Richmond Free Press Dec. 14-16, 2023 edition

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VOL. 32 NO. 50

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Meet this week’s Personality B1

DECEMBER 14-16, 2023

Eureka!

FDA approves milestone treatments for sickle cell disease

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Two breakthrough gene therapies can now be used to treat and possibly cure sickle cell anemia, the genetic blood disorder that afflicts 100,000 mostly Black Americans and 20 million people worldwide.

But the announcement from the Food and Drug Administration of approval of the treatments — the first use of medicines to address an inherited disease — drew cheers and caution flags from those in the field.

“For many years, a bone marrow transplant has been the only transformative option for treating patients with sickle cell disease, and a limited one, as not all patients have a suitable donor,” said Dr. Alexis A. Thompson, chief of the Hematology Division at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the test sites.

“Now, after decades of limited progress in treating sickle cell disease, we have reached a Ms. Coles-Johnson

Please turn to A4

Dr. Smith

Sarah Cannon Research Institute via Associated Press

This July 2019 image provided by the Sarah Cannon Research Institute shows Victoria Gray on her infusion day during a gene editing trial for sickle cell disease at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and The Children’s Hospital At TriStar Centennial in Nashville, Tenn. Ms. Gray, the first patient to test the treatment, shared her experience with researchers at a scientific conference in 2023. She described suffering with terrible bouts of pain since childhood and receiving highdose pain medications and sometimes blood transfusions. She described feeling she “was being reborn” the day she got the gene therapy.

Audit report dings State Jails Board creates Department improvement plan for City Jail Finance More than a quarter of registered vehicle Investigation cites 6 deaths, inconsistent inspections and other unmet standards

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Only a small staff of deputies is working in the Richmond City Justice Center on any given day, the Free Press is being told, as the number of sworn officers under the command of Sheriff Antionette V. Irving continues to fall.

Richmond Police officers wait two to three hours to have the jail take custody of a prisoner because the lockup section is understaffed, while only two to three deputies may be on each floor of the jail during a shift, according to information the Free Press was provided by people, only on condition of anonymity.

Earlier this month, Sheriff Irving reported 191 vacancies in deputy positions, or 49.4% of the 386 deputies.

That’s up from 170 vacancies a year ago.

That means, say Free Press sources, the sheriff struggles to have enough deputies at the jail and to handle other duties, which include providing security at city courthouses,

handling the eviction process and delivering civil papers.

“Don’t use my name,” said one deputy, who went on to tell the Free Press that there was no way for her and others on duty to do the required inspection rounds every half hour and monitor the cells.

“There is just too much going Sheriff Irving on,” she said. “And we just have too few people to handle the situations we face and do the rounds.”

The failure of timely inspections is the key reason that the Virginia Board of Local and Regional Jails has created a two-year improvement plan for Sheriff Irving’s operation.

The board created the improvement plan after being called on to investigate six deaths at the jail between March 2022 and October 2023, during the course of which their staff found that minimum standards were not being met.

Please turn to A4

owners wrongly assessed penalties, late fees

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

computer system to reflect that change, resulting in The Richmond Finance faulty assessment of a 10% Department wrongly hit penalty and interest on the owners of 66,057 vehicles “late payments” that should with late payment fees have been recognized as and interest in 2022 even having been paid on time. though the owners paid by The audit team turned up the deadline, a new audit the problem in reviewing Mr. Lewis has found. the department’s handling Led by interim City Auditor W. Bret of personal property taxes, the secLewis, the Dec. 5 audit of personal ond largest source of tax revenue for property tax operations during 2022 City Hall. The department billed $56 found the department led by Sheila million in personal property taxes in White failed to account for a two- 2022, the audit stated, based on a month extension in the due date that personal property tax rate of $3.70 City Council approved. per $100 of value.

City Council extended the deadline Overall, the penalties were assessed for payment from June 5 to Aug. 5, but Please turn to A4 the department failed to reprogram its

Lawsuits filed against RPS regarding school shooting report

By George Copeland Jr.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the Richmond School Board for refusing to release the findings of an external investigation into the June 6 mass shooting in Monroe Park after the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony.

The local daily newspaper announced it filed a lawsuit last Friday in Richmond Circuit Court after a Freedom of Information Act request for the report was denied by the board. The 32-page report was conducted by the Sands Anderson law firm.

The next day, Joshua Stanfield, executive

director of Activate Virginia, an allreport, and have repeatedly deferred volunteer network of researchers and to their legal counsel when discussing activists who uncover corruption in its potential release.

Virginia, announced his intention to The daily publication and Mr. also file a petition for mandamus and Stanfield both challenged this exdeclaratory relief this week in Richemption in their filings, arguing that mond Circuit Court, with the request it and Virginia law doesn’t apply to of a hearing being set by the court the investigation and report as it was within seven days of its filing. approved and commissioned.

Mr. Kamras The School Board decided to not “School Board’s own parameters share the findings presented by Sands Anderson for the Sands Anderson investigation, as deafter reviewing it in closed session meetings. lineated in Superintendent Kamras’ October 2, Board members have cited attorney-client 2023 presentation to Respondent School Board, privilege as the reason for not releasing the do not include the provision of legal advice or

legal counsel,” Mr. Stanfield’s petition reads.

“Respondents therefore illegally exercised the exemption in (Virginia Code) as it pertains to ‘written advice of legal counsel’.”

Sands Anderson’s investigation was authorized in August, following a Richmond Public Schools investigation into the shooting, which led to the killing of Huguenot High graduate Shawn D. Jackson and his stepfather, Renzo R. Smith.

School Board members found the RPS report, which wasn’t published due to student privacy Please turn to A4

Shining stars

Bernadine Simmons, L. Victor Collins and Andre Braugher remembered Free Press staff report

The Associated Press

Andre Braugher arrives at An Evening With “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” at Bing Theatre, May 7, 2015, in Los Angeles.

Mr. Braugher, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his roles on the series “Homicide: Life on The Street” and “Brooklyn 99,” died Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at age 61.

The world had Oprah. Richmond had Bernie.

Longtime television journalist Bernadine A. “Bernie” Simmons, who died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at age 79, was well known to many in Richmond and surrounding communities as the creator and face of NBC12’s popular “12 About Town” news show.

Ms. Simmons launched Ms. Simmons Mr. Collins “12 About Town” in the 1980s for NBC12 (formerly WWBT Channel 12), highlighting events, locations and people Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

On tour Under the watchful eyes of her father, John Hall, and mother China Hall, 6-year-old Kylie Hall tours Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden before nightfall for the annual Dominion GardenFest of Lights. This year’s light sensation led Lewis Ginter to secure the No. 1 spot in the USA Today 10 Best contest. More photos on B2.

A2 December 14-16, 2023

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Library of Virginia and William & Mary Libraries announce Children’s Literary Award Free Press staff report

The Library of Virginia, in partnership with William & Mary Libraries, is accepting nominations for a new award honoring excellence in the field of children’s literature with a focus on Virginia.

The 2024 Children’s Virginia Literary Award will recognize picture books and middle-grade works for reading levels up to age 12. Fiction or nonfiction books by authors with a connection to Virginia and books set in Virginia are eligible for the award, which includes a $2,500 monetary prize. For the 2024 award period, books must have been published during 2023.

“We’re pleased to partner with William & Mary Libraries in recognizing excellence in books written for young readers,” said Sandra G. Treadway, librarian of Virginia. “Virginia and Virginians produce many outstanding works within children’s literature. The Library is looking forward to elevating awareness of these wonderful books through this annual award.”

“Children’s books are critical to a child’s learning and growth.

They support language development, creativity, and curiosity, and help children learn about themselves, others, and the world around them,” said Carrie Cooper, dean of University Libraries at William & Mary. “We are thrilled to recognize the writers of these important books.”

Nominations can be submitted at https://www.lva.virginia. gov/public/litawards/nominate.asp by March 31. Up to five finalists, selected by an independent panel of judges, will be announced in July.

The award will be presented at the annual Virginia Literary Awards, the commonwealth’s premier event honoring Virginia writers and their contributions to literature. The 2024 Virginia Literary Awards will be presented at the Library on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

For more information, visit https://www.lva.virginia.gov/ public/litawards/childrens-literature.htm.

Virginia Repertory Theatre presents “Gospel Nativity” this weekend Free Press staff report

Virginia Repertory Theatre will present “Gospel Nativity,” a special holiday show as a workshop at 7 p.m. Dec 16 and 17 in the Jessie Bogese Theatre at Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education, 4202 Hermitage Road.

Written, directed and choreographed by DeMone Seraphin, the show will feature the story of the birth of Jesus using dance and gospel music to enhance a production that “will be fun and exciting for families across all faith, cultural and social lines,” according to a Virginia Repertory news release.

“This will be a workshop presentation in partnership with Virginia Union University that we hope will become a Richmond family tradition,” said Desiree Roots, artistic director of community. “There will be a holiday market in the ballroom and we will invite Desiree Roots patrons to stay after the show on Sunday night for a ‘Talk Back’ to provide some feedback on ‘Gospel Nativity’ for next year.”

The cast includes Dale Heiskill, Keisha Wallace, Durron Tyre, James Johnson III, Dee D Miller, JD Lewis, Timara Keene-Hargrove, Welton Williams III, Stafford Armstead and Nicole Armstead.

The artistic and design team team includes DeMone Seraphin, director; Michelle Lightfoot, music director; Jarius Wilson, assistant music director; and Desiree Roots, vocal coach.

Patrons are asked for a suggested payment of $15, or to pay what they can via the Box Office at (804) 282-2620. Online tickets are $15.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Dec. 14, 1 to 5 p.m. - Henrico Arms Apartments, 1566 Edgelawn Circle.

• Friday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Southside Women, Infants and Children Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza.

• Tuesday, Dec. 19, 4 to 6 p.m. - Neighborhood Resource Center, 1519 Williamsburg Road.

• Wednesday, Dec. 20, 8 to 10 a.m. - East Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave.; 2 to 4:30 p.m.

- St. Luke’s Apartments, 117 Engleside Drive.

Call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com.

The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID-19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh. virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testingsites.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Those interested can schedule an appointment with RHHD by calling (804) 205-3501. Vaccines.gov also allows people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine, and those interested can also text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that children between the ages of six months to four years old may need multiple doses of the updated vaccines depending on their COVID-19 vaccine status and whether they had previously received Pfizer and Moderna.

Waiting periods for additional vaccines can range from three to eight weeks or four to eight weeks depending on the vaccine dose previously received.

Children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old who are unvaccinated or have received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023, should get one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Those age 12 years and older who are unvaccinated should get either one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two doses of the updated Novavax vaccine. People in that age range who received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023, should get one updated Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax vaccine.

People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine, and are encouraged to talk with their health care providers about how and when to receive them.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape

The Church front of Mizpah Presbytarian Church is still visible as the site of the future home of Brookland Park Apartments continues to undergo construction in Richmond’s North Side. Richmond City Council approved a special use permit in 2018 for the $18 million development.

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Youngkin proposes millions in child care subsidies

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

To the delight of beleaguered day care operations and child advocates, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin is calling for an investment of $484 million a year into child care— with most going to help parents cover the surging costs.

His proposal, which the General Assembly must approve, would expand the state’s investment in child care subsidies by a record $448 million a year.

That’s far more than the $300 million that advocates urged the state to invest to maintain current services and prevent 27,000 children from losing subsidized care when federal day care subsidies come to an end in the spring.

Gov. Youngkin last week unveiled what he called “Building Blocks for Virginia Families” and said the proposal would “empower parents with child care choice, reduce red tape and provide needed support for parents to continue in the workforce.”

The governor said the investment he proposes would build on the efforts of previous administrations to provide quality early education and day care services.

The soaring cost of child care—which can run $11,000 or more a year—has made government subsidies essential for working parents with lower incomes.

K a t h y G l a z e r, president of the VirGov. Youmgkin ginia Early Childhood Foundation, said, “The Youngkin administration has clearly recognized the importance of maintaining child care services” in praising the governor’s plan as a “bold commitment.”

The main elements of the plan include ensuring that every family currently receiving public support continues to have access to day care and after-school programs.

The plan also would allow parents to have a wider range of choices to receive state support, including for in-home providers, public school preschools, community co-ops, church programs and private day care centers.

In addition, the governor wants the legislature to authorize a payment system that would allow employers, charities, local governments, nonprofits and families to contribute to the program and enact reduced regulations to make it easier for providers to operate effectively, but safely.

He also wants the authority to spend $25 million to refurbish excess space on college campuses for use as early learning hubs.

Finally, he wants the legislature to continue providing $1 million in scholarships for those seeking to enter the early education field, and making $10 million available to pay incentives to teachers and others to bolster retention and reduce turnover.

Nicole Jones appointed as Michael Jones’ interim replacement on City Council

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond School Board member Nicole Jones has received a big boost to her campaign for the 9th District City Council seat.

City Council on Monday unanimously voted to appoint Ms. Jones as the interim council member for the district effective Jan. 1 – giving her a leg up in her bid to win the seat in next November’s election.

Ms. Jones will succeed Dr. Michael J. Jones, current council president and district councilman, who will officially leave the council on Sunday, Dec. 31.

The founding pastor of Village of Faith Ministries is headed to the House of Delegates following his election in November to represent the 77th District in South Side and Chesterfield County.

Dr. Jones, no relation to Ms. Jones, did not vote on her appointment. However, he publicly endorsed Ms. Jones, also deputy director of the nonprofit Art 180, and told the Free Press last month that he had gained commitments from a majority of members to make it a done deal.

Ms. Jones was recognized but did not speak after the vote.

She has told her School Board colleagues she would resign her seat, which will trigger an appointment process to fill that seat until the next election.

Two others competed for the council appointment: Angela Fontaine, an independent consultant, and Stephanie Starling, a

Dr. Jones

Ms. Jones

consultant to Verizon.

Ms. Starling said she plans to challenge Ms. Jones for the 9th District seat; Ms. Fontaine indicated she did not plan to run.

The appointment of Dr. Jones’ choice for his replacement was one of the gifts that his council colleagues presented to him along with verbal bouquets acknowledging his seven years of service and bidding him farewell during the final 2023 meeting.

On behalf of the council, Vice President Kristen Nye, who is anticipated to become the next council president, presented Dr. Jones with eight bags of gummy bears, his favorite candy that he was prone to consume during meetings.

He also received a bag full of energy drinks from the council staff.

Thanking his colleagues, he also praised City Clerk Candice Reid and her staff along with the members of the administration for the work they do.

Fifth District Councilwoman Stephanie

A. Lynch participated with other members at the send-off ceremony of Dr. Jones that came at the start of the meeting, but left afterward because she is about to give birth to another child.

“We’re on baby watch,” Dr. Jones said as Ms. Lynch departed.

During the meeting, the council approved a package of changes to the City Charter that will be sent to the General Assembly for approval.

The key changes, if approved, would give Richmond the authority to provide subsidies to help people buy affordable homes and also to defer taxes for lower income homeowners; allow the council to raise the pay of its members; give the council more control over zoning changes; and strengthen the position of the chief administrative officer.

Council also approved the appointment of Riad Ali as the new city auditor to succeed Lou Lassiter, who retired in October.

Mr. Ali, who had been the assistant inspector general in Broward County, Fla., will take over from the interim city auditor, W. Bret Lewis, on Monday, Dec. 18.

In other business, the council honored the Virginia Union University football team for winning its first conference title in more than 20 years. Council also approved honorary street signs for three now deceased Richmonders, educator Eleanor Redd Binford, builder Melvin L. Davis Sr. and record producer, community organizer and civic activist August Moon.

Christmas at Creighton

Gifts that keep on giving Free Press staff report

Holiday cheer is coming to the Creighton Court public housing community on Saturday, Dec. 16, during Christmas at Creighton.

Members of Cedar Street Baptist Church of God will deliver gifts throughout Creighton Court from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The goodies for youngsters who’ve been nice and not naughty throughout the year will include bicycles, scooters, coats, hats, gloves, toys and socks.

Richmonders who are interested donating items for the event can drop them off at Cedar Street’s Administrative Wing, 2301 Cedar St. on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, please call Cedar Street Baptist Church at (804) 648-8919 or www.csbcog.org.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press file photo

Richmond Free Press

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Richmond Free Press

A4 December 14-16, 2023

News

FDA approves treatments for sickle cell disease Continued from A1

historical moment with two new gene therapies,” Dr. Thompson enthused.

Those with the disease have oxygen-carrying red blood cells that look like the letter C. Unlike normal blood cells that are disc-shaped and flexible, the misshapen cells are less flexible, sticky and can clump together in smaller blood vessels, blocking the movement of blood and creating terrible pain and sometimes life-threatening conditions.

About 4,000 Virginians have the disease, with the majority living in Hampton Roads, according to the Sickle Cell-Virginia, the statewide association of people involved with the disease.

Dr. Wally R. Smith, who leads the adult sickle cell research and treatment clinic at Virginia Commonwealth University’s medical school and hospital, joined in celebrating the new therapies, but with caveats.

“It’s a great day for sickle cell disease,” Dr. Smith, the Florence Cooper Neal Smith Professor of Sickle Cell Disease and a VCU Health vice president of research, wrote in an email to the Free Press after learning of the FDA’s action on Dec. 8. At the time, he was attending the 65th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology.

“African-Americans with sickle cell disease will get a treatment that is unavailable for any other disease in the world,” he continued.

He acknowledged that the cost could be a barrier. According to sickle cell advocates, these new one-time, single-dose therapies are expected to cost at least $1.2 million, and possibly more.

That is well above the price tag for a bone marrow transplant that averages $193,000 and can cost up to $400,000, according to the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Help Hope Live, that assists people to fundraise to cover their out-of-pocket costs for organ transplants.

Cost is already a barrier to existing sickle cell medications. For example, the cost of Oxbryta, a Phizer medication to increase red blood cell production, has jumped in cost from $2,200 a month five years ago to nearly $12,000 a month currently, according to Sickle Cell-Virginia.

Dr. Smith said that negotiations have begun with Medicaid, which is a mainstay insurance for many sickle cell sufferers, to

Audit report dings Finance Department Continued from A1

against owners of 28% of the 235,000 vehicles registered in the city, including about 220,000 vehicles owned by individuals and the remainder registered to businesses. The total value of the penalties and interest that was wrongly assessed was not disclosed in the audit, nor was the amount that the audit team recommended be refunded.

The department found after an internal review that 41,476 bills already had been changed, with 24,581 still needing correction.

Ms. White, in response to the finding, stated that a remediation plan has been completed to address the problem.

The audit found other significant flaws, though on a positive note, it also found that the large majority of bills issued in 2022 were accurate.

Still, the audit estimated that of the 220,805 individual accounts, between 3% and 11% might be inaccurate based on various exceptions to standard assessments.

The audit also found that when customers sought to question their bill or wanted to address billing problems, it took longer than city policy to get a response from the department.

The audit reported that the department, which is short-staffed, averaged 118 days to respond to queries, or about double the 60 days that city policy sets for a response. Some taxpayers waited nearly 200 days for a response, the audit noted.

The audit also found the Finance Department continued to bill taxes to some owners who were listed as living in Richmond but actually live in an adjacent county to which they pay their taxes.

One finding noted that the department is not collecting delinquent taxes, which have begun to sharply increase.

The audit team noted that between 2017 and 2022, the total amount of uncollected personal property taxes grew to $19.5 million, with the amount of delinquency growing rapidly since 2020. Delinquency set a record in 2022 when about $8 million remained uncollected, up from around $5 million in 2021.

The auditors found that 55,000 personal property taxes were delinquent as of October 2022, but also noted the department was using collection tools that might help increase payments.

However, Ms. White responded that collection methods are being used and that collections increased by $18.6 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year, boosting total collections by 7% over the budgeted revenue.

She also noted the department has improved its quality assurance for billing through the implementation of an automated system called RVAPay that has improved the accuracy of the bills that are sent.

determine if the new therapies can be covered given the success of trials.

One therapy involves taking stems cells from a patient, editing them with the CRISPR-cas9 to remove the gene that causes blood cells to sickle and reinserting them to make healthy cells.

In clinical trials, 29 of 31 patients receiving the treatment, or 93.5 percent, had no crises one year after receiving the treatment, the FDA stated.

The second therapy enables sufferers to produce new cells that resemble normal red blood cells, according to the FDA, which stated that 28 of 32 people receiving the treatment or 88% were reported to be free of the disease six to 18 months later.

Dr. Smith also stated that the new gene therapies are not for every sickle cell sufferer and would require “extra personnel to screen patients for eligibility.”

“These therapies will be hard to access,” he wrote.

Along with VCU Health, there are two other hospital-based adult clinics. VCU Health also operates one of the four hospitalbased pediatric clinics for sickle cell children.

However, “in Virginia, the (new gene therapies) are likely only to be available at VCU, creating a potential competition between patients over who gets treated.”

Dr. Smith also expressed concern that the “emotional and physical burden on some patients will increase as they feel even more left out of the health care system” because the treatment is not available to them.

Others worry about access and availability as well, including Allison Coles-Johnson, a retired nurse who co-chairs the Richmondarea nonprofit, Finding A Cure for Sickle Cell Anemia.

Ms. Coles-Johnson called the new therapies an “excellent start,” but she said that there is a need to continue “research so that therapies like this can become more accessible and more attainable” for those with the disease.

At the moment, she said the new treatments are “cost prohibitive. Who will pay for it? Private insurers? Medicaid?”

Until that issue is resolved, she said the new treatments, no matter how promising, will remain “out of the reach of most with the disease.”

State Jails’ Board creates improvement plan for City Jail Continued from A1

According to the board’s finding, the Richmond jail did not provide 24-hour medical care and most notably failed to conduct two inspections an hour, despite Sheriff Irving’s public statements that inspections were being conducted.

As part of bringing the jail into compliance, the board directed Sheriff Irving to ensure the jail’s pharmacy was operating properly and to begin auditing deputy logbooks of their activity while on duty, after finding entries did not match what the cameras showed.

In response to a Free Press query, Major Stacey Bagby, the jail’s administrator, confirmed that during the state board’s investigation of the deaths, “inconsistencies were discovered when some deputies were in a pod and when their security rounds were recorded.”

“We determined that additional training on the accuracy of record-keeping and the consequences for inaccuracies would reduce any future inconsistencies,” Major Bagby stated.

“In addition to this training,” she noted that when she and the sheriff or other officers “discover records on security rounds are inaccurate, we mete out necessary discipline based on our progressive disciplinary process.

“We are also in the process of installing

Richmond Justice Center

an electronic system that will allow deputies to record their security rounds electronically and in real time to further ensure accurate record-keeping,” she concluded.

In another statement, Sheriff Irving indicated that at least 30 deputies have been written up for not conducting the inspections, even reducing pay for some.

Her disciplinary methods have infuriated some hires. The Free Press was told that the sheriff boosted her staff by hiring guards who had worked for the state Department of Corrections, only to see a portion return to the state agency after feeling the effects of Sheriff Irving’s management style.

“She’s losing people faster than she can hire replacements,” one source said.

“While overtime pay has soared for those who remain, there is only so many hours you can work double shifts before you start to burn out.”

Sheriff Irving is in her second term and will face re-election in 2025 if she seeks another term.

Since taking over as sheriff in 2018, she had received reports from the state board stating the Justice Center met minimum standards. But as of July, for the first time, the board has determined that is not true.

Lawsuits filed against RPS regarding school shooting report Continued from A1

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Tameeka Jackson-Smith, left, the mother of Shawn Jackson and the wife of Renzo Smith, attended a June 11 vigil at Abner Clay Park after both men were gunned down in front of Richmond’s Altria Theater following Mr. Jackson’s Huguenot High School graduation.

Mrs. Jackson-Smith, holds the hand of her 9-year-old daughter, Renyah Smith, right, who witnessed the killings before being hit by a car.

laws, insufficient for addressing lingering questions about the shooting and how it could have been prevented. It then hired Sands Anderson to investigate the incident and RPS operations at the time.

A motion by School Board member and 4th District Representative Jonathan Young to release the third-party investigation failed on a 6-2 vote during the board’s Nov. 20 meeting, with 6th District Representative Shonda HarrisMuhammed abstaining.

Both the local daily and Mr. Stanfield filed their FOIA requests the day following that meeting and vote. WTVR and WRIC television stations also announced lawsuits following FOIA requests for the report.

The School Board did not provide a comment on the lawsuits before the Free Press deadline.

Bernadine Simmons, L. Victor Collins and Andre Braugher remembered Continued from A1

throughout the Richmond community. With her irrepressible laugh, forthright manner and keen intelligence, Ms. Simmons left the Richmond station in the early 1990s to create a similar version of “12 About Town” in Charlotte, N.C. at a sister station. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael B. Simmons and a granddaughter, Tyjaisha Garner.

“Seeing Bernadine “Bernie” Simmons on local TV News back in the day was an epiphany,” said her former colleague Diane Walker, who retired from NBC12 a few years ago. “I was a teenager ­­— talking into my hair brush as a microphone — pretending to be a reporter when a Black reporter-anchor was hired on NBC12.

“Just seeing someone who looked like me delivering the news was confirmation, affirmation, inspiration that I could also pursue my dream of becoming a broadcast journalist. Bernie was a bad ass, bold, tough, uncompromising and wise.

She led by example. So grateful I got to work with the GOAT — a phenomenal Journalist!

Rest In Heaven Trailblazer!”

Ms. Simmons’ family will host a visitation for friends at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home on Friday, Jan. 12, at 5 p.m. and a celebration of her life will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m.

Around the same time that Ms. Simmons was informing Richmonders about happenings in Richmond, L. Victor Collins, was spreading his own advice and wisdom to students, faculty, staff and colleagues at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he served as director of multicultural affairs for several years. A beloved and respected figure on VCU’s campus, he also was known at various colleges and universities throughout the country, including Wichita State University and the University of Minnesota.

Long after Mr. Collins left VCU, his name continues to come up in conversations among practically anyone familiar with the burgeoning urban institution some 20-plus years ago.

Mr. Collins , 74, died Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in Palm Desert, Calif., according to an obituary on the Trident Society website.

“Our hearts are saddened about the passing of Victor Collins,” reads a post on the Facebook page of the VCU African American Alumni Council.

“He was the director of Multicultural Affairs at VCU during the late 1980s into the early 2000s. He retired as the Asst. Vice President of Student Affairs at Towson State University. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

“He is remembered for being an advocate for all students on campus and attending almost every minority events or programs for students on campus. Students used to love hanging outside his office in the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Our condolences to his family at this time.”

And who can forget the broad, teasing smiles or menacing scowls of André Braugher, an Emmy Award-winning dramatic actor who translated his studied deadpan into comedic genius as Capt. Raymond Holt on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,”. Mr. Braugher died Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at age 61.

He spent 100 episodes playing Det. Frank Pembleton on “Homicide: Life on the Street,” where he won a primetime Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series. He won his

second Emmy for the FX miniseries “Thief,” in which he played the leader of a heist crew.

Mr. Braugher also acted in memorable movies such as “Glory,” Spike Lee’s “Get on The Bus,” “Primal Fear” and “City of Angels.”

Multiple expressions of sympathy followed the news of Mr. Braugher’s death.

“I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent,” said “Brooklyn 99” co-star Terry Crews, via Instagram. “This hurts.

You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship.”

“Deeply saddened by the news of Andre Braugher’s passing,” wrote Shonda Rhimes via Instagram. “I mourn not only the loss of an extraordinary actor but, more profoundly, the departure of a warm and kind soul. His talent was undeniable, but it was his genuine kindness that truly set him apart. Rest well.”

Bonnie Newman Davis and George Copeland Jr. contributed to this report.

Richmond Free Press

Reliability rests on his shoulders.

There’s a source of energy in Virginia as reliable as any in the world: our employees.

It’s their hard work – braving storms, servicing power lines, and building a smarter and more secure power grid – that brings you the dependable electricity you’ve come to expect.

Our employees’ dedication to every community they serve is at the heart of everything we do.

December 14-16, 2023 A5

Richmond Free Press

A6 December 14-16, 2023

Local News

Dominion Energy to partner with VSU on energy storage project

By Debora Timms

There is a push to transform the energy sector and find ways to generate and deliver power through renewable energy sources. Dominion Energy is building the largest offshore wind project in the U.S. and has solar farms around the state.

However, to transition reliably and effectively requires a critical component sometimes overlooked in the discussion — battery storage.

“Energy is one of the biggest frontiers that the whole nation has to worry about,” said Dr. Dawit Haile, dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at Virginia State University since the fall of 2019.

“It is about climate and focusing on renewable energy,” he said in a recent telephone interview. “Battery storage is Dr. Haile one of the cores when you talk about power and energy. While ways of generating solar, hydro or wind energy are a focus for the future, if you don’t have high-capacity storage or storage that can deliver for a longer duration it will be just useless.”

That is why Dominion Energy Virginia is partnering with the university to develop a battery storage project that would provide backup power to the 6,000-seat VSU Multi-Purpose

Center that in October will be the location for the first-ever general election presidential debate to be hosted at an HBCU. The 1.5-megawatt battery that will be installed on VSU’s Ettrick campus will be manufactured by California-based EnerVenue using a metal-hydrogen technology, a variation of the nickel-hydrogen technology that has been in use in the aerospace industry for nearly a half century.

The VSU pilot project is one several initiatives that were proposed to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) in September. Two others are planned at the Darbytown Power Station in Henrico County. All of them will test new technologies that may provide alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Dominion Energy’s Ellen Jackson has been with the company for 13 years. Just Ms. Jackson over a year ago she became the company’s electric distribution program manager for distributed energy resources and is overseeing the VSU pilot project.

She said that EnerVenue’s Energy Storage Vessels can discharge energy for up to 10 hours — significantly longer than the average four hours for the lithium-ion batteries mostly in use. They are also capable of storing energy for a long period due to a low self-discharge rate.

“What we’re looking at are different ways that batteries can support the electric grid such as supporting solar and wind when we have intermittent generation,” Ms. Jackson said, noting that batteries can improve reliability and help meet output at peak demand times by discharging energy onto the grid when customers need it most.

Part of the project design will look to set benchmarks and gather data on capacity, state of charge and efficiency in order to test the optimal performance of the batteries, its ability to function in an outage and its success in real life outages.

It also will study what Dominion calls “behind-the-meter” or customer-sited battery storage solutions with a view to developing long-term incentive programs required as part of the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act.

“Virginia State University gets to use the battery for backup power support to their facility and, at the same time, that battery will also provide some grid services for Dominion Energy,” Ms. Jackson said. “This project will help us understand what sort of value does both the customer get and Dominion Energy get from the battery.”

Both she and Dr. Haile add that the VSU pilot project will allow existing curriculum to be expanded to offer more of a focus on power and energy and, once it is in place on campus, provide students the chance to participate in handson learning about battery storage systems and microgrid technology.

Additionally, there may be opportunities to offer workforce credentialing and allow for collaborative research with faculty.

Dr. Haile hopes the project can even introduce renewable energies and battery technologies to schoolchildren in the surrounding Petersburg and Chesterfield communities.

“This partnership offers invaluable hands-on experiences for students and workforce development while reinforcing our commitment to innovative research in clean energy technologies,” Dr. Haile said. “We’re thrilled to offer transformative learning experiences and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.”

If the $14.4 million VSU pilot project is approved by the SCC, it will be built in 2027.

Chesterfield students to benefit from new outdoor classroom

By Debora Timms

Salem Church Middle School and Communities In Schools of Chesterfield (CIS) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 29 to launch the school’s new outdoor classroom.

Initial funding for the collaborative project came from U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant which aims to address post-pandemic impacts on students — something especially important in a school where the majority of the students are low-income and Black and Brown, the same populations disproportionately negatively impacted by COVID and its long-term effects.

“Studies on outdoor education talk about increased student engagement and ownership over learning,” CIS Executive Director Ashley Hall can be seen explaining in video of her remarks during the launch event.

She added that outdoor learning environments can improve student’s attention, focus and cognitive function resulting in improved academic performance. Other benefits include the development of social and collaborative skills and mitigation of childhood anxiety and stress.

CIS works with 13 high-need schools in the county to provide wraparound services to some 13,000 students. A primary measure for schools receiving CIS services is the poverty threshold. While 2022 data shows nearly 35% of Chesterfield County Public School students live in poverty, that number is 85% in the schools serviced by CIS. Particularly since the return to in-person learn-

Photo courtesy of Hollis Cobb

Celebrating Chesterfield County’s outdoor classroom last month are, from left, Dot Heffron (CCPS School Board member, Clover Hill District), Dr. Mervin Daugherty (CCPS Superintendent), Tonika Bryant (CIS of Chesterfield, Salem Church Middle School), Dan Cohen (Chesterfield County Community Enhancement), Nicholas Olson (Principal, Salem Church Middle School), James Holland (Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, Dale District), Ashley Hall (CIS of Chesterfield, executive director), Danika Briggs (CIS of Chesterfield, vice chair of the School Board).

ing, CIS has identified higher levels of behavioral challenges and mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, chronic absenteeism, self harm and disagreements between students. These

have been especially evident at the middle and high school levels.

So when Nicholas Olson, the principal of Salem Church Middle, presented the idea for

an outdoor classroom, Ms. Hall said CIS saw it as a “safe way to encourage student attendance and create diverse learning experiences” and immediately got to work.

Mr. Olson said his initial vision for the space was small, “maybe four picnic tables and some gravel.” However, many partners, donors and volunteers came together to create something more for the school’s approximately 900 students.

Richmond-based artist Hamilton Glass transformed a shipping container into a beautiful mural celebrating the school. Wooden benches and planters were crafted of felled trees from the area by Cody Artiglia of Backyard Farmer in Richmond. The goal will be to create vegetable gardens in these planters when the weather warms.

The outdoor classroom even has internet to ensure it is not only beautiful, but also a fullyfunctional learning space.

“My hope is that it now creates a space rooted in imagination, discovery and learning for our students for many years to come,” Ms. Hall shared.

For Mr. Olson, the completed project is more than he ever imagined. He credits the diverse Salem school community that came together to support its students.

“Real communities know that success doesn’t come from just the people inside of a building.

It comes from everybody that lives within the boundary having a common goal of supporting our students finding and reaching their full potential,” Mr. Olson said. “I’m very, very blessed to be a member of that community.”

VCU Health Sciences Library exhibits focus on HIV/AIDS Free Press staff repot

treatment for people with HIV/ AIDS since the mid-1980s.

“Let communities lead” was VCU’s HIV/AIDS Clinic was the theme of World AIDS Day, founded to improve the health which this year fell on Friday, and social condition of persons Dec. 1. Although AIDS deaths living with HIV and to prevent and HIV infection rates do not the spread of the disease. often lead news reports in 2023, “We hope through dynamic that does not mean that HIV/ programming and related exAIDS does not continue to hibits we can encourage reflecimpact people’s lives and our tion, discovery, and awareness health care systems. of how HIV/AIDS According to impacted the lives KFF, an indepenof many,” said the dent source for health exhibit organizef policy research, some Emily Hurst, deputy 39 million people director and research were living with HIV and education dein 2022. Improved partment head for the treatments are aluniversity’s Health Ms. Hurst lowing people with Sciences Library.

HIV to live longer and a better “The discovery of HIV/ understanding of how the disease AIDS led to panic and concern can be prevented have lowered for health care professions and transmission rates, yet there were patients. Today, through a vastill about 1.3 million new infec- riety of interventions, patients tions in 2022, or about 3,500 for with HIV/AIDS can generally every day of the year. lead longer healthy lives,” Ms. Through December and Hurst added. “We hope that into the new year, Virginia the display and related exhibCommonwealth University its will serve as an important will present opportunities to reminder about the many lives reflect on the AIDS crisis both lost to HIV/AIDS as well as the nationally and in Richmond work of dedicated health care through exhibits on loan from professionals.”

The Valentine and the National The Health Sciences Library Library of Medicine. There exhibit enables students and also is a companion exhibit visitors to learn about the early from the Special Collections stages of the AIDS crisis and and Archives of VCU Health reflect upon the political activSciences Library. ism, stigma and community VCU’s MCV Campus has responses that emerged and been involved in the care and co-existed while the medical

community sought to save lives, according to exhibit organizers.

“Surviving and Thriving: AIDS, Politics and Culture,” an exhibit from the National Library of Medicine, will be on display in the library’s Special Collections and Archives Reading Room through Dec. 16. This traveling exhibit focuses on the

AIDS epidemic that arose in the United States in the 1980s and the fear and confusion that arose with it.

“Voices from Richmond’s Hidden Epidemic,” an exhibit on loan from The Valentine, can be seen in the Health Sciences Library Gallery through Jan. 8.

Told through the voices of survivors, caregivers, activists and

health care professionals, this project offers a distinct perspective on the epidemic in Richmond where the prevalence of HIV infection within the Black community is compounded by many factors including poverty, the elimination of sex ed programs in public schools and the ongoing opioid crisis.

“The AIDS Experience:

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Richmond Free Press

December 14-16, 2023 A7

Local News

Celebrating 100 years of God’s Grace Mr. Edward H. Harris (bka) Redtop

A gift was given to us December 14, 1923.

Edward H. Harris is a man of honor, integrity and dedication to family.

Our family extends their warm heartfelt wishes for a very happy 100th birthday.

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EE FR

A long-awaited 122-unit subdivision that is supposed to rise on nearly 40 acres in the 500 block of Dove Street in Highland Park remains shut down.

Work began last spring on the mixedincome housing development on which the Better Housing Coalition serves as master developer, but halted in August and has yet to resume.

According to Greta J. Harris, BHC president and CEO, the nonprofit developer of affordable homes and apartments is still working out agreements with the city for the release of millions of dollars to pay for installation of utility lines, new streets and alleys and other infrastructure for the Highland Grove project.

Ms. Harris said she is optimistic that the legal agreements will be signed and approved through City Council early in 2024 so that work can restart by the spring.

She said BHC is not prepared to proceed without all of the funding in place.

Her optimism proved to be justified.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration introduced to council an ordinance em-

bodying the agreement with BHC to be voted on in January.

The council already has approved providing $11.9 million for the development of Phase 1, with virtually all of the funding earmarked to pay for installation of the infrastructure for the first 97 homes.

The city has set aside another $6.6 million for development of Phase 2, with 25 homes, for a total of 122.

Ms. Harris said the paperwork issues that arose likely would mean the first homes will not be available Ms. Harris until at least 2025, given that completion of site work scheduled for June 2024 would be pushed back at least six months.

Waiting in the wings for the site work to be completed are three BHC partners, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, project:Homes and the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, which are to develop the homes.

Of the first 97 homes, 28 are to be af-

fordable, currently defined by the federal government as a home that that is being sold for no more than $323,000.

The development is to sit beside Overby-Sheppard Elementary School on land that was once home to the Virginia National Guard.

The halt in work represents another delay for a housing development that has been in the works since L. Douglas Wilder was mayor of the city more than 14 years ago.

During his tenure Mayor Wilder began the push to revamp the area that led by 2008 to the removal of the 60-unit Dove Court public housing and dilapidated private apartments that sat across the street.

Their replacement, the current 128 Highland Grove rental units, opened in 2013, leaving the subdivision as the last piece to be accomplished.

Though it took more years, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, which owned the land, tapped BHC to handle the development in 2020 and turned over the land to BHC in 2021. It is to be BHC’s first residential subdivision.

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Better Housing Coalition officials said talks continue with the city for the release of millions of dollars to cover utility lines and other infrastructure for the Highland Grove project, a mixed-income housing development in the 500 block of Dove Street in Highland Park.

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December 14-16, 2023

The breakthrough A long-awaited treatment for sickle cell anemia is highlighted in this week’s Free Press.

That’s good news we all can use and possibly take our minds off of City jail investigations, lawsuits against the Richmond school board, an ex-president trying to weasel his way back into the White House, and too many wars to count (more than 45 in the Middle East and North Africa).

Thus, bravo to the dogged determination of medical and research scientists for the FDA’s approval of two milestone treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia. The treatments represent the first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients 12 years and older.

One of these therapies, Casgevy, is the first FDA-approved treatment to utilize a type of novel genome editing technology, signaling an innovative advancement in the field of gene therapy, the FDA stated Dec. 8. The announcement stirred excitement in Black communities everywhere.

Why? Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders affecting approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. It is most common in AfricanAmericans and, while less prevalent, also affects Hispanic Americans.

The primary problem in sickle cell disease is a mutation in hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to the body’s tissues, according to the FDA. This mutation causes red blood cells to develop a crescent or “sickle” shape. These sickled red blood cells restrict the flow in blood vessels and limit oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues, leading to severe pain and organ damage called vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) or vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). The recurrence of these events or crises can lead to life-threatening disabilities and/or early death.

“Sickle cell disease is a rare, debilitating and life-threatening blood disorder with significant unmet need, and we are excited to advance the field especially for individuals whose lives have been severely disrupted by the disease by approving two cell-based gene therapies today,” said Nicole Verdun, M.D., director of the Office of Therapeutic Products within the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Gene therapy holds the promise of delivering more targeted and effective treatments, especially for individuals with rare diseases where the current treatment options are limited.”

Thus, in Richmond, the FDA announcement is especially welcome where the late LaVerne Amelia Wingo Cooper devoted her life to trying to find cures for the disease. Mrs. Wingo Cooper, who died last September at age 92, was a clinical researcher at the Medical College of Virginia whose work focused on sickle cell anemia. Physician Robert B. Scott Jr. and Richmond social worker Florence Neal Cooper Smith also have worked for decades in leading the fight to raise awareness of the disorder and improve treatment through a research center at MCV, Virginia Commonwealth University’s medical arm.

Others who’ve championed awareness of sickle cell anemia and ongoing research for a cure include Dr. Wally R. Smith, who currently leads the adult sickle cell research and treatment clinic at VCU’s medical school and hospital. There’s also Allison Coles-Johnson, a retired nurse who co-chairs the Richmond-area nonprofit, Finding A Cure for Sickle Cell Anemia, describes the new therapies as an “excellent start,” but cautions that there is a need to continue “research so that therapies like this can become more accessible and more attainable” for those with the disease.

Dr. Smith acknowledged that the cost of the new treatment may be a barrier. According to sickle cell advocates, these new one-time, singledose therapies are expected to cost at least $1.2 million, and possibly more.

Cost is already a barrier to existing sickle cell medications, our Free Press report notes. For example, the cost of Oxbryta, a Phizer medication to increase red blood cell production, has jumped in cost from $2,200 a month five years ago to nearly $12,000 a month currently, according to Sickle Cell-Virginia.

So while the new treatments have been approved, there is no rest for the weary as Dr. Smith, Ms. Coles-Johnson, and others continue to tackle barriers encountered by many sickle cell patients.

What can you do? Learn more about this daunting disease that has claimed the lives of far too many of our friends and loved ones. Visit VCU’s Sickle Cell Disease Program website (https://intmed.vcu.edu/about/institutes/sickle-cell/), sign up and participate in one of the charitable fundraisers, runs and walks that take place to raise awareness about and money to fight the disease. Become a volunteer for a sickle cell-related event. Contribute to scholarship programs for college students in STEM or social work disciplines.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Give a child a book for Christmas They don’t call it “Black Friday” because they love Black people; they call it Black Friday because many businesses are pushed into the black (from the red ink of losses to the black ink of profits) on that day or into the holiday season.

In just the three days from Black Friday until Sunday, Nov. 26, online sales jumped by more than 7%, according to one of the credit card companies that tracks spending from credit receipts. Even with economic anxiety, people are spending money.

If your email inbox is anything like mine, you are barraged with ads and promotions offering 25%, 50%, and even 75% off.

These retailers aren’t giving anything away for free. A 75% offer means they had marked the product up by three times what it cost them to produce it to get their retail price. The original tag may have said $99.99. Trust and believe that the item didn’t cost more than $25 to produce unless it has been sitting on the shelf for so long that it is cheaper to mark the item down than to use shelf

space for something else.

Books are the same way.

Booksellers mark books down when they need to make room for new inventory. But there is a big difference between giving someone a jacket and giving them a book, especially if the book is a gift for a young person.

Too many children don’t have books or access to them, and the gift of a book can transform a

Julianne Malveaux child’s life.

You can open a world for a youngster with a book that shows him or her other countries and offers different ways of thinking (thus the scientific fiction genre and Afrofuturism popular among many young Black folks nto). Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, founder of the African-American Children’s Book Fair, which will take place in Philadelphia on Feb. 3, 2024 (https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/) ends her voicemail message with “buy a book” because she is passionate about the power that literacy has to enhance a young life.

So, if you are playing Santa Claus laden with gifts, make sure at least one is a book. And if your funds aren’t challenged,

bring at least one book to your cherished child and gift another child or two with a book.

COVID-19 and the ease and speed of online ordering have challenged the vitality of independent Black bookstores.

But Mahogany Books, founded in 2007 as an online platform (www.mahagonybooks.com), now has two brick-and-mortar locations and thrives.

In Oakland, Calif., Marcus Books, the first Black bookstore west of the Mississippi River, continues to thrive despite challenges. One recent list of independent Blackowned bookstores counts 89 (https://www.cntraveler.com/ story/black-owned-bookstores) and suggests patronizing them in person or online.

Independent Black-owned bookstores are now more critical than ever. As of this April, 28 states have passed laws preventing teaching “critical race theory” (https://www.statista. com/chart/29757/anti-criticalrace-theory-measures/), which can sometimes be broadly construed to include the simple teaching of African American history.

Several initiatives have been introduced, with some implementing and regulating teaching, library content, and more. One

America no longer the ‘land of opportunity’ When the governors of Texas, Arizona and Florida took advantage of the welcoming traditions provided by sanctuary cities, it was meant to get rid of an unwanted problem. More than 23,000 asylum seekers have been bused to Chicago from Texas since the beginning of the year. As the cold weather sets in, people in the nation’s third largest city are sheltering on sidewalks, at police station foyers and at the city’s airport.

A sanctuary city is a community with a policy that discourages local law enforcement from reporting the immigration status of individuals unless it involves investigation of a serious crime.

Chicago has been considered a sanctuary city since 1985 when then-Mayor Harold Washington issued an order prohibiting local officials from withholding city services, and investigating or prosecuting people solely based on their immigration status.

The Welcoming City Ordinance banned police officers from arresting anyone just because they were suspected of being undocumented.

Now, several Chicago alderpersons are having a change of heart. They are calling for the sanctuary status to be reconsidered in response to the number of migrants who recently arrived to the city. The heated debate over the issue has divided the City Council where some members are seeking to put Chicago’s sanctuary city status up for a referendum vote next year.

“When Harold Washington did this, times were different.

We didn’t have people coming into this city by the thousands,” one alderman said during a contentious council meeting.

While the debate in Chicago highlights the frustration of overwhelmed city officials, the

David W. Marshall sanctuary rules were intended to apply to undocumented residents rather than the wave of new arrivals seeking asylum.

If the referendum were to be approved by voters, the state’s Trust Act signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner would still prohibit the Chicago Police Department from cooperating with immigration authorities.

Chicago is not alone in struggling to cope with the influx of asylum seekers. Other Democratic-led cities including Denver, Houston, Los Angles and New York have received more than 120,000 asylum seekers. The mayors of those cities have formed a coalition, led by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, to press President Biden for more federal aid as their resources dwindle and migrants arrive in their cities with little coordination. In New York where a cruise ship terminal was turned into a shelter, Mayor Eric Adams has called the city’s migrant influx a crisis, warning that shelters are so full that migrants will soon be forced onto the streets despite the cold weather.

President Biden has requested $1.4 billion from Congress to help state and local governments provide shelter and services for migrants. Denver’s Mayor John-

ston and the other mayors say in a joint letter that $5 billion is needed. “While we are greatly appreciative of the additional federal funding proposed, our city budgets and local taxpayers continue to bear the brunt of this ongoing federal crisis,” the letter says. Denver is spending $2 million a week on sheltering migrants.

New York has surpassed a total of $1.7 billion and Chicago has spent $320 million, according to the letter. “Our cities need additional resources that far exceed the amount proposed in order to properly care for the asylum seekers entering our communities,” the mayors’ letter says. “Relying on municipal budgets is not sustainable and has forced us to cut essential city services.”

The mayors also want an accelerated work authorization approval process so migrants can find work. The humanitarian crisis is proving that America as a nation can no longer be seen as the “land of opportunity” for asylum seekers who have no reliable family support or sponsors in the U.S. already in place to help them transition.

As cities are already overburdened with the issues of homelessness and the lack of affordable housing, can they realistically take on the extra burden of migrants and continue essential services for the longterm future? This is an issue which is not going away in the foreseeable future.

The writer is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book “God Bless Our Divided America.”

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.

disgruntled racist parent can cause a book to be removed from a library or banned from a syllabus. The American Library Association keeps track of the more than 1,600 books that were challenged in 2022, with the 13 most frequently challenged including Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” (https://www. statista.com/chart/29757/anticritical-race-theory-measures/).

Rabid parents want to keep these books out of the curriculum and ban them from libraries. That’s why every home needs a library, and every child needs to have their own books.

The culture wars are here, and with the 2024 election, they will likely start sizzling. We can provide education child by child. Buy a child a book for Christmas!

The writer is an economist, author and educator.

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Richmond Free Press

December 14-16, 2023 A9

News

Biden calls ‘surge’ in antisemitism ‘sickening’ during White House Hanukkah reception The Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Biden hosted a Hanukkah reception at the White House on Monday night, vowing to continue to stand with Israel in its war with Hamas while saying that a “surge of antisemitism” around the globe “is sickening.”

Nearly 800 guests filled the East Room to almost overflowing. The crowd included Holocaust survivors, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and about two dozen members of Congress. Also present were Jewish community leaders and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who was among those who lit a menorah partially made from the original timbers of the White House.

The husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, Mr. Emhoff is the first Jewish person to be the spouse of one of the country’s nationally elected leaders. Last week he presided over the lighting ceremony of a massive menorah in front of the White House.

A menorah is lit nightly during the eight-day Jewish festival, which this year is being celebrated from Dec. 7 until Friday. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue in New York led Monday’s ceremony, telling the president: “You’ve been a steadfast supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself.

A trusted and true friend to the Jewish people.”

Rabbi Buchdahl talked about the darkness of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which triggered war with Israel. But she said that since, “Its only gotten darker, with many around the world justifying terrorism, normalizing antisemitism, with the pain of so many lives lost — Israeli and Palestinian — in this just but tragic war.”

She also drew sustained applause when she called President Biden “a beacon of strength.”

The president told the crowd, “You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.” He said that while he doesn’t always agree with Israel’s leaders and governmental policies, “Were there no Israel, there would not be a Jew in the world who is safe.”

“We continue to provide military assistance until they get rid of Hamas but we have to be careful,” President Biden said of U.S. support for the war.

He added: “The whole world, public opinion can shift overnight. We can’t let that happen.”

The Biden administration in May announced what it called the first-ever national strategy to counter antisemitism. Still, antisemitism has only intensified in some quarters as criticism rises over the mounting Palestinian death toll. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of an impending “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

President Biden said of hostages being held by Hamas, which U.S. authorities have been working for months to help free, “We’re not going to stop

until we get every one of them home.” The crowd also cheered when he talked of his administration’s efforts to increase humanitarian aid flowing to civilians in Gaza caught in the fighting.

Others, though, have decried President Biden’s stance on the war. Earlier Monday, protesters gathered outside the White House as nearly 20 women describing themselves as “Jewish elders” chained themselves to the fence around the grounds. Wearing black T-shirts reading “Not In Our Name,” they chanted: “Biden, Biden, pick a side! Cease-fire not genocide!” while reading the names of those killed in Gaza.

Authorities took the women away after using a bolt cutter to cut the chains that had encircled the protesters’waists. Organizers said they deliberately picked the day of the White House’s Hanukkah celebration to protest.

“We, as elder Jews, we know what genocide looks like. We know what genocide feels like. It’s in our bodies, in our bones,” said Esther Farmer of Jewish Voice for Peace, which organized the demonstration. “It’s horrifying, it’s devastating.

Sometimes, it’s hard to get up in the morning to see this, and it’s being done in the name of Jews.

So we are here — as elderly Jews — to say, not in our name.”

The U.S. Park Police said they issued 18 citations to the protesters and released them from custody.

President Biden at the reception said he recognized American Jews “hurt” and “fear for your safety” because “the surge of antisemitism in the United States and around the world is sickening.”

“We see it in our communities and in schools and colleges and social media,” the president said, adding that such instances “surface painful scars.”

On Saturday, Liz Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania, resigned following pressure from donors and criticism over testimony at a congressional hearing where she was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the school’s conduct policy. Universities across the U.S. have been accused of failing to protect Jewish students amid the fallout from the war in Gaza.

White House spokesman Andrew Bates declined to comment Monday on former President Magill’s decision to resign. Presidents Claudine Gay of Harvard and Sally Kornbluth of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who appeared alongside Ms. Magill, also have faced criticism.

Dr. Gay has apologized for her remarks.

Mr. Bates noted that Ms. Magill issued a statement withdrawing her remarks.

“That was the right thing to do,” he said.

The Associated Press

President Biden hosted a Hanukkah reception Monday night at the White House. He vowed to stand with Israel in its fight against Hamas. Joining President Biden were Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue in New York and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who was among those who lit a menorah partially made from the original timbers of the White House.

COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024 The County Manager’s recommended amendments to the budget for fiscal year 2023-24 are prepared and published in synopsis form solely for the purposes of fiscal planning and public information. Publication of this proposed amendments does not constitute an appropriation of funds for those purposes by the Board of Supervisors. Funds cannot be allocated or distributed until they are appropriated by the Board.

The amendments consist of estimates and are requests submitted to the County Manager with his recommendations concerning the requests.

The Board of Supervisors of the County of Henrico, Virginia, will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed amendments to the budget at a meeting on December 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the Board Room at the Henrico Government Center, Hungary Spring and East Parham Roads. The public hearing will be held pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-2507, and is for the purpose of allowing the public to question and comment on the proposed amendments to the budget. All citizens have the right to attend and share their views on the proposed amendments within such reasonable time limits as shall be determined by the Board of Supervisors.

At the December 12, 2023, meeting, after the public hearing, the Board will consider approving the amendments to the Annual Fiscal Plan and appropriating funds, as applicable, for fiscal year 2023-24.

PROPOSED AME DME T ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OPERATING FUNDS Federal Revenue State Revenue Fund Balance/Reserves Total Operating Resources CAPITAL FUNDS Federal Revenue Fund Balance Total Capital Resources TOTAL RESOURCES

$ $ $ $ $

805,278 17,248,045 597,889 18,651,212 5,000,000 23,807,744 28,807,744 47,458,956

ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OPERATING FUNDS GENERAL FUND Fire Recreation & Parks Public Health Education Total General Fund SPECIAL REVENUE FUND Police Mental Health/Developmental Services Capital Region Workforce Partnership Total Special Revenue Fund Total Operating Requirements CAPITAL FUNDS CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND Recreation and Parks Non-Departmental Public Works Education Non-Departmental Total Capital Projects Fund Education TOTAL REQUIREMENTS Total Capital Projects Fund TOTAL REQUIREMENTS

$

$ $

429,595 87,725 80,569 17,240,560 17,838,449

$ $

7,485 421,775 383,503 812,763 18,651,212

$ $ $

3,973,843 961,250 23,546,800 325,851 961,250 28,807,744 325,851 47,458,956 28,807,744 47,458,956

A copy of these proposed amendments is available for inspection in the County Manager’s office at the Henrico Government Center, Hungary Spring and East Roads, and is alsoManager’s available to be viewed A copy of these proposed amendments is available for Parham inspection in the County office at the on the County’s website at: Hungary Spring and East Parham Roads, and is also available to be viewed Henrico Government Center, on the County’s website at: http://henrico.us/finance/divisions/office-of-management-and-budget/ http://henrico.us/finance/divisions/office-of-management-and-budget/ Given under my hand this 29th day of November, 2023.

Given under my hand this 29th day of November, 2023.

Tanya N. Brackett, Clerk Henrico Board of Supervisors Tanya N.County Brackett, Clerk Henrico County Board of Supervisors

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Visit bonsecours.com/primarycare to find a location and connect with a primary care provider today.

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Richmond Free Press

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Stories by Fred Jeter

It’s time to celebrate

Florida A&M and Howard head to bowl game in ATL The eighth Celebration Bowl will have a first-time winner this year.

Florida A&M and Howard are newbies to the annual event used to crown the de facto Black National Champion.

The two historically Black FCS conferences, the SWAC and MEAC, will send their champions to the Celebration Bowl rather than the FCS playoffs.

Money and exposure talks.

There is a $1 million payout to each conference as well as a national television audience for the game and halftime battle of the bands.

A&M, located in Tallahassee, defeated Prairie View, Texas., for its first SWAC title.

The Rattlers are 11-1 with the lone defeat back on Sept. 9 to FBS South Florida.

Howard, 6-5, took the MEAC crown by upsetting North Carolina Central. Both Howard and Central finished 4-1 in the MEAC, with Howard getting the nod based on the head-to-head win.

The coaches: A&M’s Willie

What: Cricket Celebration Bowl When: Saturday, Dec. 16 Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Time: Noon TV: ABC Matchup: SWAC champion Florida A&M (11-1) vs. MEAC champ Howard (6-5)

Bowl history 2015 North Carolina A&T 41, Alcorn 34 2016 Grambling 10, North Carolina Central 9 2017 A&T 21, Grambling 14 2018 A&T 24, Alcorn 22 2019 A&T 64, Alcorn 44 2020 no game 2021 South Carolina State 31, Jackson State 10 2022 North Carolina Central 41, Jackson 34 (OT)

Jeremy Moussa

Quinton Williams

The quarterbacks: The Rattlers’ Jeremy Moussa, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound grad student, previously played at Hawaii and Vanderbilt. The native Californian has passed for 2,604 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.

Simmons, a native of Tallahassee, is 44-13 overall and 32-5 in SWAC at his hometown school.

Howard’s Larry Scott, from Sebring, Fla., is 14-21 overall and 9-8 in the MEAC at the Washington, D.C., university.

Quinton Williams, a 6-foot-5 grad student from Upper Marlboro, Md., has passed for 2,158 yards and 16 TDS, while also running for five scores.

Local connections: The Howard defense features defensive tackle Jamel Steward

from Thomas Jefferson High and linebacker Christian White form Highland Springs.

Joe Taylor, currently the vice president for intercollegiate athletics at Virginia Union, coached at both of this year’s Celebration Bowl entries.

He was Howard’s coach in 1983 and A&M’s coach from 2008 to 2012.

Legends:A&M has sent more than 50 players to the NFL, most notably NFL Hall of Famers’Bob Hayes and Ken Riley.

Hayes, the Olympic 100-meter dash champ in 1964, went on to catch 371 passes with the Dallas Cowboys, good for 7,414 yards and 71 TDs. Riley had 65 pass interceptions for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1969 to 1983.

Howard alum Ron Bartell made 353 NFL tackles for St. Louis, Oakland and Detroit from 2005 to 2013. Bartell is now the owner of Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles in his hometown of Detroit.

Some background: This is at least the third attempt by HBCUs to crown their own champion on the field, rather than in a poll.

Predecessors to the Celebration Bowl were the Pelican Bowl from 1972 to 1975 in New Orleans and the Heritage Bowl, 1991 to 1999 in Atlanta.

Harding scores most points by a Panther since 1990 Virginia Union University enjoyed the CIAA’s top scorer a year ago in Robert Osborne.

With Osborne having graduated, the Panthers may have another scoring champ this year in Tahj Harding.

On Dec. 3, Harding knocked the dust off the basketball record book, scoring 47 points in a 92-90, triple-overtime loss at Augusta University, Ga. “Tahj played one of the best games that I have ever seen as a player or coach at Virginia Union,” said VUU Coach Jay Butler, who also is a former point guard for the school.

The 6-foot-5 junior from Ohio hit 15 of 32 field goals, six of nine from behind the arc and 11 of 14 free throws. He added six rebounds, two assists and two steals in the busy night.

It was the most points by a Panther since A.J. English tallied 54 in a game against St. Tahj Harding Augustine’s in 1990. English would go on to lead NCAA Division II in scoring with 30 points per night.

Harding’s explosion marked the first time a VUU player had reached 40 since Terrell Leach in 2020.

The all-time, one-game mark of 62 was set by Mike Davis in 1968 against Hampton.

Osborne led the CIAA a year ago with a 20.2 scoring norm. After 10 games for the 5-5 Panthers, Harding topped the league with a 20.9 average.

Johnson C. Smith’s Avery Huggins was right behind him at 20.2.

Livingstone’s Pharoah Lassiter is now second in CIAA scoring behind Harding with 20 points per game.

Versatility defines Travis Hunter’s MVP award

Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter is college football’s MVP … no, not Most Valuable player, but rather Most Versatile Player.

The brilliant University of Colorado athlete has won the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile performer.

After transferring to Colorado along with Coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State, Hunter starred for the Buffaloes on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, the sophomore had 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns. On defense he made 31 tackles and snagged three interceptions. He collected those statistics despite missing three games with injury.

Hunter is the only player in the country to have played at least 200 snaps on each side of the ball.

Since the inception of the award in 2010, past winners include Tavon Austin, Odell Beckham,

Christian McCaffrey and Jabril Peppers, all of whom went on to NFL fame.

Hunter is most compared to Charles Woodson (1997 Heisman winner), who starred as a Michigan defensive back and receiver.

Paul Hornung excelled at the University of Notre Dame and the NFL Green Bay Packers as both a running back/quarterback and place kicker. Hornung was the 1956 Heisman Trophy winner.

Williams’ impressive moves at VCU continue in NBA

Vince Williams Jr.’s name should be added to VCU’s impressive list of players to make an impact in the NBA. Williams enjoyed back-to-back, double figure scoring outings last week with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Wearing jersey No. 5, the 6-foot-4 wing had 12 points in a loss to Phoenix and 15 points in a win over Dallas. He also had nine rebounds and three assists against the Mavericks.

Overall, Williams has played in 13 games for the Griz, averaging 4.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

A Toledo native, Williams played at VCU from 2018 to 2022, battling labrum, hand and ankle injuries. As a heathy senior, he earned All-Atlantic 10 honors and was the second-round, 47nd overall draft pick in 2022 by Memphis.

He currently is on a two-way contract with Memphis and its G-League affiliate Memphis Hustle. That means he can go up or down depending on the NBA squad’s needs.

Also, on a two-way contract with the Griz is former University of Richmond guard Jacob Gilyard.

Williams joins Bones Hyland as VCU’s only other current NBA player. Hyland is in his first full season with the Los Angeles Clippers after being drafted

by Denver. Hyland is averaging about eight points on a team featured NBA royalty, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

VCU’s first draft pick and NBA player was Jesse “Bodine” Dark, who was selected by the New York Knicks in the second round (32nd overall) in 1974.

Dark starred at Maggie L. Walker High before becoming a Ram.

From VCU to NBA Player Joined NBA First team Jesse Dark 1974 N.Y. Knicks Bernard Harris 1974 Buffalo Gerald Henderson 1978 Boston Ed Sherod 1981 N.Y. Knicks Eric Maynor 2009 Oklahoma City Larry Sanders 2010 Cleveland Troy Daniels 2013 Charlotte Treveon Graham 2015 Atlanta Briante Weber 2015 Charlotte Bones Hyland 2021 Denver Vince Williams 2022 Memphis • Marc Jackson played his freshman season at VCU before transferring to St. Joseph’s and later enjoying a long NBA career

Bronny makes USC debut Bronny James’ much-awaited college debut will be remembered for plenty of excitement, but also a painful loss.

With 21 seconds left, it looked like James might be the Southern Cal hero when he hit two free throws to put the Trojans up, 74-72, over visiting Long Beach.

However, Marcus Tsohonis (former VCU player) tied the game up at the buzzer and Long Beach won in overtime, 84-79. Tsohonis finished with 28.

Former VCU Ram Vince Williams guards the Celtics’ Jrue Holiday in a recent NBA game.

Playing before a sold out Galen Center crowd, including Bronny’s famous father, LeBron, and other family members, the 6-foot-4 freshman scored four points in 16 minutes.

Wearing jersey No. 6, he also grabbed three rebounds, handed out two assists, made two steals and blocked a shot.

Kyah Smith

Smith says ‘anchors aweigh’

Basketball standout Kyah Smith has proven to be in shipshape as a college freshman.

The native Richmonder and former L.C. Bird High of Chesterfield star is making waves at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. The 5-foot-9 starting guard is averaging 11 points, five rebounds and four assists after her first nine games for the Midshipmen wearing jersey No. 2 in Navy blue and gold.

That included scoring highs of 20 against Quinnipiac, 19 against Binghampton and 15 against Mount St. Mary’s.

“Kyah is a dynamic and creative guard,” said Navy Coach Tim Taylor. “She is at her best breaking down defenses and being a playmaker.”

The daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Smith and Amber Harris arrived at the Maryland campus with glowing credentials.

Under Coach Chevette Waller (former VCU standout), Smith earned Class 5 All-State honors while helping the Skyhawks to a 23-5 record and the state semifinals against Princess Anne.

She also was first-team AllState Academic and the Chesterfield County Public Schools Citizenship Award winner.

Navy competes in the Division I Patriot league and has made three appearances in the NCAA tournament.

James was returning to competition after suffering cardiac arrest in a practice session July 24.

With the loss, USC falls to 5-5. James dressed but did not play in the first nine outings. USC’s next game will be Sunday, Dec. 17, at Auburn, Ala., with a 1 p.m. tipoff.

December 14-16, 2023 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings Personality: Darryl A. Stuckey Sr.

B

Spotlight on Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Beta Gamma Lambda Education Foundation vice chair When a young boy sought to escape the bullying he routinely endured in school, Darryl A. Stuckey Sr. stepped in to help the youth gain not only a sense of purpose, but a stronger sense of self.

Mr. Stuckey, vice chair of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Beta Gamma Lambda Education Foundation, learned that the youngster, who attended a local public school, longed to transfer to a private Catholic school in Richmond. Mr. Stuckey is a mentor at the school, which provides young people of limited economic means a rigorous college prep education blended with faith, purpose and service.

When Mr. Stuckey’s mentee graduated from his new school, he did so as class president armed with a full scholarship to college.

For Mr. Stuckey, his work with such young men further fulfills the fraternity’s mission: “To develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.”

“We want them to start off on a good foot,” Mr. Stuckey says. “If you invest the time in these kids, they will flourish and they will blossom.”

Mr. Stuckey, who previously was the Richmond chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha’s treasurer and vice president, continues to wear several hats for the organization, which is the oldest Black fraternity in the United States. He also is chair of the organization’s Young Achievers and Making Men groups.

Yet, Mr. Stuckey views his position as vice chair of the Alpha’s education foundation as a chance to offer engaging activities and programs to which the boys otherwise

may not be exposed. He often sees and hears from his mentees and their parents about the challenges youths face today, including mental health struggles, poverty, exposure to crime and other dangers.

Rather than run from such challenges, Mr. Stuckey meets them head on.

“I love kids,” Mr. Stuckey replies when asked why he took on the role as vice chair and other leadership positions. “I think that we have to invest in the generation of kids coming up.”

For Mr. Stuckey and the BGLEF, that investment is focused on preparing young men from the ninth through 12th grades for higher education, whether by providing scholarships for college or tailored suits for job interviews and other professional events.

Helping youths reach new academic heights regardless of who they are or where they come from, however, remains a point of pride for Mr. Stuckey.

“That’s the part that is nearest and dearest to my heart, is to help these kids go to college,” Mr. Stuckey says.

“I’m proud of things like that.

To me, that’s impressive and I want to do more of that.”

Mr. Stuckey hopes to continue working with Alpha Phi Alpha’s education foundation or the fraternity’s community and mentorship services committees after his term as vice chair ends.

“Maybe as we elect a new president (and) a new chair, they (will) consider that my work is valuable and will continue to keep me on, because I really love doing what I’m doing.”

Meet a volunteer who is committed to providing guidance and resources to

collegiate Greek letter fraternity established for African-American men.

Founders: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy.

Mission: To develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

Membership: 100-plus members locally.

Richmond area youths and this week’s Personality, Darryl A. Stuckey Sr.: Volunteer position(s): Vice chair, Alpha Phi Alpha Beta Gamma Lambda Education Foundation, chair Young Achievers, Making Men and STEM. Occupation: COO, The Urban Group DMV Corp.

Date and place of birth: Jan. 25 in Chicago.

Where I live now: Richmond.

Education: Virginia State University, bachelor’s in accounting and finance.

Family: Wife, Delisa HillsStuckey, four children.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is: The oldest African-American fraternity, founded Dec. 4, 1906.

Why founded: By seven college students at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. Alpha Phi Alpha is the first inter-

Civic service and our chapter: The chapter’s primary objective is to shape the lives of young people by helping them become more of who they already are.

Beta Gamma Lambda Education Foundation is: A separate branch of the Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity that strives to provide mentorships, aid and scholarships to young African-Americans in Richmond, with a major focus on its annual scholarship banquet held on the third Sunday in May. My titles and roles are: Past treasurer, past vice president, current mentorship chair.

No. 1 goal or projects I am leading: Mentorship of young African-American men, both locally and nationally through affiliate chapters.

Strategy for achieving goals: To show and introduce role models that look like them that they can identify with.

No. 1 challenge: Continue to keep them engaged and finan-

cial support for the programs.

We do not charge the kids to come our programs. One of the things that I do is when I have graduating seniors is provide customized suits for them every year. We’re constantly raising money for these young men. We want them to start off on a good foot. We used to rent tuxedos for them for our scholarship gala. Now it’s to the point that I think for a young man to be able to get his first custom suit is huge. We start them off on the right foot. When he has his first interview, he has a suit, whether it’s for a job placement, or to get into the college. So usually when you do things like that, that’s a lasting impression on the young man coming out of high school. If you invest the time in these kids, they will flourish and they will blossom.”

Upcoming events:Young Achievers, a program for young people in the suburbs to interact and form relationships with inner-city youths, who are found via Making Men. It takes place every third Saturday at Virginia Union University.BGLEF Educational Scholarship Ball, May 18, 2024.

Ways to become involved with our projects: Volunteer and support. We encourage everybody in the community to volunteer. We mentor over 100 kids from K-12 through high school. But to do all that, it costs money to run these programs. So I raise money through donors, other brothers that sponsor kids, and organizations like the Urban League.”

How I start the day: Spiritual meditation. What I can do to be a better husband, father, brother and advocate for my

community.

The three words that best describe me: Caring, loving and supportive.

My dream dinner party guest would be: My grandmother, who was an astute business woman. She grew up in Tulsa, Okla., was a land owner and kept all the rights to every piece of real estate she ever owned.

Best late-night snack: Any type of fruit.

Music I listen to most: All genres of music. I’m a music nut, I love music.”

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I bring my wife breakfast in bed every Sunday.

A quote that inspires me: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

— Nelson Mandela At the top of my “to-do” list: Retire completely and get old with my wife and wake up to the ocean every day.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: Always do your best.

The person who influenced me the most: My father and mother.

Book that influenced me the most and how: “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. Du Bois.

What I’m reading now: Currently studying books on AI and the impact it will have on the economy.

Next goal: To continue the work with young men and women and to help every young person I can so that I can have a positive impact in our community.

Life in the Heart Land The VPM docuseries “Life in the Heart Land” explores the toughest challenges facing America’s rural communities and how some people are creating solutions.

Courtesy of Deep Structure Productions

CONNECTED TO WHAT INSPIRES EMPATHY. CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS. CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 December 14-16, 2023

Happenings Holiday events calendar Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker Through Saturday, Dec. 24 Celebrate the holidays with the Richmond Ballet’s performances of The Nutcracker at the Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace St. Performances will feature choreography

by Stoner Winslett and music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky with the Richmond Symphony. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online or at the box office. Details: (804) 344-0906 ext. 224, or visit www.richmondballet.com/event/ the-nutcracker/2023-12-08.

Soul Santa at the Black History Museum Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Soul Santa is back for another year at the Black History Museum of Virginia to take photos. Breakfast with Soul Santa Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. Saturday, Dec. 9, and Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Enjoy a buffet breakfast with Soul Santa along with holiday fun and activities in Soul Santa’s workshop! Each child will receive a special gift from Soul Santa himself. Ticketed event; 5 years old & younger, FREE. Find more information here: https://eventsonleigh.com/events/ To register, visit www. blackhistorymuseum.org/event/soul-santa-2023. Don’t forget your wish list!

Winter Enchanted Garden at the Poe Museum Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Poe Museum, 1914 E. Main St., will take a festive turn to celebrate the holidays. Enjoy family fun with free arts and crafts including ornament and bookmark decorating, and quill writing. Local authors Adele Gardner and Phil Hilliker will lead storytimes. Hot chocolate and snacks will be provided.

The event is free for families with children ages 1 to 17. Details: www.htru.io/SGm5, or paul@poemuseum.org.

Virginia House Holiday Open House Sunday, Dec. 17, from 12 to 4 p.m.

The Virginia House, 4301 Sulgrave Road, will have a free open house for guests to enjoy festive holiday decorations.

Tickets are not required. Details: (804) 340-1800.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Shop Holiday Bazaar Thursday, Dec. 21, from 12 to 7 p.m.

Visit the VMFA Shop, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, for its first Holiday Bazaar. Find festive gifts for the family that celebrate art and culture. Five local artists will showcase their handmade items, including jewelry, home décor and accessories.Admission is free. No tickets or registration are required. Details: www. vmfashop.com/trunk-shows Elegba Folklore Society’s Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Saturday, Dec. 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays with Elegba Folklore Society for its annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd St. The festival will include workshops, performances, an African market and a cultural ceremony. There also will be activities for children.

Tickets start at $5. Details: www.efsinc.org/events/festivals/ kwanzaa-festival.

Made in RVA Holiday Shop at Art Works Tuesday-Sunday through Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit Made in RVA’s Holiday Shop at the Art Works, 320 Hull St., for local handmade holiday gifts, including jewelry, candles, ceramics and paintings. The shop will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Details: www.artworksrva. com/blog/events/made-in-rva-holiday-shop.

Joy at the Jefferson Through Sunday, Jan. 7 The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St., will be decorated for the holidays with live poinsettias, garlands, wreaths and twinkle lights. Signature displays and more than 20 decorated trees will be placed throughout the hotel. The decorations and displays are free to view with no reservation required. Details: (804) 649-4750 or visit www.jeffersonhotel.com/holidays.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights Nightly through Sunday, Jan. 7 A favorite tradition of Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Ave., featuring lights, botanical decorations, model trains, warming fire, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more!

Select nights through Jan. 2 will have live music performances.

Santa Brunches will be on Saturdays and Sundays in December with seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. GardenFest Dinners with Santa will be Dec. 17, 18 and 19 with seating at 5 p.m.

Advance tickets are required and are available online only.

Christmas in Early America Tours Through Sunday, Dec. 17 Enhance your winter holiday with a visit to the historic John Marshall House at 818 E. Marshall St. Set off on a 45-minute guided tour and see the Chief Justice’s 1790 home bedecked in period garnish and ornament. Themed youth scavenger hunts and coloring sheets will be available to take on tour, and special holiday gifts can be found in the Museum Shop.

Ticketed event. Details: https://bitly.ws/34AaX Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring The Nutcracker + More!

Wednesdays, Dec. 20, and Thursday, Dec. 21, times vary Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to the awe-inspiring Bolling Haxall House, 211 E. Franklin St. Get your tickets now to discover holiday inspired music under the gentle glow of candlelight!

Ticketed event. Details: https://bitly.ws/34Ac8 Santa Visit at Tredegar Sunday, Dec.17, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A new holiday tradition starts at Tredegar with a visit from Santa. Visit the American Civil War Museum, 4807 Tredegar St., for a day of jolly festivities. Start by meeting with Santa in Tredegar’s lobby, then venture inside for kids’ crafts, all-day showings of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and hot cocoa. Free event. Details:https://acwm.org/blog/ series/tredegar-holiday-series/Visit Venture Richmond for more holiday happenings! https://venturerichmond.com/news/ holiday-parties-experiences/

DIAMONDS WATCHES JEWELRY REPAIRS 19 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 648-1044 www.wallerjewelry.com

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Hundreds of visitors toured the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Dec. 9. This year’s light sensation led Lewis Ginter to secure the No. 1 spot in the USA Today 10 Best contest.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights voted best in the nation Free Press staff report

The Richmond region is now home to the country’s best “Botanical Garden Holiday Lights.” This year, voters helped Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden secure the number one spot in the USA Today 10 Best contest. The win comes after two consecutive years in the No. 2 spot.

“It’s an honor to be consistently recognized with such wellrespected gardens around the country,” said Brian Trader, president and CEO at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. “We’re grateful to all those who voted for us, and it’s especially fitting given this is the 25th anniversary of Dominion Energy’s sponsorship.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is an event created by our community for our community and we are honored to share it with neighbors near and far.”

The contest started Nov. 1 when USA Today’s 10 Best notified the Garden. Participating gardens encouraged the public to vote over four weeks, ending at noon on Nov. 28. The top 10 winners announced Dec. 8, 2023, are: 1. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights 2. Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden 3. Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens 4. Illuminations at Botanica 5. Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens 6. Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum 7. Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens 8. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens 9. Holiday Lights at Florida Botanical Gardens 10. Lightscape at The Arboretum

Want to see the magic?

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights runs through Jan. 7, 2024 (closed Dec. 24 and 25).

Tickets are $10 per ticket and available online only at lewisginter.org. They must be purchased in advance. No walkups.

What you will see: This year’s theme is “Rhythms of Nature.” Guests are invited to pause and reflect on how nature connects people to one another as they travel through the four seasons, represented by more than a million lights in different colors throughout the Garden and botanical decorations in the Conservatory and Kelly Education Center.

All images courtesy of the Library of Virginia

Above, L. Douglas Wilder receives tribute from Chief Webster Custalow of the Mattaponi Tribe in front of the Executive Mansion during his term as governor (1990–1994). Right, located on the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in King William County, this one-room frame building constructed in 1909 housed a Pamunkey Indian School, which closed in 1948. Map of Virginia, 1612, 8th state (1624), engraved by William Hole. Captain John Smith, one of the first English settlers at Jamestown, created this map of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay. List of Native Words. From The Generall Historie of Virginia by John Smith, 1624. Captain Smith published a list of words he heard from Indigenous people, many of which are still used today.

Library of Virginia’s ‘Indigenous Perspectives,’ highlights state’s tribal citizens Free Press staff report

A new multimedia exhibition at the Library of Virginia explores voices and experiences of Virginia’s tribal communities and how they remain a vital part of Virginia’s culture today.

“Indigenous Perspectives,” which runs through Aug. 17, 2024, features excerpts from video interviews with citizens of Virginia’s tribes and archival records from the Library’s collections. Also included are objects contributed by the tribes that reflect their traditions and culture such as eel pots, regalia and quilts.

Indigenous peoples traditionally have been introduced in Virginia history at the point of contact with European colonists, and subsequently they disappear, leading to assumptions that they became extinct or played no further role, according to the Library of Virginia. The new exhibition places their voices and experiences at the center of an examination of the Library’s holdings, which include maps, treaties, land records and other governing documents.

“We have a generation coming up starting to show interest in the background, where we came from. [They] want to learn the history,” said Chief Gerald Stewart of the Chickahominy, Eastern Division.

Historic items in the Library’s collections document the colonization, land dispossession and sometimes eradica-

Bonnie Newman Davis/Richmond Free Press

Chief Wait “Red Hawk” Brown, president and CEO of Cheroenhaka Nottoway Enterprises in Courtland, stands near an exhibition showcase during a Dec. 4 “Indigenous Perspectives’” media preview at the Library of Virginia.

tion of Indigenous peoples. However, Library staff learned from tribal leaders and citizens that these same records contained the history of the tribes if one read between the lines.

“Indigenous peoples pass on their history through oral tradition, so there are no written records,” said Chief Lynette Allston of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia. “So, if we can take a European record and analyze it from a different perspective, we can make sense of our story. And we can adjust [it] to give it our perspective.”

The tribes and the Library’s staff collaboratively selected examples of archival records from the Library’s holdings for inclusion in the exhibition. Tribal citizens shared how they have reinterpreted these materials and issues of importance to them, such as the environment, what it means to be a sovereign nation, and what they hope for the future.

“We have coined a term that clearly describes what we’re doing, and we are rematriating our Mother Earth, because that was the core of our spiritual beliefs,” said Chief Anne G. Richardson of the Rappahannock Indian Tribe. “And that’s the reason that place is so important to us.”

Work to develop the exhibition began in 2022, when the Library worked to develop an ongoing partnership with the 11 federally and state-recognized tribes in Virginia.

“As the official record keeper for Virginia, the Library is committed to collecting and sharing the stories of Virginia’s first people,” said Librarian of Virginia Sandra G. Treadway. “This exhibition reflects our ongoing effort to preserve Virginia Indian history and to foster a deeper understanding of that history by incorporating the oral traditions as well as the lived experiences of Indigenous Virginians today.”

Several Library of Virginia events and programs related to the exhibition will take place throughout the exhibition.

Richmond Free Press

December 14-16, 2023 B3

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

Retired Richmond educator Shirley E.S. Harris dies at age 89

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Shirley Estelle Savage Harris spent four decades seeking to instill a love of learning in local Richmond schoolchildren.

Mrs. Harris was best known for the more than 30 years she taught at William Fox Elementary School.

“She was passionate about teaching and her students and well known for her creativity, as she employed both music and faraway places in her lessons,” said her daughter, Kelly HarrisBraxton, executive director of Virginia First Cities.

“She often said that her favorite grade to teach was the second grade,” her daughter said, “because the children developed empathy for others, became aware of their surroundings and were a delight.”

Mrs. Harris’ impact on at least two generations of city students is being remembered following her death from illness on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at her Richmond home. Her death came

just a few days after she celebrated her 89th birthday.

Family and friends will celebrate Mrs. Harris’ life at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. She will be entombed at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Mrs. Harris began her 41-year career as a Richmond Public Schools teacher after graduating from Virginia State University.

She later added a master’s degree from Mrs. Harris Columbia University in New York. She retired from Richmond Public Schools in 1996.

Described as a creative person, Mrs. Harris had multiple interests. Known for her infectious laugh, she was a self-taught artist who enjoyed painting landscapes in oil and acrylic. She also gardened, arranged flowers, dabbled in interior design and

fashion, loved to travel and made music, particularly jazz, a significant element of her life.

Mrs. Harris was a member of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Richmond Chapter of the Moles, which will present the organization’s Celebration of Life Ceremony prior to the funeral service.

Mrs. Harris was the widow of Archie L. Harris Sr., who spent 54 years with Richmond Public Schools as a teacher, principal and director of building maintenance.

Survivors include her two children, Archie Lee Harris Jr., a lawyer, actor and former NFL football player and Ms. HarrisBraxton; two sisters, Sandra S. Mundle and LaVerna S. Johnson; and four grandsons.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Exodus Foundation, a mentoring program based in Henderson, N.C., that seeks to develop positive outcomes for AfricanAmerican youths.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. to co-convene environmental justice and racial equity course at Duke University

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Duke University plans to welcome National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. as the 2024 Environmental Justice and Racial Equity Fellow. A distinguished civil rights leader, global business figure, faith leader, and public intellectual, Dr. Chavis will link his teaching, research and service contributions with Duke’s strategic objectives, notably climate change and racial equity.

“I believe Rev. Dr. Chavis embodies the history and hopes of Duke University. His experience at the crossroads of church and society will inspire our racial and environmental justice work,” Dean Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric of the Duke Divinity School, stated. “It’s a gift, in this centennial year, to welcome back a distinguished alum of Duke Divinity School and a prophetic intellectual from rural North Carolina.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Chavis, a North Carolina native, has been a stalwart advocate

for social, environmental, the Environment.

In the upcoming spring seand political justice, coining the term “environmental rac- mester, Dr. Chavis will co-conism” and leading prominent vene an undergraduate course organizations such as the titled “The Lived Experience NAACP, National Association of Race and Racism” alongside Duke Public Policy for Equal OpporProfessor Jay Peartunity in Higher son. The Office Education, and of Undergraduate National Council Education and the of Churches.

Office of the ProAn organizer vost support the of the Million study, which will Man March, Dr. examine the comChavis has led the Dr. Chavis plexities of race NNPA, the trade association of more than 230 and racism while highlighting African-American newspapers the socially constructed nature and media companies compris- of race and its implications ing the Black Press of America, across legislative, political, legal, economic and material for nearly a decade.

His fellowship will provide dimensions.

“Rev. Dr. Ben Chavis is a Duke scholarly research that will enable the community to explore critical issues of environmental justice and racial equity, stated university officials.

“Dr. Chavis’ appointment elevates the perspectives of climate justice and the intersection of race and environmental quality in the implementation of Duke’s Climate Commitment,” said Lori Bennear, the Stanback Dean of the Nicholas School of

giant in this regard,” Professor Pearson noted. “We are fortunate to have someone with his experiential expertise and well-deserved reputation earned from working on the front lines for racial justice over many decades. I am honored to share an educational space with him and look forward to the synergies we create during the semester and beyond.”

Now open for registration, the course aims to provide students from Duke and Trianglearea colleges and universities with knowledge, effective communication strategies, relationship building, and collaborative racial equity planning. Officials said “The Lived Experience of Race and Racism” course will employ experts from various

The Rev. Sylvester T. Smith, Ph.D., Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Join us at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday for in-person worship service or Live-stream on YouTube (Good Shepherd Baptist Church RVA).

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The People’s Church

OPEN FOR IN PERSON WORSHIP Morning Worship - 11 am

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Sunday Worship Opportunities: 10 A.M. [In-person and Livestream] Sunday Church School Opportunities: Adults [In-person] at 8:30 A.M. Children [Virtual] online via our website.

Bible Study Opportunities: Noon [In-person] 7 P.M. [Virtual]; Please contact the church office for directives.

2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

“Working For You In This Difficult Hour”

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Sunday Morning Worship • 11am (in-person and livestream on YouTube)

Wednesday Bible Study • 7pm (Zoom)

Sundays Sunday School - 9:30 A.M. Worship Service - 11 A.M. Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# In Person Sunday Service also on FACEBOOK and YouTube

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Riverview Baptist Church

2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

1127 North 28th Street, Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402

Baptist Church

St. Peter Baptist Church

Baptist Church

1408 W. Leigh Street · Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 358—6403

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

Triumphant

Conference Calls are still available at: ( 503) 300-6860 PIN: 273149 Facebook@:triumphantbaptist

disciplines with scholarly research and formal educational practices.

The Office of the Provost has scheduled a free, public fireside conversation on Monday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the Karsh Alumni and Visitor Center.

Provost Alec Gallimore will engage in a conversation with Dr. Chavis, discussing his impactful work and contributions to the fields of environmental justice and racial equity.

Moore Street Missionary

2604 Idlewood Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 • www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. John E. Johnson, Jr., Interim Minister Please visit our website Ebenezer Baptist Church Richmond, VA for updates http://www. ebenezerrva.org

“BACK IN SERVICE”

Our J. doors open again Dr. Wallace Cook,are Pastor Emeritus

every Sunday @ 11:00 am.

Live Streaming Every Sunday At: BRBConline.org or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church)

Antioch“MAKE Baptist Church IT HAPPEN” “Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”

1384 New Market Road, Richmond, Virginia 23231 | 804-222-8835

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SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M. A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

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

“Please come and join us” Every Sunday @ 11:00 am.

Live Streaming Every Sunday At: BRBConline.org or YouTube(Broad Rock Baptist Church)

Bible Study online and in person Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

“The Church With A Welcome”

Sharon Baptist Church 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

Deacons, Deaconess & Trustees Day Sunday, December 17, 2023 THEME: “United Working And Serving Together For The Goodness of God.”

10:00 AM - Morning Worship

Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 (804) 358-9177

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Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Founder (Dec. 19, 1938 - Dec. 9, 2006) Joseph Jenkins, III. • Jason K. Jenkins • Maxine T. Jenkins

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Ministry Anniversary

Sunday, December 17, 2023 THEME: “I Would Rather Be A Doorkeeper In The House of My God.....” Psalm 84:10 (NIV)

3:30 PM - Evening Worship Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor 31st Street Baptist Church

Richmond Free Press

B4 December 14-16, 2023

Sports Plus

The Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani $700M to hit and pitch — but also because he can sell The Associated Press

But no player drives more interest internationally, especially in Ohtani’s native Japan, with a baseballPHOENIX obsessed population of 126 million. Ohtani already Shohei Ohtani’s jaw-dropping $700 million, 10has a deep group of sponsors targeting audiences on year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has some both sides of the Pacific Ocean, including New Balsimilarities to other contracts for the world’s biggest ance, ASICS and Porsche Japan. sports stars, including soccer icons Lionel Messi For the Dodgers, his international appeal means and Cristiano Ronaldo, along with NFL quarterback more companies in the U.S. and abroad are interested Patrick Mahomes. in advertising — Japanese companies frequently paid In terms of his marketability, experts point to for prime ad spaces around Angel Stadium when another name.

Ohtani was in Anaheim. That alone brings a cascade The real comparison? Try Taylor Swift. of cash that could pay off a significant portion of The global music sensation’s broad appeal — one Ohtani’s deal. that bridges the gap between generations and expands For the creative folks in the advertising industry, to other countries — is an extremely rare phenomenon the possibilities are almost endless. that Ohtani shares. There’s no doubt the Dodgers hope That’s where the Taylor Swift comparisons come they can leverage the Japanese star’ s arrival into even into play. more money for a franchise that is already one of the Swift was a dominant force in 2023, partly because most popular in Major League Baseball. of “The Eras Tour” that sold out shows from coast to “He’s rocketed into a stratosphere all his own,” coast. But then she took it to the next level, developing sports agent Leigh Steinberg said. a film of that tour that brought in millions of more Ohtani was expected to sign the biggest deal in fans to theaters throughout the country. Fans obsess MLB history as a free agent this offseason and didn’t over her every move on social media, including her disappoint. He’s the sport’s best two-way player ever budding romance with NFL star Travis Kelce.

— not even Babe Ruth hit and pitched at the same Ohtani is potentially the same type of superstar.

The Associated Press time so effectively — and though he won’t be able The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million average salary is His free agency generated the sort of online sleuthing to pitch in 2024 following Tommy John surgery, he 62% above the previous high of about $43.3 million, shared by pitchers Max and hysteria usually associated with the Swifties, with should provide plenty of value at the plate before he Scherzer and Justin Verlander with deals they struck with the New York Mets. fans frantically tracking private plane movements and returns to the mound in 2025. alleged sightings trying ascertain which of his suitors But the $700 million price tag was more than most imagined. and not just from the U.S.” would land Ohtani. Like Swift, Ohtani also starred a documentary His $70 million average salary is 62% above the previous The Dodgers haven’t had trouble attracting eyeballs over the this year — his was produced by ESPN. high of about $43.3 million, shared by pitchers Max Scherzer and past several years. They’re a perennially successful franchise — There’s also the fact that among athletes, he’s fairly low risk.

Justin Verlander with deals they struck with the New York Mets. winning the NL West 10 of the past 11 seasons and the World He hasn’t had a hint of controversy through his career, producOhtani’s average salary nearly doubles the roughly $42.3 million Series in 2020 — and averaged more than 47,000 fans per game ing a squeaky clean image that any potential advertiser can get he earned over six seasons with the Angels. It also exceeds the last year, best in the sport. They’ve doled out big money to stars behind. In fact, fans know surprisingly little about his personal entire payrolls of Baltimore and Oakland this year. like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw. life — something that only seems to add intrigue.

The reason the Dodgers made that kind of commitment is But nothing compares to Ohtani.

Steinberg — the retired agent — said that he’s certain every simple: It’s probably worth it. Not just because he could help Lewis — the Emory professor — said the spike in interest MLB team interested in Ohtani did a revenue forecast to estimate win a World Series, but because of the value he brings even could be comparable to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, the amount of money Ohtani would generate, even before he if he doesn’t. which saw a massive jump in online interaction, particularly touches the field. If the Dodgers were willing to pay $700 million “If Ohtani is marketed right, he’s a globally iconic player,” on Instagram, after Messi signed. to land him, he’s confident they did their homework. said Mike Lewis, a professor of marketing at Emory University As of Sunday morning, the Dodgers’ Instagram account had Monster homers. Potential dominance on the mound. It’s a who specializes in sports business. “It could be like something 3.2 million followers. Ohtani on his own has 6.3 million.

Hollywood script that the Dodgers are hoping comes true. from Formula One, where you’ve got the attention of the whole That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The average fan understands “He’s handsome and he’s a huge box office draw,” Steinberg world. Baseball has sometimes struggled to gain national atten- that Ohtani will generate revenue with more tickets, concessions said. “There are very few players who can match that. He has tion, but he’s the kind of guy who attacts millions of eyeballs, and jerseys sold. appeal to all.”

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, January 8, 2024 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. 2023-369 To amend and reordain City Code §§ 30-457.2, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-457.5, concerning yards, 30457.6, concerning usable open space, 30-457.8, concerning requirements for areas devoted to parking or circulation of vehicles, 30-457.9, concerning height, 30457.10, concerning building façade fenestration, 30-503, concerning prohibited signs, and 30-518.4, concerning TOD-1 district sign regulations; and to amend ch. 30, art. IV, div. 31 of the City Code by adding therein a new § 30-457.11, concerning orientation to street, exterior entrances, and façades.

Ordinance No. 2023-370 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1420 Spotsylvania Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the January 8, 2024 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, 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.

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Case No.: CL23003961-00 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 t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 31st day of January, 2024 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 ALEXISE LOAIZA, Plaintiff v.

RICHARD LOAIZA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003169-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 29th day of January, 2024 and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 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 ANTONIA SMITH, Plaintiff v.

RIGOBERTO PENA LORA, Defendant.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ARLINGTON SCOTT III, Plaintiff v.

ELLEN SCOTT, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003916-00 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 t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 24th day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk

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Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce

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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

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 t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2024 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BARBARA MINES and MICHELLE HERNANDEZ Plaintiffs v.

UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF HILL CARTER GRIMES, et al. and ANY INTERESTED PARTIES Defendants Case no.: CL2300-3569 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to find that Barbara Mines is the rightful owner of the Real Estate, having acquired ow n e r s h i p by a d ve r s e possession such that Michelle Hernandez may purchase the Real Estate subject to the purchase and sale agreement attached as Exhibit A to the petition, and grant such other relief as may be proper.

It is ordered that the fact of such petition be advertised, and notice is now given that on January 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hanover County Circuit Court located at 7530 County Complex Road, Hanover, VA 23069 the Court will hear evidence on this matter from any interested individual.

A Copy Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Hugh T. Antrim, Esq. VSB#14721 Adam R. Nelson, Esq. VSB#39137 Sean Breit-Rupe, Esq. VSB#92125 ThompsonMcMullan, P.C. 100 Shockoe Slip Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 649-7545 (804) 649-0654 Counsel for Plaintiffs

disposed of; described as: Any individual claiming an interest in the real property at 1426 N. 30th St Richmond, VA 23223 and/or claiming to be Michael I. Massenburg.

It is therefore ORDERED that Any individual claiming an interest in the real property at 1426 N. 30th St Richmond, VA 23223 and/or claiming to be Michael I. Massenburg, appear on or before the 8th day of January, 2024, in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and do what is necessary to protect its interests.

Keith Harvey, Esquire (VSB# 82199) Harvey & Driggs PLC 9464 Chamberlayne Road, Suite 200 Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 Phone: (804) 396-3580 Facsimile: (804) 200-5646 Email: kharvey@harveydriggs.com Counsel for Plaintiff

Email: kharvey@ harveydriggs.com Counsel for Plaintiffs

p.m., and Trial of all contested claims shall be held before the Henrico County Circuit Court 4309 E. Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia 23228.

Only those who have timely filed a claim will receive any further notice of these proceedings. Any claim not proven by a preponderence of the evidence at that time shall be forever barred from recovery against the funds in the hands of the receiver.

A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: Michael P. Tittermary, Esquire (VSB# 79142) Tittermary Law, PLC 9097 Atlee Station Road, Suite 116 Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 (804) 508-7300 (804) 508-7301 facsimile Receiver SEEN AND AGREED: Tenley Seli, Esquire (VSB# 39763) Assistant Bar Counsel Virginia State Bar 1111 East Main Street, Suite 700 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 775-0546

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MAURICE WORTHY, Plaintiff v.

CLEOPATRA WORTHY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003909-00 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 t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 23rd day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, 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 VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER OLIVIA PALLETT, Plaintiff v.

ROBERT LINKONIS, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003835-00 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 t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2024 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 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JASMINE JOHNSON, Plaintiff v.

ROHAN JOHNSON, Defendant.

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VIRGINIA:

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND Herman Massenburg, Plaintiff, v.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 1250 Maryland Ave, SW Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20024 Defendant.

Parties Unknown: Any individual claiming an interest in the real property at 1426 N. 30th St Richmond, VA 23223 and/ or claiming to be Michael I. Massenburg Defendant.

Case No.: CL23005059-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Whereas, the object of the above-styled suit is to quiet title to that certain real property lying and being in the City of Richmond, Virginia, commonly known as commonly known as 1426 North 30th Street, and being further identified as Tax Parcel Number E0000717001 (the “Property”). That there are parties set out in the pleading as a person or persons, as defendants by the general description of “parties unknown;” are deemed interested in the subject to be divided or

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND ATD Green Contractors LLC & Joan Pride, Plaintiffs, v.

Arrow Financial Services, LLC, a defunct limited liability company, Assignee of Washington Mutual Bank (Providian) PARTIES UNKNOWN: ANY AND ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THAT CERTAIN JUDGMENT DOCKETED AS INSTRUMENT NO. 17010153 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, Defendants.

Case No.: CL 23004114-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Whereas, the object of the above-styled suit is to quiet title to action to quiet title as it pertains to that certain Abstract of Judgment (the “Judgment”) docketed as Instrument No. 17-010153 in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Virginia, which Judgment is attached to that certain real property lying and being in the City of Richmond, Virginia, commonly known as 1803 ½ North 28th Street, and being identified as Tax Parcel Number E012-0427-011 (the “Property”).

That Defendant Arrow Financial Ser vices, LLC cannot be found, and that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the party to be served.

It is therefore ORDERED that the said Arrow Financial Services, LLC and/or any parties claiming an interest in Judgment docketed as Instrument No. 17-010153 , appear on or before the 18th day of December, 2023, in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and do what is necessary to protect its interests.

Entered: 11/3/2023 Keith Harvey, Esquire (VSB# 82199) Harvey & Driggs PLC 9464 Chamberlayne Road – Suite 200 Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 Phone: (804) 977-3179

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MIA HORNE, Plaintiff v.

LEVELL HORNE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003778-00 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 t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 10th day of January, 2024 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

Custody VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Mirna nicolle morales reyes File No. JJ112183-01-00/02 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Determine custody and special immigrant juvenile status of Mir na Nicolle Morales Reyes.

It is ORDERED that t h e d e fe n d a n t P ed ro mo r ales faja r do appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before 02/22/2024, at 10:00 AM

PROPERTy

Notice VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO VIRGINIA STATE BAR, Petitioner, V. RAUL NOVO, Respondent.

Case No.: CL22003312-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION ONE OBJECT OF THIS CAUSE is to identify all client claims existing against the law practice of Raul Novo, and the identity of clients or creditors having an interest in and to funds held in the trust accounts of Raul Novo‘s law practice, now within the Receiver’s account. There may be clients or creditors who have such claims and interest whose identities are unknown; and UPON MOTION of the Receiver appointed in this cause pursuant to Section 54.13900.01, Code of Virginia, for this Order of Publication and the Court having deemed the same appropriate, it is ADJUDGED, ORDERED AND DECREED that any and all persons and entities who have a claim against the law practice of Raul Novo and/or interest in and to the funds held within the trust account of Raul Novo, deliver written notice of the same to Michael P. Titter mar y, Receiver, 9097 Atlee Station Road, Suite 116, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116, by 5:00 p.m. on January 19, 2024 and complete under oath the claim affidavit form obtainable from the Receiver, whose telephone number is (804) 508-7300, and return said completed claim affidavit to the Receiver not later than January 19, 2024 at 5:00 Continued on next column

ABC LICENSE Brooke Kleyman and Ilya Kleyman Trading as: Morgin Imports, LLC 10463 Wilden Drive Ashland, VA 23005 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wholesale license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia. gov or (800) 552-3200.

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

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