Richmond Free Press January 14-16, 2021 edition

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Living the Dream B2

Richmond Free Press

VOL. 30 NO. 3

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Meet this week’s Personality B1

JANUARY 14-16, 2021

Day of reckoning The U.S. House of Representatives votes to impeach President Trump for a second time, charging him with “incitement of insurrection” over the deadly mob takeover of the U.S. Capitol By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Leah Millis/Reuters/TPX Images of the Day

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shows the article of impeachment against President Trump after signing it in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. It marks the first time in U.S. history that a president has been impeached twice.

Growing their own

The reckoning has begun. Even as his followers were being arrested and he prepares to leave office in a few days, President Trump was labeled a “clear and present danger” to the nation’s security in becoming the first chief executive in U.S. history to be impeached twice – this time for the failed Jan. 6 insurrection in which he incited followers to carry out the biggest attack on the U.S. Capitol since 1814 when British troops burned it. On Wednesday, 222 Democrats and 10 Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the impeachment resolution in hopes of banning President Trump from ever again holding public office. Their action came a week after the attempted insurrection by a riotous mob of Trump supporters to prevent Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden as his successor and Kamala Harris as the next vice president. While Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio led 191 other Republicans in decrying the impeached vote, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was adamant about the need to act. “We know that the president of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country. He must go,” Speaker Pelosi said, calling President Trump “a clear and present danger to the nation we all love.” President Trump “must be impeached,” she continued, “and I believe the president must be convicted by the Senate, a constitutional remedy that will ensure that the republic will be safe from this man, who

South Richmond medical marijuana facility grows more than 70 strains of plants used to help patients with various conditions

By Lyndon German

Mr. Burnems

Richmond names new poet laureate Free Press staff report

Richmond has its first poet laureate. Douglas Powell — better known by his stage name Roscoe Burnems — was announced Wednesday. The Richmond-born writer already has achieved acclaim as a National Poetry Slam champion, author, spoken-word artist, comedian and teacher. “The Richmond Poet Laureate should relish showing kids, teens and adults the healing, restorative power of the written word,” Mayor Levar M. Stoney stated in announcing Mr. Burnems’ selection. “Roscoe has exhibited time and again his interest in bringing poetry to the people, and his list of ideas for engagement projects tells me he’s the Richmonder for the job,” the mayor noted. The list of projects Mr. Please turn to A4

If recreational marijuana use were legalized in Virginia tomorrow, Green Leaf Medical — a medicinal marijuana dispensary in South Richmond — would be able to distribute products immediately, according to the company’s operations manager, Samer Abilmona. Green Leaf’s Richmond operation opened last April in an old but renovated tobacco warehouse on Decatur Street. Here, in a three-story, 82,000-square-foot facility filled with various growing rooms and labs, the company produces more than 500 pounds of medicinal marijuana per week and cares for approximately 6,000 plants, Mr. Abilmona said. A recent tour of the facility showed the different areas set up for each stage of the marijuana plant’s life cycle. In some areas, small sprouts group into bushes a bit larger than indoor rubber plants. In other areas, adult plants grow more than 3 feet tall. More than 70 different varieties of marijuana are grown to treat the myriad of medical conditions of the patients who come through the door with prescriptions from their doctor. Each variety requires different amounts of nutrients controlled by the indoor irrigation system, company officials explained. The labs also house a number of LED light rigs enabling the plants to grow indoors. Growers and technicians monitor the health of the plants as they flower and produce trichomes, the part of the plant Please turn to A4

Free COVID-19 testing Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Jan. 14, 1 to 3 p.m., Broad Rock Community Center, 4615 Ferguson Lane, South Side. • Friday, Jan. 15, 1 to 3 p.m., Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., in Eastern Henrico. Drivethru testing. • Tuesday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.

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Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A marijuana plant at the Green Leaf Medical facility in South Side has reached the flowering stage, producing tiny crystals called trichomes that are harvested for medicinal oils THC and CBD.

Dr. Fauci promotes COVID-19 vaccines on local Zoom call By George Copeland Jr.

the end of this year. “I believe strongly that we can do “We want you all to get vacciit,” he said. nated for your own protection, for Dr. Fauci, director of the National that of your family and for your Institutes of Allergy and Infectious community,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, Diseases, fielded questions from Virwho leads the nation’s health efforts ginia faith leaders and others on the to combat COVID-19, told a Zoom call as the featured guest on “Facts and audience of about 10,000 people on Faith Fridays,” hosted by Dr. Robert Dr. Fauci a call with Richmond and Virginia Winn, head of Virginia Commonwealth health officials Jan. 8. University’s Massey Cancer Center. He speculated that the United States could Please turn to A4 potentially end the COVID-19 outbreak toward

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Interested in a COVID-19 vaccine? Area health officials plan to expand vaccinations beginning Monday, Jan. 18, to front line essential workers, including police, firefighters and hazmat workers, pre-kindergarten through high school teachers and staff, child care workers and those who work in correctional facilities and homeless shelters. Currently, only front line health care workers and residents and staff at long-term care facilities have priority to receive the vaccines. Officials said three largescale regional vaccination clinics will begin offering vaccines to the expanded group next week, but no details were available on the locations. Those who live or work in Richmond or Henrico County and who think they are in the expanded group are asked to fill out a COVID-19 vaccine interest form at vax.rchd.com, or call (804) 205-3501. Residents of Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland, New Kent and Charles City counties are asked to complete an eligibility tool at https://vdh.jebbit. com/amkwk6m1?L=Owned+ Web&JC=Vaccine or to call the state COVID-19 hotline at (877) 275-8343.

VLBC outlines legislative priorities for new General Assembly session By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Buoyed by two legislative sessions last year that ushered in huge reforms in voting and criminal justice, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus is vowing to keep pressing for more change. The 23-member group unveiled an ambitious package of legislation as the new session of the General Assembly opened Wednesday. The session will be limited to just 30 days at the insistence of the Republican minority. With only a short time to get bills passed, the caucus will be “laser focused” on pushing legislation that “will impact individual lives in

every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, chair of the VLBC, as he joined members in talking up the bills they will be supporting. A sampling of the array of bills that caucus members will be seeking to get passed before the scheduled Thursday, Feb. 11, adjournment: Delegate • Legalize recreational use of marijuana, with tax dollars generated by sales going to benefit Black and brown communities hardest hit by enforcement and to beef up and expand public pre-school programs; • Provide paid leave for workers on furlough

due to the pandemic; • Abolish the death penalty and the habitual offender statute; • Provide automatic expungement of criminal records for those who have had no additional convictions in eight years; and • Install stronger protections against eviction, increase funding for rental and Bagby mortgage relief, expand state financial support for development of much-needed apartments and homes that carry lower rental and sale price tags and authorize a tax credit for those creating such affordable housing. With Democrats in control of both the House

of Delegates and the state Senate, passage of Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s bill to legalize small amounts of marijuana for personal use is regarded as likely to pass. Two veteran Caucus members, Sen. L. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth and House Majority Leader Charniele Herring of Alexandria, are carrying the legislation in their respective houses with the aim of ensuring benefits for the Black and brown communities most harmed by zealous enforcement of marijuana possession laws. Their bills would allow people to buy and possess 1 ounce of marijuana – enough for 50 Please turn to A4


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January 14-16, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Cityscape

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

A Verizon worker doing maintenance work atop a cell tower pauses for a photo op. Location: 25th and Decatur streets in South Side.

VCU to host 90th Charges dismissed against Sen. Morrissey birthday celebration for former Gov. Wilder By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is turning 90. And Virginia Commonwealth University’s Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is hosting a virtual tribute honoring his historic career and commitment to public service education with a virtual celebration 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15. The public is invited to attend the hourlong, free online event by registering at Mr. Wilder https://bit.ly/3nhkow1. The celebration, called “Ahead of His Class: Celebrating 90 Years of Pathbreaking Leadership in Education,” will feature remarks from VCU President Michael Rao; Dr. Susan Gooden, dean of the Wilder School, and remarks from the honoree. A video tribute also will be shown. Born Jan. 17, 1931, Gov. Wilder, made history when he won a narrow election in November 1989 becoming the nation’s first elected African-American governor. He served as Virginia’s 66th governor from 1990 to 1994. Before that, Gov. Wilder represented Richmond in the state Senate from 1970 to 1986. He ran for lieutenant governor in November 1985 and won, becoming the first African-American to hold statewide office in Virginia. After his four-year term as governor, Gov. Wilder served as mayor of Richmond from 2005 to 2009. VCU named the School of Government and Public Affairs, where he has been an adjunct faculty member, in his honor in 2004. Details: www.wilder.vcu.edu

Martin Luther King Jr. holiday schedule In observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday, Jan. 18, please note the following: Government Federal offices: Closed. State offices: Closed. Richmond City offices: Closed. Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover County offices: Closed. Courts State courts: Closed. Federal courts: Closed. City and county public schools: Closed. Public libraries Richmond: Closed. Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover: Closed. Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions: Closed. U.S. Postal Service: No delivery. Trash pickup: Regular trash pickup. Central Virginia Waste Management Authority recycling: Regular pickup. Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers: Closed. Virginia ABC stores: Normal hours. Malls, major retailers, movie theaters: Varies; inquire at specific locations. GRTC: Buses will operate on a holiday schedule, with service reductions similar to its Saturday schedules and no Express service. Richmond Free Press offices: Closed.

State Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey wants a public apology from Attorney General Mark R. Herring. Sen. Morrisey issued the call Friday after the swift dismissal of three charges that he had violated a state law barring electioneering in a polling place in November 2019. The senator, who called the charges “frivolous,” blames Mr. Herring for authorizing a State Police investigation of the events in response to a request from Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin. She made the request after receiving a complaint, then recused herself from the case. New Kent County Commonwealth’s Attorney T. Scott Renick then was appointed to handle the matter, and Mr. Herring’s office stated that Mr. Renick made the decision to bring the charges without any suggestion or interference. Speaking last Friday outside the Marsh Courthouse in South Side, Sen. Morrissey said that if Mr. Herring or his office had done the slightest check before authorizing the investigation, they would have realized he did nothing wrong. If Mr. Herring “apologizes,” Sen. Morrissey said, “I’ll let bygones be bygones.” Otherwise, Sen. Morrissey said, he would ratchet up his support for Norfolk Delegate Jay Jones, the top Democratic challenger to Mr. Herring’s bid for a third term as attorney general. Mr. Herring has not commented, but his office has stated that he acted on a routine request for permission to investigate an

elected official and had no other involvement. The charges stemmed from an allegation that Sen. Morrissey interfered with the polling operation at the Powhatan Sen. Morrissey Community Center in the city’s East End when he visited on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2019, while seeking election to the Senate. A woman in the room, who was not voting, videotaped him giving doughnuts to staff, chatting and taking pictures with them before leaving. The woman filed the complaint that triggered Ms. McEachin’s investigation request. The dismissal in Richmond General District Court ended Sen. Morrissey’s latest legal problem in a case he called “doughnut-gate” but left lingering questions about Mr. Renick’s rationale for filing the charges and about the quality of the State Police investigation that was the basis for that action. The charges were filed nearly two months ago on Nov. 30. The special prosecutor, assistant New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg T. Overholser, sought the dismissal and confirmed after court Sen. Morrissey’s claim that there was no evidence to support the charges. As Mr. Overholser put it, the case was “not ripe for prosecution.” He refused to explain the justification for bringing the matter to court. Although State Police are not releasing

the report or commenting on it, Sen. Morrissey described the investigation as shoddy and said that the report is too skimpy and inadequate to support the charges. Sen. Morrissey said the report includes the video and an interview with the person who took it, and an interview with an election worker, Shirley Hardy Bruno, the assistant chief election officer at the precinct, who told investigators that he had done nothing wrong. “The charges are outrageous and do not accurately reflect what happened at the polls that day,” Ms. Bruno stated in an affidavit that Sen. Morrissey was prepared to present and showed to the Free Press. Yolonda Jones, the precinct’s chief election officer, was never interviewed for the report, but came to the court prepared to testify that Sen. Morrissey could not have disrupted the election process. She told the Free Press after the case was dismissed that “there were no voters in line or voting” when Sen. Morrisey was inside the precinct. State law allows candidates to visit a polling place for no more than 10 minutes on Election Day as long as they are not disruptive. The 2019 election drew few voters to the precinct, said Ms. Jones, who has been chief election officer for 15 years. The only names on the ballot at the precinct were Sen. Morrissey and his independent challenger, and Democratic Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, who was running unopposed for re-election. “I didn’t understand why he was charged,” Ms. Jones said. “Nothing was going on at the time.”

City voter registrar may be out By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Kirk Showalter’s 25-year tenure as Richmond’s voter registrar may be coming to an end. Expectations are rising that the Richmond Electoral Board’s Democratic majority will vote to remove Ms. Showalter when the board meets Feb. 1 to consider upcoming elections. In response to a Free Press query, James M. Nachman, chair of the three-member board, would only say that the meeting agenda would include a closed-door session to discuss Ms. Showalter’s continued service. Mr. Nachman declined to comment on the action that would be taken, if any, against Ms. Showalter, including relieving her of her post. “This is a personnel matter,” he said. He said if the board decides to act, there would be a vote after the closed session. However, Mr. Nachman appears to have tipped his hand on the outcome to the Richmond City Democratic Committee, which is among those seeking Ms.

Showalter’s ouster in part because of mistakes in the unofficial results issued in two City Council races immediately after the Nov. 3 election. State Democratic Party officials also Ms. Showalter have called for Ms. Showalter’s firing or resignation over allegations that she failed to comply with a new state law requiring registrars within three days to reach voters who made mistakes on mailed-in ballots so those voters could “cure” the mistakes. Two people who participated in the virtual City Democratic Committee meeting last week said that Mr. Nachman, a former committee chair, advised about the upcoming Electoral Board meeting and added that those calling for Ms. Showalter’s ouster would likely be satisfied when it was over. The city Electoral Board includes two Democrats and one Republican. The other Democrat on the board, Joyce K. Smith,

already has indicated that she would vote for Ms. Showalter’s removal. Ms. Showalter has held the post since 1995 and was reappointed to her seventh, four-year term in 2019. She is not commenting on the upcoming meeting. In the face of the criticism and calls for her removal, she previously said, “I am confident that the allegations will be examined, and it will be shown that the (Nov. 3) election was managed well under difficult circumstances and that my staff and I did all in our power to comply with the changes imposed by the pandemic and the additional requirements.” Under state law, local election boards must have grounds to remove a registrar based on his or her failure to perform or violation of a duty that a registrar is required to carry out. It is a rare action, and a fired registrar can file an action in circuit court to overturn a termination. At least two registrars in Virginia have successfully done so in recent years.

City Council votes to acquire more land for slave memorial By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Despite objections from the landowner, Richmond City Council cleared the way for Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration to buy 1.75 acres of private property in Shockoe Bottom to provide extra space for a proposed Enslaved African Heritage Campus. The 9-0 vote Monday night took place as the council also approved the first dedicated stream of funding to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to assist developers in creating lower-cost homes and apartments. The nine-member governing body also approved a resolution calling for an end to discrimination against gay and transgender people at homeless shelters in Richmond. Ahead of the vote, attorney Stephen J. Clarke told the council that the landowner, the Loving family whom he represents, opposes the forced sale of the land to the city. Mr. Clarke said the family was never consulted and only learned from a business report that City Hall was prepared to declare a public necessity and acquire 12 parcels the family owns that includes the former Loving’s Produce building at 1601 E. Grace St.

Under the mayor’s plan, the campus is to encompass 9 acres. The project will cost at least $38 million and is to include a museum on the site of Lumpkin’s Jail where the enslaved were held for sale; a memorial park encompassing two blocks east of Main Street Station’s railroad tracks; and a historic 18th-century burial ground for enslaved and free Black people at 15th and East Broad. The Loving’s property includes at least six parcels in the area where the memorial park is to be developed and six parcels south of Grace Street, including the former produce building. That land is earmarked for a parking garage to serve visitors to the campus and the nearby businesses. While the Loving family, according to Mr. Clarke, has said the land is not for sale, Sharon Ebert, the city’s chief development officer, said that City Hall would seek to negotiate a satisfactory price with the family based on an appraisal. The new funding stream for affordable housing would come from increased taxes on renovated properties that had been enrolled in a program offering a seven-year real estate tax reduction as an incentive to rehab the property. Beginning in fiscal year 2021-22, the Affordable Housing Fund

would receive $2 million, and then an additional $2 million each year thereafter. By the 2025-26 fiscal year, the fund is anticipated to receive $10 million a year and $20 million a year by the 203031 fiscal year, Ms. Ebert calculated. City Council this year has transformed the incentive program, making it available only to developers of affordable housing units and potentially altering the money flowing into the trust fund. Still, Ms. Ebert projected that a total of $110 million should flow into the trust fund between July 2021 and June 30, 2031, under the plan approved. The resolution calling for homeless shelters to treat gay and transgender people with respect and dignity is a response to complaints from advocates about mistreatment such residents receive. Several told City Council that some people prefer to sleep in their cars or on the street rather than endure the hostility they encounter in shelters from staff and other people receiving shelter assistance. The resolution also stems from the General Assembly’s passage last year of the Virginia Values Act aimed at ending discrimination against gay and transgender individuals in housing, health care, employment and other aspects of life.


Richmond Free Press

January 14-16, 2021

This shouldn’t be how we say hello ...or goodbye.

It’s our reality right now. But it won’t be if we do what it takes to beat COVID-19. Vaccines are coming, but until enough of us are vaccinated, we all still need to wear our masks, stay at least six feet from others, and avoid indoor social gatherings. The more we slow the spread, the faster we’ll return to normal hellos … and fewer goodbyes. Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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Richmond Free Press

News

Richmond names new poet laureate Continued from A1

Burnems has proposed include interweaving poetry into public visual art projects, hosting spoken-word competitions and showcases for city youths and partnering with the Richmond Public Library to organize a series of open workshops on writing and poetry. “I can’t wait to get started,” Mr. Burnems stated after his appointment was announced. Mr. Burnems will debut in his new role during a virtual celebration of Richmond poet Edgar Allan Poe’s 212th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 16. Details:www.poemuseum.org/2021birthday-bash. Mr. Burnems already has a significant record of community engagement. He has been a volunteer with the St. Joseph’s Villa Alternative Education Program, University of Richmond’s Partners in the Arts and ART 180. He also has regularly led poetry workshops at city middle and high schools and is the founder of the Writer’s Den Art Collective. He will hold the post for two years and is to receive a yearly honorarium of $4,000. Private donors are providing funding to support the city program. The poet laureate program was announced in September, with a 19-member committee of poets, academics and others established to review applications.

COVID-19 Q&A In the interest of addressing common concerns, the Richmond Free Press has collected answers to several questions about COVID-19 and the vaccine in Virginia. The questions were answered by officials with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and the Virginia Department of Health. Question: If I have had COVID-19 and/or tested positive for COVID-19, is it safe to get the vaccine? Answer: People who have had COVID-19, regardless of history (symptomatic or asymptomatic), should get the vaccine. Patients should be out of the isolation period and out of the active stage of infection when they get vaccinated. The one exception for vaccination might be for those people who had COVID-19 earlier but who have not recovered completely and are still having long-term effects. If you are still having long-term effects after COVID-19, you should discuss COVID19 vaccination with your health care provider. Question: Should I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or am breastfeeding? Answer: Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant should consult with their physician and make an informed decision about taking the vaccine. Question: Should I get the vaccine if I have allergies? Answer: If you have ever had an immediate allergic reaction — even if it was not severe — to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, you shouldn’t get that specific vaccine. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in allergies and immunology to provide more care or advice. If you have had an immediate allergic reaction — even if it wasn’t severe — to other vaccines or injectable therapies, you should ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated. Vaccination providers have on hand items to respond to adverse reactions from a vaccine. Those who get vaccinated are observed after vaccination for reaction. It is always important to discuss this situation with your provider for your specific situation. Question: Can I get the vaccine if I don’t have a primary care physician? Who/where will it be administered in that case? Answer: Yes. Local health districts will be holding vaccination events. Eventually, neighborhood pharmacies, urgent care centers and federally qualified health centers are expected to be among the places offering vaccinations. Question: How will I know when it’s my turn to get the vaccine? Answer: Information on vaccine availability will be communicated through a variety of ways, including social media, conventional media channels and via community medical providers and your local health department. Question: Are you required to wear a mask after getting the vaccine? Answer: Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that the COVID-19 vaccine provides, it will be very important for everyone, even those who get vaccinated, to continue taking steps to protect themselves and others. Question: How long will immunity take after receiving a second dose of the vaccine? Answer: It can take up to two weeks after a dose for immunity to build up. Question: After two vaccine doses, should you quarantine if you are directly exposed to COVID-19? Answer: Yes. Even if you received one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, you still should follow the quarantine guidance available after having close contact with someone with COVID-19. Question: Will a supply of the vaccine be set aside for AfricanAmericans and Latinos who have been disproportionately stricken with COVID-19? Answer: No, but the Virginia Department of Health is confident that its vaccination plan will have significant impact in vaccinating those communities, given how AfricanAmericans and Latinos comprise many of the groups focused on in the first phases of the state’s vaccination plan. Question: What can the public expect with the spread of the U.K. variant strain of COVID-19? Answer: VDH is closely monitoring the variant strains that have been identified in other countries and several U.S. states. The U.K. variant strain appears to spread more easily, but there is no evidence that it is causing more severe COVID-19. The spread of variant strains can be slowed also by wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet from others you don’t live with and frequently washing your hands. Question: Do the current vaccines work on the U.K. strain? Answer: There is no evidence that the vaccine doesn’t work on the U.K. COVID-19 strain. Question: Should those who have or had thyroid cancer, encephalitis an autoimmune disease or similar afflictions have any concerns about taking the vaccine? Answer: These illnesses are not listed contraindications to receiving the vaccine. Please talk with your health care provider to discuss any underlying health conditions and potential risks when you are scheduled to be vaccinated to make that decision.

Richmond medical marijuana facility helps patients Continued from A1

used to make medicinal oils THC and CBD. Those oils are finely processed and prepared for different methods of ingestion by patients — from vapes, tinctures, concentrates and even gummies. The various forms of medical marijuana are distributed through the facility’s dispensary, a retail-friendly environment mirroring a lobby or urgent care facility. On the far wall is a feature paying homage to the old Philip Morris tobacco warehouse. The dispensary opened to customers who have prescriptions for the medical marijuana in late November. Green Leaf Medical operates three other facilities in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Green Leaf secured approval in 2018 from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy to be the lone medical marijuana licensee for an area that includes the Richmond region and parts of Southside Virginia. On Dec. 22, the company announced that New York-based Columbia Care Inc. plans to acquire Green Leaf Medical LLC for $240 million. Columbia Care holds the license for the Hampton Roads region and has a production facility in Portsmouth. In total, Columbia Care has licenses in 18 jurisdictions with 107

facilities, including 80 dispensaries and 27 cultivation and manufacturing facilities. The deal is expected to close this summer. Mr. Abilmona has nine years of experience in marijuana processing. He said he believes that the path towards legalizing recreational marijuana for adults in Virginia will happen “sooner rather than later.” As the 2021 Virginia General Assembly session gets underway, both Mr. Abilmona and Green Leaf Medical Executive Vice

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

President Joy Strand will be monitoring the upcoming bills closely. “That’s really my job,” Ms. Strand said. “I’ll be on the hill talking to legislatures, educating them about our work.” She said Green Leaf Medical is one of four processors that are part of the Virginia Medicinal Cannabis Coalition, which con-

tributes its expertise to a number of state lawmakers and researchers, including a recent study released by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The JLARC study found that legalization in Virginia could lead to $300 million in tax revenue and more than 18,000 jobs. The study also acknowledges marijuana laws disproportionally affect Black Virginians. The study calls for some level of equity be provided to Black Virginians as the path towards legalization occurs. Mr. Abilmona said Green Leaf Medical has performed its own outreach to the African-American community to find workers for the Richmond facility. “We reached out to community organizers and leaders in the faith community when we were opening,” Mr. Abilmona said. “We wanted to get together and have a big job fair, but then COVID happened.” The South Side facility has 118 employees, according to company officials, 98 percent of whom are local residents. “A lot of them actually live close by,” Mr. Abilmona said. “We like to stress to people that this is a career and it doesn’t matter where you came from or what opportunities you’ve had access to. We’re ready to educate people, train people and provide a respectful work environment.”

VLBC outlines priorities for new General Assembly session Continued from A1

to 80 smokes, according to experts. Sen. Lucas said the bill also would include purging criminal records for those convicted of marijuana possession offenses and ensure that licenses to grow, process and offer marijuana at retail sale would be open to Black entrepreneurs. She said that the bill also calls for steering tax dollars generated by marijuana sales to pre-kindergarten programs to expand service to 20,000 low-income children, with another chunk of the dollars going to a state fund that could be used for investments in Black and brown communities to help remediate the harm zealous policing of marijuana has caused. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Delegate Bagby said, “to structure a program that would provide a fair share to Black growers, businesspeople and the community. We need to get this right.” Delegate Herring also touted the broader expungement bill she is carrying that she said would eliminate from criminal records “most misdemeanor convictions and drug felonies” that block people from getting jobs, gaining housing or accessing capital. Delegate Herring said a report from the state Crime Commission that provided guidance on structuring the language means this legislation “is fully vetted and could get across the finish line” during the session. Newport News Delegate Marcia Price, who will chair a newly created Voting Rights subcommittee, said that she will

be pushing for new reforms to go along with the changes that have already been ushered in, including early voting. Among the reforms is expanding early voting to include Sundays. Virginia has already moved from No. 49 in voting difficulty among the states to No. 12 among states, thanks to the earlier reforms, Delegate Price said. To continue the progress, she said her top priority will be passage of a Virginia Voting Rights Act that would cement into state law the protections once available through the federal law that passed in 1965. Those protections would help end any revival of the voter suppression, voter discrimination and voter intimidation that have long plagued the state. Full legal assurance that “people of color have access to the ballot box” is needed to “protect our democracy,” Delegate Price said. Richmond Delegate Jeff M. Bourne, who will be pushing once again to end qualified immunity for police officers against lawsuits seeking to hold them accountable for wrongdoing, also will be pushing to ensure people can stay housed. “We need to strengthen eviction protections and foreclosure protections on homes and mobile homes,” he said, while ramping up investments in affordable housing through the state’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and through a new tax credit. Chesapeake Delegate C.E. “Cliff” Hayes Jr., chair of the House Communications, Technology and Innovation Committee,

said he would be pushing legislation to expand broadband service to underserved areas and to ensure greater protection of consumers’ private information on digital platforms, including barring sale of information without permission. And Portsmouth Delegate Don L. Scott Jr. is vowing to pursue increased criminal justice reform, including a ban on imprisoning parolees for technical violations. He said that 6,000 prisoners are now being held for such violations even though they had not committed a new crime. “Folks are being harmed and penalized,” he said for failing to check in with a parole officer and “that needs to stop.” Richmond state Sen. Jennifer McClellan said she will lead the VLBC push on education, including a proposal to spend an additional $1 billion on public education so school systems can hire more social workers, counselors, janitors and other essential staff needed to support learning. She also will be pushing to expand a domestic worker bill of rights that was approved last year; to allow abortions to be covered by health insurance; and for middle and high school students to get excused for a half-day each year to participate in a civic or political activity of their choosing. Sen. McClellan, who is vice chair of the caucus and a candidate for governor, said that she and other members are returning “stronger and more determined than ever” to counter the “lack of faith in government” and show what can be accomplished to make “the Commonwealth more equitable.”

Dr. Fauci promotes COVID-19 vaccines on Zoom call Continued from A1

The weekly Zoom meetings were launched in early March to reach Black ministers to discuss COVID-19, cancer and other health issues. Dr. Winn teamed up with the Rev. F. Todd Gray of Richmond’s Fifth Street Baptist Church to connect with area clergy during the Friday calls. Dr. Fauci explained how the nature of the front line jobs and living conditions of many people in minority communities had led to more Black people and Latinos being infected with COVID-19. The high rates of underlying diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, among people of color also has led to severe COVID-19 disease — and death — once infected, he said. Dr. Fauci also detailed the process of vaccine approval in an effort to debunk misconceptions about the effectiveness and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccines. “The vaccine is the way to stop this virus. It’s our path forward to recovery and the clearest way we’re going to get back to something that feels like normal,” said Gov. Ralph S. Northam, a physician, who also was on the call. He emphasized how important leaders in all faiths would be in informing their communities about the vaccine. “You are trusted leaders in your com-

Free COVID-19 testing Continued from A1 to noon, Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Avenue, North Side. • Thursday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to noon, Regency Square parking deck, 1420 N. Parham Road, Western Henrico. Drive-thru testing. • Friday, Jan. 22, Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., in Eastern Henrico. Drive-thru testing. Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Testing will be offered while test supplies last. The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering free COVID-19 testing at the following location: • Second Baptist Church, 5100 W. Hundred Road, Chester, 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18 and 25. • St. Augustine Catholic Church, 4400

munities, and you can be a huge help in getting the word out that vaccines are safe and that people should take them,” he said. The Zoom session was held as state officials have ramped up efforts to distribute the vaccine more quickly. Area health officials announced that beginning Monday, Jan. 18, the group eligible to receive the vaccine will be expanded to include teachers, firefighters and police officers, child care workers and those who work in correctional facilities and homeless shelters. According to data posted Wednesday by the Virginia Department of Health, nearly 24 percent of the 904,400 doses of COVID-19 vaccine distributed throughout Virginia have been administered. That represents about 216,257 doses. But the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines require two doses roughly 21 days apart to be most effective, officials have said. On Wednesday, only 22,985 people in Virginia have been fully vaccinated with both doses. Dr. Fauci and others acknowledged the long-standing distrust of medical officials and the federal government among minority communities because of what he called a “shameful past” of experimentation and exploitation. Beulah Road, North Chesterfield, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 and 27. • Chesterfield County Health Department, 9501 Lucy Corr Circle, Smith-Wagner Building Multipurpose room, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 23. Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms. The testing is free, and no reservations are necessary. Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) 318-8207. Infections from COVID-19 now exceed 92 million confirmed cases worldwide and 22.9 million in the United States. Nearly 2 million people globally have lost their lives, including more than 381,000 deaths in the United States. In Virginia, data posted Wednesday showed that 4,598 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the last 24 hours, raising the cumulative total to 412,545 cases statewide, along with 19,470 hospitalizations and 5,552 deaths. According to Virginia data, African-Americans comprised 21.1 percent of cases and 24.5 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 19.3 percent

However, he and other health officials were confident there would be no major problems with the vaccines for minority communities and the public at large. “There are now safeguards in place that will never let that happen again,” said Dr. Fauci, who pointed to his own vaccination as evidence of his trust in the work so far. Dr. Fauci has hopes that April will see a nationwide “open season,” where anyone is able to be vaccinated no matter where they may be on the priority list. Ideas shared by Dr. Fauci and others included ways churches could promote the vaccines and other safety measures to their congregations, how to discuss the matter with people whose belief systems may prevent them from taking vaccines, and how churches could potentially serve as vaccination sites to increase the vaccine’s availability. “I think that our local health departments would be eager to work with faith leaders in the local jurisdictions around the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver, “to have those sites be places where we can carry out vaccination at the time when we’re ready to roll that out to the general public, or maybe even before, when we’re doing more broader populations.”

of the cases and 7.8 percent of deaths. Locally, as of Wednesday, 10,698 cases, 595 hospitalizations and 116 deaths were reported in Richmond; 14,900 cases, 714 hospitalizations and 311 deaths were reported in Henrico; and 15,057 cases, 630 hospitalizations and 186 deaths were reported in Chesterfield. GRTC announced Monday that an employee died of the virus on Jan. 9 after testing positive on Dec. 17 and being hospitalized Dec. 22. Virginia Education Association President James J. Fedderman has called for all public schools to move to all-virtual instruction until staff members have been vaccinated. A vote Tuesday evening by the Chesterfield School Board will allow some students to return to in-person learning on Feb. 1, while Henrico County Public Schools has delayed the return to in-person learning indefinitely to allow school nurses to help distribute COVID-19 vaccines to school employees. Virginia Commonwealth University also announced that spring semester classes will begin virtually on Jan. 25, with officials hoping to resume in-person classes on or before March 8.


Richmond Free Press

Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Socially distance.

January 14-16, 2021

A5


Richmond Free Press

January 14-16, 2021  A6

News

Black officer hailed as hero Free Press wire report

Ashley Gilbertson/Change.org

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman single-handedly holds off insurrectionists, keeping them from entering the U.S. Senate from a section of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

A Black U.S. Capitol Police officer is being hailed a hero for steering an angry mob away from the U.S. Senate chambers in last week’s deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of the president. Officer Eugene Goodman can be seen on video getting rioters to chase him up several interior stairways, leading the mob away from an open doorway near the Senate chambers. The move put his life in danger as it gave security enough time to lock down the chamber. An analysis of the events by The Washington Post showed Officer Goodman was able to hold back the mob for almost a minute. In the confrontation, Officer Goodman puts himself between a man wearing a black T-shirt for the QAnon conspiracy movement and a hallway leading to the Senate chambers. He then shoves the person to induce him and the crowd to chase Officer Goodman toward officers in the opposite direction. “As trump’s fascist mob ransacked the US Capitol, this brave USCP officer kept murderous rioters away from the

Senate chamber and saved the lives of those inside. God bless him for his courage,” Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey wrote in a Twitter message Sunday. The man chasing Officer Goodman has been identified as Doug Jensen, 41, of Des Moines, Iowa, according to several media outlets. He is now facing five federal charges, including trespassing and disorderly conduct counts, according to news releases from the FBI’s field office in Omaha, Neb., and the sheriff’s office in Polk County, Iowa. Several members of Congress with military experience, including Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, also have been praised for calming frightened colleagues and helping with the evacuation during the chaos. The chief of the Capitol Police resigned following the attack and Assistant Chief Yogananda Pittman was designated as acting chief on Jan. 8. She is the first woman and first African-American to lead the force. A federal prosecutor said he would charge any Capitol Police member found to be complicit in the insurrection.

Area residents react to Jan. 6 events By Ronald E. Carrington

Americans will mark Jan. 6, 2021, as another day that will live in infamy. On that day, throngs of Trump supporters left a rally where he had spoken and made their way to the U.S. Capitol, pushing past barricades and Capitol Police to force their way inside to disrupt Congress and the certification of Electoral College votes declaring Democrat Joe Biden the winner of the November presidential election. The Free Press hit Richmond’s streets to talk with people about this unprecedented time and what actions people and Congress should take next. Joseph Lewis, 49, a fraud investigator living in The Fan, said, “Due to the history of racism, white Americans have been walking around with their eyes wide shut. They don’t see the errors and the issues that have been going on. We have allowed our Congress and the justice system to work for themselves and not for the people.” Mr. Lewis The former Virginia Commonwealth University criminal justice major believes voters need to make some changes and wants to fix the issue. “We need to keep people accountable,” the 14-year Army veteran said. “Service members have always been advised not to obey an unlawful order. What the president did was an act of terrorism and treason—domestic terrorism. He and everyone who attempted the coup d’état need to be held accountable.” Lavinia Turner, 63, a semi-retired baker finisher and Church Hill resident, believes the occupant of the White House is corrupt and encouraged the events of Jan. 6. “I believe Congress should impeach the president because he says he will run again in 2024,” Ms. Turner said. “They need to impeach him so he will not be Ms. Turner able to do that. “We—Americans, especially African-Americans — should go to the polls and vote because every vote counts,” she con-

tinued. “Republicans found that out in Georgia when every vote did count,” Ms. Turner said, referring to the victory of Democrats Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff on June 5 in Georgia’s U.S. Senate runoff election and the defeat of Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. “Our Congresspeople work for us, regardless of party. They should do what the people say, and not follow their personal beliefs and interests,” she said. Mat Lano, a 38-year-old professional musician living in Brookland Park, believes the November presidential election was fair and clean despite claims of fraud by the president. As the father of a toddler, he is worried about the future. “If elections are not respected, then where do we go from here?” Mr. Lano asked. “I didn’t vote for what happened last Mr. Lano week. Americans vote for their beliefs and candidates they feel would put a stop to the kind of violence we witnessed last week.” He wants lawbreakers at the U.S Capitol, as well as those instigating the mob, to be held accountable. “That was no different than any other act of violence. The justice system needs to be activated and do what needs to be done,” Mr. Lano said, his frustration visible. “We need to get back to facts. The lying and fraud, telling people what is not true, need to stop,” he said. Monica Jones, 38, a hairstylist from the North Side, said what happened on Jan. 6 was horrible, but if the mob had been Black Lives Matter demonstrators, Ms. Jones the situation would have been resolved in a totally different manner. In her view, all of the people involved in the takeover of the U.S. Capitol should be arrested, including the president. “In the wake of theses events, Americans should stick together,” Ms. Jones emphasized. “Keep the peace. We are better in unity than being separated.” DiJon Turner, 27, a personal trainer from Henrico County,

said he was outraged and mind-boggled as he watched rioters storming the U.S. Capitol. “Right here in Richmond when there was peaceful protest not too long ago, people were teargassed,” he said. He said there should be repercussions for the mob’s actions in Washington. “I just want African-Americans to be Mr. Turner treated fairly,” Mr. Turner said of peaceful protesters. “We, African-Americans, need to exercise our option to vote because, as we saw last year, we can make a change.” Sy Gaines, 30-year-old server from The Fan, was tear gassed during the peaceful protests in Richmond last summer against police brutality and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police. “I want consistence in how law enforcement and lawmakers treat us. They need discipline,” Mr. Gaines said. “We need to get the president out of Mr. Gaines here and as far away from Americans as we can,” he continued. “The president targeted and influenced people who could not think for themselves.” Joseph Pond, 29, a software developer living in Highland Park, said it was extremely disturbing and unbelievable to watch a minority of citizens try to change the outcome of the presidential election by attacking the Electoral College count being conducted in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. “They all should face repercussions for storming the Capitol. They should also be held accountable so people will know attacking Congress is not allowed. “It is good that the House of RepresenMr. Pond tatives is drawing up articles of impeachment,” Mr. Pond said. “We also have to make sure the current president doesn’t do anything crazy before (the inauguration on) Jan. 20, like start a war.”

NAACP calls for resignation, accountability from elected Trump backers By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Loudoun County Branch NAACP is calling for Loudoun Republican Delegate David A. “Dave” LaRock to immediately resign for participating in the Jan. 6 rally and insurrection in Washington. The call for his resignation was echoed by Northern Virginia Democratic Party members. The branch’s statement lambasted the Trump loyalist for

helping to incite the uprising in the nation’s capital. Delegate LaRock has rejected the civil rights organization’s claim. The national NAACP immediately denounced the attack on the capital and followed by posting a petition on its website supporting the second impeachment of President Trump. Impeachment, NAACP officials said, is the first step to ensuring that the president would “never again be able to harm our beloved country and its people.”

The Virginia State Conference NAACP also called for an explanation from the four Virginia Republican congressional representatives who joined GOP colleagues in seeking to overturn the November election and maintain President Trump in office. They are Rep. Rob Wittman, 1st District; Rep. Bob Good, 5th District; Rep. Ben Cline, 6th District; and Rep. Morgan Griffith, 9th District. The four also voted against impeaching President Trump in Wednesday’s House vote.

Day of reckoning: Trump impeached for a second time Continued from A1

is so resolutely determined to tear down the things that we hold dear and that hold us together.” Just as happened last year, the House action could fail if it cannot muster the votes of two-thirds of the U.S. Senate after a trial likely to be held after Mr. Biden takes office next Wednesday, Jan. 20. President Trump gave short shrift to the House action, with most news commentators saying Senate support to convict him is unlikely because the Senate is divided 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans. Still, the president, who feeds off attention, is feeling the blowback from sowing the wind. He already has been stripped of his social media platforms, with Twitter, Facebook and other private media companies blocking his accounts and those of many of his followers. Major companies have cut ties with his business empire, and billionaire business leaders who once raised money for his political activities have disavowed him. Still, he is unapologetic for his role in the attack, calling his

Jan. 6 remarks that triggered the siege of the U.S. Capitol “totally appropriate.” The blowback also is hitting his followers, who were fired up by his repeated lies that he won the election and the support from other political figures who backed his bogus claims, including four Republican congressmen from Virginia. President Trump already has made an about-face, despite continuing his claims that the election was stolen. He now has acknowledged that Mr. Biden will take office next week, and he has betrayed his loyalists by disavowing the violent invasion and labeling them lawbreakers. The FBI and assorted law enforcement are now scouring the nation to arrest those involved in the attack that left five dead, including two Capitol Police officers. One officer reportedly was beaten with a fire extinguisher during the riot, while the other reportedly committed suicide. More than 70 people were in custody as of Tuesday, the U.S. Justice Department announced, with more arrests to come. Those taken into custody face potential federal charges ranging from trespassing to

sedition that could lead 20-year sentences. In addition, the attack even has Trump officials finally taking seriously the need for security against the president’s extremist supporters. This week, security was being ramped up in Richmond and other state capitals, as well as in Washington, as the FBI issued warnings that more attacks could happen in the days leading up to President-elect Biden’s and Vice Presidentelect Harris’ inauguration and on inauguration day. Amid state and local declarations of emergency, Virginia State Police and Virginia Capitol Police were planning their defense should armed militias seek to attack as the FBI warned. A flyer circulating on social media called for armed rallies on Sunday, Jan. 17, in all 50 state capitals and in the District of Columbia. In Washington, D.C., reports indicated 15,000 National Guard troops had been activated to protect government officials and buildings, with another 5,000 on standby as a flyer circulated calling for armed insurrection on Jan. 20 to prevent Mr. Biden from being sworn in.

At the same, the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack is leading to hard questions about the lack of preparation by law enforcement. In public and private, reports show that the Jan. 6 rally and march on the U.S. Capitol were openly discussed. But it is clear from the videos of the attack how little prepared the Capitol Police were. The chief, Steven Sund, who resigned this week, has admitted that he prepared for protests outside the Capitol, not an attack. He has not explained why he believed that Trump followers would be noisy, but cooperative. His departure has allowed Assistant Chief Yogananda Pittman to become acting chief and to make history, becoming the first Black person and female to lead the once storied, but now tarnished force. Reports show that the Capitol Police’s standard procedure of canceling officers’ leave requests and having the full force present did not happen; that there was no liaison with the Washington, D.C., police force; and that the National Guard was not requested or on standby. The evidence that some officers even opened the doors of

the Capitol and allowed protesters to enter and to leave added to the concern that security was ignored. The contrast between the tiny force that was on hand for the Trump protest with the huge forces that were deployed during the summer when Black Lives Matter protesters came to Washington was pointed out time and time again. As many recalled, the peaceful BLM protesters were gassed repeatedly. Participants recalled President Trump deploying the National Guard and D.C. police against such protests, including dispersing peaceful demonstrators from Lafayette Square so he could walk from the White House to St. John’s Episcopal Church for a photo op holding a Bible. Another Twitter user wrote: “When we peacefully protested BLM, we got teargassed, pepper sprayed, a CHILD GOT MACED, people were shot in the eyes, there were people bleeding from rubber bullets. At a peaceful protest. And yet, when terrorists storm the US Capitol, police take photo ops with them.” Others recalled the federal officers the president sent into several cities to attack and

kidnap demonstrators, a huge difference between his expressions of love for the mob who attacked the Capitol building and state capitals in seeking to overturn election results. The upheaval over his illegal efforts to prevent his loss of power has done one thing for the president — overshadowed the huge mess in government that he will leave behind. When Mr. Biden takes over, he will face a series of challenges that President Trump has failed to address, even as he has sought to actively undermine the transition. The incoming administration has long described a “perfect storm” of four crises Mr. Biden must address: The pandemic, economic distress, climate change and racial injustice. In addition, the new Biden administration also will need to address the failure of cybersecurity in government computers that was exposed by a hack that was made public only recently. Just as important, in the wake of a president who fueled anger and disloyalty, Mr. Biden will be challenged to rebuild trust in the government’s ability to deal with those challenges.


Richmond Free Press

January 14-16, 2021 A7

Local News

School Board deadlocked over Kamras’ contract By Ronald E. Carrington

The Richmond School Board apparently is deadlocked on how long to extend Superintendent Jason Kamras’ contract that ends June 30. Sources familiar with the contract negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity told the Free Press on Wednesday that four veteran board members support extending Mr. Kamras’ contract another four years while four other members prefer no more than two years. According to the sources, the School Board is aware that Mr. Kamras will not accept a two-year contract and, if one is offered, he would leave the district. That also may cause members of his administration, who have assisted in addressing and correcting years of past school district

He was hired at annual salary of mismanagement, to leave. $250,000. Additionally, the impact of his Board Vice Chair Jonathan M. leaving also may stymie RPS’ Young, 4th District, characterized progress as well as put in jeopardy himself as being in the middle of the school district’s strategic plan— the debate and working to offer a Dreams4RPS. compromise to move forward. Mr. Kamras told the Free Press Wednesday that he would like to stay “I absolutely want to keep Mr. in Richmond as RPS’superintendent. Kamras and extend his contract, even Mr. Kamras He declined to comment further. though he and I don’t always see eye Sources close to the board said board member to eye on some issues, which is healthy,� Mr. Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, initiated an effort Young told the Free Press. “I am very intent on forging board consensus as to restrict the contract term. They also said they wanted the public to know where board members well as voting for what’s best for my district.� He stressed that it is healthy for any orstand on their support of the superintendent, a former National Teacher of the Year who took ganization to have differences of opinion on various issues. the helm in Richmond in February 2018.

According to the Code of Virginia, at the expiration of a superintendent’s initial term, he or she shall be eligible to hold office for the next term specified by the School Board, not to exceed four years. Parents, teachers and staff voiced their support for Mr. Kamras’ leadership in letters read during the board’s January meeting and online comments. One former board member believes changing the superintendent at this critical juncture would be catastrophic for students and families, district teachers and staff, to say nothing about overall morale. The board’s next meeting will be held virtually 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.19. The meeting will be streamed on RPS’ Facebook page.

African-American pastors join effort to abolish death penalty

A crew from Famous Jerry Piano Moving in Disputanta moves a new Yamaha piano into Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School on Tuesday under the watchful and excited guidance of Principal Kimberly Cook. Below, the piano was placed in the music room of the new school, where students will be able to enjoy it once in-person learning resumes.

By George Copeland Jr.

In 1608, Virginia became the first jurisdiction in America to execute someone under the death penalty. In the centuries since, Virginia has gone on to execute around 1,400 people, more than any other state. Now, state faith leaders and justice advocates are working to ensure it never happens again. African-American faith leaders combined their voices for calls to state lawmakers to abolish the death penalty in Virginia. During a virtual press conference Jan. 7 organized by the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, clergy members criticized the practice’s long and ugly history in the United States. “The history of capital punishment finds its roots in slavery, Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press lynching and Jim Crow,â€? said Dr. LaKeisha Cook, justice reform organizer for VICPP. “Capital punishment is a racial justice issue, and it is beyond time for us to address this historical sin.â€? Dr. Cook and other speakers drew parallels between the racial animus that led domestic terrorists to storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 following the U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia, and the roots of executions in the United States generally and Free Press staff report move-in and positioning in Virginia specifically. the school’s music room. According to research by the Death Penalty Information Center, There will be more music in the air “I’m most excited to have the years before the Civil War saw Virginia and other Southern at five Richmond schools. our students sing along to a states use laws that heavily skewed penalties depending on race. Through the proceeds of the annual tuned, brand new piano. Our By 1848, enslaved people were executed for non-homicide ofRVA East End Festival, new pianos are students deserve the best. I fenses while Caucasians would face death only for first degree being donated to Henry L. Marsh III cannot wait to hear the music murder convictions. Elementary, Chimborazo Elementary, that will be created.â€? For 300 years in Virginia, executions were done through public Fairfield Court Elementary, Martin LuThe RVA East End Feshanging, moving in 1908 to private executions by electrocution. ther King Jr. Middle School and Binford tival is a free family event Throughout the 20th century, the statistics continue to show Middle School. featuring performances by that only the crime of murder could lead to the execution of a The brand new pianos, upright Yamaha local professionals as well white person in Virginia, while African-Americans were sentenced studio pianos with an ebony satin finish, as some of Richmond’s most talented used to acquire or repair instruments and to death for murder, rape, attempted rape and attempted robbery. will be waiting for students to enjoy when youth musicians. Since 2016, the fes- to create a dance studio at Armstrong High During that period, Virginia had executed roughly three times as they return for in-person classes. tival has raised more than $300,000 in School, to buy choral risers, concert attire many African-American offenders as it had white offenders. Movers delivered a piano Tuesday donations to support music, visual arts and art supplies. While no one has been sentenced to death in Virginia since 2011, to Marsh Elementary, where Principal and performing arts programs at eight While no festival was held in 2020 the state remains one of 28 where the death penalty is still legal. Kimberly Cook was excited. elementary, middle and high schools because of the pandemic, donations al“The shift from lynchings to executions or electrocution “Music plays such an important role,â€? largely in East End communities. lowed organizers to buy the new Yamaha continues to erode the fabric of our society today,â€? said Rev. she said as she oversaw the instrument’s Proceeds from past festivals have been pianos. Duane Hardy, co-chair of the Social Justice Committee of the Henrico Ministers’ Conference and senior pastor of Seven Pines Baptist Church in Sandston. “This punishment is a visible and constant reminder of how NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN EXTENSION AND MODIFICATIONS TO things have not changed.â€? SPECIAL RATES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY As the Virginia General D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA Assembly gets underway this CASE NO. PUR-2020-00271 week, death penalty aboli•Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominionâ€?) seeks approval to extend the special rate and contract for electric service entered into on October 20, 2020, by and between Dominion and Amazon Data Services, Inc. tion advocates have made a bill sponsored by Sens. Scott •Due to the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, a Hearing Examiner appointed by the State Corporation Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on June 29, 2021, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. Surovell of Fairfax and Bill •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the State Corporation Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing in this case on June 30, 2021, at 10 a.m. Stanley of Henry County a focus for their efforts. Delegate Lee •Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. Carter of Manassas also has 2Q 1RYHPEHU 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU &RPSDQ\ Âł'RPLQLRQ´ RU Âł&RPSDQ\´ SXUVXDQW WR † RI WKH &RGH RI 9LUJLQLD Âł&RGH´ ÂżOHG ZLWK WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDtion Commission (“Commissionâ€?) an application (“Applicationâ€?) for approval of the special rate and contract for electric service entered into on October 20, 2020, by and between introduced a bill that seeks to Amazon Data Services, Inc. (“ADSâ€?), and Dominion (“Revised Special Rate Contractâ€?). The Revised Special Rate Contract replaces and extends the current special rate contract (“Current Special Rate Contractâ€?) that was approved by the Commission in Case No. PUE-2015-00103. end the death penalty. Bills introduced by Sen. The Current Special Rate Contract expires on December 31, 2020. Dominion therefore also seeks authority to continue serving and billing ADS under the Current Special Rate &RQWUDFW DQG DWWHQGDQW WDULŕľľ XQWLO WKH &RPPLVVLRQ LVVXHV D GHFLVLRQ RQ WKH 5HYLVHG 6SHFLDO 5DWH &RQWUDFW Surovell and Delegate Carter ADS is a high load factor, Virginia jurisdictional customer of Dominion that owns and operates several cloud computing data centers in Virginia. ADS is a subsidiary of Amazon. during the 2020 session to FRP ,QF Âł$PD]RQ´ DQG DQ DŕľśOLDWH RI $PD]RQ :HE 6HUYLFHV ,Q LWV $SSOLFDWLRQ 'RPLQLRQ VWDWHV WKDW $'6 $PD]RQ DQG $PD]RQ :HE 6HUYLFHV KDYH PDGH ORQJ WHUP FRUSRabolish the death penalty both rate commitments to achieve 100% renewable energy usage for their global infrastructure footprint. died in committee. As set forth in the Application, the Revised Special Rate Contract is comprised of: (i) a base contract proposed for a term extending through December 31, 2025, and continuing thereafter by automatic one-year renewals, unless otherwise terminated with notice; and (ii) a single market based rate schedule (“SCR Rate Scheduleâ€?) for the Company’s proviTo raise public awareness, sion of electric service to some or all of ADS’s qualifying current and future accounts. pastors and churches are plan$FFRUGLQJ WR 'RPLQLRQ WKH LQFOXVLRQ RI WKH QHZ PDUNHW EDVHG UDWH ZKLFK FRQWDLQV KLJKHU YDULDEOH DQG ORZHU Âż[HG FKDUJHV WKDQ DUH FXUUHQWO\ LQ 5DWH 6FKHGXOHV *6 DQG *6 ning socially distanced prayer and follows the Company’s New MBR Rate Schedule approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR-2018-00192, is a key component in the SCR Rate Schedule. The marketbased rate detailed in the SCR Rate Schedule is designed to be representative of the Company’s PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (‘’PJM’’) wholesale market costs to serve ADS, plus vigils across the state at noon DQ DGPLQLVWUDWLYH PDUJLQ $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH &RPSDQ\ WKLV RSWLRQDO PDUNHW EDVHG UHWDLO UDWH ZRXOG FUHDWH D PRUH GLUHFW ÂżQDQFLDO FRUUHODWLRQ EHWZHHQ $'6ÂśV ZKROHVDOH WUDQVDFWLRQV in the PJM market and its retail load billing, which would allow ADS to continue to invest in renewable energy and work towards its renewable energy goals. Friday, Jan. 22, with simultaneous events planned in Richmond, The Company asserts that, to qualify for service under the SCR Rate Schedule, ADS’s accounts must: (i) receive electricity supply service and electric delivery service from Dominion at their service locations; (ii) have peak demand of 5 megawatts or more; and (iii) meet the additional criteria set forth in the Revised Special Rate Contract. Danville, Roanoke, Alexandria 'RPLQLRQ VWDWHV WKDW WKH SURSRVHG 5HYLVHG 6SHFLDO 5DWH &RQWUDFW DQG 6&5 5DWH 6FKHGXOH UHĂ€HFW WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI FHUWDLQ QRQ E\SDVVDEOH FKDUJHV HVWDEOLVKHG LQ 9LUJLQLD ODZ and Hampton Roads. The Company further states that the Revised Special Rate Contract would protect the public interest, would not unreasonably prejudice or disadvantage any customer or class of Registration for the vigils is customers, and would not jeopardize the continuation of reliable utility service. According to the Company, the SCR Rate Schedule would likely result in altered levels of base rate UHYHQXH DV FRPSDUHG WR WKH &RPSDQ\ÂśV WUDGLWLRQDO UDWH VFKHGXOHV WKRXJK WKH DPRXQW RI VXFK UHYHQXH GLŕľľHUHQFHV ZRXOG GHSHQG RQ WKH DPRXQW RI ORDG WKDW DFWXDOO\ PLJUDWHV IURP available at www.tinyurl.com/ 5DWH 6FKHGXOHV *6 DQG *6 WR WKH 5HYLVHG 6&5 5DWH 6FKHGXOH DQG XOWLPDWHO\ RQ IXHO DQG PDUNHW SULFHV 'RPLQLRQ DOVR DVVHUWV WKDW RWKHU WKDQ WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLYH FRVWV RI SUHSDULQJ IRU WKLV SURFHHGLQJ DQG QHJRWLDWLQJ WKH 5HYLVHG 6SHFLDO 5DWH &RQWUDFW LW GRHV QRW H[SHFW WR LQFXU GLUHFW FRVWV VSHFLÂżFDOO\ UHODWHG WR WKH 5HYLVHG 6SHFLDO 5DWH &RQWUDFW vicppdeathpenalty.

5 city schools get new pianos, thanks to RVA East End Festival

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Richmond Free Press

Birdhouse awaits on North Side

Editorial Page

A8

January 14-16, 2021

Chickens have come home to roost The chickens have come home to roost in America. The violence at the U.S. Capitol last week spawned by our nation’s racist hater-in-chief is just the latest sad chapter for a country founded on white supremacy and white privilege. We have allowed terrorism to flourish in this nation against people of color since the English arrived in the Americas in the 1600s. And now we are reaping the results as an angry, riotous mob of President Trump’s racist supporters charged the U.S. Capitol to disrupt Congress’ certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential victory. Those supporters were upset that the Congress was going to accept the Electoral College votes of states in which the turnout of Black and brown voters made the difference. When President Trump launched his campaign at Trump Tower in New York in June 2015, he told us who he was when he railed against Mexicans and other immigrants and lambasted Muslims as terrorists, saying he would make America great again by keeping them out. During his inaugural speech in January 2017, he tied Black and brown people to the “American carnage” of gangs, drugs and crime. We could see then, as Americans witnessed nearly four years later on Jan. 6, that the gravest threat to our nation and to our democracy is the man in the White House and the domestic terrorists who follow him. He must be removed from office immediately to stop his continued abuse of America and democracy. Congress must not only impeach him a second time, but the U.S. Senate must convict him and bar him from ever holding office again. There also must be consequences for the insurrectionists he incited to seize the U.S. Capitol with his repeated bogus claims of election fraud before and during a rally near the White House. In the seditious riot that ensued, the unlawful mob damaged the Capitol and its priceless artwork, marauded offices, terrorized members of Congress, killed one Capitol Police officer and hurt several others. Some in the mob outside the Capitol insultingly waved “thin blue line” American flags used as signs of solidarity with police, and at least one person carried a Confederate flag into the Capitol. Ironically, these are the same people who have parroted President Trump’s mantra of “law and order.” There was nothing lawful or orderly about what they did. The riot also exposed for the disbelieving the double standard in America of how police treat peaceful Black protesters and violent white mobs. Members of Congress and other elected officials — including Virginia Sen. Amanda Chase of Chesterfield and Delegate Dave LaRock of Northern Virginia who were part of the mob at the rally — need to be held accountable for aiding and abetting the hater-in-chief. The sordid and tragic finale of the past four years should bring us all to the realization that America must deal with her original sin of racism and white supremacy if the nation is to move forward.

Speaking truth to power “Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Invite one to stay.” — Maya Angelou When the Richmond Free Press published its first edition on Jan. 16-18, 1992, hope was chosen. Hope. Resolve. Opportunity. As we reflect on the resolve of nearly 30 years ago, we remember those who stood with our founding editor and publisher, the late Raymond H. Boone, in investing in an idea undergirded with a reputation for hard-hitting and thoughtful newspaper leadership. Did hope and fear attempt to reside side by side? Yes, the attempt was certainly there. There were those who tried to discourage with words and by withholding advertising. Black readers were not valued — and for that matter, still are not commensurate with our buying power. Yet, hope prevails. Resolve prevails. We prevail. No one needs a reminder of the tsunami that was 2020. Looking through the rearview mirror, we weathered and continue to stand despite the extreme challenges thrust not only on our Free Press family, but on our entire community, by COVID-19. We surmounted the extremities of a torrential summer storm that damaged our photographers’ equipment while covering the removal of racist Confederate monuments. Our team worked tirelessly inside and outside the newsroom while the uprisings triggered by the heinous murder of George Floyd and other widespread police brutality were in our streets. At the same time, the Free Press continues to ensure that local politics is not a spectator sport but rather the essence of participatory democracy. We remain committed to an informed electorate. Let’s stay informed, committed to holding elected officials accountable. We commit to continue to keep the faith and to be your reliable news source — and voice. We continue to stand in this 29th year despite the pain and trauma that we continue to carry as Black people in America. We do not stand sheepishly. We stand knowing that where we started in 1992 is still needed. And we march on with fire and fury, telling the stories of our community, righting wrongs and speaking truth to power just as we have done since day one. JEAN PATTERSON BOONE Publisher Richmond Free Press

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Was insurrection an inside job?

If you watched the disgraceful invasion of the U.S. Capitol and the horrific destruction that took place on Jan. 6, you observed a legion of limited-intelligence, low-life louts. But you’d be mistaken if that’s all you thought of the Trump-incited mob. Those people could not have infiltrated the Capitol without the help of some “law enforcement” officers in the Capitol. Somebody had to open locked doors and side entrances. Somebody had to tell the invaders where certain Congressional offices were. And too many Capitol Police officers took selfies with the invaders and treated them with extreme courtesy, going so far as to open doors for them and even walk them down steps. Why were the Capitol Police so woefully unprepared for the throngs of people who had been communicating by internet since an unhinged 45th president invited them to the Capitol weeks ago on Dec.18? Contrast that under preparation to the army of thousands that Black Lives Matter activists faced this summer. The contrast was stark. After the invasion passed, many speculated about the inside nature of this invasion. Some of

the Capitol Police seemed to feel quite comfortable, even chummy, with the invaders. Why shouldn’t they be? Some members of the mob might be their cousins. There is a historical relationship between so-called law enforcement and white supremacy, so it is easy to believe that the Capitol invaders may

Julianne Malveaux have had help from the inside. We could go into history to explore the founding of the Ku Klux Klan and its purpose to terrorize and otherwise oppress Black people. We could explore how many Klan members were also “law enforcement” officers. In 1898 in Wilmington, N.C., we could consider how sheriffs deputized more than 200 racist civilians to force Black people to turn their property over to them and leave town. But if we had to go back to the late 19th and early 20th century, that would allow us to talk about how much our nation has changed instead of focusing on the intransigence of the myth of white supremacy. Michael German of the Washington, D.C.-based Brennan Center for Justice released a report in the fall that explored the law enforcement and white supremacists connection. Titled “Hidden in Plain Sight: Racism, White Supremacy and Far-Right Militancy in Law Enforcement,” the report

is a comprehensive exploration of racism in law enforcement. It documents ties between law enforcement and “violent racist and militant groups.” It says that the FBI has not appropriately responded to the threat that is posed from this connection. But, according to Mr. German, “Despite the FBI’s acknowledgement of the links between law enforcement and these suspected terrorists, the Justice Department has no national strategy designed to identify white supremacist police officers or to protect the safety and civil rights of the communities they patrol.” The Brennan report appropriately notes that “only a tiny percentage of law enforcement officials are likely to be active members of white supremacist groups.” But even a 10th of a percent is enough. It only takes one armed white supremacist to aid and abet the terrorists who stormed the U.S. Capitol. It only takes one to unlock a door. It only takes one to turn the other way as terrorists bring weapons into the Capitol. The Brennan report documents several cases of white supremacist law enforcement “officers” who collect Klan paraphernalia, participate in racist social media posts, rant rhetoric on their governmentissued radios and more. Few face any consequences. Some have supervisors or police chiefs who look the other way. Others have

For our own healing On my mind that day were my New Year’s resolutions, the brilliance of Stacy Abrams, Georgia’s election results, Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor. Oh, yeah, and the insurrection. I watched in amazement on YouTube live at how things were unfolding right before my very eyes. Moments later, I learned that there was a rally headed by President Trump, his son and Rudy Giuliani encouraging people to take their country back. “Back?” From “who” exactly? When did it get lost? Who did “it” belong to in the first place? For me and likely many other Black people living in this country, Jan. 6, 2021, was another chapter in the book of American hypocrisy, where white privilege reigns supreme and refuses to take a look in the mirror. For decades, there have been countless protests organized in Washington, D.C., and yet, this was the first one in American history where “protesters” stormed the U.S. Capitol and disrupted the country’s lawmakers from doing business, which on that day was to certify the election of Democrat Joe Biden as president. The Black Lives Matter protests from this past summer was preemptively met with a strong show of force from police in riot gear, military helicopters, the National Guard and tear gas.

In contrast, the insurrection on Jan. 6 was met with very little resistance and appeared to show some Capitol Police officers making a way for the crowd of criminals to the steps of the U.S. Capitol and taking “selfies” with criminal-thug insurrectionists. Over the last several days, we

Daryl V. Fraser have learned that several people were killed, including a police officer. We have seen photos and videos of insurrectionists walking through the Capitol building destroying and stealing property. We have learned that insurrectionists had the objective of killing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and hanging Vice President Mike Pence. And yet we still do not have any answers as to why security at the U.S. Capitol was scant. I thought about how Stacy Abrams is the latest example of how Black people continue to carry this country and succeed in spite of American hypocrisy. After losing the gubernatorial race in 2018, she was able to deliver Georgia for the presidential election and the U.S. Senate in the same election cycle. We need to pause to appreciate her and she needs to receive her flowers now. We need justice for Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor and we need it now. If law enforcement has the ability to show restraint in their use of force with a violent mob of white insurrectionists storming the U.S. Capitol, then law enforcement has the ability

to show restraint when encountering Black people going about their everyday lives. My New Year’s resolution is to “Stand Back and Stand By.” I encourage all Black people to do the same for our own healing. For too long, Black people have been blamed for this country’s ills. “Standing Back and Standing By” means that Black people must continue to do the work of healing from the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual injuries from racism. That means we need to restore and re-establish healthy relationships with our families, neighbors and community members. That means that we need to establish more Black businesses and spend money in our community first. That means we need to establish our own political agenda and not be beholden to one particular political party. “No permanent friends, only permanent interests.” That means that we need to hold white people to the same standard that we hold for ourselves and require that they “get their house in order.” They need to reckon with this country’s original sin of racism, acknowledge how they benefited and continue to benefit from it, and begin to change their behaviors in order for this country to move forward. The writer, a licensed clinical social worker, is an associate professor in Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work and a former president of the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers.

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.

police union backing and often claim their First Amendment free speech rights. How does their racism affect their ability to enforce the law? Ask Breonna Taylor or George Floyd or Tamir Rice or Sandra Bland. Why have federal, state and local law enforcement failed to tackle evidence of virulent racism among police officers? No wonder there is so little trust between law enforcement and the Black community. If there were an active attempt to combat law enforcement racism, it would be almost unthinkable that anyone could see the Trump insurrection as an inside job. But there has been no such attempt. Perhaps because too many police officers are either outright racists or have sympathy with these racists. Was there an inside job with this Trump insurrection? It is likely, and I look forward to the inevitable investigation and its results. The writer is an economist, educator and author.

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Richmond Free Press

January 14-16, 2021 A9

Letters to the Editor

Only Insurrection underestimated in America A new low

Only in America could you in one day be egged on by the president of this country to disrupt the judicial process of this land and breech the U.S. Capitol — an icon of our democracy — to destroy property, to upset and scare our lawmakers and to take down the very symbol upon which we all have pledged and adopted — the American flag. The gut shot, the dagger in the heart, was that after the breech, after the scaring, after the destruction of property, you brought into our Capitol your foreign confederate flag! And you were allowed to return home safely? For today, drain the colors from the American flag and fly it a ghostly white. DR. GREGORY E. DOUGLAS Sacramento, Calif.

Dr. King and accountability

The nation and the world witnessed a harrowing experience unlike any seen for more than 200 years. The underestimated insurrection that has been incited for more than four years finally became a reality. President Trump, his Republican legislators

and infected supporters have been building the hate and anger that erupted on Jan. 6. Too many stood by silently and numb to the racist hatred and white privilege continually exhibited by Donald Trump, who must take full responsibility for the disgraceful actions

I am at ground zero. My law degree cannot protect me. My fancy address cannot protect me. My radio appearances and Zoom book tour cannot protect me. I check with, and for, my daughter against this madness as we all should the way the Black Power Movement taught me. On the 24-hour cable television there are many references to how the situation is comparable to the burning down of the White House during the War of 1812. But my reference point keeps going back to 1925, when the Ku Klux Klan marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, showing their power and allegiance to a segregated capital city and a segregated United States in broad daylight while hooded, hidden. What happened on Jan. 6 was neither hooded nor hidden. It was as open as the barricades that the Capitol Police yielded — or invited. While victims of Jim Crow and COINTELPRO and members of Black Lives Matter were at home or at work celebrating an incoming U.S. Senate that now might provide some financial relief to those on food lines or about to be evicted, a mob with white privilege blatantly stormed the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, making the Klan look civilized. They came, they climbed, they smashed, they terrorized. And they were allowed to do that because they were white. The double-standard here is too obvious to repeat. So let me just say this: This country has never forgiven H. Rap Brown for merely mouthing “Burn, Baby Burn,â€? or the Black Panthers for peacefully protesting with their legal arms at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. So how fast will these people be forgiven?As fast as, say, Abner Louima is now forgiving those who terrorized him? As fast as the survivors of the Charleston church massacre had forgiven Dylan Roof, now seen as the canary in the coal mine, trying to warn us of what was coming? I hope Jacob Blake will be slow to forgive as he deals with a lifetime of pain because he dared turn his back on American authority. America loves forgiveness because then it can get on to the business of forgetting. Those

who are shocked to see the American flagpoles as weapons have very short memories. Ask any Black Bostonian about the flag as a weapon. President Woodrow Wilson, who was in office during that 1925 KKK march, openly praised the Klan, not unlike the way the current president has praised these latest terrorists. So what is new, really? It’s a new low for a country that was founded by genocide and slavery.

displayed. President Trump has brought out the worst racist, terrorist hatred and anger this country has ever experienced. His words and actions have encouraged the submerged negative insurgents to openly and blatantly take action. Not only have heads been buried in the sand, but reality was totally disregarded. If the people who invoked these perpetrators such as President Trump, Republican supporters and others don’t immediately take action to strongly discourage the dangerous terrorists, they will continue to plot to destroy the democratic way of life. The traitors and terrorists who played a part  in this horrific and violent action  should be arrested and experience the fullest weight of the law. They will not go quietly under the rock from which they emerged and must be approached with the same impact that will cause them to back away and fear the reaction of a nation under attack.

NKECHI TAIFA Washington, D.C.

PATRICIA BROWN North Chesterfield

On Jan. 18, the nation will once again commemorate the birthday of Dr. King. The life, faith and great ideas of the freedom warrior should represent a model and guide for our national life working together in “cooperative action.â€? To what end? To advance justice and social uplift, while at the same time defending and standing up to protect democratic principles – the foundation and bedrock of our democracy. As we observe the 2021 holiday, the nation is in crisis, griped by racist ideology and afflicted by white supremacy hate, governed by too many lies and obsessed with inflicting massive suppression on the Black and brown vote. It also is coupled with a lack of presidential leadership performed by an incompetent, racist, self-consuming narcissist. For our path forward, the disgrace and shaming of our democracy must be redeemed by all good folks united and standing up with one voice. No one is above the law, and this criminally acting president must be held accountable. Within the guidance given by Dr. King, there can be found a word, instruction, criticism and direction for all — community leaders, students, clergy, politicians, educators, media, university scholars and writers, business leaders and civil rights NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF PETITION FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER RPS, and nonprofit leaders. BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA I implore everyone to listen CASE NO. PUR-2020-00170 and hear afresh the words of Dr. •Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominionâ€?) has applied for approval of a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider RPS, to recover costs related to King. If we listen and act on the compliance with the mandatory renewable energy portfolio standard program established in the Virginia Clean Economy Act. guidance provided by Dr. King in the quotes cited, we will ad•Dominion requests approval of a revenue requirement of $13,230,000 for Rider RPS for the rate year beginning August 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022. According to Dominion, this amount would increase a typical residential customer’s bill using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.18. vance in creating the “beloved •Due to the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, a Hearing Examiner appointed by the State Corporation Commission will hold a telephoncommunity.â€? What is required ic hearing in this case on May 3, 2021, for the receipt of public witness testimony. is responsible action. •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the State Corporation Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing in this case on May 4, 2021. Words of Dr. King: •Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. “I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you 2Q 1RYHPEHU 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU &RPSDQ\ Âł'RPLQLRQ´ RU Âł&RPSDQ\´ ÂżOHG ZLWK WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ Âł&RPPLVVLRQ´ D SHWLWLRQ Âł3HWLWLRQ´ IRU DSSURYDO of a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider RPS, pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 5 d of the Code of Virginia (“Codeâ€?). Through its Petition, Dominion seeks to recover costs related to compliance ought to be.â€? with the mandatory renewable energy portfolio standard program (“RPS Programâ€?) established in the Virginia Clean Economy Act (“VCEAâ€?). “Our lives begin to end the Pursuant to Code § 56-585.5 C, Dominion is required to participate in an RPS Program that establishes annual goals for the sale of renewable energy to all retail customers in the Company’s VHUYLFH WHUULWRU\ ZLWK FHUWDLQ OLPLWHG H[FHSWLRQV 7R FRPSO\ ZLWK WKH 536 3URJUDP 'RPLQLRQ PXVW SURFXUH DQG UHWLUH UHQHZDEOH HQHUJ\ FHUWLÂżFDWHV ¾œ5(&Vœœ RULJLQDWLQJ IURP TXDOLI\LQJ day we become silent about VRXUFHV 7KH 536 3URJUDP UHTXLUHPHQWV ¾œVKDOO EH D SHUFHQWDJH RI WKH WRWDO HOHFWULF HQHUJ\ VROG LQ WKH SUHYLRXV FDOHQGDU \HDUœœ DQG PXVW EH LPSOHPHQWHG LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH VFKHGXOH VHW things that matter.â€? forth in Code § 56-585.5 C. Code § 56-585.5 C further provides that, to the extent Dominion procures RECs for RPS Program compliance from resources it does not own, the Company shall be entitled to recover the costs of such RECs pursuant to Code §§ 56-249.6 or 56-585.1 A 5 d. “Shallow understanding &RGH † $ G SURYLGHV WKDW D XWLOLW\ PD\ SHWLWLRQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ IRU DSSURYDO RI RQH RU PRUH UDWH DGMXVWPHQW FODXVHV IRU WKH WLPHO\ DQG FXUUHQW UHFRYHU\ IURP FXVWRPHUV RI ¾œ>S@ from people of good will is rojected and actual costs of compliance with renewable energy portfolio standard requirements pursuant to § 56-585.5 that are not recoverable under subdivision 6. The Commission shall more frustrating than absolute DSSURYH VXFK D SHWLWLRQ DOORZLQJ WKH UHFRYHU\ RI VXFK FRVWV LQFXUUHG DV UHTXLUHG E\ † SURYLGHG WKDW WKH &RPPLVVLRQ GRHV QRW RWKHUZLVH ÂżQG VXFK FRVWV ZHUH XQUHDVRQDEO\ RU LPSUXdently incurred‌.’’ misunderstanding from people In its Petition, Dominion states that it will meet the annual requirements of the RPS Program through the retirement of RECs sourced from a combination of RECs generated from Company of ill will.â€? owned renewable energy facilities, RECs generated from renewable energy facilities owned by an entity other than the utility with which the Company has entered into a power purchase “The hottest place in hell is DJUHHPHQW ¾œ33$œœ ORQJ WHUP 5(& RQO\ FRQWUDFWV DQG PDUNHW SXUFKDVHV reserved for those who remain 7KH &RPSDQ\ÂśV 3HWLWLRQ GHWDLOV WKH SURFHVV XVHG WR GHWHUPLQH WKH WRWDO FRVW RI 5(&V WR EH UHFRYHUHG WKURXJK 5LGHU 536 GXULQJ WKH UDWH \HDU RI $XJXVW WR -XO\ ¾œ5DWH <HDUœœ According to the Company, once it determined the total costs of RECs to be recovered in this proceeding, it applied a Virginia jurisdictional allocation factor of 84.5973%. Finally, the Companeutral in times of great moral ny states it applied a credit remaining from the Company’s participation in Virginia’s voluntary renewable energy portfolio standard program that was in place under former Code § 56-585.2. conflict.â€? In this proceeding, the Company seeks approval of a total revenue requirement of $13,230,000 for the Rate Year. “Nonviolence is a powerful The Company asserts it proposes to use an energy allocation factor to allocate costs to the Virginia jurisdiction and the development of a uniform charge per kilowatt hour (“kWhâ€?) applicable and just weapon. Indeed, it is a to all bundled service and retail choice customers, calculated to take into account the relevant provisions of the VCEA. weapon unique in history which If the proposed Rider RPS for the Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its cuts without wounding and enproposed Rider RPS on August 1, 2021, would increase the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month by approximately $0.18. ables the man who wields it.â€? Interested persons are encouraged to review the Petition and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals. “Injustice anywhere is a 7$.( 127,&( WKDW WKH &RPPLVVLRQ PD\ DSSRUWLRQ UHYHQXHV DPRQJ FXVWRPHU FODVVHV DQG RU GHVLJQ UDWHV LQ D PDQQHU GLŕľľHULQJ IURP WKDW VKRZQ LQ WKH 3HWLWLRQ DQG VXSSRUWLQJ GRFXPHQWV DQG threat to justice everywhere. WKXV PD\ DGRSW UDWHV WKDW GLŕľľHU IURP WKRVH DSSHDULQJ LQ WKH &RPSDQ\ÂśV 3HWLWLRQ DQG VXSSRUWLQJ GRFXPHQWV We are caught in an inescapThe Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Petition. On May 3, 2021, at 10 a.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before April 29, able network of mutuality, tied DQ\ SHUVRQ GHVLULQJ WR RŕľľHU WHVWLPRQ\ DV D SXEOLF ZLWQHVV VKDOO SURYLGH WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ D \RXU QDPH DQG E WKH WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU WKDW \RX ZLVK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ WR FDOO GXULQJ WKH KHDULQJ WR UHFHLYH \RXU WHVWLPRQ\ 7KLV LQIRUPDWLRQ PD\ EH SURYLGHG WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ LQ WKUHH ZD\V L E\ ÂżOOLQJ RXW D IRUP RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQÂśV ZHEVLWH DW in a single garment of destiny. scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing Whatever affects one directly, will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting. affects all indirectly.â€? 2Q 0D\ DW D P HLWKHU LQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQÂśV VHFRQG Ă€RRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD RU E\ HOHFWURQLF PHDQV WKH &RPPLVVLRQ ZLOO FRQYHQH D KHDULQJ WR UHFHLYH WHVWLPRQ\ DQG HYLGHQFH UHODWHG WR WKH 3HWLWLRQ IURP WKH &RPSDQ\ DQ\ UHVSRQGHQWV DQG WKH &RPPLVVLRQÂśV 6WDŕľľ )XUWKHU GHWDLOV RQ WKLV KHDULQJ “History will have to record will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling. that the greatest tragedy of this The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the declarations of emergency issued at both the period of social transition was state and federal levels. 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REV. TYLER C. MILLNER SR. Axton

An electronic copy of the Company’s Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Sarah R. Bennett, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or SBennett@mcguirewoods.com.

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2Q RU EHIRUH )HEUXDU\ DQ\ SHUVRQ RU HQWLW\ ZLVKLQJ WR SDUWLFLSDWH DV D UHVSRQGHQW LQ WKLV SURFHHGLQJ PD\ GR VR E\ ¿OLQJ D QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ ZLWK WKH &OHUN RI WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ F R 'RFXPHQW &RQWURO &HQWHU 3 2 %R[ 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD RU E\ ¿OLQJ HOHFWURQLFDOO\ DW VFF YLUJLQLD JRY FON H¿OLQJ . Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, 3DUWLFLSDWLRQ DV D UHVSRQGHQW, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) D VWDWHPHQW RI WKH VSHFL¿F DFWLRQ VRXJKW WR WKH H[WHQW WKHQ NQRZQ DQG LLL WKH IDFWXDO DQG OHJDO EDVLV IRU WKH DFWLRQ $Q\ RUJDQL]DWLRQ FRUSRUDWLRQ RU JRYHUQPHQW ERG\ SDUWLFLSDWLQJ DV D respondent must be represented by counsel as required by Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, &RXQVHO RI WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH $OO ¿OLQJV VKDOO UHIHU WR &DVH 1R 385

WRITE Richmond Free Press news@richmondfreepress.com

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2Q RU EHIRUH 0DUFK HDFK UHVSRQGHQW PD\ ¿OH ZLWK WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DW WKH DGGUHVV DERYH RU HOHFWURQLFDOO\ DW VFF YLUJLQLD JRY FON H¿OLQJ DQG VHUYH RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQœV 6WD྾ WKH &RPSDQ\ DQG DOO RWKHU UHVSRQGHQWV DQ\ WHVWLPRQ\ DQG H[KLELWV E\ ZKLFK WKH UHVSRQGHQW H[SHFWV WR HVWDEOLVK LWV FDVH DQG HDFK ZLWQHVVœV WHVWLPRQ\ VKDOO LQFOXGH D VXPPDU\ QRW WR H[FHHG RQH SDJH ,Q DOO ¿OLQJV UHVSRQGHQWV VKDOO FRPSO\ ZLWK WKH &RPPLVVLRQœV 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH LQFOXGLQJ 9$& )LOLQJ DQG VHUYLFH; and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits $OO ¿OLQJV VKDOO UHIHU WR &DVH 1R 385 $Q\ GRFXPHQWV ¿OHG LQ SDSHU IRUP ZLWK WKH 2ྜFH RI WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ LQ WKLV GRFNHW PD\ XVH ERWK VLGHV RI WKH SDSHU ,Q DOO RWKHU UHVSHFWV H[FHSW DV PRGL¿HG E\ WKH &RPPLVVLRQœV 2UGHU IRU 1RWLFH DQG +HDULQJ DOO ¿OLQJV VKDOO FRPSO\ IXOO\ ZLWK WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV RI 9$& Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice. The Company’s Petition, the Commission’s Rules of Practice and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY d/b/a DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA


Richmond Free Press

A10  January 14-16, 2021

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Stories by Fred Jeter

VCU looking to Nah’Shon ‘Bones’ Hyland in challenge for A-10 title

Just one player (Eric Maynor in 2009) in the last three-plus decades of Virginia Commonwealth University basketball has averaged at least 20 points per game. Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland shows signs of breaking the Rams’ 20-something drought by raining 3-pointers. The slender 6-foot-3 sophomore is on a jumpshooting roll as the Rams hope to challenge for the Atlantic 10 Conference title. Hyland’s 18.2 team-best scoring norm includes five games of 20-plus production, including the past two. The Wilmington, Del., native struck for 24 points in a loss to the University of Rhode Island

Rams 20 Club VCU players who averaged at least 20 points per game in a season Points average 27.5 24.0 23.8 23.6 23.1 22.4 22.1 20.24 20.22

Player Season Charles Wilkins 1969-70 Charles Wilkins 1968-69 Chris Cheeks 1988-89 Phil Stinnie 1987-88 Jesse Dark 1973-74 Eric Maynor 2008-09 Jesse Dark 1971-72 Gerald Henderson 1976-77 Charles Wilkins 1970-71 Fully Division I record

on Jan. 9 and 23 points against George Mason University in a Jan. 6 victory. Hyland’s most dangerous from outside the arc, where he is 36 for 99 (36 percent) on 3-pointers. His smooth shooting stroke also has produced 86 percent accuracy (30-for-25) at Nah’Shon the foul line. ‘Bones’ Hyland Efficiency is a Hyland plus. He has done his damage in just 29.2 minutes per game as the Rams rely on a long, effective bench. Hyland ranks fifth in A-10 scoring but ranks 26th in minutes logged. He leads the A-10 in 3-pointers per game and is second in free-throw accuracy. Growing up in Delaware, Hyland benefited with some early training from former Virginia Union University All-American A.J. English, also from Wilmington. English tutored Hyland in his youth program. As a VUU senior in 1990, English led NCAA Division II in scoring, was National Player of the Year and a second round draft choice of the NBA’s Washington Bullets, now the Washington Wizards. u The Rams were scheduled to play the University of Richmond Spiders this Saturday, but the game has been postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test in the Spiders’ program. There is no makeup date at this time. VCU leads the UR series 54-31 that began in 1976. The schools split two games last year. VCU’s next scheduled game is Jan. 23 against the University of Dayton at the Siegel Center.

The Rams are 9-3 overall and 2-1 in the A-10. The Rams also had won seven straight games until last week’s 83-68 loss to Rhode Island. u The Spiders rely heavily on senior point guard Jacob Gilyard, who averages 13 points while leading Jacob Gilyard the team in assists and steals. The 5-foot-9 Kansas City, Mo., native logs 38 minutes per game and has the ball in his hands a vast percentage of the time. The Spiders are 9-3 overall and 3-1 in the A-10. UR also is coming off a 77-57 road win on Jan. 9 at George Mason University. u VCU starts one freshman — 6-foot point guard Ace Baldwin — and brings in several more from the bench, most notably 6-foot-7 Jamir Watkins. Baldwin, from Baltimore, averages six points and leads the team in steals and assists. Watkins, from Trenton, N.J., chips in 7.3 points and three rebounds per game as part of Coach Mike Rhoades’ “Bench Bunch.” u UR’s “missing person” is senior forward Nick Sherod, who is sitting out the season with a knee injury. The 6-foot-4 former St. Christopher’s AllStater had been a three-year regular with 1,192 career points. Sherod will have another season of eligibility under the new pandemic guidelines should he decide to take it.

Former ODU quarterback Taylor Heinicke finishes the season for Washington

The Washington Football Team opened this season with a first round draft choice at quarterback and finished with an undrafted free agent as quarterback. Despite the head-spinning turn of events, there’s optimism in the Washington Football camp looking ahead with that finishing quarterback, Taylor Heinicke, as perhaps the signal caller of the future. “I’m proud of myself and I’m happy that the coaches believed in me and gave me the opportunity,” Heinicke told the media following Washington’s 31-23 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Saturday in the first round of the NFL

playoffs. the team’s fourth “Hopefully I can signal caller in a seado it again next year. son and featured an I deserve to be in this NFC East divisional league at least a little title and victory over longer.” the previously unIn defeat, Heindefeated Pittsburgh icke, a former Old Steelers. Dominion UniverDwayne Haskins, sity quarterback, Taylor Heinicke the 2019 top draft passed for 306 yards and a pick, began the season at quartouchdown and ran for 46 yards terback but fell into disfavor and another touchdown. and was released. Washington Coach Ron Kyle Allen and Alex Smith Rivera called Heinicke’s perfor- took turns taking the center’s mance “gutsy” but declined to snaps but both were sidelined speculate on 2021. Washington by injury. finished this season 7-10. Desperation set in. Heinicke, signed by WashHeinicke was taking a ington in December as the math class and pursuing an “quarantine quarterback,” was engineering degree at ODU

when he got the call from Coach Rivera. Whatever the future holds, he’ll be remembered for the night he almost upstaged Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback of all time. Looking ahead, the Washington is excited about its strong defense and the upward mobility of a cluster of offensive stars including Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas and J.D. McKissic. How Heinicke fits in remains a question. Washington could draft a college quarterback and/or explore the free agent market. Washington’s divisional title comes at a cost.

Moving on NFL division matchups Saturday, Jan. 16 Los Angeles at Green Bay, 4:35 p.m., Fox Baltimore at Buffalo, 8:15 p.m., NBC Sunday, Jan. 17 Cleveland at Kansas City, 3:05 p.m., CBS Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 6:40 p.m., Fox

Due to the first place finish, Washington’s 2021 schedule will be difficult, including the likes of Seattle, Green Bay, New Orleans and Buffalo. This past season, the Washington played the “last place” schedule after finishing fourth in the NFC East in 2019.

Pressley Harvin III

Harvin wins Ray Guy Award Pressley Harvin III has become the first AfricanAmerican to win the Ray Guy Award, presented to the nation’s most outstanding college football punter. The Georgia Tech standout led the nation in punting this season with a 48-yard average. Nearly half of his kicks resulted in fair catches and 40 percent of his efforts were downed inside the 20-yard line. Harvin earlier was named All-ACC while breaking the conference record for average distance. The Guy Award was first presented in 2000.

After three other schools, J.J. Matthews Jr. picks NSU as his fourth — and hopefully final — stop

J.J. Matthews Jr. might be described as a basketball “globetrotter,” but minus any of the comical theater. Not to be confused with the theatrical Harlem Globetrotters, the much-traveled Matthews is Norfolk State University’s 6-foot-9, 232-pound pillar in the paint. NSU is Matthews’ fourth—and likely final— stop on his nomadic college career that has taken him to schools in four different states. He’s certainly among the largest men with the most worn suitcase on the Spartans’ campus. “I’ve been to different schools, but I wanted to come home as a senior to give my family and friends a chance to see me play,” said the redshirt senior. “Back in Virginia with my old number (jersey No. 15) from high school.” During his first nine games in this pandemicaltered season, the son of Felicia Blackwell and Jermaine Matthews Sr. has averaged 11.1 points and 4.4 rebounds for NSU Coach Robert Jones’ 5-4 squad. Physical around the basket, Matthews has hit 32 of 56 field goals (57 percent) and 36 of 50 at the foul line (72 percent). He hasn’t attempted a single 3-pointer. “I have an outside shot, but I’ve always been about the biggest guy on the team,” he explained. “We have other guys who can” shoot 3-pointers. Matthews’ numbers would shine brighter if he could avoid foul trouble. Whistles have been

J.J. Matthews Jr.

his stiffest opponent. The burly center had a team-high 31 fouls after seven outings, limiting him to 19.7mintues per game. Matthews’ journey began in Richmond, where he attended Lucille Brown Middle School in South Richmond and Brookland Middle School in Henrico County. He played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Hermitage High School in Henrico before transferring to the private Millwood School in Chesterfield County as a junior.

From Millwood, Matthews enrolled at Towson University near Baltimore but had to sit out his true freshman season (2016-17) with a knee injury. Next stop was Moberly Area Community College in Missouri, where he played the 2017-18 campaign on the junior college circuit. His third college landing spot was Arkansas State University, where he competed in 2018-19 and 2019-20. He averaged nine points and five rebounds for the Sunbelt Conference school.

Still not completely satisfied, Matthews visited Norfolk State on his own and liked what he saw. “Seemed like a family atmosphere—everyone on the same page,” he said. “Norfolk’s got a great thing going on and I’m part of that now.” A sociology major, Matthews is listed as a redshirt senior but he still would have another year of eligibility should he elect to use it. The NCAA is allowing an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic. Matthews would seem to have the size and skill level to become a dominant performer in the MEAC. Some are comparing him to Kyle O’Quinn, the Spartans’ 6-foot-10 star of the 2012 NCAA team. It’s good news that Matthews has landed in Norfolk. Even better news might be that he has no plans of leaving anytime soon. u Transfers are becoming more and more common on the college landscape. NSU’s early-season MVP has been Devante Carter, a 6-foot-3 senior guard leading the team in scoring (15.0), rebounds (5.3), minutes played (32.2 per game) and assists (30). The Newport News native played one season each at Odessa College in Texas and Chipola College in Florida before arriving at NSU last season as a junior.


January 14-16, 2021 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Jonathan D. Davis

Spotlight on president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters Now more than ever, Jonathan Dwayne Davis is aware of the impact of his work to encourage and safeguard an equitable voting process for Richmonders. A native of the city, Mr. Davis serves as president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters, helping to protect voting rights at a time when increased voting interest and advocacy also has been met with organizational failures, fear of institutional pushback and mobs storming seats of political power nationwide in an attempt to overturn election results. “I do feel a great weight as president to make sure that (voting rights are) protected and to make sure that we’re involved in ensuring that the people of Richmond and the state of Virginia are treated fairly and that our voting process does not infringe upon them,� Mr. Davis says. He assumed the presidency of the venerable 65-year-old organization just weeks after multiple issues surrounding the November general election have led to calls for the resignation of the city’s voter registrar. Mr. Davis says issues go much deeper than this. “We want to do everything we can to make sure that we reverse that trend,� Mr. Davis says. Founded in 1956, the Crusade for Voters has expanded its mission beyond strengthening the African-American vote in the city. Its mission now includes school equity, housing rights and improving the public’s general welfare. Even as the mission has grown, the organization’s membership has declined. Mr. Davis cites the declining numbers as the reason behind him currently taking a leadership role.

“I desire to do what I can to help RCV grow and have a positive impact on the well-being of our community,� Mr. Davis says. “I have always been a bridgebuilder and a people person, and I believe that I can bridge the gap between the generations.� As president, Mr. Davis’main goal is increasing youth membership and involvement in the Crusade, along with registering more voters ahead of what he expects will be another critical election year. The biggest challenge is proving to be the pandemic. The Crusade, which typically meets at Club 533 in Jackson Ward, is conducting Zoom meetings until further notice. The organization also has been registering voters using social media and other technology. Despite the obstacles, Mr. Davis is undeterred, confident in his commitment to the organization’s foundation and principles and the emergence of “a new generation of activists who are more than willing to carry the mantle of our ancestors.� “We will focus on issues that are relevant to this generation while never losing sight of what the organization’s mission is,� Mr. Davis says. “I desire to build bridges into the Richmond Community that will enable RCV to keep the citizens of this great city informed and engaged as we continue moving forward.� Meet voting rights advocate and this week’s Personality, Jonathan Dwayne Davis: No. 1 volunteer position: President, Richmond Crusade for Voters. Date and place of birth: Feb. 18 in Richmond. Where I live now: I live in what I used to call the best-kept secret

in Richmond, the beautiful Battery Park neighborhood. Occupation: Advertising design instructor at the Yvonne B. Miller High School within the state Department of Juvenile Justice; graphic designer and owner of Sivad Dasigns. Education: Bachelor’s in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. Family: Wife, Carol Davis, who will be serving as secretary of the Crusade this term; daughter, Jordan Davis, who lives in Charlotte, N.C.; our son, Isaiah Davis, who lives in Richmond; and our youngest daughter, Jazmine Davis, a junior at Old Dominion University. Richmond Crusade for Voters founders: The co-founders of the Crusade were Dr. William S. Thornton, Dr. William Ferguson Reid and John M. Brooks. These three men founded the Richmond Crusade for Voters with the goal of increasing effective African-

American participation in Richmond’s political process. Crusade’s mission: To increase the voting strength of the population of the city of Richmond and to improve the moral, social, economic, educational and general welfare of our people. When elected Crusade president: Dec. 15, 2020. Why I accepted position: I desire to do what I can to help RCV grow and have a positive impact on the well-being of our community. I recognized that the Crusade was losing ground in some respects and I felt it my civic duty to get involved. Length of term: Two years. No. 1 goal or project as president: This is going to be another important election year, so we cannot waste time. We must move with a sense of urgency to build coalitions, register new voters and recruit new members. My No. 1 goal this year will be to increase our youth membership and involvement within the Crusade and to register more voters. Strategy for achieving goals: Working with young Crusaders who are part of our leadership team, I will focus on proven strategies and solutions aimed at strengthening youth involvement. We will work with young entrepreneurs such as Navy Hill Co. that designed our website and recruit new members whose civic minds were expanded during the movement of 2020. No. 1 challenge facing Richmond Crusade for Voters: Growing our organization and

increasing the number of registered voters in the midst of a pandemic. How the Crusade is affected by COVID-19: We have had to conduct meetings on Zoom and register voters using social media and other technology. Our usual fundraisers, which always included politicians and citizens engaging one another, have all been canceled until this pandemic passes. So we will be working on other means to raise funds for the organization. Hope for Mayor Levar Stoney’s second term: I hope he will reach out and build working coalitions between citizens, corporations and government as he continues to move Richmond forward in a progressive manner. I hope he will continue to focus on developing our Downtown. I hope he will improve upon city services and ensure departments are functioning, providing and adhering to the needs of citizens in spite of the pandemic. Hope for Richmond City Council members: I hope they will be more progressive while understanding that as Richmond becomes a more diverse city, they need to be aware of and lead with that understanding. I hope they will ensure that affordable housing plans are properly implemented and sustained as thousands of people will transition during the next four years. Hope for Richmond School Board: To work on ensuring that our students have whatever they need to be successful during and after the pandemic. With new members and new leadership, they have a chance to make a real difference in equitable education and upgrading and building new schools.

Hope for President-elect Joe Biden: To restore America’s place in the world as a democracy and to unite our country, and to focus on the needs of the middle-class citizen. Following four years of turmoil that resulted in an attack on our U.S. Capitol, we need Joe Biden to bring a sense of respect, peace and stability back to America. How I start the day: Prayer and a devotional. Three words that best describe me: Ambitious, servant and leader. Best late-night snack: Clementine’s and mixed peanuts. How I unwind: Spending time with family and friends laughing and discussing politics. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love to paint images of AfricanAmerican life. I have a small collection of personal paintings in my home. Whenever I retire, I plan to devote a considerable amount of time to painting. Quote that most inspires me: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.� I live by that and have always believed that with determination and God, there is nothing I cannot achieve. Person who influenced me the most: George Morris, a best friend whose faith, character and determination have always inspired and stretched me to believe I can achieve whatever I desire. Book that influenced me the most: “With Malice Toward None: The Life of Abraham Lincoln� by Stephen B. Oates. What I’m reading now: “Black Suffering: Silent Pain, Hidden Hope� by the Rev. James Henry Harris. Next goal: Complete the renovation of my home.

COMMUNITY LEARNING WEEK

Living the Dream History Community Learning Week Through The Years — A Brief History Notes by Tyler C. Millner and A. Peter Bailey

Richmond, Virginia Community Learning Week Home Richmond, Virginia is one of the pivotal cities in African-American history in this country. The former capital of The Confederacy is the home of WKH QDWLRQÂśV ÂżUVW $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ RZQHG EDQN LWV ÂżUVW IHPDOH EDQN SUHVLGHQW 0DJJLH :DONHU RI DQ\ UDFH LWV ÂżUVW $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQ\ LWV ÂżUVW DQG RQO\ $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ state governor, and one of the oldest AfricanAmerican universities. :LWK WKLV SLRQHHULQJ WUDFN UHFRUG LWÂśV QRW VXUSULVLQJ WKDW 5LFKPRQG DOVR LV WKH KRPH RI WKH 0DUWLQ /XWKHU .LQJ -U &RPPXQLW\ /HDUQLQJ :HHN &/: WKH ROGHVW DQG ODUJHVW HYHQW WKDW FHOHEUDWHV 'U .LQJÂśV ELUWKGD\ RXWVLGH RI $WODQWD ,Q IDFW &RPPXQLW\ /HDUQLQJ :HHN SUHGDWHV WKH QDWLRQDO KROLGD\ KRQRULQJ 'U .LQJ E\ VHYHQ \HDUV Organized 1978 by Grace M. Pleasants and Tyler C. Millner 7KH FHOHEUDWLRQ KDG DQ LQDXVSLFLRXV EHJLQQLQJ ,Q 'U *UDFH 3OHDVDQWV WKHQ GLUHFWRU of Student Development at Virginia Union 8QLYHUVLW\ 988 KDG VHYHUDO PHHWLQJV ZLWK WKH 5HYHUHQG 7\OHU & 0LOOQHU ZKR ZDV WKHQ WKH XUEDQ DIIDLUV UHSUHVHQWDWLYH IRU 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU QRZ 9LUJLQLD 3RZHU DQG SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 5LFKPRQG &RPPLWWHH RI %ODFN &OHUJ\ IRUPHUO\ 5LFKPRQG &RPPLWWHH RI %ODFN &KXUFKPHQ 7KH ODWWHU VSRQVRUHG DQ DQQXDO ZRUVKLS VHUYLFH FHOHEUDWLQJ 'U .LQJÂśV ELUWKGD\ 7KH\ KDG UHDFKHG WKH SRLQW ZKHUH WKH\ ZDQWHG WR GR PRUH :KLOH LQ %RVWRQ 'U 3OHDVDQWV KDG EHHQ YHU\ LPSUHVVHG ZLWK D FRPPXQLW\ OHDUQLQJ ZHHN SURJUDP VSRQVRUHG E\ WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 0DVVDFKXVHWWV $OZD\V FRQFHUQHG

ZLWK H[SDQGLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU OHDUQLQJ VKH EHOLHYHG WKDW 988 VKRXOG VSRQVRU D VLPLODU SURJUDP Âł:H PHUJHG RXU WZR FRQFHSWV ´ VD\V 5HY 0LOOQHU ÂłUHVXOWLQJ LQ WKH FUHDWLRQ RI 0DUWLQ /XWKHU .LQJ -U &RPPXQLW\ /HDUQLQJ :HHN ´ 'U 3OHDVDQWV ZDV SURJUDP FRRUGLQDWRU 5HY 0LOOQHU project consultant. First Community Learning Week 1979 %RWK ZHUH SOHDVHG ZLWK WKH DELOLW\ WR LPSUHVV RWKHUV ZLWK WKHLU HQWKXVLDVP DQG GHWHUPLQDWLRQ ZLWK WKH KHOS RI WHQ FKDUWHU VSRQVRUV 9LUJLQLD 8QLRQ 8QLYHUVLW\ 988 9LUJLQLD 3RZHU WKH %DSWLVW 0LQLVWHUV &RQIHUHQFH RI 5LFKPRQG DQG 9LFLQLW\ WKH 0HWURSROLWDQ %XVLQHVV /HDJXH WKH 5LFKPRQG &RPPLWWHH RI %ODFN &OHUJ\ WKH 5LFKPRQG 8UEDQ /HDJXH 5LFKPRQG 3XEOLF Schools, Richmond Crusade for Voters and the 9LUJLQLD 6WDWH &RQIHUHQFH RI 1$$&3 WKH ÂżUVW 0DUWLQ /XWKHU .LQJ -U &RPPXQLW\ /HDUQLQJ :HHN ZDV KHOG -DQXDU\ 6LQFH WKHQ LW KDV JURZQ HQRUPRXVO\ ZLWK RYHU VSRQVRUV IURP WKH HGXFDWLRQ SROLWLFDO EXVLQHVV FRPPXQLW\ service, civic, youth and religious arenas. &RPPXQLW\ /HDUQLQJ :HHN LV DPRQJ RWKHU WKLQJV WKH RQO\ ZHHN ORQJ HYHQW RI LWV NLQG LQ WKH QDWLRQ DQG WKH RQO\ VXFK HYHQW DQFKRUHG E\ D WUDGLWLRQDOO\ $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ XQLYHUVLW\ 'XULQJ WKH ZHHN important topics such as economic development, education, family life, youth, self-help, interfaith UHODWLRQV LQWHUUDFLDO FHOHEUDWLRQV DQG FULPH preventing are discussed and analyzed for the purpose of developing solutions. ,W DFWLYLWLHV LQFOXGHV ZRUNVKRSV VHPLQDUV forums, symposia, cultural events, interfaith and LQWHUUDFLDO UHOLJLRXV VHUYLFHV DQG H[KLELWLRQV DOO GHVLJQHG WR KHOS PDNH 5LFKPRQG LQWR ÂłWKH EHORYHG FRPPXQLW\´ WKDW 'U .LQJ VR FRQVLVWHQWO\ DQG SHUVLVWHQWO\ DGYRFDWHG Âł:H VWXG\ WKH ZRUGV RI 'U .LQJ´ VWDWHV 5HY 0LOOQHU “and then develop programs that adhere to and Ă€HVK RXW ZKDW KH DGYRFDWHG DQG VWURYH IRU ´ Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm Keynotes First Community Learning Week Mass Meeting 1982 $ FODVVLF H[DPSOH RI WKLV LV &RPPXQLW\ /HDUQLQJ :HHNÂśV 0DVV 0HHWLQJ ZKLFK ZDV ODXQFKHG LQ ZLWK 6KLUOH\ &KLVKROP DV NH\QRWH VSHDNHU 'U .LQJ QRWHG KLV Âł)UHHGRP´ PDVV PHHWLQJV KHOG GXULQJ WKH 0RQWJRPHU\ ER\FRWW ÂłDFFRPSOLVKHG RQ 0RQGD\ DQG 7KXUVGD\ QLJKWV ZKDW WKH &KULVWLDQ FKXUFK KDG IDLOHG WR accomplish on Sunday mornings. The mass meeting cut across class lines. The vast majority SUHVHQW ZHUH ZRUNLQJ SHRSOH \HW WKHUH ZDV DOZD\V DQ DSSUHFLDEOH QXPEHU RI SURIHVVLRQDOV LQ WKH DXGLHQFH WKH 3K'V DQG WKH QR Âł'V´ ZHUH

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Richmond Free Press

B2 January 14-16, 2021

Happenings Virtual events to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., L. McQuinn, Policy and Social Justice; the nation’s “drum major for justice,” will Sisters Network Central Virginia, Health be celebrated during the annual national Equity; Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ, Faith holiday on Monday, Jan. 18, in a very and Education; Virginia Poverty Law different way in the Metro Center, Economic Justice; Richmond area this year. and Children’s Hospital of Because of the coronavithe King’s Daughters, Health rus pandemic, most events Equity. will be held virtually and Details: www.vuu.edu broadcast on television, or Deborah Alston, VUU’s social media or Zoom. senior director of alumni The City of Richmond relations and advancement Department of Parks, Recservices, (804) 342-3936. reation and Community • The Henrico Ministers’ Facilities and Mayor Levar Conference is holding M. Stoney are hosting its 35th Annual MLK “MLK Day: A Day On, Countywide Worship Not a Day Off,” a virtual Service, which will be Dr. King commemoration ceremony streamed live 9:30 a.m. Jan. 9 a.m. Jan. 18 in conjunction with the 18, on the Henrico Ministers’ Conference Black History Museum and Cultural Center YouTube page: www.youtube.com/channel/ of Virginia. UCBRSFKL2pTSERUU39ZMp0CA. Dr. Monroe Harris, board chair of Dr. Theodore T. Brown, pastor of Quiocthe museum, will talk about the impact casin Baptist Church, will give the sermon, of Dr. King during a stroll through the with music and remarks by several others, museum. including soloist Dr. Wanda H. Wherry The event will be streamed on the City of Mayfield Missionary Baptist Church of Richmond’s Facebook page at www. in Charlotte, N.C., the Virginia Union facebook.com/rvaparksandrec/. University Concert Choir and St. Peter’s Additionally, people can sign up for in- Baptist Church Sunbeam Choir. person, limited-capacity volunteer projects Details: Rev. Zynora D. Manson, around the city at www.surveymonkey. president of the minister’s conference, at com/r/P777TV2. zdmansonfulltone9@gmail.com or (804) Following is a list of events commemo- 350-7337. rating Dr. King’s life and legacy: • The Henrico County Dr. Martin Lu• Virginia Union University will host ther King Jr. Commemoration Association the 43rd Annual Community Leaders will hold its 35th MLK Commemorative Celebration to honor Dr. King Jr. Celebration at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18 via the The event will be broadcast 9 a.m. association’s Facebook page and YouTube Jan. 18 on WTVR-CBS6 in Richmond, channel. Go to either social media site and on WTKR-CBS3 in Hampton Roads and search Henrico County Dr. Martin Luther on VUU’s Facebook page and YouTube King Jr. Commemoration Association. channel @VUUTV. Fourth District Congressman A. Donald Several leaders and organizations in McEachin of Richmond will be the guest Richmond and in Hampton Roads will speaker. be recognized for their efforts that demThe annual Lights of Hope, “Keepers of onstrate Dr. King’s spirit of selflessness The Dream” scholarship and distinguished and commitment to the empowerment of community service award recipients will be the “beloved community.” recognized. Additionally, June graduates’ This year’s award winners are former scholarships will be announced. Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, Martin Luther Details: Chris Archer, (804) 218-0549. King Jr. Legacy Award; Delegate Delores • Virginia State University and Ches-

terfield County will hold a virtual panel discussion at noon Jan. 18 to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. The theme: “Fly, Run, Walk, Crawl: Moving Forward Toward Social Justice.” The event will be livestreamed via VSU. edu, VSU Facebook Live and WVST-FM radio. Joining moderator Mike Street, program director and radio host on WBTJ 106.5 The Beat, will be Dr. Wesley Bellamy, chair of the VSU political science department; Dr. Cheryl Mano of the VSU history department; Dr. Andrew White, former pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg and Union Branch Baptist Church in Prince George County; Philomena Wankenge, a VSU alumnae and board member of Freedom Fighters D.C.; and Chesterfield County Administrator Joseph P. Casey. Two nationally broadcast events also are being held to commemorate Dr. King: • The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington is holding a free, online program at 4 p.m. Jan. 18 honoring Dr. King featuring jazz and poetry. The 45-minute program will feature Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer and educator Christian McBride in a performance inspired by his social justice-focused album “Movement Revisited: A Musical Portrait of Four Icons” and award-winning poet Evie Shockley. Details and registration: https://nmaahc. si.edu/ and look for “The People’s Holiday.” • WNYC and the Apollo Theater are hosting “MLK and the Fierce Urgency of Now,” a special radio presentation 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 18, that will be simulcast on WNYC 93.9 and Apollo Theater Facebook Live. Special guests include Nikole HannahJones, creator of The New York Times’ 1619 Project; Rev. William Barber II, co-chair of The Poor People’s Campaign; Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr., co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina; and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Detroit post office named in honor of ‘Queen of Soul’ Free Press wire report

DETROIT The “Queen of Soul” will forever be remembered at a Detroit post office. A bill sponsored by Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence of Michigan and signed into law Jan. 5 by the president names a post office for Aretha Franklin, who died Aug. 16, 2018. “No matter where life took her, Aretha never forgot about her hometown of Detroit,” Rep.

Lawrence, a Detroitarea Democrat, said last week. “Renaming this facility after her is a small gesture of gratitude for her countless contributions to Detroit and the United States.” The post office, known as Fox Creek Aretha Station, is about 5 miles east of downtown Detroit on East Jefferson Avenue. It now will be called the Aretha

Franklin Post Office Building. It’s not far from a concert amphitheater on the Detroit River that’s also named for Ms. Franklin. “I hope that we can continue to honor Aretha’s legacy and Franklin strive to live by the passion, heart and soul that filled her life every single day,” Rep. Lawrence continued. “Today, her message rings truer

Dr. Dre hospitalized with brain aneurysm Free Press wire report

LOS ANGELES Dr. Dre says he will be “back home soon” after the music mogul received medical treatment at a Los Angeles hospital for a reported brain aneurysm. The rapper and producer stated in a social media post Jan. 5 that he’s thankful for the “well wishes.” TMZ reported that he suffered a brain aneurysm Jan. 4 and was recovering at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. “I’m doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team,” Dr. Dre said in the post. “I will be out of the hospital and back home soon. Shout out to all the great medical professionals at Cedars. One Love!!” His representative has not immediately responded to an email. Several music artists and athletes paid tribute to Dr. Dre on social media. Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and LeBron James offered prayers toward his recovery. Dr. Dre, whose real name is Andre Young, has produced hits for Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and many more. He

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has won six Grammy Awards. Born in the Southern California city of Compton, he broke out on the music scene as a cofounding member of N.W.A., producing Dr. the group’s groundbreaking 1988 debut album, “Straight Outta Compton.” Dr. Dre produced his own hits and multiplatinum albums, along with crafting music for others including Kendrick La-

mar, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Nas, Busta Rhymes, the Game and Anderson .Paak. He also found success outside of the rap genre, producing pop hits for Gwen Stefani and Mary J. Blige. Dre He founded Beats Electronics in 2008 with Jimmy Iovine and six years later they launched a streaming subscription service, Beats Music. Apple acquired both in a $3 billion deal in 2014.

SEASON FOR SHARING FEATURING THE 10TH ANNUAL

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HELP SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES OF MEGA MENTORS BY PARTICIPATING IN OUR STUNNING ART SALE AND EXPANSIVE AUCTION TODAY!

than ever: ‘All I’m askin’ is for a little respect.’ ” The GrammyAward-winning Ms. Franklin, who was 76 and living in Detroit at the time of her death, was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. She sang the swearing in of President Barack Obama in 2009, at the inaugural kickoff of President Bill Clinton in 1993 and at President Jimmy Carter’s pre-inaugural celebration at the Kennedy Center in 1977. She also was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 by President George W. Bush. Many supporters hope the U.S. Postal Service will issue a stamp to honor Ms. Franklin.

The February issue of Vogue magazine’s cover will show Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in a casual look, right, instead of the cover on the left that the Harris team approved.

Harris team blindsided by Vogue cover Free Press wire report

WILMINGTON, Del. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has landed on the cover of the February issue of Vogue magazine, but her team says there’s a problem: The photo of the country’s soon-to-be No. 2 leader isn’t what both sides agreed upon, her team says. Instead of the powder blue power suit Vice President-elect Harris wore for her cover shoot, the first African-American woman elected vice president is seen in more casual attire and wearing Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, which she sometimes wore on the campaign trail. The Harris team was unaware that the cover photo had been switched until images leaked late last Saturday, according to a person involved in the negotiations over how the vice presidentelect would be featured on the cover. Her office declined comment and the person spoke Sunday on the condition of anonymity. Representatives for Vogue did not respond Sunday to emailed requests for comment. Vice President-elect Harris, a former U.S. senator from California who is of Jamaican and Indian descent, posed in the light blue suit in front of a gold backdrop for the magazine’s cover. She also posed, more casually dressed in slacks, a blazer and sneakers in front of a pink and green background, for photos that were planned for inside the magazine, the person said. Pink and green are the colors of Vice President-elect Harris’ sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Vogue has released both images online, but the photo of a sneaker-clad Vice President-elect Harris is the one that will grace the cover of the fashion bible’s print edition. The person with knowledge of the negotiations said the vice president-elect’s team has expressed to Vogue its disappointment over the magazine’s decision. The cover also generated outrage on social media as posters expressed disappointment in how the magazine decided to present the nation’s first female vice president on its cover. Vice President-elect Harris is set to be sworn in as vice president on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Nonprofit mentoring group hosts virtual art sale, auction MEGA Mentors, a nonprofit organization that helps students from underrepresented groups in Chesterfield County Public Schools, is hosting a virtual art sale, silent auction and raffle to benefit the group’s work. The work of internationally renowned artists Terry and Jerry “Twin” Lynn, Charley Palmer and Alfred Addo are available. Participants can view and bid on the artwork and a variety of items, including vacation getaways, electronics, jewelry, movie and golf packages, through Friday, Jan. 15, on the organization’s website, megamentors.org. The live portion of the fundraiser will be held virtually 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-fine-artbenefit-sale-tickets-134579158887.

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Richmond Free Press

January 14-16, 2021 B3

Venture Richmond

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125

%

NEW BICYCLE PARKING SPACES throughout downtown, thanks to 10 high-capacity bike racks installed by Venture Richmond

22,700

hours of cleaning sidewalks and beautification of 263 planters and hanging baskets, 83 blocks, and 10 medians

increase in Canal Walk visits, and a 45% INCREASE in usage of the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge to and from Brown’s Island

101,400

gallons of litter, trash, and debris removed from the Canal Walk, along with adding 1,200 NEW PLANTS, while also maintaining 20 ACRES along the Riverfront

$250,000

in rebuilding grants from WE CARE RVA awarded to 55 BUSINESSES (half in the City) in a partnership with Metropolitan Business League, Venture Richmond, Chamber RVA and LISC Virginia. The community-led initiative supported SMALL, WOMEN AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES as they managed coronavirus impacts and engaged in community rebuilding.

#MEETMEDOWNTOWN VENTURERICHMOND.COM FACEBOOK.COM/VENTURERICHMOND TWITTER.COM/VENTURERVA INSTAGRAM.COM/VENTURERICHMOND

Venture Richmond, Inc., is a non-profit organization formed to engage business and community leaders in partnering with the City to enhance the vitality of the community, particularly Downtown, through economic development, marketing, promotion, advocacy and events. Venture Richmond provides enhanced property management services for both the Downtown and Riverfront including; the Clean & Safe program, beautification and landscaping projects and management and maintenance of Brown's Island, the Canal Walk and Belle Isle parking lot. Venture Richmond Events, LLC, produces Friday Cheers, the 2nd Street Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, and partners with Sports Backers to produce Dominion Energy Riverrock. Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, operates historically narrated boat tours and private charters of the James River and Kanawha Canal. Both Venture Richmond Events, LLC, and Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, are subsidiaries of Venture Richmond, Inc. For more information visit www.venturerichmond.com.


Richmond Free Press

B4 January 14-16, 2021

Obituaries

Best-selling novelist Eric Jerome Dickey dies at 59 Free Press wire report

NEW YORK Eric Jerome Dickey, the best-selling novelist who blended crime, romance and eroticism in “Sister, Sister,� “Waking With Enemies� and dozens of other stories about contemporary Black life, has died at age 59. Emily Canders, Mr. Dickey’s publicist at Penguin Random House, said he died of cancer Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Los Angeles. She did not provide other details beyond listing four daughters among his survivors. Mr. Dickey was an aspiring actor and stand-up comic who began writing fiction in his mid-30s and shaped a witty, conversational and sometimes graphic prose style. It brought him a wide readership through such novels as “Milk in my coffee� and “Naughty or Nice� and through his “Gideon� crime fiction series,

Mr. Dickey

which included “Sleeping With Strangers� and “Resurrecting Midnight.� He also worked on the screenplay for the 1998 movie “Cappuccino,� wrote a comic book miniseries for Marvel and contributed to such anthologies as “Mothers and Sons� and “Black Silk:

A Collection of African American Erotica.� “In comedy you learn to write with flow — segue, setup, and punchline — but in a way that people won’t see or notice. And in theater you learn about character,� he told BookPage in 2000. “You’ve got to bring something to it. And what you bring is the understanding of the character you get from doing your homework, from understanding the little stuff like speech patterns and the way the character walks, and from understanding the big stuff — your character’s motivation.� Mr. Dickey wrote 29 novels in all, according to his publisher, and has more than 7 million copies in print worldwide. His final book, “The Son of Mr. Suleman,� will be released in April. “I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of Eric Jerome Dickey,� author Roxane Gay tweeted last week. “His were some of the first novels I ever read about black people that

weren’t about slavery or civil rights. He was a great storyteller.� Mr. Dickey was a native of Memphis, Tenn., and a computer technology major at the University of Memphis. He moved to Los Angeles after college and eventually set much of his work there. He worked as a software engineer in the aerospace industry, but found himself becoming more interested in the arts. He developed his narrative skills through creative writing classes at UCLA and through reading. His favorite authors included Judy Blume. “I’m always trying to write a good story,� Mr. Dickey told NPR in 2007. “When I’m writing, I’m always trying to write these twists and turns that, as you’re reading the book, you get to – it’s called these ‘Oh-no-he-didn’t’ or ‘No-she-didn’t’ or ‘No-that-didn’t-happen’ moment where, you know, you want to call your friend and say, ‘Are you on page 40? Get to page 40.’ �

Tuskegee Airman Theodore Lumpkin Jr. dies in L.A. Free Press wire report

LOS ANGELES One of the famed Tuskegee Airmen — the first Black pilots in the segregated U.S. military and among the most respected fighter pilots of World War II — has died from complications of the coronavirus, it was announced last Friday. Theodore Lumpkin Jr. was just days short of his 101st birthday. Mr. Lumpkin, a Los Angeles native, died Dec. 26, 2020, according to a statement from Los Angeles City College, which he attended from 1938 to 1940. Mr. Lumpkin was drafted in 1942 and assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron in Tuskegee, Ala. The Tuskegee Airmen escorted bombers in Europe. Mr. Lumpkin wasn’t a pilot because his poor eyesight, but he served as an intelligence officer who briefed pilots on missions,

Barky’s

according to the Los Angeles Times, which confirmed his death through his son, Theodore Lumpkin III. Mr. Lumpkin’s widow, Georgia, told the Times that he didn’t talk much about his experiences with the airmen. “We were married for a number of years until I heard about them,� she said. “When Mr. Lumpkin I realized who these guys were and what they’d done, I was just overcome at how much they persevered. They did not bow down. They achieved things that detractors said they couldn’t, weren’t capable of doing.�

Usher Badges • Clergy Shirts • Collars • Communion Supplies • Much More!

Good Shepherd Baptist Church Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You�

Baptist Church

Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus All regular activities have been suspended until further notice. Visit https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us! Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary. Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

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g 151 years of Christian Se ratin r

St. Peter Baptist Church Worship Opportunities

Tithing Opportunities Download the Tithe.ly giving app for Apple and Android devices. Your gift is safe/secure and goes directly to our church. -OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

(near Byrd Park)

¹4HE 0EOPLE´S #HURCH²

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcofďŹ ce1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com

Follow us on Facebook for “A Word from Moore Street’s Pastor� and weekly Zoom worship info.

Bible Study Opportunities Thursdays: Virtual Bible Study session via Zoom, every Thursday at 7 PM. Email request to spbcoffice@stpeterbaptist.net; A new Meeting ID and password will be emailed weekly.

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e with Reverence elevanc R g in Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor bin â?– om Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic All regular activities have been suspended until further notice. Please join us on

Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays-Bible Study

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NRSV) Please visit our website Ebenezer Baptist Church Richmond, VA for updates http://www.richmondebenezer.com Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Adam L. Bond, Pastor

“Working For You In This Difficult Hour�

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

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

All church ac�vi�es are canceled un�l further no�ce.

Join us for online streaming this Sunday at 10 AM. Visit our WEBSITE, look under “/NLINE 3ERVICES,� and access the “0ASTOR S -ESSAGE.�

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

Ebenezer Baptist Church

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

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

Antioch Baptist Church “Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose�

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

SERVICES

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

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

Drive-thru giving will be available the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. (Bowe Street side) You also may give through Givelify. Be safe. Be blessed.

See you there!

2IVERVIEW

"APTIST #HURCH Sunday School – 9:45 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890#

$R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR

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

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

Moore Street Missionary

1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402

Rev.CDr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH

SUNDAYS Morning Worship 10:00 AM Drive-In Service in our Parking Lot

Honoring God ... and serving people THANKS TO YOU for over 64 years and looking for 64 more years

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

“The Church With A Welcome�

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

18 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 s (804) 643-1987 Hours Mon.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Sunday Closed

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

After the war, Mr. Lumpkin earned an undergraduate sociology degree at the University of Southern California, became a social worker with Los Angeles County and, after retiring, went into a second career in real estate. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. He also was among the surviving airmen invited to attend the inauguration of former President Obama in 2009. Mr. Lumpkin is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, several grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service – 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

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).�

“MAKE IT HAPPEN� Pastor Kevin Cook

Triumphant

Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 “Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.� Join us on Sundays at 12 noon via Conference Call: 1(503)300-6860 Code:273149#


Richmond Free Press

January 14-16, 2021 B5

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-001 To amend City Code § 2629, concerning the City’s tax amnesty program, for the purpose of providing for a 2021 tax amnesty period for admissions, lodging and meals taxes delinquent as of any date on or before April 21, 2021, and for real estate taxes delinquent as of any date on or before January 15, 2021. Ordinance No. 2021-002 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Urban Project Construction Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the design and construction of multimodal improvements along U.S. Route 1 from its intersection with Brinser Street to its intersection with Chesterman Avenue, including access improvements at U.S. Route 1 and its intersection with North Hopkins Road and at U.S. Route 1 and its intersection with Harwood Street. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 12:00 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2021-003 To amend Ord. No. 2020049, adopted May 11, 2020, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by re-appropriating a $500,000.00 portion of the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 fund balance excess, assigned to the Capital Reserve, to the General Fund Cash Transfer for Capital Projects program, and to appropriate these transferred funds to the Capital Improvements Projects for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and to amend the Fiscal Year 20202021 Capital Budget by appropriating such transferred funds in the amount of $500,000.00 to the Department of Public Works’ City Hall project in the City Facility Maintenance & Improvements category for the purpose of constructing improvements to the southwest quadrant of City Hall necessary to house either an employee health clinic or a relocated credit union office, or both. Ordinance No. 2021-004 To direct the sale of the City-owned real estate known as 809 West 44th Street, 811 Rear West 44th Street, and 4306 Rear Reedy Avenue for $8,000.00 to Lelia Pendleton and Stuart Halloran. Ordinance No. 2021-005 To declare a public necessity for the acquisition and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept the dedication as public right-of-way of a portion of the properties known as 1801 Richmond Highway and 1805 Richmond Highway, consisting of 524.89Âą square feet, from TRC Jefferson Davis, LLC; to accept a donation from TRC Jefferson Davis, LLC, of certain services and materials valued at $20,000.00 for the reconstruction, paving, and future maintenance of a certain City-owned alley located between Webber Avenue and Royal Avenue; and to execute a Right-of-Entry Agreement between the City of Richmond and TRC Jefferson Davis, LLC for the purpose of facilitating the development of the property known as 1801 Richmond Highway by TRC Jefferson Davis, LLC, and providing for the expansion of a certain City-owned alley located between Webber Avenue and Royal Avenue.

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Development, Thursday, January 21, 2021, 1:00 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2021-007 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a License Agreement between the City of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University, for the purpose of leasing up to 400 parking spaces within a City-owned parking facility located at 501 North 7th Street. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, January 21, 2021, 1:00 p.m.) This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2020-232, adopted December 14, 2020. 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 January 25, 2021 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 “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions� attached to the January 25, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. 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, January 25, 2021, 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 City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances:

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Neighborhood MixedUse land use for the properties. Areas with this designation are described as existing or new highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses. Ordinance No. 2021-010 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2018-192, adopted Jul. 23, 2018, which authorized the properties then known as 800, 802, and 806 North 32nd Street, and now known as 3112, 3116, 3120, and 3124 N Street, for the purpose of up to four single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions, to modify certain feature requirements. The properties are situated in an R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Neighborhood MixedUse land use for the properties. Areas with this designation are described as existing or new highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses. Residential density is not specified for this designation.

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900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams. The meetings will be streamed live online at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To watch a 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 8, 2021 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 “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions� attached to the February 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Ordinance No. 2021-011 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 501, 509, and 511 Decatur Street for the purpose of a mixeduse building containing up to 118 dwelling units and commercial uses on the ground floor, upon certain terms and conditions. The properties are situated in a B-4 Central Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the property for Destination Mixed-Use land use. Such areas are described as key gateways featuring prominent destinations, such as retail, sports venues, and large employers, as well as housing and open space. No residential density is specified for this designation.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. 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 8, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Ordinance No. 2021-012 To authorize the special use of the property known as 821 Albemarle Street for the purpose of a personal service business, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-7 Single- and Two-Family Urban Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Neighborhood Mixed-Use land use for the properties. Areas with this designation are described as existing or new highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses.

Divorce

Ordinance No. 2021-013 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2206 Joplin Avenue for the purpose of two singlefamily detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-5 Single-Family Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Residential land use for the property, which is described as neighborhoods consisting primarily of single family houses on large or medium sized lots more homogeneous in nature. A residential density of 2 to 10 housing units per acre is specified. The density of the proposed project is approximately 9 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2021-014 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2700 East Cary Street for the purpose of a freestanding sign, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a B-5 Central Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the property for Corridor Mixed-Use land use. Areas with this designation are found along major commercial corridors and envisioned to provide for mediumto medium high-density pedestrian- and transitoriented development.

Ordinance No. 2021-006 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Procurement Services, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute the fourth Contract Modification to Contract No. 16000022041 between the City and Manchester Marketing, Inc. T/A Seibert’s Towing for towing-related services and tow lot operation for the purpose of ratifying all acts of the City and Manchester Marketing, Inc. T/A Seibert’s Towing that were in accordance with the provisions of Procurement Services Contract Modification No. 3 for Contract No. 16000022041 since the adoption of Ord. No. 2019-128, adopted May 28, 2019. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic

Ordinance No. 2021-008 To amend City Code § 30-1220.21, concerning the definition of the term “clinic,â€? to include certain opioid treatment facilities in such definition. Ordinance No. 2021-009 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 81-82-68, adopted May 11, 1981, as previously amended by Ord. No. 87-49-74, adopted Apr. 27, 1987, which authorized the special use of the property known as 307 North Robinson Street for the purpose of a veterinary clinic, to increase the number of employees allowed from three to five persons, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a B-1 Neighborhood Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends

The meetings will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2020-232, adopted December 14, 2020. The meetings 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 Planning Commission members and Richmond City Council will assemble in City Hall, located at

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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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DERECK ROGERS, Plaintiff v. HELENA ROGERS, Defendant. Case No.: CL20005643-00 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 2nd day of March, 2021at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHRISTINE HUFFMAN, Plaintiff v. DEREK HUFFMAN, Defendant. Case No.: CL20005471-00 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 22nd day of February, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

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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 5th day of February, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interest. 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

Coleman (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 2/25/2021, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #3.

The address of the known place of business is: c/o PO Box I45 Sandston VA [23150] Note: I, Kay Edo of the Jungle family under General Law, come forth as executor public and private for ens legis KAY EDO JUNGLE (trademarked and copyrighted), ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, and cannot be used without my written consent (15 U.S. Code § 1114). Infringers will be fined one million united states dollars according to my Fee Schedule on file with the State of Virginia. The original known place is Henrico Doctors, 1602 Skipwith Rd, 23229. The agent for this entity is an Aboriginal American National; autochthonous living flesh and blood natural man protected under the Constitution. All rights and titles have been released to a foreign Trust (26 CFR § 301.7701-7) (26 U.S. Code § 7701) as the new secured party by way of UCC1 Filing #20201214032550 with the Virginia Secretary of State. I, Kay Edo Jungle, is a Yamasee/Yamasih and Cherokee/Sharakhi Aboriginal Native Indian sojourning upon the soil of the land of North America and exempt from levy; all debt is obligated to the United States (18 U.S. Code § 8). I have signed contracts without understanding in the past, but now nunc pro tunc, I have rescinded all signatures (12 CFR § 226.23) and contracts by way of UCC number above. Further, any or all documents tendered to me, lacking bona fide wet ink signatures or dates per title 18 U.S.C.A. § 513514, are counterfeit security instruments causing you to be liable in your corporate and individual capacity by fraudulent conveyance now and forevermore. The free exercise clause of the First Amendment with my Indigenous Native American religious practices is in accordance with The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 and the AMERICAN DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, Articles VIII, IX, XVI, and XVIII; and under the federally enacted RFRA, the laws of the land and natural law. I am protected from government burden and interference from freely exercising my Native religion stated above and in the by-laws of my foreign governing unincorporated religious assemblies (508Š(1) (a) FOB) Trust, “Article VI ÂŽ(s). In accord with the provisions set forth in Title 8 U.S.C.A. § 1481, I am NOT a 14 Amendment Citizen subject to State jurisdiction (28 U.S. Code § 1603-4) or commercial statutes and codes. It is a fact that the only jurisdictions that I recognize, acknowledge, and validate as an American National are tribal and ecclesiastical. See 18 U.S.C. § 1151, Public Law 97-280 (96 Stat.1211) of 1982, 28 U.S.C. § 1738 and 18 U.S.C. § 2265. It is settled law that State courts have no jurisdiction over Indians or Indian affairs. Williams v. Lee, 358 U.S. 217 (1959); Rice v. Olson, 324 U.S. 786 (1945); Worcester v. Georgia, 31 U.S. (6 Pet.) 5151 (1832); ex parte Young, 209 U.S. 128 (1908); Edelman v. Jordan, 415 U.S. 650 (1974). Notice to ALL AGENTS, ACTORS, PUBLIC OFFICERS and OFFICIALS of the United States, should you move against me in defiance of this presentment, there is no immunity from prosecution (18 U.S. Code § 1951). Please be advised ignorance of law is no excuse, you will be invoiced and charged (18 U.S. Code § 3571) according to my Injunction and attached Fee Schedule on file with the State of Virginia and Richmond City Recorders Office. Before the above property can be seized, surrendered, conveyed, disposed of or otherwise removed from debtor ’s possession, secured party must be satisfied in full by way of Security Agreement at $100,000,000,000.00 billion united states dollars. If the dollar bill extinct, all charges will be in lawful money (gold and silver coins) and/or digital currency.

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VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MICHAEL WALKER, Plaintiff v. MELISSA WALKER Defendant. Case No.: CL20005084-00 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 5th day of February, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SEAN CURRY, Plaintiff v. TONYA HASKELL CURRY Defendant. Case No.: CL20005088-00 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 5th day of February, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interest. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 ,

Custody

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re JA-MOD GARDLEY-CEPHAS RDSS v. UNKNOWN FATHER File No. JJ077702 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR�) of the Unknown Father (Father) of Ja-Mod Gardley-Cephas DOB 09/07/2007, child. “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 above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 3/30/2021, at 9:00 AM, Courtroom #2.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER EDWARD GHEE Plaintiff v. ALTINA GHEE, Defendant. Case No.: CL20005255-00 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

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re QUONT’E BULLOCK, JR. RDSS v. QUONTE BULLOCK, SR. PRESHUS COLEMAN File No. J-93791-10-11 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR�) QUONTE BULLOCK, SR. (Father) & Preshus C oleman ( M other ) , of Quont’e Bullock, Jr., child DOB 1/23/2017 “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. It is ORDERED that the defendants Quonte Bullock, Sr. (Father) & Preshus

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VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KEMEKA GRAY RDSS v. UNKNOWN FATHER Case No. JJ095344-13-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR�) of the Unknown Father of Kemeka Gray, DOB 12/02/2017, child. “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 02/08/2021, at 10:20 AM, Courtroom #4.

PROPERTY Notice Judicial Sale of Real Estate Notice is hereby given that at least thirty days from the date of this notice the City of Richmond will commence judicial proceedings under the authority of Virginia Code Section 58.1-3965 et seq. to sell the following real estate for payment of delinquent taxes: 1211 North 20th Street E0000556028 1607 North 23rd Street E0000860004 1708 North 24th Street E0000942015 1709 North 24th Street E0000944005 1718 North 29th Street E0000951022 16 West 33rd Street S0002014001 1007 North 35th Street E0001108004 2707 Barton Avenue N0000705005 5724 Bondsor Lane C0050547010 304 East Brookland Park Boulevard N0000978011 5348 Bryce Lane C0080257040 1322 Columbia Street S0071177015 3117 Dill Avenue N0000997012 810 Edgehill Road N0000691022 1801 Fairfax Avenue S0000456012 2014 Fairmount Avenue E0000614012 2203 Fairmount Avenue E0000558002 3112 Garland Avenue N0001038007 717 Goodwood Road C0050749036 2917 Grayland Avenue W0001279006 1823 Harwood Street S0071082013 510 Holly Spring Avenue S0070913010 1001 1/2 Jefferson Davis Highway S0000550027 1817 West Laburnum Avenue N0001739001 450 East Ladies Mile Road N0001664014 500 East Ladies Mile Road N0001563015 503 East Ladies Mile Road N0001559003 3410 Logandale Avenue S0071062002 3604 Maryland Avenue N0001268006 4118 Mckay Avenue C0090398094 2641 Midlothian Turnpike S0000792028 2643 Midlothian Turnpike S0000792029 1710 Monteiro Street N0000334009 5308 Parker Street E0100139007 623 Pollock Street N0001261011 2204 Redd Street E0000665030 2109 Richmond Street E0000665007 2112 Richmond Street E0000764004 2202 Richmond Street E0000764007 3100 Richmond Henrico Turnpike N0001144001 2002 Ridgemont Road S0071634009 16 Rodman Road C0060518005 4001 Sharon Court S0002921015 4024 Southampton Road C0010426010 1614 Spotsylvania Street E0000764014 1814 Stockton Street S0000237002 3220 Terminal Avenue C0090589018 2300 Venable Street E0000425029 4431 Waldor Drive C0080831002 2105 Whitcomb Street E0001056003 The owners may redeem this real estate before the date of a sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and costs. Gregory A. Lukanuski, Deputy City Attorney Office of the City Attorney for the City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia (804) 646-7949

TRUST

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

ĆŒÄ‚ĹśÄ?Ĺš ĆľĹ?ĹŻÄšĆ?Í• /ĹśÄ?͕͘ Ä‚ ŽŜĆ?ĆšĆŒĆľÄ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ DĂŜĂĹ?ÄžĆŒ (VA Class A 2701007213) Ĺ?Ć? Ä?ĆľĆŒĆŒÄžĹśĆšĹŻÇ‡ Ć?ŽůĹ?Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ć‰Ĺ˝Ć?Ä‚ĹŻĆ? ĨĆŒŽž DĹ?ŜŽĆŒĹ?ƚLJ͕ tŽžÄžĹśÍ• ĂŜĚ Ĺ?Ć?ĂĚǀĂŜƚĂĹ?ĞĚ ĆľĆ?Ĺ?ŜĞĆ?Ć? ĹśĆšÄžĆŒĆ‰ĆŒĹ?Ć?ÄžĆ? ĨŽĆŒ ƚŚĞ George Mason Elementary School Phase II ÄžžŽůĹ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ in Richmond, VA͘ tÄž Ä‚ĆŒÄž ĆŒÄžĆ‹ĆľÄžĆ?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? ƚŽ ĆŒÄžÄ?ÄžĹ?ǀĞ Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ć‰Ĺ˝Ć?Ä‚ĹŻĆ? Ä?LJ ĎŽWD ŽŜ January 27, 2021͘ /Ĩ LJŽƾ ŚĂǀĞ Ć‰ĆŒŽŊÄžÄ?Ćš ƋƾĞĆ?Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ?Í• ƉůĞĂĆ?Äž ĞžĂĹ?ĹŻ :Ä‚Ĺ?žĞ ΛÄ?ĆŒÄ‚ĹśÄ?ĹšÄ?ĆľĹ?ĹŻÄšĆ?͘Ä?ŽžÍ˜ ƋƾĂů KĆ‰Ć‰Ĺ˝ĆŒĆšƾŜĹ?ƚLJ ĹľĆ‰ĹŻĹ˝Ç‡ÄžĆŒ DÍŹ&ÍŹ,ÍŹs Please take notice that the School Board of the City of Richmond will conduct a public hearing during its meeting to receive public comment on the 6XSHULQWHQGHQW¡V SURSRVHG )< EXGJHW DQG WKH ² &,3 EXGJHW RQ 0RQGD\ )HEUXDU\ DW S P 7KH PHHWLQJ ZLOO EH KHOG WKURXJK electronic communication means pursuant to and in FRPSOLDQFH ZLWK 5LFKPRQG &LW\ &RXQFLO¡V 2UGLQDQFH 1R DGRSWHG $SULO DQG H[WHQGHG E\ 2UGLQDQFH 1R DGRSWHG $XJXVW DQG E\ 2UGLQDQFH 1R DGRSWHG 'HFHPEHU DQG WKH 6FKRRO %RDUG RI WKH &LW\ RI 5LFKPRQG¡V 5HVROXWLRQ DSSURYHG $SULO 7KH PHHWLQJ ZLOO EH VWUHDPHG DQG DYDLODEOH IRU YLHZ LQ (QJOLVK YLD WKH 536 )DFHERRN SDJH DW KWWSV ZZZ IDFHERRN FRP 5LFKPRQG3XEOLF6FKRROV 1R LQ person public comment will be provided for during WKH PHHWLQJ KRZHYHU LI DQ\ FLWL]HQ ZLVKHV WR VXEPLW SXEOLF FRPPHQWV IRU WKH %RDUG \RX DUH DVNHG WR submit those comments to the School Board Clerk by S P 0RQGD\ )HEUXDU\ WR VSHDNHUV# UYDVFKRROV QHW $Q\ FRPPHQWV UHFHLYHG ZLOO EH provided to all Board members and included in the PHHWLQJ UHFRUG /LYH 6SDQLVK ODQJXDJH WUDQVODWLRQ RI School Board meeting is available via Zoom webinar LQWHUSUHWDWLRQ DW WKH IROORZLQJ OLQN KWWSV UYDVFKRROV QHW ]RRP XV M "SZG 78W 6P1 HP)T F(KW7PG0F]OY1Q-/47

Public Notice

Hearings will be held at the:

MPO Policy Board Meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. The Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO will host a public hearing on: Adjusting the Transportation Improvement Program to increase the estimated project cost by $5,912,644 for the Route 20 Bridge replacement (Belmont Bridge). These planning documents outline future Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO activities. More information can be found at (http://campo.tjpdc. org). The hearings will be held online and phone, visit http://campo.tjpdc.org for connection instructions. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Comments may also be submitted via telephone, email or letter to the MPO: POB 1505, Charlottesville, VA 22902; phone (434) 979-7310; email: info@tjpdc.org.

CONTACT: Lucinda Shannon 434-979-0654 Ishannon@tjpdc.org

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Richmond Free Press call 644-0496 Follow the Free Press on

Name: Kay Edo Jungle Continued on next column

@FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA


Richmond Free Press

B6 January 14-16, 2021

Sports Plus

Alabama claims college football national crown By Fred Jeter

Chris O’Meara/Associated Press

Alabama wide receiver and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, right, runs past Ohio State University safety Josh Proctor to score a touchdown during the first half of the NCAA College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night in Miami.

The University of Alabama ran the table and never broke stride in doing so. Coach Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide dominated this season from start to finish. Punctuating a 13-0 campaign was Alabama’s 52-24 pasting of Ohio State University in the College Football Playoff National Championship game Monday night in Miami. Alabama is clearly the top team this season and perhaps of all time. “I think this is the best team to ever play,â€? said Alabama quarterback Mac Jones after passing for 464 yards and five touchdowns. Jones called the rout of Ohio State “the icing on the cake.â€? The quarterback’s lead role was shared by wide receiver DeVonta Smith and running back Najee Harris. Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner, made 12 receptions for 215 yards and three touchdowns. Harris ran for 79 yards and two touchdowns and caught passes for another 79 yards and a touchdown. Smith was named Offensive Player of the Game while lineman Christian Barmore earned Defensive Player of the Game accolades. Earlier, Jones received the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s top quarterback while Harris was presented the Doak Walker Award as the premier running back. The 13th win over OSU went much like the previous 12. Alabama compiled 621 yards total offense with 33 first downs against the Buckeyes (7-1) and led by 35-17 at halftime.

On the season, the Tide averaged 49 points and 542 yards offense. Barmore, who had a sack and two other tackles for losses, also believes the Tide is the team for the ages. “We didn’t hear the outside noise,� he said. “We ignored the COVID stuff. We just really grinded it out for this, camp, scrimmage, everything.� The one-sided finale marked the sixth national title for Coach Saban’s program since 2009. Alabama won Bowl Championship Series crowns in 2009, 2011 and 2012 and now the national playoff titles in 2015, 2017 and 2020. Coach Saban’s overall record in Tuscaloosa is 165-23. Despite all the previous success, the 69-yearold Coach Saban suggests the current edition holds a special place in history. “Played 13 games, went undefeated with all the disruption we had this season,� Coach Saban told the media. “I think there’s quite a bit to write about when it comes down to the legacy of this team.�

Roll call

Championship game results since inception of College Football Playoff National Championship 2021 – Alabama 52, Ohio State 24 2020 – Louisiana State 42, Clemson 25 2019 – Clemson 44, Alabama 16 2018 – Alabama 26, Georgia 23 2017 – Clemson 35, Alabama 31 2016 – Alabama 45, Clemson 40 2015 – Ohio State 42, Oregon 20

Nice guy Russell Wilson helps teammate make $100,000 bonus Free Press wire report

The Seattle Seahawks had the lead and the ball with less than 30 seconds left on the clock Sunday, Jan. 3. All they had to do was take a knee to lock up a 26-23 victory against the San Francisco 49ers. But Instead of lining up in victory formation, quarterback Russell Wilson, formerly of Richmond, made a peculiar play call that resulted in a $100,000 bonus for his teammate. With 22 seconds left in the game, Wilson tossed a pass to receiver David Moore, who gained five yards before running out of bounds. On the following play, the Seahawks took a knee, finishing their season with a 26-23 win. After the game, Wilson explained why he made the unusual play call: Moore needed 35 catches in order to receive a $100,000 bonus.Â

“It’s a blessing to be able to help his family and his daughter and all of that stuff,â€? Wilson told reporters. “So we wanted to get him that catch, and we were able to dial that up for him that last play.â€? David Moore Wilson said that he Russell Wilson wanted to help Moore get a catch but throughout the game, the ball kept finding receivers Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. â€œI tried to get one to him earlier but they (Lockett and Metcalf) kinda covered it,â€? Wilson said. “So it was, Ah shoot, OKâ€? And then it was the last drive we got the ball back and we’re in the huddle, and I was like, ‘Hold on, let’s get this call here.’

So we were able to do that.â€? Quarterbacks coach Austin Davis also was a part of the plan to help Moore make his 35th career reception. â€œAustin and I were talking about it on the sidelines as well,â€? Wilson said. “So we were able to get in that last play and he got that catch.â€? Moore’s base salary with the Seahawks is $825,000 this year with a $75,000 signing bonus. The bonus achieved with the help of his teammates will increase Moore’s income by over 12 percent. â€œIt’s pretty cool,â€? Wilson said. “And he’s worked so hard this year so he definitely earned it.â€? Wilson wasn’t the only quarterback to help his receiver hit a bonus on Jan. 3. In the waning seconds of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game against the Atlanta Falcons, Tom Brady dialed up three straight shovel passes to Antonio Brown so he could hit a similar performance bonus for his production.

Employment Opportunities GMP Training Manager

dĂůĞŜƚ Ä?Ć‹ĆľĹ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ DĂŜĂĹ?ÄžĆŒ

Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is seeking a GMP Training Manager to help create highly customized and engaging training deliverables as Ć‰Ä‚ĆŒĆš ŽĨ Ä‚ ĹśÄžÇ Ç Ĺ˝ĆŒĹŻÄšͲÄ?ĹŻÄ‚Ć?Ć? dĂůĞŜƚ ^ŽůƾĆ&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ĺ?Ç€Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜ Ç Ĺ?ƚŚĹ?Ĺś s W͘ KĆ‰ÄžĆŒÄ‚ĆšÄžÄš Ä?LJ ƚŚĞ sĹ?ĆŒĹ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ä‚ Ä?ŽŜŽžĹ?Ä? ĞǀĞůŽƉžĞŜƚ WÄ‚ĆŒĆšĹśÄžĆŒĆ?ĹšĹ?Ɖ Ížs WͿ͕ ƚŚĞ sĹ?ĆŒĹ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ä‚ Talent Accelerator provides fully customized ƚĂůĞŜƚ Ä‚Ä?Ć‹ĆľĹ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ ĂŜĚ ĆšĆŒÄ‚Ĺ?ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ć?ŽůƾĆ&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ä‚Ćš ŜŽ Ä?Ĺ˝Ć?Ćš ƚŽ ƋƾĂůĹ?ĎĞĚ ĹśÄžÇ Ä‚ĹśÄš ĞdžƉĂŜĚĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä?ŽžĆ‰Ä‚ĹśĹ?ÄžĆ? Ä‚Ć? Ä‚Ĺś Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ĞŜĆ&#x;ǀĞ ĨŽĆŒ ĹŠĹ˝Ä? Ä?ĆŒÄžÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ͘ We recently secured a new health science Ĺ?ŜĚƾĆ?ĆšĆŒÇ‡ Ä?ĹŻĹ?ĞŜƚ ĂŜĚ Ć?ĞĞŏ Ä‚ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?ŽŜ ÄžÇ†Ć‰ÄžĆŒĹ?ĞŜÄ?ĞĚ Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ 'DW ĆšĆŒÄ‚Ĺ?ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ĺ?Ĺś Ć‰ĹšÄ‚ĆŒĹľÄ‚Ä?ĞƾĆ&#x;Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä?Ĺ?ŽůŽĹ?Ĺ?Ä? Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝ÄšĆľÄ?Ćš žĂŜƾĨÄ‚Ä?ĆšĆľĆŒĹ?ĹśĹ? ƚŽ ůĞĂĚ ŽƾĆŒ ÄžÄŤĹ˝ĆŒĆšĆ? to support this client and similar companies Ĺ?Ĺś ŽƾĆŒ ƉĹ?ƉĞůĹ?ĹśÄžÍ˜ dŚĞ Ä?Ĺ˝ĆŒÄž ĚĞůĹ?Ç€ÄžĆŒÄ‚Ä?ĹŻÄžĆ? Ç Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Äž new-hire technician training modules that are fully customized to each client company’s unique processes, equipment, procedures and Ć?ĆšÄ‚ĹśÄšÄ‚ĆŒÄšĆ?͘ All candidates must apply through our website ŚƊƉĆ?Í—ÍŹÍŹÇ Ç Ç Í˜Ç€ÄžÄšĆ‰Í˜Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?ÍŹÄ‚Ä?ŽƾĆšͲÇ€ÄžÄšĆ‰Í˜ ƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ ĞĂĚůĹ?ŜĞ͗ KƉĞŜ hĹśĆ&#x;ĹŻ &Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻÄžÄšÍ˜ VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment Ç Ĺ?ƚŚŽƾĆš ĆŒÄžĹ?Ä‚ĆŒÄš ƚŽ ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ğ͕ Ć?Ğdž͕ Ä?ŽůŽĆŒÍ• ŜĂĆ&#x;ŽŜÄ‚ĹŻ Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?Ĺ?Ĺ?Ŝ͕ ĆŒÄžĹŻĹ?Ĺ?Ĺ?ŽŜÍ• Ä‚Ĺ?Ğ͕ Ç€ÄžĆšÄžĆŒÄ‚Ĺś Ć?ƚĂƚƾĆ?Í• ƉŽůĹ?Ć&#x;Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĸůĹ?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜÍ• Ĺ?ĞŜĞĆ&#x;Ä?Ć?Í• Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä‚Ĺ?Ä‚Ĺ?ĹśĆ?Ćš Ĺ˝ĆšĹšÄžĆŒÇ Ĺ?Ć?Äž ƋƾĂůĹ?ĎĞĚ Ĺ?ŜĚĹ?Ç€Ĺ?ĚƾĂůĆ? Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ ÄšĹ?Ć?Ä‚Ä?Ĺ?ĹŻĹ?Ć&#x;ÄžĆ?͘ /Ćš Ĺ?Ć? s WÍ›Ć? intent that its employment and personnel ƉŽůĹ?Ä?Ĺ?ÄžĆ? ĂŜĚ Ć‰ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ć&#x;Ä?ÄžĆ? Ä?ŽŜĨŽĆŒĹľ ƚŽ Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ĂƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ä?ĹŻÄž ĨÄžÄšÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻÍ• Ć?ƚĂƚĞ ĂŜĚ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ ĹŻÄ‚Ç Ć? ĂŜĚ ĆŒÄžĹ?ƾůÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? ĆŒÄžĹ?Ä‚ĆŒÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ŜŽŜͲÄšĹ?Ć?Ä?ĆŒĹ?ĹľĹ?ŜĂĆ&#x;ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ĸĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ǀĞ Ä‚Ä?Ć&#x;ŽŜ͘ ƉƉůĹ?Ä?ĂŜƚĆ? ĆŒÄžĆ‹ĆľĹ?ĆŒĹ?ĹśĹ? žŽĆŒÄž Ĺ?ŜĨŽĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ˝ĆŒ requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp. org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.

Richmond, Virginia

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

Graphic Designer Richmond, VA

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a Graphic Designer to assist Ĺ?Ĺś ĚĂLJͲĆšŽͲĚĂLJ ĚĞĆ?Ĺ?Ĺ?Ĺś Ć‰ĆŒŽŊÄžÄ?ĆšĆ? ĨŽĆŒ ƚŚĞ DÄ‚ĆŒĹŹÄžĆ&#x;ĹśĹ? ĂŜĚ ŽžžƾŜĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ĺ?Ç€Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜ͘ dĹšĹ?Ć? ƉŽĆ?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ç Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Äž ĆŒÄžĆ?ƉŽŜĆ?Ĺ?Ä?ĹŻÄž ĨŽĆŒ Ä‚Ć?Ć?Ĺ?Ć?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? ƚĞĂž žĞžÄ?ÄžĆŒĆ? Ĺ?Ĺś ĚĞĆ?Ĺ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä?ĆŒÄ‚ĹśÄšÄžÄš ĹľÄ‚ĆŒĹŹÄžĆ&#x;ĹśĹ? Ä?ŽžžƾŜĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? for VEDP, including but not limited to industry Ć‰ĆŒĹ?Ŝƚ ƉĹ?ÄžÄ?ÄžĆ?Í• Ć‰ĆŒÄžĆ?ĞŜƚĂĆ&#x;ŽŜ ĆšŽŽůĆ?Í• Ć?Ĺ?Ĺ?ŜĂĹ?Ğ͕ Ä?ĆľĆ?Ĺ?ŜĞĆ?Ć? Ä?Ä‚ĆŒÄšĆ?Í• ĹŻÄžĆŠÄžĆŒĹšÄžÄ‚Äš ĂŜĚ Ć‰ĆŒŽžŽĆ&#x;ŽŜÄ‚ĹŻ ĹľÄ‚ĆšÄžĆŒĹ?Ä‚ĹŻĆ?͘ ĹŻĹŻ Ä?ĂŜĚĹ?ĚĂƚĞĆ? žƾĆ?Ćš ĂƉƉůLJ ĆšĹšĆŒŽƾĹ?Ĺš ŽƾĆŒ Ç ÄžÄ?Ć?Ĺ?ƚĞ ŚƊƉĆ?Í—ÍŹÍŹÇ Ç Ç Í˜Ç€ÄžÄšĆ‰Í˜Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?ÍŹÄ‚Ä?ŽƾĆšͲÇ€ÄžÄšĆ‰Í˜ ƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ ĚĞĂĚůĹ?ŜĞ͗ KƉĞŜ hĹśĆ&#x;ĹŻ &Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻÄžÄšÍ˜ VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment Ç Ĺ?ƚŚŽƾĆš ĆŒÄžĹ?Ä‚ĆŒÄš ƚŽ ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ğ͕ Ć?Ğdž͕ Ä?ŽůŽĆŒÍ• ŜĂĆ&#x;ŽŜÄ‚ĹŻ Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?Ĺ?Ĺ?Ŝ͕ ĆŒÄžĹŻĹ?Ĺ?Ĺ?ŽŜÍ• Ä‚Ĺ?Ğ͕ Ç€ÄžĆšÄžĆŒÄ‚Ĺś Ć?ƚĂƚƾĆ?Í• ƉŽůĹ?Ć&#x;Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĸůĹ?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜÍ• Ĺ?ĞŜĞĆ&#x;Ä?Ć?Í• Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä‚Ĺ?Ä‚Ĺ?ĹśĆ?Ćš Ĺ˝ĆšĹšÄžĆŒÇ Ĺ?Ć?Äž ƋƾĂůĹ?ĎĞĚ Ĺ?ŜĚĹ?Ç€Ĺ?ĚƾĂůĆ? Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ ÄšĹ?Ć?Ä‚Ä?Ĺ?ĹŻĹ?Ć&#x;ÄžĆ?͘ /Ćš Ĺ?Ć? s WÍ›Ć? intent that its employment and personnel ƉŽůĹ?Ä?Ĺ?ÄžĆ? ĂŜĚ Ć‰ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ć&#x;Ä?ÄžĆ? Ä?ŽŜĨŽĆŒĹľ ƚŽ Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ĂƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ä?ĹŻÄž ĨÄžÄšÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻÍ• Ć?ƚĂƚĞ ĂŜĚ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ ĹŻÄ‚Ç Ć? ĂŜĚ ĆŒÄžĹ?ƾůÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? ĆŒÄžĹ?Ä‚ĆŒÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ŜŽŜͲÄšĹ?Ć?Ä?ĆŒĹ?ĹľĹ?ŜĂĆ&#x;ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ĸĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ǀĞ Ä‚Ä?Ć&#x;ŽŜ͘ ƉƉůĹ?Ä?ĂŜƚĆ? ĆŒÄžĆ‹ĆľĹ?ĆŒĹ?ĹśĹ? žŽĆŒÄž Ĺ?ŜĨŽĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ˝ĆŒ requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp. org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is Ć?ĞĞŏĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä‚Ĺś ÄžÇ†Ć‰ÄžĆŒĹ?ĞŜÄ?ĞĚ͕ ÄžĹśÄžĆŒĹ?ÄžĆ&#x;Ä?Í• ĂŜĚ ĆŒÄžĆ?ƾůĆšĆ?Ͳ Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?ĞŜƚĞĚ ĆŒÄžÄ?ĆŒĆľĹ?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? Ć‰ĆŒŽĨÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜÄ‚ĹŻ ƚŽ Ä‚ĆľĹ?žĞŜƚ ŽƾĆŒ ƚĂůĞŜƚ Ä‚Ä?Ć‹ĆľĹ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ć?ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?Äž ŽčÄžĆŒĹ?ĹśĹ?Ć?͘ KĆ‰ÄžĆŒÄ‚ĆšÄžÄš Ä?LJ ƚŚĞ sĹ?ĆŒĹ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ä‚ Ä?ŽŜŽžĹ?Ä? ĞǀĞůŽƉžĞŜƚ WÄ‚ĆŒĆšĹśÄžĆŒĆ?ĹšĹ?Ɖ͕ ƚŚĞ sĹ?ĆŒĹ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ä‚ dĂůĞŜƚ Ä?Ä?ÄžĹŻÄžĆŒÄ‚ĆšĹ˝ĆŒ WĆŒĹ˝Ĺ?ĆŒÄ‚Ĺľ Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Ĺ?ĚĞĆ? ĨƾůůLJ Ä?ĆľĆ?ĆšŽžĹ?njĞĚ ƚĂůĞŜƚ Ä‚Ä?Ć‹ĆľĹ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ ĂŜĚ ĆšĆŒÄ‚Ĺ?ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ć?ŽůƾĆ&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ä‚Ćš ŜŽ Ä?Ĺ˝Ć?Ćš ƚŽ ƋƾĂůĹ?ĎĞĚ ĹśÄžÇ Ä‚ĹśÄš ĞdžƉĂŜĚĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä?ŽžĆ‰Ä‚ĹśĹ?ÄžĆ? Ä‚Ć? Ä‚Ĺś Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ĞŜĆ&#x;ǀĞ ĨŽĆŒ ĹŠĹ˝Ä? Ä?ĆŒÄžÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ͘ KĆľĆŒ ĹśÄžÇ dĂůĞŜƚ Ä?Ć‹ĆľĹ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ DĂŜĂĹ?ÄžĆŒ ƉŽĆ?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ç Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ ĆŒÄžĆ‰Ĺ˝ĆŒĆš ÄšĹ?ĆŒÄžÄ?ƚůLJ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ DĂŜĂĹ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ĺ?ĆŒÄžÄ?ĆšĹ˝ĆŒ ŽĨ dĂůĞŜƚ Ä?Ć‹ĆľĹ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ ^ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?ÄžĆ? ĂŜĚ Ç Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Äž ĆŒÄžĆ‹ĆľĹ?ĆŒÄžÄš ƚŽ Ĺ˝Ä?Ä?Ä‚Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜĂůůLJ ĆšĆŒÄ‚Ç€ÄžĹŻ ƚŽ Ä?ĹŻĹ?ĞŜƚ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ĺ?Ĺś sĹ?ĆŒĹ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ä‚ ĂŜĚ ƉŽĆ?Ć?Ĺ?Ä?ůLJ Ĺ˝ĆšĹšÄžĆŒ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ä‚ĆŒŽƾŜÄš ƚŚĞ h͘^͘ ĹŻĹŻ Ä?ĂŜĚĹ?ĚĂƚĞĆ? žƾĆ?Ćš ĂƉƉůLJ ĆšĹšĆŒŽƾĹ?Ĺš ŽƾĆŒ Ç ÄžÄ?Ć?Ĺ?ƚĞ ŚƊƉĆ?Í—ÍŹÍŹÇ Ç Ç Í˜Ç€ÄžÄšĆ‰Í˜Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?ÍŹÄ‚Ä?ŽƾĆšͲÇ€ÄžÄšĆ‰Í˜ ƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ ĚĞĂĚůĹ?ŜĞ͗ KƉĞŜ hĹśĆ&#x;ĹŻ &Ĺ?ůůĞĚ VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment Ç Ĺ?ƚŚŽƾĆš ĆŒÄžĹ?Ä‚ĆŒÄš ƚŽ ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ğ͕ Ć?Ğdž͕ Ä?ŽůŽĆŒÍ• ŜĂĆ&#x;ŽŜÄ‚ĹŻ Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?Ĺ?Ĺ?Ŝ͕ ĆŒÄžĹŻĹ?Ĺ?Ĺ?ŽŜÍ• Ä‚Ĺ?Ğ͕ Ç€ÄžĆšÄžĆŒÄ‚Ĺś Ć?ƚĂƚƾĆ?Í• ƉŽůĹ?Ć&#x;Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĸůĹ?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜÍ• Ĺ?ĞŜĞĆ&#x;Ä?Ć?Í• Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä‚Ĺ?Ä‚Ĺ?ĹśĆ?Ćš Ĺ˝ĆšĹšÄžĆŒÇ Ĺ?Ć?Äž ƋƾĂůĹ?ĎĞĚ Ĺ?ŜĚĹ?Ç€Ĺ?ĚƾĂůĆ? Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ ÄšĹ?Ć?Ä‚Ä?Ĺ?ĹŻĹ?Ć&#x;ÄžĆ?͘ /Ćš Ĺ?Ć? s WÍ›Ć? intent that its employment and personnel ƉŽůĹ?Ä?Ĺ?ÄžĆ? ĂŜĚ Ć‰ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ć&#x;Ä?ÄžĆ? Ä?ŽŜĨŽĆŒĹľ ƚŽ Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ĂƉƉůĹ?Ä?Ä‚Ä?ĹŻÄž ĨÄžÄšÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻÍ• Ć?ƚĂƚĞ ĂŜĚ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ ĹŻÄ‚Ç Ć? ĂŜĚ ĆŒÄžĹ?ƾůÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? ĆŒÄžĹ?Ä‚ĆŒÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ŜŽŜͲÄšĹ?Ć?Ä?ĆŒĹ?ĹľĹ?ŜĂĆ&#x;ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ĸĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ǀĞ Ä‚Ä?Ć&#x;ŽŜ͘ ƉƉůĹ?Ä?ĂŜƚĆ? ĆŒÄžĆ‹ĆľĹ?ĆŒĹ?ĹśĹ? žŽĆŒÄž Ĺ?ŜĨŽĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ˝ĆŒ requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp. org. TDD 1-800-828-1120 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. No phone calls.

Senior Software Engineer: Position based in Glen Allen, VA. Analyze, design, develop, test and implement Client/Server, Web based applications using Java, J2EE, Servlets, JSP, JavaScript, jQuery, Angular, XML, CSS, HTML, JDBC, EJB Python, Shell Scripting, REST, SOAP, AWS & Rational Clear Case in Windows environment. Design System Architecture including Microservices and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). Involve in AWS migration, requirement gathering and estimations. Engage in JSC UI and CAFÉ UI design and development. Review code and engage in unit test cases. Manage daily code build and engage in smoke testing. Utilize Agile (Scrum) methodologies and ITIL processes to develop and implement applications. Require Bachelor’s Degree or Foreign Equivalent in Computer Science or Computer Engineering ZLWK ¿YH \HDUV RI H[SHULHQFH LQ WKH MRE RIIHUHG RU UHODWHG ¿HOG -RE UHTXLUHV WUDYHO DQG RU UHORFDWLRQ to various unanticipated client sites in the U.S. Mail resume to Global Sumi Technologies Inc., Attn: HR Department, 11549 Nuckols Road, Suite B, Glen Allen, VA - 23059.

AVAILABLE Downtown Richmond first floor office suite 5th and Franklin Streets 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.358.5543 Bedros Bandazian

Associate Broker, Chairman

Raffi Bandazian

Principal Broker, GRI

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