Richmond Free Press February 17-19, 2022 edition

Erin Jackson wins Olympic gold A10

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VOL. 31 NO. 8

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FEBRUARY 17-19, 2022

‘We are resilient’

Fox Elementary School parents, students, teachers and administrators vow to bounce back after fire destroys the 111-year-old school on Hanover Avenue, sending students back to virtual learning

By Ronald E. Carrington

Five days after a huge blaze turned Fox Elementary School into a hulking ruin, students, parents, teachers and staff of The Fan school are readjusting to virtual learning.

Classes restarted with virtual, computer-based learning on Wednesday as working parents once again were forced to juggle schedules to enable their children to take part.

Before the fire, Fox enrolled 350 youngsters in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, state data show.

On Tuesday, many of the parents went to Clark Springs Elementary to receive online learning kits while the school system delivered others to homes of parents who could not make it.

The three-alarm blaze, which engulfed the 111-year-old building at 2300 Hanover Ave. just after 10:30 p.m. last Friday, Feb. 11, destroyed the roof and second floor before being brought Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A Richmond firefighter directs a river of water through the now roofless Fox Elementary School to quell a small blaze that sprang up Saturday morning. Left, Tamara Ross and her daughter, Kori, 6, a kindergartener at Fox, view the damage to the school Saturday.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

State NAACP executive director resigns citing hail of allegations

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Fox School was filled with art, spirit

By Ronald E. Carrington

William F. Fox Elementary School in The Fan has a long history of serving Richmond students with innovative and creative approaches to education as well as serving as the social center of the neighborhood.

The 111-year-old building, while old, was known for its artistic interior. Professional artists had adorned the school hallways and student art was sprinkled through the building.

The spirit generated a loyal cadre

of alumni.

Tamara Moss is a Fox graduate from many years ago and has a family member working at the school now.

“I am in the school every year supporting my alma mater for career day,” said Ms. Moss, a Richmond paramedic.

“I remember how the floors sound when you walked on the wide boards in the hall. I also remember the friendships and the library.”

Ms. Ross was on duty the night of the fire. She heard the call come in just after 10:30 p.m. last Friday and went to

The executive director of the Virginia State Conference NAACP has abruptly quit after 14 months.

Da’Quan M. Love left behind a blistering resignation letter accusing members of the state NAACP board of creating overly stressful conditions that were ruining his health.

The Free Press obtained a copy of the Feb. 9 letter that Mr. Love wrote that paints a picture of a state board for the civil rights group that treats its employees with disdain, but also reflects an internal dispute between him and the board over his role.

As reflected in his letter, he bridled over Associated Press that it could take effect before the board’s tight control and its insistence the typical July 1 enactment The Virginia General As- date for new legislation. that he remain in the background, with public statements to come from and press releases sembly moved swiftly WednesUnder the amendments to be issued by the state NAACP president day to put the final legislative added by Gov. Youngkin, lotouches on a bill that bans local cal school systems must allow or designated elected officers.

The current president, Robert N. Barnette school systems from imposing students to opt out of mask Mr. Love Jr., called Mr. Love’s resignation a person- mask mandates on students. mandates beginning March 1.

The legislature passed the nel matter and declined to comment on the allegations that Mr. There was a brief discussion bill Monday. Gov. Glenn A. Wednesday on the House of Love leveled.

The sixth and youngest administrative leader of the 85-year- Youngkin then amended it to Delegates floor about whether old group, Mr. Love took charge of the state NAACP office in add an emergency clause so it’s constitutional to enact legDecember 2020. Since then, he noted that he had ushered in improvements to the office’s operations and increased financial support.

However, the 29-year-old Henrico resident stated he did so even as board members subjected him and his small staff to what he described as “verbal abuse, bullying, physical and other forms of harassment, gaslighting, and other forms of manipulation” that he said undermined his health and repeatedly sent him to the hospital.

He cited as one example the actions of Cynthia Downs-Taylor, chair of the state NAACP’s Personnel Committee, who was hired last April to be a Clement Britt senior adviser to U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner. Ms. DownsTaylor, who is now based Mike Spence of Team Henry Enterprises takes measurements of a box encased in stone in the Richmond area, has a discovered Wednesday morning by work crews dismantling the pedestal of the former long track record of service Jefferson Davis statue on Monument Avenue. Jefferson Davis served as president of the to the state organization and Confederate States of America. His statue was one of the first in the city to be pulled down was honored with a lifetime by protesters in June 2020 during the demonstrations for racial justice and against police achievement award in late brutality following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police in May 2020. City 2019 from the Newport News officials hesitated to call the box found buried in the rubble of the pedestal removal a time Branch NAACP. capsule because it has not yet been opened. The box was removed later in the day and is According to Mr. Love, stored in a secure location, city officials said. The future of the contents, if any, will be while he was out on medical determined by the property’s new owners – the Black History Museum and Cultural Center leave, Ms. Downs-Taylor’s of Virginia. Ownership of the Confederate statues and their pedestals that were removed committee subjected him to from Monument Avenue were turned over to the museum last month.

the school after her shift.

The only word she could summon about seeing her beloved school in flames was “sad.”

Faithe Norrell, a fourth-generation Richmond educator and librarian, remembers the volume of art in the building. She worked at Fox Elementary in the 1990s.

“Art was our core at Fox, which included a theatric program,” she said.

“Fox was fully represented ethnically in Please turn to A4

Va. adopts plan to end school mask mandates March 1

Another time capsule?

Please turn to A4

islation on an emergency basis Delegate Simon has said he by a simple majority vote. expects a court challenge on Typically it requires a the question.

80 percent supermajority of Gov. Youngkin, for his part, each body of the General As- planned a ceremonial bill signsembly to enact a law on an ing Wednesday afternoon to emergency basis for it to take celebrate his biggest legislative immediate effect. victory thus far.

But if the legislature In an interview passes a bill and the with Fox News, Gov. governor amends it, Youngkin noted that such amendments are Democrats were key adopted by a simple to the bill’s pasmajority vote. sage and that he was Democratic Delpleased to see it draw egate Marcus Simon bipartisan support. of Fairfax found a “If you choose Gov. Youngkin 2010 precedent from your child shouldn’t former Republican Speaker wear a mask, you can make Bill Howell indicating that that decision, and if you want governors can’t do an end run your child to wear a mask, you around the supermajority rules can make that decision as well. simply by adding an emergency And that’s what Virginia is all clause amendment. about,” he said.

But Republican House Gov. Youngkin won election Speaker Todd Gilbert overruled in November on a campaign Delegate Simon’s objection platform that emphasized paand cited numerous examples rental choice in education. in the past two years when On his first day in office last then-Gov. Ralph S. Northam, month, he signed an executive a Democrat, amended bills to order ending a statewide mask add an emergency clause and mandate in schools imposed by the legislature accepted them Please turn to A4 on a majority vote.

Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines Free community testing for COVID-19 continues.

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Feb. 17, 9 to 11 a.m. – Varina Area Library parking lot, 1875 New Market Road; noon to 2 p.m. – Second Baptist Church Parking Lot, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd.; 4 to 6 p.m. – Southside Plaza WIC Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza • Thursday, Feb. 17, and Friday, Feb. 18, 3 to 5 p.m. – Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center parking lot, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.

• Friday, Feb. 18, 9 to 11 a.m. – Six Points Innovation Center

Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 February 17-19, 2022

Local News

Painting tribute to founders of social club in North Side

Sir James Thornhill puts the finishing touches on his latest mural, a salute to the founders of the storied Regular’s Social Club in North Side.

Marking its 64th year, the private men’s club commissioned the Richmond artist to create this tribute to founders, from left, the late Robert L. Harvey Jr. and Raymond Eldridge Sr., on the north wall of the club’s

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Presidents Day schedule In observance of the Presidents Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 21, please note the following: Government Federal offices: Closed State offices: Closed Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover government offices: Closed Courts Federal courts: Closed State courts: Closed Schools Richmond Public Schools: Closed.

Henr ico County Public Schools: Student half day; professional learning day for staff.

Chesterfield County Public Schools: Student holiday and teacher workday Friday, Feb.17, student and staff holiday on Monday, Feb. 21.

H a n ove r C o u n t y P u bl i c Schools: Student holiday; teacher planning and inservice day.

Libraries Richmond Public Library: Closed.

Henrico County Public Library: Closed Chesterfield County Public Library: Closed Hanover County Public Library: Open Trash and recycling: Regular schedule U.S. Postal Service: No delivery Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions: Closed Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers: Closed GRTC: Buses operate on a regular schedule, with no express service Free Press office: Open

Applications open for Henrico County Public Schools’ fall pre-school program Applications are now being accepted for Henrico County Public Schools’ pre-school program in the fall.

The Early Learning Preschool provides a learning environment for children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 30 and who live in Henrico County.

Pre-school hours vary depending on the location, with information about the school system’s sites available at henricoschools. us/preschool/.

Parents and guardians can apply and submit required documents online using that same web address.

Applicants also may make an appointment to deliver their documents.

After applying and submitting documents, applicants will be contacted by HCPS’ pre-K family liaison staff to complete the process.

Questions: Email preschool@henrico.k12.va.us or call (804) 328-8104. Because of the large call volume, email is the most efficient way to communicate, officials stated.

Mayor Stoney chosen to lead Democratic Mayors Association Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney has gained a national platform.

For the next two years, he will serve as president of the Democratic Mayors Association, an organization of more than 500 mayors of cities with at least 30,000 people.

He was elected Jan. 21 along with other officers from cities ranging from Scranton, Penn., to San Diego the association announced.

“I am eager to build on the association’s achievements from the past two years,” Mayor Stoney stated after his election. “We must amplify the Democratic voice in local politics, get away from party divisions and get back to focusing on the basics: Jobs, housing, education and health care.”

home at 2521 Chamberlayne Ave. The two men, fed up with the exclusionary practices of other private Black clubs, joined with friends to start a group for ordinary workers like themselves, Mr. Harvey being an employee of A.H. Robins Co. and Mr. Eldridge being a letter carrier.

“They called it the Regular’s Club because it was just for regular

guys,” said Jesse J. Harrison III, a 50-year member who has served as the treasurer for several decades and is a former board chair.

Established in 1959, the club started with members going to each other’s houses, Mr. Harrison said. The club moved into the Chamberlayne Avenue building around 1972, he said, first renting and then purchasing it.

The club has hosted parties on weekends for members and guests, but has scaled back to monthly events since the pandemic, Mr. Harrison said. The club currently has about 40 members, he said, with room for more. Dues are $45 a month, he said.

Mr. Thornhill said he was delighted to be called on to create the mural. He noted that social clubs have a long history in Richmond’s Black community and that he was proud to help call attention to a place that has been around so long.

“This is part of telling the full story of the community,” he said.

Majority of families in public housing are behind on rent

and funds a portion of public housing operations, said “RRHA is not unique” in having More than half of the renters in Rich- large numbers of tenants in arrears. mond’s public housing communities — RRHA already has collected more than 55 percent — are now behind on rent, $4 million in rental payments from the according to a report provided Monday state’s $1 billion rental relief program, to City Council. anticipates collecting another $500,000 Currently, 1,744 households owe $1.8 and has applications pending for another million in past due rent, Sta533 households. cey Daniels-Fayson, interim That state rental relief prochief executive officer of the gram has provided significant Richmond Redevelopment and help for RRHA and other landHousing Authority, told City lords. As of Dec. 31, the proCouncil. gram had paid $598.6 million Ms. Daniels-Fayson said in 121,401 relief payments for that represents an increase of 85,271 households in the state.

237 households since January, Some of the households were Ms. Danielswhen she reported that 1,507 in arrears with rent at least Fayson households, or 48 percent of twice and it was paid through the 3,127 households living in RRHA the program. properties, were in arrears. At that point, Still, Ms. Daniels-Fayson told the the arrears amounted to $1.5 million. council that RRHA is not rushing to evict Of most concern, she said, are the 886 families who have fallen behind, particuhouseholds that owe $500 or more in back larly the 886 households who owe $500 or rent, with a portion owing between $1,000 more who would be initial targets. and $5,000. The remaining 858 households She said RRHA is following state law owe between $50 and $500, she said. requirements to ensure that landlords and/ She told the RRHA’s Board of Com- or tenants first apply for rent relief before missioners that a representative of the eviction proceedings can begin.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban As part of RRHA’s process, she reDevelopment, which owns public housing confirmed that RRHA is working with

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

community groups to conduct a canvass of renters who have fallen behind to ensure they are participating with RRHA in applying to the state program that was set up to limit evictions of hard-pressed renters during the pandemic.

She also confirmed that until the full canvass is completed and every household in arrears is contacted, RRHA would not begin lease enforcement activities, indicating that court filings for eviction likely would not begin before March and potentially not until April.

RRHA, though, cannot put off lease enforcement forever. HUD regulations require every public housing authority to collect rent and to ultimately evict families who fail to pay as agreed.

There is concern among City Council members about the number of families who could lose their homes, adding to the number of homeless people in the city.

According to the RRHA, about twothirds of families in public housing either receive income from a job or from a government program such as Social Security. However, one-third, or nearly 1,000 households, have no reportable income, according to the RRHA, making it virtually impossible for them find alternative housing if they are evicted.

2nd Richmond casino referendum not a done deal

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

So far, the General Assembly has sided with a Richmond plan to hold a second referendum in a bid to win approval for a gambling casino and resort in South side.

Committees in both the House of Delegates and state Senate have killed bills that would have blocked the city from holding a second vote until after Petersburg had an opportunity to craft a casino proposal for its voters to consider.

The death of the two bills appears to have put Richmond on track to conduct a second vote that would seek to gain approval for

a development proposal that was defeated last November by 1,500 votes.

But on Monday, the city’s lobbyist, Ron Jordan, told City Council there is still a ways to go before a second referendum is assured.

City Council already has voted to seek court approval to put the issue on the November 2022 ballot for a revote on the proposal to allow a private company to develop a $565 million casino and resort on 100 acres in South Side Mr. Jordan likened the situation to a football game.

“Only half of the game has been played.

We’re a couple of touchdowns ahead,” but he said there is still time for advocates seeking to pass the casino opportunity to Petersburg to win.

He noted that Petersburg’s advocates are expected to seek to add language in the state budget bill to give Petersburg voters an opportunity to approve or reject a casino before Richmond gets another chance to consider the issue.

Mr. Jordan said the decision might not be made until the waning days of the General Assembly session in mid-March, when the House and Senate are expected to vote on a final version of the budget.

Record $104M gift to boost VCU research and treatment of liver diseases

Virginia Commonwealth University has received a record $104 million gift that is to be used Dr. Stravitz to expand research and treatment options for liver and liver-related diseases, it was announced Tuesday.

The gift is from Dr. R. Todd Stravitz and his family’s Barbara Brunckhorst Founda-

A win for education. $11 billion to Virginia’s K-12 public schools since 1999.

tion. Dr. Stravitz is a physician who spent his career researching and treating diseases of the liver. Before retiring from VCU in 2020, he served as medical director of liver transplantation at VCU Health’s Hume-Lee Transplant Center for a decade.

The gift is described as the largest private donation ever for liver research.

According to VCU President Michael Rao, it “will position VCU as a global leader” in teaching, research and patient care in

this health specialty area.

“It allows us to bring together top teams to deliver clinical care, to ask important questions, develop new tools to explore what causes liver disease and how we stop it, prevent it and even reverse it,” Dr. Rao stated. “Most importantly, it will immediately make a difference in the lives of thousands of people with liver disease. Ultimately, this will positively impact millions.”

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February 17-19, 2022 A3

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A4

February 17-19, 2022

Richmond Free Press

News

Fox Elementary School parents, students, teachers and administrators vow to bounce back after fire destroys the 111-year-old school on Hanover Avenue, sending students back to virtual learning Continued from A1

under control by about 75 firefighters.

For parents as well as students, the fire is bringing unexpected, unwanted but necessary change as it scrambles families’ schedules and lives.

“Like the other working parents, I have to make adjustments going back to virtual learning,” said Tamara Ross, whose 6-yearold daughter, Kori, is in kindergarten at Fox. “I have to adjust my life so that Kori continues to get her education through this transition while I continue to try to work,” said Ms. Ross, a licensed professional counselor for a health insurance company.

She said her employer is allowing her to change her schedule so she can be with her daughter from 8 a.m. to noon. But Ms. Ross said she is rushing to hire a babysitter for the remainder of the time her daughter is home so she can work.

The babysitter, she said, is an expense she hadn’t expected.

“This creates a major life adjustment,” she said, but “we know this is temporary.”

Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras and Mayor Levar M. Stoney joined hundreds of people from the community Saturday who went to the site to see what was left of the building and mourn the loss. Mr. Kamras encouraged Richmond residents to donate gifts earmarked for Fox through the RPS Education Foundation.

Talks have begun about finding a temporary replacement building where classes can be held until Fox school can be rebuilt or replaced. Richmond Public Schools has insurance that will fully cover the replacement, according to Mr. Kamras.

Free COVID-19 vaccines Continued from A1

parking lot, 3001 Meadowbridge Road; noon to 2 p.m. – Morning Star Baptist Church parking lot, 3509 Midlothian Turnpike; 4 to 6 p.m. – Southwood Pool House, Southwood Parkway and Clarkson Road.

All events will provide walk-up testing, although appointments can be set for some by calling (804) 205-3501 or going to www. rchd.com Call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com.

The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID19 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 vaccines at the following locations: • Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Community Vaccination Center, Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Thursday, Feb. 17, 1 to 3 p.m. – Richmond Health Department Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson; 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Binford Middle School 1701 Floyd Ave., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson.

• Friday, Feb. 18, 1 to 3 p.m. – Northside YMCA, 4207 Old Brook Rd., Pfizer and Moderna; 4 to 7 p.m. – Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts, 3411 Semmes Ave., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Monday, Feb. 21, 4 to 7 p.m. – Skipwith Elementary School, 2401 Skipwith Road, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Tuesday, Feb. 22, Noon to 2 p.m. – Henrico East Health Department Clinic, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., Pfizer and Moderna; 4 to 6 p.m. – Southwood Pool House, 1601 Clarkson Road Apartment B, Pfizer and Moderna; 4 to 7 p.m. – Greenwood Elementary, 10960 Greenwood Road, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson; 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Westover Hills Elementary School, 1211 Jahnke Road, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Wednesday, Feb. 23, 9 to 11 a.m. – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer and Moderna; 1 to 3 p.m. – Mosby Resource Center, 1543 Coalter St., Pfizer and Moderna; 1 to 3 p.m. – Coventry Gardens Apartments, 211 Newbridge Circle, Pfizer and Moderna; 4 to 7 p.m. – J.B. Fisher Elementary School, 3701 Garden Road, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Thursday, Feb. 24, 1 to 3 p.m. – Richmond Health Department Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson; 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Richmond Alternative School, 119 W Leigh St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

Children ages 5 to 17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccinations and booster shots are available for all eligible of any age on a walk-in basis.

No appointment is needed, with the exception of the Coventry Gardens event, with those interested directed to call (804) 2053501. People may schedule an appointment online at 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.

The Chesterfield County Health District is offering free testing at the following location: • Wednesday, Feb. 23, 3 to 5 p.m. – Faith & Family Church Community Center 7900 Walmsley Blvd.

Vaccines and booster shots at available at the following location: • Community Vaccination Center, Rockwood Shopping Center (in the former Big Lots store), 10161 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged by going to www.vaccines.gov or call (877) VAX-IN-VA. Appointments are required for children ages 5 to 11.

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

A total of 3,030 new cases of COVID-19 were reported statewide Wednesday for the 24-hour period, contributing to an overall state total of 1,616,763 cases of coronavirus since the pandemic’s outbreak. As of Wednesday, there have been 447,561 hospitalizations and 17,878 deaths statewide. The state’s seven-day positivity rate dropped to 11.4 percent on Wednesday. Last week, the positivity rate was 18.5 percent.

On Wednesday, state health officials reported that 71 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 79.7 percent of the people have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

State data also showed that over 2.7 million people in Virginia have received booster shots or third doses of the vaccine.

Among those ages 5 to 11 in Virginia, 290,611 children have received their first shots, accounting for 40.1 percent of the eligible age group in the state, while more than 237,770 children, or 32.8 percent of those aged 5 to 11, are fully vaccinated.

As of Wednesday, less than 133,000 cases, 830 hospitalizations and eight deaths have been recorded among children.

State data also show that African-Americans comprised 22.4 percent of cases statewide and 23.3 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 12.2 percent of cases and 5.3 percent of deaths.

Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022 Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 43,131 1,022 436 Henrico County 62,381 1,347 833 Chesterfield County 69,724 1,305 685 Hanover County 20,932 415 252

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin, second from right, talks with school district and city officials late Monday afternoon after posting his own Valentine message on the fence outside Fox Elementary. With him are, from left, 2nd District City Councilwoman Katherine Jordan, 2nd District School Board Member Mariah L. White, Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras and Mayor Levar M. Stoney.

But virtual is now the only option until in-person learning can be restored. The kits that were provided included schoolwork for each child’s grade level, Chromebook laptop computers and hot spots to enable students to link to their class.

Parents also received information on counseling and were offered up to five days worth of food, which will continue to be distributed while the school remains virtual, according to RPS officials.

Parents also were told that RPS plans within a few days to offer child care to reduce the disruption to work schedules. A Fox Family Resource line has been set up at (804) 780-6259 to answer questions and provide families with food and technical support for computer issues.

Mr. Kamras said the school system has received a number of offers for substitute space, including from Virginia Commonwealth University, churches and nonprofits. The former Saint Gertrude High School, located just blocks away on Stuart Avenue, also has been discussed as a possible temporary school site for Fox students, along with the vacant Clark Springs Elementary on Dance Street in Randolph, although Mr. Kamras noted that Clark Springs’ roof and some of the plumbing would need to be replaced.

“We are in the process of assessing the offers so students can get back to in-person learning,” Mr. Kamras said. “That’s what teachers, families and students want.

“Fox is a place of love, learning and joy. That has been taken away,” he said Saturday, as he looked up at the damaged roof and second-floor windows. “Thank God no one was hurt, and we can replace the love, learning and joy—just somewhere else.”

According to city property records, the Fox School structure is valued at almost $4 million. The ultimate plan, according to the School Board, is to rebuild at the same site.

The school was equipped with a full-blown alarm system. An hour before the blaze, firefighters responded to an alarm at the building, but found nothing amiss after a search of the interior.

Surprisingly, the alarm system at the building did not go off when fire began Friday night, according to recovered video released publicly by RPS officials. Fire was billowing from the roof when the firefighters returned at 10:39 p.m., but they were unable to bring the fire under control until 2:44 a.m. Saturday.

The roof began to collapse about 11:09 p.m.

June Mena, whose two children attend the school, had tears in her eyes Saturday when she went by to see what happened.

“It is shocking,” Ms. Mena said. “Fox is everything for families in this community. Fox is a super welcoming environment.

Fox is the center of the community.”

School Board member Mariah L. White, 2nd District, whose children attended Fox, said she is broken-hearted about what

has happened.

“We are going to show we love our children,” she said. “I saw the cries this morning. I saw the hugs as we told each other everything would be alright. We are resilient. We will bounce back. I am there for the people in my district.”

Messages of love for the school were scrawled on the sidewalk. An on Valentine’s Day, students, parents, area residents and others filled the fence outside the burned building with paper hearts carrying written messages of love, support and hope.

Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin visited the site late Monday afternoon after meeting with RPS and city officials.

“This is a big challenge and so it’s going to require coming together with lots of folks about the resources that the city will have. I know the General Assembly will be reviewing things,” Gov. Youngkin told parents and students who assembled at the site. “We have to marshal all of the resources we can to get things right,” he added.

School filled with spirit Continued from A1

the arts program, including the after-school initiatives.”

Fox had art auctions as fundraisers, using art pieces produced by adults from the district’s art community as well as Fox students.

“This was a reflection of what the community wanted for their school and students,” Ms. Norrell said.

The school, opened in September 1911, was named for William Fayette Fox, a Richmond Schools superintendent.

Charles Robinson was the architect for the Hanover Avenue school.

It was noted for its wide, hardwood floors, high-ceiling halls, walls covered with bright and cheerful artwork and light streaming through the tall windows.

One corner classroom on the second floor had special windows that opened out rather than up or down. That window style is thought to improve air circulation.

Historically, the school is believed to have been the country’s first public school with a motion-picture projection booth in the auditorium. According to records, the community was regularly invited to the school to view silent movies on Friday nights in the 1920s. The booth remains and now houses computer servers, but the projector is gone.

The school, occupying one square city block, is known as a place where lasting friendships and memories are established across ethnic, racial and socioeconomic lines.

Barbara Grey, coordinator of the Museum Art Galleries at Virginia Union University, is a former RPS principal who worked at Fox School for six and a half years. She retired in June 1990.

The 95-year-old educator recalled how Fox published student books and poetry. She said students created the art on the hallway walls. She said large, hanging bulletin boards were put on the walls for children to draw on whenever the spirit hit them.

“There was a larger drawing of a replica of the school with a picture of students’ faces on the first-floor wall at the entrance of the school,” Mrs. Grey said. “That was probably lost in the fire.”

Gayle Evans Hefty, another former Fox educator, wrote about the school on her Facebook page this week.

“I spent 15 years at Fox from 1990-2005, the last seven as principal. Some of the very best years of my life,” she wrote.

“The building was beautiful too. It seemed to be more than brick and mortar but rather filled with a soul or a spirit.”

Caitlyn Maze, a resident of The Fan, summed up the community love for the school: “Fox is the heart of the neighborhood and everyone loves Fox Elementary so much.”

State NAACP executive director resigns Continued from A1

a “sham annual performance evaluation despite the objections of President Barnette.”

In what appears to have been the final straw for Mr. Love, he recounted the actions of Ms. Downs-Taylor after he notified Mr. Barnette that he was going to the emergency room for treatment and would not be in the office.

According to Mr. Love, the personnel committee chair sent him an angry email “demanding that I contact them immediately” and upbraided him for notifying the president rather than herself.

Then, Mr. Love stated, Ms. DownsTaylor rushed to the state NAACP office just off the campus of Virginia Union University and began “demanding keys and financial banking information from our staff before proceeding to physically remove them from the office while threatening to call the police.”

Alden Vaughan, who had served as an administrative assistant in the state NAACP office since 2015, could not be reached for comment. Mary Easter, a retired 45-year veteran of the state office who continued to help out two days a week, also was not immediately available for comment.

Ms. Downs-Taylor did not respond to a request for comment.

According to Mr. Love, her actions “show the lengths to which some executive committee members will go to exert power and control over the most minute issue.”

Carmen Taylor, a former state NAACP president who currently serves on the national NAACP board, called Mr. Love’s

allegations “hearsay.”

In response to a Free Press email asking for comment, Ms. Taylor wrote that she could not comment on personnel matters.

She added, “Ms. Downs-Taylor has been a stalwart member of the (NAACP) for many years and has an impeccable civil rights background who should not be subjected to hearsay.”

Mr. Love also stated that a majority of the executive board rejected a record $300,000 donation he had spent 10 months cultivating because “they wanted to micromanage the executive director and insisted on pre-approving all fundraising solicitations.”

At this point, the office apparently is unstaffed. An interim executive director has not been named, Mr. Barnette stated in an email.

Though he complained of being micromanaged, Mr. Love sought to underline his concerns about his limited role by attaching to his letter the resignation letter of the late Jack W. Gravely, who stepped down as interim executive director in July 2016.

Mr. Gravely cited his concern that he was being muzzled and no longer was being allowed to speak for the organization as had been the case during his first stint as executive director from 1976 to 1984.

In his resignation letter, Mr. Gravely also alleged that a former state NAACP president, Linda Thomas, directly interfered with his operation of the office and tied him up with hourslong phone calls of complaint that made it impossible for him to do his job.

Ms. Thomas also did not respond to a

request for comment.

Former members of the state NAACP board, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Free Press that Mr. Love’s letter reveals publicly what has been known to insiders. As one former member put it, “It’s horror story after horror story that many of us have experienced.”

Mr. Love wrote that he had mixed emotions about moving on: “I am sad because I earnestly love and enjoy the work.”

In his view, he made a difference.

“Not only did we improve administrative operations, but we drastically expanded the scope and reach of our programmatic efforts.”

He stated that during his first year, he created the group’s first endowment, replaced old computers and telephones and installed wireless internet in the office. He stated he also created new giving approaches, including the celebration of “Juneteenth in the Commonwealth” and digital and mail fundraising “without which we would not have been able to stay in the black last year.”

Previously active in North Carolina politics, Mr. Love stated, “I was recruited and hired to help elevate the public profile of the state NAACP and to raise muchneeded funds. Irrefutably, I have done so, and I have done it well” even “while being stressed to the point of hospitalization.”

“Clearly, I am not valued or appreciated by the Virginia State Conference,” he concluded. “I sincerely do not want to resign, but I don’t see any changes happening anytime soon to solve the issues of micromanagement, unrealistic expectations, and continued harassment.”

Va. adopts plan to end school mask mandates March 1 Continued from A1

former Gov. Northam.

Gov. Youngkin’s order also sought to bar local school systems from imposing mask mandates on their own, but it got bogged down in legal challenges. Local school boards sued, saying it usurps their authority, and an Arlington County judge issued a temporary injunction barring the order from taking effect.

At that point, moderate Democratic Sen. Chap Petersen joined

with Republicans to pass legislation giving parents the final decision on whether their children wear masks to school.

Sen. Petersen and two other Democrats, Sen. Joseph “Joe” Morrissey of Richmond and Sen. Lynwood W. Lewis Jr. of Accomack, joined with Republicans to push the legislation through the Senate, where Democrats hold a narrow 21-19 advantage.

The final passage Wednesday in the GOP-controlled House came on a party-line 52-48 vote.

Richmond Free Press

February 17-19, 2022 A5

Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack can save a life.

February is American Heart Month. VCU Health Pauley Heart Center is committed to the safety and well-being of our community, especially those with underlying heart-related conditions.

What symptoms require immediate medical intervention?

Every second matters. Calling 9-1-1 at the first sign of a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest makes a difference in a person’s outcome: • Pain or discomfort – including uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or fullness – in the center or left side of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back • Feeling weak, light-headed, dizzy or faint • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, stomach or one or both arms and shoulders • Sudden nausea or vomiting • Shortness of breath – which can happen before any chest discomfort is felt In the case of cardiac arrest, in addition to calling 9-1-1, immediate hands-only CPR can improve a person’s chance of survival

Do men and women experience the same symptoms?

Not always. Some women have no symptoms at all. Other women, in addition to the symptoms listed above, may experience: • Pain in the upper abdomen or back • Unusual or unexplained tiredness • Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen or neck veins

Can the chances of getting heart disease be lessened?

Some medical conditions can put people at higher risk for heart disease, but lifestyle changes can help lower your chances: • Know your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels and have them checked regularly • Ask your health care provider if you should be tested for diabetes • If you smoke, learn ways to quit at cdc.gov or by calling 800-QUIT-NOW • Make healthy food choices and manage your weight • Limit how much alcohol you drink • Manage your stress levels

We care about the health and safety of our communities.

For more information go to vcuhealth.org/heart.

© 2022 VCU Health. All rights reserved.

Sources: VCU Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pauley Heart Center

Richmond Free Press

A6 February 17-19, 2022

Local News

Rally speakers criticize efforts to sanitize nation’s racial history

By Chip Lauterbach

Members of the Virginia State Conference NAACP and other activists gathered last Saturday at Capitol Square to share concerns and criticisms of the efforts by Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin to restrict voting rights, and end mask mandates and ban the teaching of critical race theory in public schools.

Many attending “The Urgency of Now Rally” believe Gov. Youngkin’s executive order, as well as legislation introduced in the General Assembly, to ban teaching critical race theory is nothing more than an attempt to sanitize the nation’s history around race and the treatment of Black Americans.

“For far too long, decisions have been made for us, about us, and without us,” Dr. James J. Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association, said in addressing the crowd of about 70 people.

Dr. Fedderman said Gov. Youngkin’s efforts against critical race theory are in lockstep with the many conservative groups that have been flooding local school board meetings and pushing conspiracy WĂƌŬƐ͕ ZĞĐƌĞĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ

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Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free

Mayor Levar M. Stoney speaks to the crowd of about 70 people at last Saturday’s “The Urgency of Now Rally” sponsored by the Virginia State Conference NAACP at the Bell Tower at the State Capitol. The group also was celebrating the national NAACP’s 113th birthday. The organization was founded Feb. 12,1909.

theories. The only way to stop those groups from influencing policy is for Black Americans and their allies to show up and stop these attempts at blocking the truth, he said.

“I don’t see people like me showing up to these school board meetings and raising sand,” said Dr. Fedderman, who is African-American. “We know what the truth about America is and we want our babies to know that truth.”

Several other speakers, including Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, also urged attendees to resist efforts to ban or undermine the truth.

“People need to be reminded that it was Black bodies that built this city and built this country,” Mayor Stoney said.

“And I believe that fact cannot be whitewashed from the textbooks and from the curriculum.”

In the governor’s executive order, he wrote, “Inherently divisive concepts, like Critical Race Theory and its progeny, instruct students to only view life through the lens of race and presumes that some students are consciously or unconsciously racist, sexist, or oppressive, and that other students are victims.”

In addition to signing the executive order on his first day in office in January, Gov. Youngkin also announced late last month that his office set up an email tip line for parents to report “divisive practices in their schools.”

Despite the public outrage

and jokes about the line being used to intimidate teachers who bring up race or Black history in their classrooms, Gov. Youngkin in a radio interview called the tip line a place for parents to report when “they feel their fundamental rights are being violated, where their children are not being respected, where there are inherently divisive practices in their schools.” He said that “gives us further ability to make sure we’re rooting it out.”

He also signed an executive order barring school divisions from mandating that students wear masks. While implementation of the order has been held up by various lawsuits around the state to block it, the General Assembly approved legislation

this week that would ban school systems from instituting mask mandates.

Speakers at the rally criticized the governor’s order, saying that it unnecessarily places teachers at greater risk for COVID-19.

Valerie Slater, executive director of RISE For Youth, urged parents to not only turn out for school board meetings, but to show up to the General Assembly and talk to legislators so that the progress of the past few years is not reversed.

“Every child standing here, every child in the state, they are all our children,” Ms. Slater said. “We are responsible for the access they have to education, the access they have to the resources to build and realize

their dreams.”

Speakers also raised concerns about efforts in the General Assembly to curb voting rights.

They talked about Republicans pushing through a series of voting and election related bills that would require voters to show a photo ID in order to vote and that would roll back the automatic restoration of voting rights for felons who complete their sentences.

Doris Crouse-Mays, president of the Virginia AFL-CIO, also expressed concern about the Youngkin administration’s push to reopen businesses completely and do away with state mandated COVID-19 restrictions. She said thousands of Virginia workers would be put at risk during the ongoing pandemic by dropping all restrictions.

She likened Gov. Youngkin’s plans to keep schools and businesses open and to remove COVID-19 restrictions to taking one step forward and two steps back.

“The struggles that we thought that we had left in the past are here today, and they are growing bigger than they once were,” Ms. Crouse-Mays said.

Among the other speakers at the rally was 17-year-old Ayana Askew, a student from the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, who performed her award-winning poem, “Is Justice Blind?”

City Council to consider design funding for new George Wythe on Feb. 28

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Despite meeting on Valentine’s Day, Richmond City Council passed on an opportunity to end its feud with the Richmond School Board over the size of the proposed replacement for the aged and decrepit George Wythe High School.

Instead, the council agreed Monday to delay for at least two weeks a planned vote on Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s request to transfer $7.3 million from the city to Richmond Public Schools so that the school system can hire an architectural firm to begin designing the new high school.

The issue was put off until the council’s meeting on Monday, Feb. 28.

City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille said the

delay would give the two bodies another opportunity to meet, although a date and time has not been set.

She said council members have come up with additional questions, and the meeting would allow the School Board an opportunity to provide the information.

But it is uncertain whether the issue will be resolved if and when a meeting is held.

Like Mayor Stoney and RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras, some members of the council want the new school to be built with a capacity for 2,000 students and are prepared to vote against releasing the funds without the School Board agreeing.

But a five-member majority of the School Board, which controls school construction, believes that a school built for 1,600 students would be sufficient.

The difference in size, according to the School

Board majority, would save at least $16 million and ensure enough money would be available to replace the high school and Woodville Elementary School, another aged school that is high on the board’s list for replacement.

Should the council continue to block the transfer of the funds and the School Board refuse to give in, the effort to gain a replacement building could be pushed back until after the 2024 elections for City Council and School Board.

Mayor Stoney has previously stated that School Board control of the new high school’s construction would delay the project for three years. But with the School Board poised to hire a design firm and get the project moving, the blame for delay could fall on the council if it balks at providing the funds.

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Richmond Free Press

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Richmond Free Press

Cardinal sunbathes on North Side

Editorial Page

A8

February 17-19, 2022

Hope from the ashes We can only imagine the grief and uncertainty that inundated the children and families of William F. Fox Elementary School last weekend when they learned their beloved schoolhouse had gone up in flames.

About 75 firefighters battled the blaze that was finally brought under control about 2:44 a.m. Saturday, but not before the roof and upper-story of the 111-year-old building were destroyed.

Hundreds of people, including students’ families, teachers, staff, Principal Daniela Jacobs, Richmond Public Schools and city officials and alumni of The Fan school, visited the site during the weekend, reclaiming memories as they shed tears.

But out of the ashes also sprang hope. Dozens of paper hearts etched with messages of love were placed on the fence around the building. Messages also were drawn in colorful chalk on the sidewalks nearby.

One message, drawn on a big brown rectangle adorned with red and white hearts, read: “FOX is LOVE That’s why this hurts. The answer? More LOVE.” And that’s what the community has done. In addition to messages, people have gathered supplies and staples and gift cards to be given to teachers for the more than 300 youngsters in kindergarten through fifth grade so that their learning will continue.

While they had a brief hiatus, classes resumed Wednesday online, with Richmond Public Schools providing Chromebooks and lesson plans and lunches so that no one will be left behind by this tragedy.

In a special meeting of the School Board Wednesday night, Superintendent Jason Kamras said Clark Springs Elementary in Randolph is the top choice for relocating the Fox students. Virginia Commonwealth University, churches and nonprofits also have stepped forward to offer space for classes to be held. The former Saint Gertrude High School, which is located nearby on Stuart Avenue in The Fan, also is under consideration.

We applaud the people who have shared resources and shown their support during this time of need. And we encourage Richmond area residents to continue their generosity and support for the Fox Elementary family in the days and weeks to come.

We also ask that people not forget other RPS students who, while they may not have been directly affected by the fire, could use the outpouring of love just as much.

It is important, not only in times of disaster and pandemic, to give love and encouragement to our students and teachers, but to offer that spirit and reassurance to our city’s young people year round. Who knows how many people may be heartened and inspired by even the smallest of gestures.

Leadership needed We are disappointed at the tumult engulfing the Virginia State Conference NAACP, which was brought on by the resignation last week of the civil rights organization’s 29-year-old executive director, Da’Quan Love.

He made public in his letter of resignation shocking allegations of being verbally and emotionally abused by the organization’s executive committee to the point that he sought medical treatment.

We hope that Mr. Love will get the help that he needs to heal.

And we hope for the sake of the NAACP, and for the many Virginians who depend on the venerable organization, that all internal conflict and strife can be resolved immediately so that the state organization can return to its central focus seeking justice and equality for Black people and others of color in this state.

The issues facing Virginians today are too important and too numerous for the Virginia NAACP’s efforts to be sidetracked or derailed by petty conflicts over who should serve as the face or mouthpiece of the organization.

Power struggles and office politics often consume public and private organizations and institutions. However, we cannot have any internal strife subvert the critical mission and advocacy urgently needed right now from this civil rights organization. Conservative forces in the General Assembly and the Youngkin administration have launched assaults on history and truth with an executive order and legislation banning anti-racism teaching and education. Legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed into law on Wednesday by Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin also disregards the health and safety of our students and teachers by eliminating mask mandates in schools as the pandemic continues.

Issues of voting rights, equity and justice also are on the line as conservative lawmakers push to do away with ballot drop boxes, to require photo IDs in order to vote and to eliminate same-day registration.

We need a powerful and unrelenting advocacy organization such as the NAACP to take on these fights without being hamstrung by internal fights.

At this point, no one has confirmed the allegations cited in Mr. Love’s letter, and we hope that this matter is resolved in a manner that best allows the Virginia State Conference NAACP to continue with the national organization’s 113-year-old mission.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Overcoming NFL’s shameful history “More than half the players in the NFL are Black, and most coaches have played the game at some level. That would seem to be the perfect recipe for Black coaches to find success. But most NFL owners have been white men, and they have seldom been willing to let African Americans or Latinos call plays — either on the field or from the sidelines. This is no different f ro m w h e n franchises presumed that Black players weren’t smart enough to play quarterback and lacked leadership skills to command men. The league’s paltry record of hiring minority head coaches comes from the same mind-set. And its primary effort to address the problem has been a failure, because a policy can’t compensate for ignorance.”— Jemele Hill Three days before Brian Flores was scheduled to interview for the position of head coach with the New York Giants, he received a text from New England Patriots General Manager Bill Belichick congratulating him on getting the job.

Except Mr. Belichick thought he was texting Brian Daboll.

The Giants not only had decided to hire Mr. Daboll before even interviewing Mr. Flores, but already was sharing the information with others.

Mr. Belichick’s flub illuminated what has long been an open secret in the NFL: Too often, complying with the “Rooney Rule,” which requires league teams to interview candidates of color for head coaching and senior football operation jobs, is an empty gesture — a fig leaf to conceal the owners’ indifference to achieving racial parity among top coaching and executive

Marc H. Morial positions.

As head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Mr. Flores led the team out of a 20-year slump to consecutive winning seasons between 2020 and 2021. Rather than celebrate his success, Dolphin’s owner Stephen M. Ross fired him.

And rather than leap at the chance to hire Mr. Flores — or at least seriously consider him — the Giants used his sham interview to create the false impression that a Black candidate had a legitimate chance at obtaining the job.

Mr. Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL, the Giants, the Dolphins and the Denver Broncos — whom he accuses of conducting a similar sham interview in 2019 — has brought to a head the league’s shameful history of racial discrimination and persistent indifference to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Civil rights leaders, including myself, met Feb. 7 with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, challenging the league to estab-

lish specific recruiting and hiring procedures for executive and coaching positions, with meaningful consequences for teams that do not abide by the rules. We agreed to continue collaborating and advising the league to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion at every level of the NFL and its member teams.

The lawsuit cites some appalling statistics. While 70 percent of NFL players are Black, not one of its 32 team owners is Black.

Only one team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, employs a Black head coach. Only four teams employ a Black offensive coordinator, a position generally regarded as a steppingstone to head coach.

Only 11 teams employ a Black defensive coordinator.

As Mr. Flores lawsuit alleges, this is not by chance. A 2016 study of the NFL found that white assistant coaches were 114 percent more likely to get promoted to the coordinator position than coaches of color with the same experience, education and track record. The study found that it takes nine years before a white coach has a greater than 50 percent chance of becoming a coordinator, compared with 14 years for a nonwhite coach.

The authors estimated that over a 20-year career, a white coach is likely to earn over $20 million more than his nonwhite counterpart.

These challenges are not insurmountable. Consider the success of a memorandum of understanding that telecom giant Comcast

GOP bows to insurrectionists The Republican National Committee is officially letting Americans know that it is more committed to former President Trump than to democracy, the rule of law and the truth.

Some people might say Republicans have been letting us know that ever since Donald Trump became the party’s standard bearer in 2016.

Even so, the party reached a new low on Feb. 4.

The RNC accused the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol of “persecution of ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate political discourse.” It called the investigation an effort to “destroy President Trump.”

And it formally censured the two Republican members of the committee, Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, cutting them off from any future support from the party.

This is disgusting. It also is dangerous.

Keep in mind that the insurrection was meant to stop Congress from confirming the results of the presidential election as they are required to do by the U.S. Constitution.

Keep in mind that members of Congress were targets.

They could easily have been among the dead if U.S. Capitol Police had not kept violent attackers from reaching them.

And keep in mind that congressional Republicans had an opportunity to create and participate in a bipartisan commission to investigate what happened. But Republican leaders didn’t want an investigation that might reveal embarrassing truths about former President Trump, his allies and some of their Republican colleagues. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell may have criticized

Ben Jealous the recent RNC resolution, but that doesn’t change the fact that he blocked the creation of a bipartisan commission to get at the truth.

Fortunately, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi then moved to create a special House committee to investigate the insurrection. We should all be grateful for her leadership. We should all be grateful for the investigative work being carried out by the committee.

And we should all be grateful to Reps. Cheney and Kinzinger.

No matter how strongly we may disagree with their conservative positions, they have modeled an important principle: Some things are more important than partisan politics — like democracy and the rule of law.

While the RNC resolution is disturbing, it’s not exactly surprising. Republican officials have desperately tried to deflect attention from the assault on our democracy by former President Trump, his lawyers and his

followers. Republican officials have actively tried to disrupt efforts to learn the truth. And they have resorted to lawbreaking — refusing to respond to congressional subpoenas — to resist any effort to hold former President Trump and his henchmen accountable.

The latest RNC resolution is a sad indication of former President Trump’s grip on the GOP. It demonstrates how few elected officials are willing to stand up to him and his supporters, even when they are promoting harmful lies and conspiracy theories. One Republican member of Congress went so far as to defend the RNC’s resolution by equating the attack on the Capitol with racial justice protests that took place after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 in Minneapolis.

Meanwhile, former President Trump is talking about pardoning the insurrectionists if he gets re-elected. And right wing Republicans are telling us what they’ll do if they get congressional majorities in this year’s elections. Not only will they stop the investigation of Jan. 6, they will instead use their power to promote conspiracy theories about the elections and the COVID-19 pandemic and target their political opponents.

It’s an election year. We have been warned.

The writer, a former national president and chief executive officer of the NAACP, serves as president of People for the American Way. He also teaches leadership at the University of Pennsylvania.

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.

signed with the National Urban League and other civil rights organizations in 2010. Among other provisions, the memorandum committed Comcast to establish specific, measurable goals for diversity and inclusion in corporate governance, workforce retention and recruitment, procurement, programming, along with philanthropy and community investments.

There’s no reason the NFL can’t replicate this success. It simply requires a sincere commitment on the part of the owners and league executives.

As Mr. Flores’ legal team has said, his lawsuit presents the NFL with an “opportunity to engage in substantive change.”

The National Urban League and our sister civil rights groups will do everything in our power to make sure that opportunity is not squandered.

The writer is president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

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Richmond Free Press

February 17-19, 2022 A9

Commentary/Letters to the Editor

‘Long, dirty toenails’ Death humbles us all, and death comes for us all. For that reason, in every culture speaking ill of the dead is taboo, if not amoral. When the deceased is an innocent victim, speaking ill of them is especially abominable.

This sentiment was disregarded by Laura Hogue, one of the defense attorneys for Gregory McMichael, who was convicted with his son, Travis McMichael, in the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a jogger who was chased down, shot and killed in Brunswick, Ga. Was Ms. Hogue hoping that the jurors would be influenced by her description of the murder victim as a young athlete “in his khaki shorts with no socks to Dr. Gregg Suzanne Ferguson

cover his long, dirty toenails,” and acquit her client? Yes. From a critical race theory perspective, the saying, “Good fences make good neighbors,” enforces the legacy of racism in America through real estate, where “good fences” ensured the preservation of white identity and privilege.

After centuries of discrimination in homeownership, Black people who finally got through were confronted with the “good fences” drawn up by legislators to include impassable barriers that isolated and constrained them. Segregation was built into the physical environment in America, and in Georgia that was the reality for the two communities brought together by Mr. Arbery’s death.

Separating Satilla Shores where Mr. Arbery was attacked and killed, and Fancy Bluff, the Black community where he lived, is a four-lane highway. Although median incomes and home values were the same, the racial diversity was different. But, in the world view of Gen Zers like Mr. Arbery, those cultural divisions were as concerning as a swipe on a screen. Yet, on Feb. 23, 2020, dashing across Route 17, he breached the “good fences” rule and faced the judgment of white watchmen enraged by his audacity to run freely.

Ms. Hogue described Mr. Arbery as a trespasser. She assumed the nearly all-white jury would feel the collective racist twinge reminding them of the dreams of people like her father, who, “wanted to see his family … surrounded by a community of people who cared about

each other.”

She contrasted her bucolic, “Manifest Destiny” vision with a racist psychoanalysis of Mr. Arbery, including his intent: “Can anyone believe that Ahmaud Arbery was doing a ‘lookie-loo’? … There was no legitimate reason for Ahmaud Arbery to be plundering there. … He was a recurring nighttime intruder.”

What Mr. Arberry was, is a dreamer, perhaps envisioning his role in creating this reality for himself and for other families on that construction site. His dreams of being an electrician were manifesting as he stood in his future.

Ms. Hogue argued Mr. Arbery’s presence was “frightening and unsettling” and he should have known how he was perceived. Her racism rationalized that “he knew why he was being chased—because he was guilty.”

Guilty of the irrevocable freedom to jog in a country built on the backs of his ancestors?

The revocation of freedom for Africans in America compelled millions to risk their lives.

This runaway problem had Congress passing the Fugitive Slave Act in 1793 and later extend incentives for re-capture to vigilante slave catchers—where their feet could be chopped off to prevent them from running away again.

Ms. Hogue explained that “police can’t be everywhere. … a good neighborhood is always policing itself.”

The defendants were those vigilantes, mounting their F-150 trucks with Confederate plates to chase down this Black man, Mr. Arbery, as he ran away. To police, they were confident in their shared oath—his death as collateral to an attempted capture.

Ms. Hogue concluded, “He died because for whatever inexplicable illogical reason, instead of staying where he was. ... He had to avoid being captured that day and being arrested by the police, he chose to fight. He. Chose. To. Fight.”

Yes, he chose to fight for his freedom, with no socks to cover his feet. His toes were mentioned to arouse a racist archetype symbolizing the duty of the enslavers.

Every American student should be able to infer that Ms. Hogue expected Mr. Arbery to surrender to these 21st century slave catchers … and then what?

It’s another reason American students need to be taught through the lens of critical race theory.

The writer is executive director Mothers of Diversity America.

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PAUL L. WHITELEY SR. Louisville, Ky.

The moral arc of the universe bends

Re Editorial “Biden must select a justice for all,” Free Press Feb. 3-5 edition: Readers must have chuckled as I did when reading the editorial in the Free Press reflecting on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer’s recent decision to retire, thus providing President Biden his first pick for the court.

President Biden stated he intends to nominate a Black woman to replace the retiring

justice. “For that we say, ‘Bravo!’ ” the editorial stated.

That’s when my sense of humor kicked in.

There’s also a sense of justice with that because I remember back in 1991 when lawyer, educator and author Anita Hill, a Black woman, accused a U.S. Supreme Court nominee of sexual harassment when he was her supervisor at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

With President Biden’s inten-

tion to now nominate a Black woman for the nation’s highest court, Ms. Hill may be smiling and praising the Lord for shortening the moral arc of the universe now bending toward justice, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. proclaimed. And Justice Thomas now may be squirming in his chair, pondering his retirement.

ALDRIC CRAWLEY Richmond

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A Message from Senator Jennifer McClellan Focused on Funding our Schools class education for children in every corner of the Commonwealth. Yet across Virginia, we have too many children learning in outdated and crumbling buildings. To address this problem, I passed legislation in 2020 creating the Commission on School Construction and Education has been a major theme of the Modernization. Over the past year, I have chaired the Commission as it examines session. As the daughter of thirdthe condition of our schools and the generation educators, a product of ability of localities to pay for maintenance, Chesterfield Public Schools, and mother renovations, and construction of new of children in Richmond Public Schools, schools. Our work found that more than education has always been a top priority half of the public school buildings in for me. I’ve fought my entire legislative Virginia are more than 50 years old, and career to fully fund our public education needs, from teacher pay, to support staff, the estimated replacement cost of these to school construction and renovation. I’ve buildings is $24.8 billion. We found worked to address inequities and ensure additional significant unmet maintenance that every child is being taught what they and renovation needs. Many localities face need to become the workers and leaders significant challenges in funding these of tomorrow, regardless of their zip code. projects.

Tuesday marked the halfway point for the 2022 General Assembly Session. Now each chamber has completed the work on our bills and sent them over to the other house for consideration. So far, a total of 22 of my bills have passed the Senate!

and staff are struggling. From mental health issues, to learning loss, to staffing shortages – they are not ok. It’s time to make historic investments in public education.

These are just a few of the many steps we must take now to address the needs of our public schools.

For several years, I have introduced legislation to fully implement the Board of Education recommended Standards of Quality (“SOQs”). The Board’s SOQs are created to promote educational parity, support the hiring of educators and support staff, and help all schools to achieve their graduation standards. Last year, I was able to make some progress when the General Assembly amended and passed my SOQ bill to adopt a standard of 3 specialized student support positions (social workers, psychologists, nurses, health/ behavioral profession) per every 1,000 students.

I look forward to sharing more updates from the General Assembly — and hearing from you. Please feel free to share your views on legislation with me at district09@senate.virginia.gov or (804) 698-7509. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram @JennMcClellanVA or on Facebook @SenJenniferMcClellan.

More information on my 2022 legislative agenda can be found at jennifermcclellan.com.

This year, the General Assembly built on that progress by increasing the ratio to 4 per 1,000 students. While I am disappointed that we still have not adopted the full SoQs, I am pleased we are addressing the most critical support staffing needs. Our children can't learn if they’re sick or have mental health conditions that are impacting their ability to learn, and increasing the number of social workers, nurses and health/behavioral professionals is important as our children deal with the additional stress the COVID-19 crisis has placed on our children.

PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY FRIENDS FOR JENNIFER MCCLELLAN

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today’s systemic racism is the only way our country can overcome more than 400 years of evil racism, our country’s national sin.

More than anything else, the white Republican Party stands in the way of our ending racism.

A modern school building is another essential ingredient to provide a world-

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Black history matters for the same reasons Black lives matter.

The 90 percent white Republican Party of Donald Trump doesn’t get it.

Failure to teach Black history is shameful.

That failure contributes significantly to the dumbing down of America. To know the truth about slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and

COVID made that work more difficult and The Senate passed five out of the seven bills recommended by the Commission to more important than ever before. help address our school infrastructure I have seen firsthand how many students needs.

COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2022

Teaching Black history can help end racism

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Richmond Free Press

February 17-19, 2022

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

L.A. Rams put a ring on it

Put a ring on it.

As an exclamation point to winning Super Bowl LVI, the Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald triumphantly pointed to the ring finger on his left hand. Now the NFL’s most ferocious pass rusher will have a Super Bowl ring to go with his extensive collection of individual awards that include three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Aaron Donald Donald’s finger pointing came after he forced Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow into troit, who have supported him in his new city. a feeble fourth-down incompletion that sealed the Maternity ward: Receiver Van Jefferson was Rams’tense 23-20 victory Sunday over Cincinnati excused from the Rams’ postgame celebration. at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

He was better needed elsewhere.

The Bengals were at midfield and Soon after the game, Jefferson rushed driving for a potential field goal that to a local hospital to assist his wife, would have tied the game with 45 Samaria, in the birth of his son. seconds left when Donald slammed “I won three prizes today,” Jefthe door. ferson said, “my wife, my son and Later, the 30-year-old Donald was the Super Bowl.” asked about rumored retirement plans.

History lesson: While Jackie Rob“I’m just in it for the moment,” he inson is widely celebrated as breaking told the media as his daughter, Jaeda, the color line in major league sports in Van Jefferson 8, bounced on his lap. “I told Jaeda 1947, it was actually two Los Angeles that someday she’d get to play in the confetti, Rams players who beat him to it. and now she has.”

Ken Washington and Woody Strode, who Donald has three years and $55 million left were teammates of Robinson’s at UCLA, deon his current Rams contract. buted with the Rams in 1946 as the NFL’s first Sooper Dooper Cooper: While Donald Black players. A year later, Robinson broke the sparkled brightest on defense, Rams wide color barrier in Major League Baseball when he receiver Cooper Kupp was the Super Bowl’s debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers. overall MVP, with eight catches for 92 yards Home field advantage: The first 54 Super Bowls and two touchdowns. were played on essentially neutral fields. Now the Kupp had four grabs for 39 yards on the home team has won two years in a row.

Rams’ winning touchdown drive, and the Bengals The Tampa Bay Buccaneers prevailed last were flagged three times for penalties trying to year at its home stadium and now the Rams have defend him. done the same at the $5 billion SoFi Stadium Motor City remembered: After 12 mostly that opened a year ago. fruitless seasons with the Detroit Lions, Rams Wait till next year: The countdown has started quarterback Matthew Stafford struck gold after for Super Bowl LVII that will be played Feb. 12, moving to Los Angeles in a trade. He hit 26 of 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

40 passes for 283 yards against Cincinnati.

That means the Arizona Cardinals, a playoff Afterward, in an emotional moment, Stafford squad this year, have a chance to make it three dedicated the championship to his loyal fans in De- years in a row for home team advantage.

Erin Jackson first Black woman to claim speedskating gold at Olympics Associated Press

BEIJING Erin Jackson never viewed herself as some sort of trailblazer. She just likes to skate really, really fast, whether it’s on wheels or blades.

Yet the 29-year-old from balmy Ocala, Fla., knew this moment was special, her chance to really make an impact on the generations that follow.

She’ll forever be known as the first Black woman to win a speedskating medal at the Winter Olympics — and a gold one, at that.

“Hopefully, this has an effect,” Jackson said. “Hopefully, we’ll see more minorities, especially in the USA, getting out and trying these winter sports.”

Jackson won the 500 meters last Sunday with a time of 37.04 seconds, giving the American speedskating program its first medal of the Beijing Games and first individual medal since 2010. But this was much more than a needed boost to a sport that has produced more medals than any other for the United States in the history of the Winter Games.

Jackson, a former inline skater who switched to the ice shortly before the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics in South Korea, joined fellow American Shani Davis as the only Black athletes to win long-track speedskating medals at the Olympics. Now, she wants others to follow their path into a sport that draws scant attention in the United States.

“I just hope it will do something for the sport,” she said. “I always try to be a good example.”

The silver went to Miho Takagi of Japan, while Angelina Golikova of the Russian team took the bronze.

Another Black Olympian, Elana Meyers Taylor, won a silver medal Monday in the monobob competition, another sport that is unfamiliar to many people and has fielded

Erin Jackson

very few African-American competitors.

Meyers Taylor finished second in 4:20.81 — 1.54 seconds behind U.S. teammate Kaillie Humphries. It was Meyers Taylor’s fourth Olympic medal, giving her the most medals in USA Bobsled history. Her latest victory came after she took a year off following the Pyeongchang Games to become a mother.

Jackson’s gold came after she slipped at the U.S. trials and shockingly finished third, putting her spot on the Olympic team in jeopardy.

But teammate Brittany Bowe, another Ocala skater who finished first at the trials, gave up her spot in the 500 to ensure Jackson would get to compete in Beijing.

“She made a really big sacrifice for me,” Jackson said. “I’ll be grateful to her forever.”

As it turned out, the Americans received a third slot in the 500 when the final allocations were made, so Bowe got to skate as well. She finished 16th.

The two close friends embraced after Jackson clinched the gold.

“You’re an Olympic champion,” her coach, Ryan Shimabukuro, told her.

VUU Panthers ready for CIAA Tournament in Baltimore

Photos by Ricky Stokes

Coach George Lancaster, center with yellow pants, is honored Feb. 11 at the new Highland Springs High School gymnasium by former Highland Springs and Huguenot high basketball players, friends and fans. The basketball court in the new building’s gymnasium was named in honor of the former coach.

‘Coach Lan’ holds court

Coach George Lancaster has been honored again at his old stomping grounds, Highland Springs High School in Henrico County.

“Coach Lan,” as he was known to decades of Springers, won State Group AAA championships in 2003 and 2007 while gaining more than 700 basketball victories in 37 seasons.

Coach Lancaster also coached at Huguenot High School in Richmond for four years prior to taking the job at Highland Springs.

He retired from Highland Springs in 2015.

Last Friday, the basketball floor in the new Highland Springs High School’s gymnasium was dedicated in his honor — the

Savion Hopes

Jefferson Souza

George B. Lancaster Jr. Court. Many of his former players from both Highland Springs High and Huguenot High were present for the ceremony.

This isn’t the first time Coach Lancaster has been honored by the Springers. In 2016, the court at the former Highland Springs High building, where Coach Lancaster coached, was named in his honor. A new Highland Springs High building opened this school year.

Since leaving Highland Springs, Coach Lancaster has returned to his roots in Mecklenburg County, where he coaches the Bluestone High School Barons boys varsity and junior varsity squads. He coached the Barons’ girls team prior to this season.

Will Adams

Javon Frazier

Zachary Wilcox

The Virginia Union University Panthers have taken care of important basketball business in Pennsylvania.

The next stops on the team’s planned hoops itinerary are North Carolina, then Maryland and then, perhaps, the NCAA Tournament at points now unknown.

Following a crucial 7971 victory last Saturday at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, Coach Jay Butler’s squad has taken the pole position, steering into next week’s CIAA Tournament in Baltimore.

VUU will finish the Coach Butler regular season Saturday, Feb. 19, at Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., before heading for the tournament in Baltimore, which starts Tuesday, Feb. 22.

If the Panthers can hold on to the top spot in the CIAA Northern Division, their likely quarter final tournament opener would be Thursday, Feb. 24, at Royal Farms Arena.

The CIAA Tournament finals are set for Saturday, Feb. 26. ESPN-Plus and ESPN-U will provide TV coverage throughout the week.

VUU’s victory at Lincoln University put distance between the Panthers and the runnerup Lincoln Lions for the Northern Division top seed.

VUU forward Robert Osborne received no mention in the preseason All-CIAA voting. But he’s due for much more recognition when the more important postseason All-CIAA team is announced next week.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound junior powerhouse out of Hermitage High School in Henrico County was at his burly best at Lincoln, hitting 12 of 20 field goals and scoring 26 points.

Jordan Peebles, the pogo-stick senior forward from Emporia, added 19 points and nine rebounds at Lincoln and is always a best-bet for the highlight reels.

In only 20.5 minutes per game, Osborne leads the balanced Panthers in scoring (12.6 points per game), field goal percentage (.573)

James Fagan

Juwan Carter

and in getting to the foul line (50-for-82).

Defensively, the big guy is hard to get around and would be a top prospect for VUU football Coach Alvin Parker if he weren’t committed to the hardcourt.

This is Coach Butler’s sixth season calling the shots on Lombardy Street and it could end up being his best.

Rebounding from a year layoff due to the pandemic, VUU is 19-6 overall, 12-3 in the CIAA and 6-2 in the Northern Division. That includes two victories over Southern Division leader Winston-Salem State Robert Osborne University.

Previous records under Coach Butler were 18-11 in 2020, 19-11 in 2019, 18-15 in 2018, 22-8 in 2017 and 16-14 in 2016.

VUU won the CIAA Tournament in Charlotte, N.C., under Coach Butler in 2018. Before that, the last CIAA Tournament triumph was in 2006 under Coach Dave Robbins.

The Panthers went to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2017 and 2018 and could go again if the ball bounces their way in Maryland.

Northern Division standings Division

CIAA Overall

Virginia Union University

6-2

12-3 19-6

Lincoln University

5-3

9-5

16-9

Shaw University

5-3

6-6

10-8

Elizabeth City State Univ. 3-5

6-8 13-11

Bowie State University

3-5

5-9

Virginia State University

2-6

5-9 8-14

7-18

Through games of Feb. 13 Games scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19 • VUU at Shaw in Raleigh, N.C. • VSU at Lincoln • Bowie State at Elizabeth City State

De’Shaan Dixon

All games start at 4 p.m.

Chris Meyers

Jalen Powell

10 players from Va. schools selected for inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl in NOLA The state of Virginia will be well represented at the inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl set for Saturday, Feb. 19, in New Orleans.

Kickoff for the postseason All-Star game is 4 p.m. Eastern time from Yulman Stadium on the campus of Tulane University.

The NFL Network will provide TV coverage.

The first-time event includes standout seniors or graduate students from historically Black colleges and universities from

around the nation, primarily from the CIAA, SIAC, MEAC and SWAC. For many, this will be a final chance to “audition” before NFL scouts and other pro football leagues.

Virginia Union University players selected for the honor are offensive lineman Savion Hopes and kicker Jefferson Souza.

Virginia State University players attending are defensive back Will Adams, defensive lineman Javon Frazier and offensive lineman Zachary Wilcox.

Defensive lineman James Fagan from Hampton University also was selected.

Quarterback Juwan Carter, defensive lineman De’Shaan Dixon, defensive end Chris Meyers and offensive lineman Jalen Powell will represent Norfolk State University. From Highland Springs High School, Carter passed for 2,508 yards with 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions this past season.

February 17-19, 2022 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings Personality: Michelle Evans-Oliver

B

Spotlight on president of Richmond, Virginia Branch of ASALH In the midst of a pandemic marked by death, large-scale action and change for AfricanAmericans, Michelle EvansOliver is working to ensure the stories of Black people in Richmond are preserved and promoted.

As founder and president of the Richmond, Virginia Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Ms. Evans-Oliver first began this work when the group was chartered in 2020.

“We want to give our story of what really is happening,” Ms. Evans-Oliver says. “We don’t walk, we don’t march, but we make sure that our information is told, is documented and that we know exactly who we are and where we came from.”

The pursuit of this mission carries a personal connection for Ms. Evans-Oliver. She is a descendant of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian and author born in Buckingham County who is known as the “Father of Black History.” He established ASALH in 1915 with several co-founders and launched Negro History Week in 1926, which later became recognized as Black History Month.

The ancestral connection led Ms. Evans-Oliver to attend ASALH’s national convention in Richmond in 2016, where organizers were looking to meet with Mr. Woodson’s descendants.

There, Ms. Evans-Oliver would not just gain greater insight into ASALH, but also would receive requests every year after the convention to start a branch in Richmond.

“Why not?” says Ms. EvansOliver of her choice to start the group. “I know it’s a lot of work, but aren’t all organizations that you start from scratch?”

The organization’s major goal for 2022 is growing its membership. The process so far has been a mix of good and bad, with the pandemic limiting

events to virtual discussions and seminars and leading to a drop in the branch’s initial enrollment of 65 members.

However, virtual events have allowed the branch to build a network of interested people extending far outside of Richmond and Virginia.

Future plans for Richmond ASALH include growing their partnerships with the AfroAmerican Historical and Genealogical Society’s Greater Richmond Chapter, of which Ms. Evans-Oliver also serves as vice president, AARP Virginia and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

What is important, she says, is for people to learn about Black life and history and to ensure its preservation and proliferation for future generations.

“My whole thing is just to get the word out about ASALH, so that people can join us,” Ms. Evans-Oliver says. “We’re looking for members who are ready to not just listen, but to do the work as well.”

Meet a local leader in the preservation of Black history and this week’s Personality, Michelle Evans-Oliver: No. 1 volunteer position: President of the Richmond, Virginia Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH. Other community engagement: Vice president of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society’s Greater Richmond Chapter.

Occupation: Business analyst and financial adviser.

Date and place of birth: Aug. 11 in Richmond.

Where I live now: Henrico County.

Education: Bachelor’s in marketing, minor in advertising, Virginia State University.

Family: Daughter, Lauren, and son, Evan.

ASALH is: An organization dedicated to the study and appreciation of African-American history.

When and where founded: ASALH was founded Sept. 9, 1915, in Chicago.

ASALH’s founders: Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, along with George Cleveland Hall, James E. Stamps, William B. Hartgrove and Alexander Louis Jackson.

Mission: ASALH’s mission is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.

How Carter G. Woodson continues to be relevant today: Dr. Woodson continues to be relevant today by being known as the “Father of Black History” and the creator of Black History Month. He also started the movement of telling our true history and debunking fake information regarding African-Americans, giving us the credibility we never had before.

ASALH and Black History Month: Black History Month

was started as Black History Week in 1926. Dr. Woodson selected February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping Black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month.

National theme for Black History Month 2022: Black Health and Wellness.

Number of ASALH chapters: There are 46 branches in the United States, and three chapters in Virginia – The Richmond, Virginia “Our Ancestors Legacy Branch, the Hampton Roads Branch and the Louisa County Branch.

When Richmond ASALH branch was founded: In 2019 we had our interest meeting. We were chartered in 2020.

Local founder: Michelle EvansOliver.

How I became interested in establishing a local chapter: In 2016, ASALH had its national convention here in Richmond.

A friend of mine said they were looking for Dr. Woodson’s descendants. I went to the convention and spoke to the organizers, and learned more about ASALH. Every year after the convention, I was asked to start a branch in Richmond, which has never had a branch.

No. 1 goal or project for ASALH Richmond Branch: To increase membership.

Strategy for achieving goals: Staying active in the community despite the pandemic by doing educational programs via Zoom on various topics related to African-American history in Virginia and around the country.

How to become a member of ASALH Richmond Branch: Richmond ASALH has an online membership form at https:// forms.gle/8kZb7pP22MtEffnf7 Also, inquire about us on our Facebook Page (@ASALHRVA) or email us at asalhrvainfo@ gmail.com.

Richmond ASALH partners with: We partner with Virginia Museum of History and Culture, AARP Virginia, Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society to name a few. We are looking to partner with more organizations that align with our mission.

ASALH’s upcoming events: ASALH Richmond is hosting several free virtual events with co-sponsor AARP Virginia. The first “Africulture — Crops, Benefits and Lifestyle — The History between Plants and Africa,” is a virtual talk by Michael Carter Jr., a fifth generation farmer on his family’s farm in Orange County, Va., at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22. Mr. Carter is the small farm resource coordinator for Virginia State University’s Small Farm Outreach Program. He will talk about his work in Ghana, Kenya and Israel as an agronomist and organic agricultural consultant and the history between plants and Africa. Register at https:// aarp.cventevents.com/CultivateFEB On Wednesday, Feb. 23, ASALH Richmond will host Wind Down Wednesday — Hidden History with Brian Bullock, a local filmmaker and history enthusiast at 7 p.m. The virtual event includes a short film about tracing your family history, followed by a discussion with Virginia historians and genealogists. The event is free and co-sponsored by AARP Virginia. Register at https://aarp. cventevents.com/WindDown4 On Sunday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m., ASALH Richmond will host a “Sunday Sit-Ins: Racial

and Social Injustice!” with Dr. Shelley Murphy, a historian and researcher with the University of Virginia’s Descendant Program. She will talk about her research and interviews about the correlation between lynching and Confederate monuments.

The free talk is co-sponsored

by AARP Virginia. Register at https://aarp.cventevents.com/ SundaySitInFeb A perfect day for me is: Relaxing and cooking.

What I am learning about myself during the pandemic: I have learned that some days should be rest days. I have learned to slow down and relax.

I am learning to prioritize my schedule.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Watching documentaries.

Quote that inspires me: “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.”

— Maya Angelou Friends describe me as: Driven and fun At the top of my “to-do” list: Find more of my ancestors.

Best late-night snack: Skinny Pop lime popcorn.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: To be a good steward of my finances.

Persons who influenced me the most: My mother and father.

Book that influenced me the most: “The 48 Laws of Power”

by Robert Greene.

What I’m reading now: “The Laws of Success” by Napoleon Hill.

Next goal: FYI – I was selected as a local Hero from AARP National to be featured in their Black History Month 2022 marketing campaign. I and 14 other individuals from around the country were nominated and selected from a large pool of nominees.

ST RIES ABOUT OUR STATE & OUR STATE OF MIND. Watch starting February 24 vpm.org/focalpoint

Richmond Free Press

B2 February 17-19, 2022

Happenings Princeton University scraps exhibit of Jewish American artists with Confederate ties

By Yonat Shimron Religion News Service

Last summer, Princeton University agreed to organize an exhibit of works by American Jewish artists in the second half of the 19th century.

The exhibit would feature 50 pieces, including a life-size marble sculpture called “Faith” by the most renowned Jewish American sculptor of the period, Moses Jacob Ezekiel (1844-1917).

In July, the university flew in an art historian to tour the Ellen and Leonard Milberg Gallery in the Firestone Library and signed a contract to have that historian curate the exhibit, which was set to open in September. The exhibit, funded by Leonard Milberg, also would highlight a new collection of essays about American Jews in the Gilded Age published by Princeton University Press.

But by the fall, problems began to emerge, and by Dec. 14, the show was canceled.

The reason?

At least two of the artists featured in the show served in the Confederate Army.

Mr. Ezekiel, probably best known for his 32-foot Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, was unrepentant in his devotion to the Lost Cause.

He was known for hanging the rebel flag in his studio four decades after the war.

The other, painter Theodore Moise, attained the rank of major in the Confederate Army.

Now, some Jewish scholars are calling out Princeton, saying that the works chosen for the exhibit did not relate to the Confederacy and that by canceling the show, the university was in effect censoring the works.

“One approach is that we have faith in the audience; we display in full complexity the material and talk about it,” said Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University. “The other approach is that we cancel it.

I’m very reluctant to be part of the woke, cancel everything that doesn’t conform to present-day moral standards.”

Dr. Sarna is co-editor of the book of essays tentatively titled “Jews in Gilded Age America” that inspired the exhibit. The book, co-edited with historian Adam Mendelsohn, is expected to be published this year.

A university spokesman said the library has the right to decide

how to exhibit its works.

“The ultimate editorial authority over scholarly exhibitions resides with the library,” university spokesperson Ben Chang said in an email. “It is the library that speaks through its galleries, and the library is responsible for the messages conveyed there.”

Neither Dr. Sarna nor the show’s curator, Dr. Samantha Baskind, a professor of art history at Cleveland State University, denies that two of the most important artists of the period were Southern Jews who abetted the Confederate cause.

Dr. Baskind, who is writing a book on Mr. Ezekiel, said the artists’ views on the Confederacy are offensive but must be studied and put in context.

“I’m not romanticizing Ezekiel, but his legacy is important,” Dr. Baskind said.

Poverty Law Center. There were 157 Confederate memorials removed in 2020 in the wake of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis Police.

Universities, too, are in the midst of a wholesale effort to address ties to slavery and the Confederacy. Princeton removed Woodrow Wilson’s name from the School of Public and International Affairs as well as a residential college in 2020, saying the 28th president’s racist policies made him an inappropriate namesake.

Last year, Princeton published its first annual report highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion work across campus. It formed a committee to come up with principles for naming, renaming and changing campus iconography. The university also has pledged to increase the number of underrepresented

Photo by Samantha Baskind

“Religious Liberty” on Independence Mall in Philadelphia.

“We still need to talk about the good and the bad. To erase those complications is against everything the academy stands for.”

Spurred by the massive racial justice protests of 2020, America has faced a racial reckoning and reappraisal of the legacy of the Confederacy. In 2021, 73 Confederate memorials were renamed, removed or relocated from public spaces, according to a new report from the Southern

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phone call discussions of substituting artists from a later period with no Confederate ties.

“After extensive discussion, the library and supporters of the potential exhibition were unable to agree on its final composition,” Mr. Chang, the spokesperson said.

Some historians supported the decision and said it was consistent with the university’s desire to offer fresh scrutiny of the past.

“Princeton was a place where slave owners sent their sons,” said Dr. Anthea Butler, a University of Pennsylvania religion scholar. “Given Princeton’s history, I can understand why they were a little skittish about this.”

Dr. William Sturkey, a historian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who specializes in the history of race, said the university’s sensitivity is wholly warranted.

“What would it say if some institution displayed the artwork of someone who was antisemitic and they just said, ‘Oh, that’s separate. We’re not going to talk about that. We’re going to talk about their art.’ I can’t imagine Jewish art fans would be fond of that.”

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who read a 12,000-word essay written by Dr. Baskind, which inspired him to propose an exhibit.

Dr. Baskind, who spent hours selecting works for the exhibit, said the idea was to “showcase the diversity of the contributions of Jewish American artists in the 19th century,” about which very little scholarly work has been published.

The centerpiece was to be Mr. Ekeziel’s “Faith,” a 64inch marble sculpture of a boy grasping a flaming lamp in one hand as he raises his other hand to the heavens.

“Faith” is a copy of a larger 1876 monument called “Religious Liberty” that stands outside the National Museum of American Jewish History on Independence Mall in Philadelphia. The work was commissioned by the Jewish fraternal order B’nai B’rith to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In the larger monument, Mr. Ezekiel portrayed Liberty as a woman in a toga extending her right arm over the boy Faith, in an allegorical gesture of protection.

The monument, like the works of other Jewish artists of the time, celebrated Jewish American patriotism and pride rather than any parochial Jewish religious interests.

The exhibit was also to include an Ezekiel bust of Isaac Mayer Wise, the 19th-century rabbi considered the father of Reform Judaism in the United States, as well as Mr. Ekeziel’s sculpture of President Abraham Lincoln.

“His ties to the Confederacy are only one aspect of his multidimensional life as an artist,” Dr. Baskind said of Mr. Ezekiel.

But emails with university officials, including University Librarian Anne Jarvis, reveal larger concerns. Library officials referenced meetings with the vice provost for institutional equity and diversity on Oct. 5 and soon thereafter there were

tenured and tenure-track faculty members by 50 percent within five years.

Universities also have faced criticism that, in their zeal to combat racism, they also are trampling over academic discourse and inhibiting discussion of unpopular positions or ideas.

Plans for the art exhibit came about through the support of financier and Princeton benefactor Leonard Milberg

Black History Month

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Photo courtesy of Samantha Baskind

“Faith” is a sculpture by Moses Jacob Ezekiel from 1877.

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Happenings

Naima Burrs hopes to play to Petersburg Symphony Orchestra’s strengths in new role

By Kesha Williams

Petersburg Symphony Orchestra musicians are gearing up for a new season without the presence of a familiar face—Ulysses Kirksey, their former music director for more than 30 years.

With Mr. Kirksey’s death in August 2021, the orchestra has been working hard to regain its rhythm, according to Brian C. Little Sr., the PSO executive director.

The new season, which begins in March, will feature a new face on the conductor’s podium — Naima Burrs, a 31-year-old violinist and music instructor at Virginia State University. In late January, she was announced as PSO’s new music director.

Ms. Burrs, who was an assistant conductor for the PSO’s holiday concert last December at the Petersburg Public Library Auditorium, has served as assistant conductor of the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra at Ms. Burrs Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and, most recently, as conductor of the Hopkins Concert Orchestra.

She is the daughter of soprano Lisa Edwards Burrs, an associate professor of voice at Longwood University, and Stacy L. Burrs, former chief executive officer of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward and former deputy director of Venture Richmond.

Ms. Burrs said it’s a great time to grow the orchestra’s audience. From virtual concerts to concerts at various public venues, the PSO wants to give the community access to the music that inspires them. She said people shouldn’t feel as if they have to travel to bigger cities and larger venues to broaden their knowledge.

“While it’s important to do standard repertoire, there is so much beautiful music to choose from. We also can make sure (the public enjoys) composers who have not received their (due) recognition—music that showcases contributions of everyone—women, African- American, Hispanic composers and more,” Ms. Burrs said.

“This is how we embrace the beauty of America

throughout the season.”

Mr. Little said the PSO’s list of performances for 2022 will be released in March following the completion of a new website.

For the last 44 years, the PSO’s contingent of professional and volunteer musicians have thrilled music fans throughout the Tri-Cities. In a pandemic era where stress levels rise and fall by the day, Mr. Little said fans could benefit from the calming properties of live orchestra performances.

“We understand music creates a community that may feel like a social club, a place where people can call home, move away from their struggles, celebrate their triumphs,” he said.

“The symphony has done that. They have provided a place where 60 people can get together, create the oneness of music and sound.”

PSO violinist Lucretia Davis, a Virginia State University music graduate Mr. Little and orchestra director with Hanover County Public Schools, has performed an array of music with the orchestra since 2001.

She is confident the PSO’s expansive library of music across genres will help expand the number of performances each year and to grow their audience base.

Like most orchestras, the PSO must maintain the favor of its loyal fans while promoting the music to new fans. Ms. Davis said strong music programs within school systems is key to attracting younger generations to orchestral music and related careers.

She said adult fans of the orchestra should bring youths to concerts where they will begin to see the music and concerts as life-long entertainment. Holding concerts beyond the walls of traditional concert halls has helped the PSO and other orchestras across the country. Ms. Davis recalled a series of past PSO concerts and a traditional holiday concert that helped them connect with their audiences.

“Tailoring programs is one of the strong points of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. We, of course, have our die-hard PSO lovers who

Richmond Public Library accepting DVDs for local public access programming Want to have your own TV show?

The Richmond Public Library is making that possible.

The library created a TV studio at the library’s Main Branch,101 E. Franklin St. in Downtown, in 2019 to air content from individuals eager to present their own shows.

The small broadcast studio on the second floor replaced one Comcast formerly operated out

of its Richmond office.

The public access shows air on Xfinity channel 99 and Verizon Fios channel 36.

While the studio was forced to close in March 2020 because of the pandemic, library Director Scott Firestine said, “We are still accepting DVDs from people and organizations that create their own programs. We welcome the content.”

He said people seeking to air their own shows should give their DVDs to Joe Taylor, the staff member at the library’s Main Branch who handles the material.

Mr. Firestine said the library would reopen the studio for live broadcasts once the situation with COVID-19 is declared under control.

“Hopefully, that will be sooner than later,” he said.

will enjoy anything we play, but you do have to program to really grow the audience” Ms. Davis said.

She said Mr. Kirksey was always keen with his musical programming for the PSO and selected works that would suit both the venue and the audience he was trying to attract and retain. She gave him high marks, too, for selecting music

by local and nationally recognized artists.

“Now, it’s just the continued task of finding innovative ways to keep the audience’s attention,” Ms. Davis said. “I’m sure the new music director will carefully take her time, as well, and continue to thoughtfully prepare works that highlight the talents of the musicians, yet excite our audiences.”

Black History Month events continue Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by AfricanAmericans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans.

Black History Month was first proposed by Black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. Their first celebration took place in 1970, with the monthlong event then being celebrated throughout America in educational institutions, centers of Black culture and community centers.

Some of the month’s local events include:

Friday, Feb. 18, at 8 a.m., is invited to join a park historian Chesterfield County’s Black Hisin viewing “Imitation of Life” and tory Month Annual Scholarship discussing the significance of racial Recognition Program, a virtual passing, both in Mrs. Walker’s time event. Dr. Lauren R. Powell, former and now. Registration: Contact director of the Virginia Department Park Ranger Ben Anderson at of Health’s Office of Health Equity, Benjamin_Anderson@nps.gov. will deliver the keynote address.

Sunday, Feb. 20, 1 to 6 p.m., The “Leadership for the 21st Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Dr. Powell Century Scholarship” winners will St., “UNTOLD”— Black Food and be announced. A high school senior is selected Spirits. “UNTOLD” will highlight Black hisfrom each of the county’s five magisterial tory relating to the American food and spirits districts, along with a sixth chosen from one industry and bring today’s tastemakers under of the regional governor schools. Each will one roof. Enjoy Main Stage presentations from be awarded a $2,500 scholarship. historians and industry tastemakers.

The program will be livestreamed on ChesTickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ terfield County’s main Facebook page, on the black-food-and-spirits-untold-virginiacounty’s YouTube channel and WCCT’s televi- tickets-189993334177 sion page as well as broadcast locally on Comcast Wednesday, Feb. 23, 7 to 8 p.m., “How Channel 98 and Verizon Channel 28. the Lee Monument Came Down,” a virtual No pre-registration is required to view presentation by Michael Spence, managing the program. general partner with Team Henry EnterDetails: www.chesterfield.gov/4226/ prises, who led the team that disassembled Black-History-Month-Celebration the Monument Avenue statue and pedestal Saturday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m., Maggie of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The L. Walker National Historic Site will host program will be facilitated by J. Dontrese “Matinee with Miss Maggie,” a free event to Brown, Richmond Public Library Foundation commemorate Black History Month. During board member and co-creator of the Hidden a virtual film program at 1 p.m., “Imitation in Plain Sight Virtual History Project. of Life,” will be shown. The film addresses Registration for the virtual event: https:// one of the questions often asked by visitors rvalibrary.libcal.com/event/8812206 to the site upon seeing photographs of Mrs. Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., AARP Walker’s light complexion: “Did Maggie Virginia’s “Wind Down Wednesdays” series L. Walker ever pass for white?” While of virtual events and short film screenings. historical evidence suggests she never did so Brian Bullock, a local filmmaker and history on purpose, “passing” was something many enthusiast, will share some of his short films and Black people with light skin tones did in Jim will lead interviews with local historians.

Crow America and beyond. The 1934 film Registration: https:// aarp.cventevents.

“Imitation of Life” was the story of racial com/event/ea2d90c2-7c1e-4a06-9ef3passing during Mrs. Walker’s time. The public 1d8794323643/summary

Alzheimer’s Association to hold free virtual forum The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a nationwide virtual forum on Alzheimer’s and the Black community 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 23.

The free, hourlong forum called “Alzheimer’s and Dementia Conversations: Listening to the Voices of the Black Community” will discuss historical and cultural perspectives facing Black Americans and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Participating partners include the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, the National Council of Negro Women, Chi Eta Phi Sorority and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Registration: alz.org/nca or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.

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Obituaries/Faith News/Directory

James L. ‘Skippy’ Moss Jr., a member of Richmond Fire Department’s elite ‘Flying Squadron,’ dies at 74

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

James Lorenzo “Skippy” Moss Jr. helped break down racial barriers in the Richmond Fire Department during his 30-year career.

Just five years after he joined the department in 1967, Mr. Moss became the first Black firefighter to become a member of the elite “Flying Squadron,” a small cadre that responded to every fire.

He also joined in voicing concerns of Richmond’s Black firefighters as a longtime member of the Black Brothers Combined, now the Brothers and Sisters Combined Professional Firefighters. In the 1970s, the

Mr. Moss

group won a federal court battle to end racially tinged assignments and promotions within the department.

Mr. Moss is being remembered for his contributions to public safety and the community following his death on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. He was 74.

His funeral was private.

“He was a highly regarded by both Black and white members of the department,” said Thomas L. Williams, a retired firefighter and past president of Brothers and Sisters Combined.

A Richmond native, Mr. Moss grew up in the city’s North Side. He was captain of Maggie L. Walker High School’s football team before graduating in 1965 and

“The Church With A Welcome”

Ezell Royal Lee, ‘Fashion King of Hull Street,’ dies at 66

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Hull Street became the runway where Ezell Royal Lee would display his personal clothing creations while walking his dog, Miss Cleo.

A model as a youth, Mr. Lee became known as the “Fashion King of Hull Street” in displaying for more than a decade the colorful, one-of-a-kind outfits he created from wool, cotton, leather and other materials.

He also drew attention at the annual 2nd Street Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival and other Richmond events where he was a standout for his stylish apparel.

“He took a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and wanted to bring the kind of fashion flair that he saw there back to Richmond,” said his longtime friend, Phillip Brown, who first met Mr. Lee in the

Mr. Lee

1970s when both were among the models that Earl Fleming employed for shows at the now defunct Miller & Rhoads department store.

Mr. Lee “was a wonderful person to know, always friendly and outgoing, but his clothes were something else,” Mr. Brown said. “He could have had his own line under the right circumstances.”

Mr. Lee died on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.

He was 66. He succumbed to complications from diabetes, Mr. Brown said Mr. Lee’s life was celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the Wilson & Associates Funeral Service East Chapel. The attendees included a cadre of veteran GRTC drivers who came to bid farewell to a favorite regular passenger. Mr. Lee relied on public transit and never owned a car.

A Richmond native, Mr. Lee worked as a model before graduating from John F. Kennedy High School.

Known as a friendly, outgoing man, he spent his career working for Sauer Brands, Philip Morris USA and Tyson Foods, where he managed packing and shipping before retiring nearly two years ago, Mr. Brown said.

Survivors include his stepmother, Margaret S. Lee, and two sisters, Marquetta Lee and Valerie Lee.

Black Muslim life honored in new online portrait exhibit Religion News Service

A new online exhibit featuring portraits of Black Muslims was launched earlier this month

by Sapelo Square, a Black Muslim education and media collective.

Captured in dramatic lighting and paired with audio clips of the subjects speaking, the portraits aim to highlight the beauty and diversity within the Black Muslim experience.

“It’s really important that we hear the voices and see those who come from this strong and important lineage that doesn’t seem to be acknowledged and is often misunderstood,” saidAïdah Aliyah Rasheed, special projects lead at Sapelo Square.

The project, titled “Preserving the Legacy: Portraits and Stories Capturing Black Muslim Life,” began as a conversation between Sapelo Square and the New York-based photographer duo Rog & Bee Walker in 2016.

Since then, Rog & Bee have photographed more than 200 portraits of Black Muslims with diverse occupations, ages, geographical locations and spiritual approaches to Islam.

This first iteration of the project will feature roughly 50 portraits that are being released weekly on the Preserving the Legacy website.

Ms. Rasheed, who oversaw Preserving the Legacy, noted some of the participants

discourse. Dr. Abdul Khabeer told Religion News Service that Black Muslims can be overlooked when it comes to conversations about the “first Muslim” to do something in the United States. She pointed to Mona Haydar, a Syrian hijabi rapper whose Image by Rog & Bee Walker, Paper Monday debut made a splash Dr. Marcus Lambert and sons in 2017. have died since their portraits “Hip-hop history is Black were captured, which she said Muslim history,” said Dr. Abdul makes the stories documented Khabeer, who added that many even more precious. Most par- Black hijabi women, such as ticipants also were interviewed, Miss Undastood, preceded Ms. and that audio allows viewers Haydar without the notoriety. to “really listen to the voices Donna Auston, a cultural ancoming from the Black Muslim thropologist who studies Islam community,” she said. in America, among other things, Sapelo Square was founded noted Black Muslims are often

by Dr. Su’ad Abdul Khabeer in missing from education about May 2015. The volunteer-run slavery or American history and organization issues podcasts, media more generally. publications and other projects “It’s easy for the experiences on topics ranging from anti- of people who exist at this nexus Black racism in Muslim com- to get lost,” Ms. Auston said. munities to hip-hop and Black midwifery. The name honors a group of African Muslims who were enslaved on Sapelo Island off Georgia’s coast in Sunday School – 9:30 AM the early 1800s.

Sunday Services – 11:00 AM The Preserving the Legacy Via Conference Call project and other initiatives of (202) 926-1127 Sapelo Square intend to center Pin 572890# stories of Black Muslims that are often erased from American Virtual Sunday Morning Service

Riverview

Baptist Church

Where conversations do include Black Muslims like Malcolm X or Muhammad Ali, she noted, their Muslim faith is often flattened or stereotyped.

However, Ms. Auston added that being Black and Muslim is a “unique and beautiful experience” that can generate creativity when it comes to cuisine, fashion, art and other cultural expressions.

At Sapelo Square, Dr. Abdul Khabeer hopes their offerings ultimately celebrate Black Muslim life.

“While the marginalization or the erasure of Black Muslims from the mainstream narrative is something our work seeks to challenge, our work begins from a place of self-love,” she said. Sapelo Square “creates this virtual space that bleeds into real life, where Black Muslims see themselves. … In order to challenge what seems like really intractable inequality that we face in this country, I think it begins in many ways with the people who are most affected knowing that they have their own power.”

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

Join us on Sundays at 12 noon via Conference Call: 1(503)300-6860 Code:273149#

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

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

“Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, Services Are Cancelled, until further notice; but, please join us, by visiting BRBCOnline.org or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church).”

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Worship With Us This Week!

Virtual Worship February 20, 2022 @ 10:00 A.M.

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Join us for worship online this week!

We remain virtual this week due to the uptick in Covid cases in our community. Please stay safe and join us online at mmbcrva.org or Facebook.com/mmbcrva.

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

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

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

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also served as a student driver education instructor at the school, his family recalled.

He attended Virginia Union University for two years before joining the fire department.

Since retiring from the department, Mr. Moss spent more than a decade as a volunteer coach with the Glen Lea Youth Football League. He also regularly umpired Little League baseball games in the Richmond area.

He was an active member of Northside Crusaders Baptist Church in Highland Park.

Survivors include his daughter, Alison M. Noel, and two grandchildren.

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Facebook Fax (804) 359-3798 sixthbaptistrva www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

om

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The doors of the church are open for worship!

No registration required.

Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays

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Richmond Free Press

February 17-19, 2022 B5

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-275 As Amended To amend ch. 6 of the City Code by adding therein a new art. XII (§§ 6-596— 6-602) to establish a technology zone program in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-3850, for the purpose of facilitating the development and location of technology businesses in the city of Richmond, capital investment, and job creation.

Ordinance No. 2021-363 As Amended To authorize the special use of the property known as 1626 North 27th Street for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2022-031 To amend City Code § 2140, concerning joint and cooperative procurement, to conform the City’s cooperative procurement law to the optional provisions of Va. Code § 2.2-4304. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 17, 2022, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2022-032 To amend City Code §§ 26-871, concerning the establishment of annual license taxes, and 26-873, concerning exemptions to license taxes, to increase the threshold for business, professional and occupational license taxes from $100,000.00 to $250,000.00.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 17, 2022, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2022-033 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation for the purpose of setting forth general maintenance responsibilities for the regional multiuse trail known as the Fall Line Trail. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 22, 2022, 1:30 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2022-034 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the implementation of the James River Branch Tr a i l p r o j e c t f r o m West 49th Street to its intersection with Hopkins Road. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 22, 2022, 1:30 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2022-035 To designate the 1700 block of Porter Street in honor of James L. Moore, Sr. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 22, 2022, 1:30 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2022-037 To amend Ord. No. 2021042, adopted May 24, 2021, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, and determined a means of financing the same, by (i) establishing a new project for the Department of Public Works in the City Facility Maintenance & Improvements category called the “Diamond Maintenance” project and (ii) transferring funds in the amount of $1,800,000.00 from the Capital Maintenance Reserve and appropriating such transferred funds to the Department of Public Works’ new Diamond Maintenance project in the City Facility Maintenance & Improvements category for the purpose of funding capital maintenance of the City’s baseball stadium known as the Diamond.

Ordinance No. 2022-038 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $4,122,214.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation, to amend Ord. No. 2021042, adopted May 24, 2021, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, and determined a means of financing the same, Continued on next column

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by establishing a new project for the Department of Public Works in the Transportation Category called the James River Branch Trail (JRBT) project, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal year 2021-2022 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ James R i v e r B r a n c h Tr a i l (JRBT) project in the Transportation Category by $4,122,214.00 for the purpose of funding the implementation of the James River Branch Trail project from West 49th Street to its intersection with Hopkins Road.

OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CHRISTINA JOELLE WILLIAMS, PLAINTIFF, v.

CALEB RAMHEL WILLIAMS, DEFENDANT. CASE No. CL21-5418-6 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony, from the defendant, on the ground that the parties hereto have lived separate and apart continuously, without cohabitation and without interruption for more than one year.

And it appearing from an affidavit that the whereabouts and address of the defendant are unknown and that he may not be a resident of Virginia, it is Ordered that the defendant appear before this Court on March 18, 2022, at 9:00 am o’clock pursuant to this notice and protect his interest herein.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk

This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to the current ongoing declaration of a local emergency concerning the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed by Res. No. 2020-R025, adopted March 16, 2020, and as permitted by section 2.2-3708.2(A)(3) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public.

Less than a quorum of Richmond City Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

Video of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// r i c h m o n d v a . l e g i s t a r. com/Calendar.aspx. To watch the meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the February 28, 2022 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the public participation instructions provided on the February 28, 2022 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@rva. gov in lieu of commenting by teleconference or video conference. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

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-city-clerk.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ERIN SPENCER, Plaintiff v.

AUSTIN SPENCER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000376-00 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 4th day of April, 2022 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 Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JAQUELINE MEJIA, Plaintiff v.

MICHELE MARCANO LOPEZ, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000174-00 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 17th day of March, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER KELSEY NOUIOUA, Plaintiff v.

CORY NOUIOUA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003899-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is not a resident, appear here on or before the 16th day of March, 2022 and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TONY ALSTON, Plaintiff v.

KIMBERLY HINES, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000079-00 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 10th day of March, 2022 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 SEUN JOSHUA ODUYEMI, Plaintiff v.

TANISHA ODUYEMI, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000080-00 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 Continued on next column

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whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 10th day of March, 2022 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

Hugh T. Antrim, VSB # 14721 ThompsonMcMullan, P.C. 100 Shockoe Slip Richmond VA 23219 (804) 649-7545 (804) 649-0654 facsimile

Him For Yourself Ministries, et. al.

CL20-5070 320 German School Road C0050963032 City of Richmond v. Know Him For Yourself Ministries, et. al.

CL20-5071 104 West Graham Road N0000539027 City of Richmond v.

Elizabeth Bernice Randolph, et. al.

CL21-4217 2917 Grayland Avenue W0001279006 City of Richmond v. Russell Robinson, et. al.

CL21-1013 1712 Greenville Avenue W0000785016 City of Richmond v. Lillie Virginia Green, et. al.

CL20-3002 505 North Hamilton Street Unit L W0001704161 City of Richmond v. Peas & Queues, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4219 2606 Hawthorne Avenue N0000635007 City of Richmond v. Emma W. Stafford, et. al.

CL20-4114 3408 Hazelhurst Avenue N0001351008 City of Richmond v. Terry K. Cousins, et. al.

CL21-2621 1649 Hopkins Road C0090199022 City of Richmond v. Charles Weir, et. al.

CL21-3346 1818 Hull Street S0000241002 City of Richmond v. Brunson Contractors, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4302 2212 Hull Street S0000570007 City of Richmond v. MWW, LLC, et. al.

CL21-2642 2214 Hull Street S0000570006 City of Richmond v. MWW, LLC, et. al.

CL21-2643 3406 Hull Street S0002453005 City of Richmond v. J Fam Entertainment, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4303 5607 Jarvis Road C0060760018 City of Richmond v. Kelson Creek, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4106 1830 Keswick Avenue S0071032003 City of Richmond v.

Clementina Cruz Quintero, et. al.

CL21-3340 450 East Ladies Mile Road N0001664014 City of Richmond v.

Hybernia Hocker Wood, et. al.

CL21-2985 2312 East Marshall Street E0000296017 City of Richmond v. Robert L. Acuff, III, et. al.

CL21-2100 3503 Meadow Bridge Road N0001561024 City of Richmond v.

Thurston W. Norman, et. al.

CL21-4323 2912 Midlothian Turnpike S0001226004 City of Richmond v. Kelson Creek, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4107 2307 Mimosa Street S0071229057 City of Richmond v. Up 2307 Mimosa, LLC, et. al.

CL21-3348 700 Northside Avenue N0001154026 City of Richmond v. Shanae A. George, et. al.

CL20-2367 1212 Oakwood Avenue E0000962016 City of Richmond v. Orchid, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4304 2037 Orlando Road C0090372061 City of Richmond v. John Womble, et. al.

CL20-67 2006 Parkwood Avenue W0000896019 City of Richmond v. David O. Green, et. al.

CL21-3906 4200 Richmond Highway S0090221006 City of Richmond v. Malea, LLC, et. al.

CL21-3628 3425 Sherbrook Road C0020156002 City of Richmond v. Carolyn Jones, et. al.

CL21-4441 3 South Shields Avenue W0000942039 City of Richmond v. Robert Alan Jones, et. al.

CL21-4433 2712 Southgate Street S0090500007 City of Richmond v. Henry Willis, et, al.

CL21-4861 1710 Spotsylvania Street E0120333009 City of Richmond v. James Henry Roots, III, et, al.

CL20-1651 1413 Vinton Street E0100197007 City of Richmond v. Roy F. Humphrey CL18-6178 419 Mitchell Street N0000222003 City of Richmond v.

Christian Charities, Inc. CL22-122 TERMS OF SALE: All sales are subject to confirmation by the Richmond Circuit Court. The purchase price will include the winning bid plus 10% of the winning bid.

High bidders will pay at the time of the auction a deposit of at least 20% of the purchase price, or $5,000.00, whichever is greater. If the purchase price is under $5,000.00, high bidders will pay in full at the time of the auction. High bidders will pay the balance of the purchase price to the Special Commissioner, and deed recordation costs, by a date and in a form as stated in a settlement instruction letter. Time is of the essence.

If a high bidder defaults by not making these payments in full, on time, and in the required form, the Special Commissioner will retain the deposit, and may seek other remedies to include the cost of resale or any resulting deficiency. Settlement shall occur when the Richmond Circuit Court enters an Order of Confirmation. Conveyance shall be either by a special commissioner’s deed or a special warranty deed. Real estate taxes will be adjusted as of the date of entry for the Order of Confirmation.

Properties are sold “as is” without any representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, subject to the rights of any person in possession, and to all easements, liens, covenants, defects, encumbrances, adverse claims, conditions and restrictions, whether filed or inchoate, to include any information a survey or inspection of a property may disclose. It is assumed that bidders will make a visual exterior inspection of a property within the limits of the law, determine the suitability of a property for their purposes, and otherwise perform due diligence prior to the auction.

T h e S p e c i a l Commissioner’s acceptance of a bid shall not limit any powers vested in the City of Richmond. Additional terms may be announced at the time of sale. Individuals owing delinquent taxes to the City of Richmond, and defendants in pending delinquent tax cases, are not qualified to bid at this auction. Bidders must certify by affidavit that they do not own, directly or indirectly, any real estate with outstanding notices of violation for building, zoning or other local ordinances.

Questions may be directed to Gregory A. Lukanuski at greg.lukanuski@ rva.gov or (804) 646-7949, or to Christie Hamlin at christie. hamlin@rva.gov or (804) 6466940.

Gregory A. Lukanuski Deputy City Attorney Special Commissioner 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia 23219

and that there are or may be persons whose names are unknown, interested in the subject matter of this suit; It is ORDERED that Andre Stolar, et al., if then living or if dead, their heirs, devisees, assigns, or successors in title, and other unknown heirs or parties who have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, who are proceeded against as Unknown Heirs and Parties Unknown, appear before Court on or before the 28th of March, 2022 to protect their interests, if any, in this suit.

Enter: 1/27/22 I ask for this: Curtis D. Gordon, Esq., V.S.B. # 25325 Jason L. Shaber, Esq., V.S.B.96186 Kyle Roberts, Esq. V.S.B #95631 DANKOS, GORDON & TUCKER, P.C. 1360 E. Parham Road, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23228 Telephone: (804) 377-7424 Facsimile: (804) 262-8088 Email: cgordon@ dankosgordon.com Email: jshaber@ dankosgordon.com Email: kroberts@ dankosgordon.com Counsel for Plaintiffs

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO CRESSA HUGHES, Plaintiff v.

MATTHEW HUGHES, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21-7594 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit, brought by Cressa Hughes, is a complaint for divorce.

It appearing from an affidavit that the Defendant, Matthew Hughes, cannot be found, and that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the Defendant, it is hereby ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before the 21st day of February, 2022, to protect his/her interest herein.

An Extract Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re AIDEN JAMES FORD RDSS v.

MICHAEL JAMES STRASBURG, JR., Unknown father & TRACEY LEE FORD File No. J-100127-03-04-05 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Michael James Strasburg, Jr. (Father) Unknown Father (Father), Tracey Lee Ford (Mother) of Aiden James Ford, child DOB 08/2/2021 “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 defendant Michael James Strasburg, Jr. (Father) Unknown Father (Father), Tracey Lee Ford (Mother) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 5/3/2022, at 2:40 PM, Courtroom #2 MCG. VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Henry le & maggie rodriguez RDSS v.

Unknown father File No. JJ098676-07-00, JJ098677-07-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of Unknown Father of Henry Le, child DOB 06/17/2011 & Maggie Rodriguez, child DOB 10/16/2012.

“TPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 05/27/2022, at 9:00 AM, Courtroom #1.

PROPERTY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF HENRICO COUNTY FRIENDS OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF HAM, INC., Plaintiff, V. PERSONS UNKNOWN WHO MAY BE SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST TO THE TRUSTEES OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF HAM, INC., Defendants.

Case no.: CL21-6403-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to appoint a Special Commissioner to convey the Property identified in Exhibit A herein to Friends of Sons and Daughters of Ham, Inc., upon its agreement that it will restore and then maintain the cemetery located thereon in perpetuity. The successors in interest to the trustees of Sons and Daughters of Ham, Inc. are unknown to the petitioner.

It is ordered that the fact of such petition be advertised, and notice is now given that on May 27, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. in the Henrico County Circuit Court, 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 232730775, the Court will hear evidence on this matter from any interested individual.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SPECIAL COMMISSIONER’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Pursuant to the terms of Orders of Sale entered in the Richmond Circuit Court, the undersigned Special Commissioner will offer the following real estate for sale at public auction at Motleys Asset Disposition Group, 3600 Deepwater Terminal Road, Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm, or as soon thereafter as may be effected. The sale is subject to the terms and conditions below and any other terms and conditions which may be announced on the day of auction. Announcements made on the day of the auction take precedence over any prior written or verbal terms of sale.

2304 4th Avenue N0000610007 City of Richmond v. Asset Properties, LLC, et. al.

CL21-3054 1426 North 19th Street E0000771012 City of Richmond v. Oliver C. Lawrence, et. al.

CL16-3806 1200 North 21st Street E0000556018 City of Richmond v. Willie Davis, et. al.

CL21-5067 1207 North 25th Street Rear E0000561035 City of Richmond v. Lewis C. Dockery, Jr., et. al.

CL19-1027 1801 North 25th Street E0001084001 City of Richmond v. Xavier Keeton, et. al.

CL21-3147 236 East 36th Street S0042766012 City of Richmond v. James R. Gause, et. al.

CL21-4457 2401 Alexander Avenue S0080815058 City of Richmond v. Equity Trust Company, Custodian, et. al.

CL21-3341 2403 Alexander Avenue S0080815057 City of Richmond v. Equity Trust Company, Custodian, et. al.

CL21-3342 1816 Bainbridge Street S0000242001 City of Richmond v. Brunson Contractors, LLC, et. al.

CL21-3819 2520 Belt Boulevard Rear C0090480026 City of Richmond v. Edward Bittner, et. al.

CL21-3121 3100 Bradwill Road C0040575010 City of Richmond v. Milton G. Townsend, Jr., et.al.

CL21-4117 2119 Broad Rock Boulevard C0090420014 City of Richmond v. Sheryl Taylor Simmons, et. al.

CL21-2363 3601 Carolina Avenue N0001270010 City of Richmond v. Willie C. West, III, et.al.

CL20-3992 2005 Chamberlayne Parkway N0000532009 City of Richmond v.

Dominion Staffing, Inc., et. al.

CL21-2667 2916 Cherokee Road C0040660038 City of Richmond v. Ernest E. Davis, et. al.

CL21-2199 5029 Clarence Street S0060343005 City of Richmond v. Kelson Creek, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4075 1604 Columbia Street S0071377003 City of Richmond v. Stella Clark, et. al.

CL20-3075 2306 Creighton Road E0120294004 City of Richmond v. Lynn Vanesia Brooks, et. al.

CL21-3055 4025 Crutchfield Street S0002917030 City of Richmond v. Edwin Maurice Beane, et. al.

CL21-3611 3422 Delaware Avenue N0001265003 City of Richmond v. Gregory Mario McKoy, et. al.

CL21-2644 1307 Enfield Avenue S0071177017 City of Richmond v. A & H Investment Properties, et. al.

CL21-3667 1311 Enfield Avenue S0071177019 City of Richmond v. Helen K. Alvis, et. al.

CL21-2197 1812 Fairfax Avenue S0000546004 City of Richmond v. Orchid, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4215 3121 Falcon Road C0011092002 City of Richmond v. Kay Ann Strong, et. al.

CL21-3356 816 Faye Street C0050760018 City of Richmond v. Kelson Creek, LLC, et. al.

CL21-4105 1528 Floyd Avenue W0000608035 City of Richmond v. Steven C. Davis, et. al.

CL21-2364 2111 Ford Avenue E0000598022 City of Richmond v. Neal Kennedy, et. al.

CL18-351 316 German School Road C0050963034 City of Richmond v. Know Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF HENRICO COUNTY HARRY SALANECK; MICHELE BUDICH OZKAN; THOMAS KUSPIS; RICHARD KUSPIS; GORDON T. NAIRN; M. JOHN NAIRN; PETER SALANECK; THEODORE SALANECK; JULIA SALANECK BRITT; JONI KUSPIS WEGNER; KENNETH NANNEY; GLENN NANNEY; JOHN SALANECK, III Plaintiffs, v.

JOHN STOLAR, JR.; DEBORAH A. SHADE; LYNN STOLAR KOPSIE; MARY URSULAK GALLAGHER; THE COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA; ANDRE STOLAR; PARTIES UNKNOWN; and The Unknown heirs, descendants, devisees, assigns, and/ or successors in title to Dane Terry Hilbert, Edward Salaneck, Sr., William Salaneck, Sr., Karen N. Hilbert, Ivan Hodich, Julia Hodich, Mary Hodich, Franklin H. Moore, John Ursulak, Frank Ursulak, Russell J. Hilbert, if any there be, the consorts of any of the said unknown heirs who are married, the lien creditors of the said unknown heirs, if any,) and other persons who may have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, whose names are unknown and are included in the general description of “UNKNOWN HEIRS and PARTIES UNKNOWN” Defendants.

Case No.: CL22-152 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to sell a certain parcel of real property situated in Henrico County, Virginia, being originally owned by Dane Terry Hilbert and more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, with all improvements thereon and appurtenances thereto belonging, lying and being in Tuckahoe Magisterial District, Henrico County, Virginia, known and designated as Lot 6, Block A, on the Plan of Sterling Court made by Chas H. Fleet & Associates, Civil Engineers and Surveyors, dated July 10, 1956, recorded June 13, 1957, in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court, Henrico County, Virginia, in Plat Book 29, page 16, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of the property.

Andre Stolar, Unknown Heirs, and Parties Unknown, devisees, and/or successors in title to Dane Terry Hilbert, Edward Salaneck, Sr., William Salaneck, Sr., Karen N. Hilbert, Ivan Hodch, Julia Hodich, Mary Hodich, Franklin H. Moore, John Ursulak, Frank Ursulak, Russell J. Hilbert, may have an interest in the property by deed, by inheritance, or by duly recorded liens.

Affidavit having been made and filed that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the identities and/or locations of certain parties to be served,

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

1420 NORTH 25TH STREET LAND TRUST, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5403 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1420 North 25th Street, Tax Map Number E000-0710/001 Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, 1420 North 25th Street Land Trust.

An Affidavit having been filed that said C. ADRENA JOHNSON, TRUSTEE for 1420 NORTH 25TH STREET LAND TRUST, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that C. ADRENA JOHNSON, TRUSTEE for 1420 NORTH 25TH STREET LAND TRUST, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 31, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

NATHANIEL L. RIVERS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5402 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1704 North 19th Street, Tax Map Number E012-0282/033, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Nathaniel L. Rivers, Irene R. Lewis, Ronald Lee Rivers and Randy David Rivers.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, NATHANIEL L. RIVERS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, that said owner, IRENE R. LEWIS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that RONALD LEE RIVERS and RANDY DAVID RIVERS who may have an ownership interest in said property, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that NATHANIEL L. RIVERS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, IRENE R. LEWIS, upon information and belief Continued on next page

Richmond Free Press

B6 February 17-19, 2022

Sports Plus

Meet the Walkers, siblings with talent

By Fred Jeter

They have similar names and similar games.

Siblings Jaden and Jada Walker are making hoops news that spreads from Henrico High School on Azalea Avenue clear to Lexington, Ky. Jaden is the 5-foot-10 junior point guard for Henrico High while his older sister by two years, Jada, plays a similar role as a 5-foot-7 freshman starter for the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

Both wear jersey No. 11.

Their basketball bloodlines are impeccable.

Their father, Jonathan Walker, was a Virginia Union University point guard in the late 1980s and still holds the Panthers’ record for most assists in a season. Mr. Walker played at VUU with the likes of NBA players-to-be A.J. English, Terry Davis and Jamie Waller.

Their mother, AnnMarie Gilbert, led NCAA Division III in scoring (31.3 points per game) at Oberlin College in Ohio and went on to become the ultra-successful women’s coach at VUU before leaving in 2020 after five season for another coaching job.

“I don’t remember exactly when I started playing, but I’m sure it was when I was a baby,” Jalen said. “I’ve had the benefit of always being out in front of the competition.”

Jalen made the Henrico High varsity as a freshman under Coach Vance Harmon. The Warriors opted out of the 2020-21

Jaden Walker

Jada Walker

season due to the pandemic.

This season, under Coach Nick Leonardelli, the junior is averaging 17 points, with a high of 29 points against Matoaca High School.

Perhaps his finest effort came Feb. 4 in the Warriors 61-54 victory over Highland Springs High School. The team trailed 30-11 before launching a remarkable comeback during the away game.

“Jaden is a dynamic guard with the unique ability to score and also be a playmaker,” Coach Leonardelli said. “Along with his natural ability, he’s an extremely hard worker with a tremendous attitude.”

With three straight wins, Henrico High started the week 13-6 overall and in contention for a top seed in the upcoming Class 4, Region B playoffs that start later this week.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Bluegrass Country, Jada Walker has emerged as a Freshman of the Year candidate in the Southeastern Conference.

After 18 games, Jada is averaging 11 points, with highs of 21 points against Louisiana State University and 15 points against the University of Georgia. She scored in double digits in 11 contests while logging more than 27 minutes per game for Coach Kyra Elzy.

Jada chose Kentucky over finalists Michigan, Arizona, North Carolina State and Mississippi State. The smooth left-hander played at three high schools, Highland Springs, New Hope Academy in Maryland and finally at Henrico High School.

She was sensational at every stop and was quickly branded a high-end, NCAA Division I prospect after making first-team All Metro as a Highland Springs High freshman.

While at the Maryland school, Jada was MVP of the GEICO High School Nationals. She won just about every award possible on the prep level. Not surprisingly, now Jaden is heading in a similar direction.

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, RONALD LEE RIVERS, RANDY DAVID RIVERS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 31, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

DAJE, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL22-211 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2203 Brook Road, Tax Map Number N000-0628/019, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, DAJE, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, DAJE, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that DAJE, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 31, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

J W PROPERTY AND INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5380 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4024 Sharon Court, Tax Map Number S000-2923/025, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, J W Property and Investment Company, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, J W PROPERTY AND INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC, James C. Whitehurst, Registered Agent, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that J W PROPERTY AND INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC, James C. Whitehurst, Registered Agent, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 31, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

Continued on next column

Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

HNH RENTONE, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5379 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 22 West Roanoke Street, Tax Map Number S000-2915/019, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, HNH Rentone, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HNH RENTONE, LLC, Harley Hensley, Registered Agent, which has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to the registered agent’s last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that HNH RENTONE, LLC, Harley Hensley, Registered Agent, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 31, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney

Continued from previous column

900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

LICENSE AMP Up Experiences, LLC Trading as: AMP Up Experiences 2501 Monument Ave. Richmond, VA 23220-2618 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Internet Wine Retailer license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Marcie J. Walsh 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 800-5523200.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the undersigned Frederick John Andrews LV WKH EHQHÀFLDU\ IRU FREDERICK JOHN $1'5(:6 ZKR KDV PDGH DYDLODEOH DQ $IÀGDYLW 1RWLFH RI /LDELOLW\ 5HJDUGLQJ 7UHVSDVV )HH 6FKHGXOH DQG 5HPHG\ IRU Personal Protection from Federal/ State/County/City/ Municipal/Corporation Employees/Agents/ Individuals. 3OHDVH HPDLO PLGDWOHQW#JPDLO FRP IRU DOO EXVLQHVV LQTXLULHV

Sr. DevOps Cloud Eng’r, Glen Allen, VA & other sites in Richmond metro-area.

Implement continuous integration & delivery pipelines, automation, containerization, & cloud native svcs for s/w app deployment.

Apply online w/Data Concepts, LLC at http://dataconcepts-inc.com/JobDetails. aspx?jobid=4148#details.

Director Of Music Salary Commensurate with Experience DŽƵŶƚ KůŝǀĞ ĂƉƟƐƚ ŚƵƌĐŚ ŝŶ 'ůĞŶ ůůĞŶ ŝƐ ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ Ă ĨƵůůͲƟŵĞ DƵƐŝĐ ŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ ƚŽ ŽǀĞƌƐĞĞ ƚŚĞ ŵƵƐŝĐ ŵŝŶŝƐƚƌLJ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ͘ ďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ƌĞĂĚ ŵƵƐŝĐ ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͘ ĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ŵƵƐƚ ƉůĂLJ ƉŝĂŶŽ͕ ŽƌŐĂŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ŬĞLJďŽĂƌĚ͘ ĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ŵƵƐƚ ƉůĂLJ ŚLJŵŶƐ͕ ĂŶƚŚĞŵƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŐŽƐƉĞů ;ĐŽŶƚĞŵƉŽƌĂƌLJ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶĂůͿ͘ DƵƐƚ ƉŽƐƐĞƐƐ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶĂů ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ƐŬŝůůƐ͘ WƌĞĨĞƌƌĞĚ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ǁŝůů ŚĂǀĞ Ă ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ŝŶ ŵƵƐŝĐ ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶ ĂĐĐƌĞĚŝƚĞĚ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ Žƌ ƵŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ͘ ^ŽŵĞ DĞĚŝĂ /d ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƉƌĞĨĞƌƌĞĚ ďƵƚ ŶŽƚ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͘ DŝŶŝŵƵŵ ŽĨ ϮͲϯ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ŵƵƐŝĐ ĚŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͘

Business Manager – Capital One Services, LLC in Richmond, VA; Mult pos avail: Manage econ rsrch & planning to dvlp bus strat. To apply, visit https://capitalone. wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Capital_One and search “Business Manager” or “R132814”.

Funeral Director Well established mortuary business serving the needs of multicultural Richmond and surrounding area is seeking a licensed or eligible Funeral Director. Responsibilities include, but not limited to planning, directing, and embalming. Opportunity for professional development and growth.

Read full ad at chilesfuneralhome.com/careers.

Email resume to jobs@chilesfuneralhome.com (only electronic submissions will be considered)

dŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŽƉĞŶĞĚ ƵŶƟů ĮůůĞĚ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ƌĞĂƉƉůLJ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ŵĂLJ ƉŝĐŬ ƵƉ ĂŶ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ ŽĸĐĞ Žƌ ƐƵďŵŝƚ Ă ƌĞƐƵŵĞ ŝŶ ůŝĞƵ ŽĨ ĂŶ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ͗ DŽƵŶƚ KůŝǀĞ ĂƉƟƐƚ ŚƵƌĐŚ͕ ϴϳϳϱ DŽƵŶƚ KůŝǀĞ ǀĞŶƵĞ͕ 'ůĞŶ ůůĞŶ͕ sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂ ϮϯϬϲϬ͘ dŚĞ ĞͲŵĂŝů ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ ŝƐ ŵƐƚLJůĞƐΛ ŵŽďĐǀĂ͘ŽƌŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĨĂdž ŝƐ ;ϴϬϰͿ ϮϲϮͲϵϲϭϰ Ğdžƚ͘ ϮϮϳ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů ;ϴϬϰͿ ϮϲϮͲϵϲϭϰ

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

A Criminal History Background Check is required.

Director of Children and Youth

TRANSIT SYSTEM

Salary Commensurate with Experience

BUS SHELTER CLEANER

DŽƵŶƚ KůŝǀĞ ĂƉƟƐƚ ŚƵƌĐŚ ŝŶ 'ůĞŶ ůůĞŶ ŝƐ ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ Ă ƉĂƌƚͲƟŵĞ ŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ ŽĨ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŶĚ zŽƵƚŚ ƚŽ ŽǀĞƌƐĞĞ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŶĚ LJŽƵƚŚ ŵŝŶŝƐƚƌLJ͘

Starting Wage: $12.89 per hour Closes: February 18, 2022

Part - Time

Miss Don'tDon't Miss One Word One Word Don’t Miss One Word Continued on next column

Freelance Writers: Richmond Free Press has immediate opportunities for freelance writers.

Newspaper experience is a requirement. To be considered, please send 5 samples of your writing, along with a cover letter to news@richmond freepress.com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P. O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261.

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DƵƐƚ ƉŽƐƐĞƐƐ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ƐŬŝůůƐ͘ WƌĞĨĞƌƌĞĚ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ŵƵƐƚ ĞdžŚŝďŝƚ ŚƌŝƐƚŝĂŶ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ůŝĨĞƐƚLJůĞ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ƌĞŐƵůĂƌ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ŝďůĞ ƌĞĂĚŝŶŐ͕ ƉƌĂLJĞƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ƉĂƌƚŝĐŝƉĂƚŝŽŶ ŝŶ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ ůŝĨĞ͘

dŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŽƉĞŶĞĚ ƵŶƟů ĮůůĞĚ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ƌĞĂƉƉůLJ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ŵĂLJ ƉŝĐŬ ƵƉ ĂŶ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ ŽĸĐĞ Žƌ ƐƵďŵŝƚ Ă ƌĞƐƵŵĞ ŝŶ ůŝĞƵ ŽĨ ĂŶ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ͗ DŽƵŶƚ KůŝǀĞ ĂƉƟƐƚ ŚƵƌĐŚ͕ ϴϳϳϱ DŽƵŶƚ KůŝǀĞ ǀĞŶƵĞ͕ 'ůĞŶ ůůĞŶ͕ sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂ ϮϯϬϲϬ͘ dŚĞ ĞͲŵĂŝů ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ ŝƐ ŵƐƚLJůĞƐΛ ŵŽďĐǀĂ͘ŽƌŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĨĂdž ŝƐ ;ϴϬϰͿ ϮϲϮͲϮϯϵϳ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů ;ϴϬϰͿ ϮϲϮͲϵϲϭϰ Ğdžƚ͘ ϮϮϳ A Criminal History Background Check is required.

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