Richmond Free Press January 26-28, 2023 edition

Good medicine

New VCU pharmacy dean prepares students for a changing health care landscape

By Debora Timms

Now in its 125th year, the Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Pharmacy has seen countless number of graduates enter pharmacy careers and practices.

As the school’s newest dean, Kelechi C. Ogbonna, wants today’s students to be even more prepared to thrive as “leaders and change agents in an ever-evolving health care landscape.”

“Pharmacy touches every aspect of health care,” Dr. Ogbonna said in recent interviews with the Richmond Free Press.

“Our health care systems are fractured in many ways, but pharmacy can be part of filling in the gaps.”

That disparities that exist in the system

was something Dr. Ogbonna said he came to understand at an early age. Born in Philadelphia to Nigerian parents, he grew up with his three younger sisters in South Jersey. During one of his grandfather’s occasional visits, he suffered a medical emergency.

“A medication misadventure had some serious consequences,” Dr. Ogbonna recalled. “It was implanted in me early on that while medications can have great benefits, they can also cause great problems.”

That memory surely played a role in his undergraduate choice of pre-pharmacy with a chemistry major at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. After graduating in 2007, he entered the program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences with the idea of becoming

a community pharmacist. He soon learned that there were other opportunities within pharmacy, and decided that a residency would lead to other possibilities.

After completing his doctor of pharmacy in 2010, Dr. Ogbonna began a one-year pharmacy practice residency at West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut. He discovered his passion for geriatrics, staying another year to complete a geriatric pharmacy residency before coming to VCU as an assistant professor in 2012.

“I spent time at the VA and time at Yale. I was in the same city assessing two very different patient populations,” Dr. Ogbonna said. “[I saw how] health care looks very different depending on who you are and

Beleaguered foundation’s last member determined to maintain Black cemeteries, despite ongoing obstacles

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The last board member of the collapsed Enrichmond Foundation is working to turn over to City Hall control of two historic Black cemeteries as well as other properties and assets still in the foundation’s name.

John H. Mitchell, a volunteer like the other resigned board members, stated that his goal is to have the city accept the assets, particularly Evergreen and East End cemeteries that date to the 1890s and border the city’s Oakwood Cemetery. He has taken on the role after joining the foundation in June 2021 as Evergreen’s first community ambassador. He became a board member a year later as the foundation

Mitchell

Leaders are meant to

state secrets — just not at home

By Calvin Woodward and Chris Megerian

WASHINGTON

Democrats responded with aggrieved fury when former President Trump was found in possession of classified documents that should have been turned over to the government when he left office. Then disclosures that President Biden also mishandled secret papers set loose a Republican “well, what about” roar.

Now, with another discovery of classified documents, this time at the home of Mr. Trump’s vice president, Mike Pence, the partisan finger-pointing seems to be melting into a chorus of mortification from Democrats and Republicans.

The highest U.S. secrets, it

Pence President Biden

now appears, are not necessarily safe with the highest officials. Not when they’re in the hands of Mr. Trump, who disdains the rules and customs of government, and not in the hands of President Biden and Mr. Pence, who subscribe to them.

“What the hell’s going on around here?” asked Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, when asked about Mr. Pence.

Fatigue and despair build as Calif. copes with massacres

The Associated Press

MONTEREY PARK, Calif.

In the wake of the worst massacre in Los Angeles County history, the California governor was meeting gunshot victims in the hospital when he was pulled away and briefed on a mass shooting at the other end of the state.

“Obviously there’s a systemic problem in the executive branch,” Sen. Rubio said. “We’re talking about two successive administrations from two different parties, with officials at the top level having, in their possession, documents in places that they don’t belong.”

The Democratic chairman of that panel, Sen. Mark Warner

Please turn to A4

western bar in 2018; the killing of three and wounding of 17 at the 2019 Gilroy Garlic Festival; the slaying of nine workers at a San Jose rail yard in 2021.

“I started writing in ‘Monterey Park,’” Gov. Newsom said. “And now I gotta write

in, ‘Half Moon Bay.’ What the hell is going on?”

A 66-year-old farm worker was booked on murder and attempted murder charges after shooting eight people, killing Please turn to A4

Word that a gunman had killed seven people at mushroom farms in a scenic coastal stretch of Northern California came just hours after Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke of his fatigue and frustration with mass shootings.

“I can’t keep doing them,” he told reporters earlier Monday in Monterey Park, where 11 people were killed at a dance studio. “Saying the same thing over and over and over again, it’s insane.”

Yet Gov. Newsom was in Half Moon Bay on Tuesday to address the third mass shooting in just over a week in a state with some of the nation’s toughest gun laws and lowest gun death rates. His voice brimming with anger and emotional at times, Gov. Newsom said he consulted notes he used at past mass shootings: the slaying of 12 at a Thousand Oaks country and

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Readers and leaders

Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin read the popular book “Where the Wild Things Are” to Alexis Evans’ first grade class at Carver Elementary School on Thursday, Jan. 19. The governor’s visit was in support of the expansion of a new Virginia education law, the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA).The legislation passed during last year’s Virginia General Assembly and becomes effective during the 2024-2025 school year. “We want to have an academic and education system that raises the ceiling for all of our children and recognizes that we have kids that need some extra support,” said Gov. Youngkin. “We can do both.”

New historic preservation grant will support Black, Hispanic and Indigenous groups

By Holly Rodriguez

A $5 million grant established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2022 is designed to to support historically underserved and underrepresented communities and associated sites of historical relevance.

The Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People

of Color Historic Preservation Fund (BIPOC) will launch its application process this spring through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Caitlin Sylvester, grants coordinator for the program, said historians throughout the state are conducting outreach to potential grantees, beyond Black, Hispanic and Indigenous commu-

nities. But, she said because those populations traditionally disenfranchised in Virginia have been mostly African-Americans and Indigenous people, they may be most likely to apply for and receive funding.

“This fund will provide grants for the acquisition, protection, and rehabilitation of historic and archaeological sites and tribal lands of

significance associated with Virginia’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities,” she said. The grant funding is limited to three specific project types: rehabilitation and/or stabilization of real property, purchase of a fee simple or

‘Check your closets’

keep

Mr.

It’s complicated

Dr. Ogbonna

Mr.

Photo courtesy of JN04

UR awards Paragon Medal to Marcus Weinstein

Free Press staff report

The Paragon Medal, the University of Richmond’s highest honor, has been awarded to University of Richmond alumnus Marcus Weinstein, a, well-known philanthropist, and chairman of Weinstein Properties. Weinstein is only the second person in history to receive the medal. The first was E. Claiborne Robins in 1986.

The Paragon Medal is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the University and positively shaped the University’s present and future, according to a UR news release. The award honors

Mr. Weinstein’s enduring legacy of leadership and philanthropy as well as his advocacy for and support of both the University and the broader region.

Mr. Weinstein received his undergraduate degree from the University in 1949 and an honorary doctor of commercial science in 2002. He was awarded UR’s Alumni Award for Distinguished Service in 2005. He and his wife, Carole M.Weinstein, a UR alumna, received the President’s Medal in 2013 honoring their outstanding service to the University.

The Weinstein family has demonstrated extraordinary generosity to the University over many decades, the news release states. Among numerous contributions to campus, their gifts led to the creation of the Carole Weinstein International Center, the Weinstein Center for Recreation, and Weinstein Hall. Additionally, the Weinsteins have supported endowed professorships and scholarship opportunities and numerous programming opportunities, including the annual Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum and other Chaplaincy initiatives.

“The University of Richmond has been instrumental in every success I’ve had over the last 70 years,” Mr. Weinstein said. “The University has given so much to me, and I’ve tried to do whatever I can to show my appreciation in return.”

Mr. Weinstein said gifts of all sizes can make a big impact.

“I was raised by my mother, and she believed it was important to share what she had with others. Giving to others and helping to make the world a better place is critically important to my Jewish faith,” Mr. Weinstein said. “By sharing what I have with other people I feel like I am helping to make the world a better place and making my mother proud.”

“Over five decades, Marcus and the Weinstein family have enhanced the student experience while holding our university to the highest standards,” said University of Richmond president Kevin F. Hallock. “They’ve improved our campus facilities, increased access and affordability for our students, supported the ethical development, health, and well-being of Richmond Spiders, raised the bar for academic success, and transformed Richmond into a truly global center for learning.”

Construction of a new Amazon facility is scheduled for completion in Henrico County’s Fairfield District this year. When the online retailer announced plans in April 2021 for its state-of-the art robotics fulfillment center on 119 acres along Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, near Richmond Raceway, Amazon and county officials said it would lead to 1,000 job opportunities. The 2.6-million-square-foot facility will be the largest building in Central Virginia, officials said. To accommodate increased traffic in the area, RichmondHenrico Turnpike has been extended to four lanes, with a new traffic signal placed at the main entrance to the site.

Cityscape

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Webinar previews Petersburg’s future insulin facility

Free Press staff report

Petersburg’s role in producing more affordable insulin in the United States will be highlighted during RVA757 Connects’ Virtual Innovation Spotlight webinar Wednesday, Feb. 1.

The webinar will feature Allan Coukell, senior vice president of public policy for Civica, a nonprofit health group that is nearing the completion of a new 140,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Petersburg, and Joy Polefrone, executive director of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, a cluster of advanced pharmaceutical manufacturers and researchers in the RichmondPetersburg region.

An online discussion will showcase Civica’s insulin shots, which will include aspart, glargine and lispro, will be available for no more than $30 per vial and $55 for five pens – a roughly 90 percent reduction from current list prices.

Civica also is building a facility at the Meadowville Technology Park in Chesterfield County for research and development. These facilities will join Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medicines for All and other pharmaceutical groups operating in the Richmond-Petersburg region that are working to reduce the cost of essential medicines.

The free webinar will run from noon to 1 p.m. For more registration information, please contact greg.gilligan@rva757connects.com.

Correction

An article in the Jan. 19-21, 2023, edition incorrectly reported that the superintendent’s proposed budget for Richmond Public Schools’ 2023-2024 school year was a 35.3 percent operating budget increase. The proposed budget was a $35.3 million increase. The Free Press regrets the error.

“Amazon has been proud to call Virginia home since 2006,” said Alicia Boler Davis, who was Amazon’s vice president of Global Customer Fulfillment at the time of the announcement.

“Collectively it takes a strong workforce and local support network to serve our customers across the Commonwealth and the region. The launch of this state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Central Virginia will create more than 1,000 jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits starting on the first day of employment. I’m excited to see Virginians continue to excel at Amazon, building better and brighter futures.”

Richmond area will host numerous events for Black History Month

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

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

Some of the month’s events include:

Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Thursday, Jan. 26, 6-8 p.m. Screening of the documentary, “The Lives Between the Lines.”

The film documents the inspiration for and construction of the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at the University of Virginia. The Memorial to Enslaved Laborers acknowledges the work and individual lives of the enslaved AfricanAmericans who built UVA and sustained daily life from its founding.

A panel discussion featuring Cauline Yates and Jessica Harris, descendants of the enslaved laborers at UVA, director Erik Duda and Devon Henry of Team Henry Enterprises, the company that erected the memorial, will follow.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2-4 p.m. In

“Making A Place for Themselves: A Survey of the Free Black Experience in Virginia from 1800-1865,” public historian, author and filmmaker Elvatrice Parker Belsches will use rare documents and stunning photographs to narrate the lives of free Black people in general and several prominent free Black families in Richmond, Petersburg and the Tidewater area prior to 1865.

Both events are free to attend. Registration is required and can be done on the museum’s events page at www. blackhistorymuseum.org/event/

The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is located at 122 W. Leigh St., Richmond.

Black History Month at VMFA

Feb. 5, 1-3 p.m., Studio 1: Create a colorful movie poster with artist Hamilton Glass and videographer Myles Brown

12–3 p.m.; Studio 2: Create a multimedia abstract ink blot painting Free admission.

Feb. 16-March 17, Installation: RVA Community Makers Now in its 5th year, RVA Community Makers is an annual community-activated public art project presented by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and led by artist Hamilton Glass. Coinciding with VMFA’s celebration of Black History Month, the yearly project honors African American leaders from a variety of fields. Free admission.

Through Feb. 28, Exhibition: Ebony Patterson: ... three kings weep ...

Experience the visuals, sound, and emotion in this large-scale video installation created by Jamaican-born artist Ebony Patterson. Shown slowly in reverse, Ms. Patterson’s film portrays a trilogy of three men, each on a separate screen, dressing themselves while tears quietly roll down their cheeks. These figures occupy a chapel-like space where viewers can sit and contemplate their presence. Free admission.

Through July 9, Exhibition: “Isaac

Julien: Lessons of the Hour — Frederick Douglass” Immerse yourself in the life and words of Frederick Douglass in this large-scale film installation. The sights and sounds in Julien’s work collapse time and space, bringing the historical figure to life for modern audiences in a profoundly resonating experience. Free admission.

Through May 8, Exhibition: “A

Powerful Influence: Early Photographs of African Americans from the Collection of Dennis O. Williams, 25 portraits of Black Americans.” This installation includes daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, and early works on paper made from the 1840s through the 1880s. Free admission.

For more events, dates and times, please visit www.VMFA.museum

Library of Virginia

Feb. 1-28: The Library of Virginia will present “‘I have this day committed to jail’: Records of Free & Enslaved Citizens from the City of Richmond Hustings Court.” The display contains historic records that document the complex dynamics that existed between white, free Black and enslaved people in Virginia’s capital city.

Urban centers such as Richmond drew many enslaved men and women looking to hire themselves out, either on their own or at the behest of their rural owners. Richmond also appealed to free Black Virginians looking for work and sanctuary.

As the populations of both enslaved and free Black people grew throughout the early 19th century, Virginia lawmakers enacted increasingly restrictive legislation to police the lives of Black Virginians.

The results are captured in a variety of document types from the Hustings Court, including court papers of criminal trials involving free Black and enslaved people for various petty crimes and felonies, free registration certificates, petitions of free Black Virginians requesting permission to remain in Virginia and jail records of free Black and enslaved people traveling at large.

With support from a National Historical Publications and Records Commission grant from the National Archives, the Library of Virginia examined more than 250 boxes of materials from the City of Richmond Hustings Court to select records to digitize as a part of Virginia Untold, a Library of Virginia digital project that facilitates access to records of enslaved and free Black people in Virginia before 1867.

The free exhibition will run through February in the Library’s Lobby and Pre-function Hall. The Library is located in Downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 E. Broad St. Learn more online at www.lva.virginia.gov

Keep Virginia Cozy will lead a Black History Month Cleanup in Jackson Ward on Sun., Feb. 12. The nonprofit organization will meet at noon for a litter cleanup at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. Afterward, museum staff will share information and answer questions about the area.

The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is located at 122 W. Leigh St., Richmond. Learn more about Keep Virginia Cozy online at www.keepvirginiacozy.org.

Virginia Coomonwealth University

Feb. 23, 7-9 p.m. — Musician, scholar and museum official Dwandalyn R. Reece will headline Virginia Commonwealth University’s Black History Month as lecturer for the 22nd annual VCU Libraries 2023 Black History Month event at the James Branch Cabell Library Lecture Hall , 901 Park Ave. Her remarks will be drawn in part from her upcoming book, “Musical Crossroads: Stories Behind the Objects of African American Music,” with a focus on how these objects expand understanding of African-American music and culture.

Dr. Reece is responsible for the music and performing arts collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and is responsible for helping build a collection of more than 4,000 items. She also serves as the NMAAHC’s associate director for curatorial affairs, and curated the NMAAHC’s inaugural permanent music exhibition and co-curated the music festival for its grand opening.

The event is free and open to the public, and also will be livestreamed for remote viewing. Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is available at www.support.vcu.edu/event/ BlackHistoryMonth2023.

Martinsville church hosts Martin Luther King Jr. exhibit Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Feb. 26 from 12 noon to 3 pm. Every Sunday in February, parishioners and guests will be able to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at Morning Star Holy Church in Martinsville.

The MLK/Black History exhibit “Together” is made up of items from the personal collection of the church’s Rev. Tyler C. Millner — everything from newspaper clippings and photographs to writings, documents and other memorabilia. The exhibit also spotlights Black history and achievements that include historically black colleges and universities, the Black press, Black businesses and a feature on Black women. To coincide with the exhibit, Rev. Millner will give three lectures about Dr. King in Virginia, the Black church and “Black History Education.” Dates and timesfor these lectures will be announced, and the lectures will be streamed, on the Morning Star Holy Church Facebook page. The exhibit will run every Sunday in February from noon - 3 p.m. Other times are by appointment only. Morning Star Holy Church is located at 2839 Stoney Mountain Road in Martinsville.

Dr. Reece

The Weinsteins

Hamilton Glass

Uncompromised healthcare for your well-being this winter season.

This winter season, VCU Health o�ers unmatched care and helpful tips. With the tridemic consisting of the flu, RSV and COVID-19 hitting hard, let’s talk about ways to keep you well. It’s not too late to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Many of the viral respiratory infection symptoms are the same and the di�erent viruses cannot be diagnosed by symptoms only. If you feel unwell, seek professional assessment.

Stay safe

• Get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines—it’s not too late

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or cough into your elbow—not your hands

• Wash your hands often

• Consider wearing a mask

• Avoid close contact with others

• Clean frequently touched surfaces

The signs to look for if you start to feel sick

• Fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

• Muscle aches

• Nausea or diarrhea

• Fatigue

Take control

• Monitor your symptoms

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Stay away from public spaces

• Talk to your doctor or medical provider

Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing

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• Inability to wake or stay awake

• If you have any severe, concerning symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room

New VCU pharmacy dean prepares students for change

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what you have access to. That caused me to think critically about how I wanted to apply my skillset, to help patients and meet them where they are.”

VCU provided that opportunity. He helped create the Richmond Health and Wellness Program and became the founding director of the school’s postgraduate geriatric residency program.

His move in 2016 to become the associate dean of admissions and student services and his appointment as interim and then permanent dean in the School of Pharmacy last year is just another way to continue that work. This time by helping students, including more underrepresented minorities, to find their career goals in pharmacy. He wants more pathway programs from middle school through high school and the collegiate level that put pharmacy forward as a career option for students who may not have considered it before.

“One of the things that I think differentiates our program from other schools of pharmacy nationwide, is that our students go and work in a

variety of different settings,” Dr. Ogbonna said. “There are pharmacists working with the FDA, in veterinary practices, at insurance companies and nursing homes and hospitals.

“Every specialty you can have in medicine, you can also have in pharmacy. So there are emergency room pharmacists, critical care pharmacists, transplant pharmacists,” Dr. Ogbonna explained. “Pharmacists are anywhere medications or medication decisions need to be made.”

This passion for the profession is appreciated by VCU students such as Erika Nixon-Lambert.

“Dr. O gave me a roadmap to pursue a career in pharmacy. He suggested that I meet with other pharmacy programs to see what roadmap they would offer,” the 2026 doctor of pharmacy candidate wrote in an email. She took his advice and made the decision to complete her graduate studies at VCU.

Fellow students’ emails offered similar praise. Fourth-year Pharm.D. student Danielle Holdren said that Dr. Ogbonna will “continue to positively impact the field of pharmacy for years to come.” Third-year student Paul Massawe also

added it was “powerful to see and witness daily representation of a fellow African man thriving in the profession of pharmacy.”

Representation is one of the areas Dr. Ogbonna has worked to strengthen within the School of Pharmacy. Between 2014 and 2020, the school’s Pharm.D. cohort of underrepresented minorities more than doubled to 30 percent. In addition, attrition rates dropped and student satisfaction, pharmacy licensing exam scores and graduate residency acquisition rates all increased.

Mr. Massawe made note of Dr. Ogbonna’s commitment to “building a positive culture around the school by supporting and prioritizing students well-being.”

Dr. Ogbonna says there are many aspects that can affect recruitment efforts and student outcomes. He refers to these as the “social determinants of academic success,” noting that while academic preparation and ability may spring to mind, varied factors such as finances and housing, as well as unexpected circumstances like family emergencies or the pandemic play a role too.

“Until we’ve unpacked that, we are often going

to find ourselves having a fairly homogenous student population and a homogenous health care workforce,” Dr. Ogbonna said. “And so we’re trying to peel back the layers to think about what are the barriers for students being able to progress in a meaningful way.

He has worked to help create and expand student resources at VCU for lodging, scholarships and career placement assistance, as well as a student success emergency fund.

This is important to student retention and success rates, but also to Dr. Ogbonna who says the students are the best part of his job. He continues to teach an undergraduate class and says the interaction helps to keep him grounded.

“The important part of my journey has been thinking critically about the folks that I interact with, the folks that I serve ... these are some of the things I’m really proud of. Titles are not really important, it’s the impact that matters.”

Editor’s note: Some recorded interview notes were provided for this article by the estate of Free Press writer Charles Taylor, who unexpectedly died shortly after speaking with Dr. Ogbonna.

Foundation’s last member determined to maintain Black cemeteries

was shutting down.

Mr. Mitchell stated that he is using his family’s Richmond Planet Foundation to secure state and volunteer help to maintain the cemeteries during the dissolution process.

“The mission continues,” said Mr. Mitchell, the greatgreat-nephew of John Mitchell Jr., who was a banker, City Council leader and fiery editor of the former Richmond Planet newspaper.

Mr. Mitchell said he and the other board members spent 2022 trying to find a way to dissolve in an orderly fashion to “provide a path to repay creditors and to turn over (the cemeteries) to the City of

Richmond per the Enrichmond bylaws.”

He said the foundation’s historical documents, financial records, computers and other stored items already have been given to the city.

Despite consultation with legal advisers, he stated that the board could not find solutions to the financial challenges. Ultimately, the foundation’s situation proved “much too complicated for a volunteer board to resolve,” he continued in a statement to the Free Press.

He stated he chose to stay after the other board members resigned because “I just want to see the cemeteries remain clean and move forward, no matter who is at the helm.”

Free COVID-19 vaccines

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3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com.

The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID-19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free vaccines for COVID-19 and more at the following locations:

• Wednesday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to Noon - Henrico West Health Department, 8600 Dixon Powers Dr., JYNNEOS and flu shots; 2 to 4 p.m. - Primary Moderna shots for age 6 months and older, bivalent booster for age 6 years and older, Primary Pfizer shots for age 6 months and older and bivalent boosters for age 5 and older, Novavax primary shots for age 12 and older and boosters for age 18 and older, flu shots, walk-ups welcome but appointments encouraged.

• Thursday, Feb. 2, 2 to 4 p.m. - Cary Street, 400 E. Cary St.,

Primary Moderna shots for age 6 months and older, bivalent boosters for age 6 years and older, Primary Pfizer shots for age 6 months to 11 years and bivalent boosters for age 5 years and older, Novavax primary shots for age 12 and older and boosters for age 18 and older, Flu shots, walk-ups welcome but appointments encouraged.

People can schedule an appointment online at vase.vdh.virginia. gov, vaccinate.virginia.gov or vax.rchd.com, or by calling (804) 2053501 or (877) VAX-IN-VA (1-877-829-4682).

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

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

RHHD also offers at-home vaccinations by calling (804) 205-3501 to schedule appointments.

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

As with previous COVID-19 boosters, the new doses can only be received after an initial two vaccine shots, and those who qualify are instructed to wait at least two months after their second COVID19 vaccine.

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

New COVID-19 cases in Virginia fell 34 percent during the last week, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health, while data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association showed hospitalizations statewide dropped 15 percent since last Wednesday. Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico County are now all at medium levels of community COVID-19 as of last week. Sixteen localities in Virginia are ranked at high community COVID levels, while 62 were ranked at medium as of last week.

A total of 1,589 new cases of COVID-19 were reported statewide Tuesday for the 24-hour period, contributing to an overall state total of 2,251,042 cases in Virginia since the pandemic’s outbreak. As of Wednesday, there have been 457,773 hospitalizations and 23,088 deaths were reported statewide on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, state health officials reported that over 18.2 million COVID-19 doses had been administered, with 73.7 percent of the state’s population fully vaccinated at the time. State data also showed that over 5.2 million people in Virginia have received booster shots or third doses of the vaccine.

Among ages 5 to 11 in Virginia, 342,787 have received their first shots as of Tuesday, accounting for 47.3 percent of the age group in the state, while 301,589 children, or 41.6 percent, are fully vaccinated. In this age group, 54,507 children have received a monovalent booster, making up 7.5 percent, while 38,918 have gotten a bivalent booster shot, accounting for 13.3 percent of this group.

As of Tuesday, 64,710 children from the ages of newborn to 4 have received their first doses, making up 14.2 percent of the population in Virginia, while 50,565 are fully vaccinated, or 11.1 percent of the population. On Tuesday, fewer than 449,545 cases, 2,126 hospitalizations and 36 deaths were recorded among children in the state. State data also shows that African-Americans comprised 22.1 percent of cases statewide and 22.1 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 11 percent of cases and 4.6 percent of deaths.

As of Tuesday, Richmond reported a total of 61,386 cases, 1,282 hospitalizations and 547 deaths; Henrico County, 88,863 cases, 1,714 hospitalizations and 1,073 deaths; Chesterfield County, 98,401 cases, 1,758 hospitalizations and 870 deaths; and Hanover County, 28,590 cases, 891 hospitalizations and 344 deaths.

Compiled by George Copeland Jr.

Transfer of the cemeteries and the other properties is still a work in progress, he stated.

“While slow, the city is responding to the task. But it is out of my control. I’m pretty much support services at this point,” he stated.

City officials so far have not reported any decision to take control of the burial grounds to City Council’s Education and Human Services Committee.

While waiting for the city to act, Mr. Mitchell said in a telephone interview that his foundation has secured an agreement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, which he said has stepped up to cover the cost of keeping Evergreen mowed during the fall.

He said his foundation also has worked with a host of volunteer groups, ranging from Richmond-area Black firefighters to military veterans and Black Greek fraternities and sororities who helped to maintain the two cemeteries.

Mr. Mitchell also noted that John Shuck and the Friends of East End Cemetery have returned and are now engaged in maintaining that cemetery.

Created more than 30 years ago, Enrichmond long served as a conduit for private and public donations to be used to benefit city parks and recreation programs. Enrichmond also served as an umbrella nonprofit for 86 small community groups that banked their money with the organization. However, Enrichmond apparently became overwhelmed financially after accepting the two cemeteries with help from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. There is no evidence that the foundation was able to raise the money that was needed to cover the full costs of staff and maintenance or the consultants who were hired.

According to a timeline the foundation’s board created, the foundation’s underpinnings were further undermined after Mayor Levar M. Stoney pulled the city’s $75,000 annual contribution in 2021 and refused, with council support, to restore it in 2022.

The foundation obtained a Small Business Administration loan in a bid to remain in operation, but that source ran out.

The board became aware the financial troubles were far more significant than anticipated in December 2021, the timeline shows, when John Sydnor, then executive director, presented the annual financial report that was to go to the IRS and also sought permission to seek additional loans to help stabilize the foundation.

In order to keep the foundation going, an estimated $165,000 the 86 organizations collectively had banked with Enrichmond was used to cover foundation costs.

Mr. Mitchell stated he is a member of the Armstrong Walker Legacy Project, one of the organizations that lost money as a result of the foundation’s collapse. The Project, like the other organizations, has struggled to replace the lost funds.

By April 2022, Mr. Sydnor resigned to take a position elsewhere after the board declined to borrow additional funds and the foundation’s bank account essentially hit empty, according to the timeline.

At this point, neither the city nor the council has sought to

use part of the city’s estimated $36 million surplus from the 2021-22 fiscal year to reimburse the community groups whose money has disappeared, leaving those organizations that operate community gardens, restore historic buildings and tackle other community endeavors in limbo.

Hopes for a criminal investigation also have evaporated.

Both the Richmond Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office have rejected a probe, considering the transfer of the community groups’ funds to other uses as a civil matter as there has been no evidence the money personally benefitted anyone associated with the foundation.

Mr. Mitchell remains buoyed by the calls and requests he gets from descendants of those who are buried in the two cemeteries.

“They are adamant,” he said, “that even though Enrichmond will disappear, East End and Evergreen will always be our historic legacy. The work and responsibility of caring for those burial grounds will always be ours to carry on.”

New historic preservation grant will support groups

Continued from A1

protective interest in real property, and data recovery such as archaeological excavation.

“A few examples of project types could be a rehabilitation of a historic Rosenwald school, the reacquisition of Tribal lands, or an archaeological project associated with Black watermen,” Ms. Sylvester said.

Despite the DHR’s outreach efforts, the word may not be reaching potential applicants most qualified for the funding.

The AMMD Pine Grove Project is an organization working to preserve a Rosenwald School that existed in Cumberland County from 1917 to 1964. As a former student at Pine Grove Elementary School, Muriel Branch’s family started the project several years ago. She said that she knew about the grant, but was unaware of details.

Pine Grove Elementary School was one of 5,000 “Rosenwald schools” built in rural communities between 1913 and

1932. A collaboration between Booker T. Washington and former Sears and Roebuck president Julius Rosenwald, the “Rosenwald schools” were built in 15 states, mostly rural Southern communities.

Ms. Branch said the organization never wants to turn away potential funding.

“We’re looking at a five-year plan for rehabilitating Pine Grove,” she said. “The thing about preservation is that it is slow and the process of applying can be tedious.”

Michelle Oliver, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, said she had not heard about the grant, but hopes DHR intends to increase outreach efforts.

“I’m glad there is money out there to do something in the community in terms of preserving history and genealogy,” she said. “But a lot of times we don’t know about these grants, though, and then the money is lost.” DHR is betting on organizations applying for funds. Gov. Glenn Youngkin put

an additional $5 million for the grant into his proposed budget, but the outcome will not be known until the end of the General Assembly session.

Ms. Sylvester said there are plans in the near future to connect with and inform potential grantees.

All eligible applicants must request at least $50,000 in grant funding, but no more than $1 million. Applicants can apply for more than one project across application rounds, but grant awards per applicant will not exceed $1million in total.

“We are hosting a webinar with Preservation Virginia that is free but people must register, and it will include more details and a Q&A session,” Ms. Sylvester said. “We would encourage folks to attend that if they are interested in applying and they can reach out by emailing BIPOCGrantFund@dhr.virginia.gov with further questions.”

For more information about the BIPOC Grant Fund, please visit https://www.dhr. virginia.gov/grants/.

Fatigue, despair build as Calif. copes with massacres

Continued from A1

seven, in a crime authorities said was a case of workplace violence in the rich agricultural area that lies between the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains.

In Monterey Park, a 72-year-old gunman shot up a dance hall in an Asian-American community that had been celebrating Lunar New Year’s Eve on Saturday night, wounding nine people in addition to the 11 killed. The gunman later took his own life.

A week earlier, at least two assailants fatally shot a 16-year-old mother clutch-

ing her 10-month-old baby, and killed four others in a brazen attack in a Central California farming community that remains unsolved.

“Our hearts are with the people in California,” President Biden said Tuesday at a meeting with Democratic congressional leaders. “They’ve been a rough, rough couple of days.”

President Biden noted that Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced an assault weapons ban, and he urged lawmakers to pass it.

Gov. Newsom also called for stronger

gun safety laws and took particular aim at the large capacity magazines — like the one the dance studio gunman had — and what he called “weapons of damn war.”

“It’s said all the time: ‘Only in America,’” he said. “No. 1 in gun ownership, No. 1 in gun deaths. It’s not even complicated.”

The recent slayings moved California up five slots to 26th place on the number of fatal mass shootings per capita in the U.S. since 2006, according to a USA TODAY/ AP/Northeastern University mass killing database. The database only counts killings of at least four people.

Leaders are meant to keep state secrets — just not at home

Continued from A1

of Virginia, had tart advice for all expresidents and future ones regardless of party: “Go check your closets.”

The latest disclosure came from Pence lawyer Greg Jacob, who informed the National Archives — the proper place for such material — that classified documents were found in Mr. Pence’s Indiana home last week.

Mr. Jacob said an apparently small number of papers were inadvertently boxed and transported to the home at the end

of the Trump administration and came to light when Mr. Pence, prompted by the discoveries in President Biden’s home and pre-presidential think-tank offices, asked lawyers to see if he had some, too.

Special counsels are investigating the Trump and Biden episodes. In all three matters, the significance of the classified material and whether its mishandling breaches national security is not publicly known. But it is clear that some of the documents retrieved at Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Fla., were top secret.

Aides to President Biden, a Demo-

crat, say they cooperated quickly and fully when such material was found at a former office in Washington, though they waited for months to make public what had happened.

In the Republican-controlled House, Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, a contender to lead the Intelligence Committee, said he will ask for the same intelligence review and damage assessment in the Pence case as he did in earlier discoveries.

“It is a serious matter for any government official to mishandle classified documents,” Rep. Turner said.

Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace takes command

By Jeremy Lazarus

Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace just became the first female leader of the Army Reserve’s 80th Training Command, one of the largest educational operations in the Army.

A decorated officer whose medals include the Bronze Star, Gen. Wallace took charge Saturday following a ceremony at the Defense General Supply Center in which she relieved Brig. Gen. Steven D. Hayden.

She leads a force of more than 6,000 Army Reserve soldiers and 270 civilians who provide 1,700 training courses a year for 85 units in 37 states, Puerto Rico and Germany. The command deploys instructors in 150 subjects.

Gen. Wallace brings more than 32 years of service to her new role, including previous service as the 80th’s chief of internal review and as operations officer for the 97th Training Brigade, an element of the 80th.

She began her military career in 1990 with two years of enlisted service.

After active service, she joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps while at the University of Indiana-Bloomington where she earned her bachelor’s in criminal justice and a master’s in public administration.

Among her myriad assignments, she also has led the

U.S. Army Reserve’s Pacific Command and served as the executive officer and public affairs officer for the 1st Infantry Division in Kuwait.

She also has taken numerous courses involving the military, including studies at the Army War College.

The command Gen. Wallace now heads is based on Strathmore Road in the county, and is the latest iteration of a unit that traces its roots to World War I when it was the 80th Division.

Nicknamed the “Blue Ridge Division” because the initial troops came from mountain areas of Virginia, Pennsylvania

and West Virginia, the division fought during World War II and in other conflicts, including Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The division was reconstituted in 2008 as a training command.

Among other duties, it provides military education to noncommissioned officers at Fort Dix, Fort McCoy and Academy Camp Parks, according to the division’s website.

Among other elements, the 80th includes the 94th Training Division based at Fort Lee; the 100th Training Division based at Fort Knox, Ky.; and the 102nd Training Division based at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Conservancy buys New Market segment where Black troops attacked Confederates

By Jeremy Lazarus

Another 49-acre parcel of a Civil War battlefield in Eastern Henrico County in which Black troops played a major role is now protected from development.

The Capital Region Land Conservancy announced that it has purchased a new section of the New Market Heights battlefield with state and federal grants that seek to protect significant military sites from the war.

According to the conservancy, property located just east of Interstate 295 and south of New Market Road or Virginia Route 5, in-

cludes an 800-foot segment of earthworks that were part of the Confederate defense line that came under attack from elements of the U.S. Colored Troops.

The earthworks are located about a third of a mile west of the point at which the Colored Troops charged and broke through the Confederate lines despite having one of three men killed or wounded.

Fourteen Black soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor during the battle, the largest number awarded to Black soldiers during the Civil War.

“Saving this hallowed ground is important

to the descendants of U.S.C.T. members who fought at New Market Heights,” said Damon Radcliffe, whose great-great-grandfather, Sgt. Major Edward Ratcliff, was among the Medal of Honor recipients.

“Being able to visit and walk the land where my ancestor and thousands of Black men fought for their freedom is a powerful experience,” Mr. Radcliffe said.

“This portion of New Market Heights Battlefield is part of a remarkable historic landscape,” said L. Preston Bryant Jr., board president of the conservancy, in announcing the purchase.

The conservancy bought the property from the heirs of Frederic Albert Dabney and his daughter, Florence Dabney Haskins, who had owned and occupied it since 1937.

In the wake of the purchase, the conservancy, Henrico County and the American Battlefield Trust now own more than 300 acres of the New Market Heights battlefield, or 15 percent of the 2,000 acres that the National Park Service has identified as being part of this fight.

The conservancy also has been involved in protecting hundreds of acres of nearby land that was part of several other battles that occurred in this section of the county in 1864.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace, left, became the first woman to assume command of the 80th Training Command (TASS) in its more than 100-year history during a ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Eugene LeBoeuf, deputy commanding general, United States Army Reserve Command and Brig. Gen. Steven D. Hayden on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Defense Supply Center in North Chesterfield. Looking on during the historical ceremony were Army Reserve members, family, friends, and colleagues.

Ordinary people

The Associated Press reported this week that a Virginia Senate committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit lawmakers from using campaign funds for personal expenses such as a mortgage or country club membership.

Lawmakers long had resisted adopting the change.

Surprise! There’s more.

Virginia state lawmakers are currently outliers in the nation for their ability to spend money donated to their campaigns on virtually anything, the AP noted. Despite a bipartisan insistence that lawmakers want to find compromise on reform, similar bills adding limits to how campaign funds can be spent have been repeatedly defeated in recent years.

We may want to stop right there.

While it may be tempting for anyone to live and socialize off of someone else’s dime, it is flat out wrong and unethical.

Political life already is rife with opportunities for far too many backroom deals designed to line the pockets of elected officials. Does the term kickbacks ring a bell? Corruption? Bribery? Fraud?

Fortunately, Virginia legislators showed that they can be above such shenanigans, as the AP further reports that applause broke out in the room after the bill from Sen. Jennifer Boysko and three Democratic colleagues passed unanimously.

“Nearly all other states and the federal government prohibit the use of campaign funds by a candidate or their families,” Sen. Boysko said as she presented her bill. “But in Virginia, we still could take our family on a Caribbean cruise if we choose, and I don’t think that’s right.”

We don’t either. Bravo Sen. Boysko. (Although a Caribbean cruise would be nice right about now given the Mercury Retrograde beating we all seem to have taken.)

The bill would prohibit a candidate from using campaign funds for an expense that would exist irrespective of the person seeking, holding or maintaining office. It allows contributions to be used for “ordinary and accepted expenses related to campaigning for or holding elective office.”

That last quote struck a chord, reminding us of the John Legend song “Ordinary People.”

We’re just ordinary people

We don’t know which way to go

‘Cause we’re ordinary people

Maybe we should take it slow

Word to the wise: In this case “take it slow” does not mean withdrawing campaign funds for leisurely and/or personal use. Rather, use the funds as they are intended to be used: judiciously and wisely.

In other words, pay your own mortgage and country club membership fees.

Below is a summary of the bill, SB1471, as introduced and as of Wednesday was re-referred to the Senate’s Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Campaign finance; prohibited personal use of campaign funds; complaints, hearings, civil penalty, and advisory opinions. Prohibits any person from converting contributions to a candidate or his campaign committee for personal use. Current law only prohibits such conversion of contributions with regard to disbursement of surplus funds at the dissolution of a campaign or political committee. The bill provides that a contribution is considered to have been converted to personal use if the contribution, in whole or in part, is used to fulfill any commitment, obligation, or expense that would exist irrespective of the person’s seeking, holding, or maintaining public office but allows a contribution to be used for the ordinary and accepted expenses related to campaigning for or holding elective office, including the use of campaign funds to pay for the candidate’s child care expenses that are incurred as a direct result of campaign activity. The bill provides that any person subject to the personal use ban may request an advisory opinion from the State Board of Elections on such matters. The bill directs the State Board of Elections to adopt emergency regulations to implement the provisions of the bill and to provide an updated summary of Virginia campaign finance law that reflects the State Board of Elections’ and Attorney General’s guidance on the provisions of such law that prohibit the personal use of campaign funds and any new regulations promulgated by the State Board of Elections.

There is no way one can put a price on the value of a child’s education. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.”

Dr. King’s words remind us that we must fix the root causes behind broken systems that continue to allow children to fall through the cracks. It starts by understanding how and why the systems are broken.

Experts trace the current teacher shortage to the 2008 Great Recession when the nation’s public education system lost more than 120,000 teachers. When the economy rebounded, and schools started hiring again, many of those who had left were reluctant to return.

Teacher shortages are not uncommon around the nation, but it tends to hit high-poverty schools in rural areas the hardest. Researchers have found that schools that serve a high percentage of minority students and students in poverty have more difficulty finding and retaining qualified teachers than white and

more affluent schools. In many southern states, the long-standing problem continues to increase.

The nature and severity of the teacher crisis will differ drastically from state to state, district to district, and even from school to school. In an attempt to understand the teacher shortage issue, data found that the problem

is worst in Mississippi.

Communities throughout the Mississippi Delta are rich in community pride and history but are economically poor. As manufacturing jobs left the region and agriculture became more automated, it resulted in a decrease in population.

Families who remain will send their children to deteriorating schools, which are difficult for officials to manage due to the dwindling tax base and a Mississippi state legislature that is reluctant to adequately fund schools at the per-student rate as required by law. The message being sent by lawmakers is clear. Investing in the future of children living in poverty doesn’t merit meeting the state funding requirement.

At the request of state lawmakers, three small-town school districts merged to become one –West Bolivar Consolidated

School District. West Bolivar Consolidated is 98 percent Black, while 100 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. West Bolivar High School in Rosedale, Miss., and McEvans School in Shaw, Miss., are 18 miles apart, but teachers for math, Spanish, and science are forced to split their class instruction time between the two campuses via Zoom.

The geometry class at West Bolivar High has no teacher, forcing students to listen to a software program while in class. Chemistry students are often left to teach themselves. Those not reading at grade level will struggle to understand science lessons.

The decision to shortchange funding to high-poverty schools can impact a generation of Black students who are unprepared to acquire the job skills needed for future careers.

The economic future of Black children should be an incentive to vote for state lawmakers who are willing to fight for adequate funding for high-poverty schools. As it is difficult to attract new teachers from outside West Bolivar Consolidated, many people who currently work there grew up in the region.

Teachers also need to be paid. Low teacher salaries reduce the attractiveness of the teaching profession and serve as another

The party of Lincoln?

There are many memories of my first years in school which remain etched in my mind. I remember learning the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.

Since I have always liked history, there are numerous persons and events that are in my memory cells.

Like most students of that period, the first two presidents I learned about were George Washington and Abraham Lincoln — the first and the 16th presidents, respectively.

George Washington “chopped down a cherry tree,” led the Continental Army against the British, and became the new nation’s first, but the reluctant president.

For me, President Lincoln was a little more interesting. He was a country kid, born into what can only be called poverty, reportedly was a hard worker, held a variety of — both laborious and sedentary — jobs, became a country lawyer, honed his debating skills, became the first candidate elected to be president as a Republican, “freed the slaves,” and was shot dead at Ford’s Theater.

Chief among his accomplishments is that he remains known as “Honest Abe” and his legacy is circumscribed by his veracity in addition to having his name ascribed to the Republican Party as its founder. Among AfricanAmericans, his party, the party of the Great Emancipator, was

the only political party worthy of their votes (those who could vote).

Although there are fewer African-Americans who retain this loyalty, many still vote without question for The Party of Lincoln. Unfortunately, if he were alive today, I am sure that he would attempt to reform them or completely disavow the deviants and devilments of

“his” party.

The biography and résumé of George Santos, the newly elected Republican congressman from New York, belies the ethic of truthfulness. He is the antithesis of Honest Abe! Rep. Santos has admitted to embellishing his biography with stories that are more akin to myths and fables than simple embellishments. His lies wind through a trail of life events that serve to endear him with the voters but have no remote connection to his personal experiences. He has fabricated so much of his résumé that there is some speculation that his real name may not really be George Santos. He has used at least one other name.

What is worse, he poses a threat to the good order of the House of Representatives and, through exposure to classified materials, our national security. In their attempt to retain power and maintain their slim margin of control, Speaker McCarthy and his conference have chosen to overlook this potential threat. What is more, they have chosen to overlook the standards of

integrity presumed for all House members. As an entity, Republican members have shown total disregard for the expectation of honorable service among their ranks.

However one wishes to analyze him, overwhelming evidence confirms that the preservation of the Union, and its traditions and democratic principles were primary concerns of Lincoln. Fueled by a malignant fear of “Replacement,” President Lincoln’s modern counterparts have shown themselves willing to accept any equally malignant distortion of government that allows them to subvert the will of the majority and impose their will upon the same. Gerrymandering and voter suppression, including draconian laws, which frighten and discourage lawful voters from exercising their rights have become the tools of choice for the “new” Republicans.

Like the petulant kid who owns the football, these “new” Republicans are threatening to blow up our national and international economies if the game is not played by their rules. Their enmity against all except the wealthy and wellconnected illuminates their goal of institutionalizing their permanent power and creating a permanent underclass that they can manipulate and control.

Whatever faults President Lincoln may have had, this is not the party of Lincoln. We will treat them with logic and measured reason at our future peril!

The writer is president of The Dick Gregory Society and president emerita of the National Congress of Black Women.

The Free Press welcomes letters

The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you. We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.

reason for teacher shortages. The disparity is compounded when teachers in high-poverty schools are underpaid compared to their counterparts who teach in low-poverty schools. West Bolivar Consolidated has been plagued by high turnover, and many of the teachers it hires are new and lack the necessary training for the classes they are hired to teach. When measured on state assessments against other school districts throughout the state with more resources and fewer teacher vacancies, West Bolivar Consolidated finished near the bottom, receiving a D for its test scores.

The dismal test scores are just numbers. They don’t tell the story behind the lives of the brightest students who are consistently failed by a broken system.

David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body.

Rudolph

Oliver

David

Marshall

VCU’s error is chance to ‘help make dreams become a reality’

I am writing in response to an article printed in the January 5-7, 2023, edition of the Free Press, “VCU applicants receive incorrect acceptance letters.” It highlighted the recent Virginia Commonwealth University response to erroneous acceptance letters that individuals who had applied to the University for fall 2023 admission received via email … letters in my opinion which represented, for many of those impacted … ‘a dream deferred or denied.”

As I sat listening to the strategies and ideas offered at a recent MLK event sponsored by the Office of Institutional Equity (an arm of this BILLION DOLLAR plus THRIVING academic institution, Virginia Commonwealth University), I thought, WOW what a tremendous opportunity it would be; an opportunity to partner with those individuals who were denied entry into the open door of education

that could very well propel them into the world of financial stability and economic justice.

I, like Dr. King, had a dream as I sat there listening. I had a dream of the successful alumni of VCU being partnered with the promising prospective students who had applied. This marriage of means and minds could potentially produce the next wave of world class success stories that could positively influence and undergird advancement seeking families for generations to come; particularly for those who may, no doubt, be a part of the class of the economically disadvantaged.

I challenge Virginia Commonwealth University, in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to help make dreams become reality for those impacted by your error.

RE v. RO salI nd M. Hall Richmond

VUU: ‘Changes will enable the university to continue’ its progress

Virginia Union University continues its march to be best-in-class among HBCUs in the United states — and we are taking additional steps to accelerate our progress.

We are expanding our business office to accommodate the University’s growth. Our leadership team is reviewing all internal processes so they demonstrate the speed, rigor, and compliance that our stakeholders expect.

We are taking these steps, in part, to address issues with submitting our annual audited financial statements in a timely manner, as the Free Press recently reported.

These changes will enable the University to continue building on our progress.

Virginia Union is rising in the rankings. The most recent U.s news national rankings showed Virginia Union rising more than 30 positions in just four years. virginia Union now ranks as the country’s 43rd best HBCU, after breaking into the top 50 for the first time last year. The university was not ranked at all just four years ago, when the upward trajectory began.

Students are choosing Virginia Union. The University posted its highest total enrollment in five years with 1,865 students enrolled this academic year, growing at both the un -

dergraduate and graduate levels. And thanks to forward-looking support by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the General Assembly, many Pell-eligible Virginia residents can now attend Virginia Union tuition-free.

The University’s financial stability remains exceptionally strong. Revenue from tuition is up in this academic year, and expenses are down across the University. The University’s endowment continues to perform well, even despite the stock market’s downturn throughout 2022.

The recent Community Leaders Celebration honored Dr. King and was the largest celebration in years. Our athletic teams are performing well, and Virginia Union will take on Morehouse College in the 2023 Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic over the Labor Day weekend.

This progress challenges us to move faster and to do more. These are great days to be part of Virginia Union, and we are proud to call Richmond our home. Come visit!

dR. HakIM J. lUcas President and cEO Virginia Union University Richmond

Hearing Examiner will hold an evidentiary hearing in this case on May 24, 2023, at 10 a.m.

•Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information pursuant to Code § 56-585.1 A 5 d for approval of a revision to its Rider PPA. Through its Petition, the Company seeks to recover projected and actual costs associated with certainery related to the PPAs approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR-2020-00134 (“CE-1 PPAs”), Case No. PUR-2021-00146 (“CE-2 PPAs”), and the PPAs currently pending approval in Case No. PUR-2022-00124 that will enter commercial operations during the rate year in this proceeding (“CE-3 PPAs”). In total, Dominion has incorporated costs associated with six CE-1 PPAs, 17 CE-2 PPAs, and seven CE-3 PPAs that are scheduled to be operational on or before August 31, 2024.

Rider PPA is one of the rate mechanisms included in the overarching framework approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR-2020-00134 for the recovery of non bypassable limited exceptions. In this proceeding, Dominion asks the Commission to approve Rider PPA for the rate year beginning September 1, 2023, and ending August 31, 2024 (“Rate Year”). The Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of ($22,045,000) for recovery in Rider PPA for the Rate Year, which represents a net credit to customers. If the proposed Rider PPA is approved for the Rate Year, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider PPA on September 1, 2023, would decrease the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt¬hours per month by $0.22. Interested persons are encouraged to review Dominion’s Petition and supporting documents in full for details about these and other proposals.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health issues related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs or other documents required to be served in this matter shall be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150,

(ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting Electronic copies of the public version of the Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com On or before May 16, 2023, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments Clerk of the State Corporation Commission,

Stories by Fred Jeter

VCU’s Jamir Watkins gives fans, scouts something to talk about

Several NBA scouts congregated at the Robins Center to take a close look at the University of Richmond’s Tyler Butler.

They may have left thinking more of VCU’s Jamir Watkins.

Ballin’ on Broad Street

Saturday, Jan. 28 – St. Bonaventure at VCU, Siegel Center, 6 p.m., CBS Sports Network.

The 6-foot-7 redshirt sophomore from Trenton, N.J., came off the bench for 15 points, 10 rebounds, two blocked shots and two assists as the Rams rolled, 74-62.

Butler, by contrast scored 14 points but missed eight of 13 shots and was charged with six turnovers. Butler almost left UR early last year to enter the NBA draft and is considered an Atlantic-10 Player

of the Year candidate as a senior.

Now with five wins in a row and 10 victories in their last 11 outings, Coach Mike Rhoades’ Rams are 15-5 overall, and first place in the A-10 with a 6-1 mark, including consecutive road wins over Loyola-Chicago, Dayton and now UR.

Watkins averages 11 points and six rebounds for the balanced Rams and appears fully recovered from a knee injury that cost him the entire previous season. He’s logging about 25 minutes per game.

Dangerous inside and out, his wide array of skills has some longtime Rams’ follow-

Tart’s

VUU

game

plan:

ers feeling he could be among the best forwards in VCU lore and a down-theroad NBA draftee.

Comparisons have been made to former, similarly sized standouts Treveon Graham, Phil Stinnie, Brad Burgess, Nick George and Sherron Mills. Watkins has two more full seasons after this to make his case.

VCU now has a 58-32 lead over UR in the all-time series. The city rivals will meet again Feb. 24 at the Siegel Center.

John Marshall’s Latrelle Allmond is one to watch ‘He can shoot, rebound, run the floor, block shots,’ says Coach

An average high school freshman starts off on the JV team and aspires, eventually, to be a varsity starter.

Latrell Allmond isn’t your average freshman.

Since arriving from North

Keep the ball rolling …

Friday, Jan. 27 JM at Thomas Jefferson, 7 p.m.;

Saturday, Jan. 28 Lake Taylor/Norfolk at JM, 8 p.m.

Carolina, the 6-foot-8 John Marshall High ninth grader hit the hardcourt running for the 16-0 and nationally No. 1 ranked (by MaxPreps) Justices.

JM Coach Ty White refers to his prodigy as a “skill forward.”

White goes on to say, “Latrell is extremely talented and versatile. He can shoot, rebound, run the floor, block shots.”

The JM newcomer was averaging 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots heading into this week’s action. He also leads the Justices with 59

percent shooting. Allmond is no secret. College offers are pouring in.

The University of Virginia is the latest to offer Allmond (JM Class of ’26) a full ride far in advance of his high school diploma.

U.Va. Associate Head Coach

Jason Williford is a former AllMetro star at JM.

Williford was in attendance for JM’s recent home game vs. Grayson High of Loganville, Ga.

“Coach Williford came to see another kid (for Grayson) but Latrell out-played him,” said White.

Other offers have come from Tennessee, North Carolina State, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Rutgers, Old Miss, Georgetown and Georgia.

Originally from Southern Pines, N.C., Allmond played last season as an eighth grader on the O’Neal School varsity. He also played for the Team Loaded AAU travel outfit that White serves as director for.

Skeptics might ask, why No. 1 ranking?

JM has played a grueling schedule against mostly high-profile programs out of

the 804. Victories so far have come against Holly Springs, N.C., (13-4), DeMatha, Md. (12-6), Landstown, Va. (11-4), Virginia Academy (9-9), Millbrook, N.C., (12-6), Greensboro, N.C., Day (22-3), Columbus, Fla., (16-3), Wheeler, Ga., (10-6), Jackson-Reed, D.C., (19-4) and Grayson, Ga. (12-4).

The toughest remaining game might be Jan. 28 at home vs. invading Lake Taylor of Norfolk.

From then on, it appears there

jumping, leaping and winning

It’s fitting that Charles Tart III grew up within a few minutes of Richmond International Airport in eastern Henrico County.

Tart, you see, is quite the high flyer himself.

Now a Virginia Union University sophomore, the 6-foot-4 athlete performs his takeoffs and landings for a 16-4 Panthers outfit that has cat eyes on a CIAA hoops title.

“We like to get Charles out on transition, to run the floor,” said VUU Coach Jay Butler. “That’s where he gets a lot of his baskets … above the rim.”

Tart’s first dunk in competition came as an eighth grader at John Rolfe Middle School.

As a senior at Varina High, Tart won the 804 Area All-Star Game dunk contest with a thunder slam that had spectators wiping their eyes.

“I took off at the foul line,” he said of his winner.

And if you don’t believe him, there’s evidence.

“A picture got in the newspaper, and I’ve still got it. It’s my favorite photo,” Tart said.

Even his nickname, “Twin,” comes from his leaping ability. His play-alike “twin” is former VUU jumper extraordinaire Jordan Peebles, who was All-CIAA a year ago.

“We call each other Twin,” said Tart.

Wearing No. 2 in maroon and steel, Tart averages five points and two rebounds in about 23 minutes per outing. Many of his 34 buckets have come from a downward trajectory. All four of his field goals against Virginia State were throwdowns.

A multi-tasker, he’s added 29 assists and 19 steals, and that’s not all.

“Charles is a big plus for us, especially on defense,” said Coach Butler. “He’s one of our best defenders.”

Tart, who refers to himself as “the energy man,” relishes the role of shutting down opponents.

“I love playing defense, always have,” he said. “That’s how you win.”

are nothing but clear skies ahead as the Justices seek a second straight Class 2 State title.

Over the past two seasons, JM has won 25 straight games and may be headed toward the first undefeated season in Richmond City annals.

As anyone can see, there’s nothing average about these Justices.

Editor’s note: Despite continued winning, the Justices are now ranked No. 2 nationally by MaxPreps.com ... No. 1 is Paul VI of Northern Virginia

Tart knows plenty about winning. During his junior and senior seasons at Varina, the Blue Devils went 50-4 with a Class 5 State title in 2018 and a run to the State quarterfinals in 2019.

Overshadowed by other teammates. Tart received just one firm scholarship bid, from VUU, and a few more nibbles from other schools, some being Division III.

Being a homebody, Tart packed his sneakers for Lombardy Street and quickly made Coach Butler’s talent evaluation look wise. As a freshman, he made the CIAA All-Rookie team.

Next came some twists in the road. The 2020-21 season was canceled due to the pandemic and then Tart sat out 2021-22 as an academic redshirt.

During that spell, he kept in shape playing VUU intramurals and in the tough Loveday Rec League.

The two-season layoff from college hoops did nothing to diminish his airborne skills. He has arrived back in the VUU lineup and is cleared for takeoff.

Aziah Johnson’s home-away-from home this past football season was the end zone.

The Thomas Jefferson High senior scored 17 touchdowns in just eight games with his six-pointers coming in five different ways.

Aziah Johnson’s electric plays for TJ provides ticket to Michigan State Looking back at Coach Richard McFee’s talented Falcons

Johnson hit pay dirt 10 times via pass receptions, three times rushing, twice on interceptions and once each on punt and kickoff returns.

The head-spinning performance earned him first-team, All-State Class 2 honors as both a wide receiver and defensive back, and a full scholarship to Michigan State University.

“His achievements are a feather in the cap to TJ, to the City of Richmond and certainly to Aziah himself,” said Dr. William Holt, the Vikings’ activities director.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Johnson transferred to TJ for his senior season from Huguenot High. He missed the first four games with an offseason injury, and then blasted off like a rocket.

He chose Michigan State of the Big 10 Conference over numerous other offers

from Power 5, FBS schools. North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia Tech were among Johnson’s other finalists.

“They (MSU) are really genuine, and they showed a lot of love when I went up there,” he told the media after his campus visit.

“When I got there, there was just a vibe.”

The Spartans hope Johnson can do for

them what he did for TJ.

In his one season as a Viking, Johnson caught 44 passes for 971 yards and rushed 22 times for 171 yards. Defensively the cornerback made 45 tackles and intercepted seven passes, including three vs. J.R. Tucker.

His brilliance and versatility helped coach Josef Harrison’s West Enders to an overall 8-4 record and to the second round of the Class 2 Regional playoffs.

At MSU, located in East Lansing, Johnson will play under head coach Mel Tucker, among the more successful Black coaches at Power 5 programs.

While he’ll be some 688 miles from his hometown, Johnson hopes his friends can keep close tabs on his progress.

“Almost all of Michigan State’s games are on TV,” he said. “That’s a dream. I will be living a lot of people’s dreams.”

The Spartans hope the college end zones will be as much to his liking as those around Richmond.

MSU opens Sept. 2 at Spartan Stadium vs. Central Michigan and then, coincidentally, will play an invading University of Richmond. on Sept. 9.

Henrico Baseball Classic dates announced

It’s about time for kids to start loosening up their throwing arms.

The inaugural Henrico Baseball Classic is set for May 26-29 at RF&P, Tuckahoe and Dorey Parks for ages U-8 to 8-14.

The event is a partnership of Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority and Glen Allen-based Premier Sporting Events of Virginia. This is an all-comers tournament with no geographical boundaries. It is for travel teams as well as rec-league teams. As of last week, there were already 50 entries.

For entry information, go to Premier Sporting Events of Virginia website.

Big-time football prospects are rare in Richmond now, but it wasn’t always that way.

Not so long ago, there was an abundance of talent in the city, with much of it on display at Huguenot High School on Forest Hill Avenue.

Under Coach Richard McFee, at least 16 Falcons signed with NCAA Power Five conferences with six advancing to the NFL.

McFee’s squads were 143-73 between 1988 and 2007 with three Central Region, Division 5 crowns.

HHS went to the State final in 1988 (losing to E.C. Glass) and 1998 (losing to Hampton) and to the semifinals in 1992 (losing to Bethel).

A native Richmonder, McFee had served as Lou Anderson’s assistant at Maggie Walker High and as defensive coordinator at Virginia Union before going to Huguenot.

Here’s at least a partial list of former HHS standouts who played for Power Five schools representing the ACC, Southeastern, Big 10, Big 12 and Pac 12.

• Corey Holliday, North Carolina

• Jerry Jerman, Georgia

• Carl Smith, Virginia

• Bryan Still, Virginia Tech

• Renard Cox, Maryland

• Bruce Branch, Penn State

• Marcus McFee, Penn State

• Eric Sturdifen, Penn State

• David Terrell, Michigan

• Dedrick Epps, Miami

• Ray McKenzie, Virginia

• Calvin Edwards, Wake Forest

• Wendell Taylor, Wake Forest

• Anthony Coles, North Carolina

• Rachard Crawford, Rutgers

• Trevor Robinson, Ohio State

• Also Jay Scott, Army Terrell, Still, Cox, Epps, Holliday and Branch all played in NFL.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Aziah Johnson

Coach McFee

Charles Tart III

Jamir Watkins

Latrelle Allmond

Photo Courtesy Premier Sports

Picking up trash and litter while hiking and backpacking trails throughout the United States may sound like a strange hobby. But Brian Bell said he has always felt compelled to do it from the time he was a Boy Scout.

“I was raised to believe that you don’t leave things worse than you found them,” he said. “I have always picked up trash myself because I wouldn’t feel good about myself if I could’ve done something and I didn’t.”

When friends joined him on hikes, they picked up the habit as well and Mr. Bell saw an opportunity to improve the health and appearance of trails. In 2017 he started Keep Virginia Cozy, an organization that schedules cleanups in different natural, outdoor areas around the state.

“It evolved into a fun way to get outside and be together with friends,” he said.

An avid hiker, Mr. Bell has backpacked all over the United States, including California, Oregon, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and Massachusetts. Last May, he joined friends in Scotland, traveling across the country from coast to coast.

“We started in a town called Shiel Bridge on the Atlantic side, and hiked 240 miles across the highlands, ending in Aberdeen on the coast of the North Sea.” The trip so inspired Mr. Bell that he plans to return to Scotland this year.

There is no one particular place that inspires Mr. Bell and fuels his passion for cleanup more than another, he said. “Everywhere I go lights up that spark a little bit. You go to Shenandoah National Park or places we go into the back country, and you are made aware of how important it is to preserve what we have.”

To date, Keep Virginia Cozy is responsible for more than 100,000 pounds of litter removal and recycling from parks, neighborhoods, forests and shared green spaces. Reusable gloves and bags are used by participants for each cleanup, so that no waste occurs. People are responsible for maintaining the beauty of green space, he said, and also must be willing to connect with it.

“I definitely think you should spend more time outdoors,” he said. “Walk around your neighborhood, or just sit outside for 10 minutes — there’s really no wrong way to do it.”

Meet a green space advocate and this week’s Personality, Brian Bell:

Occupation: Founder of Keep Virginia Cozy.

Date of birth: July 14.

Where I live now: Rich -

Personality: Brian Bell

Spotlight on Keep Virginia Cozy founder

mond

Education: Bachelor’s in environmental studies.

Family: Mother, Anne Bell ; father, Richard Bell; sister, Erin Kutsko; nieces Eleanora and Evelynn Kutsko. Keep Virginia Cozy is: An environmental nonprofit based in Richmond. We work to conserve our lands by connecting more people to them, promoting in clusivity in them, and increasing accessibility to them.

When and why I de cided to start Keep Virginia Cozy: I started

Keep Virginia Cozy as a way to get friends outside, beautify nature by removing the litter we came across on local hikes and outings, and help keep our shared spaces cozy for all to enjoy.

How I came up with the name: I chose “cozy” because when you hear that word you automatically think of a safe/ friendly/inviting place, and that s exactly what the outdoors has always been for me.

Keep Virginia Cozy Be kind. Pick up litter. Smile at strangers. Keep Virginia Cozy.

Places Keep Virginia Cozy fo cuses on cleanup throughout the state: Heavily in the Rich mond and Greater Richmond area because this is where I live. We also manage sections of trail in Shenandoah National Park, and we work heavily in the George Washington and Jefferson National forests.

The difference between litter and trash: Litter is laziness and a lack of understanding or caring about your impact on the world around you. We are working to educate through action and show folks that, though it may not be our trash, this is our community and we are working to take care of it.

City cleanup versus subur ban cleanup: Both are great because, regardless of the venue, you are making an im mediate and positive impact on the environment around you.

Keep Virginia Cozy organizes for a cleanup by: Picking a place that could use some love and attention, highlighting the area on social media, setting a date and time, and getting all the logistics in order to conduct a zero waste cleanup!

Cleaning up, we stay safe by: Wearing gloves, cleaning with a buddy (people in pairs at events), and setting an end time and meetup location. Everyone who participates also has our contact information.

Most unusual find during a cleanup: Someone once found

How I start the day: I start my days with coffee, a trail run, and a podcast fueled by dog walk before work.

The three words that best describe me: Motivated, friendly and feral.

Best late-night snack: Baby Bell cheese.

How I unwind: Trail run, long hike, good book, nap, listening to a podcast, turning off my phone, and relaxing with my

representatives/companies) don t get enough positive feedback.

A quote that inspires me: “I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall

of my own happiness. The person who influenced me the most: My entire family influences me. I learn so much from them and different things from all of them.

Book that influenced me the most and how: “My Side of The Mountain” by Jean George. This was the first “real” book I ever read, around fourth grade or so.

What I’m reading now: “Find-

Firebird (Cong/Stravinsky) Serenade (Balanchine/Tchaikovsky)

not really over. It’s ongoing’

D.C., Capitol police officers recount horror, tragedy of Jan. 6, 2021

Free press staff report

Two years ago, D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Danny Hodges was nearly crushed to death after being attacked during a riot by election deniers at the U.S. Capitol building. By the end of the five-hour insurrection sparked by domestic terrorists fuming over former President Donald Trump losing the 2020 election, Mr. Hodges had a concussion, was crushed by the mob, beaten and suffered other physical injuries that day.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, also sustained a concussion and injuries as he combatted rioters for extended periods of time. Since that fateful day, in which five people died either shortly before, during or after the riot, Mr.

Dunn said he has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The two men shared their story on Jan. 19 at Virginia Commonwealth University during the session “Memories of January 6th: A Conversation with Two U.S. Capitol Police Officers,” a joint event of the political science departments at VCU and Randolph-Macon College.

Both officers have testified in court against people who participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection, and they also provided testimony to the U.S. House Select Committee investigating the attack. Mr. Hodges and Mr. Dunn said Mr. Trump, former U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and others have not been held accountable for the lies about the election and encouraging the disruption of the legal

transfer of power. After reliving the day for the audience of students, professors and others from the community, VCU’s Dr. Alex Keena asked the two men about their healing process since that traumatic day two years ago.

“It’s not really over. It’s ongoing, Mr. Hodges said. “I have been very fortunate both physically and mentally. Not everyone has been as fortunate as me. There are still officers who are out from that day; like years later they cannot physically do their jobs.”

Noting that some of his fellow officers retired for medical reasons, others continue to experience post-traumatic stress syndrome and other mental health challenges.

“You’ve just got to be there for them and support them as best you can.”

Mr. Dunn, a 15-year veteran of the Capitol Police force, also shared his perspective.

“I’m a huge proponent of mental health and I

encourage people to go to therapy and seek help in counseling and talking about it because one thing for sure is that these problems won’t go away. They just come back disguised as something different and trauma is trauma no matter what, you have to deal with it. Period.

Despite their ongoing pain and trauma, Mr. Dunn and Mr. Hodges said they are proud of their work and that of other officers who fought to secure America.

Mr. Dunn was one of four police officers to testify for the U.S. House Select Committee who investigated the January 6th attack at the United States Capitol. He also received a Congressional Gold Medal for his service and was one of 12 officers awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal including Officer Hodges.

Mr. Dunn has a memoir, “Standing My Ground: A Police Officers Fight for Accountability and Good Trouble.” It is scheduled to be released in October.

Celebrating ‘200 Years, 200 stories’ at Library of Virginia

Free Press staff report

Ethel Bailey Furman, one of the first Black female architects in Virginia; David Martin, founder of the Martin Agency and creator of the famed tagline “Virginia is for Lovers”; and Chinese immigrant Ow Chuck Sam, who became a naturalized citizen and served in the armed forces during World War II.

All are part of the Library of Virginia’s anniversary exhibition, “200 Years, 200 stories,” which opened Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Library. The bicentennial exhibition celebrates 200 Virginians whose narratives are housed in the Library’s collections and reflect the stories of Virginia.

Throughout 2023, the Library of Virginia will celebrate its bicentennial with events and programs, a multimedia experience and a panel discussion highlighting Virginia’s first Black legislators, the launch of mobile programming across the state and more.

All events are free and open to the public except for the Library of Virginia Literary Awards Celebration, its annual fundraising gala, on Oct. 14, 2023. All anniversary event details are available by visiting www.lva.virginia.gov/200.

“It’s exciting to celebrate this milestone as one of the oldest state libraries and archives in the nation,” said Librarian of Virginia Sandra Treadway. “We invite the community to join us at the various activities planned to mark our rich history and hope all Virginians will discover ways to be more engaged with us as we enter our third century.”

The Library was founded on Jan. 24, 1823, by the General Assembly to organize, care for and manage the state’s growing collection of books and official records.

Since then, the collection has grown to 2 million books, newspapers, maps, prints and photographs, as well as 130 million manuscript items, making the Library the most comprehensive resource in the world for the study of Virginia history, culture and government.

The Library is located in Downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 E. Broad St.

‘It’s

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Danny Hodges, left, and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, center, shared their very personal and often horrific experiences from Jan. 6, 2021, during a free symposium on Jan. 19 at Virginia Commonwealth University’s The Commons Theater.

Mari Julienne, a Library of Virginia historian, peers closely at a May 31, 1890, edition of The Richmond Planet, a Black newspaper founded by John Mitchell Jr. This edition details the unveiling of the Robert E. Lee statue. Right, Librarian of Virginia, Dr. Sandra Treadway, left, chats with B.K. Fulton, a Library of Virginia Foundation board member, his wife, Attorney Jackie Stone and Bessida Cauthorne White, an attorney and genealogist who lives in Middlesex County.

During a private reception Monday, Jan. 23, guests such as Simon Scott of Norfolk review some of the items on display. Below, pull-out drawers that showcase former Virginia governors include a photograph of former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s inauguration with his daughters Lynn and Loren Wilder, and son Larry Wilder joining him for the historic occasion.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Church)

Virginia Union University announces Founder’s Day Convocation

Free Press staff report

Dr. Darran T. Brandon Sr., pastor of the historic First Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk and president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, will be the keynote speaker during Virginia Union University’s Founder’s Day Convocation at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3.

A native of Alton, Va. and raised in Mount Vernon, N.Y., Dr. Brandon became pastor of Little Zion Baptist Church in Carson, Va. in 1995, where he served for 24 years. He became the sixth pastor of Norfolk’s First Calvary Baptist in 2019, according to the VBSC’s website.

Before becoming president of the VBSC, Dr. Brandon served as vice president-atlarge of the organization. He also was president of the United Churches of Dinwiddie and United Fellowship of Churches Sussex. In 1996 and 1998 Dr. Brandon was the recipient of The Outstanding Young Men of America Award.

This year’s Founder’s Day Convocation commemorates VUU’s 158th anniversary, according to the university.

“VUU has been a long-standing symbol of hope for our community and a place where students become leaders and lifelong learners who positively impact the world around them,” said Hakim J. Lucas, VUU’s president and CEO.

JoniWoolridge Charalambous

Dr. Brandon Sr.

“From its inception through the impact of Mary Lumpkin to the impact of our alumni change agents, such as Go. L. Douglas Wilder, and (the late) Rep. A Donald McEachin and many more national and local leaders, our Founder’s Day celebration is an im portant time where we come together to reflect on how far we’ve come and how we have limitless potential to go even further.”

The convocation will take place on the uni versity’s campus in the Allix B. James Chapel in Coburn Hall. For more information, visit https://www.vuu.edu/

Religious leaders sue to block Missouri’s abortion ban

By Jim Salter

The Associated Press ST. LOUIS, Mo.

A group of religious leaders who support abortion rights filed a lawsuit Jan. 19 challenging Missouri’s abortion ban, saying lawmakers openly invoked their religious beliefs while drafting the measure and thereby imposed those beliefs on others who don’t share them.

The lawsuit filed in St. Louis is the latest of many to challenge restrictive abortion laws enacted by conservative states after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. That landmark ruling left abortion rights up to each state to decide.

Since then, religious abortion rights supporters have increasingly used religious freedom lawsuits in seeking

to protect abortion access. The religious freedom complaints are among nearly three dozen post-Roe lawsuits that have been filed against 19 states’ abortion bans, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

The Missouri lawsuit brought on behalf of 13 Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist leaders seeks a permanent injunction barring the state from enforcing its abortion law and a declaration that provisions of its law violate the Missouri Constitution.

“What the lawsuit says is that when you legislate your religious beliefs into law, you impose your beliefs on everyone else and force all of us to live by your own narrow beliefs,” said Michelle Banker of the National Women’s Law Center, the lead

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attorney in the case. “And that hurts us. That denies our basic human rights.”

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, a Republican, called the lawsuit “foolish.”

“We were acting on the belief that life is precious and should be treated as such. I don’t think that’s a religious belief,” Mr. Rowden said.

Within minutes of last year’s Supreme Court decision, thenAttorney General Eric Schmitt and Gov. Mike Parson, both Republicans, filed paperwork to immediately enact a 2019 law prohibiting abortions “except in cases of medical emergency.” That law contained a provision making it effective only if Roe v. Wade was overturned.

The law makes it a felony punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison to perform or induce an abortion. Medical professionals who do so also could lose their licenses. The law states that women who undergo abortions cannot be prosecuted.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the faith leaders by Americans United for Separation of Church & State and the National Women’s Law Center, said sponsors and supporters of the Missouri measure “repeatedly emphasized their religious intent in enacting the legislation.” It quotes the bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Nick Schroer, as saying that “as a Catholic I do believe life begins at conception and that is built into our legislative findings.”

Sharon

Good

Joni Woolridge Charalambous left us peacefully early Sunday morning December 25, 2022. Joni was born to John C. Woolridge Sr. and Alice T. Woolridge on November 26, 1967, in Evanston, Illinois. A loving and resilient child who didn’t think twice about speaking up in protest for what she believed in. She graduated from Armstrong-Kennedy High School in 1985 in Richmond, Virginia and moved on to receive her Bachelors in Communications from Old Dominion University. The adventure had only just begun. From traveling the world to counseling at schools and prisons, volunteering at churches and the Ronald McDonald House. Her heart always expanded to those outside of herself. She could make a group of people laugh within a matter of seconds. She sang and danced her way through the storm.

Joni was preceded in death by her father, John C. Woolridge, Sr. and leaves these memories to be cherished by her children, Christian, Stelios and Alexandra Charalambous. Her mother Alice T. Woolridge, brother John C. Woolridge, Jr., sister Briana Woolridge, uncle Joseph A. Woolridge, three aunts, Barbara Flippens, Hazel B. Monroe (Rudolph), Annie Williams (James) and a host of loving relatives and friends who will miss her greatly.

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“Have mercy upon me, oh God, according to thine loving kindness; according to thine multitude o� thy tender mercies blo� ou� my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sins.”

Thank you Father God for allowing Joni to be with us for 55 years.

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