Richmond Free Press January 27-29, 2022 edition

Meet this week’s Personality B1

Black History events

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VOL. 31 NO. 5

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January 27-29, 2022

Double down

City council’s ‘yes’ vote is still a gamble for South Side casino

By Jeremy Lazarus

If at first you don’t succeed, …

That’s the mantra of City Council when it comes to a proposed $565 million casino resort in South Side.

Just three months after voters narrowly rejected the planned gambling mecca that was projected to provide a gusher of jobs and new tax revenue, the council wants a do-over.

By an overwhelming 8-1 vote Monday, City Council members ignored dissent and approved giving Richmond voters a second chance to authorize the privately owned gambling development that could yield an average of $50 million a year in new money for city coffers.

The supermajority included representatives of the majoritywhite 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th districts whose voters had rejected the casino as well as representatives of the majority-Black 6th,

7th, 8th and 9th districts whose voters supported the proposal.

Second District Councilwoman Katherine Jordan, whose majority-white district also overwhelmingly rejected the casino, was the lone dissenter.

The vote came on the same night that the council also approved Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s proposal to hand ownership and decision-making over 13 publicly owned Confederate statues and their pedestals to the Richmond-based Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

On the casino front, Mayor Stoney Ms. Trammell the council action enables the Stoney administration to petition the Richmond Circuit Court to place on the November ballot the same measure that failed by about 1,500 votes.

Still, the council vote may be an exercise in futility if the General Assembly intervenes.

Richmond, despite already having a thriving gambling scene that includes cash poker games as well as a variety of slot machine options, was the only one of five cities where voters turned down a casino. Voters in Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth and Norfolk approved casino developments in 2020 votes.

Seeking to head off a repeat vote in Richmond, legislation that would first give Petersburg the opportunity to have a casino and to bar Richmond from holding a second referendum for five years is now working its way through House and Senate committees.

Richmond state Sen. Joseph D. Morrissey, a Democrat who also represents Petersburg, is spearheading one bill while RePlease turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

Rallying for rights and higher pay Members of CASA, a national immigrant advocacy organization, rally at the State Capitol’s Bell Tower last week, where the group announced its policy for Virginia’s legislative session. Approximately 50 immigrants stood in solidarity, listening to speakers such as Daisy Serano, 29, originally from Honduras but who now lives in Springfield. Ms. Serano said Virginians need the minimum wage to be $15 per hour and that gradual increases are sufficient for raising a family. The crowd often chanted, “Si, Se Puede,” meaning “Yes, we can.”

The local group also used the day to lobby and educate lawmakers about legislation they believe will help immigrants and working families. Luis Aguilar, CASA’s Virginia director said, “Immigrants have been at the forefront of this pandemic the last two years, which is important to highlight their contribution to the Commonwealth of Virginia during this legislative session. We will continue the fight in Richmond, just as CASA members, immigrants and working-class families have done during these tough times.”

RPS joins lawsuits that challenge Youngkin’s push to stop mask mandates

By Ronald E. Carrington

Richmond Public Schools is among six school districts to block Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order to repeal mandates for masking in schools to protect students from spreading the Covid-19 virus.

The governor’s order gives parents the option to send their children to school Gov. Youngkin without a mask.

The group of schools from Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads filed in Arlington Circuit Court on Monday, Jan. 24, the day Gov. Youngkin’s order went into effect.

The group’s lawsuit requests that the court issue an immediate injunction to stop the executive order, arguing the governor’s directive goes against Virginia’s Constitution and state law Senate Bill 1303 for in-person instruction. The bill, passed in 2021,

requires school districts to offer five days of in-person learning.

RPS, along with Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Hampton City and Prince William County, collectively serve more than 350,000 children in the Commonwealth.

The legal action defends the right of school boards to enact policy at the local Mr. Kamras level, including policies that protect the health and well-being of all students and staff.

“Without today’s action, school boards are placed in a legally untenable position — faced with an executive order that is in conflict with the constitution and state law. Today’s action is not politically motivated,” the school boards said in a joint

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

Winter wonders Zakiya Pollard of North Chesterfield attended the 5th Annual Prison Justice Rally last Saturday at Monroe Park with her daughter, 21-month-old Sanaa Pollard, who was there on her own agenda to explore the park and the remains of an overnight snowfall.

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

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Community Testing Center, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday to Wednesday, Richmond Raceway, Gate 7, 4690 Carolina Ave. Appointments are required by calling (804) 205-3501 or going online at vase.vdh.virginia.gov • Thursday, Jan. 27, 2 to 6 p.m. — Southside Plaza WIC Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza. Walk-up testing; no appointment necessary.

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A vote may soon come on George Wythe High School contract design

By Jeremy Lazarus

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

The Richmond School Board is poised to award a design contract for a new 1,600-student building to replace aging George Wythe High School in South Side, the Free Press has learned.

According to information the Free Press has received, Jason Kamras, the superintendent of Richmond Public Schools, has notified the board that an internal review of nine firms has been completed.

While he remains publicly mum about the

choice, Mr. Kamras has notified the board that he is prepared to seek approval to hire the undisclosed winner to handle the design and development of the long-awaited new school, the Free Press has been told.

An award of the contract would, School Board members said on the condition of anonymity, keep the school on track to be under construction within a year and potentially be ready for opening for the 2024-25 school year.

The only hold-up: Money.

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Richmond Free Press

A2 January 27-29, 2022

Local News

Mr. Boone

Mrs. Boone

Feb. 3 award ceremony to honor publishers of Richmond Free Press Free Press staff report

The Virginia Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists will present its 2020 George Mason Award to Jean Patterson Boone, publisher of the Richmond Free Press, and her late husband, Ray Boone, who founded the award-winning weekly, during a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 3, at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The event, which had been delayed because of the COVID19 pandemic, will be streamed live from 6 to 9 p.m. from VCU’s Institute for Contemporary Art, 601 West Broad St. The ceremony will feature a conversation between Mrs. Jean Patterson Boone and VCU Professor Chioke l’Anson, the director of community media at the Virginia Public Media and Institute of Contemporary Art Community Media Center, and a radio announcer for NPR’s sponsorship messages.

Ray Boone, who began his journalism career as a reporter at the News-Herald in his native Suffolk, Virginia, in the late 1950s, founded the Richmond Free Press in 1992, with his wife serving as advertising director.

Jean Boone has been the publisher of the newspaper since her husband’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2014. Under the Boones’ stewardship, the Richmond Free Press has won numerous awards for journalism and advertising from the Virginia Press Association, the National Newspaper Publishers Association,and other organizations.

The SPJ Virginia Pro Chapter annually gives its George Mason Award to “a journalist or friend of journalism of exceptional character and dedication to the craft.” The award is named for the principal author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the model for the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution.

Jean Boone will accept the award during the Feb. 3 ceremony, which is co-sponsored by SPJ’s VCU chapter.

Livestream tickets to the event are $10 and can be obtained at tinyurl.com/booneGMA .

In nominating the Boones for the George Mason Award, Jack White, who has covered the civil rights movement and Black politics for The Washington Post, Time magazine and TheRoot. com, stated, “For decades, the name Boone has been synonymous with the best traditions of the American press. First as editor of the Richmond Afro-American and then as editor of the aptly named Richmond Free Press, Ray Boone fearlessly and tirelessly spoke truth to the entrenched powers that be in Virginia and throughout the nation. Ray’s wife Jean was his partner and ally in that relentless crusade and, after his death, she became its unflinching leader.”

The SPJ Virginia Pro Chapter represents print, broadcast and online journalists across the commonwealth. SPJ is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

The Virginia Pro Chapter has been presenting the George Mason Award since 1964. Past recipients include Pulitzer Prize winners, renowned journalism professors and First Amendment advocates.

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

The City of Richmond has two salt domes, including this one located at 802 Forest Lawn Drive on Richmond’s Northside. The other is located on the city’s South Side at 2506 North Hopkins Road.This particular igloo-like structure was erected in 2017 and sits behind Henderson Middle School. Each dome holds 3,000 tons of salt and 1,000 tons of salt typically is used for each snow event. Richmond’s Department of Public Works says that when a storm is on the way, the city tries to pre-treat the roads at least 72 hours before the impending storm.

Bonuses arriving for bypassed city employees

By Jeremy Lazarus

Pandemic bonuses of up to $3,000 apiece are on the way to Richmond city employees who were excluded from the first round.

J.E. Lincoln Saunders, the city’s chief administrative office, told City Council Monday that the $8.9 million needed to cover the cost had been found.

The payments are to go out in the first paycheck in February, he said, now that council, which is supportive, is moving to pass required ordinances quickly to make that happen.

The council held a special meeting to introduce the legislation and was to

meet Wednesday, Feb. 2, to approve the bonuses.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration has been under pressure to issue bonuses to non-first responders after providing them to police officers, firefighters, emergency dispatchers and other first responders in December.

With council approval, the city used $5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan funds to issue those bonuses. Mr. Saunders, in response to council questions noted at the time that ARP regulations did not allow the funds to be used for trash collectors, street pavers, social workers, office staff, utility inspectors and other employees who also had served.

He promised that the administration would search for funding to provide the bonuses to other employees who had continued to provide service to residents through pandemic. City workers who were left out have been publicly and privately bombarding council and the administration with messages complaining of unfair treatment.

The council was informed Tuesday that the city could certify about $11.45 million in new revenue based on projected increases in sales tax collections. That would pay for the new bonuses and separately allow $660,000 to be used to pay operating expenses of the Economic Development Authority, the legislation stated.

Fort Lee barbers win strike for full pay

By Jeremy Lazarus

Unionized barbers at Fort Lee and Fort Pickett are again providing military haircuts after winning a prolonged strike that began in July.

Missouri-based Sheffield Barbers agreed to barbers’ demands to fully pay them for haircuts after the Defense Department’s Army and Air Force Military Exchange threatened to pull the company’s contract if the strike were not settled.

The 20 mostly Black barbers who provide cuts at the two bases went on strike in July after the company raised the price of a haircut at the base shops from $11.25 to

$13.25, but refused to provide the barbers with their traditional share, 53 percent.

The barbers, who had made $5.96 a cut under the old price, were offered only a 6-cent increase instead of the $1.04 increase the new price would have provided. With each barber providing 25 to 40 cuts a day, the difference was substantial.

Under the new contract, Sheffield agreed to provide the full 53 percent share and to do so through the contract’s 2025 term if there are any additional prices before the contract expires.

The barbers belong to the Laborers International Union of North America.

Housing authority suspends evictions for now

By Jeremy Lazarus

The board of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has temporarily halted its administration from filing eviction lawsuits before its next scheduled meeting Feb. 16.

However, the board, according to two members, has no plans to essentially prevent its interim chief executive officer, Stacey Daniels-Fayson, from proceeding with the eviction process in the months to come.

Federal regulations require RRHA to collect rent, and “we don’t have the authority to prevent that,” said board member William R. Johnson Jr. The board hit the pause button to secure more information.

Fifth District City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, who is advocating that RRHA continue its moratorium until the school year ends in June, called it “a small victory.”

According to RRHA data, as of Jan. 12, 1,748 households in RRHA properties owed a balance, and 1,115 households had been sent a 30-day notice to cover arrears or face eviction proceedings.

That number remains high despite RRHA’s continued efforts to tap into the state’s rent relief fund on behalf of tenants.

According to the agency, since December 2020, RRHA has gained more than $4 million in rent relief that has benefited 3,000 families. Some of the households in arrears previously were secured rent relief, RRHA stated.

Ms. DanielsRRHA announced earlier this month that Fayson it had ended its 26-month moratorium on evictions that dates back to November 2019, prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to RRHA, the initial moratorium was imposed due to “the misapplication of utility charges by our billing vendor.”

The moratorium was extended into 2020, and then the pandemic hit in March of that year, and a federal moratorium on evictions was put in place by then-President Trump and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

That federal moratorium ended late last year.

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

RRHA reported collecting about $11 million rent from its tenants or an average of $921,000 a month during its 2019 fiscal year, the most recent the authority has posted.

One of the area’s largest landlords, RRHA previously was one of the leaders in filing eviction lawsuits in a community that ranks high nationally for Ms. Lynch evictions.

At City Council’s meeting Monday, Richmond resident Brian Bills urged the governing body to get involved to prevent the prospect of mass eviction of low-income households from RRHA properties.

Richmond schoolteacher Beth Almore also urged the council to act. She said that she sees the impact of housing instability on students’ mental health and ability to learn.

So far, neither Mayor Levar M. Stoney nor members of the governing body have introduced legislation that might change the situation.

Richmond Free Press

January 27-29, 2022 A3

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January 27-29, 2022

Richmond Free Press

News

City council’s ‘yes’ vote is still a gamble for casino Continued from A1

publican Delegate Kim Taylor, who also represents the Cockade City, is pushing the House version.

The council’s casino measures, which 8th District Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell introduced, essentially would again allow the city’s selected casino developer, Maryland-based Black media company Urban One, to move forward.

As planned, the project, to be built on 100 acres adjacent to the Bells Road interchange of Interstate 95, was to include a major casino, a 50-acre park, a 250-room hotel, a major sound stage for TV, film and video production, and several restaurants.

The project, which did not require any contribution or subsidy from the city, was projected to generate 3,000 construction jobs, 1,500 full- and part-time jobs onsite, $1.5 million in annual contributions to charity, and more than $500 million in new tax revenue to the city over the first 10 years.

In a bid to make the casino more palatable, the Stoney administration has introduced separate legislation on how the projected stream of casino revenue would be used.

The new proposal, which 3rd District Councilwoman AnnFrances Lambert made a condition for supporting a second vote, calls for using a fraction of the money to cut the real estate property rate by at least 2 cents and using the rest to provide

Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines Continued from A1 • Friday, Jan. 28, 3 to 6 p.m. — Southwood Pool House, Southwood Pkwy & Clarkson Rd. Appointments are required by calling (804) 205-3501 or going online at vase.vdh.virginia. gov Call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com.

The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Community Vaccination Center, Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Thursday, Jan. 27, 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Richmond Health Department Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Friday, Jan. 28, 1 to 3 p.m. – Northside YMCA, 4207 Old Brook Road, Pfizer.

• Monday, Jan. 31, 4 to 7 p.m. – J.B. Fisher Elementary School, 3701 Garden Rd, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Tuesday, Feb. 1, Noon to 2 p.m., Henrico East Health Department Clinic, 1400 N Laburnum Ave., Pfizer and Moderna; 4 to 6 p.m. - Southwood Resource Center, 1754 Clarkson Road Apartment B, Pfizer and Moderna.

• Wednesday, Feb. 2, 9 to 11 a.m. – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Thursday, Feb. 3, 1 to 3 p.m. – Richmond Health Department Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

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

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

No appointment is needed. However, people may schedule an appointment online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or vax.rchd. com, or by calling (804) 205-3501 or (877) VAX-IN-VA (1-877829-4682).

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

The Chesterfield County Health District is offering free testing at the following locations: • Friday, Jan. 28, 2 to 4 p.m. New Deliverance Evangelistic Church Annex Building, 1701 Turner Road.

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

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

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

Virginia reported another recent relative drop in cases this week with 7,155 cases reported Monday, though cases began to climb in the following days. The state also reached more than 16,000 deaths from COVID-19 this week, with this dark milestone reached Tuesday.

Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin’s first measures related to COVID-19 went into effect this week, including changes to how masks mandates work, with the impact of these changes on cases not yet clear but already leading to varied approaches across school districts and legal action.

On Tuesday, Pfizer and BioNTech announced the start of clinical trials for an omicron-based COVID-19 vaccine, to be tested initially in adults aged 18 to 55. This news comes as scientists have begun research into a new subvariant of the Omicron strain.

A total of 11,126 new cases of COVID-19 were reported statewide Wednesday for the 24-hour period, contributing to an overall state total of 1,503,119 cases of coronavirus since the pandemic’s outbreak. As of Wednesday, there have been 447,398 hospitalizations and 16,052 deaths statewide. The state’s seven-day positivity rate dropped to 29.1 percent on Wednesday. Last week, the positivity rate was 32 percent.

On Wednesday, state health officials reported that 68.7 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 78.9 percent of the people have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

State data also showed that nearly 2.4 million people in Virginia have received booster shots or third doses of the vaccine.

Among those ages 5 to 11 in Virginia, 265,253 children have received their first shots, accounting for 36.7 percent of the eligible age group in the state, while 199,788 children are fully vaccinated. As of Wednesday, less than 118,000 cases, 920 hospitalizations and eight deaths have been recorded among children.

State data also show that African-Americans comprised 22.8 percent of cases statewide and 23.7 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 12.6 percent of cases and 5.6 percent of deaths.

Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 40,192 1,010 396 Henrico County 57,915 1,332 760 Chesterfield County 65,031 1,276 619 Hanover County 19,367 409 211

a new stream of revenue to pay for new school buildings and address other city building and infrastructure needs.

Overall, the council members agreed the deal that would cost the city nothing was too good to pass up.

During the public comment period ahead of the vote, AllanCharles Chipman, who ran unsuccessfully for the 6th District seat in 2020, was among 10 people critical of the second referendum, decrying it as an act of “voter suppression.”

“The passage of this legislation would defy the expressed will of the people in Richmond,” said Mr. Chipman, who campaigned against the casino as a rip-off of low-income residents.

Third District resident Debbie Rowe said that council gave the people an opportunity to decide the casino’s fate. “Well, we did,” she said, “and a majority of city voters said no.”

David Dominique of the 7th District called casino revenue “a regressive tax” on lower-income residents. He cited national studies showing that casinos make 80 percent of their money from working people’s losses on slot machines and create significant increases in gambling addiction that imposes major costs on individuals, families and the larger community.

Ten other people voiced support for a new vote, including Mark Hourigan, who runs a Richmond-based construction firm.

“There is simply no other economic development deal that provides this kind of upside with virtually no cost or downside risk to the city.”

Despite the potential downside, council members argued that too many people voted against the proposed casino with the mistaken belief that tax dollars would be used to support the development.

“This is one of the rare occasions where there is an economic

development project before this city with zero city investment and 100 percent city return and city benefit,” said Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District.

Council supporters also rejected the argument a second vote would violate the precepts of majority rule.

“Is this undemocratic? No,” said Councilman Michael J. Jones, 9th District. “We are following the democratic process.

We are well within the confines of the law, and I believe we should move in accordance to that. It would be undemocratic only if we put shovels in the ground after the vote.”

Councilman Andreas D. Addison, 1st District, agreed: “Referendums happen on cycle and repeat. They are recalled again all across the country. It is not undemocratic. It is actually part of the process of making things better.”

On the statues, the council voted unanimously to hand over various statues to the Black History Museum, which will be fully responsible for them, including $5 million in insurance.

The list of items the museum will control include the statues and the pedestals of Robert E. Lee, J.E.B. Stuart, Stonewall Jackson, Jefferson Davis and Matthew Fontaine Maury, as well as the statues and pedestals for Confederate soldiers and sailors, Joseph Bryan, Fitzhugh Lee, Williams C. Wickham and the Richmond Howitzers. The list also includes two copies of a Confederate cannon.

Under the plan, the Black History Museum would partner with The Valentine and other groups to secure public input and determine the fate of items long considered symbols of white supremacy.

As announced, the city was to retain physical possession until a final plan was in place for the items’ disposal.

RPS joins lawsuits that challenge Youngkin’s push to stop mask mandates Continued from A1

statement.

Additionally, at issue is whether a governor can, through executive order and without legislative action by the Virginia General Assembly, reverse a lawfullyadopted statute.

RPS’ decision to join the lawsuit follows an emergency special board meeting held on Sunday, Jan. 23, at Martin Luther King Middle School. During the meeting, the school board voted 5-3 to take legal action against Gov. Youngkin in an attempt to uphold the district’s mask mandate.

The voting took place after a one-hour closed session.

The dissenting votes included 3rd District and vice chair Kenya Gibson, 2nd District Mariah White, 4th District Jonathan Young voting no. Board Chair Shonda Harris-Muhammed, who represents the 6th District, abstained from voting The board, citing a gag order by the board, declined to provide additional information.

Monday’s news of Richmond joining the six commonwealth districts came as a surprise as the School Board did not indicate any legal action at Sunday’s emergency meeting.

Local news outlets in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads reported that their area divisions said that they would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the governor to ensure the safety and welfare

of all students.

During Sunday’s meeting, Mary Kohn, a science teacher at Henderson Middle School, said she believes that the governor’s executive order will be held up in the courts for a long time.

“I am hoping Superintendent Jason Kamras and the school board will protect the teachers and students from allowing the executive order to negatively affect us,” Ms. Kohn said, “I don’t think that it can be enforced.”

The sixth-grade teacher also said it is hypocritical for Gov. Youngkin to rescind mask mandates for schools across the Commonwealth while one of his sons, who attends Georgetown Preparatory in North Bethesda, Md., is mandated to be vaccinated and wear a mask to class.

Meanwhile, Gov. Youngkin’s intention to pursue his agenda remains clear.

The administration is “disappointed that these school boards are ignoring parents’ rights,” said Macaulay Porter, a Gov. Youngkin spokesman.

“The governor and Attorney General Jason Miyares are in coordination and are committed to aggressively defending parents’ fundamental right to make decisions with regard to their child’s upbringing, education and care, as the legal process plays out,” Mr. Porter said on Monday.

Gov. Young also tweeted Monday morning, “While the legal process continues on the parental opt out of mask

mandates for their children in schools, I urge everyone to love your neighbor, to listen to school principals, and to trust the legal process.”

In addition to Monday’s school boards’ legal action, last Tuesday, Jan. 19, a group of 13 parents with children in Chesapeake City Public Schools filed a lawsuit in Virginia’s Supreme Court against Gov. Youngkin’s order. It states the order goes against the state law calling for each school board to implement guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “to the maximum extent practicable.”

The Chesapeake parents’ complaint challenges Gov. Youngkin’s authority to implement such actions, asserting that local school boards and the General Assembly “share primary responsibility for public school education.”

Although Gov. Youngkin’s mask mandate continues to garner attention, his executive order to ban the teaching of critical race theory in public schools gained a new twist when the corporate executive-turned-politician announced a “parental helpline” email address that allows parents to identify schools “where divisive practices” are being taught. Gov. Youngkin’s announcement about the tip line came during an interview with a conservative radio host earlier his week.

During the interview, Gov. Youngkin said he wants to “catalog instances” where schools have defied his ban on critical race theory.

A vote may soon come on George Wythe High School contract design Continued from A1

Richmond City Council has not approved Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s request to transfer $7.3 million to RPS to pay for design services for the new school that virtually everyone agrees is desperately needed, including members of the governing body, and that the Richmond Branch NAACP has declared “can’t wait.”

Monday, the council voted to send the matter back to its Education and Human Services Committee for further review and development of a recommendation, with a potential vote on the issue anticipated for the first or second council meeting in February.

Under state law, the School Board, not the city, is empowered to develop new school buildings.

And its readiness to proceed to hire a design firm is creating a dilemma for the council.

The governing body can either transfer the money or halt all action to replace the increasingly decrepit 62-year-old building until after the 2024 election for School Board members in hopes the winners would back the mayor’s position. Waiting for the next election, however, ensures further delay.

The board’s preparedness to move has already undercut previous claims from Mayor Stoney and Mr. Kamras that only the city could complete a new school by 2025 and that the School Board’s decision to resume control of new school construction would add three years to the process.

The key issue that has halted transfer of design funds is how big to build the new school to replace the current George Wythe, which has a 1,400-student capacity.

Mayor Stoney, with support from Mr. Kamras, has stumped for a 2,000-student

school that would cost an estimated $140 million, or at least $16 million more than a 1,600-student school.

Their claim is that the school, which currently enrolls 1,299 students and which council members have said has a daily attendance of fewer than 1,000 students, would enroll more than 1,600 students for the 2024-25 school year, leaving the school overcrowded from day one.

The new chair of the School Board, Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed, 6th District, has sought to reassure the council that overcrowding would not happen and that the board’s decision to go for a slightly smaller school is based on realistic enrollment projections.

In a Jan. 21 letter Dr. Harristo Council President Muhammed Cynthia I. Newbille, Dr. Harris-Muhammed made that case.

A full-time educator herself, Dr. HarrisMuhammed stated that the advocates for a 2,000-student school are relying on a 2019 enrollment analysis from a company called Cropper GIS that “wrongly predicted that for the current academic year 1,541 students would be enrolled, a variance of 243 students” from the current enrollment.

When that variance is taken into account, Dr. Harris-Muhammed continued, the revised projection for the 2024-25 academic year, “when the new George Wythe High School is scheduled to open, is 1,466 students, or 134 students less than capacity.”

Dr. Harris-Muhammed also noted that “advocates for construction of a larger school would need enrollment at George

Wythe to grow 53.9 percent to justify their claims for a 2,000-student building,” a 701-student increase over the current enrollment of 1,299.

She also noted that Cropper GIS’s 2019 figures also projected slow growth in the numbers of students entering RPS high schools from 2020 to 2029, a 10year period.

The company projected just a 10 percent increase from the current high school enrollment or the equivalent of 667 students, Dr. Harris-Muhammed wrote.

To justify the larger replacement for George Wythe, advocates “would need enrollment at George Wythe to exceed” the projected total increase for all high schools in the city, she noted.

Dr. Harris-Muhammed also said that the school system is preparing to build a new career and technical high school inside a former tobacco factory in South Side that would absorb up to 1,000 high school students, lessening pressure on other schools, including the replacement for George Wythe.

In addition, she noted that “current capacity in grades nine through 12 across the city exceeds 8,000 seats, although only approximately 5,500 students occupy them,” meaning about one-third are empty.

Whether such arguments are enough to persuade the full council remains to be seen.

Fifth District Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, chair of the Education and Human Services Committee, has slammed the School Board for taking control of construction and advocated for the larger school.

Monday night, however, Ms. Lynch told her colleagues that she has spoken with Dr. Harris-Muhammed, and “I think we are closer to reaching an agreement.”

Richmond Free Press

The future will be built on the wings of giants.

Reducing carbon emissions is a big, complex challenge. And so it requires big, bold solutions. That’s why we’re building the largest offshore wind farm in the United States. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will help turn Hampton Roads into a hub for wind power development. Once operational in 2026, CVOW will create over 1,000 jobs and generate more than $200 million a year in economic impact.

And, as a national leader in solar as well, we’re forging ahead to achieve our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Big challenges, meet bigger solutions.

January 27-29, 2022 A5

Richmond Free Press

Winter berries in Richmond

Editorial Page

A6

January 27-29, 2022

Black History Month and the audacity to achieve Black History Month.

Dare we say those three words alone or in a sentence?

Do we have permission, the audacity, the nerve to celebrate their meaning as conceived by Carter G. Woodson and others who believed that the achievements and accomplishments of Black Americans warrant special recognition every February?

Or, in saying those words, do we risk mention of this celebratory month being stripped from school textbooks, theaters, museums, libraries, parks, TV screens, radio and (gasp!) social media?

The notion of Black History Month, which was founded 50 years after the end of slavery and became more fully recognized in the mid-1970s after President Gerald Ford deemed it so, becoming extinct may appear ludicrous. But recent steps by newly elected Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who campaigned on the promise that he would ban the teaching of “Critical Race Theory” in public schools, could render mute the names of Black Americans who have risen and succeeded in this country in spite of the racist atrocities we have endured during and after a 246-year period of slavery.

As stated in this space last week, Gov. Youngkin, lauded as someone who can absorb tons of information and run with it, knows that CRT, a graduate-level course, is not taught in schools.

Yet, while appearing on a conservative radio talk show this week, Gov. Youngkin, a corporate executive millionaire before he was elected to lead the Commonwealth (he still has the millions), revealed that his administration has established a “helpline” for parents to email instances of what they perceive as “divisive practices” being taught (sic CRT). He then gave an example of a game of “Privilege Bingo” assigned to a group of students in Fairfax County that singled out white people, males or people in the military as privileged. Perhaps the governor should be more concerned about why students are playing bingo on the public’s dime rather than solving math problems, learning a second language or improving their reading.

Oh. We get it. Reading is fundamental and if one can read, one will learn that Critical Race Theory should be taught to help us deal with the past decade’s incessant blows to the psyches and spirits of African Americans everywhere.

Police brutality, racial injustice, and inequities in employment, health and housing have brought us to what Randall Robinson so eloquently described in “The Reckoning,” his 2002 book that examines crime, inner-city poverty and the rise of the corporaterun prisons that are largely populated by blacks and Hispanics.

Subtitled “What Blacks Owe to Each Other,” the Richmond-born Robinson rallies Black Americans to speak out and reach back to ensure that poor Black people get their chance to have the American Dream.

So here we are, 20 years after Robinson released his third book and a few days shy of Black History Month. Sure, this very well could be a feel-good editorial or opinion piece lauding the accomplishments of Black people who helped pave the way and open doors for fellow Black people. We know their names because Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia are proud of such historic and heroic figures who will always be recognized for their work in lifting the masses.

Say their names, say their names.

In addition to Carter G. Woodson, born 10 years after the end of slavery in New Canton, Va., there is Maggie L. Walker, John Mitchell, John Jasper, Virginia Randolph, L. Douglas Wilder, Samuel Tucker, Spottswood W. Robinson III, William Ferguson Reid, Henry L. Marsh and Dorothy Height.

We’d be remiss to not mention entertainers and musicians such as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, Lonnie Liston Smith and Jerome Brailey.

Pioneering editor and publisher of the Richmond Free Press Raymond Boone and his wife, Jean Boone the newspaper’s current publisher. Willie Lanier, Robert “Bobby” Dandridge, B.H. Hester, Samuel H. Clark, John Charles Thomas, and Louise Lucas.

The dream is far from over and Black History Month is here to stay, thank you.

Despite Gov. Youngkin’s efforts, we will always celebrate our achievements, especially since there was little for Black people to celebrate in 1915 when Black History Month was created.

Barely free after centuries of slavery, many of the rights that Black Americans achieved post Reconstruction were quickly stripped from them and replaced by harsh Jim Crow laws that remain today. Think Voting. Quality Education. Housing. Jobs.

What then, back then, was to be celebrated you may ask?

The Black Family, perhaps, more than anything. Grandparents born of that era who sometimes raised up to 15 children in small dwellings—children who grew up to be successful and raise their own children in the church and in the community. Seeking any and all education to be found, often with the help of women such as Virginia Randolph or men like Carter G. Woodson.

Can’t you just hear Barack Obama singing “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound”?

Despite the continuing hardships experienced by many Black people and people of color, technology and free online resources, along with a growing urgency to tell our own stories, have provided an extensive list of Blacks scholars, writers, educators, artists, musicians, theologians and others in which to find inspiration.

Black men and women are being tapped to lead major media, finance and education organizations. Black men and women increasingly are becoming their own bosses and hiring folks who look like them. Record numbers of black women are seeking political office, thanks to organizations such as Higher Heights, which has their backs. STEM and hemlines are increasingly in sync.

And while black men and women long have dominated sports and athletics, the real reckoning is about to go down if billionaire Robert Smith is successful in purchasing the Denver Broncos, a team located in the city where he grew up and had the audacity to dream.

In this week’s Free Press you will find listings of several Black History Month programs.

If you can’t get out and attend any of these events, no worries. Find something on public radio, click on an audiobook, or join a dynamic social media group or webinar to expand your knowledge.

But if you do attend some of the in-person sessions listed, please wear a mask. And not the kind espoused by the late, great poet Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Protecting voting rights I’ve served in elected office since 1994 — first on the Richmond City Council, then as mayor, then lieutenant governor, governor, and now U.S. senator.

The Senate seat I currently hold was occupied for 50 years, from 1933 to 1983,

by Harry F. Byrd Sr. and Harry F. Byrd Jr. It became known as the “Byrd seat.”

The Byrds were supporters of the Massive Resistance movement against desegregation and opponents of civil rights and voting rights legislation. Harry F. Byrd Sr. was one of 27 U.S. senators to vote against the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And he was one of only 19 senators to vote against the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

As we’ve discussed and debated voting rights legislation during the last year, the legacy of my senate seat has weighed heavily on me. I’ve wanted to change the trajectory of a seat that had been used to fight against voting rights to fight for voting rights.

The right to vote is foundational for all other rights.

It’s about the equality of each

person. But it’s also the selfcorrecting mechanism for democracy itself: If voters don’t like the job a candidate or political party is doing, they can vote for another in the next election.

That self-correcting mechanism only works if all people can participate, so excluding people

Sen. Tim Kaine from the franchise makes it harder for our democracy to function.

But that’s exactly what’s been happening across the country. Former President Trump’s Big Lie — that because he lost, there must have been fraud — led to the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and also has resulted in a wide-ranging assault on the right to vote. Numerous state legislatures have been animated by that lie to restrict voting access. That lie has led to harassment of and even death threats against hard-working local election officials.

Our response to these efforts to demean the integrity of our elections and fence people out of democracy must be to protect all Americans’ right to vote. That’s why I’ve spent months crafting and then fighting for the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.

This legislation is about democracy itself. It’s about preventing mass disenfranchisement. This legislation would set standards for federal elections to ensure that people are able to cast their ballots, have confidence that those ballots will be counted with integrity and trust in the final results.

It also would mandate that all campaign contributions be publicly disclosed and require non-partisan redistricting for congressional seats.

These provisions are popular with Republican, Democratic and Independent voters. Making voting more convenient and secure doesn’t just help one party. Here in Virginia, turnout jumped by more than 25 percent from 2017 to 2021 after the General Assembly expanded access to early voting and vote by mail — Virginians elected a Republican as governor after eight years of that seat being held by a Democrat. Virginia is proof that making it easier for people to participate means more people will participate, regardless of party.

Efforts to expand the franchise are good for democracy, even if they take time to pass.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 passed despite years of previous failures. It took a galvanizing act of violence, the vicious beating

More now than ever By now you have heard what was forecast as the inevitable — all Senate Republicans and two Senate Democrats believe the Senate Filibuster Rule to be more significant than the right of millions (actually all) of Americans to participate in free and impartial elections.

It stands clear that the Republican wall of objection exists to sour public opinion against the current administration by stalling any forward public policy with their obstructionist conduct. We also know this to be true because at the beginning of the terms of the past two Democratic Presidents, Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the leader of Senate Republicans, has told us so.

This obstructionism is and has been executed for the purpose of gaining and/or maintaining POWER, all at the expense of any possible legislative good that could accrue to the American people!

Because Republican obstruction has such a significant negative impact upon people of color, as in their rejection of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, I say with great certainty that overt racism plays an important part of their decision-making process. It has been (correctly) suggested that the results of the 2020 general

election in which the enthusiasm and turnout among voters of color proved so threatening to the power and influence of white America that it inspired a resurgence of voter suppression and restriction legislation at state and local levels.

The two Senate Democrats who voted with the Republican obstructionists, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Krysten

Dr. E. Faye Williams Sinema of Arizona, are holding fast in support of the primacy and enduring nature of the filibuster. Each has falsely claimed that the filibuster rule is essential in promoting compromise and consensus in the legislative process of the Senate and is so rarely modified as to be a permanent fixture in its function.

In a recent television appearance, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minneapolis and chair of the Senate Rules Committee, contradicted Senators Manchin and Sinema by drawing attention to the 160 modifications (carve-outs) to the filibuster rule, most of which benefitted the interests of the Republican Party. The referenced carve-outs allowed for a simple majority vote for nominees to the Supreme Court and the Federal Judiciary and, most recently, a simple majority vote to raise the Federal Debt Limit. What Sen. Klobuchar exposed was a contrived rationale which placed consideration for

the rights of voting citizens in lower priority to the political and special interest influencers who pump contributions into campaign coffers.

In total honesty, the history and traditions of West Virginia and Arizona suggest that the Manchin-Sinema commitment to the filibuster may be rooted in racist considerations. Both states have large numbers of voters devoted to the principles of Trump and those who have bought into the racial fearmongering of Republicans. Am I calling them racists? Well, if it walks like a duck …

More now than ever, we must distill all available information into principles useful for voting. We must demonstrate an understanding that we are voting for more than a political party.

We must tactically purpose our votes to support our current and future interests, and we must do so without allowing the perfect to be the enemy of the good.

Second, we must be pragmatic in our evaluation of our current social condition and the potential of our future social circumstance in the face of adversarial reactionism/racism. Republican fearmongering against people of color has created real and imagined social conflict and I am led to believe that a willingness to strip voting rights from people is merely a precursor to stripping away rights that we and our ancestors fought so diligently to attain.

The writer is National President of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc.

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.

of John Lewis, then a young activist, on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, to spur the final push to victory.

Even after the violent effort on Jan. 6 to overturn the 2020 election, we fell short in the Senate on voting rights last week because, despite unanimous Democratic support, we could find no Republican willing to vote for our bill. Efforts to restore the public filibuster, requiring both parties to take the Senate floor as was the case during much of Senate history, also narrowly failed.

But the history of voting rights legislation shows that today’s close defeat lays the foundation for tomorrow’s success. While the Senate did not succeed in passing voting rights legislation last week, we’re not done and won’t rest until we succeed.

The writer represents Virginia in the U.S. Senate.

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Richmond Free Press

January 27-29, 2022 A7

Letter to the Editor

New governor’s policy is killing our kids Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin used his wealth to purchase the job of Virginia’s governor and he also bought and paid for many Virginia parents.

Now, within hours of taking office, he has tried to put an end to mask mandates in the state’s public schools through an executive order that states, “The parents of any child enrolled in an elementary or secondary school or a school-based early childcare and educational program may elect for their children not to be subject to any mask mandate in effect at the child’s school or educational program.”

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that all children over the age of 2 wear masks at school in indoor settings.

As a retired teacher and school administrator after 30 years, I would never suggest to parents that they exempt their children from mask requirements. I would say to parents, “If you love your children, require them to follow the CDC recommendations by wearing masks to school, along with the staff, teachers and visitors.”

Parents should not take advice from Gov. Younkin as to

whether children should wear face masks to school because he is not a scientist, educator or health professional. He was the co-chief executive officer of a giant private equity firm, The Carlyle Group, until he resigned in September to run for office. He has several mansions at his disposal, including a home on 13 acres with an outdoor basketball court and a swimming pool in the Washington, D.C., exurb of Great Falls, Va. He is an American businessman with no experience as a health professional, scientist or educator. He has not had any other job that required him to care about the health and welfare of children. He was never even an elected official previously.

Even though Gov. Youngkin signed that executive order on his first day in office, one of his sons attends a school that requires masks. The school’s policy states, “At this time, Georgetown Prep requires all persons, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks while indoors on campus, except while eating meals or while residents are in their own dorm room.”

Ibukun C. Kalu, M.D., a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Duke Health, said that face masks are not just

for adults and that masks are used to limit the spread of COVID-19 by everyone. She went on to say that most children can wear a mask in public as long as they are taught to do so in an age-appropriate way, and that parents should take the time to teach their child that, along with frequent hand washing and physical distancing, wearing a face mask correctly and consistently not only protects our communities, it also shows kindness, caring and support for everyone else in our community.

As a Nottoway County native who owns property and pays taxes there, I am gravely concerned. Gov. Youngkin is killing our kids. Without face masks, children could get COVID-19 and experience painful symptoms such as fever, dry cough, tiredness, aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, rash on skin, discoloration of fingers or toes, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement.

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Richmond Free Press

A8 January 20-22, 2022

News

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Rally for justice Natasha White of Interfaith Action for Human Rights and the Virginia Coalition of Solitary Confinement speaks during the 5th Annual Virginia Prison Justice Network Rally last Saturday, Jan. 22, in Monroe Park. Above left, prison justice advocates and members stand together but apart at the rally.

Gov. Youngkin’s administration taps retired army colonel, physician to oversee state health department

By George Copeland Jr.

The first few weeks of Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin’s administration has brought changes big and small to Virginia’s approach to COVID-19, with executive orders on masking requirements and vaccines leading to debate in the General Assembly, confusion in schools and multiple pending lawsuits.

Among the measures announced by the administration, Gov. Youngkin has directed health leaders to shift resources toward vaccine education and outreach. The administration has also announced planned changes to testing, moving away from general public efforts to ones focused on specific workers, students and those most vulnerable, and plans to collaborate with the White House to accelerate distribution of tests, sending unused tests to specific organizations and facilities.

“The governor will discourage mass testing for the purposes of pre-screening, discourage asymptomatic individuals from testing, and urge healthy individuals with mild symptoms to stay home and use discretion on testing,” the administration announced in a press release.

Handling the task of reallocating health resources is Dr. Colin M. Greene, selected as acting state health commissioner following the exit of Dr. M. Norman Oliver. His selection comes with many questions and expectations for his tenure, and how his role will shape the Commonwealth’s approach to COVID-19.

A retired U.S. army colonel and family physician, Dr. Greene had previously served as a health director in the Northern Shenandoah

Valley since 2017. His responsibilities grew during the pandemic, and included operating as health director for the Lord Fairfax Health District and acting director for the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District after its former director retired last year.

During his time with LFHD and RRHD, Dr. Greene repeatedly emphasized the value of vaccines, face masks and social distancDr. Greene ing, among other measures, in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, while working with a small team of collaborators to inform the public and address local concerns.

While Dr. Greene sought to ensure a high rate of vaccination in the region, success on that front had been scattershot, with Clark County reaching around 62 percent of its population recently while the counties of Page and Warren still stand below 50 percent for their total populations. And although the Rappahannock-Rapidian has a better rate of vaccination, Page County currently ranks among the lowest in the state in terms of vaccines administered.

Dr. Greene’s tenure also saw the Northern Shenandoah Valley face many of the same successes and setbacks as other localities and nationwide when it comes to COVID-19 and its variants, with Page County reporting the third highest COVID19 positivity rate in Virginia last December. The district as a whole has among the highest rate of new COVID-19 cases for similar regions in the state, according to VDH reports, with

Omicron leading to a surge in cases in both Lord Fairfax and Rappahannock-Rapidan.

In the weeks leading up to the announcement of his new role, Dr. Greene expressed skepticism of the efficacy of masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 due to what he saw as their unpopularity making it harder to gain the benefits. This approach has continued in his new role, as Dr. Green and the Youngkin administration have addressed masking as a matter with risks and benefits.

Like former Gov. Northam, Gov. Youngkin is looking to mitigate the strain of COVID-19 on the state’s medical system, with an emergency order expanding hospital bed capacity and the ability for out-of-state workers to practice. The move is similar to an executive order signed by Gov. Northam in the last weeks of his administration, and is set to end 10 days after that previous order.

It remains unclear how Dr. Greene specifically and the Youngkin administration in general will address the issues that stymied COVID-19 mitigation efforts during the Northam administration, from ongoing supply shortages for tests to ongoing hesitancy and skepticism around vaccines for some. Both are assuming authority in a state where leaders had invested over $20 million to inform the public and encourage vaccination last year, to mixed results.

Testing for area groups like the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts continues to be a struggle, leading some to pause test kit distribution at events and rely on community partners.

National president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority dies after recent illness Free Press staff, wire report

around the world. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate Cheryl A. Hickmon, national and alumnae chapters located president of the Delta Sigma in the United States, Canada, Theta Sorority Inc. and chair Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), of its National Board of Direc- Germany, the Virgin Islands, tors, passed away peacefully Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jalast Thursday, Jan. maica, West Africa 20, 2022 at the age and the Republic of of 60, following a Korea. battle with a “recent More than 10,000 illness,” according members typically to the sorority’s naattend Delta Sigma tional website.

Theta’s biennial na“She is rememtional conventions, bered not only for her and each of the seven Ms. Hickmon role as a leader but for regional conferences being a colleague, friend, and (held during years when there most of all, sister,” the sorority is no national convention) wrote in an announcement on its typically hosts thousands of website. “The entire sisterhood members, according to the of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, sorority’s website.

Incorporated mourns the loss of A native of Hartford, Conn., President Hickmon.”

Ms. Hickmon joined the HartDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, ford Alumnae Chapter of Delta a private, not-for-profit organi- Sigma Theta Sorority in 1982 zation, provides assistance and through the Alpha Xi Chapter support through established at South Carolina State Uniprograms in local communities versity, and served in several

roles at the local, regional and national level.

Those roles included chapter president of Hartford Alumnae and Alpha Xi, Eastern regional director, South Atlantic regional representative, national secretary, co-chair of the National Documents Review and Revision Task Force, and co-chair of the National Leadership Academy.

“Throughout her membership with the organization, she served in many capacities,” the NAACP said in a statement.

“From vice president to Atlantic regional representative, her dedication and commitment to seeing the legacy organization thrive were unmatched.”

Ms. Hickmon was elected the 27th National President of Delta Sigma Theta last November in Atlanta during the sorority’s 55th national convention. Following the announcement of Ms. Hickmon’s death, several prayer services

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have taken place in her honor and remembrance.

Outside of Delta Sigma Theta, Ms. Hickmon was a licensed clinical laboratory technologist, and worked for more than 30 years at Montefiore’s Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health, where she supervised the In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories for Andrology and Endocrinology.

Ms. Hickmon was also a founding member of the Thrill-

seekers Inc. Ski and Adventure Club of New York, and served as part of the Children’s Defense Fund, the National Council of Negro Woman, and the NAACP, among others. Her work across multiple groups led to her being recognized many times over, including as one of the 100 Most Influential African-Americans in the State of Connecticut by the Connecticut Chapters of the NAACP and receiving the Citizen of the Year Award from

the Tau Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Ms. Hickmon’s biography for the Delta Sigma Theta website features a motto that speaks volumes to the approach she took to her life and her work: “Don’t measure life by the number of breaths you take but by the number of moments that take your breath away.”

No funeral arrangements were announced at the time of the Richmond Free Press publication.

Employment Opportunities SWEDISH MATCH NORTH AMERICA LLC SEEKS ONE SENIOR BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPER: Responsible for independently SHUIRUPLQJ WHFKQLFDO GHVLJQ FRGLQJ FRQ¿JXUDWLRQ 5HVSRQVLEOH IRU XQLW WHVWLQJ GXULQJ VROXWLRQ GHYHORSPHQW HQKDQFHPHQWV WR LPSOHPHQW VROXWLRQV Create different types of SSIS packages to extract GDWD IURP OHJDF\ WR 64/ 6HUYHU 2EMHFWV &UHDWH ZRUNVSDFH FRQWHQW SDFNV IRU EXVLQHVV XVHUV &UHDWH EXVLQHVV FULWLFDO .3,V 'HVLJQ GHYHORS GDWD ZDUHKRXVHV GDWD PDUWV EXVLQHVV LQWHOOLJHQFH XVLQJ PXOWL GLPHQVLRQDO PRGHOV 3ODQ GLUHFW FRQWURO WKH HIIHFWLYH HI¿FLHQW VHUYLFH GHOLYHU\ SURFHVVHV Z IRFXV RQ DJLOH PHWKRGRORJLHV EXVLQHVV FROODERUDWLRQ RSHUDWLRQV WR HQDEOH 'DWD $QDO\WLFV /LDLVH Z VWDNHKROGHUV WR IXUWKHU HQDEOH WKH XVH RI GDWD WR PDNH EHWWHU EXVLQHVV GHFLVLRQV WKURXJK WKH SODQQLQJ LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI %, SURMHFWV 'H¿QH PDLQWDLQ HYROYH VROXWLRQ VSHFL¿F GHYHORSPHQW VWDQGDUGV JXLGHOLQHV &UHDWH WHFKQLFDO GHVLJQ VSHFL¿FDWLRQV EDVHG RQ IXQFWLRQDO QRQ IXQFWLRQDl GHVLJQV ,PSOHPHQW FKDQJHV WR PHHW IXQFWLRQDO QRQ IXQFWLRQDO WHFKQLFDO GHVLJQ VSHFL¿FDWLRQV ,QVWDOO YHULI\ VROXWLRQV FRPSRQHQWV WR GHYHORSPHQW WHVW SURGXFWLRQ HQYLURQPHQWV 0DLQWDLQ ¿[ GHIHFWV LQ VROXWLRQV WR NHHS WKHP SHUIRUPLQJ LQ DFFRUGDQFH Z DJUHHG WHFKQLFDO IXQFWLRQDO VSHFL¿FDWLRQ 0DQDJH VRXUFH FRGH LQ D FRQWUROOHG UHSRVLWRU\ WR HQVXUH TXDOLW\ LQWHJULW\ 3HUIRUP GDWD SUR¿OLQJ DQDO\VLV Reqs: %DFKHORU¶V GHJUHH LQ &RP6FL 6RIWZDUH (QJ ,7 RU FORVHO\ UHODWHG ¿HOG RU IRUHLJQ HTXLY \UV RI H[S DV D 6RIWZDUH 'HYHORSHU RU FORVHO\ UHODWHG SRVLWLRQ Z \UV FRQFXUUHQW H[SHULHQFH L ZRUNLQJ Z 0LFURVRIW 64/ 6HUYHU 66$6 66,6 6656 LL FUHDWLQJ 3RZHU %, (QWHUSULVH *DWHZD\V VFKHGXOLQJ GDWDVHWV WR ORDG GDWD IURP 2UDFOH 2Q SUHPLVHV WR &ORXG LLL XVLQJ 0LFURVRIW $3,¶V IRU 7H[W $QDO\WLFV VHQWLPHQW DQDO\VLV ODQJXDJH FRQYHUVLRQ LQ 3RZHU %, LY FUHDWLQJ 3RZHU %, UHSRUWV HPEHGGLQJ LQWR DSSV 6KDUH3RLQW RQOLQH Job in Richmond, VA. Only applicants sending FRYHU OHWWHU &9 VDODU\ UHTV UHIHUHQFHV WR 6XVDQ :RRGZDUG 'LUHFWRU %HQH¿WV &RPSHQVDWLRQ +5 DW VXVDQ ZRRGZDUG#VZHGLVKPDWFK FRP ZLOO EH FRQVLGHUHG

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond.

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Minister of Children and Youth Salary Commensurate with Experience Mount Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen is seeking a part-time Minister of Children and Youth to oversee the children and youth ministry.

Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. Preferred candidate must be a license minister with a consistent Christian character and lifestyle.

This position will be opened until filled.

Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Applicants may pick up an application from the church office or submit a resume in lie of an application to: Mount Olive Baptist Church, 8775 Mount Olive Avenue, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060. The e-mail address is mstyles@mobcva.org, and the fax is (804) 262-9614 ext. 227 For more information please call (804) 262-9614 A Criminal History Background Check is required.

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

Newspaper experience is a requirement.

To be considered, please send 5 samples of your writing, along with a cover letter to news@richmond freepress.com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P. O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261. No phone calls.

Richmond Free Press

January 27-29, 2022 A9

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Eyeing state title, John Marshall’s Justices rule the courts

John Marshall High’s basketball Justices likely held a winning hand without any outside help this season.

When “help” did arrive, in the form of three transfer aces and a precocious JV call-up , the North Side team may have stacked the deck regarding state-wide Class 2 hoops.

Coach Ty White’s squad opened this week with a 9-4 record (ranked No. 1 in area polls) and a roster brimming with collegebound ballers.

With two state crowns in the last four years, John Marshall approaches every season expecting a state title. This year is a shining example of its superiority.

The Justices won Class 2 States in 2020, and surely would have won 2021 if not for opting out due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The headliner is returning forward Dennis Parker, arguably the state’s top college prospect. Already the 6-foot-6 junior has offers from the likes of Kansas and Georgetown, with many more to follow.

“Dennis is coming into his own,” said White. “He’s starting to get national recognition.”

Other key returnees from 2020 are guard Reginald Robinson and 6-foot-7 Malachi Dark, the great nephew of Richmond legend Jesse “Bodine” Dark.

Moving up from the 2020 JV team is dynamic point guard Damon “Lil’ Redd” Thompson Jr., son of Damon “Redd” Thompson of Highland Springs High, Virginia State University and Arena League football fame.

The gnat-quick 5-foot-10 sophomore is like a whirlwind in John Marshall blue. He runs the show on offense, is a relentless defender and oozes confidence.

Then there are the newcomers, all juniors.

You can’t miss them, starting with 6-foot-10 Tyler Mason who came from Bishop Walsh High in Cumberland, Md. Then there is 6-foot-5 Steve Stinson Jr., from Trinity Episcopal High in South Richmond, and 6-foot-4 KaShawn Cordes from Hermitage in western Henrico.

All three might be the go-to man on any other team, but they’ve blended well with White’s wide array of high-rising jump shooters.

White says this about Mason: “He’s a skilled forward who leads our team in three-point shooting.”

On Stinson: “Steven had 29 rebounds in a two-game stretch; he’s a relentless worker.”

On Cordes: “Super athletic ... he’ll play in college somewhere.”

The Cincinnati Bengals’ Quinton Spain played at Petersburg High, where he was known for football and basketball.

Former local players on NFL Final Four teams Protecting quarterback Joe Burrow is a top priority for the Cincinnati Bengals.

That’s where Quinton Spain comes in.

The 6-foot-4, 330-pound offensive guard has been a Burrow bodyguard during the Bengals drive to the AFC championship game.

Spain, who wears a black, orange and white No. 67 jersey, played locally at Petersburg High and was known as much for Trenton Cannon basketball as football.

Undrafted out of the West Virginia, Spain played with Tennessee and Buffalo before signing with Cincinnati in 2020.

Another player with local connections is San Francisco running back/kick returner Trenton Cannon who played at Virginia State University.

Unfortunately, Cannon suffered a concussion in Week 13 and has been placed on Injured Reserve.

The Washington Football Team has close ties to the 49ers and Rams.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was Washington’s offensive coordinator 2010-2013.

Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay was Washington’s tight end coach 2011-2013 and offensive coordinator 2014-2016.

Here’s a peek at the Final Four: Cincinnati Bengals How they got here: 10-7 regular season; defeated ther Los Vegas Raiders, 26-19, and the Tennessee Titans, 19-16, in season playoffs.

Coach: Zac Taylor, third season Quarterback: Joe Burrow (second season out of LSU) Super Bowls: Lost in 1981 and 1988

San Francisco 49ers How they got here: 10-7 in regular season, then defeated Dallas, 23-17, and Green Bay, 13-10, in playoffs Coach: Kyle Shanahan, fifth season Quar terback: Jimmy Garappolo, eighth season out of Eastern Illinois Super Bowls: Won in 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989 and 1994

Kansas City Chiefs How they got here: 12-5 regular season; defeated Pittsburgh, 42-21, and Buffalo, 42-36, in playoffs Coach: Andy Reid, ninth season Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (fifth season out of Texas Tech) Super Bowls: Won in 1969 and 2019

Los Angeles Rams How they got here: Went 12-5 regular season then defeated Arizona, 34-11, and Tampa Bay, 30-27, in playoffs.

Coach: Sean McVay, fifth season Quarterback: Matthew Stafford (13th season out of Georgia) Super Bowls: Won in 1999.

NFL Final Four vs

Sunday, Jan. 30

AFC Championship Game Cincinnati at Kansas City, 3 p.m., CBS

vs

NFC Championship Game San Francisco at Los Angeles Rams, 6:30 p.m., Fox

“If you’ve got a hot car, you want to see how fast it’ll go,” said White. “You don’t hide it in the garage.”

Early losses were by 79-76 to Vertical Prep of Charlotte, by 63-61 in overtime to Landstown, by 54-50 to Archbishop Stepinac, White Plains, N.Y. Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, John Marshall lost to Minnesota Prep and defeated Wheeler of Marietta, Ga., 91-88, in the MLK Classic at the St. James in Spingfield, Va. John Marshall has had its share of difference-making transfers in recent years.

Isaiah Todd (now in the NBA G-League, Jason Nelson (red-shirting at Richmond) and Roosevelt Wheeler (freshman at Louisville) are at the top of the list.

That said, White has developed an abundance of fine players on the North Side. Greg Jones, Jeremy Sheppard, Levar Allen, Isaiah Anderson and DeMarr McRae are just a few of White’s “born ‘n’ bred Justices” who have gone on to play collegiately.

John Marshall has a history of growKaShawn Cordes joined John Marshall boys basketball team after playing for ing stronger as the season wears on. The Henrico’s Hermitage High School. stiffest remaining test could come Feb. 5 Don’t let the four losses fool you. against Hayfield High of Alexandria in the 9 p.m. main event of Three were to out-of-state powerhouses and the fourth to the Coaches for Cure Classic at Virginia State University.

Landstown/Virginia Beach, when John Marshall had just six Hayfield started this week 13-0 and is a favorite to win the healthy players.

State Class 6 (largest enrollment) title. JM is just Class 2, VirWhite could make a run at going undefeated if he scheduled ginia’s second smallest level of enrollment. only locally. Instead, each year he takes his team on the road to Hayfield has many more students, but don’t be surprised if face some of the nation’s elite.

John Marshall has more “aces.”

Bryant’s laser focus on basket nets wins for NSU

As sure bets go, Joe Bryant at the foul line is about as close as you’ll find.

The Norfolk State University senior guard leads the MEAC in free throw accuracy while ranking fourth in NCAA Division 1 (as of Jan. 22.)

In spurring NSU’s coach Robert Jones’ Spartans to an overall 13-4 record and MEAC leading 4-0, Bryant had made 82 of 88 freebies, 93.2 percent.

Those above him in the national rankings don’t have nearly as many attempts.

Illinois’ Alfonso Plummer leads at 97.96 on 48 of 49 tries.

“I just focus on the basket and try and block out everything else,” Bryant told the Free Press. “Just pretend like I’m the only person in the gym. I do the exact same thing every time.”

Bryant is much more than just a near perfect shooter from the 15-foot charity stripe.

He also leads the MEAC in scoring (16.2) and, if the voting was conducted today, he’d likely claim the league’s Most Outstanding Player title.

Bryant’s among team leaders in minutes played (30.9 per night), rebounds (5.1 per), three-pointers (24), steals (26) and assists (47).

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound athlete is a nightmare for opposing defenders. He’s quick enough off the dribble to beat his man on the perimeter and strong enough to challenge the trees inside.

Of course a player has to earn their way to the foul line before they can swish the shots.

“Being able to get to the foul line is important. I watch a lot of NBA on television and see how they create contact,” he said.

Joe Bryant At Lake Taylor High, Bryant played on both 4A state champions in football and basketball.

He scored more than 1,000 points while earning All-State 4A hoops honors. Bryant tallied 33 points vs. Huguenot in the State semifinals his senior year.

“I grew up watching both Norfolk State Old Dominion play,” he said. “I’m proud to play for my hometown school — only about 10 minutes from my high school.”

He’s no one-man gang. Bryant is surrounded by talented teammates, starting with Kris Bankston.

The 6-foot-9, 230-pound senior transfer

from Little Rock averages 12 points and seven rebounds while shooting an otherworldly .757 (81-for-107) from the field.

Bankston would be leading both MEAC and NCAA Division 1 in percentage if he had enough attempts to qualify.

Tyrese Jenkins, a 6-6 junior from Varina (where he helped Blue Devils to State 5A crown), has been coming on with 13 points against Howard and 10 vs. Coppin State.

On the season Jenkins averages 8 points and five boards.

The Spartans have flexed their muscles inside and out of the MEAC. Non-conference wins include William & Mary, Tennessee State, Bowling Green, Hampton, Grambling and UNC-Wilmington.

NSU is gunning for a second straight MEAC tournament title and trip to the NCAA Big Dance.

Last March the Spartans defeated Morgan State in the MEAC final, then topped Appalachian State in round one of NCAAs. NSU was eliminated in round two by overall No. 1 seed Gonzaga.

This year’s MEAC tourney will be March 9-12 at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

With Bryant, the host Spartans may not be a sure bet, but they’re a good bet.

Hampton becomes first HBCU to join the CAA

Colleges and universities throughout America, particularly in Virginia, have long played musical chairs, and the game is far from over.

There is little common ground, or sense of unity, within the confines of the Commonwealth, in part because some schools play football and others do not.

The 14 NCAA Division I institutions in Virginia shoot hoops in eight different conferences.

The state’s current conference alignment is: Atlantic Coast: University of Virginia (Since 1953), Virginia Tech (2004) Atlantic 10: VCU (2012),

Richmond (2001), George Mason (2013) Colonial Athletic: James Madison (1979), William & Mary (1979) Big South: Hampton (2018; which will move to the CAA in July 2022), Longwood (2012), Radford (1983) Atlantic Sun: Liberty (2018) MEAC: Norfolk State (1997) Conference USA: Old Dominion (2013) Southern: VMI (2014) However, don’t write any of this down in anything more permanent than No. 3 pencil.

For starters, ODU, JMU and

Liberty have announced plans to exit their current conferences for the Sun Belt Conference.

The proposed moves are entirely football driven.

Recent reports that Hampton is flirting with the Colonial Athletic Association, were confirmed on Jan. 25 when Hampton University announced that it will join the CAA as a full member, effective July 1, 2022. Hampton becomes the first historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the history of the CAA, which was established in 1979 and is headquartered in Richmond.

VCU has no firm plans for leaving the A-10, but is always

Lusia Harris, the first woman drafted by NBA, dies at age 66 Lusia Harris, the only woman ever drafted by an NBA team, has died. Mrs. Harris was 66 and residing in Greenwood, Miss.

The 6-foot-3 native of Minter City, Miss., was selected in the seventh round of the 1977 NBA draft by the New Orleans Jazz.

She never played for the Jazz but starred for the HoustonAngels of the Women’s Professional Basketball League (the WNBA precursor).

Prior to the NBA’s interest in her, Mrs. Harris was a three-time All-American at Delta State University, Miss., where she led her team to three national titles (1975-77) in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). That was before the NCAA took over women’s college athletics.

She averaged 26 points and 14.4 rebounds in 115 games for Delta State, lifting the team to a 109-6 record during her time there. She is still the school’s all-time leader in scoring (2,981 points) and rebounding (1,662). In 1976, she earned a silver medal for the United States at the Montreal Olympics. It was the first year that women’s basketball made its

debut and Mrs. Harris scored the first points in the first game of the tournament.

Mrs. Harris has been inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and Women’s College Basketball Hall of Fame.

She was the subject of a 2021 short film titled “The Queen of Basketball” that detailed her career.

“She will be remembered for her charity, for her achievements both on and off the court, and the light she brought to her community, the state of Mississippi, her country as the first woman ever to score a basket in the Olympics, and to women who play basketball around the world,” her family said in a statement following her death on Jan. 18.

looking. The Big East and American Athletic would be the more desired location for the Rams’ perennial NCAA entry.

It used to be so easy. The state’s five HBCUs (Norfolk State, Virginia State, St. Paul’s, Virginia Union and Virginia State) played for decades in the Division II CIAA. That changed when NSU and HU left for the Division 1 MEAC in the 1990s. St. Paul’s was still in the CIAA when it closed in 2013 due to financial constraints.

Then there was the CAA, as close-knit group as you could imagine with six state entries — VCU, ODU, UR, JMU, W&M and GMU — all under one roof with headquarters on Parham Road.

First UR bolted, then VCU, then GMU for the A-10. Now JMU is departing, leaving only W&M. There are concerns that NSU may look elsewhere. In just the last three seasons, HU, North Carolina A&T, Savannah State, Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M have left the MEAC, leaving only six football playing member institutions.

And what about VCU? The Rams have been dominant since joining the A-10, but the Big East and American Athletic Conference offer a higher profile for VCU’s flagship basketball program, which left the ECACSouth in 1979, Sun Belt in 1991, Metro in 1995, and Colonial in 2011.

Until the mid 1970s, there were only five Division I schools in the state: “The Big Five” (U.Va., Tech, UR, W&M and VMI) with U.Va. in ACC, and the rest in the Southern. All have scattered.

U.Va. and Tech aren’t going anywhere for now. But don’t count on any of the other schools to remain under the same umbrella for more than a few years.

Richmond Free Press

A10 January 27-29, 2022

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January 27-29, 2022 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

Happenings Personality: Maxwell L. ‘Max’ German

Spotlight on board president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond “An opportunity to serve the community and support those in need.”

That’s the reason why Maxwell L. “Max” German says he took on the role of board president with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond.

But he has a deep, personal reason for joining the nonprofit organization that was founded nationally 48 years ago in Philadelphia to provide a “home-away-from-home” for families who often travel great distances for their children to receive medical care.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Mr. German’s first experience with RMHC of Richmond came after moving to the city, during long and frequent hospital visits to treat his son’s genetic blood disorder.

Sadly, his son died in 2004.

But during the course of 16 months, he saw the value the Ronald McDonald House held for those traveling long distances for their children’s medical care. His experience inspired him to join RMHC in January 2014.

“What it brought to our attention is that, for those who do need to travel, having that place where they are near the hospital … was extremely important,” Mr. German says. “It provides that central base where families can not only find shelter and food, but also find connectivity with other people and other families who are experiencing what they’re experiencing.”

The Ronald McDonald House in Richmond is at 2330 Monument Ave. and serves all pediatric hospitals and service providers in the area, including all Bon Secours, HCA and VCU Health System facilities, as well as Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents and other specialty therapy centers.

Mr. German was elected president of the board earlier this month. During the course of his two-year term, he wants to maximize the board’s involvement in RMHC of Richmond’s activities and to increase the organization’s ability to aid even more families.

“RMHC of Richmond supports programs that directly impact the health and well-being of children and their families,” Mr. German says. “Our vision is for every family whose child needs to access specialty care in Richmond has world-class temporary housing and support services and the opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s care.”

RMHC of Richmond’s chief goals this year are to “work through priorities and plans for expansion of our family-centered programs and physical space,” Mr. German says. Additionally, the organization wants to “maintain a culturally safe atmosphere for guests, staff and volunteers” and “continue to deliver a high level of service for families” both at the Ronald

McDonald House and through its in-hospital programs.

During the pandemic, RMHC has had to limit capacity in the house to limit the potential spread of the virus. Families also have been staying at partner hotels when the house reaches its capacity.

He looks forward to the next two years at the helm and continuing to help families during difficult times.

“I’ve been on the board eight years or so and really developed a great passion for it,” Mr. German says. “I’m just proud to be a part of the house and to be a small part in the overall success that the house has experienced thus far. And I’m very optimistic about the things we’re going to be able to do to help the community going forward.”

Meet a helping hand and this week’s Personality, Maxwell L. “Max” German: No. 1 volunteer position: Board president, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond.

Occupation: Bank of America, where I have been for more than 28 years.

Date and place of birth: Sept.

7, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Where I live now: Henrico County.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, New Mexico State University, 1993.

Family: Married for 28 years to my high school sweetheart, Stacy. Children: daughter, Sydney, a senior at the University of Mary Washington; daughter, Makenna, a freshman at Mills E. Godwin High School; and son, Zachary, who passed away Nov. 9, 2004, following a battle with a genetic blood disorder.

When and why Ronald McDonald House Charities, or RMHC, was founded nationally: In 1974, Philadelphia Eagles football player Fred Hill and his wife, Fran, learned that their daughter, Kim, was diagnosed with leukemia. While traveling to Philadelphia for Kim’s treatments, procedures and doctors’ visits, they noticed a number of families and children in the same situations. Families drove hours back and forth from home to the hospital, sleeping overnight in waiting rooms and eating from vending machines because they had no place else to go. They decided to build a “home-away-from-home” for these families. With the help of McDonald’s, they purchased and restored a house near the hospital so families caring for ill or injured children could have a place to stay. This became known as the very first Ronald McDonald House.

RMHC founders: Dr. Audrey

Evans, a pediatric oncologist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Fred Hill, Philadelphia Eagles football player; and Jimmy Murray, co-founder and then-general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mission of RMHC of Richmond: RMHC of Richmond supports programs that directly impact the health and well-being of children and their families.

Our vision is for every family whose child needs to access specialty care in RVA has world-class temporary housing and support services and the opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s care.

When and why founded locally: Ronald McDonald House of Richmond was founded April 15, 1980, to serve families with children receiving care at local pediatric hospitals.

Number of RMHC across the nation: There are 187 Ronald McDonald Houses across the nation and 368 Ronald McDonald Houses in 45 countries abroad.

When elected board president of RMHC of Richmond: January 2022.

Length of term: Two years.

Why I accepted position: An opportunity to serve the community and support those in need.

Being active within nonprofit organizations was instilled in me by my parents as I observed, and participated, in their volunteer endeavors.

Previous board president’s name: Chris Siderio.

No. 1 goal or project as board president: Maximize board involvement while the board and staff work together to support families in need; and aim to grow our ability to support more families.

Strategy for achieving goals: Continue the successes of my predecessors with outreach,

positive energy, build/ maintain relationships and accountability.

RMHC of Richmond’s core programs: RMHC of Richmond provides lodging, meals, transportation, laundry service and family support for hundreds of families in need each year at our House at 2330 Monument Ave. In-hospital programs include Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, which serve pediatric intensive care units at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital; Happy Wheels hospitality carts and Lunches with Love, which serve local pediatric and neonatal units; and the RMHC Sibling Center in the Children’s Pavilion at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. COVID-19 and RMHC Richmond: Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to serve families without hesitation.

Like many organizations, we have had to shift and pivot our service delivery model to limit the number of guest families staying at the house at one time to ensure social distancing and to limit the potential of spread of the virus. We rely on partner hotels to house families when our reduced capacity is full.

Our food access programs have continued as well, with volunteers supplying ingredients while staff and interns make our Lunches with Love to deliver weekdays to local pediatric hospital units. RMHC operates with the safety and security of our guests, staff and volunteers at the forefront.

How RMHC Richmond addresses racial equity: The core values of RMHC of Richmond provide the framework in which

our board, employees and programs address racial equity. We intentionally pursue opportunities through partnerships with local community organizations and businesses that can provide skill development to our dedicated team as it relates to diversity, inclusion and culture sensitivity training. Ongoing efforts in this area include creating an atmosphere of cultural safety, bias training for staff and board, as well as staff engagement in racial equity programs.

Additionally, we continually seek ways to support minority and women business enterprises through our purchase of charity and program supplies.

Ways to become involved with RMHC of Richmond: People get involved by volunteering as individuals or with a group to make meals in our kitchen, although some of those activities have been limited by COVID-19. People also volunteer by participating in our off-site opportunities at their own locations. Some people make our Wish List come true, or join the Red Shoe Volunteer Crew to work a series of events.

Perhaps the easiest way is to make a donation.

How families connect to RMHC of Richmond: By being referred by a health care provider or approaching us directly.

A perfect day for me: Spending time with family and friends, preferably involving outdoor activities such as a walk with our golden retriever, a cookout, games and, if possible, a round of golf.

What I am learning about myself during the pandemic: I enjoy, and miss, the surroundings of people, especially my co-workers. There is something exhilarating about the activity of an office, the coming together for a common goal of supporting the needs of our

clients and the camaraderie that is created. We, as people, need the connectivity of others. For all that we have, potentially, benefited from physically, the mental impact on society just might be worse.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Both of my daughters have grown up playing soccer.

I have served as the team manager for many of their teams, and continue to do so for my youngest. Many would think of this role as a “job,” but I rather enjoy it.

Quote that inspires me: “The time is always right to do what is right.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Friends describe me as: Outgoing, fun, driven and goalfocused.

At the top of my “to-do” list: To repair a leaky faucet in my sink — a task that I can accomplish, although it may take a few attempts and likely will require the help of my wife.

Best late-night snack: A bowl of cereal.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Person who influenced me the most: My parents. I can see the personality of them in me and their influence in the decisions I make.

Book that influenced me the most: “In Love and War: The Story of a Family’s Ordeal and Sacrifice During the Vietnam Years” by Admiral James Stockdale and Sybil Stockdale.

What I’m reading now: “A Column of Fire” by Ken Follett.

Next goal: Ride my bike along the complete Virginia Capital Trail.

NOVEMBER THEATRE ARENSTEIN STAGE

DIAMONDS • WATCHES JEWELRY • REPAIRS 19 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, VA 23219 (804) 648-1044

WWW.WALLERJEWELRY.COM

BLACK HISTORY MONTH LECTURES IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL

FEB 4 - 27

BY LUCAS HNATH Rescheduled for June 16

The Life and Legacy of Emily Winfree: From Enslavement to Carnegie Hall by Jan Meck With special guest Dr. Emily Jones, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Winfree

February 3, 2022 at 6:00pm

The Record of Murders and Outrages: Racial Violence and the Fight over Truth at the Dawn of Reconstruction by William A. Blair

February 10, 2022 at 12:00pm

“A New Era in Building”: Black Educational Activism in Goochland County, 1911–1932

by Brian J. Daugherity and Alyce Miller

February 24, 2022 at 6:00pm

Learn more and register at VirginiaHistory.org/Calendar

DIRECTION BY SHARON OTT

She’s back.

Nora Helmer returns home 15 years later, and gender roles and societal expectations are turned on their heads in this entertaining continuation of Ibsen’s original masterwork.

So popular with audiences, it was 2019’s most-produced play in the U.S.

Starring Katrinah Carol Lewis as Nora, David Bridgewater as Torvald, Catherine Shaffner as Anne Marie, Katy Feldhahn as Emmy.

VIRGINIA REPERTORY THEATRE | VIRGINIAREP.ORG | 804-282-2620

Richmond Free Press

B2 January 27-29, 2022

Happenings Richmond area will host numerous events for Black History Month Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements

by African-Americans 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. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from Jan. 2 to Feb. 28, 1970.

Black History Month was then celebrated throughout America in educational instituDr. Woodson tions, centers of Black culture and community centers. President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial.

Some of the month’s local events include: Henrico County Public Library - Speaker event Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. Fairfield Area Library, 1401 N. Laburnum Ave. and Saturday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. Glen Allen Branch Library, 10501 Staples Mill Road.

Biographer and filmmaker Elvatrice Belsches will take the audience on a multimedia journey amplifying the extraordinary contributions of Virginia E. Randolph in the areas of education, public health, and juvenile justice reform.

Ms. Belsches currently is working on a documentary of Ms. Randolph’s legacy and is the recipient of a Virginia Humanities grant for her project.

For more information visit: henricolibrary.org/calendar Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Tuesday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Huguenot Road Baptist Church, 10525 W Huguenot Road.

Watch Rosa Parks come to life in a moving performance by radio announcer and talk show host, Theresa Gee. She will present a new perspective through the eyes of this historic activist in celebration of Black History Month.

The program is free, but registration is required. For more information, contact Susan Miller at (804) 212-8815, or email millers@chesterfield.gov or visit www.chesterfield.gov/150/ Parks-and-Recreation Friday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Mayes Colbert Ettrick Recreation Center, 20621 Woodpecker Road, Black Excellence Art Exhibition.

Mon. Feb 7, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Huguenot Road Baptist Church, 10525 W Huguenot Road. Black History Month Book Presentation. Local Matoaca author, James McKnight, will recap his book, “My Story of a Sharecropper’s Life.

The program is free, but registration is required. For more information contact Susan Miller at 804 -212-8815 or email millers@ chesterfield.gov or visit - www.chesterfield. gov/150/Parks-and-Recreation.

Monday, Feb.7, 7 to 8 p.m., Risk, Resilience and the Black Family. Dr. Shawn C.T. Jones discusses the mechanisms Black families use to overcome and protect themDr. Jones selves from racism-related stress.

Sundance: ‘Descendant’ chronicles a Black history uncovered

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

The True King Lil Walter

“Descendant,” which recently premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival, chronicles the discovery of a 90-foot-long wooden slave schooner that was secretly burned and sunk near Mobile, Ala.

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before a packed theater, but it’s especially painful for those involved with “Descendant.”

While there are a number of projects about the Clotilda and its legacy upcoming — a planned museum, a National Geographic special, a new book

by Raines — the standing ovation “Descendant” and its subjects would have surely received would have been a deserved moment of recognition.

“I think everyone was coming. Participant was bringing some of them and then other people were just coming,” sighs Mr. Brown. “It was going to be a lot of people.”

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Mr. Thompson said in a streamed Sundance conversation. “There’s an idiom saying you don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you came from. Just to know that I came from somewhere really did something to me that was a paradigm-, life-changing experience. Getting involved in this project, I was ecstatic to do so because I was hoping I could learn even more.”

For Mr. Thompson, “Descendant” shares a connection with his 2021 film, “Summer of Soul (Or... The Revolution Will Not Be Televised),” which documented how footage of a staggering Harlem 1969 music festival was ignored for decades.

“Black erasure is sort of a common theme that’s been happening in my life the last two and a half years,” said Mr. Thompson. “With both of these projects, I’m learning different extremes of Black erasure.”

“Descendant,” which is up for sale at Sundance, was made by Participant Media, the socially minded production company behind films like “An Inconvenient Truth,” “Spotlight” and “John Lewis: Good Trouble.”

A virtual Sundance has put a damper on many movies that might have had their moment

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to be. At a certain point was like: I think this untold story is the story.”

Ms. Brown was instead guided by Clotilda descendants who appear in the film like Lorna Woods, Emmett Lewis and Joycelyn M. Davis, cofounder and vice president of the Clotilda Descendants Association. Conversations flow about the importance of knowing one’s history and not being cut off from it. Reparations are discussed. With the Clotilda’s discovery potentially bringing tourism and investment in the area, a community rallies to seize its history and its future at once.

“The ancestors are working,” folklorist and University of South Alabama professor Kern Jackson says in the film.

“The ancestors are moving everybody.”

While he doesn’t appear in the film, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is an executive producer of the film. He, too, is a Clotilda descendant, something he learned as a guest on PBS’ “Finding Your Roots,” with Henry Louis Gates. It took the show’s researchers more than two years, Mr. Thompson said, to track down his family history.

“It’s important for me to know where I came from,”

Entertainment for all affairs Contact

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Rarely have past and present mingled in a documentary the way they do in “Descendant,” a nonfiction account of the last known ship to bring African captives to the American South for enslavement.

Margaret Brown’s “Descendant,” which recently premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival, chronicles the discovery of the ship, a 90-foot-long wooden schooner that was secretly burned and sunk near Mobile, Ala., after it was used to illegally take and enslave 100 Africans on a trip across the Atlantic in the mid-19th century, decades after the international slave trade had been outlawed.

“Descendant” closely documents the finding of the Clotilda, which was confirmed in 2019.

For locals, it’s a long overdue affirmation of a long-obscured history that for a century was rarely mentioned. The Mobile River site is effectively a 160-year-old crime scene of America’s original sin, where in 1860 Timothy Meaher, their enslaver, and the ship’s captain, William Foster, submerged the evidence.

But Ms. Brown’s expansive, ruminative documentary is more focused on the questions of heritage, history and justice that the Clotilda unravels for its descendants and the community of Africatown, the town outside Mobile created by many of those enslaved from the Clotilda.

“The story of the ship is just the tip of the iceberg,” Ms. Brown said in an interview. “It’s not even really the story. The ship is kind of like the inciting incident.”

Africatown was designated as a historic district in 2009 but has been long blighted by a paper plant and pollution; zoning protections came much too late for its residents. In “Descendant,” the Africatown’s present is deeply and plainly related to its past.

Ms. Brown grew up in Mobile, and has previously documented its racial histories.

Her 2008 film “The Order of the Myths” thoughtfully depicted the segregated tradition of Mardi Gras while also delving into the history of Africatown and the Clotilda. She was moved to return to the subject when journalist Ben Raines first thought he had found the wreck, leading news media and others to flock to Mobile. (Mr. Raines’ initial discovery was wrong, but he is credited with spurring interest in a search that led to the identification of the wreckage.)

“Stanley Nelson once said, ‘It’s time for white filmmakers to make movies about their ancestors.’ Like: Stop making movies about our ancestors.

And that really resonated with me,” says Ms. Brown. “‘Order of Myths’ is kind of like white anthropology. I thought this movie would be more like that. That’s not what it wanted

Email Chesterfield County Public Library Community Services at CCPLCommunityServices@chesterfield.gov.

Tuesday, Feb. 8, noon to 1 p.m. Castlewood, 10201 Iron Bridge Road - History of Pleasant View School. Discover the history of one of the last preserved African American schoolhouses in Chesterfield County during the segregated era.

The program is free, but registration is required one week in advance. Email Bryan Truzzie at truzzieb@chesterfield.gov.

Wednesdays, Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16 and Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., AARP Virginia, month-long “Wind Down Wednesdays” series of virtual events and short film screenings throughout February.

Brian Bullock is a local filmmaker and history enthusiast who loves to uncover the Virginia history that many of us unknowingly walk or drive past every day here. He will share some of his short films and will lead interviews with local historians during “Wind Down Wednesdays.”

To register go to: https://aarp.cventevents.com/event/ea2d90c27c1e-4a06-9ef3-1d8794323643/summary Feb. 10, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Virginia Commonwealth University Library James Branch Cabell Library Lecture Hall, 901 Park Ave. Pulitzer-Prize winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed tells the sweeping story of Juneteenth. In her searing new book, “On Juneteenth,” the Texas native chronicles both the state, and the country’s long road to Juneteenth — and the many hardships African-Americans have endured in the Ms. Gordon-Reed century since, from Jim Crow and beyond.

Please register to attend in person or online at: www.support.vcu.edu/event/BlackHistoryMonth2022 Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site will host a “Matinee with Miss Maggie” Virtual film program at 1 p.m. This year’s selected film, “Imitation of Life,” addresses one of the questions often asked by visitors to the site upon seeing photographs of Mrs. Walker’s fair complexion: “Did Maggie L. Walker ever pass for white?”

While historical evidence suggests she never did so on purpose, “passing” was something many Black people with light skin tones chose to do in Jim Crow America and beyond. The 1934 film “Imitation of Life” was among various stories told about racial passing during Walker’s time, exploring a topic that remains a point of fascination today. The public is invited to join a park historian in viewing “Imitation of Life” and discussing the significance of racial passing, both in Mrs. Walker’s time and now.

To sign up for this free event that is open to the public, please contact Park Ranger Ben Anderson at Benjamin_Anderson@nps. gov. A discussion will follow.

Additional information is available at 804-226-5041, or at www. nps.gov/mawa or www.Facebook.com/MaggieLWalkerNHS.

Maggie L. Walker

Harriet Tubman

Granville Woods

Rosa Parks

Oliver W. Hill

Sojourner Truth

www.richmondfreepress.com

Richmond Free Press

January 27-29, 2022 B3

Obituaries/Faith Directory

Eunice M. Wilder, former city treasurer, dies at age 83 Eunice Montgomery Wilder, the former Lybrand accounting firm. Ms. Wilder became Richmond city treasurer who held the post treasurer in 1992 with a temporary appointment for 25 years, has died after a brief illness, her from the Richmond Circuit Court following family reported. the retirement of Dr. Franklin J. Gayles, now The Philadelphia native and ex-wife of deceased. former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, died Sunday, With the backing of the Richmond Democratic Jan. 23, 2022.

Committee, she then won election six She was 83. times to secure fresh four-year terms Ms. Wilder graduated from The until she retired in 2017.

Philadelphia High School for Girls, Ms. Wilder was a member of the and earned a bachelor’s in accountAmerican Institute of Certified Public ing from Howard University in 1959.

Accountants, the Virginia Association It was during college when she met of Realtors, the Treasurers’ AssoMr. Wilder, whom she married and ciation of Virginia, and Leadership mothered their three children: Lynn Metro Richmond.

D. Wilder, Lawrence D. Wilder, Jr. Ms. Wilder was also a member of and Loren D. Wilder.

The Richmond Chapter of The Links Ms. Wilder Ms. Wilder began her career at and the National Epicureans, and this Consolidated Bank & Trust Co. After raising year (2022) marks her 50-year membership in her family, she resumed her career as a cost ac- The Girl Friends. countant at Reynolds Metals in 1976 and held She was preceded in death by her parents, Euthe position for 10 years. During that time, she gene and Lucy Montgomery; and three sisters. also obtained her real estate broker’s license and She is survived by her three children and worked at Fowlkes & Ricks. After obtaining a two grandsons, Wilder J. James and Dean E. Certification in Public Accounting (CPA), Ms. James.

A private funeral and interment is planned.

Wilder left Reynolds to work at Coopers &

Milton A. Marriott, former choir leader and musician for local churches and VUU, dies at age 62 Jamaican-born church key- mined to help his choirs grow board artist and singer Milton musically and so dependable.

Anthony Marriott, who led the If he said he was going to play music ministry and directed or sing, he would always be choirs at First Baptist Church of there,” said his daughter, Ashley South Richmond for 32 years, Marriott-Powell. has died.

The family celMr. Marriott, 62, ebrated Mr. Marsuccumbed to illness riott’s life at a private Thursday, Jan. 13, service Friday, Jan. 2022, in Newport 21, at First Baptist News.

Church of South Known for his Richmond, with the warm smile and church’s senior passense of humor, he tor, Dr. Dwight C. was all business in Jones, officiating striving for exceland delivering the Mr. Marriott lence when it came eulogy. to music, his family wrote in Born in Kingston, Jamaica, a statement. it was there Mr. Marriott de“He demanded the best veloped a talent for singing from his choir members and and playing the full repertoire musicians,” his family wrote. of church music, from hymns “Long rehearsals until ‘it was and anthems to inspirational right’ were characteristic of his spirituals and gospel. leadership.”

At age 22, he emigrated to A self-taught prodigy who the United States. First New was playing melodies on the York, he relocated to Richmond keyboard when he was 4 years in 1981 to study music at Virold, Mr. Marriott was so gifted ginia Union University. While he could hear “every note com- there, he met Dr. Jones, pastor ing from every person” in the of First Baptist since 1973, who choir, his family noted. invited him in 1983 to join his Mr. Marriott, who conducted church’s music ministry and while also playing the piano promoted him to minister of and organ, taught the singers music in 1986. he worked with music theory, Affectionately dubbed “Maeemphasized the importance stro Marriott,” Mr. Marriott also of enunciation in singing and served as minister of music at promoted the faith during re- St. James Baptist Church in hearsals, his family stated.

Henrico during Dr. Jones’tenure “He was dedicated to his as pastor of that church as well music and his ministry, deter- as First Baptist.

“The Church With A Welcome”

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

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Mr. Marriott also served several years as VUU’s official organist.

He left First Baptist in December 2018 to become minister of music at First Baptist Church of Hampton. At his death, he was living in Newport News and serving as minister of music at Queen Street Baptist Church of Norfolk.

Along with music, his family said he loved conversation and good food, particularly from his native country.

Survivors also include three other daughters, Dannielle Marriott, Kristin Marriott and Stacey Marriott; two sons, Aeron Marriott and Eli Williams; his mother, Hope Wheeler; two sisters, Kathryn and Nikkola; three brothers; Colin, Lloyd and Darryl; and three grandchildren.

IN LOVING

�emor�

J. HUNTER ELLISON,

my only beloved son, unexpectedly departed this life December 24, 2021 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center at the age of 51.

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)5@4 8;B1 -:0 A:?<1-7-.81 3>512 Geraldine “Gerry” Ellison

Worship With Us This Week!

Virtual Worship January 30, 2022 @ 10:00 A.M. Join us for worship online this week!

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

Additional Opportunities to Engage with Us: *Faith Formation/ Church School (Sat. @ 9:00 AM) Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9164 9805 /Passcode: 2901 *Bible Study (Wed. @ 7:00 PM) Zoom Meeting ID: 854 8862 2296 *Give Via: http://mmbcrva.org/give Or through Givelify 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

Riverview

Moore Street Missionary

Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM

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

Baptist Church

Baptist Church

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# Virtual Sunday Morning Service on FACEBOOK and YouTube 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org

#

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

“Your Home In God’s Kingdom”

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A 21st Century Church We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! *Faith Formation/ ChurchBroad School (Sat. @Rock 9:00 AM) Baptist Church With Ministry For Everyone 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9164 9805 /Passcode: 2901 Come worship with us!

804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) *Bible Study (Wed. @ 7:00 PM) Back Inside Sundays www.BRBCONLINE.org Zoom Meeting ID: 983 8639 0975/ Password: 012563 Join us for *Give Via: http://mmbcrva.org/give Or through Givelify 10:00 AM Worship Service Worship With Us This Week

Back Inside

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

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

Pastor Kevin Cook

Thursday Facebook Live Check in With Pastor

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8:00 P.M. Via http://Facebook.com/mmbcrva

Thirty-first Street SundayChurch Morning Virtual Worship Baptist

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

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10:30 A.M. Via http://Facebook.com/mmbcrva e with Reverence elevanc R Or http://mmbcrva.org/live g in Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor bin

om

❖

The doors of the church are open for worship!

No registration required.

Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays

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

Live on Facebook @sixthbaptistrva Live on Youtube @sixthbaptistrva Or by visiting our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org 400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Weekly Worship: Sundays @Facebook 10:30 Rev. Dr. Yvonne Fax (804) 359-3798 A.M. sixthbaptistrva Jones Bibbs, Pastor www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

(near Byrd Park)

Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M.

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

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

SERVICES

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

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

Richmond Free Press

B4 January 27-29, 2022

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2022-017 To r e z o n e c e r t a i n properties along West Broad Street from the B-2 Community Business District, B-3 General Business District, R-53 Multifamily Residential District, R-73 Multifamily Residential District, RO-1 Residential-Office District, and RO-2 ResidentialOffice District to the TOD-1 Transit-Oriented Nodal District, and to designate certain street blocks as “priority streets” and certain street blocks as “street-oriented commercial streets” along and near West Broad Street.

Ordinance No. 2022-018 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1127 North 29th Street for the purpose of up to eight singlefamily dwellings and up to four two-family dwellings, with off-street parking, upon certain terms and conditions. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed Use. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings (10+units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government.

The density of the proposed development is approximately 34 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2022-019 To authorize the special use of the property known as 729 St. Christopher’s Road for the purpose of athletic fields illuminated by lighting structures in excess of 35 feet in height, upon certain terms and conditions. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Institutional. Primary Uses: Institutional, cultural, government, and open space. Secondary Uses: Retail/office/ personal service and multi-family.

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

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

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

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the February 14, 2022 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the public participation instructions provided on the February 14, 2022 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

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r i c h m o n d g o v. c o m i n lieu of commenting by teleconference or video conference. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a . m . o n M o n d a y, February 14, 2022, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 10th day of March, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

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

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

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Public Hearing on Community Development Needs and Program Performance and Notice of Availability of Funds Henrico County, Virginia As a participant in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG), Henrico County will prepare an Annual Action Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The 202223 Annual Action Plan will include the County’s proposed uses of CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds for the program year beginning October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.

Henrico County will conduct a public hearing at 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 15, 2022, hosted online through WebEx. The public hearing is to provide the public an opportunity to express opinions on community development needs in Henrico County and past performance of community development programs as reported in the 2020-21 CAPER. The County encourages residents to attend, especially those who are low- and moderate-income or reside in low- and moderateincome communities and express their opinions concerning community development needs in the County. Needs may include housing, enhancement of neighborhoods, expansion of economic opportunities, or any other community development needs that residents consider important.

The public hearing will be a virtual hearing only; there will be no opportunity for inperson attendance. A link to the meeting and instructions for participating can be found on the County’s website at henrico.us/revit. Comments may also be provided in advance of the public hearing by email to revitalization@ henrico.us or by phone to (804) 501-7617.

Applications Agencies and organizations interested in applying for CDBG, HOME, or ESG funds for Program Year 2022-23 may do so online by visiting henrico.us/revit.

Applications will be received through ZoomGrants, which requires free registration. A training for using ZoomGrants to apply for funds will be held virtually on Thursday, February 10, 2022. Details can be found at henrico.us/ revit. The deadline to apply is March 7, 2022.

If you have comments or need additional information concerning the public hearing or applying for CDBG, HOME, or ESG funds, please call the Department of Community Revitalization at (804) 5017617. Assistance to disabled persons or those with limited English proficiency will be provided upon request, with at least three (3) business days prior notification to the Department of Community Revitalization.

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER KELSEY NOUIOUA, Plaintiff v.

CORY NOUIOUA, Defendant.

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

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

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

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TONY ALSTON, Plaintiff v.

KIMBERLY HINES, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000079-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SEUN JOSHUA ODUYEMI, Plaintiff v.

TANISHA ODUYEMI, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000080-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 10th day of March, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

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

MATTHEW HUGHES, Defendant.

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

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

An Extract Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER NAPOLION GETACHEW ABEBE, Plaintiff v.

MAHLET SOLOMON Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000053-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 8th day of March, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

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

SHANIKA MCNEAL, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21004133-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, appear here on or before the 2nd day of March, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

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

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HENRICO MOHAMED S. MAHMOUD, Plaintiff v.

MINA BIAD, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21-7502-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit, brought by Mohamed S. Mahmoud, is a Complaint for Divorce.

It appearing from an affidavit that the Defendant, Mina Biad, is a nonresident individual; it is hereby ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before the 7th day of February, 2022, to protect her interest herein.

An Extract Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk

C0051045016 2904 Monet Court C0080854092 7017 Old Jahnke Road C0050600028 5101 Orcutt Lane C0080460046 3612 Patsy Ann Drive C0080985008 200 Pember Lane C0060619054 10 South Plum Street W0000604021 5940 Pocosham Drive C0080969032 1704 Roseneath Road N0001793042 3721 Rusk Avenue C0090920016 6016 Seaman Road C0050785058 3808 Seminary Avenue N0001898008 5319 Snowden Lane W0200076024 5607 Southern Pine Drive C0050479044 4301 Stockton Street C0060330002 2712 Susten Court C0080848022 1812 Texas Avenue W0000701015 2807 Transport Street C0090931058 4021 Traylor Drive C0010525006 2703 Walmsley Boulevard S0090500002 The owner/s of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and cost thereon, including the pro rata costs of publication hereunder.

Gregory A. Lukanuski, Deputy City Attorney Office of the City Attorney for the City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia (804) 646-7949

Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

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

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

Plaintiffs, v.

NORMA JEAN DAVIS; COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT; COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA; LVNV FUNDING LLC; MCV PHYSICIANS fka MCV ASSOCIATED PHYSICIANS; HENRICO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION; BROAD STREET VETERINARY HOSPITAL PC aka BSVH INVESTMENTS, INC.; THE COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA; CLARENDON WOODS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION; LENDMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES; CAPITAL ONE BANK USA NA; HEIRS OF W.B. DAVIS The Unknown heirs, descendants, devisees, assigns, and/ or successors in title to W.B. Davis, if any there be, the consorts of any of the said unknown heirs who are married, the lien creditors of the said unknown heirs, if any, and other persons who may have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, whose names are unknown and are included in the general description of “UNKNOWN HEIRS and PARTIES UNKNOWN”; and PARTIES UNKNOWN Defendants.

Case No.: CL-21-7912 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to sell a certain parcel of real property situated in the County of Henrico, being originally owned by W.B. Davis and Eric L. Chandler and Lorraine M. Chandler, husband and wife, more particularly described as follows: ALL that said piece or parcel of land with all the buildings and improvements thereon, situate, lying and being in the County of Henrico, State of Virginia, on the Central Turnpike (sometimes known as Darbytown Road) containing three acres, more or less, being the same property conveyed to Charles Gordon, deceased, by John R. Pocklington and E. G. Pocklington, his wife, by deed dated July 10, 1885, and recorded in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Henrico County, Virginia in Deed Book 11, page 44.

W.B. Davis and the unknown heirs, devisees, and/or successors in title to W. B. Davis, may have an interest in the property by deed, by inheritance, or by duly recorded liens.

Affidavit having been made and filed that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the identities and/or locations of certain parties to be served, and that there are or may be persons whose names are unknown, interested in the subject matter of this suit; It is ORDERED that W.B. Davis, et al., if then living or if dead, their heirs, devisees, assigns, or successors in title, and other unknown heirs or parties who have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, who are proceeded against as UNKNOWN HEIRS OF W.B. DAVIS and PARTIES UNKNOWN, appear before Court on or before February 28, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. to protect their interests, if any, in this suit.

I ask for this: Curtis D. Gordon, Esquire, V.S.B. # 25325 DANKOS, GORDON & TUCKER, P.C. 1360 E. Parham Road, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23228 Telephone: (804) 377-7424 Facsimile: (804) 262-8088 Email: cgordon@dankosgordon.com Counsel for Plaintiffs

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHRISTOPHER MOORE, Plaintiff v.

JESSICA DAMERON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21004026-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 14th day of February, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

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

STEPHEN GRAY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21004046-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 14th day of February, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

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

PROPERTY Judicial Sale of Real Property Owner/s of the below listed properties are hereby given notice that thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, proceedings will be commenced under the authority of Section 58.13965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to sell the following parcels located in the City of Richmond, Virginia for payment of delinquent taxes: 1705 North 19th Street E0120283003 2507 Afton Avenue S0071677017 205 Arthur Ashe Boulevard North W0001204017 3707 Autumn Lane C0090635052 4506 Butte Road C0010126002 1041 Byswick Lane C0050692012 2806 Cary Street West W0001243020 1515 Chamberlayne Avenue N0000361020 606 Effingham Drive C0060760044 617 Effingham Drive C0060726020 2000 Elkton Road C0080257010 6401 Erhart Road C0070372001 11 Erich Road C0051039046 1006 Faye Street C0050690012 2401 Floyd Avenue W0001078011 5407 Germain Road C0080335020 104 Granite Avenue W0200185018 3101 Grant Street W0001338005 3503 Greer Avenue C0090949022 5521 Hansdale Road C0080815012 2800 Hopkins Road C0090606010 921 Hull Street S0000059019 3126 Irvington Street C0090564030 3408 Irvington Street C0090561028 6000 Laveta Drive C0050891034 5624 Lipton Road C0050861040 2001 Main Street East E0000192001 3246 Manorcrest Road C0080591032 812 Mcdowell Road C0070220010 4009 Mckay Avenue C0090424016 5100 Midlothian Turnpike Continued on next column

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

CHRISTIAN CHARITIES, INC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL22-122 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 419 Mitchell Street, Tax Map Number N000-0222/003, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Christian Charities, Inc. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, CHRISTIAN CHARITIES, INC, an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that CHRISTIAN CHARITIES, INC, an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 3, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

DIVERSIFIED INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, INC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5068 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1325 North 30th Street, Tax Map Number E000-0625/032, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Diversified Investment Properties, Inc. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, DIVERSIFIED INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, INC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/ or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that DIVERSIFIED INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, INC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 3, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Continued on next column

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

RIVER CITY PROPERTY SHOP, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5311 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3359 Dill Avenue, Tax Map Number N005-1182/036, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, River City Property Shop.

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

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

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

TONYA TERRELL, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5310 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1609 North 23rd Street, Tax Map Number E000-0860/005, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Tonya Terrell, Willie Dorsey, Orlando Johnson, Clifton Earl Johnson and Linda Deloris Jones Johnson.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, TONYA TERRELL, WILLIE DORSEY, and ORLANDO JOHNSON, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, CLIFTON EARL JOHNSON, and LINDA DELORIS JONES JOHNSON, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that TONYA TERRELL, WILLIE D O R S E Y, O R L A N D O JOHNSON, CLIFTON EARL JOHNSON, LINDA DELORIS JONES JOHNSON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 3, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

RJR VENTURES, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4321 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3414 Keighly Road, Tax Map Number S008-0780/022, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, RJR Ventures, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, RJR VENTURES, LLC, Rodney Peterson, Registered Agent, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title Continued on next column

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

3208 CAROLINA AVENUE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-3685 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3508 Carolina Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-1164/008, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, 3208 Carolina Avenue.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, 3208 CAROLINA AVENUE, an entity not existing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES OF VIRGINIA, LLC, Registered Agent for 3508 CAROLINA AVE, LLC the owner of the property/grantor in a Deed of Trust recorded at Instrument Number 18-25430 on December 14, 2018, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that 3208 CAROLINA AVENUE, an entity not existing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES OF VIRGINIA, LLC, Registered Agent for 3508 CAROLINA AVE, LLC the owner of the property/ grantor in a Deed of Trust recorded at Instrument Number 18-25430 on December 14, 2018, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 3, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

CARDINAL PROPERTY GROUP, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4875 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3605 Garland Avenue, Tax Map Number N016-0134/019, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Cardinal Property Group, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, CARDINAL PROPERTY GROUP, LLC, Terrell Antwan Turner, Registered Agent, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has/have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that CARDINAL PROPERTY GROUP, LLC, Terrell Antwan Turner, Registered Agent, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 31, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949Notice VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO ERIC L. CHANDLER, and LORRAINE M. CHANDLER Continued on next column

BIDS COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB #22-2280-1JOK St. Claire Lane Sidewalk and Drainage Improvements Due: February 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/ COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB #22-2276-1JL Replacement of Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems at Three Schools Due: 3:00 PM, February 10, 2022 For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/ COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB #22-2275-1JL Replacement of Lighting and Ceilings at Godwin High School Due: 2:00 PM, February 10, 2022 For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/ COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB #22-2274-1JL Nuckols Road Improvements - Phase II Due: 2:00 PM, February 15, 2022 For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/