Richmond Free Press December 12-14, 2019 edition by Richmond Free Press

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DECEMBER 12-14, 2019

Thousands turn out for the unveiling of artist Kehinde Wiley’s ‘Rumors of War,’ which many cited as a turning point from a Confederate past toward a more inclusive city By George Copeland Jr.

Kehinde Wiley’s monumental statue, “Rumors of War,” was unveiled Tuesday at its new home at the entrance of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, just steps from the headquarters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and a brisk walk from the controversial Confederate statues on Monument Avenue it was created in response to by the artist. “I’m nervous and overwhelmed by not just the amount of people, but the sheer history that we’re dealing with,” said Mr. Wiley, dressed in an eye-catching Nigerian print suit and Converse sneakers, in addressing an enthusiastic crowd of thousands gathered on the museum grounds. The sculpture, depicting a young African-American man on horseback sporting dreadlocks tied atop his

Related story, editorial on A2 and A10 Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Kehinde Wiley’s “Rumors of War” sculpture stands partially revealed outside the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as Richmond Firefighter John Lukhard works to remove the drape caught on the figure’s hair during Tuesday’s unveiling ceremony. Right, artist Kehinde Wiley, 42, enthusiastically heads to the microphone to address the throngs of people awaiting the unveiling of the sculpture funded by private donations.

Trump ‘betrayed the nation’ Associated Press

WASHINGTON House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Tuesday, declaring he “betrayed the nation” with his actions toward Ukraine as they pushed toward historic proceedings that are certain to help define his presidency and shape the 2020 election. The specific charges aimed at removing the 45th president of the United States: Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, flanked by the chairmen of impeachment inquiry committees at the U.S. Capitol, said they were upholding their solemn oath to defend the U.S. Constitution. President Trump responded angrily on Twitter: “WITCH HUNT!” Voting is expected in a matter of days by the House Judiciary Please turn to A4

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images

Congresswoman Maxine Waters, center, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, joins House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Jerrold Nadler, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, during a news conference Tuesday announcing the articles of impeachment against President Trump.

head, a hoodie, ripped jeans and Nike high-top sneakers, stands 27 feet tall, 25 feet long and 16 feet wide, not including the limestone base. It provides an “alternative narrative” to the city’s many Confederate monuments, Dr. Monroe E. Harris Jr., chairman of the VMFA Board of Trustees, said in a brief Free Press interview. “This statue means so much to so many on so many levels,” Dr. Harris said earlier Tuesday in addressing the crowd. “A black man on a horse in all of his regal splendor — it’s never been seen before on this scale. It says that no matter what your background or your lot in life, you are important. This is a turning point for Richmond.” It is the largest sculpture created by the 42-year-old Mr. Wiley, who was commissioned to paint the official portrait of President Barack Obama in 2017. The inspiration for “Rumors of War” came during a trip Mr. Wiley took to Richmond in 2016 for the VMFA premiere of an exhibit of his work, “Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic.” Seeing for the first time the equestrian statue of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart among the five memorials to Confederates lining Monument Avenue, Mr. Wiley sought to create a piece that Please turn to A4

Old Moore Street School continues to deteriorate during inaction over future By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Jerome Legions is preparing to go on the warpath over the condition of historic Moore Street School. Mr. Legions, who is president of the Carver Area Civic Improvement League, is furious that Richmond Public Schools is allowing the 132-year-old building in the 1100 block of West Moore Street to deteriorate. He is upset that the school system failed to cover a leak in the roof that has allowed snow and rain to damage the plaster walls and wooden floors. “This is an amazing building, but it has a leaking roof, peeling paint and broken win-

dows,” he said. “We want something done about this building, and we want it done now,” he said Saturday during a visit to the two-story, whitewashed brick structure that largely goes unnoticed behind Carver Elementary School. Mr. Legions is aware that one or more public and private organizations have expressed interest in taking over and renovating the building that has been vacant for at least 20 years. He and others are concerned about inaction by RPS officials. Richmond School Board member J. Scott Barlow, 2nd District, did not respond to a request Please turn to A4

Vote on Navy Hill project expected on Feb. 24 By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Down with the beat Members of the Dangerous Royalettes Dance Team strut their stuff in the 36th Annual Christmas Parade last Saturday. Thousands of spectators lined the 2-mile route along Broad Street between the Science Museum of Virginia and 7th Street in Downtown to watch an array of floats, marching bands, character balloons bring the holiday spirit. Please see photo coverage, B2.

Monday, Feb. 24. That’s the date on which City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille wants the governing body to take a vote on the controversial $1.5 billion Coliseum reDr. Newbille placement and Downtown development plan. Dr. Newbille, who backs the Navy Hill plan, presented that date as she told her colleagues she didn’t want a question mark still hanging over the Navy Hill District Corp.’s redevelopment proposal as the council begins deliberating the mayor’s 2020-21 budget plan in early March.

The 7th District representative made the timing known during an informal session on Monday after a divided City Council agreed 5-4 to award a $190,000 contract to C.H. Johnson Consulting of Chicago to review the massive plan. Ms. Lynch The vote came despite council members’ misgivings about the relationship between Johnson Consulting and a previously hired consultant, Hunden Strategic Partners, that is bullish on the project. As the Free Press reported last week, the Please turn to A4

Jeremy Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Jerome Legions, president of the Carver Area Civic Improvement League, stands with 2nd District City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, center, and past civic league president Charleen Baylor outside the vacant Moore Street School in the Carver neighborhood.

A2 December 12-14, 2019

Richmond Free Press

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Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Community activist Farid Alan Schintzius is once again using billboards to send a message on a major Richmond proposal. This is one of two new messages he and a group of like-minded opponents of the proposed $1.5 billion Coliseum replacement plan have installed to counter the push by Mayor Levar M. Stoney and the Navy Hill District Corp. to advance the project. The electronic billboard seen here is in the 5900 block of West Board Street facing eastbound traffic. Another is on Interstate 195, according to Mr. Schintzius. In 2014, Mr. Schintzius was involved in using billboards to oppose the plan to relocate Richmond’s ballpark to Shockoe Bottom under a redevelopment plan that then Mayor Dwight C. Jones was promoting. That plan ultimately failed. Courtesy of Enough Is Enough

Close vote expected on pairing North Side elementary schools By Ronald E. Carrington

A close vote is expected on whether to pair elementary schools in North Side with majority-black and majority-white student populations. The controversial plan to pair Holton, Ginter Park and Barack Obama elementary schools to create greater equity and student diversity is expected to be considered at the board’s next meeting on Monday, Dec. 16. The 6 p.m. meeting will be held at Ginter Park Elementary School, 3817 Chamberlayne Ave. While the board adopted new school attendance zones earlier this month, it deferred any decision on rezoning in North Side to the upcoming meeting. A knowledgeable source said a vote to move all K-2 classes to Ginter Park and Barack Obama elementaries, with students in grades 3 through 5 attending Holton Elementary would be “very close.” Already, School Board member Kenya Gibson, whose 3rd District contains all three Ms. Gibson schools, has publicly opposed the idea, noting that more input is needed from African-American and Latino families that would be impacted the most. In a Dec. 7 post on social media, Ms. Gibson said she believes the school system can make progress on the issue of racial equity. But, she said, “I hope we can address school zones for Ginter Park Elementary School, which was gerrymandered to exclude the Ginter Park neighborhood when Holton opened.” She supports keeping students from the Bellevue neighborhood together. Under a current plan, students from Bellevue would be divided, with some attending Ginter Park and some attending Holton. Many parents spoke in opposition to pairing schools at the more than 58 community and Rezoning Advisory Committee meetings held during the past six months. A key point raised by many of the opponents was the cost, which officials estimated at $617,500 to $842,500 per pairing. In its rezoning vote on Dec. 2, the School Board opted against pairing schools in the West End and, instead, approved creating 50 new slots at Mary Munford Elementary to be allocated for Carver Elementary students, with transportation provided. The approved plan also called for making Carver and Bellevue elementaries magnet schools in the fall of 2021, and increasing access to the open enrollment lottery for all families. Open enrollment for 2020-21 is to begin Dec. 15. Overall, the board approved new attendance zones that would relieve overcrowding at schools in South Side by moving some students to the new, larger E.S.H. Greene Elementary that is to open in the fall, along with a new South Side middle school. In addition to adopting new attendance zones in the West End, the board also created new zones in the East End, where a new George Mason Elementary School also is scheduled to open next fall. Some School Board members were not surprised that the rezoning decision has been pushed into overtime, calling the process flawed and disjointed. “For all of the opportunities for meaningful change, it didn’t materialize for different reasons,” said board member Jonathan Young, 4th District. “It shows how broken the process is.”

RRHA gets 60 additional housing vouchers for people with disabilities The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been awarded additional federal funding of $491,000 that will pay for 60 new Housing Choice vouchers to subsidize residences for low-income people with disabilities. RRHA received the award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the agency’s distribution of additional federal funds for housing vouchers, often called Section 8. “This award will help us better serve residents with disabilities,” said Damon E. Duncan, RRHA’s chief executive officer. The new vouchers add to the 3,502 vouchMr. Duncan ers RRHA currently handles, along with its management of 3,849 units of public housing. The vouchers provide subsidies on rentals of private property. The demand for housing, however, outstrips supply. RRHA reported in its annual housing plan that that it had 6,388 households on a waiting list for vouchers, and 3,485 households on a waiting list for public housing. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Free flu shots for city residents

Free flu shots are being offered on most weekdays in December at the Richmond City Health District, 400 E. Cary St. No appointment is needed to get a flu shot. They are available to city residents ages 6 months and older, health district officials announced. The “gift to the community” was announced Tuesday as the

public health operation seeks to boost immunity from the flu that is now rampant in Richmond and across the state. The shots will be provided from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 31. The only days when the clinic will be closed for the service are weekends; Friday, Dec. 13; Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24; and Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25.

City Council sets fines for driving while talking, texting or holding cell phone By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Just holding a cell phone in your hand while driving could soon cost you $125 in the city of Richmond. City Council voted 9-0 Monday night to authorize police officers to pull over drivers and give them a citation for talking, texting or having a cell phone in their hand while the vehicle is in motion The goal of the ordinance, which was proposed by Mayor Levar M. Stoney and will go into effect in six months, is to cut down on accidents and injuries caused by distracted driving. The mayor’s office and Police Chief Will Smith said the city would run a publicity campaign during the 180-day grace period to warn drivers about the new law, effective June 2020. Richmond is the third locality in Virginia after Hampton and Spotsylvania County to pass a local safety ordinance on cell phone use while driving. In Richmond, a ticket would not be reported as a traffic offense to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles because there is no state law making it illegal to drive while holding a cell phone. However, those who are ticketed in Richmond after the grace period could face a $125 fine for a first offense and $250 for each subsequent offense, according to the ordinance. City Council approved the measure after hearing from a mother whose daughter was killed by a distracted driver and from a conservator of the peace who lost his legs after being hit by a driver on a cell phone. Chief Smith, who supported the new law, reported that 218 people have been killed or injured this year in Richmond by drivers using cell phones. “It’s just not acceptable to use a cell phone while driving when

File photo

we know the dire consequences,” Mayor Stoney stated in a news release issued after the vote. “This ban sends a clear message: Put down the phone,” he stated. “I hope the General Assembly will send the same message next year” with passage of legislation that would make holding a cell phone while driving a reportable traffic offense. Also praising the measure was Louise Lockett Gordon, director of Bike Walk RVA. “We’re excited to see the city pass a common sense policy to help save the lives of people using our streets. Keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel and not handling phones means their attention is where it should be — on driving safety.”

Monument Avenue statues to be impacted by 2 proposed resolutions By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, wants to add a new monument to Monument Avenue that would honor black soldiers who fought in the Civil War. Separately, Councilman Michael J. Jones, 9th District, is making a third attempt to push Richmond’s governing body to seek authority from the General Assembly to remove from that avenue the Confederate monuments that he regards as blatant symbols of racism. On Monday, Ms. Gray and Dr. Jones introduced independent resolutions reflecting those aims for council consideration in January. A special council meeting has been called for 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, to consider the Jones resolution and likely pass it. Both resolutions were submitted on the eve of Tuesday’s ceremony to unveil artist Kehinde Wiley’s “Rumors of War” sculpture on the grounds of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. That sculpture, depicting a modern black man riding a horse, is Mr. Wiley’s response to the statues of slavery-defending Confederates on horseback along Monument Avenue that are registered historic landmarks and that have been a centerpiece of the city’s public art for at least 120 years. Ms. Gray’s resolution asks City Council to support a new foundation called Honor the 14, which she said plans to privately raise the $6 million to $8 million needed to build a monument to honor the 14 black Union soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroism during the Battle of New Market Heights in 1864 in Henrico County. The goal “is to put up a heroic monument on Monument Avenue of the size and scope of those previously installed that would pay tribute to the Medal of Honor winners who fought this battle and to call attention to the instrumental role that black Americans played in winning

the Civil War,” Ms. Gray said. “My resolution would put the council on record as endorsing the concept of the monument, authorizing the city administration to develop and implement a plan for installing the statue and requesting the mayor provide a seed grant of $5,000 in the next budget to support the foundation’s work,” she said. If the resolution wins City Council support, Ms. Gray said the foundation would immediately begin fundraising. The resolution is set to be considered by the Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee at its next meeting 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, and could come before the council at its first meeting in January if it clears that hurdle. Dr. Jones and Ms. Gray are both members of the committee, which is chaired by Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District. “Monument Avenue is the appropriate place for the kind of grand monument that is envisioned,” Ms. Gray said. She noted that the mayor’s Monument Avenue Commission that reviewed the Confederate statues last year had recommended that the city develop and add a monument commemorating the service of U.S. Colored Troops in the Civil War, particularly the 14 Medal of Honor winners at New Market Heights. Meanwhile, Dr. Jones, with backing from the Richmond Branch NAACP and Mayor Levar M. Stoney, held a news conference Monday to announce that he is reviving his effort to get the City Council to urge the General Assembly to allow Richmond to decide the fate of the Confederate statues on Monument Avenue. Buoyed by the election of Democratic majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, he is once again ready to bring the issue back to City Council. The council rejected Dr. Jones’ previous resolutions 6-2 in 2017 and 6-3 in 2018. Ms. Gray, whose district includes the area where most of

the Confederate monuments stand, was among the opponents. At the time, the General Assembly’s Republican majority repeatedly rejected local control and kept intact a 1997 law that barred cities from altering or removing Confederate icons from public spaces. Incoming Charlottesville Delegate Sally Hudson has taken up the cause from her predecessor, David Toscano, and pre-filed legislation to lift the barrier law that also has blocked Charlottesville, Norfolk and Alexandria from removing their Confederate monuments. Democratic Gov. Ralph S. Northam already has indicated his support for the measure, which Delegate-elect Hudson believes has a better chance for approval in the 2020 session. Given the prospect that the ban could be lifted, Dr. Jones is eager to make this an issue that the council would need to quickly address in January to present Richmond’s viewpoint to the General Assembly. He also wants to once again put council members on the spot during an election year. City Council elections will take place in the fall. His resolution also is to come up at the Land Use Committee next Tuesday; he again is expected to have Ms. Robertson’s support to move it to the full council. Dr. Jones said gaining local control and removing the statues finally would eliminate the giant symbols of bigotry that continue to impact city residents. In his view, there is no neutral position on the Confederate statues. The underlying question for council members, he said, is “Are you going to be a racist or not? You can’t sit this one out.” In the two previous votes, Ms. Robertson supported the resolution both times. Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, abstained in 2017 and voted with Dr. Jones in 2018. The rest of the council opposed the measure.

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Richmond Free Press

A4 December 12-14, 2019

News

Thousands turn out for the unveiling of ‘Rumors of War’ Continued from A1

would reflect and respond to the imagery of “domination” the sword-wielding Stuart statue presents. “I want this sculpture to be not about an individual, but rather about black men and their place in this society and, in a much broader way, a society that can say ‘Yes’ to black men.” He called the statue and the moment “consequential on a scale that goes beyond museum walls. It’s about how we choose to give birth to the next group of people,” he told the crowd. While “Rumors of War” carries the element of destruction common to equestrian artwork and the Stuart statue, Mr. Wiley said it also carries an element of creation, while hopefully inspiring others “to feel just as engendered to the power that this sculpture represents.” “I think that what this thing represents is not just a story about race or gender, but a story about openness,” Mr Wiley said. “It’s a story about America 2.0. The 21st century will have to be a series of yeses to moments like this.” Alex Nyerges, director and chief executive officer of VMFA, said the statue was funded entirely through private donations, rather than state funds. The Associated Press reported that it cost $2 million, with the museum spending about $600,000 to $700,000 for additional expenses, including the cost of having the 30-ton sculpture shipped to Richmond and installed. It initially debuted on Sept. 21 in Times Square in New York City.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

A crowd numbering in the thousands packs the front lawn of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and spills onto Arthur Ashe Boulevard, which was closed to traffic, to see the unveiling Tuesday of “Rumors of War.” The sculpture initially debuted in midSeptember in New York City’s Times Square before being moved to its permanent home in Richmond. Right, the fully unveiled sculpture stands 27 feet tall, not including its limestone pedestal.

Programs at the ceremony listed the names of 56 donors, not including several foundations and family groups. Many are well-known area art patrons, including Dr. Harris and his wife, Dr. Jill Bussey Harris; Richmond Circuit Judge C.N. Jenkins Jr. and his wife, Dr. Pamela Royal; JMI founder and chief executive officer Ken Johnson and his wife, Dr. Lydia Johnson; University of Richmond President Ronald A. Crutcher and his wife, Dr. Betty Neal Crutcher; Jershon Jones, director of the transportation and logistics group for Harris Williams & Co.; Ken Dye, retired Comcast executive, and his wife, Sam Seeley; and William A. Royall Jr., founder of Royall & Company and former rector of Virginia Commonwealth University, and his wife, Pamela K. Royall. The actual unveiling of the statue was briefly stymied by the rain, which caused the silvery drape that covered the statue to get

Meet Mr. Wiley’s model for ‘Rumors of War’ He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., but Najee Wilson now has a permanent place in Richmond. The 32-year-old artist served as a key model for artist Kehinde Wiley in the creation of “Rumors of War,” which was unveiled Tuesday outside the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. “I was blown away,” Mr. Wilson said in describing how he felt seeing himself in the finished product. Mr. Wilson toured and spoke at bookstores and art Mr. Wilson galleries and was recognized by Richmond City Council after advocate and inclusion educator Chelsea Higgs Wise arranged to bring him to Richmond in connection with the unveiling. Speaking last Friday night at Candela Books + Gallery in Downtown, Mr. Wilson said the face of the horse rider is a composite of six people, but the body and the torn jeans on the sculpture are his. He wore the same jeans with tears at the knees during his visit. A native of Charleston, S.C., Mr. Wilson said the opportunity to work with Mr. Wiley began when he visited an art museum near his Brooklyn residence that was offering a retrospective of Mr. Wiley’s work. Impressed, Mr. Wilson said he sent a message to Mr. Wiley via social media asking if he could work with him. To his surprise, Mr. Wiley responded, “Yes.” A few months later, Mr. Wilson said he found himself at Mr. Wiley’s studio talking with the artist and then spending hours being photographed from various angles, in various poses and with various facial expressions. He said Mr. Wiley works with a team that can swiftly change the background in the studio or meet whatever scenic needs the artist requires. For him, Mr. Wilson told City Council members on Monday, the sculpture is a prime example of the way “the creative arts can change the world we live in.” — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Trump ‘betrayed the nation’ Continued from A1

Committee, which began deliberations on Wednesday, and by Christmas in the full U.S. House of Representatives. The charges, if approved, would then be sent to the U.S. Senate, where the Republican majority would be unlikely to convict President Trump. In the formal articles announced Tuesday, the Democrats said President Trump enlisted a foreign power in “corrupting” the U.S. election process and endangered national security by asking Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, including Democrat Joe Biden, while withholding U.S. military aid as leverage. That benefited Russia over the United States as America’s ally fought Russian aggression, the Democrats said. President Trump then obstructed Congress by ordering current and former officials to defy House subpoenas for testimony and by blocking access to documents, the charges state. By his conduct, President Trump “demonstrated he will remain a threat to national security and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, ” the nine-page impeachment resolution states. “If we did not hold him accountable, he would continue to undermine our election,” Speaker Pelosi said later at a forum sponsored by Politico. “Nothing less is at stake than the central point of our democracy — a free and fair election.’’

caught in the figure’s dreadlocks. Much of the crowd remained in place, however, as roughly 30 minutes passed before Richmond Firefighter John Lukhard climbed a ladder and used a pocketknife to cut the material away from the statue. The crowd cheered and snapped photos of the fully revealed statue as the Richmond All-City High School Marching Band continued to play. Deanna Scott-McDaniel, who drove from Virginia Beach to attend the ceremony with her mother, Davine Scott, and son, toddler Andrew McDaniel Jr., was excited, calling it “an honor” to be a part of a ceremony for a sculpture located on Arthur Ashe Boulevard on a day “celebrating AfricanAmerican people and their accomplishments.” Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney expanded further on that connection in his remarks to the crowd. He said “Rumors

of War,” along with the street being renamed in June for Richmond native and tennis great Arthur Ashe Jr. and the 2017 unveiling of the statue of Maggie L. Walker, the first African-American woman to charter a bank, represents a cultural shift within the city to move past a “complex” history while embracing inclusivity and equity. “This moment firmly establishes that our city is not living in the past, but embracing the future and the good,” he told the crowd. “Today, Richmond is embracing a future that is happening right before our eyes.” Other speakers Tuesday included Gov. Ralph S. Northam; Valerie Cassel Oliver, the Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art; and Sean Kelly of Sean Kelly Gallery in New York City, who represents Mr. Wiley. While the sculpture is the

latest effort in Richmond to reckon with a troubling past, many people are offering additional steps to create a more inclusive future in the city. Wendy Martin, a longtime volunteer tour guide at the museum, recalled a suggestion made by Chris Dovi of CodeVA, of turning the nearby UDC building into a slavery museum. It could be “a healing act of reconciliation” that would “show such grace on behalf of our city,” Ms. Martin said. Richmond City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, this week announced she is seeking the council’s support for a proposed monument to be placed on Monument Avenue to honor the 14 African-American soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for their heroism at the Battle of New Market Heights in Henrico County during the Civil War. Councilman Michael J. Jones, 9th District, also has

introduced a resolution seeking local control of the city’s Confederate monuments. Virginia cities have been hamstrung in removing monuments because of a state law that protects memorials to war veterans. Mr. Nyerges said during a Free Press interview after Tuesday’s ceremony that “Rumors of War” represents “a huge and seismic change for Virginia and America.” Its presence, he said, could “change the conversation” surrounding the Confederate memorials and the Lost Cause narrative they champion. Mr. Wiley didn’t speak on the future of the Confederate statues during the unveiling, but he acknowledged the changing cultural tides. “Art has always been about what we as a people say yes to. And those things change; culture evolves,” he said. “There’s something moving in the culture. There’s something changing in these winds.”

Old Moore Street School continues to deteriorate Continued from A1

for comment. RPS Chief of Staff Michelle Hudacsko stated that Moore Street is one of RPS’ vacant buildings that a School Board committee will review. School Board member Jonathan Young, 4th District, said the board’s vacant property review committee that he chairs is still being organized. But he noted that because of the interest that has been expressed, Moore Street School would be a top priority after the board approves the final appointments at the first meeting in January. He confirmed that several proposals are on the table. He said he expects the committee would interview the interested parties and make a recommendation to the School Board and administration within 90 days. Separately, Mr. Young, apprised of the roof leak, said he also made a request Wednesday for RPS to cover any holes in the roof to prevent the building’s further deterioration. Moore Street School was built in 1886-1887, according to an RPS history, and apparently was one of the first new buildings at the time designed to serve African-American children in the city’s segregated education system. Records indicate that then City Engineer Wilfred E. Cutshaw insisted the two-story, 16-classrom school be built to the same standards as

the other schools the city built that year primarily for white children. Today, the empty building stands facing a loudly humming Dominion Energy electrical substation at the edge of the Moore Street neighborhood. It is situated in the rear of the more modern Carver Elementary School, which was built in 1951 facing Leigh Street. Carver Elementary is attached to an addition to Moore Street School that was opened in 1917 and is still in use. The addition sits between the Carver building and the original Moore Street building. Among those who want the building preserved and repurposed is City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, who shares Mr. Legions’ concerns and those of his civic association predecessor, Charleen Baylor, owner of the nearby Nutty Buttery restaurant. Ms. Gray is critical of RPS for what she says is indifference to the condition of its historic but vacant buildings, including the old Moore Street School and the former 13 Acres School building on the Linwood Holton Elementary School campus in North Side. “It amounts to demolition by neglect,” said Ms. Gray, who has sought a new use for Moore Street School for 10 years. One of her first initiatives when she was a newly elected member of the Richmond School Board in 2009 was to get the board

to declare the vacant building as surplus property. The building had been closed in the late 1990s. At the time, City Council included language in its budget requiring the administration to produce a report detailing any structural problems at Moore Street School and providing an estimate of the cost to stabilize it. “At least $400,000 was set aside for that work,” Ms. Gray said. “But it never could be spent and was diverted to other uses because RPS never secured a quit claim deed to return it to the city.” She said she learned about the issue after she took her seat on City Council in 2017 and has since been working to find interested parties that would consider using the building. But she said a deal she currently is involved with to transform Moore Street School could collapse because of inaction. She declined to identify the organization or the proposed use, but said that deal is “languishing because RPS is not moving fast enough.” “This building is an important element of African-American history, and RPS needs to step up the pace,” Ms. Gray said. “It’s just not right to have this building stay empty when there are people who are ready, willing and able to fill it with a program that would be compatible with Carver Elementary and would benefit the community.”

Vote on Navy Hill project expected on Feb. 24 Continued from A1

owner of Hunden, Robin S. “Rob” Hunden, launched his company in 2006 after working for five years as a vice president at Johnson Consulting. Johnson was a consultant in 1999 for the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority, which also supports the Navy Hill project. Along with a new Coliseum, the plan calls for development of a new convention hotel, more than 2,000 new apartments, new office buildings and a host of restaurants and retail stores in an area that includes the Greater Richmond Convention Center. New 5th District Councilwoman Stephanie Lynch delivered the key vote that prevented the contract and the solicitation from being scrapped as Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, had proposed. The contract is expected to be formally awarded to Johnson Consulting this week. It calls for giving the real estate, convention and tourism consultant 90 days to complete the work and another 30 days to make a formal presentation to City Council. Dr. Newbille said that such timing would carry the issue into the budget period. While she led the fight to get the consultant and was a key player in setting the terms that were advertised, Dr. Newbille urged Betty J. Burrell, director of city procurement services and the person whose signature would activate the contract, to ask Johnson Consulting to agree to provide

a preliminary report to the council within 60 days, or around Feb. 15, so the council could have the information for the debate to occur nine days later. Ms. Burrell said that decision “would be up to the contractor.” Ms. Lynch said she voted to allow Johnson Consulting to be hired in hopes of getting some questions answered. While she campaigned as an opponent of the Navy Hill project, Ms. Lynch said she supports the concept of developing the 21 acres of largely city-owned property that lies in the 10 blocks that link the Coliseum and City Hall, along with two blocks south of Broad Street. She said she supported hiring the consultant with the expectation of gaining information that she does not believe will be provided in the separate Navy Hill Development Advisory Commission report to be issued on Monday, Dec. 23. The advisory commission is to hold its final meeting 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 14, in City Council Chambers at City Hall, rather than at the Richmond Public Library Main branch as originally advertised. Among other things, Ms. Lynch wants the consultant to provide a valuation of the city-owned property, which she said would be critical in determining if Navy Hill District Corp. is offering a fair price at $15 million. She also wants the consultant to address the issue of whether replacing the

Coliseum is a must as the Navy Hill group has insisted, or whether the city can seek bids for private redevelopment of some or all of the property and still have a robust project. Ms. Lynch also said she is skeptical of an estimate by the city Department of Public Works that it would cost $12 million to remove the Richmond Coliseum and clear the ground and would like the consultant’s opinion on whether that estimate is on target or inflated. The contract vote provided additional evidence of just how split the council is on the Navy Hill proposal. Along with Ms. Lynch and Dr. Newbille, council members voting to move ahead with hiring Johnson Consulting included Andreas D. Addison, 1st District; Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District; and Michael J. Jones, 9th District. Ms. Robertson expressed concern that the council had been barred from evaluating the consulting firms that responded to the city’s request, but still voted for Johnson Consulting to avoid canceling the contract. Council members voting to terminate the request, along with Ms. Gray, included Chris A. Hilbert, 3rd District; Kristen N. Larson, 4th District; and Reva M. Trammell, 8th District. The Navy Hill project would need seven votes from City Council to move forward.

Richmond Free Press

December 12-14, 2019

A6 December 12-14, 2019

Richmond Free Press

News

HBCU funding finally approved by U.S. Senate By Jeremy M. Lazarus

HBCUs and for Native American and Hispanic-serving schools a permanent fixture in the annual federal budget. Virginia Union University and four other historically black Five schools in Virginia — VUU, Hampton, Norfolk State colleges and universities have moved a step closer to regaining and Virginia State universities and Virginia University of Lynchdirect federal funding after months of contention. burg — would collectively receive about $4.3 million a year, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, a powerful Republican from with the rest divided among among about 250 other colleges Tennessee, ended his three-month blockade on legisand universities. lation to restore $255 million in funding for HBCUs As part of the deal, the Senate version includes and other minority-serving schools that expired at the a separate bill aimed at simplifying FAFSA, or the end of September, clearing the way for passage in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and saving U.S. Senate on Dec. 5 by voice vote. an estimated $2.8 billion over 10 years to pay for However. the U.S. House of Representatives must the federal aid. accept the amended deal that the Senate approved. The bill would make it easier for the Internal The House had approved a two-year extension of the Revenue Service to share information on FAFSA apfunding, but must approve the Senate amendments for plicants with the federal Department of Education. That the bill to go to the president’s desk. has raised privacy concerns among House members, Sen. Alexander Still, Virginia Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner including some who serve on the Ways and Means cheered the overwhelming approval. Both had made appeals on Committee, which must approve the Senate version before it the Senate floor for passage. goes to the House floor. Sen. Kaine said Friday following a speech to a business group House critics worry that enacting the Senate version could in Downtown that he helped broker the deal that Sen. Alexander open the door to hacking of families’ data as the U.S. Department accepted. The deal that cleared the Senate Education Committee of Education uses outside contractors to receive applications. that Sen. Alexander chairs would make the $255 million for As a result, committee members reportedly are looking for

other ways to cover the federal subsidy, though the House bill to extend the program that Sen. Alexander initially rejected was fully funded. The House had done so by eliminating subsidies to the outside groups that insure some federal student loans. Sen. Alexander, who had opposed that idea, acknowledged the House concerns about privacy after the Senate vote. He said that he has been talking with House leaders to assuage their concerns in a bid to win passage of the legislation without additional changes that would need Senate approval, too.

Va. inmate wins religious freedom lawsuit

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

For more than three years, Alfonza H. Greenhill has persisted in battling Virginia prison policies that blocked him from practicing the strict Sufi branch of Islam. While he lost several preliminary rounds, the African-American inmate refused to give up and now has scored a signal victory for religious freedom for himself and other inmates when a federal appeals court in Richmond ruled that the U.S. Constitution and federal law is on his side. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Friday struck down the policies that barred the Red Onion State Prison inmate from growing his beard to four inches – the length of his fist, as he claimed the Quran requires — and from viewing via TV a mandatory one-hour Friday service known as Jumu’ah that the Muslim faithful are commanded to watch if they cannot be present physically.

In a unanimous opinion written by freedom lawsuit about four years ago Judge Paul V. Niemeyer, the appellate as a grievance and then filed an appeal panel found that the state Department of VDOC’s administrative rejection of Corrections policies impermissiwithout legal help in federal district bly burdened the right of an inmate to court in 2016. practice his or her faith under the strict Months before this ruling, his lawsuit Religious Land Use and Institutionalresulted in a sweeping change to the ized Persons Act that Congress passed in department’s policy on beard length, 2000, as well as the First Amendment’s according to Judge Niemeyer’s opinion. free exercise of religion clause. Under the new policy that was effective The decision continued the appeals in July, inmates can grow their beards Mr. Greenhill court’s general practice of eliminating to any length unless they use the beard such restrictions and was accompanied by en- for illegal purposes, such as hiding their identity couragement from Judge Niemeyer that VDOC or smuggling contraband or the beard creates reconsider such restrictions as it might find “that health issues for the inmate or others. providing robust support for inmates’ genuine On the Jumu’ah service issue, the Virginia Dereligious exercise would actually enhance prison partment of Corrections argued that Mr. Greenhill security and inmate rehabilitation.” lost the privilege of TV access as a disciplinary The decision is a win for Mr. Greenhill, a measure. Because of his behavior while at the convict with a significant record who is serving Wise County prison, according to VDOC, he 15 years for robbery and who started the religious has been held essentially in the most restrictive

Concerns raised over NAACP official’s close ties to state political party By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Has the Virginia State Conference NAACP crossed into partisan territory by naming the No. 2 officer of the state Democratic Party as its chief lobbyist? That question was raised after the state NAACP’s executive committee Saturday installed Gaylene Kanoyton to lead the organization’s Political Action Committee. She has been the state Democratic Party’s first vice chair for nine years. She was not available for comment. Ms. Kanoyton wears multiple hats in the NAACP, but her connection with the political party is raising concern for NAACP members who are worried that the appointment will damage the group’s ability to work with Republicans in the General Assembly, as well as the incoming Democratic majority. Robert N. Barnette Jr., state NAACP president, dismissed such concerns. “Anyone who thinks that doesn’t know Gaylene Kanoyton,” he told the Free Press last Saturday. “She can see both sides of a question.” But Phillip E. Thompson, past president of the Loudoun County Branch NAACP and former state executive committee member who recently was blocked by national NAACP officials from running for state NAACP vice president, disagrees. “Yes, the state NAACP has lost any resemblance as an independent political entity. It is now effectively an arm of the Virginia Democratic Party,” Mr. Thompson stated in response to a Free Press query following Ms. Kanoyton’s appointment. “Every person who was publicly critical of (Gov. Ralph) Northam and blackface has been

removed from leadership in the state NAACP. This was done purposefully,” he said, by the national NAACP’s representative, Gloria J. Sweet-Love. Ms. Sweet-Love, a national board member and 23-year Tennessee State NAACP president, has had veto power over all Virginia State Conference NAACP decisions for the past nine months. Ms. Sweet-Love ran the state NAACP election of officers at the November state convention and eliminated Mr. Thompson as a candidate under a policy she imposed that the membership had never been notified of or approved.Acomplaint about her action has been filed with the national office, but it is expected to be rejected as Ms. Sweet-Love heads the committee that hears such complaints. Mr. Thompson believes Ms. Kanoyton that his outspoken but unsuccessful campaign to seeking Gov. Northam’s resignation following the blackface scandal earlier this year is a main reason for Ms. Sweet-Love’s action. He said he and others whose elections were blocked “were outshining the national NAACP in speaking out about racism.” Mr. Thompson continued to press for Gov. Northam’s resignation long after others stopped. Despite the governor’s refusal to step down, the Democratic Party has not suffered. During the November elections, voters swept out Republican majorities in both the House of Delegates and state Senate, putting Democrats in control of the General Assembly as well the executive branch under Gov. Northam for the first time since the

mid-1990s. Ms. Kanoyton has long held dual positions with the NAACP and with the Democratic Party. Along with serving as president of the Hampton Branch NAACP, she previously was chair of the Hampton City Democratic Committee for five years before winning election to the state party post in 2010. She continues to serve as president of the Hampton Branch NAACP and as a regional vice president of the state NAACP. Until two years ago, she also served as communications director and executive director of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Earlier, Ms. Kanoyton confirmed to the Free Press that she orchestrated the effort that led Ms. Sweet-Love to remove the Rev. Kevin Chandler as state NAACP president during the summer and Jesse Frierson, then a state executive committee member, as chair of the state NAACP Political Action Committee. Ms. Kanoyton confirmed that she filed a complaint after Rev. Chandler allowed Mr. Frierson to organize a “listening tour” around the state to seek public comments about issues the state organization needed to focus on. Among other things, she objected to Mr. Frierson undertaking the effort in partnership with other groups, including a black anti-abortion organization with Republican ties, without first securing approval of the state executive committee. Rev. Chandler said before his removal from office that the tour had been approved by the state NAACP executive committee and by Ms. Sweet-Love. Only one tour event was held in Richmond before Mr. Chandler lost his post and the tour was shut down.

confinement and remains there for refusing to participate in a program called Step-Down that allows inmates to regain privileges by modifying their behavior. If he participated in the program and changed his behavior, he could be able to buy a personal TV from the commissary and be able to watch Jumu’ah services and other programs in his cell, state Solicitor General Toby J. Heytens argued on behalf of the VDOC. To reward him by allowing him access to TV would undermine the Step-Down program that seeks to improve behavior and prepare inmates for a successful return to society after release, Mr. Heytens told the appeals court. The link between Step-Down and access to Jumu’ah passed muster with U.S. District Court Judge James P. Jones, who earlier upheld VDOC’s policy of withholding TV access to the prayer service in September 2018 in throwing out Mr. Greenhill’s case, leading to the appeal. However, Judge Niemeyer found that argument unpersuasive, despite finding that Step-Down “appears to be a sophisticated, well-conceived program to better inmates’ behavior and their confinement as well as to improve safety and the overall operation of the prison.” But whatever the quality of the program, “holding inmates’ religious exercise hostage to incentivize (inmates’) participation … is impermissible under RLUIPA,” Judge Niemeyer wrote. “Access to bona fide religious exercise is not a privilege to be dangled as an incentive to improve inmate conduct, and placing such religious exercise in the category of privilege to be earned is fundamentally inconsistent with the right to religious exercise that RLUIPA guarantees to prisoners.” Judge Niemeyer was joined in the opinion by appellate Judge G. Steven Agee and U.S. District Court Judge Thomas S. Kleeh of West Virginia in agreeing with Mr. Greenhill and his appellate attorney, Daniel M. Greenfield of Northwestern University, that the VDOC policy could not withstand First Amendment scrutiny. Judge Niemeyer noted that Mr. Greenhill had offered three restrictive methods by which VDOC could accommodate his TV viewing of Jumu’ah and not allow him to see anything else in returning the case to the lower court to see if VDOC could provide “any other reasons to justify” keeping Mr. Greenhill from viewing the service. Unless the department can show that safety and security specifically would be undermined by each of the proposals Mr. Greenhill has advanced, including having a TV placed in his cell only during Jumu’ah, VDOC would need to offer at least one of the options to him, Judge Niemeyer indicated. On the beard issue, Judge Niemeyer also found that past VDOC policies restricting beard lengths to less than an inch on prisoners also violated RLUIPA for those whose faith requires longer beards, but noted that the department’s decision to revise the policy while the case was pending appears to have cured the defect.

Richmond Free Press

December 12-14, 2019

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Family Caregivers

Deserve Some Credit Every day, more than 1 million Virginians help older parents, spouses, and adult children with disabilities live independently in their homes and communities. Family caregiving can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. In the 2020 legislative session, AARP Virginia is fighting for solutions, like the Virginia Family Caregiver Income Tax Credit. The modest tax credit would provide some financial relief to family caregivers who pay for expensive care to help their loved ones.

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Leaves in West End

Editorial Page

A10

December 12-14, 2019

Fostering a new spirit We revel in the new energy and spirit that artist Kehinde Wiley’s monumental sculpture, “Rumors of War,” ushers into Richmond. The local unveiling this week of the 27-foot-tall statue outside the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts brings a welcome and contemporary update to the very visible public spaces that adorn our city. No longer will the embarrassing tributes to racist traitors be the only grand statues to dot the cityscape. Mr. Wiley’s urban masterpiece featuring a young African-American man with dreadlocks, jeans and high-top sneakers regally on horseback makes a bold statement. Combined with the statues of banker Maggie L. Walker in Downtown and the humble Arthur Ashe Jr. statue tucked away on Monument Avenue, “Rumors of War” brings more of a balance to public art that shows Richmond to be a diverse place embracing all cultures. We congratulate the museum, director Alex Nyerges, curator Valerie Cassel Oliver and the museum board, led by Dr. Monroe E. Harris Jr., for their forward and positive vision of the museum as a place to help lead Richmond away from the past and into the light. Acquiring Mr. Wiley’s sculpture required a major financial commitment of more than $2 million, which Mr. Nyerges said came from private donors. We appreciate their generosity and actions to help transform Richmond into a more progressive city. “Rumors of War,” and the publicity it will generate, signals that transformation and sends a positive message not only to residents but also to those who are considering visiting, relocating or moving their businesses to Richmond. When Mr. Wiley came to Richmond in 2016 as part of his major exhibition, “Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic,” at VMFA, he was struck — like many visitors — by the massive equestrian tributes to an inglorious past of white supremacy lining Monument Avenue. Through his latest work, Mr. Wiley helps Richmonders understand that while the city may have served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, we don’t have to remain stuck with that narrative. In short but powerful remarks to the thousands of people who turned out despite gloomy and rainy weather for the upbeat ceremony, Mr. Wiley explained that “Rumors of War,” is “a story about America 2.0” — the next generation. It’s a tribute not to any one individual, he told the crowd, but “about black men and their place in this society, and in a much broader way, a society that can say ‘Yes’ to black men and their place in this society. It is about a society that includes all of us.” There is no question that “Rumors of War” is a major boost for Richmond. Sometimes it takes an outsider to help foster progress. We have seen that with Mr. Wiley and his work. The VMFA, with its richly diverse staff and board leadership, has made a positive end run around Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s Monument Avenue Commission that in July 2018 offered only spineless and ineffective recommendations for dealing with the Confederate statues on Monument Avenue. The commission weakly recommended that only the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis be taken down and that signs adding historical context be placed with the rest. That doesn’t work for us. If Richmond is going to continue to move forward, the Confederate statues must come down. Mayor Stoney, Richmond City Council members and Confederate sympathizers alike should not mistakenly believe that the Wiley statue mitigates the damage caused by the Confederate statues on Monument Avenue. It does not. Adding a statue of a black man on a horse does not subtract the inference of white supremacy and intimidation intended when the statues to a Lost Cause were erected. That intimidation remains as flag-waving neo-Confederate and white supremacy groups continue to use the Richmond statues as rallying points. Huge public statues honoring people who picked up arms against the U.S. government and shed blood to keep black people in human bondage should not be on a pedestal for remembrance or reverence by the public. Such statues are detrimental to the psyche of people in this city. “Rumors of War” will not slow down or stop the efforts to get rid of the Confederate statues honoring an evil empire. City Councilman Michael J. Jones proved that when he announced Monday that he will reintroduce a resolution asking the General Assembly to grant Richmond authority to determine what to do with our monuments. We call on state lawmakers and Gov. Ralph S. Northam to eliminate the state law that protects memorials to war veterans but that was designed to prevent Richmond and other localities from removing or relocating Confederate monuments. We will continue to advocate for the removal of the Confederate statues to historical sites, such as Civil War battlefields, cemeteries and museums, in order to place them in the context they deserve. Monument Avenue should be reserved for true heroes, like Arthur Ashe and others who contributed to the greater good of all people. This is a new day in Virginia. And we call on people of conscience, people of means, people who want to see a change, to come together to help find more appropriate placements for the Confederate statues on Monument Avenue and to replace them with monuments that will make all of us proud.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

AIDS and the black community “The fact that there’s a conversation that occurs on an annual basis on World AIDS Day is significant. The fact that the president of the United States, on an annual basis, now, comments and discusses AIDS, keeps it on the agenda. I think a very, very concrete outcome of that discussion is that President Bush put forward billions of dollars toward the AIDS prevention and education effort for the United Nations. I don’t think that would’ve happened had it not been for World AIDS Day ...” — Jim Block, co-founder of World AIDS Day The theme of World AIDS Day 2019, which took place on Sunday, Dec. 1, was “Communities Make the Difference.” As part of the Centers for Disease Control’s Partnering and Communicating Together to Act Against AIDS, the Urban League community

is making the difference for nearly 300,000 people annually through outreach awareness, testing and education. Worldwide, 37.9 million people are living with HIV, 1.1 million of whom are in the United States. A shocking 42 percent of those — 468,800 —

Marc H. Morial are African-American. Sadly, black Americans remain the racial group most affected by HIV in the United States, accounting for 42 percent of new diagnoses last year. The rate of new diagnoses for African-Americans was eight times the rate for Caucasians and twice the rate of Latinos. According to the CDC, one in seven African-Americans living with HIV doesn’t even know they have it, and therefore can’t take advantage of HIV care and treatments and are more likely to pass HIV on to others unknowingly. Even after diagnosis, only about two-thirds of black gay and bisexual men with newly

diagnosed HIV, and 58 percent with previously diagnosed HIV, were linked to HIV medical care within 90 days of the diagnosis, when the virus is easier to suppress. Further compounding the problem is the higher poverty rate among black Americans. Limited access to highquality health care, housing, and HIV prevention education increase the risk for infection and make worse outcomes more likely. Through PACT, the Urban League Movement — along with groups like the National Black Justice Coalition and the Black Men’s Xchange — is raising awareness about testing, prevention and retention in care among African-Americans. UNAIDS and the World Health Organization, the international agencies charged with confronting the AIDS epidemic, have set a target for 2020 known as 90-90-90. By the end of next year, 90 percent of all those infected will know they are infected; 90 percent of those infected will be receiving antiretroviral therapy, and

Sen. Kamala Harris ‘still a winner’ U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California threw her hat in the ring early this year for the Democratic nomination for president before a crowd of more than 20,000 people in Oakland, Calif. She made the announcement on Jan. 21, the official Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. She jumped into the race with enthusiasm, and many people had high hopes for her. Unfortunately, Sen. Harris recently suspended her race basically because she lacked resources. Negative media coverage, perhaps informed by race and gender bias, along with rumors of discord in her campaign, were being circulated widely. While I was sorry to see Sen. Harris exit the field, I’m still a fan and I think she is still a winner. Sen. Harris has three more years left on her senate term. Until 2022, she can continue to slice and dice witnesses in the U.S. Senate, advance legislation “for the people,” as her campaign slogan suggests, and solidify her base in California. Hopefully, then, she can be re-elected and look at presidential possibilities in 2024 or 2028. Then, she can use her most recent experience to guide her in her next national campaign. Few candidates for president collect the nomination on their first time out. President Barack Obama was an exception. But this is former Vice President Joe Biden’s third bite at the apple,

and many, including Bill Clinton, tried at least once before winning the nomination. Sen. Harris was the third black woman to vie for the Democratic nomination. The late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s historic run in 1972 inspired black women all over

Julianne Malveaux the country. She was the first black woman to sit in the U.S. Congress, and is well known for her motto “unbought and unbossed.” She made it to the Democratic National Convention floor with 152 delegates, some who had been pledged to former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey until he released them. Rep. Chisholm said she ran because she had the “sheer will and refusal to accept the status quo.” Carol Moseley Braun, the first black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, attempted a presidential run in 2003 and dropped out in early 2004. Sen. John Kerry ended up with the Democratic nomination that year, but thanks to Republican dirty tricks, the electoral count wasn’t even close. Sen. Mosley Braun had a handle on the issues, especially issues about women’s financial security, but she had neither the resources nor the support to make it to the convention. Now we have Sen. Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor and California attorney general who burst onto the Senate scene with skills and focus. Few will forget the way she made Attorney General Jeff Sessions look like a bumbling fool. And her cross-examination of Judge Brett

Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court, was masterful. As Sen. Harris crisscrossed the country, she inspired black women and girls and others. Indeed, she garnered the support of Higher Heights, a black women’s PAC that endorsed her in early November despite her low polling numbers. I was saddened to see Sen. Harris leave the race. I would loved to have seen her debating 45. I bet he wouldn’t have rattled her the way he pushed Hillary Clinton off her game during the presidential debates leading to the 2016 election. I’d like to have seen her with a smaller group of Democrats so that everything didn’t seem so rushed, and people could answer questions more expansively. Sen. Harris’ withdrawal from the race is not her loss but the nation’s. The way we are going, the next debate will be a white-only affair unless Sen. Tulsi Gabbard or Andrew Yang qualify. In the last debate, Sen. Harris talked about the fact that black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party. You wouldn’t know that from the representation on the debate stage or in party leadership. Black women have been loyal to the Democratic Party, but the party has not been faithful to us. Sen. Harris is still a winner. Like Shirley Chisholm and Carol Moseley Braun, she refused to accept the status quo. Her withdrawal from this race is not the end. It is a new beginning for the tenacious senator who will undoubtedly continue to fight “for the people.” The writer is an economist, author, media contributor and educator.

The Free Press welcomes letters The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you. We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.

90 percent of those receiving therapy will have had the virus effectively suppressed. In the United States, the federal Department of Health and Human Services has set a goal of reducing the number of new HIV infections by 75 percent within five years, and then by at least 90 percent within 10 years, for an estimated 250,000 total HIV infections averted. This initiative is known as Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America. By raising awareness and connecting high-risk populations to testing and health care, the Urban League Movement is helping to move AfricanAmericans toward both the 90-90-90 goal and the HHS Plan for America. The writer is president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

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Richmond Free Press

Letter to the Editor

Join us to review the project details and see where the City of Richmond will be focusing its Vision Zero attention in 2020 to improve roadway safety for people who walk.

For more information contact Jian Xu, Transportation Operations Engineer, Department of Public Works, at (804)646-5402, or via email at JIAN.XU@RICHMONDGOV.COM TMEN A Ro f R i c h m T

SA’AD EL-AMIN Richmond The writer is a former member of Richmond City Council and president of Strategic and Litigation Consultants.

The Department of Public Works invites the public to learn about proposed systemic pedestrian safety improvements, to include enhanced crosswalks, pavement markings, and signage. These enhancements will be made at more than 150 un-signalized intersections throughout the City, focusing on intersections identified in VDOT’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan.

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is left of affordable housing in Jackson Ward and Richmond’s North Side. Gentrification will be accelerated because of the Navy Hill project. Unfortunately, these impacts are of no interest to developers, speculators and politicians because, for them, black lives do not matter. The Navy Hill project, specifically, and gentrification, generally, will have an irreparable negative impact on people of African descent, including the vote, affordable housing and quality of life issues.

Pedestrian Improvements at Un-Signalized Intersections

voter dilution. It is important that both concerns be expressed and addressed. Prior to the announcement of the Navy Hill project, the city’s North Side already was experiencing skyrocketing increases in the prices of existing housing. There was —and will continue to be — a buying frenzy of North Side houses fueled by well-heeled Caucasians paying upward of $500,000 for these properties after they have been renovated. This has caused — and will continue to cause — substantial increases in the taxes of those properties not renovated because real estate tax assessments are based upon the most recent sales in that neighborhood. The Navy Hill project will exacerbate gentrification, especially in the residential areas contiguous to the project. Gilpin Court, the public housing community immediately north of Interstate 95, is clearly in the crosshairs of the Navy Hill developers who naturally want to protect the value and the safety of the Navy Hill project’s residential housing. One way to accomplish this is to encourage and even finance the renovation and upgrading of existing affordable housing north of the project, including Gilpin Court and northward to Brookland Park Boulevard and beyond. This will displace existing residents, including the poor, the working poor and those on fixed incomes as they will be forced out of their homes. This will be the fate and final nail in the coffin of what

When: Thursday, December 19 Where: Main Library, 101 E Franklin Street Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Proposed Navy Hill project will dilute black voting strength The 2,500 residential units called for in the Navy Hill District Corp. Downtown redevelopment project will result in Jackson Ward as we know it disappearing. This is because Jackson Ward will no longer be a predominately black community as it has historically been. The arithmetic is simple and straightforward: The residential units will be occupied by higher income white people. This means there will be about 5,000 white voters moving into the project area. When white residents who now live in newly constructed living units in repurposed factories in Downtown and near Downtown areas are factored in, this project will markedly dilute the number of black voters in the city’s 6th and 7th districts. The Navy Hill project, without question, will repeat the dilution of black voters as did the 1969 annexation of 23.5 square miles of Chesterfield County 50 years ago. Like his predecessor in 1969, Richmond’s mayor, who is the drum major for the Navy Hill project, should be held personally responsible for this dilution. Given the historic failures of Richmond’s past capital projects, the expressions of concern by many Richmond residents about the Navy Hill proposal that it will be a financial albatross and boondoggle are reasonable and valid. However, there is an absence of concern that this project will result in black

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Stories by Fred Jeter

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson set to break rushing record

Lamar Jackson

As quarterbacks go, Lamar Jackson has a great arm — and perhaps even better feet. Jackson, who was drafted by the NFL Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 first round, is on the verge of placing his name at the tip-top of the list for dual-threat quarterbacks. A national TV audience will be witness Thursday, Dec. 12, as Jackson is likely to break the all-time mark for quarterback rushing yards. Baltimore will play host to the New York Jets, with kickoff at 8:20 p.m. Jackson has run for 1,017 yards this season. The record, set by then-Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick in

2006, is 1,039 yards. Jackson, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Louisville, has scored seven touchdowns rushing this season, while averaging 6.7 yards per carry. It’s not like the 6-foot-2, 212-pound native Floridian is one dimensional. He has passed for 2,677 yards, with 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions for the 11-2 Ravens. Once Jackson eclipses Vick for the seasonal record, here are some other milestones at which he can take aim: • Most rushing yards by a quarterback for a career:

Vick, 6,109 yards. • Most rushing touchdowns during a career: Cam Newton (still active), 58. • Most rushing touchdowns during a season: Newton, 14 in 2011. Deserving a mention on any “all-time” list is former Canadian Football League standout Damon Allen, who played in college at Cal State-Fullerton. Allen, the brother of former NFL star Marcus Allen, ran for 11,920 yards and 93 touchdowns in a glowing CFL career from 1985 to 1993.

N.C. A&T Aggies going to 4th Celebration Bowl in 5 years North Carolina A&T State University is located in Greensboro, N.C., but Atlanta is becoming its football team’s December getaway. For the fourth time in the five year history of the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, the Aggies will be spending time in the Georgia city. On Saturday, Dec. 21, N.C. A&T will play Alcorn State University for the Celebration Bowl title and de facto Black National Football Championship. The Aggies were Celebration Bowl victors in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Celebration Bowl Saturday, Dec. 21 North Carolina A&T State University versus Alcorn State University of Mississippi. Kickoff: Noon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Game to be broadcast on ABC television.

Coach Sam Washington’s Aggies, 8-3, will represent the MEAC, while Coach Fred McNair’s Braves, 9-3, will represent the SWAC. Alcorn State advanced to the Celebration Bowl by winning the Saturday, Dec. 7, SWAC

championship game against Southern University of Louisiana. N.C. A&T was the runner-up to Florida A&M University in MEAC, but the Rattlers are ineligible for postseason competition because

of a NCAA infraction. Each athletic conference will receive a $1 million payout. MEAC and SWAC have opted for the Celebration Bowl in place of the opportunity to compete in the NCAA/FCS playoffs. The Celebration Bowl differs from other bowl games in this regard: Most fans keep their seats at halftime for the always entertaining “Battle of the Bands.” In fact, it has been said — only partially in jest — that the drum majors may receive more applause than the quarterbacks.

Okoye rebounding this season to help Lady Panthers with big wins Ifunanya Okoye represents both the near and far on the VirStill, there was little in the way of recruitment until Coach ginia Union University women’s basketball roster. Gilbert and her staff took notice. Answering to “Ify” (pronounced “eye-fee”), she came to VUU “We first saw Ify at the ASSIST camp at Meadowbrook and directly from Banner Christian School in Chesterfield County. fell in love with her,” Coach Gilbert recalled. But prior to that, she was born and grew up in Okoye barely broke stride a year ago adjusting the Nigerian metropolis of Lagos, the largest city on to the college game. The young lady from Banner the African continent with a metropolitan population had a banner freshman season in 2018-19 in the of about 21 million. Panthers’ maroon and steel. She was averaging nearly Ocean hopping has come easy for the talented a double-double for the Panthers before adversity young lady. struck in the 19th game at home against Virginia The 5-foot-10, 20-year-old sophomore biology maState. Scrapping for a loose ball, she tore her left jor is among the galaxy of standouts on VUU Coach ACL and was out for the remainder of the season AnnMarie Gilbert’s perennial powerhouse team. following surgery. “Ify has a chance to dominate this league,” Coach Still, she made the CIAA All-Rookie Team. Gilbert said of the NCAA Division II CIAA. “She “Ify would have been Rookie of the Year if she plays hard and she jumps hard. Ify’s skilled enough hadn’t been hurt,” Coach Gilbert said. Ifunanya Okoye to go to the perimeter, but she told me she likes Following a painful rehab at VCU Sports Medistaying close to the basket to get more rebounds.” cine, Okoye was back in the mix — albeit wearing a knee brace Okoye was 17 when she arrived at Banner Christian School — for the defending CIAA championship Panthers. as a foreign exchange student. She was joined at the South Typically, this type of surgery requires a nine-month rehab, Providence Road school by another Nigerian student, Monica but Okoye was back in less than seven months. Ezekiel, who also played basketball. “I think Ify set the rehab record,” Coach Gilbert said. “We’ve “Ify did everything for us,” said BannerAthletic Director Paul Ivill. taken it a little slow with her. As the season goes on, her min“We just wish we could have had her for more than one year.” utes will grow.” The foreign student’s host family was Patti and Larry Burkett, Through six games for 5-1 VUU, Okoye, who wears jersey parents of Banner Head of School Tom Burkett. No. 13, is averaging seven points and six rebounds in 15 minWith Okoye averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds and eight steals, utes an outing. Banner went 23-4 in 2018, reaching the Virginia Independent In her last game, the Panthers’ Nov. 25 win over Claflin UniSchools Athletic Association semifinals. versity, Okoye had 11 points, nine rebounds and four steals.

Overcoming physical setback is nothing new to Okoye, who grew up playing soccer. “When I was 11, I had a knee injury and was told not to play any more sports,” Okoye recalled. “That’s sort of when I switched to basketball.” A quick learner as well as fast healer, she made the Nigerian U-16 National Team that competed in the FIBA international basketball tournament in Madagascar. While Ify is tall by normal standards, she often is giving up a few inches to opponents under the backboard. She makes up for any height shortage with quickness, jumping ability and extremely long arms. “I’m not a big person, but I play big,” she said. The Panthers’ exciting star from afar certainly will play a big part in the Panthers’ near and long-range plans.

Doubleheader Following the exam break, Virginia Union University’s women’s and men’s basketball teams return to the court on Thursday, Dec. 12, against CIAA rival Fayetteville State University at Barco-Stevens Hall on the VUU campus. The women’s team will tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s team about 7:45 p.m. VUU’s Shareka McNeill is among the nation’s leading scorers with 38.7 points per game. “Real Deal McNeill” poured in 55 points in the Panthers’ Nov. 12 win at Livingstone College. That fell short of McNeill’s own school record of 59 points set last season against Livingstone.

Chesterfield’s Charles Williams racking up the points at Howard Charles Williams is already the top scorer in Howard University hoops history. And he’s just loosening up. Before he’s through, Williams could be the No. 1 scorer in MEAC history as well. Answering to “CJ” and also “Bean,” the 6-foot-6, 185-pound senior shooting guard hails from tiny Millwood School in the leafy Woodlake subdivision of western Chesterfield County. From humble roots, Williams was never blinded by the bright lights of NCAADivision I or Howard’s Washington D.C. campus. “I felt I had a chance to contribute when I came here,” Williams said in a Free Press phone interview. “But I never expected to be the leading scorer. “Still, my goals aren’t about scoring the most points. I’m here to be a leader and help us win games, win the MEAC, go to the NCAAs.” Williams, a health care management major, became Howard University’s all-time scorer Saturday, Nov. 30, with 13 points in the Bison’s loss to Mount St. Mary’s. That enabled him to pass James

Daniel III, a guard from Hampton, former NBA star Kobe Bean who starred for the Bison from Bryant. Like Bryant, Williams 2013 to 2017. Daniel now plays is versatile offensively, capable professionally in Cyprus. of scoring from all over. Williams added 23 points The son of Michelle and Thursday, Dec. 5, Charles Williams, in the Bison’s first a former Virginia win of the season at State University Hampton Univerbasketball player, sity. That lifted his he played under the career total to 1,976 radar at Millwood. points, with at least In fact, Williams 22 games left. was part of MillIf Williams’ wood’s first varsity current per game team five years ago. average of 17.7 There were fewer points holds, he will than 100 students Charles Williams eclipse the MEAC in the upper school career standard of 2,275 points at the time. set by Delaware State Univer“We tried to lay the foundasity’s Tom Davis between 1987 tion,” said Williams, who preand 1991. viously had attended Evangel Williams scored 531 points as Christian School in southern a freshman, earning All-MEAC Chesterfield County. He never rookie honors. He tallied 673 enrolled at his zoned public and 590 points, respectively, as a school, Thomas Dale High School sophomore and junior, making the in Chester. All-MEAC team both seasons. Mission accomplished at As a junior, he was selected Millwood. In the Knights’ first to the Boxtorow All-America season, the team won the Virginia team. Independent Schools Division His nickname “Bean” is III crown. derived from his favorite player, “It was a unique experience,”

Williams said. “We got a buzz going around Richmond.” It was no accident he went from Millwood to Howard University. Williams’ father is a close friend of former Bison Coach Kevin Nickelberry. Following nine seasons at Howard, Nickelberry resigned after last season and was replaced by Ken Blakeney. This season’s squad took a major hit when standout R.J. Cole, MEAC Player of the Year in 2019, transferred to the University of Connecticut. And there was some worry

Williams might pass on his senior year to try his luck with the NBA draft. He went so far as to “declare” for the draft, but backed out before losing college eligibility. “In the back of my mind, I knew I was coming back” to Howard, he said. Bison faithful breathed a sigh of relief. Williams was second in MEAC scoring as a junior, behind only teammate Cole. Only one Bison alumnus, Larry Spriggs, who was at Howard 1978 to 1981, has spent any appreciable time in the NBA.

“I definitely have plans after college — if not the NBA, the G-League or overseas,” Williams said. It hasn’t been a smooth ride in Coach Blakeney’s first season. The road-weary Bison started 0-9 before the win at Hampton. Only two of the team’s first 10 games were at Howard’s Burr Gym. “I haven’t lost the faith,” Williams said. Meanwhile, Bison opponents are still searching to find the “off” switch on Howard’s all-time point machine.

Thomas Jefferson loses in state semifinal Thomas Jefferson High School’s finest football season in decades came up short of a state championship. Coach P.J. Adams’ Vikings advanced to the State Class 2 semifinals, where the team lost 49-7 to host Stuarts Draft High School last Saturday. The Vikings’ game highlight came in the first quarter on Arthur Sutton’s 66-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Thomas Jefferson finished the season 11-3. The team has never before gotten this far in the state playoffs. The state playoffs began in the late 1960s. The

West End school won two state titles — based on sports writers’ voting — long before the current playoff system was put in place. The Vikings’ 11 victories this season also represent a school record. Thomas Jefferson won regional games over Brunswick, Greensville and King William to advance to the state semifinals. Stuarts Draft High School, located in Augusta County, advances to the state championship game against Appomattox County High School on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Salem Stadium outside Roanoke.

Richmond Free Press

He won’t forget his family when he deploys. And neither will we. Veterans who work at Dominion Energy are in good company: 1 in 5 new hires has served in the military. And should they be deployed while on the job, we’ll proudly continue their family’s benefits for up to five years and cover the difference between their current salary and military pay. Because family watches out for family, and they’ll always be a part of ours.

December 12-14, 2019

Richmond Free Press

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Happenings

Photos by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Lights and sights of the season Hundreds of people pack Kanawha Plaza last Friday for “RVA Illuminates,” the new holiday lighting celebration of Downtown. The event, sponsored by the city Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, featured music and holiday characters, including Jack Frost and the Snow Queen. Above right, Mayor Levar M. Stoney is poised during the countdown to flip the giant switch

to light up the city’s skyline. Above left, Eden Boyce, 5, hangs on to a tree decorated with lights during the festivities. The holiday fun continued last Saturday with the 36th Annual Christmas Parade. People of all ages lined the 2-mile route along Broad Street to enjoy the bevy of featured floats, bands and giant balloon characters. Below, Parade Grand Marshal Paul Galanti, who was a P.O.W. during the Vietnam War, waves to the crowd. The Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band, below center, puts out a big sound as they march down the route into Downtown. The Gingerbread Man balloon was a favorite, bringing smiles and waves from people in the crowd, like

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cheryl Woodley, bottom right, who was accompanied by her dog, Cupcake. Students from Richmond’s Franklin Military Academy parade with a colorful array of flags, while performers from Kings Dominion entertain spectators as they march along the route. Below, the brass section of Virginia Union University’s Ambassadors of Sound Marching Band entertains the crowd.

Richmond Free Press

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Happenings

Personality: Robin Ann Brewster Spotlight on Leadership Metro Richmond’s board chairwoman A key factor in good leadership is being “a servant leader first and a good listener who seeks to learn and understand and whose actions demonstrate integrity, empathy and inclusion.” That’s the perspective and leading principle of Robin Ann Brewster, board chairwoman of Leadership Metro Richmond. Established in 1980, LMR has been guided by a mission to strengthen the Richmond region by helping to train and connect diverse leaders so that they can serve and fulfill the public good in informed, inclusive and meaningful ways. A major part of this mission is LMR’s flagship Quest program that connects, educates and inspires roughly 70 students every year through a 10-month round of seminars and deep dives into issues that affect the Richmond region. Quest offers “a space where challenging questions and uncomfortable dialogues are supported and encouraged” and “where lasting connections and friendships are made,” Ms. Brewster says. Since its start, LMR has produced more than 2,000 alumni, with about 15 currently serving in local and statewide offices, including U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, state Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, City Council member Chris A. Hilbert and officials in Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield and Powhatan counties. “LMR alums are always ‘at the table’ furthering the dialogue and contributing to solutions needed in our community,” Ms. Brewster says. A community volunteer herself with The Doorways — formally Hospital Hospitality House — and Friends Association for Children, the Henrico County resident was a member of LMR’s Quest Class of 2011. That experience with LMR led her to volunteer on various LMR committees while also sharing her newly gained knowledge and leadership experience at her job at the time and her work with other organizations. Ms. Brewster later was invited to join LMR’s board in 2017 and was elected chair earlier this year. “LMR Quest was meaningful and transformative for me,” Ms. Brewster says. “I wanted to stay connected to LMR alum and give back to the organization that was important to me and doing important work in the community.” Now, as LMR’s 40th anniversary approaches, Ms. Brewster hopes the organization will continue to grow and improve the efforts and perspectives of those who seek its services, as it has for her during the 20 years she has lived in the Richmond region. “My LMR experience was the first deep experience I had to learn about the rich diversity of our region, our people, culture, history, institutions, our treasures and our challenges,” Ms. Brewster says. “I was and am in awe of the depth of talent, expertise and commitment we have available in Richmond.” Recently, LMR launched a board concierge service. “This individual consulting service allows us to connect local nonprofit organizations with our network of servant leaders based on areas of interest, skills and experience,” Ms. Brewster says. LMR’s Woman Speak Your Truth program also is developing a project to assist with voter registration. Leadership is key, she says. Meet a servant leader and this week’s Personality, Robin Ann Brewster: Occupation: Retired senior vice president with SunTrust bank. No. 1 volunteer position: Chair, board of directors of Leadership Metro Richmond.

Place of birth: Fort Benning, Ga.

programs may have some similar curriculum components, LMR is uniquely focused on developing servant leaders to lead and problem solve for the benefit of the communities we live in.

Current residence: Henrico County. Education: I attended schools on military bases until completing high school in Woodbridge, Va. I attended Virginia Highland Community College and Northern Virginia Community College and graduated from the Consumer Bankers Association Graduate School of Retail Banking at the University of Virginia.

Status of Richmond area leadership: Because of LMR, the exposure it offers to engage with current leaders and because of what I see in our recent Quest classes, I have confidence in our area leadership and our region’s potential.

Family: Husband, Victor Smith; sons, Victor Jr. and Tyler; and grandchildren, Cleo, 8, and Preston, 6. Why I wanted to serve with Leadership Metro Richmond: LMR Quest was meaningful and transformative for me. I wanted to stay connected to LMR alumni and give back to the organization that was important to me and doing important work in the community. LMR’s mission: Leadership Metro Richmond strengthens our region by connecting diverse leaders and preparing them to serve. LMR envisions a region where all leaders are informed, inclusive and engaged. Through our foundational program, Quest, LMR connects, educates and inspires a diverse group of individuals who already may be serving in public ways or behind the scenes, but who all want to grow and improve their servant leadership. Quest is a 10-month program that provides participants with a deeper look into our region’s challenges and opportunities through interactive lectures, workshops and dialogues with nonprofit, corporate, public and educational leaders and experts. Quest is always a space where challenging questions and uncomfortable dialogues are supported and encouraged, and a space where lasting connections and friendships are made. LMR’s No. 1 project now: Last year, LMR’s board and staff, with insight and expertise from Amy Nisenson (LMR Class of 2001) refreshed and revised our strategic plan. This year, we begin implementation. While continuing to enhance our core programs, such as Quest, we are expanding our work to connect diverse leaders to community engagement that creates impact specifically by the strengthening of nonprofit boards, addressing nonprofit board recruitment needs and the desire of individuals in our community to serve. Boards that are inclusive and represent the diversity of our community are better positioned to ignite innovation and create solutions to address complex challenges. LMR is uniquely positioned to connect servant leaders with nonprofits through our Board Connector and Board Engagement programs. We invite individuals and nonprofits to visit us at www.lmronline.org or to contact our board engagement manager, Gena Reeder, at greeder@lmronline.org. Impact of LMR: LMR has impact throughout our Richmond region. LMR Quest alumni model servant leadership throughout nonprofit, elected office, small business and government organizations.

LMR alums are always “at the table” furthering the dialogue and contributing to solutions needed in our community. Your foremost LMR goal: My foremost goal is to work with our engaged and talented LMR board and staff to implement our updated strategic plan. As we celebrate our 40-year anniversary, we also must look ahead and continue to listen to the needs of our alumni and community and continue to improve and grow. When I first became involved with LMR: First through my participation in Quest, the Class of 2011, then as a volunteer on LMR committees leading to my current service on the board of directors. Impact of LMR on my life: My LMR experience was the first deep experience I had to learn about the rich diversity of our region, our people, culture, history, institutions, our treasures and our challenges. I was, and am, in awe of the depth of talent, expertise and commitment we have available in Richmond. Although I had been living in the region for more than 20 years, it was during and after my Quest experience that I felt truly connected and engaged and became so proud to say Richmond is my home. I wanted to keep learning and to find ways to be of service. LMR, both through Quest and through our ongoing programs, offers the opportunity to connect with individuals you might not meet otherwise, to have honest, sometimes uncomfortable dialogue, exposure to different ideas and beliefs, to stretch yourself, to learn about our whole community and build problem-solving networks. This was important 40 years ago for RVA to thrive and it is still important to create the RVA we want for everyone. Impact of LMR on my career: Servant leadership applies to all leadership, and I brought back a refreshed purpose and deeper connection to the teams I worked with and led as a result of my LMR experience. LMR’s connection with other leadership programs: LMR is a member of the Association of Leadership Programs, a national organization. We partner with other organizations on programming. For example, we jointly sponsor with LEAD Virginia an annual leadership breakfast at the Federal Reserve each spring. While other leadership

How I start the day: I usually walk our dog, Gracie, around 6:30 a.m. It is a time to take in the nature around me, offer gratitude and reflect. I can count on Gracie for an early morning dose of unconditional love and joy. I then enjoy a cup of coffee with steamed frothy milk and listen to NPR news as I get ready for the day. A perfect day for me: Includes time with my family, a good walk or hike, reading a good book and taking time to be still and quiet, even for a few minutes. How I unwind: Spin class and yoga class — things I discovered after 50! Also, my LMR small group, Woman Speak Your Truth, has provided a way to connect and unwind with the most interesting women. I am always uplifted and inspired after our group conversations. At the top of my “to-do” list: Bringing my full energy to my year as LMR board chair; preparing for the trip we are taking

with our sons and grandchildren after the holidays; finishing the books on my bedside table; and releasing all the things in my home that no longer “bring joy” — in other words, cleaning the closets and attic. No one has just one thing at the top of their “to-do” list, right? Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love Marvel movies with a little DC thrown in — mostly “Wonder Woman.” From ages 6 to 9, I lived on an Army base in Germany. We did not have TV, and I was an avid comic book reader and trader, often with young soldiers in our community. Trading comics was “a thing” and, yes, I wish we had brought those comic books — now collectors’ items — home. I left nearly 100 comic books when we returned. I realize now that the lack of TV and the abundance of comic books made me a good reader. Best late-night snack: When I’m mindful, a cheese stick or apple slices. But I really want a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream with some hot fudge and whipped cream. A quote that I am inspired by: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou. The best thing my parents ever taught me: Always use good manners with everyone, and all work has dignity. Approach any job you are given with your full and best effort. Person who influenced me the most: My grandmother. She had

a only a sixth-grade education and worked labor-intensive jobs into her 70s while taking care of her family, home and garden. Her faith was her north star, and her children, grandchildren and many others in her rural community sought her out for her counsel, wisdom and prayers. She wrote beautiful letters to her family and friends throughout her life and shared her love for nature and the mountains of her home in Southwest Virginia. She was my earliest role model for resilience, discipline, work ethic, faith and love. Books that influenced me the most: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou, “Angle of Repose” by Wallace Stegner and “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson. What I’m reading now: “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown and “Red at the Bone” by Jaqueline Woodson. If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: The only thing I have true control over is how I choose to respond to any situation and how I choose to learn from both failure and success. I also have learned that we all will need help in our life and we all have the ability to offer help in some manner. Next goal: Through our LMR Woman Speak Your Truth program, our small group of LMR alumni is developing a project to encourage and assist with voter registration next year. On a more personal level, to become consistent with my spinning and yoga routines and to plan a special trip with my husband.

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Richmond Free Press

Happenings Photographing history

Richmond native Lawrence Jackson returns home with book about his years as President Obama’s official White House photographer By Kesha Williams

For the next eight years, Mr. Jackson traveled with the 44th president to 42 countries and countless American news sites Photojournalist Lawrence Jackson had covered national and in- photographically capturing important and intimate moments as ternational news events for the Associated Press for eight years. President Obama hammered out foreign policy, met with foreign But he could feel that something was different when he dignitaries and national security advisers, inspired high school rushed to Washington’s Lafayette Park on Election Night 2008. seniors and was charmed by a 106-year-old visitor to the White A spontaneous celebration of hundreds of people had erupted at House Blue Room. the park across from the White House when Barack Obama was Mr. Jackson, now a freelance photographer, will return to proclaimed the winner of the presidential election. Richmond on Sunday, Dec. 15, to talk about his experiences and Mr. Jackson, a Richmond native, was swept up by the “infectious sign his new book, “Yes We Did: Photos and Behind-the-Scenes energy” that night with President Obama’s historic victory. Stories Celebrating Our First African American President.” “I’d covered the Patriots, the Bruins, the President Obama wrote the foreword for the book. “I could not have imagined my career when I was in my early 20s,” Mr. Jackson, a graduate of Richmond’s George Wythe High School and James Madison University, said in a Free Press interview. “I’m appreciative of the opportunities that came my way. You have to capitalize on them. “When you have good mentors and have the opportunity to learn from professional newspaper photographers like those I worked beside after college, you realize the only way to get better is to take photos. You learn from your mistakes as a photographer and you get better.” Mr. Jackson’s full-time career started at The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk before he joined the Associated Press in Boston in December 2000. When he picks up his camera, he sees it as an opportunity to inform, inspire and evoke emotion. He did all three covering President Obama gre President Obama, First Lady Michelle ets and takes a photo Lawrence Jackson with students from Jo School of Chicago in Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. hnso the Diplomatic Room of the White House in n Preparatory Mr. Jackson was hired by Pete Souza, October 2011. who had served as an official White House Celtics,” Mr. Jackson said. “I’d witnessed my first Super Bowl and photographer for President Ronald Reagan and was returning to worked as a photojournalist in South Korea. In 2002, I transferred to Washington as the chief official White House photographer for the the (AP’s) D.C. Bureau and covered national politics, Capitol Hill, new Obama administration. the White House and D.C.’s major professional sports teams. Under Mr. Souza, Mr. Jackson and the team produced for the “Working for the AP was a dream job, yes. But that election historical record up to 20,000 photos a week, many of which night was special. You could feel the energy. People were cel- were officially released to the public on Flickr. He and his ebrating in the streets. I knew I wanted to help document history. colleagues worked long hours and traveled with the president, Obama would be making history,” Mr. Jackson said. often on short notice. So the award-winning Mr. Jackson applied to become a White His book contains just a fraction of the intriguing images House photographer. And beginning in 2009, he was hired to join Mr. Jackson shot over the course of eight years, focusing on an elite team of five White House photojournalists capturing the the president, the First Family and many of the behind the public and private life of President Obama and his family. scenes reactions that the media weren’t present for. It shows

Mr. Jackson in self-portrait

Mr. Jackson’s exceptional work and experienced eye. And it shares some of the lifetime of memories that such a coveted job provided to Mr. Jackson. In the foreword, President Obama lauds Mr. Jackson’s talent for not only capturing “the big scene” and iconic moments, but also the smaller, quieter moments between people, including those special moments between Obama family members. He mentioned the special bond he had with Mr. Jackson as an African-American male with a similar background. “Many of his photos are informed by that sensibility,” President Obama wrote in the foreword, “an added awareness of the meaning that certain moments may hold for those who were so long dispossessed.” He also wrote that his daughters came to adore Mr. Jackson. “Michelle and I trusted him to travel the world with her and spend time with our girls as they grew up too fast,” President Obama wrote. “And we’ll always be grateful to him for preserving some of their youthful joy.” After President Obama’s second term ended, Mr. Jackson took a two-week break and devoted time to his family. At the suggestion of his wife, Alicia, Mr. Jackson considered working on a book to reflect his work in an extraordinary photography position. “We had just over a year to put it together,” Mr. Jackson said. “It will show many of the reactions people had when they met the Obamas. They are really authentic people and their intentions are to really help people.”

Want to go? What: Former White House photographer and Richmond native Lawrence Jackson will sign his new book, “Yes We Did: Photos and Behind-the-Scenes Stories Celebrating Our First African American President” at the 6th Annual Brew-Ho-Ho presented by Chop Suey Books. When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Where: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Lane. Details: Forty-three local authors who have published during the past year will be present to sign books and talk with participants during the event, featuring music and Hardywood brews. Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Virginia Children’s Book Festival. Info: www.chopsueybooks.com or (804) 422-8066.

There’s something for everyone this month at the VCU Health Hub at 25th. If you want a healthier life, the VCU Health Hub at 25th is the place to start. Here’s what we’re offering in December. Of course, all classes and programs are free unless otherwise noted.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

B.K. Fulton, who launched Soulidifly in 2017, says he and the creative team jumped at the chance to tell the story of Bass Reeves, a deputy marshal in the Wild West whose life may have inspired the fictional Lone Ranger character.

Newest Soulidifly film, ‘Hell on the Border,’ to open Friday By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Born enslaved, Bass Reeves rose to become a legendary U.S. deputy marshal who helped tame the Wild West, giving rise to speculation that he served as the model for the fictional white Lone Ranger. Now, potentially millions of people could be introduced to the story of this African-American lawman through a new movie, “Hell on the Border,” that opens Friday, Dec. 13. It is the latest release from Soulidifly, a small but burgeoning Richmond movie production and publishing company. Picked up by a major distribution company, Lionsgate, the film starring London actor David Gyasi as the hero, will open in a few select theaters in New York, Los Angeles and other big markets well outside Richmond and on video on-demand sites such as Apple and Xfinity, according to B.K. Fulton, Soulidifly’s president. “It will be available on every site worldwide,” said Mr. Fulton, whose company is based in a sixth-floor apartment in Shockoe Slip. For the two-year-old local studio and for writer-director Wes Miller, this is another opportunity to bring to light a story about a black person who made a positive difference, but has never receive appropriate recognition. “We want to tell meaningful, well-written stories” that can fire the imagination and inspire people, said Mr. Fulton, 53, who launched the studio in 2017. He was previously president of Verizon Virginia and Verizon West Virginia and retired from the company as vice president of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Mr. Fulton said he and the creative team he leads jumped at the opportunity to tell the story of Mr. Reeves, the first black U.S. deputy marshal west of the Mississippi after Mr. Miller

brought it to them. During a storied 32-year career before his death in 1910, Mr. Reeves is credited with capturing more than 3,000 murderers, robbers, thieves and other felons who roamed Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Never injured, he brought some prisoners to Detroit, where the Lone Ranger radio show originated in 1925. Mr. Reeves’ derring-do as an investigator led at least one biographer to suggest, though without any direct evidence, that the show’s creators might have used the folklore about the lawman to create the Lone Ranger. Whatever the reality, Mr. Fulton and his associates are hoping the movie will be a breakout hit for the independent studio and that Lionsgate will be able to get it into more theaters in the coming months. Mr. Fulton said the release has been timed to pick up on the enthusiasm for the recently released film about slave liberator Harriet Tubman. The Bass Reeves film also will be in theaters by the deadline for consideration for an Academy Award. Soulidifly has released three other profitable films, “River Runs Red,” “Atone” and “Love Dot Com.” That’s unusual for an independent filmmaker, Mr. Fulton said. While thousands of films are created each year, only 4 percent are picked up for distribution, he said. The studio has two others awaiting release, “The Unity Ride,” about a trip two men take that follows a route for the Underground Railroad, and “1 Angry Black Man” that focuses on a student’s concerns about racism. The studio also is in throes of creating SoulVision TV network with actor-director Tim Reid, who also operates a movie studio in Richmond. Already, Soulidifly has launched the free, online SoulVision magazine to tell positive stories.

Need help understanding how to pay for your health care? Senior Connections will provide enrollment assistance to older adults and adults with disabilities for Medicare Prescriptions Drug Plan Coasts, Medicare Savings Program, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Energy Assistance Programs. Led by Senior Connections. Tuesday, December 17th: 9 am to noon Get real answers to your health questions. Sometimes you need a partner to help you navigate all of your options. Our team of community health workers can answer your questions and help you navigate between health and social services. Call to make an appointment or walk-in. Led by Virginia Department of Health and Richmond City Health District. Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays in December: 9 am – 4 pm Watch your sugar intake shrink and your healthy lifestyle grow. Our diabetes prevention program provides you with the skills to lose weight, be more active, eat healthier and manage stress. Led by VCU School of Pharmacy and VCU Health Dietetic Internship. Wednesday, December 18th 3 - 4 pm I’m Natalie Pennywell, director of the VCU Health Hub at 25th. Join me right here every month to see how we can help you get and stay healthier!

There’s a healthier way to shop. Which aisles offer the most nutrition? How do you make labels your friend? What does it mean to eat the rainbow? Join VCU dietary and pharmacy specialists on a hands-on tour of the Market at 25th with a focus on general and heart health and diabetes and weight control. Led by VCU Health Dietetic Internship and VCU School of Pharmacy. Wednesday, December 18th 4 – 5 pm

Healthy brains, healthy body. Scientists have proved that there’s a connection between healthy habits and a healthy brain. Led by the Alzheimer’s Association, this class provides information about diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement to maintain health and active brains. Led by Alzheimer’s Association. Thursday, December 12th 10 – 11:15 am Prevention is the best medicine. The Richmond Health and Wellness Program provides general preventive and self-management support as well as wellness education. Led by VCU School of Nursing Monday, December 16th: 9 am to 1 pm Wednesday, December 18th: 1 – 4 pm

Mothers welcome. Wholesome Informed Choices (WIC) provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, counseling, screenings and referrals to other health services. Led by Virginia Department of Health and Richmond City Health District Thursday, December 17th: 9 am – 4:30 pm NEW Free Movie Nights at the VCU Health Hub at 25th

The VCU Health Hub at 25th and Market at 25th invite all neighbors to the health hub for holiday movie nights. Mickey’s Magical Christmas Monday, December 16th: 5:30 pm National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Tuesday, December 17th: 6 pm Almost Christmas Thursday, December 19th: 6 pm Movies are free. Concessions available for purchase at $5 or less, cash only. No RSVP needed. Just show up and enjoy.

Natalie Pennywell

VCU Health Hub at 25th

C Connect

with the VCU Health Hub at 25th. We are here to listen and learn.

1330 N. 25th Street, Suite A Richmond, Virginia 23223 vcuhealth.org/healthhub (804) 628-6401

:30 - 11

kfast Men

Richmond Free Press

December 12-14, 2019

Obituary/Faith Directory

Lt. Ashley N. Berry remembered during service at Second Baptist in South Richmond By Jeremy M. Lazarus

national Association church plays and hosted fashwas leaving. Initially of Firefighters Local ion shows. treated at a Hopewell 995. She was a memSurvivors include her daughhospital, she died ber of the Fire Depart- ter, Yaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mya Braxton; two sons, early Friday, Nov. ment Safety Officers Daniel Braxton and Carlos 29, 2019, at VCU Association and a Samuels Jr.; her parents, the Medical Center in former member of the Rev. Waverly and Karen Berry; Richmond, authoriInternational Associ- a sister, Deona B. Gaither; ties said. ation of Black Profes- and her grandmother, Marie The Rev. Russell sional Fire Fighters, Burston. Brown delivered the Brothers and Sisters eulogy at the service Lt. Berry Combined. that lasted nearly Lt.. Berry also was a cofour hours. This is the second loss in founder of the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emnearly 18 months for the Berry powerment Social Club, Ladies 2604 Idlewood Avenue family, which is still mourning of Diversity and a member of Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 the loss of Lt. Berryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister, the Mission From The Heart www.riverviewbaptistch.org Kendra B. Covington, who died outreach organization. Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, She recently joined City in July 2018. Pastor A graduate of L.C. Bird Church in Richmond after Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus High School in Chesterfield leaving Good Hopewell BapSUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. County where she grew up, Lt. tist Church where she sang in SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE Berry joined the Fire Depart- the choir, wrote and directed 11:00 A.M. ment in 2011. She served at Fire Station 14 on Hawthorne Avenue in North Side and Fire Station 17 on Semmes 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Avenue in South Side, and Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor was assigned to Station 21 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Place for Youâ&#x20AC;? on Jefferson Davis Highway Tuesday Sunday in South Side after being 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School promoted to lieutenant. 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service In October, she completed 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion the Fire Marshal Academy and Thursday each 2nd Sunday) was assigned to Capt. Dyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting 11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation office. Lt. Berry also served as recording secretary of the Inter-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was the best of the best,â&#x20AC;? Richmond Fire Chief Melvin Carter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When she came to our office, the first thing we noticed was that she was gracious, cheerful and eager,â&#x20AC;? said Capt. Earl E. Dyer, Richmond fire marshal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She wore all those qualities without effort.â&#x20AC;? They offered their comments during the funeral for Richmond Fire Lt. Ashley Nicole Berry last Saturday at Second Baptist Church in South Richmond. Hundreds of people, including family, fire department colleagues, City Council members, friends and well-wishers, packed the sanctuary to hear final tributes to the nine-year Department of Fire and Emergency Services veteran. The 33-year-old mother of three was fatally shot as she left a Thanksgiving dinner in Hopewell at the family home of her boyfriend, Carlos Samuels Sr., also a Richmond firefighter. Authorities said Lt. Berry was hit by a stray bullet as she protected her 5-year-old son from a barrage of shots a gunman unleashed at a home next door to the house Lt. Berry

500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2019

8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School | 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship 3:30 p.m. .... COMBINED USHERS ANNIVERSARY Theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Gate Keepersâ&#x20AC;? Speaker: Rev. Melvin Shearin (Great Hope Baptist Church)

"APTIST #HURCH

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

Broad Rock Baptist Church 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 â&#x20AC;˘ 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org

Baptist Church

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m. 4th Sunday UniďŹ ed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

2003 Lamb Avenue Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 Church School - 9:30 a.m. Worship Service - 11:15 a.m.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAKE IT HAPPENâ&#x20AC;?

Bible Study: Tuesday - 9 a.m. Wednesday - 7 p.m.

Pastor Kevin Cook

Prayer Services: Wednesday (1st & 3rd ) 7 a.m. Every Wednesday 8 p.m.

St. Peter Baptist Church

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Union Baptist Church 1813 Everett Street Richmond, Virginia 23224 804-231-5884 Reverend Robert C. Davis, Pastor

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Christmas

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At Union

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Sunday, December 15, 2019

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Sunday School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 a.m.

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Hanging of the Greens Morning Message: Rev. Robert C. Davis

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Christmas Fellowship Hour To Follow

ď&#x20AC;&#x;ď&#x20AC; ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x2018;ď&#x20AC;&#x192;ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;ď&#x20AC;Ąď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;˘ď&#x20AC;&#x201E;ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;ď&#x20AC;Łď&#x20AC;&#x160;ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;ď&#x20AC;¤ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;&#x153;ď&#x20AC;Ľď&#x20AC;&#x2030;ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;ď&#x20AC;Śď&#x20AC;&#x2C6;ď&#x20AC;&#x160;ď&#x20AC;§ď&#x20AC;&#x153;ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ď&#x20AC;˘ď&#x20AC;¨ď&#x20AC;&#x2026;

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

2019 Theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Year of Participationâ&#x20AC;?

following Morning Worship

Pre-Christmas Worship Service

December 18, 2019 at 7:00 PM Guest Preacher: Rev. Archie Comfort, Pastor Christ First Ministries Fredericksburg, Va.

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

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve

December 31, 2019 Unity Worship Service at 12:00 Noon Watch Night at 10:00 p.m.

$R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR

Communion - 1st Sunday

Worship Opportunities During the month of December, all Sunday Worship Services will be held at 10 a.m. Church School will be held at 8:30 a.m.

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2018-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New We Embrace Diversity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Love For All! A 21st Century Church

Thursdays: Bible Study is now in recess for winter break and will reconvene on January 9th. Please refer to your daily readings located in your Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bulletin or visit our website.

Come Worship With Us!

96th Church Anniversary Sunday, December 15, 2019 10:45 AM Worship Celebrations Message by: Pastor Sermon Series: Book of Psalms Theme For Advent: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Wonderful Life Music by: The Celebration Christmas Choir 400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH

2IVERVIEW

Triumphant

With Ministry For Everyone

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Church With A Welcomeâ&#x20AC;?

(near Byrd Park)

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org drbibbs@sixthbaptistchurch.org

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Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

-OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

e with Reverence elevanc R Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All About Celebrating Jesus! ning the Lord Dr.info Alvin Campbell, Interim Pastor If you want b toicelebrate us m â?&#x2013; o to share your gift C

SUNDAYS

Âą4HE 0EOPLEÂ´S #HURCHÂ˛

Church School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

216 W. Leigh St. â&#x20AC;˘ Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcofďŹ ce1@yahoo.com â&#x20AC;˘ web: www.richmondebenezer.com Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

â?&#x2013;

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

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

â?&#x2013;

THIRD SUNDAY 10:30 a.m. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Higher Achievement

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working For You In This Difficult Hourâ&#x20AC;?

Dessert Theater Saturday, December 21, 2019@ 4:00P.M. Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to New Deliverance the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of Church peace and brotherhood canEvangelistic never become a realityâ&#x20AC;Ś. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditionalMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S love will have the final word.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Martin Luther King, Jr.

Christmas Concert

Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

SUNDAY

Sunday Morning Worship 8:00 a.m. Sunday School Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis, Pastor 11:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Worship Service Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye Pastor and Founder

To empower people of God spiritually, mentally and emotionally for successful living.

â&#x20AC;Ś and Listen to our Radio Broadcast Sundays at 10:15 a.m. on WQCN 105.3 FM

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people. - Matthew 4:23

We Pray Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Doors open at 6 p.m.) Blessings for Yo s s s Watch Night Family Service in The New Tuesday, December 31, 2019 Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

D. Min., Pastor

2300 Cool Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23223 804-795-5784 (Armstrong High School Auditorium)

Come Join Us!

Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Founder (Dec. 19, 1938 - Dec. 9, 2006) Joseph Jenkins, III. â&#x20AC;˘ Jason K. Jenkins â&#x20AC;˘ Maxine T. Jenkins

That Christmas

Bishop G. O. Glenn

k 2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 (804) 358-9177

Presents

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

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor

Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

MMBC Creative Arts Ministry

WEDNESDAY SERVICES

Noonday Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. (Bible Study)

SATURDAY 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS IT HAPPENSâ&#x20AC;? online! Also, for your convenience, we now offer â&#x20AC;&#x153;full online giving.â&#x20AC;? Visit www.ndec.net.

at 9:00 p.m.

Lenten Season

(Doors joins open at 8:00the p.m.) Mosby with larger Christia

the Lenten season Tunein incelebrating on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m. reflection, fasting & prayerful conse

on the journey and follow along wi Calendar at www.mmbcrv CHRISTIAN

ACADEMY (NDCA) NOW ENROLLING!!!

6 weeks to 4th grade Before and After Care For more information Please call

(804) 276-4433

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

B6 December 12-14, 2019

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-334 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept a donation of professional services and associated tools valued at approximately $75,000.00 from Greenlink Analytics, Inc., and in connection therewith to execute a Contract for Donated Goods and Services between the City and Greenlink Analytics, Inc., for the purpose of providing a citywide climate and energy model. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-335 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Deed of Quitclaim of Utility Easement Portion and Deed of Correction between the City of Richmond and Sauer Properties, Inc. for the purpose of releasing a portion of a utility easement and correcting a deed reference in an Easement Deed. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-336 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Deed of Utility Easement between the City of Richmond and Regency Goodwyn, LLC, for the purpose of granting a variable width water line easement to the City. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-337 To adopt an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Nov. 6, 2000, and by the City Council by Ord. No. 2000371-2001-11, adopted Jan. 8, 2001, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2017-148, adopted Sept. 25, 2017, to incorporate the James River Park System Master Plan: Final – 16 October 2019 with the Richmond Riverfront Plan Amendment 1: Downriver Update 2017, applicable to the downriver area along the James River identified in the Richmond Riverfront Plan, to include the area from Huguenot Flatwater Park east to the border with Henrico County, as part of the Master Plan. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-338 To repeal ch. 26, art. V, div. 3 (§§ 26-397—26408) of the City Code and to amend ch. 26, art. V, by adding there a new div. 3 (§§ 26408.1—26-408.11) for the purpose of modifying the requirements for the partial exemption of rehabilitated structures from real estate taxation. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-339 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept in-kind goods and services in the form of a facility upgrade, supplies, installation services, and additional equipment valued at $142,803.35 from the Commonwealth of Virginia 9-1-1 Services Board, for the purpose of funding costs for improvements to the 9-1-1 call handling equipment within the City’s emergency communications network. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-340 To amend ch. 12, art. IV of the City Code, concerning fees for City services, by adding therein a new § 12-123, concerning fees for employees of the City’s Department of Police who provide law enforcement services at special events, and to amend Appendix A of the City Code by adding therein new fees for City Code § 12-123, for the Continued on next column

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purpose of establishing the fees to be charged for employees of the City’s Department of Police who provide law enforcement services at special events. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-341 To amend section 21-4 of the City Code, concerning public procurement, for the purpose of revising the definition of emerging small business. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-342 To establish the Citizens’ Capital Improvement Plan Commission to advise the Council and the Mayor on matters involving funding priorities within the Capital Improvement Plan established by Ord. No. 2019-043, adopted May 13, 2019. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ALAN MICHAEL CASH Plaintiff v. NATASHA CASH, Defendant. Case No.: CL19001840-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SHAUNITA WYATT Plaintiff v. BRANDEN WYATT, Defendant. Case No.: CL19003523-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BRENDA FRANQUI Plaintiff v. JIOELIS FRANQUI, Defendant. Case No.: CL19003509-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney Continued on next column

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VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANDRA BARRETT, Plaintiff v. COHANE BARRETT, Defendant. Case No.: CL19003393-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO WANDA DAVID SANTANA, Plaintiff v. FREDDY A. SANTANA OSARIO, Defendant. Case No.: CL19-5462-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Came this day the Plaintiff, upon her Complaint for divorce filed in the abovestyled case and her Affidavit for Order of Publication for service of the Complaint on the Defendant. The object of this suit is to put the Defendant on notice of the Plaintiff’s Complaint for divorce in the above-styled case. It appearing from Plaintiff’s Affidavit that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the Defendant and that the Defendant’s whereabouts are unknown, it is ORDERED that the Defendant is required to appear before this Court on or before January 20, 2020 at 9 a.m. to protect his interests. I ask for this: Benjamin R. Rand, Esquire (VSB# 78956) Blackburn, Conte, Schilling & Click, P.C. 300 W. Main Street Richmond, Virginia 23220 Telephone: (804) 782-1111 ext. 212 Facsimile: (804) 648-3914 brand@blackburnconte.com VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER AJAH TANN, Plaintiff v. MICHAEL FOX, Defendant. Case No.: CL19003392-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 9th day of January, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

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FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MELISSA SHIFFMAN, Plaintiff v. JOSEPH SHIFFMAN, Defendant. Case No.: CL19003298-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 7th day January, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., CR#1 and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. JAMES T. GLASS, SR, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-4101 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 206 East 19th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000237/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, James T. Glass, Sr, and James T. Glass, Jr. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JAMES T. GLASS, SR, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, JAMES T. GLASS, JR, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that JAMES T. GLASS, SR, JAMES T. GLASS, JR, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 13, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MICHAEL T. WILLIS, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-3924 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 8 Rear South Plum Street,, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number W000-0604/055, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Michael T. Willis and JMG Patience, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MICHAEL T. WILLIS, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that JAMES C. WILSON, Registered Agent for JMG PATIENCE, LLC, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that MICHAEL T. WILLIS, JAMES C. WILSON, Registered Agent for JMG PATIENCE, LLC, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that A CC E S S R E G I O N A L TASKFORCE, INC, a purged Virginia Corporation, DANA COTMAN, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed at Instrument Number 09-5972 on March 24, 2009, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

described as 3521 Florida Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0001266/022, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Lucy N. Dark. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, LUCY N. DARK, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR OF LUCY N. DARK, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that LUCY N. DARK, UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR OF LUCY N. DARK, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

PROPERTY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. CYNTHIA AUSTIN, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-3888 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 225 East 15th Street,, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000191/011, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Cynthia Austin and Samantha Austin. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, CYNTHIA AUSTIN, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, SAMANTHA AUSTIN, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that THE VIRGINIA UROLOGY CENTER, an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that CYNTHIA AUSTIN, SAMANTHA AUSTIN, THE VIRGINIA UROLOGY CENTER, an entity not appearing in the records o f t h e Vi r g i n i a S t a t e Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 13, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CINTY OF RICHMOND GEORGE RANDOLPH WALLER, Plaintiff v. FRANCES LORRAINE WALLER, Address Unknown Defendant. Case No.: CL19-5631-7 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to have the Court award the plaintiff, George Randolph Waller, a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant, Frances Lorraine Waller. It appearing that Frances Lorraine Waller cannot be found and that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the whrereabouts of the party to be served, it is ORDERED that Frances Lorraine Waller appear before this Court on or before the 7th day of January, 2020 in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and do what is necessary to protect her interests. An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk I ask for this: Andrew B.C. Wood Law Office of Wood & Wood, PC 1801 Libbie Avenue, Suite 102 P.O. Box 8265 Richmond, VA 23226 (804) 285-7447

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ED TURNAGE, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-3860 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3055 Hull Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S000-1582/011, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Ed Turnage. An Affidavit having been filed that VICKIE FITTS, who may be a creditor with an interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that VICKIE FITTS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 13, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

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Notice Judicial Sale of Real Property Owner/s of the below listed properties are hereby given notice that thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, proceedings will be commenced under the authority of Section 58.13965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to sell the following parcels located in the City of Richmond, Virginia for payment of delinquent taxes: 14 West 24th Street S0000685015 1805 North 25th Street E0001084003 1615 North 27th Street E0000864060 1325 North 28th Street E0000623027 1400 North 29th Street E0000716011 1810 North 30th Street E0000952017 1203 North 35th Street E0001408002 606 North 38th Street E0001415019 701 Bancroft Avenue N0001155001 4400 Castlewood Road S0090301017 106 East Charity Street N0000085017 1008 Cheatwood Avenue N0180423004 2403 Dale Avenue S0090345019 2505 Dale Avenue S0090344025 3062 Decatur Street S0001580001 3509 Decatur Street S0002602013 1606 Edwards Avenue S0000454002 3423 Frank Road S0080854029 2015 Gordon Avenue S0000547017 2408 Halifax Avenue S0000767004 1100 Hollister Avenue C0090093026 3000 Hull Street S0001472010 3165 Hull Street S0002002016 2000 Ingram Avenue S0000861010 708 Kaki Drive C0070193001 456 East Ladies Mile Road N0001664011 2624 Lancelot Avenue S0090301013 1401 Mechanicsville Turnpike E0000768020 1423 Mechanicsville Turnpike E0000768031 3307 North Avenue N0001356020 5218 Parker Street E0100108012 314 Preston Street N0000088016 318 Preston Street N0000088014 2617 Redwood Avenue E0120334018 2300 Royall Avenue S0071579010 1601½ Spotsylvania Street E0000672041 1710 Spotsylvania Street E0120333009 4005 Tyrone Street S0090141015 3204 Utah Place N0001074026 4812 Walmsley Boulevard C0080745022 The owner/s of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and cost thereon, including the pro rata costs of publication hereunder. Gregory A. Lukanuski, Deputy City Attorney Office of the City Attorney for the City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia (804) 646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. PAUL HARDING, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-4687 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 306 Deter Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number C005-0885/002, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Paul Harding. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, PAUL HARDING, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that PAUL HARDING, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ACCESS REGIONAL TASKFORCE, INC, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-1729 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2021 Roane Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000399/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Access Regional Taskforce, Inc,. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ACCESS REGIONAL TASKFORCE, INC, a purged Virginia Corporation, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, that DANA COTMAN, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed at Instrument Number 09-5972 on March 24, 2009, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. OPTIMA PROPERTIES COMPANY, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-4688 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2617 Parkwood Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number W0001157/006, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Optima Properties Company. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, OPTIMA PROPERTIES COMPANY, an entity purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/ or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that OPTIMA PROPERTIES COMPANY, an entity purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. LUCY N. DARK, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-4511 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly Continued on next column

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB #19-1942-10EAR MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES – FILTER BASIN #5 Due: January 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/finance/ divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/ Notice is hereby given that VA Ride Services LLC, 203 South Kalmia Avenue, Highland Springs, Virginia 23075, has filed an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity that would authorize:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: Construction Cost Review and Consulting RFP-UVA-00023-JG122019, https://bit.ly/2PgbUFJ To view a copy of RFP # JG122019 go to Procurement Services Site: https://bids. sciquest.com/apps/Router/ PublicEvent? CustomerOrg=UVa or email pur-rfp@virginia.edu

%DNHU 6WUHHW 6FKRRO 5HKDE- Seeking subcontractor bids for DGDSWLYH UHXVH RI XQLWV all trades 0%( :%( 6HFWLRQ +LUHV &RQWDFW -HII :DUQHU

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond. To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com. EOE M/F/D/V

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity is currently seeking a Store Manager for its Richmond ReStore located on Roane Street. Candidates will have previously managed a retail store with revenue in excess of $1M. They will also have at least five years of management experience supervising a minimum of ten associates. Please send a resume to mgaddis@richmondhabitat.org.

TRANSIT SYSTEM

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR FULL TIME EXEMPT OPEN UNTIL FILLED

GRTC Transit System in Richmond, Virginia seeks a skilled individual to oversee mechanical repairs to vehicles (predominately diesel-powered passenger busses, but includes some gasoline powered vehicles), both in a shop and during service calls to repair and/ or recover vehicles. High school diploma or equivalency certiﬁcation required. Successful candidate must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, to include nights and weekends. Qualified candidates must be able to obtain a valid CDL Learner’s permit Class B with a P Endorsement prior to employment. Candidates must have a good driving record and must be able to pass a background check along with a preemployment drug test and a DOT physical. GRTC offers excellent pay and outstanding beneﬁts. Those interested can view a comprehensive job description and apply online at www.ridegrtc.com. No paper applications will be accepted. GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.