, Muhiyyadin “Beanie” Abdul-Majid Surita, who was found shot to death in his apartment two years ago.
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press So many cool choices Zayla Braxton, 6, selects a backpack full of school supplies during the Northside Coalition for Children’s annual Back-to-School Rally on Aug. 13 at Liberation Church on Midlothian Turnpike. See more photos on page B2.
consumptionWaterisdownbutnotthecostReginaH.Boone/RichmondFreePress
Mixed deal Free Press 2022 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All to Pastor Patrick Please turn to A4 Mr. Wolf Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines Please turn to A4
By Jeremy M. Lazarus City Hall would violate state and city laws if it moves to tear down the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center and sell the site without the permis sion of the Richmond School Board. That is the opinion of attorney Thomas M. Wolf, a partner in the MilesRichmond-based&Stockbridge law firm. School Board Chair Shonda Harris-Mu hammed, 6th District, outlined Mr. Wolf’s opinion to the board Monday. The Free Press later obtained a copy of Mr. Wolf’s four-pageEssentially,letter.the veteran law yer handed the School Board fresh legal ammunition to push back against the city’s plan to remove the 40-year-old center from a key 4-acre parcel in the Diamond District without School BoarddevelopertoThebaseballleagueincludesownedacreDistrictTheapproval.Diamondisthe67-largelycity-propertythattheminorDiamondstadium.cityispreparingselectamastertocreate a new stadium and fill the site with a projected $1.5 billion in new apartments, homes, retail shops and offices. At stake in the simmering conflict between the city and School Board over the center’s site are the millions of dollars Legal weapon City’s plans for Ashe Center unlikely to win in court, says pro bono lawyer
NSU’s former president remembered Dr. Marie McDemmond’s vision boosted university’s technology focus Please turn to A4 Dr. McDemmond
Richmond
By Jeremy M. Lazarus Marie Valentine McDemmond, the first female president of Norfolk State Univer sity and the first African-American woman to lead a four-year college in Virginia, is being remembered as a history-maker and educational visionary. Dr. McDemmond, who led NSU from 1997 to 2005 before illness led to her retire ment, succumbed to cancer on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at her retirement home in Florida. She was 76. Her groundbreaking service to NSU and higher education was celebrated at a memorial service Saturday, Aug. 13, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. As NSU’s third president, she ushered in major ingincludingchanges,launchtheschool’s first website and ensuring internet access across the campus.Hermost sig nificant contribu tion, according to the university, was leading the development of a 25-acre technology hub to boost NSU’s role in technology that is now called the Marie V. McDemmond Center for Applied Research. “She visualized the research hub at the intersection of Brambleton and Park avenues and secured funding for the construction of what was initially known as the Research Innovations to Support Empowerment Center,” the university stated in a tribute release. “I think my legacy was to give NSU a focus on science and technology, to under stand that they had to produce graduates who would go out and make a contribution to Virginia,” Dr. McDemmond said in a
C’est si bon
By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Please turn to A4 By Jeremy M. Lazarus Sheriff Antionette V. Irving, who has been under fire for her jail management and attacks on deputies, has sought to shift the narrative.Shedid so by announcing she has begun helping Rich mond Police get new leads in unsolved homicide cases. Her method: Distribution of free decks of playing cards bearing the pictures, names and locations of crime scenes for 52 murdered people to inmates at the Richmond Justice Center. The distribution began last week and is the first use in the metropolitan area of an approach that has become Sheriff’s playing cards lack ‘empathy’ for crime victims’ loved ones
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Dr. Jones, a full-time church leader himself, said he relied on information the city administration provided him in raising opposition to such a large shelter at the site and in advocating instead for the city to set up smaller shelters at multiple sites. The Richmond Free Press reported on the concerns Dr. Jones raised at the council session and also reported, in a follow-up article, about a meeting Dr. Jones arranged between a city housing official and pastors with potential space that could be used as a city-supported shelter space. The city has stated that it has a total of $3 million to spend — $1.5 million in federal funds to spend in 2023 and $1.5 million in 2024 —
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following location: • Thursday, Aug. 18, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Fulton Neighborhood Resource Center, 1519 Williamsburg Road. Call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com. The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID-19 testing locations around the state at coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites.www.vdh.virginia.gov/ Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?
The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free
The founding pastor of Liberation Church is pushing back against a report that the city was considering placing a large homeless shelter on the site of the main sanctuary at 5501 Midlothian Turnpike.Founding Pastor Jay Patrick said the church never considered that idea. “We are opening an affordable child learning center on the site in partnership with the YMCA,” said Pastor Patrick. In his view, a program for homeless adults would not mix with a program for children ages 3 to 5.
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One would never guess why Pauline Wheeler was so excited last Saturday, Aug. 13, when she beamed after Haywood Watkins applied finishing touches to her new “do” at his Semmes Avenue hair salon. Mrs. Wheeler, who lives on Richmond’s North Side, wanted her hair to look just right for her 100th birthday celebration on Saturday evening, and for her actual birthday on Monday, Aug 15. After Mr. Watkins worked his magic on this undeniable queen, she glanced in the mirror, smiled and asked, “Is that Eartha Kitt?” Read more on A5 about Mr. Watkins and other Richmond-area cosmetologists who, for decades, have made their clients feel as “good” as they look.
Liberation Church’s intent is children’s learning center, not homeless shelter, says pastor that the Richmond school sys tem could receive for school improvement if the city sold the center’s site as part of the Diamond development. A city ordinance would re quire that money derived from the sale of the center be devoted to school construction and main tenance, Mr. Wolf stated. City Attorney Haskell C. Brown III has advised Mayor Levar M. Stoney and City Coun cil that the city holds the title to the Ashe Center, located at the corner of Arthur Ashe Boulevard increasingly popular in the corrections field. Though considered a long shot, the sheriff said the hope is that the pictures would trig ger memories and generate some calls to a tip line — as has happened occasionally in otherButstates.some families of the victims are pushing back — criticizing the sheriff and her partner agencies for failing to consult them or give them any notice that their loved ones would be featured. “This is distasteful, insensi tive and upsetting,” said social By Jeremy M. Lazarus Why is the cost of drinking water going up? One surprising reason is that people are using less water in their homes, businesses and fac tories in Richmond and across much of the Consumptioncountry.ofpublic water has dropped an astonishing 28 percent in Richmond in the past two decades, according to the April Bingham, director of the Department of Public Utilities, reducing revenue and forcing the utility to raise rates to main tain financial stability.
Local News A2 August 18-20, 2022 Richmond Free Press
“Providing quality affordable housing in Creighton Court will be transformational for our resi dents and is a big step in the right direction for the future of public housing.”
By Holly Rodriguez
Rita Dove is among Library of Virginia finalists for the 25th Annual Literary Awards
The first buildings in Phase 1 of the renewal program were demolished in June 2022. Once Phase 1 is complete, construction of 68 units will begin with occupancy scheduled for mid-2024. The Associated Press The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has filed a legal challenge to a last-minute amendment to the state budget that blocked the planned early release of hundreds of inmates this summer. The change affected the state’s earned sentence credit program, which was expanded in 2020 to allow inmates to shave more time off their sentences for good behavior. The budget amendment reined in who can qualify for the expanded credits. The ACLU claims in a lawsuit filed Monday on behalf of inmate Antoine An derson that state prison officials wrongly interpreted the amendment. The petition demands that Anderson be released im mediately. Mr. Anderson, now 45, has spent the past 18 years in prison on federal drug charges, as well as charges of attempted escape, abduction and two counts of as sault on a corrections officer during what he described as a riot at the AlbemarleCharlottesville jail, where he was being held in 2004, said Geri Greenspan, a staff attorney for the ACLU. In March, Mr. Anderson was told by prison officials that he had earned enough good behavior time under the 2020 ex panded credits law to be released in July. But less than two weeks before he was expecting to get out, he was told that the recent budget amendment proposed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and approved by the General Assembly made him ineli gible for the early release date. Now, Mr. Anderson is expected to remain in prison until April 2024. The budget amendment excluded Mr. An derson and more than 500 other inmates with violent offenses from receiving the expanded credits, meaning they would have to serve more time and would not be released in July and August, as they expected. In its petition, the ACLU said Mr. An derson fell into a depression after learning he would have to serve an additional 22 months in prison. “When we were told we were not going home, it broke down our mental state. It made us feel like we were never going to leave. We served our time, and we deserve to have a second chance. We are not the same people we were when we entered prison,” Mr. Anderson said in a statement released by the ACLU. Mr. Anderson’s 18-year-old daughter, Niya, was born after her father went to prison and has never known him outside prison walls. She said she and her father were crushed because he planned to bring her to Delaware State University soon for her to start college. “Why would you grant freedom to somebody and then take it away — like it’s not a life we’re talking about?” she said. “This is somebody’s freedom.”
Richmond reduces charge for natural gas
The cost that Richmond customers must pay for natural gas is coming down, for Thenow.Richmond Department of Public Utilities this month quietly reduced the purchase charge (pgc) to customers for the purchase of the fuel by nearly 20 percent.DPU did not publicly announce the change but noted the reduction on the August bills. For August, DPU reduced the charge to 92 cents per 100 cubic feet as the purchase price the department pays retreated, just as it has done for gasoline. In July, DPU jumped the charge from 57 cents per 100 cubic feet to $1.136 per 100 cubic feet to reflect the spike in the price of the gas it purchases and brings to Richmond. (A ccf or 100 cubic foot of natural gas equals 748 gallons.) Compared to a gallon of gasoline that is now costing Richmond drivers between $3.65 and $3.80 a gallon, natural gas is extremely inexpensive. In July, the DPU hike meant the equivalent cost of one gallon of natural gas was .0015 of a cent—or about one sixth of one penny. DPU’s reduction means the equivalent gallon price of natural gas has fallen to .0012 of a cent or about one eighth of one penny. That is nearly double the pre-July charge when the pgc was set at 57 cents per 100 cubic feet. Though inexpensive, natural gas’s pgc cost has an impact on customers as they use a lot of natural gas. DPU estimates that the average resi dential customer uses 70 ccf a month over the course of a year, with more in winter and less in summer, or 7,000 cubic feet a month. That is the equivalent of 52,360 gallons of natural gas, based on 7.48 gallons per cubic foot. Based on an average of 70 ccf per month, a residential customer would face an average monthly pgc charge of $78.54 when the pgc is $1.136 per 100 cubic feet; of $62.80 when the pgc is 92 cents per 100 cubic feet; and of $36.65 when the pgc is 57 cents per 100 cubic feet. DPU is allowed to impose the pgc on customers to recover the cost it pays to buy and transport the fuel to Richmond. The pgc is separate from other charges DPU imposes, including a charge to cover the cost of piping the gas to individual homes and businesses within the city April Bingham, department director, announced in July as the price surged that DPU would more closely monitor the natural gas market and make changes monthly as needed rather than doing so every three months.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the Community Builders and the City of Richmond earlier this month recognized a “new beginning” for Creighton Court, one of Richmond’s oldest public housing communities.
During the legislative debate, Repub licans, who were joined by a few Senate Democrats in approving the amendment, argued that offenders who were convicted of violent crimes shouldn’t get a shot at reducing their time behind bars. The 2020 law, passed when Democrats were in full control of state government, created a system that allowed inmates with good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs to earn expanded credits for up to 15 days per month to be taken off their sentences for nonviolent offenses. Before the law was approved, inmates could earn up to 4.5 days per month.The law had a delayed effective date of July 1, 2022, so prison officials would have time to calculate new release dates. Under the 2020 law, violent offenses were not eligible for the expanded credit. But if inmates had a combined sentence with both a violent conviction and a lowertier one, they could potentially shave some time off the sentence they were given for the nonviolent offense. Multiple attempts to repeal the law failed, but the last-minute budget amend ment from Gov. Youngkin was approved by the General Assembly in June. In its legal challenge, the ACLU said state prison officials have misinterpreted the budget amendment to apply retroac tively, thereby negating the credits Mr. Anderson and others like him had earned before July 1, 2022, when the budget went into“Undereffect. just principles of statutory in terpretation, the only way to interpret the meaning of the statute is to say the budget amendment applies only to time served between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024,” said Mr. Greenspan, referring to the twoyear period covered by the budget. A spokesman for the Department of Corrections declined to comment on the lawsuit. Youngkin’s office referred a request for comment to the office of Attorney General Jason Miyares. His spokesperson declined comment, saying the office had not received the lawsuit.
VUU appoints director of global and online learning Ms. Dove Gov. Youngkin Ms. Witcher By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Nine finalists have been selected for the 25th An nual Library of Virginia Literary Awards, the com monwealth’s premier cel ebration honoring Virginia writers and their contribu tions to literature. Ac claimed poet and former U.S. poet laureate Rita Dove is a finalist for her recent work “Playlist for the Apocalypse.”
Federal transportation allocates $18M for Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge replacement
The finalists for the Library’s People’s Choice Awards for fiction and nonfiction were previ ously announced. They will also be honored at the Literary Awards event. Kicking things off is the Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award, presented with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, on Friday, Oct. 14. For information on tickets, sponsorship, or other ways to support the 25th Annual Library of Virginia Awards Celebration honoring Virginia authors and friends, call (804) 692-3813.
“Housing is foundational and a vaccine against poverty,” said Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.
ACLU challenges amendment blocking inmates’ early release
Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press
By George Copeland Jr. Transportation in the Commonwealth is getting a massive investment of federal dollars, as over $64 million in funding is set to be distributed across six different transportation projects and eight localities, with the goal of increased affordability, safety and connectivity for supplies. Virginia’s allocation announced on Aug. 11 is just one part of a $2.2 billion funding effort for 166 infrastructure projects through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainabil ity and Equity program. The RAISE program’s funding comes through a five-year, $7.5 billion allocation from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to help meet demand for these projects across the country. “We are proud to support so many outstanding infrastructure projects in communities large and small, modernizing America’s transportation systems to make them safer, more affordable, more accessible, and more sustainable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement from the U.S. Depart ment of Transportation. Among the local programs being funded, over $18 million has been allocated to Richmond for the replacement of Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge’s existing structure above the CSX Railroad.OtherVirginia projects are being funded in Arlington County and the District of Columbia, Portsmouth, Spotsylvania County, Albemarle County, and in Tappahannock and Essex County. “Virginia continues to benefit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine said in separate statements. “We are thrilled to see this funding head to Virginia for improvements throughout the Commonwealth that will have a direct impact on Virginians’ daily lives.”
JohnNonfiction:Woodrow Cox – “Children Under Fire: An American Crisis” Carolyn Eastman – “The Strange Genius of Mr. O: The World of the United States’ First Forgotten Celebrity” Caroline E. Janney – “Ends of War: The Unfinished Fight of Lee’s Army after Appo mattox”Poetry: Sandra Beasley – “Made to Explode” Rita Dove – “Playlist for the Apocalypse” Tina Parker – “Lock Her Up”
The finalists were chosen by an independent panel of judges from more than 108 submissions. The winner in each category will be selected from among these finalists and announced dur ing a celebration at the Library of Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 15. The 2022 award finalists are: Fiction: Jocelyn Nicole Johnson- “My Monticello” Joanna Pearson – “Now You Know It All” Sheri Reynolds – “The Tender Grave” Honorable Mention Angel Khoury – “Between Tides”
The Richmond Folk Festival, an annual free, three-day event celebrating the diversity of American culture through music and dance performances, will take place Oct. 7-9 on Brown’s Island in Richmond. In its 18th year, the festival will include 30 musicians and dance groups performing on six stages. Several new, first-time artists will premiere eight cultural traditions that never have been presented at the festival. The music and dance program this year ranges from bluegrass to hip-hop to zydeco. Other features of the festival include demonstra tions, an interactive family area produced by the Children’s Museum of Richmond, handmade crafts, merchandise for sale and food vendors. About 200,000 people are expected to attend the event during the weekend. The schedule is: Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., Oct. 8 12-9:30 p.m., and Oct. 9, 12-6 p.m. Parking is available near the festival site and, although shuttles will not be provided this year, several GRTC bus routes will offer free rides to the riverfront. Presented by Venture Richmond Events, the festival is presented in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond. For more information, visit https://www.richmondfolk festival.org/ Richmond Folk Festival returns in October Tunesha Witcher has been appointed di rector of VUU Global and Online Learning in the Division of Academic Affairs. VUU announced the appointment in early August, and Ms. Witcher is now working to align VUU Global with the school’s overall mission. Ms. Witcher had previously served as an academic instructional technologist and director of Integrated Technology, and was a critical figure in transitioning VUU students and faculty to remote, online learning during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the university. “VUU Global will enhance the quality of online teaching and learning, designing online courses to accommodate the learning style and needs of all students,” Ms. Witcher said in a VUU press release, “improving the efficiency and effectiveness of online learning and tools and online user-accessibility to engage learners globally.”
Richmond Free Press August 18-20, 2022 A3 Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Gig speed WiFi shareable across devices. Gig-speed WiFi requires Gigabit Internet and compatible xFi Gateway. Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. Many factors affect speed, including equipment performance, interference, congestion, and speeds of visited websites. WiFi speeds affected by additional factors, including distance from Gateway, home configuration, personal device capabilities, and others. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. All devices must be returned when service ends. Call for restrictions and complete details. NPA241252-0014 NED-AA-Unbeatable-V19 1-800-xfinity xfinity.com Visit a store today Don’t around.GigthanThere’sstress.moreenoughtogo With everything you’re doing at home, you need supersonic WiFi that can keep up. When it comes to the best in-home WiFi, Xfinity really does it big—with Gig. You’ll get supersonic WiFi with speeds faster than a Gig to power a houseful of connected devices, even when everyone’s online. So everyone in your home can Internet their heart out. We’re talking gaming, streaming, video-chatting, all at once! Unbeatable Internet. Made to do anything so you can do anything. 143542_NPA241252-0014 Unbeatable ad 11x21 V19.indd 1 6/27/22 3:25 PM
In 2018, Liberation bought the former home of United Na tions Church at 5200 Midlothian after that church moved to Cowardin Avenue. Three years later in 2021, Liberation expanded again after being given debt-free the 15-acre property of Celebration Church, Liberation Church’s intent is children’s learning center worker Jennifer D. Williams, who has become a leader in criti cizing the playing cards. She began speaking out after someone sent her a video that a Richmond inmate posted on Instagram showing the cards. She was shocked when she saw one of the people featured is her brother-in-law, Muhiyyadin “Beanie” Abdul-Majid Surita. A happy, outgoing father of two young girls who was known for his musicianship and rapping performances, Mr. Surita was found shot to death in his apartment in the 3500 block of East Richmond Road on Sept. 21, 2020. Police determined that around 3 p.m., someone kicked in the door of the unit in the Oakwood community and killed him as he slept after a night of partying to celebrate his 38th birthday the day before. “I understand what they are trying to do,” Ms. Williams said. “But our feelings are still raw from our loss. He was a wonder ful person. We have no idea why anyone would shoot him. We want his case solved, but this is not the way to go.” She said that those involved with the production of the cards “should have prepared us. They should have sat down with us. At the very least, we deserved a heads-up. We got nothing. And that hurts. It shows a lack of empathy for the families and their feelings.”
NSU’s former president remembered Continued from A1 and Robin Hood Road, and “may dispose of the center without the involvement of, or any payment to the School Board.” Mr. Wolf wrote that Mr. Brown “is mistaken” in hinting strongly that the city could not defend its position if it landed in court. “The reality is that the City has explicitly acknowledged that the Center is school property by having Richmond Public Schools exclusively manage the center” since it opened in 1982 and “pay all of the costs of its operation,” Mr. Wolf stated. “If the Center were not school property, it would have been a clear violation of Virginia law for the School Board to use school funds to operate it,” he continued. State law vests the School Board with sole control of such property. As a result, Mr. Wolf stated, the city has no legitimate argument that it can “sell the Center and use those very proceeds for anything other than” capital improvements for public education. Mr. Wolf also noted Mr. Brown is turning upside down the city’s long-standing posi tion that only the School Board can control school property, a position supported by a precedent-setting federal court decision handed down 15 years ago.
Arthur Ashe Center unlikely to win in court with approved providers. Pastor Patrick said that Liberation had begun preliminary talks with the city about the potential use of its former and now vacant sanctuary at 5200 Midlothian Turnpike, which is across the street from its current sanctuary. The former sanctuary is in Dr. Jones’district; the main sanctuary is in 8th District Council woman Reva M. Trammell’s district. “We were doing our due diligence,” said Pastor Patrick. “We had not made any agreements or commitments.” However, his growing church has a sig nificant track record in working with the city and providing shelter services. Since 2013, the church has operated a 38-bed shelter for veterans at 12th and Hull streets, the only program of its kind in Virginia. “We talk with city officials all the time,” Pastor Patrick said, adding there was nothing unusual about meeting with officials to consider ways the church might help fill the city’s need for shelter space, particularly during the winter when private shelters are full.
Dr. Jones formerly the Richmond Outreach Center, at 5501 Midlothian.
Mr. Wolf, who has three children who attended Richmond Public Schools and is the husband of former School Board member Carol Wolf, offered his view at no charge. He agreed to provide his services pro bono after the School Board’s attorney, Jonnell P. Lily, told the board her firm, Harrell & Chambliss, had a conflict of interest and could not represent the board in the Arthur Ashe matter. As yet, the board has not hired another law firm to represent them. Ms. HarrisMuhammed told her colleagues she is still trying to set up a meeting with City Council to resolve the issues involving the center.
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Sheriff’s playing cards lack ‘empathy’ for crime victims’ loved ones
Courtesy of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities In 1999 retail water sales were nearly 1.5 million MCFs, or 11 billion gallons per year. In 2022, sales are projected to be almost 1.1 million MCF, or 8 billion gallons per year, which is almost 30 percent lower even with a larger population. Declining consumption has been a trend due to the use of high efficiency fixtures, more awareness of resource conservation, industrial process improvements, and price elasticity. But water, which everyone must have, is one of the best examples.In1999, DPU sold about 11.2 billion gallons of water, Ms. Bingham stated. Fast forward 23 years and sales have dropped to around 8 billion gallons as of June 30, she stated. The chart shows that the big declines have occurred among three categories of customers: residential, industrial and com mercial. Ms. Bingham noted that such savings do not travel to DPU’s bottom line or change the costs of operating a plant that can generate 132 million gallons of drinking water daily Estimates based on the 1999 rate for water indicate the decline in use has cost DPU a minimum of $8 million a year. One the one hand, DPU is “committed to protecting the environment,” Ms. Bingham stated, “which includes promot ing conservation and respon sible water stewardship.”
Founded in Pastor Patrick’s home 13 years ago, the church operates two nonprofits that seek to fulfill his stated mission to “love people, show kindness and serve the community.”
One the other hand, it also needs to sell more water or raise the price to account for the reduction in use if the plant is to continue to produce quality water. “A large portion of the water utility’s costs are fixed,” Ms. Bingham stated. The util ity needs a certain amount of income to cover such expenses as chemicals, power, opera tions and maintenance, none of which fall because less water is sold. Wages for DPU employees also do not go down when consumers reduce water use. Nor does DPU’s need to borrow and repay the debt to replace the aging network of piping, some of which dates back 100 years or more. “Even if costs are held current levels,” Ms. Bingham stated, the utility would need to raise the monthly service charge or increase the price of the water” if volumes continue to fall, a trend DPU expects to continue “for the foreseeable future.” She stated that the rate re structure could reduce the impact on residential customers. DPU plans to conduct a study of the cost of service in 2023. “We will work diligently to ensure rates are fair and adequate to cover costs,” she said. There has been an impact already. Water rates have increased three to seven times since 1999, though the cost is still negligible compared with the $1 a gallon that consumers pay for filtered, bottled water. In 1999, residential custom ers paid 72.8 cents for 748 gallons, or .0009 per gallon, or one-ten thousands of a penny. This year, the cheapest rate for residential is $2.85 for 748 gallons, or .0038 — essentially about one-third of center. (748 gallons is equal to 100 cubic feet of water or 1 ccf; city water meters measure use in ccfs.) The impact also is felt on the cost of treating the water after it goes down the drain and into sewer piping. In 1999, the residential charge was $1.185 per ccf of wastewater; today the charge is $7.985 per ccf. Overall, according to DPU, residential customers can ex pect to pay bills of more than $100 a month for tap water and wastewater service.
Along with services, Liberation also operates a counseling agency, a retail store and workforce development and addiction recovery programs on the campus. The church also hosts community events. For example, the Northside Coalition for Children held its 14th Annual Citywide Back-to-School Rally and school supply giveaway at Liberation on Aug. 13. This Saturday, Aug. 20, Richmond Police will hold its first gun buy-back program in Liberation’s large parking lot. “We strive to be the city’s church,” Pastor Patrick said, “meet ing the needs of its people, one family at a time.
News A4 August 18-20, 2022 Richmond Free Press Continued from A1 Continued from A1 Free COVID-19 vaccines walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Thursday, Aug. 18 and Aug. 25, 1 to 4 p.m. - Richmond Henrico Health District, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer for ages 6 months and older, Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years old and ages 18 years and older, appointments encouraged for Aug. 18 and appointments only for Aug. 25. • Tuesday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, Henrico East Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., Pfizer for ages 6 months and older, Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years old and ages 18 years and older, appointments only.
Ms. Williams said she is sure that some, and perhaps most, families would have agreed to participate if someone had met with them in advance, especially since all other leads have been exhausted. “But if others did not want to, there is no shortage of victims whose pictures could have been used,” she said. Such advance consultation is recommended by the National Sheriffs’ Association, which has created model policies for members as the playing card idea has spread. Sheriff Irving, in an email response to a Free Press request for comment, stated Richmond Police had the responsibility for contacting families of victims. The RPD “has the very difficult task of investigating crimes and staying in contact with victims’ families,” Major Stacey M. Bagby stated on behalf of the sheriff. “Our goal is to assist detec tives with some of their most challenging or puzzling cases. “As for the playing cards,” she continued, “we did not hesitate to work with RPD and its dedicated team of detectives. These detectives have been working on these challenging cases and have a rapport with the victim’s family members. “The distribution of the cards by the Sheriff’s Office,” she stated, “is a step toward achieving justice for the victims of these crimes and their family members.” She also noted that RPD meets with family members on the first Wednesday of every month at the Richmond Police Train ing Academy in conjunction with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and its Victim/Witness Services Program. The Sheriff’s Office does not participate in these support group meetings for victims’ relatives.” Ms. Williams said that she has reached out to Richmond Police and received a call from John Hayes Jr., deputy chief of patrol operations. Ms. Williams said the deputy chief was apologetic and of fered to set up a meeting with her and other families who might object. The meeting is to take place Friday, she said, and is to also include the police chief, a representative from the Mayor’s Office and others involved with the cards. The deputy chief did not respond to a Free Press request for Accordingcomment. to her Aug. 10 press release, Sheriff Irving partnered with the city police, which provided the photos; the Office of the Attorney General, which provided the funding; and Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers, which is accepting any tips. Credit for the idea of putting victims’ photos on playing cards has gone to Tommy Ray, a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The first distribution was in Florida prisons in 2007, and that reportedly led to new leads in at least three cases in the first year. No one has tracked results, but currently decks of cards with the faces of victims are being distributed in the prisons and jails of 18 states. Connecticut has reported gaining new leads in 20 open cases after distributing multiple decks of cards.
Water consumption is down but not the cost Continued from A1
• Wednesday, Aug. 24, 1 to 4 p.m., Henrico West Health Department, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer for ages 6 months and older, Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years old and ages 18 years and older, appointments only. People can schedule an appointment online at vase.vdh.virginia. gov, vaccinate.virginia.gov or vax.rchd.com, or by calling (804) 2053501 or (877) VAX-IN-VA (1-877-829-4682). VaccineFinder.org and vaccines.gov also allow people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine andThosebooster.who are getting a booster shot should bring their vaccine card to confirm the date and type of vaccine received. RHHD also offers at-home vaccinations by calling (804) 2053501 to schedule appointments. On Tuesday, Virginia reached 2 million reported cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic first began. This number is likely an undercount of the true number of cases the state has seen, given the spread of at-home tests and the possibility of positive cases not being tested for a number of reasons. New COVID-19 cases in Virginia decreased by 7 percent, according to the Virginia Department of Health, while hospitalization data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association fell by 3 percent. As of last Thursday, the city of Richmond and counties of Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover are still at high levels of community COVID-19. A total of 61 Virginia localities are at high community COVID-19 levels, an decrease from 65 localities two weeks earlier. A total of 2,783 new cases of COVID-19 were reported statewide Wednesday for the 24-hour period, contributing to an overall state total of 2,005,336 cases in Virginia since the pandemic’s outbreak. As of Wednesday, there have been 453,695 hospitalizations and 21,203 deaths statewide. The state’s seven-day positivity rate dropped to 22.6 percent on Wednesday. Last week, the positivity rate was 24.2 percent. On Wednesday, state health officials reported that 72.1 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 82.3 percent have received at least one dose of the vaccine. State data also showed that over 3.6 million people in Virginia have received booster shots or third doses of the vaccine. Among those ages 5 to 11 in Virginia, 331,861 have received their first shots as of Tuesday, accounting for 45.8 percent of the age group in the state, while 287,786 children, or 39.7 percent, are fully vaccinated and 42,506 children have received a third vaccine dose or booster, making up 5.9 percent of that age group. On Wednesday, 36,072 children from the ages of zero to four have received the first doses, making up 7.9 percent of the population in Virginia, while 7,438 are fully vaccinated. As of Wednesday, fewer than 169,000 cases, 1,018 hospitalizations and 15 deaths have been recorded among children in the state. State data also shows that African-Americans comprised 22.1 percent of cases statewide and 22.9 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 11.2 percent of cases and 4.9 percent of deaths. Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 54,420 1,178 525 Henrico County 79,285 1,585 986 Chesterfield County 87,733 1,600 794 Hanover County 25,498 743 310 2010Accordinginterview.to NSU, Dr. McDemmond also raised admission standards and im proved academic advising for freshmen. And she is credited for introducing a flexibility plan for the faculty, standard izing NSU’s tenure policy, and was at the forefront in creating the evaluation pro cess used by the State Council of Higher Education in assessing the performance of state schools. As the mother of two children, Dr. McDemmond spent her career in academe after earning her undergraduate degree from Xavier University. She also held a master’s from the University of New Orleans and earned her doctorate of edu cation from the University of Amherst in Massachusetts.Despiteher success, she noted that it remains complex and difficult for women to rise to leadership posts, particularly at historically black colleges and universi ties.Given that women represent 64 percent of NSU’s students, she called it critical to have women in leadership positions in an interview published in a 2007 in Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. “It’s been very difficult for AfricanAmerican women to succeed in leadership positions in our HBCUs. For me, that’s unfortunate,” she stated. “Not to have women in the top leadership, I think, does not provide good role modeling for our femaleSincestudents.”Dr.McDemmond’s left NSU, other women have served as president of the university, including its current president, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston. Following her retirement, Dr. McDem mond chaired the Lumina Foundation that advocates for the expansion of access to post-secondary education, and for a time served as interim dean of education at Florida International University. “She was a true leader and pioneer,” the university stated, “whose imprint on Norfolk State will last in perpetuity.”
The American Waterworks Association reports that con sumption has remained flat or declined for two-thirds of the member companies in the face of population growth as consumers embrace the con servationConservationphilosophy.orthe concept of using less of a resource to get the same result has been all the rage in recent decades. Finding ways to reduce water use has fueled an engineering revolution, resulting in more efficient water-using appliances like washing machines and an overhaul of water-wasting industrial processes. Today, efficient low-flow toilets can tackle the job with 1.5 gallons of water compared to old-fashioned toilets that used 5 gallons — a big deal given that flushing can account for up to 30 percent of a house hold’s water use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.Suchefficiency draws praise and claims of savings for consumers who jump on the conservation bandwagon. For example, those who install low-flow toilets are told they could cut $230 a year from their water bills. But there is little mention that the savings are illusory because the efficiencies create benefits for customers, but do not affect the expenses that producers of the water or the other resources must lay out to create the product.
When Ms. Hayes moved into a renovated Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD) apartment in 2021, her belief in the quality of Richmond’s public housing communities only grew stronger. She praises the updated living spaces, the new appliances, floors, and “It’sHVAC.amore modern apartment than what I lived in before. I live in an ADA apartment for the disabled, and everything in my new place accommodates my needs.”
Mrs. Burton
Cora’s Message Ms. Hayes encourages anyone with a housing need to reach out to RRHA or the Virginia Department of Housing. Applying is easy and can be done on a smartphone. Just be truthful, she says, and keep up with your application after you submit it. There are many options for accommodation. There are many kinds of quality neighborhoods and living spaces, and a wealth of services on Butoffer.most of all, Cora Hayes wants current and prospective residents to know that their communities can be great. The key to it all is engaging with others and being an active participant in the life of the neighborhood. “Public housing is a good place,” she says. “It is what you make it.” of knowledge let her make the most of her new opportunities and her new neighborhood. Ms. Hayes also draws inspiration from RRHA Deputy Chief Real Estate Officer Desi Wynter. “His patience really caught my eye,” she says of Mr. Wynter, whose role sees him managing the partnerships between stakeholders in Fairfield Court and other RRHA communities. “I know his job is very important and he must deal with a lot of people. Knowing that he keeps a cool head inspires me.” After getting so much from her fellow community members, Ms. Hayes wanted to make sure other residents also had someone to turn to. She wanted to be a champion for public housing families. When Essie Miller passed, Ms. Hayes says, “I picked up the torch.” Paying It Forward Cora Hayes says she’s learned from other RRHA residents and staff to be patient, and to observe, trust, and listen. She uses her inspiration as fuel for her own community “Iengagement.treasuretheir trust in me,” she says of her fellow residents, who often come to her with needs big and small.
rrha.com
Haywood Watkins holds a mirror so that his client, Pauline Wheeler, can check out her new “do.”
Local News Richmond Free Press August 18-20, 2022 A5
Sp tlight on RAD Resident By Holly Rodriguez Aspiring cosmetologists in Vir ginia may soon become licensed without working as many hours as their more seasoned peers onceOndid.July 11, The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology reduced the number of hours required to obtain a cosmetology license by 33 percent from 1,500 required hours to 1,000. In announcing the change, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said “Re ducing regulatory obstacles that get in the way of both businesses and talented Virginians entering the workforce has been a priority of mine since day one.” A press release states that the 1,500-hour trainingthetodentsnewappealhoursinestablishedmentrequirewas1963.Whilethereducedmaytostueagerbreakintocosme tology field, several local cosme tologists and salon owners believe such a drastic reduction will only increase the risk of students making mistakes and increased customer“Youngdissatisfaction.peoplewant to get done fast, and, want to work for themselves,” said LaFarn “LB” Burton, who owned the LB Beauty Academy, a cosmetology school in Scott’s Addition, for 18 years. Her school trained students in cosmetology, barbering, aesthet ics, tattooing, waxing, nails and permanent“Reducingcosmetics.thehours of training will only adequately prepare them for the test, but not the workforce,” she said. Students will lack the practical experience of working with diverse communities and services such as different skin and hair types and various conditions that can afflict diverse populations, she added. Local cosmetologists weigh in on licensing change
Cora Hayes Cora Hayes knows that it’s the people who make a community great. A resident since 2006, she’s proud to be a community advocate, doing her part for Fairfield Court. For Ms. Hayes, it all began with the chance to listen and be heard. When she was getting ready to transition into public housing, at the age of fifty-six, the move could have been a stressful leap into the Thenunknown.Essie Miller, one of RRHA’s first Commissioners,Residentintroduced her to the other senior residents at Fairfield Court. “Just being able to talk with the seniors helped me,” Ms. Hayes says. Those first conversations put her at ease. They helped form her first community connections, and they paved the way for her to begin helping others. Getting Inspired Ms. Hayes credits Essie Miller with inspiring her to get actively involved in her new community. “[Essie] took me under her wing and drilled me on everything I needed to know about public housing.”
The traditional path for stu dents interested in cosmetology begins with school, and working with an experienced cosmetolo gist for one to two years, Mrs. BurtonHaywoodsaid. Watkins, owner of Haywood’s Hair Images on Semmes Avenue, agrees. He has served men and women customers for 47 years, trained more than 50 professional cosmetologists, and currently works with four other contractors at his hair studio. He said if a new cosmetology student applied for training under him, having met the new certification of 1,000 hours, the applicant would face scrutiny from him. “I will pause in working with them because they haven’t learned how to offer high quality service,” he said. For example, while a student may grasp the basics in applying a relaxer to a client’s hair, Mr. Watkins said, they will not necessarily know best prac tices in preventing a client from experiencing hair damage and breakage.“Ifyou are licensed to only render cutting and designing, that’s fine, but if you are using any chemicals for straightening or changing the pattern of the hair, you will need extra training [beyond the 1,000 hours],” he continued. “The training needs to be as thorough as possible - other wise, the fabric of the profession is weakened.”DionneMontise Hughes also trains cosmetology students at her salon, the Image Enhancement Center. She said that the reduced hours required for licensure is good for students who want to get licensed more quickly, and may encourage more students to join the profession. But, she believes the curriculum needs to be adjusted to meet the reduction in required hours. “When I was learning and getting trained, it was difficult to learn all that I needed in the 1,500-hour curriculum,” she said.” I learned just enough to pass the test.” Mrs. Burton and Ms. Hughes both said they believe that by focusing on the 1,000 hours of training on hair care and styl ing only, moving all additional training - such as manicuring, pedicuring, skin care and other aspects of training - to separate certifications is one way to adapt and meet the new reduced hours without sacrificing quality of training.Before the proposal becomes official there is a public comment period. Mrs. Burton, Mr. Watkins and Ms. Hughes each said they plan to make their objections known, and encourage other cos metologists to do the same.
Having a fellow resident—and three-term president of the Fairfield Court Resident Council—share such a wealth She’s especially glad to help everyone be treated equitably. Sometimes that help simply takes the form of listening, and then pointing someone in the right direction: “If I can’t help, I know who to send the person to so they can get the resources they need.”
Giant hibiscus
Serena Williams
Unquestionably, Venus and Serena Williams revolutionized women’s tennis. With serves that approached the speed of light, fantastic agility, excep tional athleticism, and the grace of catingequity,sueskenweremore,nis.playedhowtheygazelles,changedwomentenFurthertheyoutspoaboutislikepayadvothatwomen tennis play ers should earn as much as men. While they were graceful, they were not gracious, sometimes because of the hateful, racist barbs lobbed at them. Serena Williams had a couple of fa mous meltdowns and shouting matches with referees. She paid the price for them, and, often, she won anyway. And she’s given us many magic tennis moments. Con sider the iconic black catsuit she wore in 2018 as a new mom. Conventional tennis was aghast, and the French Tennis Federation went so far as to ban the look. The Williams sisters presence in champion ship tennis was an irritant to those who once saw tennis as a narrow white occasion, and their appearance was harshly criticized when, as teens, they sported beaded braids. Some criticism was so ugly and vociferous that one wonders if the protest was on the Wil liams sisters’ fashion or their simpleWhilepresence.Serena Williams has been well-sponsored, I don’t think she’s ever gotten her “due.” I’ll never forget the 2006 U.S. Open “I Feel Pretty” campaign celebrating Maria Sharapova and her white blondness. The sizzling Serena Williams is the antithesis of white blondness, and there has never been such a celebration of her Black beauty. Despite slights large and small, Serena Williams has been the personi fication of Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem, “And Still I Rise.” “You can write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies; you may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I rise.” Ms. Williams says she is “evolving away” from tennis and toward other things, includ ing her venture capital firm. After winning 23 grand slams, the most in the Open era, she says she will likely hang her racket up after this month’s U.S. Open. Many say she is unlikely to win it — she’s not won a tournament since winning Wimbledon in 2016. Since giving birth to daugh ter Alexis Olympia Ohanian in 2017 she been plagued with injuries. Still, she has continued to compete and speak out about Black maternal health after her harrowing birth experience. She continues to grace magazine covers and remains an advocate for women, civil rights and human rights. Ms. Williams will be 41 on Sept. 26. Her evolution is timely. She and her husband want to expand their family. She has other fish to fry in the sizzling grease of life. And she continues to inspire young people—not only ten nis players—but many others who admire her persistence, resilience and presence. Indeed, Ms. Williams’ evo lution reminds us all about the seasons of life and the transi tions we all experience as we age. Our movements are evolv ing, too. Even our methods of organizing are evolving. The internet has changed the ways we communicate, organize, and interact. It has changed how we view politics, economics, and even race matters. The Williams sisters revo lutionized tennis as we knew it 50 years ago when Martina Navratilova and Chrissie Evert dominated the sport. The Wil liams women opened the door for a generation of more diverse and hard-hitting players. Now Serena Williams is doing another kind of rolemodeling. She is modeling balance, the art of aging gently and gracefully, and the magic inherent in second and third acts and new life chapters. Serena Williams has not always gotten her due, but she will always be an iconic champion, a tennis GOAT (greatest of all time). In her evolution, may she forever rise. The writer is an economist, author and Dean of the Col lege of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA
A big deal
The law also maintains subsidies for Obamacare for three more years, prolonging one of the great Democratic achievements of the 21st century. The White House estimates this provision alone will enable 500,000 Black Americans to gain health care policies with premiums ranging from $0 to $50. The legislation offers incentives through tax credits to replace energy-guzzling cooling and heating equipment, buy more energy-efficient appliances and weatherize our homes. By some estimates, the credits could cover 30 percent of the cost. There also are tax credit incentives to help landlords invest in such equipment to benefit tenants in their apartment communities and to enable solar projects in affordable housing developments.Inaddition, there is funding for grants to plant trees to cool off hot, urban neighborhoods that often are home to people of color. Further, the legislation includes more than $5 billion in relief for struggling Black and minority farmers. Republicans such as Senate Minority Mitch McConnell of Kentucky have railed against the bill, claiming it will impose job-killing taxes – which appears to mirror the Repub lican claims of election fraud. In reality, the new law will, for the first time ensure that corporations that make more than $1 billion a year in profit pay some taxes and boost the effort to ensure that people making $400,000 a year also pay their fair share. If you don’t make that much, the new law will not change your tax rate, the White House has said. Let us applaud those who stood up for us and let us remember those who did not at theIfpolls.wewant to have a Congress that can make big changes, we have to vote for those willing to participate and make a difference.
in the West End Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Revolutions,Fearmongeringevolutionsand
Let’s be clear. Your grocery bill won’t go down and your rent won’t drop because President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Action into law on Tuesday. But make no mistake, this legislation has all the earmarks of a big deal. This new law will allow this country to make its biggest investment ever in encouraging all of us, through tax credits, to get involved in battling climate change. Just as important, this legislation will imme diately reduce the cost of life-saving medicine for senior adults on Medicare and also crack down on wealthy tax cheats and prevent big corporations from avoiding paying their fair share of the cost of government. We agree with President Biden that this is the kind of important legislation we expect fromWhileCongress.itdoes not go as far as his original Build Back Better plan, he sees the sweep ing legislation as helping “to build a future where everybody has an even shot. That’s the America I believe in.” Of course, lest we forget, every Republican in Congress refused to support the bill, an indication of where they stand. Senior adults, which includes many of us, will benefit from the provision that will cap the out-of-pocket costs for Medicare recipients to $2,000 a year. That’s a big deal for our Black elderly whom data show are 1.5 times more likely than white Americans to report difficulty in affording medications. For senior diabetics on Medicare, the cost of insulin will be capped at $35 a year. But not for anyone else because Republicans successfully blocked a Democratic proposal to extend that cap to private insurance, which Virginia Democrats were able to do in this state. Instead, GOP members shamefully pushed to ensure that the cost of that lifesaving medicine remains as expensive as possible for as many as possible. The legislation also will provide more free vaccines, including one for shingles shots –which our community is twice as likely not to receive. And for the first time, this law will allow Medicare to negotiate prices for some of the most expensive drugs in a bid to make them more affordable, capping a 30-year Democratic campaign to make it possible.
David Marshall During the Trump presiden cy, the pontiff continued to speak out. He said the president was “not Christian” because of his views on immigration and ought to extend protections to undocu mented young immigrants if he is actually “pro-life.” The pope’s words were not forchampion,TrumptiansMAGAaddressedpresidentaboutsimplythebuttheChriswhoseeastheirorsome,their “savior.” Pope Francis represents the type of religious leader who speaks from having a moral conscience concerning people rather than being a Christian leader playing the role of po litical kingmaker and enabler. With many Trump supporters, the end only justifies the means when the end goal is to curtail human, civil and political rights for minorities, give tax cuts to the rich and promote the type of white Christian domination in politics where the true teachings of Christ are ignored. In his role as a candidate, office holder, and former president, Donald Trump un derstands the deep undercurrent movement within the white working class where fear of “others” is a dark subculture waiting to explode. He under stands the deep passions white evangelicals have over the topic of abortion while projecting himself as the only person who can deliver what they want. Lastly, he understands many GOP lawmakers’ greed and shameless quest for power. Mr. Trump is a master of exploiting lawmakers’ fears with the constant threat of a primary opponent and the im mediate ability to turn his base supporters against them. Main taining a sense of blind support and defense for the actions of a corrupt former president has adverse consequences that plant the seeds of dishonor and violence throughout our na tion. The dishonor continues with lawmakers smearing the FBI and Attorney General for rightfully securing classified information, which the former president potentially mishan dled. The same lawmakers will likely be the next Speaker of the House and Chairman of the House Judicial Committee. Where lawmakers are using verbal threats against the FBI, an armed Ohio man defended Mr. Trump by attempting to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati field office. He is believed to have been in Washington in the days leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection, which shows how individuals are now bold in their willingness to take up arms in defense of their Unfortunately,“leader.’thefocus on good governance may easily get lost in the current mayhem. Senate and House Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, delivering a legislative win for President Biden and the party before the midterm elec tions. While the IRA received unanimous Republican opposi tion, their GOP constituents will benefit in the future from this bill. It is undisputed that Repub lican voters have historically benefitted from Democratic proposed policies. The MAGA voice is always loud and threat ening with conspiracy theories. Still, they will never publicly admit their families are helped by Obamacare, the Social Security Act, Minimum Wage Law, the 40-hour week, overtime pay, Worker’s Compensation Act, Rural Electrification Act, the GI Bill of Rights, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Pell Grants, National School Lunch Program, food stamps, Occupational Safety & Health Act, Operation Head Start, Medicare, Medicaid, Equal Pay Act, Older Americans Act, Guaranteed Student Loans, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Family & Medical Leave Act and more. Last week proved that our executive, legislative, and judicial branches of govern ment can work. However, the primary safeguard against the politics of fear, obstruction, and threats is still informed and engaged voters. The writer is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book “God Bless Our Divided America.”
Julianne Malveaux
Richmond Free Press Editorial Page August 18-20, 2022 The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you. We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com. The Free Press welcomes letters A6 Richmond Free Press 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone (804) 644-0496 FAX (804) 643-7519 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 27709 Richmond, VA 23261 Founder Raymond H. Boone President – Publisher Jean P. jeanboone@richmondfreepress.comBoone Managing Editor Bonnie Newman bonniedavis@richmondfreepress.comDavis Vice President – New Business Development Raymond H. Boone jrboone@richmondfreepress.comJr. Vice President –News Enhancement Jeremy M. jeremylazarus@richmondfreepress.comLazarus Vice President – Production April A. aprilcoleman@richmondfreepress.comColeman Staff Writers Fred Jeter, Frances Crutchfield Hazel Trice Edney Photographers Sandra sandrasellars@richmondfreepress.comSellarsReginaH.Boonereginaboone@richmondfreepress.comJamesHaskins,RudolphPowellandClintonA.Strane Vice President – Administration Tracey L. traceyoliver@richmondfreepress.comOliver Advertising Traffic Coordinator Cynthia classifieds@richmondfreepress.comadvertising@richmondfreepress.comDowningAdvertisingFax:(804)643-5436 NationalRepresentativeAdvertising NNPA Distribution GouffyStyle LLC Richmond Free Press is published weekly by Paradigm Communications, Inc.Copies of the Richmond Free Press (one copy per person) are free of charge at outlets in the Richmond area. Back copies are available at the Free Press office at $3 per copy. Bulk orders can be made prior to any upcoming edition at special rates. A Publication of PARADIGM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone (804) 644-0496 Follow the Free Press on @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA
A Virginia author’s inves tigative effort to uncover the origins of a racist photo on Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page has ended in conclusively, according to the author, who has written a book that offers new details about the 2019 scandal and the former governor’s remarkable political survival.“Ofcourse, I would like to have determined exactly who was in the photograph. And I gave that my best effort,” Mar garet Edds, a retired journalist and the author of “What the Eyes Can’t See,” told The Associ ated Press ahead of the book’s NovemberAlthoughpublication.Ms.Edds — like journalists and two groups of law firm investigators before her — did not arrive at any definitive answer about the photo of one person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan costume, her 296-page book offers a behindthe-scenes-look at the turmoil the image sparked. The book details former Gov. Northam’s decision to remain in office despite tre mendous pressure, as well as the steps he took to become better informed about the legacy of racism, redeem his reputation and work with Black leaders to sharpen his administration’s focus on racial justice. Mr. Northam participated in 14 interviews for the book, a digital review copy of which was provided to AP by The Univer sity of South Caro lina Press. “What the Eyes Can’t See” also draws on interviews with Mr. Northam’s wife, Pam Northam, staffers, consultants, friends and public officials, plus docu ments and contem poraneous news reports. Mark Bergman, a long time political adviser to Mr. Northam who was among those interviewed, said the former Virginia governor participated because he thought the book would serve as “the final word on what his service was about.” Mr. Northam, who returned to work as a pediatric neurologist after leaving office in January, declined comment through Mr. Bergman.Thephoto surfaced in 2019 when a conservative political website published it while Mr. Northam was embroiled in a controversy over remarks he made about late-term abortion. The image appeared along with three pictures that showed Mr. Northam on his personal page in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Book has insight, no clear answer on Ralph Northam blackface yearbook photo Medical School yearbook. Mr. Northam initially apolo gized for being in the photo without saying which person was him. Then he reversed course, saying he wasn’t actu ally in the photo. The move did not initially quell widespread calls for his resignation. But Virginia’s 73rd governor refused to step down, and the pressure eased after the state’s two other top Democratic of ficeholders became caught up in controversies of their own. Mr. Northam went on to preside over an undeniably transformative term in office as Democrats took full control of state government in the 2019 election cycle. He would sign into law bills that made Virginia a progressive outlier in the South — including the legalization of marijuana, abolition of the death penalty and expansion of gunMs.control.Edds said she was in spired to write the book when she heard that Mr. Northam had decided to remove an enormous state-controlled statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond. “I just thought, ‘Oh my, what a journey, what a story,’” sheThesaid.book was not a collabora
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By Sarah Rankin The Associated Press
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The first African-American four-star general in Marine Corps history, Gen. Michael E. Lang ley, credited his father with telling him to “aim high” and predicted that his recent rank would have an impact on younger people. Gen. Langley was born in Shreveport, La., and grew up on military bases as his father served in the Air Force. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, he was com missioned a second lieutenant in the Marines in 1985. “My daddy told me to aim high, so I aimed as high as I could and found the few and the proud,” Gen. Langley said during a ceremony Aug. 6 at Marine Corps Barracks Washington attended by his father and other fam ily Themembers.Marine Corps, which traces its roots to 1775, rejected accepting Black men in its ranks until 1942, a turnabout that followed the attack on the American air base at Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the U.S. entry into World War II. The American military services were not desegregated until after President Harry Truman’s order in 1948. Three decades later, the first African-American Marine was promoted to a one-star general, in 1979. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in June that President Biden had nominated Gen. Langley for appointment to the grade of general. The promotion came with the assign ment of commander of U.S. Africa Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany. “The milestone and what it means to the Corps is quite essential,” Gen. Langley said during Saturday’s ceremony, according to a Marine Corps report. “Not because of the mark in history, but what it will affect going forward, especially for those who are younger that want to aspire and look at the Marine Corps as an opportunity.”
The County of Henrico is proposing to construct approximately 3,560 feet of 12-foot-wide paved multi-use trail from the Lakeside Recreation Area to Hilliard Road. This work will be a part of the Fall Line Trail, a 43-mile north-south paved trail that will connect Ashland to Petersburg. Construction is anticipated to begin in February of 2023. Information relative to this project includes the proposed trail addition, project schedule, and funding information which can be reviewed at the County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, 4305 E. Parham Road, Administration Annex Building, 3 rd Floor, Henrico, Virginia 23228. Telephone: (804) 501- 4616. County is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request a public hearing by sending a written request to Sarah Briggs, P. O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775, on or before August 25, 2022. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of the date, time and place of the public hearing will be provided. The County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or Briggs at the above address or phone number or at Henricobri114@henrico.us.Project#:09015
A first: African-American marine promoted to 4-star general Gen. Langley Mr. Northam tion, said Ms. Edds, who told the governor she wouldn’t guarantee he’d like what she wrote. As for the photo, Ms. Edds may not have discovered who was in it, but she did manage to get the editor of the yearbook — who previously had avoided reporters and investigators — to openSheup.also captured the chaos of the initial news breaking, includ ing the reactions of various highprofile Democratic leaders. The book explores Mr. Northam’s response to the lack of support, as well as his efforts to regain the trust of fellow Democrats. It weaves in chapters of Virginia’s history, as well as Mr. Northam’s, exploring his family tree and formative parts of his childhood on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. In Options include: $20/month unlimited talk and text before Lifeline discount of Federal$5.25discount of $9.25 applied to T-Mobile plans with 4.5GB data or more Options include: You may qualify based on your income or if you currently participate in federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you’re a resident of federally recognized Tribal Lands, you may qualify for additional discounts. Discounted wireless service is provided by T-Mobile Northeast LLC under the Lifeline assistance program. Lifeline is a government assistance program that provides only eligible consumers with discounted service that is nontransferable and is available for only one line per household. A household is defined, for purposes of the Lifeline program, as any individual or group of individuals living at the same address that share income and expenses. T-Mobile offers Lifeline service only in areas where the company has Eligible Telecommunications Carrier status. You may find more information about Lifeline and other wireless services available from T-Mobile USA, Inc., at www.T-Mobile.com. Limited-time offer; subject to change. Sales tax and regulatory fees included in monthly rate plan price for talk and text plan. 5G: For data services. Capable device required. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see T-Mobile.com. Fastest based on median, overall combined speeds according to analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data download speeds for Q1 2022. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. Unlimited talk & text features for basic direct communications between 2 people; others (e.g., conference, chat lines, iMessage) may cost extra or require data allotment. Domestic only unless otherwise specified. Coverage not available in some areas. Network Management: Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. T-Mobile, the T logo, and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2022 T-Mobile USA Inc.
Ms. Edds emphasized that the book is not only a “story of personal redemption” for Mr. Northam; it’s also an exploration of the way Black legislators and citizens both encouraged and pushed Mr. Northam toward change.Ms. Edds, who spent 34 years working in journalism in Virginia, mostly at The Virginian-Pilot, has previously authored several other books, including works about the com monwealth’s history and the Civil Rights Movement.
it, Mr. Northam acknowledges specific instances in which he thinks white privilege boosted his Mr.career.Northam may have had the most integrated childhood of any Virginia governor and initially thought of himself as someone who “didn’t see race,” Ms. Edds said. “To me, it was a powerful mo ment when he came to recognize that it’s not that admirable not to see race if you’re not seeing all the underlying systemic rac ism that affects people’s lives,” she said.
News Richmond Free Press August 18-20, 2022 A7
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VSU hopes for a winning season
Virginia State University’s home opener is Sept. 10 against Bluefield State, W.Va., where the Trojans will show off a freshly laid artificial field.
Patches, logos will honor the late basketball legend Bill Russell’s No. 6 jersey will never be issued again to another NBA player. The NBA and the NBA Players Association has permanently retired the number Mr. Russell wore for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969. Mr. Russell died July 31 at age 88. During his brilliant career, the center led Boston to 11 NBA championships.Anyonealready wearing No. 6 (including LeBron James) will be grandfathered in and allowed to continue wearing it.
It would be notewor thy for a high school basketball team to have one son of a famous NBASierraButplayer.four?Canyon School in the Chatsworth neigh borhood of Los Angeles is so blessed.
Anja Niedringhaus /The Associated Press File Photo Saying “the countdown has begun,” 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams announced Aug. 9 that she is ready to step away from tennis so she can turn her focus to having another child and her business interests. Charles Leno
If Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is to be safe and successful in his first season in Washington, Charles Leno Jr. might be a top-of-the-list reason why.As the returning left tackle, Leno has Wentz’s back – literally. It’s the left tackle that protects the blindside of a right-handed QB.“That’s what we get paid for,” Leno told the team’s in-house publication Take Command.Theless grass stains on Wentz’s uniform, and the less aches in his bones, the better it will be for The District. The newly named Commanders had one of the NFL’s most effective offensive lines a year ago, and expectations remain high for 2022 despite the loss of former All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff (now in Jacksonville).Speakingfor the entire group, Leno pointed to its mix of talent. “We’ve got a great mix,” he said. “We’ve got veteran guys, young guys, tough guys and athletic guys.” The 6-foot-3, 303-pound Leno qualifies for all the above adjectives, except perhaps “young.” At 30 the former Boise State University (2009-2013) and Chicago Bears (2014-20) blocker is the unit’s graybeard. Wearing No. 72, Leno ranks with the NFL’s most durable and highly-rated tack les. He was the lone lineman to start all 17 games last year for Washington.
The Associated Press
• Bryce James, 15, is a 6-foot-6 sophomore forward.
• Bronny James, 17, is a 6-foot-3 senior shooting guard.
With football practices in full swing, Virginia State University is hopeful some of that Bowie State Bulldogs magic rubs off on the Trojans. VSU’s first season coach is Dr. Henry Frazier III, who was a top assistant at Bowie from 2017 to 2019. During that stretch, Bowie went 30-5 overall and 18-2 in CIAA. That included two CIAA titles and three trips to the NCAA Divi sion II Perhapsplayoffs.noschool in the nation has so dominated its conference as Bowie has the CIAA in recent seasons. There was no 2020 CIAA season due to the pandemic. This past year Coach Frazier served as director of leader ship and character at the University of Maryland.CoachFrazier inherits a squad coming off a disappointing season. The Trojans were 3-6 overall and 3-4 in CIAA in what was Coach Reggie Barlow’s final campaign in Ettrick. Perhaps the highlight – if you can call a loss a highlight – of the Trojans’ 2021 season was a thrilling 51-44 setback to Bowie in Maryland. Under Coach Frazier (member of the Bowie Hall of Fame), the Trojans are preparing for the Sept. 3 opener at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C.It will be like diving into the deep end, in chilly water. The North Caro linians defeated VSU, 48-7, last year in Ettrick.Thehome opener is Sept. 10 against Bluefield State, W.Va., where the Trojans will show off a freshly laid artificial field. Also, a new running track will surround the gridiron. In that near upset of Bowie in October 2021, Darius Hagans rambled for 199 yards on 22 carries. Hagans is back this season, and much will depend on his ability to carry the ball and move the Haganschains. hails from Chesapeake’s Grassfield High and transferred to VSU from Alderson-Broaddus, W.Va. VSU’s lone preseason All-CIAA pick is senior linebacker Zion Johnson from Woodbridge.CoachBarlow used four QBs in 2021 (Chauncey Caldwell, D’Vonte Waller, Jordan Davis and Mark Wright) with none taking full command. This season’s No. 1 for now is a question mark as no roster had been posted at press time. One possibility might be Meziah Scott, a former Petersburg High 3A All-State QB who transferred to VSU from Western Carolina. Scott passed for 5,031 yards and 48 touchdowns at Petersburg, playing under his father, Wave Coach Michael Scott. In the preseason CIAA team poll, VSU was picked to finish sixth overall and fourth in the North. So, who was picked No. 1? You guessed it, Bowie State. Often, schools schedule “cupcakes” for homecoming to appease the alumni with a rousing victory. VSU can’t be accused of such strategy. The Trojans will celebrate homecoming Oct. 8 againstRogersBowie.Stadium parking will be cash less only. Credit cards, debit cards and contactless payments will be required for Seasonparking. tickets are on sale for $125,which includes parking. General admission game-day tickets are $20. At least three VSU games will be telecast. The Sept. 17 game vs. St. Au
• Justin Pippen, 17, is a sub-6-foot junior guard.
Sports A8 August 18-20, 2022 Richmond Free Press
Turner (who signed in May), Cornelius Lucas (oft-used backup in 2021) and Saahdig Charles (drafted out of LSU by Washington in 2020). Once he returns from injury, tight end Logan Thomas (out of Virginia Tech) is among the best in the business as a blocker andWhilereceiver.Leno earns respect for his rug ged play on the gridiron, he’s a proven softie off it. While in Chicago, the former seventh round draft choice initiated two programs for children. In January, 2021, while still with the Bears, Leno won the NFL’s Com munity MVP Award. He’s brought a variation of both charitable foundations to Washington. “Leno Claus” brings Christmas joy to many, while “Beyond the Entertainer” is geared toward assisting kids through hard times, primarily pediatric cancer. In D.C., he has partnered with “The Hogfarmers.” “The Hogfarmers” are a spinoff of the Hogettes, men who wore dresses, gardenparty hats and pig snouts to games in tribute to Washington’s famous “Hogs” offensive line of from early 1980s to early ’90s. Washington won three Super Bowls (1983, ’87, ’91) with the “Hogs” paving theLenoway. doesn’t merit Hog status … not yet. But the better he guards the blindside, the more wins the Commanders will deposit in the piggy bank.
Stories by Fred Jeter
Tillman shoots for gold in Denver Basketball has taken Justin Tillman around the world. Now he’s back in the U.S. and looking to play on the highest level — the NBA. The 6-foot-8 former VCU Rams forward recently was signed to a non-guaranteed, oneyear contract with the Denver Nuggets. In Denver he will join another ex-VCU Ram, former first round draft choice Bones Hyland, who will be a second year guard for the Nuggets. Tillman, a Detroit native, and Hyland (finishing in 2021) never played together at VCU. As a VCU senior in 2018, Tillman averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds, with a high game of 37 points against Dayton. Undrafted in the NBA, he went on to play for pro teams in Israel, Turkey, Puerto Rico, Italy and with Atlanta and Memphis G-League affiliates. Tillman played in June with Miami’s Sum mer League team in Las Vegas. Should Tillman fail to make the Nuggets’ opening day roster, he may be assigned to Denver’s G-League affiliate in Grand Rapids, Mich.
A couple of days before Serena Williams claimed the 22nd of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon in 2016, she was asked what she makes of it when people refer to her as one of history’s greatest female athletes. Her reply: She prefers being characterized as “one of the greatest athletes of all time.” That one, brief response from Williams said quite a lot — about her one-of-akind talent with a racket in hand, about her status as an icon, about her willingness to stand up for herself, about why women’s sports should not be thought of any differently than men’sThatsports.allcame to mind again Tuesday, when Williams indi cated she is preparing to walk away from her professional tennis career as the start of the U.S. Open approaches on Aug. 29 and her 41st birthday next month nears. Yes, with shouts of “Come on!” marking the journey, she’s won the most major singles championships in the profes sional era of tennis, which began in 1968; more than the 22 for Steffi Graf or Rafael Nadal, more than the 21 for Novak Djokovic, more than the 20 for Roger Federer, more than the 18 for Chris Evert or Martina Navratilova, more than anyone else. And, yes, Williams won a total of 73 tour-level singles titles and spent more than six years’ worth of weeks ranked No. 1. And she combined with older sister Venus to claim 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles. And then there are the four Olympic gold medals. Still, mere numbers can’t capture everything Williams has represented during a dis tinguished career that began when she was a teenager in the 1990s and is remarkable for not just the successes but also the longevity, including a record 10 major championships after turning 30. “She’s lasted longer than most, if not all, female tennis pros. She’s transcended tennis and become a leader on many important cultural, social and gender issues. She has lived an extraordinary life,” Evert wrote in a text message to The Associated Press, “and will undoubtedly continue to crash the glass ceiling in the future.”Indeed, what Williams did without a racket in her hand is rather noteworthy, and extends past the millions in endorse ment deals; the flirtations with acting; the interest in fashion design and penchant for bring ing the catwalk to the court with body suits and knee-high boots and whatever else she decided to try; the celebrity and place in pop culture; and, most recently, the work as a venture capitalist (“Seventy-eight per cent of our portfolio happens to be companies started by women and people of color, because that’s who we are,” Williams said). “It is important to take a step back and think about everything that Serena has brought to our sport and what she has accomplished both on and off the court,” said Steve Serena’s legacy: Plenty of wins, plenty of stands on issues Simon, the head of the WTA women’s tennis tour. “She is one of the greatest champions, an entrepreneur, a mother, an investor in women’s business ventures and an inspiration to women and girls across the world.”Williams spoke out about being Black in her sport — she was the first to win a Grand Slam tournament since Althea Gibson in the 1950s — and in her country. She stayed away from a tournament in California for years after she and her father heard racist taunts there. She talked about being a woman in tennis, about being a woman who dealt with complications in childbirth, about being a mother (her daughter, Olympia, turns 5 on Sept. 1, and Williams wants to have another baby). She and Venus helped their sport reach a broader audience and helped bring a broader slice of society into their sport (Coco Gauff, the theAfrican-American18-year-oldwhowasrunner-upattheFrench
By Howard Fendrich
In addition to retiring Mr. Russell’s jersey number, all NBA players this season will wear commemorative Bill Russell patches on their right shoulder. Also, a logo honoring the former MVP will be displayed at courtside, near the scorer’s table. Mr. Russell joins Jackie Robinson and Wayne Gretzky as the only players to have their jersey numbers retired by an entire league. Robinson’s No. 42 was retired by baseball in 1997. Hockey legend Gretzky’s No. 99 was retired by the NHL in 2000.
Los Angeles high school basketball team’s 4 players with famous dads
The private school’s roster includes Bronny and Bryce James, sons of LeBron James, plus Justin Pippen, son of Scottie Pippen, and Ashton Hardaway, son of Penny Hardaway.
Open in May, said Tuesday she plays what she called “a predominantly white sport” because she “saw somebody who looked like me dominating the“Igame”).don’t particularly like to think about my legacy. I get asked about it a lot, and I never know exactly what to say,” Williams wrote in an essay released by Vogue magazine. “But I’d like to think that thanks to opportu nities afforded to me, women athletes feel that they can be themselves on the court. They can play with aggression and pump their fists. They can be strong yet beautiful. They can wear what they want and say what they want and kick butt and be proud of it all.”
Further proving his “iron man” image, Leno has not missed a game with an injury since 2015. As for efficiency, consider: • Lining up for 1,062 snaps, he al lowed only six sacks and, amazingly, was flagged for just one penalty.
• Leno’s 81.2 percent grade on passing plays ranked 12th among all tackles, ac cording to Pro Football Focus.
• Ashton Hardaway, 17, is a 6-foot-8 junior wing. LeBron James remains an active player with the Los Angeles Lakers. Pippen is coach at Vanderbilt University while Hardaway is coach at the University of Memphis. Nicknamed the Trailblazers, Sierra Canyon went 26-5 last season and won the Gold Coast League. This season’s schedule includes an international excursion to London, Paris and Rome.
NBA retires Bill Russell’s jersey
• Overall, the Washington line ranked sixth best in tge NFL for runs and pass blocking combined. This is uplifting news to Wentz, who was obtained from Indianapolis during the offseason. Wentz has size (6-foot-5, 237 pounds), a rocket arm and a solid résumé (140 career touchdown passes), but isn’t known for his mobility in the pocket. The former first round draft choice fell into disfavor in Indianapolis and Philadel phia before departing. Leno & Co. hope to restore his confidence. Gone from the 2021 offensive line is Scherff and left guard Ereck Flowers, who was released in March. Returning to join Leno up front will be Sam Cosmi (right tackle), guard Wes Schweitzer and center Chase Roullier. Others in the mix are newcomer Trai
gustine’s will be aired on HBCU Go. The Homecoming Oct. 8 contest vs. Bowie will be produced by PRC Communica tions and televised on Regional Networks and Trojans Sports Network. The regular season finale Nov. 5 against Virginia Union also will be produced by PRC Communications. VSU and VUU may think their traditional backyard brawl would be for the CIAA North title. There’s only one problem: Bowie State.
Charles Leno’s durable tackles, high rankings
Justin Tillman
Bronny James Bryce James
The DBALSA Foundation partners with: Fit to Give, West wood Baptist Church and Pres ence Place Inc. in the Richmond metropolitan area, and Balm in Gilead for Communities of Color and Sahara Communications in the Baltimore metropolitan area. We are seeking additional part ners to join us in our efforts.
What I have learned about my self on this journey: I continue to evolve in the knowledge that I can be both strong and weak, organized and chaotic, fearful and fearless, bitter and sweet — all at the same time. That’s me, and I stand strong in this newfound awareness!
What I now know about grief: I stand in the truth that experienc ing grief is inevitable. We all will cross that bridge and experience grief in some fashion — either directly or indirectly. However, having foundational support dur ing our periods of sorrow will help determine our outcome. Depression and grief are: Not a destination; they are a journey, a sojourn. Depression and grief can take many paths, but our gateway of support can lighten the load and make a world of difference on our widow’s journey.
How to become involved: We highly encourage those who are on a widow’s or widower’s journey to visit our heargmail.cocontactthedbalsafoundation.orwebsiteg,ormeatlyndasa1999@m.Wewouldlovetofromyou!
A perfect day for me is hav ing helped someone along the way, then my living will not be in vain. What I am continuing to learn about myself during the pandemic: How fearfully and wonderfully made I am, and how blessed I really am to be loved and supported by so many. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love to watch a sunrise and wit ness God’s great handiwork. A quote that inspires me: “Today I begin a new life; I will greet this day with love in my heart. I will persist until I succeed. I am nature’s greatest miracle. I will live this day as if it is my last. Today I will be a master of my emotions. I will laugh at the world; today I will multiply my value a hundredfold. I will act now. I will pray for guidance.” My friends describe me as: Fun loving, funny and spiritual. At the top of my “to-do” list is: To create the “to-do” list and then execute it. Best late-night snack: Hot ta males … all night long!!! The best thing my parents ever taught me: To love and be loved in return. The person who influenced me the most: My mother, the late fabulous, incomparable Ruth S. White, who was my North Star and my Rock. I miss her every day! Book that influenced me the most: “The Greatest Salesman in the World: The Ten Scrolls” by Og Mandino. What I’m reading now: “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. Next goal: Building a network of grief and financial counselors, creating care packages for local widows and widowers, as well as engaging in strategic fundrais ing are at the top of my “to do/ what’s next” list.
CONNECTED TO WHAT SPARKS CONVERSATION.
When it became apparent this foundation is needed: When I became a widow in 2020, I struggled to find help to cope with my grief and everyday needs. In due course, I slowly found my way with the help of family, trusted friends and associ ates, and the Black church. However, I decided to “be the answer” I was seek ing by giving birth to the DBALSA Foundation. Meaning of name: DBALSA is named after my late husband — Dol son Barnett Anderson Jr. and me, his widow, Lynda Sharp Anderson. Through DBALSA, I am able to still feel connected to my beloved Dolson, who tran sitioned to glory on April 22, 2020, from contracting COVID-19. Dolson and I were married for nearly 30 years. To pay tribute to Dolson’s life minis try is to honor his devotion to me and our family, friends, church, community and his career. Grief and The DBALSA Foun dation: People experience grief differently. The DBALSA Foundation supports and as sists widows during their most difficult time in their widow’s journey. Healing and The DBALSA Foundation: Healing from a tragedy is also different for everyone. The foundation’s sole purpose is to walk alongside those experiencing such tragedies with compassion, love, support and respect. One of our mottos is: “Be a friend to another woman, that friend who sees the first tear falling, holds the second tear, and prevents the third from falling.” Services offered: The DBALSA Foundation offers referral ser vices which include but are not limited to e-prayer groups; coun seling, financial, self-care and safe harbor resources; e-group sessions via Zoom, and more.
Personality: Lynda Sharp Anderson Spotlight on the president and CEO of The DBALSA Foundation
SectionB Three decades ago, when Lynda Sharp went to a magazine marketing event with friends, she didn’t know the young man named Dolson Barnett Anderson Jr. who was there with friends of his own. They both volunteered to help the magazine, became better acquainted and later became a married couple. The rest, Mrs. Anderson said, is history.“Butthat’s not the way Dol son would tell that story,” Mrs. Anderson chuckled. “He always liked to say I was there with two other men until he swept me off my Thefeet.”couple spent nearly three decades together, often talking about a plan to create something together that would allow them to give back to others. Unfortunately, that plan never crystalized.“Iwasliving my life, mar ried and enjoying my husband,” Mrs. Anderson said. “One day he was here, and the next day he was not.” In April 2020, Mrs. Anderson lost her husband after he con tracted“WhenCOVID-19.hewentto the hospital, he was able to walk himself to the stretcher,” Mrs. Anderson said. “I had absolutely no idea that would be the last time I would see him. Because of the pandemic, I wasn’t even able to say goodbye. My heart still aches with that.” Coping with such a devastat ing loss was hard. She decided to start a foundation — using the first letters of her own name and her late husband’s to name it. The DBALSA Foundation launched earlier this year in April with a mission to provide widows compassion, love, support and respect. The DBALSA Founda tion offers referral services for counseling, organizing finances, self-care and more. It also has partnered with various churches to offer support services. “After my husband’s death, it has helped me tremendously to know that I am carrying out our plans,” Mrs. Anderson said. “He is definitely in my heart and in my head as I go forward with his Inmemory.”addition to starting The DBALSA Foundation, Mrs. An derson also works for the City of Richmond’s Department of Social Services as an adminis trative support in the Division of Children, Families and Adults. It is another way of giving back to the city she loves. There are still days when she struggles. Mrs. Anderson says that walking in her fear of the unknown has become a mantra for her. And when things are tough she takes inspiration from her mother, the late Ruth S. White, whom she calls her “North Star” and her “rock.” “My mother came from a very small town in South Carolina and clawed her way to Baltimore to make a life and raise her family,” Mrs. Anderson said. “She poured that spirit into me. She was always my best cheerleader.” Mrs. Anderson says that she has strived to be that same bright light and inspiration for her own daughters and her grandchildren.Nowshehopes that sharing her experiences and offering support through her foundation will bring hope, health and heal ing to other widows. She’s even thought about offering support for widowers after realizing that many men are in the same situa tion after losing their wives. While experiencing grief is something everyone inevitably will experience, Mrs. Anderson believes having a strong support group can help lighten the load of depression and grief. Meet a widow providing vital support to other widows and this week’s Personality, Lynda Sharp Anderson: Volunteer position President and CEO of The DBALSA Foundation. Occupation: Administrative support for City of Richmond Department of Social Services. Date and place of birth: April 9 in Baltimore. Where I live now: Richmond. Education: Baltimore City Public School System; attended Towson State University. Family: Two sisters, three ad opted sisters, one brother, three daughters, one son-in-law, two grandchildren. The DBALSA Foundation is: A new ministry providing hope, help and healing for widows of color who live in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Mary land (DMV) area. Mission: The DBALSA Founda tion seeks to assist widows of color with getting on with their lives, finding a safe harbor as they heal, cope with their loss, provide funding assistance to assist them with necessary finances to survive, and most importantly, turning their test into their testimony.
CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS. As Virginia’s home for public media, we bring you relevant news and local storytelling to foster a greater understanding of our state, our neighbors and our world. VPM.org
Mending Walls: The Documentary Thirty artists create a groundbreaking public art project about empathy and racial justice in the documentary “Mending Walls,” presented on public television by VPM. Courtesy of Katrina Ta�art-Hecksher
Happenings Richmond Free Press August 18-20, 2022 B1
Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press
The Northside Coalition for Children’s 14th Annual Back to School Rally on Aug. 13 featured backpack giveaways, school supplies for teachers and students, food vendors and cheerleaders to wish students, families and teachers a successful new school year. The event took place at Liberation Church on Midlothian Turnpike.
Terry “Harmonica” Bean
Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press
Portsmouth to name street for hometown hero Missy Elliott Backpacks for back to school
Join us in person at the Library for a talk by awardwinning journalist Beth Macy, author of Dopesick, on her follow-up work, Raising Lazarus. Missy Elliott
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Noon–1:00 ZACHARY UNCENSOREDWOOD
A Virginia city is honoring hometown hero Missy Elliott by nam ing a boulevard in a new entertainment district after her. The Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously Aug. 9 to change the name of a 1-mile (1.6 km) section of McLean Street to Missy Elliott Boulevard, news outlets report. The stretch between Airline Boulevard and Greenwood Drive is near Tidewater Community College and the future Portsmouth Rivers Casino. The award-winning rapper, singer, song writer and producer, born Melissa Arnette Elliott, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, now Manor High. In 2019, she gave the school $25,000. Ms. Elliott thanked the council in a tweet saying she’s been through ups and downs and times when she wanted to give up “but God’s plan was different! & all I can do is say Thank you.”
Cultural traditions and world music highlight Down Home Family Reunion
Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
800 East Broad Street | Richmond, VA 23219 www.lva.virginia.gov | 804.692.3999
Portsmouth resident and fan Erin Carter made the name change request to honor the artist she says had the courage to take on the world“It’sstage.time for her hometown to honor her accomplishments as a music icon,” Ms. Carter said. “It will be a testament (of) our city greatness that Portsmouth was the place that launched her career.” Such requests aren’t common, so it’s not clear when the change will be made, Planning Director Robert Baldwin said.
Happenings B2 August 18-20, 2022 Richmond Free Press
WEINSTEIN AUTHOR SERIES BETH MACY RAISING LAZARUS: HOPE, JUSTICE, AND THE FUTURE OF AMERICA’S OVERDOSE CRISIS Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 6:00–7:30 p.m. Lecture Hall | FREE Registration www.lva.virginia.gov/public/weinsteinrequired:The Carole Weinstein Author Series supports the literary arts by bringing both new and well-known authors to the Library of Virginia. Free and open to the public, the series focuses on Virginia authors and Virginia subjects across all genres. Most events will include light refreshments, a question-and-answer session with the author, and book signings. For more information, contact Emma Ito at 804.692.3726 or emma.ito@lva.virginia.gov.
By George Copeland Jr. African and African-American folklife will be celebrated and explored during the 31st Down Home Family Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 20, in Jackson Ward’s Abner Clay Park. The event, sponsored by the Elegba Folklore Society, takes place from 4 to 11 Thep.m. festival’s main stage will feature interactive demonstrations, a Heritage Market offering art, handmade and Afri can stylescasewillmancesfood.Southerninspiredofandimports,amixAfrican-andPerforshowmyriadand genres, including Big Tony & Trouble Funk, Africa Unplugged, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, Dance Candy, and Teshia Lesane & the Live InformationExperience.aboutparking and shuttle services is available at www.efsinc.org. Attendees are discouraged from bringing coolers, animals and tents, and there will be a dropoff and pickup point in front of the park at 200 W. Clay St. for those who need it. For more information, please call the Elegba Folklore Society at (804) 644-3900, email story1@efsinc.org, or visit www. efsinc.org.
SPRING 2019 Zachary R. Wood, a columnist and assistant opinion editor at The Guardian and a Robert L. Bartley Fellow at the Wall Street Journal will discuss
JonathanNamasteChristopher Miles, a Richmond yoga trainer, leads “Yoga for the People,” a community yoga class at Sankofa Community Orchard at 309 Covington Road on Aug. 13. He was accompanied by Shanna Latia, who provided sound bowl healing during the session.
Don’t sweat or swat Nikiya Ellis, left, cofounder of City Bees RVA, explains the process of beekeeping to Treasure Daily, 12, of Richmond on Aug. 13 at Sankofa Community Orchard on Richmond’s Southside. The youngster experienced what it is like to be surrounded by 20,000 bees while helping to treat the hives for mites. “If you get nervous, don’t swat, just step away and take a deep breath,” Ms. Ellis advised the youngster.
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Ebenezer Baptist, of which she was a lifelong member, to celebrate her volun teer service Friday, Aug. 12. A graduate of John Marshall High School, Ms. Fleming earned bachelor’s degrees in Spanish from the University of Virginia and from Virginia Commonwealth University in general stud ies. She was professionally involved with personnel and human resources, most notably at Philip Morris USA, from which she retired in 2006 due to health issues. For 10 years, she also operated a business, Ban ners, Balloons and More, with her sister, Dr. Renee Fleming Mills. Dr. Mills handled the party and wedding planning while Ms. Fleming designed the balloon art. But Ms. Fleming was best known for her varied volunteer service, which her family said began with her participation in the Big Broth ers/Big Sisters program while a student at U.Va. On the Girl Scout front at Ebenezer Baptist, Ms. Fleming was the key adult figure in historic Troop 34, which origi nated in 1932 on the campus ties, assisted them to participate in trips to out-of-state sites and to Europe, and prepared them to serve as the honor guard for several area organizations. She also held the troops together through the COVID-19 pandemic by holding meetings on HerZoom.family said the regional Girls Scouts of the Common wealth of Virginia honored her with its Volunteer of Excellence award and the Girl Scout’s Honor Pin. At Ebenezer Baptist, Ms. Fleming also served at various 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804)648 2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor Worship With Us This Week! Looking for a welcoming place to worship this week? Stop by & see what God is up to at MMBC.
Church) “MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook Broad Rock Baptist Church 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org “BACK IN SERVICE” Our doors are open again Mask required • Must provide vaccination card Every Sunday @ 11:00 am. Live Streaming Every Sunday At: BRBConline.org or YouTube(Broad Rock Baptist Church) Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 Office: (804) 644-1402 https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith Moore BaptistMissionaryStreetChurch 1408 W. Leigh Street · Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 358 6403 Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor “Your Home In God’s Kingdom” 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org(804)643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor Sharon Baptist Church “ e Church With A Welcome” MorningSundaysWorship10:00A.M. Back Inside 400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park) (804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) www.sixthbaptistchurch.org359-3798 We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone Come worship with us! Facebook sixthbaptistrva Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs Pastor Back Inside Sundays Join us for 10:00 AM Worship Service Live on Facebook @sixthbaptistrva Live on Youtube @sixthbaptistrva Or by visiting our www.sixthbaptistchurch.orgwebsite 823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office Combining Relevance with Reverence Thirty-first Street Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor ❖ The doors of the church are open for worship! No registration required. Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube 10:30 a.m. Sundays BaptistTriumphantChurch 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 OPEN FOR IN PERSON WORSHIP Morning Worship - 11 am Conference Calls are still available at: ( 503) 300-6860 PIN: Facebook@:triumphantbaptist273149 ith Formation/ Church School (Sat. @ 9:00 AM) Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9164 9805 /Passcode: 2901 *Bible Study (Wed. @ 7:00 PM) Zoom Meeting ID: 854 8862 2296 Give Via: http://mmbcrva.org/give Or through Givelify Sunday Morning Worship On Site & Virtual August 21 2022 @ 10:00 A.M.
2604 Idlewood Avenue,
Baptist Church Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# In Person Sunday Service also on FACEBOOK and YouTube Sunday, August 21, 2022 Sunday School -
Morning Services -
Riverview 9:30 A.M. 11 A.M. Richmond, Va. 23220 by: Rev. Sandra Smalls Attention Attention Rev. Dr. Lester Frye, President-elect times as church clerk and as a driver in the Bus Ministry. She played in the Handbell Choir, taught children on Sundays and in the Vacation Bible School, and later served as assistant su perintendent of the educational programs. She also participated in the Ladies Guild Ministry and in other committees and programs. She was the first recipient of the church’s Miller-Robinson Award for volunteer service. Along with her sister, Ms. Fleming is survived by her son, Jeffrey C. Fleming.
Pastor Brown Ms. Fleming By Jeremy M. Lazarus When Glennys Elaine Flem ing joined an organization, others quickly took note of her energy, dedication and passion.Ms.Fleming won accolades for her more than 20 years of volunteer leadership of two Girl Scout troops at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jackson Ward. A stroke survivor, Ms. Flem ing also became well known for her efforts to promote health as a volunteer for the 1 Step 2 Health Foundation and the American Heart Association. She was long engaged in projects for her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta; service in local and regional posts for Toast master’s International; and was active in other groups, including the National Asso ciation of University Women and Richmonders involved in Strengthening Our Communi tiesWhile(RISC).she always had health challenges, her family said she never let that slow her down. The motto she lived by, her family said: “Complain less and pray Describedmore.”as a woman of “grace, fortitude and love,” Ms. Fleming’s work for community betterment is being remembered following her death on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. She was 68. Relatives and friends packed By Jeremy M. Lazarus One of Richmond’s longest serving ministers, Pastor Joseph Hugh Brown, hasPastordied. Brown, who served the Church of Christ for more than 50 years, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. He was 85. Family, friends and members of his church paid final tributes on Saturday, Aug. 13, in the sanctuary, 3201 Sandy Lane in Eastern Henrico County. The son of a minister, Pastor Brown grew up in Rochester, N.Y. He gained experience by serving seven years as an assistant minister under the tutelage of his father, Pastor E.D. Brown, at Northside Church of Christ in Rochester.In1969, Pastor Brown was called to the Church of Christ Pastor Joseph H. Brown dies at age 85
(804) 353-6135 • www.riverviewbaptistch.org Sermon
Obituaries/Faith Directory Richmond Free Press August 18-20, 2022 B3
Glennys E. Fleming, Girl Scout leader, community servant, dies at 68 of Virginia Union University as the first unit in the South for Black girls, as well as Troop 35, which enrolls junior girl scouts.Aformer Girl Scout herself, she was credited with boosting membership in the troops. She also enabled six members of Troop 35 in 2016 to receive Girl Scouts’ top honor for planning and creating a video walking tour of Jackson Ward in partnership with the Historic Jackson Ward Association. This was the first Bronze Award members of a troop at Ebenezer had ever received. Her family said Ms. Fleming sought to provide troop mem bers with leadership opportuni pulpit of the Richmond church then located on Chimborazo Boulevard in Church Hill. He remained the lead evangelist until he stepped down in April 2020. During his tenure, he twice relocated the congregation, first to Dill Avenue in North Side and then to the current location. Pastor Brown was a frequent guest preacher at revivals and workshops throughout the country, according to the church, and regularly spoke at re gional and national gatherings of the denomination.Survivorsinclude his wife, Phyllis Brown; three sons, Hugh Joseph Brown, Loren Brown and Virgil Brown; five sisters, Beverly B. Daniels, Jonie B. Davis, Dolores B. Frazer, Yvonne B. Maxon and Martha B. Williams; and two brothers, Charles Brown and Gerod Brown.
Attention
Additional Opportunities to Engage with Us: *Faith Formation/ Church School (Sat. @ 9:00 AM) Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9164 9805 /Passcode: 2901 *Give Via: http://mmbcrva.org/give Or through Givelify
