Richmond Free Press January 7-9, 2021 edition

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VOL. 30 NO. 2

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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A look back at Year 2020 in Photos

JANUARY 7-9, 2021

Trump’s mob sparks violence After spurring violence, chaos and takeover of the U.S. Capitol, President Trump urged his mob of supporters to go home, telling them, ‘We love you. You’re very special.’

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Thousands of President Trump’s supporters — with his encouragement — sought to seize the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Wednesday and halt the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives from completing the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s election as the nation’s next chief executive.

The chaos that some called an attempted coup took place as two Democrats, buoyed by a surge in Black voters, won both of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats on Tuesday night, ushering in a sea change that will give party representatives control of the House and Senate, along with appointments to the judiciary, for the first since 2015.

Democrats also will gain control of the White House after Mr. Biden and his vice president, Kamala Harris, are inaugurated on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

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Maggie Anderson

Mayor Levar M. Stoney, left, gives an elbow bump greeting to his college friend, Virginia Beach Circuit Court Judge Kevin Duffan, who administered the oath of office Monday during a small ceremony inside the new Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School in Church Hill.

Mayor’s new term to focus on transforming city into ‘capital of compassion’

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Mayor Levar M. Stoney promised to listen more, engage the community in developing initiatives and push for “justice and equity” as he was sworn in Monday for a second four-year term.

Describing 2020 as a “year of reckoning” that put racial justice issues on the front burner as the city, state and country battled a pandemic, the mayor called 2021 a year in which to begin “reconciliation” and put the city put on a path for creating policies and practices that promote social and economic justice.

With the removal of the racist Confederate symbols from city property, the mayor said that his focus would be the work of transforming the former capital of the Confederacy into the “capital of compassion.”

Please turn to A4

Jose LuisMagana/Associated Press

Supporters of President Trump scale the west wall of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday before breaking windows and storming the building, where they took over the Senate and House chambers and several offices. Police finally secured the building around 6:20 p.m.

Jon Ossoff, left, and Raphael Warnock exchange elbow bumps Monday during a campaign rally in Augusta, Ga. Democrats Ossoff and Warnock won their respective racdes against incumbent Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in a runoff election Jan. 5.

Michael Holahan/The Augusta Chronicle via AP

Hopewell nurse dies helping COVID-19 patients

By George Copeland Jr.

One hour after the new year began, nurse Syvie M. Robertson died at age 51 from COVID-19 complications at Johnston-Willis Hospital in Richmond, leaving behind a loving family and promising future.

“She was a good daughter, a loving mom and a great nurse,” her mother, Mona Terry, said Wednesday from her home in Louisville, Ky., during a virtual news conference organized by Richmonder Charles Willis, head of United Communities Against Crime.

“I want Syvie to be remembered as a hard-working nurse, but I also want her to be remembered as a person who followed the science.”

Ms. Terry shared details about her only daughter and cautioned against not heeding the dangers of the pandemic.

Originally from Petersburg, Ms. Robertson had been working as a licensed practical nurse at Hopewell Health

Screenshot of Ms. Robertson

Care Center for three years when she was assigned in July to a ward treating COVID-19 patients.

According to Ms. Terry, Ms. Robertson was resolved to help as best she could despite her own fears about potential infection and her mother’s warnings to quit her job and wait until a vaccine was available.

“Scared does not quite cover how

Syvie felt,” said Ms. Terry, who was in constant communication with Ms. Robertson. “Each day she went into the hospital, and she knew that she needed to stay protected. She needed to wear a mask every hour on her shift.”

Despite being diligent in her efforts to avoid contracting the virus, Ms. Robertson was admitted just after Thanksgiving to Johnston-Willis Hospital. She was unable to walk and struggling to breathe, her mother said.

Two days later, she was placed in the intensive care unit, with a ventilator prolonging her life as her bodily functions and organs ceased one by one. Her heart eventually stopped on Jan. 1.

“The only saving grace for me and the family was that Syvie was totally unconscious when she started declining,” Ms. Terry said. “She could not realize the damage that this COVID-19 had done to her body before she passed away.”

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Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Richmond City Council members applaud during the swearing-in ceremony Monday at City Hall. They were sworn in one member at a time in person in the City Council Chambers and then met virtually as a group from their City Hall offices.

New City Council has history-making membership

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Along with welcoming two new members, City Council installed two veterans and allies of Mayor Levar M. Stoney in its top leadership posts Monday and reshuffled committee chairmanships.

Dr. Cynthia I. Newbille, now starting her 12th year representing the city’s 7th District in the East End, promised to put more effort into ensuring members work together as she won re-election to a second term as council president.

Dr. Newbille noted the city is facing multiple challenges, including a disruptive pandemic that “will require all of us learning, working more collaboratively to address these challenges and to facilitate the kind of recovery and rebound our city needs to create an even better future for all.”

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, who just completed her 17th Please turn to A4

Dr. Anthony Fauci to address COVID-19 myths on city panel Jan. 8 Free Press staff report

The nation’s top doctor in the battle against COVID-19 will participate in a virtual discussion of health disparities and the coronavirus on Friday, Jan. 8, that will be open to the public.

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci will be the featured guest on “Facts and Faith Fridays” from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. that is being conducted by the Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam, state Health Commissioner Dr. M. Norman Oliver and Black clergy also will participate in the conversation and panel discussion aimed at dispelling myths about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Registration is open at https://redcap.link/

itntraru or at massey.vcu.

Dr. Fauci edu and is required to obtain the Zoom meeting number and password to access the event.

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

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. to noon, Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Avenue, North Side.

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School Board swears in new members, selects new leaders

By Ronald E. Carrington

The East End gained another leadership post with Cheryl L. Burke’s election as the new Richmond School Board chair.

Ms. Burke, the 7th District representative for Church Hill and Fulton, eked out a 5-4 victory to claim the top post for the board.

The leadership election on Monday followed the reelection of 7th District City Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille as the president of the governing body, the first time in recent memory representatives Please turn to A4

Richmond Public Schools

New Richmond School Board member Mariah L. White, 2nd District, is sworn in Monday by Richmond Circuit Court Clerk Edward F. Jewett with her sons, Lehman White, 12, left, and Alijah White, 9, holding the Bible. Mrs. White is among four new members on the nine-member board.

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January 7-9, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Advocates launch effort to expand paid sick days for workers

By George Copeland Jr.

cent of voters favoring a paid sick day standard.

An alliance of 25 Virginia “This is a wildly popular organizations, coordinated by policy,” Ms. Bobo said, “and the Virginia Interfaith Center we can see why it makes sense for Public Policy, is calling for for business, it makes sense the expansion of paid sick days for workers and right now across the Commonit makes sense for wealth to aid workers public health.” and their families in Currently, only a way that may help one-third of employstem the spread of ees in Virginia’s bigCOVID-19. gest food and retail The Virginians service companies are for Paid Sick Days able to take paid sick Coalition kicked off days, according to a Ms. Bobo its campaign Tuesday report from Harvard morning with a virtual news University’s Malcolm Wiener conference where advocates Center for Social Policy and stressed the need for legislation the University of California, San to address the issue.

Francisco.

“When it comes to feeding Among the 733 workers suryour family and paying your veyed for the report, 39 percent rent or going to work sick, I of Latino workers, 36 percent don’t know a single person who of Caucasian workers and 26 would not choose to feed their percent of African-American family or pay their rent,” said workers said they had paid time Joshua Briere, a Virginia Com- off. The percentages were even monwealth University student lower for parents with children and restaurant worker for the younger than 10. last six years.

Research done before the “Catching a cold should not COVID-19 pandemic by the get you evicted or leave your Institute for Women’s Policy family hungry,” he said. “This Research and the National Partissue is even more important nership for Women & Families now in the age of COVID. We found that 41.4 percent of prineed to ensure that there’s a vate sector workers in Virginia, safety net for Virginians when or roughly 1.2 million workers, they get sick.” didn’t have access to paid sick The speakers, including Kim days or any paid time off.

Bobo, executive director of The lack of access to paid the Virginia Interfaith Center days off is likely a significant for Public Policy, as well as part of the COVID-19 spread, local business owners Buzz explained Dr. Danny T.K. Goldberg of Buzz & Ned’s Real Avula, director of the Richmond Barbecue and Mark Smith of and Henrico health districts.

Midas of Richmond, shared the Workers unable to take social and financial benefits of time off without worrying paid sick leave and urged state about paying for food, rent lawmakers to take swift action and other expenses may opt on bills coming before the to not get tested for the virus, legislature during the General Dr. Avula said.

Assembly session that begins With COVID-19 outbreaks next week. prevalent in workplaces nationThe coalition called for wide, and how many of these passage of a bill by Delegate jobs are performed by low-inElizabeth Guzman of Prince come and minority workers, Dr. William County that would Avula expressed concern how mandate 40 hours of paid sick a lack of options for workers leave for essential workers, as has exacerbated COVID-19’s well as legislation sponsored spread.

by Sen. Barbara A. Favola of “It’s an untenable decision Northern Virginia that would for so many people,” Dr. Avula require employers who already said. “I know that there are provide paid time off to allow thousands of people who are workers to use it to care for not getting tested, who are not sick family members. picking up the phone when the While advocates have faced health department calls because, pushback on the issue for years, for them, it’s literally life and Ms. Bobo expressed confidence death. ‘Do I not bring home food, that opinions have shifted, with income, rent for my family, or recent polling showing 83 per- do I take this call and know that

VLBC retains strength with special election victories Free Press staff report

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus gained two new members Tuesday night as the result of special elections to fill vacant seats in the House of Delegates.

The new state lawmakers and caucus members are education advocate Candi King of Prince William County and Norfolk City Council member and real estate broker Angelia Williams Graves, both Democrats.

Ms. King and Ms. Graves defeated Republican opponents in Tuesday’s special elections to fill the two vacant seats ahead of the new General Assembly session’s opening on Ms. Graves Ms. King Wednesday, Jan. 13, according to the state Board of Elections.

Ms. King won the race in the 2nd District to succeed attorney Jennifer Carroll Foy, who resigned to focus on her campaign for governor.

Ms. Graves won the 90th District contest to succeed attorney Joseph Lindsey, who stepped down to accept an appointment as a Norfolk General District Court judge.

Ms. Foy and Judge Lindsey were both members of the VLBC. The victories of Ms. King and Ms. Graves enable the caucus to maintain its political strength of 19 House members and four state senators.

With their win, Democrats also will continue to hold their 55-seat majority in the 100-member House of Delegates.

Correction City Hall has not begun talks with the Loving family about purchasing 12 parcels in Shockoe Bottom, including the vacant Loving’s Produce building at 1601 E. Grace St., to add to the proposed Enslaved African Heritage Campus, according to Jim Nolan, press secretary to Mayor Levar M. Stoney.

An article in the Dec. 31, 2020-Jan. 2, 2021, edition incorrectly reported that the mayor already had an agreement with the Loving family.

The city Planning Commission cleared the acquisition Monday, and Mayor Stoney is expected to gain City Council approval Monday, Jan. 11, for a declaration of public necessity enabling the city to proceed to acquire the 1.75 acres that the 12 parcels comprise and that would extend the campus to East Franklin Street.

The Free Press regrets the error.

I’m going to have to stay home for 10 days?’ ” He continued, “I think COVID has just made so abundantly clear that things like a paid sick leave benefits not only that individual and allows them to make the right decision for themselves and their family, but it has implications for the workplace.”

The news conference was the launch of the coalition’s “Paid Sick Days for Virginia” tour in which the group will highlight the issue with workers, business owners, public health and faith officials and others. The virtual tour will include stops in Richmond, Fairfax, Hampton Roads and Charlottesville throughout January.

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

City Hall is being proactive in pushing safe practices during the pandemic. This sign was prominently displayed outside the second floor City Council Chambers on Monday before the nine council members were sworn in — including seven women, the most ever. Only a few people, mostly media and some family members, were allowed in the chamber for the ceremony. Others were able to connect to online channels to see the public ceremony.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

VUU receives $6M grant from Dominion Energy; names new trustees Free Press staff report

Virginia Union University has been awarded a $6 million grant from Dominion Energy to enable the school to beef up its offerings in science, technology, engineering and math and improve its campus.

To be paid over six years, the grant will enable VUU to endow a program of studies in STEM subjects, pay for technology upgrades to 40 classrooms and support a workforce development and training program that will allow participating students to cover part of their tuition, according to university officials.

The private Baptist-affiliated school also plans to use the funds to endow a scholarship named for Dominion Energy that will cover the annual tuition for two students and to complete the renovation of Huntley Hall, a 120-year-old freshman dorm that is being converted to suite-style living.

The award to VUU is the largest slice of a $25 million donation that the Richmond-based utility giant made to 11 historically Black colleges and universities in its operating area through its new six-year HBCU Promise program.

Other beneficiaries include Virginia State, Hampton and Norfolk State universities, which each received between $2.5 million and $2.7 million, a portion of which is to be used to endow scholarships named for Dominion.

VUU President Hakim J. Lucas praised the company for supporting the growth of a school that traces its beginnings to 1865 after the Civil War ended “as we continue to expand our offerings to the next generation of scholars.”

Those offerings include the STEM studies program VUU plans to launch that will include scholarships, faculty enrichment, research and other programs to develop

Black professionals, Dr. Lucas stated.

Separately, VUU announced that Dr. Pamela K. Royall, a higher education research and marketing strategist, has been named to the VUU Board of Trustees.

Dr. Royall replaces her late husband, William A. “Bill” Royall Jr., as a trustee.

The couple have been longtime supporters of VUU and of the arts in Richmond and are best known for aiding in bringing the “Rumors of War” statue by artist Kehinde Wiley to the city.

A former professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Royall currently leads enrollment services research at EAB, a national educational consulting firm that has an operation in Henrico County.

Serena McKay, a junior from Orange, N.J., who is majoring in social work, also was appointed to the VUU board as the student representative. She replaces student Jaelynn Hodges for a one-year term.

GRTC, union stalled on new contract for drivers

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

An unexpected impasse has developed in contract talks between GRTC and its unionized drivers that is creating friction and blocking approval of a new three-year contract to replace the one that expired Sept. 30.

Drivers of buses and Pulse vehicles continue to work under the terms of the old contract, according to Maurice Carter, president and business agent for Local 1220 of the Amalgamated Transit Union.

“We’re still trying to get this settled to avoid any disruption of service,” Mr. Carter said.

The impasse has developed even as CARE Van operators, who are under a separate contract, reached agreement with the GRTC contractor, First Transit Inc., on a new three-year deal, Mr. Carter said.

Key provisions include an increase in pay, with the starting pay going to $14.50 an hour and top pay going to $18 an hour, he said.

For GRTC, the impasse on the contract is happening as the company deals with the

impact of COVID-19, including a 30 percent decline in ridership and continuing detection of positive cases among its office staff who do not interact with the public.

The company reported two more cases Monday, bringing the total of those testing positive to 46. Virtually all have recovered. One bus operator died from the virus last year.

The main sticking point involves contract language, Mr. Carter said, not wages and benefits. “We’ve pretty much reached agreement on those items,” he said.

This time, the two sides are divided on retaining language from previous contracts.

Those contracts included a line that kept in place operational practices that were not codified but had become accepted.

GRTC Chief Executive Officer Julie Timm has sought to replace that language with new wording that would allow the company to change, alter or abolish such practices, Mr. Carter said.

Ms. Timm told the GRTC board in December that the language maintains the “the long-standing right to set work rules.”

In a report to the board, she stated that GRTC had modified the language to require the company to notify the union of new rules or modifications five days before changes go into force to give the union time “to review and comment.”

“We can’t support that,” Mr. Carter said.

He said the union’s position is that it should be able to negotiate all work rule changes with GRTC and should get more than five days to review any new rules or changes.

The local, which has about 400 members, mainly represents more than 370 bus and CARE van drivers, mechanics and cleaners.

The two sides have not met since Nov. 10, but both sides are seeking to set up another meeting later this month in a fresh effort to reach agreement.

Relations between GRTC and the union generally are cordial. However, in 2015, after contract talks stalled, members of the local voted for the first time in decades to authorize a strike, which quickly led to a settlement. So far, Mr. Carter said the local has not scheduled such a vote.

City could have saved $8M on 2 new schools

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The new vice chairman of the Richmond School Board wants to end what he sees as overspending on new school buildings.

Jonathan M. Young, 4th District, called it unacceptable that, based on state data, Richmond paid an estimated $8 million extra to build two new elementary schools compared with the average price other school districts paid for new elementary schools.

“We can no longer defend the indefensible,” Mr. Young said. Such extra spending is “not fair to our students, parents or Richmond taxpayers.”

He said he wants the School Board to insist that the traditional sealed-bid method be used in the future to procure potential contractors for new school construction rather than continuing the city’s practice of accepting a fixed price from a contractor selected internally by a joint city-school task force ­— a method called construction manager at-risk.

Mr. Young and School Board member Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, were among a minority of board members who have spoken out previously about construction costs, but were overruled.

However, Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration disagrees.

“We’re proud of the decision and the process to build three new state-of-the-art schools ready to serve 2,800 children,” acting Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders stated in response to a Free Press query.

“The use of CM At-Risk to make this happen was an easy decision: We prioritized kids over contractors,” Mr. Saunders stated.

The new data from the Virginia Depart-

ment of Education confirms previous Free Press reports indicating Richmond school construction costs appear out of line with costs of other school districts. The data also is providing new ammunition to aid efforts to push the board into keeping a closer watch on school building costs.

According to VDOE figures, the city’s cost just for construction of the new Cardinal Elementary and Henry L. Marsh III Elementary averaged $282 per square foot, or $38 higher than the statewide average of $244 per square foot in 2019-20.

Based on that data, Richmond would have saved about $8 million if the construction costs for the two schools had tracked the state average.

A comparison with two other school districts illustrates the higher cost that Richmond has paid and why Mr. Young feels the school system was ripped off by using the construction manager at-risk process rather than sealed bidding.

Under construction manager at-risk, the chosen contractor agrees to pick up the tab for any cost overruns over the fixed bid price.

In the latest data, VDOE reported that in June 2020, Chesapeake’s School Board approved construction of a new 928-student elementary school that would cost $25.1 million. That report stated that constructiononly expenses are to run $173.24 per square foot for a building that would have 125,113 square feet when completed.

Contrast that to Richmond, which contracted for Cardinal Elementary in 2019 and shelled out $37.1 million in reportable VDOE expenses, or $12 million more.

Cardinal Elementary has 118,901 square feet and a 1,069-student capacity. The construction-only cost: $267 per square foot.

The bottom line: Chesapeake is getting a bigger building and is paying substantially less in construction costs than Richmond.

The new Marsh Elementary, which is smaller at 100,000 square feet, cost even more to construct — $298 per square foot.

Since 2018, VDOE data show Chesterfield County, which uses sealed bidding, has contracted for six new elementary schools.

The data show the construction-only cost has hovered around $211 per square foot, or well below the city’s expenditure for brick, mortar, windows, labor and other building-related costs.

Richmond did not appear to benefit by paying extra to hire construction management giant AECOM to track costs and oversee the contractors on behalf of the city rather than using in-house staff.

Along with paying more, Richmond’s new elementary schools also were not delivered on time and would not have been usable if the city’s public schools had opened to students in September. The pandemic led to buildings staying closed and classes going virtual.

City Hall previously confirmed that required certificates of occupancy that authorize a building to be used were not issued for the two elementary schools and the new River City Middle School until November, even though Mayor Levar M. Stoney ceremonially turned over the keys to the buildings to Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras just before the start of fall classes.

The Virginia Contractor Procurement Alliance had warned the city before the contracts for the buildings were issued that the construction manager at-risk method would result in higher costs.

Richmond Free Press

January 7-9, 2021

Make your cervical health a priority.

What better time to book your screening than during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month?

Over 4,000 women die from cervical cancer each year. But there are steps you can take to prevent or detect cervical cancer early for treatment that could save your life.

Who is at risk?

Every year, nearly 14,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Some women are more at risk than others. Are you one of them?

14,000

ncer a C l a c i v Cer ess Month Awaren

women per year diagnosed with cervical cancer Risk factors: • Having a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection • Sexual activity at an early age • Having many sexual partners • Smoking • Long-term birth control pill usage (more than 5 years) • Having HIV or a weakened immune system • Family history of cervical cancer

What are the warning signs?

Early on, cervical cancer may not cause signs and symptoms. Symptoms often don’t begin until the cancer has grown into advanced cervical cancer.

Prevention, early detection and treatment options: Being educated on prevention, early detection, and what treatments are available will help you make the right choice for you.

What you can do: • Get vaccinated against HPV (for ages 9–26) • Get screened regularly: the CDC recommends Pap tests every 3 years for those aged 21-30; for those aged 30-65, talk with your doctor about whether to do Pap tests every 3 years, HPV tests every 5 years or co-tests (both HPV and Pap) every 5 years • Don’t smoke, use condoms and limit the number of sexual partners • Cervical cancer can be treated through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy

Here’s what to look for: • Increased or unusual vaginal discharge • Spotting or light bleeding outside of menstrual period • Longer and heavier than usual menstrual bleeding • Bleeding or pain from sexual intercourse • Bleeding after menopause

We care about the health and safety of our communities. To learn more, visit vcuhealth.org. © 2020 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: VCU Health - Massey Cancer Center; CDC.gov; cancer.org.

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Richmond Free Press

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News

Trump’s mob sparks violence at U.S. Capitol Continued from A1

The narrow but huge victories of Dr. Raphael G. Warnock and T.J. “Jon” Ossoff in Georgia’s runoff elections– with Dr. Warnock making history as the state’s first elected Black U.S. senator—were quickly overshadowed as a mob of civilians wearing MAGA hats and clothing took unprecedented action to try and keep President Trump in office.

Marching to the Capitol after a rally near the White House, hundreds scaled, toppled or kicked aside protective metal barricades and sought to enter the building. Some broke windows and others sought to climb walls and raise the Trump flag. Others massed in the front and began pushing against the force of U.S. Capitol Police in riot gear.

Facing overwhelming odds, the officers mostly used pepper spray, tear gas and noxious smoke bombs to try to back the crowds off, but some in the mob managed to enter the building, and take over the Senate chamber and other offices.

Demonstrators also threw materials at law enforcement officers, and there were indications that a few officers were injured in physical confrontations with the protestors.

A woman who reportedly took part in the effort to seize the building was shot inside the Capitol and later died at a Washington hospital.

Amid the uproar, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowers imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and Virginia Gov. Ralph S. Northam dispatched 200 State Police officers and some National Guard troops to assist in restoring order.

Vice President Mike Pence separately called for an immediate end to the “violence and destruction” taking place.

There was little evidence of shootings outside the building by either police or protestors as they faced off. Authorities had arrested more than 300 people Tuesday and early Wednesday for violation of city laws banning people from carrying weapons.

The action erupted after a clearly unhinged President Trump encouraged the sea of supporters to march on Congress to protest the review of state-certified results that the U.S. Constitution requires. In addressing the demonstrators on Wednesday, he urged his fans to come after all of court challenges were dismissed.

nounced earlier in the day that he would not block certification of results from any states.

The effort to storm the building to stop what protestors called “the steal” led to a lockdown of both the House and Senate chambers for several hours and a suspension of the proceedings, the counting of the electoral votes from each state.

Lawmakers ended up being evacuated for several hours before the Capitol was declared secure around 6:20 p.m.

The proceedings then continued and were expected to last into the night as elected adherents of President Trump, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, raised what many called baseless objections in a bid to string out the usually routine process without any prospect for ultimate success.

Around 4:30 p.m., President Trump issued a video message telling people who had breached the Capitol to go home.

“There’s never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away Andrew Harnik/Associated Press from all of us,” he said. “This was a fraudulent U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gunpoint near the House Chamber election, but we can’t play into the hands of these inside the Capitol. The Trump mob broke windows and forced their way people. We have to have peace. So go home. We into the building, which went on lockdown. love you. You’re very special.

“I know your pain. I know your hurt. We had an election that “We will never give up. We will never concede. It doesn’t happen. You don’t concede when there’s theft involved,” the was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone president told his cheering supporters in continuing his false knows it, especially the other side,” he continued as it became claim that Mr. Biden’s victory was based on fraudulent vote clear that the insurrection had failed.

He told his followers that Americans must respect law and counts.

“We won this election, and we won it by a landslide. This order and urged them to stand and remain peaceful to avoid any was not a close election,” President Trump claimed, and he physical harm to themselves and others.

Before the Capitol was put on lockdown, many Republican vowed to “primary the hell out of those Republican members of Congress” who refused to be intimidated and adhered to their leaders, including outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, condemned the president’s attacks on the election. oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution.

The uproar in Washington appeared to have widened the split in In his speech, he called GOP members turning against him “weak Republicans” and “pathetic,” apparently including Vice the Republican Party, which analysts now see as divided between President Pence, who was presiding over the Senate before the those swearing personal fealty to President Trump and his family building was stormed by the mob. Vice President Pence an- and those who continue to believe in representative democracy.

Mayor’s new term to focus on transforming city Continued from A1

Long on ideals and short on specifics, Mayor Stoney delivered his remarks after Judge Kevin Duffan, a college friend of the mayor’s and first African-American judge on the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, administered the oath of office.

The city streamed the noon ceremony held at the new Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School in Church Hill, one of the three new schools built during his first term.

Only a few people were allowed in, including City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, who represents the area. Others included Chairman James M. Nachman and Vice Chair Joyce K. Smith of the Richmond Electoral Board, who presented the mayor with a framed certificate of election.

“Richmonders want — moreover they deserve — more than the status quo,” Mayor Stoney said after touting some of the successes of his first term, including repaving 500 lane miles of city streets and filling more than 80,000 potholes.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us if we

want to build a city that meaningfully reflects the lessons learned not only in 2020, but also throughout centuries of our unique, tumultuous history,” he continued.

“We must fill the potholes, pave the streets, pick up the trash and issue the permits on time,” he said, noting that City Hall must do more to improve service delivery.

“But my priority will always be serving as a champion of Richmonders burdened by generational poverty.”

Asked for specifics at a media briefing after the event, Mayor Stoney spoke of some unspecified internal changes he wants to make at City Hall but offered little more. He is expected to offer details when he presents his State of the City speech later this month.

Elected with less than 40 percent of the vote, Mayor Stoney acknowledged that he would need to do more to mend fences and build better relationships with a previously balky City Council, while also enlisting residents to help craft change-creating policies.

The mayor said that despite the challenges of

New City Council has history-making membership Continued from A1

year representing the 6th District that includes parts of the city on both sides of James River, was the unanimous choice for vice president, a post she previously held from 2009 to 2015.

The tandem of leadership reflects that seven women now hold seats on the nine-member City Council. That’s the most ever and includes the two new members, who cast their first recorded votes in the election of officers after being sworn in.

The new members are 2nd District Councilwoman Katherine Jordan, who replaced Kim B. Gray, and 3rd District Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert, who replaced Chris A. Hilbert.

On the committee front, Councilman Andreas

D. Addison, 1st District, took Ms. Robertson’s place as chair of the Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee and also became the council’s representative on the city Planning Commission.

Councilwoman Kristen N. Larson, 4th District, took over as chair of the Governmental Operations Committee from Mr. Addison, and Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, 5th District, replaced Ms. Larson as chair of the Education and Human Services Committee.

Councilman Michael J. Jones, 9th District, retained his chairmanship of the Finance and Economic Development Committee, and Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, 8th District, also remained chair of the Public Safety Committee.

Dr. Newbille also will continue to chair the Organizational Development Committee.

Hopewell nurse dies helping COVID-19 patients Continued from A1

Ms. Terry said it’s not known exactly where Ms. Robertson contracted the fatal virus, but the conditions she was required to work under “were not the best.”

Ms. Terry said she has been in discussions with another nurse at the facility about it.

Ms. Robertson’s death came one day after Virginia recorded more than 5,000 COVID-19 -related deaths and as national, state and local health officials warn that a wave of new cases is expected within the next two weeks that could heavily impact hospitals already strained by the pandemic.

Already, the sheer volume of cases in recent weeks has left health systems across the United States scrambling and often taking desperate measures to ensure continued operations.

Ms. Terry admits her daughter’s death has been hard for her and her family, with the required social distancing making the ordeal worse. But she said she wants to honor her daughter’s life and work by stressing the need for people to follow safety guidelines.

Ms. Terry also stressed the safety of the COVID19 vaccines, adding she doesn’t want others to face the same tragedy that struck her family.

“It’s important to me for people to pay attention to what is happening around us,” Ms. Terry said. “If we do not listen, there are going to be a lot more people grieving the loss of their loved ones.”

Ms. Robertson, a member of New Life Deliverance Tabernacle in South Side, is survived by two daughters, a son and four grandchildren.

“I want people to remember Syvie Mechelle Robertson and her sacrifice doing something she loved to do.”

Dr. Fauci to address COVID-19 myths Continued from A1

This is the latest edition of a program that Dr. Robert Winn, director of the VCU Massey Cancer Center, launched in early March to reach Black ministers to discuss COVID-19, cancer and other health issues. He teamed up with the Rev. F. Todd Gray of Fifth Street Baptist Church to connect with area clergy during a weekly call on Fridays.

The Friday calls now include 500 church leaders, according to Dr. Winn’s office.

the past and those ahead, he remains confident and optimistic as he draws inspiration from the resilience and hope he finds in others.

“I’ve talked to the mother, bone-tired after working multiple jobs, still concerned about the quality of education her children will receive. That’s hope,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to the returning citizen, crippled by a felony conviction, shedding tears of joy and gratitude for an opportunity to work again,” he continued. “That’s hope.”

“On my visits to each and every school in our city, I have met beautiful boys and girls who proudly share their big dreams with me. That’s hope.”

He urged city residents to join him to “meet our moment.”

“It won’t come easy. It will require Herculean effort from each and every one of us. But I know we will get there,” he said.

“Yes, 2020 may have been a dark year, but dawn is on the horizon.”

School Board swears in new members, selects new leaders Continued from A1

of the district have held both posts.

The new nine-member School Board also has eight women – also a first.

Ms. Burke said that she was honored, delighted and grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair, and noted there is still a lot of work to be done for Richmond’s students, a significant number of whom are not participating in virtual school.

“This has been a positive journey,” Ms. Burke said. “I will pray for strength to make correct decisions. Be patient. I also want us (the board) to work as a team as we bring together our collective strengths and experiences.

If we do that well, the district’s deficits will be addressed.”

Those casting the protest votes were Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, and three new board members, Mariah L. White, 2nd District; Stephanie M. Rizzi, 5th District; and Shonda HarrisMuhammed, 6th District, who served on the School Board in the past.

Ms. Harris-Muhammed had been the choice of the small group to lead the board, but a fifth vote for her proved elusive.

Ms. Burke gained the support of returning board members Elizabeth “Liz” Doerr, 1st District; Jonathan M. Young, 4th District; Dawn C. Page, 8th District; and new member Nicole Jones, 9th District.

Mr. Young, the lone man on the board, se-

Free COVID-19 testing Continued from A1 • Friday, Jan. 8, 1 to 3 p.m., Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., in Eastern Henrico. Drive-thru testing.

• Tuesday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., in Eastern Henrico. Drive-thru testing.

• Thursday, Jan. 14, 1 to 3 p.m., Broad Rock Community Center, 4615 Ferguson Lane, South Side.

• Friday, Jan. 15, 1 to 3 p.m., Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., in Eastern Henrico. Drive-thru testing.

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

Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering free COVID-19 testing at the following location: • Second Baptist Church, 5100 W. Hundred Road, Chester, 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, 18 and 25.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 20 and 27.

• Chesterfield County Health Department, 9501 Lucy Corr Circle, Smith-Wagner Building

cured the No. 2 position as vice chair without any opposition.

Ahead for the board will be the question of whether to go to a year-round schedule to help make up for the educational deficits resulting from the pandemic’s virtual schooling. Superintendent Jason Kamras has indicated his support for year-round schooling.

The board also will need to consider a new contract for Mr. Kamras, who started in February 2018 and whose current contract will expire June 30.

During the meeting’s public comment section, the board reviewed letters and online comments from parents and teachers urging that Mr. Kamras be retained.

Mr. Kamras, who has two young sons enrolled in a city public school, told the Free Press, “I hope and pray that I will be able to continue to serve for many more years.”

The board also will focus on a new budget and the continuing impact of the pandemic.

Improving graduation rates, lowering the dropout rate and addressing the needs of immigrant children who need extra help learning English are other items on the board’s agenda.

Ms. Doerr said she is “excited about the prospect of year-round school as well as implementation of the school systems strategic plan, Dream4RPS, the overhaul of alternative programs for students with discipline problems and the expansion of high school themes for rigorous learning.”

Multipurpose room, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 9 and 23.

Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms. The testing is free, and no reservations are necessary.

Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) 318-8207.

As the nation set a grim new record of more than 20 million positive cases of the coronavirus, the Virginia Department of Health reported Wednesday that 481,550 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed throughout Virginia, with 116,247 administered to date.

State statistics also showed Wednesday that 5,387 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the last 24 hours, raising the cumulative total to 377,300 cases statewide, along with 18,636 hospitalizations and 5,226 deaths.

According to Virginia data, African-Americans comprised 21.2 percent of cases and 24.5 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 20.1 percent of the cases and 8 percent of deaths.

Locally, as of Wednesday, 9,887 cases, 575 hospitalizations and 100 deaths were reported in Richmond; 13,561 cases, 692 hospitalizations and 299 deaths were reported in Henrico; and 13,953 cases, 621 hospitalizations and 175 deaths were reported in Chesterfield.

Richmond Free Press

January 7-9, 2021

A5

News

Federal stimulus bill eliminates $1.3B in HBCU debt

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

In 2012, Virginia Union University was awarded a $17 million federal loan as it began development of a combination conference center and residence hall.

Six years later, VUU President Hakim J. Lucas is preparing to tear up the loan documents because there suddenly is no longer any debt to repay on the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center that opened in 2014.

Like other historically Black colleges and universities, VUU is benefitting from the new federal COVID-19 stimulus bill that became law just before the nation rang in the new year.

Along with $600 stimulus checks to individuals and 11 weeks of extended unemployment benefits, a little-noticed section of the bill directed the U.S. Secretary of Education to eliminate $1.3 billion in loans still active in the government’s HBCU Capital Financing Program.

The move follows major donations from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the wealthy ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Since 1996, the federal capital financing program has assisted 50 HBCUs to renovate aging buildings or build new classrooms and dormitories.

According to the loan program, the legislation that President Trump signed into law Dec. 27 will eliminate 86 loans that have been provided to 45 colleges and universities. Among them is Hampton University, the only other HBCU in Virginia to tap the program. Hampton will be relieved of $50 million in debt.

Credit for this initiative is going to Congresswoman Alma Adams of Charlotte, N.C., a Democrat who proposed the HBCU relief that was included in the 2,126-page bill.

Also in the bill, according to Rep. Adams and Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott of Newport News, chair of the House Education Committee, is a major expansion of the Pell Grant program, including restoring eligibility to those in prison.

Rep. Adams said the stimulus package also includes a reform of the federal student loan application process to make it simpler and easier for students and parents to seek financial support while also removing barriers that have blocked some from accessing loans.

VUU’s Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center

No charges in shootings of Jacob Blake and Tamir Rice Free Press wire report

KENOSHA, Wis. A Wisconsin prosecutor declined Tuesday to file charges against a white police officer who shot a Black man in the back in Kenosha, Wis., concluding he couldn’t disprove the officer’s contention that he acted in self-defense because he feared the man would stab him.

The decision, met with swift criticism from civil rights advocates and some public officials, threatened to reignite protests that rocked the city after the Aug. 23 shooting that left Jacob Blake paralyzed.

Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat who is white, called the decision “further evidence that our work is not done” and called for people to work together for equity. Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who is Black, was more pointed on Twitter: “I wish I could say that I’m shocked. It’s another instance in a string of misapplications of justice.”

The decision by Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley comes exactly one week after the U.S. Justice Department announced that it would not bring federal criminal charges against two Cleveland police officers in the 2014 killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, saying video of the shooting was of too poor a quality for prosecutors to conclusively establish what had happened.

In Kenosha, Mr. Graveley said investigators concluded Mr. Blake was carrying a knife when police responded to a report he was trying to steal a car. Officer Rusten Sheskey said he “feared Jacob Blake was going to stab him with the knife” as he tried to stop Mr. Blake from fleeing the scene.

“I do not believe the state ... would be able to prove that the privilege of self-defense is not available,” Graveley said.

The shooting of Mr. Blake, captured on bystander video, turned the nation’s spotlight on Wisconsin during a summer marked by protests over police brutality and racism. More than 250 people were arrested during protests in the days that followed, including then-17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, a self-styled medic with an assault rifle who is charged in the fatal shootings of two men and the wounding of a third.

Mr. Blake’s family members expressed anger about the charging decision and led a small protest Tuesday night, but emphatically said

they do not support any violence in the wake of the decision.

Justin Blake said his nephew is focused on his recovery and is an inspiration to his family.

He said Jacob Blake wanted to encourage the community to come together call for justice in his case.

“This is going to impact this city and this state and this nation for many years to come,” Justin Blake said, “unless the people rise up and do what they’re supposed to do. This is a government for the people by the people, correct? We talk about this Constitution everybody’s supposed to be so committed to, and yet we stand in the state that has the most convictions of AfricanAmericans in the United States. So they’re weighMr. Blake ing heavy on one side of justice, but they’re allowing police officers to rain down terror on our communities.

It’s injust.”

Ben Crump, an attorney for Mr. Blake’s family, said in a statement the decision “further destroys trust in our justice system” and said he would proceed with a lawsuit. In a later tweet, Mr. Crump questioned whether Mr. Blake threatened Officer Sheskey with a knife, saying “nowhere does the video footage show a knife extended and aimed to establish the requisite intent.”

A federal civil rights investigation into Blake’s shooting is still underway. Matthew Krueger, the U.S. attorney for Wisconsin’s Eastern District, said the Department of Justice will make its own charging decision.

The Blake shooting happened three months after George Floyd died while being held down by police in Minneapolis, a death that was captured on bystander video and sparked outrage and protests that spread across the United States and beyond. The galvanized Black Lives Matter movement put a spotlight on inequitable

policing and became a fault line in politics, with President Trump criticizing protesters and aggressively pressing a law-and-order message that he sought to capitalize on in Wisconsin and other swing states.

Mr. Graveley told reporters during a two-hour presentation Tuesday afternoon that investigators determined that the events leading up to the shooting began when the mother of Mr. Blake’s children called police and said he was about to drive off in her car. Officers determined en route that Mr. Blake had an outstanding felony warrant for sexual assault.

They arrived to find M r. B l a k e placing the couple’s three children in the back seat of the woman’s S U V. M r .

Graveley said officers had no choice but to arrest him Mr. Rice since he was wanted. He said Mr. Blake resisted, fighting with the officers as they tried to handcuff him.

Officers used a stun gun on him three times to no effect.

Noble Wray, a former police chief and a useof-force expert who reviewed the investigation, said Mr. Blake had a knife that apparently fell to the ground during the struggle. Mr. Blake picked it up and officers disengaged and drew their guns. Mr. Blake then tried to get into the SUV, Mr. Wray said.

Officer Sheskey grabbed the back of Mr. Blake’s shirt, Mr. Graveley said. Mr. Blake turned and moved the knife toward Officer Sheskey, the officer told investigators, leading him to believe his life was in danger, the district attorney said.

Officer Sheskey fired seven times, hitting Mr. Blake in the back four times and in the side three times, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

The officers were not equipped with body cameras.

Officer Sheskey, 31, has been the subject of

five internal investigations since he joined the Kenosha department in 2013, including three reprimands for crashing his squad car three times over three years. He has also earned 16 awards, letters or formal commendations, his personnel file shows.

Federal authorities closed the investigation in Tamir Rice’s case in Cleveland on Dec. 29.

Their decision not to bring federal criminal charges, revealed in a lengthy statement, does not condone the officers’ actions but rather says the cumulative evidence was not enough to support a federal criminal civil rights prosecution.

Tamir was playing with a pellet gun outside a recreation center in Cleveland on Nov. 22, 2014, when he was shot and killed by Officer Timothy Loehmann, who is white, seconds after Officer Loehmann and his partner, Officer Frank Garmback, arrived at the scene. The officers were called to the recreation center after a man drinking beer and waiting for a bus had called 911 to report that a “guy” was pointing a gun at people. The caller told a 911 dispatcher that it was probably a juvenile and the gun might be “fake,” though that information was never relayed to the officers.

To bring federal civil rights charges in cases like these, the Justice Department must prove that an officer’s actions willfully broke the law and are not simply the result of a mistake, negligence or bad judgment. It has been a consistently tough burden for federal prosecutors to meet across both Democratic and Republican administrations, with the Justice Department declining criminal charges against police officers in other high-profile cases in recent years, including in the deaths of Eric Garner in New York City and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. In a statement, Subodh Chandra, an attorney for the boy’s family, said the Justice Department’s “process was tainted” and the family has demanded prosecutors provide additional information about recommendations made during the probe.

“It’s beyond comprehension that the department couldn’t recognize that an officer who claims he shouted commands when the patrol car’s window was closed and it was a winter day is lying,” Mr. Chandra said. “The Rice family has been cheated of a fair process yet again.”

Minority-owned companies waited months for federal COVID-19 relief loans

By Joyce M. Rosenberg and Justin Myers Associated Press

NEW YORK Thousands of minority-owned small businesses were at the end of the line in the government’s coronavirus relief program as many struggled to find banks that would accept their applications or were disadvantaged by the terms of the program.

Data from the federal Paycheck Protection Program released Dec. 1 and analyzed by The Associated Press show that many minority owners desperate for a relief loan didn’t receive one until the PPP’s last few weeks, while many more white business owners were able to get loans earlier in the program.

The program, which began April 3 and ended Aug. 8 and handed out 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion, helped many businesses stay on their feet during a period when government measures to control the coronavirus forced many to shut down or operate at a diminished capacity.

But the program struggled to meet its promise of aiding communities that historically haven’t gotten the help they needed.

Congress has approved a third, $284 billion round of PPP loans.

While companies that did not get loans previously have another chance at help, according to a draft of the legislation, businesses hard-hit by the virus outbreak will be eligible for a second loan.

The first round of the program saw overwhelming demand and the Small Business Administration approved $349 billion in loans in just two weeks. But many minority-owned firms applied to multiple banks early in the program and were rejected, while others couldn’t get banks to respond

to their applications and inquiries.

“Many of our businesses were being turned down in the first and second round of funding. That caused application fatigue and frustration,” said Ron Busby, president of the U.S. Black Chambers Inc., a nationwide chamber of commerce.

Loan data analyzed according to ZIP codes found that in that first round of funding, six loans were approved for every 1,000 people living in the 20 percent of ZIP codes with the greatest proportions of white residents, nearly twice the rate of loans approved for people living in the 20 percent of ZIP codes with the smallest proportions of whites.

That pattern reversed itself over the final four weeks of round two, partly because banks responded to criticism by making it easier to apply for a loan. During the entire course of the program, the number of loans approved grew and evened out at 14 loans per 1,000 residents in the most ZIP codes with the most and fewest number of white-owned businesses.

Still, minority owners were kept waiting while their companies were in jeopardy.

“Many are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Most are in the professional services, small retail shops, restaurants, barber shops,” said Ramiro Cavazos, president of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The recent data from the SBA provided a more in-depth look at businesses that received loans than data released on July 6. The earlier data provided only limited details on loans under $150,000; the government initially refused to release more information on those borrowers, citing privacy concerns. The AP and other news organizations successfully sued under the Freedom of Information Act to make data on all PPP loans public,

leading to the latest release.

The SBA did not address the timing of loans to minority-owned businesses when asked for comment by the AP. But spokesperson Shannon Giles said in an email that $133 billion, or 25 percent, of PPP funding had gone to companies in economically disadvantaged areas known as Historically Underutilized Business Zones, and 27 percent went to low- and moderateincome neighborhoods.

The coronavirus stimulus bill President Trump signed into law on Dec. 27 provides for $15 billion to be set aside for community banks, minority-owned financial institutions and community development financial institutions, non-bank lenders that aim to get funding to underserved communities.

The AP analysis shows restaurants slammed by the virus outbreak got the most loans in the first round, but they were followed by businesses in two high-income professions—law firms and doctors’ practices. When the first round ended, millions of small businesses were left waiting.

The program’s disparities were apparent from the start. An AP analysis of the initial data release found some of the nation’s largest banks had processed larger loans first. That included loans to well-known and well-financed companies, including Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and the Los Angeles Lakers. Many have returned the money.

What’s more, the program’s terms helped exclude minority-owned firms. A primary goal for the loans was to allow owners to keep paying employees who otherwise would go on unemployment. So, non-employer firms, or businesses that have owners but no other staffers, weren’t allowed to apply until a week after the program began.

Of the 2.6 million Black-owned companies in business before the pandemic, 2.1 million were nonemployer firms, according to the U.S. Black Chambers.

That discouraged many minority owners, Mr. Busby said.

“This program was made available for payroll and so many firms did not have payroll and did not apply,” he said.

Minority-owned and other very small companies also were left out at first because some banks refused to process applications that weren’t from well-established customers with multiple accounts. Many of those banks ended that practice after being criticized publicly.

The SBA, which initially had more than 3,000 lenders in the program, eventually brought in 2,000 more banks, non-bank lenders and online lenders, which helped more minority applications get approved as the PPP wore on.

“Many of our Hispanic-owned businesses in the first round never heard back from their banks or were turned down. They had to wait until the second round, and many had to leave their banks and go to a community lender or a nonprofit, minority-run agency,” Mr. Cavazos says.

Lisa Marsh tried in vain to get banks to process her application. She first applied in June but she couldn’t get answers on her status from her bank, a subsidiary of a big national bank.

She also got nowhere with smaller community banks.

Ms. Marsh, owner of MsPsGFree, a Chicago-based gluten-free baking business, finally applied through an online lender in late July and got her loan a few days before the PPP ended.

“I was very frustrated and almost gave up,” she said.

Lack of a banking relationship was one of the reasons the New York Federal Reserve Bank cited for disparities in PPP loan approvals to Black- and white-owned companies. The study based on the first SBA data release found that in parts of the country where there were concentrations of businesses owned by Black people, the percentage of loans was far below the national average. For example, only 7 percent of companies in the New York City borough of the Bronx and 11.6 percent of firms in Wayne County, Mich., where Detroit is located, received PPP loans, compared to nearly 18 percent of companies nationwide.

Community outreach helped turn the tide. Community development financial institutions connected with local minority-owned businesses and helped them apply during the second round, said Claire Kramer Mills, coauthor of the NY Fed study.

“The disparities that were found earlier were really appalling,” Ms. Mills said.

The outreach brought in thousands of last-minute applications, the SBA data show.

MBE Capital, a lender focusing on minority-owned companies, received a commitment in mid-May from NBA Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson for funding for $100 million in PPP loans.

MBE loans accounted for nearly a quarter of approvals on the PPP’s last day, according to the AP analysis.

More than half of the company’s loan approvals came in the last three weeks of the program. MBE did not respond to requests for comment.

Mr. Busby noted that the PPP was supposed to help underserved communities.

“We know that did not happen,” he said.

Richmond Free Press

Mosaic of Dr. King on the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge

Editorial Page

A6

January 7-9, 2021

Hurry, Jan. 20 We remain disgusted by President Trump and his continued assault on democracy — this time stemming from his refusal to accept the outcome of the November presidential election.

And we are outraged by the Republican lawmakers who continue to back this belligerent and delusional president by trying to derail Congress’ process to certify the Electoral College vote showing that Democrat Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States.

They are just as guilty as President Trump for fanning the flames to incite armed Trump goons to tear down metal barricades and storm the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, causing a lockdown and members of Congress to be sequestered for security.

This president, who has incited hatred, violence and chaos for the last four years, will not be happy until the Capitol and White House are burned down and rioting and shooting reigns in the streets.

Make no mistake: This is President Trump’s attempt at a coup to remain in office.

It is a continuation of President Trump’s effort that included his Jan. 2 phone call to intimidate and coerce Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” him 11,780 fake votes.

If Mr. Raffensperger hadn’t had the presence of mind to record the hourlong phone call, we are certain President Trump would now claim it as a hoax or a joke, or that Mr. Raffensperger was lying.

The stomach-turning audiotape, available for the public to hear on The Washington Post’s website, should raise the ire of even the most ardent Trump supporters who claim to be patriots. The tape clearly shows the president trying to strong-arm a state official into changing enough votes to overturn President-elect Biden’s victory in Georgia and manufacture a Trump win.

That not only undermines our democracy, it’s a criminal offense that also violates election laws and warrants an investigation by the FBI and other authorities. We call on Fani Willis, the newly elected Fulton County, Ga., district attorney, to pursue this case with vigor and to the full extent of the law.

Ms. Willis, a 1992 Howard University graduate cum laude with a law degree from Emory University, had 16 years of experience as a prosecutor before being appointed a judge on the South Fulton Municipal Court in 2019. She stepped down to run for district attorney.

She will know what to do and how to handle President Trump. Clearly, the shameful GOP does not.

Jan. 20 cannot arrive soon enough, when President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will be inaugurated at noon. The entire nation will be better off.

Woman power “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”

— Margaret Thatcher

Woman power was on display Monday when members of Richmond City Council and the School Board were sworn in.

Seven of the nine City Council members and eight of the nine School Board members are women.

Those numbers are historic and, as a result, we expect a lot to get done during the next four years they are in office.

We mark this moment for several reasons, chiefly because it displays a trend we have seen nationally — that women are starting to emerge from the political shadows in larger numbers and take their rightful place in leadership positions.

Women, who have long been the backbone of church and other organizations within the Black community, are now free to show our city just how dynamic they are when it comes to getting things done.

We leave it to sociologists and anthropologists to determine why this is taking place now. But we hope that the wave of women leading Richmond’s top governing boards will create greater change and movement toward equity and opportunity for all segments of our community.

Now, perhaps, we can look for passage of laws and policies to give greater help to workers, families and children, including an increase in the minimum wage, paid sick leave for employees and affordable day care and after-school programs.

We applaud Richmond voters for recognizing the talent women possess and putting into office the best people to represent their interests and to move the city and the schools forward.

The composition of the City Council and School Board also sends an inspiring message to youngsters, females and Black people that avenues are open for them in the future.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

We were medical guinea pigs People who don’t know Black history have probably heard more about the Tuskegee syphilis “experiment” in the last month than they have in their whole lives.

The chattering class has used the debacle of allowing hundreds of Black men to live with untreated syphilis to monitor its effects to explain the resistance that many Black Americans have to accepting the COVID-19 vaccination, thus imperiling the possibility of “herd immunity.”

It wasn’t just the men, enticed into the study with the promise of lifetime health care, who suffered. Dozens of wives also were infected because they didn’t know their partners had syphilis.

At least 19 children were born with syphilis because they were untreated.

There was no known treatment for syphilis when the study began in 1934 and was supposed to last just six months. Penicillin was the widely accepted remedy in the late 1940s, but none of the men in the study were offered it.

The study is referred to as the “Tuskegee experiment,” but it really needs to be called the U.S. Public Health Service experiment.

This was not the first time, though, and it is not likely to be the last when Black bodies are experimented on for white comfort. During enslavement, “doctors” often purchased enslaved people to experiment on them. After Reconstruction,

Julianne Malveaux when Black folks died from being overworked, often their relatives were not told of their demise, and nearby medical schools used their bodies to teach medical students about anatomy.

It was legal in 32 states to sterilize Black women — and others considered “marginal” — without their permission. In Alabama in 1973, the Reif sisters, ages 12 and 14, were involuntarily sterilized at a federally funded clinic. An Essence magazine writer broke the story with the help of a whistleblower.

Between 1929 and 1976, at least 7,000 people were sterilized in North Carolina by judicial order. Thousands more were sterilized by order of local judges. The state set aside $10 million in 2014 to pay some of the victims of the oppressive state policy, but many don’t qualify because they lack documentation. Those sterilized were treated as guinea pigs.

Dr. J. Marion Sims, known as the “father of gynecology,” perpetuated some of the more

chilling experiments on Black women’s bodies. He performed sterilizations, unnecessary Csections and more on Black women and worked on them until he could perfect the technique to use on white women.

Dr. Sims performed many of the painful operations without anesthesia. In other cases, Black women were given so much mind-numbing morphine that they became addicted. Dr. Sims is credited with inventing the specula, a tool routinely used in most gynecological exams.

Actually, he used a spoon, then improved on it, for the examinations.

In her 2006 book, “Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black American from Colonial Times To The Present,” Harriet A. Washington details the many ways Black bodies were guinea pigs for white experiments.

That’s not all. The Institute of Medicine has documented that Black folk with broken bones are less likely to get pain medication than white people.

And the very recent death from COVID-19 of African- American physician Dr. Susan Moore, who was denied pain medication and was described as “intimidating” by the medical staff, illustrates how the medical establishment treats too many Black people.

Having said all that, I’ll still be standing in lines as soon as my number is called for the

Justice Department protects powerful The decision in late December not to charge the officers who shot and killed a Black child on sight encapsulates everything that is wrong with the U.S. Department of Justice under the current administration.

Once again, it has protected the powerful at the expense of the powerless.

Once again, it has failed to seek justice for a Black life.

Tamir Rice, 12, was a child playing with a toy. It would have taken Cleveland Police Officers Timothy Loehmann and Frank Garmback only a few seconds to ascertain that he posed no threat to anyone.

But they didn’t bother to spend even those few seconds because all they needed to see was the color of Tamir’s skin to decide he was a threat.

They didn’t even bother to stop their car completely. As Judge Ronald B. Adrine wrote in his ruling that probable cause existed to charge the officers, “This court is thunderstruck by how quickly this event turned deadly … the Zone Car containing Patrol Officers Loehmann and Garmback is still in the process of stopping when Rice is shot.”

The toy gun wasn’t even in Tamir’s hands when the officers shot him. The video “does not appear to show him making any furtive movement prior to or at

the moment he is shot,” Judge Adrine wrote. Tamir’s arms “do not appear to be raised or outstretched.”

A grand jury declined to indict the officers in 2015, calling the killing a “perfect storm of human error, mistakes, and communications by all involved.”

Marc H. Morial However, because grand jury proceedings are shrouded in secrecy it’s unknown what evidence the grand jurors heard or what recommendations the prosecutors made.

After a Louisville, Ky., judge granted grand jurors in the Breonna Taylor case permission to speak publicly, the public learned that prosecutors had not given them the opportunity to bring homicide charges against the officers. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron falsely claimed the grand jury “agreed” that the shooting was justified.

The city of Cleveland last year settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Tamir’s family for $6 million.

This brutal year of COVID-19 has seen armed protesters storm state capitols, threatening lawmakers and even menacing police and not one was harmed. The armed protesters were white.

In Kenosha, Wis., in August, police nonchalantly allowed accused killer Kyle Rittenhouse, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, to walk by them even as wit-

nesses shouted that he had just shot someone. Kyle Rittenhouse is white.

The same week as the Kenosha killings, police in Utah arrested an unharmed Richard Grant Lees after he fired shots at the officers with an assault rifle. Richard Lees is white.

Time and again, Black people are considered a threat just for existing, while violent white men are cossetted.

A Justice Department that does not consider Tamir’s death a crime is a Justice Department that has decided that white officers must never be held accountable for taking Black lives under any circumstances.

Among those recently pardoned

by President Trump were a white police officer who unlawfully ordered her police dog to attack people of color; a Border Patrol agent who brutalized a Latino man trying to cross the border; an immigration agent who illegally harassed Latino store owners; and a sheriff who defied a court order to stop racial profiling and who once said it was “an honor” to be compared to the Ku Klux Klan.

It may be too late for the incoming Biden Administration to re-examine this case. But we expect the new attorney general to be committed to police accountability and to pursue such cases with a sincere motivation to seek justice for the victims rather than to protect their killers.

The writer is president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

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.

COVID-19 vaccination. I prefer the Pfizer vaccination from the research I’ve done, but I’ll take the Moderna if available. Why? I’m over 60, diabetic and thus at high risk for getting COVID-19.

I want to travel again, get on a plane and see my Mama and my friends. I don’t know about eating out — my culinary skills have improved. But I know that my limited exposure to the world has gotten on my last nerve.

We were their guinea pigs, and the medical establishment has been negligent toward Black people. By now, though, enough white people have had the vaccination that by some wicked irony, they are my guinea pigs.

Get the vaccination if you can, medical racism notwithstanding.

Black folks are twice as likely to die from COVID-19 as white people. Protect yourself!

The writer is an economist and author.

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January 7-9, 2021 A7

Letters to the Editor New year, new meat alternatives With the year of COVID19 barely behind us, we look forward to the new year and the customary resolutions — reduce personal weight, reduce time on social media and reduce consumption of animal foods.

Nearly 40 percent of Americans already are eating more plant-based foods. Hundreds of school, college and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday. Even fastfood chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Chipotle, Denny’s, Dunkin’, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell and White Castle offer plant-based options.

Dozens of start-ups, led by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, are producing plantbased meats, milks, cheeses and ice creams. Every ice cream manufacturer boasts nut-based flavors. Even meat industry giants Tyson Foods, Perdue, Hormel and Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods have rolled out their own plant-based meat products.

The reasons for the skyrocketing popularity of plant-based meat and milk products are compelling — they are more convenient, healthier, more eco-friendly and more compassionate than their animal-based counterparts.

The resolution to explore plant-based foods requires no sweat or deprivation — just some fun visits to your favorite supermarket and food websites.

Woodland Cemetery is a quiet gem of beauty Nestled between Richmond’s Highland Park neighborhood and the Henrico County boundary lines lies Woodland Cemetery, a quiet, somewhat isolated cemetery that is a gem of a beauty.

Since its opening in 1917, Woodland has been the final resting place for thousands of Richmond’s African-American citizens, some famous and others not so famous.

As with many African-American cemeteries across the country, the dark cloud of neglect and overgrowth hovered over Woodland for many years, often a source of shame and embarrassment. However, these clouds are slowly passing and Woodland is once again showing its quiet and serene beauty.

Avenues of headstones, monuments and obelisks are once again gleaming as the morning and afternoon sun beams on these works of art made from granite, marble and other stone. Many are the work of John Henry Brown, a prominent stonemason in Richmond.

Newspaperman John Mitchell, Woodland’s creator –

but he is not buried there—planned it perfectly with its tranquil landscape and smooth hillside.

As with Evergreen and East End cemeteries, a dedicated army of volunteers gather regularly at Woodland, clearing away brush and debris, removing overgrown vegetation of ivy and vines, cutting down unsightly bushes and trees, thus allowing the original pavements and roadways to be seen again and revealing the resting place of Charles T. Russell, the prominent African-American architect whose work can be seen around the city. The cemetery is under new ownership and has a revived spirit of excitement.

Unlike other cemeteries, Woodland has its original chapel building still intact. One can only imagine the bright future it has, possibly as a museum or art gallery, or perhaps a special place for cemetery research.

I began volunteering at Woodland several years ago when it was brought to my attention that the gravesite of the Rev. John Jasper, founder of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, was in need of some

TLC. Armed with my lawnmower, weed whacker and pruning shears, I began work originally on the Jasper gravesite , then the next gravesite, and the next one.

And before I knew it, I became addicted to Woodland and its role in African-American history.

As the plight and future of African-American cemeteries continue to be a source of conversation and concern, now is an excellent time to view the beauty of these sacred grounds. With the winter season upon us, the grounds are quiet and vegetation is dormant, thus the perfect opportunity to see the “beautiful bones” of these sacred burial grounds.

On a recent afternoon, after wrapping up my volunteer work, the setting sunlight illuminated the many headstones and monuments at Woodland, and it dawned over me what a beautiful, quiet gem we have in Richmond.

BENJAMIN ROSS Richmond

Questions raised about legalizing marijuana and equity Re: “Coalition pushes Black inclusion in marijuana legalization,” Free Press Dec. 31, 2020-Jan. 2, 2021, edition:

By March 30, the Virginia General Assembly likely will have established laws and regulations to legalize the sale of marijuana across the state.

This might be a surprise to some, but not to others who have closely followed the legalization of medical marijuana in 2018, and the formation of various marijuana decriminalization laws that were enacted in 2020.

During the 2021 General Assembly session, legislators are set to legalize adult-use marijuana — marijuana that might well be cultivated, processed, shipped from and then sold not far from the street where you now live.

Interestingly, just like alcohol, the lottery, and seedy slot-machine parlors, adult-use marijuana seems to be all about the money — both for elites who already are set to own and run the industry and for a boatload of cash in tax revenue for Virginia. Let’s not forget that casino gambling also is right around the corner!

These activities have strong public support and we certainly can use the tax dollars. But shouldn’t Black folks be asking some very important questions about adult-use marijuana?

For instance: 1. Given early projections of $300 million-plus in tax revenues, what portion will be directed to and used by Black people who have been disproportionally impacted by 60 years of damage caused by this so-called “war on drugs”?

2. Given that medical marijuana licensing was done virtually in secret, with little public oversight, will the same be done with the adult-use cannabis industry?

3. To even get into the medical marijuana license line, it took a $10,000 non-refundable application fee. Ouch! What will be the fee and criteria to get into the adult-use game, or will Black people and others get left out — to once again always be consumers and always denied ownership?

4. Finally, where is the justice for those who are currently locked up for small amounts of marijuana and now have permanent criminal records, while the

very privileged in society profitably engage in selling pot unfettered? The Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia CECVA advocates that current inmates should be released immediately and their criminal records wiped clean.

It is instructive to learn that medical marijuana giant, Columbia Care, the licensee in Portsmouth, has announced the purchase of Green Leaf, the medical marijuana licensee here in Richmond, for a whopping $250 million. Heck, both Columbia Care and g-Leaf Medical Cannabis just opened a mere two months ago. To most folks, this smells like an inside deal and the beginning of a monopoly.

The Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia cordially invites all who are concerned to join this statewide effort before the General Assembly convenes on Jan. 13.

E. MARTIN “MARTY” JEWELL Richmond The writer, a former member of Richmond City Council, is co-chair of the Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia.

BIRTH.BIRTHDAY. AWARD. GRADUATION. HONOR. ENGAGEMENT. WEDDING. ANNIVERSARY. LIFE.

RICK TUSCADERO Richmond

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Richmond Free Press

A8 January 7-9, 2021

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Stories by Fred Jeter

Record-breaking weightlifter Baron Dixon defies stereotypes as a vegan Baron Dixon fits the image of a weightlifting champion with arms like tree trunks, legs thick as courthouse pillars and boulder shoulders.

In fact, he appears so muscularly fortified that one may suspect he’d win a tug-o-war against an Army tank or even two.

That said, upon closer scrutiny there’s something else about Dixon that is unexpected.

The 54-year-old Chesterfield resident is a confirmed vegan — meaning he consumes no meat, eggs, dairy or products coming from animals.

“I became a vegan for a healthier lifestyle, but I’m also socially conscious about what is going on in regard to the plight of the animals,” Dixon said.

“I’m three years into it and I don’t see myself going back.”

The question he hears most regarding his vegan diet concerns a perceived lack of protein.

“There’s a misconception about being a vegan,” Dixon explained. “But where does protein come from? It comes from plants.

Animal protein is recycled protein.”

Nicknamed “Power,” Dixon gets his protein fix from about six plant-based protein shakes per day — each with about 20 grams of protein — along with lots and lots of pinto and black beans.

Bianca Smith is first Black female coach with MLB franchise Bianca Smith is blazing a new trail in professional baseball.

The Dartmouth College alumna is the first Black female to be hired as a coach by a Major League Baseball franchise.

The Boston Red Sox have selected Ms. Smith to serve as a minor league hitting instructor at their spring training complex in Fort Myers, Fla. Bianca Smith Smith previously has completed internships with the baseball operations departments of the Texas Rangers in 2017 and the Cincinnati Reds in 2019.

She also has worked with collegiate athletic departments at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and the University of Dallas.

Most recently, Smith was an assistant coach at Carroll University in Wisconsin.

A native of Pennsylvania, Smith was primarily a pinch runner in two seasons of fast-pitch softball at Dartmouth. She never batted for the Big Green.

Several white females have been hired in recent years by MLB teams. Among them are Rachel Balkovec by the New York Yankees, Rachel Folden by the Chicago Cubs, Christina Whitlock by the St. Louis Cardinals and Alyssa Nakken by the San Francisco Giants.

Washington Football Team headed to NFL playoffs A record of seven wins and NFL playoff time nine losses isn’t very good, but it’s good enough.

Saturday, Jan. 9 Indianapolis at Buffalo, The Washington Football 1:05 p.m., CBS Team, by virtue of its 20-14 win Los Angeles Rams at at Philadelphia in the regularSeattle, 4:40 p.m., Fox season finale, is headed to the Tampa Bay at playoffs.

Washington, 8:15 p.m., Coach Ron Rivera’s NFC NBC East Division champs will play Sunday, Jan. 10 host to quarterback Tom Brady Baltimore at Tennessee, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1:05 p.m., ESPN Saturday, Jan. 9, at 8:15 p.m.

Chicago at New Orleans, The winner will travel to 4:40 p.m., CBS top-seed Green Bay for the NFC Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 8:15 p.m., NBC semifinals the next weekend.

Byes: Kansas City Chiefs Washington defeated the and Green Bay Packers Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1) on the strength of a strong defense and some steady play from quarterback Alex Smith.

After sitting out the previous two weeks with an injury, Smith hit 22 of 32 passes for 162 yards and touchdowns to Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas.

Jeremy Reaves and Kamren Curl had Washington interceptions.

Standing out for Philadelphia was defensive back K’Von Wallace from Henrico County. The former Highland Springs High School and Clemson University standout had six tackles, five unassisted.

The meals he looks forward to the most center around the Impossible Burger, with about 19 grams of protein.

He orders much of his food from Vega and drinks a gallon of water daily. His task is made a bit more challenging because his wife, Rhonda, is not a vegan.

“I try to get roughly 225 to 230 grams of protein per day,” he said.

Dixon carries about 285 pounds on his

5-foot-10 frame, with biceps measuring nearly 24 inches.

He wears a 54 to 56 size coat — tailor made at Franco’s — for his job as a marketing manager for Walmart. The executive helps coordinate activities for nine area Walmart outlets.

Competing in the Raw, Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation, Dixon holds world records for strict curl (170 pounds) and deadlift (635 pounds) in his weight and age classes.

He also holds numerous state records, with personal competition bests of 525 pounds bench press, 650 pounds deadlift and 700 pounds squat.

With that, he stressed he is a “lifetime drug-free lifter.”

Dixon played football and wrestled at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, weighing only about 180 pounds as a senior.

While serving in the Army at Fort Polk, La., he found his niche and fell in love with the weight room.

“I was SD — special duty — but my commander saw me lifting and asked me to represent the battalion,” Dixon recalled.

“So instead of doing what most of the other guys did, my job was to lift weights and compete. The rest is history.”

Dixon, who does most of his training at American Family Fitness Swift Creek in Chesterfield, said his goals now are “to keep setting records.”

In February, he will move into the 5559 age class.

But while many lifters might head to the chop house following a draining competition, Dixon is more likely to refuel with a plate of pinto beans, a shake and, don’t forget, the Impossible Burger.

“People think a vegan is frail and weak,” he said. “I like to prove them wrong.”

Heisman winner DeVonta Smith has made his way into the history books For many decades, it seemed wide receivers need not apply for the Heisman Trophy. Then along came DeVonta Smith to change attitudes.

The University of Alabama sensation is prolific at breaking records and shattering preconceived ideas.

Known as the “Slim Reaper” for his svelte 6-foot-1, 175pound frame and penchant for tormenting defenders, Smith has added the Heisman to a growing trophy collection. He is only the fourth receiver to win college football’s highest honor.

On Dec. 29, he became the first wide receiver in history to be named the Associated Press Player of the Year.

Fans will have a hard time taking their eyes off jersey No. 6 during the finals of the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 11.

At a school with a tradition of great receivers, Smith has rewritten the “Roll Tide” record book.

His career totals of 3,750 receiving yards and 43 touchdowns are all-time firsts at the school in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The 43 touchdowns are also a Southeastern Conference record.

Smith is headed to the national championship in Miami

DeVonta Smith

with a powerful wind at his back. He had seven catches for 130 yards and three touchdowns against the University of Notre Dame on Jan. 1 and

15 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns against the University of Florida in the SEC Championship game on Dec. 19.

The grand finale College Football Playoff National Championship Date: Monday, Jan. 11 Time: 8 p.m.

Place: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Fla. Television: ESPN Opponents: University of Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Ohio State University Buckeyes Coaches: Alabama – Coach Nick Saban, 14th season (16423); OSU – Coach Ryan Day, second full season (23-1)

How they arrived: Alabama was 10-0 in the regular season, then ousted the University of Florida for the SEC title and the University of Notre Dame in playoff semifinals.

OSU was 5-0 in a pandemicshortened regular season, then defeated Northwestern University in the Big 10 Championship game and Clemson University in the playoff semifinals.

For the season, the Louisiana native has 105 grabs for 1,641 yards and 20 scores.

Smith’s sensational playing comes in a season in which Alabama might have been caught short on standout receivers. The program lost wideouts Jedrick Willis and Jerry Jeudy when they left campus early and became NFL first round draft picks.

Further decimating the receiving corps, Jaylen Waddle, another prime NFL prospect, suffered a broken leg Oct. 24 against the University of Tennessee and was lost for the season.

The Heisman Trophy, awarded to college football’s premier player, has been mostly a running back and quarterback domain since its inception in 1937. The only receivers previously winning the Heisman have been the University of Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991, Notre Dame’s Tim Brown in 1987 and the University of Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers in 1972.

Smith could have entered the NFL draft last year and would have surely been a first round pick.

Instead, out of loyalty to the Alabama program, he returned for a farewell tour that has made its way into the gridiron history books.

Derrick Henry rushes into NFL record books Derrick Henry has joined one of the NFL’s most prestigious fraternities—the 2,000 yard club.

The bruising Tennessee Titans tailback has become just the eighth ball carrier to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season.

Henry finished this season with 2,027 yards after rumbling for 250 yards in Tennessee’s closing 41-38 victory last Sunday over the Houston Texans.

The former Heisman Trophy winner raced for 1,540 yards in 2019.

In fairness to the “old timers” such as Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly and Floyd Little, the NFL played a 12-game schedule

until 1960 and a 14-game slate until 1978.

Simpson is the lone 2,000-yard rusher in a 14-game season.

NFL’s 2K Club

Derrick Henry

Buffalo’s O.J. Simpson was the first to eclipse the 2,000 barrier in 1973.

Here are the players who have rushed for more than 2,000 yards in a single season, including their yardage, the year and the team with which they played: • Eric Dickerson, 2,105 yards, 1984, Los Angeles Rams • Adrian Peterson, 2,097 yards, 2012, Minnesota Vikings • Jamal Lewis, 2,066 yards, 2003, Baltimore Ravens • Barry Sanders, 2,053 yards, 1997, Detroit Lions • Derrick Henry, 2,027 yards, 2020, Tennessee Titans • Terrell Davis, 2,008 yards, 1998, Denver Broncos • Chris Johnson, 2,006 yards, 2009, Tennessee Titans • O.J. Simpson, 2,003 yards, 1973, Buffalo Bills

January 7-9, 2021 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson Spotlight on VUU board chairman and the MLK Community Leaders Celebration For the first time in 43 years, Virginia Union University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast will be a virtual celebration.

The event, called the Community Leaders Celebration this year, will be broadcast 9 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 18, on CBS6 in Richmond and WTKR-TV3 in Hampton Roads, and on VUU’s Facebook page and YouTube channel @VUUTV. While the change is in response to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the VUU Board of Trustees, notes the event’s continued importance as a bridge builder within the community.

The celebration, he notes, offers the opportunity “to reemphasize the importance of partnerships between all of our communities to erase the damage done by the history of discrimination and racism and to forge an era of equality, opportunity and equal access.”

It also comes during a time, he says, when there is a “reemergence of the evils we fought to eliminate in the 1960s and the 1970s.”

Originally organized in 1979

by VUU and the Richmond Committee of Black Clergy, the Community Leaders Breakfast was part of a weeklong celebration of educational and cultural events called Community Learning Week, which honored the memory and mission of the late Dr. King.

The weeklong event was relaunched as Living the Dream Inc., which partners with VUU to host the annual event. Other sponsors include the United Negro College Fund, Dominion Energy and the two television stations that will be broadcasting the event.

Six honorees, including former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, both VUU alumni, will be recognized.

Through the annual event, the university seeks to keep the ideals of Dr. King at the forefront, along with “the struggles and sacrifices” of Black people, “for the purpose of bridging gaps between our communities – whites, Blacks and other people of color,” Dr. Richardson says.

“As we celebrate Dr. King’s life, we are challenged in our own lives to live up to the ideals that he put forward of justice and equality.”

Dr. Richardson, a 1972 graduate of VUU, speaks fondly of his alma mater, which he says “offered hope for me in a time of great despair.” He has a sense of “indebtedness” to the school, he says, and is proud to serve now as chairman of the Board of Trustees, a position he has held since 2011.

In this role, Dr. Richardson seeks to stabilize VUU in terms of curriculum, resources and reputation. Like others, his work is done to help ensure VUU’s future, build confidence in its competency and maintain a place of opportunity for those with few options.

“Everyone wherever they are, whether they are teachers, corporate leaders, whether they are political leaders, whatever place they find themselves – they have to examine the prospects of an equal opportunity for all and be an advocate for that,” Dr. Richardson says. “We must all make a difference in every place we are.

“We must not wait for others to do it, but to find ways to do it in the space we occupy.”

Meet a VUU and community leader and this week’s Personality, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson: Volunteer position: Chairman, Virginia Union University Board of Trustees.

Date and place of birth: June 14 in Philadelphia.

Where I live now: Scarsdale, N.Y.

region and Hampton Roads. This year’s event will recognize leaders and organizations from both Richmond and Hampton Roads that exemplify Dr. King’s spirit of selflessness and commitment to the empowerment of the “beloved community” in the areas of legislation, health equity, economic justice and education.

Occupation: Pastor, Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y. Education: Bachelor’s degree, Virginia Union University, 1972; master’s degree, Yale Divinity School; and doctor of ministry degree, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, as a Wyatt Tee Walker Fellow.

Family: Wife, three children and five grandchildren.

Virginia Union University is: A premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. VUU offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advance liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement and international experiences.

When and why founded: Virginia Union University was founded in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement.

Richmond Theological Seminary held classes in Richmond at Lumpkin’s Jail, a former holding cell for runaway slaves.

The building was leased to the American Baptist Home Mission Society by Mrs. Mary Lumpkin, a former slave, who we recognize as the “Mother of Virginia Union University.”

During the same time, Wayland Seminary was founded by the ABHMS in Washington, D.C. Two years later in 1867, Storer College was founded in Harper’s Ferry, W.Va., and in 1883, Hartshorn Memorial College opened its doors in Richmond as the first college for African-American women.

Virginia Union University is the result of the merger of these four institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary, Wayland Seminary, Hartshorn Memorial College and Storer College.

Mission: Virginia Union University is nourished by its African-American heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity.

Its mission is to 1) Provide a nurturing, intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching environment for learning; 2) Empower students to develop strong moral values for success; and 3) Develop scholars, leaders and lifelong learners of a global society. To accomplish this mission, Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advance liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement and international experiences.

Student body enrollment: 1,584.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are important: For several reasons.

They repair broken self-esteem caused by 400 years of systemic racism. They provide access to educational opportunities for a significant portion of the African-American population that would not have access to that education. They compensate for the 400 years of neglect and marginalization inflicted upon the African-American people in the realm of education and economic opportunity.

I chose to attend VUU: Because I had very few options and it offered hope for me in a time of great despair.

Fondest VUU moment: My greatest moment is when I look back over my journey and see that I went from a conditional matriculation because of my reading impairment in 1967

to becoming chairman of the Board of Trustees for Virginia Union University and having the high honor of having my signature placed on every degree.

When elected chairperson: 2011 Why I accepted position: Because it was an opportunity to pay back so much of what I received. I have a sense of indebtedness to Virginia Union and having been blessed with so many opportunities and resources. I felt that the best use of my life at this point was to be available to serve as chairman.

Length of term: Three-year term with the option to be re-elected.

No. 1 goal as board chairman: To stabilize the university from a curriculum, resource and reputational perspective to enhance the quality of the education that we give to our young people so that they may go forth and achieve things that were unimaginable to my generation.

Strategy for achieving goals: Constant revision, review and investment of time, expertise and resources.

No. 1 challenge facing VUU: To continue to build confidence in our competency. To deliver best-in-class education by becoming a best-in-class institution.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Beloved Community” 2021 honorees are: • Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, Policy & Social Justice • Sisters Network Central Virginia, Health Equity • Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Health Equity • Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ, Faith/Education • Virginia Poverty Law Center, Economic Justice • Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award: Former Gov. and VUU alumnus L. Douglas Wilder Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and his impact on Richmond: His life and message have definitely had an impact on Richmond and the world. In Richmond, his message and life have helped us to take down obstacles and build bridges. Although, there is much to be done — the distribution of wealth in Richmond and in many cities across America is unequal; the opportunity of the access to resources is not equal; the opportunities for advancement in corporate America are not equal; and the

access to resources of private colleges like Virginia Union as opposed to predominately white institutions/colleges (PWI) — is grossly unequal. Virginia Union struggles to be effective and competitive in the face of the great inequity in terms of resources.

Dr. King’s teachings are more important today than ever: Because the challenges they put forward are still existent and in some ways, there is a sense of the re-emergence of the evils we fought to eliminate in the 1960s and the 1970s. They have not gone away and have resurfaced particularly during the last four years. White supremacy, Nazism and hate groups continue to flourish, therefore, we must continue to be vigilant in perpetuating the message of peace, equality and shared vision for this country.

How I start the day: I begin with a reflection and prayer.

Then I start on my day building from the day before and being directed by my commitments to justice, fairness and righteousness. It is a never-ending pursuit.

Three words that best describe me: Faith, activism and preparation.

Best late-night snack: Apologetically… ice cream.

How I unwind: Running on the track in the morning and taking opportunities to get away and renew.

Something I love to do that

most people would never imagine: Captain a boat.

A quote that most inspires me: A Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that was said by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967: “If a man can write a better book or preach a better sermon or make a better mousetrap than his neighbor, even if he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.”

At the top of my “to-do” list: To make my life of value for those who follow me.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: To be my best and trust God. Person who influenced me the most: My mother.

Book that influenced me the most: “Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership” by Gary L. McIntosh and Samuel D. Rima.

What I’m reading now: “A Promised Land” by former President Barack Obama and “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents”

by Isabel Wilkerson.

Next goal: My next goal, while not defined, would consist of being faithful to the opportunities and responsibilities I currently have, which are pastor of Grace Church, to serve as chair of the board at Virginia Union University and chair of the board of the National Action Network and board membership of the Conference of National Black Churches.

Must be that Free Checking feeling.

No monthly fees or minimums.

COVID-19’s impact on VUU: It has had a tremendous impact on the university in terms of how we carry out our mission.

However, I’m happy to say we have had excellent response by our president, faculty and staff in making adjustments to deliver the education in both virtual- and classroom-based learning environments in the midst of the pandemic. Our enrollment increased and our budget surplus increased during the pandemic.

What is the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast: It is an attempt for the university to continue to keep at the forefront the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the struggles and sacrifices of African-American people for the purpose of bridging the gaps between our communities — white people, Black people and other people of color. As we celebrate Dr. King’s life, we are challenged in our own lives to live up to the ideals that he put forward of justice and equality.

Founders: The Richmond Committee of Black Clergy and Virginia Union University This year’s 43rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders’ Celebration is reimagined: For the first time, the long-standing annual remembrance of Dr. King’s legacy will be streamed virtually, as well as broadcast on CBS6 and CBS3 to be shared with thousands of households throughout the Richmond

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Richmond Free Press

B2 January 7-9, 2021

Happenings Oklahoma begins Tulsa race massacre centennial remembrance Free Press wire report

TULSA, Okla.

Oklahoma began a centennial remembrance Jan. 1 of a oncethriving African-American neighborhood in Tulsa decimated by deadly white violence that has received growing recognition during America’s reckoning over police brutality and racial violence.

Emmy Award-winning actress and Tulsa native Alfre Woodard and U.S. Sen. James Lankford both delivered remarks via video to a small crowd that gathered in chilly, snowy weather at the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park.

State Sen. Kevin Matthews, who represents the North Tulsa area where the massacre happened 100 years ago said the park, named in honor of Oklahoma native and noted American historian John Hope Franklin, provided the perfect backdrop for a message of reconciliation.

“We can be a beacon of reconciliation around the world,” Sen. Matthews said. “And ultimately, we can revive the spirit of Black Wall Street and cooperative economics that once lived here and that we want to see in a greater way in the future.”

Violence erupted May 31 and June 1 in 1921, when a white mob killed an estimated 300 people and wounded 800 while burning 30 blocks of Black-owned businesses and homes and neighborhood churches in the Ms. Woodard Greenwood neighborhood, also known as “Black Wall Street.” Planes were even used to drop projectiles on the area, burning it to the ground.

A renewed search for bodies in 2020 found at least 12 in

an unmarked mass grave in a Tulsa cemetery. A team led by Oklahoma’s state archaeologist has not identified the bodies or confirmed they are victims of the massacre. But they were found in an area adjacent to two gravestones of victims and where old funeral home records show both identified and unidentified victims were buried.

Tulsa and the race massacre received new national interest during the summer when President Trump picked the city for the first of his signature campaign rallies of the coronavirus era.

His initial plan to hold the rally on Juneteenth — the day the last enslaved African- Americans learned they had been freed in 1865 — also sparked interest in Tulsa’s turbulent racial legacy, although the president later changed the date of his rally.

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Commission has more centennial events planned throughout the year.

IRS claims Prince’s estate undervalued by 50 percent

January 15, 2021 is the anniversary of the birthday of

Free Press wire report

MINNEAPOLIS The ongoing controversy over the money left behind by Prince when he died without a will is heating up again after Internal Revenue Service calculations showed that executors of the rock star’s estate undervalued it by 50 percent, or about $80 million.

The IRS determined that Prince’s estate is worth $163.2 million, overshadowing the $82.3 million valuation submitted by Prince Comerica Bank & Trust, the estate’s administrator. The discrepancy primarily involves Prince’s music publishing and recording interests, according to court documents.

Documents show the IRS believes that Prince’s estate owes another $32.4 million in federal taxes, roughly doubling the tax bill based on Comerica’s valuation, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

The IRS also has ordered a $6.4 million “accuracy-related penalty” on Prince’s estate, citing a “substantial” undervaluation of assets, documents show.

Prince’s death from a fentanyl overdose on April 21, 2016, created one of the largest and most complicated probate court pro-

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

ceedings in Minnesota history. Estimates of his net worth have varied widely, from $100 million to $300 million.

With Prince’s probate case dragging on, his six sibling heirs have grown increasingly unhappy, particularly as the estate has doled out tens of millions of dollars to lawyers and consultants.

Comerica and its lawyers at Fredrikson & Byron in Minneapolis maintain their estate valuations are solid.

Comerica sued the IRS this summer in U.S. Tax Court in Washington, D.C., saying the agency’s calculations are riddled with errors.

“What we have here is a classic battle of the experts — the estate’s experts and the IRS’ experts,” said Dennis Patrick, an estate planning attorney at DeWitt LLP in Minneapolis who is not involved in the case. Valuing a large estate, Mr. Patrick added, “is way more of an art than a science.”

Comerica, a Dallas-based financial services giant, has asked the tax court to hold a trial in St. Paul. A trial could dramatically lengthen the settlement of Prince’s estate and generate more legal fees at the expense of Prince’s heirs, Mr. Patrick said.

Race car driver is now a knight Free Press wire report

LONDON Lewis Hamilton, the seventime Formula One racing champion, is now a “Sir” as well.

The 35-year-old Black Brit received a knighthood Dec. 30 as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s honors list, which also recognized British performers, politicians, public servants and people outside the limelight who worked to defeat the coronavirus and its devastating impacts.

Mr. Hamilton, who secured his seventh F1 title last month to equal Michael Schumacher’s record, has said his recent success was partly inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

The race car driver took a knee on the grid and wore anti-racism slogans during the season.

Mr. Hamilton told the BBC in that “it was a different drive than what I’ve had in me in the past, to get to the end of those races first so that I could utilize that platform” against racism.

Supporters have suggested Mr. Hamilton would have been knighted sooner if not for his tax status. Mr. Hamilton’s knighthood was awarded in the “overseas” section of the honors list because he lives in low-tax Monaco.

His tax affairs made news in 2017 when the Paradise Papers leak showed he avoided paying more than $4 million in taxes on a private jet registered in the Isle of Man, a tax haven.

Motorsport U.K. Chairman David Richards said Mr. Hamilton’s tax status had been “totally misunderstood” and that the racing champion was among the 5,000 highest taxpayers in the United Kingdom.

The queen’s honors are awarded twice a year, in late December and in June, when the monarch’s birthday is observed.

The awards acknowledge hundreds of people for services to

Veteran actor, TONY COSBY, will tour the city and the state visiting schools, colleges and churches delivering the speeches of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

File Photo

Prince’s Paisley Park estate in Minneapolis

We hope you will have an opportunity to share in this historical celebration.

Feel free to call 804-218-6970 to have Mr. Cosby share in your celebration.

Black History Month Richmond Free Press

We salute our heroes and heroines in every edition, 52 weeks a year.

FEBRUARY 2020 CALL TODAY TO RESERVE SPACE 644-0496 Please ask for Jean Boone, Raymond Boone Jr., or Cynthia Downing.

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Sir Lewis Hamilton

community or British national life. Recipients are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by the

government and the public.

Knights are addressed as “sir” or “dame,” followed by their name.

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Richmond Free Press

.

January 7-9, 2021 B3

2020 Year in Photos W

ho knew when Richmonders rang in the year 2020 that it would be such a year of tumult?

The year that began on the usual course of hope and promise swerved suddenly with a novel coronavirus pandemic that generated fear and caused panic buying of everything from bread and milk to toilet paper, hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray and wipes.

Schools, parks, churches and businesses were shut down, with many people losing their jobs and paychecks, others working remotely and front line workers keeping groceries, health care, transportation and other essential services available even as normal family and social interaction was disrupted.

Students, parents and teachers sought to adjust to online classes. People were urged to wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and practice social distancing, all in an effort to try to stem the continuing spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police spawned daily protests in Richmond against police brutality and racial injustice. Richmond’s Confederate statues, long symbols of racial oppression, came down — first by the efforts of protesters and then by emergency order of Mayor Levar M. Stoney and ratified by City Council.

People clamoring for change also made their voices heard at the ballot box as Virginia launched early voting for the first time. Voters began lining up on the first day — Sept. 18 — 45 days before the Nov. 3 presidential election.

The year ended in a flood of hope with a Biden-Harris victory and the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Richmond Free Press photographers Sandra Sellars and Regina H. Boone captured the twists and turns of 2020 through their work. Here are some of the highlights.

January

More than 2,000 people bring in the 2020 new year early at the stroke of noon on Dec. 31 at the Science Museum of Virginia during a celebration geared toward youngsters and their families. Right, thousands of people — many carrying high-powered weapons and waving or wearing Confederate symbols — flood Downtown for a gun rights rally at the State Capitol on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday as the General Assembly considers gun control measures.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

February

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

At right, Shaniqua Allen embraces her 14-year-old daughter, Ni’Aveya Allen, during a prayer vigil Feb. 8 for Mrs. Allen’s 3-year-old son, Sharmar L. Hill Jr., who was shot and killed by gunfire while playing outside the family’s home in the Hillside Court public housing community on Feb. 1. Above, Antoine Ransom and his 4-year-old son, Mason, attend the Feb. 29 dedication of the expansion of the Shrine of Memory and grand opening of the C. Kenneth Wright Pavilion at the Virginia War Memorial in Downtown that pays tribute to Virginians who died in various wars. Mr. Ransom’s cousin, Air Force Maj. Charles A. Ransom of Midlothian, was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.

March

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Hundreds of women and their supporters, including First Lady Pam Northam, center, celebrate Virginia becoming the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. The celebration included a rally, speakers and a march from Monroe Park to the Capitol on March 8, International Women’s Day.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Dozens of tents house the homeless at “Cathy’s Camp,” a tent city that sprang up adjacent to the city’s winter overflow shelter and across the street from the Richmond Justice Center on Oliver Hill Way. The city razed the encampment in late March, moving people to area hotels during the COVID-19 crisis.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Customers flock to the pallets of toilet paper at Costco on March 14 as the initial threat of coronavirus and a statewide shutdown causes consumers to make a run on paper products, cleaning supplies and food staples at area stores.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Dr. Shantelle L. Brown, a pharmacist and owner-operator of HOPE Pharmacy inside The Market @ 25th in Church Hill, shows the hand sanitizer the pharmacy is producing for free distribution to first responders and for sale to other patrons during the COVID-19 crisis.

Richmond Free Press

B4 January 7-9, 2021

2020 Year in Photos

April

May

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Lamire Balde is tested for the coronavirus by health care professionals at a Richmond Health District walk-up community testing event April 22 at the Southwood Apartments in South Side. Free COVID-19 tests have continued throughout the area.

Reginia H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Thomas Jefferson High School valedictorian Amia Graham, who graduated with a 4.9677 GPA, poses outside her home for a Free Press series of “Front Porch Portraits” featuring top Richmond high school graduates, other individuals and families during the pandemic. With schools across the state closed in mid-March and classes continuing online, Amia said the pandemic taught her to “value the little things in life and appreciate all of my blessings and the people in my life.”

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A deserted stretch of a street in Byrd Park reflects a City Hall decision to close the park gates to stop vehicle traffic in late March and early April to provide more space for people to move around while staying socially distanced, according to the city Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

June

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Above left, a Black Lives Matter tribute to the late George Floyd is projected onto the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on the evening of June 6 by local artist Dustin Klein, a striking signal of change. The statue and grounds on Monument Avenue became a central point for demonstrators and others seeking a metamorphosis in the city. Center, cyclists participating in the Black Lives Matter Father’s Day Bike Ride on June 21 organized by the Urban Cycling Group and

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

R&B singer Trey Songz of Petersburg stop at the graffiti-covered statue for a photo. At right, Nasiah Morris, 4, carries a sign with a powerful message during a peaceful grassroots march May 31 from Brown’s Island to the 17th Street Market in Shockoe Bottom. The youngster, kneeling at 9th and Grace streets across from the State Capitol, attended the rally with her mother, Toya Morris, and 15-year-old brother, Tye.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Above, protesters participating in a peaceful demonstration react to being hit by Richmond Police with tear gas and pepper spray on Monument Avenue at the Robert E. Lee statue about 30 minutes before the city’s 8 p.m. curfew on June 1. The day after the incident, an angry and frustrated crowd of about 1,500 people descend on City Hall, below right, calling for the resignation of Richmond Police Chief Will Smith and Mayor Levar M. Stoney, despite their apologies for the police action. Chief Smith resigned on June 16. Below left, a protester confronts Virginia State Police troopers, who declared an unlawful assembly before pepper-spraying peaceful protesters and bystanders on June 26.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Richmond Free Press

2020 Year in Photos July

January 7-9, 2021 B5

A cheering crowd watches as a crane hauls away the massive, 100-year-old statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson from its pedestal at Monument Avenue and Arthur Ashe Boulevard during a downpour on July 1. Using an emergency declaration, Mayor Stoney ordered the city-owned Confederate statues to be removed as a public safety measure. Below, the statue of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart is turned on its side and lowered onto a flatbed truck on July 7 after being taken from its pedestal at Monument Avenue and Stuart Circle. It was sent to storage as the city worked out a plan for disposal.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

About 1,000 protesters march through Richmond to show solidarity with demonstrators in Portland, Ore., where federal officials used questionable force to detain or arrest people.

A huge figure representing gay pride becomes a focal point for the Stonewall Rising: LGBTQ March for Black Lives. Hundreds of members of VA Pride, Minority Vets and other partners flooded the streets of North Side to show their alliance with the cause of racial justice.

August

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Henry L. Marsh III, a former state senator and Richmond’s first AfricanAmerican mayor, is greeted on Aug. 27 by School Board member Cheryl L. Burke as he gets his first look at the new $40 million elementary school named for him in Church Hill, located at 813 N. 28th St. The school, which replaces the former George Mason Elementary that Mr. Marsh attended as a child, is one of three new city school buildings that were ready for use but remained closed as Richmond Public Schools students continued with online classes in the fall.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Armed members of private militia groups advocate for gun rights near the State Capitol on Aug. 18 before marching to the Siegel Center on Broad Street where the House of Delegates was meeting during a special General Assembly session to take up police reform, criminal justice reform and budget measures.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Dr. Johnny Mickens III, right, the great-grandson of Maggie L. Walker, and his daughter, Liza Mickens, survey the damage discovered Aug. 3 at Mrs. Walker’s gravesite in historic Evergreen Cemetery. Her headstone, entrances to the gravesite and the entrance to Sir Moses Montefiore Cemetery, a historic Jewish cemetery, were spraypainted with “777,” numbers that are linked to white supremacist groups.

September

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Above left, a giant mask adorns the façade of the Science Museum of Virginia at 2500 W. Broad St. as it prepared to reopen to the public on Sept. 5 after being closed for months because of COVID-19. The mask also was a visual reminder that visitors are required to wear masks to enter. The museum is one of many cultural spaces incorporating new requirements because of the pandemic. Above right, Chimborazo Elementary School students Kyle, 6, left, and Kevin Wilson, 8, connect with their teachers and classmates on Sept. 8, the first day of school, using Chromebooks provided by Richmond Public Schools. Kitchen tables have become virtual classrooms for many students, with parents monitoring schoolwork. At left, Treasure Daily, 10, is bundled up in the outfield of The Diamond listening as her mother, Shanna Latia, conducts sound therapy during Project Yoga Richmond’s Saturday Salutations on Sept. 19. The nonprofit organization has worked to make yoga affordable and accessible to Richmonders, particularly during the current highstress times. At right, Charlotte and Frank Strayhorn celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a parade of well wishes from family and friends who drove by their North Side home honking their car horns, leaving gifts and waving. The socially distanced celebration was set up by cousins living in the area after the couple’s sons, who live out of state, had to scrap their plans to travel home for an anniversary party.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Richmond Free Press

B6 January 7-9, 2021

2020 Year in Photos

October

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A “Black Lives Matter” banner hangs in October on the wall in front of a Monument Avenue residence near Allen Avenue, the epicenter of protests over racial injustice and police brutality since May. Signs like this one and logos with BLM have become commonplace on businesses and other buildings in and near Downtown and the Lee monument following an early spate of damage. The signs often were posted as a signal to spare the place from any damage.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

James Green, left, the custodian crew leader at Chimborazo Elementary School, receives a hug from his grandson, Mykhi Davis, 9, after being surprised Oct. 2 by Richmond Public Schools officials honoring him for 43 years of service to RPS students and families. The occasion was National Custodial Workers Day.

November

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Right, Aiden Porter holds up a Biden-Harris campaign sign Nov. 7 in celebration of the Democrats’ victory in the presidential election. The 4-year-old stood at the base of the Lee statue on Monument Avenue, where he was celebrating with his mother, Jasmine Howell.

Above, the James River, swollen and roaring after two days of heavy rain in mid-November, rolls through Richmond. The river reached its highest levels in two decades, cresting near 18 feet on Nov. 13 and 14 in Downtown. Two of the gates in the city’s floodwall were closed for the first time since 1999 to protect Shockoe Bottom.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

December

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Kindal and George White give their 4-month-old son, Greyson, his first taste of voting as hundreds turned out at the Eastern Henrico Government Center on Nine Mile Road for early, in-person voting on Oct. 24. Lines were common at many earlyvoting sites throughout Metro Richmond.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Above left, Tracey Avery-Geter, 47, of Chesterfield, a nurse practitioner supervisor, gets a dose of the new Moderna vaccine against COVID-19 on Dec. 23 from Sara Noble, a clinical nurse manager, at the Richmond Health District Office in Downtown. As a health care worker, Ms. Avery-Geter is in the top priority group designated by the state to receive the vaccine. Also in the top group: Residents and staff at long-term care facilities. Above right, Richmond’s skyline comes to life during the holiday season, with the glow of lights embracing Downtown and the riverfront. The seasonal lighting officially got underway Dec. 4, with RVA Illuminates. This photograph of the Downtown skyline was taken from Brown’s Island.

Richmond Free Press

January 7-9, 2021

B7

Obituary/Faith News/Directory Mary P. James, first lady of Trinity Baptist Church, succumbs at 74 The first lady of Trinity Baptist Church in North Side has died.

Mary Peebles “Mary P� James, wife of Dr. A. Lincoln James Jr., who has led the church for 40 years, succumbed to illness on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. She was 74.

Her life was celebrated during a private funeral on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Her family described Mrs. James Mrs. James as a “loving and compassionate� person who served “as a counselor to her family, friends, associates and even strangers� and also loved reading and playing mind-stimulating games.

Born in Lawrenceville, Mrs. James graduated from James Solomon Russell High School in Brunswick County. She went on to earn a bachelor’s in social work and a master’s in education from Virginia State University.

She worked at Central State Hospital for 10 years, primarily in vocational rehabilitation before marrying Dr. James, who was called to the Trinity pulpit in 1980.

Along with Dr. James, survivors include a son, Torrey James; a daughter, the Rev. Alexandra L. James; two brothers, Michael Barnes and Ronald Barnes; a sister, Susie Jane Valentine; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

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

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN�

Pastor Kevin Cook

Historic Black church in D.C. sues Proud Boys over property destruction Free Press wire report

WASHINGTON A historic Black church has filed a lawsuit against members of the Proud Boys after a leader of the white supremacist group took credit for burning a Black Lives Matter sign belonging to the Washington church. “We are suing the Proud Boys and their members for the racist attack on Metropolitan A.M.E. church in Washington D.C.,� Kristen Clarke, head of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, wrote Monday in a tweet announcing the lawsuit filed on behalf of the church.

The burning of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church’s sign was one of several attacks against churches supporting the Black Lives Matter movement during December protests in D.C., Ms. Clarke said.

The lawsuit, which was filed in D.C. Superior Court on Monday, accuses the Proud Boys of attacking Metropolitan A.M.E. Church and “engaging in acts of terror and vandalizing church property in an effort to intimidate the Church and silence its support for racial justice.�

The suit targets events of Dec. 12 when thousands of Trump supporters descended on Washington to protest Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over the president in the Nov. 3 election.

Among them were Proud Boys, who were filmed destroying and burning Black Lives Matter signs that belonged to churches.

Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who is named in the Metropolitan A.M.E. lawsuit along with eight unnamed members, has since claimed

responsibility for the burning of a Black Lives Matter sign belonging to Asbury United Methodist Church. That sign was replaced before it was stolen again in late December.

The suit was filed by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, on behalf of the church.  Footage from Dec. 12 taken outside Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, a historic Black church in downtown Washington that has hosted famous preachers and politicians, showed men dressed in black and gold — the Proud Boys’ chosen colors

Larry was born on April 7, 1950 to Margaret Ann Buchanan Yates and Warren Grice Yates. During his childhood, his father’s work as a linguist took the family to Germany, Vietnam, and Thailand, giving Larry and his sister Jenny experience in living in other cultures and interacting with diverse people, especially at Bangkok Patana School.

The family returned to the U.S. to live in 1964. Larry attended and graduated from McLean High School, in Fairfax County, Virginia. While there, he worked in organizations opposing racial housing discrimination, and in the Democratic Party opposing the Byrd Machine.

Larry then completed one year at the University of Michigan, but went into the anti-imperialist movement, working in the :DVKLQJWRQ ' & 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFH RI 6'6 and then in the Weatherman organization.

Participation in the Venceremos Brigade in Cuba moved his political development forward, and he left Weatherman. Though eligible for the draft, he informed the local draft board that if drafted, he would organize in the military, and would refuse service in Vietnam. At his physical, he was IRXQG PHGLFDOO\ XQÂżW

Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church

In 1973, Larry moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he was involved in many community and cultural groups, especially the Cornucopia Trading Company, a natural foods cooperative. He worked in furniture delivery and warehousing for several years, and then worked in the library of the Richmond City Jail. He went on to EH WKH ÂżUVW VWDIIHU RI WKH 9LUJLQLD +RXVLQJ Coalition, and to work with Richmond United Neighborhoods. He also owned a home in the Oregon Hill neighborhood and was active in supporting that community. While in Richmond, Larry learned a lot from a good therapist, from intelligent, strong women and from the Black community.

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

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

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

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

Be safe. Be blessed.

In 1988, Larry moved back to the :DVKLQJWRQ ' & DUHD ÂżUVW WR ZRUN IRU WKH National Low Income Housing Coalition for seven years, and then on to various RWKHU QRQSURÂżWV LQOFXGLQJ WKH &HQWHU IRU Health, Environment and Justice. His focus was always on reaching out to grassroots people and helping them with advice and resources to empower themselves.

2IVERVIEW

"APTIST #HURCH Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890#

During this period, Larry met and married Carol Stroebel, who was also committed to change and to using the political process effectively. They lived in South Arlington, Virginia, and were active in the the housing cooperative that Carol had bought into. Carol also bought a second home in Shenandoah County, Virginia, and they began to spend weekends there. In 2003, they moved to that home fulltime, and lived there until 2009, working

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

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

C

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

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

from home. Carol worked for the Children’s Environmental Health Coalition; Larry worked for some of that time for the Virginia Organizing Project. They also became involved with the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley. Their VXFFHVVIXO DQG IXO¿OOLQJ PDUULDJH KDG WKH valuable support of a skilled therapist.

Larry also worked on issues in the Valley, gaining many longtime friends, especially the late John “Bo� Flynn and Charceil Kellam and her family, as well as Victoria Kidd.

In 2013, Larry ran for the 29th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates as an independent but was defeated.

In 2014, Carol was diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer. Carol, supported E\ /DUU\ ZRUNHG KDUG WR ÂżQG DQG EHQHÂżW from the best possible treatments. She died from the cancer in January, 2016.

Larry sought to establish a “second best lifeâ€? without his beloved wife. During this time, he wrote a book, Not Just Monuments: The War for Whiteness in Virginia 1680 DQG EULHĂ€\ RSHQHG WKH 9LUJLQLD Museum of Veiled History. He was active on Facebook, where he expressed his ideas as Notes, and he continued to express himself under the title Social Justice Connections on the web, and in letters to the editor.

Larry died on December 30, 2020, at his home in Winchester, Va. In addition to his wife, Larry outlived his parents. His living immediate relatives are his sister, Jenny Yates, and her wife, Marie Vivas of Rockville, Maryland, Jenny’s son, Tristan and his family of Beverly Hills, California; and his sister-in-law, Diane Stroebel, of Laguna Hills, California.

He also leaves behind close friends in Winchester, Richmond, the D.C. area, Indianapolis and across the nation and the world, as well as a movement for social justice that will continue.

Larry expressed wishes for memorial services in Winchester, and Richmond, Va. These services will be held at a time when it is safe to gather, hopefully later in 2021.Donations may be made in Larry’s name to any social justice organization that disrupts oppressive systems.

“The Church With A Welcome�

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

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

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

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

St. Peter Baptist Church

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Worship Opportunities

Please join us on

Facebook or YouTube

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

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

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us!

Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary.

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

Tithing Opportunities Download the Tithe.ly giving app for Apple and Android devices.

Your gift is safe/secure and goes directly to our church.

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See you there!

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

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

us. We are on the side of justice and justice will prevail.�

Washington police are investigating the sign destructions as potential hate crimes.

When asked about the complaint by a national newspaper reporter, Mr. Tarrio reportedly said that he “welcomes� the lawsuit. Mr. Tarrio was then arrested Monday apparently in connection to the burning of Asbury UMC’s sign.

Mr. Tarrio was charged with destruction of property related to an offense that occurred on Dec. 12, according to a statement Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department sent to RNS on Monday. It stipulated that the offense occurred on the same block where Asbury is located.

YATES, Larry Lamar

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

— jumping the church’s fence, tearing down a Black Lives Matter sign and destroying it as a crowd cheered.

In a news release, the Rev. William H. Lamar IV, pastor of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, pointed to several historical instances when Black churches rejected white supremacist ideology and theology. “We, the descendants of these extraordinary women and men of God, will not allow white supremacist violence to go unchecked by the laws of the land,� he stated. “On Jan. 4, 2021, I declare that we will be victorious against these white supremacists because God is with us, Jesus Christ is on our side and our ancestors surround

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

Richmond Free Press

B8 January 7-9, 2021

Sports Plus

Denver Broncos Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little dies Dynamic running back Floyd Little, among the most revered athletes in the annals of Syracuse University and the Denver Broncos, died Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

Mr. Little, 78, had cancer and was at a hospice center near his home in Las Vegas.

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. His iconic No. 44 jersey has been retired by both Syracuse University and the Broncos. It was the same number worn at Syracuse by fellow ball carriers Jim Brown (1954-56) and Ernie Davis (1959-61). Brown is arguably the greatest running back of all time and Davis was the first Black Heisman Trophy recipient.

Originally from New Haven, Conn., Mr. Little was a three-time All-American at Syracuse and a five-time Pro Bowl pick with the Broncos.

At Syracuse, Mr. Little finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting as both a junior and a senior and was drafted

by Denver as the sixth overall selection in 1967.

During his run with the Broncos from 1967 to 1975, Mr. Little rushed for 6,323 yards and 43 touchdowns and caught passes for 2,418 yards and nine touchdowns while earning the nickname “The Franchise.”

There is a bronze statue outside the Syracuse practice facility of the Orangemen’s famous No. 44’s — Brown, Davis and Floyd Little.

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHRISTINE HUFFMAN, Plaintiff v.

DEREK HUFFMAN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20005471-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

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

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

ALTINA GHEE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20005255-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 5th day of February, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interest.

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

MELISSA WALKER Defendant.

Case No.: CL20005084-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

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It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 5th day of February, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KEMEKA GRAY RDSS v.

UNKNOWN FATHER Case No. JJ095344-13-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Unknown Father of Kemeka Gray, DOB 12/02/2017, child.

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 02/08/2021, at 10:20 AM, Courtroom #4.

Disputed Property as the heirs at law of Matthew James Hammond. IT IS HEREBY: ORDERED that the Unknown Heirs of Matthew J. Hammond and Parties Unknown come forward and appear in this Court on or before January 28, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. and take such steps as may be necessary to protect their interests in this matter and the Disputed Property.

Edward E. Bagnell, Jr. (VSB No. 74647) Email: ebagnell@spottsfain.com Clay S. Hester (VSB No. 93051) Email: chester@spottsfain.com Spotts Fain P.C. 411 East Franklin Street, Ste. 600 Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone: (804) 697-2000 Facsimile: (804) 697-2100 Counsel for Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority

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

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

Lee, 358 U.S. 217 (1959); Rice v. Olson, 324 U.S. 786

(1945); Worcester v. Georgia, 31 U.S. (6 Pet.) 5151 (1832); ex parte Young, 209 U.S. 128 (1908); Edelman v. Jordan, 415 U.S. 650 (1974). Notice to ALL AGENTS, ACTORS, PUBLIC OFFICERS and OFFICIALS of the United States, should you move against me in defiance of this presentment, there is no immunity from prosecution (18 U.S. Code § 1951). Please be advised ignorance of law is no excuse, you will be invoiced and charged (18 U.S. Code § 3571) according to my Injunction and attached Fee Schedule on file with the State of Virginia and Richmond City Recorders Office. Before the above property can be seized, surrendered, conveyed, disposed of or otherwise removed from debtor ’s possession, secured party must be satisfied in full by way of Security Agreement at $100,000,000,000.00 billion united states dollars. If the dollar bill extinct, all charges will be in lawful money (gold and silver coins) and/or digital currency.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SEAN CURRY, Plaintiff v.

TONYA HASKELL CURRY Defendant.

Case No.: CL20005088-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 5th day of February, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interest.

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

TRUST

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

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

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

It is ORDERED that the defendants Quonte Bullock, Sr. (Father) & Preshus Coleman (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 2/25/2021, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #3.

V I R G I N I A: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND RICHMOND REDEVELOPMENT & HOUSING AUTHORITY, Plaintiff, v.

UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MATTHEW JAMES HAMMOND, and PARTIES UNKNOWN, Defendants.

Case No. CL20-5661-4 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

TO: U N K N O W N H E I R S O F M AT T H E W JAMES HAMMOND & PARTIES UNKNOWN

WHEREAS the Plaintiff, Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority has filed a Complaint asserting claims in ejectment and for quiet title seeking to establish that it holds fee simple title to a 0.121 acre parcel of real property lying in the City of Richmond and fronting 50 feet on the southwesterly line of Selden Street, being a portion of the property now occupied by the Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School located at 2124 N. 29th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223 (the “Disputed Property”), and being the same property conveyed to Matthew James Hammond and Signora Hammond, by Deed dated March 10, 1947 from Board of County Supervisors of Henrico County recorded in Deed Book 493-A, page 277, and that it has acquired by adverse possession the 1/3 undivided interest in the Disputed Property that may be claimed by the Unknown Heirs of Matthew James Hammond or Parties Unknown.

WHEREAS the Complaint filed in this action states that the Defendants, the Unknown Heirs of Matthew J. Hammond and Parties Unknown, described generally in the Complaint as Parties Unknown, may have a onethird undivided interest in the

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

The agent for this entity is an Aboriginal American National; autochthonous living flesh and blood natural man protected under the Constitution. All rights and titles have been released to a foreign Trust (26 CFR § 301.7701-7) (26 U.S. Code § 7701) as the new secured party by way of UCC-1 Filing #20201214032550 with the Virginia Secretary of State. I, Kay Edo Jungle, is a Yamasee/ Yamasih and Cherokee/ Sharakhi Aboriginal Native Indian sojourning upon the soil of the land of North America and exempt from levy; all debt is obligated to the United States (18 U.S. Code § 8). I have signed contracts without understanding in the past, but now nunc pro tunc, I have rescinded all signatures (12 CFR § 226.23) and contracts by way of UCC number above. Further, any or all documents tendered to me, lacking bona fide wet ink signatures or dates per title 18 U.S.C.A. § 513514, are counterfeit security instruments causing you to be liable in your corporate and individual capacity by fraudulent conveyance now and forevermore.

The free exercise clause of the First Amendment with my Indigenous Native American religious practices is in accordance with The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 and the AMERICAN DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, Articles VIII, IX, XVI, and

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Custody

PROPERTY

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

To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com.

EOE M/F/D/V

GMP Training Manager Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is seeking a GMP Training Manager to help create highly customized and engaging training deliverables as ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ Ă ŶĞǁ ǁŽƌůĚͲĐůĂƐƐ dĂůĞŶƚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ s W͘ KƉĞƌĂƚĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂ ĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ WĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ ;s WͿ͕ ƚŚĞ sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂ Talent Accelerator provides fully customized ƚĂůĞŶƚ ĂĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ Ăƚ ŶŽ ĐŽƐƚ ƚŽ ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ŶĞǁ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ ĂƐ ĂŶ ŝŶĐĞŶƟǀĞ ĨŽƌ ũŽď ĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ͘ We recently secured a new health science ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ ĐůŝĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƐĞĞŬ Ă ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ 'DW ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƉŚĂƌŵĂĐĞƵƟĐĂů Žƌ ďŝŽůŽŐŝĐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŽ ůĞĂĚ ŽƵƌ ĞīŽƌƚƐ to support this client and similar companies ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ƉŝƉĞůŝŶĞ͘ dŚĞ ĐŽƌĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌĂďůĞƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ new-hire technician training modules that are fully customized to each client company’s unique processes, equipment, procedures and ƐƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ͘ All candidates must apply through our website ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬ​ͬǁǁǁ͘ǀĞĚƉ͘ŽƌŐͬĂďŽƵƚͲǀĞĚƉ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĞĂĚůŝŶĞ͗ KƉĞŶ hŶƟů &ŝůůĞĚ͘ VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ƌĞŐĂƌĚ ƚŽ ƌĂĐĞ͕ ƐĞdž͕ ĐŽůŽƌ͕ ŶĂƟŽŶĂů ŽƌŝŐŝŶ͕ ƌĞůŝŐŝŽŶ͕ ĂŐĞ͕ ǀĞƚĞƌĂŶ ƐƚĂƚƵƐ͕ ƉŽůŝƟĐĂů ĂĸůŝĂƟŽŶ͕ ŐĞŶĞƟĐƐ͕ Žƌ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ŽƚŚĞƌǁŝƐĞ ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĚŝƐĂďŝůŝƟĞƐ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ s W͛Ɛ intent that its employment and personnel ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞƐ ĐŽŶĨŽƌŵ ƚŽ Ăůů ĂƉƉůŝĐĂďůĞ ĨĞĚĞƌĂů͕ ƐƚĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ůŽĐĂů ůĂǁƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞŐƵůĂƟŽŶƐ ƌĞŐĂƌĚŝŶŐ ŶŽŶͲĚŝƐĐƌŝŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂĸƌŵĂƟǀĞ ĂĐƟŽŶ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌŝŶŐ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ Žƌ requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp. org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.

Graphic Designer Richmond, VA

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a Graphic Designer to assist ŝŶ ĚĂLJͲƚŽͲĚĂLJ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ DĂƌŬĞƟŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ĂƐƐŝƐƟŶŐ ƚĞĂŵ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ŝŶ ĚĞƐŝŐŶŝŶŐ ďƌĂŶĚĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƟŶŐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ for VEDP, including but not limited to industry ƉƌŝŶƚ ƉŝĞĐĞƐ͕ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ƚŽŽůƐ͕ ƐŝŐŶĂŐĞ͕ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĐĂƌĚƐ͕ ůĞƩĞƌŚĞĂĚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽŵŽƟŽŶĂů ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐ͘ ůů ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ŵƵƐƚ ĂƉƉůLJ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬ​ͬǁǁǁ͘ǀĞĚƉ͘ŽƌŐͬĂďŽƵƚͲǀĞĚƉ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĂĚůŝŶĞ͗ KƉĞŶ hŶƟů &ŝůůĞĚ͘ VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ƌĞŐĂƌĚ ƚŽ ƌĂĐĞ͕ ƐĞdž͕ ĐŽůŽƌ͕ ŶĂƟŽŶĂů ŽƌŝŐŝŶ͕ ƌĞůŝŐŝŽŶ͕ ĂŐĞ͕ ǀĞƚĞƌĂŶ ƐƚĂƚƵƐ͕ ƉŽůŝƟĐĂů ĂĸůŝĂƟŽŶ͕ ŐĞŶĞƟĐƐ͕ Žƌ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ŽƚŚĞƌǁŝƐĞ ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĚŝƐĂďŝůŝƟĞƐ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ s W͛Ɛ intent that its employment and personnel ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞƐ ĐŽŶĨŽƌŵ ƚŽ Ăůů ĂƉƉůŝĐĂďůĞ ĨĞĚĞƌĂů͕ ƐƚĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ůŽĐĂů ůĂǁƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞŐƵůĂƟŽŶƐ ƌĞŐĂƌĚŝŶŐ ŶŽŶͲĚŝƐĐƌŝŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂĸƌŵĂƟǀĞ ĂĐƟŽŶ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌŝŶŐ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ Žƌ requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp. org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.

dĂůĞŶƚ ĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ ĂŶ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ͕ ĞŶĞƌŐĞƟĐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐƵůƚƐͲ ŽƌŝĞŶƚĞĚ ƌĞĐƌƵŝƟŶŐ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ƚŽ ĂƵŐŵĞŶƚ ŽƵƌ ƚĂůĞŶƚ ĂĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐƐ͘ KƉĞƌĂƚĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂ ĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ WĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ͕ ƚŚĞ sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂ dĂůĞŶƚ ĐĐĞůĞƌĂƚŽƌ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ĨƵůůLJ ĐƵƐƚŽŵŝnjĞĚ ƚĂůĞŶƚ ĂĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ Ăƚ ŶŽ ĐŽƐƚ ƚŽ ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ŶĞǁ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ ĂƐ ĂŶ ŝŶĐĞŶƟǀĞ ĨŽƌ ũŽď ĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ͘ KƵƌ ŶĞǁ dĂůĞŶƚ ĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ǁŝůů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ĚŝƌĞĐƚůLJ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ DĂŶĂŐŝŶŐ ŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ ŽĨ dĂůĞŶƚ ĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŽ ŽĐĐĂƐŝŽŶĂůůLJ ƚƌĂǀĞů ƚŽ ĐůŝĞŶƚ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ ŝŶ sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂ ĂŶĚ ƉŽƐƐŝďůLJ ŽƚŚĞƌ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞ h͘^͘ ůů ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ŵƵƐƚ ĂƉƉůLJ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬ​ͬǁǁǁ͘ǀĞĚƉ͘ŽƌŐͬĂďŽƵƚͲǀĞĚƉ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĂĚůŝŶĞ͗ KƉĞŶ hŶƟů &ŝůůĞĚ VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ƌĞŐĂƌĚ ƚŽ ƌĂĐĞ͕ ƐĞdž͕ ĐŽůŽƌ͕ ŶĂƟŽŶĂů ŽƌŝŐŝŶ͕ ƌĞůŝŐŝŽŶ͕ ĂŐĞ͕ ǀĞƚĞƌĂŶ ƐƚĂƚƵƐ͕ ƉŽůŝƟĐĂů ĂĸůŝĂƟŽŶ͕ ŐĞŶĞƟĐƐ͕ Žƌ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ŽƚŚĞƌǁŝƐĞ ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůƐ ǁŝƚŚ ĚŝƐĂďŝůŝƟĞƐ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ s W͛Ɛ intent that its employment and personnel ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞƐ ĐŽŶĨŽƌŵ ƚŽ Ăůů ĂƉƉůŝĐĂďůĞ ĨĞĚĞƌĂů͕ ƐƚĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ůŽĐĂů ůĂǁƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞŐƵůĂƟŽŶƐ ƌĞŐĂƌĚŝŶŐ ŶŽŶͲĚŝƐĐƌŝŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂĸƌŵĂƟǀĞ ĂĐƟŽŶ͘ ƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌŝŶŐ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ Žƌ requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp. org. TDD 1-800-828-1120

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