Richmond Free Press January 21-23, 2021 edition

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Richmond Free Press

JANUARY 21-23, 2021

America’s new day President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Vice President Kamala Harris are sworn into office during an uplifting ceremony calling on people to ‘write an American story of hope … of decency and dignity, love and healing’

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A literary star is born

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. issued a ringing call to the nation and began throwing out the damaging, corrosive policies of his predecessor after being sworn into office Wednesday along with his history-making vice president, former U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California.

Vice President Harris is the first woman, first AfricanAmerican and first AsianAmerican to be elected to the post.

And like a bad dream, the nightmare of the Trump administration is over, the last four years dispelled in a ceremonial and peaceful transition of power

The country has a new president and a new literary star.

In one of the inauguration’s most talked about moments, poet Amanda Gorman summoned images dire and triumphant Wednesday as she called out to the world “even as we grieved, we grew.”

The 22-year-old Ms. Gorman referenced everything from Biblical scripture to “Hamilton,” and at times echoed the

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Poem on A8

in Washington, D.C., that went on without disruption.

The ceremony, limited in attendance because of COVID19, was highlighted by prayers, the solos of celebrity singers Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks and the powerful, uplifting words of 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, the nation’s first youth poet laureate.

“This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day,” the 46th president said in his inaugural address. He vowed to be the president of all Americans, including those who did not support him.

“Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause. The cause of democracy,” President Biden said, looking from the U.S. Capitol out to a sea of 200,000 flags representing the crowd that the pandemic kept away.

“The people, the will of the people, has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded.”

But he also warned that “democracy is fragile” in calling for people to come together in common cause to address the challenges ahead and to choose civility and respect over hatred

oratory of John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With urgency and assertion, she began by asking “Where can we find light/In this neverending shade?” and used her own poetry and life story as an answer.

The poem’s very title, “The Hill We Climb,” suggested both labor and transcendence.

“We did not feel prepared to be the heirs Of such a terrifying hour.

But within it we’ve found the power To author a new chapter, To offer hope and laughter to ourselves.”

It was an extraordinary task for Ms. Gorman, who soon after finishing her poem helped inspire — along with Vice President Kamala Harris — the Twitter hashtag ”#BlackGirlMagic and was being praised by former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama among others.

Ms. Gorman is a native and resident of Los Angeles who studied sociology at Harvard University and became the country’s first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017. In interviews, she said she had a

Free Press wire report

J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

From right, President Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff wave to a small, but cheering crowd as they arrive on the steps of the U.S. Capitol for the start of the official inaugural ceremonies Wednesday. Below left, former President Obama greets Vice President Kamala Harris with a double fist bump as she walked to her seat on the inaugural stage. The gesture was heavy with symbolism from the two history makers. Below right, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, 22, enthralls the crowd as she reads her poem of transcendence, “The Hill We Climb.”

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Jonathan Ernst/Pool photo via AP

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press/Pool

‘We need this to get back to normal’

By George Copeland Jr.

It has been months since Annette Johnson has seen her grandmother in person.

A program nurse with Community Residence Inc. that helps people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs in Richmond, she has spent the time caring for patients with compromised immune systems and doing what she can to stay safe in the midst of the pandemic even as it has left her distanced from family members out of necessity.

But the time apart has taken its toll.

So when her employer notified her of her eligibility for vaccination—an opportunity Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

The cavernous Old Dominion Building at Richmond Raceway offers enough space for vaccination stations to be socially distanced and for people to wait safely for 15 minutes after being inoculated to ensure they do not have an adverse reaction. More than 1,000 people were inoculated against COVID-19 there on Tuesday.

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

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: Thursday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to noon, Regency Square parking deck, 1420 N. Parham Road, Western Henrico. Drive-thru testing.

Friday, Jan. 22, 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., in Eastern Henrico. Drive-thru testing.

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to noon, Second Baptist Church of South Side, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd., in South Richmond. Drive-thru testing.

Friday, Jan. 29, 1 to 3 p.m., Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., in Eastern Henrico. Drive-thru testing.

Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Another double standard?

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Police seize firearms from Black men, but not white men, at Lobby Day Reuters

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Members of the Fred Hampton Gun Club of DMV walk along Bank Street at the foot of Capitol Square during Monday’s Lobby Day event, in which armed demonstrators show their support for their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Police stopped a car of Black men and confiscated two of their guns at Virginia’s annual “Lobby Day” on Monday, while white gun rights activists defied local laws unimpeded in the state capital of Richmond.

In a day with racial tensions on display, Black protesters denounced what they called a double standard in a state where people are free to openly carry firearms.

Virginians converge on the State Capitol each Lobby Day to petition state legislators on issues of public interest. But the day, which coincides with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader, has been dominated by gun Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Armed gun rights advocates flash peace and love signs to media at the rally near the State Capitol. More media and police were on hand for the rally than demonstrators.

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January 21-23, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Va. Senate moving against GOP Sen. Amanda Chase Free Press wire, staff report

The state Senate is lowering the hammer on GOP Sen. Amada Chase of Chesterfield for speaking and whipping up the crowd at a pro-Trump rally in Washington on Jan. 6 before the mob stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The Senate is advancing a resolution to censure Sen. Chase for “fomenting insurrection against the United States,” saying she helped incite the rioters who crashed through barricades, broke through police lines and into the Capitol, vandalizing offices, stealing electronic equipment and threatening to kidnap or hurt members of Congress. Five people died in the attack, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer who was beaten with a fire extinguisher.

Sen. Chase A Senate committee voted Tuesday to approve the censure resolution, while earlier in the day, the Senate voted nearly unanimously to strip Sen. Chase of her one and only committee assignment.

The censure resolution was passed along party lines, with Democrats saying that Sen. Chase, an outspoken supporter both of President Trump and gun rights, deserved punishment for repeatedly promoting his baseless claims of election fraud, praising the rioters and calling for martial law to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Sen. John Bell, a Northern Virginia lawmaker who sponsored the resolution, said Sen. Chase mimicked the same type of behavior that led to President Trump being impeached.

“We must be held to a higher standard,” Sen. Bell said.

Sen. Chase, who also is running for the GOP nomination for governor, recently had restrictions placed on her Facebook account after falsely blaming antifa activists for the deadly insurrection at the Capitol.

Republicans distanced themselves from Sen. Chase, but voted against the resolution on the grounds that it was an infringement of her free speech rights.

“This country has dramatically shifted from the belief of freedom of speech to a culture of freedom from speech,” said GOP Sen. Bryce Reeves of Orange County.

The resolution now goes to the full Senate for a vote, where Democrats have a narrow majority.

Sen. Chase said she plans to introduce censure resolutions against Democratic lawmakers who attended protests last summer focused on racial justice and removing Confederate statues.

She also said she’s being unfairly targeted because of her outspoken support for the former president and because she’s running for governor without the backing of the state’s Republican establishment.

“This is all about their lack of tolerance for anyone that supported President Donald J. Trump, of which I am one of the biggest advocates for,” Sen. Chase said.

Chesterfield Judge Pamela O’Berry in jeopardy of losing seat on bench

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Judge Pamela O’Berry, currently the longest-serving Black judge in Chesterfield County, is facing removal after 12 years on the bench in Chesterfield General District Court.

The Free Press has learned that Judge O’Berry was not included on the state Senate’s list of lower court judges to be reappointed to new six-year terms, though her name was included on the House of Delegates list.

Unless the Senate in a floor vote reinstates her, Judge O’Berry would not receive the required support from both chambers and Judge O’Berry would have to step down when her term ends this year.

Currently, Judge O’Berry is one of only two Black judges in Chesterfield County and the lone woman on the county’s General District Court.

Judge O’Berry has not been available for comment and is generally barred by judicial canons from speaking to the media.

However, supporters are expressing outrage that she now appears likely to be unseated and blame state Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey for leading the effort to remove her.

Behind the scenes, Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn has been lobbying hard for support for the judge, but as a House member, she does not have the influence to affect the Senate’s decision.

If Judge O’Berry is not reappointed, both chambers could select a replacement. Two Black attorneys are believed to be among the candidates under consideration.

While Judge O’Berry apparently has not been the subject of any ethics complaints, her reappointment has been controversial.

She has received high marks from some attorneys and from James Holland, chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, but also has drawn significant opposition from others.

At a public hearing on her reappointment in mid-December, members of the county’s delegation heard a mix of praise and criticism of her performance on the bench. Even the NAACP has split, with the state NAACP providing a letter of support in an attempt to counter the Chesterfield County NAACP Branch’s negative assessment of the judge.

Two-night MLK symposium to feature community leaders panel A two-night, virtual public symposium on the topic “Strengthening the Black Community: Where Do We Go From Here?” will be held 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26, it has been announced.

The event, scheduled to feature a panel of community leaders and elected officials, will be hosted by Virginia Union University in partnership with Living the Dream Inc. and the Bernice E. Travers Foundation.

VUU President Hakim J. Lucas stated that the goal is for the discussions to create strategies and actions that will provide a “blueprint for us to follow as a community to ensure not only our survival but our ability to prosper in the face of adversity.”

This is the third edition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Symposium, according to Ms. Travers, who helped create the event in honor of the slain civil rights icon. She calls the discussion needed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and what she sees as “an escalating pandemic of injustices.”

The program free but people must register at https://tinyurl. com/VUUMLK21 to receive the online link and code needed to participate.

Details: Ms. Travers, (804) 814-4434.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape

The Residences at the John Marshall on 5th ued work on another miniseries, “Swagger!,” Street in Downtown became a setting Tuesday that focuses on youth basketball, coaches and for a new TV miniseries, “Dopesick” that is players’ families and was inspired by the life Slices of life and scenes experiences of NBA superstar Kevin Durant. to stream on Hulu. The production is based in Richmond on Beth Macy’s book, “Dopesick: Dealers, The network has yet to announce a release Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America.” The date for the 10-part series that was filmed largely in Gilpin production arrived in the city as separate CBS crews contin- Court and other areas of the city.

State Police to probe handling of city contract to remove rebel statues

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Did Mayor Levar M. Stoney violate the state’s procurement law when his administration provided a sole-source emergency contract worth $1.8 million to remove cityowned Confederate statues?

After two months,Attorney General Mark R. Herring has given a special prosecutor the green light to have State Police investigate the transaction to determine if there was any criminal wrongdoing.

The special prosecutor, Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tim Martin, made the request in November after deciding a probe was warranted of the mayor’s award of the contract. How long the probe will take and whether it will turn up anything is unknown.

The issue is the level of authority that Mayor Stoney had to bypass state procurement law and give the contract to Devon Henry, an African-American contractor from Newport News who, it later turned out, had made a combined $4,000 contribution to the mayor’s 2016 campaign and his One Richmond political action committee.

Mayor Stoney has said the action to remove the Confederate statues, taken amid the continuing demonstrations over racial injustice and police brutality, was designed to quiet the uproar and protect public safety.

The mayor has said he left the selection of the contractor to Robert Steidel, the city’s chief of operations. Mr. Steidel has said the mayor had no involvement choosing the contractor to do the statue removal work or in setting the contract terms; the mayor signed the contract award.

Among the concerns has been the price tag for the removal. Three other contractors have said privately that $1.8 million is five to six times the amount that was needed.

Insisting on anonymity, those contractors have suggested that $200,000 to $300,000 was the most that should have been spent, and each said that still would have yielded a substantial profit.

According to Mayor Stoney and his defenders, the price tag soared because no

other contractors in the area were willing to do the work. Mr. Steidel has confirmed he struggled to find a company for the removal.

The removal of the Confederate statues capped more than a month of daily protests in Richmond triggered by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis during the Memorial Day holiday. A viral video of the officer suffocating Mr. Floyd by kneeling on his neck triggered sometimes violent clashes in cities across the country, including Richmond. Here, protesters rampaged during the first few days. They burned a

ing procedures and formalities prescribed by law pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, incurring of obligations, employment of temporary workers, rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and materials and other expenditures of public funds.”

Mr. Herring’s decision to approve Mr. Martin’s request to launch a State Police probe has drawn fire from Norfolk Delegate Jay Jones, who is challenging the incumbent attorney general in the June Democratic primary.

Delegate Jones claimed that the State Police investigation was approved only after Mayor Stoney endorsed him in the attorney general contest, and he charged that this was further evidence that Mr. Herring is using his office for political purposes.

Mr. Herring Delegate Jones Mayor Stoney The delegate noted that city bus and at least four stores and broke Mr. Herring earlier had authorized a State storefront windows of numerous Downtown Police investigation of another supporter, businesses, many of which were boarded up state Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey of for months. Peaceful protests turned violent Richmond. The special prosecutor in that as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets case, New Kent Commonweal’s Attorney, to disperse crowds.

T. Scott Renick, used a State Police probe Gov. Ralph S. Northam declared a state to bring misdemeanor charges against Sen. of emergency in early June after the initial Morrissey for allegedly engaging in illegal protests in Richmond and later extended it electioneering at a polling place in 2019. But into the first week of July. That declaration the charges were dismissed Jan. 8, with Mr. granted Mayor Stoney sweeping authority to Renick’s assistant, who handled the case in deal with the situation as the city’s director court, acknowledging there was no evidence of emergency operations. to support the charges.

On June 8, Richmond City Council enIn response to a Free Press query, Charlotte dorsed Mayor Stoney’s own declaration of Gomer, spokeswoman for Mr. Herring, stated: emergency, triggering a state law that grants “The Office of Attorney General did not the director of emergency operations near initiate this investigation (of Mayor Stoney), dictatorial powers and temporarily suspends is not conducting it, has no oversight over state laws that might hold up action to deal it and has no say in the outcome.” with the emergency.

Ms. Gomer noted that Mr. Herring’s ofThat section of the state code, 44-146.21, fice did not announce that it had authorized allows the director in dealing with an emer- Mr. Martin to use the State Police. State law gency to, among other things, “enter into requires the attorney general or a special contracts and incur obligations necessary to grand jury to provide such authorization combat such threatened or actual disaster, when an elected official is involved. She protect the health and safety of persons and said that information about the probe came property … without regard to time-consum- from Mr. Martin.

School Board to start work on Kamras’ proposed $341M budget

By Ronald E. Carrington

Increased funding from the city and state in the coming fiscal year would assist in Richmond Public Schools Superin- paying for increases in employee health tendent Jason Kamras presented to the premiums, as well as cover a proposed 2 School Board Tuesday night a percent raise and 1.17% step in$341 million proposed budget crease for all RPS employees. for the next fiscal year.

“We anticipate about $4 milThe proposal for the comlion in new state revenue next bined operational and capital year and about $5 million in improvement budget is anchored new city revenue next year,” Mr. by a $9 million increase in local Kamras told the board. “Those and state funds and includes numbers are lower than what the raises across the board for teachdistrict has seen in previous years Mr. Kamras ers and other employees. It also as a result of the pandemic’s invests in social and emotional support impact on tax revenue.” for students and families because of the However, he assured the board, the pandemic, as well as COVID-19 safety district will receive $55 million from measures that would be funded largely by the latest round of federal stimulus asforthcoming federal CARES Act aid. sistance. He wants some of that money The federal stimulus money, once spent, held in reserve. will not be replenished year after year.

“During the course of the spring of this According to Mr. Kamras, last year’s year, $16 million will be used now while CARES Act funds allowed Richmond Pub- holding in reserve $25 million for the 2023 lic Schools to purchase 22,000 Chromebook school year,” Mr. Kamras proposed to the laptop computers and 6,000 hot spots to board. “We will save $14 million for the launch RPS’ 100 percent virtual school following year to ensure the district will system that many thought would not be be able to continue investments started possible a year ago. this year.”

Additionally, Mr. Kamras’ budget plan also includes year-round school for 5,000 students who have possible fallen behind.

That is expected to cost about $8 million and will provide an additional 40 days or more of learning for RPS’ highest need students, as well as more support for English as a second language, special education students and pre-school students.

Previous board members supported yearround school and extending instructional time up to 40 additional days as students transitioned from in-person instruction to virtual learning.

“Superintendent Jason Kamras’ budget proposal is precisely what the doctor ordered,” School Board Vice Chair Jonathan M. Young told his colleagues Tuesday night.

“I commend him on the forward-looking budget proposal aimed at COVID mitigation that rightly prioritizes year-round school, adding instructional days for 5,000 students, teacher retention and overdue capital improvements.”

The School Board will have its first budget work session at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.

Richmond Free Press

January 21-23, 2021

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Richmond Free Press

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News

A literary star is born

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speech impediment as a child and enjoyed writing and reading aloud as a way to overcome it.

She is the youngest by far of the poets who have read at presidential inaugurations since President John F. Kennedy invited Robert Frost in 1961. Other predecessors including Maya Angelou and Elizabeth Alexander.

Mindful of the past, Ms. Gorman wore earrings and a caged bird ring — a tribute to the late Dr. Angelou’s classic memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” — given to her by Oprah Winfrey, a close friend of the late writer.

“I have never been prouder to see another young woman rise! Brava Brava, @TheAmandaGorman! Maya Angelou is

cheering—and so am I,” Ms. Winfrey tweeted.

Ms. Gorman told The Associated Press last week that she planned to combine a message of hope for President Biden’s inaugural without ignoring “the evidence of discord and division.” She had completed a little more than half of “The Hill We Climb” before Jan. 6 and the siege of the U.S. Capitol by insurrectionist supporters of then-President Trump.

“That day gave me a second wave of energy to finish the poem,” Ms. Gorman told the AP. Ms. Gorman’s career is just beginning. Penguin Young Readers announced Wednesday that “The Hill We Climb” will be published in a special edition this spring. Two other books come out in September — the illustrated “Change Sings” and a volume of her inaugural poem and other works.

Area AKAs celebrate VP Harris’ inauguration Members of six area Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapters put on their pearls and Chuck Taylor sneakers Wednesday evening and celebrated the inauguration of their sorority sister, Vice President Kamala Harris, with a Zoom event on Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 6:08 to 7:08 p.m., homage to the sorority’s founding in 1908 at Howard University.

The newly inaugurated vice president is a Howard University alumna.

The event was organized by the AKA’s Metro RVA Connection Committee Collective in collaboration with the Membership and Sisterly Relations committees, and included sorority members from Upsilon Omega, Delta Omega, Tau Phi Omega, Rho Eta Omega, Omega Rho Omega and the Pi Rho Omega chapters from Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Petersburg, Ettrick and New Kent and Charles City.

The members, dressed in Vice President Harris’ favorite footwear—Chuck Taylor sneakers – and wearing the sorority’s signature strand of white pearls, celebrated the historic American moment with music and games, special cocktail

demonstrations and commemorative favors.

According to Latonia Anderson, one of the organizers, the Zoom call started with Mary J. Blige’s song “Work That,” which was Vice President Harris’ victory speech walkout song on Nov. 7, after she and her presidential running mate, Democrat Joe Biden, were declared the winners.

“We sent out party favors and AKA trivia and a Kamala Harris backdrop for the Zoom call, as well as a list of specialty cocktails to all of the registered members,” Ms. Anderson told the Free Press.

After the event, sorority members will be able to purchase commemorative T-shirts.

“I’m over the moon to have a first African-American woman vice president,” said Ms. Anderson, a former educator and counselor for underprivileged children of color. “This shows our students what they can be.

“As our Black and brown girls look into the mirror, they will say, ‘She looks like me.’ They will have something to aspire to and strive for as they study and make the grades as they do well in school.”

America’s new day Continued from A1

and division.

“Politics need not be a raging fire destroying everything it path,” said President Biden. “We must end this uncivil war.”

While three former presidents, Mr. Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, attended Wednesday’s inauguration, Mr. Trump was conspicuously absent. Still president, he flew off to Florida three hours before the ceremony, becoming the first president since Andrew Johnson in 1869 to stay away from his successor’s swearing-in.

With incoming President Biden already announcing he would immediately undo some of Mr. Trump’s signature initiatives, such as building a border wall, Mr. Trump’s speedy departure was expected. He could soon return, though, as the Senate is preparing for his impeachment trial on a charge by the U.S. House of Representatives that he incited the Jan. 6 insurrection in a bid to stay in power.

President Biden, who at 78 is the oldest person to enter the presidency, quickly kept his word “to press forward with speed and urgency” to repair, restore, heal and build.

With the inaugural parade going virtual and the fancy balls canceled, the new chief executive capped his first day by ramping up action on his first initiatives and signing 15 executive orders and other papers rolling back detested policies of Mr. Trump, while also making racial equity a pillar of his new administration.

Even before he took office, President Biden unveiled a new $1.9 trillion COVID19 relief bill that would provide an extra $1,400 per person in relief payments, extend unemployment benefits through March, put student loan repayments on hold until September and provide new funding for states.

After being sworn in, he also sent Congress legislation to create an eightyear path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States.

Showing vigor and energy, President Biden also appointed a COVID-19 czar to improve the federal response to the

epidemic and step up vaccinations. He also issued a challenge to Americans to mask up for the next 100 days to reduce the spread of the virus. And he issued orders to extend federal agency moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures and had the nation rejoin the World Health Organization and the global fight against the pandemic.

President Biden also named former U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice to lead a sweeping review of federal policies on racial equity and to oversee executive agencies that he charged with overhauling procedures to eliminate bias and discrimination and to ensure federal resources are invested in communities of color and other underserved communities.

At the same time, President Biden signed orders halting construction of the Trump border wall; beginning the process of reinstating the United States as a member of the global Paris Accord effort to tackle climate change; ending the ban on visas and travel from Muslim countries; and easing the crackdown on immigrants. The orders also sought to shore up the DREAM Act for children whose parents brought them illegally to this country and halted immediate removal of Liberian refugees.

He also withdrew Mr. Trump’s approval of the Keystone pipeline, pushed to reinstate mileage standards for vehicles, halted implementation of regulations easing environmental standards and rolled back other changes in environmental regulation.

The White House said that additional executive actions would be forthcoming in the coming days and weeks to restore the progressive framework and regulations that former Mr. Trump and his administration spent four years trying to tear down.

His inaugural address made it clear that the new president is keenly aware he is taking office at a time of bitter division in the country and just two weeks after his predecessor fomented a mob’s attack on the U.S. Capitol and Congress with lies that he had won re-election.

Evidence of that division is the fact that the president entered office before any of his cabinet choices have been confirmed – the first time in decades that

has happened. About 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Senate voted to confirm the first – Avril Haines, President Biden’s nominee for director of national security, which he made a cabinet-level post.

Republicans, who next week will cede control of Senate, have dawdled on the chamber’s responsibility to holding hearings. More nominees will be confirmed in the coming days.

Still, none of the armed militia or insurrectionists the FBI warned may be planning to attack the inauguration showed up to a ceremony that was ringed by 25,000 National Guard troops and was mostly off limits except to a few invited guests and members of Congress.

The pandemic was much on the mind of the new president. During the inauguration, he said his first act was to have a moment of silence for the 400,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19, a number higher than combat deaths during World War II. On Tuesday night, then President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris held a sunset memorial ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial to remember those who have died in the pandemic. The commemoration marked the federal government’s first official nod to the staggering death toll.

“To heal, we must remember,” the president-elect said.

After he was sworn in, President Biden made one of his first stops at Arlington Cemetery to lay a wreath honoring those who served their country in the military.

In his speech, President Biden, who grew up in working-class family in Scranton, Penn., said he understood the anxiety and concern that so many are facing.

He called on his listeners to join him in fighting the common foes—“anger, resentment, hatred, extremism, joblessness and hopelessness.”

Through unity, he said, “we can do great things” and meet the challenges, eradicate the virus, reopen schools and provide racial justice.

“We can make America once again the leading force for good,” he said, “leading not by the example of our power but by the power of our example.”

‘We need this to get back to normal’ Continued from A1

she saw to keep her patients safe and to see her grandmother in person again—she didn’t hesitate to take it.

“In order for me to see my family again, I need to make sure they’re safe,” Ms. Johnson said. “We need this in order for us to get back to normal.

“I know our people have a history of the government setting us up for guinea pigs,” Ms. Johnson continued, alluding to medical experiments conducted unethically throughout history on African-Americans. “But I don’t feel bad about this at all,” she said. “It’s easy to get set up, it’s easy to go in there and it’s no harm.”

Ms. Johnson was one of hundreds of people who lined up Tuesday to get their first COVID-19 vaccine shot at a mass vaccination event held inside the Old Dominion Building at Richmond Raceway in Henrico County.

Volunteers and employees with the Richmond and Henrico health districts wearing masks and minding social distance and health safety protocols worked to inoculate teachers, essential workers, the elderly and others in the area’s first expansion of the vaccination effort and who is now eligible to receive the vaccine under the state’s plan.

When the day’s work eventually ended at 4 p.m. Tuesday, a total of 1,005 people had been vaccinated. That’s a little over the 800- to 1,000-person goal that had been set and a far cry from the 300 to 400 totals that had been tallied during the vaccine’s initial rollout targeting front line health care workers and those living and working in long-term care facilities.

Two additional large-scale vaccination events were slated for this week, health officials said.

“It was fantastic,” said Sheila Franco, a 58-year old Richmond teacher, who was eager to roll up her sleeve and get the first of two shots to ensure the safety of her family and her students.

“That was the most organized thing I’ve ever been to. I hope we have enough in supply, and I hope that people come out and get it if they’re offered the opportunity.”

Catherine Long, public information officer for the Richmond and Henrico health districts, said Tuesday’s event ran smoothly.

“We are excited to continue to vaccinate our communities,” she said.

Free COVID-19 testing Continued from A1 Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.ly/ RHHDCOVID. Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering free COVID-19 testing at the following locations: Second Baptist Church, 5100 W. Hundred Road, Chester, 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25.

St. Augustine Catholic Church, 4400 Beulah Road, North Chesterfield, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Chesterfield County Health Department, 9501 Lucy Corr Circle, Smith-Wagner Building Multipurpose room, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 23.

Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms.

The testing is free, and no reservations are necessary.

Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) 3188207.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

People who live or work in Richmond or Henrico County are asked to fill out a COVID-19 vaccine interest form at vax.rchd.com, or call (804) 205-3501.

Residents of Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland, New Kent and Charles City counties are asked to complete an eligibility tool at https://vdh.jebbit.com/amkwk6m1?L=Owned+Web&JC=Vaccine or to call the state COVID-19 hotline at (877) 275-8343.

Wednesday marked one year after the first case of COVID-19 was detected in the United States. To date, more than 400,000 people in the United States have died from the coronavirus, with more than 2 million deaths worldwide.

Data from Johns Hopkins University reports more than 93 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally and 24.3 million in the United States.

In Virginia, the state Department of Health reported a record number of cases during the last weekend, with 9,914 new cases reported on Sunday and 7,245 new cases on Monday.

Those daily numbers dropped slightly by Wednesday, when 4,515 new cases were reported, bringing Virginia’s statewide total of COVID-19 cases to 455,591, along with 20,221 hospitalizations and 5,861 deaths.

According to Virginia data, African-Americans comprised 21.3 percent of cases and 23.7 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 18.6 percent of the cases and 7.6 percent of deaths.

To combat the virus, state health officials continue to expand vaccinations across the state. As of Wednesday, Virginia had distributed 943,400 doses of the vaccine, with 38.2 percent administered. By Wednesday, 39,458 people have been fully vaccinated by receiving two doses of the vaccine.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Richmond reported a total of 11,636 cases, 613 hospitalizations and 118 deaths; Henrico County, 16,585 cases, 742 hospitalizations and 323 deaths; Chesterfield County, 17,907 cases, 655 hospitalizations and 193 deaths; and Hanover County, 5,271 cases, 209 hospitalizations and 88 deaths.

Police seize firearms from Black men, not white men, at Lobby Day Continued from A1

rights activists in recent years. Last year, about 22,000 people carrying an array of weapons, including military assault-style rifles, swarmed the area around the Capitol Square and Downtown streets demanding that state lawmakers put an end to enacting tougher gun control laws.

Reuters witnessed Monday’s police stop of the African-Americans, which stood in contrast to dozens of white pro-gun activists on foot and in hundreds of trucks that drove through Richmond’s streets flying “Guns Save Lives” flags without police interceding.

The car was stopped one block from Richmond’s six-story monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and less than an hour after a white, anti-government Boogaloo Boys leader boasted on a megaphone that his group was violating gun and ammunition laws.

One of the Black men to have handguns confiscated unleashed an expletive-laden

complaint, calling it a double-standard and an example of why many African-Americans resent the police.

“Everybody in the city is carrying today, and you’re only pulling us over,” yelled a Black woman who was looking on with a group of enraged bystanders. “Shout-out to Martin Luther King Day!” Richmond Police did not immediately respond to a Reuters query about the incident and about the protesters’ allegation of discrimination. On Twitter, police said they had issued a summons to one man at that scene for possessing a concealed firearm without a permit and had confiscated the gun.

About an hour before the Black men were pulled over, Boogaloo Boys leader Mike Dunn hoisted a megaphone alongside about 10 members of his “Last Sons of Liberty” group, all white men.

Mr. Dunn told the assembled reporters and police that his group was openly carrying semiautomatic rifles “in pure defiance” of local laws,

and “rocking mags (ammunition magazines) with double the legal limit.”

Mr. Dunn confirmed to Reuters that his group faced no police blowback.

City law allows police to ban openly carrying guns at large public events, but they did not intervene against most gun owners on Monday.

“Virginia is and remains an open carry state,” Richmond Police said in a statement.

The demonstrators, including Boogaloo Boys sporting their trademark Hawaiian shirts, Proud Boys and about 20 members of two Black self-defense groups, were outnumbered by reporters.

Despite being united in their support for gun rights, racial tensions were visible.

Members of the Black Lives Matter 757 and Original Black Panthers of VA were talking to reporters near the Richmond statehouse when a group of Proud Boys walked by flashing the “OK” hand gesture commonly used as a white power sign.

This year’s Lobby Day took place in a highly polarized climate, coming just 12 days after supporters of President Trump seized the U.S. Capitol and after a year in which anti-racist and white nationalist demonstrators clashed at protests across the United States.

Authorities were on high alert in Richmond and other capital cities during the weekend after FBI warnings that armed protesters were targeting state houses in spillover from the attack in Washington. Flyers circulating on social media in Richmond called for an armed rally on Jan. 17 ahead of the Lobby Day event, and on inauguration day, Jan. 20.

Windows at the statehouse were boarded up, the public entrance was fenced off and police patrolled the grounds. But only dozens of protesters assembled on Monday, compared to last year’s crowd of 22,000, as estimated by police.

Similarly, pro-Trump demonstrations nationwide on Sunday largely fizzled after several states deployed the National Guard.

Richmond Free Press

January 21-23, 2021

COVID-19 is now one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

A vaccine is not yet available to the general public, but it’s on the way.

Thousands of health care workers in our area have already been vaccinated.

How were vaccines developed so quickly?

• While COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rigorous standards and procedures to ensure the safety of any vaccine • Scientists working on vaccines did not start at square one; a lot of groundwork was laid from research on other virus vaccines • Clinical trials must show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe; people of different ages, races, ethnicities—as well as those with different medical conditions—participated in these trials • Once trials are complete, FDA approval typically takes a full year or more, but both Pfizer and Moderna applied for Emergency Use Authorization to make vaccines available as soon as possible • This does not mean any important steps have been skipped

Protect yourself and the people you love • Getting vaccinated is one of the many steps you can take to protect yourself and your community • As more people become vaccinated, it becomes harder for COVID-19 to spread from person to person. This causes community immunity, also called herd immunity • To achieve herd immunity, between 70-90% of people will need to receive vaccinations

70%-90% of People Need to be Vaccinated

What do we know about COVID-19 vaccines?

The goal of vaccines is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccines will not give you the virus or cause you to test positive for the virus.

How are vaccines administered?

• COVID-19 vaccines are injected into your arm, just like the flu shot Side effects: • At times, the process of vaccination can cause mild symptoms, including muscle pain at the injection site, fever or headache • Experiencing mild symptoms is normal and a sign that your body is building immunity, and the symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days • More serious side effects are very rare. For example, some people have had an allergic reaction

What can I do until vaccines are available to the general public?

At first, the vaccine will only be available to at-risk groups. Later this year, you’ll have access to free vaccinations.

Regardless of your vaccination status, continue to practice safety precautions to help reduce your chance of being exposed or spreading the virus: • Wear a mask • Stay at least six feet away from others • Regularly wash your hands

6 feet

We care about the health and safety of our communities. To learn more, visit vcuhealth.org. © 2021 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: VCU Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; The American Red Cross.

A5

A6 January 21-23, 2021

Richmond Free Press

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

It’s our reality right now. But it won’t be if we do what it takes to beat COVID-19. Vaccines are coming, but until enough of us are vaccinated, we all still need to wear our masks, stay at least six feet from others, and avoid indoor social gatherings.

The more we slow the spread, the faster we’ll return to normal hellos … and fewer goodbyes.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

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

Richmond Free Press

January 21-23, 2021 A7

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Richmond Free Press

Ornamental kale in the West End

Editorial Page

A8

January 21-23, 2021

A new day We revel in the glow surrounding the Jan. 20 inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Vice President Kamala Harris, and the historic “firsts” it represents for our nation: Vice President Harris, the highest-ranking woman ever elected in U.S. government; the first woman vice president in the nation’s history; the first African-American and first South Asian ever to become vice president.

Vice President Harris, a 56-year-old Howard University graduate, attorney and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, is inspiring females of all ages.

So is Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old Harvard University alumna, who offered a thoughtful and poignant inaugural poem during the ceremony ushering in a new day and hopefully better time in our nation’s history.

Here is Ms. Gorman’s poem:

“The Hill We Climb”

When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?

The loss we carry. A sea we must wade.

We braved the belly of the beast.

We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what “just” is isn’t always justice.

And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it.

Somehow we do it.

Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.

We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.

And, yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect.

We are striving to forge our union with purpose.

To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man.

And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.

We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside.

We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another.

We seek harm to none and harmony for all.

Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true.

That even as we grieved, we grew.

That even as we hurt, we hoped.

That even as we tired, we tried.

That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.

Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division.

Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid.

If we’re to live up to our own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made.

That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb, if only we dare.

It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit.

It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.

We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation, rather than share it.

Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.

And this effort very nearly succeeded.

But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.

In this truth, in this faith we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.

This is the era of just redemption.

We feared at its inception.

We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour.

But within it we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves.

So, while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe, now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?

We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free.

We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation, become the future.

Our blunders become their burdens.

But one thing is certain.

If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.

So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left.

Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.

We will rise from the golden hills of the West.

We will rise from the windswept Northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution.

We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the Midwestern states.

We will rise from the sun-baked South.

We will rebuild, reconcile and recover.

And every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful.

When day comes, we step out of the shade of flame and unafraid.

The new dawn balloons as we free it.

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Trump must be convicted and barred from holding future office On Jan. 6, the president of the United States incited a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, fueled by a mob that he urged via social media to come to Washington to “fight like hell” to “stop the steal” and prevent Congress from fulfilling our constitutional duty to certify the election of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mr. Trump’s behavior during the siege of the Capitol and his behavior since the legal, legitimate and fair election of Nov. 3, has clearly demonstrated what we have known for four years—that he either cannot or will not lead this country or govern this great nation. This was only the latest in the ongoing saga of Mr. Trump’s belief that he is above the law and beyond accountability.

From the earliest of his violent claims on the campaign trail that he “could stand in the

middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and wouldn’t lose any voters” to his encouragement of a mob that called for the hanging of Vice President Mike Pence and hunted members of Congress, politics under the Trump era has been defined by impunity, and that same impuRep. A. Donald McEachin

nity is a large part of what has brought us to this tipping point for our republic.

We have allowed Mr. Trump’s brazen disregard for the will of the American people and our sacred institutions to poison every level of our republic. In Pennsylvania, just a day before the attack on the Capitol, GOP state senators refused similarly to seat re-elected Democratic Sen. Jim Brewster due to unfounded claims of voter fraud. And even in the hours that immediately followed the Capitol attack, my fellow GOP House colleagues, in a wanton obstruction of a peaceful transfer of power, persisted in challenging the certification of a free and fair election.

As the nation starts its next chapter under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration and Democratic control of both the House and Senate, many have called for our federal government to look the other way and, for the sake of unity, forego efforts to hold Mr. Trump accountable.

Still, as U.S. history has taught us in the era of Reconstruction giving way to the insidious policies of Jim Crow, there can be no unity without accountability. Mr. Trump has set a dangerous precedent acting without retribution as a clear and ongoing threat to our national security, the legislative branch of our federal government and our democracy itself. He must be held accountable for the chaos he has incited nationally.

For the sake of our republic, Mr. Trump must be convicted by the Senate and barred from holding future public office as soon as possible. If the Senate dictates the incitement of a deadly insurrection to be unworthy of impeachment for any reason, including that Mr. Trump no longer is in office or

Movement for justice must not be silent On Monday, we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King’s 91st birthday. On Wednesday, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were inaugurated as president and vice president, promising change after a dark period of division.

Dr. King’s relationship with President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson offers instructive lessons f o r t o d a y ’s movement for justice.

President Kennedy, inaugurated after eight years of Republican Dwight Eisenhower, brought new energy to Washington. He favored action on civil rights but was terribly worried that trying to move a civil rights bill would get in the way of the rest of his legislative agenda.

During his campaign, his call to Coretta Scott King when Dr. King was jailed helped him capture immense Black support in a razor-thin election.

Yet, President Kennedy was wary of Dr. King, unhappy that Dr. King and the movement kept demonstrating and forcing change. Dr. King appreciated President Kennedy but understood the conflicting pressures he faced.

The movement continued independently. The Freedom Riders in Montgomery, Ala., the dogs and water cannons in Birmingham, Ala., the sit-in in Jackson, Miss., forced President Kennedy to act. Even then the legislation — and much of President Kennedy’s agenda — was stuck in the legislature.

President Kennedy’s assassination brought then-Vice President Johnson, the master of the U.S. Senate, to the presidency.

President Johnson decided to push civil rights legislation and put his enormous skills behind passing it.

Dr. King conferred with President Johnson and helped put pressure on legislators who were reluctant. Dr. King wasn’t simply interested in protest; he wanted a change in policy and

Jesse L. Jackson Sr. was prepared to work with LBJ to get it.

President Johnson, like President Kennedy, was wary of Dr. King. He often besmirched him in private, angry that Dr. King would not stop the demonstrations. Again, the movement — this time the dramatic scenes at Selma, Ala., — forced action, and President Johnson rose to the moment, leading to the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

The collaboration of President Johnson and Dr. King, however, soon ended. The Watts Riot angered President Johnson who thought Black people should be grateful for what he had done.

When Dr. King went public with his opposition to the Vietnam War, the relationship was severed. The FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover, continued its efforts to discredit and intimidate Dr. King.

Today the situation is different. Black voters were critical to President Biden’s election victory. He chose Kamala Harris as his vice president. He has reaffirmed his commitment to criminal justice reform, to addressing the continued disparities in education, housing, health care and opportunity.

What African-Americans still seek is an even playing field.

On economic justice issues, our agenda speaks to all: The right to a job, the right to health care, the right to a high-quality education, retirement security.

To drive reform, the lessons of the 1960s still apply. The movement for justice must continue to organize nonviolent protest, challenging the entrenched systemic racism that still pervades our institutions. It must continue to build, as Dr. King did, a poor people’s campaign across lines of race and region. The movement can’t follow President Biden’s timetable; it must continue to build on its own agenda.

There should be no reluctance to work with President Biden to help pass critical reforms, but at the same time, the pressure from outside must continue to build for there to be any hope of change.

The 1960s offers another caution: The war on poverty, the progress on civil rights, was lost in the jungles of Vietnam as that war consumed resources and attention as well as lives. While President Biden’s domestic pledges offer hope, he inherits a country mired in endless wars and gearing up for a new cold war with both Russia and China.

Once more, follies abroad may sap the energy needed to rebuild at home.

Once more, the movement for justice must not be silent about the administration’s priorities.

President Biden’s inauguration offers new hope and new energy.

He inherits severe crises — the pandemic, mass unemployment, extreme inequality, the climate crisis, racial upheaval. He’ll need all the help he can get. And the best way the movement can help is to keep on keeping on.

The writer is founder and president of the National Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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in the pursuit of an unjust unity with extremists who have proven themselves willing and able to engage in domestic terrorism, we will have sent a message to bad actors across the country and adversaries abroad that efforts to overthrow the U.S. government are tolerated, and that like their former president, those who participated in the seditious actions of Jan. 6 are above the law.

The writer represents the 4th Congressional District, which runs from Richmond south to the North Carolina border and includes all or parts of Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Emporia, Suffolk and Chesapeake and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, Charles City, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Southampton, Surry and Sussex.

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Richmond Free Press

January 21-23, 2021 A9

Letters to the Editor

Gun prohibition needs to be applied Once again, citizens of the city of Richmond avoided Downtown on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday as a group of white supremacists smelled their musk and paraded in soldier costumes, flaunting assault weapons, each having a magazine of 30 to 40 bullets.

Clearly, these men meant to instill some fear and trepidation in the citizens of our city like the night riders of the Ku Klux Klan — “Keep them scared.” There is a very thinly veiled threat.

When will this city enforce the laws of the Commonwealth against these tactics? Is this tactic of not applying the laws of the Commonwealth against these men by design of the mayor

or the chief of police?

True, Mayor Levar M. Stoney is not a lawyer and might not be familiar with the Virginia’s criminal statutes. But I would assume his Police Chief Gerald Smith, if asked the question “Is this against the law?” would be intelligently advised.

Pursuant to Section 18.2-287.4 of the Virginia Code, “Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited; penalties,” it is illegal to carry a loaded weapon with “a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds … or equipped with a folding stock … on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is

Elected officials must be held accountable for Jan. 6 I’m a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Chesterfield. And as someone who gave years of my life to defend our democracy, I must speak out about the disgraceful coup attempt that we witnessed on Jan. 6 in Washington.

There must be accountability for all those who conspired to undermine our free and fair elections through violence and intimidation, and that includes the cynical elected officials who pandered to President Trump and his vile conspiracy theories.

These enablers are equally complicit to President Trump in the violent mob scene we saw desecrating the people’s Capitol, and we cannot allow promoters of seditious lies to enjoy the honor

Residential Housing Development: Center Creek Homes/Builders is seeking to identify qualified residential subcontractors to assist in developing 4 homes in Jackson Ward and Randolph neighborhoods of Richmond.

Copies of the bid package can be requested by contacting Liz Koch, Transaction Manager, Center Creek Builders at 804251-2700.

Prequalification applications/surveys are due by 5PM on January 28th. All subcontractors interested in bidding on the construction of the homes must complete a prequalification application/survey. Center Creek Builders encourages Minority Owned Businesses, Section 3 Businesses and businesses that employ Section 3 residents, to respond to the prequalification application.

Bidders must comply with the following: the President’s Executive Order # 11246 prohibiting discrimination in employment regarding race, color, creed, sex, or national origin; the President’s Executive Orders # 12138 and 11625 regarding utilization of MBE/WBE firms, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Bidders must certify that they do not or will not maintain or provide for their employees any facilities that are segregated on the basis of race, color, creed, or national origin.

open to the public.” This law applies to 13 specified cities and counties, including Richmond.

There is a lot of recent talk of equal treatment in the criminal justice system in the United States and Virginia.

Mayor Stoney, if you did not know of Va. Code Section 18.2287.4, you are getting bad advice, are being intentionally tricked or Chief Smith missed that day at the police academy. One of you, Mr. Mayor or Chief Smith, really should change jobs.

When the white supremacists come to our city, my tax dollars demand the laws that apply to me also apply to them.

Just maybe arresting a few of them and forfeiting their big masculine props could dissuade them. Just maybe.

DAVID P. BAUGH Richmond The writer is a former federal prosecutor and veteran criminal defense attorney.

of serving in our Congress. They have betrayed us.

This crisis has been brewing for years, as millions of people watched a growing political movement motivated by cruelty, resentment and ignorance grow to a violent mob now trying to seize power, whatever the costs to our country.

The only acceptable option for American citizens still dedicated to the rule of law is to unite and demand our remaining elected leaders and law enforcement prosecute those political leaders responsible for this debacle. Anything else would invite further attempts to seize power and further acts of violence and chaos.

Time for GOP to examine itself

The violent storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 was a repulsive display of evil, not a peaceful demonstration that is emblematic of America, and we condemn it in the strongest terms possible.

Equally disturbing are the conspiracy theories related to the election that led to it, which are being fueled by some politicians BEN KING in our Republican Party. Many of us in The Family, a network Chesterfield County of Black conservatives, became Republicans because of our belief in the power of faith, human dignity, self-governance and the rule of law.

We must examine reports of voting irregularities to build trust in our democracy, but the results of the election are clear: There was no widespread fraud on a large enough scale to overturn the election.

Joe Biden will be president, and while we may disagree with On Jan. 16, my brother, sister and I went to World of Beers him on many policy issues, we wish him well and stand ready restaurant in Short Pump to celebrate my brother’s birthday. to work with him where we can.

The atmosphere and food was great.

Now is the time for the Republican Party to examine itself We had just completed our meal and were about to pay our after losing the White House and Congress. Unless we get bill when a Good Samaritan, one of the patrons, came over to serious about debunking conspiracies, refocusing on solutions our table and just grabbed our bill totaling $128 and paid it. and winning more minority votes, we will continue to be a Oh, my God! That’s all we could say because it was such a minority party. surprise and it happened so fast. We were in shock.

During this divisive time in America, we also urge conservaHe even sought out the waitress who had served us to let her tives to join us in recommitting ourselves to the words of the know he was paying our bill. prophet Micah to “act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly What a blessing! with our God.” We are Black; the Good Samaritan was a white gentleman.

Just to say, there is hope in the midst of this storm we are KAY COLES JAMES all going through.

“Matriarch” of The Family May God bless everyone, especially our Good Samaritan!

Washington The Family is a network of Black conservatives.

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A10 January 21-23, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Monacan’s Kendrick Warren Jr. may be the next ‘Special K’ The “Kendrick Warren Show, Part 2” is coming soon to a basketball court near you.

Kendrick Warren Jr., son of Melanie Reed and former Virginia Commonwealth University basketball legend Kendrick “Special K” Warren Sr., has taken off, literally and figuratively, as a Monacan High School junior.

“Kendrick has superior athleticism,” said Monacan Coach R.J. Spelsberg. “He can put his shoe laces on the rim.”

The 6-foot-5, 165-pound guard-forward has combined jumping ability, foot speed, a smooth shooting stroke and all-round court sense to help the Chiefs to a 3-1 record.

“My role is to knock down a few shots, get a few dunks, some easy points, and get everyone excited,” Warren said.

He was averaging about 11 points and five rebounds during the promising start of

the season.

In Monacan’s Jan. 15 loss to Midlothian High School, Warren had 12 points, with all six baskets coming via dunks.

He is also a team leader defensively.

“Actually, I think I enjoy defense more than offense,” he said.

Despite his bloodline, young Warren wasn’t an overnight success in sneakers. He was a late bloomer in terms of height and was more into soccer than basketball until recently.

“I was fast but not very tall,” he said. “I really thought soccer would be my sport.”

He never made much impact on the Providence Middle School basketball squad, but did become something of a phys ed marvel.

“I remember going to phys ed and everyone wanted to see me dunk,” he said, noting he was under 6-feet at the time. “That’s

what really started to get me excited about basketball.”

Still, he played on Monacan’s junior varsity basketball team as a freshman and sophomore and gave little indication he possessed star qualities.

“Kendrick is one of the most improved players we’ve had,” said Dan Parsons, director of athletics at Monacan. “He has really gained in confidence. You didn’t notice him that much on JV, and now he’s jumping out of the gym. Plus, he’s a super nice kid.”

Coach Spelsberg suggests the best is yet to come for his slender leaper.

“He has grown a lot already, but I think there is still another growth spurt in him. He might wind up 6-6 or 6-7,” the coach said.

“Kendrick has a very bright future.”

Warren, who has not played offseason AAU hoops, wears

the No. 1 jersey for Monacan.

His father’s No. 23 jersey is retired at VCU. As a Ram under former Coach Sonny Smith from 1990 to 1994, the 6-foot-8 Warren Sr. scored 1,858 points, grabbed 1,049 rebounds and was a three-time All-Metro Conference selection. He achieved those showy statistics despite missing much of his junior season with a knee injury.

An all-time crowd favorite among Rams fans, Warren Sr. was famous for his spectacular above-the-rim play. No one ever dunked at VCU with more authority than Warren Sr. Prior to that, Warren Sr. was a three-time All-Metro pick at Richmond’s Thomas Jefferson High School under Coach Jay Johnson.

Warren Sr., 49, is now head coach at Thomas Jefferson High. But because the Vikings aren’t playing this winter be-

3 former NFL players to join Three former NFL players will be among the inductees into the CIAA’s 2021 John B. McLendon Hall of Fame.

Johnnie Walton, Greg Toler and Johnny Stoutamire Jr. will be recognized along with three other honorees at the Feb. 26 virtual presentation via the CIAA Sports Network.

Walton starred as a quarterback at Elizabeth City State University from 1965 to 1968 and was on the roster of the Los Angeles Rams from 1969 to 1972. He also played for several other minor league pro squads.

Greg Toler was a three-time, All-CIAA defensive back for the former St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville. He was recruited to St. Paul’s by then-Coach Willard Bailey.

Selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of

Kendrick Warren Jr.

cause of the pandemic, he’s able to watch his talented son perform.

“I think I was about in fifth grade when my father started talking to me about playing basketball,” Warren Jr. recalled.

“He urged me to be assertive and make my presence known.”

It took a while for him to spread his wings. But now Warren Jr. has started to flash a few glimpses of being the next “Special K.”

Hall of Fame

the 2009 draft, Toler competed in the NFL for the Cardinals, the Indianapolis Colts and Washington, accumulating eight interceptions.

Stoutamire starred at linebacker for Livingstone College from 1974 to 1978 Johnnie Walton Greg Toler and later earned NFL spots with the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington.

Other Hall of Fame Class of 2021 inductees: • Cassie King, a three-time, All-CIAA basketball standout

at North Carolina Central University from 2004 to 2007.

• Coach Kenny Phillips, who posted a 57-35 record as football coach at Fayetteville State University from 2000 to 2012.

• Celeste Trahan-Davis, a former Elizabeth City State University basketball standout who finished her career with the Vikings as the CIAA’s fourth all-time scorer (2,151 points) Johnny Stoutamire and second all-time rebounder (1,542).

Since its inception in 1969, the CIAA Hall of Fame has enshrined 293 luminaries. It was named in honor of noted basketball Coach John B. McLendon in 2000.

Will Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes be ready to play in AFC final?

Jersey of Willie O’Ree, hockey’s Jackie Robinson, to be retired by Boston Bruins No one will ever wear No. 22 again for the Boston Bruins.

That’s the jersey number Willie O’Ree wore for Boston when he broke the color barrier in the National Hockey League in 1958.

O’Ree was the first Black man to play in an NHL game and has long been regarded as “The Jackie Robinson of Hockey.”

O’Ree, now 85, will see his retired No. 22 raised to the rafters on Feb. 18 at Boston’s TD Garden.

He will become the 12th Bruin to be so honored.

Also this year, NHL players will wear helmet decals with O’Ree’s likeness and the words “Celebrating Equality.”

A native of New Brunswick, Canada, O’Ree played professional hockey from 1957 until 1979, mostly in the minor leagues.

He played a handful of games with Boston in 1958 and came back in 1961 to play 40 games, scoring four goals and passing for 10 assists.

In 2018, O’Ree was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the “Builders Category.” He also carries the title of NHL Diversity Ambassador.

O’Ree played most of his career with a secret—he was blind in one eye, the result of being struck by an errant puck in 1957.

He kept it quiet, feeling the news would hamper his chances of playing on hockey’s highest level and providing for his family.

There was no other Black player in the NHL until 1974.

Currently, about 26 players in the NHL are Black, including 20 from Canada and six African-Americans.

Much is known about this NFL season after hundreds of games and five grueling months of popping pads.

But it is the unknown that’s likely to spark the most conversation leading into the conference championships this Sunday, Jan. 24.

Will the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes play or not is the leading question after the brilliant quarterback suffered a concussion in last Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes, arguably the brightest star in the game, struck his helmeted head violently on the turf while being tackled and was wobbly after regaining his feet. It was a scary sight.

He has officially been placed in NFL concussion protocol.

And to be cleared to play in Sunday’s AFC championship game against the Buffalo Bills, Mahomes must pass tests administered by two neurologists — one assigned from Kansas City’s staff and a second independently approved by the NFL front office.

His status remains a “maybe” for playing with the defending Super Bowl champs.

Complicating matters, Mahomes had been limping throughout much of the game from a previous leg or foot injury.

If Mahomes is ruled out, veteran Chad Henne, who came on heroically in relief against the Browns, will get the call.

The quarterback match-up for Sunday’s other Super Bowl “semifinal” — “The Battle of

Super Bowl titles: None, but lost in the Super Bowl in 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 Retired numbers: Jim Kelly (12), Thurman Thomas (34) and Bruce Smith (78)

•

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes

the Bays” — pits two future hall of famers, Tom Brady for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Aaron Rodgers for the Green Bay Packers.

The Wisconsin weather forecast calls for temperatures in the 20s with a chance of snow.

Here’s a look at the four teams playing for the AFC and NFC championships:

•

Buffalo Bills

Record: 15-3 How they got here: Won AFC East and defeated the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens in playoffs Founded: 1960 as part of the American Football League Head coach: Sean McDer-

mott (fourth year, 38-26) Quarterback: Josh Allen; in his fourth season out of the University of Wyoming NFL’s ‘Final Four’ Sunday, Jan. 24 NFC final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin.

Kickoff: 3:05 p.m. Game to be broadcast on FOX. AFC final: Buffalo Bills versus Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri. Kickoff: 6:40 p.m. Game to be broadcast on CBS. Winning teams will meet at Super Bowl LV, Sunday, Feb. 7, at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

Rodman may become household name in soccer world, too

Trinity Rodman

The name Rodman is very familiar to basketball fans. Now don’t be surprised if it becomes well known in the soccer world, too.

Trinity Rodman, daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman and Michelle Moyer, was the second overall selection in the National Women’s Soccer League draft on Jan. 13.

The Washington State University freshman was taken by the Washington Spirit in D.C., just after Racing Louisville FC picked University of North Carolina standout Emily Fox, a Northern Virginia native, in the No. 1 slot.

“I’m excited to be known as Trinity Rodman and not just as Dennis Rodman’s daughter,” Rodman told The Sporting News.

At 18, she became the youngest player ever drafted by the highest women’s soccer league in the United States.

Rodman intended to play as a freshman for Washington State but opted out when the Pacific 12 season was postponed from fall to spring because of the pandemic.

She drew attention last March with two goals in the United States’ 4-1 vic-

tory over Mexico in the finals of the Concacaf U-20 Women’s Tournament in the Dominican Republic.

Trinity’s brother, 6-foot-6 D.J. Rodman, is a sophomore basketball forward at Washington State.

Dennis Rodman and Michelle Moyer were married in 2000, but have since divorced.

Known as “The Worm,” Dennis Rodman helped the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls to five NBA championships and is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Record: 15-2 How they got here: WonAFC West and defeated the Cleveland Browns in the playoffs Founded: 1960 as part of the American Football League Head coach: Andy Reid (9137; with Chiefs since 2013) Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, in his fourth season out of Texas Tech; or Chad Henne, in his 13th season out of University of Michigan Super Bowl titles: Two, 1969 and 2019 Retired numbers: Richmonder Willie Lanier’s No. 63 is among 10 Chiefs to be so honored.

•

Green Bay Packers

Record: 14-3 How they got here: Won NFC North and defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs Founded: 1919 Head coach: Matt LaFleur (26-6 in two seasons) Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers; in 16th season out of University of California, Berkeley Super Bowl titles: Four, 1966, 1967, 1996 and 2010 Retired numbers: Tony Canadeo (3), Brett Favre (4), Don Hutson (14), Bart Starr (15), Ray Nitschke (66) and Reggie White (92).

•

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 13-5 How they got here: Made the playoffs as a wildcard and then defeated the Washington NFL team and the New Orleans Saints Founded: 1974 as an expansion team; first season of competition, 1976 Head coach: Bruce Arians (18-14; in his second season) Quarterback: Tom Brady; in 21st season out of the University of Michigan Super Bowl titles: One in 2002 Retired numbers: Derrick Brooks (55), Lee Roy Selmon (63) and Warren Sapp (99)

January 21-23, 2021 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

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The largest producing theater in Central Virginia.

The first theater to perform a live theater production before an integrated audience in postReconstruction Virginia in defiance of Jim Crow laws.

Those are major milestones in the history of Virginia Repertory Theatre, which traces its early roots back to 1953 through the Barksdale Memorial Theatre at Hanover Tavern.

Officially formed in 2012 by the merger of the Barksdale Theatre and Theatre IV, Virginia Rep, as it is called, has collectively been many things and faced many challenges across its long history in the region.

Right now, the biggest challenge is COVID-19, which has stopped all of the theater’s earned revenue since March.

Virginia Rep was forced to cancel all of its performances and tours and cut most of its full-time staff and reduce the pay of the few who remain.

But for Virginia Rep and its board Chairman Jeffrey M. Gallagher, the show must go on. “This phrase shows that the world knows that theater people find a way,� Mr. Gallagher says.

It’s also a phrase that applies in many ways to Virginia Rep in recent times, as Mr. Gallagher is helping coordinate Virginia Rep’s 9th Annual Anything Goes Gala, “The Show Will Go On!� a virtual fundraiser 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. The free and entirely virtual affair will feature live performances by many local artists. It also features an online auction of getaway packages, wine, spa and kayaking adventures and luxury items.

To sign up for the virtual performances and to see the items up for auction, go to va-rep.org.

During the pandemic, Virginia Rep has been working to adjust. It is producing recordings of several of its popular tour shows and offering them on demand. It also is providing without cost the videos to children at elementary schools that have a high percentage of students from low-income families.

Mr. Gallagher says all of this work is done to meet his biggest goal: Supporting Virginia Rep employees as best as possible during the pandemic, and pre-

Personality: Jeffrey M. Gallagher Spotlight on board chairman of Virginia Repertory Theatre paring the theatre so they can “emerge with renewed strength and focus� when they can again play live to audiences.

The impact of COVID-19 led Virginia Rep’s board to extend the terms of its officers by one year. Mr. Gallagher, now in his third year at the board’s helm, has the responsibility of guiding Virginia Rep through a hard and stressful point in its long history.

Mr. Gallagher is more than willing to meet this challenge. “I wanted to give back in some small way for all that Virginia Rep has done for our community, and help it reach new audiences in new ways in the future,� says Mr. Gallagher. “The theater has made an enormous impact on young people and on the performing arts community Downtown and across this region.�

Meet a theater lover, live theater advocate and this week’s Personality, Jeffrey M. Gallagher: Volunteer position: Chairman of the board, Virginia Repertory Theatre (Virginia Rep).

Date and place of birth: Jan. 8 in Cleveland.

Where I live now: Richmond’s North Side.

Occupation: Retired in 2019 as a biotech executive; now a consultant in the field.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Harvard University, 1973; J.D., University of Wisconsin, 1978; and LLM, master of laws degree, University of Virginia, 1993.

Family: Wife, Dr. Catherine Howard, retired in 2019 as Virginia Commonwealth University provost, community engagement; daughter, Nan, 27, and son, Joseph, 25.

Virginia Rep is: Central Virginia’s largest producing theatre. A pioneer of arts in the city. A national leader in bringing the power of live theater to community health and wellness and education.

Founders: Peter and Nancy Kilgore, Muriel McAuley, Bruce Miller and Phil Whiteway.

Virginia Rep’s mission: “To entertain, challenge and uplift

our communities through the power of live theater.�

When elected board president: 2018.

Why I accepted position: I wanted to give back in some small way for all that Virginia Rep has done for our community and help it reach new audiences in new ways in the future. Like many others, our own kids first fell in love with theater at the children’s shows.

Cathy and I and groups of our friends have had dozens of fun or challenging nights sparked by a play we’ve attended together. The theater has made an enormous impact on young people and on the performing arts community Downtown and across this region.

No. 1 goal or project as board chair: To support our people to pursue our mission as best we can during the COVID-19 shutdown of live performances, and to do the preparation now so we emerge with renewed strength and focus when we can again play live to audiences.

Strategy for achieving goals: Keep the fabric of the company together, take a fresh hard look at our business model, listen to the needs of the community in these changing times, draw on the vision and talent of our artists, and call on the passion and commitment of our board and supporters.

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Blessed with talent and heart far beyond what would be expected in a community of our size; collaborative across theaters and the other arts; and intent on being a force for good for our community.

Racial equity and Virginia Rep: In 1954, our production at Hanover Tavern was the first live theater production to be performed before an integrated audience in Virginia post-Reconstruction, breaking Jim Crow laws. For 67 years since, the Virginia Rep has tried in many ways and many times to work for racial equality and justice. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force of board and staff is helping us by increasing our understanding, focusing on important issues and shaping real actions. Some ways that our theater impacts racial equity are obvious, others are subtle or systematic and each provides an opportunity. Easy to see are the choice of show and its author and theme, the actors we cast, the theater artists offstage who make it come to life, the business staff, staff leadership, board membership and board leadership. It takes a different lens to see the pinch points in the system, the attitudes and assumptions and behaviors that create barriers to equitable and inclusive participation by all in creating theater and in experiencing it.

How COVID-19 is impacting Virginia Rep: Profoundly.

One hundred percent of our earned revenue was cut off in

March as we canceled performances at all four venues and schools canceled our touring performances to comply with restrictions.

Favorite stage performance at the Virginia Rep and why: “The Color Purple� in 2018.

The theater artists brought folks together from all walks of life and lifted us up together with a story of love and hope and guts.

All-time favorite anywhere and why: “Les MisĂŠrables,â€?

New York City production in 1989. I identify so much with Jean Valjean. He is given another chance by grace, and he is just trying to act with integrity and love in an ever-changing world.

Plus, the music and storyline are like an intricate puzzle that I go back to time and again and learn something new.

Upcoming Virginia Rep performances: We will open this summer with “Ella and her Fella, Frank� (Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra), featuring Desiree Roots and Scott Wichmann. And we’re planning to resume full seasons in the fall of 2021, assuming circumstances permit.

How Richmonders can support Virginia Rep: Let us know what you want to see on stage and how theater can contribute to our community. When you feel comfortable and safe, attend our productions, invite your friends and help support live theater and theater artists in Richmond.

How I start the day: Quiet time and a book of daily devotions — and coffee.

Three words that best describe me: Listener, creative and servant.

Best late-night snack: Peanut butter and carrots.

How I unwind: Finding a place to sit or walk by the river and watch it roll by.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Watch “A Bad Day at Work� and “Animal Rescues� channels on YouTube.

Quote that I am most inspired by: “It’s not about you.�

At the top of my “to-do� list: Be the best husband and father I can be and listen for where I am being called.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Look for and try to bring out the best in others.

Person who influenced me the most: My dad. In many ways I’m similar, in many ways not.

I hear “his voice� or recall an action of a couple times a week and take strength and perspective from him.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Road Less Traveled� by M. Scott Peck. It’s always time to face up to reality, to extend oneself in love and to take our role in the healing of the world.

What I’m reading now: “A Knock at Midnight,� the sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My wife Cathy and I took a road trip last February along the Civil Rights Trail in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama looking through the lens of Dr. King’s faith in action. It was a transformative experience for us and I keep this nearby to keep that alive and dig deeper.

Next goal: Finish well a consulting project I’m leading for VCU and the RichmondPetersburg region that will reduce barriers to quality affordable medicines and create local jobs; do it with the team and present recommendations that are actionable and impactful in ways that matter.

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A Message from Senator Jennifer McClellan Virginians Deserve Education Equity The Virginia Constitution strives to provide all children in Virginia access to a free, public “educational program of high quality.�

But, too often, Virginia’s actions haven’t lived up to those words. Our public education system consistently has been underfunded, and too many children — particularly those in lower-income communities — are inhibited from accessing a “high quality� education.

From rural districts in Southwest Virginia to urban districts in Richmond, school districts have struggled to access the resources necessary for quality K-12 education. According to The Commonwealth Institute, local school districts paid $4.2 billion above their expected budget, money that should have been provided by the state. This funding gap has led to a critical achievement gap: the school districts with high poverty levels and more students of color struggle the most to make up these funds, resulting in vast inequities in education opportunity across the Commonwealth.

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened educational disparity across Virginia. Some school systems have transitioned better into virtual learning, while others can’t ensure that their students have access to necessary learning technology at home. Schools are

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workers, nurses, instructional aides, and

Ja $ demic has only widened these gaps, and students, teachers, and school personnel need equitable funding more than ever before.

As we address the pandemic, we cannot J

funding Virginia schools. That’s why I have joined Del. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) for the second year to introduce bills and budget amendments that would increase school funding and end decade-old caps on support J a

Standards of Quality are created to promote educational parity, support the hiring of edu Jb

achieve their graduation standards — but this only works if school divisions receive adequate state funding. The schools division with the greatest needs cannot fully fund the SOQs on their own, and in turn are unable to J and teachers holistically.

Not funding the SOQs perpetuates issues with the school to prison pipeline, students with disabilities, graduation rates, and teachers’ ability to teach and earn competitive a $ 5 " 5 M 0 would drastically change outcomes for students in places like Richmond, which Superintendent Jason Kamras noted in 2019 was dealing with “unspeakable challenges,� spe K

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social workers At current levels of school funding, our Commonwealth simply doesn’t provide the opportunity for all students to achieve their full potential. This underinvestment in our students today is an under investment in our future.

Together, we must pass the School Equity 5 M 0 tion equity in Virginia. It is past time that we deliver a high quality education to all children regardless of their zip code.

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

Last week, we introduced the School Equity 5 M 0 b investment bill that would help close the achievement gap in Virginia public schools and address education inequality across the Commonwealth. This bill would invest an additional $1 billion per year into Virginia schools by implementing the Virginia Board of Education’s Standards of Quality recommendations. This bill, similar to the one we introduced in the 2020 session, would create an Equity Fund to add funding for high-poverty schools, and remove the pre-recession “support cap� enabling increased funding for counselors, social workers, nurses and cus Ja These bills simply do what the Virginia Board of Education has recommended. The Board’s PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY FRIENDS FOR JENNIFER MCCLELLAN

Richmond Free Press

B2 January 21-23, 2021

Happenings 6 people, organizations receive awards at VUU’s MLK Community Leaders Celebration

By Ronald E. Carrington

The values of inclusion and diversity, public service, hope and progress were the themes of Virginia Union University’s 43rd Annual Community Leaders Celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the annual program abandoned its typical breakfast program and, instead, was a televised ceremony honoring the dedication of six people and organizations to the greater good of the community.

The hourlong program was broadcast Monday, on the King holiday, on WTVR-CBS 6 in Richmond and in Hampton Roads on WTKR-CBS 3.

Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, the nation’s first elected African-American governor and a VUU alumnus, received the Legacy Award. In 1969, Mr. Wilder, who grew up in Church Hill, was the first AfricanAmerican elected to the Virginia Senate since Reconstruction. He was the first Black elected to statewide office in November 1985 when he won election as lieutenant governor. He became Virginia’s 66th governor, serving from 1990 to 1994.

He served as mayor of Richmond from 2005 to 2009.

In taped remarks, Mr. Wilder said he learned a lot from what Dr. King, his contemporary, was doing.

“I found it inspiring in what he was doing,” Mr. Wilder said.

He said he never wanted to go into politics, but came to recognize that unless things changed, his life nor the lives of others would be different.

He said he is convinced, after his years in politics and traveling across the state and the nation, that “you can’t judge a person by how they talk, where they live or how they look.”

Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn received the Beloved Community Award for policy and social justice.

She said one of Dr. King’s quotes continues to motivates her: “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.

You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”

Because the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest have exposed the inequity for and other minorities, she said she has been able to get legislation passed dealing with racial and social justice. She was one of the leading champions of a House bill that changed a decades-old state law that protected Confederate monuments by giving local governments the authority to decide how to deal with them.

Because of that change, Richmond City Council voted to approve the removal of the city-owned Confederate statues in Richmond.

Delegate McQuinn also sponsored the successful “CROWN Act” legislation that prohibits discrimination based on hair types and styles.

“I can see generations, if we can get it right, applauding us in term of our efforts to bring people together. If there is a bonding going on, we will not tolerate one another, but accept one another,” she said.

The Beloved Community Award in faith and education was bestowed upon the Rev. Patricia Gould-Champ and the Faith Baptist Community Church in Richmond.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase,” Rev. GouldChamp said, explaining how she lives her life and the essence of her faith. “None of what we are doing would be done if we had been looking for the whole staircase.”

Through her leadership and committed FBCC members, the

church has worked to building up the community by serving the people living in Fairfield Court, Whitcomb Court and Creighton Court as well as East End. As the pandemic closed down Richmond Public School, Rev. Gould-Champ led the church in establishing Project Stay Connected/Stay on Point, an education pod where students most at risk of falling through the cracks come for virtual learning.

The church used its own money to get started and asked volunteers to serve as learning, recreation and sanitation aides to assist students. By getting CARES Act funding through the City of Richmond, the church program now has grown from 15 students in kindergarten through fifth grade to more than 30 students.

The Sisters Network Central Virginia was awarded the Beloved Community Award in health equity.

Founded in 2007 by Zelma Watkins, a breast cancer survivor, the Central Virginia group is one of the 20 Sisters Network Inc. chapters nationwide addressing the fact that Black women are 42 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women.

Ms. Watkins said she remembers how Dr. King locked arms with people in the community to fight injustice, no matter the risk.

“He was such a monumental leader,” she said. “He put others before himself in guiding and leading the community.”

She said after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and received treatment, she followed Dr. King’s inspiration and asked co-workers, “What can we do?” for others. The result was the organization and its efforts by breast cancer survivors and other volunteers to spread awareness of the impact of breast cancer in the African-American community.

“I think Dr. King would be proud of people standing up for justice, standing up for health disparities,” Ms. Watkins said.

“We are all one people. We need to recognize that and love each other like Dr. King loved everyone in the community.”

The Beloved Community Award in health equity award was given to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters Health System in Hampton Roads, which opened in 1961 to provide pediatric services.

Outreach coordinator Elizabeth Johnson said the health system provides leadership for their trauma-informed network that provides clinical services to the community for free or reduced rates to those in need.

The health system also has a program to protect children from abuse and neglect.

The Beloved Community Award for economic justice was awarded to the Virginia Poverty Law Center, which has worked on behalf of low-income people through advocacy, education and litigation since 1978.

The VPLC is widely known for addressing issues of equity in health, housing and consumer rights and takes up issues of elder rights and domestic abuse and sexual violence. It has been at the forefront in helping to combat Virginia’s high eviction rates.

Unveiling of “Hope”

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Dr. Derik E. Jones, left, and Dr. Dwight C. Jones, pastors of First Baptist Church of South Richmond, get a closer look at the new bronze sculpture “Hope Empowered by the Truth” with its creator, local artist Kathleen Lowry. The 150-pound sculpture was unveiled at the Decatur Street church on Monday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, during a ceremony viewed online by more than 200 people. Ms. Lowry donated the piece to the church after attending the socially distanced kickoff last September of First Baptist’s yearlong 200th anniversary celebration. She said the church seemed like the perfect home for the sculpture. “It is recognition of the work you do every day to promote peace in our country,” she said during Monday’s event. “Martin Luther King knew what would be necessary — faith, hopefulness, truth-telling, courage, resilience, kindness and forgiveness. And that is what you are doing and being in the struggle for equality and peace. It is an extremely tall order.” Members of the congregation will be able to see the artwork once the church reopens for in-person worship service. The church has held virtual services because of the pandemic.

Keep moving forward: VSU panel reflects on Dr. King’s words

By Lyndon German

U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner said the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 directly opposes all that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for.

“Unfortunately a little over a week ago, we saw incredible hordes of thugs invade the United States Capitol (and) try to take the law into their own hands in a way that was the antithesis of everything Dr. King stood for,” Sen. Warner said Monday in video remarks kicking off a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at Virginia State University that was broadcast online.

He noted that law enforcement would have responded differently on Jan. 6 if the crowd had been Black Lives Matter protesters.

He acknowledged that now is the time to seek the justice for which Dr. King advocated.

“This year, more than ever, it is critical we all remember the teachings of Dr. King,” Sen. Warner said.

VSU, in partnership with Chesterfield County, hosted the panel discussion about the past, present and future of social justice for Black Americans as it relates to Dr. King’s legacy.

The theme for the event, moderated by WBTJ 106.5 FM radio host Mike Street, was “Fly, Run, Walk, Crawl: Moving Forward Toward Racial Justice,” a reminder of Dr. King’s words: “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Dr. Cheryl Mango, a VSU history professor and HBCU historian, said that culture is a big part of what makes historically Black colleges and universities great and most likely impacted the world view of Dr. King, who entered Morehouse College in Atlanta when he was just 15.

“I would say that it was his HBCU education that provided him with an example of Black success, of Black culture,” Dr. Mango said. “The culture that was lost as a result of our slave experience could be found here

at HBCUs, as HBCUs serve as a village of the African- Americans community.”

Panelist Philomena Wankenge, a VSU alumna, activist and board member of the Freedom Fighters activist group in Washington, attended a predominantly white institution before entering VSU. Seeing Black professors and professionals provided Ms. Wankenge a real-world example of what was possible in her own life. Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard University alumna, is the latest example, she said.

“Being able to see people who are doctors, people who have degrees, people who’ve gotten educations … those types of things are very important.

And I feel like if we want our communities to grow, if we want our communities to continue to flourish, it’s on us,” she said.

Working collaboratively is something panelist Dr. Andrew White wholeheartedly believes in. Dr. White, former pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg and Union Branch Baptist Church in Prince George County, worked with Dr. King and a multitude of social justice advocates in Virginia.

Although activists have individualized approaches toward racial equity, Dr. White said “standing on each other’s shoulders” is what will help the Black community move forward.

“I think we need to embrace the idea that we stand on each other’s shoulders. …There would not have been any Black Lives Matters unless there had been a Martin Luther King,” Dr. White said.

The panel acknowledged that the social and racial justice movements of today share similarities with the Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. King.

They said government officials need to step up and listen.

Chesterfield County is doing its best to do that, said County Administrator Joseph Casey.

“From a local government perspective, our role is engaging with the community and its citizens,” Dr. Casey said.

He said his administration

has held talks with activists in the community, law enforcement and government officials to better understand various points of view.

The county is trying to repair the harm done by a history of oppression, he said. Although he said the county is making strides, “we’re not done yet,” Dr. Casey acknowledged.

A community member asked how the mental health of Black Americans is affected by seeing the deaths of Black people at the hands of police in videos that have gone viral on social media.

Dr. Wesley Bellamy, chair of VSU’s Department of Political Science and former vice mayor of Charlottesville, suggested that people seek professional help, saying therapy is an important resource that can benefit Black Americans.

“There’s absolutely nothing

wrong with getting therapy, while understanding that what is transparent in front of us is nothing new,” he said. “This is America. America was literally built on white supremacy, so what we see playing out is not something different.”

The panel closed with a challenge to imagine the world Dr. King dreamed of, a world without white supremacy, a world where Black Americans no longer suffer everyday trauma and a world of Black culture and success.

That world may be some years away but, as Dr. White said, that world can be reached only by standing on each other’s shoulders.

“As an old man, I see it happening now and I see it passed on to our young people,” he said. “And I believe they’re going to take the baton and run with it.”

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY UNCLE MATTHEW! Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am HE I am HE who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you.

I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

ISAIAH 46.4

Uncle Matthew,

On December 20, 1920 a gift was given to our family when you were born. Through 100 years of life, you have seen so many changes in the world that only a few people have had the opportunity to experience.

From your years in the military as a mechanic, being a subcontractor in Richmond and building your own home, you have grown in wisdom through your life’s journey and these experiences have made you stronger and wiser to come to where you are today.

Uncle Matthew, you are loved by the family and nothing could keep us away from showing our love and appreciation by having a celebration parade in your honor!

We wish we could give you more, but we hope when you see us smiling, waving and feeling our love, that it touches your heart. You are as sweet as the cakes and pies you used to make and it is such a blessing to be a part of your family.

Your entire family celebrates with you today and when the day is over and you think of your birthday, you will know that this day has been special, just like you are to us!

Happy , Birthday , You We Love Friends Family &

Richmond Free Press

January 21-23, 2021 B3

Faith News/Obituaries/Directory

Rev. William Barber II to preach at inaugural interfaith prayer service WASHINGTON The Washington National Cathedral will host a virtual iteration of its traditional interfaith worship service on Thursday, Jan. 21, the day after the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Activist and pastor the Rev. William Barber II will preach the sermon.

The gathering, a long-standing inaugural tradition, will be hosted by the Rev. Randy Hollerith, the cathedral’s dean, and Bishop Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington.

“This Cathedral is a House of Prayer for All People and a sacred space where America gathers in moments of deep significance, and we are honored to welcome the nation to pause, give thanks and seek God’s help in the hard work ahead,” Rev. Hollerith said in a news release. “We thank President Biden, Vice President Harris and all our leaders for beginning this work in prayer as we strive to become the people God calls us to be.”

During his campaign, President Biden delivered remarks at two events hosted by Rev. Barber, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign. Rev. Barber also personally endorsed President Biden and his group met with the president-elect’s transition team.

But the activist pastor, who is known for his fiery sermons and bold rhetoric, told Religion News Service in November that he stands ready to

demonstrate against President The Rev. Rob Fisher, rector to host a prayer gathering for him, saying the Biden should the need arise. of St. John’s Episcopal Church then-incoming president “violates any posNeither the president nor the in Washington, D.C., where sible norm of Christian faith and practice” and vice president will be in attenPresident Donald Trump stood that holding the gathering for his inauguration dance, but organizers say they outside holding a Bible during amounts to “legitimizing his presidency, which expect the newly inaugurated the Black Lives Matter protests is something I don’t think the Christian comleaders and their families will last year, also will make an ap- munity should give him.” watch the service from home — pearance.

President Biden also was slated to attend just as millions of Americans have Singers Patti LaBelle and Josh Mass at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, throughout the pandemic.

Groban and the cathedral’s choir a Catholic cathedral in downtown WashingFaith leaders representing a will provide music. ton, with a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Rev. Barber wide array of American religions While hosting the service Wednesday, the day of his inauguration. That, and traditions also will appear during the ser- online is a break from tradition, the inclusion too, is something of a break from tradition. vice, including the Rev. Jim Wallis, founder of of a sermon is a return to form abandoned dur- Many presidents, including former President Sojourners, and Rabbi Sharon Brous, senior ing the 2017 inauguration of former President Trump, attended church at St. John’s Episcopal rabbi of the IKAR community; Dr. Otis Moss Trump, when the Rev. Gary Hall, a former dean Church in Washington on the morning of their III, pastor of Chicago’s Trinity United Church of the cathedral, publicly criticized the decision inauguration. of Christ; Debbie Almontaser, senior adviser for Emgage NY and president of the Muslim Community Network; Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros; and Anuttama Dasa, global minister of communications for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

The most prominent evangelical to speak will be not a clergyperson but Jen Hatmaker,

By Jeremy M. Lazarus versity. evangelical author and speaker. Valarie Kaur, During her five years in that Sikh activist and founder of the Revolutionary Doris Day influenced the post, she won plaudits for orLove Project, will speak, as will Jonathan Nez lives of thousands of children ganizing schoolwide programs, and Phefelia Nez, president and first lady of as a teacher and school librarincluding the annual book fair. the Navajo Nation. ian for more than 40 years in She retired in 2014.

Richmond and Chesterfield Ms. Day was an ordained County. deacon at Fifth Baptist Church, While childless herself, her served as the superintendent significant role in the lives of of the Sunday School, modarea children is being rememerated mid-day Wednesday bered following her death Bible study classes and led the Ms. Day Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. She Lorraine M. Stewart Women’s was 71. ist at Boushall and Chandler Ministry.

Family and friends cel- middle schools and ArmstrongShe also belonged to the reBy Jeremy M. Lazarus a key role in securing passage of legislation ebrated her life Saturday, Jan. 9, Kennedy High School in her gional Bible Study Fellowship prohibiting celebratory gunfire—the shooting at Fifth Baptist Church, where nearly 25 years with Richmond and led programs in Colonial Heights as well as classes for For decades, Thomas Henry Francis pushed of firearms into the air—after a stray bullet she was active in a variety of Public Schools.

In 1998, she joined Chester- middle and high school students to make inroads for Democrats in Republican- killed a child at Sunday Park in Chesterfield roles.

The youngest of seven chil- field Public Schools and began and for women. controlled Chesterfield County where he lived County on July 4, 2013.

Her family said she also most of his life.

“He inspired and mentored so many. He was dren in a family from Harlem, teaching sixth-grade English Mr. Francis registered voters, recruited can- one of the most principled people I have ever N.Y., she came to Richmond at Providence Middle School. was known for her style, her to attend Virginia Union Uni- Along with sharing her love of infectious laugh, her love of didates, mentored their campaigns and raised known,” Mr. Marsh said. money for them as a member and past chairOne the candidates who counted on Mr. Fran- versity and made Richmond reading, her family said she also shoes, her ability to organize engaged her students in annual social events and her homemade man of the Chesterfield County cis’ political insight is Jenefer her home.

After graduating, she started community service projects and cheese grits and cheesecakes.

Democratic Committee.

S. Hughes, Chesterfield County Ms. Day also was an honorThe Air Force veteran also commissioner of revenue. her teaching career in Michigan went to student sporting events ary member of the Richmond represented the county in the She recalled that Mr. Francis in 1972, but quickly returned to cheer them on.

Eleven years later, she left Metropolitan Chapter of The Virginia Democratic Black taught her how to campaign, to her adopted city.

Ms. Day, who later earned the classroom to become the Charmettes.

Caucus and most recently was then “phoned me every day Survivors include four sibserving as a campaign adviser to hold me accountable and to a master’s degree in 1982 librarian at Salem Church Elto his daughter-in-law, Quanda encourage me to keep going. from the University of Vir- ementary School while earning lings, Cary “Omar” Day, Daniel S. Francis, who is running for His advice, encouragement and ginia, served as a classroom a second master’s in library “Dapper Dan” Day, Deborah Day teacher and reading special- science from Longwood Uni- and Dolores Day-Gilliard. mayor of New York City, where support got me elected.” he was born.

After his family moved from “He once told he was New York to Chesterfield, Mr. inspired to get involved in Francis graduated from longMr. Francis politics after attending the closed Carver High School, March on Washington” in 1963, said his son, then the county’s only high school for Black Todd A. Francis, who described his father as students. a “generous people person who enjoyed helpDuring the Vietnam War-era, he served four I� M����� O� ing others.” years in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic. He Mr. Francis said his father, then a 20-year- graduated from Virginia Union University, and old student at Virginia Union University, took while politics remained his passion, he worked seven buses to get to the huge civil rights event in supervisory positions for various companies, and left determined to make a difference in his including Bell Helicopter, Brown & Williamson community after hearing Dr. Martin Luther Tobacco Co., Coors Brewing and Swift TransKing Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. portation, before retiring in 2007.

Mr. Francis’ contributions are being rememMr. Francis was a longtime member of Hood bered following his death on Monday, Jan. 11, Temple A.M.E. Zion in Richmond and was a 2021. He was 77. member of the church’s acclaimed Men’s Chorus, His life was celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 19, which has sung at the White House.

April 16, 1936 ~ January 6, 2021 during a funeral at Mimms Funeral Home.

In addition to his son, Mr. Francis is survived “Tom Francis was a true community patriot,” by his wife of 53 years, Edna Francis; another said former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, whose son, Tyrone B. Francis; a brother, Nathaniel onnie Weldon Edwards, 84, died on January 6, 2021 in Richmond, district included part of Chesterfield County.

Carson Jr; a sister, Floscelia Carson-Campbell; Virginia due to complications from Covid-19. She was born April 16, 1936 Mr. Marsh described Mr. Francis as playing five grandchildren and a great-grandchild. at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia to William Henry and Viola Reed Weldon of Montross, Virginia in Westmoreland County.

She was the oldest of five children born of this union.

Doris Day, a longtime educator and librarian, dies at 71

Thomas H. Francis, whose political skills aided candidates in Chesterfield and elsewhere, dies at 77

r

Connie Weldon

C

Sandra K. Martin, assistant superintendent of the James River Juvenile Detention Center, dies at 63

Sandra Kaye Martin, everyone with the highest degree who spent nearly 35 years of dignity and respect.” helping troubled youths in Ms. Martin, who planned to the Richmond region find retire this year, previously spent the pathway to success, 25 years with the City of Richhas died. mond, rising to deputy director of Ms. Martin, 63, sucthe city’s Department of Justice cumbed to illness on Sunday, Services, where she oversaw comJan. 10, 2021. munity programs for youths and Her death is being felt the detention center. particularly at the regional A graduate of George WashJames River Juvenile Detenington Carver High School in tion Center in Goochland Chesterfield County, Ms. Martin County where she served began her youth-focused career Ms. Martin as assistant superintendent after graduating from Virginia for eight years.

State University in 1979.

Ms. Martin was known for her efforts to A native of Martinsville, she first returned to create programs to benefit the young people that city to teach school and later moved to the who arrived at the center, said Superintendent Richmond area to begin working for the city in Michael Martin, no relation. programs involving youths and children.

Her initiatives included a program called Ms. Martin was a member of Delta Sigma “Baby Think It Over” to educate youths at Theta Sorority for 41 years and was an acthe center “on the responsibilities of parent- tive member of the Chesterfield Alumnae ing and child care,” Mr. Martin said. She also Chapter. spearheaded an arts program to help “residents A service honoring her life was held Saturexplore their talents through music art and day, Jan. 16, at First Baptist Church-Centralia theater,” he said. in Chesterfield County, where she had served as “She also was instrumental in developing an usher and on the Ladies Auxiliary. Another the graduation ceremony for kids graduating service was held Sunday, Jan. 17, at the Wright from high school and the GED program while Funeral Service Chapel in Martinsville. at the center,” he said. “This allowed them to Survivors include her mother, Constance C. walk across the stage in cap and gown and Martin of Martinsville. receive their diplomas and certificates in front The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, of parents, staff and caregivers. memorial donations be made to the Chesterfield “She was a wonderful person, admired and Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, respected by all,” he continued. “She treated P.O. Box 2554, Chesterfield, Va. 23832.

Edwards r

Connie attended Zacata Elementary and attended the A. T. Johnson High School for Colored Children. After graduating, she enrolled at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. There, she would meet her husband, Thomas (Tommy) Edwards to whom she was married for sixty-four years.

Connie received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1957 and began her career with Richmond Public Schools immediately afterwards, holding teaching positions at Navy Hill and Fairmount Elementary Schools.

Following school desegregation, she became a Curriculum Specialist at J. L. Francis Elementary and attended The University of Virginia where she earned her Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. She was appointed Principal at Patrick Henry Elementary School in 1987 and retired in 1991 after thirty-five years of service. After retirement, Connie worked for Scott Foresman Publishing as a consultant, overseeing teachers’ classroom instruction. To fulfill her desire to explore new challenges, she earned her real estate license and worked as an agent in Richmond for ten years.

She was a member of Club Dejouir, Incorporated, the Commonwealth (VA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, The Richmond Chapter of Chums, Incorporated, and was an active member of the Alumni Associations of both of her alma maters. Connie was very social, an avid reader, loved traveling, bridge and enjoyed many enduring friendships. Connie was preceded in death by her parents and brother, William Weldon (Dot), and is survived by her loving husband, “Tommy” Edwards, daughter Lisa Edwards Burrs (Stacy), three grandchildren, Guy Cousins (Tiasha), Naima and Morgan Burrs; two great-grandchildren, Zende and Zaida Cousins; two sisters, Gloria Greene (Bruce+), Odessa Smith (Fred); one brother, Harry Weldon (Joan); brother-in-law, Morgan Edwards (Evelyn) and sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Allen; eleven nieces and nephews and a host of other devoted relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 2pm in the Chapel of Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222. Due to the pandemic, the service will also be live-streamed and the link can be accessed through the funeral home’s website.

�

Richmond Free Press

B4 January 21-23, 2021

Faith News/Directory

Fourth Baptist Church tumult raises concerns among congregation

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Started in 1859 before the Civil War, Fourth Baptist Church is now a venerable beacon of Christian faith in Church Hill and the fountainhead from which nine other area churches have sprung.

But a major dispute between the current pastor and a large portion of the membership over the church’s organizational structure is threatening to tear apart the 300-member congregation as Fourth Baptist prepares to mark its 162nd anniversary.

Called to the pulpit in June 2018 after leading the far smaller Emmanuel Community Church in Midlothian, Dr. William Eric Jackson Sr. has triggered tumult during the year of the pandemic that resulted in the closure of the sanctuary at 2800 P St. and allowed only virtual services and meetings.

In June, he succeeded in ousting the trustees and the Finance Committee in a dispute over continuing to pay five part-time employees despite the church’s closure and the shrinkage of contributions from the membership, a majority of whom are 65 and older.

In mid-October, he raised more hackles when he successfully pushed for authorization for the church to incorporate, though only 65 members voted and only 39 endorsed the idea in a count that remains controversial.

For Shelia S. Fitzgerald, a retired financial analyst who has belonged to Fourth Baptist for 55 years, this represents the

pastor’s effort to take control and rule the church without any restraints, which she feels violates the spirit of congregational control that is part of the Baptist tradition. “He’s doing what he wants,� said Ms. Fitzgerald, a past board president of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring group.

Dr. Jackson

That’s why she is part of a large faction of the church seeking to reverse or at least slow down what they see as unwanted and unnecessary change that ultimately would leave the congregation with little voice in church affairs.

Since the vote on incorporating was taken in mid-October, at least 100 current members have signed a petition calling for a special church meeting to immediately halt work on the change to the church’s organizational structure and to allow a vote to rescind that approval and reverse the dismissal of the trustees and Finance Committee members.

So far, the Deacon Board,

has not responded to the request.

According to Fourth Baptist’s constitution, a petition signed by 50 members is all that is needed to request that the deacons, who are designated as representatives of the congregation, call such a meeting.

The petition states that notice of the virtual meetings did not go to every active member on the rolls and that the reported Oct. 19 vote was “highly irregular with incorrect tallies.�

Dr. Jackson has not responded to a Free Press request for comment.

Wilma C. Edmonds, a 61year member who chairs the church’s Social Work Committee, said she knows the pastor’s report of the 39-26 vote count on incorporation is inaccurate.

She said she, like others, had her hand raised to ask a question and ended up wrongly being counted as a “yes� vote.

She and Ms. Fitzgerald said during the congregation’s quarterly meetings, the pastor, who serves as the moderator, only calls on a favored few and shuts off debate and questions prematurely. Ahead of the meeting on incorporation, Ms. Fitzgerald said the pastor did not advise members the issue

would be put to a vote. “What is happening is not right,� Ms. Fitzgerald said. “Maybe incorporation would be a good thing. But what is the rush to get it done? Why aren’t we being given time to understand what it means?�

Her concern was first aroused with the pastor’s move in June to fire the trustees.

The former chair of the Finance Committee, Linda P. Hawkins, a retired Internal Revenue Service agent and a 40-year-member of the church, said that her committee and the trustees decided that paying the part-time workers, such as the church secretary and music minister, was not possible given the church’s financial situation after the church closed its doors and started virtual services last March to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

She said the church was struggling to meet its revenue needs and the situation became more precarious as offerings fell. The pastor, though, insisted that the paychecks keep going out, she said, and declined to meet with them before seeking their dismissal.

Ms. Hawkins said Dr. Jackson took the paycheck issue to

Zion Baptist Church

2006 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA 23224 ZBCOFFICE@VERIZON.NET • (804) 859-1985 or (804) 232-2867 Church OďŹƒce Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

You may join us on Facebook Live: Zion Baptist Church (South Richmond) For Sunday Services at 10:30 AM Bible Study, Wednesdays at 7 PM Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Listeners can call: (508) 924-3234 Support us Online through the Givelify App

2IVERVIEW

Moore Street Missionary

"APTIST #HURCH

Baptist Church

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

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

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

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

Be safe. Be blessed.

Sunday School – 9:45 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM

Fourth Baptist Church in Church Hill

the June church meeting and wrapped the removal of the trustees and Finance Committee into the motion to pay the part-time workers. He would not allow the items to be voted on separately and limited the discussion, she said.

As a result, the church has lost the members who maintained the financial controls, Ms. Hawkins said. At the same time, the financial situation has not improved, she added.

At a recent meeting where a new 2021 church budget was approved, the presentation did

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

“The Church With A Welcome�

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

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

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St. Peter Baptist Church $R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR

Worship Opportunities

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN�

Pastor Kevin Cook

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

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

Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus All regular activities have been suspended until further notice.

Visit https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith

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

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Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

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Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

not include a comparison of projected revenue and expenditures with the information available about the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, Ms. Hawkins said. “We’ve had issues before as a congregation, but this situation is the worst,� Ms. Fitzgerald said. “If the incorporation goes through without further consideration by the congregation, I would leave. And I believe others would, too. Dr. Jackson is going to be left only with people willing to do what he says to do. Anybody who doesn’t agree with him will be gone.�

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

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

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

Richmond Free Press

January 21-23, 2021 B5

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2020-272 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Agreement for Mutual Aid Fire and Rescue Services Among Designated Localities in Central Virginia between the City of Richmond, Virginia, and certain localities within the Commonwealth of Virginia and certain entities for the purpose of establishing cooperation between the City’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the fire and rescue departments and agencies of certain localities and certain entities in the furnishing of certain fire and rescue services. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 12:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2020-273 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Commonwealth o f Vi r g i n i a , Vi r g i n i a Department of Emergency Management, and the City of Richmond, on Behalf of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services Water Rescue Te a m M e m o r a n d u m of Understanding between the City of Richmond, Virginia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Emergency Management, for the purpose of establishing cooperation between the City’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Emergency Management in the furnishing of certain swiftwater rescue services. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 12:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2020-274 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Virginia Port Authority Maritime Incident Response Team Operating Agreement between the City of R i c h m o n d , Vi r g i n i a , and the Virginia Port A u t h o r i t y, f o r t h e purpose of establishing cooperation between the City’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Virginia Port Authority in the furnishing of certain maritime incident response services. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 12:00 p.m.)

This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2020-232, adopted December 14, 2020. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public. Less than a quorum of Richmond City Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

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

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the February 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the February 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/ office-city-clerk.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-008 To amend City Code § 30-1220.21, concerning the definition of the term “clinic,” to include certain opioid treatment facilities in such definition.

Ordinance No. 2021-009 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 81-82-68, adopted May 11, 1981, as previously amended

by Ord. No. 87-49-74, adopted Apr. 27, 1987, which authorized the special use of the property known as 307 North Robinson Street for the purpose of a veterinary clinic, to increase the number of employees allowed from three to five persons, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in a B-1 Neighborhood Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Neighborhood MixedUse land use for the properties. Areas with this designation are described as existing or new highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses.

Ordinance No. 2021-010 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2018-192, adopted Jul. 23, 2018, which authorized the properties then known as 800, 802, and 806 North 32nd Street, and now known as 3112, 3116, 3120, and 3124 N Street, for the purpose of up to four single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions, to modify certain feature requirements.

The properties are situated in an R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Neighborhood MixedUse land use for the properties. Areas with this designation are described as existing or new highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses.

Residential density is not specified for this designation.

Ordinance No. 2021-011 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 501, 509, and 511 Decatur Street for the purpose of a mixeduse building containing up to 118 dwelling units and commercial uses on the ground floor, upon certain terms and conditions. The properties are situated in a B-4 Central Business District.

The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the property for Destination Mixed-Use land use. Such areas are described as key gateways featuring prominent destinations, such as retail, sports venues, and large employers, as well as housing and open space.

No residential density is specified for this designation.

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or new highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses.

Ordinance No. 2021-013 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2206 Joplin Avenue for the purpose of two singlefamily detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-5 Single-Family Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Residential land use for the property, which is described as neighborhoods consisting primarily of single family houses on large or medium sized lots more homogeneous in nature. A residential density of 2 to 10 housing units per acre is specified. The density of the proposed project is approximately 9 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-014 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2700 East Cary Street for the purpose of a freestanding sign, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a B-5 Central Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the property for Corridor Mixed-Use land use. Areas with this designation are found along major commercial corridors and envisioned to provide for mediumto medium high-density pedestrian- and transitoriented development.

The meetings will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2020-232, adopted December 14, 2020. The meetings will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public. Less than a quorum of Richmond City Planning Commission members and Richmond City Council will assemble in City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

The meetings will be streamed live online at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. a s p x . To w a t c h a meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the February 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the February 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ r i c h m o n d g o v. c o m i n lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/ office-city-clerk.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Ordinance No. 2021-012 To authorize the special use of the property known as 821 Albemarle Street for the purpose of a personal service business, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-7 Single- and Two-Family Urban Residential District.

The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Neighborhood Mixed-Use land use for the properties.

Areas with this designation are described as existing

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BEVERLY CLARKE, Plaintiff v.

MICHAEL CLARKE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20003983-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from

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Divorce

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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 8th day of March, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

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

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

CL20-2091 1403 Stiff Street E0100227031 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 1405 Stiff Street E0100227032 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 1407 Stiff Street E0100227033 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 1409 Stiff Street E0100227034 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 1411 Stiff Street E0100227019 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 5715 Campbell Avenue E0100227030 City of Richmond v. Sallie C. Day, et. al.

CL20-609 1401 Stiff Street E0100227029 City of Richmond v. Sallie C. Day, et. al.

CL20-609 1434 Carlisle Avenue E0002812002 City of Richmond v. Corrine E. Winn, et. al.

CL20-1839 1312 Chambers Street S0071182008 City of Richmond v. Delores S. Anderson, et. al.

CL20-3244 3312 Chapel Drive C0090096016 City of Richmond v. Joyce Criss, et. al.

CL20-1860 5210 Clarence Street S0060369001 City of Richmond v. L. R. T. Garret, et. al.

CL19-4243 2700 Clearfield Street C0080772032 City of Richmond v. P. Dawn Walker, et. al.

CL20-1935 2301 Coles Street S0090065035 City of Richmond v. Agnes V. Keilhacker, et. al.

CL20-2085 2603 Columbia Street S0080379013 City of Richmond v. Jack M. Matthews, et. al.

CL20-2664 3107 Columbia Street S0080631011 City of Richmond v.

Potomac Investors, LLC, et. al.

CL20-1983 1430 Decatur Street S0000151002 City of Richmond v. Sindy Hicks, et. al.

CL20-1984 2714 Edgewood Avenue N0000695004 City of Richmond v. Sarah L. Allen, et. al.

CL20-1091 1355 Evergreen Avenue C0060300026 City of Richmond v. Paul Washington, et. al.

CL20-1985 2603 Fairfield Avenue E0120318001 City of Richmond v. Harriett B. Davis, et. al.

CL20-337 2117 Ford Avenue E0000598025 City of Richmond v. Rosa L. Stokes, et. al.

CL20-2965 3423 Frank Road S0080854029 City of Richmond v. Richard Woolridge, et. al.

CL20-484 3019 Garland Avenue N0000974034 City of Richmond v. Emma Tate, et. al.

CL20-2174 2012 Gordon Avenue S0000642003 City of Richmond v. Billy W. Person, et. al.

CL20-2966 2325 Halifax Avenue S0000645025 City of Richmond v. B & E Holding, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2088 2404 Halifax Avenue S0000767006 City of Richmond v.

Beatrice N. Williams, et. al.

CL20-2089 2408 Halifax Avenue S0000767004 City of Richmond v. Vincent G. Robinson, et. al.

CL20-906 1100 Hollister Avenue C0090093026 City of Richmond v.

Vanessa Moore, et. al.

CL20-911 3000 Hull Street S0001472010 City of Richmond v. CGC Investments Group, LLC, et. al.

CL20-907 405 Hunt Avenue N0001554003 City of Richmond v. Sallie Vernell Myers, et. al.

CL20-1322 2000 Ingram Avenue S0000861010 City of Richmond v.

Benjamin Edwards, Sr., et. al.

CL20-903 3609 Jefferson Davis Highway S0080884047 City of Richmond v. Ethel Davis, et. al.

CL20-250 3611 Jefferson Davis Highway S0080884046 City of Richmond v.

Archibald Jones, et. al.

CL19-4296 3613 Jefferson Davis Highway S0080884045 City of Richmond v. G & S Associates, et. al.

CL20-904 456 East Ladies Mile Road N0001664011 City of Richmond v. Donald Hunter, et. al.

CL20-678 3807 Larchmont Lane

S0042914035 City of Richmond v.

Mahalia V. Moore, et. al.

CL20-2165 5308 Linwood Avenue C0080176028 City of Richmond v. Wright Choice 401K Plan, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2362 120 Lipscomb Street S0000150017 City of Richmond v. Paul Henderson, et. al.

CL20-2175 1321 Lynhaven Avenue S0071178022 City of Richmond v.

Randolph Boyce, et. al.

CL20-1684 4107 Lynhaven Avenue S0090224012 City of Richmond v. Agnes V. Keilhacker, et, al.

CL20-1650 4109 Lynhaven Avenue S0090224013 City of Richmond v. Agnes V. Keilhacker, et, al.

CL20-1650 410 North Madison Street N0000181013 City of Richmond v.

Camoliv Land Trust, et. al.

CL19-5186 1112 West Marshall Street N0000466028 City of Richmond v. Michael B. Bey, et. al.

CL19-4988 1401 Mechanicsville Turnpike E0000768020 City of Richmond v. Kamau Islam, et, al.

CL20-622 1423 Mechanicsville Turnpike E0000768031 City of Richmond v. Tara Johnson, Trustee Of The Gaymon Family Land Trust, et. al.

CL20-624 1709 Mechanicsville Turnpike E0120281004 City of Richmond v. Ava Cox, et. al.

CL19-6077 2718 Midlothian Turnpike S0001002001 City of Richmond v.

Herman Warren, et. al.

CL20-2252 601 Milton Street N0001366001 City of Richmond v. Elwood Ross, et. al.

CL20-2280 2114 Newbourne Street E0120286024 City of Richmond v. Rosa Lelia Fleming, et. al.

CL20-936 2006 Newman Road E0110126008 City of Richmond v. Louise T. Blake, et. al.

CL20-251 3209 North Avenue N0001134016 City of Richmond v. Byron Russell Walker, et. al.

CL19-5212 3307 North Avenue N0001356020 City of Richmond v. Eugene Becoat, et. al.

CL20-1630 3931 Old Brook Road N0180500012 City of Richmond v. Nathan Vice CL20-61 2920 P Street E0000569021 City of Richmond v. Albert P. Brown, et. al.

CL18-5253 2625 Q Street E0000475013 City of Richmond v. Benson F. Woo, et. al.

CL20-2020 2106 Redd Street E0000665037 City of Richmond v. Sandra F. Underwood, et. al.

CL20-252 2617 Redwood Avenue E0120334018 City of Richmond v.

Maynard F. Bates, Jr., et. al.

CL20-1631 1414 Rogers Street E0000768012 City of Richmond v. Curtis L. Fleming, et. al.

CL20-849 2300 Royall Avenue S0071579010 City of Richmond v. Emily Jones, et. al.

CL20-1323 2409 Royall Avenue S0071528005 City of Richmond v. Marcos Antonio Garcia Gonzalez, et. al.

CL20-1632 917 Saint John Street N0000107035 City of Richmond v.

Theodore Issaac Knight, et. al.

CL20-2255 2106 Sale Street E0000665045 City of Richmond v.

Glorious Praise Ministries, et. al.

CL20-905 2108 Sale Street E0000665046 City of Richmond v. Hot Volt Electric, Incorporated, et. al.

CL20-253 2117 Selden Street E0120286008 City of Richmond v. Leon D. Parker, Jr., et. al.

CL20-369 2903 Stockton Street S0001341011 City of Richmond v. Harry Lee Smith, et. al.

CL20-124 1804 Sussex Street E0000755022 City of Richmond v. Russell B. Davis, et. al.

CL20-1832 2414 Terminal Avenue S0080560001 City of Richmond v. Larry L. Mason, et. al.

CL20-1092 2717 Terminal Avenue S0080521007 City of Richmond v.

Ellwood Henderson, et. al.

CL20-1589 2721 Terminal Avenue S0080521009 City of Richmond v.

Nathaniel Holliday, Jr., et. al.

CL20-370 4005 Tyrone Street S0090141015

City of Richmond v. Donald D. Spellman, et. al.

CL20-1633 4328 Warwick Road C0090551009 City of Richmond v. Patricia Morgan Flynt, et. al.

CL20-2462 1446 Whitehead Road C0070553047 City of Richmond v. Simon Green, et. al.

CL20-140 6107 Winford Lane C0050508012 City of Richmond v. Phyllis Hudson Hatch, et. al.

CL20-908

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DERECK ROGERS, Plaintiff v.

HELENA ROGERS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20005643-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 2nd day of March, 2021at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

PROPERTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SPECIAL COMMISSIONER’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Pursuant to the terms of Orders of Sale entered in the Richmond Circuit Court, the undersigned Special Commissioner will offer the following real estate for sale at public auction at Motleys Asset Disposition Group, 3600 Deepwater Terminal Road, Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm, or as soon thereafter as may be effected. The sale is subject to the terms and conditions below and any other terms and conditions which may be announced on the day of auction. Announcements made on the day of the auction take precedence over any prior written or verbal terms of sale.

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re QUONT’E BULLOCK, JR. RDSS v.

QUONTE BULLOCK, SR. PRESHUS COLEMAN File No. J-93791-10-11 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) QUONTE BULLOCK, SR. (Father) & Preshus C oleman ( M other ) , of Quont’e Bullock, Jr., child DOB 1/23/2017 “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Quonte Bullock, Sr. (Father) & Preshus

1020 North 2nd Street N0000085003 City of Richmond v.

Kimberly R. Hall, et. al.

CL19-5773 1305 North 5th Street N0000233006 City of Richmond v. Patricia Talley-Allen et. al.

CL19-5651 3113 5th Avenue N0050999007 City of Richmond v. Mamie M. Elleby, et. al.

CL19-5650 3121 5th Avenue N0050999011 City of Richmond v. Benson F. Woo, et. al.

CL20-1830 1810 North 22nd Street E0001080006 City of Richmond v. Janice M. Wooten, et. al.

CL20-123 1702 North 23rd Street E0000940008 City of Richmond v. Morris J. Holden, Jr., et. al.

CL19-5444 1601 North 25th Street E0000862001 City of Richmond v. Emma S. Stafford, et. al.

CL20-1683 1810 North 25th Street E0001083009 City of Richmond v.

Lynwood Harris, III, et. al.

CL20-2570 1005 North 27th Street E0000476035 City of Richmond v.

Jonathan Bullock, et. al.

CL20-138 1615 North 27th Street E0000864060 City of Richmond v. Mary E. White, et. al.

CL20-1143 1323 North 30th Street E0000625031 City of Richmond v. Junious Lee Smith, et.al.

CL20-843 808 North 31st Street E0000630048 City of Richmond v. Marian B. Chambers, et. al.

CL20-1986 905 North 31st Street E0000724058 City of Richmond v. Robyn Moore, et.al.

CL20-1774 1105 North 32nd Street E0000803022 City of Richmond v. Oliver P. Johnson, et.al.

CL20-1838 121 East 33rd Street S0001874039 City of Richmond v. Eleanor R. Petrohovich, et.al.

CL20-1104 1203 North 35th Street E0001408002 City of Richmond v. George E. Underwood, et.al.

CL20-984 600 North 39th Street E0001554012 City of Richmond v. Clinton S. Jones, et.al.

CL20-1836 2217 Bainbridge Street S0000485027 City of Richmond v. Samuel T. Jones, Jr., et.al.

CL20-1835 706 Belt Boulevard C0060193002 City of Richmond v. The Wright Choice 401K Plan, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2249 2503 Berwyn Street S0080380029 City of Richmond v. Edna P. Queen, et. al.

CL20-1682 306 East Broad Rock Road S0001711003 City of Richmond v. Ivy Hussey, et. al.

CL20-1834 2312 Burton Street E0000427021 City of Richmond v.

Alexander Coleman, et. al.

CL20-935 5701 Campbell Avenue E0100227028 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 5705 Campbell Avenue E0100227035 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 5709 Campbell Avenue E0100227036 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 5713 Campbell Avenue E0100227037 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

CL20-2091 5717 Campbell Avenue E0100227020 City of Richmond v.

Greanleafe Associates, LLC, et. al.

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHRISTINE HUFFMAN, Plaintiff v.

DEREK HUFFMAN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20005471-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 22nd day of February, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 ,

Custody

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re JA-MOD GARDLEY-CEPHAS RDSS v.

UNKNOWN FATHER File No. JJ077702-12-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Unknown Father (Father) of Ja-Mod Gardley-Cephas DOB 09/07/2007, child.

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 3/30/2021, at 9:00 AM, Courtroom #2.

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TERMS OF SALE: All sales are subject to confirmation by the Richmond Circuit Court. The purchase price will include the winning bid plus 10% of the winning bid.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRUST Name: Kay Edo Jungle The address of the known place of business is: c/o PO Box I45 Sandston VA [23150] Note: I, Kay Edo of the Jungle family under General Law, come forth as executor public and private for ens legis KAY EDO JUNGLE (trademarked and copyrighted), ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, and cannot be used without my written consent (15 U.S. Code § 1114). Infringers will be fined one million united states dollars according to my Fee Schedule on file with the State of Virginia. The original known place is Henrico Doctors, 1602 Skipwith Rd, 23229.

The agent for this entity is an Aboriginal American National; autochthonous living flesh and blood natural man protected under the Constitution. All rights and titles have been released to a foreign Trust (26 CFR § 301.7701-7) (26 U.S. Code § 7701) as the new secured party by way of UCC1 Filing #20201214032550 with the Virginia Secretary of State. I, Kay Edo Jungle, is a Yamasee/Yamasih and Cherokee/Sharakhi Aboriginal Native Indian sojourning upon the soil of the land of North America and exempt from levy; all debt is obligated to the United States (18 U.S. Code § 8). I have signed contracts without understanding in the past, but now nunc pro tunc, I have rescinded all signatures (12 CFR § 226.23) and contracts by way of UCC number above. Further, any or all documents tendered to me, lacking bona fide wet ink signatures or dates per title 18 U.S.C.A. § 513514, are counterfeit security instruments causing you to be liable in your corporate and individual capacity by fraudulent conveyance now and forevermore.

The free exercise clause of the First Amendment with my Indigenous Native American religious practices

Richmond Free Press

B6 January 21-23, 2021

Inauguration 2021 Photo Feature

Andrew Harnik/Associated Press

Saul Loeb/Pool photo via AP

Left, Joseph R. Biden Jr. is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as his wife, Jill Biden, holds a Bible that has been in the family since the 1800s. Above, Vice President Kamala Harris is sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina on the nation’s highest court, as her husband, Doug Emhoff holds two Bibles, one that belonged to the late Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American on the nation’s highest court, and the other that belonged to Regina Shelton, a neighbor who was like a second mother to Vice President Harris.

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press/Pool

Former President Barack Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, arrive to applause at the U.S. Capitol for the historic swearing in ceremony of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. The nation’s first African-American president took the oath of office from the same spot at the West Front of the Capitol on Jan. 20, 2009, and again on Jan. 21, 2013.

Patrick Semansky, Associated Press/Pool

President Joe Biden calls for national unity during his 20minute inaugural address.

van Vucci/Associated Press

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery as three former presidents and their wives look on. They are, from left, former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle; former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura; and former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

is in accordance with The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 and the AMERICAN DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, Articles VIII, IX, XVI, and XVIII; and under the federally enacted RFRA, the laws of the land and natural law. I am protected from government burden and interference from freely exercising my Native religion stated above and in the by-laws of my foreign governing unincorporated religious assemblies (508©(1) (a) FOB) Trust, “Article VI ®(s). In accord with the provisions set forth in Title 8 U.S.C.A. § 1481, I am NOT a 14 Amendment Citizen subject to State jurisdiction (28 U.S. Code § 1603-4) or commercial statutes and codes. It is a fact that the only jurisdictions that I recognize, acknowledge, and validate as an American National are tribal and ecclesiastical.

See 18 U.S.C. § 1151, Public Law 97-280 (96 Stat.1211) of 1982, 28 U.S.C. § 1738 and 18 U.S.C. § 2265. It is settled law that State courts have no jurisdiction over Indians or Indian affairs. Williams v.

Lee, 358 U.S. 217 (1959); Rice v. Olson, 324 U.S. 786 (1945); Worcester v. Georgia, 31 U.S. (6 Pet.) 5151 (1832); ex parte Young, 209 U.S. 128 (1908); Edelman v. Jordan, Continued on next column

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415 U.S. 650 (1974). Notice to ALL AGENTS, ACTORS, PUBLIC OFFICERS and OFFICIALS of the United States, should you move against me in defiance of this presentment, there is no immunity from prosecution (18 U.S. Code § 1951). Please be advised ignorance of law is no excuse, you will be invoiced and charged (18 U.S. Code § 3571) according to my Injunction and attached Fee Schedule on file with the State of Virginia and Richmond City Recorders Office. Before the above property can be seized, surrendered, conveyed, disposed of or otherwise removed from debtor ’s possession, secured party must be satisfied in full by way of Security Agreement at $100,000,000,000.00 billion united states dollars. If the dollar bill extinct, all charges will be in lawful money (gold and silver coins) and/or digital currency.

EMPLOYMENT

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

Int’l Procurement Specialist in Richmond, VA. Research, coordinate, & provide cost estimates for purchase orders for overseas & domestic suppliers.

Source new products, research & evaluate potential suppliers; evaluate products/samples according to company inventory, standards, budget & needs; negotiate terms of sale. Mail resume to L. Hagy at Open Plan Systems, 4700 Deepwater Terminal Rd., Richmond,VA 23234.

LICENSE COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA construction bid

ITB #21-2104-1JOK Annual Building Demolition Services Due: January 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/puchasing/ solicitations/

Mfg Process Eng’r in Richmond, VA. Prepare sketches, drawings, blueprints, & schematics for design or layout using CAD & drafting tools.

Test feasibility & functionality for new furniture product designs. Dev mfg processes, training manuals & installation materials. Mail resume to L. Hagy at Open Plan Systems, LLC, 4700 Deepwater Terminal Rd., Richmond,VA 23234.

Sr. Software Development Engineer in Test w/ S&P Global Market Intelligence Inc. in Glen Allen, VA. Design & dvlp automation/ performance solutions that meet organization standards. Position reqs a Bach deg (US or foreign equiv) in Comp Sci, Info Systems, Electronics Engg or rel & 4 yrs of exp in the job offered or rel role. Must have 4 yrs of exp w/ REST API testing & writing SQL scripts.

Must have 3 yrs of exp writing automated test using Selenium. Must have 2 yrs of exp w/: version control tools such as GIT; & build & deployment tools such as Jenkins. Must have 1 yr of exp with: coding using languages such as Python; & Behavior Driven Dvlpmnt process $JLOH PHWKRGRORJ\ 4XDOL¿HG $SSOLFDQWV Email resumes to PeopleMovementSupport@ spglobal.com & ref the job code 258300 S&P Global is an equal opportunity employer committed to making all employment decisions w/o regard to race/ethnicity, gender, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status (incl domestic partnerships & civil unions), sexual orientation, military veteran status, unemployment status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Only electronic job submissions will be considered for employment. If you need an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please send an email to: EEO.Compliance@spglobal.com & your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person. The EEO is the Law Poster http:// www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ pdf/eeopost.pdf describes discrimination protections under federal law.

DIESEL TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR #FO180 (Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA) Full-time nine-month teaching faculty-ranked appointment. High School diploma or equivalent with an Associate’s degree or equivalent in Diesel Technology. Five (5) years of current and related occupational experience. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or equivalent certificate in Diesel Technology. The selected candidate must be able to pass the college’s pre-employment security screening. Salary range: $43,776 - $65,000. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin February 18, 2021, and will be accepted until the position is filled.

Additional information is available on the college’s website: www.reynolds.edu/jobs.

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

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