Richmond Free Press December 8-10, 2022 edition

Dignitaries and ordinary people pay final tribute to A. Donald McEachin

By Regina H. Boone

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Tim Kaine and Majority Whip for the U.S. House of Representatives James Clyburn were among dozens of dignitaries and distinguished guests who paid tribute to Congressman A. Donald McEachin during his funeral Wednesday at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church on Creighton Road in Henrico County.

In addition to a delegation of congressional members seated in eight rows at the front of the church, the approximately 600 people honoring Rep. McEachin also included family, friends and members of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beaverdam. Ebenezer’s pastor, Dr. John Kin ney, gave the eulogy for his longtime friend and confidante, who once was his student at Virginia Union University’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology.

For more than two hours, the “homego ing” service, officiated by Dr. Lance Watson, Saint Paul’s senior pastor, was filled with fond

Jennifer McClellan and Lamont Bagby likely contenders for vacant U.S. House seat

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Two Richmond-area Democratic members of the General Assembly are preparing to run for the vacant 4th Congressional District seat, the Free Press has learned.

The seat is now empty as a result of the death of U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin on Nov. 28.

Announcements are expected to come shortly

from Richmond state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, 49, and Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, 45, the newspaper has been told.

Both have brushed off speculation about their plans ahead of yesterday’s funeral for the congressman, who succumbed to cancer after a nine-year battle.

“Sen. McClellan deeply respects Congressman McEachin’s tremendous legacy and is honored that

RPS lists 5.5 percent fewer students since 2019

By Jeremy M. Lazarus Enrollment in

Public Schools continues to decline amid population growth in the larger community.

In a report to the School Board on Monday, the schools

administration reported that fall membership in just the past three years has fallen by 1,221 students or enough students to fill a high school or two elementary schools.

Currently, RPS lists 21,993 students on its rolls from pre-

kindergarten to 12th grade, or 5.5 percent fewer than the 23,154 students enrolled in September 2019, nearly six months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

That is not good news for Superintendent Jason Kamras, who like RPS leaders before him, has made increasing en rollment a top priority.

RPS Chief of Staff Michelle Hudacsko sought to put an optimistic spin on the figures in presenting the enrollment report to the board, which required the information to determine if the administra tion is meeting the Dreams for RPS goal to “increase student enrollment — overall and for each subgroup.”

Drizzles and sprinkles

“Our enrollment as of Dec. 1 has nearly matched our 2020 fall membership” of 22,055 students, when the school system went completely virtual due to COVID-19 and enroll ment was down, Ms. Hudacsko pointed out.

She also told the board that

No new curriculum for RPS

Initial

task force calls for changes in implementation

By Holly Rodriguez

Richmond Public Schools does not need a new curriculum — rather, teachers want autonomy in how to customize existing curricula for their class rooms, according to a 15-member task force.

In a presentation at Monday’s School Board Meeting, Leslie Wiggins and Solomon Jefferson,

interim co-chief academic officers for RPS, said the overall outcome of the meetings was to keep the current curriculum, with clarification about use of the words “autonomy” and “flexibility,” when giving instructions to teachers on imple menting it in the classroom.

community leaders have encouraged her to run for this seat,” said Jared Leopold, a spokesperson for Sen. McClellan. “She takes the responsibility of this legacy seriously and will announce her next steps by early next week.”

But both have privately determined to go for the seat, the Free Press was told.

Warnock wins Georgia runoff against Walker

Democratic

With Sen. Warnock’s second runoff vic tory in as many years, Democrats will have a 51-49 Senate majority, gaining a seat from the current 50-50 split with John Fetterman’s victory in Pennsylvania. There will be a divid ed government, however, with Republicans having narrowly flipped House control.

“After a hard-fought campaign — or, should I say, campaigns — it is my honor to utter the four most powerful words ever spoken in a democracy: The people have spoken,” Sen. Warnock, 53, told jubilant supporters who packed a downtown Atlanta hotel ballroom.

“I often say that a vote is a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and for our children,” declared Sen. Warnock, a Baptist pastor and his state’s first Black senator. “Georgia, you have been praying with your lips and your legs, your hands and your feet, your heads and your hearts. You have put in the hard work, and here we are standing together.”

In last month’s election, Sen. Warnock led Mr. Walker by 37,000 votes out of almost 4 million cast, but fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff. The senator appeared to be headed for a wider final margin

in Tuesday’s runoff, with Mr. Walker, a football legend at the University of Georgia and in the NFL, unable to overcome a bevy of damaging allegations, including claims that he paid for two former girlfriends’ abortions despite supporting a national ban on the procedure.

“The numbers look like they’re not going to add up,” Mr. Walker, an ally and friend of former President Trump, told supporters late Tuesday at the College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta. “There’s no excuses in life, and I’m not going to make any excuses now because we put up one heck of a fight.”

The Democrats’ Georgia victory solidifies the state’s place as a Deep South battleground two years after Sen. Warnock and fellow Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff won 2021 runoffs that gave the party Senate control just months af ter President Biden became the first Democratic

Delegate Bagby

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Raindrops failed to dampen the smiles worn by Shailyn Woodson and Kennedy Johnson, both 4. The girls, members of Sparkle Cheer and Dance, were among dozens of participants Dec. 3 in the annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade. Please see more photos on B2.

The Associated Press ATLANTA

Sen. Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a Georgia runoff election Tuesday, ensuring Democrats an outright majority in the Senate for the rest of President Biden’s current term and capping an underwhelming midterm cycle for the GOP in the last major vote of the year.

John Bazemore/The Associated Press

Richmond

Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks during a runoff election night watch party, Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Atlanta. Sen. Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in the election in Georgia.

Rep. McEachin, who was re-elected to his fourth term in Congress to represent Virginia’s 4th District on Nov. 8, died just 20 days later on Nov. 28 after a six-year battle with colorectal cancer at age 61.

Carlos Bernate All wreathed up Richmond residents gather at the RVA Illuminates Christmas Lights event at Kanawha Plaza on

Sen. McClellan

RVA Poet Laureate

The search for Richmond’s next poet laureate is on. City of ficials recently launched the search for an artist who can bridge division in the city’s community through art. When selected, the Richmond poet laureate will serve from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025. The application period closes Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have been a resident of Richmond or surrounding counties for the last decade. For more details, please visit www.rvapoetlaureate.org or contact Patty Parks at patricia.parks@rva.gov

Winter Wander

The Valentine Museum’s Winter Wander, where guests throughout the Richmond region are invited to celebrate the winter holidays in the city’s Court End neighborhood, returns noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. The free event includes entry to historic sites such as The Valentine, The Valentine First Freedom Center, St. John’s Church, Mason’s Hall, the Virginia Executive Mansion, the John Marshall House, and the White House of the Confederacy at the American Civil War Museum. Topping off the festivities will be Clay Street as it comes alive with carriage rides, live music, crafts, and more.

New VCU pharmacy dean

Kelechi “K.C.” Ogbonna is the new dean of Virginia Com monwealth University’s School of Pharmacy, after serving six months as the school’s interim dean. Dr. Ogbonna previously led the Doctor of Pharmacy Program’s recruitment and student support operations, and served as associate dean of admissions and student services at the school.

“VCU has a strong track record of research, education and pa tient care, and I am honored to have the opportunity to continue that legacy,” Dr. Ogbonna said. “With Central Virginia poised to become a hub for pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing, we at VCU are preparing for a new era of workforce develop ment and professional training.”

Tips for parents amidst children’s Tylenol and ibuprofen shortage

With a shortage in fever-reducing and pain-relieving liquid medicine for children in Richmond and surrounding areas, lo cal health officials are suggesting ways to alleviate children’s medical conditions before they get worse.

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Common wealth University advise parents and caregivers to not give adult medications or aspirin without instruction by a child’s doctor.

“An early spike in viral and respiratory illnesses has caused a high demand for children’s Tylenol and ibuprofen. We’re also seeing limitations in some prescription medications, such as amoxicillin and Tamiflu,” said Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU pediatrician Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough. “It’s not a cause for panic, but we do encourage parents and caregivers to be cautious about how they care for their children’s pain and fevers during this time.”

Instead, medical officials have stressed that children older than 3 months with mild fevers don’t neces sarily need medicine, provided they otherwise feel OK and stay hydrated.

Meanwhile, children ages 2 and over may be able to switch to children’s chewable versions of these medicines, while older children (middle school age) can opt for swallowing pills. Discus sions with the child’s pediatrician may be necessary to ensure the correct medicine type and dosage is used.

“Parents are also encouraged to consider non-medication methods for improving their children’s well-being, including cool washcloths on their forehead or behind their necks, cool baths, and regular hydration through either drinking or other solutions like Pedialyte or popsicles.”

The medicine shortage is expected to be resolved in a few weeks, as manufacturers and retailers expect supplies, accord ing to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond medical advisory.

Facts & Faith with Dr. Fauci

Anthony Fauci, M.D., and local health and faith leaders will discuss vaccines and public health during A Facts & Faith Fridays, partnership between VCU Massey Cancer Center and the African American faith-based community on Dec. 16.

Dr. Fauci, 81, who will retire from his role as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the end of the year, became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, battling back against misinformation — sometimes from the highest levels of government.

He challenged former President Trump on everything from the use of hydroxychloroquine to mask mandates, and his steadfast commitment to science made him a quasi-celebrity.

“As a public health official, I don’t want to see anyone suffer and die from COVID,” he SAID on a recent segment of NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “I don’t care if you’re a far-right Republican or a far-left Democrat, everybody deserves to have the safety of good public health and that’s not happening.”

Dr. Fauci said between 300 and 400 people are still dying from COVID every day, and the uptake of the latest vaccine booster has been less than 15 percent.

“I think the idea that forget it, this is over — it isn’t,” he said on “Meet the Press.”

Dr. Fauci will join Jeanine Guidry, associate professor in the Robertson School of Media and Culture at Virginia Common wealth University, and others to discuss the state of COVID-19, vaccines and more.

Facts & Faith Fridays began in March 2020 as a weekly call led by Robert A. Winn, M.D., the director of Massey Cancer Center, to address the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on the Black community. The call has evolved to ad dress higher rates of cancer and other health issues in diverse communities and continues to provide important COVID-19related information.

The virtual discussion will run from 3 to 4 p.m. Those inter ested can register at www.bit.ly/3BhO9pH

Catholic Diocese ordains Herrera on Saturday

Deacon Armando Herrera of Blessed Sacrament will be ordained as a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond this Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m. in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 800 Ca thedral Place.

A graduate of Roanoke Catholic High School, the Virginia Military Institute, the Theological College in Washington, D.C. and the Catholic University of America, Deacon Herrera was ordained a deacon in June.

Following the ordination, Deacon Herrera will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Benedict at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. As an ordained priest and co-sponsored by the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, Deacon Herrera will serve in the Diocese of Richmond for three years before being released for military service, where he will serve as a captain and chaplain.

The ordination Mass will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Richmond’s website at www.richmonddiocese.org/livestream and their Facebook page.

Compiled by George Copeland Jr.

Cityscape

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Richmond area toy drives and distribution

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Christmas drives are underway to try to ensure that children in struggling families receive gifts.

Among the biggest are the ones coor dinated by the Richmond branch of the Salvation Army and the U.S. Marines’ RVA Toys for Tots, which serve thousands of families in the Richmond area.

The Salvation Army, which reports pro viding 65,000 or more gifts to children, will distribute to pre-registered families between Wednesday, Dec. 14, and Friday, Dec. 16.

The Toys for Tots campaign, which reported distributing 58,115 gifts in 2021 including 24,015 children in the Richmond area, has partnered with 39 faith and non profit groups to handle the distribution to those who seek support. The list of organi zations accepting applications can be found at Richmond-Va.toysfortots.org.

Other groups also are undertaking smaller gift-giveaways.

Here is a sampling by dates of distribu tion, sponsor and location: Saturday, Dec. 10 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Northside Outreach Center Christmas Store, 3080 Meadowbridge Road. Sale of gifts

are at 80 percent discount from retail. Saturday, Dec. 10 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lucian Hunter Foundation of Hope 8th An nual Christmas Toy Giveaway Luncheon, Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. Some 500 to 1,000 gifts are to be distributed without charge along with hot meals for pre-registered families, according to founder Pam Hazelwood.

Saturday, Dec. 17 – 9 a.m. to noon, Dreamers Academy Foundation, New Life Deliverance Church, 900 Decatur St. At least 1,000 gifts will be distributed, accord ing foundation founder Lamar Johnson.

Saturday, Dec. 17 – Noon to 3 p.m., Adult Alternative Program, North Avenue Public Library, 2901 North Ave. Some 300 or more gifts to be distributed at no charge, according to AAP founder Kenneth Williams. Sunday, Dec. 18 – 10 a.m. to noon, Dreamers Academy Foundation 3rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Giveaway, New Life Deliverance Church, 500 Decatur St. More than 600 gifts will be distributed at no charge, according to foundation founder and president Lamar Jackson. Sunday, Dec. 18 – 4 to 6 p.m., A Better Day Than Yesterday Initiative Program’s Christmas Toy Giveaway, Reconciliation

Church, 630 E. 16th St. Serving children of prison inmates. About 200 or more gifts expected to be distributed without charge, according to founder LeTeisha Gordon.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 – Noon to 2 p.m., Atlantic Outreach Group launches first day of 5th Annual Holiday Helping Hands gift distribution without charge, Ho Ho Restaurant, 10 E. Laburnum Ave.

Thursday, Dec. 22 – Noon to 2 p.m., Atlantic Outreach Group operates second day of distribution of gifts for children, Com munity Supermarket, 1915 Mechanicsville Turnpike. About 1,200 gifts expected to be distributed without charge over the two days, according to founder Shelia Jones.

Sunday, Dec. 25 – 10 a.m. to noon, North side Coalition for Children Holiday Mingle, Whitcomb Court Community Center, 2301 Carmine St. Some 600 gifts or more will be distributed without charge along with holiday meals for families, according to founder Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed.

In addition, RVA Kids is teaming with From Prison to Promise to buy and distribute gifts to children of families of inmates.

Radio One also hosted its toy drive, with distribution being made to children in 345 families.

Memorial garden honors soldiers buried at Woodland Cemetary

By Charles Taylor

Headstones and grave markers for 80 black military service members will move a step closer to their final resting places this weekend.

A group restoring Richmond’s historic Woodland Cemetery will create a memo rial garden around the burial ground’s fountain honoring Black veterans Dec. 10, using headstones and markers found in a secluded pile on the property.

But they hope it’s only temporary.

“To bring the respect back to the veterans, we’re going to lay them out as opposed to just having them stacked up somewhere,” said Marvin Harris, a Richmond business man who purchased the Northside property in 2020 and founded the Woodland Res toration Foundation. “Anyone visiting the cemetery, the family or whatever, will be able to view them now.”

Some of markers may have been intended for other Richmond cemeteries such as Ever green, Barton Heights and East End, he said. They cover the World War I and II, and Korean and Vietnam War eras. The markers include bronze plaques about 18” x 24” in size and headstones as tall as three feet, according to Mr. Harris. The eventual goal is to place each headstone at its intended grave site.

Saturday’s event will begin with a short

program at 9 a.m. followed by several hours of work by scores of volunteers, that will include creating the memorial garden and constructing a gravel walkway.

At a 3 p.m. ceremony, open to the public, the names of each veteran will be read aloud, with military honors and a 21-gun salute.

Among the 100-plus volunteers expected on Saturday will be Augustus D. Bryan, a 16-year-old James River High School pupil. He’s making this his Eagle Scout project for Midlothian Troop 1829.

Mr. Harris said that the youth, who most volunteers know as Augie, “came over to us and wanted to know if there was anything he could do to be of assistance. And we told him by all means.”

In a recent phone interview, Augie remembered thinking, “We’ve got to do

something about this. These headstones were commissioned by the military for service members who died but were never officially placed or handled by the family responsible.” He wants the garden to be a “respectful and reverent memorial.”

“It is something that is really, really necessary,” Mr. Harris said, “and we and the leadership at Woodland Restoration Foun dation … really appreciate his help.”

Woodland Cemetery Restoration Foun dation is raising funds to protect and restore the cemetery, which is the final resting place of tennis legend Arthur Ashe and thousands of other African-Americans from the Richmond community. The cem etery was founded in 1917 by Richmond businessman, newspaper editor, and civil rights activist John Mitchell Jr.

A.P. Hill’s statue removal on hold

Free Press staff report

City Hall remains stymied on removing the last of Richmond’s city-owned Con federate statues, despite securing an Oct. 25 court ruling from Richmond Circuit Court Judge D. Eugene Cheek authorizing the city to proceed.

Distant relatives of slavery-defending Gen. A.P. Hill filed a notice of appeal of

Judge Cheek’s ruling just before Thanksgiv ing and on Monday, added a separate request to the judge to halt the city from taking action until the matter is resolved.

The bottom line: The statue of Gen. Hill will remain at the intersection of Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road until the legal case is resolved. The statue, which sits atop the general’s grave, has been in place since May 1892.

Street honoring Kirby Carmichael unveiled in Highland Park

Free Press staff report

Family, friends and admirers of radio personality Kirby Carmichael came out Tuesday for the unveiling of Kirby Car michael Sr. Street at 1100 Front Street in Highland Park. The site is where the for mer WANT-AM radio station was housed when Mr. Carmichael, a pioneer of Black radio, was for decades known as the “tall man of soul” as he spun platters first at WANT-AM and then at WRVQ-FM.

He also ran Sunday night skate parties that were safe havens for area youths, held holiday turkey and toy drives and promoted events, festivals and other beneficial activities.

Last September, Richmond City Council voted to authorize an honorary street sign bearing Mr. Carmichael’s name.

people, young and old.

Clovia “Miss Community” Lawrence, an on-air personality for Richmond’s Urban One radio station WKJS (KISS 105.7 FM and 99.3FM) said she began her career 36 years ago under Mr. Carmichael. Others who celebrated Mr. Carmichael described him as a hero, man of the community, mentor and great family man.

In remarks to his gathered fans, Mr. Carmichael, who is now blind, displayed his usual command of words.

“Everybody in Richmond, surrounding areas, thank you so much for accepting what I was allowed to do, out of this building here on this corner, everyday at 3 p.m.

“My job, all my life, has been nothing but a job and a party. Thanks for being a part of it. I love you.”

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Virginia State Delegate Delores McQuinn discusses the history of the Richmond Reconcili ation Statue in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom with the Rev. Benjamin Campbell on Dec. 2. Del. McEachin and Rev. Campbell are former Richmond Slave Trail commissioners. Joining them were The Most. Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, and the Rt. Rev. E. Mark Stevenson, far right, who recently was ordained and consecrated as the 14th bishop of the 237-year-old Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Please see related story on B3.

Mr. Carmichael was smiles as he unveiled the honorary brown street sign bearing his name. Assisting him was his daughter Adriane Carmichael-Stroud, of Richmond and 6th District City Coun cilmember Ellen F. Robertson, who rep resents the district where Mr. Carmichael honed his craft and mentored hundreds of

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

Mr. Carmichael

Dr. Fauci

Dr. Kimbrough

Deacon Herrara

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No new curriculum for RPS

Continued from A1

In October, a motion introduced by Kenya Gibson, 3rd Dis trict, and approved by the School Board, called for creating a task force to examine the school division’s reading, science and math curricula, and creating a three-year plan that will begin with the 2023-2024 school year.

A teacher survey conducted in September prompted the cre ation of the task force. While the majority of teachers who took the survey voted to keep the curriculum, most also wanted to be able to make adjustments to it based on the needs of students in their classrooms. For example, 57 percent of teachers who responded to the survey were in favor of keeping the current math curriculum and 51 percent of those respondents wanted the freedom to customize it for their students.

During four meetings held in November and December, the groups met to address English/language arts, math and science curriculum concerns to create a draft report.

Among the initial recommendations: Developing an English/ Language Arts (ELA) toolkit with vetted lessons, novels, etc. as alternative resources for certain lessons; rearranging some math curriculum modules to be more closely aligned to grade-level SOLs; supplemental materials for a few of the SOLs not covered in the science curriculum and flagging extraneous topics for teachers.

Mr. Jefferson said the team will finalize recommendations, determine budgetary impact based on those recommendations and consult with the Virginia Department of Education before reporting back to the board with official recommendations.

Ms. Gibson said she believes these initial meetings show progress, and hope the task force efforts continue.

“The spirit of the motion was that this will be an ongoing process,” she said. “The idea was that over time we would be able to make strides so our teachers feel empowered and in turn our students will benefit because the teachers would have the space to customize what they were given.”

RPS superintendent Jason Kamras responded: “I want to reiterate that [Ms. Wiggins and Mr. Jefferson] said that the task forces will continue — indefinitely.”

When Cheryl Burke, 7th District, inquired about a timeline for implementation of the recommendations, she was told some work will be implemented now, and others will be phased in over time.

“There will be a timeline to not overburden our educators,” Mr. Jefferson said. “We’ve already started training with teachers.”

Free COVID-19 vaccines

Continued from A1

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-testing-sites.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the following locations:

• Thursday, Dec. 8, 1 to 3 p.m. - RRHA Old Brook Elderly Building, 3900 Old Brook Circle, Bivalent Moderna shots for ages 6 months to 5 years old, Bivalent Pfizer shots for ages 12 and older, Flu shots; 4 to 6 p.m. - RRHA 4th Avenue Elderly Building, 1611 4th Ave., Primary and Bivalent Moderna shots for ages 6 months to 5 years old, ages 12 and older, Primary and Bivalent Pfizer shots for ages 6 months and older, Novavax primary shots for ages 12 and older and boosters for ages 18 and older and Flu shots, walk-ups welcome but appointments encouraged.

• Wednesday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to Noon - Henrico West Health Department, 8600 Dixon Powers Dr., JYNNEOS shots; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Primary and Bivalent Moderna shots for ages 6 months to 5 years old, ages 18 and older, Primary and Bivalent Pfizer shots for ages 6 months and older, Novavax primary shots for ages 12 and older and boosters for ages 18 and older and Flu shots, walk-ups welcome but appointments encouraged.

People can schedule an appointment online at vase.vdh.virginia. gov, vaccinate.virginia.gov or vax.rchd.com, or by calling (804) 205-3501 or (877) VAX-IN-VA (1-877-829-4682).

VaccineFinder.org and vaccines.gov also allow people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

Those who are getting a booster shot should bring their vaccine card to confirm the date and type of vaccine received.

RHHD also offers at-home vaccinations by calling (804) 2053501 to schedule appointments.

New COVID-19 boosters, updated to better protect against the latest variants of the virus, are now available. The new Pfizer booster is approved for those age 12 and up, while the new Moderna booster is for those age 18 and older.

As with previous COVID-19 boosters, the new doses can only be received after an initial two vaccine shots, and those who qualify are instructed to wait at least two months after their second COVID-19 vaccine.

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are now offering bivalent Pfizer and Moderna boosters to children between the ages of 5 to 11 in clinics in the near future. Children in this age range will be eligible after at least two months since their last vaccine dose.

New COVID-19 cases in Virginia rose by 56 percent during the last week, according to the Virginia Department of Health, and data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association showed hospitalizations statewide increased by 40 percent since last Wednesday.

Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover have shifted to medium levels of community COVID-19. Five localities in Virginia are ranked at high community COVID levels, while 27 were ranked at medium as of last week.

A total of 1,718 new cases of COVID-19 were reported statewide Wednesday for the 24-hour period, contributing to an overall state total of 2,159,648 cases in Virginia since the pandemic’s outbreak. As of Wednesday, there have been 456,650 hospitalizations and 22,504 deaths statewide. The state’s sevenday positivity rate rose to 11.7 percent on Wednesday, after reaching 9.6 percent last week.

On Monday, state health officials reported that over 17.9 million COVID-19 doses had been administered, with 73.5 percent of the state’s population fully vaccinated at the time. State data also showed that over 4.9 million people in Virginia have received booster shots or third doses of the vaccine.

Among ages 5 to 11 in Virginia, 340,862 have received their first shots as of Monday, accounting for 47 percent of the age group in the state, while 299,673 children, or 41.4 percent, are fully vaccinated. In this age group, 54,396 children have received a monovalent booster, making up 7.5 percent, while 26,600 have gotten a bivalent booster shot, accounting for 9.2 percent of this group.

As of Monday, 59,755 children from the ages of zero to four have received their first doses, making up 13.1 percent of the population in Virginia, while 45,577 are fully vaccinated, or 10 percent of the population. On Wednesday, fewer than 1,608,846 cases, 7,631 hospitalizations and 115 deaths were recorded among children in the state.

State data also shows that African-Americans comprised 18.6 percent of cases statewide and 18 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 9.3 percent of cases and 3.6 percent of deaths.

As of Wednesday, Richmond reported a total of 59,732 cases, 1,246 hospitalizations and 552 deaths; Henrico County, 83,793 cases, 1,671 hospitalizations and 1,040 deaths; Chesterfield County, 94,137 cases, 1,711 hospitalizations and 851 deaths; and Hanover County, 27,337 cases, 842 hospitalizations and 330 deaths.

Compiled by George Copeland Jr.

Final tribute to A. Donald McEachin

Continued from A1

memories of the congressman.

U.S. Sen. Kaine delivered heartfelt re marks as he retraced his 40-year friendship with Rep. McEachin that began when they met in a Richmond law office that was once Rep. McEachin’s and later became Sen. Kaine’s. Both men were in their 20s, said Sen. Kaine while recalling the parallels in their lives and careers: Marrying powerful wives who had their own legal careers, in this case Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin and Virginia’s former Secretary of Education Anne Holton.

The two couples even have the same number of children — three each — and both men ultimately pursued their legal careers and politics.

In a surprising yet stirring moment, Sen. Kaine ended his remarks by singing a song that often is sung at his church. “I’m free … my soul is resting, Praise the Lord Hallelujah, I’m free.”

Rep. Clyburn, who not only is the late congressman’s colleague but a longtime friend of the McEachin family, explained that Rep. McEachin’s mother-in law, Gladys Wilson Wallace and his late wife, Emily Clyburn, grew up together in Moncks

Corner, S.C. He first met Rep. McEachin when he married Collette Wallace.

“I knew right away I was meeting someone special,” Rep. Clyburn said. Seated in the front pew and just across the aisle from Mrs. McEachin was House Speaker Pelosi. The outgoing House speaker hugged Mrs. McEachin several times throughout the service. In her remarks that followed Rep. Cly

burn, the grace, wisdom and spirituality for which the speaker often has been lauded were fully displayed.

“I want to acknowledge Congressman McEachin’s greatness to bring people to gether,” said Speaker Pelosi. “He brought together The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church and Virginia Union University Choir today. It is in that spirit that we all come together to celebrate the life of Donald McEachin.”

2 likely contenders for U.S. House seat

Continued from A1

The competition will begin as soon as Virginia Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin issues a notice of the special election of a re placement to serve out Rep. McEachin’s new term that will begin Jan. 1.

Rep. McEachin, who served three terms, was elected to a fourth term three weeks before his death, defeating Republican Leon Benjamin Sr. in the Nov. 8 balloting, and that means the winner of the special election could serve two years before having to seek re-election in 2024.

There is speculation that the governor could set the election for some time

in February, in part to accommodate Virginia’s new requirement that 45 days be set aside for early voting.

Delegate Bagby, Sen. McClellan and most others who might jump into the race would face off early in the process in vying for the Democratic nomination, considered crucial as the district is con sidered a stronghold for the party.

Expectations are that the party would hold a so-called “firehouse” primary for party members to choose the winner. Based on the timing, those who previously planned to run for a legislative seat would likely still have time to get into their race if they do not win the nomination.

Warnock wins Georgia runoff against Walker

Continued from A1

presidential candidate in 30 years to win Georgia. Voters returned Sen. Warnock to the Senate in the same cycle they reelected Republican Gov. Brian Kemp by a comfort able margin and chose an all-GOP slate of statewide constitutional officers.

Mr. Walker’s defeat bookends the GOP’s struggles this year to win with flawed can didates cast from the Trump mold, a blow to the former president as he builds his third White House bid ahead of 2024.

The Democrats’ new outright major ity in the Senate means the party will no longer have to negotiate a power-sharing deal with Republicans and won’t have to rely on Vice President Kamala Harris to break as many tie votes.

National Democrats celebrated Tuesday, with President Biden tweeting a photo of his congratulatory phone call to the senator. “Georgia voters stood up for our democracy, rejected Ultra MAGAism, and ... sent a good man back to the Senate,” President Biden tweeted, referencing the Trump “Make

America Great Again” slogan.

About 1.9 million runoff votes were cast in Georgia by mail and during early voting. A robust Election Day turnout added about 1.4 million more, slightly more than the Election Day totals in November and in 2020.

Total turnout still trailed the 2021 runoff turnout of about 4.5 million. Voting rights groups pointed to changes made by state lawmakers after the 2020 election that shortened the period for runoffs, from nine weeks to four, as a reason for the decline in early and mail voting.

Sen. Warnock emphasized his will ingness to work across the aisle and his personal values, buoyed by his status as senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.

Mr. Walker benefited during the campaign from nearly unmatched name recognition from his football career, yet was dogged by questions about his fitness for office.

A multimillionaire businessman, Mr.

Walker faced questions about his past, including his exaggerations of his busi ness achievements, academic credentials and philanthropic activities.

In his personal life, Mr. Walker faced new attention on his ex-wife’s previous accounts of domestic violence, including details that he once held a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. He has never denied those specifics and wrote of his violent tendencies in a 2008 memoir that attributed the behavior to mental illness.

As a candidate, he sometimes mangled policy discussions, attributing the climate crisis to China’s “bad air” overtaking “good air” from the United States and arguing that diabetics could manage their health by “eating right,” a practice that isn’t enough for insulin-dependent diabetic patients.

On Tuesday, Atlanta voter Tom Callaway praised the Republican Party’s strength in Georgia and said he’d supported Gov. Kemp in the opening round of voting. But he said he cast his ballot for Sen. Warnock because he didn’t think “Herschel Walker has the credentials to be a senator.”

RPS lists 5.5 percent fewer students since 2019

preschool fall enrollment was up 360 chil dren this year compared with enrollment in fall 2021. The total of 1,341 children enrolled in Head Start and Virginia Pre school Initiative classes this year represents the best showing since fall 2019 when 1,662 children were enrolled in the two programs, she told the board.

RPS also had increased enrollment by 227 students or 1 percent since September to reach the current 21,993 figure, she said.

However, Ms. Hudacskso did not provide a breakdown of enrollment in creases or declines by race, income or other subgroup factors. Third District board member Kenya Gibson described that as a significant flaw given the importance of enrollment in budgeting since it helps determine the amount of revenue the state will provide.

In addition, the presentation appeared to provide better evidence that RPS has little shot of boosting enrollment any time soon.

The 10-year snapshot of enrollment figures Ms. Hudacsko presented shows stable to declining enrollment, with the decline becoming more noticeable since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

At the start of school in fall 2013, or 10 years ago, RPS enrolled 23,755 students, including 1,736 children in pre-K, Ms. Hou dacsko noted. Take out the pre-K numbers, and that year, RPS counted 22,019 students in K-12 classes as of Sept. 30, 2013, according to the state Department of Education.

Fast forward to fall 2022, and Ms. Hou dacsko reported RPS was serving 20,652 students in K-12 classes, a decline of 1,367 students or 6 percent from 2013.

“We’ve lost a lot of customers,” said 4th District School Board member Jona than Young.

Enrollment shrinkage is not unusual in public school districts since the pandemic stuck.

State figures show that reported fall enrollment across Virginia this year was still down 38,000 students from the 2019 record of nearly 1.3 million students. More students are being enrolled in private school, are being homeschooled or are taking virtual classes, data indicates, helping to explain the enrollment reduction.

But there is more to the Richmond story.

First, the data that continues to show a major share of Richmond’s students are unable to read, write or do basic math with proficiency is not sending an encouraging signal to parents. Nor do the high level of negative feedback found in teacher surveys RPS has released.

Just as importantly, the total number and percentage of school-age children ages 5 to 19 in Richmond continues to shrink, according to U.S. Census data – reducing the pool of children that could enroll and appearing to refute claims from Mayor Levar M. Stoney and City Council that RPS is headed for a new boom in student numbers.

According to that Census data, in 2000, about 38,000 school-age residents were counted in Richmond, representing nearly 20 percent of the 197,790 people living in the city at the time, or one in five, though only about two-thirds of the children were enrolled in RPS.

By 2010, the Census only counted 34,000 city residents in the 5 to 19 age

range, or 17 percent of a growing popula tion of 204,210 residents. Ten years later in 2020, with the city’s population up 9 percent to 226,610, the Census reported fewer than 30,000 residents were ages 5 to 19, about 12 percent of the population, or one in eight.

A key statistic shows that the most sig nificant shrinkage in school age numbers is among those of middle school age.

In addition, RPS has never recovered from the white and Black middle class flight that began in 1970 during the extended fight over ending government-enforced segregation of schools.

That year, RPS’ fall enrollment peaked at 47,988 students as a result of the city’s annexation of part of Chesterfield County in a bid to maintain white control of the government, Census data show.

Ten years later, in 1980, enrollment had plunged to 31,353 students, according to Census data, as families moved their children out of the city to attend schools in the neighboring suburbs.

Enrollment continued a steady decline through 2010, when student numbers began to stabilize at 23,000 to 24,000 students, including 1,600 to 1,700 children attend ing preschool.

At this point, RPS’ free preschool still is enrolling 400 fewer students than in 2019, even though other data does not show any decline in live births in Rich mond nor any real change in the number of preschool children.

The result is an enrollment picture that indicates many parents are finding ways to avoid the city’s public school system, rather than rushing to get their children into classes.

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

A hearse carrying the body of Congressman A. Donald McEachin leaves The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church on Wednesday following his homegoing service, which drew more than 600 people.

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Georgia comes through

Three cheers for the voters of Georgia.

In a stunning blow to the lying fraudster Donald Trump, ordinary people of Georgia rose up and ensured that Raphael Warnock would remain their senator for six years.

Oh yes, it was close.

Only about 100,000 votes separate Sen. War nock from his Republican challenger, Donald Trump acolyte Herschel Walker – a reminder of how important it is to vote.

The former president had pressed Mr. Walker to get into the race to ensure that there would be someone Black to oppose Sen. Warnock, who also is pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta where civil rights giant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his father once held the pulpit.

Mr. Trump helped raise tens of millions of dollars for his choice.

But in the end, the majority of Georgia voters repudiated the challenger. Thank goodness. And even better, it came on the same day that the Trump Organization was found guilty of fraud and cheating on state and federal taxes.

Karma!

Mr. Walker ranked among the nation’s best football players during his prime.

But anyone who heard him wondered why he was in this race.

He could not speak intelligibly on policy. He ran in Georgia, despite admitting he was getting tax breaks by listing himself as a Texas resident.

He opposed abortion, though he forced his paramours to have abortions.

The contrast was stark. Sen. Warnock has a reputation for integrity. Republicans tried to slur him, with claims he had evicted elderly tenants from some property he owns, but the claims proved to be untrue.

The first African-American to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Warnock not only could talk about policies and initiatives he believed would benefit the state, but he won plaudits for his work since winning a 2020 special election to earn a Senate seat.

One of the big factors was turnout. Demo crats often stay home in a runoff election. But not this time.

The unofficial tally indicates 3.5 million people cast ballots, which is huge. Early voting, which favored the Democrat, set records.

Many Republicans held their nose to vote for Mr. Walker. Even his son wrote that his father “was not a good candidate.” No one who sup ported Sen. Warnock had to cringe in casting a ballot for him.

Except for contributing money, none of us here could influence the outcome. But Sen. Warnock’s continued presence in the Senate will benefit all of us with the votes he casts in support of meaningful people-helping policies.

That’s why we say again: Three cheers for the voters of Georgia.

Speak up

Is this what we want?

A Facebook post puts that question squarely before us:

• 550,000 unhoused people in the U.S. $195 billion in individual medical debt, with one in 10 American adults significantly impacted.

• 16.9 percent child poverty rate, with rates even higher in some cities like Richmond.

• 63 percent of American adults living pay check to paycheck, with virtually no savings.

However, in the waning days of the current session of Congress, a big focus for the people who represent us involves consideration of the largest military budget in the country’s his tory.

While many of our neighbors live hand to mouth and drown in debt, our senators and representatives could soon vote on whether to authorize the Pentagon to spend $847 billion –sopping up 63 percent of all discretionary tax dollars.

Wow. Maybe it’s time for a change.

It is not just important to vote. It is also important to pay attention to what your repre sentatives are voting on and to call them out when you disagree. The tax dollars they are trying to allocate will come from you and other taxpayers.

In other words, this is your money. So don’t be shy about letting your senators and Congress members know how you want it spent.

Karen Bass’ election ushers in era of leadership

The National Urban League and the civil rights community have had few champions in Con gress as tenacious and effective as Rep. Karen Bass of California.

Earlier this year, the National Urban League worked closely with Chairwoman Bass and the Congressional Black Caucus on negotiations that led to President Biden’s Exec utive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Jus tice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety. She and I partnered last year to highlight racial equity in COVID vaccines, and she advocated fiercely for the Na tional Urban League’s priorities in the federal COVID relief responses.

Karen Bass has been a main stay of our annual Legislative Policy Conference.

Now, the House of Represen tatives’ loss is the City of Los Angeles’ gain. We are proud to congratulate Rep. Bass as she prepares to be sworn in as the first woman to hold the office of mayor of Los Angeles.

Her inauguration on Dec.

12 also will mark the first time in history that the nation’s four largest cities, will be led by Black mayors. She joins Eric Adams of New York, Lori Lightfoot of Chicago, and Sylvester Turner of Houston.

As a former big city mayor myself, and a past president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, I am perhaps a little biased, but I also am convinced that mayors are the most important elected

crime and a homelessness crisis. Her experience as an emergency room physician assistant treating individuals who were homeless, in the grip of substance abuse, and victims of crime and violence inspired her in 1990 to found the Community Coalition to address the root causes of injustice.

racial justice priorities including establishing a record of continued voter suppression efforts around the country, laying the foundation for passage of the John Lewis Voting Advancement Act.

officials in the country. Cities are the economic engines of the nation. They are laboratories of innovation. When a failure of leadership at the federal level crippled the nation’s response to the COVID pandemic, our may ors stepped into the breach.

The election of Rep. Bass, a longtime social justice advocate and coalition-builder, can be seen as a rejection of racially divisive policies such as the “tough-on-crime” agenda advo cated by her opponent, and the underhanded scheming revealed by a leaked recording of city council members making crude, racist remarks.

Mayor-Elect Bass is the ideal leader to bring together a city struggling to confront rising

Her breakthrough as the first woman and second Black mayor of L.A. is just the latest in her long history of blazing trails for Black women. In 2004, she entered office as the only Black woman serving in the California state legislature. She was the first to lead a state legislative body when she was sworn in as speaker of the California State Assembly in 2008. She earned the 2010 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for her leadership during the state’s budget crisis, which “put an end to years of govern ment inaction and sidestepping of the difficult decisions.”

When the election of the most ethnically and culturally diverse Congress in United States history swelled the ranks of the Congressional Black Caucus to a historically large membership in 2018, it was Karen Bass they turned to for leadership. With members serving as five full committee chairs, and 28 subcommittee chairs, the CBC under her watch advanced major

’Tis the season for food justice

Since early November, we’ve witnessed appeals to donate to food banks, food baskets and community food events.

Food-serving organizations are doing what they always do, and their work is commend able. It’s a shame, though, that it is not year-round work. People need food as much on Feb. 21, April 30, or June 16 as they need food during the endyear holidays.

But appeals before the end of the year are not as moving as they are at this time of the year. Tapping on holiday sentiments, some charities raise most of their money during November and December.

Give a person a fish, and you teach them to eat. Teach them to fish, and you teach them to live. While our food-serving organiza tions help people eat, focusing on food justice will teach them to live.

What is food justice?

It is a movement to ensure access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food for everyone, and to advocate for the health and safety of those involved in food production. The food justice movement focuses on disparities in food access, espe cially for marginalized communi ties, and examines the structural roots of our food system. (bu. edu.cac/ederef-2/what-is-foodjustice/). The movement looks at questions of land ownership (almost 98 percent of all farms are white-owned), agricultural practices, worker rights, and

other issues.

Dynamic organizations like Food Tank (www.foodtank.com) seek to reform the food system globally. In Washington, D.C., Christopher Bradshaw founded Dreaming Out Loud, farms 2 acres of formerly vacant land, and, in his words, “uses the food system as a lens to examine and dismantle

systems of oppression.”

A justice-oriented social en trepreneur, Mr. Bradshaw leads a group of farmers and food hub assistants. He seeks to connect small farmers and engage in food production. (dreamingoutloud. org). Around the country, food justice advocates are claiming unused urban land to grow food. Some sponsor local farmers’ markets and provide residents with healthy food.

The hunger issue is real, and so is the search for healthy, fresh food. Some call inner cities “food deserts,” but others describe them as “food swamps” because plenty of unhealthy food is available. What kind of system makes it easier to find grease and sugar than fresh produce? What makes the grease more profitable than the greens? Food justice advo cates are asking these questions and looking at them through micro-lens and macro-lens. How are people taught to make better food choices at the micro level? At the macro level, who profits from the availability of unhealthy food?

As with everything in this country, there are two food systems, one for the “haves” and one for the “have-nots.” The haves have access to gour

met food, 50 kinds of cheeses, healthy pre-cooked meals, and 24-hour delivery service. The marginalized have none of that. Indeed, many of the marginalized work in stores where a pound of specialty cheese costs more than they make in an hour. The food justice movement focuses on more availability for those at the bottom, advocating more affordable fresh food and better access to it.

Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor, a culinary griot who wrote and talked about food and made healthy, culturally-relevant food her mission, once wrote, “Food changes into blood, blood into cells, cells change into energy which changes up into life ... food is life.”

The quality of our lives is connected to the quality of our food. The food industrial complex is designed to extort surplus value from those who need food – all of us. At the top, exploitation comes from pricy, “gourmet,” organic food, but most who indulge in it can afford it. At the bottom, exploitation comes from cheap grease and unhealthy, overpro cessed foods.

What must you do? Keep making contributions to food banks, especially this time of year. Also, rethink what food justice means to you. Contribute to the organizations that are advocating for food justice. These holidays are not only the season to be jolly, to eat and drink together. It should also be the season to consider our food system and how it promotes exploitation and inequality.

The writer is an economist, author and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA. juliannemalveaux.com

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.

She was the primary sponsor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the most transfor mative legislation on policing to ever pass in a chamber of Congress. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, she was instrumental in passing the First Step Act, the most sig nificant criminal justice reform in decades.

While Karen Bass has won the mayoral election, the real winners are the people of Los Angeles, who, under her leadership, have an opportunity to usher in a new era of inclusive, more equitable civic leadership.

The writer is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

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Marc H. Morial

Sheriff’s authority is ‘completely separate from mine as commonwealth’s attorney’

As a longtime reader and supporter of the Free Press, it is disheartening to see the author of this article (Nov. 23-26 edi tion), Mr. Jeremy Lazarus, so flagrantly violate the journalistic ethics that the Free Press exemplified under the leadership of its founder, the late Raymond Boone. Instead of reporting corrobo rated factual information to the readers, the author inserted his unsupported opinion when he wrote “The sheriff has benefitted from the support of a fellow Democrat, Commonwealth’s Attor ney Colette W. McEachin, who has left it to the sheriff to report criminal acts and has not required the sheriff to file charges in cases involving felonies unless she has chosen to do so.”

This is not only a lie, it deliberately ignores my Nov. 17, 2022, email to the author, wherein I reminded him that the sheriff is an independent, elected, constitutional officer whose authority is com pletely separate from mine as commonwealth’s attorney. I cannot “require” the sheriff to do anything. Further, any individual who believes that they have been the victim of a crime that occurred in Richmond should contact the police so that a thorough investigation can be conducted by law enforcement. If that investigation establishes probable cause that a crime has been committed, my office will prosecute it appropriately, based upon the law and evidence — and not based upon unsupported opinion.

I ask for a retraction in your next issue of this insulting, inaccurate and misleading statement by Mr. Lazarus.

WALLACE McEACHIN

COLETTE

Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney

Editor’s note: The Free Press retracts and regrets any impli cation included in the news article “Climate of Fear,” published in the Nov. 23-26 edition, that Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette Wallace McEachin might be negligent in the conduct of her office or that a party affiliation might influence her prosecution of felonies alleged to have occurred at the Richmond Justice Center.

Officers who defended Capitol from Trump supporters honored

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, were hon ored Tuesday with Congressional Gold Medals nearly two years after they fought supporters of then-President Trump in a brutal and bloody attack.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the “heroes” as she opened the ceremony in the stately Capitol Rotunda, which was overrun that day when Trump supporters roamed the

their House majority, race to finish a nearly 18-month investigation of the insurrection. Democrats and two Republicans conducting the probe have vowed to uncover the details of the attack, which came as Mr. Trump tried to overturn his election defeat and encouraged his supporters to “fight like hell” in a rally just before the congressional certification.

Awarding the medals is among Speaker Pelosi’s last ceremonial acts as she prepares to step down from leadership. When the bill passed the House more than a year ago, she said the law enforcement officers from across the city defended the Capitol because they were “the type of Americans who heard the call to serve and answered it, putting country above self.”

“They enabled us to return to the Capitol,” and certify President Biden’s presidency, she said then, “to that podium that night to show the world that our democracy had prevailed and that it had succeeded because of them.”

halls trying to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s election.

In bestowing Congress’ highest honor, Speaker Pelosi praised the heroes for “courageously answering the call to defend our democracy in one of the nation’s darkest hours.”

To recognize the hundreds of officers who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, the medals will be placed in four locations — at U.S. Capitol Police headquarters, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Capitol and the Smithsonian In stitution. President Biden said when he signed the legislation last year that a medal will be placed at the Smithsonian museum “so all visitors can understand what happened that day.”

The ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda comes as Democrats, just weeks away from losing

Dozens of the officers who fought off the rioters sustained serious injuries. As the mob of Trump sup porters pushed past them and into the Capitol, police were beaten with American flags and their own guns, dragged down stairs, sprayed with chemicals and trampled and crushed by the crowd. Officers suffered physical wounds, including brain injuries and other lifelong effects, and many struggled to work afterward because they were so traumatized.

Four officers who testified at a House hear ing last year spoke openly about the lasting mental and physical scars, and some detailed near-death experiences.

Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges described foaming at the mouth, bleeding and screaming as the rioters tried to gouge out his eye and crush him between two heavy doors.

Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, who rushed to the scene, said he was “grabbed,

COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA

Henrico County Board of Supervisors

Until next time

New city officers

A steady stream of Maggie Walker and Armstrong High School alumni toured The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia last Friday for the final days of an exhibit that highlighted the history of the two arch rivals as part of the recent ArmstrongWalker Football Classic Legacy Project. The exhibit featured artifacts such as yearbooks, football program books, a vintage intercom speaker, photographs of well-regarded administrators and other memorabilia from those halcyon days gone by. Halim Muhammad, a 1963 graduate of Armstrong High School, waxed nostalgic about his school while Sandra Taylor and Rhonda Johnson Young, Maggie Walker, Class of 1970, held it down for the “Mighty Dragons.” Asked her thoughts about the exhibit, Ms. Taylor replied, “Awesome, awesome.”

The 12 recruits from the 125th Basic Recruit Class are commissioned by R.J. Warren, deputy city clerk for the City of Richmond, as new police officers Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The ceremony followed nearly a year of intense training for the recruits. The new members of RPD represent diverse backgrounds: A new mother who completed training after giving birth to her son, an Iraqi who has past experience from a war-torn country, and a woman who was elected the group’s president.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Photos by Bonnie Newman Davis

Jada Byers

Jada Byers has made history on the football field. Now he’s hopeful of making more history at the ballot box.

Virginia Union University’s explosive sophomore running back is among nine finalists for the Harlon Hill Award, which goes to NCAA Division II’s top performer.

The winner will be announced Dec. 16 and will be presented Jan. 13 at the Little Rock, Ark., Touchdown Club.

If selected, the New Jersey native would be the first athlete from an HBCU to be so honored. The Hill Award dates to 1986.

In leading VUU to this year’s Division II playoffs, Byers led the nation with 1,928 rushing yards and 2,256 total yards. He broke both the VUU and CIAA records for rushing, and was named CIAA Offensive Player of the Year.

The list of finalists includes four quarterbacks, three running backs, one wide receiver and one defensive back.

A national panel of university sports information directors vote on the award winner.

Harlon Hill was a standout back at North Alabama (then called Florence State) before going on to star in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.

Panthers celebrate 83-62 win against Augusta Raemaad Wright scores 34 points, makes 16 rebounds

Timberrrr! The nation’s No. 2 team has taken a fall, with Raemaad Wright among those cutting it down to size.

With Wright the star of stars, Virginia Union Univer sity scored one of its more notable victories in recent seasons, felling Augusta, Ga., University, 83-62, at rollicking Barco-Stevens Hall.

“It’s a big-time win for our program,” said VUU Coach Jay Butler.

This triumph, coming in VUU’s first home game of the season, should register on the national scene. VUU was No. 20 before and figures to skyrocket in the next poll.

Augusta, the defending NCAA Division II runnerup, came to Barco undefeated, ranked No. 2 in the NABC poll and featuring 7-foot-1 Tyshaun Crawford, who had to duck to get into the gym’s back door.

If Crawford was All-Ameri can, Wright was “All World,” at least on this special occasion.

Some of the elite big men in VUU and CIAA annals have starred on the Barco stage — NBA bound Charles Oakley, Terry Davis and Ben Wallace among them.

Michael London already has coached one school to the FCS championship. Now he’s looking to make it two.

Coach London’s College of William & Mary Tribe has reached the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs and will play at Montana State 10:15 p.m. EST Friday.

ESPN2 will handle the TV coverage. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 20s in Bozeman.

Coach London is just one of two Black coaches to lead their teams to an FCS title. Rudy Hubbard did it first in 1978 with Florida A&M.

Coach London, a former Richmond Police officer, coached his alma mater, University of Richmond, to the 2008 crown. W&M, 11-1, advanced to the quarterfinals with a 54-14 win over Gardner-Webb in Williamsburg. Montana State, 11-1, advanced via a 53-25 victory over Weber State.

Still, none could have shone brighter than Wright did against Augusta.

A fifth-year senior from Suf folk, the 6-foot-7 Wright scored 34 points, snared 16 rebounds, blocked two shots, made two steals, and nailed four-of-six

3-pointers.

“Raemaad played a fantastic game, especially considered he hadn’t practiced much this week due to an injury,” said Coach Butler.

Crawford finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots in 34 challenging minutes against the fired-up Panthers.

“I thought our guys were locked in form the start,” Coach Butler said, noting that the Pan thers out-rebounded Augusta by a resounding 40-23.

The win lifts VUU to 7-1 and was the 300th career win for Coach Butler, counting VUU and his previous stint as women’s coach at the Univer sity of District Columbia.

Wright had plenty of com pany in the VUU spotlight.

Robert Osborne had 17 points, 10 rebounds and two steals and Devon Sims added 10 points and three assists.

A 6-foot-5 senior from Cen treville, Sims has more than doubled his production from a year ago.

Next up for the Panthers is a 2 p.m. Barco date Saturday with invading Salem, W.Va. VUU defeated Salem, 75-72, last year in West Virginia.

VUU is 17-2 over its last 19 games over two seasons. The Panthers won 10 straight a season ago before losing to Fayetteville in the CIAA finals.

A look back at football legends and HBCUs

Just for fun, let’s turn back the clock and imagine the greatest college football players of all time.

Would they come from the Big Ten, with the likes of Ohio State and Michigan, etc.? The SEC with Alabama, Georgia? The Big 12, Oklahoma, Texas? Maybe the Pac 12, UCLA, USC? Perhaps the ACC, Clemson, Miami?

Or … a bit removed from the na tional spotlight, how about HBCU megastars?

A history lesson is in order. Before our younger fans burn their lips on their morning coffee, consider this and visual ize this team of HBCU legends:

Coach: Art Shell (Maryland-Eastern Shore)

Quarterback: Steve McNair (Alcorn State)

Running backs: Walter Payton (Jack son State); Leroy Kelly (Morgan State)

Wide receivers: Bob Hayes (Florida A&M), Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley)

Interior linemen: Shell (Art’s doing double duty), Rayfield Wright (Fort Valley State); Larry Little (Bethune-Cookman), Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State)

Tight end: Shannon Sharpe (Savan nah State)

Center: To be announced later

Punter: Marquette King (Fort Val ley; averaged 47 yards on 446 career punts)

Place kicker: No need for one. Of fense would go for it on fourth down inside the 50 and go for two following touchdowns.

Defensive linemen: Deacon Jones (South Carolina State/Mississippi Valley), Michael Strahan (Texas Southern), Buck Buchanan (Grambling), Ed “Too Tall” Jones (Tennessee State)

Linebackers: Willie Lanier (Morgan

State), Harry Carson (South Carolina State), Robert Brazile (Southern)

Cornerbacks: Lem Barney (Jackson State), Willie Brown (Grambling)

Safeties: Ken Houston (Prairie View), Mel Blount (Southern)

But what about Black centers? Where are they?

Worry not…. we don’t have to look past Lombardy Street.

A four-time All-Pro during the Dallas Cowboys’ glory days of the 1970s and 1980s was Herbert Scott, out of Virginia Union.

Scott played guard but there is no doubt he could have moved one slot over to serve as Roger Staubach’s center.

So, there you have it - a team loaded with crackle and pop. We’ll let “Homeboy Herb” provide the snaps.

This has the makings for some lively chit-chat over punch at holiday parties.

Deion Sanders trades Jackson State for Colorado

There is a time to come, and a time go, and Deion Sanders is leaving the Deep South and HBCU football for the Rocky Moun tains and a Power Five conference.

After three stellar and well-publicized seasons at FCS Jackson, Miss., State of the SWAC, Sanders has signed a contract to be come the next coach at the Pac-12 FBS University of Colorado in Boulder.

Never one at a loss for words, here’s how Sanders put it: “In coaching you either get elevated or you get terminated,” he told the press last Saturday.

He spoke freely after Jackson trounced Southern, La., 43-24 for the SWAC title before more than 50,000 fans in Jackson and an ESPN audience.

“There aren’t any graveyards for coaches where they die at the place,” he explained. “They either going to run you off or you going to walk off.”

Last hurrah: Sanders has agreed to coach his Tigers one last time in the Dec. 17 Celebration Bowl in Atlanta (noon, ABC) against MEAC champ North Carolina Central. JSU lost to South Carolina State in last year’s Celebration Bowl, one of Sanders’ more embarrassing moments.

The legacy: Sanders has posted a 27-5 record at JSU with two SWAC titles. In going 12-0 this season, the Tigers have outscored their opposition, 456 points to 135.

He has been interviewed on “Good Morning America,” “60 Minutes” appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, been a focal point of Aflac commercials, and somehow lured ESPN to Jackson State for Game Day, an astonishing rarity on an HBCU campus. However, some might suggest he gets an “incomplete” on the exam. There was speculation, perhaps unreasonably, that Sanders might lift JSU, and perhaps other HBCUs, into more of the main

to Louisiana-Monroe 11-7 last year and nipping Campbell, N.C., 22-14 this season.

Unlike many SWAC and MEAC schools, JSU has chosen not to play in a high-profile game on the road against FBS foes. Those games can be greatly rewarding financially, but also most humbling. Deion Sanders is not the “humble” type.

Family first: Sanders has two sons on the JSU team, star quar terback Shedeur and defensive back Shilo. Almost certainly, both will transfer to Colorado with two years of eligibility.

Prior to JSU, Sanders was the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian near Dallas, where he coached his sons.

More movement: Most expect several JSU players to follow Sanders to Boulder. Two of the most likely transfers are defensive back Travis Hunter and receiver Kevin Coleman, both five-star high school prospects.

Also, many of the high school and Portal players that Sanders had been recruiting to JSU likely will be redirected to the Mountains. All is fair in love, war and apparently football recruiting.

The contract: Sanders will reportedly earn about $5 million per year at Colorado, about 40 percent more than his highly lucrative (by HBCU standards) JSU contract. He will need to pay back about $300,000 to JSU for breaking that contact.

No soft landing: Colorado was 1-11 this past season, losing to Utah 63-21 in the final outing. The Buffaloes were outscored 534-185.

Since 2015, the SWAC

MEAC

in the Celebration Bowl rather than the FCS playoffs. Jackson State was 0-12 in the playoffs prior to the SWAC/MEAC agreement.

JSU has played just two non-HBCUs under Jackson, losing

Coach Karl Dorrell, who is Black, was fired after a 0-5 start. The Buffaloes haven’t won a bowl game since 2004 and clearly occupy the Pac-12 cellar.

Introducing: Sanders has recommended that T.C. Taylor be the next JSU coach. Taylor, a former Tigers’ QB, served as the receivers coach this year.

Stories by Fred Jeter

David Zalubowski/The Associated Press

Deion Sanders speaks after being introduced Sunday as the new head football coach at the University of Colorado during a news conference. stream of big time college football.

He won some major battles on the recruiting front, using his smile and notoriety (NFL Hall of Fame) to sign blue-chippers who normally would have gone to more well-known “name schools.”

and

have chosen to play

He shot 12 of 16 from the floor and 6-for-6 at the foul line.

Coach London

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

A fifth-year senior from Suffolk, Raemaad Wright scored 34 points, snared 16 rebounds, blocked two shots and more when VUU went against Augusta University on Dec. 3 at Barco-Stevens Hall.

Supervision tools on Family Center can help parents keep their teens safe on Instagram.

Explore and set up Family Center at familycenter.instagram.com

Paid for by Instagram - about.instagram.com

If it takes a village to raise a child, Shavon M. Ragsdale works to make sure the village is ready, willing and able to protect and support those most in need.

In 2019 she created the Vil lage Against Violence Founda tion as a solution to the violence plaguing the Metro Richmond area at the time.

Three years later, Ms. Rags dale sees an even greater need, as rising mental health and medical troubles continue to threaten the safety and wellbeing of Richmond residents.

“The community needs help,” says Ms. Ragsdale, who frequently hears requests for help and words of encourage ment since first forming the foundation. “I just really wish we could all get together in the city of Richmond, and help the surrounding counties, and become a big community.”

Currently, Ms. Ragsdale and the members of the foundation are focused on their “Gift for Healing” Toy Giveaway. The free event will provide various aid to the children of homicide victims and the less fortunate, including toys and financial donations from the community.

The Village Against Violence Foundation’s ultimate aim is to create a sustainable community center that can provide safety and comfort to at-risk children in Richmond.

The toy giveaway will be the beginning of a new annual event for the foundation, which is working with several partners, including the Unity in the Com munity Revitalization Coalition and local community and faith leaders, to bring joy and comfort to the less fortunate.

“The goal of this event is to support children and families who may need some extra love and kindness during the holidays,” Ms. Ragsdale says. “This has been another tough year. We want to give back in a major way.”

Her focus beyond the toy giveaway is on raising funding and partners for her number one priority: a sustainable center for children and community that can provide safety and comfort to Richmond children.

Progress on the center de

BPersonality: Shavon M. Ragsdale

Spotlight on Village Against Violence Foundation founder

pends on fundraising, accord ing to Ms. Ragsdale, to hire staff for necessary roles. But efforts have begun to improve with partnerships for the center secured, which have helped to bolster her efforts, take some of the burden off her shoulders, and inspire more optimism in its success in the near future.

“My goal is April 2023 to open,” she says. “I’m really pushing and praying.”

The road to bring the founda tion to fruition so far has been a challenge for Ms. Ragsdale, who has had to fund much of its work, and her own education, with her own money. She also hasn’t seen much interest from similar community groups in collaborating and supporting each other.

Despite these initial prob lems, and what she saw as a worsening state for the commu nity’s well-being, Ms. Ragsdale believes that the foundation is building momentum toward something great. And she is eager to make new connections, build a coalition and do her part to improve the quality of life for all Richmonders.

“I really can see the change,” Ms. Ragsdale says. “I’m excited, but I just want to keep going because it’s so much that I want to do to give back to the community.”

Meet the leader of an emerg ing group in community support and this week’s Personality, Shavon M. Ragsdale:

Volunteer position: CEO/ founder, Village Against Vio lence Foundation.

Occupation: Community en gagement specialist.

Date and place of birth: Nov. 18 in Richmond.

Where I live now: Richmond.

Education: Associate degree in human services; business certification, Cornell University Women’s Entrepreneur.

Family: Three children, Marsaan,15, Malaia, 4, and Myana, 2.

The Village Against Violence Foundation is: On a mission to strengthen families, heal atrisk children, ease hardship and build stronger communities.

When and where founded: August 2019 in Richmond.

Why Village Against Violence Foundation was created: The VAV was created from pain.

What keeps me helping oth ers: My heart and to know how it feels firsthand to struggle. So many go through things they don’t talk about. When you help a person going through some thing it changes their mindset mentally and spiritually. I want to be the change.

Advice for turning trag edy into something positive: Prayer changes things. Give it to God and turn your pain into purpose.

Our No. 1 goal: VAV seeks to establish a sustainable Village Against Violence Children & Community Resource Center (VAVCCRC).

The objective of the facility is to provide a safe and secure multiuse/multiuser community resource center for children in Richmond.

Strategy for achieving goals: Partner with local churches and community organizations.

Our No. 1 challenge: Funding. How we plan to meet it: Donations, fundraising events, silent auctions and applying for community grants.

The Village Against Violence Foundation partners with: United Health Care Community

Plan, Richmond Police Department Faith Lead ers, Panera Bread, Hobson Lodge #23, Richmond Public Schools Headstart Program, Wawa Founda tion, Publix, Walmart and Amazon Smile.

Ways to become in volved with VAV: Visit our website — www. vavfoundation.com or contact us on Facebook: The Village Against Vio lence Foundation.

Upcoming events: VAV, a local, volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) charity, Rich mond Police Department Faith Leaders, and Unity in the Community Revi talization Coalition are gearing up for its first “Gift for Healing” Toy Giveaway.

This community event will be held in support of our children of homicide victims and those who are less fortunate. The goal of this event is to support chil dren and families who may need some extra love and kindness during the holidays. This event is free, but we are asking for

monetary or new toy donations. This has been another tough year. We want to give back in a major way.

Place and time: Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fresh Anointing Cathedral, 3001 2nd Ave., Richmond.

A perfect day for me is: Being able to wake up to see that day so I always thank God first with prayer. Fresh hot coffee, spend ing time with my kids and giving back to my community.

What I am continuing to learn about myself during the pandemic: That I have more strength than I thought. Everything that didn’t break me made me stronger, and I thank God for that.

Something about me that people may not know: I am the chairperson for Richmond Public Schools’ Head Start Parent Committee.

A quote that inspires me: Be the best version of yourself. My friends describe me as: A go-getter.

At the top of my “to-do” list is: Christmas shopping for children

in need. Ordering a cake for my daughter’s fifth birthday on Dec. 22. Helping my son’s basketball team raise money for dues.

Best late-night snack: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: Never give up and everyone is not your friend.

The person who influenced me the most: The late Alicia Rasin, who was a longtime community advocate in Richmond.

Book that influenced me the most: “After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Cour age and Self-Love” by Alex andra Elle.

What I’m reading now: “Adult Children of Emotionally Im mature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self -Involved Parents” by Lindsay C. Gibson.

Next goal: Open a community center.

Powering through downpours

Under cloudy skies, rain and umbrellas, the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade kicked off the

season on Dec. 3 at

Virginia on West Broad Street before

the

7th Street.

Powering up the lights

By Holly Rodriguez

When Robert Dortch Jr. was returning to the United States after reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kili manjaro, a customs agent at the airport in Tanzania asked him why he’d been visiting the country.

When Mr. Dortch replied that he’d climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest freestanding mountain at 19,341 feet, the agent did not believe him.

She demanded that he show her the certificate given to anyone who endures and completes the journey.

When Mr. Dortch produced the certificate, the customs agent was so elated that she ran from one colleague to the next, showing them proof of his once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.

Several weeks after Mr. Dortch returned to the United States, he shared his journey in a Nov. 3-5 Free Press article, “Reaching the peak.”

About 300,000 people climb the mountain each year, and Mr. Dortch’s guide, Emmanuel Ki maro, said fewer than 30 are Black and Brown people. The journey is so rig orous that some people have to turn back before reaching Uhuru due to altitude sickness.

Approximately 10 people a year die on the mountain when trying to complete the climb.

As one of the few AfricanAmericans to achieve such

An evening on Mount Kilimanjaro

a feat, Mr. Dortch said word spread among other climbers about “The Black American” who made it to the top of the mountain.

Mr. Dortch’s eight-day climb up Mount Kilimanjaro was filled with daily and sometimes

his climb.

Kym Grinnage, regional vice president of Gray Television and general manager of Richmond’s WWBT-NBC12, will interview Mr. Dortch.

Uhuru Peak is a long way from Creighton Court, where Mr. Dortch and his family lived for two years before his father purchased the family’s first home in Blackwell.

“It was a different place back then,” he said in a telephone in terview with the Free Press. “Dirt roads and blackberry bushes.” He said he remembers the family having a basket ball hoop, and feeling the rooms of the house were so big.

spire other African-Americans to not give up on their goals and dreams. He plans to discuss how he had to learn to trust the team supporting him, how his

brutal challenges. His ability to tackle them all is scheduled to be discussed 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. Artifacts from his journey will be displayed, along with dozens of images that he photographed during

The father of two is a graduate of Meadow brook High School and a first-generation college graduate who earned his bachelor’s in business administration at James Madison University, and master’s of divinity de gree from the School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Among his many titles are entre preneur, executive coach, ordained minister, poet and, obviously, adven turer. More than once his “adventurer” moniker has raised eyebrows among his family members.

Mr. Dortch said he often is asked why he decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

“Because I can,” is his response.

In sharing his story, Mr. Dortch said he hopes he can in

official holiday

the Science Museum of

heading Downtown to

Despite the rain, parade-goers near and far lined

streets to experience the excitement and festivities. Dancers from Kings Dominion Winter Fest, middle photo far right, were among more than 100 participants in the annual parade. Other highlights included The Richmond Flying Squirrels’ mascots Nutzy, right, and Nutasha, who were this year’s parade grand marshals. Also braving the storm were George Wythe High School’s cheerleaders, far right.

Carlos Bernate

RVA Illuminates Christmas Lights at Kanawha Plaza also added to the river city’s sparkle on Friday, Dec. 2, as Richmonders gathered to snap photos, dance, enjoy the annual light display and take in the movie “Elf.”

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Carlos Bernate

experience growing up in Rich mond helped him face adversity on the mountain, and how he had to adapt and the resilience required to do all of it.

“As Black people, we work so hard serving others, a lot of times we miss out on life,” he said. “My hope is that this will inspire others.”

Robert Dortch Jr.

Lawrence Hugh ‘Larry’ Everette, social worker and popular singer, dies at 74

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Lawrence Hugh “Larry” Everette was pas sionate about helping people and singing.

Mr. Everette was able to do both as a career social worker and as a vocalist in a church choir and a founding member of the popular Richmond classic R&B, soul and doo-wop group Bak N Da Day.

In a social work career that spanned 40 years, Mr. Everette said he sought to focus on the number problem for families, drug and alcohol addiction, and sought “to do all I can to break (the) cycle of substance abuse and violence.”

“He helped a lot of people,” said Rosalind Taylor Everette, his wife of 52 years. “So many people he worked with would come up to him and tell him that he had saved their lives.”

Mr. Everette, who had been battling cancer, died at his South Side home on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, his wife said. He was 74.

Family and friends were to gather at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, to celebrate his life at First Baptist Church of South Richmond, 1501 Decatur St., where he was a longtime active member,

sang in the choir member and was a member of the Imani Singers.

A native of Rockland County, N.Y, where he and his wife first met, Mr. Everette began his association with Richmond after enrolling at Virginia Union University.

After graduating, he joined Mrs. Everette in Philadelphia where she was earning a degree in nursing and he earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, while also working as a psychiatric social worker.

Once completed, the couple returned to Richmond to begin their careers.

Among other things, he ran an after-care program for released prisoners for the city Department of Social Services and served as director of crisis intervention for the mentally ill for the city Depart ment of Behavioral Health, now RBHA, said his wife, a retired Richmond Public Schools nurse.

Recruited to Rubicon, he ran treatment pro grams for alcoholics and eventually became deputy director of the substance abuse operation at Rubicon.

He later joined RPS’ staff where he initially served as an employee assistance specialist and then as a specialist in the school system’s pro gram to reduce truancy, violence and substance abuse among students. He was director of the program when he retired in 2012, his wife said.

In a 2009 Free Press Personality feature, Mr. Everette stated that many of the students he worked with as a truancy specialist were “the children of individuals that I have treated at Rubicon in the past.” Mr. Everette stated that he knew the addiction cycle could be broken based on meeting “former clients who are sober, clean and successful.”

After retiring, he worked for several years with city jail inmates enrolled in an internal addiction treatment program.

He also served as a clinical consultant to Rubicon and as president of the Rubicon board of directors before the program shut down and sold its property to RBHA in 2015.

When Russell Bennett organized the a cap

pella quintet Bak N Da Day in 1999, he said Mr. Everette was the first person he called.

“He was an easygoing guy who had a golden velvet voice,” Mr. Bennett said. “He was the guy who focused on our harmony.”

Mr. Bennett said Mr. Everette left after 14 years, and since then, Mr. Bennett said he has never been able to find anyone with the same “high smooth tenor. So, we haven’t been able to do some of the songs he sang, such as ‘Since I Don’t Have You’ and ‘Little Itty Bitty Pretty One.’”

Mr. Everette also was a past president and longtime member of Club 533. He also belonged to the Theban Beneficial Club and the Upsilon Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Along with his wife, survivors include daughter Stephanie E. Lomax and son Darren K. Everette; stepmother Shirley Wimbush; sisters Cheryl Everette-Smith and Crystal Ev erette –Ross; brother Michael S. Everette; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The family requests that memorial contribu tions be made to Virginia Union University’s scholarship fund in his name.

‘Treat everybody like family,’ advises Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church

Last Saturday marked months of planning for the ordination and consecration of The Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson as the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia on Dec. 3 at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.

The public service, which drew nearly 1,500 people, in cluding 37 bishops from across the world, was the culmination of Bishop Stevenson’s June 4 election at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria.

The national Presiding Bish op of the Episcopal Church, Mi chael Bruce Curry, led Bishop Stevenson’s ordination and con secration and preached the ser mon before bishops who trav eled from Liverpool, England, Tanzania, Ghana and other coun tries, said Rev. Marlene E. Forrest of the historic St. Philips Episcopal Church on Richmond’s North Side.

Rev. Forrest, who was in stalled as the 23rd rector of St. Philip’s last May 14, served on Bishop Stevenson’s transition committee as part of the Liturgy Team. It was a volunteer position that “quite a few people applied for,” Rev. Forrest said.

In addition to the bishops from other countries, 200 clergy from throughout the Diocese of Virginia and elsewhere attended what Rev. Forrest considers “a celebration.”

Weeks leading up to the

consecration was a “lot of work, but a work of love,” Rev. For rest said in noting how pleased she is with the outcome.

“It was a real worshipful celebration,” she said, adding how thankful the congregants are to have Bishop Stevenson in place after several years without a permanent bishop.

Bishop Stevenson succeeds the Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston who retired in 2017. Virginia Suffragan Bishop Susan E. Goff served as ecclesiastical author ity in the interim years.

“I didn’t think I’d get so emotional. It’s a new begin ning and he (Rev. Stevenson) is such a man of integrity and so authentic.”

Bishop Stevenson is the canon to the presiding bishop for ministry within The Epis copal Church. He is the prin cipal liaison between Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the House of Bishops, the various dioceses and many of the gov erning bodies of The Episcopal Church.

Bishop Stevenson previous ly was the director of Episcopal Migration Ministries, leading a dedicated team in executing a national program of refugee resettlement. Previously, he served as domestic poverty missioner for The Episcopal Church. He also served as canon to the ordinary in the Diocese of Louisiana from August 2005 until September 2013. Follow ing Hurricane Katrina, Bishop Stevenson worked closely with local, regional, national and international leaders and groups to put into place the processes for effective relief and other

ministries.

During his sermon, Presiding Bishop Curry, who practically became a household name when he delivered the sermon during the 2018 wedding ceremony of Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markel in Windsor Castle, shared the words of the Sister Sledge musical group by singing a few bars of “We Are Family.” The audience clapped along.

“Jesus came to show us how to be family and the truth is we already are,” he said. “It’s just a matter of being who we are.” He encouraged the Diocese

audience to “treat everyone like your family and then work to build a society, a church and a world where everybody is a child of God.”

In concluding his sermon, Bishop Curry said “Virginia, join hands with Mark and help us to become who God has called us to be.”

Elected in 2015 to a nineyear term, Bishop Curry is The Episcopal Church’s chief pastor, spokesperson, and president and chief executive officer. He widely is considered a pro phetic leader, particularly in the areas of racial reconciliation,

climate change, evangelism, immigration policy, and mar riage equality.

Bishop Curry has been extensively involved in Crisis Control Ministry and the Ab salom Jones Initiative, founding ecumenical summer day camps for children, preaching missions, creating networks of family day care providers and educational centers, and brokering millions of dollars of investment in urban neighborhoods.

In 2018, Religion News As sociation named him Religion Newsmaker of the Year.

Rev. Forrest

Mr. Everette

Free Press staff report

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church nationwide, Michael Bruce Curry, left, applauds before more than 37 bishops from throughout the United States, England, Tanzania, and Ghana as he presents Bishop E. Mark Stevenson after his consecration, becoming the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, in its 237-year history Saturday, Dec. 3, at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico.

city

of Richmond, virginia

The object of this suit is for the Plaintiff to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption, and with Plaintiff’s intent to terminate the marriage, for a period exceeding twelve (12) months, namely since April 1st, 2015.

Ordinance No. 2022-349 To amend Ord. No. 2022055, adopted May 9, 2022, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by increasing estimated revenues from real estate taxes by $21,028,104.00 and appropriating a portion of such increased estimated revenues in the amount of $17,107,509.00 to various City agencies and nondepartmental programs, including the authorization of a disbursement in the amount of $100,000.00 from the Department of Economic Development to the Economic Development Authority for the purpose of business recruitment and retention activities, implementation of the Strategic Plan for Equitable Economic Development, and expenses related to the City Center redevelopment project.

Ordinance No. 2022-350 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and Presbyterian Homes & Family Services, Inc., for the purpose of providing family crisis funds to City residents with emergency financial needs.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the December 12, 2022 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.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

DIvORcE

vIRGINIA:

IN THE cIRcUIT cOURT OF THE cOUNTY OF HENRIcO Juan Francisco villalobos Segura Plaintiff,

It appearing by affidavit that Plaintiff has no knowledge ofthe Defendant’s current address and Defendant’s present whereabouts are unknown and diligence has been used by or on behalf of the Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the Defendant is without effect.

It is accordingly ORDERED that Maria Elena Sanchez Hernandez whose whereabouts are unknown, appear before this court on or before the 23rd of January 2023, at 9 a.m. And do what is necessary to protect his interests herein.

A Copy Teste: HElDI S. BARSHINGER, CLERK HENRICO CIRCUIT COURT Richard J Oulton, Esq VSB #29640 America Law Group, Inc 8501 Mayland Drive #106 Henrico VA 23294 (804)308-0051 Fax: (804)308-0053

vIRGINIA: IN THE cIRcUIT cOURT FOR THE cOUNTY OF HENRIcO DARLENE KAY PATTON, Plaintiff, v. MARY FRANcYS PATTON, Defendant. case No.: cL22-6380 AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLIcATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart in excess of one year.

It appearing from an Affidavit filed by the plaintiff that the defendant’s whereabouts are unknown, it is ORDERED that the defendant appear before this Court on or before the 30th of January, 2023 at 9 a.m., to protect her interests herein.

I ASK FOR THIS: Shannon S. Otto, VSB 68506 L0CKE & OTTO 1802 Bayberry Court Suite 103 Richmond, VA 23226 Telephone: (804) 545-9408 Facsimile: (804) 545-9400 Email: otto@lockeotto.com Counsel for Plaintiff

vIRGINIA: IN THE cIRcUIT cOURT FOR THE cOUNTY OF HANOvER MELITO McWILLIAMS, Plaintiff v. cATHERINE McWILLIAMS, Defendant. case No.: cL22003496-00

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

whereabouts are unknown appear here on or before the 12th day of January, 2023 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 MARIA MARROQUIN, Plaintiff v. JAIME ALvARADO, Defendant. case No.: cL22003497-00

ORDER OF PUBLIcATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown appear here on or before the 12th day of January, 2023 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 OF THE cOUNTY OF HENRIcO EBIKABORE WINIFRED ODIBO, Plaintiff v. KINGSLEY ERUTE ODIBO, Defendant. case No.: cL22-7195

ORDER OF PUBLIcATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce.

It appearing from an affidavit that diligence has been used by or on behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendant is, without effect, it is ORDERED that the defendant appear before this Court on the 23rd day of January, 2023 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests herein.

A Copy, Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk

vIRGINIA: IN THE cIRcUIT cOURT FOR THE cOUNTY OF HANOvER KIMBERLY cOSTA, Plaintiff v. DANIEL cOSTA, Defendant. case No.: cL22002745-00 ORDER OF PUBLIcATION

The object of this suit

months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown appear here on or before the 3rd day of January, 2023 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

cUSTODY

vIRGINIA: IN THE JUvENILE AND DOMESTIc RELATIONS DISTRIcT cOURT OF THE cITY OF RIcHMOND commonwealth of virginia, in re MELISSA MONAE SALGADO MORENO, RDSS v. BRITTANY O’BANNON & UNKNOWN FATHER File No. J-100777-04-05 ORDER OF PUBLIcATION

The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown Father (Father), & Brittany O’Bannon (Mother) of Melissa Monae Salgado Moreno, child DOB: 12/28/2021, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: Visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support and that; It is ORDERED that the defendants Unknown Father (Father), & Brittany O’Bannon (Mother) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 2/7/2023, at 9:30 A.M., cOURTROOM #2 (McG)

PROPERTY

NOTIcE JUDIcIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Owner/s of the below listed properties are hereby given notice that thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, proceedings will be commenced under the authority of Section 58.13965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to sell the following parcels located in the City of Richmond, Virginia for payment of delinquent taxes: 5309 Bemiss court C0081221039 3010 A Laurelbrook Dr C0090150036 2225 A East clay Street E0000257030 2321 carrington St E0000470011 1519 N 28th E0000790049 1920 chelsea St E0000833012 4606 Bunn Ave E0110143003 1824 Williamsburg Road E0110225011 2512 Glenlea Ave E0120224021

E0120426008 3116 2nd Ave N0000990005 3107 2nd Ave N0000991017 3408 2nd Ave N0001168009 419 Milton Street N0001456005 448 Hazelhurst Ave N0001456025 3802 Alma Ave N0160032002 3611 Edgewood Ave N0160081007 3710 North Ave N0160134003 231 Richmond Hwy S0000292011 24 W 21st St S0000412015 1117 E 16th St S0000639019 206 W 30th St S0001236014 4905 Bassett Ave S0060444014 215 Brinser St S0070873001 209 A Brinser St S0070874003 209 B Brinser St S0070874004 209 c Brinser St S0070874005 209 D Brinser St S0070874006 7 Thurman St S0070874009 5 Thurman St S0070874010 3 Thurman St S0070874011 205 Brinser St S0070874014 209 Brinser St S0070874015 2001 Mansion Ave S0071032032 1305 columbia St S0071126016 1418 Lynhaven Ave S0071229021 2504 Warwick Ave S0071677011 3018 Richmond Hwy S0080629001 3301 Lynhaven Ave S0080706025 2290 Ruffin Road S0080707011 2514 Lamberts Ave S0080814003 4202 Lynhaven Ave S0090225001 4705 caldwell Ave S0090418027 4720 caldwell Ave S0090459008

316 A E Grace St W0000036016 2323 Rear Idlewood Ave W0001031040 6510 Wessex Lane W0210250019

The owner/s of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and cost thereon, including the pro rata costs of publication hereunder.

Jesse R Hill Jr, Management Analyst Associate Department of Finance, Delinquent Collections 900 East Broad Street, Room 109 Richmond, Virginia (804) 646-6617

St. John Baptist Church in Richmond, Va. Is looking for an experienced Minister of Music to coordinate the Music Ministry. Please send resume highlighting qualifications to: Chairman Claude Coleman, Trustee Ministry Rev. Dr. Janet Copeland, Minister of Music, 4317 North Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23222. Closing date: December 30, 2022

It appearing unto the Court, by affidavit filed according to law by the plaintiffs, that (A) diligence has been used, without effect, to ascertain the location of defendant Andre Stolar, and his last address is unknown; and (B) there may be persons, whose names are unknown (collectively, the “Parties Unknown”), interested in the Property, who are made parties defendant herein by the following descriptions: All unknown heirs, devisees, and successors in interest of William Salaneck, Sr., Edward Salaneck, Sr., Ivan Hodich, Julia Hodich, and Dane Terry Hilbert; and All other persons claiming any interest in the real property briefly described as 8000 Neuson Court, Henrico County, Virginia, GPIN 758743-4527.

It is, therefore, ORDERED that defendant Andre Stolar, and the said Parties Unknown, appear in this Court on January 9, 2023 and do what is necessary to protect their interests.

Enter: 11/9/22 Hon. L.A. Harris, Jr. Circuit Court Judge I ASK FOR THIS: Trevor B. Reid (VSB #77233) PARKER, POLLARD, WILTON & PEADEN, P.C. 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 205 Richmond Virginia 23230-1655 (804) 262-3600 telephone (804) 262-3284- facsimile treid@parkerpollard.com Counsel or the Plaintiffs

ABc LIcENSE

Joy Nails LLc Trading as: Joy Nails & Spa 5454 W Broad St Richmond, Henrico, virginia 23230-2630 The above establishment is applying to the V IRGINIA A LCOHOLIC B EVERAGE C ONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Marketplace LicenseDay Spa license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Nancy Wong, owner 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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The University of Virginia

Sr Development Scientist: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (US) LLC in Richmond, VA seeks Sr Development Scientist to work w/or lead tech teams across Supply Chain & R&D functions to optimize & enhance a broad portfolio of OTC & consumer products & resolve business continuity challenges. Req: Master’s (or foreign equiv) in Pharma Sci or a rel tech

DOE for tablet, liquid, or topical app products; analyzing & interpreting product dev data, & stat eval of process data using Statistical Process Control & Process Capability Analysis techniques; use of DMAIC process in performing investigations for Root Cause Analysis & determination of effective Corrective & Preventative Actions; managing product dev projects using software apps for timeline dev & milestone tracking. Will also accept Bach (or foreign equiv) in Pharma Sci Resumes to ana.p.loayza@haleon.com. Job code: MM

processes in commercial environ; designing & executing studies to discover, understand, model, simulate, & create new drug products or molecules; produce or contribute to

protocols, & reports in compliance w/good-

dev & in vitro testing of topical drug delivery

27709, Richmond, VA 23261.

to compel the sale of certain real property briefly described as 8000 Neuson Court, Henrico County, Virginia, GPIN 758-743-4527, being the same property conveyed to Dane Terry Hilbert by deed dated August 10, 2011, recorded in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Henrico County, Virginia, on August 17, 2011, in Deed Book 4901, at page 2382 (as more particularly described in the Complaint and in said deed, the “Property”).

BID

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