Richmond Free Press March 18-20, 2021 edition

Richmond Free Press © 2021 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 30 NO. 12

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

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Beyoncé makes history winning her 28th Grammy Award B2

MARCH 18-20, 2021

Around Richmond, people mark the first anniversary of life under COVID-19 and look toward what the future may bring

Living a year under COVID

By Reginald Stuart

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Richmond City Hall was illuminated in “Heartbeat Red” throughout last weekend in remembrance of the more than 200 Richmonders who died during the last year from the coronavirus.

It has been an almost unbelievable 12 months for Monica and Clifton Murray.

Mr. Murray, assistant principal at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End, lost his 81-year-old father, Merridithe Reginald Murray of Detroit, to COVID-19 in April.

Just as Mr. Murray expressed his reluctance to travel to Detroit for his father’s funeral, his wife, Dr. Murray, principal of John Marshall High School in North Side, had to check her mother, Connie G. Glass, into a local hospital.

Mrs. Glass, a retired third-grade teacher at Albert V. Norrell Elementary School, was ill.

Upon check-in at the hospital, Dr. Murray said she heard a health aide politely say, “Ma’am,

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Clifton and Monica Murray both suffered COVID-19 related losses during the past year. Mr. Murray, the assistant principal at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, lost his father in April. Dr. Murray, the principal at John Marshall High School, lost her mother in October. Left, Connie G. Glass and Merridithe Reginald Murray.

you can’t go any further.” She said she realized at that moment she would never see her mother again.

Mrs. Glass died from COVID19 in October, the day before her 74th birthday.

“Every time we think of this pandemic, immediately our loved ones pop up,” Mr. Murray told the Free Press. “It’s more of a trauma than anything.”

“We began to lean on each other,” Dr. Murray said. “We were able to support each other.”

The Murrays’ personal ordeal mirrors the

grief and loss experienced by people around Richmond and the nation during a year shattered by COVID-19. More than 598,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Virginia alone since the pandemic began last year, with thousands of people hospitalized and more than 10,100 deaths.

Life as we knew it ground to a halt. Schools, businesses, restaurants and churches were abruptly shut down to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Thousands of people were suddenly out of work as many employers shut their doors, some never to open again.

Hospitals and health care workers were put Please turn to A6

From vaccines to pet meds, COVID-19 has been a year of pivots for HOPE Pharmacy

By George Copeland Jr.

HOPE Pharmacy and its owner, Dr. Shantelle Brown, faced a dilemma.

The pharmacist was expecting vials of the highly sought COVID-19 vaccine that she could administer to patrons of her pharmacy located within The Market@ 25th in Church Hill. She

had a website built for people to register to get inoculated. But what she didn’t foresee was the lack of knowledge or ability some of her older patrons would have in accessing the site.

As a result, many of the people who registered and arrived to get vaccinated lived two and three hours away. They had scoured the internet and found HOPE Pharmacy and the vaccine registration site, snagging most of the appointments. They were

George Floyd’s family wins $27M settlement in civil suit over his death Free Press wire report

MINNEAPOLIS The family of George Floyd won a $27 million settlement in a civil lawsuit over his death last year at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer.

The settlement was announced last Friday as jury selection continued in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin, the former officer accused of killing the 46-yearo l d M r.

Mr. Floyd Floyd in May 2020 by kneeling on his neck for almost 9 minutes.

Mr. Floyd’s final moments, recorded by bystanders on video that went viral, led to nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and racism under the banner Black Lives Matter.

Mr. Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to second degree Please turn to A4

from well outside of the community her pharmacy was meant to serve when she opened it in April 2019.

“We didn’t turn them away,” Dr. Brown said. “But at the same time, I’m like, ‘What about my people who are here within walking distance who are trying to get the vaccine as well?’

“So we just had to shift to make sure that we were accesPlease turn to A6

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

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following location: • Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m. to noon, Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave. in North Side. 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.

Please turn to A4

Gov. restores rights of nearly 70,000 felons

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Renee Jones Schneider/Star Tribune

Philonise Floyd, center, the brother of the late George Floyd, puts his hand on the spot where Mr. Floyd died at 39th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis last May at the hands of police. Members of the Floyd family visited the memorial site on March 12, shortly after a news conference announcing a $27 million settlement in their civil case against the City of Minneapolis. The family also met with several businesses in the area to express their support.

Nearly 70,000 formerly incarcerated felons in Virginia can now register to vote, serve on juries and run for public office.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam on Tuesday used his executive authority to restore the rights of individuals no longer in prison, even if they are still reporting to a parole and Gov. Northam probation office.

In the signed executive order, Gov. Northam also provided for automatic restoration of rights for anyone released from prison from now on.

“Too many of our laws were written during a time of open racism and discrimination and they still bear the traces of inequity,” Gov. Northam stated in going further than any of his predecessors in authorizing felons to take part in elections and Please turn to A4

Questions persist about Richmond Technical Center classes

By Ronald E. Carrington

Mr. Kamrus

The debate and search for answers about eliminated vocational classes at the Richmond Technical Center raged on for a second week on “The Gary Flowers Show” on WREJ-990 AM. The half-hour, question-and-answer segment included Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras; Harris Wheeler, a longtime horticulture professional who formerly worked for the City of Richmond and taught at the Tech

Center; and a caller identified only as “Ann,” who said she retired as an educator at the Tech Center.

The radio show revisited Richmond Public Schools’ cancellation of brick masonry and small engine repair classes at the Tech Center, as well as single-digit student enrollment in the center’s horticulture classes.

The persistent questions were very straight forward: Why are RPS vocational courses being reduced or canceled? What can the Richmond community do to assist in re-instating much-needed craftspersons’ classes to help students become

productive members of Richmond’s workforce? Is there still a need for craftspersons in the workforce?

Caller Ms. Ann made the point that RPS students are not introduced to vocational programs although many students are not interested in going to college and want to work in the city.

Mr. Wheeler, who said he was introduced to vocational education as a RPS student, suggested Richmond’s bluePlease turn to A4

A2

March 18-20, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

RVA311 system gets upgrade Need to request a city service?

On Wednesday, City Hall launched an upgraded version of the RVA311 system that allows people to request everything from pothole fixes to tree pruning and sidewalk repairs.

The new version can be accessed by dialing 311, or by downloading the free RVA311 mobile app from the App Store or Google Play, or by accessing the RVA311.com website via computer.

“RVA311 serves as the eyes and ears of the city, telling us what residents prioritize and where service provision can improve,” Mayor Levar M. Stoney stated in announcing the upgrade. “The new features will make it easier for residents to request support and for the administration to provide it.

Among other things, the new system will allow residents to post requests and also see and support requests for service that have been posted for their neighborhood, their City Council district or citywide. Included are maps that identify the locations of service requests.

A team led by Pete Breil, director of Citizen Service and Response, spent a year on developing the upgrade with the owner of RVA 311, Tina Marie Haney of Performance Coaching.

“The new self-service options for non-emergency requests incorporate citizen feedback and focus group input,” Mr. Breil stated.

He noted that the mapping feature offers insight into the range of service requests being made citywide or within a smaller area of the city. The feature also can be turned off.

A video demonstration of the mobile app and the new user portal is available at RVAStrong.org/rva311.

Fort Lee being assessed as site to house unaccompanied immigrant children Free Press staff report

Fort Lee, which sits outside of Petersburg about 20 miles south of Richmond, might become a temporary holding center for unaccompanied minors who cross into the United States without legal status and are detained by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Jefferson L. Wolfe, Fort Lee’s deputy public affairs officer, confirmed Monday that the U.S. Army has “coordinated a site assessment for personnel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,” the agency charged with dealing with such minors.

The assessment was conducted “to determine if certain facilities at Fort Lee might be suitable” for that purpose, Mr. Wolfe stated in response to a Free Press query.

However, it remains uncertain whether Fort Lee would be used. Mr. Wolfe noted that “the Army has not received a formal request from HHS to house unaccompanied children.”

HHS is rushing to open facilities across the country to house immigrant children being held by the Border Patrol. That agency generally is supposed to hold children no longer than three days before turning them over to HHS so that they can be placed with a parent already living in the United States or another suitable sponsor until their immigration cases can be heard.

However, long-term shelters run by HHS have next to no capacity to accommodate the hundreds of children crossing the border from Mexico without a parent or other adult.

The Biden administration has turned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help managing and caring for the children. About 3,000 immigrant teens are to be housed at the downtown convention center in Dallas, officials announced Monday.

Cityscape

One or more vandals damaged 16 headstones and memoriSlices of life and scenes als at Hollywood Cemetery in Oregon Hill, a 135-acre, historic in Richmond private cemetery that has been a mostly white burial ground for 173 years. The vandalism occurred sometime after 1 a.m. March 13, police reported, in the area called President’s Circle, where two U.S. presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler, are buried. At least 12 monuments were toppled with a sledgehammer and others were defaced with black spraypaint. Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith on Monday estimated the damage at more than $200,000. He called it a “cowardly act” in a place for “loved ones and family to visit, not for us to come investigate a crime.”

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Richmond School Board puts off year-round school until 2022-23

By Ronald E. Carrington

After a marathon debate Monday night on Richmond Public Schools’ reopening calendar, the Richmond School Board approved a multiyear plan that does not include immediate year-round school but is designed to address educational gaps caused by the coronavirus shutdown and virtual learning.

In an 8-1 vote, the board approved to reopening for the 2021-2022 school year using a traditional school calendar starting this fall, preceded by a “robust” summer school and then going to a year-round schedule in 2022-23.

The 2021-22 school year will begin the day after Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

No details were offered about the “robust” summer school, when it would begin or how long it would last.

After the vote, Superintendent Jason Kamras said he supports the new calendar and will commit to “a year-round calendar that makes the most sense for our community.”

School Board Vice Chairman Jonathan Young, 4th District, cast the lone “no” vote on the plan. He expressed concerns about the seeming reversal for reopening with a yearround schedule that he said the administration had been working on since last year.

The board’s decision was made af-

Mr. Young

ter hours of debate about the most effective approach to easing students back into a normal academic schedule, environment and socializing after more than a year of virtual learning, while also addressing aca-

demic gaps.

In an interview on Tuesday, Mr. Young talked about his concerns with and disappointment in his colleagues’ decision. He said putting off year-round school kicks the problem of a learning gap down the road and does not adequately provide for students’ learning needs or parents’ desires.

At Monday night’s meeting, Tracy Epp, RPS’ chief academic officer, presented a report showing that 52 percent of RPS’ first-graders are now reading below grade level.

“This especially impacts the kind of support elementary students need after what amounts to a year and a half out of school,” Mr. Young said. “I am concerned about reading proficiency because literacy is everything,” he said. He fears many of the students will not catch up to their respective grade levels.

“Educators know there is no better pre-

dictor for a high schooler’s graduation and success than early grade literacy,” he said.

“Later in life, if someone does not have reading proficiency and lives in poverty, their chances to become a statistic in all of the wrong categories increases at a steady rate.”

Mr. Kamras also emphasized the district’s reading crisis, saying, “It is going to impact our students for the rest of their lives if we don’t deal with it.”

Mr. Young’s concerns also extended to teachers, who he said have been denied an opportunity to increase their salary by $10,000 with the year-round calendar being moved to 2022-23. A year-round calendar would have an additional seven weeks of instruction.

“There will not be 100 percent agreement in what the board has selected to do,” said Board Chair Cheryl Burke, 7th District.

“Each member is mindful of the needs and concerns of stakeholders in their respective districts.”

But she said the board is “passionate about our decision. This is business. We are keeping the main thing, the main thing as we function together as a team, as a unit.”

Mr. Kamras said by the board laying out the calendar for the next two years, Richmond families are alleviated of stress and can now plan their lives.

Coalition launches Century of Mass Clemency initiative

By George Copeland Jr.

Free tax help available to qualifying households Need help filing your taxes at no cost?

Good news.

The United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg is once again offering free tax preparation for area families with incomes of $56,000 or less.

Now in its 18th year, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is being offered online as well as through in-person appointments in Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, Charles City.

“United Way is proud to team with volunteers to offer this service,” said James Taylor, president and chief operating officer of the regional United Way. “With tax season upon us and with the pandemic creating financial uncertainty for so many, households need to be able to plan for what they might owe or have coming back to them.”

Last year, nearly 3,000 families secured an average refund of $1,000 per household using the VITA service, the United Way reported.

Details on sites offering the service and how to get help online or in person are available at www.yourunitedway.org.

Correction A Richmond casino-resort is projected to attract 2.6 million to 2.8 million visitors a year and generate between $300 million and $328 million annually in gaming revenue, according to the city’s consultants, Scott Fisher and Suzanne P. Leckert of Convergence Strategy Group.

The consultants also forecast the city receiving between $29 million and $31.5 million per year in various taxes, including possibly $10.5 million in local real estate, personal property, meals, admission and lodging taxes.

An article published in the March 11-13 edition of the Free Press about the economic forecast for a Richmond-based casino contained incorrect ranges.

The article also incorrectly attributed to the consultants a statement that a winning casino operator might donate $15 million to $30 million a year to nonprofits in the area.

The consultants noted only that casino operators often contribute to community causes. The amounts mentioned are drawn from public statements most of the six companies seeking the Richmond casino license have made about the level of annual contributions they would expect to make to nonprofit groups.

The Free Press regrets the errors.

A coalition of more than 40 state and local community and religious organizations are looking to make Virginia the beginning of a nationwide campaign for mass clemency.

Their first mission: Advocating for the immediate release of a model inmate from prison.

The inmate, Robert “Wize” Green, is the focus of the Century of Mass Clemency Movement’s Save Robert Green Coalition, which started Jan. 1 and continued with a rally Wednesday afternoon at the Bell Tower on the grounds of Capitol Square in Downtown.

The coalition is requesting Gov. Ralph S. Northam issue a conditional pardon for Mr. Green, which would immediately bring about his release.

“There may be others equally qualified, but there’s no one more qualified than Brother

Wize Green,” said the Rev. Emanuel C. Harris, president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity.

Rev. Harris also serves as co-chair of the initiative to free Mr. Green, along with the Rev. Madeline McClenney, founder and president of the Exodus Foundation.

Mr. Green was 19 when he was sentenced in October 2000 to 35 years in prison for non-violent offenses. In the 20 years since, he has saved and bettered the lives of his fellow inmates, including helping with re-entry training and preventing an attempted suicide.

However, Mr. Green’s repeated requests for a pardon have been denied, despite positive testimonies from state corrections officials, reports showing he has a low chance of recidivism, and Mr. Green now serving as a paid trainer and mentor for other inmates at 43 cents an hour.

Speakers talked about more lenient sen-

tences given to white people convicted of similar crimes and the threat of COVID-19 infection at the prison where Mr. Green is being held as additional reasons for quick and decisive action by the governor.

“Executive clemency power is the force to correct these wrongs in the criminal justice system,” Rev. McClenney said.

“Please, Gov. Northam, be merciful to Robert ‘Wize’ Green.”

Among the community and religious leaders attending the rally were Patrick Graham, senior policy adviser in Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building; the Rev. Lester Frye, pastor of the Healing and Living Waters Ministry and vice president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference; and the Rev. Charles L. Shannon III, president of Faith Leaders Moving Forward.

The Baptist Ministers’ Conference also held a virtual rally 7 p.m. Wednesday about the mass clemency initiative.

City to pay $350,000 settlement in employee overtime lawsuit

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Hall has agreed to collectively pay $57,371 to 11 mostly former city Finance Department employees who alleged they were forced to work overtime without being paid.

Including lawyer’s fees, the proposed $350,000 settlement of the nearly 2-year-old federal lawsuit was filed March 10 in U.S. District Court in Richmond. The agreement only needs the approval of Judge Robert E. Payne to go into effect.

According to the agreement, the payments will range from $1,178.75 to $7,580.87 for each of the 11 people who participated in the complaint filed in May 2019 by two former employees, Tyrus Yerby and Adrienne Webster.

Kevin Burton is the only one of the 11 plaintiffs still listed as a city employee in the city’s online directory.

Mr. Yerby and Ms. Webster also are

to receive an additional $1,000 each for serving as lead plaintiffs.

Other plaintiffs in the case include Catherine Badley, Malcolm Bradford, Tasha Branch, Sheron Gary-Morris, Marlon Strain, Carolyn Tyson-Harsh, Aida Vasquez and Deanna Walcott.

A memo on the settlement states that the 11 people agreed to accept 50 percent to 75 percent of the unpaid overtime they would have been due had the case gone to trial and they had prevailed.

The agreement also includes a payment of $292,629 to the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Nichole Buck Vanderslice and Butler Curwood PLC. The memo states that the payment for plaintiffs’ legal services is far below the estimated $750,000 worth of time the attorneys spent on the case.

In the suit, the plaintiffs alleged their assignments frequently required them to work more than 40 hours a week, but they

claimed they were only allowed to file the standard eight hours of work daily in the city’s payroll system. Their suit alleged that now former Finance Director John B. Wack barred staff from recording extra time he did not personally pre-approve.

Three lawyers with the City Attorney’s Office led by Richard E. Hill Jr. argued the employees had been fully compensated.

However, Judge Payne rejected their effort to have the case dismissed.

The agreement was worked out after two rounds of settlement talks overseen

by U.S. Magistrate Judge Roderick C. Young, the memo states.

The suit is the latest the city has faced in the past 10 years over failure to pay overtime as required. Since 2012, the city has paid more than $12 million to compensate police officers and other employees who alleged they had been shortchanged due to the city’s failure to abide by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021

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Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021 A4

News

VUU students welcome Hispanic initiative

By Lyndon German

Current Virginia Union University students appear to support the university’s push for enrollment diversity.

VUU President Hakim J. Lucas announced recently that by the fall 2024 semester, the university wants 25 percent of the student population to be Hispanic. A cohort of 30 Latino students started classes this year as the first step in building up that population.

VUU is not unique. Historically Black colleges and universities across the country have engaged in various initiatives to increase student enrollment. The Pew Research Center reported in 2017 that 15 percent of students attending a historically Black institutions are non-Black.

At a few of those schools, a diverse enrollment has upended

their founding mission of serving Black students.

In 2019, the Washington Post reported that Black students are already a minority group at a handful of historically Black schools.

A chief example is Bluefield State College in West Virginia — an HBCU founded in 1895 — where white students have been the majority for more than a decade.

Mr. Phenix However, most HBCUs have been able to retain their identities and historic traditions while building up their otherwise static enrollment.

At VUU, Dr. Lucas’ announcement is garnering support.

Interviews with several current and former students showed

Questions persist about technical center classes Continued from A1

collar and white-collar workers should come together and develop an understanding on how they can complement the district’s technical education.

Mr. Kamras said he is committed to forming a community group of educators, middle and high school counselors, business leaders and parents, to provide input as he and RPS think through the Tech Center’s course offerings.

The overarching goal, he said, will be to expose students to vocational and technical education, as well as to examine the present and future needs of industry, government and students.

Mr. Kamras promised to involve RPS Chief Engagement Officer Shadae Thomas Harris to support what the community group sees as critical needs for RPS students.

Those findings, he said, will be submitted to the Richmond School Board.

Mr. Flowers interjected that local nonprofits and community-based organizations are providing vocational skill development and they need a connection with RPS and Richmond’s corporate sector.

“Corporations need to invest more in technical education as the district addresses the shortages in skilled labor occupations,” Mr. Flowers said.

In an interview after the broadcast, School Board Vice Chairman Jonathan Young, 4th District, said that technical and vocational education has not been a major focus, as the board takes very little time discussing that program.

“However, that should change now that Mayor Levar Stoney has allocated funds in his capital budget for a project for South Side’s Altria building,” Mr. Young said. “If City Council approves the mayor’s budget, technical and vocational education will become a focus for the School Board.”

In March 2019, Mr. Kamras and Dr. Paula P. Pando, president of Reynolds Community College, announced they were teaming up to create a new technical education center in a 288,000 square-foot former U.S. Smokeless Tobacco plant at 2325 Maury St. in South Side that was donated by Altria to the RPS Foundation.

Once rehabbed and outfitted, the center is to provide RPS students with technical and vocational skills to meet the needs of the

21st century, officials said at the time.

Dr. Pando spoke then about students in technical jobs commanding $50,000 to $60,000 salaries without earning an associate degree. She said automotive technicians, a high technology field requiring a number of certifications and significant training, are getting a starting salary of around $48,000.

In a text on Wednesday, Mr. Kamras wrote that the Mayor’s Office has mentioned $70 million for a complete renovation of the South Side building.

According to the mayor’s March 5 capital spending message to City Council, RPS has $7.3 million available currently to plan new schools. The mayor’s budget plan includes $200 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year for replacing George Wythe High School and developing the new South Side technical center.

“This project is designed to fill the gap in the skilled labor force, as well as for some to earn college credits,” Mr. Young said.

He said the mayor’s proposed funding would allow for the renovation of the building and fulfill a lot of the city’s vocational and trades workforce needs.

George Floyd’s family wins $27M settlement Continued from A1

unintentional murder and second degree manslaughter charges. He also has pleaded not guilty to third degree murder, which was reinstated in the case last week.

The settlement, unanimously approved by the Minneapolis City Council, is the largest pretrial settlement ever for a civil rights claim, according to attorney Benjamin Crump, the Floyd family’s attorney.

It also surpassed a $20 million settlement the city of Minneapolis approved two years ago for the family of a white woman killed by police.

Mr. Crump thanked city leaders for “showing you care about George Floyd.”

“This is just one step on the journey to justice,” Mr. Crump said. “This makes a statement that George Floyd deserved better than what we witnessed on May 25, 2020, that George Floyd’s life mattered, and that by extension, Black lives matter.”

The Floyd family was somber about the settlement during a news conference where they thanked the protesters who supported the family, especially during the height of the pandemic last summer. They were joined by members of their legal team and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

Mr. Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, said that he would return the settlement millions if it meant he could see his brother again.

“I thank the state of Minnesota for getting this settlement taken care of,” he said. “But even though my brother is not here, he’s here with me in my heart. If I could get him back, I would give all of this back.

“I know that he’s with us, and he’s stand-

ing up right now knowing that we have the opportunity to be able to fund low-income, African-American communities.”

The settlement includes $500,000 for the neighborhood in south Minneapolis where Mr. Floyd was killed. The intersection at 38th and Chicago has been blocked by barricades since Mr. Floyd’s death, and a massive metal sculpture and murals have been put up in his honor. Flowers, candles and other memorial items also continue to be placed at the site. The city didn’t immediately say how the settlement money would be spent.

Mr. Floyd’s family had filed the federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis in July and the four former officers involved in his death. The lawsuit alleged the city fostered a culture of excessive force and impunity within the police force and failed to terminate dangerous officers.

Mayor Frey told reporters the settlement reflects a commitment shared by Mr. Floyd’s family toward racial justice and social progress.

Mr. Crump said the settlement is historic not just because of its amount, but also because of the impact on policy and police reforms.

Days after Mr. Floyd’s death, the Minneapolis City Council voted to ban chokeholds, require officers to report other officers they see using chokeholds, and to intervene in such cases. At the time, Mayor Frey vowed to help change the way the city’s police department operates, saying “now we can finally get this right.”

In July, the mayor and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced changes to the department’s use of force reporting

requirements that place a stronger emphasis on de-escalation.

The police agency is scheduled to see funding cuts after City Council voted in December to redirect $7.77 million from the police budget to other programs, according to a news release. The plan funds mental health programs, directs funding toward “increasing capacity within the Civil Rights Department’s Office of Police Conduct Review to investigate complaints about police officer behavior,” and redirects some nonemergency calls to other departments.

Meanwhile, Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill is considering a motion to postpone the trial after Mr. Chauvin’s defense attorney, Eric Nelson, argued that the settlement has unfairly tainted the jury pool.

Outside of the courtroom, others argue that a potential juror could presume there’s no need to convict Mr. Chauvin because the Floyd family has already received a large settlement.

Judge Cahill planned on Wednesday to re-interview the jurors who had been seated by that point to determine whether they could continue to serve.

Nine jurors had been seated through Tuesday, including five who are white; one who is multiracial; two who are Black; and one who is Hispanic. The jurors include six men and three women and range in age from their 20s to their 50s.

Opening statements in the trial are expected no sooner than March 29.

Three other former officers face an August trial in Mr. Floyd’s death on charges of aiding and abetting second degree murder and manslaughter.

an endorsement of a larger enrollment of Latino students, with those voicing opinions saying they believe a diverse student population would enhance campus culture.

Byron Cooks, a sophomore studying business, said he trusts the university’s direction, adding he welcomes the right of students to choose their university.

“I chose to come here because it was the right decision for me.” Mr. Cooks said. “I’d welcome any student who chooses to do what’s right for them.”

Joy Robbins, a junior business major, said she enrolled at VUU because of the culture.

“I think going to a college where people look like me, talk like me, act like me is special,” Ms. Robbins said. “It’s the culture. That’s the most important thing.”

VUU alumnus Jamon K. Phenix also voiced support.

Mr. Phenix served as president of VUU’s Student Government Association in 2018-19. He believes these types of enrollment initiatives speak to the mission of all HBCUs — to serve marginalized communities.

“Uplifting one marginalized group automatically impacts and uplifts the next group, and I think that’s what makes us different from Virginia Commonwealth University,” Mr. Phenix said. “I think they’re amazing at what they do, but we are unique in finding the most downtrodden and turning them into the next Douglas Wilder or the next Maggie Walker.”

When Mr. Phenix attended VUU, he said the university cultivated a culture of learning and cultural awareness. Mr. Phenix said enrollment diversity would support and educate the growing population of Hispanics in Richmond, offer new cultural experiences for students and fuse culture concepts together while also allowing the students to retain their identity.

“When we talk about Black issues and when we talk about the history of abuse of African- Americans in this country,” he said, “I think it’s interchangeable when we talk about brown issues, when we talk about poverty in Richmond, in the Commonwealth and this country.”

Free COVID-19 testing Continued from A1

Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.ly/ RHHDCOVID. Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

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

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Seniors age 65 and older who live in Richmond or Henrico County no longer have to wait for an email or phone call to schedule a COVID19 vaccination appointment. Now seniors can call the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts’ COVID-19 hotline — (804) 205-3501 – from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule a vaccine appointment directly.

Others who want a vaccine should contact the statewide COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration System at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA, or (877) 829-4682.

The statewide call center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week to help people pre-register by phone or to answer questions about the vaccine. The call center has English- and Spanish-speaking agents and a call-back service to help people in more than 100 other languages.

Additionally, TTY service is available to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Some Virginia localities are moving into Phase 1C for vaccinations, state health officials announced Tuesday. This next priority group for the vaccine includes faculty and staff at higher education facilities; water, wastewater and waste removal workers; and employees at food service, transportation and logistics and finance industries, among others.

Moving to the new phase depends on local health officials and efforts localities have made to reach those already eligible for the vaccine, officials said. All health districts around the state are expected to move to Phase 1C by mid-April and to Phase 2, with anyone age 16 or older in Virginia to become eligible for the vaccine, by May 1.

The Crater Health District also opened a mass vaccination center at Virginia State University’s Multi-Purpose Center to serve residents from the Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights and Chesterfield areas and beyond. Vaccinations will be given to people who preregistered on the state’s site and have appointments.

About 21.6 percent of Virginia’s residents have been inoculated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, state health officials reported on Wednesday. That is more than 2.8 million doses of the vaccine that have been administered in the state, with just more than 1 million people fully vaccinated.

State officials reported 598,468 cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday, along with 25,517 hospitalizations and 10,154 deaths.

Virginia’s seven-day positivity rate continues to drop, and is now at 5.4 percent statewide. Last week, it was 5.7 percent.

According to state data, African-Americans comprised 21.9 percent of cases statewide and 24.3 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 16.9 percent of cases and 6.6 percent of deaths.

Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesay, March 17, 2021

Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 15,269 727 234 Henrico County 22,251 928 566 Chesterfield County 24,569 824 381 Hanover County 6,959 256 147

Gov. Northam restores rights of nearly 70,000 felons Continued from A1

to participate more fully.

“We are a Commonwealth that believes in moving forward, not being tied down by the mistakes of our past,” he continued. “If we want people to return to our communities and participate in society, we must welcome them back fully — and this policy does just that.”

The action, which boosts Gov. Northam’s restoration of rights to 111,000 people during his four years, helps fulfill a long-standing policy goal of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

The governor’s action is even more striking as it eliminates a longtime barrier to voting in Virginia at a time when lawmakers in 43 states, according to a study, are pushing proposals to impose new restrictions on voting.

The historic move to expand Virginia’s legal pool of voters also occurs just ahead of elections for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general and for the 100 members of the state House of Delegates.

Gov. Northam’s order follows the Democratic-controlled General Assembly’s passage for the first time of a

constitutional amendment to overhaul the provision that bars felons from voting without the governor’s action to restore their rights.

The amendment that would provide for automatic restoration of rights after release from prison must be passed again in the 2022 session and then win majority approval from Virginia’s voters to be enshrined in the state’s Constitution.

Like his predecessor and wouldbe successor, Terry McAuliffe, Gov. Northam got around a 2016 Virginia Supreme Court ruling by applying his order to 69,045 felons identified through state Department of Corrections’ records rather than creating a blanket order.

Five years ago, the state’s highest court struck down as unconstitutional then-Gov. McAuliffe’s initial attempt to use a blanket approach to restoring felons’ rights. Republicans who controlled both the state Senate and House of Delegates at the time sued to block Gov. McAuliffe’s blanket order.

The Republican effort failed after Gov. McAuliffe and his staff simply switched gears and provided restoration of rights individually. Ultimately, Gov. McAuliffe restored the rights

of at least 173,000 people before his term ended in January 2018.

Using that individual approach, Gov. Northam, who is in his final year of office and is barred from seeking an immediate second term, went further than former Gov. McAuliffe dared in applying it to felons still under supervision.

Gov. Northam described it as “unfair” to deprive former inmates of their rights once they have served their time.

“Probationary periods can last for years. But that’s also time in which a person is living in the community, rebuilding their lives,” he stated. “They should be able to exercise those civil rights, even if they are still under supervision.

“Letting these folks vote or exercise other civil rights isn’t a threat to public safety,” Gov. Northam said in seeking to deflect expected criticism from Republicans and others who consider the action bad policy.

Now running to serve as the state’s chief executive again, Mr. McAuliffe was quick to commend Gov. Northam for taking action to rid the state of the felon voting ban that he stated was put in place to “disenfranchise Black Virginians.”

Mr. McAuliffe, who has said he is proudest of his work to restore voting rights while governor, called restoration “a moral and civil rights issue that speaks to the core of who we are as Democrats and Virginians.”

Both of the candidates for attorney general, incumbent Mark R. Herring and Norfolk Delegate Jay Jones, also praised the action.

Kelly Thomasson, state secretary of the Commonwealth who led the identification process of those qualifying for restoration, called the action “a kind of technical change that has a big impact.”

Ms. Thomasson, who also served in the post during the McAuliffe administration after Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney resigned to run for the city office, said that the new order is “about treating people fairly and equally.”

Gov. Northam went to OAR of Richmond, a re-entry program based in Scott’s Addition, to announce his plan.

Sara Dimick, OAR executive director, is thrilled.

“This change will have a tremendous impact on the people we serve,” she stated. “OAR is committed to removing barriers for those who seek

to be contributing members of their communities, and we look forward to working with newly eligible individuals to ensure they can and do exercise their restored civil rights.”

Across the country, an estimated 5.2 million Americans are barred from voting because of a felony record, according to The Sentencing Project.

The nonprofit has found that 1 in 16 Black men and women have lost their rights, or four times the number of white adults.

Gov. Northam’s action allows Virginia to join 18 other states that allow felons to vote after release from prison, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Nineteen other states require convicts to complete probation or parole before regaining their rights.

Only two states, Maine and Vermont, and the District of Columbia never remove the voting rights of those convicted of felonies. In those jurisdictions, prisoners are allowed to vote.

Virginia previously was among a group of 11 states that either ban felons from voting unless the governor restores their rights or simply remove felons’ rights for certain crimes, such as murder.

Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021 A5

Colon cancer is one of the deadliest cancers among African Americans.

Unfortunately, African Americans are are less likely to get colon cancer screenings, which means they’re less likely to discover the cancer at a treatable stage. When detected early enough, however, doctors can effectively treat nearly 90% of all colon cancer cases.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer occurs when abnormal growths — also known as polyps — form in the colon or rectum.

If malignant, these polyps can develop into cancerous tumors.

If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer and polyps, as well as inflammatory bowel disease, please contact your physician or call the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

Lifestyle-related factors that increase your chance of getting colon cancer: • Lack of regular physical activity • A diet high in red and processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables • A low-fiber and high-fat diet • Obesity • Excessive alcohol and tobacco use

Screening:

Roughly nine out of every 10 cancer patients are 50 years old or older. But colorectal cancer is rising among people who are younger than age 50.

The American Cancer Society recommends that if you’re age 45 or older, you should start getting screened for colorectal cancer. Several types of tests can be used. Talk to your health care provider about which ones might be good options for you.

To schedule an appointment for colorectal cancer care, call 877-4MASSEY. © 2021 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Source: American Cancer Society.

Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021 A6

COVID Coverage

Area congregations remain cautious as COVID-19 runs its course

By Reginald Stuart

This time a year ago, Richmond area houses of worship were loaded most weekends with church members praying, greeting and embracing friends and swapping thoughts about family, neighbors, work, school and retirement.

That was church life before COVID-19 struck.

Today, with the potentially deadly airborne virus still uncontrolled, religious leaders say life’s pause button is still being pressed. With the advent of highly effective coronavirus vaccines — and many churches opening their doors as vaccination centers — an end to the pandemic is medically in sight but not yet here, they caution.

“They (church members) yearn to be back together,” said Dr. Emanuel C. Harris, president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond & Vicinity, echoing sentiments of congregations of the more than 50 pastors in the conference. “They want to hug each other, hug babies.”

Dr. Harris, pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Manakin-Sabot for some 28 years, said the last 12 months have turned the church as an institution on its head. In addition to halting large,

weekly Sunday morning services in physical buildings with several choirs, ushers and musicians helping orchestrate services, most area church Dr. Harris buildings are still shut. Filling the gap, congregations are being kept linked virtually through the newer technology of Zoom and social media channels of Facebook and Instagram.

Most churches still keep gatherings to an absolute minimum. They have abandoned dinners, special celebratory events and continue to minimize funeral gatherings, despite the losses of many veteran members.

The pastors say they politely and frequently remind members to stay inside as much as possible, keep their distance — at least 6 feet — when among others, wear a face mask and wash hands frequently with warm soap and water.

With more than 597,000 cases of COVID-19 in Virginia during the past year and 10,100 deaths, including nearly 1,400 in Metro Richmond, religious leaders have seen many in

Councilman Jones: Anxious residents want the vaccine

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Across the country, polls continue to find a share of the population continues to be hesitant or outright opposed to getting a COVID-19 vaccine shot.

But that’s not what 9th District City Councilman Michael J. Jones has experienced.

He said calls to his office have run 20-1 from Black and brown people seeking the Dr. Jones vaccine, rather than voicing objections.

He said those calls from anxious constituents were his motivation for speaking out for increased distribution of the vaccine in Richmond’s South Side.

Joined by 8th District Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, Dr. Jones, who is not a doctor of medicine, has sought to ensure that the state Health Department and the Richmond Health District provide greater distribution of the vaccine, particularly for Black and brown populations that comprise a large share of the city’s population.

Since Dr. Jones began his crusade, more vaccine has been going to areas south of the James River. The parking lot at Second Baptist Church of South Richmond at 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. has become a mass vaccination site one day a week for the Richmond and Henrico health districts. The Walgreens drug store at Hull Street Road and Warwick Road also has become a vaccination site.

Delegate Betsy Carr noted that both Walgreens and CVS pharmacies are “partnering with Uber and Lyft” to make access to their stores easier for those who have vaccine appointments.

Also, this week, the local health districts stepped up efforts to reach all seniors in South Side and other parts of the city to ensure they have appointments for shots.

A hotline, (804) 205-3501, is now operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to set vaccination appointments for seniors 65 and older.

Others who want to get inoculated can register on the state Health Department’s website at vaccinate.virginia.gov or call toll free at (877) 829-4682.

Meanwhile, the state Health Department is ramping up distribution of shots in areas with large populations of Black and Latino residents. The VDH this week opened four sites that each can deliver 3,000 or more shots a day. The closest one to Richmond is the Virginia State University Multi-Purpose Center, where residents of Chesterfield and the Petersburg Metro area can get vaccinated.

Questions remain, however, whether participation in mass vaccination will remain high. Virginia, like most states, is still working to vaccinate the state’s priority 1B group of elderly people and essential workers.

President Biden, in a televised address last Friday, called on states to make all adults eligible for vaccines by May 1. That will be the real test for health officials seeking to get 70 percent to 80 percent of the population vaccinated to create what is known as “herd immunity” against the virus.

As of Wednesday, in Virginia, where enthusiasm remains high, more than 1 million residents, or 12 percent of the state’s 8.5 million population, were reported fully vaccinated.

Another 846,000 people had received at least one shot, bringing the total to 21.6 percent of the state.

But voluntary vaccination could hit a wall in coming months, if the polls prove accurate.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, which is conducting monthly surveys of attitudes toward vaccination, only 55 percent of those living in cities, the suburbs or rural communities either have gotten a shot or are trying to get one. Of the remaining 45 percent, about half are still in a wait-and-see mode. The rest have responded to the survey that they would not get vaccinated until it became mandatory, with a smaller fraction saying they would never get vaccinated.

Self-identified white Republicans are among the large group who said they would reject vaccination, according to the KFF survey.

But a majority of Black people still are not ready to get a shot, the most recent KFF survey found.

The most interested are those age 50 and older, with more than 70 percent of those age 65 and older rushing to do.

Still, according to KFF, 58 percent of Black people remain undecided about getting vaccinated, would require vaccination to be made mandatory or would refuse vaccination.

KFF found some good news in that currently 41 percent of Black people have been or want to be vaccinated, up 20 percentage points from November.

The KFF said the trend is moving in the right direction, noting the trend line could continue to move up as elders share their vaccine experience with family and friends.

Just as important, KFF stated, is ensuring people can receive the vaccine from those they trust in health care, including their own doctor and community clinics.

their congregations stricken, hospitalized or killed by the virus, and are helping families cope with the impact.

Seeing the efDr. Sailes fects up close, area ministers echo health officials in appealing to people to do what they can to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Collectively, they are cautioning people not to run back to the area’s pre-COVID-19 days, despite the urge and news of conditions improving nationwide.

“People are anxious to get back in church,” said Dr. James L. Sailes, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Varina, where the average age of members is 55.

Dr. Sailes said expanding technology in the church is not considered “a bad thing.” It simply doesn’t offset “the absence of fellowship” that so many congregations still miss, he said.

“I think people want some sense of comfort and security” in the wake of the virus. “It’s incumbent upon us to make some changes.”

That’s especially true in churches

focused on serving the elderly, the poor, lowincome residents and neighborhoods historically plagued by inadequate health services, pastors Dr. Mitchell say. Church activities scheduled for weekdays, such as senior cafés and mid-week Bible study, were initially postponed for a few weeks. Now, they are on indefinite hold. Plans for vacation Bible schools and spring graduation programs already have been penciled in for 2021 at many churches.

“We have to figure out new ways to have services,” said Dr. Harris, who survived his own battle with COVID-19 in home isolation for 20 days. He is in his 40s and did not have any underlying health issues.

The virus, he says, affects people of any age, race, gender, religion or status in life.

“I’m really excited to get to the other side,” said Dr. Joshua L. Mitchell, 34, senior pastor of Thirty-first Street Baptist Church in Church Hill.

The church is registering people to attend an in-person worship service on

Easter, Resurrection Sunday, April 4.

Limited seating is available and masks are required.

Dr. Mitchell arrived in Richmond from Houston last March to begin his new ministry at the church, only to find the sanctuary doors of his church and others across the state shuttered under state orders because of the emerging health crisis.

“I’m still waiting for the opportunity to meet everybody in the flesh,” Dr. Mitchell said.

In addition to presiding during the last year over final rites for 20 deceased members of the church, Dr. Mitchell also has welcomed new members from Maryland, Georgia and Texas who have joined via social media and Zoom.

“People have wanted to join who have not been to our building, but want to join online, he said, vouching for the value of technology as an added asset.

Meanwhile, Thirty-first Street Baptist has kept busy during the pandemic, he said, including furnishing school supplies to the nearby Henry L. Marsh Jr. Elementary School and continuing its work with members and non-members in need through its long established “31 Cares” program.

Living a year under COVID Continued from A1

on high alert. Front line essential workers from hospitals and grocery stores to public transportation put their lives on the line daily.

During a year when some have been fortunate to work from home, other families have struggled. Thousands of the estimated 27,000 workers in the Richmond area’s tourist industry lost jobs due to shutdowns and layoffs, said Katherine O’Donnell, executive vice president of Richmond Regional Tourism. Millions of potential dollars were not spent or earned due to the virus, she said.

With unemployment rampant during the past year, mile-long food lines sprang up at area food banks. Families lived in fear of eviction as they struggled to pay the rent or mortgage.

Stores experienced early runs on essential items such as disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper. Face masks have become mandated clothing, and hand washing and social distancing the norm.

With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in late December, nearly 22 percent of Virginia’s population has been inoculated with at least one dose of the vaccine, bringing hope that things may return to normal in the coming months.

In a COVID-19 Day of Remembrance ceremony last Friday, Mayor Levar M. Stoney paid respect to the 234 Richmonders who have died from the coronavirus during the past year by planting two oak trees at the Powhatan Community Center on Fulton Hill. He called them “symbols of the roots in our community and the rebirth we must embrace.”

The Murrays were among the small group of people who participated in the ceremony. Mayor Stoney, who survived his own battle with the virus, noted that many in Richmond have endured heartbreaking experiences during the past year like the Murrays.

At the State Capitol last Friday, Gov. Ralph S. Northam, whose series of aggressive executive orders during the past year have been aimed at stemming the spread of the virus, also held a brief ceremony of remembrance. He noted the

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Mayor Levar M. Stoney, right, gets a hand from John Harris of the city Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, in planting an oak tree overlooking the city at the Powhatan Community Center on Fulton Hill last Friday. The tree planting was part of a small, somber ceremony marking COVID-19 Day of Remembrance and the first anniversary of the pandemic.

Executive Mansion would be illuminated for a week through March 21 “to pay tribute to the thousands” of Virginias lost to COVID-19.

“While so much has changed over the past year, Virginians have continued to show strength and resilience, stepping up during this time of great need,” Gov. Northam said.

“We owe it to the victims of this virus and their loved ones to continue doing our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 until this pandemic is behind us,” he said.

Gov. Northam also noted the General Assembly passed a resolution declaring March 14, this year and in succeeding ones, as Victims of COVID-19 Remembrance Day in Virginia. The resolution was sponsored by Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, a COVID-19 survivor.

The governor and his wife also were stricken with the virus in late September and early October and went into isolation in the Executive Mansion.

“The worst thing (stemming from the pandemic) is a number of people have died,” said the Rev. Ben Campbell, pastor emeritus of Richmond Hill.

“The best thing that’s happened is there’s some sense we’re all in this together. We’ve

learned we’re all dependent on each other,” he said. “Getting through a trauma requires you to work together.”

The pandemic also has highlighted and heightened social ills that have long plagued the Richmond community — hunger, homelessness, unemployment. It has forced city leaders to recognize the continuing needs, Rev. Campbell said.

“We still have a lot of challenges and unknowns,” said Dr. Melissa Viray, deputy director of the Richmond and Henrico Health District.

She said last year was like “being sprayed with a fire hose.” Health officials were faced initially with trying to figure out what was happening at such an unpredictable and alarming speed around the neighborhood and around the world.

Medical advances during the past year with vaccines mean “it’s going to be a lot less difficult” in the next 12 months.

“Vaccines are key,” she said.

But, she cautioned, “We still have a lot of unknowns.”

She reinforced the need for people to continue to wear face masks in public, wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water and keep a safe personal distance.

COVID-19 has been a year of pivots for HOPE Pharmacy Continued from A1

sible,” she said.

The solution was to abandon the website and, instead, use a phone number to register people. The switch has prevented similar issues as more doses of the precious coronavirus vaccines have become available.

Now, at the year anniversary of the virus’ emergence in the Commonwealth, Dr. Brown and her pharmacy continue operating on much smoother terms, balancing their added mission of vaccinating people during the pandemic with their long-term commitment to the community.

This kind of sudden shift is nothing new for HOPE Pharmacy, which early last year did a quick pivot and began producing and selling hand sanitizer. The pharmacy also provided the sanitizer without charge to first responders.

In addition to adjusting to safety restrictions and guidelines, the pharmacy also became a resource for pet medications in response to an outsized demand from people wary of how long the pandemic could last.

“Right from the very beginning, we were here for the community,” Dr. Brown said.

“There was so much stuff that we didn’t know, and things still change daily as it relates to this virus. We’re doing what

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Dr. Brown

our vision and mission says that we were going to do, and we are.”

While many other businesses have suffered adverse effects during the pandemic, HOPE Pharmacy has weathered the changes comparatively well, with no financial or personal troubles for Dr. Brown and her staff. If anything, the pharmacy has taken on more work, from providing over-thecounter consultations for those fearful of going to the emergency room, to responding to an increase in prescription deliveries, not just for area seniors and Church Hill community, but for partners like Capital Area Health Network. Dr. Brown said HOPE Pharmacy has retained all of its pre-pandemic staff.

When it comes to COVID-19 vaccines,

the pharmacy is shifting its daily responsibilities between filling prescriptions and administering vaccines to residents at independent living facilities.

The pharmacy is part of a partnership with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and other independent pharmacies and local health clinics, including CrossOver Healthcare Ministry and Daily Planet Health Services, that Dr. Brown hopes can lead to greater access to the vaccine for people who historically haven’t had many options when it comes to health care.

Asked about HOPE Pharmacy’s plans for the future, Dr. Brown admitted the nature of their work and duties during the pandemic have left little time to contemplate what comes next.

She said there is growing impatience among area residents to get vaccinated.

Nonetheless, she is optimistic about the pharmacy’s ability to respond to and serve the needs of the community.

“I’m happy that we’re able to get the vaccine and we’re able to help as many people as we are,” Dr. Brown said. “I’m just thankful. And we want to get more done, and we’re going to try to get as many as we can done.

“We want to make sure that we do it the right way,” she said, “but we’re up for the challenge.”

Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021 A7

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR RICHMOND

TILMAN FERTITTA AND THE ENTIRE GOLDEN NUGGET TEAM COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED TO PRESENT A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO THE CITY OF RICHMOND.

RICHMOND COMMUNITY COMMITMENT Lorenzo Creighton, a distinguished casino executive with over 25 years of President and C-level casino management expertise will lead the Richmond project. Highlights of our commitment to the community include: • Creating over 1,200 new local jobs - 70% or more within the Richmond area - Great benefits - Workforce training programs - On the job training - Internships and mentorship programs

• $400 million dollar development • 177 rooms & suites • 1,900 slots • 92 table games • 1,500 seat entertainment venue

• $60 Million contribution to Richmond Public Schools • $10 Million contribution to Richmond Affordable Housing • $1 Million Virginia Union University contribution, plus $100,000 annually • $30,000 Contribution to Metropolitan Business League • Ability for accredited minority Richmond residents to invest up to 5% of casino • Ability for local BIPOC restaurateurs and retailers to apply, operate and invest up to 30% in restaurants and retail inside the casino

@goldennuggetrichmond

The project will include:

• 16,000 sqft of meeting space • 5 restaurants • 4 retail outlets • Expansive H2O Pool & Bar

Golden Nugget Richmond, VA

Richmond Free Press

Magnolia bloom at Maymont

Editorial Page

A8

March 18-20, 2021

Voting rights restoration Voting is the lynchpin of democracy.

And with the cataclysmic events that occurred in America after the presidential election, including the seditious Jan. 6 mob assault on the U.S. Capitol, our democracy is something we must not take for granted.

Today, we celebrate the nearly 70,000 Virginians whose voting rights have been restored thanks to an executive order signed by Gov. Ralph S. Northam. These Virginians had been blocked from full participation in civic life because they are still on parole or probation. The governor’s order now gives automatic restoration of voting and other civil rights to felons as soon as they complete their prison terms.

We have long called for the voting rights of felons to be restored automatically once they have served their time. The continued branding and banishment of felons from full participation in society is a pernicious relic of Jim Crow that falls disproportionately on Black and brown people who are locked up at much higher rates than their white counterparts.

Virginia’s restriction wrongfully barred people from fully participating in the democratic process once they had done their time and returned to live, work and pay taxes alongside others Virginians.

We believe once a felon has completed his or her time, he or she has fully paid for transgressing against society and automatically should be allowed to vote, serve on a jury and run for and hold elective office.

As Gov. Northam said, probation can last for years, and people should be able to exercise their civil rights even if they are still under supervision.

“Letting these folks vote or exercise other civil rights isn’t a threat to public safety,” he said.

We urge the nearly 70,000 newly eligible to register to vote right away so they can participate in the June 8 Democratic primary elections that will determine the party’s nominees for the state’s top offices.

We are certain we’ll hear a hue and cry from Republicans, particularly the leftover Trumpers who call themselves patriots but routinely beat down democracy. They may even mount a legal challenge.

Nonetheless, we find this latest action by Gov. Northam to be uplifting, particularly during a time when anti-democracy forces in 43 other states are working to pass legislation to restrict voting rights.

It’s the never-say-die Trump faction still at work, angered still by an enormous turnout of Black and brown people across the United States that gave Democrat Joe Biden a win in November and booted Republican Donald Trump out of the White House. His adherents are willing to pull out all the stops — including trampling on Americans’ voting rights and our basic democracy — to have their way.

We also find it ironic that the governor, who survived his own blackface scandal in early 2019, has taken up the mantle for racial justice. That scandal, plus the events of the past year with George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis at the hands of police, has helped to open space for discussions about race, racism and racial injustices that have been perpetrated for centuries in our nation.

We find some relief in the fact that scales continue to fall from the eyes of many people and that actions are being undertaken in the Commonwealth and around the nation to change racist laws, policies and practices.

“Too many of our laws were written during a time of open racism and discrimination, and they still bear the traces of inequity,” Gov. Northam said Tuesday in announcing the restoration of voting rights to the nearly 70,000 Virginians. “We are a Commonwealth that believes in moving forward, not being tied down by the mistakes of our past.

If we want people to return to our communities and participate in society, we must welcome them back fully — and this policy does just that.”

This is, in part, what racial reckoning looks like. There’s still so much more to be done.

Getting to the other side One year ago this week, COVID-19 stealthily came into our community and upended our lives.

It has been a hard year.

Schools, businesses and churches have been on lockdown.

Restaurants and barber and beauty shops are now open to limited capacity.

Our homes have become virtual classrooms, workplaces and sanctuaries with computers and cell phones providing connections.

Birthdays, graduations and family visits have been conducted via Zoom, cell phone or drive-thru. Health and safety concerns keep us in a bubble and at least 6 feet apart from many of those we love.

And there have been losses.

Among Virginians alone, we have experienced more than a half million cases of COVID-19 during the past year. Thousands have been hospitalized. More than 10,100 have died.

It has been rough.

We salute the doctors, nurses, health care, hospital and nursing home workers who have put their lives on the line each day during the pandemic to care for many of us and our loved ones.

We acknowledge with gratitude the front line workers in grocery stores, drug stores and on the bus lines and mail routes who have kept essential services going.

We thank the churches, temples, mosques and food banks, pantries and carry-outs that have nourished our bodies and fed our souls during the past year.

We thank the teachers, administrators, tech people, business owners and others who have kept our children learning and families working without too many glitches.

We thank the innumerable people who, often unseen and unacknowledged, have kept our city and state functioning and safe during this time.

And we, at the Free Press, also thank our loyal readers and advertisers who have stayed with us during the past year as we’ve all adjusted to life under COVID-19, as well as the many unofficial ambassadors who pick up extra copies of the paper and deliver them to friends, shut-ins and loved ones.

We find encouragement in the collective positive spirit and goodwill within the Richmond community and in the growing numbers of people who are being vaccinated each day against the coronavirus.

To date, 2.8 million doses of the vaccine had been administered in Virginia, giving hope that soon we may be able to return to some routines of life as we knew it before March 2020.

We urge our readers to sign up on the state’s website to get vaccinated. Go to vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA. That’s (877) 829-4682.

While nearly 22 percent of our state’s population has had at least one shot of the vaccine, we remind that 78 percent of people have not. So remain careful during these next weeks as spring settles in, Passover, Easter and Eid al-Fitr are celebrated and the outdoors calls to us.

Please remember to wear a mask, even when outdoors in public around others, maintain a social distance and wash your hands frequently.

Yes, the past year has been tough, but we will soon get to the other side of this pandemic.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

‘They don’t want our souls at the polls’ The Souls to the Polls movement encourages African-American church attendees to get out and vote. The churches that promote this movement cannot, because of their 501(c)(3) status, endorse candidates. They can, however, emphasize the gospel of social and economic justice and preach the gospel of civic participation.

People heard the message and got out to vote in November 2020 and in G e o rg i a i n January 2021.

When the Rev. Raphael Warnock decided to challenge appointed Kelly Loeffler, he galvanized people to support him.

So in the past few months, the Georgia Legislature has crafted a bill to attack how churches, civic organizations and others get the vote out.

The Georgia legislation seems primarily focused on the ways civic organizations got voters to the polls. They want to eliminate drop boxes, restrict voter hours and limit absentee voting to disabled people or to those who prove they are out of town.

They have surgically gone into the voter turnout playbook and attacked it step by step.

We aren’t surprised. Our nation’s so-called “law and order” crew has always attempted to sup-

press the Black vote with absurd conditions for participation.

I’ll never forget my Great AuntAnnie Mae Randall learning the Latin passages she needed to translate to qualify to vote. Latin in 1960s Mississippi? The idiots who imposed this requirement perhaps could not read or write English, much less Latin. Proof?

My mom’s race on her birth certificate is “collard” as in the greens, not “colored” as she was designated. Education-deprived white people could only assert

Julianne Malveaux their “superiority” by putting Black people in our place.

It is not especially startling, then, that not a single Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives voted for the For the People Act, also known as HR1. It is more confusing that Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, a Democrat and member of the Congressional Black Caucus, voted against the legislation. He had his reasons, which hold no water with me, but he had his reasons. Rep. Thompson was a co-sponsor of HR1, but he flipped “in the interests of his constituents.” Is he attempting to curry favor with white Mississippi voters, or is this a vote on principle?

Here is the tension. Republicans keep talking about “voter integrity,” while Democrats and

activists (not always the same thing) highlight voter suppression. The incidence of “voter fraud” is a hundredth of a percentage point, but Republicans refuse to acknowledge their voter suppression acts. Thus, more than 200 bills have been introduced in 43 states that would keep people from the polls. They don’t want our souls at the polls.

However, our voter activity has always been blocked by the conservative forces that want to limit the right to vote. Many hit the airwaves speaking of voter integrity and that limiting voting opportunities is “reasonable.”

These Republicans are exploiting the racist, predatory capitalist origins of this nation.

While our founders talked about democracy and one person, one vote, they excluded those who did not own property from the vote. They excluded women, Black folks and others from the vote.

From my perspective, the most enduring evidence of elitism is the way the U.S. Senate has evolved. Initially, the governor or legislative body appointed senators, usually of their race and class. Then, the senatorial formula is intrinsically unequal.

Why should population-dense California have the same voice as Vermont, New Hampshire and Montana in Senate votes?

This was never meant to be a democracy. It was designed to preserve the interests of capitalist

Black Americans want vaccine “They’ve read all this stuff online, from different news sources, which is confusing. But then they meet me, as someone who has had the shot, and I can give them some real answers.”— Armando Mateos of Working Partnerships USA, a Silicon Valley-based community organization working to help dispel misinformation about the pandemic and vaccines A strong majority of Black Americans are confident in the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine and are ready to take it, according to a new poll commissioned by the National Urban League and the Alliance of National Psychological Associations for Racial and Ethnic Equity.

These findings run counter to a “blame-the-victim” media narrative that pins the appalling racial disparity in vaccination rates on the hesitancy of Black people to take the vaccine.

Only 14 percent of Black Americans polled said they “definitely” would not get the vaccine, and 15 percent said they “probably” would not. Yet the Black share of the vaccinated population is lower than the Black general population in every state that has reported demographic data. According to an analysis by The New York Times, the Black vaccination

rate is half the white rate.

Access, not hesitancy, is the reason for this disparity, as U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, psychologist and professor Cheryl Grills and I discussed in an op-ed published March 9 in the Washington Post.

Among those who are hesitant, however, information is key. Overall, more than a fifth of Black people surveyed said they have heard, seen or read

Marc H. Morial something that made them less likely to take the vaccine.

Among those who said they definitely or probably would not take the vaccine, 55 percent had consumed negative information about it.

Negative information about the vaccine mostly centered on safety concerns, side effects, and skepticism about how quickly the vaccine was developed and approved.

This corresponds with recent reporting that Black and Hispanic communities are confronting vaccine conspiracy theories, rumors and misleading news reports on social media. YouTube revealed last week that it has taken down more than 30,000 videos that made misleading or false claims about COVID-19 vaccines during the last six months.

Our poll found that concerns about the safety of the vaccine are the primary barrier among

Black people who don’t intend to vaccinate. Of that group, nearly 60 percent agreed that “the vaccine is too new, I want to wait and see how it works for others.” More than a third agreed that “I am worried that people of color are being used as test subjects.”

Our challenge, then, is to employ trusted messengers, such as public health professionals, community leaders and friends and neighbors, to address those concerns attesting to the vaccine’s safety. I was proud to join a group of trusted clergy in my own community who received the vaccine publicly in an effort to build trust.

These efforts are working.

Hairstylist Katrina Randolph is part of Health Advocates InReach and Research, or HAIR, a network of barbershops and beauty salons working with the Maryland Center for Health Equity at the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

“At first, 75 percent of my clients were saying, ‘I’m not going to get the vaccination.’

But as we had these conversations and I told them things that I was being educated about, they began to do research and then they felt more comfortable with the vaccination,” Ms. Randolph said. “Now I hear from 90 percent of my clients, ‘I can’t wait to get vaccinated.’ ” 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.

oligarchs.

The ruling class has protected their interests by giving U.S. senators a six-year term. Their missteps are likely to be forgotten before their term is over. Our former president, who should be known only as “former,” encouraged Republicans in their intransigence. The U.S. Capitol insurrection of Jan. 6 was an attempt for the unholy alliance between the wealthy Republican elites and the people they have been able to incite.

As the Georgia legislation suggests that some don’t want our souls at the polls, so does Republican opposition to HR1.

But Black folks have learned Latin, counted jelly beans in a jar, stood in line for hours and managed oppression. We brought souls to the polls in 2020, and we will do it again in 2022.

The writer is an economist and author.

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COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2022

COUNTY OFsynopsis HENRICO, VIRGINIA The County Manager’s recommended budget is prepared and published solely for the purposes of fiscal planning and public information.

BudgetedFOR items doFISCAL not represent YEAR commitments or obligations of the PROPOSED BUDGET ENDING Board of Supervisors to appropriate funds for those items. The budget consists of estimates and requests JUNE 30, 2022 submitted to the County Manager and his recommendations concerning those requests. Funds cannot be allocated or distributed until they are appropriated by the Board of Supervisors.

7KH &RXQW\ 0DQDJHU¶V UHFRPPHQGHG EXGJHW V\QRSVLV LV SUHSDUHG DQG SXEOLVKHG VROHO\ IRU WKH SXUSRVHV RI ¿VFDO SODQQLQJ DQG public information. Budgeted items do not represent commitments or obligations of the Board of Supervisors to appropriate The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing for the purposes of public information and fiscal funds for those items. The budget consists of estimates and requests submitted to the County Manager and his recommendations planning regarding the proposed budget. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 6:00 concerningp.m., thoseinrequests.

Funds cannot be allocated or distributed until they are appropriated by the Board of Supervisors. the Board Room at the Henrico Government Center, Hungary Spring and East Parham Roads,

Henrico County, Virginia.

7KH %RDUG RI 6XSHUYLVRUV ZLOO KROG D SXEOLF KHDULQJ IRU WKH SXUSRVHV RI SXEOLF LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG ¿VFDO SODQQLQJ UHJDUGLQJ WKH proposed budget. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., in the Board Room at the Henrico The publicHungary hearing isSpring also for theEast purpose of allowing the publicCounty, to question and comment on the proposed Government Center, and Parham Roads, Henrico Virginia. operating and capital budgets. All citizens have the right to attend and share their views on the proposed

The public budgets hearingwithin is alsosuch for the purposetime of allowing public to question comment on the proposed operating and capital reasonable limits asthe shall be determined byand the Board of Supervisors. budgets. All citizens have the right to attend and share their views on the proposed budgets within such reasonable time limits membersbyofthe theBoard publicofare invited to attend the public hearing in person or remotely. Some persons as shall be The determined Supervisors. who attend the meeting in person may be asked to remain in the lobby outside the Board Room if the

The members of the public are invitedcompliance to attend with the social publicdistancing hearing in person orIndividuals remotely. wishing Some to persons who attend the number of attendees prevents guidelines. speak in meeting in person personduring may bethe asked to remain the lobby the Board Room Room if the number of attendees prevents meeting will beindirected to outside the podium in the Board at the appropriate time.

The compliance with socialmeeting distancing Individuals wishing to speak in person during the meeting will bewho directed willguidelines. be livestreamed at https://henrico.us/supervisors/video-of-meetings/.

Individuals wouldto the podium in the Board at can the register appropriate time. The meeting will be livestreamed at https://henrico.us/supervisors/video-oflike Room to speak at https://henrico.us/services/citizen-participation-registration/.

After registering, meetings/. individuals Individualswill who would like to speakemail can with register at https://henrico.us/services/citizen-participation-registration/. receive a confirmation instructions.

Registration is not required to participate.

Individuals interested in speaking remotely may go online to the WebEx Event when the meeting begins. $IWHU UHJLVWHULQJ LQGLYLGXDOV ZLOO UHFHLYH D FRQ¿UPDWLRQ HPDLO ZLWK LQVWUXFWLRQV 5HJLVWUDWLRQ LV QRW UHTXLUHG WR SDUWLFLSDWH

A moderator will prompt remote participants when it is their turn comment. who registerAinmoderator will Individuals interested in speaking remotely may go online to the WebExtoEvent whenParticipants the meeting begins. advance will speak first.

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OPERATING BUDGET ESTIMATED RESOURCES: $1,397,293,230(*)

General Property Taxes $ 531,320,000 Charges for Services Other Local Tax Revenue 161,610,000 Meals Tax Revenue Total Estimated Revenue Licenses, Permits, Fees 7,813,905 Use of Money & Property 12,277,808 State Agencies 451,837,756 Fund Balances/Reserves/Adj. Federal Agencies 63,401,717 Interdepartmental Billings Miscellaneous Revenue 18,830,287 Transfers to Capital Projects Recovered Costs 170,500,356 TOTAL ESTIMATED RESOURCES (Operating Budget)

$

171,062,944 9,000,000 $ 1,597,654,773 5,192,848 (125,273,753) (45,637,800) $ 1,431,936,068

(*) - Includes anticipated revenue to be used to fund car tax relief for qualifying vehicles. Relief is estimated for qualifying vehicles valued at $1,000 or less to be at 100%, for qualifying vehicles valued at $1,001 to $20,000 to be at 48%, and for qualifying vehicles valued at $20,001 or more to be at 48% on the first $20,000 of value only.

ESTIMATED REQUIREMENTS GENERAL FUND: $983,925,344

Board of Supervisors $ Public Library Sheriff Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Services Commonwealth’s Attorney General District Court Magistrate Juv./Dom. Rel. Court Services Probation Juvenile Detention Home Electoral Board County Manager Public Relation County Attorney Human Resources Employee Benefits Police Operations Police Communications/Radio Shop Animal Protection Fire and EMS

1,152,550 20,673,779 45,441,924 2,802,946 870,547 5,998,072 464,635 6,286 111,025 23,072 2,548,035 2,013,011 1,800,828 2,053,903 2,746,282 4,961,035 1,075,795 78,753,600 7,756,266 2,091,760 72,364,581

Finance $ 15,087,000 Emergency Management 932,525 General Services 15,418,750 Internal Audit 662,623 Information Technology 16,396,796 Agriculture/Home Extension 406,547 Recreation & Parks 21,095,455 Sports and Entertainment Authority 585,896 Public Health 2,687,497 Public Works 54,651,170 Real Property 655,143 Economic Development 12,952,902 Tax Relief Programs 9,000,000 Cooperative Projects 2,758,549 Other Non-Departmental 1,595,416 Sandston Recreation Center 14,000 Building Inspections 5,127,203 Planning 4,580,078 Permit Centers 911,544 Community Revitalization 1,776,077 Education 560,920,241

SPECIAL REVENUE FUND: $200,887,583

School Cafeteria $ Grant Programs - Education Education/CSA Grant Programs – General Gov’t Community Corrections Program Social Services Social Services/CSA Capital Region Workforce Partnership VJCCCA/USDA Victim Witness Special Drug Prosecutor W & S Operations

24,115,429 62,444,246 14,400,000 250,000 2,311,946 23,874,743 3,762,628 4,202,005 1,023,425 1,263,976 207,048

Police Public Works Mental Health Solid Waste Operations Street Lighting, S.D.#2 Street Lighting, S.D.#3 Street Lighting, S.D.#3.1 Street Lighting, S.D.#12 Street Lighting, S.D.#23 Street Lighting, S.D.#63.1

WATER & SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND: $104,271,704 $ 73,918,961 W & S Debt Service

INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS: $179,494,565 Central Auto.Maint./Motor Pool $ 22,961,406 Technology Replacement Risk Management 10,493,570 Healthcare DEBT SERVICE FUND: $78,346,649 $ 32,711,095 Education

General

$

1,689,326 897,000 43,053,761 17,307,950 23,600 29,800 3,800 23,100 2,800 1,000

$

30,352,743

$

3,001,314 143,038,275

$

45,635,554

JAMES RIVER JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER AGENCY FUND: $5,683,976 JRJDC Operations $ 5,583,976 JRJDC Facility Maintenance $ 100,000 Other Post Employment Benefits Long-Term Disability

FIDUCIARY FUNDS: $4,600,000 $ 2,750,000 Line of Duty 600,000

$

TOTAL ESTIMATED REQUIREMENTS (Operating Budget) Less Interdepartmental Billings TOTAL ESTIMATED REQUIREMENTS (Operating Budget)

$ 1,557,209,821 (125,273,753) $ 1,431,936,068

CAPITAL BUDGET ESTIMATED RESOURCES: $235,198,485 General Fund Revenues $ 21,849,800 G. O. Bonds - General General Fund – Ed. Meals Tax 9,000,000 Designated Capital Reserve Central Virginia Transit Authority 22,500,000 Water & Sewer Fees General Fund – Stormwater Dedication 2,348,000 Bond Premiums G. O. Bonds – Education 19,000,000 VPSA Bonds Police Fire General Services Information Technology Recreation & Parks

1,250,000

ESTIMATED REQUIREMENTS: $235,198,485 $ 3,024,800 Mental Health 16,045,685 Public Works 2,500,000 Education 1,650,000 Water & Sewer Projects 39,825,000

$

48,400,000 12,440,000 33,300,000 12,305,685 54,055,000

$

9,000,000 35,598,000 94,255,000 33,300,000

COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX also available to be viewed on the County’s website at: INCREASE

A copy of the proposed operating and capital budgets is available for public inspection in each of the County’s branch libraries and the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Henrico, and is

Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021 A9

Commentary

COVID-19 scams on the rise

Scammers are taking advantage of the confusion surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and using it as an opportunity to prey on consumers anxious to get their shots.

Because distribution varies state by state and changes are announced almost daily, there’s not a lot of clarity on when and how people can get vaccinated, explained Karen S. Hobbs, assistant director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Consumer & Business Education.

“Officials are doing what they can, the best they can, but no state is immune to confusion and scammers are ready to take advantage,” she said.“This is one of those schemes that, like the pandemic, is affecting literally everyone, everywhere,” she added.

Ms. Hobbs said the FTC has received numerous reports of vaccine scams, though none so far have involved large numbers of people. The complaints involve scammers posing as federal and local officials, as well as hospital staff, clinic workers and health care providers.

“People are pretending to be someone you can trust in order to get money or information,” she said. Victims have reported being asked to provide sensitive information including Social Security numbers, medical information and driver’s license numbers.

The FTC website offers tips on how to recognize a vaccine scam. First, you should never pay for a vaccine. Anyone asking for money, whether to get you an appointment, put you on a list or reserve a spot in line, is a scammer. Other signs of a scam include: Advertisements to buy

the vaccine. You can’t buy it anywhere. It’s only available at federal-and state-approved locations.

Requests for personal, financial or health information. No one from a vaccine distribution site, health care provider’s office, pharmacy or your insurance company or Medicare will ask for personal information or your Social Security, credit card, driver’s license or bank account number to sign you up to get the vaccine.

Unexpected or unusual texts and emails containing links about the COVID-19

Nina Mohan vaccine. Do not click on links or open attachments from sources you don’t recognize because you could download dangerous malware onto your device.

“Our advice to people is that you should contact a trusted source. So you’ll be checking with state and local health departments to learn when and how to get the vaccine and you can also talk to your health care providers directly,” Ms. Hobbs said.

She also encouraged people to sign up for FTC consumer alerts for the latest information on a variety of consumer issues, including COVIDrelated scams. She noted that if you have been scammed, it’s important to contact authorities right away.

“Getting money back from scammers is a challenge because scammers ask people to use certain payments, and these methods have certain characteristics — quick, anonymous, difficult to reverse,” she explained.

One popular method involves instructing victims to buy gift cards and then asking them for the numbers on the back. Scammers also ask for payments via cash-reload

cards and money transfers such as Western Union and MoneyGram.

“They choose these methods because they’re like cash. Once the money is gone, it’s gone.

That’s why it’s important to act quickly. It’s the only way to increase your chances of getting your money back,” Ms. Hobbs said.

Reporting scams to the FTC also helps the FTC and law enforcement officials to prevent future fraud, she noted.

“When victims report scams, the information goes into a database that our 3,000 law enforcement partners read, too,” she explained. “The information helps the agency spot trends, alert communities about potential scams and informs the FTC’s education, messaging and policy priorities.”

For more information on how to avoid scams, or what to do if you have been a victim of fraud, please visit FTC.gov.

What to do if you have been scammed: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-doif-you-were-scammed Three ways to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams: https://www.ftc.gov/system/ files/attachments/coronavirusadvice-consumers/three_ways_ to_avoid_covid-19_vaccine_ scams_508_2.pdf Information on COVID19-related topics for consumers: ftc.gov/coronavirus Report fraud, scams and bad business practices, and get actionable next steps to help you recover: ReportFraud.ftc.gov Report identity theft: www. identitytheft.gov For information on how to get the COVID-19 vaccine, please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, or contact your local health department.

The writer is part of the 2020 class of the CAPE New Writers Fellowship and a social media influencer.

Paid Political Advertisment

Delivering Progressive Change Right Now As the only candidate for Governor in the Virginia Senate, Jenn is creating historic progress for all Virginians.

http://henrico.us/budget/proposed-budgets/

The County of Henrico proposes to increase property tax levies.

COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE 1.

Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new constructions or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 2.27 percent.

The County of Henrico proposes to increase property tax levies.

2.

Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same

1.

Assessment Increase: value of real property, excludingby additional to new constructions amount ofTotal real assessed estate tax as last year, when multiplied the new assessments total assesseddue value of real or improvements property, exceedsmentioned last year’s above, total assessed ofper real$100 property by 2.27 percent. estatetowith the exclusions would bevalue $0.85 of assessed value.

This rate

2.

be knowntoasOffset the “lowered tax rate.”

Lowered Ratewill Necessary Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned 3. Effective Rate Increase: The County of Henrico proposes to adopt a tax rate of $0.87 per $100 of above, would be $0.85 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”

3.

tax rate the proposed rate proposes would be to $0.02 per a$100, or 2.4 difference Effective Ratelowered Increase: Theand County of Henrico adopt tax rate of percent. $0.87 perThis $100 of assessed value. will tax be rate known as the “effective tax rate increase.” between Individual may, This is the same as was in effect in 2020.

The difference theproperty loweredtaxes tax rate andhowever, the proposed rate increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage. would be $0.02 per $100, or 2.4 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.

4.

other revenues, the total operating budget of thereal County of Henrico willand exceed last year’s by 8.7 Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed property tax rate changes in other revenues, the percent. total operating budget of the County of Henrico will exceed last year’s by 8.7 percent.

assessed value. This is the same tax rate as was in effect in 2020. The difference between the

4.

Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in

Calendar Year

Real Estate

Personal Property

Aircraft

Machinery & Tools

Fire & Rescue Vols.’ Vehicles

2020 Levy 2021 Proposed Levy

$0.87 $0.87

$3.50 $3.50

$0.50 $0.50

$0.30 $0.30

$1.00 $1.00

Computer Equipment and Peripherals Disabled Used in a Veterans’ Calendar Year Data Center Vehicles 2020 Levy $0.40 $0.01 2021 Proposed Levy $0.40 $0.01

Machinery & Tools for Semiconductor Manufacturers $0.30 $0.30

Passing the Voting Rights Act of Virginia which eliminates barriers to voting due to racial discrimination and proactively protects the right to vote.

Making Virginia the first state in the South to repeal the ban on abortion coverage through plans offered on the health exchange.

Ensuring that people with mental illnesses and developmental and intellectual disabilities are not needlessly and unjustly trapped in the criminal justice system.

Extending more worker protections to domestic workers through the Virginia Human Rights Act. Ending the death penalty in Virginia.

Motor Vehicles Specially Equipped to Provide Transportation for Physically Handicapped Individuals $0.01 $0.01

The Board of Supervisors will also fix a levy on all classes of property in Sanitary Districts #2, #3, #3.1, #12, #23, and #63.1 for street lights: Real Estate

Calendar Year 2020 Levy 2021 Proposed Levy

Sanitary District #2 $0.003 $0.003

Sanitary District #3 $0.010 $0.010

Calendar Year 2020 Levy 2021 Proposed Levy

Sanitary District #2 $0.001 $0.001

Sanitary District #3 $0.001 $0.001

Sanitary District 3.1 $0.031 $0.031

Sanitary District #12 $0.010 $0.010

Sanitary District #23 $0.010 $0.010

Sanitary District #63.1 $0.019 $0.019

Sanitary District #12 $0.001 $0.001

Sanitary District #23 $0.001 $0.001

Sanitary District #63.1 $0.001 $0.001

Personal Property(*) Sanitary District 3.1 $0.001 $0.001

*Applies to all classes oftopersonal property including aircraft, fireaircraft, & rescue vehicles, disabled veterans’ vehicles, *Applies all classes of personal property including firevolunteers’ & rescue volunteers’ vehicles, disabled motor vehicles specially to provide transportation for physically handicapped individuals, computer equipment and veterans’ equipped vehicles, motor vehicles specially equipped to provide transportation for physically handicapped peripherals usedindividuals, in a data center, machinery & tools, and machinery semiconductor computer equipment and peripherals used in&atools data for center, machinery &manufacturers. tools, and machinery & tools for semiconductor manufacturers.

All levies are per $100 of assessed valuation at fair market value.

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposed tax rates and levies for calendar year 2021 on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., in the Board Room at the Government Center, Hungary Spring and East Parham Roads, Henrico County, Virginia.

The Board of Supervisors shall permit persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present oral testimony within such reasonable time limits as shall be determined by the Board.

Following the public hearing, but also on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, during the 7:00 p.m. meeting, the Board of Supervisors may fix an appropriate tax levy for real estate, personal property, aircraft, qualifying fire & rescue volunteers’ vehicles, disabled veterans’ vehicles, motor vehicles specially equipped to provide transportation for physically handicapped individuals, computer equipment and peripherals used in a data center, machinery & tools, and machinery & tools for semiconductor manufacturers for calendar year 2021.

The Board of Supervisors is not obligated to adopt the proposed tax rates but may increase or decrease them as it deems necessary, provided that before any rate may be increased, the proposed increase shall be advertised and the public given an opportunity to appear before and be heard by the Board on the proposed increase. The Board may adjourn to subsequently meet and fix tax levies no later than June 30, 2021.

A copy of the proposed budget is available at https://henrico.us/budget/proposed-budgets/ Given under my hand this 8th day of March, 2021.

Tanya Brackett Harding, Clerk Henrico County Board of Supervisors

info@jennifermcclellan.com @JennMcClellanVA @JennMcClellanVA SenJenniferMcClellan

Richmond Free Press

A10 March 18-20, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

NSU wins MEAC title, heads to NCAA If Norfolk State University was snubbed at the ballot box, it more than got even on the court.

Denied regular season accolades, the revenge-minded Spartans defeated Morgan State University 71-63 in the MEAC Tournament final at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

It is NSU’s first MEAC crown since 2012 and sends the green and gold to the NCAA’s Big Dance.

The Spartans will face Sun Belt Conference championAppalachian State University of Boone, N.C., at 8:40 p.m. Thursday in Bloomington, Ind., in a NCAA First Four matchup. If victorious, NSU would become the 16th seed in the Western bracket and advance to face overall No. 1 seed Gonzaga University on Saturday.

Back in Norfolk, the MEAC regular season individual awards were voted on by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors.

NSU junior Joe Bryant, a third-team AllMEAC pick, was named tournament MVP. Coach Robert Jones, passed over for regular season Coach of the Year, won Tournament Coach of the Year.

Also, there were no Spartans on the MEAC All-Defensive Team or All-Rookie Team

based on regular season voting.

Devante Carter, a second team All-MEAC selection, joined Bryant on the All-Tournament team.

Many in the NSU camp felt Carter, a senior from Newport News, was more deserving of regular season player of the year than second team pick.

From nearby Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Bryant had 17 points in the game against Morgan State after torching the nets for 30 points in a tournament quarterfinal win over North Carolina Central University.

Carter had 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocked shots to foil the Morgan State Bears. The ever-present Carter logged 37 of the game’s 40 minutes.

NSU did a solid job defending Morgan State standout De’Torrion Ware, who had averaged 32 points during the quarterfinal and semifinal games.

Against the tight Spartans’ defense, Ware scored 16 points but hit just five of 15 shots from the field, including one of eight from beyond the arc. He had four turnovers.

Going to the

Big Dance Transfer players come to the rescue for U.Va., Va. Tech Two tall and talented transfers have helped vault both of Virginia’s Atlantic Coast Conference Sam Hauser Keve Aluma schools into the NCAA Big Dance.

Led by All-ACC Sam Hauser, the University of Virginia will play Ohio University on Saturday, March 20, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The game, at 7:15 p.m., will be played in Bloomington, Ind., and broadcast on TruTV. With second team All-ACC Keve Aluma as a marquee attraction, Virginia Tech will meet the University of Florida in the first round at 12:15 p.m. Friday, March 19, in Indianapolis. The game will be broadcast on CBS. Hauser, a senior, transferred to U.Va. this season from Marquette University in Wisconsin. Aluma arrived as a junior at Virginia Tech from Wofford College in South Carolina.

The 6-foot-8 Hauser averages 15 points and seven rebounds while hitting 43 percent from 3-point distance.

Aluma, at 6-foot-9, averages 16 points and eight rebounds for the Hokies.

As fourth seed in the West Region, Virginia (18-6) will be playing the 13th seed Ohio Bobcats (16-7) from the Mid-American Conference.

Virginia Tech (15-6) is seeded 10th and the Southeast Conference power Florida Gators (14-9) are seeded seventh in the South Region.

Both U.Va. and Tech fell short of expectations at the ACC Tournament in Greensboro, N.C. Tech was eliminated 81-73 by the University of North Carolina in the quarterfinals.

Virginia, the 2019 NCAA champ, slipped past Syracuse in the quarterfinals, but then was forced to drop out of the tournament due to COVID-19 contact tracing.

All 68 schools competing in the NCAA Tournament will have to follow strict COVID-19 protocol in the days leading up to this weekend’s event.

In case of a positive test and a school has to drop out, the NCAA has four replacement schools ready to fill in. They are Louisville, Colorado State, St. Louis and Mississippi.

Norfolk State University Spartans

NSU drew a bye in the semifinal when North Carolina A&T State University dropped out of the tournament because of a positive COVID-19 test.

The Spartans will carry a 16-7 record and five-game winning streak into NCAA action.

NSU’s only previous trip to The Dance was in 2012 when, as a 15th seed, the Spartans upset No. 2 seed University of Missouri.

Kyle O’Quinn, the star of the 2012 squad, is now playing professionally in Turkey after

being in the NBA from 2012 to 2020 with Orlando, the New York Knicks, Indiana and Philadelphia.

Coach Anthony Evans who coached the Spartans in 2012, left NSU after that season to become coach at Florida International University. Coach Evans was 65-94 at FIU between 2012 and 2018 and is now an assistant coach at Fordham University.

The Spartans qualified for the NCAA Division II Tournament on 15 occasions between 1965 and 1995. The team’s best showing was in 1995 when NSU reached the Final Four.

VCU Rams hoping 18th time a charm Virginia Commonwealth University has taken one step backward. Now it needs to take a giant leap forward, and there’s no time to dilly-dally.

Coach Mike Rhoades’ Rams lost to St. Bonaventure 74-65 in the Atlantic-10 Conference final last Sunday in Dayton, Ohio.

There was no coming home to Richmond to grab a second wind.

From Dayton, the Rams headed straight to Indianapolis where they will play the University of Oregon Saturday in the first round of the NCAA West Region.

The 19-7 Rams are seeded 10th; the 20-6 Ducks of the Pac-12 Conference are seeded seventh.

The VCU-Oregon winner will advance to face the survivor of the University of Iowa (No. 2) versus Grand Canyon University (No. 15) contest Monday, March 22. Iowa showcases first team All-American Luka Garza.

For VCU, A-10 Player of the Year Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland had 21 points and Vince Williams scored 12 points against St. Bonaventure. Freshman Josh Banks came off the bench to hit four-of-four from the field and score 10 points.

This will be VCU’s 18th trip to the NCAAs dating to 1980, and its 12th

Get out your NoDoz ...

Virginia Commonwealth University to play Oregon in the NCAA first round Saturday, March 20, at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis.

Tipoff: 9:57 p.m. Game to be broadcast on TNT.

since 2004 under five different coaches, Jeff Capel, Anthony Grant, Shaka Smart, Will Wade and now Rhoades.

Coach Smart took the Rams all the way to the Final Four in 2011, the only time in the team’s history.

VCU’s last NCAA victory, in 2016, came against Oregon State before losing the next round to Oklahoma. The Rams lost in the first round to St. Mary’s in 2017 and Central Florida in 2019.

There was no March Madness in 2020 due to the pandemic.

VCU has faced Oregon once before, defeating the Ducks in a 2014 early-season tournament in Brooklyn, N.Y. Oregon is coached by Dana Altman, who is 279-109 with the Ducks and 689-352 in a career that has included stops at Marshall, Kansas State and Creighton universities. Coach Altman guided the Ducks to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2019.

The Ducks have a veteran lineup led Coach Rhodes

by 6-foot-6 Chris Duarte and 6-foot-6 Eugene Omoruyi, both seniors averaging 17 points per game.

Also averaging double digits are 6-foot-6 senior L.J. Figueroa (12.3 points), 6-foot-5 senior Will Richardson (11.1) and 6-foot-6 junior Eric Williams Jr. (10.4). The tallest player in regular rotation is 6-foot-8 Chandler Lawson, who averages 4.6 points.

The Rams will need to defend the arc.

The Ducks, who lost to Oregon State in the Pac-12 semifinals in Las Vegas, have made 218 3-point shots on 38 percent accuracy from the distance.

In 1939, Oregon, then known as the Webfoots, won the inaugural NCAA Tournament, defeating Ohio State 46-33 in the final.

More recently, Oregon has been nicknamed “The University of Nike.”

With headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., the corporation has supplied considerable money and apparel to the Pacific Northwest school. The sponsorship has paid off on the playing fields.

Liberty University Flames player Darius McGhee rises to occasion When the Liberty University Flames jump for joy, no one jumps higher than Darius McGhee.

Along with being the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year, the 5-foot-9 junior is arguably the premier leaper in all of college hoops.

It’s fortunate the Roxboro, N.C., native isn’t scared of heights as the Flames make final preparations for their NCAA Tournament date with Oklahoma State at 6:25 p.m.

Friday, March 19, in Indianapolis.

McGhee has recorded an oh-my-gosh 48-inch vertical leap. A video of the leap using a Vertec Vertical Jump Tester was

Liberty vs. Oklahoma State No. 13 seed Liberty University plays No. 4 seed Oklahoma State at 6:25 p.m. Friday, March 19, in the first round of the NCAA Midwest Region.

The game will be broadcast on TBS. The Oklahoma State Cowboys, runner-up to the University of Texas in the Big 12 Conference, feature freshman Cade Cunningham, the likely No. 1 overall first round NBA draftee later this year.

shown last weekend on ESPN as Liberty won the Atlantic Sun Tournament and a NCAA bid under Coach Ritchie McKay. “Our athletes are tested for vertical leap when they come onto campus,” said Liberty sports publicist Steven Gonzalez.

The vertical leap offers a strong indication of explosive athletic ability, and McGhee is brimming with it.

Some compare the vertical leap to football’s 40-yard dash in determining raw potential.

In Liberty’s 79-75 win over North Alabama in the nationally televised ASun final on March 7, McGhee had 21

points, made four 3-pointers and snared eight rebounds despite being the shortest man on the floor.

Earning A-Sun Player of the Year honors for the 23-5 Flames, McGhee has averaged 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. He is hitting 46 percent from floor, 41 percent from behind the arc and 85 percent of his free throws.

Even more, he provides a “Wow!” factor few can match. It’s clear he can touch above the 18-inch rectangle above the rim and in the vicinity of the top of the backboard.

Basketball fans like to say a player “can jump out of gym.” While that may not be advisable, or even possible, if anyone can do it, it’s likely McGhee.

The vertical leap is determined by measuring an athlete’s standing height — tip toes to fingertips — and comparing it to his full extension, arm and hand extended leap.

Since the vertical leap is not an official track and field event, it’s hard making comparisons. There is no set protocol.

In Liberty’s case, McGhee’s jump was measured with about a 20-foot runup before going airborne. This is often called “Max Leap” rather than “Standing Leap.”

Again, keeping in mind some of the testing might have been conducted differently, here are some recorded vertical leaps of note.

Kenny Gregory holds the NBA Combine record of 45.5 inches, using run-up, in 2001.

The 6-foot-6 wing from the University of Kansas was not drafted by the NBA but played about 10 years overseas.

The NFL holds its own version of the vertical leap.

Top efforts were 46 inches by Gerald Sensabaugh (from the University of North Carolina, 2005) and 45 inches by both Chris

Darius McGhee

Conley (University of Georgia, 2015) and Donald Washington (Ohio State, 2009).

Cuban volleyball sensation Leonel Marshall, now 41, is reported to have had a 50-inch vertical leap with some YouTube evidence to support it.

Michael Wilson, a former player for the University of Memphis and the Harlem Globetrotters, is in the Guinness Book of World Records for dunking on the highest goal (12 feet) in history.

Any story about leapers would be incomplete without mention of Ray Ewry, “The Human Frog,” who won eight Olympic gold medals in the standing high jump, the standing long jump and the standing triple jump around the turn of the 20th century.

But that was then and McGhee is now.

After scoring more than 3,000 points in his high school career in Roxboro and at Blue Ridge School in Virginia, McGhee quickly made his way into Coach McKay’s lineup. He averaged 7.8 points as a freshman and 9.5 points last year. This year, he has taken off, which isn’t surprising.

Forget the calendar. Every year is a leap year for Darius McGhee.

Richmond Free Press

Actions

Speak

Louder Words have value, especially when they are used to make a promise. But the most important thing about a promise is the action you take afterward. At Dominion Energy, we believe in taking action – to deliver on our commitment to help people, communities, and the environment.

COVID-19 Response and Support In response to the pandemic’s economic impact, Dominion Energy has stepped up to meet the needs of our customers. We suspended all service disconnections for non-payment to provide uninterrupted, reliable service 24/7. We have given more than $1 million to support coronavirus relief efforts by the American Red Cross and other nonprofits, to help our communities in need.

Social Justice and Higher Education At Dominion Energy, we believe higher education is critical to addressing centuries of institutional racism. That is why we have committed $35 million to our initiative supporting historically Black colleges and universities, and to minority student scholarships. In addition, we have allocated another $5 million to promote social justice and community building.

Solar and Wind Energy To build a cleaner energy future, we have added more than 3.5 million solar panels throughout Virginia, helping to make us America’s third largest in solar. In addition, we are developing the largest offshore wind project in the U.S., which will produce enough energy to power 660,000 homes by 2026.

EnergyShare® For years, our EnergyShare® program has helped our neighbors across Virginia, assisting individuals and their families with bill payment and energy saving upgrades. As of today, the program has helped more than 858,000 people. In 2020, we expanded the EnergyShare® program to assist those impacted by the coronavirus with an additional $500,000 to help provide energy bill relief for small businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship throughout Virginia.

Lower Rates And to help residential customers, we have kept our rates more than 10%* below the national average.

Turning promises into reality is what defines us. That is why we are proud to invest in what we believe in, and what we know is important to you.

*Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of 1/26/2021

March 18-20, 2021 B1

Richmond Free Press

B2 March 18-20, 2021

Happenings

Chris Pizzello/Associated Press

Beyonce, left, and Megan Thee Stallion accept the award for best rap song for “Savage” at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards held Sunday at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Beyoncé makes history with 28th Grammy Award; whole family wins, too Free Press wire report

Queen Bey is the Queen of the Grammys now.

On Sunday, Beyoncé became the most honored woman in Grammy history, winning her 28th award.

The superstar walked into the show with 24 wins and picked up four more honors, including best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” best music video for “Brown Skin Girl” as well as best rap performance and best rap song for “Savage,” with Megan Thee Stallion.

“As an artist I believe it’s my job, and all of our jobs, to reflect time and it’s been such a difficult time,” Beyoncé said as she won best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” which was released on Juneteenth.

She went on to say she created the song to honor the “beautiful Black kings and queens” in the world.

She added: “I have been working my whole life ... This is such a magical night.”

Beyoncé now ties producer and multi-instrumentalist Quincy Jones for second place among all Grammy winners. She is only behind the late conductor Georg Solti, who is the most decorated Grammy winner with 31 wins.

But Beyoncé didn’t only make history, her whole family did.

The royal family of music all won honors Sunday: Jay-Z picked

CBS/Recording Academy via AP

In this video grab provided by CBS and the Recording Academy, Anderson .Paak, left, and Bruno Mars, together as Silk Sonic, perform “Leave The Door Open.”

Want to be in an opera?

Local performing arts company RVA Baroque is hoping plenty of people with talent do.

The company led by Raphael Seligmann is holding auditions for the 16 parts in a new opera dramatizing the life of a maverick 17thcentury Frenchwoman, Julie d’Aubigny, who excelled with a sword and as a singer and had multiple adventures and romances.

Mr. Seligmann is once again teaming with his musiciancomposer son, Niccolo Seligmann, to create this full-length opera. In 2019, they teamed to create RVA Baroque’s first work, “MINERVATimes Change.”

An array of singers of all vocal ranges is being sought, including people with disabilities, for a work that will mingle folk, blues, rock and baroque music, Mr. Seligmann stated in the audition announcement.

Details on auditions: JulieMonster.opera@gmail.com

up his 23rd Grammy, sharing the best rap song win with his wife since he co-wrote “Savage.”

And their daughter, 9-year-old Blue Ivy Carter, who won for best music video alongside her mother, became the second youngest honeree to win a Grammy in the show’s 63-year history.

Leah Peasall was 8 when The Peasall Sisters won album of the year at the 2002 Grammy Awards show for their appearance on the T Bone Burnett-produced soundtrack, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”

The awards show, a jam-packed but socially distanced show highlighted by live music sorely absent during the pandemic era, saw four women, including Beyoncé, win the top four prizes.

Taylor Swift became the first female performer to win album of the year three times. H.E.R. won song of the year and Billie Eilish picked up her second consecutive record of the year honor, telling the audience that best new artist winner Megan Thee Stallion deserved the award.

Though women have won all top four awards in the past — including Ms. Eilish’s sweep last year — it marked the first time four separate and solo women won the top four honors.

“I feel like there’s been a lot of female empowerment and lots of women winning awards tonight. And so it’s been absolutely amazing to just be alongside all that, to feel that energy,” Dua Lipa, who won best pop vocal album, said backstage.

Ms. Swift won the top prize with “folklore,” the folky, alternative album she released as a surprise last year. She previously won album of the year with “Fearless” and “1989.”

Megan Thee Stallion, who won three Grammys, also made history and became the first female rapper to win best rap song.

She’s also the fifth rap-based act to win best new artist.

Beyoncé was the night’s top contender with nine nominations.

She didn’t perform but Ms. Swift did. She sang “cardigan” and “august” from “folklore,” as well as “willow” from “evermore,” and was joined by the collaborators who helped her make the albums, Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, who both won album of the year with Ms. Swift.

The Grammys featured pre-taped performances that helped the nearly four-hour show run seamlessly — a not-so-easy feat during a global pandemic. Host Trevor Noah told jokes about the pandemic and the year that was 2020, appearing live from downtown Los Angeles with attendees wearing masks and sitting, socially distanced, at small round tables.

Silk Sonic, aka Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak, also performed, bringing a throwback R&B vibe to the show with their

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

H.E.R. poses in the press room with the award for song of the year for “I Can’t Breathe” and best R&B song.

smooth new single, “Leave the Door Open.” Dua Lipa proved her pop star status with a performance of her hits “Don’t Start Now” and “Levitating,” where she was joined by DaBaby, who was an all-star during his own performance of his guitar-tinged rap hit “Rockstar,” flipping the song for an exceptional live rendition featuring R&B singer Anthony Hamilton, a skilled violinist and background singers.

Country singer Mickey Guyton — the first Black woman nominated for best country solo performance — gave a top notch performance of her song “Black Like Me,” which she released last year as police brutality continued to devastate Black families and the coronavirus ravished Black America disproportionately.

Lil Baby, joined by Killer Mike and activist Tamika Mallory, gave a political performance that impressed.

“Black Parade” joined a list of songs honoring the Black experience that won Grammy Awards on Sunday, including H.E.R.’s protest anthem “I Can’t Breathe” and Anderson Paak’s “Lockdown,” which was released on Juneteenth like “Black Parade.”

Other performers Sunday included Cardi B, Bad Bunny, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris and Harry Styles, who won best pop solo performance for the hit “Watermelon Sugar.”

“To everyone who made this record with me, thank you so much,” said Mr. Styles, the first member of One Direction to win a Grammy.

Double winners included H.E.R., Fiona Apple, Kaytranada

Diversity Richmond and Virginia Pride to merge Diversity Richmond and Virginia Pride are merging.

Effective April 1, Virginia Pride will continue to produce its signature event, PrideFest, and other events supporting the LGBTQ community as a program of Diversity Richmond.

Virginia Pride events and activities will continue to be guided by a diverse committee of volunteers who will have the support of a full-time, paid program director.

“By joining forces with Virginia Pride, we hope to take one and one and make three,” said Luise “Cheezi” Farmer, Diversity Richmond’s board president. “We are confident that this merger will amplify the impact of the work of our organizations and allow us to better serve not just the LGBTQ community, but the entire Richmond region.”

Stephanie Merlo, president of Virginia Pride, said both organizations have been thriving in recent years. The merger will provide additional staff resources and organizational infrastructure

more than 1,800 families and has served as a COVID-19 testing site for the Richmond Health District.

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Luise “Cheezi” Farmer, board president of Diversity Richmond, announces the merger of the two leading LGBTQ organizations in the Richmond region during a recent news conference.

to help continue that growth.

“In recent years, Virginia Pride has experienced exponential growth of our events, including an annual PrideFest that attracts more than 40,000 people, and has seen the significant impact of our advocacy efforts to make the Richmond

region a better place for LGBTQ people to live, work and visit,” Ms. Merlo said. “Merging with Diversity Richmond will ensure we continue to build on our legacy of success.”

Diversity Richmond is recognized as a hub for Richmond’s LGBTQ community, hosting

numerous events and providing meeting space for nonprofit organizations. Since 1999, it also has provided more than $1.1 million in grants to various organizations.

During the pandemic, Diversity Richmond also has held food drives that have helped

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Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021 B3

Happenings In 1800, an enslaved man named Gabriel attempted a daring revolt in Richmond. His efforts were stymied by a severe thunderstorm and betrayals by co-conspirators. His story was consigned as a minor failure for centuries, largely forgotten.

Today, however, the narrative around Gabriel’s Rebellion is being reclaimed and re-evaluated—and has brought acclaim for Ana Frances Edwards, a public historian and chair of the Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project that helped bring his story back to prominence.

For her work, Ms. Edwards is the first recipient of the Graduate Alumni Achievement Award from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of History.

“I think I was surprised at how pleased I was,” says Ms. Edwards when asked what the award means to her. “It is recognition by my peers, which means a lot to me.”

Ms. Edwards cites her research into Gabriel’s Rebellion and how its reality differed from the public consensus as what ultimately spurred her into uncovering and protecting Black history in Richmond.

The Sacred Ground project began in 2004 as a social justice initiative by the Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality to reclaim, expand and promote public history. Gabriel’s story was among the first missions the group and Ms. Edwards focused on. It’s also a personal exploration of history for Ms. Edwards, a native of California who has family roots in Virginia, with at least one ancestor having been sold into slavery from Richmond.

“Getting to know the early history of Black life in Richmond and its relationship to my family’s journey over time through slavery and freedom, and the connection of all of that to the start of the nation, was like having a hundred doorways burst open,” Ms. Edwards says.

In addition to addressing his-

Personality: Ana F. Edwards Spotlight on VCU Graduate Alumni Achievement Award winner torical wrongs and omissions through researching Gabriel’s Rebellion, Ms. Edwards has contributed to efforts to reclaim Richmond’s African Burial Ground at 15th and Broad streets in Shockoe Bottom, where Gabriel is believed to be buried after being caught and hanged.

Ms. Edwards also has long been an advocate for the planned 9-acre Shockoe Bottom Memorial Park to tell the story of enslaved Richmonders. She also is engaged in the reclamation of another African burial ground on Shockoe Hill.

Ms. Edwards sees an urgent need for the work of the Sacred Ground Project and for people to understand history. Demonstrators as young as Gabriel, who was 24 when he planned the rebellion, took to the streets last spring and summer calling for racial justice and police accountability in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

“There were young people on the streets last year who knew about the relationship between Richmond’s past and present inequities because they grew up in a Richmond when the work of the Sacred Ground Project, the Defenders and so many others was becoming common knowledge,” Ms. Edwards says. “That tells us that this kind of public history work is important.”

Ms. Edwards is hopeful that her work’s impact can help future generations of AfricanAmericans avoid the horrors inflicted on people of color and the marginalized.

A mother of two, Ms. Edwards is keenly aware of the struggles youngsters face here and across the United States.

“I want Richmond’s Black mothers and fathers to raise their children with the convic-

Reasons given for your top honor: This award recognizes an alum of the history department master’s degree program “who has made distinguished contributions to their profession or chosen field of endeavor.”

First reaction to news of the recognition: Complete surprise!

Historic preservation is: About people and the places that have meaning to them. In Richmond, it has become an effective way to bring people together around important historical inequities and different ways to address them. tion that Richmond has always been theirs as much as it was anyone else’s,” Ms. Edwards says, “and that the right to determine its future is within their power.”

Meet history and social justice advocate and this week’s Personality, Ana F. Edwards: Top honor: First recipient of the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of History’s Graduate Alumni Achievement Award.

Date and place of birth: Sept.

15 in Los Angeles.

Where I live now: Richmond.

Occupation: Public historian.

Education: Bachelor’s in visual arts, California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, 1983; and master’s in history/P.B. certificate in public history, VCU, 2020 Family: Husband, Phil Wilayto, and two sons, Walker and Taimir.

When I became interested in protecting Black history in Richmond: When I began to learn that Gabriel’s Rebellion was far more important to the founding politics of the United States than its reputation as a “failed” rebellion would have us believe. I didn’t know it would become my first opportunity to be involved in repairing a historical narrative. Before I came to Richmond, I had learned that my father’s family’s roots were in Virginia and that at least one ancestor grandmother had been sold from Richmond.

Need for history and social justice in Richmond is: Urgent. The Black Lives Matter rebellions of 2020 were really just an escalation of what has been in the works for a long time — the public reckoning of how racism has been used to the advantage of some by specifically disadvantaging others. Other cities are paying attention to what Richmond — and Virginia — will do because it has played such particular roles in furthering both the

higher and baser tendencies of American culture, from colonial times to the present. We are finally reaching a point where knowing our history matters as much at the policy meeting as it does in the books or at the dinner table.

Significant history projects I work on: Helping to reclaim Richmond’s African Burial Ground (2011); blocking the attempt to put a baseball stadium in Shockoe Bottom; the ongoing campaign to win the community-generated proposal for a 9-acre Shockoe Bottom Memorial Park (since 2015); working on the East Marshall Street Well Project; and the current reclamation of the Shockoe Hill African Burial Ground.

How I hope this impacts Richmond’s future: The story of 24-year-old Gabriel and the stand he made against slavery and its brutality from the beginning made me think of horrors I would not want my sons or daughters to face. I want Richmond’s Black mothers and fathers to raise their children with the conviction that Richmond has always been theirs as much as it was anyone else’s and that the right to determine its future is within their power.

Project I am most proud of: Our first one — popularizing of Gabriel’s Rebellion as a Richmond story and helping with the reclamation of the African Burial Ground.

Lessons learned from my work: How much can be accomplished when people overcome thinking that they have no voice or power.

What I like most about Richmond: Sunset over the James River from high ground.

What I like least about Rich-

mond: The poverty.

How I start the day: Optimistic. Standing in the morning light, sipping from a hot cup of tea.

A perfect day for me is: Getting good stuff done, seeing people happy, standing ankle deep in the sand and surf on a warm, overcast day.

What I have learned about myself during the pandemic: That white wine can be just as good as red wine.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Pull weeds. I used to be a landscape gardener.

Quote that I am inspired by: “Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.” ― Toni Morrison, from “Beloved.”

At the top of my “to-do” list: Attend the unveiling of the Shockoe Bottom Memorial Park with thousands of you!

Best late-night snack: Extra sharp cheddar cheese with a glass of red wine. Or hot almond milk with honey.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: To read. Books opened the world to me. The earliest book I remember reading was Jacob Lawrence’s “Harriet and the Promised Land,” about Harriet Tubman. I think I was about 6. Still a favorite.

Person who influenced me the most: In life? My mother and father. In Richmond? My husband/political partner.

Book that influenced me the most: “A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America,” by Ronald Takaki.

What I’m reading now: “Bouki Fait Gombo: A History of the Slave Community of Habitation Haydel (Whitney Plantation), Louisiana, 17501860” by Ibrahima Seck Next goal: To write my first book ­— about the lives of free Black people in 18th and early-19th century Richmond, expanding on my master’s thesis on the same subject.

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Richmond Free Press

B4 March 18-20, 2021

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

Retired RPS educator Juanita T. Bates dies at 88 Juanita Threadgill Bates was known for her devotion to the Richmond students she taught in an education career that spanned 53 years.

For 20 years, “she made certain that every child she taught had a hat, coat and gloves in the winter,” said Dr. Renata A. Hedrington-Jones, a longtime friend and sorority sister of Mrs. Bates and a fellow retired Richmond educator.

And when Mrs. Bates’ students grew up and started businesses, she not only employed them for projects at her home, but she would enthusiastically recommend their services to members of her family, her sorority and her church, St. Peter Baptist Church in Glen Allen.

“She always guaranteed that if you hired her ‘babies’ for yard work, painting, HVAC repairs or whatever,

you would never go morial Gardens in Glen anywhere else,” Dr. HeAllen. drington-Jones said.

During her first 30 Though she never years in Richmond, Mrs. had children of her Bates worked with speown, Mrs. Bates’ dedicial education students cation to those she mostly at the middle met through Richmond school level. After she ofPublic Schools is being ficially retired from Richremembered following mond Public Schools in her death Friday, March 1993, she couldn’t stay 5, 2021. away. For the next five The Henrico County years, she returned to the resident was 88. classroom as a substitute Family, friends and teacher.

Mrs. Bates admirers celebrated Then between 2000 Mrs. Bates’ life on Friday, March 12, and 2008, Dr. Hedrington-Jones said at the Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel in Mrs. Bates served as a reading speNorth Side. Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, cialist for children who needed extra pastor of St. Peter Baptist Church, of- help. She was working at Woodville ficiated and delivered the eulogy.

Elementary School in the East End She was buried in Roselawn Me- when she wrapped up her career at

age 76.

“Her passion for learning and children was contagious,” Dr. HedringtonJones said.

Born in High Point, N.C., Mrs. Bates earned her undergraduate degree at Virginia Union University. Afterward, she taught for 10 years in the Culpeper County Public Schools before joining the RPS faculty. She also earned a master’s in exceptional education from Virginia Commonwealth University She taught at Binford, Chandler, Henderson and Albert Hill middle schools and at Norrell and Carver elementary schools, among others.

Those who knew her spoke of the support and encouragement she gave to the teachers she worked with.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Bates was active in the Easter Seals organization that serves disabled children and

Kirk Franklin apologizes after son releases obscenity-laced, family feud audio Gospel entertainer Kirk Franklin has posted an online apology after one of his sons released a recording of an obscenity-laced and physically threatening argument he claimed was with Mr. Franklin.

“For many years, we have had a toxic relationship with him as a family,” Mr. Franklin said of his oldest son, Kerrion Franklin, 32. “We’ve tried for many years through counseling, through therapy to try to rectify this private family matter.”

The elder Mr. Franklin, 51, speaking in a 59-second video posted on his Twitter account on March 13, said the two got in an argument that his son recorded.

“I felt extremely disrespected in that conversation and I lost my temper and I said words that are not appropriate and I am sincerely sorry to all of you,” he said. “I sincerely apologize.

I want you to know as a father that during that conversation, I called the family therapist and got that therapist on the phone to try to help. He never played that part of the recording.”

In the 45-second audio recording on the Instagram account of @kerrionrashad, two voices can be heard having an argument and yelling at

Mr. Franklin

each other. Although there is no indication in the audio of who is speaking, the caption for the post claims the audio is with “my dad.”

In the audio, the older voice can be heard speaking of not wanting to be disrespected and saying he’d “break your neck” or “put my foot in your a—” if he is.

At the end of the recording, the younger voice says, “He just hung up the phone.

‘I’ll break your neck.’ Is that a threat?”

Accompanying the record-

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

bin om

in g

ance with Reverence Relev

Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor ❖

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

Please join us on

Facebook or YouTube

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

ing, the @kerrionrashad post reads in part: “This is why I’m done. No father should speak to their children like this.

If I have any issues it’s because Of this type of treatment that ii deal with behind closed doors.”

The @kerrionrashad post adds, “I don’t think I’ll ever trust my father to be alone around him ever again. I didn’t want to do this. I probably won’t release the entire recording because it’s too embarrassing that Im even dealing with this. No matter what ppl think I pray my dad deals with his deep hatred toward me. I don’t feel safe around him at all.”

The elder Franklin ended his Twitter video response by asking watchers to pray for his family.

“I’m not perfect,” Mr. Franklin said. “I’m human and I’m going to make mistakes and I’m trying to get it right.”

Mr. Franklin, who spent months not being able to perform gospel music in public performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, made

a recent appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series, singing with members of his choir and band near the end of Black History Month.

In an August interview with Religion News Service, when asked about how he handles not being able to perform as a gospel artist during the pandemic, Mr. Franklin responded: “I started going back to therapy and that’s been very, very good for me. I’m a Black man that goes to therapy. I talk, I pray, and they are synonymous. It has been really, really good to be able to have somebody to be able to help you as you help other people.”

In September, Mr. Franklin appeared on “They Call Me Dad” on the Oprah Winfrey Network. The special, which also included Bishop T.D. Jakes, featured Mr. Franklin happily discussing his youngest son, Caziah, 20, heading back to college.

“Being a Black father, it is very important for me to make sure that my children get the baton,” he said in a clip of the show on the OWN website, “and for them to understand the price of making sure that you don’t drop it.”

Moore Street Missionary

2IVERVIEW

Baptist Church

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

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

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

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

Be safe. Be blessed.

"APTIST #HURCH Sunday School – 9:45 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# 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

served on the board of the Richmond Delta House Foundation, where she helped raise money to provide scholarships to RPS seniors.

She also volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She was a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which she joined in college. She served on committees of the sorority’s Richmond Alumnae Chapter and also mentored a wide circle of younger women who were her Delta daughters.

Mrs. Bates also was active at St. Peter Baptist, where she served on the Finance Committee and the Ladies Auxiliary Usher Board, among other activities.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert A. Bates. Survivors include several cousins and other relatives.

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May God bless you all!

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”

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 “The Church With A Welcome”

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

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

See you there!

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

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office

8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ 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

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

Triumphant

Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622

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

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

“Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.”

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.

Join us on Sundays at 12 noon via Conference Call: 1(503)300-6860 Code:273149#

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

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

-OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021 B5

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-074 To amend Ord. No. 2020248, adopted Dec. 14, 2020, which authorized the special use of the property known as 3310 East Broad Street for the purpose of a dwelling unit within an existing accessory building, to authorize a two-family dwelling with an accessory building containing one dwelling unit, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in the R‑8 Urban Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the subject property for Neighborhood Mixed‑Use. Among the primary uses listed for this category are accessory dwelling units, duplexes, and small multi‑family buildings.

Ordinance No. 2021-075 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2410 Ownby Lane for the purpose of a mixeduse building, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a M-2 Heavy Industrial District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan calls for a future land use recommendation for this property as Industrial Mixed‑Use. It is also located in the Greater Scott’s Addition Priority G r o wt h No d e w h i c h specifically notes dense mixed‑use development for the subject area.

Ordinance No. 2021-076 To rezone the property known as 1001 German School Road from the R-3 Single-Family Residential District to the R-43 Multifamily Residential District (Conditional), upon certain proffered conditions. The City of Richmond’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates this parcel for Neighborhood Mixed-Use land use. This category is characterized by highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses.

Ordinance No. 2021-077 To rezone the properties known as 600 Commerce Road, 602 Commerce Road, and 606 Commerce Road from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the TOD-1 Transit-Oriented Nodal District. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates these parcels as Destination Mixed Use. Such areas are defined as key gateways featuring prominent destinations, such as retail, sports venues, and large employers, as well as housing and open space.

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

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

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the April 12, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

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Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the April 12, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

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

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER EBONIE DESILVA, Plaintiff v.

WILLIE DESILVA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000962-00 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 3rd day of May, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

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the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 28th day of April, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 21st day of April, 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 ,

consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/28/2021, at 2:30 PM, Courtroom #5

JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

ROBERT E. OWENS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-5848 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2640 Pompey Springs Road, Tax Map Number C009-0526/056 Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Robert E. Owens.

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

IT IS ORDERED that ROBERT E. OWENS, RREF ST-VA, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MAY 13, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

Number 03-35977 on September 16, 2003, SHARON HORSTKAMP, Registered Agent for MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC, BENEFICIARY of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 03-35977 on September 16, 2003, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MAY 13, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

Jay Folse.

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

IT IS ORDERED that JAY FOLSE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MAY 13, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE HENRICO COUNTY GENERAL DISTRICT COURT RUTH ANN MEEKINS BROWN, Plaintiff v.

T. LEE BROWN, Defendant.

Case No.: GV21001849-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION February 5, 2021

On this day the Petitioner appeared by counsel upon an Affidavit and Petition for Order of Publication, pursuant to section 8.01-317 of the Virginia Code.

It is hereby ORDERED that T. Lee Brown appear at the above named court and protect his interests on or before April 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

An Extract, Teste: Barbara C. Shaw, Clerk Shereka A. Banks, Esq. VSB #94317 FRIEDMAN, FRAMME & THRUSH, P.A. 6800 Paragon Place, Suite 233 Richmond, VA 23230 (804) 649-1334 (phone) Counsel for Petitioner VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING STUART DAVIS JEFFRIES, Plaintiff v.

MARITTA ANN ELLIS, Defendant.

Case No.: 760CL20002423-00-4 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce.

It is ORDERED that Maritta Ann Ellis appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before April 16, 2021.

An Exract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER OYERINOLA ONI, Plaintiff v.

FOLASADE ROBINSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000822-00 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 28th day of April, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER WALLACE PRYOR, SR., Plaintiff v.

BEREATHA SHARPEPRYOR, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000715-00 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 21st day of April, 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 CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DEMARCUS FERGUSON, Plaintiff v.

TASHEKA FERGUSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20001294-00 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 28th day of April, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ADEKUNLE ONALAJA, Plaintiff v.

DEBORAH ONALAJA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000690-00 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 21st day of April, 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

Custody

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

UNKNOWN FATHER, JENNIFER LYNN WARNER Case No. JJ097382-09-00, JJ097382-11-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Unknown Father (Father) & Jennifer Lynn Warner (Mother), o f L e i l i ana Lynna e Felix, child, DOB 9/22/2019, “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, Unknown Father, (Father) & Jennifer Lynn Warner (Mother), to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 6/11/2021, at 10:20 AM, Courtroom #1.

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re aa’mer lamont cooper RDSS v.

UNKNOWN FATHER, antione smith Case No. JJ097382-09-00, JJ097382-11-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Unknown Father and Antione Smith (Father) of Aa’mer Lamont Cooper, child, DOB 01/12/2018, 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 and Antione Smith, to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 05/17/2021, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #4.

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jacob MATTHEWS & JOSHUA MATTHEWS RDSS v.

TYRONE MATTHEWS, HASANA MATTHEWSSPENCER File No. J-98227-04, 05-00 J-98229-04-05-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), of Jacob Matthews child, DOB 11/3/2013 & Joshua Matthews child, DOB 9/20/2012. “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 Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/28/2021, at 2:30 PM, Courtroom #5

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JENNIFER WHITE, Plaintiff v.

FRANK WHITE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000856-00 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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LISA MALLORY, Plaintiff v.

KEVIN MALLORY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000689-00 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

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jaedin MATTHEWS & Jinger MATTHEWS RDSS v.

TYRONE MATTHEWS, HASANA MATTHEWSSPENCER File No. J-85136-06, 07-00 J-85137-07-08-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana MatthewsSpencer (Mother), of Jaedin Matthews child, DOB 3/21/2009 & Jinger Matthews child, DOB 7/31/2010. “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

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VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Emerald MATTHEWS RDSS v. unknown father, HASANA MATTHEWSSPENCER File No. J-98228-04, 05-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Unknown Father (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), of Emerald Matthews child, DOB 5/21/2018. “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 Unknown Father, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/28/2021, at 2:30 PM, Courtroom #5

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

IVAN A. STOVALL, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-6013 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 451 Milton Street, Tax Map Number N000-1456/008, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Ivan A. Stovall.

An Affidavit having been filed that FREDERICK H. MARSH, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ELSIE ABRON, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that FREDERICK H. MARSH, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ELSIE ABRON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MAY 13, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

SAMUEL ATSU, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-5337 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2417 Whitcomb Street, Tax Map Number E012-0224/006, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Samuel Atsu.

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

IT IS ORDERED that SAMUEL ATSU, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MAY 13, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Continued on next column

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

MARILYNNE C. POULSON, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-5785 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4200 Narbeth Avenue, Tax Map Number C008-0836/018, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Marilynne C. Poulson.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MARILYNNE C. POULSON, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that INSURED TITLE AGENCY AND ESCROW COMPANY, an entity not listed in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 03-35977 on September 16, 2003, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that SHARON HORSTKAMP, Registered Agent for MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC, BENEFICIARY of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 03-35977 on September 16, 2003, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that MARILYNNE C. POULSON, INSURED TITLE AGENCY AND ESCROW COMPANY, an entity not listed in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Continued on next column

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

ANTHONY WILLIAMS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-5783 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3506 Florida Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-1371/006, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Anthony Williams and Althea Williams, Paulette Southerland, Andrea Williams and Brenda Baker.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ANTHONY WILLIAMS, per information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and ALTHEA WILLIAMS, per information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owners PAULETTE SOUTHERLAND and ANDREA WILLIAMS, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, BRENDA BAKER, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that ANTHONY WILLIAMS, per information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, A LT H E A W I L L I A M S , per information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, PAULETTE SOUTHERLAND, ANDREA W I L L I A M S , B RE N D A B A K ER , a n d P a r t i e s Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MAY 13, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

JAY FOLSE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-6088 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1411 North 23rd Street, Tax Map Number E000-0709/024, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record,

Notice Jungle, Kay-Edo, agent Secured Party/Creditor, Aboriginal: Private American National: Private Citizen of the united states of America privately residing/ domiciling within a nonmilitary occupied private estate, not subject to the jurisdiction of the “United States.” I Jungle, Kay-Edo the affiant affirms that the following recipients are put into default from lawful document, Injunction. Notices was sent December 31st, 2020 to the Governor of Virginia RA760502057US, Chief of the Supreme Court RA760502074US, VA State Comptroller RA760502065US, and Head County Sheriff of Henrico RA760502088US. Opportunity to cure was sent January 13th, 2021 to the Governor of Virginia RA760501958US, Chief of the Supreme Court RA760501927US, VA State Comptroller RA760501935US, and Head County Sheriff of Henrico RA760501944US. Notice of Default was sent February 9th, 2021 to the Governor of Virginia RA760501975US, Chief of the Supreme Court RA760501992US, VA State Comptroller RA760501989US, and Head County Sheriff of Henrico. Under the laws of Commerce, Truth is Sovereign. An un-rebutted Affidavit in Admiralty now stands as truth in commerce and judgement in commerce. I, Jungle, Kay-Edo am on the DO NOT STOP, SEARCH, OR DETAIN list. Without prejudice. UCC1-308.

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID

ITB #21-2140-3JOK Oakleys Lane Realignment Improvement Plans Due: April 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

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

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call

644-0496

Continued on next column

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: RFP No. 210009714: Body Worn Cameras For all information pertaining to this RFP please logon to the Richmond website (www.RichmondGov.com).

Due Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2021/Time: 3:00 P.M. NOTE: Offerors choosing to submit proposals through hand-delivery should allow extra time for delivery of proposals. Due to COVID-19, hand-delivered proposals will be accepted only during the hours of 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday at the 9 th Street entrance to City Hall at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23221. Offerors choosing to hand-deliver proposals must call Corliss Spurlock at 804-646-5804 when arriving at City Hall, and Corliss Spurlock will meet the offeror at the 9 th Street entrance of City Hall to collect the submittal. Proposals will not be accepted after the Due Date and Time listed above.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RichmondGov.com). The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

B6

Richmond Free Press

March 18-20, 2021

Sports Plus

Simons takes it to the rim in winning NBA Slam Dunk contest

By Fred Jeter

Anfernee Simons

Anfernee Simons introduced the “Kiss the Rim” dunk March 7 and the judges fell in love with it.

The third-year guard for the Portland Trail Blazers won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest by nearly touching his lips to the rim.

In flight, Simons puckered his lips and came within a few inches of touching the rim as he pounded the ball through the net with his right hand.

The creative slam enabled Simons to defeat New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin 3-2 in a “Judge’s Choice” dunk-off.

The 6-foot-3 Simons, a native Floridian who never played college hoops, was the Trail Blazers’ first round draft pick in 2018.

Indianapolis’ Cassius Stanley also was in the competition, which was held during halftime of the annual NBA AllStar game in Atlanta.

The Golden State Warriors’ Steph

Curry won the 3-point contest with 59 pounds, four ahead of Utah’s Mike Conley.

Team LeBron defeated Team Durant 170-150 in the All-Star game in which 133 3-pointers were attempted. It was not a defensive struggle. Only 10 free throws were attempted as few shots were contested.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of Team LeBron was MVP, hitting all 16 of his shots while scoring 35 points. Washington’s Bradley Beal had 26 for Team Durant.

Boxing great Marvelous Marvin Hagler dies at 66 Free Press wire report

and he was vicious, stopping opponent after opponent during an eight-year run that began Marvelous Marvin Hagler stopped Thomas with a disputed draw against Vito Antuofermo Hearns in a fight that lasted less than eight in 1979 that he later avenged. minutes yet was so epic that it still lives in boxHe fought with a proverbial chip on his shoulder, ing lore. Two years later, he was so disgusted convinced that boxing fans and promoters alike after losing a decision to Sugar Ray Leonard didn’t give him his proper due. He was so upset — stolen, he claimed, by the judges — that he that he wasn’t introduced before a 1982 fight by never fought again. his nickname of Marvelous that he went to court One of the great middleweights to legally change his name. in boxing history, Mr. Hagler died “He was certainly one of the Saturday, March 13, 2021, at the greatest middleweights ever but one age of 66. His wife, Kay, announced of the greatest people that I’ve ever his death on the Facebook page been around and promoted,” promoter for Mr. Hagler’s fans.

Bob Arum said. “He was a real man, “I am sorry to make a very sad loyal and just fantastic person.” announcement,” she wrote. “Today Any doubts Mr. Hagler wasn’t unfortunately my beloved husband indeed Marvelous were erased on Marvelous Marvin passed away a spring night in 1985. He and unexpectedly at his home here in Hearns met in one of the era’s big New Hampshire. Our family remiddleweight clashes outdoors at Mr. Hagler quests that you respect our privacy Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. And during this difficult time.” when the opening bell rang, they traded punches Mr. Hagler fought on boxing’s biggest stages for three minutes in an opening round many against its biggest names, as he, Leonard, Hearns consider the best in boxing history. and Roberto Duran dominated the middleweight Mr. Hagler would go on to stop Hearns in the classes during a golden time for boxing in the third round, crumpling him to the canvas with a 1980s. Quiet with a brooding public persona, barrage of punches even as blood poured out of a Mr. Hagler fought 67 times over 14 years as large gash on his forehead that nearly caused the a pro out of Brockton, Mass., finishing 62-3-2 referee to stop the fight earlier in the round. with 52 knockouts.

“When they stopped the fight to look at the “If they cut my bald head open, they will cut, I realized they might be playing games and find one big boxing glove,” Mr. Hagler once I wasn’t going to let them take the title away,” said. “That’s all I am. I live it.”

Mr. Hagler said later. “It was a scary feeling. I Mr. Hagler was unmistakable in the ring, thought, ‘Why are they stopping this fight?’ I fighting out of a southpaw stance with his bald didn’t realize I was bleeding. It wasn’t in my head glistening in the lights. He was relentless eyes. Then I knew I had to destroy this guy.”

Arum said Mr. Hagler simply willed himself to victory over Hearns, whose big right hand was feared in the division but couldn’t keep Mr. Hagler at bay.

Hearns said last Saturday he was thinking about Mr. Hagler and their historic fight. Mr. Hagler wore a baseball cap with the word “War” while promoting it while on a 23-city tour with Hearns that Arum said made the fighters despise each other before they even entered the ring.

“I can’t take anything away from him,” Hearns told The Associated Press. “His awkwardness messed me up, but I can’t take anything away from him. He fought his heart out and we put on a great show for all time.”

Mr. Hagler would fight only two more times,

stopping John Mugabi a year later and then meeting Leonard, who was coming off a three-year layoff from a detached retina, in his final fight in 1987. Mr. Hagler was favored going into the fight and many thought he would destroy Leonard — but Leonard had other plans. When the bell rang at the end of the 12th round, many thought Mr. Hagler had pulled out the fight — only to lose a controversial split decision.

Mr. Hagler, who was paid $19 million, left the ring in disgust and never fought again. He moved to Italy to act, and never really looked back.

“I feel fortunate to get out of the ring with my faculties and my health,” he said a year later.

Mr. Hagler was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

Irv Cross, star of football and sports broadcasting, dies at 81

By Fred Jeter

first African-American to serve as a sports analyst on national television. He Irv Cross, the NFL All-Pro corremained in that position until 1994. nerback who became a trailblazing During that time, he also served as broadcaster, died Sunday, Feb. 28, co-host of The NFL Today Show.

2021, in North Oaks, Minn. Mr. Mr. Cross later served as athletic Cross was 81. director at Idaho State University The Hammond, Ind., native starred and Macalester College in St. Paul, at Northwestern University before Minn.

Mr. Cross launching a nine-year NFL career, In 2009, Mr. Cross became the first mostly with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Black broadcaster to receive the Pete Rozelle Mr. Cross accumulated 22 interceptions and Radio-TV Award.

14 fumble recoveries and was named All-Pro His autobiography, “Bearing the Cross: My in 1964 and 1965.

Inspiring Journey from Poverty to the NFL and After joining CBS in 1971, he became the Sports TV,” was published in 2017.

Employment Opportunities 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.

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