Free press january 18 20, 2018 edition

VSU does it again A10

It’s a rap for her!

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Richmond Free Press © 2018 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 27 NO. 3

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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JANUARY 18-20, 2018

‘Tomorrow can be better’ Gov. Ralph S. Northam is sworn in as Virginia’s 73rd chief executive

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

“Virginians didn’t send us here to be Democrats or Republicans. They sent us here to solve problems.”

So said Ralph Sherer Northam on Saturday after he was sworn in as Virginia’s 73rd governor with his wife, Pam, and children beside him.

Gov. Northam spoke of the need to use goodwill and a common effort “to leave this place better than we found it” at a ceremony that showcased diversity, from African-Americans singing patriotic songs to Native American dancers blessing the Capitol grounds and Muslim Boys and Girls Scouts leading the Pledge of

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Right, Gov. Ralph S. Northam is sworn into office last Saturday by family friend, retired Accomack County Circuit Court Judge Glen A. Tyler, amid the smiles of his wife, Pam, holding the Bible, and their children, Aubrey and Wes. Above, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, enjoy the performers and units in the inaugural parade from the stands with their children, Cameron, left, and Carys.

Photo feature on A4, A5, Inaugural speech on A9

‘This is the moment for real progressive change’

By Brian Palmer

Well before the inaugural ceremonies kicked off last Saturday, former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, a groundbreaking civil rights attorney now retired, was seated in front of the stage with a clear view of the podium on the Capitol steps. It was cold, the sky was white and the temperature was dropping, but the 84-year-old seemed not to notice.

As admirers young and old stopped to greet him, he paused briefly to talk with the Free Press.

“This day is the combination of hard work of a lot of people who believe in treating people fairly,” said Mr. Marsh, a commissioner on the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. “That’s what the Democrats do, and that’s why we’re here.”

Our party, he continued, is a party of “white people, black people, handicapped people, straight people, gay people, Muslims, everybody. The promise of America is that everybody will have a fair chance, if you work for it.”

He expressed optimism about the future of Virginia, now in the hands of the new Democratic administration

of Gov. Ralph S. Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and returning Attorney General Mark R. Herring, despite the current national political environment.

“Virginia is optimistic because we didn’t follow the trend of some states” toward the Republican Party, he said.

Keisha Samuels and her 13-year-old daughter,

Alauna, of Hampton waited in line for hot cider after clearing a security checkpoint in Capitol Square. Ms. Samuels proudly wore her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority jacket over layers of warm clothing.

“I like the upward trajectory of Virginia,” Ms. Please turn to A6

Inaugural prayers mirror new governor’s themes of tolerance, unity

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Rev. Kelvin F. Jones called on new Gov. Ralph S. Northam and his leadership partners to “pursue an aggressive agenda” with a focus on “health care, a fair living wage, a thriving economy and a superb education for all” in his opening prayer at the governor’s inauguration Saturday.

And Rabbi Michael Knopf separately urged Virginia’s Rev. Jones

Rabbi Knopf

Please turn to A6

Former Powhatan High School football star headed to Olympics

By Fred Jeter

The explosive power that made Hakeem Abdul-Saboor a star football running back has earned him a berth on the U.S. Olympic bobsled team.

The Powhatan County native will compete in the two- and four-man bobsled events during next month’s Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.

The bobsled two-man competition will be Feb. 18 and 19 and the four-man competition on Feb. 23 and 24.

Mr. Abdul-Saboor will serve as his team’s “pusher,” meaning he provides the initial, muscular push-off at the top of the slope. Getting a sled moving takes great strength and take-off speed.

A two-man sled weighs a minimum of 860

pounds with crew and equipment; a four-man sled carries a minimum 1,389 pounds.

Mr. Abdul-Saboor, who was in the Powhatan Class of 2005, earned All-State football honors in high school and went on to star at the University of Virginia-Wise before being derailed by injury.

After becoming involved with bobsledding, he made the U.S. National Team in 2015.

There is a history of late-comers to the sport excelling as bobsled pushers, as opposed to pilots guiding the sled.

In 1980, Olympic high-hurdles track champion Willie Davenport earned a spot on the U.S. bobsled team, thus becoming the first African-American to ever compete in the Winter Games.

Football legend Herschel Walker was a pusher for the U.S. two-man team that placed seventh at the 1992 Winter Olympics in France.

Please turn to A6

RRHA takes steps to address heating crisis

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Worried about failing heating systems in public housing, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority CEO T.K. Somanath and his staff began seeking bids to replace aging boilers and pipes.

The only problem: They were seeking bids for work on heating units in the Fairfield Court public housing community, while apparently withholding from the RRHA Board of Commissioners that an emergency situation was developing with some of the heating systems in Creighton Court.

It is not clear when Mr. Somanath told the board’s Property Maintenance Committee that furnaces in 50 apartments in 12 buildings in Creighton Court had to be turned off. who sometimes does not reflect the He has not responded to legacy of my father.” questions from the Free Press.

In Washington, Dr. King’s eldest Nor has Carol Jones-Gilbert, son, Martin Luther King III, criticized RRHA’s chief operating ofPresident Trump on Monday, saying, ficer.

“When a president insists that our nation But in recent statements to needs more citizens from white states others, including Richmond like Norway, I don’t even think we need City Council, Mr. Somanath to spend any time even talking about and his staff said RRHA knew what it says and what it is.” in October, as soon as the He added, “We got to find a way to heat was turned on, that the work on this man’s heart.”

Creighton Court buildings had On Monday, down the street from failing radiator water pipes that President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort threatened to flood the second in Palm Beach, Fla., Haitian protesters floor of buildings and damage and Trump supporters yelled at each ceilings in at least two dozen other from opposing corners. units.

President Trump was staying at the The nine-member RRHA resort for the Dr. Martin Luther King Please turn to A6 Jr. holiday weekend.

Trump ignites MLK Day racial firestorm Free Press wire, staff reports

ATLANTA The first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday of the Trump presidency took place amid a racial firestorm of the president’s own making.

In the same week that he honored Dr. King by making a national park out of the ground where Dr. King was born and preached until his death, President Trump denigrated practically the entire African Diaspora, and left many Americans headed into the civil rights icon’s birthday convinced that the leader of their country is a racist.

He began last week by designating the historic site around Dr. King’s Atlanta birth home as a national park.

By week’s end, he was signing a King

holiday proclamation with the martyred activist’s nephew at his side.

But in between, the president sat in a White House meeting on immigration policy and denigrated Haiti, El Salvador and much of the African Diaspora as “s**thole countries,” while expressing a preference for immigrants from Norway, a majority white nation.

For African-Americans in particular, this latest insult from President Trump felt like whiplash. This is the type of thing that activists, religious leaders and scholars say puts Trump’s presidency in direct conflict with the legacy of Dr. King, who was assassinated April 4, 1968, while trying to make America a more inclusive society.

President Trump has denied using

that language and being racist, labeling himself the “least racist person there is” during his 2016 campaign and after this latest debacle.

In Atlanta, the Rev. Bernice King, the daughter of Dr. King, was the keynote speaker Monday at a commemorative service honoring her father at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. She told hundreds of people who packed the pews that they “cannot allow the nations of the world to embrace the words that come from our president as a reflection of the true spirit of America.”

“We are one people, one nation, one blood, one destiny. … All of civilization and humanity originated from the soils of Africa,” Rev. King said. “Our collective voice in this hour must always be louder than the one

Allegiance.

Optimism and a show of good will radiated at the event that drew about 4,000 people, including 10 former governors, judges, members of Congress and ordinary citizens.

The program also featured Justin E. Fairfax taking the oath of office as the state’s second African-American lieutenant governor and Mark R. Herring being sworn in for his second term as attorney general.

A pediatric neurosurgeon and politician, Gov. Northam, 58, brings unusually varied experience in taking over from his fellow Democrat, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, whose boisterous, enthusiastic and outgoing manner stands in sharp contrast with his successor’s more low key and less flashy style.

Richmond Free Press

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Local News

Expect higher natural gas bills Get ready to pay more to heat your home and cook your food.

The price of natural gas is going up for Richmond customers, effective with the February bills.

The city Department of Public Utilities now is paying more to buy the fuel and is planning to pass on the higher cost to customers.

The increase will boost a billing item called purchased natural gas — the actual cost of the fuel — from 45 cents per 100 cubic feet (CCF) to 52.5 cents per 100 cubic feet. DPU estimates the average residential customer uses 70 CCF per month.

The price hike will add about $5.25 to the monthly bill of the average customer. Other portions of the bill, including the DPU charges for distribution and service will remain unchanged.

The hike is the first since September 2016.

Blame the bitter cold, according to DPU. People are using more gas to keep their homes warm. Power companies that have switched from coal to natural gas also are using more gas to meet customer demand for heat and electricity.

At the same time, the cold has made it harder for companies to generate the product. In the Northern United States and Canada, companies have faced frozen pipes at production sites.

The good news is the price hike could be temporary and could ease after warm weather arrives. Government figures indicate natural gas remains plentiful, with exploration promising additional supplies in the future.

Still, it is not clear if or when the cost of gas could return to 2015 levels, when DPU was able to charge around 32 cents per 100 cubic feet.

Customers also could find their electric bills affected down the road. Dominion Energy and other power firms also are paying more for natural gas and might need to pass on cost increases for the fuel to their customers.

DPU is encouraging customers to consider equal monthly payments to ease the burden of paying their bills.

For more information on department plans to aid customers: (804) 646-4646 or www.RichmondGasWorks.com. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Hunt wins re-election as union president Thelma J. Hunt remains president of the Old Dominion Branch, Local 496, of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Ms. Hunt was re-elected Dec. 28 to a second term as the leader of the Richmond-based local union, easily winning a rematch against Michael Milner, a retired shop steward.

Ms. Hunt is the first woman to head the local since was founding in 1894. She was Ms. Hunt first elected in 2016.

The local represents 709 active and retired letter carriers.

Stamp prices going up Sunday Beginning Sunday, Jan. 21, the price of postage is going up.

The U.S. Postal Service announced its 2018 increases last fall, which were approved in November by the Postal Regulatory Commission.

First-class letters now will cost 50 cents, a penny increase from the current 49 cent rate for a 1 oz. letter. Additional ounces for first class letters will remain the same, 21 cents.

Metered letters and domestic postcards also will rise a penny to 47 centers and 35 cents, respectively.

The cost of 1oz. international letters will remain at $1.15.

Priority mail flat rate retail prices also are increasing by about 5 cents each.

Details: www.usps.gov.

Correction William Jerome “Dill” Dillon, 59, a football standout who helped usher Virginia Union University into the national football spotlight when he played for the Panthers from 1979 to 1982, died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, according to his widow, Stephanie Dillon.

A sports obituary published in the Dec. 21-23 edition of the Free Press contained the incorrect date of his death and where he died.

The Free Press regrets the error.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

6 Virginia tribes set for federal recognition Free Press staff, wire reports

path for other Virginia tribes.

WASHINGTON The Racial Integrity Act of 1924, required that births in the Six Virginia Indian tribes have secured congressional recogni- state be registered as either “white” or “colored,” with no option tion, ending a nearly two-decade fight for official acknowledg- available for Native Americans. The result is what historians ment of their place in U.S. history. have described as a “paper genocide” of Indian tribes.

The U.S. Senate passed a bill recognizing the tribes that was Other key documents were lost in Civil War-era fires. spearheaded by Virginia’s two senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Delays also resulted from the tribes’ unique place in history: R. Warner, on a surprise vote last Thursday.

They made peace with England before the country was established The measure, which already had passed the House, now and never signed formal treaties with the U.S. government. goes to President Trump for his signature. He has not publicly The Mattaponi Indians, the other Virginia tribe with a reserindicated his position on the legislation, which received bipar- vation dating back to the colonial era, are pursuing recognition tisan support. through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, having long ago If the president signs the measure, the tribes’ new given up on getting recognition from Congress. status would make federal funds available for housing, The remaining three tribes secured state recognition education and medical care for about 4,400 members in 2010, but have yet to meet federal criteria due to of the Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the the high hurdles they face to prove lineage.

Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan Getting the legislation passed was no easy task. and the Nansemond tribes.

Sen. Kaine said the bill passed on a motion for More importantly, sponsors said, the bill would unanimous consent after years of trying to get it correct a long-standing injustice for tribes that were through committee. among the first to greet English settlers in 1607.

“We had 75 votes, but that was not enough,’ he The six tribes covered by the bill were part of the said.

“We needed all 100.”

Chief Adkins Powhatan Nation, a confederation of Eastern Virginia Some opponents rejected the notion that Congress tribes known for Pocahontas who, according to legend, saved should recognize the Virginia tribes when the U.S. Bureau of the life of Capt. John Smith and later married the first English Indian Affairs set up an administrative procedure to do so. tobacco planter, John Rolfe.

However, the chiefs said the expensive and time-consuming The recognition also would allow the tribes to repatriate process effectively precluded most Virginia tribes because gaps remains of their ancestors stored at the Smithsonian. in their records made it impossible for them to provide complete However, they would be barred from operating casinos. genealogies.

There are currently 11 state-recognized tribes in Virginia and Some senators with tribes in their home states wanted Conmore than 500 federally recognized Indian tribes, many of whom gress to recognize all the tribes together instead of singling out navigated the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs process.

Virginia.

Only one other tribe in Virginia has been federally recogStill others worried federal recognition would open the door nized — the Pamunkey in 2016, one of two tribes with land on to casinos, despite language in the bill stating gaming was a reservation in King William County. prohibited.

A discriminatory state law and quirks of history blocked that The path became a bit easier this year with the retirement of U.S. Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada. The former Democratic leader had kept the bill bottled up out of concern that Virginia Indians could be freed to build casinos to compete with Las Vegas.

To earn unanimous consent, Sen. Kaine said he had to persuade five Republicans to consent to the bill, acknowledging that some agreements were made to get it done.

Chickahominy Indian Chief Stephen Adkins, who watched the vote from the Senate gallery, said that because of administrative roadblocks, the chiefs were once told they wouldn’t live to see the day they were federally recognized.

“We can hold our heads high as acknowledged sovereign nations within the United States of America,” he told The Washington Post by phone after the vote.

He had lobbied every session of Congress since 1999 in hopes of achieving a status that would bring both dignity and real prospects for an improved quality of life to tribal members.

The bill that passed the Senate was introduced in the House by Virginia’s 1st District Congressman Rob Wittman, a Republican, with 3rd District Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, a Democrat, among the co-sponsors.

“While I always knew in my heart of hearts Congress would do the right thing,” Rep. Wittman stated in a release, “this moment renews my faith” in the nation.

Christopher Smith Sens. Warner and Kaine renewed the push for passage late last year and received word last Thursday morning that two of for such laws despite the fact the three remaining holds had relented. that measure and 19 other gun “Boy, oh, boy — this is the day we get things right on a control proposals were killed civil rights basis, on a moral basis and on a fairness basis,” Sen. just hours earlier by a Senate committee.

Warner said on the floor.

Earlier on Monday, Congressman Dave Brat and fellow Sen. Kaine said several chiefs traveled to England last spring Republican state lawmakers attended a rally at the Bell Tower to commemorate Pocahontas, including attending a plaque dediin support of gun rights and their expansion. That rally was cation ceremony at the church where she is buried. sponsored by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro“They were treated as sovereigns, treated with respect, and gun rights group that describes itself as “more radical than all they’ve asked is to be treated the same way by the country the National Rifle Association.” they love,” Sen. Kaine said.

Dueling gun rallies

Kaaleah Jones, front left, whose father was shot and killed in Newport News, gets a hug after speaking at a vigil and rally Monday in Capitol Square urging tougher state laws to curb gun violence.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam, seen at right among the crowd, also spoke at the rally sponsored by the Virginia Center for Public Safety.

Many state lawmakers attended the afternoon event that called for universal background checks before all gun purchases.

Gov. Northam and others pledged to continue their support

A passerby stops to examine a replica of a terracotta warrior that popped up last week on the sidewalk near the corner of 7th and Broad streets in Downtown. Similar warrior sightings around Richmond are part of the promotion of the special exhibit “Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China,” on view at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts through March 11.

Created more than 2,200 years ago out of fired clay, the warrior figures were among the items buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang. The exhibition of 130 items, including a horse and nine other figures, seeks to tell the story of China’s birth and the lasting imprint of its first leader.

Richmond Free Press

January 18-20, 2018

Keep marching March because “darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.” March because “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” March because “hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Comcast celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an exhibit inspired by his words.

Take a virtual tour of the artwork created by Philadelphia area students by visiting VoicesOf TheCivilRightsMovement.com.

Personality rights and copyrights of Dr. King are used with the permission of The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc. Represented by Greenlight. © 2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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Richmond Free Press

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January 18-20, 2018

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Governor’s Inauguration in Pictures

Inaugural ceremony and celebration Saturday, Jan. 13, was a day of celebration as thousands of people packed Capitol Square for the inauguration of Virginia’s 73rd chief executive. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and Attorney General Mark R. Herring were sworn in on a crisp afternoon.

The ceremony and parade reflected Virginia’s rich heritage and diversity, showcasing people of all ages, races, religions and regions.

A glittering inaugural ball at the Main Street Station Train Shed in Shockoe Bottom closed out the historic day.

Ava Reaves

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Left, members of 11 of Virginia’s Native American tribes perform a blessing for the new governor during the ceremony outside the South Portico of the Capitol. Above, with his wife, Pam Northam, at his side, Gov. Ralph S. Northam addresses the crowd at the inaugural ball Saturday night before leading his wife in a dance around the floor. Behind him are, at left, Attorney General Mark R. Herring and his wife, Laura, and, at right, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and his wife, Cerina.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, now a commissioner on the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, has a front-row seat for the ceremony.

Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, only the second African-American to be elected to statewide office in Virginia, waves to a cheering crowd after taking the oath of office. His wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, a dentist, seated at left, held the Bible while their two children watched. Seated with him on the platform are, from left, Attorney General Mark R. Herring, Pam Northam and her husband, Gov. Ralph S. Northam.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Among the crowd of dignitaries Saturday was former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, right, who enjoys a laugh with two other former governors and their wives, A. Linwood Holton, far left, and his wife, Jinx, and their daughter and son-in-law, Anne Holton and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir accompany the mother-daughter country group, Marna & Macy, in the final song at the inaugural ceremony. They are, from right, Marna Bales; her daughter, Macy Kaczmarek, center; and Ms. Bales’ husband, Jody Boyd, on acoustic guitar.

Clement Britt

The Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band carries the beat during the 25-unit inaugural parade.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

By tradition, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, top left, slips out of the inaugural ceremony when new Gov. Ralph S. Northam takes the podium to address the crowd for the first time as the state’s chief executive.

Clement Britt

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The Pride Chinese Lion Dancers from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville perform a Dragon Dance during the parade.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Deborah Pratt of the Eastern Shore, who holds the title of Virginia’s fastest oyster shucker, waves to the crowd during the parade.

Members of the ADAMS Center Muslim Boy and Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts of Dulles led the inaugural crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Clement Britt

Cadets from Virginia Military Institute, Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s alma mater, lead the parade following a Black Hawk helicopter flyover by the Virginia National Guard.

Clement Britt

The Virginia National Guard fires a 21-gun salute after Gov. Ralph S. Northam takes the oath of office, another Virginia tradition.

Richmond Free Press

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News

Gov. Northam is sworn in as Virginia’s 73rd chief executive Continued from A1

Before becoming a doctor, the man from the Eastern Shore worked on deep sea fishing boats, captained a ferry to Tangier Island and served in the Army. And even while immersed in his medical practice, he served in the state Senate and most recently as lieutenant governor, creating relationships on both sides of the aisle.

Even while lacking the flash of his predecessor, Gov. Northam is comfortable in his new role, noting in Saturday’s address, “You don’t have to be loud to lead.”

Citing lessons he learned from his parents and his patients, he promised to take an approach to governing that would combine a progressive agenda with a new effort to cut through the partisan divide to forge “the way ahead.”

Whether his approach will work remains to be seen. Despite a big jump in Democratic numbers in the General Assembly as a result of November’s elections, Republicans still hold skimpy majorities in both the House of Delegates and the state Senate. Already, they are using their majority to kill legislation the new governor supports.

Just two days after he was sworn in, a Republican-controlled Senate committee killed off a package of gun control measures that Gov. Northam had said offered “a smart approach” to keeping guns out of the hands of people who should not have them.

Other bills on the Democratic agenda have been sent to a Republican-heavy House Rules Committee to die.

Nor is it yet clear that Gov. Northam will have any more success than his predecessor in getting the Republican majorities to agree to a federally paid expansion of Medicaid to low-income working adults who cannot afford health insurance. Republicans appear ready to overhaul the proposed 2019-20 budget that is built on Medicaid expansion rather than approve Gov. Northam’s top priority, as it was for Gov. McAuliffe.

What is clear is that tough negotiations lie ahead.

And despite offering kind words about the new governor before and immediately after his inauguration and promising to work with him, Republican leaders already are blasting him as overly partisan.

Still, Gov. Northam told the inaugural audi-

ence that he would pursue Medicaid expansion and other legislative priorities with hope.

“Hope is not just a source of comfort for the afflicted. It is a wellspring of energy to fight for a better tomorrow, no matter the odds.”

He said there is reason to fight. Despite the “incredible economic progress,” plenty of Virginians still are not feeling the rewards.

“In far too many places in Virginia, our ZIP code determines not just how well you are, but how long you will live.”

He cited Richmond data that shows that a child born 2 miles to the east of the State Capitol can “expect to live to about age 63, but a child 5 miles to the west of the State Capitol can expect to live 20 years longer. You don’t have to be a doctor to know something is wrong.”

He said, as in many cases, the solutions “are not easy,” but are known and would require smart approaches creating connections to quality education, health care and good jobs.

Gov. Northam noted that Virginia’s own complex history makes it the ideal place to find such solutions.

He noted that on a hilltop 15 blocks east of the Capitol, one of his predecessors as governor, Patrick Henry, helped launch the movement for American independence and freedom with his cry of, “Give me liberty or give me death.”

Yet at the bottom of the hill, one of the largest slave-trading markets in the country was coming alive as a place to buy and sell men, women and children.

His words about hope impressed many who came, such as Dionne Keith, 19, who said she felt “more hopeful” as she listened to the ceremony.

Daphne Mustaffa also was moved by what she heard and is excited to see what is to come with Gov. Northam in charge.

To find the way forward, Gov. Northam urged people to follow “their moral compass,” just as he used a real compass when going out on the water as a youth to find his way home.

He said a “moral compass” is needed more than ever.

“It can be hard to find our way in a time when there’s so much shouting, when nasty, shallow tweets take the place of honest debate and when scoring political points gets in the way of dealing with real problems.”

In his view, “we are bigger than this.”

The Democrat said he and his party do not

have a monopoly on good ideas and said his guiding principles would include “telling the truth,” willingly considering alternative views and working with all parties.

“The path to progress is marked by honest give and take among people who truly want to make life better for those around them,” said Gov. Northam, who is the longtime volunteer director of a pediatric hospice in Norfolk and annually travels to a free clinic in Southwest Virginia to lend a diagnostic hand.

Gov. Northam also is pledging to build on the accomplishments of the McAuliffe administration, which led the state’s recovery from the Great Recession.

“Virginia is better for the work of Gov. McAuliffe and former First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, and Pam and I have been proud to work as their partners,” Gov. Northam said, as he ticked off a list of achievements.

The McAuliffe legacy includes “200,000 new jobs, $20 billion in capital investment, voting rights restored for 173,000 Virginians, 10 million more school breakfasts served to children who need them,” he said.

Virginia also functionally ended homelessness on Gov. McAuliffe’s watch, revitalized the state’s port system and helped cut employment to its lowest level in a nearly 10 years, ushering in nearly full employment.

He said he understands there is more work to do to improve employment pay and options.

And he made it clear his call for a bipartisan approach to solutions would not mean sweeping big issues under the rug because common ground was hard to find, as an aide later put it.

“I am committed as your governor to fight every day for the hope that tomorrow will be better for all, not just for some, … because it can be,” he said.

“If we work together, tomorrow can be better for nearly 400,000 Virginians who are one illness or accident away from bankruptcy because they have no insurance,” he said.

“Tomorrow can better for families in rural communities who are praying for new jobs, … for children who are sitting in crowded and crumbling schools across the state” and for those who want to maintain clean air and water to pass on to their children, he said.

“Tomorrow can be better for people who too often face discrimination, harassment or violence because of their race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.”

Gov. Northam said the country is looking to Virginia to lead the way “with humility and optimism, learning from history and removing every obstacle to progress,” he said. “Let us rely on the compass we all carry to show us the way ahead.”

Inaugural prayers mirror new gov.’s themes of tolerance, unity Continued from A1

leaders to “uphold the cause of the impoverished, the marginalized, the vulnerable and the oppressed, ensuring equality and justice for all” in his benediction delivered after the governor, new Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and second term Attorney General Mark R. Herring were sworn in.

Pleas for tolerance and unity, themes Gov. Northam stressed in his address, filled the prayers of both clergy-

men — the African-American minister who leads First Baptist Church-Capeville on the Eastern Shore, where Gov. Northam is a member, and the other the spiritual leader of Temple BethEl in Richmond.

Rev. Jones prayed for the leaders to make “diversity, inclusion and bipartisanship” a hallmark of their work to create a model for others to follow.

He also urged that God “touch the hearts of members of the General Assembly” so

‘This is the moment for real progressive change’ Continued from A1

Samuels said. “I hope that will continue, and I think it will with the leadership we’re putting in office today.”

Ms. Samuels, chair of the Human Services Department at Thomas Nelson Community College, spoke specifically about Lt. Gov. Fairfax, whom she had met two years earlier.

“That day, I was sold,” she recalled.

“And I said that I would support him 100 percent. It’s just nice to see young progressive people moving forward.”

Outside the entrance to Capitol Square, a dozen orange-hatted protesters stood chanting. Claudia, a 23-year-old college student living in Richmond, led a round of call-and-response: “We are the immigrants, the mighty, mighty immigrants, fighting for justice and the Dream Act.” “I am a DACA recipient,” she said afterward, “and I have an expiration date ever since President Donald Trump rescinded” the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Claudia, who declined to give her last name because of her immigration status, said the protest was to urge U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine to support a bill to help young immigrants, known as “Dreamers,” who qualified for protection under the Obama administration’s DACA policy.

But President Trump has indicated he will end the DACA program and deport hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who came to the United States illegally as children unless Congress acts.

However, action has been tied to congressional negotiations over the federal budget, with Democrats and some Republicans insisting that the money bill to continue government operations must include language protecting Dreamers from deportation.

On Saturday, demonstrators urged Sens. Warner and Kaine not to vote for a continuing budget resolution unless it favorably resolves the status of DACA recipients.

“This is a significant day because, right now, there are a lot of things going on in this country that are attacking the very fundamental principles on which it was built,” said Leonard Powell of Hyattsville, Md. He and his wife, Denese, joined an informal line of people waiting to take their picture in front of the enormous Virginia state seal emblazoned on the base of the stage.

Mr. Powell stiffened when talking about President Trump’s recent vulgar and disparaging comments about immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African nations during discussions with congressional leaders on immigration.

“That’s not who we are,” he said. “I spent 20 years in the military fighting for this country. I was on active duty for 16 days when I was sent to Vietnam to fight for this country. What he said does not reflect what I fought for.”

He said Gov. Northam “is a man who has demonstrated the tenacity, the will and the boldness to stand up to lead Virginia forward and to make sure that our representative democracy stands and

still represents all of the people.”

The sun crept out several times during the inaugural ceremonies, but did little to warm the crowd. Even as people shivered, they cheered.

The audience gave thunderous applause to outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, and his wife, Dorothy McAuliffe. Applause also exploded following the swearing in of each of the Commonwealth’s new leaders — Attorney General Herring, Lt. Gov. Fairfax and Gov. Northam.

Chief Dean Branham of the Monacan Indian Nation was among the VIPs seated behind the podium. One of the nation’s youths, Tristan Parrish, danced in the blessing ceremony offered by representatives of Virginia’s Native American tribes.

“It was beautiful that they invited us,” Chief Branham said later, noting that the inauguration capped a big week for the tribe. The Monacan Nation was among six Virginia tribes granted federal recognition on Feb. 11.

His hope for the new administration, he said, is “that they will stick to everything that they’re saying, which I feel they will. I look forward to working with them as a chief.”

Paul Begala, wearing black shades, watched the ceremony from the stands opposite the stage.

“I thought the new governor’s inaugural address was beautiful. It was powerful,” said Mr. Begala, a national Democratic political strategist and former adviser to President Clinton.

“I loved that he invoked the Com-

monwealth’s history, the good and the bad. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a new governor or president come in with such candor.”

Mr. Begala said he was especially moved when Gov. Northam “talked about how he had taken away hope years ago as a young doctor” from a woman whose son was dying “and how that formed him. I thought it was a beautiful speech. It’s a great day.”

Asked if candor is enough to turn the political tide, Mr. Begala said, “I think so. I think people are looking for truthfulness. They’re looking for humility and servant leadership and bipartisanship. I think it’s wonderful the governor called for that.”

After the ceremony, several members of the Charlottesville chapter of Indivisible, a movement that formed after President Trump’s election, stood on the steps of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church outside of Capitol Square.

Indivisible was one element of “the progressive wave that swept the state in November” and elected Gov. Northam and the new leadership, explained David Singerman.

“We’re here to commemorate that achievement,” he said, but also “to remind the new administration that they should keep the promises that they made to the voters of Virginia — on Medicaid expansion, on the environment, on minimum wage, on voting rights, on civil rights, criminal justice reform, the school-to-prison pipeline. We think this is the moment to push for real progressive change in Virginia.”

that they would end their divisions in decision-making and “remember what is at stake for all Virginians, regardless of their ethnicity, gender or economic status.”

Rev. Jones also prayed that Gov. Northam would “always seek wise counsel” in considering issues, and prayed that God would “guide his thoughts and order his steps.”

He also called on Mr. Fairfax to be “a drum major for justice” in his new post and on Mr. Herring to continue “to do justice” as the state’s top lawyer.

“Let them have the courage of David as they encounter their Goliath,” he said.

Rabbi Knopf used the benediction to tackle some of the concerns about America’s government and the current president, who was not named.

“In the face of resurgent and resilient hatred, xenophobia and racism,” he prayed that, with God’s help, Virginia’s leaders would be emboldened “to eradicate bigotry and inaugurate a new era of inclusion and equality.”

He also urged God “to grant our leaders the wisdom to discern the silent agony of the unseen and unheard, the plundered poor and the passed over. … In this moment when the cause of the just is too readily sold for silver and the needs of the poor betrayed to benefit the wealthy, give our leaders the strength to discharge the duties of their offices with honesty and integrity, withstanding the temptation, as the scripture says, that ‘blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the righteous.’ ” “Help us,” Rabbi Knopf concluded, “to remain mindful of the extraordinary gift of freedom attained by our ancestors at great expenditure of toil and blood that we have been blessed to inherit.”

He urged all to be mindful “of our responsibility to one another as a self-governing people.”

RRHA takes steps to address heating crisis Continued from A1

board apparently was not briefed on Creighton Court heating issues until last month as media reports showed tenants in freezing apartments with space heaters.

Commissioner Marilyn Olds, who lives in Creighton Court and also is president of the Richmond Tenants Organization, said she knew “there was a problem because a girlfriend told me she didn’t have heat.”

She said the section of Creighton Court she lives in did not experience such problems and she didn’t know how widespread the problem was until the issue blew up as the bitter cold settled in.

Ms. Olds said she now is satisfied with RRHA staff’s response since the issue went public.

Another commissioner, Robley S. Jones, also stated that he could not remember the board getting any reports on Creighton Court “before December.”

What is clear is that the RRHA never regarded

the matter as a formed a special serious emerboard commitgency requiring tee “in the wake speedy action of the failure of for Creighton heating supply Court residents pipes in a numand for resiber of buildings dents in dozens at Creighton of apartments Court.”

Mr. Jones Ms. Jones-Gilbert Ms. Olds in other public Mr. Adams, housing communities who reported no heat. who heads a housing and development consulting RRHA did not begin advertising for companies firm, stated that the RRHA committee is charged to make repairs in Creighton Court until after with evaluating “other similar risks within all Christmas and began opening bids Friday, Jan. of our public housing communities.”

12. RRHA has not yet announced the names of The committee also is to assess the agency’s companies that have been hired or when repair response to Creighton Court and “make recomwork is to begin. mendations to improve agency response when The uproar has led Robert J. Adams, chair- emergencies occur.” man of RRHA’s board, to take steps to ensure In addition, the committee will “oversee the issues in Creighton Court are addressed and to emergency replacement of heating pipes in the avoid having the board blindsided by future affected buildings at Creighton,” he stated. emergencies.

Mr. Adams tapped Commissioner Samuel Mr. Adams announced last week that he has S. Young Jr., president of Astyra Corp., an in-

formation technology consulting firm, to lead the committee.

As part of its work, the committee is to “seek advice and input from staff, residents, housing and other experts, public officials and interested citizens,” Mr. Adams stated.

Mr. Adams noted that the board is a policymaking body and can only do so much. He also noted that “much of RRHA’s public housing stock is antiquated and in need of replacement.

“However, RRHA’s plan to replace and transform public housing in Richmond will not happen overnight,” he continued.

“While transformation is underway, we need to be sure that we are employing smart and effective management practices to keep the residents of our existing housing safe and comfortable. That is our highest priority,” he stated.

“We need to be prepared to respond to similar challenges. The recommendations of this committee will help us to learn from (the events in Creighton Court) and be better prepared.”

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Sen. Kaine

Rep. Beyer

Rep. Scott

In late August 1619, a storm-tossed English warship flying a Dutch flag stopped at one of the earliest English settlements in Virginia and changed the future of America and the world.

In exchange for supplies, the crew of the White Lion traded “20 and odd” Africans seized from a Portuguese slave ship to the settlers at Old Point Comfort, the future site of Fort Monroe and the city of Hampton, according to the National Park Service.

Nearly 400 years later, that arrival is regarded as the first seed in the creation of a mixed African and English culture that would affect everything from food to music to politics in big and small ways. It also would create a system of bondage and oppression leading to the Civil War, which would nearly tear the country apart and create a long-running fight over citizenship, justice and equality that continues to this day.

Ahead of the four-century anniversary of that momentous time, Congress has created a National Park Service commission to “recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions” of Africans and African-Americans during the past 400 years.

Already approved in the U.S. House of Representatives, the legislation for the 400 Years of African-American History Commission passed the Senate last week, and is now headed to President Trump’s desk to the delight of the sponsors, including U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner and Congressmen Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-3rd, and Donald S. “Don” Beyer, D-8th, of Virginia.

Similar commissions were set up in 2015 to mark the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine in Florida in 1565 and the nation’s Hispanic roots, and in 2017 to mark the anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement.

“We all felt it was equally important to mark

A7

MAYOR LEVAR M. STONEY’S

Sen. Warner

Federal commission approved for 400th commemoration of Africans, African-Americans in U.S.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

January 18-20, 2018

the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans,” said Sen. Kaine, who led the effort to win passage.

The commission’s role, he said, would be to tell the African-American story from then to now, a story “of achievement and beauty, of poets and presidents, of pain and degradation, of triumph over adversity and, sometimes, of adversity following triumph.

“We are doing a better job of telling that story.

Witness the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture,” he said.

“The commemoration of 1619 will be another opportunity to tell the story.”

Sen. Kaine acknowledged that the commission, itself, once appointed would have to work fast as only a year remains until the anniversary. The commission also will have to fundraise as both the House and Senate declined to approve any money to support the work, leaving the National Park Service to cover the cost out of its current funding or from private donations.

Still, he hopes that what emerges from the National Park Service and the commission will “enrich our understanding of who we are as a country.”

Sen. Warner sees the commission as a playing a role in spreading information on the role African-Americans have played “in shaping our nation.” He hopes the commission will focus attention on the “the lessons in racial diversity and inclusion we have learned and lessons we will need to learn.”

“The history of Virginia and our nation cannot be fully understood or appreciated without learning about the first Africans who arrived at Point Comfort,” Rep. Scott said.

He said he is counting on the commission to plan, develop and implement a series of programs and activities throughout 2019 in partnership with Virginia and other states to give more attention to the role of African-Americans in the development of the nation.

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Editorial Page

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January 18-20, 2018

Virginia hope We give high marks to Virginia’s newly inaugurated governor, Dr. Ralph S. Northam.

The pediatric neurosurgeon and his Democratic team of Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and Attorney General Mark R. Herring stepped into the limelight and their important posts on Saturday with an inaugural ceremony that spoke to what’s right and good about Virginia by embracing its rich diversity.

We were impressed by the wide tapestry of people invited to participate in the ceremony and parade.

From the minister, rabbi, singers, bagpipers and Native American tribes that offered blessings to the young Muslim Boys and Girls Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance, the event highlighted the variety of ages, races, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious backgrounds, occupations, interests and regions that make up the Commonwealth.

Gov. Northam talked about inclusion, opportunity and hope in his speech, saying, his administration’s guiding principle will be to “work together to make our Commonwealth work better for all Virginians, no matter who they are or where they’re from.”

We know that words can be wonderful, but proof comes with action.

Already, Gov. Northam has given us a glimpse of how he will live up to those high principles.

His first act as governor on Saturday was to sign Executive Order No. 1 ensuring equal opportunity in all facets of state government.

The order prohibits discrimination on the basis of “race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities” and veterans.

It also directs state appointing authorities and other managers to “take affirmative measures … to emphasize the recruitment of qualified minorities, women, disabled persons and older Virginians to serve at all levels of state government.”

Gov. Northam’s cabinet, his first hires, also reflect his beliefs in inclusion. His 15-member cabinet, which will lead policy decisions in areas including health, education and public safety, has eight women.

Aside from being the first majority-female cabinet in Virginia history, Gov. Northam’s inner circle includes three African-Americans, an AsianAmerican and a Pakistani immigrant.

What a stark and refreshing attitude, with Virginia’s new leader’s words and actions showing a sharp contrast with the disgusting mess coming out of the White House.

President Trump continues to horrify the nation and people around the world with his racist, xenophobic views — this time concerning immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and the African Diaspora, many of whom he wants to boot from this country.

He fails to recognize the contributions and talents of these immigrants, calling their countries of origin “s**tholes” and questioning why the United States has to accept them rather than more immigrants from places like Norway.

While right-minded people of all stripes and political parties have condemned his remarks, the debacle offers more glaring proof of the president’s racist views and raises alarms as to why so many Republican leaders still turn a blind eye and deaf ear to his bigotry.

These next years will be critical for Virginia, as well as the nation. Gov. Northam’s backbone and leadership very well may determine whether 400,000 more Virginians have health coverage, whether additional resources are put into Virginia’s public schools that enroll more than 1.2 million children and whether Virginia’s economy will lift all people.

Virginia became a beacon of hope for the nation with the November 2017 election results.

Let’s hope Virginia will continue to show the way ahead for the nation.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Not crazy, just racist OK, can we finally stop beating around the bush and say outright that President Donald J. Trump is a white supremacist?

As our nation celebrated the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, our gaffe-prone president, who began last week by fending off allegations of mental unfitness, finished it by denying charges that he is a racist.

In a story first reported by the Washington Post and confirmed by NBC News, President Trump was speaking to lawmakers last Thursday, Jan. 11, when he angrily slammed their desire to restore protections for refugees from Haiti, El Salvador and some African countries.

“Why are we having all these people from s..thole countries come here?” President Trump said.

He was balking at an immigration deal that would include protections for people from Haiti and some nations in Africa.

Instead, according to reports, President Trump expressed a preference for immigrants from places like Norway, which also happens to be one of the world’s whitest countries.

After a night of broadcasters debating whether to quote President Trump’s vulgarity out loud or to bleep it, President Trump tweeted a denial last Friday morning that he had used such language at all, although U.S. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat,

Clarence Page and other witnesses confirmed the reported words.

By the end of the week, the first black female Republican woman in Congress, Rep. Mia Love of Utah, who also happens to be the child of Haitian immigrants, demanded an apology from the president, saying his comments were “unkind, divisive, elitist and fly in the face of our nation’s values.”

Rep. Love noted in her emotional statement that her parents “never took a thing” from the government as they worked hard to achieve the American dream.

Indeed, that classic story of enterprising immigrants who contribute far more to this country than they take away continues today, despite the ill-informed stereotypes that infect today’s immigration debate.

President Trump has helped spread poisonous stereotypes

since the day he launched his presidential campaign by calling undocumented Mexican immigrants “rapists” and “murderers,” even though he allowed that “some, I presume, are good people.”

More than “some,” Mr. President.

Yet the White House was slow to back away from President Trump’s reported remarks, according to some reports, because Team Trump figures the hostile edge to his “America First” policy plays well with his cherished base. Indeed, President Trump’s hunger for applause from his base at rallies or on FOX News has led him to pander persistently to that far right minority while thumbing his nose at the rest of us.

How can we forget his rise as a candidate after questioning the validity of President Barack Obama’s birth certificate, branding Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals, calling for a ban on Muslims entering the United States and responding very slo-oowly to disavow the support of the former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.

Since then, President Trump’s polarizing politics have fed widespread doubts about his mental fitness, despite — or perhaps because of — his description of himself as a “stable genius,” even before Michael Wolff’s runaway

Dr. King’s work not finished Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t plan to get involved in the Memphis, Tenn., garbage workers’ strike. He hadn’t planned to be there on the fateful day when he was shot on April 4, 1968. But he was pressured to go the first time and found the garbage workers’ strike compelling. He promised to return, and felt it important to keep his word, despite a packed schedule.

Memphis was so very important because the 1,300 black men who worked in the city’s Sanitation Department were treated despicably. Two workers had been crushed in a garbage compactor in 1964, but the faulty equipment had not been replaced. On Feb. 1, 1968, two more men, Echol Cole, 36, and Robert Walker, 30, were crushed in the compactor.

Mr. Cole and Mr. Walker were contract workers, so they did not qualify for workmen’s compensation and had no life insurance.

The City of Memphis paid $500 plus one month’s pay for their funeral expenses. Mr. Walker’s wife, Earline, was pregnant at the time of his death.

Memphis garbage workers were notoriously ill treated. They were poorly paid, at $1.60 an hour — the minimum wage — to $1.90 per hour. They were not paid overtime, even though they were often required to work more than eight hours a day. Their pay was so low that many held second jobs or received public

assistance. They were not paid to work when there was inclement weather, like rain or snow. And their supervisors, mostly white men, were much better paid, no matter what the weather.

After the deaths of Mr. Cole and Mr. Walker, garbage workers demanded better wages and working conditions and union recognition. The City Council

Julianne Malveaux agreed, but the racist, indifferent mayor, Henry Loeb, vetoed the City Council’s action. The men went on strike on Feb. 11, 1968, and stayed out 64 days, until April 12.

Have we forgotten the poignant pictures of grown men carrying hand-lettered signs that said, “I Am A Man,” and the irony of these hard-working men having to declare that which should have been perfectly obvious?

Memphis’ black garbage workers were not treated as men, but as disposable beings considered only useful for dealing with other people’s rubbish.

They weren’t the only ones. Lots of black people, even after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, received unequal pay and thoroughly unacceptable terms and conditions of work. The City of Memphis was violating national labor laws, but because those they demeaned were black people, nobody cared and nobody noticed until the garbage workers went on strike.

The Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, is the

union with which the Memphis garbage workers were affiliated.

They have developed a campaign, “I AM 2018,” that is focused on organizing and hosting a series of events to commemorate the strike, remember Mr. Cole and Mr. Walker and focus on the dignity of work.

The I AM 2018 campaign is needed now more than ever as worker dignity is constantly assailed. The federal Department of Labor seems to be on a campaign to rescind Obama-era rules that improve life for workers. For example, an Obama rule would require employers to pay four hours of wages to workers who are “on call” whether they are used or not.

Why? Because if the workers are on call, they are tethered to the telephone and need to be paid for their time.

Since 45 was elected, though, many have lined up to ask the Department of Labor to rescind the proposed rule. They say that the rule is too costly for corporations and businesses and that it will cost the nation jobs.

Just as Dr. King stood with Memphis garbage workers, he now would stand with the I AM 2018 campaign and with the “on call” workers who can’t get respect or compensation for their availability.

We are still not finished with the work Dr. King started, not finished with the struggle for economic justice. We have yet to attain equality, yet to develop an economic agenda for shared prosperity, for workplace dignity and for human rights.

The writer is an author and economist.

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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.

bestseller “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House” raised new questions.

A January Quinnipiac University poll found a slim majority of American voters — 53 percent to 44 percent — say he is intelligent, but 69 percent say he is not level-headed and 57 percent say that he is not fit to serve as president.

Yet psychiatric experts tell me that normal evaluation methods probably would prove to be less than conclusive, partly because the debate is fueled and distorted by politics. Besides, troubled presidents like Abraham Lincoln, who biographers say suffered severe depression for most of his life, show that mental illness does not necessarily render one unfit to lead.

But, as President Trump has shown, you don’t have to be mentally ill to play on fears and promote white supremacy.

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Richmond Free Press

January 18-20, 2018

A9

Virginia Governor’s Inaugural Speech

‘The way ahead’

Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s inaugural address from Saturday, Jan. 13 Mr. Speaker, Lt. Gov. Fairfax, Attorney General Herring, members of the General Assembly, Justices of the Supreme Court, Judge Tyler, honored guests, Pam, Aubrey, and Wes, my fellow Virginians: I am truly humbled that you have taken the time to be with us on such a special day for our Commonwealth.

Today we carry out the peaceful transition of power. Americans invented this ritual. It dates to our earliest days as a country. It makes us American.

And at this hour, more than 1.3 million Americans protect this right. They serve in our Armed Forces overseas and right here at home. They put their lives on the line to protect our way of life and we should always be grateful for their sacrifice. Please join me in thanking them for their service.

If you ask the men and women who serve why they stepped forward, the answer is often the same: I volunteered; because it was my duty. Virginians understand that because our Commonwealth was founded on public service.

But the way ahead hasn’t always been smooth.

In a church on a hill 15 blocks from here, Virginia’s first elected governor helped launch the American Revolution when he cried, “Give me liberty, or give me death!�

But at the bottom of that same hill, one of the country’s largest slave-trading markets was coming to life, a place where Virginians would sell men, women and children for profit.

Our history is complex in Virginia. It includes good things, and bad. But no other place on Earth can claim it.

This unique heritage endows us with a responsibility to shape the future — to leave this place better than we found it. That’s the Virginia way. It’s a model that Gov. Terry McAuliffe and his wife, Dorothy, have followed these past four years. Virginia is better off today because of them, and Pam and I are proud to have been their partners. • 200,000 new jobs • $20 billion in capital investment • Voting rights restored for 173,000 Virginians • 10 million more school breakfasts served to children who need them • First state in the nation to functionally end homelessness among veterans That’s a record to be proud of, and I am ready to build upon it!

The McAuliffe administration has been about putting the needs of the people you serve first. Those values defined my upbringing from the earliest days I can remember. My mother taught children who were learning English as their second language how to read. She worked in health care, nursing sick people back to health on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. She volunteered with the hospice, comforting people in their final hours. She taught me that, no matter who we are or where we come from, we are all equal in the beginning — and in the end.

My father, who grew up on a farm on the Eastern Shore, served in the Navy during World War II, a member of America’s greatest generation. He became a commonwealth’s attorney and a judge, just as his father had before him. Before my brother joined the Navy and I joined the Army, my father always encouraged us to play sports. I think he knew we would learn the importance of teamwork and the fundamental truth that success isn’t about one person’s individual contributions, it’s about the team.

Watching the things my parents did, for our family and for our community, taught me a lot growing up.

But the greatest lesson I learned came from watching how they did those things. Their humble and steady service to the people around them taught me what strength looks like. It taught me that you don’t have to be loud to lead.

I was blessed to grow up on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and to call it my home. As a kid, I spent hours behind our house, crabbing and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. To this day, that is where I find peace. When I was just old enough to take to the water myself, my dad helped me build a rowboat

and launch it, with strict instructions: Stay close to home.

As I grew and became more comfortable, I began to take longer trips away from the shore, until I was ready to head out into the open water. I remember standing with my father as I prepared to embark, and like all good Dads, he knew I was nervous even before I did. He said, “Ralph, remember — when you get out there, you can always trust your compass. If things get dark or foggy, if you can’t find your way, keep your eye on the compass. It’ll always bring you home safely.�

He was right about that compass. As I got older and took various jobs on the water, working on a deep sea fishing boat and as the captain of a ferry to Tangier Island, I came to trust that compass to guide me when the way ahead was not clear.

My dad’s advice stayed with me when I reached the Virginia Military Institute and was given a different kind of compass, in the simple words of the VMI honor code: “A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.�

Those words have stuck with me all these years because they’re so clear. They have become a kind of moral compass for me. They always call me back home safely.

Virginia and this country need that more than ever these days. It can be hard to find our way in a time when there’s so much shouting, when nasty, shallow tweets take the place of honest debate, and when scoring political points gets in the way of dealing with real problems.

If you’ve felt that way, I want you to listen to me right now: We are bigger than this. We all have a moral compass deep in our hearts. And it’s time to summon it again, because we have a lot of work to do.

We’re going in the wrong direction on health care in Virginia and America. More people need coverage, not less. It is past time for us to step forward together and expand Medicaid to nearly 400,000 Virginians who need access to care.

We should also resolve together today to refrain from any effort to curtail a woman’s constitutional right to make her own decisions about her health.

If we are going to build a healthier Virginia for everyone, we must address the public health crisis of gun violence. Gunshots kill more people in Virginia every year than car accidents, but if you walk into the right gun show, it’s easier to get a firearm than it is to rent a car.

I am ready to work with you to make Virginia safer by passing smart reforms that keep guns away from people who shouldn’t have them.

We have to acknowledge that the incredible economic progress we have made in Virginia has been uneven. As technology companies and skyscrapers rise in many regions, other parts of Virginia are watching blue collar jobs move out while the opioid crisis moves in. And those challenges are not limited to rural areas. In far too many places in Virginia, your ZIP code determines not just how well you will do, but how long you will live.

Here in our capital city, a child born 2 miles that way can expect to live to about age 63. But a child born 5 miles in that direction can expect to live 20 years longer. You don’t have to be a doctor to know that something’s wrong. The solutions to these problems are not easy. But we do know what they are.

The way ahead starts with access to quality health care and public education for every Virginian, no matter who they are or where they live. It depends on smart interventions in the case of addiction or mental health challenges, and a focused economic development strategy that connects the right people with the right skills and the right jobs.

As governor, I will approach these challenges with the same skills I learned as a doctor.

Over the years I have taken care of thousands of children. Never once have they or their families asked me if I am a Democrat or a Republican, nor have I asked them. Each patient is a person in front of you, who’s sick — a child who needs your help and who deserves every opportunity to thrive.

I-64 Widening Project between I-295 and Bottoms Bridge Henrico & New Kent counties Pardon Our Dust Public Information Meeting

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 from 5-7 p.m.

(Inclement weather date: Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 from 4-6 p.m.)

Varina Area Library 1875 New Market Road Henrico, VA 23231-6841

public information meeting to discuss construction impacts and traffic management associated with the I-64 Widening segment in Henrico and New Kent counties, which will stretch between the I-295 interchange (at mile marker 200) and Bottom Bridge (mile marker 205).

The meeting will be held in an open house format, with project team members available to answer questions and provide information about construction phasing and traffic impacts during the project. Construction work is expected to begin in February 2018 and the contract completion date is in fall 2019. For additional project-specific details, email Scott Fisher, PE, at Scott.Fisher@VDOT.Virginia.gov.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or

Civil Rights Division at (804) 5246000 or TDD/TTY 711.

State Projects: 0064-043-602,P101, R201, C501, B625, B624 Federal Projects: NHPP-064-3(499) 0064-043-603, P101, C501, Federal Project: STP-064-3(495) 0064-043-852, P101, N501, Federal Project: STP-064-3(494) (499). UPC: 107458

Doctors are taught that we have a responsibility to do everything we can to make them better. A good doctor trusts science and brings no pre-conceived notions to the examining table. A good doctor listens first to what a patient is saying and not saying. A good doctor understands that a symptom may have a hidden cause.

The pain in a child’s belly could be an ulcer, for example. Or it could be from hunger because the pantry at home is bare and the last time she ate was lunch at school yesterday.

We learn quickly that the problems patients are having are usually more complex than the symptoms we can see on the surface. And getting them back to health means devoting the time and resources it takes to alleviate those root causes. As governor, I will draw on these lessons. I will remember that Virginians didn’t send us here to be Democrats or Republicans. They sent us here to solve problems. I will remember that no one has a monopoly on good ideas.

The path to progress is marked by honest give and take among people who truly want to make life better for those around them. I will remember that treating symptoms of problems may be easy in the short run, but getting to the root of the problem and solving it from the bottom up is always more effective in the long run.

When we make decisions, we’ll apply this test: • Does this action do the most good for the most Virginians? • Have we been transparent with the public about what we are doing and why we are doing it? • And finally, is there a better way forward that we haven’t yet considered?

The guiding principle of this administration will be simple: we will work together to make our Commonwealth work better for all Virginians, no matter who they are or where they’re from. We cannot rest until every family and every community has the same access to opportunity that others do.

Here are my personal commitments to you: • I will always tell the truth. • I will strive every day to maintain the trust you placed in me on Election Day. • I will always put Virginia’s interests first. • I will work with anyone whose policies help Virginia. And when they do not, I will oppose them. • I will visit every city and county while I’m governor, and every public college and university. • I will continue to personally care for patients at RAM, Virginia’s Remote Area Medical clinic — and keep pushing to cover more and more Virginians. • I will be there personally to welcome Virginia National Guardsmen and women when they return home from overseas. • And my door will always be open to you.

Here’s the last commitment I make to you, and it’s the most important. It comes from an experience Paid Political Advertisement

that has shaped the way I practice medicine and public service.

Shortly after I left the Army and began practicing as a child neurologist, I met a young couple whose son was living with severe autism. I examined the little boy, and his case was tough. So I explained to his mother that nothing I could do would alter her son’s condition or improve his quality of life.

More than a decade later, a woman approached me in the grocery store. She reminded me that I had seen her son years ago, and that she and her family chose not to return for a follow-up. She asked me if I knew why they had not returned, and I confessed to her that I did not and that I hadn’t really thought much about it.

She looked me in the eye and said, “Dr. Northam, when you said you couldn’t help us, you took away our hope.�

I can still hear her words to this day. When I told her that I was unable to help her son, I diagnosed the problem correctly. But I missed the opportunity to provide the one thing her family still needed the most: And that was hope.

From that moment on, I have recognized the incredible power of hope and my responsibility to preserve it in the people I serve.

Hope is not just a source of comfort for the afflicted.

It is a wellspring of energy to fight for a better tomorrow, no matter the odds.

I am committed as your governor to fight every day for the hope that tomorrow will be better — for all of us, not just some of us — because it can be.

If we work together, tomorrow can be better for the nearly 400,000 Virginians who are one illness or accident away from bankruptcy because they have no insurance.

Tomorrow can be better for the families in rural communities who are praying for new jobs so their children don’t have to move away to build happy lives.

Tomorrow can be better for the children who are sitting in crowded and crumbling schools across this state, tired and distracted from too little food and too much violence in their communities.

Tomorrow can be better for the men and women who depend on clean air and water for their livelihood and for the children who will inherit the environment we pass on to them.

Tomorrow can be better for people who too often face discrimination, harassment or violence because of their race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

If we work together today, tomorrow will be better for all of the Virginians who have placed their trust in us to fight for them every day.

This country is once again looking to Virginia to lead the way. Let us lead with humility and optimism, telling the truth, learning from history and removing every obstacle to progress for all Virginians.

Let us rely on the compass we all carry to show us the way ahead.

I ask you to join me. Let’s get to work.

Paid Political Advertisement

Richmond Free Press

A10 January 18-20, 2018

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

VSU beats VUU in Freedom Classic — again

Photos by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Above, Virginia State University’s Cyonte Melvin takes it to the hoop at the Freedom Classic Festival game Sunday against rival Virginia Union University at the Richmond Coliseum. Below, the VSU Trojan Explosion Marching Band takes over the floor during Sunday’s halftime show.

Below right, the Virginia Union University Rah Rahs work to rally Panthers fans with cheers from the sidelines.

VCU’s Tillman breaks out with double-doubles At least on the basketball His spike games have been floor, Virginia Commonwealth 28 points against Old Dominion University’s Justin Tillman has University on Dec. 2 and 17 double the appetite of most rebounds playing Duquesne on others.

Jan. 9.

The 6-foot-8 A year ago, senior scored his George Mason Uniseventh consecutive versity’s Marquise double-double in the Moore led the A10 Rams’ Jan. 12 loss with 20 double-douat the University of bles. The A-10 has Dayton, where he no all-time record collected 26 points for that category. and 12 rebounds.

As of Jan. 14 Justin Tillman Entering this week, nationally, Tillman the Detroit native had an Atlantic ranks 24th in double-doubles 10 leading nine double doubles, this season. three ahead of Duquesne UniverCoincidentally, the NCAA sity’s Eric Williams. leader is Minnesota’s Jordan MurFor his career, Tillman is sixth phy, a former VCU signee. all-time, with 25 double-doubles.

Murphy, with17 double-douOnly Ren Watson (46) and Ken- bles in his first 18 games, signed drick Warren (43) seem out of with former VCU Coach Will reach on the career chart.

Wade, but changed his mind when VCU (11-7 overall, 3-2 in Coach Wade left for Louisiana the A-10 as of Jan. 16) faced State University last spring. the visiting University of RichThe undisputed king of doumond on Wednesday, Jan. 17, ble-doubles remains NBAlegend and remains at the Siegel Center Wilt Chamberlain, who recorded on Saturday, Jan. 20, to meet another worldly 227 straight invading George Washington between 1964 and 1967.

University (12:30 p.m. tipoff on NBC Sports Black and gold Network). double-doubles Tillman continues his Here is a list of VCU’s career emergence as one of double-double leaders for points/ VCU’s and the A10’s rebounds in a single game: statistical giants. OrigiRen Watson, 46, 1975-1979 nally recruited by former Kendrick Warren, 43, 1990-1994 Coach Shaka Smart, Larry Sanders, 28, 2007-2010 Tillman is sixth in A-10 Juvonte Reddic, 28, 2010-2014 scoring (18.2), second in Bernard Hopkins, 27, 1994-1996 Justin Tillman, 25, 2015-present rebounding (9.6), sixth Note: Game-by-game statistics prior to 1975 are in field goal percentunavailable; therefore the list does not include Charles age (56.3) and ninth in Wilkins (averaged 23.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, 196871), Bernard Harris (17.0, 10.4, 1970-74) and Richard 3-point shooting percentJones (13.4, 9.9, 1971-75). age (42.6).

Trey Brown is a major reason why Virginia State University is enjoying perhaps its best basketball season in program history.

The senior’s talents were fully displayed Sunday, Jan. 14, during VSU’s 82-72 victory over Virginia Union University in the 23rd Freedom Classic Festival at the Richmond Coliseum.

“I love big venues,” Brown said after the team’s big win. “I wish we could play here more often.”

A 6-foot-3 guard from Hampton who transferred to VSU from North Carolina A&T State University, Brown did everything for the Trojans except play the cymbals during the marching band halftime show.

Consider Brown’s checklist of achievements in helping VSU improve to 15-1 overall and 5-1 in the CIAA: Points: Brown led way with 25, including 13 points in the first half when VSU was racing to a 42-21 lead.

3-pointers: He nailed five of 10.

Free throws: He was six for six.

Rebounds: Five.

Assists: Four.

Steals: Three.

Minutes played: The max, 40. “It’s hard taking him out,” VSU Coach Lonnie Blow later told the media.

Drama: After VUU pulled to 69-62 at 1:31, Brown snuffed the Panthers’ rally with a 3-point swisher. Moments later, he stole a pass to seal the deal.

This marks the second year in row Brown rose to the occasion in the Freedom Classic, an event honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Last season, Brown led VSU with 16 points (six-for-six from the field) in a 7459 win for the Trojans.

Brown, who averages 11 points and six rebounds, has stepped up since Brandon Holley, VSU’s top long-range shooter, was injured.

“Until Brandon comes back, I’ll be getting more shots,” said Brown. Holley was

Virginia State University Coach Lonnie Blow anxiously watches the play on the court after Virginia Union University pulled within striking range in the closing minutes of Sunday’s game.

Roar of the crowd While Freedom Classic Festival organizers don’t officially announce game attendance, it was likely about 4,500 — not bad considering bittercold temperatures in the low 20s and competition with NFL playoffs on television.

A rule of thumb in estimating Richmond Coliseum crowds is that the lower bowl seats approximately 6,000.

It was about three-quarter’s full during Sunday night’s game, equally divided between VUU’s maroon and steel and VSU’s orange and blue colors.

39-for-79 (49 percent) from the distance prior to being sidelined.

Polls: As of Jan. 9, VSU was ranked 13th nationally in the NCAA Division II. The Trojans have won eight straight games since a Dec. 14 loss at St. Augustine’s University. Right now, at least, VSU would seem a solid bet for an NCAA atlarge tournament slot should the team fail

to win an automatic bid from the CIAA Tournament in Charlotte, N.C. Record book: VSU’s record for most wins is 24, set in 2015-16. VSU’s best ever winning percentage was in 1937 – 13-2.

Depth: The Trojans have had seven different leading scorers, including Brown, on four occasions. VSU rolled over VUU despite top scorer Richard Grandberry (13.7 points average) settling for two points.

Ball-handling: The smallish backcourt combo of Waymond Wright and Philip Owens provide a cool demeanor against a pressure defense.

Future: A forceful up-and-comer is 6-foot-7 Andrew Corum. The sophomore from Leesburg tallied nine points and eight rebounds against VUU. VUU, in falling to a 9-9 record overall and 4-2 in the CIAA, deserves much credit for not folding following a dismal first half.

“I challenged them,” said VUU Coach Jay Butler.

The Panthers trailed by as much as 47-21 before dialing up the heat with a frenetic full-floor defense and relentlessly attacking the basket.

VUU wound up hitting 31 of 42 foul shots, all but eight of those attempts following intermission. Three Trojans fouled out and two more had four fouls.

Panthers senior Jimmy Paige had 21 points and 12 rebounds and William Jenkins and Todd Hughes added 16 points each.

Quicksilver point guard Jemal Smith dished five assists and led the “havoc-style” second half comeback before fouling out.

The rivalry rematch will be Wednesday, Feb. 7, when VUU travels to Ettrick.

“We look forward to going down to Virginia State and playing (for the first time) in the VSU Multi-Purpose Center,” said Coach Butler.

Only one problem: Old nemesis Trey Brown will be waiting.

Talent doesn’t fall far from family tree for Arnold Henderson VI Some of Richmond’s prominent basketball family Sherod of John Marshall High, Virginia Commonwealth trees have branches stretching to St. Christopher’s University and NBA fame.

School’s leafy West End campus.

Thompson, a guard, was a leading light on last The latest to suit up for the Prep League Saints is season’s Saints team. He’s the son of former MarshallArnold Henderson VI, a junior guard renowned for his Walker High and Virginia Union University guard floor leadership, harassing defense and 3-point aim.

Eric Thompson Sr. “Arnold is the one who makes us go,” said veteran The elder Thompson helped Marshall-Walker to State St. Christopher’s Coach Hamill Jones. “He’s clearly Group AAA titles in 1982 and 1983 and VUU to a pair our best ball handler. Plus, he’s hitting 46 percent of of CIAA tournament crowns in 1985 and 1987. his threes.”

Eric Jr. is now a freshman at the College of William Arnold The 5-foot-10 Henderson, having attended St. Chris& Mary, though not playing varsity basketball.

Henderson VI topher’s since kindergarten, is the son of Arnold V and Arnold VI has much the same role with St. ChrisAndrea Henderson of Mechanicsville, and nephew of hoops legend topher’s as Arnold V had at Thomas Jefferson High.

Gerald Henderson.

St. Christopher’s features one of the area’s leading scorers in “Gerald’s been to our house a couple of times and he loves Gibson Jimerson, aka the “Saint in the Paint,” a 6-foot-6 junior playing golf with my dad,” said Henderson. with scholarship offers from the University of Cincinnati and Now a criminal defense attorney, Henderson V was a starting Kansas State University. point guard for Thomas Jefferson High School’s 1975 Group “Arnold is absolutely crucial in facilitating Gibson,” Coach AAA State champions under Jones said. “But if they’re keyCoach Dave Robbins. ing on Gibson, Arnold will make Name game “For years, Arnold held the them pay from the outside.”

Trinity Episcopal is another private school with a familiar state tournament record for asHenderson’s assignment is to basketball name in its lineup. sists,” Coach Robbins recalled. feed Jimerson, who averages 25 The 12-2 Titans feature 6-foot-5 senior Jason Wade, son “He was a real good player points per game, much like his of former Marshall-Walker High School and Old Dominion for us.” father’s job description included University standout Ronnie Wade.

Entering this week, the passing to All-State Keith ValJason Wade averages about 19 points per game for Trinity 17-year-old Henderson was entine (who signed with the and has committed to his father’s alma mater, ODU. Ronnie Wade was an All-Metro performer for Marshall-Walker averaging 10.4 points while University of North Carolina) in 1981 and 1982 before signing with ODU’s Coach Paul Webb hitting 24 of 52 3-pointers for and Otis Fulton (a University and playing for the Monarchs from 1982 to 1986. the 7-4 Saints. of Virginia signee).

Twice, he has scored 17 “My father has told me many points in a game and was named All-Tournament at the St. stories about filling the Coliseum (Thomas Jefferson versus Albans Invitational in Washington.

Maggie Walker in 1975) and winning the state championship “My role is to be the facilitator and to knock down some (defeating Halifax in the finals in Charlottesville).” open shots when they’re there,” said Henderson. “My goal is Henderson actually has played under his father, who coaches to eventually play in college and I practice almost every day to with the Team Richmond-Garner Road AAU travel program. help make that happen.”

Young Henderson also credits his trainer, Anthony Ervin, a Coach Jones said, “Arnold is also very forceful with his former Manchester High/St. Francis (Pa.) standout now coaching (defensive) ball pressure, very disruptive.” at James River High School.

Famous names are fairly common at St. Christopher’s. Saints “Arnold practically lives in the gym,” said Coach Jones. “Last alumni include Nick Sherod, Class of 2016, and Eric Thompson year, minutes were hard to find for him, but he was absolutely Jr., Class of 2017. great in practice every day.

Sherod, now a sophomore guard at the University of Rich“He knows how to handle a challenge, how to be a good mond, is the son of former John Marshall High School and teammate.”

Old Dominion University star E.J. Sherod, and grandson of Ed Not surprising, considering the family tree.

Richmond Free Press

January 18-20, 2018

B1

Section

B

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Richmond Free Press

B2 January 18-20, 2018

Happenings

Personality: Rhonda L. Sneed Spotlight on founder of ‘Blessing Warriors’ who feed the homeless

Because We Care We Are Blessing Warriors is: Proof of what God can do with faith the size of a mustard seed.

requirements.

“People can’t always get to a feeding center,” she says.

“Sometimes they’re too far away or they’re ill. I go to them.”

Her willingness to travel has earned her the trust of people who live in the shadows. Some allow her to come to their often illegal tent sites to bring meals and her trademark hugs.

On any given day, she drives 100 to 150 miles in her Nissan truck to get to the sites where the homeless are staying. She knows about homeless camp sites in places most people think of as prosperous, such as Short Pump and along Parham Road.

She knows where to look in suburban Chesterfield, as well as in areas of the city that are equally popular hangouts for people who lack shelter.

One day a week this winter, she and her group have pitched in to provide food to people staying in the city’s Overflow Shelter, providing a respite for Food Not Bombs, which handles this effort most of the week.

Along with a daily route, Ms. Sneed hands out her phone number to those she meets and tells them to call if they need help.

“They don’t abuse it. I get calls when there is a need,” she says.

And whenever a call comes in — and it can be midnight or later — Ms. Sneed is ready to make up a meal and head out.

Why does she do it?

“I can’t stand to think there are people going hungry and I’m not doing something about it. It makes me happy to provide a meal and clothing where I can.”

Meet this week’s Personality and giving activist, Rhonda Lynn Sneed: Occupation: Retired postal worker. Served in U.S. Air Force for four years.

Date and place of birth: July 25 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Current residence: Richmond.

Education: Some college.

Family: Children, Christopher, 38; James, 37; Derek, 33; Cherise, 29; and Kimberly, 25. I’m currently raising two grandchildren, Ariana, 8, and Xiomara, 4.

Foremost mission: To help the immediate needs of people in crisis — homelessness, hunger, lack of clothing, and a listening ear. Sometimes a hug is all it takes to help someone keep it together; to introduce people to my Lord and Savior so they come to know Him who will provide all their needs.

Why I am excited about this organization: I have seen a change. I have seen and continue to see love in action.

People of all nationalities, all walks of life, all levels in the desire to help make a difference.

Why this organization is needed: There are too many critical care needs and way too much red tape. If someone hasn’t eaten in two days, giving them a local pantry address or number does no good for someone with no money, transportation or a means of cooking food. Someone sleeping in a doorway with no protective clothing runs the risk of freezing to death. The immediate need is warmth. In 100-degree weather, there’s a high risk of dehydration. Water and electrolyte solutions are greatly needed. There is no excuse for a person to die of dehydration as hundreds of people pass them by daily.

Role of members: Each member is finding their own niche in the group, from pick up and drop off of donated items, to cooks, prayer warriors and others who design coolers which we distribute around Richmond. For example, we have a professional chef from Gloucester who cooks 25 gallons of food for us on a regular. We have new positions developing daily.

the world where the local communities can start helping each other and themselves.

How I start the day: If we can help just one person survive today, that’s a blessing.

FRI • FEB 9 7PM

A perfect day for me is: Going to bed knowing many are well fed, well clothed and in a warm safe environment — preferably their own residence.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Hugging a homeless person.

A quote that I am most inspired by: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6.

Who influenced me the most: My father. He was an awesome man who taught me love and compassion. I saw my dad struggle to provide for our family. Yet every night, no matter what, I always saw him — even with severe arthritis — end the day on his knees in prayer.

Book that influenced me the most: “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff ... and It’s All Small Stuff”

by Richard Carlson.

What I’m reading now: “The Soloist” by Steve Lopez.

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., GAMMA DELTA Chapter, announces the installation of its

newest Soro (l-r) Jonnitra Peeples, M arcy William s, Sonja Ho lt, Shawanda

Life Insurance Annuities 401K Rollover

rs

Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. Officer’s Club Defense Supply Center Richmond,Virginia

Next goal: A building where we can prepare food and also have our storage. Financial stability for the group.

Plan For The Future

Clark and Sh antell Mala chi

8000 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond,VA 23297

Eastern Regional Director  Shirley Dean-Johnson Gamma Delta President  Jean T. Pittman Dean of Intake  Gail E. Davis Featured Speaker  Traci J. DeShazor

Upward an

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Yvonne Luster

in Efficient

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804-674-7685

Life is better with friends.

Number of paid staff: 0.

How to become a volunteer: We currently are seeking a way to make a website. However, people can contact me at (804) 300-8051 or on Facebook “Because We Care We Are Blessing Warriors” or my personal page, Rhonda Sneed.

How police and people react to my work: People are usually confused because they’ve never seen anyone quite do it like we do. The police are very receptive to what we do. I’ve seen police stop by to check on many of those we serve.

Why reports of reduction in homelessness may be inaccurate: The homeless are not just people standing on a corner with a sign. Many sleep from house to house, behind dumpsters, etc. There are many working homeless people.

Dream for organization: That we can start chapters all over

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When and why I moved to Richmond: I’ve always loved the diversity of country life versus city life.

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Rhonda Lynn Sneed remembers how shocked she was to see people sleeping in the doorways of retail stores on Broad Street after she moved to Richmond.

“I’m from New York, so I was used to seeing homeless people living in cardboard boxes or lying on heating grates,” says the retired U.S. Postal Service employee. “But I was surprised to see the same conditions here. And to see people without blankets, I just didn’t expect it.”

Her solution: Cook soups and stews in her Crock-Pot and provide the homeless with some hot food.

The mother of five grown children, who is now raising two grandchildren, began her daily feeding mission in late winter 2013.

“I was just trying to help five or six people,” she says.

But as she continued her work with two friends, Cathy Davis and Beverly Booker, she found more and more people needed food wherever she stopped.

Three years later, as she struggled to keep up, she took Ms. Davis’ advice and posted information on Facebook about her work and asked for assistance.

She says she was amazed and grateful when people began responding.

“At first it was 25, then 100, then 200,” she says, and “it has grown now to nearly 1,600 people” ready, willing and able to donate time, food, goods and other assistance.

They even helped give the growing group a name, “Because We Care We Are Blessing Warriors.” This is just people helping people.

There is no government support, she says.

With donations from members, Ms. Sneed now distributes coats, underwear, socks, blankets and insulated overalls, along with food.

“I just have to put out a call that I need something, say 30 coats, and within a few hours, I’m either picking them up or someone is bringing them to me. It’s like magic. So many people want to help. They just needed a way to do it,” she says.

One member built a storage shed behind her house and set up a freezer so she could store donated food. “He just showed up and did it,” she says.

Ms. Sneed still handles most of the cooking for an operation that feeds more than 100 people a day across Richmond, often providing the only service to such individuals who mostly avoid from more traditional food programs.

She rises three days a week at 3 a.m. and spends three hours hard-boiling 200 to 300 eggs to distribute.

And then there are the sandwiches and the hot food items she takes in insulated carriers. Last week, she had six pork roasts cooking in her oven, waiting to be sliced up for meals.

Ms. Sneed knows that she is not alone in feeding people.

She’s aware there is a coalition of Jackson Ward and Downtown churches that rotates providing lunches for the homeless and working poor, for example.

She also has met individuals and leaders from other groups that serve the homeless and have long distributed meals and food on weekends in Monroe Park and are now continuing the practice in Abner Clay Park.

Others distribute food on holidays.

What makes the woman with the big smile different is her willingness to take the food to those in need, says Ms. Davis.

She has a passion for doing what she is doing.

Ms. Sneed believes that people should get the food they need without any red tape or

Richmond Free Press

January 18-20, 2018 B3

Happenings

Challenge under raps Cosby High School student hoping for fame and a win on music TV show

By Ronald E. Carrington

When Brazil Barber posted a music video on YouTube in March 2016 of a song she wrote and performed, little did she know that it would open doors and land her on a national cable television show.

But that’s what happened to the 16-year-old 11th-grader at Chesterfield County’s Cosby High School. She is one of five promising young artists competing on “The Rap Game,” a reality show airing on Lifetime. She hopes to win the show’s ultimate prize — a recording contract with hip-hop artist and executive Jermaine Dupri’s label, So So Def Recordings.

The show’s executive producers are Mr. Dupri, a Grammy Award winner, and Grammy nominee Queen Latifah.

For 13 weeks from last January through April, Brazil, who performs under the name “Rap-Unzel,” lived with her mothermanager and four other contestants and their managers in an Atlanta mansion, where she went through a music boot camp with a new challenge each week.

The contestants were helped each week by a variety of noted performers, including Da Brat, Bow Wow, DNA, K-Shine, Doug E. Fresh, Teyana Taylor and actress Keke Palmer, as they worked on writing lyrics, performing style and stage presence.

At the end of each of the episodes, one of the contestants is at the top of what is called “the hit list,” while someone’s at the bottom. Each of the teen artists is aiming to win the record deal, with the competition becoming more and more intense every week.

“One week, we may be creating our own song,” Brazil told the Free Press in a telephone interview Monday. “Another week, we are producing a music video. Still another, we may be doing a battle rap,” she said.

“The five of us are always surprised because we have no clue about what may be jumping off until the morning of the challenge.”

Each week’s challenge also strains relationships among the competitors, especially when someone feels they should be higher on the hit list than they’ve placed.

“It’s good and bad at times,” Brazil explained. “It was just one of those things.”

Brazil and the contestants are precluded from talking about how the show ends. Fans will have to tune in 10 p.m. Fridays to see how she is doing.

The straight-A student started writing rhymes and rapping when she was 9. She chose the name Rap-Unzel, she explained, because it is a play on the name of one of her favorite Disney princesses and has the word “rap” in it. Brazil also is into hair.

Having long hair, or wearing her hair in different styles, is important for her as an artist, she said.

She is all about using her musical gifts to make it big for herself and her family.

She comes from a family familiar with the entertainment industry. Her father, Lou Barber, is a choreographer and director who has worked for artists D’Angelo, Beyonce and Missy Elliott, and her mother, Tiki Barber, is a makeup artist. Both know how hard it is to be discovered and get into the entertainment industry.

That’s why Brazil said she “freaked out” when, after posting her YouTube video of her song, “Mrs. Green,” she received a phone call from an area code she didn’t recognize.

It was “someone from Beverly Hills, California, saying they viewed ‘Mrs. Green’ and were looking at putting me on the show,” Brazil recalled.

She handed the phone to her dad and he handled all of the details, she said.

Being picked for the show filled her with mixed emotions, including extreme excitement and a wave of fear. She said she was especially intimidated by the prospect of meeting Mr. Dupri because of his credits in the industry.

“Meeting him was definitely nerve wracking,” she said.

Her music, she said, is a reflection of her life.

“I rap about my actual life, daily feelings or just whatever comes to mind,” she said. “I rap and talk about what my fans want to hear.”

She has received direct messages and emails from fans saying that she is an inspiration. They said “seeing someone from

Photos by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Director Ava DuVernay, left, accepts the Entertainer of the Year award at Monday’s ceremony recognizing outstanding people and their contributions during the annual NAACP Image Awards. Above, British actor Daniel Kaluuya thanks his mother and “Get Out” writer-director Jordan Peele as he accepts the award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture. Tracee Ellis Ross, right, reacts to winning the award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for the popular television show, “black-ish.”

Director Ava DuVernay wins top award at NAACP Image Awards Associated Press

LOS ANGELES A jubilant Ava DuVernay was named Entertainer of the Year at Monday night’s NAACP Image Awards ceremony that focused on the black community’s power to create change.

Ms. DuVernay lauded other black artists from the stage as she accepted her award, naming writers and directors such as Shonda Rhimes, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Kenya Barris and “Black Panther” Ryan Coogler.

“This is our time,” Ms. DuVernay said.

“We can say we were here when all this gorgeous art was happening, and that we supported it — that we lifted each other up, that we did as Dr. King said we would do: Live the dream. We’re the dream.”

Anthony Anderson hosted the ceremony at the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif., on what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 89th birthday.

While Mr. Anderson’s politically tinged monologue poked fun at the presidential administration and Omarosa Manigault, others used their time on stage to encourage more civic involvement and the fight for social justice.

Producer Will Packer took a dig at President Trump’s recent comments about immigration as the producer accepted an award for “Girls Trip,” which won for outstanding film.

“Sisters, especially the ones from Haiti and Africa, we love you as your brothers,” he said.

Kerry Washington, Tracee Ellis Ross, Laverne Cox, Jurnee Smollet-Bell, Lena Waithe and Angela Robinson set the tone for the evening when they emerged on stage holding hands to dramatically issue a get-out-the-vote call.

The six women declared support for the Time’s Up initiative to stop sexual

harassment and gender discrimination and urged viewers to speak up at the polls as well.

“The midterms are a perfect moment for us to use our voices,” Ms. Robinson said. “If we can take back a senate seat in Alabama ...”

“Then we have the ability to shift the imbalance of power,” Ms. Smollet-Bell said.

Ms. Barris’ show “black-ish” was the night’s big winner. The ABC hit was named best comedy series and took acting honors for stars Ms. Ross and Mr. Anderson.

“It’s an extraordinary thing to be able to show what a beautiful black family looks like on television,” Ms. Ross said as the cast accepted the comedy series honor.

“Power” was named best drama series, and star Omari Hardwick won for dramatic actor.

Other winners included “Gifted” actress Octavia Spencer and “Empire” star Taraji P. Henson, who were both absent, and Daniel Kaluuya, who won for his leading role in “Get Out.” The British actor was clearly delighted at his victory.

“I don’t think you’re allowed to beat Denzel Washington in acting competitions,” said Mr. Kaluuya, who bested Mr. Washington for the prize. The 28-year-old actor thanked his mom and “Get Out” writer-director Jordan Peele.

“So many people didn’t believe in me, and you did, and you made all of us feel included,” Mr. Kaluuya said. “Thank you so much for letting us be seen.”

National NAACP president Derrick Johnson asked viewers to text in their pledge to vote in 2018 before presenting the President’s Award to Danny Glover.

Mr. Glover was recognized for his professional and philanthropic contributions, particularly his work with the United Nations and his advocacy for

labor unions.

Mr. Glover spoke specifically of a Nissan plant in Canton, Miss., where 80 percent of employees are African-American, that has yet to organize.

“Civil rights and labor rights have always been one and the same,” he said.

Special awards provided some of the night’s most poignant moments.

Halle Berry talked about the significance of presenting the NAACP Image Awards on Dr. King’s holiday.

“We need to take heed to his eloquent words: ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter,’” she said. “Today is an affirmation that we will never ever, ever, ever be silent again.”

She presented the Music Makes a Difference award to Charlie Wilson, who talked about his road from addiction and homelessness to musical success and philanthropy.

He said he prayed and promised that if he could survive the streets, he would return to serve others. Mr. Wilson said Monday that he has been sober for 22 years and is focused on helping homeless addicts.

Labor organizer William Lucy received the Chairman’s Award for his more than 40 years of service. Beyond his union leadership, Mr. Lucy also was an activist who fought apartheid in South Africa.

He dedicated his award to the Memphis sanitation workers who went on strike in 1968, several of whom were in the audience at the Image Awards. Dr. King spoke to the striking employees the night before he was assassinated.

Another emotional moment in the show came during singer Andra Day’s chilling performance of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.” Rapper Common joined her for their song “Stand Up for Something,” and the entire audience rose to its feet.

Lifetime

Midlothian resident Brazil Barber, 16, aka “Rap-Unzel,” began writing rhymes and rapping when she was 9. She’s a contestant on the fourth season of “The Rap Game,” which airs on the Lifetime cable network at 10 p.m. on Fridays.

Richmond being able to (be on a national TV show) gives courage and lets me know I am on the right journey,” she said.

“I want my fans to know if you just stay true to yourself and continue to be the way you are, what is meant for you does actually come to you.”

Richmond Free Press

B4 January 18-20, 2018

Happenings

Rep. A. Donald McEachin energizes crowd at Community Leaders Breakfast

By Brian Palmer

Congressman A. Donald McEachin got serious — and spiritual — very quickly last Friday as he launched his keynote address at Virginia Union University’s 40th Annual Community Leaders Breakfast.

“The trouble that we have now is … we have leaders who do not keep the needs of the people holy,” Rep. McEachin told the audience that included an array of elected officials, activists, corporate executives, nonprofit agency staffers, law enforcement officers and others.

“We failed to expand Medicaid. We failed to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program. We used DACA children as a bargaining chip for an $18 billion wall that we were told that someone else would pay for.”

And then Rep. McEachin zeroed in on President Trump, without speaking his name.

“We have a leader who’s concerned with the size of his hands and the size of his buttons.

We have representatives who are not concerned with the attack that the Russians launched on our nation, but only about their re-election. And perhaps the most damning of all, we have a tax plan that gives $1.5 trillion to the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. Indeed, these are troubled times,” he said, solemnly.

The annual event, which drew more than 700 people to the venue at a Downtown hotel, honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rep. McEachin gave a nod to his pastor, Dr. John W. Kinney, former dean of the VUU School of Theology and a guest at the breakfast, for reminding him of the portion of the Bible dealing with Jesus and Barabbas, the prisoner favored by the crowd over Jesus when asked

by Pontius Pilate whose life should be spared.

Dr. Kinney had delivered a sermon on that

Courtney Jones

Congressman A. Donald McEachin urges the audience at last Friday’s Community Leaders Breakfast to stand with people on the margins of society.

Scripture after President Trump’s election, Rep. McEachin said.

“This was not the first time that a group of people had been tricked into electing someone … or asking for someone that was counter to the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Rep. McEachin recalled of Dr. Kinney’s sermon. “He wanted us to remember that this has happened before.

It happened when they asked for Barabbas.

“Here’s the good news,” the 4th District congressman, who also has a master’s of divinity from the VUU School of Theology, said, “that even in the midst of a Barabbas moment, the seeds of resurrection Sunday are planted.”

The audience applauded.

He urged people to cast votes for candidates

who will “make sure that the power to declare war rests with Congress,” not with a president who claims to be a stable genius.”

He appealed to the audience to stand with those on the margins of society and against those who “defend Trumpism and the divisiveness that comes with it.”

Among the event’s other speakers were Mayor Levar M. Stoney; U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott; VUU President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas; Corshai Williams, the VUU student government president; Gov.elect Ralph S. Northam and Lt. Gov.-elect Justin E. Fairfax; and Diane Leopold of Dominion Energy, a sponsor of the breakfast.

Vivian Paulina Wilson McNorton, VUU Class of 1945, and the Rev. Tyler C, Millner, pastor of Morning Star Holy Church in Martinsville, received Lifetime of Service awards.

Outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe took a rousing victory lap at the breakfast, which was held during his final day in office. He proudly detailed his accomplishments on behalf of the state to an applauding crowd — a large budget surplus, 200,000 new jobs, the lowest unemployment in a decade, among others.

“I own the record of the most vetoes of any governor in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia — 120,” Gov. McAuliffe said. “I told my legislature, if you pass bills that discriminate against women, LGBT members, you hurt our environment, you hurt labor unions, you take away voting rights from individuals, I’m going to veto them. And I did.”

The breakfast had its lighter moments.

“I was remarking as I was walking around how this doesn’t look like a 7-o’clock-in-themorning crowd,” Mayor Stoney joked. “It’s like a 7-o’clock-in-the-evening crowd. That’s how much energy we have in the room today. ”

Dr. Summers to speak Jan.18 on Civil War era media Dr. Mark Summers, the Thomas D. Clark Professor of History at the University of Kentucky, will speak on “The Partisan Press of the 1860s” during the American Civil War Museum’s Foundry Series program 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Historic Tredegar, 490 Tredegar St. Dr. Summers will talk about how biased or limited views of the world impacted the political divide before, during and after the Civil War. He will be joined by James Wallace of the Richmond TimesDispatch and David Streever of RVA Magazine for a panel discussion after his talk on similarities between the media climate then and now.

A reception before the talk starts at 6 p.m.

The event is $10 for adults and $8 for museum members.

Reservations and details: Sean Kane, (804) 649-1861, ext.

123, or www.acwm.org.

Pre-inauguration reception

Left, Gov.-elect Ralph S. Northam speaks as retired Judge Birdie Jamison listens at a pre-inaugural reception hosted Jan. 11 at a Downtown hotel by four area NAACP branches. The event was held for the incoming governor, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and Attorney General Mark R. Herring to meet members of various African-American organizations and churches that played a significant role in their election on Nov. 7. Above, NAACP chairs and presidents attending the event included, from left, Tavorise Marks, chairman of the Chesterfield Branch NAACP Legal Redress Committee; Jesse Frierson of Richmond, NAACP Area 4 chair; the Rev. Kevin Chandler of South Boston, president of the Virginia State Conference NAACP; Frank Thornton, president of the Henrico Branch NAACP; Donna Waddell of Pittsylvania County, a member of the state NAACP executive committee; and Eddie Nelson, president of the Hanover Branch NAACP.

Miss Don'tDon't Miss One Word One Word Don’t Miss One Word Photos by Courtney Jones

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Richmond Free Press

January 18-20, 2018

B5

Faith News/Directory

UNCI completes purchase of RCC property United Nations Church International now owns the former Richmond Christian Center property in the 200 block of Cowardin Avenue in South Side.

UNCI’s pastor, Bishop Orrin K. Pullings Sr., completed the purchase of the bankrupt RCC’s property on Jan. 8.

UNCI held its first service in the building Dec. 31, but was only leasing the building because of litigation by the former pastor of RCC, Stephen A. Parson Sr. Last week, Bishop Pullings said the bankruptcy court allowed the sale to be completed even though Mr. Parson’s appeal is still pending in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Religious groups planning 50th anniversary programs to remember Dr. King’s death

By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service

were 50 years ago, it’s time for Dr. King’s dream to be reawakened across the nation,” said Bishop W. Darin Moore, chair of NCC’s governing board and a leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

“Ours is a bold call for thousands of people of faith to come together on April 4th to commit ourselves to realizing his dream and resolving to end racism. In this 50th year after Dr. King’s martyrdom, we believe the time has finally come.”

Events include an April 3 ecumenical service at a Greek Orthodox cathedral, an interfaith prayer service and rally on the National Mall on April 4 and a lobby day on Capitol Hill on April 5.

Partners include the National African-American Clergy Network, the Conference of National Black Churches, Sojourners, the Franciscan Action Network, Churches Uniting in Christ and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

Religious groups are planning more than the annual holiday celebrations that note the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. this year.

The holiday honoring the Baptist civil rights leader falls on his actual birthday — Jan. 15, 1929. But Dr. King also will be remembered in the spring, five decades after his April 4, 1968, assassination in Memphis, Tenn.

Here are a few ways faith groups and their partners are marking that date: Church of God in Christ COGIC, the nation’s largest black Pentecostal denomination, in partnership with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, as well as sports and entertainment leaders, plans to lead an “I Am 2018” campaign.

It’s intended to draw faith and labor leaders together to carry on Dr. King’s focus on fair wages and improved working conditions. He was striving for economic justice for sanitation workers at the time of his murder.

“It is almost inconceivable that even 50 years beyond Dr. King’s death, we would still be fighting against the same injustices for which he, literally, died. That says loudly and clearly to me that our work is yet unBishop Blake done,” said Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., COGIC’s presiding bishop.

“In order to ‘make America what it ought to be,’ as Dr. King fervently encouraged those Memphis sanitation workers years ago, we must strive to be all that he was — activists, change seekers, community pillars, faith leaders, peaceful protesters and followers of Christ.”

COGIC plans mobilization activities April 2 through 4 in Memphis at Mason Temple, the site of Dr. King’s last sermon, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” The events will focus on voter education and improving conditions in low-income communities.

Mission Statement: People of God developing Disciples for Jesus Christ through Preaching and Teaching of God’s Holy Word reaching the people of the Church and the Community.

Sharon Baptist Church 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 643-3825 • www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship

WedneSdayS 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study

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

2018 Theme: The Year of Transition (Romans 8:28-29)



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

National Council of Churches The National Council of Churches, an umbrella organization of mainline Protestant, historic black and Orthodox denominations, is leading “Act Now! United to End Racism” events in early April in Washington.

“After Ferguson, Charleston and Charlottesville, in the wake of pernicious voter suppression tactics and the lack of criminal justice reform, when schools are as racially segregated as they

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

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

4th Sunday Unified Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

“The Church With A Welcome”

SundayS

Associated Press

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks in Eutaw, Ala., in June 1965. Dr. King was head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

ThurSdayS 1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

Sundays

8:00 a.m.

Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship

Tuesdays

Noon Day Bible Study

Wednesdays

6:30 p.m.

Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study

Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and The Gospel Coalition, two evangelical Christian groups, plan to co-host “MLK50: Gospel Reflections from the Mountaintop,” an April 3 and 4 discussion in Memphis on the state of racial unity in the church and the culture.

“The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. should remind us of what can happen when one speaks to the conscience of the culture and to the conscience of the church,” said Russell Moore, president of the ERLC, when he announced the plans in 2017.

“Fifty years after Dr. King’s assassination, it is shameful that the church often lags behind the culture around us when it comes to issues of racial justice, unity and reconciliation. We should be leading the way.”

Topics at the event will include viewing racial justice as a “gospel issue,” overcoming “the most segregated hour in America” and discussing racial tensions around Black Lives Matter, white supremacy and immigration.

St. Peter Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Kirkland R. Walton for Come and Join us in Worship as we Honor & Celebrate

33

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Drs. Kirkland & Brenda Walton

Sunday, January 21, 2018 Worship Service at 10:00 am Preached Word delivered by:

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

Rev. Lawrence Neal Cooper, Esq.

Pastor Kevin Cook

Ministry of Music by The Senior Choir, The S. H. Thompson Memorial Choir & Special Guest Musical Tributes by Mrs. Marie Hunter and Mr. Milton Marriott

Triumphant

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

Baptist Church

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

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

Church School - 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:15 a.m.

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

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Bible Study: Tuesday - 9 a.m.

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Every Wednesday 8 p.m.

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

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Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service

Wednesday Services

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m.

Attendence: 74 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m. Prayer Attendence: 98

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online!

Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.”

Visit www.ndec.net.

Friday, March 2, 2018 7:30 PM • Sunday, March 4, 2018 9:00 AM Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

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For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

B6 January 18-20, 2018

Obituaries/Faith News/Directory

Robert M. Davis Sr., founder of construction company, dies at 74

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Robert Michael Davis Sr. left his mark on hundreds of homes in Richmond and Washington.

For 50 years, he was involved in building, renovating and improving residences with a quality that kept him in demand.

His record in home construction and his mentorship of and encouragement to young people who worked for him to start their own businesses is being remembered following Mr. Davis’ death on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017. He was 74.

His life was celebrated Saturday, Jan. 6, at the church where he was a longtime member, Providence Park Baptist Church in North Side.

Known as “Dog” to his friends, Mr. Davis had construction in his blood as a scion of the family that created and has operated Davis Brothers Construction Co. for more than a century.

His grandfather, father, uncle, a brother and cousins worked in building either for the company or in their own businesses, and he learned all aspects of the business as he grew up.

After graduating from Maggie L. Walker High School and working for the family business for a few years, he broke away to found his own company, Robert M. Davis Sr. Construction, to focus more on housing work.

“He liked having a personal relationship with clients and making sure their homes were great places to live,” said his daughter, Yvette D. Rajput, director for 10 years of Richmond Hill’s Armstrong Leadership Program, which mentors Mr. Davis students at Armstrong High School.

“That’s just the kind of person he was. He was a humble man of great character,” she said, adding that his work to mentor young black men “inspired me to serve the community in my current role.”

In Richmond, he was best known for renovating or developing houses under contracts with the Richmond Redevelop-

Dorothy Olivia Fletcher Jefferson, 78, longtime financial secretary at 31st St. Baptist Church, dies Dorothy Olivia Fletcher Jefferson performed one last service for Thirtyfirst Street Baptist Church when she died. She brought together a pastor and congregation that has faced division and discord.

For the first time in months, the sanctuary at the church on Church Hill was packed as hundreds came out Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, to remember and celebrate the life of Ms. Jefferson, a longtime deacon board member and former church financial secretary who succumbed to illness on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.

“She was loved and appreciated, and we all wanted to show the family how much she meant to us,” said Barbara Price, a longtime member in explaining the turnout at the church that has experienced a decline in attendance at Sunday services.

Ms. Jefferson, a 78-year-old Bruns-

Ms. Jefferson

wick County native, served as the church’s financial secretary for 30 years until her retirement in 2016.

She also served for 20 years on t h e c h u r c h ’s deacon board, a position she held at the time

of her death.

The retiring pastor, Dr. Morris G. Henderson, delivered her eulogy, one of his final appearances in the pulpit.

Set to step down at the end of this month, Dr. Henderson had told the congregation he preached his last sermon on Jan. 7 when he announced his

retirement. (On Sunday, the day after the funeral, Associate Pastor Alvin Campbell preached the sermon.)

Ms. Jefferson, whom friends described as a warm, outgoing person who loved to cook and entertain, had been part owner of two Richmond area restaurants before she retired.

She also had a passion for fishing, her family said, although she never liked to eat what she caught. And she loved reading. She participated in a book club at the church.

Survivors include her son, Elvin H. Jefferson Jr.; daughters, Nancy J. Hopkins, Cynthia J. Massenburg, Patricia J. Miller and Angela J. Ramey; brothers, St. Luke Fletcher Jr. and Thomas E. Fletcher; sisters, Carolyn F. Alston, Bernette F. Johnson and Bertha F. Nunn; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Gospel star Edwin Hawkins dies at 74 Free Press wire report

NEW YORK Edwin Hawkins, the gospel star best known for the crossover hit “Oh Happy Day” and as a major force for contemporary inspirational music, died Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at age 74.

Mr. Hawkins died at his home in Pleasanton, Calif.

He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, publicist Bill Carpenter said.

Along with Andrae Crouch, James Cleveland and a handful of others, Mr. Hawkins was credited as a founder of modern gospel music. Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and numerous other singers had become mainstream stars by adapting gospel sounds to pop lyrics. Mr. Hawkins stood out for enjoying commercial success while still performing music that openly celebrated religious faith.

An Oakland native and one of eight siblings, Mr. Hawkins was a composer, keyboardist, arranger and choir master. He had been performing with his family and in church groups since childhood. While in his 20s, he helped form the Northern California State Youth Choir.

Their first alcom in 2015. “We bum, “Let Us Go grew up hearing into the House of all kinds of music the Lord,” came in our home. My out in 1968 and mother, who was a was intended for devout Christian, local audiences. loved the Lord and But radio stations displayed that in in the San Franher lifestyle. cisco Bay Area be“My father was gan playing one of not a committed the album’s eight Christian at that Mr. Hawkins tracks, “Oh Happy time but was what Day,” an 18th-century hymn you’d call a good man,” he said. arranged by Mr. Hawkins in “And, of course, we heard from call-and-response style. him some R&B music, but also a “Oh Happy Day,” featuring lot of country and western, when the vocals of Dorothy Combs we were younger kids.”

Morrison, was released as a In 1970, the Hawkins Singsingle credited to the Edwin ers backed Melanie on her top 10 Hawkins Singers and became a hit “Lay Down (Candles in the million-seller in 1969, showing Rain)” and won a Grammy for there was a large market for gos- best soul gospel performance pel songs and for inspirational for “Oh Happy Day.” music during the turbulent era Meanwhile, George Harof the late 1960s. rison would cite “Oh Happy “I think our music was Day” as the inspiration for his probably a blend and a cross- hit “My Sweet Lord,” and Glen over of everything that I was Campbell reached the adult hearing during that time,” Mr. contemporary charts with his Hawkins told blackmusic. own version of the Hawkins

performance. Elvis Presley, Johnny Mathis and numerous others also would record it.

Mr. Hawkins went on to make dozens of records and won four Grammys in all, including for the songs “Every Man Wants to Be Free” and “Wonderful!”

In 2007, he was voted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.

He also toured on occasion with younger brother Walter Hawkins, a Grammy winner who died in 2010.

Mr. Hawkins is survived by his siblings Carol, Feddie, Daniel and Lynette.

Riverview

Baptist Church 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

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcoffice1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wed. 6:45 p.m.

Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

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

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2018-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New A 21st Century Church We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! With Ministry For Everyone

Sunday, January 28, 2018 10:45AM – Worship & Praise Message by: Pastor Bibbs

3:30PM – Combined Ushers Anniversary Message by: Dr. Leo Whitaker

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor



Brian V. Wilson

Frances Carter-Tuck

President/Owner



Manager (South Chapel)

1215 Jefferson Davis Highway (South Chapel)



Richmond, Virginia 23224

8:45 a.m.

10 a.m.

 1 p.m.

Sunday, January 28, 2018



Open House: 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

e ercies iisr  a.m. ul ile Su :0 p.m.

Dedication Ceremony: 3 p.m.

ie oore Sree o 

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402

Serving Richmond since 1887 3200 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223• (804) 226-1176

WedneSday 12:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Bible Study



Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

For Sanya B. Young, writing a book about handling life’s challenge is helping her deal with the grief over the death two years ago of her husband, Dr. Leonidas B. Young II. Co-pastor of the church they founded, New Kingdom Christian Ministries in North Side, Mrs. Young has scheduled two signings in releasing the book, “Every Blue Moon.”

The signings are set for noon Sunday, Mrs. Young Jan. 21, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 503 Stuart Circle, in the Fan, and 2 p.m. that day at New Kingdom, 3200 Dill Ave. Mrs. Young said her book is about faith, learning how to manage the pain of loss and coping with a deeply emotional loss.

Details: Mrs. Young, (804) 615-0862, or nkcmfirstlady@ gmail.com.

New Executive Minister Baptist General Convention

1408 W. eih Sree  ichmo a. 0 804 5840

ile Su

Faith, coping with loss highlight new book by co-pastor of New Kingdom Christian Ministries

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00 A.M.

 

Church School Worship Service

ment and Housing Authority and project:Homes, formerly ElderHomes.

He also worked on special projects at city churches, Richmond International Airport and on buildings in Norfolk and Washington.

While he mostly focused on the Richmond housing market, he became a force in generating new interest in homes in the nation’s capital, particularly the northwest portion, according to D.C. Councilman Brandon T. Todd, who represents that area.

Through partnerships with developers during the 1970s and 1980s, Mr. Davis “lent his creativity, passion and talent to the initial phase of the city’s revitalization,” Mr. Todd wrote in a condolence letter.

He described Mr. Davis as leading a team that delivered specialized services and on-site management to ensure the success of home building efforts to lure people back to the city.

“His carpentry expertise and skill added a unique touch to each home he built,” Mr. Todd stated.

Outside of work, Mr. Davis was a passionate golfer who played on courses all over the world, his family said.

Survivors also include his sons, Jason Davis and Tajaddin Daily, and a nephew he raised, Jamal Davis; brothers, Leonard M. Davis Jr. and Larry M. Davis; sisters, Estelle Brown and Edith Williams; and five grandchildren.

The family requests memorial contributions be made in Mr. Davis’ name to Richmond Hill’s Armstrong Leadership Program, 2209 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23223.

All ARe Welcome

Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

Richmond Free Press

January 18-20, 2018 B7

Legal Notices 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 5, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2018-012 To authorize the special use of the property known as 10 West Leigh Street for the purpose of permitting a multifamily dwelling with up to 14 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is currently zoned R‑63 (Multi‑family Urban Residential). The City of Richmond’s adopted Pulse Corridor Plan designates a land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed Use. Neighborhood Mixed-use areas are cohesive districts that provide a mix of uses, but with a larger amount of residential uses than other mixed-use districts. They are an urban, walkable environment with limited neighborhood-oriented uses incorporated along key commercial corridors and at corner sites. No residential density is specified for this land use category.

The density of the proposed development is approximately 113 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2018-013 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1090 German School Road for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling with up to 96 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s current Land Use Plan designates a land use category for the subject property as M ult i‑fa m ily M ed iu m Density. Primary uses are multi‑family dwellings at densities up to 20 units per acre. Includes day nurseries, adult day care and residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses. The density of the parcel if developed as proposed would be approximately 31 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2018-014 To amend Ord. No. 85193-244, adopted Oct. 28, 1985, as previously amended by Ord. No. 88-210-196, adopted Sep. 12, 1988, Ord. No. 92367-314, adopted Oct. 12, 1992, Ord. No. 201113-26, adopted Feb. 28, 2011, and Ord. No. 2017248, adopted Jan. 8, 2018, which authorized the special use of the properties known as 1090 and 1100 German School Road for use as an elderly housing facility, to remove 1090 German School Road from the special use permit, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s current Land Use Plan designates a land use category for the subject property as M ult i‑fa m ily M ed iu m Density. “Primary uses are multi‑family dwellings at densities up to 20 units per acre. Includes day nurseries, adult day care and residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses. (City of Richmond Master Plan, p. 133). The property is located in the R‑3 Single‑family Residential Zoning District.

Ordinance No. 2018-015 To authorize the special use of the property known as 807 Pepper Avenue for the purpose of two singlefamily detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is located in the R‑4 Single‑family Residential Zoning District. The City’s Master Plan recommends S i n g l e ‑ F a m i l y Low‑Density land use for the property. This designation calls for single‑family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre and residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses.

The proposed density of the development is approximately 3 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2018-016 To authorize the special use of the property known as 900 St. James Street for the purpose of a building with non-residential uses on the first floor and up to 12 dwelling units on the upper floors, upon certain terms and conditions.

The City of Richmond’s Continued on next column

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Master Plan currently recommends Institutional and Single‑Family (low density) land use for the property. Primary Institutional uses include places of worship, private schools, universities, museums, hospitals and other care facilities.

(Richmond Master Plan, p. 135). The primary uses for Single‑Family (low density) land use include single‑family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre and residential support uses such as churches, parks, and recreational facilities (p. 133). The density of the proposed development is approximately 14 units per acre.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.

Richmondgov.com; the Main City Library located at 101 East Franklin Street; and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid Interim City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2018-010 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Police Mutual Aid Joint Aviation Agreement between the County of Henrico, Virginia, the County of Chesterfield, Virginia, and the City of Richmond, Virginia, for the purpose of operating a joint aviation unit to support aerial law enforcement activities in the party jurisdictions.

(COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2018-011 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University for the purpose of establishing cooperation between the City’s Department of Police and the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department in the furnishing of certain law enforcement services. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid Interim City Clerk

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Plaintiff v.

GUADALUPE GRAVE BENITO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17003502-00 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 March, 2018 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

without any warranty by the secured party.

Terms of the Sale: Cash.

A deposit of $20,000.00, by way of cash, certified or cashier’s check, may be required at the time of the sale, with settlement of the balance and removal of the property from the premises within ten (10) days after the auction date with time being of the essence. Additional terms may be announced at the sale.

PAUL S. BLILEY, JR., AGENT FOR THE SECURED PARTY For information contact: Paul S. Bliley, Jr. Williams Mullen 200 South 10th Street Suite 1600 Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone: (804) 420-6448 Telecopier: (804) 420-6507

CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

NEWSTART PROPERTIES, LLC, et al.

Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-4762 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2323 Lumkin Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0080525/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, NEWSTART PROPERTIES, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner NEWSTART PROPERTIES, LLC, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that MATTHEW F. NEWSOME, beneficiary of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 05-3264 on January 31, 2005, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that NEWSTART PROPERTIES, L L C , M A T T H E W F. NEWSOME, beneficiary of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 053264 on January 31, 2005, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

to subject the property briefly described as 1406 Lynhaven Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0071229/015, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Stanley W. Jones Estate and Annie D. Jones Estate.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, STANLEY W. JONES aka STANLEY WILBUR JONES, SR., who died on July 31, 2009, and his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and ANNIE D. JONES, who died on December 30, 1999, and her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that STANLEY W. JONES, JR and JENNIFER J. SIMMS, who may have an ownership interest in said property, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that GLORIA J. WRIGHT, who may have an ownership interest in said property, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action; that PRISCILLA M. JONES, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that GARNETT T. WEST, Trustee of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 563 page 957 on March 24, 1980, or his successor/s in title, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that GEORGE M. TEMPLE aka GEORGE M. TEMPLE, SR., Trustee of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 563 page 957 on March 24, 1980, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that CENTURY MORTGAGE COMPANY, I N COR P OR AT E D a k a CE N T U R Y MOR TA G E COM P A N Y, I N C . , a corporation listed as purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be the holder of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 563 page 957 on March 24, 1980, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that P. STONE and C. CHRISTIAN, Trustees of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 99-18863 on July 6, 1999, or their successor/s in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that CITIFINANCIAL, INC. 209, LLC, A Delaware Limited Liability Company, S u c c e s s o r b y Me r g e r to Associates Financial Services of America, Inc, which may be the holder of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 99-18863 on July 6, 1999, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not

been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that STANLEY W. JONES aka STANLEY WILBUR JONES, SR., who died on July 31, 2009, and his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, ANNIE D. JONES, who died on December 30, 1999, and her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, STANLEY W. JONES, JR, JENNIFER J. SIMMS, G L ORI A J . W RI G H T, PRISCILLA M. JONES, GARNETT T. WEST, Trustee of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 563 page 957 on March 24, 1980, or his successor/s in title, GEORGE M. TEMPLE aka GEORGE M. TEMPLE, SR., Trustee of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 563 page 957 on March 24, 1980, CENTURY MORTGAGE COMPANY, I N COR P OR AT E D a k a CE N T U R Y MOR TA G E COM P A N Y, I N C . , a corporation listed as purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be the holder of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 563 page 957 on March 24, 1980, P. STONE and C. CHRISTIAN, Trustees of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 99-18863 on July 6, 1999, or their successor/s in title, CITIFINANCIAL, INC. 209, LLC, A Delaware Limited Liability Company, Successor by Merger to Associates Financial Services of America, Inc, which may be the holder of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 99-18863 on July 6, 1999, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF Richmond PATRICK MACCLENAHAN, Plaintiff v.

GWENDOLYN MACCLENAHAN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17-4176-7 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of the above styled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the Defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart, without any cohabitation and without interruption, for a period of more than one year.

It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the Defendant, Gwendolyn MacClenahan has no known permanent address in the State of Virginia and that the Plaintiff has used diligence in attempting to locate the Defendant without success.

It is therefore ORDERED that the Defendant, Gwendolyn MacClenahan, appear before this Court on or before the 12th day of February, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect her interest in this suit.

An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk Eppa Hunton VI, Esq. 6720 Patterson Ave., Ste. D. Richmond, VA 23226 (804) 513-2595 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TESHA GOODWINE, Plaintiff v.

KORY GOODWINE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17003365-00 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 13th day of February, 2018 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

PROPERTY

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER VIDAL CRUZ ELIAS,

SECURED PARTY SALE NOTICE

Elf Tenant L.P., a Virginia limited partnership, will sell the below-described personal property (collectively, the “Property”) belonging to 7 Hills Brewing Company LLC, a Virginia limited liability company (the “Debtor”), in accordance with the provisions of certain Security Agreements executed by the Debtor and after giving at least ten (10) days’ notice to the Debtor of the date, time, place and terms of the sale, the Property will be offered for sale to the highest bidder at public auction at Canal Crossing, 101 South 15th Street, Suite 100, Richmond, Virginia 23219 (the “Premises”), on January 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. local time.

The Property is further described as all the Debtor’s fixtures and equipment located at Canal Crossing, 101 South 15th Street, Richmond, Virginia, including, but not limited to, tables, chairs, booths, coolers, freezers and brewing equipment as more particularly described as “Collateral” in that Financing Statement perfecting the secured party’s interest filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission on May 18, 2015, as File Number 1505183935-2. The Property will be sold in bulk.

A portion of the Property will be sold subject to two (2) Federal Tax Liens in favor of the Internal Revenue Service in the combined amount of $67,011.45 to the extent said liens have priority over the security interests being enforced herein. All the property will be sold AS IS, WHERE IS. There is no warranty or merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose given in connection with the sale. Title will pass to the purchasers in accordance with Article 9A of the Virginia Uniform Commercial Code

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Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF Richmond MADISON ARCHER, Plaintiff v.

LENNOX ARCHER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17-5048-8 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a final decree of divorce allowing plaintiff, Madison Archer, to be divorced from the defendant, Lennox Archer, on the grounds the parties have lived separate and apart, continuously and without interruption, for a period of more than one (1) year; and to enter such orders as necessary and appropriate during the course of this suit.

An affidavit having been filed that the whereabouts and/or residence of the defendant has been unknown to the plaintiff since on or before December 2015, it is ORDERED that the Defendant, Lennox Archer, appear before this Court on or before the 1st day of March, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk I ask for this: Eileen McNeil Newkirk, Esq. The McNeil Law Group 2315 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23223 Telephone (804) 648-5580 Facsimile (804) 648-5583 Virginia Bar No.: 40187

Notice Judicial Sale of Real Property Owner/s of the below listed properties are hereby given Notice that thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, proceedings will be commenced under the authority of Section 58.13965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to sell the following parcels located in the City of Richmond, Virginia for payment of delinquent taxes: 420 East 15th Street S000 0226 010 1506 North 26th Street E000 0711 004 1508 North 27th Street E000 0713 008 1121 North 31st Street E000 0722 032 1201 North 31st Street E000 0721 018 1201 ½ North 31st Street E000 0721 019 3100 Barton Avenue N000 1040 012 3212 Cliff Avenue N000 1140 023 2206 Ford Avenue E000 0756 007 1521 North Greycourt Avenue N000 1891 001 2106 Kimrod Road C008 0331 040 13 West Lancaster Road N000 0598 003 2306 East Leigh Street E000 0293 013 2407 Marion Mashore Street S000 0566 019 3509 East Marshall Street E000 1118 004 3403 Maryland Avenue N000 1161 012 2400 North Avenue N000 0539 020 2414 North Avenue N000 0539 013 2817 North Avenue N000 0785 019 2112 P Street E000 0468 016 3004 P Street E000 0628 030 2105 Redd Street E000 0604 027 1412 Rogers Street E000 0768 013 2919 S Street E000 0565 001 2934 Springview Drive C009 0622 034 2616 Whitcomb Street E012 0171 006 2618 Whitcomb Street E012 0171 007 2620 Whitcomb Street E012 0171 008 The owner/s of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and cost thereon, including the pro rata cost of publication hereunder.

Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. Office of the City Attorney City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia (804) 646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

ANN M. MORRIS aka ANN MARIE MORRIS, et al.

Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-4763 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1603 Magnolia Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000661/002, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, ANN M. MORRIS aka ANN MARIE MORRIS

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ANN M. MORRIS aka ANN MARIE MORRIS, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that ANN M. MORRIS aka ANN MARIE MORRIS and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

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

WILDCAT INVESTMENTS, LLC, et al.

Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-5884 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2510 aka 2508 Q Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000519/018, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, WILDCAT INVESTMENTS, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, WILDCAT INVESTMENTS, LLC, cancelled in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/ or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that WILDCAT INVESTMENTS, LLC, cancelled in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

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

WILLIE G. WILKINS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-4560 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 918 North 25th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000429/003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Willie G. Wilkins, Mattie S. Wilkins and Willie G. Wilkins, Jr.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, WILLIE G. WILKINS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, MATTIE S. WILKINS, upon information and belief deceased, or hers heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and WILLIE G. WILKINS, JR, upon information and belief deceased, his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that MARY NEWTON WILKINS, DIANE WILKINS, and BARBARA WILKINS BOYD, who may have an ownership interest in said property, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that MICHAEL WILKINS, who may have an ownership interest in said property, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that WILLIE G. WILKINS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, MATTIE S. WILKINS, upon information and belief deceased, or hers heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, WILLIE G. WILKINS, JR, upon information and belief deceased, his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, MARY NEWTON WILKINS, DIANE WILKINS, BARBARA WILKINS BOYD, MICHAEL WILKINS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

RJR VENTURES, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-4215 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 974 Pink Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0425/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, RJR Ventures, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that RODNEY PETERSON, Registered Agent for RJR VENTURES, LLC, the last owner of record of said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that RO D N E Y P E T ER S O N , Registered Agent for RJR VE N T U RE S , L L C , and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING

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

MICHAEL KILDAY, et al.

Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-5059 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2717 Griffin Avenue Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N000-0697/020, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, MICHAEL KILDAY.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner MICHAEL KILDAY, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that MICHAEL KILDAY and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste:

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

STANLEY W. JONES aka STANLEY WILBUR JONES, SR, et al.

Defendants.

No.: CL17-4117 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is

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BIDS COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION ITB # 18-1551-1CLE – Water Reclamation Facility Capital Improvement FY17 - The Work consists of HVAC improvements, valve and actuator replacements, sluice gate replacement, chemical tank replacement, pump replacements, and associated electrical and controls. Due 3:00 pm, February 14, 2018. Additional information available at: http://henrico.us/ purchasing/.

COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB# 17-1547-12JCK Chiller Replacement – Short Pump Middle School and Colonial Trail Elementary School Due 2:30 pm, February 6, 2018 Additional information available at: http://www. henrico.us/purchasing/

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Project: Baker Street School Rehabilitation Location: 100 West Baker Street, Richmond,VA 23220 Mandatory Pre-Bid Site Visit: January 22 @ 10:00 AM (MBE and Section 3 Subcontractors @ 11:30) Bid Date: February 6 @ 2:00 PM Link to Drawings for Download: http://www.virtexco.com/general-construction-bid-list-va/ Questions or Concerns Contact: Patrick Lindsey (plindsey@teamhenryent.com) Bids may be submitted to: John Scott (jscott@virtexco.com)

REQUEST FOR BIDS For Lease, Franchise, Right and Privilege To Use and Maintain 8850 West Huguenot Road In the City of Richmond The City of Richmond is seeking bids for the lease, franchise, right and privilege to use and maintain certain property located at 8850 West Huguenot Road for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a water pump station and ground storage tank in accordance with a certain Deed of Ground Lease, for a term of 40 years, subject to certain responsibilities to be imposed by lease and subject further to all retained rights of the City of Richmond.

All bids for the lease hereby offered to be granted shall be submitted in writing to the City Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2018. Bids will be presented to the presiding officer of the Council of the City of Richmond on Monday, January 22, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in open session and shall then be presented by the presiding officer to the Council and be dealt with and acted upon in the mode prescribed by law.

The City of Richmond expressly reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The successful bidder shall reimburse the City for all costs incurred in connection with the advertisement of this ordinance in accordance with section 15.2-2101 of the Code of Virginia and shall post the bond required by the ordinance.

A copy of the full text of the ordinance is on file in the City Clerk’s office, and the full text of the ordinance and lease to be executed is available at: https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail. aspx?ID=3292073&GUID=41CF7387-9128-4517-932A-8C D5B42A9F9F&Options=ID|Text|&Search=2017-253 Please address any questions or bids to: Candice D. Reid, Interim City Clerk City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 646-7955

Richmond Free Press

B8 January 18-20, 2018

Sports Plus Stories by Fred Jeter

The road to Super Bowl There is a bit of a local flavor wrapped in the history of the four remaining Super Bowl contenders.

Philadelphia: In 1973, Merritt Kersey from Matoaca High School in Chesterfield County became perhaps the first full-time black punter in NFL history.

Kersey was the Eagles’ primary punter in 1973 and 1974, averaging 36 yards per boot. He also was likely among the most athletic punters ever. While at Matoaca, he ran the 100-yard dash in 9.9 seconds and Daryl Johnson Merritt Kersey Fran Tarkenton Ernest Wilford high jumped 6-5.

In storybook fashion, Kersey made the Eagles’ roster during an open tryout following a stellar career as a punter and running back at West Chester State in Pennsylvania.

Kersey may have started a short list of black NFL punters, including retired Greg Coleman and Reggie Roby, and current Oakland punter Marquette King.

Minnesota: One NFL Hall of Famer was born in Richmond.

Do you know who that is?

If you say Willie Lanier, you’re incorrect. Mr. Lanier was born in Clover, 84 miles southwest of Richmond, before moving to the state capital.

Fran Tarkenton, son of Methodist minister Dallas Tarkenton, was born at the Medical College of Virginia on Feb. 3, 1940, although his family moved to Athens, Ga., by the time he began school.

With the Vikings from 1961 to 1966 and 1972 to 1978, Tarkenton was a nine-time All-Pro and led Minnesota to Super Bowl IV. Known for his scrambling, he passed for 342 touchdowns and ran for another 32.

Tarkenton was named to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1986 and his No. 10 jersey was retired by the Vikings.

Jacksonville: If you’re searching for the best athlete in Armstrong High School history, a good place to look would be Ernest Wilford.

After starring for the Wildcats in football and track, Wilford set all the receiving records at Virginia Tech and became the Jaguars’ fourth round draft choice in 2004.

In a Jacksonville career extending to 2010, the 6-foot-4, 226-pound Wilford caught 156 passes for 2,145 yards with 15 touchdowns, and was a punishing downfield blocker.

University of Central Florida Knights linebacker Shaquem Griffin

Sunday, Jan. 21

NFC Conference Final Minnesota Vikings (14-3) play Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) in Philadelphia 6:40 p.m. on FOX

Super Bowl

Sunday, Feb. 4 U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis 6:30 p.m. on NBC

was the Peach Bowl MVP.

Talented Griffin plays big, wins big

NFL Final Four

AFC Conference Final Jacksonville Jaguars (12-6) play New England Patriots (14-3) in Massachusetts 3:05 p.m. on CBS

Hall of Famer Lanier at both locations.

Playing quarterback, Johnson helped Morgan State to three straight undefeated seasons (1965 through 1967) and was selected by Boston in the fourth round of the 1968 draft.

In 1967, Johnson was Washington Pigskin Club National Small-College Player of the Year. He was honored at a banquet attended by Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey and U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Also in Jacksonville, Wilford drew attention for something other than his athletic skills.

On May 21, 2010, Wilford donated his long locks to the city’s Wolfson Children’s Hospital cancer unit. He had been growing his hair for six years.

New England: When the Patriots named their All-Decade team for the 1960s, a cornerback chosen was Daryl Johnson from Richmond.

Johnson broke in with the then-Boston Patriots in 1968 and was a three-year starter, compiling five interceptions when the franchise played home games at Fenway Park.

Before that, Johnson starred at Maggie L. Walker High School and Morgan State University, where he was a teammate of future

The University of Central Florida this season won all of its football games, going 13-0.

At the same time, Knights linebacker Shaquem Griffin won the hearts of all who saw him.

Griffin drew attention for two clear reasons — his aggressive, physical play and because he competes with just one hand.

The senior’s left hand was amputated when he was 4 years old because of a rare congenital condition called amniotic band syndrome.

Griffin’s latest achievement came New Year’s Day when he was named Defensive MVP following the Knights’ 34-27 Peach Bowl victory over Auburn in Atlanta.

The 6-foot-2, 229-pounder was like a wrecking ball in the middle of UCF’s defense. He was credited with 12 tackles, 1½ sacks and 10 quarterback hurries.

“Shaquem played like his dreadlocks were on fire,” UCF Coach Scott Frost told the Orlando Sentinel.

Griffin was joined in Coach Frost’s 2016 defensive alignment with his identical twin brother, Shaquill, a cornerback.

Shaquill now plays for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

The twins were born to Tangie and Terry Griffin 16 seconds apart 22 years ago in St. Petersburg, Fla. Early on, the word “can’t” was eliminated from the family vocabulary. Young Shaquem went about his chores, such as mowing the yard and running errands, like nothing had happened.

The twins starred in football at Lakewood High School,

earning scholarships to UCF in Orlando. Shaquem was also a standout in track and field, triple jumping nearly 50 feet.

At UCF, Shaquem was strictly a back-up during his first three years (one as a redshirt). Then he broke loose.

Excelling at pressuring quarterbacks, Shaquem was American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. This season, he repeated as an All-AAC selection.

The Peach Bowl MVP was the crowning touch.

“I fought so hard to get where I’m at today,” he told the Sentinel. “And it’s kind of good where I can actually showcase my talents.”

Griffin uses a prosthetic left hand for weight lifting, driving a car — everything except football.

On a down note, Griffin has not yet been invited to work out at the NFL’s Scouting Combine Feb. 27 through March 5 in Indianapolis, Ind. The Combine isn’t a prerequisite for making the NFL, but it sure improves one’s chances.

Responding on twitter, Griffin said, “Tell me what I need to do.”

Point is, don’t tell him what he “can’t” do, not when he’s so good at showing you what he can.

Griffin will have at least one more chance to impress NFL scouts prior to the draft. He has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl on Jan. 27 in Mobile, Ala.

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: Architectural Publisher

To view a copy of RFP # MW010918 go to Procurement Services Site: http://www.procurement. virginia.edu/main/ publicpostings/RFP.html, or email pur-rfp@virginia.edu

The following positions are available at Assisted Living Facility.

Activity Person (Part-Time), PCA or CNA To Work PRN, please bring a current TB report when applying.

All references will be checked.

Good pay and Good days off.

Call for appointment (804) 222-5133.

Freelance Writers: The 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 editor@richmond freepress.com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P. O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 No phone calls.

Follow us on @FreePressRVA

@RichmondFreePressUSA

PT-Security Guard Outpatient opioid facility downtown. Must be DCJS certified.

Email marym@hricorp.org or fax resume to (804) 644-6310. Bi lingual preferred. EOE.

Counselor Outpatient opioid facility downtown.

BSW or related field with 2 yrs. SA experience. MUST have CSAC. Email resume to marym@hricorp.org or fax 644-6310. Bi-lingual preferred. EOE.

Nurse-PT To work in out-patient treatment facility downtown. Hours 7:00am1:30 Mon., Tue., Thur., and Fri. pm with some weekends. Email marym@hricorp.org or fax 804-644-6310. Bi lingual preferred. RN preferred. EOE.

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

NURSING INSTRUCTORS Nursing Generalist

Medical Surgical, Community Health Positions: #FO152, #FO303

**RE-ANNOUNCEMENT**

(J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA) Master’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited college or university. An unrestricted Registered Nurse’s license. Minimum of two (2) years of direct client care nursing experience or its equivalent within the past five (5) years or two (2) years of full-time teaching in nursing education or its equivalent (30 credits is equal to 1 year). Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in community, wellness/illness, chronic care and geriatric work experience and previous teaching experience. The selected candidate must be able to successfully pass the college’s pre-employment security screening.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, ninemonth teaching faculty-ranked appointment. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant. Salary range: $32,832-$108,508.

Approximate maximum hiring salary: $65,000.

Additional information is available at the College’s website: www.reynolds.edu.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Application reviews will begin March 9, 2018. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/ AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

Richmond Ambulance Authority Notice of Invitation for Bid Ambulance Auto Parts and Supplies Solicitation Number: 18-02 Richmond Ambulance Authority, a high performance EMS system located in Richmond, Virginia, announces its intent to bid for the provision of ambulance auto parts and supplies.

The successful bidder will submit a cost listing for providing ambulance auto parts and supplies to the Authority.

All proposals must be received at Authority offices no later than 3pm, ET on February 16, 2018. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Ambulance Auto Parts and Supplies 18-02 by contacting: Kaila M. Bradley Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Richmond Ambulance Authority 2400 Hermitage Road Richmond, Virginia, 23220 804-254-1185 kbradley@raaems.org

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call 644-0496

Richmond Ambulance Authority Notice of Invitation for Bid EMS Medical Supplies Solicitation Number: 18-01 Richmond Ambulance Authority, a high performance EMS system located in Richmond, Virginia, announces its intent to bid for the provision of EMS medical supplies.The successful bidder will submit a cost listing for providing EMS medical supplies to the Authority.

All proposals must be received at Authority offices no later than 3pm, ET on February 16, 2018. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) for EMS Medical Supplies 18-01 by contacting: Kaila M. Bradley Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Richmond Ambulance Authority 2400 Hermitage Road Richmond, Virginia, 23220 804-254-1185 kbradley@raaems.org