Richmond Free Press March 23-25, 2023 edition

trying to breathe’

Video shows Irvo Otieno pinned to floor before his death

The Associated Press DINWIDDIE

A large group of sheriff’s deputies and employees of a Virginia mental hospital pinned patient Irvo Otieno to the floor earlier this month until he was motionless and limp, then began unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, newly obtained surveillance video shows.

The footage obtained Tuesday, which has no audio, shows various members of the group attempting to restrain a handcuffed and shackled Mr. Otieno for about 20 minutes after he’s led into a room at Central State Hospital, where he was going to be admitted March 6. For most of that duration, the 28-year-old Black man is on the floor being held down by a fluctuating group that at one point appeared to reach 10 people.

by Central State Hospital/Dinwiddie

This video

Ambulance charges may dramatically increase $600 trips to medical centers could more than double

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Hall is pressuring the Richmond Ambulance Authority to nearly triple its charge for transporting patients to hospitals or other treatment centers based on a consulting firm’s recommendation, the Free Press has learned.

The RAA currently charges $600 for a transport, but might have to boost it to a record $1,625 a trip.

In addition, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and his administration are pushing the RAA to start billing for currently free services it provides after receiving a call for service. That includes performing health tests, such as electrocardiograms for heart conditions and blood glucose tests for diabetes, and administering medications.

RAA, which currently only bills when

it transports a patient, is not commenting on the proposed charges that could impact how much people might have to pay for an ambulance ride.

Chip Decker, RAA’s chief executive officer, said the prospect of such rate changes remains “speculative at this point in the budget process. “The RAA is continuing budget discussions with city leaders and examining the recommendations made by consultants following a review of RAA’s operations,” Mr. Decker continued. “Our goal during these discussions remains the same, and that is providing the best medical care

possible for city residents.”

Some evidence of the pressure can be found in the proposed 2023-24 budget that Mayor Stoney presented to City Council on March 6.

The budget plan provides for RAA to receive $4 million in subsidy for the third year in a row — well short of what RAA reported in 2021 would be required to maintain financial soundness.

However, the Stoney administration plan includes, for the first time ever, a $1.4 million contingency line item for RAA that could be withheld, the Free Press has been told, if RAA declines to increase its charges.

Lincoln Saunders, the city’s chief administrative officer and a member of the

Central State Hospital/Dinwiddie County, Va. Attorney via Associated Press

Lamont Bagby viewed as favorite in Tuesday’s special Senate election

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Henrico Democratic Delegate Lamont Bagby is poised to become the newest state senator from the Richmond area. Next Tuesday, March 28, Richmond-area voters in the state 9th Senate District will choose a successor to now 4th District U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer L. McClellan in a special election to fill the final year of her General Assembly term. Election observers list Delegate Bagby, who also chairs the General Assembly’s influential Legislative Black Caucus, as the overwhelming favorite in his contest with his little-known and almost unnoticed Republican rival, Stephen J. “Steve” Imholt, in the balloting.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the district that comprises most of Richmond north of the James River, a portion of Henrico and Hanover counties, including Ashland, and Charles City County.

A win for Delegate Bagby would give him a leg up in the

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Thanks to Helen Virginia Epps Harris, Henrico County annually celebrates the holiday in honor of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and also has dramatically increased its hiring of Black employees.

Her impact on public policy is just part of the influence she wielded during a life that her family said was devoted to service to others and fueled by a desire to see Black people advance and thrive.

Mrs. Harris’ multiple contributions to community betterment are being remembered following her death on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at age 83.

Family and friends packed St. Peter Baptist Church in Glen Allen on Wednesday, March 22, to offer final tributes to the Richmond native who impacted lives of untold youths and adults during her

three decades as a business teacher at Armstrong High School, as a Girl Scout leader and as a churchwoman.

While she never held or sought elective office, Mrs. Harris’ sweet and kind

equitable place,” Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton and County Manager John Vithoulkas wrote in a joint letter to the family.

A member of the civil rights generation, she became active in county political affairs after joining the Henrico Civic League.

a junior at Midlothian High School, left, and James Rioux 16, a junior at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian listen to a speaker Saturday, March 18, during the inaugural Teen Summit RVA at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

disposition masked a steely determination and unyielding persistence on public policy issues.

County officials experienced that determination as she pushed for change in the county’s treatment of its growing Black population.

“Her leadership and tireless advocacy made the county a more inclusive and

Rising to become the league’s first female president while also serving as volunteer coordinator of the Henrico County Leaders group, she is credited with directing the charge to get the balky county and its school system to recognize and close for the King holiday that was created at the federal level in 1983.

Refusing to accept that Black people could not be elected to county offices, she led the Civic League into becoming a plaintiff in a major voting rights

clip provided

County, Va. shows deputies and hospital employees on top of Irvo Otieno, who lies on the floor at Central State Hospital, on March 6, 2023 in Petersburg, Va. Footage obtained Tuesday, March 21, which has no audio, shows various sheriff’s deputies and employees attempting to restrain a handcuffed and shackled Mr. Otieno for about 20 minutes after he’s led into a room at the hospital, where he was going to be admitted.

‘Her leadership and tireless advocacy made the county a more inclusive and equitable place’

Helen Harris, a leading voice for Henrico County’s Black residents, remembered

Mr. Decker Please

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Is popular PAL program ‘in limbo’?

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Will the Richmond Police Athletic League offer spring and summer programs for the city’s youths?

The Richmond Police Department is keeping mum about the status of the nonprofit program that has long offered a variety of sports opportunities after some of the board members resigned.

The Free Press has not received a response to queries about the status of the operation, which is based at SCOR, the Sports Center of Richmond, 1385 Overbrook Road. Two staff members based at the office declined comment as well.

Former City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray brought the situation to the attention of the Free Press.

“I was approached by a concerned volunteer who said that Richmond PAL was having trouble due to board conflicts,” Ms. Gray said.

She said she was told that several of the board members had walked out of a meeting last week and quit, leaving the PAL program “in limbo.”

VDOE says it will work with federal special education office on compliance issues

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Virginia Department of Education is prepared to cooperate with a federal office that found the state agency failing to comply with elements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

“We continue to work with our federal partners on compliance issues identified in the monitoring report,” department spokesman Charles Pyle stated in response to a Free Press query. “That is part of the process that follows any federal monitoring report.”

The Free Press reported in March 16-18 edition that the U.S. Office of Special Education planned to step up monitoring after finding VDOE had failed to address some compliance issues identified two years ago.

The office led by Valarie Williams also noted in a Feb. 17 letter that her office had identified new problems with the state’s operation.

She hinted in the January letter that a continued failure to correct might affect federal funding of the state’s special education programs, but she never indicated in that letter or a previous January letter that she was prepared to recommend that sanction should Virginia fail to come into compliance.

Mr. Pyle noted that Virginia’s program largely meets federal requirements, as evidenced by VDOE’s annual receipt of the U.S. Department of Education’s highest rating for compliance with IDEA and improving outcomes for students with disabilities.

The main issues Ms. Williams raised involved VDOE’s oversight and handling of parental complaints that are generated by disputes about the educational services their children receive in local school divisions.

Ms. Williams cited lax VDOE deadlines along with missed deadlines for hearing the disputes in a timely fashion among her criticisms.

Senseless

United Communities Against Crime, a local nonprofit organization run by Charles Willis, held a prayer vigil Thursday, March 16, 2023, for Tyrek Brandon, 21, who was murdered at the corner of Hull and 16th streets on Richmond’s South Side on March 6, 2023.

Family, friends, and members of the Richmond Police Department, including Interim Police Chief Rick Edwards and homicide detectives, attended the vigil where several people said the senseless killings must stop. Shaquan Holmes, 33, Mr. Brandon’s older brother, painfully speaks about the senseless loss of his younger brother. He attempted to hold back tears while holding the hand of their grandmother, Shirlene Holmes.

Mr. Brandon was described as a beloved son, brother, neighbor, and friend. Through their tears, mourners watched as balloons were released in his memory.

Richmond Police is asking for help. If there is anyone with information about Mr. Brandon’s murder, contact Major Crimes Detective C. Tovar at (804) 467-4433, or call Crime Stoppers at (804)780-1000.

Seven and counting

Public vigils that have taken place in 2023

Jan. 3 - Hundreds gather in Hopewell County to remember the life of P’Aris Mi-Unique Angel Moore, after she was fatally shot days before her 9th birthday the previous week.

Cityscape

Youngkin appoints Lisa Coons as superintendent of public instruction

Free Press staff report

Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday announced the appointment of Tennessee Chief Academic Officer Lisa Coons as Virginia’s 27th superintendent of public instruction. Dr. Coons’ appointment as the commonwealth’s chief school officer is effective Monday, April 17.

“Dr. Coons’ proven leadership will serve Virginia’s students, families and teachers well and help make Virginia’s education system best-in-class,” Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera said. “She has demonstrated success in addressing learning loss, creating and implementing evidence-based literacy policy and practices, and building strong partnerships with teachers, communities, school and division leaders, and parents.”

“I am honored that Governor Youngkin has selected me to serve as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction in collaboration with Secretary Guidera,” Dr. Coons said. “The governor has set a bold academic agenda that puts students first and empowers families to help set priorities for their children. We have an opportunity in Virginia to be the coun-

try’s best state for education, and we’ll achieve that vision through partnerships with families, educators and school division leaders.”

Dr. Coons replaces Jillian Balow, who resigned earlier this month just 14 months into her tenure, and after the state education department came under fire for errors for its redrafting of K-12 history standards and for miscalculating how much education funding localities would receive from the state.

At the time of her resignation, Gov. Youngkin refused to say whether he asked for Dr. Balow’s resignation. Ms. Balow is to receive $266,213 in 24 semi-monthly settlement payments over the next year.

Gov. Youngkin also announced the appointment of Goochland County Superintendent Jeremy Raley as the Virginia Department of Education’s new chief of staff.

“Dr. Raley is a trusted school division superintendent from the Goochland and

Shenandoah County communities, and will be a great asset to the department,” Guidera said. “He is committed to serving Virginia families and educators as we all work together to support student success. Together, Dr. Coons and Dr. Raley bring decades of experience in education systems centered on high expectations and multiple pathways for every student, strong knowledge and experience in the commonwealth, and proven leadership.”

Dr. Coons has served in multiple leadership roles in K-12 education. She most recently served as chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education, where she led all birth to grade 12 academic programming, including K-12 teaching and learning in language arts, mathematics, science, and fine arts; early childhood education; voluntary pre-K and Head Start.

Dr. Coons also worked as an executive officer of division priority schools for Metro Nashville Public Schools and executive director of instructional leadership at the Tennessee Department of Education. She holds a doctorate in education from Lipscomb University.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Jan. 30 - Community members and elected officials host a vigil for Tyre Nichols, age 29, at Abner Clay Park weeks after he died from injuries sustained during a beating by police officers in Memphis.

Feb. 5 - Jonathan Starks, age 24, is memorialized in Chesterfield County after being found dead in the Bend 804 apartments the morning of Thursday, Feb. 2.

Feb. 8 - A vigil in remembrance of Tyrese Robinson, age 30, is held weeks after he was shot and killed in Gilpin Court on Friday, Jan. 27.

Feb. 25 - Summer Fuller, 31, allegedly shot and killed by her boyfriend on Monday, Feb. 13 - is the focus of a vigil held by friends and family outside the Glam Boutique Salon where she worked in Richmond.

March 4 - Dozens gather for a vigil at Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center in honor of 20-year-old Antajuan Hawkins, who was found dead near the Center two days after being reported missing Thursday, Feb. 23.

March 16 - Tyrek Brandon, age 21, is mourned by family and friends in Blackwell. near where he was fatally shot on Monday, March 6.

RPS proposes metal detectors and other devices to offset gun violence

By George Copeland Jr.

In the wake of the shooting and deaths of multiple Richmond Public Schools students and ongoing concerns about school safety, RPS leaders are considering an estimated $1.3 million plan to expand the use of metal detectors in the city’s school system.

The proposal, introduced by RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras during Monday’s School Board meeting, focuses on adding stationary and hand-held metal detectors to seven middle schools. Two walk-through and wand detectors would each be installed in Albert Hill and Binford Middle Schools, four walk-through and wand detectors would be installed at Henderson, Lucille Brown, Martin Luther King Jr. and Thomas C. Boushall Middle Schools, and eight walk-through and wand detectors

would be added to River City Middle School in the current proposal. Additional care and safety associates would be hired as part of the current proposal. If approved, the schools would join six Richmond high schools that already use metal detectors as part of their operations, including Huguenot, Thomas Jefferson and George Wythe.

“I want to be clear that I am acutely aware of the drawbacks of taking this step,” said Mr. Kamras, who acknowledged the need to not police students and how the proposal can’t be the only solution for school safety. “I’m (also) cognizant that every dollar we spend on security is a dollar that we don’t spend on mental health and instruction and all of our other core work.

“At the same time, my No.1 responsibility is, and I believe you all

agree this body’s No.1 responsibility, is to keep our students safe and to do everything we possibly can to that.”

The proposal was introduced a week after a gun was discovered at Boushall Middle School, and after a weekend that saw several RPS students shot, with one Binford Middle School student Marquan Mitchell-Nash, killed Friday, March 10.

For 8th District Board Member Dawn Page, who voiced reluctant support of the proposal alongside Jonathan Young, 4th District, Shonda HarrisMuhammed, 6th District and Mariah White, 2nd District, the proposal was an unfortunate but necessary step to prevent further violence and fear.

Members also brought other suggestions to ensure greater security in schools during the discussion, from transparent backpacks to further involvement from the Richmond Po-

lice Department in efforts involving school safety.

“It pains me that we’re having this conversation, but this is reality,” Ms. Page said. “So I support this, because no one wants to experience some of the gun violence we have had across the country.”

Other board members were less convinced, with Board Chair Stephanie Rizzi, 5th District, and Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, pointing out incidents where firearms were brought into schools without being discovered by metal detectors. A loaded gun had previously been found inside George Wythe in October after passing through the metal detectors undiscovered.

Ms. Rizzi, Nicole Jones, 9th District, and Vice-Chair Cheryl Burke, 7th District, also pointed to issues in the local community as a critical point to address in reducing the potential

for violence in schools.

From the lingering impact of COVID-19 to the fears of students when walking home or to school bus stops, members saw the source of these school incidents as something that had to be tackled by an involved public and board to ensure safety outside and inside the city’s schools.

“I will never support an initiative like this without deep community and student engagement,” Ms. Rizzi said. “I want to hear student voices on this.”

“We need community engagement to help us address this, not more ways of treating our children like criminals when they enter our buildings.”

A vote wasn’t taken on the proposal during Monday’s meeting as Mr. Kamras sought to gather the board’s feedback before a more precise plan is provided.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The Main Street Station and other Railroad Station Stamps are on sale at usps.com for $12.60 per sheet of 20 stamps. Constructed in 1901, Main Street Station is one of five American train stations on the National Register of Historic Places featured in the post office’s new railroad station stamp collection. Tamaqua Station in Pennsylvania, Point of Rocks Station in Maryland, Santa Fe Station in San Bernardino, Calif., and Union Terminal in Cincinnati are the other stations included.

Dr. Coons

Video shows Irvo Otieno pinned to floor before his death

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Seven deputies and three hospital workers have been charged with second degree murder in Mr. Otieno’s death. Mr.. Otenio’s family said he was brutally mistreated, both at the state hospital and while in law enforcement custody in the preceding days. Attorneys for many of the defendants have said they will vigorously fight the charges.

Relatives of Mr. Otieno were shown video from the hospital last week by a prosecutor, Dinwiddie Commonwealth’s Attorney Ann Cabell Baskervill, who said that she planned to publicly release it Tuesday.

Attorneys for at least two of the defendants sought to block the video’s release, arguing that it could hinder a fair trial. The Associated Press obtained it and other footage Tuesday through a link included in a public court filing made by Ms. Baskervill.

According to timestamps in the footage, which was first reported by The Washington Post, an SUV carrying Mr. Otieno arrived at the hospital just before 4 p.m. By 4:19 p.m., a different camera shows him being forcibly led into a room with tables and chairs. He is quickly hauled toward a seat before eventually slumping to the floor, initially in a seated position then lying flat.

As time passes, an increasing number of workers hold him down as he appears to start to move on the floor. Mr. Otieno’s shirtless body is obscured at times by those restraining him or standing in front of the camera.

“He certainly did not deserve to be smothered to death, which is what happened,” Ms. Baskervill said in court Tuesday. The workers were holding him down “from his braids down to his toes,” she said.

By the 4:39 p.m. timestamp, someone is taking Mr. Otieno’s pulse and he appears unresponsive. Soon after, as Mr. Otieno’s body lies still, someone appears to administer two injections. By 4:42 p.m., CPR appears to be underway. Life-saving efforts seem to go on for nearly an hour. At 5:48 p.m., Mr. Otieno’s body is draped with a white sheet.

Final autopsy findings have not yet been released, though Ms. Baskervill has said multiple times that Otieno died of asphyxiation. Defense attorneys have raised the possibility that the injections contributed to his death, though Ms. Baskervill disputed that Tuesday, saying he was already dead when the shots were administered.

Ms. Baskervill’s filing also included a link to audio from Dinwiddie County 911 calls. In one, a caller from the hospital requests an EMS team, saying Mr. Otieno, who had been “very aggressive,” stopped breathing during attempts to restrain him. Subsequent calls reflected impatience by hospital callers about the length of time that had passed without an EMS crew’s arrival.

On Tuesday, a grand jury in Dinwiddie County signed off on second degree murder charges for all 10 defendants.

“Those 10 monsters, those 10 criminals, I was happy to hear that they were indicted. And that is just the beginning step,” Mr. Otieno’s mother, Caroline Ouko, said at a news conference Tuesday evening, vowing to fight for justice for her son.

In court, a judge also granted bond for two of the deputies and one hospital employee after hearing arguments from Ms. Baskervill and their defense attorneys.

Caleb Kershner, an attorney for Deputy Randy Boyer, said Mr. Otieno had been “somewhat combative” at the jail and hospital and that there was “significant need” to restrain him.

Mr. Kershner said Deputy Boyer did not realize Mr. Otieno was

Free COVID-19 vaccines

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Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?

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

• Thursday, March 23, 2 to 4 p.m. - Cary Street, 400 E. Cary St., JYNNEOS shots, walk-ups welcome but appointments encouraged.

• Thursday, March 30, 2 to 4 p.m. - Cary Street, 400 E. Cary St., Primary Moderna shots for age 6 months to 5 years old and bivalent boosters for age 6 years and older, Primary Pfizer shots for age 6 months and older, bivalent boosters for age 5 years and older, Novavax primary shots for age 12 and older, and boosters for age 18 and older, and baby bivalent boosters, walk-ups welcome but appointments encouraged.

People can schedule an appointment online at vase.vdh. virginia.gov, vaccinate.virginia.gov or vax.rchd.com, or by calling (804) 205-3501 or (877) VAX-IN-VA (1-877-8294682).

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

Those who are getting a booster shot should bring their vaccine card to confirm the date and type of vaccine received. RHHD also offers at-home vaccinations by calling (804) 205-3501 to schedule appointments.

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

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

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

New COVID-19 cases in Virginia fell 25 percent during the last week, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health, while data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association showed hospitalizations statewide dropped 18 percent since last week.

Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico County are at low levels of community COVID-19. No localities in Virginia are ranked at high community COVID levels, while 10 were ranked at medium as of last week.

A total of 261 new cases of COVID-19 were reported statewide Tuesday for the 24-hour period, contributing to an overall state total of 2,295,335 cases in Virginia since the pandemic’s outbreak. As of Tuesday, there have been 459,067 hospitalizations and 23,688 deaths reported statewide.

State data available at the time also shows that AfricanAmericans comprised 22.1 percent of cases statewide and 21.8 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 10 percent of cases and 3.8 percent of deaths.

As of Tuesday, Richmond reported a total of 61,368 cases, 1,316 hospitalizations and 553 deaths; Henrico County, 91,949 cases, 1,765 hospitalizations and 1,082 deaths; Chesterfield County, 100,336 cases, 1,772 hospitalizations and 875 deaths; and Hanover County, 29,147 cases, 944 hospitalizations and 348 deaths.

Compiled by George Copeland Jr.

in any danger as he was being restrained because Deputy Boyer was working near his legs.

Jeff Everhart, an attorney for Deputy Brandon Rodgers, said his client had been trying to help by moving Mr. Otieno to his side. But Ms. Baskervill said the video shows Mr. Otieno was moved on his side only when someone from the hospital came in and gave that direction.

The Associated Press sought comment about the video from defense attorneys for all the other defendants who have obtained counsel.

Rhonda Quagliana, an attorney for one of the hospital employees, Sadarius Williams, said in an emailed statement that her client was innocent. She said he had only minimal physical contact with Mr. Otieno and did not apply lethal force during the incident.

Douglas Ramseur, who represents another hospital employee, Wavie Jones, asked the judge Tuesday to implement a gag order in the case, arguing that the release of the video and subsequent media attention had damaged the defendants’ ability to get a fair trial. The judge, who granted bond for Jones, declined to grant the order.

Other defense attorneys did not respond to emails or phone calls.

Last week, Mr. Otieno’s family spoke at a news conference after seeing the footage, which they called heartbreaking and

disturbing. They have equated his treatment to torture, and they and their attorneys reiterated a call at Tuesday night’s news conference for the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene in the case.

Mark Krudys, a family attorney, pushed back against what he said were “excuses” from defense attorneys about what happened at the hospital, including the assertion raised in court that Otieno had been combative.

“He was just trying to breathe,” Mr. Krudys said. “That’s all he was trying to do.”

The family is also being represented by Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney who also represented the family of George Floyd. Mr. Crump has said Mr. Otieno’s treatment has close parallels with Floyd’s killing in police custody in Minneapolis in 2020, and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson made a similar comparison in a statement Tuesday.

“Police are simply not a substitute for compassionate and informed mental health professionals,” Mr. Johnson said. “Rather than neglecting and criminalizing the Black community, we need action to make sure no one experiences or witnesses this kind of violence at the hands of law enforcement ever again.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton has been asked to deliver the eulogy at Otieno’s funeral, his National Action Network said Wednesday. Details have not been announced.

Lamont Bagby viewed as favorite in election

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upcoming General Assembly elections in which he plans to compete to secure a full four-year Senate term.

Like other state Senate districts, the 9th is disappearing due to redistricting. He would run in the new 14th Senate District, which will include a big chunk of Richmond and a smaller piece of Henrico County.

A victory Tuesday also would continue the 46-year-old Henrico native’s unbroken string of election successes since he first sought the Fairfield seat on the Henrico County School Board in the November 2007 elections. That includes winning the Feb. 26 Democratic “firehouse” primary to get into the state Senate race.

Heading into the election, Delegate Bagby has been endorsed by virtually every elected Democrat and numerous

community and religious leaders. The Virginia Public Access Project also reported Delegate Bagby raised $212,000 to fuel his campaign compared to the $580 his Republican rival reported.

Regarded as a progressive Democrat in the House, Delegate Bagby campaigned for the Senate as a champion for women’s reproductive rights, for increased investments in public school, for stronger gun control laws and for paid family leave, expansion of state-paid child care and increases in the minimum wage.

Growing up in Henrico County, he said he never imagined himself in politics.

Instead, “I envisioned myself becoming a teacher or a preacher.”

The son of a truck driver and office manager, he started out as a business teacher at Henrico High School after graduating from Norfolk State University and later

adding a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

But he saw an opportunity to influence school policies and took it with his bid for a School Board seat. Along with his work in the legislature, Delegate Bagby has since sold cars and served as director of operations at the Peter Paul Development Center in Richmond. Currently, he said he is working as a business consultant and investor in commercial real estate.

Mr. Imholt, 70, who was crushed in 2015 when he challenged then Delegate McClellan, is most associated with Rockford, Ill., where he served on the School Board.

A former Hewlett Packard employee, he is a specialist in software development and infrastructure, but is regarded as having little presence in the Richmond-area political scene.

Ambulance charges may dramatically increase

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RAA board, has advised the council that the contingency funds would be available, if needed, to offset inflationary pressures on RAA.

The contingent nature of the item, though, sends a clear message from the administration to RAA that a failure to follow the recommendation to generate more revenue could have financial consequences.

The higher cost for transport and the new charge for medical services are among the recommendations for RAA improvement that have emerged from a report a Washington-based consulting firm, the Robert Bobb Group, led by a former Richmond city manager.

The report was formally presented to the council at a meeting that followed the mayor’s budget presentation.

Mr. Bobb was involved in the creation of RAA as a public utility in 1991 during his tenure as the city’s top executive. He advocated for the RAA’s development as the antidote to rising public dissatisfaction with private ambulance companies’ responses to heart attacks, gunshot wounds and other emergencies.

The RAA through the years has secured recognition nationally and internationally for its work, garnered 95 to 99 percent approval ratings from residents it serves and become one of the few ambulance services accredited by the two major standard-setting agencies.

The city always has provided a subsidy

to the RAA to fill the financial gap between the cost of service and the revenue collected, but now appears determined to either hold the amount steady or to reduce it.

Since the 2021-22 fiscal year, the subsidy has been set at $4 million, even as RAA has argued it needs a higher amount to fully cover costs.

During budget deliberations in 2022, the Stoney administration cut a deal with the RAA to enable the city to cut its subsidy from a previous $5 million a year to $4 million.

Under the deal, the city agreed to buy 14 replacement ambulances over two years for $3.5 million. In exchange, the RAA agreed to shift $3.5 million it had saved to buy ambulances to support operations.

In the 2023-2024 budget proposal, the administration has proposed to keep the subsidy at $4 million, but did not offer to continue to buy ambulances for RAA. Instead, the administration is looking to RAA to generate more revenue by increasing the charge for transport and adding a new charge for medical services. Even if the RAA complies, it remains unclear how much new money might be collected.

RAA receives about 56,000 calls a year for service, but only 70 percent or 39,000 result in billable transports.

Payments often fall below the RAA’s full charge, according to the Bobb Group’s report.

The report found that 63 percent of the revenue RAA received from transports in 2021 came from government insurance

programs, Medicare and Medicaid, which pay less than RAA’s retail rate of $600. Medicare pays $300 to $500 per trip, depending on the level of service, while Medicare, a federal-state program, pays $175 per transport, a report shows.

Private insurers generate only about 14 percent of RAA’s report. Most insurers set a certain amount in their policies to cover ambulance service, leaving policy holders to make up any difference between the coverage amount and the billed charge.

It is unknown whether insurance companies would agree to increase their coverage amount and how much higher they might go if RAA raises its rate.

The annual financial reports that RAA submits to the city reflect the reality that billable amounts are not the same as collected revenue.

In 2021, RAA billed $28.1 million for transport services, but collected $14.9 million after contractual adjustments and writeoffs of uncollectable charges, the financial report states.

In 2022, RAA billed $25 million, but collected $13.5 million after adjustments, the report states. Council members did not object or express any dismay about the increase in charges the Bobb Group recommended and that the administration supports, including 8th District Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, chair of council’s Public Safety Committee. For now, there is only a question mark as to whether the rate changes will go into effect.

Helen Harris, a leading voice, remembered

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lawsuit in the late 1980s. That suit led to the county’s division into districts and the 1995 election of Mr. Thornton as the first Black member of the county’s governing body, the board of supervisors, of which he continues to be a member and currently is board chairman.

Mrs. Harris’ push to get the county to “address the lack of diversity in Henrico’s workforce in the late 1980s also left a profound and lasting impact,” the two men noted. “As a result, the percentage of minority employees has nearly doubled and the number of minorities holding leadership positions has grown exponentially.”

In later years, Mrs. Harris served on the county’s Board of Real Estate Review and Equalization, and on the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals, which she twice chaired.

“No matter in what position she held or in which area she served, Ms. Harris was ready to uplift her community,” the letter continued.

The daughter of the Rev. Andrew Clay and Helen Virginia Christian-Epps, Mrs. Harris grew up in Richmond. Along with being cheerleader at Armstrong High School and a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church’s

Girl Scout troop, Mrs. Harris became, at 16, the youngest person to pass the state’s real estate exam and become a licensed agent in her father’s real estate firm.

After graduation, she began her education career after graduating from Virginia Union University in 1961, later taking graduate courses at Virginia Commonwealth University.

After brief stints of teaching in Atlanta and at the Smith-Madden Business College in Richmond, she joined the Armstrong faculty where she taught for 31 years before her retirement in 1994.

Her family said she was known for her tenacious and passionate teaching style and the high expectations she set for students. “Do it right or don’t do it at all” was among her favorite sayings. She was recognized with Teacher of the Year and Vocational Teacher of the Year awards during her tenure. She later became the organizer and facilitator of the Save Our Public Schools organization in Henrico.

Mrs. Harris also founded Girl Scout troops at an Atlanta church and at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, to which she belonged before she moved to Henrico and became a member of St. Peter Baptist.

She taught in St. Peter’s Vacation Bible

School, led classes for new members and also served as a deacon.

Her family said she created a ministry of “love taps” through which she called, sent cards, emailed and took other steps in seeking to maintain connections with members.

She also served for two years as director of healing for Great Commission Outreach Ministries in Richmond and also daily offered prayers for those she listed in her prayer book.

Mrs. Harris was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Women of Wisdom Pinochle Club.

On any given night she could be found watching her favorite NBA team, college basketball team or NFL teams and comparing and reviewing plays with her grandsons.

She was a regular at VUU football and basketball games, as well.

Mrs. Harris earned family renown for her home cooking, scratch biscuits and fried chicken.

Her husband, Charles E. Harris, predeceased her.

Survivors include her two children, Alaine H. Jackson and Dr. Emanuel C. Harris; her brother, Andrew C. Epps III; five grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Researchers uncover their tangled roots

Lemon Project symposium to help connect the past

By Debora Timms

Virginia lawyer and retired public official Viola Baskerville has been intrigued by her family’s roots for more than 35 years.

“I have always had a curiosity about our family’s past simply because I always thought my mother’s maiden name of Braxton was just unusual,” Mrs. Baskerville explained in a recent telephone interview. “Then of course you learn about history and famous Virginians and I always thought, ‘Is there a connection?”

The famous Virginian Mrs. Baskerville referenced is Carter Braxton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He is also the fifth-great-grandfather of Allison Thomas, a film and theater producer.

Mrs. Baskerville, Ms. Thomas and Gerry Gilstrop, a descendant of a free Virginia Colonial Era man named Abram Braxton Sr., will share their family histories on March 24 as part of the 13th Annual Lemon Project Spring Symposium at the College of William & Mary. The trio will present a panel titled, “Tangled Roots: Braxton Descendants Research Their Past and Discover Intersecting Black and White Family Threads.”

Dr. Jody Allen, Lemon Project director, said this year’s symposium, “At the Root: Exploring Black Life, History and Culture,” focuses on “people who have been doing the work to uncover their stories.

“One of the realities still is that a lot of AfricanAmerican history, a lot of U.S. history has been left out,” she continued. “More people are taking it into their own hands in finding their stories and telling them. We want to support that.”

Finding their stories is exactly what this panel has been doing—starting on their own and coming together in 2022.

“In the course of researching Carter Braxton, I found information that had never been talked about in my family,” said Ms. Thomas, speaking from her Los Angeles home. Among those facts is that Mr. Braxton owned slaves, which Encyclopedia Virginia lists as 165, but Ms. Thomas says were hundreds more.

“Somehow, because [Carter Braxton] was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, it didn’t occur to me that he was also an enslaver, which sounds incredibly naive and stupid now,” Ms. Thomas said.

Learning these uncomfortable truths about her family’s past prompted her efforts to help linked descendants find each other and their ancestors. She helped cofound Coming to the Table—Richmond, now Coming Together Virginia, co-manages the national organization’s BitterSweet blog, and has researched and created the Gwynn’s Island Project website.

Ms. Thomas’ digging also uncovered an Ancestry website post stating that Carter Braxton had conceived a son with a slave girl, Estelle, who named the child Abram. While his birth is not documented, Ms. Thomas believes later census records support the oral history, and added it to her online family tree where Mr. Gilstrop saw it.

Mr. Gilstrop, a Las Vegas health care consultant, has researched various branches of his family since the mid-1990s. Since childhood, he’d known the family lore that connected him to Carter Braxton through Abram and Estelle.

It was Estelle who led him to Ms. Thomas’ profile one night. He emailed her and she replied almost immediately.

Two months later, an online search of Carter Braxton led him to an article about Mrs. Bask-

erville and the Richmond native’s struggle to document her lineage. The two connected and he introduced her to Ms. Thomas via Zoom.

Mrs. Baskerville says she was impressed by Ms. Thomas’ willingness as a white person to openly acknowledge her family’s connections to historical slavery and her efforts to search for the records and names of enslaved people and have them available for researchers.

Ms. Thomas says that working together has presented the threesome with an important opportunity—the chance to further their ancestral research through a combination of documentation, oral histories and DNA analysis.

“Which makes it sound like we really know what we’re doing,” she added with a laugh. “We’re about 10 months into this research and it’s overwhelming. It just keeps getting more complicated, to be honest.”

Although more ancestral records can now be found online, numerous searches must be conducted in person. However, the reality is that many records or documents of Black family histories have been lost, destroyed or were never kept. Records for enslaved people can be particularly challenging and even traumatizing, the researchers said.

“We have to look in deed books,” Mrs. Baskerville said. “We have to look in mortgage books. We have to be familiar with all types of conveyances by paper that could have entailed chattel property. It’s very hurtful to think of your ancestors as chattel property, but it gives you another source to find information.”

Through DNA analysis, Mrs. Baskerville and Ms. Thomas matched as half-cousins.

“The more DNA we collect — maybe that’s

helpful. Genetic genealogy is a fairly new field,” Ms. Thomas said. “This is a thing I didn’t know anything about a year ago so we could also use some good experts as we’re piecing this all together.”

Mrs. Baskerville, a graduate of William & Mary, suggested the Lemon Project panel at the encouragement of Dr. Allen. Getting the presentation together has felt like trying to give “the 60,000-foot view in 45 minutes and still leave time for questions.”

Mr. Gilstrop says he’s excited, but confesses to a “little bit of stage fright.”

All three say the focus is on finding and telling the truth of the past, warts and all. They also want other Braxton descendants to be aware of their work in case they want to trace their own roots.

Dr. Allen says this is a main reason for the Lemon Project symposium—to provide a forum for these and other presenters to share from. She says it’s especially important right now.

“In some ways, this history is under attack. You might be able to control what happens in the public schools. You might even be able to eventually control what happens on college campuses, but you can’t control what individual people decide to do and learn about their own history. It’s very important to support these endeavors.”

The 13th Annual Lemon Project Spring Symposium will be held March 24 and 25 at the college of William & Mary. There is no cost to attend either virtually or in person. For those wanting to attend at William & Mary, registration will be available during the symposium. Registration is open online for those wishing to attend virtually. More information can be found at https://www.wm.edu/sites/lemonproject/ annual_symposium/index.php

Enrichmond groups may receive City Hall funding

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Hall has tucked $250,000 into that proposed 2023-24 budget that could help dozens of nonprofits groups that lost money when the Enrichmond Foundation collapsed last year.

The city’s chief administrative officer, Lincoln Saunders, told City Council on Monday that the money, if approved, would be provided to the Community Foundation to administer.

Mr. Saunders said the idea is that the groups would then apply to the Community Foundation for grants to continue the work. Examples of such groups include Richmond Tree Stewards and Friends of the Pump House.

“This is not designed to be a dollar-for-dollar replacement” of the money that was lost, Mr. Saunders said, but instead as a resource that could “allow such groups to continue their work” even as they pursue other remedies regarding Enrichmond and their losses.

He said the city had no obligation to provide such funding, but considers the mostly volunteer-driven groups deserving of support for the work they do in promoting community engagement, ranging from organizing community gardens to supporting city parks and recreation centers.

The foundation had served as the bank and umbrella nonprofit for more than 80 organizations, and the groups found they could not access any of their funds after the foundation shut down last summer.

As best as can be determined, the foundation spent all of the groups’ money trying to stay afloat and shut down after the money ran out. Estimates of the groups’ losses have ranged from $160,000 to $250,000. Virginia Community Capital also is owed $180,000 for a loan the foundation never repaid.

Requests for City Hall to take the lead in legal action to recover the lost funds have hit a roadblock. Mr. Saunders said the City Attorney’s Office has determined that because no city

funds were involved, the city had no legal right to sue.

The Richmond Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office have found no evidence that embezzlement or other criminal activity was involved in the loss, and have deemed it a civil matter.

The Free Press has been told the city has been involved with other parties in trying to set up a receivership for the foundation, which is now officially defunct, to ensure a full accounting and potential sale of the remaining assets, mostly property.

The council has put a hold on an administration plan to begin transferring two historic Black cemeteries, East End and Evergreen, both in the East End, to the city Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. The foundation’s bylaws had called for the cemeteries to go to the city in the event it was dissolved, but the council has delayed discussions until at least May.

Jason Rivera Torres has ‘Swagger’ on and off the court

By Kimberly N. Fields

When it comes to Jason Rivera Torres, he’s all about a full court press.

At 6 feet 7 inches and 185 pounds, Jason is a senior at John Marshall High School, where he plays guard for the school’s basketball team. The John Marshall Justices, ranked No.1 regionally and nationally in basketball, recently nabbed Virginia’s state championship.

Off the court, Jason is also winning in the Apple TV original series, “Swagger.”

His character is Nick Mendez, a young teen from Puerto Rico who relocates to America determined to make it to the NBA. Along his journey, he forms a relationship with a corrupt coach who wants to foster Nick for his own gains. “Swagger” is a basketball drama with a focus on teens who all want to make it, but face social and environmental issues like racism and misrepresentation.

Nick and Jason share the same passion, and with that passion comes similar adversities.

“We are a lot alike,” said Jason. “We are both Puerto Rican, and want to make it to the NBA I have been in the AAU [Amateur Athletic Union] circuit and have seen corruption amongst the youth and faced adversities.”

As an athlete, he’s had to deal with a lot of favoritism, he said. It’s only made him work harder to prove why he deserves time on the floor and display that he is a top player.

Jason relocated from the Bronx, N.Y.,

rebounds, four steals, five assists and two blocks per game, he’s also maintains a 4.05 GPA. When filming, Jason endures long days of acting, basketball practice and school. In addition, he loves to dance, be with his family, play video games and crack a joke or two in order to make people smile.

How does he manage to do all of this? With an amazing support system, he says.

His mother, who instilled a sense of time management in him, along with his brother, coaches, team mates and friends who all motivate and support him.

He also pushes through by following the three P’s Coach Ty White drilled into him by John Marshall basketball Coach Ty White.

“Prepare, pray and then perform. Do those three things in life.”

to Richmond by way of Cumberland, Md. Starting off at Iona Preparatory in New Rochelle, N.Y., he made his way to Bishop Walsh School in 2021 before transferring to John Marshall High. While hoping to benefit from his athleticism, he also is pursuing an acting career. Living in Richmond allows him to be on set when he is needed for filming.

While Jasons averages 15 points, eight

Jason says: “I prepare by practicing what I’m going to do in the game and how I’m going to do it. Then pray to God each and every day because, you know, he’s everything and he blesses you with everything. So you pray and then you perform. You’re not nervous because you just prayed and you prepared.”

Mr. Rivera Torres has offers from 12 colleges, including Hampton University and George Washington University. He has not made a commitment yet.

Carrie E. Coyner Charniele L. Herring Vivian E. Watts

Mrs. Baskerville

Black people can’t breathe

Two years ago a National Public Radio investigation showed that, since 2015, at least 135 unarmed Black men and women nationwide were fatally shot by police officers. At least 75 percent of the police officers were white.

Two years later, the steady drum of Black people being killed at the hands of law enforcement employees continues. While many of the killings continue to be by gunfire, ripping apart victims’ hearts, lungs and livers, many Black lives increasingly are left lifeless by the arms, fists and knees of police officers, sheriff’s deputies and others hired to uphold the law.

Yet the color of the officers charged with killing Black men and women seems to have changed.

Just two months ago in mid-January, we watched a video of Tyre Nichols, 29, being brutalized by police in Memphis, Tenn. Mr. Nichols, who is said to have suffered with mental health challenges, barely survived the beating. He died a few days later.

His accusers—men in blue—are all Black.

Two weeks ago the horror happened again at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County, about 35 miles from Richmond. Henrico County sheriff’s deputies were arrested for murdering 28-year-old Irvo Otieno, another Black man who is said to have had mental health challenges, too.

Most of his accusers, men and women who vow to uphold the law, are Black.

What to make of this is unclear. Blackon-Black crime has long existed in our communities and countless studies have examined this heartbreaking phenomena to no end. But recent incidents of Black men and women in uniform who commit cowardly acts of brutality by piling on and choking to death victims such as Mr. Otieno as he lay handcuffed and with his feet shackled is not only tragic but senseless.

Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney whom we saw in January stand with Tyre Nichols’ family stood with Mr. Otieno’s family two days ago at Richmond’s First Baptist Church of South Richmondand in Dinwiddie County.

If anyone doubted the gravity of this latest act of violence against a defenseless Black man, Mr. Crump’s presence made this vicious crime all the more clear. Mr. Crump, who also represented the family of George Floyd, told the Associated Press that Mr. Otieno’s treatment has close parallels with Mr. Floyd’s killing in police custody in Minneapolis in 2020.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson made a similar comparison in a statement Tuesday.

“Police are simply not a substitute for compassionate and informed mental health professionals,” Mr. Johnson said. “Rather than neglecting and criminalizing the Black community, we need action to make sure no one experiences or witnesses this kind of violence at the hands of law enforcement ever again.”

Mr. Otieno’s family has equated his treatment to torture and are calling for the U.S. Justice Department to intervene. Another family attorney, Mark Krudys, said defense attorneys are making excuses about what happened at Central State, including assertions that Mr. Otieno “was combative.”

“He was just trying to breathe,” Mr. Krudys said. “That’s all he was trying to do.”

Spring

SVB bank failure isn’t about being ‘woke’

The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the 16th largest bank in the United States, failed because its leaders used poor judgment in making ill-advised investments. They invested heavily in longterm Treasury bonds that had low-interest rate returns.

As interest rates rose (which meant SVB was losing money), they didn’t have the required reserves to cover their outstanding loans. Instability in the tech industries, where they were heavily invested, contributed to the bank’s denouement.

While the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation usually insures deposits up to $250,000, President Biden agreed that the federal government would cover deposits “at no cost to taxpayers.” Because SVB primarily served start-ups and heavy hitters, about 85 percent of its deposits were uninsured.

Ordinary Americans don’t get the bailout that SVB depositors got, but President Biden and others justified it by saying they wanted to avoid further instability in the banking industry.

Financial experts will examine the reasons for the SVB failure for months, if not years. Daft

Republican legislators, with absolutely no facts, have concluded that the failure of the bank is a result of “woke” business policies. They’ve not defined what they mean by such policies, but some see their vacuous rhetoric as a swipe at diversity practices to which most banks adhere.

The intellectually challenged Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.) wrote, “The fools running the bank were woke and

almost became broke.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is pinning his presidential hopes on making anti-wokeness a national mantra, said the bank was “so concerned with DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) that they got diverted from their core mission.”

Wall Street Journal writer Andy Kessler suggested that the SVB board, primarily white males, may have failed because its 12-person board – 45 percent women, with one African-American and one LGBTQ member – was diverse.

Florida’s Gov. DeSantis is a leader among those who decry consciousness. His 2022 “Stop Woke Act” prohibits instruction on race or diversity that makes white folks feel “remorse or guilt .”

The law prevents employers with more than 15 employees from mandating diversity training. Gov. DeSantis has rejected the Advanced Placement Black Studies curriculum for Florida public schools. These aren’t dog whistles but outright shouts of racism and anti-blackness. These rabid Republicans will blame anything – bank failures, derailed trains, and more – on so-called “wokeness,” and non-critical thinkers are perfectly willing to go along with those distortions. Would a bank with all white male directors have acted differently than the current directors of SVB did? One might argue that an all-white male board might have performed even worse.

Though I get the concept, I’ve never been fond of “woke” rhetoric. It’s been used as shorthand to describe conscious, racially and politically aware people, who are often progressive. A dear friend and diversity consultant, Howard Ross, says, “It doesn’t matter whether you are woke or not; it’s what you do when you get out of bed.”

In other words, anyone can mouth the rhetoric, but actions speak louder than words. It is unfathomable that a profit-making, predatory-capitalist bank led by white men can be described as mistakenly “woke” after its failure. Marjorie Taylor Green and her ilk are looking for excuses

Technology bridges equitable access in Va.

Access to technology is a vital step in ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone, specifically when it comes to minority small business owners. Our country relies on the entrepreneurial spirit that the “American Dream” has inspired in all of us, and access to technology is the backbone of creating successful and sustainable businesses. To continue the upward trajectory in innovation, however, business owners and startup founders must be able to rely on the resources we have available without stopgaps placed by Congress. Stifling innovation slows economic growth and harms small businesses by depriving entrepreneurs’ access to vital revenue streams in this digital age. These laws under consideration by D.C. policy makers are masked to protect competition but would instead hurt our most vulnerable populations.

Tech innovation has been a bridge between business owners and their customers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without the ability to easily access resources such as online marketplaces and consumer bases, countless businesses would not be here today. Tech access is a driver of equity and minority business owners will be deeply affected if access to digital tools are taken away.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to over 500,000 small businesses. Unique in their mission, product, and goal, each innovator has their own story. However, the onset of COVID-19 seemed to leave every business

owner in the same position—in a world where customers were shopping from their phones and marketplaces needed to shift online overnight. Most importantly, a deep sense of unknown for the future was felt across the world. During that time, access to technology is what kept us connected.

In 2021, Virginia lawmakers did the right thing by investing

in our state’s broadband access. Sen. Mark Warner and Gov. Ralph Northam announced that the Commonwealth would receive $700 million to boost broadband access and close the digital divide for our most underserved communities.

This decision was partly based on the findings that in Virginia, Black and Latinx students are twice as likely to not have a computer in the home compared to their white counterparts. As many of us already know, lack of access to tech education does not happen in a vacuum.

As the program director of the Women’s Business Center of Richmond, I have seen first hand the vast effects the past few years have had on our local woman-owned businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. With supply chain issues, inflation, and lasting effects from a global pandemic, these groups rely on major digital platforms to conduct business and uncover opportunities. A small businessowner can use major platforms such as Meta, Google, and Amazon (all targets of anti-innovation laws) to build a brand, maintain customers, and drive sales thanks to their many resources available at our

fingertips.

In the two years since the start of the Women’s Business Center of Richmond, we have assisted over 700 clients and hosted more than 131 training workshops. Among many resources available, these individuals receive 1-on-1 business counseling, small business loan preparation, and access to an online learning lab, which includes marketing, accounting, finance, and leadership training all free of cost.

Most recently, the Women’s Business Center participated in a campaign to help underserved business owners survive the postpandemic economy by providing access to digital resource tools and low-cost internet services. These services aimed to enable digital readiness and drive digital transformation through a customized curriculum that accounts for industry, size, and interests.

Access to these online resources give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy as more customers go online to make buying decisions. With over one-third of American small businesses closing due to the pandemic, with a disproportionate impact on Black and Lantinx-owned small businesses, reliable internet access for entrepreneurs is important now more than ever.

Legislation that stifles tech growth ultimately hurt small business owners. Policy makers must use a critical eye at the unintended consequences that anti-innovation laws have on small, women and minority-owned businesses across the Commonwealth.

The writer is program director of The Women’s Business Center of Richmond where she leads strategic initiatives and manages key partnerships.

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.

in the face of their stumbles, which include the loosening of Dodd-Frank regulation that might have prevented the SVB bank failure.

“Woke” has nothing to do with recent bank failures (New York’s Signature Bank also failed at the same time as SVB did). Still, racist Republicans have carefully honed their rhetoric that even common decency is described as “woke.”

Don’t believe the hype, folks. While our nation remains majority white, it is rapidly diversifying, and denial will not stop demographic change. Gov. DeSantis and his anti-Black cronies would like to turn the clock back to the “good old days” and erase history by denying it. Despite Gov. DeSantis’ efforts, neither the past nor diversity will be erased.

The writer is an economist, author and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA.

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Julianne Malveaux

Shara Gibson

I woke up hearing the weeping of people in lieu of all the senseless crime that has taken place. I humbly ask that you would put this in the Richmond Free Press, inspired by God. We as a people cannot any longer stand by and allow senseless crime to become a way of life in our communities. Change must come NoW! When innocent people are dying on our streets while the criminal plays on mental illness, due to willful drug additions, racism and ungodly sins that has affected this Usa Yet, our loved ones are no longer here due to their selfish acts.

hatred have overtaken our communities and country. We, the People of this United states of america, must make a change immediately for aLL humanity! Equal justice for all mankind, not just for the color of our skin but for the crime committed. Justice for every person whose life was taken unjustly and the families left behind with broken hearts. “YoUR

LIFE

History will not be kind to anyone who adopts a pro-ignorance stand when it comes to the true history of this country, warts and all. our country was built on the back of slavery, and it’s time to accept that truth, make what amends are possible, and move forward with a spirit of recognition and reconciliation.

as a new Virginia resident, I am very disappointed in your recent statements regarding the education of our youth. You had presented yourself to voters as a centrist Republican, someone who could move between the two parties and find common ground. There is no common ground to be found in denial of historical truth. There is

Thank you for letting your readers know of the death of Karl Bren in your March 2-4, 2023, edition. He was a gem of a human being.

I can remember clearly his excitement sitting with me and brainstorming what the ElderHomes Corp. volunteer department might look like even before we had the William Byrd development money in hand to start the program. That was Karl.

I also had the pleasure of serving with Karl on his Virginia Housing and the Environment Network (VaHEN), which he started in 1995 to “conserve energy and other natural resources,

To the entire staff of the Richmond Free Press:

I so enjoy my regular stop to pick up the Richmond Free Press every week. I am grateful for the breadth and perspective you bring to the news at a time when local papers are in terms

no moving forward without recognition and acceptance of the past, however unpleasant. Education does not exist within a framework of fantasy.

The people of Virginia and of all 50 states require a leader who accepts the truth of america’s history and is capable of bringing this last sad and divisive chapter of denialism

protect water quality, reduce waste, strengthen local economies, and provide a more rewarding quality of life for citizens of the Commonwealth.”

That was Karl.

He was passionate about encouraging and lifting up persons and enterprises and organizations that promoted community and its quality sustenance.

He always will be remembered in the Richmond community with appreciation.

BEN LACY ROSE JR. Richmond

of number, content and relevance. I am proud of the work you do. Thank you.

Jo EVaNs Richmond

Youngkin announces affordable housing loans

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The state will lend more than $18 million to create 10 affordable, income-restricted housing developments in the Richmond area, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin has announced.

The area’s first proposed “agrihood” is among the projects selected to receive one of Virginia’s Affordable Housing and Special Needs loans.

The Youngkin administration agreed to lend $700,000 to support the “agrihood” proposal three nonprofits are spearheading. The administration’s goal is to develop a 10-home affordable subdivision in Chesterfield County that features gardens and orchards to provide residents and neighbors with fresh food.

The partnership on the project, proposed for 7 acres at 2600

Mr. Chavis

Swineford Road, located off Iron Bridge Road in the Bensley section, includes the Maggie Walker Community Land, Girls for a Change and Happily Natural Day.

Duron Chavis of Happily Natural Day said the group is still pursuing rezoning and undertaking other pre-development work. The team hopes to break ground later this year, according to Bensley Agrihood’s website.

The Better Housing Coalition was awarded three loans totaling nearly $5.5 million to support development of the Colebrook Apartments in Chesterfield, the expansion of the Carter Woods senior housing development in Henrico County, and the Lafayette Gardens development in Richmond.

Bon Secours opening new South Side health clinic

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Bon Secours is opening a new community health clinic in South Side to serve uninsured children and adults, although new nonprofits already operate similar clinics nearby.

The grand opening for the new Manchester clinic is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at 2301 Everett St. on the grounds of the CARITAS Center for Healthy Living, which, among other things, provides shelter and addiction treatment services for women.

According to Bon Secours, the new medical operation will target a population that has been served for nearly 40 years by the Crossover Healthcare Ministry operation located a few blocks away at 108 Cowardin Ave.

Separately, the Capital Area Health Network, which owns the Manchester Medical Building, 101 Cowardin Ave., for

years has operated a low-cost primary care operation in the building and also leases office pace to community physicians.

Bon Secours spokeswoman Jenna Green said the new clinic would work “very collaboratively with the other safety net clinics. We only serve the uninsured. We do not receive any patients with Medicaid and Medicare; we send such patients to the other clinics.”

She noted the clinic would serve the women at the CARITAS location, but would mostly focus on augmenting the care it now provides through the Bon Secours Care-A-Van program, which has traveled the community for nearly 30 years to serve the uninsured.

The Catholic health care system announced last June plans to renovate the two story, 8,000-square-foot space that is attached to the CARITAS building.

Ms. Green said the clinic will serve as the first permanent home base for the

a Story Idea?

Care-A-Van, which began operations in 1994 and last year served 14,000 patients across the Richmond area.

According to Bon Secours, the health clinic will build on the care-a-van’s work by providing patients with “wrap-around services, including primary care, chronic disease management and behavioral health services. The clinic also will promote wellness and connect individuals and families to sustainable resources to support their needs.”

Dr. Paul Young, Bon Secours Richmond’s medical director for community health, including the Care-A-Van, stated the new clinic will allow the health care system to “bring all of the services we currently offer on the Care-A-Van to our patients and the community at one fixed location.

“The clinic will be outfitted with new equipment and the latest medical technology,” Dr. Young continued, enabling Bon Secours to provide quality care.

The Community Builders of Boston, which is redeveloping the Creighton Court public housing complex in the city’s East End, was awarded a $2.5 million loan for use in developing Phase B of the development. Two-thirds of Creighton has been torn down, and construction of new units are expected to begin this summer.

The list of area loan winners includes:

Enterprise Community Development, which is developing a 66-unit apartment complex on the site of an old church on East Brookland Park Boulevard in the Highland Park neighborhood in the city’s North Side.

Richmond-based Lynx Ventures secured a $700,000 loan to support its development of 218 income-restricted apartments at 7000 Carnation St. in South Side, while The Lawson Companies also received a $700,000 loan to support its development of 144 new affordable apartments at 700 W. 44th St. in South Side.

Separately, Commonwealth Catholic Charities was awarded a $400,000 to support its development of 56 new units on vacant land next door to St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Highland Park.

Two groups, project:Homes and Urban Hope, were authorized loans of $692,000 and $600,000, respectively to support their work. The loans are to aid project:Homes efforts to develop affordable homes and enable Urban Hope to expand its work to buy, refurbish and rent housing units with more affordable rents.

Chesterfield announces housing choice vouchers

Free Press staff report

The waiting list for Virginia Housing and the ChesterfieldColonial Heights Department of Social Services’ housing choice vouchers opens Thursday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone who wants to submit an application.

One hundred applicants from Chesterfield County and the City of Colonial Heights will be chosen randomly by lottery to be added to the waiting list. Interested persons may apply at virginiahousing.apply4housing.com.

Applications submitted in person, by phone or mail will not be accepted. Applicants with a disability and need of accommodations to apply can contact the DSS staff for assistance during the open application period.

Interested residents will receive a confirmation number after submitting their applications, though this does not guarantee placement on the waiting list. The lottery will begin at noon on Monday, March 27, and can be viewed when it starts at virginiahousing.apply4housing.com/status.

More information about the application process can be found by contacting Chesterfield-Colonial Heights DSS at 804-717-6832 or by visiting www.virginiahousing.com.

Stories by Fred Jeter

VCU loses to Saint Mary’s 63-51 in NCAA West opener

Ace Baldwin’s injury makes losing more painful

VCU’s exceptional basketball season ended with a resounding, “What if?”

What if point guard sensation Ace Baldwin hadn’t suffered a leg injury that contributed to a 63-51 loss to St. Mary’s, Calif., in the opening game of the NCAA West Region in Albany, N.Y.?

The Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year went down with 14:16 to go and St. Mary’s up 38-34. At that point the Gaels went on a 12-5 run.

Baldwin, who had a team-high 13 points, returned briefly in the late going, even hitting a 3-pointer, but it was too little too late.

“That’s why it hurt so bad … I wanted to get out there and help my brothers … but I couldn’t run or plant,” he told the news media.

So the Rams finished 27-8 with A-10 regular season and tournament titles. VCU had won nine straight prior to the NCAAs and 18 out of 20. The Rams have enjoyed 23 straight winning seasons under six different coaches.

Much to his credit, Rams Coach Mike Rhoades didn’t blame the latest setback on Baldwin’s misfortune.

“The best team won,” Coach Rhoades said. “St. Mary’s played better longer.”

But here’s another “What if?”

As powerful as the Rams’ latest edition was,

it might have been even stronger. Missing were Bones Hyland (now with the NBA Clippers) and Vince Williams (splitting time with NBA Grizzlies and G-League).

Both would have been eligible to return this season had they not decided to go pro.

Baldwin could be the Rams’ next NBA player, but not before what figures to be fantastic finish as a senior in 2023-24.

•

Moving on: Departing Rams will be graduate students Brandon Johns, who made third team All-A10, and David Shriver, team leader with 60 3-pointers.

Also exiting will be four-year walk-on Arnold Henderson VI out of St. Christopher’s.

Then there is always the chance of players transferring out, in some cases for more lucrative NIL deals. There is temptation at every juncture.

Big name schedule: The 2023-24 nonconference schedule is expected to include home games with Temple and Memphis and a trip to Orlando, Fla., for the ESPN Invitational.

Possible opponents in Florida would be Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, Penn State, Butler, Boise State and Iowa State.

Fresh arrivals: Tarique Foster, a 6-foot-8 forward out of The Bronx, N.Y., is the only announced incoming freshman. Foster played this season at Putnam Academy in Connecticut.

It is likely at least one other player will come to Richmond through the NCAA portal. VCU had three portal additions this season, Johns and Zeb Jackson from Michigan and Shriver from Hartford.

JM Justices shoot for national title

John Marshall High has a state basketball title. Now it’s aiming for a national crown.

Coach Ty Whites’ Justices will play the McDonough, Ga., Golden Eagles Wednesday, March 29, in the first round of The Throne Nationals at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Tipoff is 1:30 p.m.

“I’m excited for our kids; they deserve this,” said Coach White, whose squad is seeded No. 1.

“We’ve got a chance,” Coach White added.

The four-day, 16-team event will conclude April 2. Games will be televised on the NBA and Fox networks.

JM, 28-0 and state Class 2 champ, will go under the name of Richmond Justices. McDonough, 26-5, will play under Golden Eagles.

Teams must keep their same high school rosters. No pickups are permitted. Coach White says all his players are healthy and ready to take their achievements to the next level.

JM has won 37 straight games over the past two seasons.

Other squads are traveling to Atlanta from Texas, New Jersey, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, California and Illinois.

McDonough lost in its State semifinals to Westover of Albany, Ga. McDonough had been ranked No. 1 in Georgia prior to the loss.

Golden Level Sports Entertainment and the NBA Players Association are sponsoring and funding the inaugural event for public schools.

Versatility defines Princeton’s Tosan Evbuomwan

NCAA March Madness is known for its heartwarming, underdog Cinderella stories.

This year’s “Cinderella” wears pink shoelaces, speaks with an English accent, and has a name many mispronounce.

Tosan Evbuomwan is a bouncy 6-foot-8 reason why 15th-seeded long shot Princeton University, N.J., is preparing for the Sweet 16.

The senior from Newcastle, England, and a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year paces the Tigers in scoring and assists, and is second in rebounding. His position is listed as “point forward” due to his playmaking skills.

Evbuomwan stands out for his versatility and perhaps because he is Princeton’s lone Black starter.

The Englishman wears pink shoelaces and sometimes pink shoes in honor of his mother, Michelle, a former pilot, who died of breast cancer March 20, 2012.

The tallest Tiger wears jersey No. 20 as a reminder of the date his mother died. His father, Isaac, is a medical doctor who came to England from Nigeria. This isn’t the first time Princeton has made noise during March Madness.

The Rhoades Runners: Few schools nationally played better away from home than VCU. Under Coach Rhoades, the Rams were 8-3 in true road games and 4-2 at neutral sites.

Since becoming VCU head coach prior to 2017-18, Coach Rhoades’ Rams are 129-61 overall and 72-32 in the A-10. With success sometimes comes worries. Will other higher profile schools with deeper pockets

Oh, how sweet it is! (NCAA Sweet 16 matchups)

Thursday West (Las Vegas) Connecticut vs. Arkansas, 4:15 p.m., CBS UCLA vs. Gonzaga, 6:45 p.m., CBS South (Louisville) Kansas State vs. Michigan State, 3:30 p.m., TBS Tennessee vs. Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., TBS

attempt to lure Coach Rhoades away?

VCU has a history of losing coaches. Dana Kirk (left for Memphis), J.D. Barnett (Tulsa), Jeff Capel (Oklahoma), Anthony Grant (Alabama), Shaka Smart (Texas) and Will Wade (LSU) are examples. Coach Rhoades’ son, Logan, will be playing football this coming season for Colgate University, N.Y., after a stellar career as Mills Godwin High School’s quarterback.

VUU’s Butler, Osborne heading to Houston

The basketball season isn’t over yet for Virginia Union Coach Jay Butler and senior standout Robert Osborne.

While the Panthers were eliminated from the NCAA playoffs, both Butler and Osborne are booking fLights for Houston and the HBCU All-Star Game.

In conjunction with the NCAA Division I Final Four, the game is set for April 2 at Texas Southern University, and will be televised on CBS at 4 p.m. EST.

Coach Butler, the CIAA Coach of Year, has also been named NCAA Division II Coach of Year by HBCU Gameday.

Coach Butler will coCoach Team Willis Reed along with Grambling coach Donte Jackson. Osborne, the CIAA Player of Year, will play for Team Willis Reed.

Team Dick Barnett will include Joe Bryant and Kris Bankston from Norfolk State and Marquis Godwin from Hampton.

Bryant was named Division I Player of the Year by Gameday. The Player of THE Year award is named after former Southern University star Bob Love.

Another familiar face for Team Barnett will be 7-footer Brendan Medley-Bacon, a former VCU player who finished his career at North Carolina Central. Medley-Bacon averaged 12 points and six rebounds this past season for NCCU and had 58 blocked shots.

Team Barnett is named after the former Tennessee State star; Team Willis Reed is named after the former Grambling star. Both went on to NBA fame.

Britton Wilson wins

open 400 meters, 4 x 400 relay

Britton Wilson struck gold twice in leading Arkansas to the NCAA Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque, N.M., on March 11.

The former Mills Godwin High standout won the open 400 meters and anchored Arkansas’ 4 x 400 relay, both in record-setting style.

Tosan Evbuomwan

The more his dreadlocks bounce, the better it is for the Tigers.

Evbuomwan had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists in PU’s 59-55 win over Arizona, and nine points, nine rebounds and five assists in its 78-63 against Missouri.

Following upset wins, 15th-seeded Princeton will play 6 p.m. Friday against No. 6 Creighton on TBS.

Princeton has been to seven Sweet 16s and one Final Four, in 1965, with All-American/Rhodes Scholar Bill Bradley. Bradley scored 58 points in the thirdplace game against Wichita State and had 41 in the semifinal against Michigan.

Oh, in case you’re wondering how to pronounce the name of the Tigers’ current star, it’s Toe-san Eh-Whoa-Ma. Good luck with that at your March Madness party.

Friday East (Madison Square Garden, N.Y.) Alabama vs. San Diego State, 3:30 p.m., TBS Creighton vs. Princeton, 6 p.m., TBS Midwest (Kansas

A transfer from Tennessee, Wilson, 22, won the 400 in an NCAA record 49.48.

That broke the mark held by Florida’s Talitha Diggs of 49.75. The world indoor standard of 49.26 is held by Femke Bol of The Netherlands.

Britton Wilson

The Razorbacks won the relay in a blistering 3:21.75, eclipsing the world mark of 3:23.27 set by Russia in 2006.

Wilson is the daughter of former VCU basketball player Vince Wilson and LeYuani Wilson, a former track athlete and cheerleader at James Madison University. On March 20, LeYuani Wilson retweeted a photo on Twitter of members of the Razorback women’s NCAA Indoor champion 4x400 relay conducting a question-and-answer session with second-graders at Henrico County’s Greenwood Elementary School.

Coach Butler

Robert Osborne

Antoine Craig

We celebrate the commitment of our employees with initiatives like Sharing Success, which awarded 96% of colleagues additional compensation this year, nearly all in stock. This is the sixth time teammates received this award, totaling more than $4 billion.

We are committed to being a Great Place to Work for our teammates in Richmond and around the globe. This includes providing leading benefits, minimum wage at $22/hr on track to $25/hr by 2025 and opportunities to build a career with us. These are key reasons we’ve been named America’s Most JUST Company.

Victor Branch President, Bank of America Richmond

Personality: Margaret Rose ‘Meg’ Medina

Amid ongoing campaigns against certain kinds of literature in the United States, Margaret Rose “Meg” Medina has been given a new platform and new responsibility to champion the value of the written word.

The Alexandria native and children’s book author has been named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2023 and 2024. Ms. Medina is the first Latina author to be chosen for this role, and she has a clear vision and an awareness of the impact she stands to make for many young readers and writers.

“I know that I offer an example of a literary life for people whose histories, experiences, and world views are also shaped by other cultures,” says Ms. Medina, when asked what being chosen as National Ambassador means. “I also offer a living example that pushes back against the many negative stereotypes of Latinos, such as being non-readers and being disinterested in learning.”

While Ms. Medina’s career in children’s books began in 2008, her life before serves as a foundation for her career and new role. From more than a decade of teaching in New York and Florida, to work as a freelance journalist and at Simon & Schuster, she has built a wealth of experience with the literary world, writing and interacting with youths.

As National Ambassador, Ms. Medina will advocate for the worth of reading and writing to the nation’s youths in a variety of physical and online spaces. Her journey, which will include visits to public libraries and social media outreach, seeks to provide tips and to encourage children to read, something she has particular experience with.

“When you work with young people, it always boils down to being engaging and respecting them as fully capable people,”

Spotlight on National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

Ms. Medina says. “I come to them open-hearted and with enthusiasm to hear their thoughts on what they’re reading and to offer them and their families new titles, new ways to connect with books, and new authors to discover.”

That understanding of youth’s as full people in their own right also informs Ms. Medina’s criticism of efforts to restrict access to or outright ban certain books, which sees as not just a terrible approach to literature, but one that dismisses children and their intelligence.

Ms. Medina’s body of literature, which covers topics ranging from bullying to illness, speaks volumes to how seriously she takes the inner lives and circumstances of her audience. She also celebrates the power of books outside her writing, including serving on the Advisory Board of We Need Diverse Books and a faculty member of the Masters in Fine Arts for Children’s Writing program at Hamline University.

It’s these roles, plus her ability to build connections and common ground, that Ms. Medina believes make her suited to serve as National Ambassador.

“I’ve moved through my author career as a steadfast advocate for the inclusion of many voices in library collections and bookstores,” Ms. Medina says. “We are a country made of many people of different cultures and experiences, and I believe it serves us well to respect and include all those voices in our literature.”

Meet an advocate for a nation of young readers and this week’s Personality, Margaret R. Medina: Most recent accomplishment: Named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2023 and 2024.

Date and place of birth: June 1 in Alexandria.

Current residence: Henrico County.

Education: Bachelor’s in communications, Queens College of the City University of New York; master’s degree in educational leadership, Nova Southeastern University.

Family: Husband, Javier Menendez; three grown children Cristina, Sandra and Alex Menendez.

Occupation: Children’s book author.

My most acclaimed book and award: 2019 John D. Newbery Medal for “Merci Suárez Changes Gears.”

Being the first author of Latina heritage to be chosen as an ambassador means: I am the ambassador for all children in this country, but for Latino children, in particular. I know that I offer an example of a literary life for people whose histories, experiences, and world views are also shaped by other cultures. I also offer

a living example that pushes back against the many negative stereotypes of Latinos, such as being non-readers and being disinterested in learning. How I got the big news: My publisher invited me to a Zoom call and when I opened the camera I found my entire Candlewick Press family waiting for me with the news.

Reaction: Honestly, it was tears because this is such an enormous honor in our field.

How is an ambassador selected: The Library of Congress, in partnership with Every Child a Reader, selects a nominating committee which puts forth candidates based on criteria for the role. For example, they look at the body of your work, your standing among your peers, and the kind of engagement you have with the wider children’s book community. Ultimately, the finalists’ names are given to the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, who makes the final decision.

My responsibilities as an ambassador are: To support, promote, and affirm the reading lives of all the nation’s children. What is in my toolbox that I will use to engage young readers on my journey as ambassador: I’ll loop in public libraries wherever I go because I believe them to be sacred spaces for our nation. And, of course, I’ll unleash my social media platforms to help folks follow along on the ambassador journey and find tips on improving their reading and writing lives. Why I became a young readers’ author: It took a while of

many trial and error careers, but the common thread in my work life was young people. It’s rare when someone forgets the books they loved as children. Those books help raise us in a way, and I wanted to be part of that. Also, as an author, there is something about revisiting your childhood and trying to make sense of it that feels important to me. My writing philosophy: Tell the truth.

ThemeI touch on: The theme I return to again and again is family, growing up and culture. I’m endlessly fascinated by how those three parts of a young person’s life mix and intersect, sometimes in the best ways and sometimes painfully. Why reading is especially important today for young people: The obvious firstlevel benefit is that it makes everything easier for them in school. All subjects will require reading. But in the long game of life, reading is how we can learn about ourselves, about other people, and about the world. It gives us the power of knowing. It gives us enjoyment and escape. It gives us private time with our own thoughts and feelings.

Banning books is: Contrary to our values as a country. It’s also the quickest way to alienate young people. The most powerful position we can take with regard to young people and books is to read them and discuss them together. When we create obstacles to their interests and questions, we communicate a distrust of their ability to read and form their own opinions.

Advice to aspiring writers for young readers: Read as widely as you can so that you have words in your head and examples of styles and approaches in your toolbox.

Join your school’s magazine or newspaper. Consider launching a podcast at your school to talk about what you’re reading.

Biggest challenge facing young readers today: Making time for reading in their lives every day, especially when so many things competing for their time. Activities, their “screen” time, homework, jobs, family obligations. A regular reading life can happen, though. It just takes planning so that it becomes a natural habit and a part of your day.

The three words that best describe me: Sociable, organized, thoughtful.

How I unwind: A brisk 30-minute walk with my dog. Hugo.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I wish I could say skydiving or something fabulous like that. But, it’s just gardening. For a kid who grew up in Queens, New York, the idea of having a quiet place to plant things and make them grow feels like a dream.

At the top of my “to-do” list: Finish the fantasy novel I’ve been working on since 2010! I’m getting close to the end. The best thing my parents ever taught me: The value of sharing stories, especially family stories. It taught me that the lives of ordinary people are fascinating in their own way. Book that influenced me the most: Years ago, I read Annie Lamott’s “Bird by Bird.” It was the first book about craft that I’d ever read, and it gave me my initial peek inside the world of people who tell stories for a living.

What I’m reading now: “How We Read Now,” by Elaine Castillo, essays on reading, writing and culture. “Hoops” by Matt Taveras, a graphic novel. Next goal: I would like to work on a couple of new picture books after I finish up my fantasy manuscript.

WALKER

Saturday, April 22 @ 8:00pm

Sunday, April 23 @ 3:00pm Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center

Hosted by Mayor Levar Stoney

The Richmond Chapter, The Links hosted its 11th Biennial Auction “Art in the Atrium” on March 18 at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The Links is a national volunteer service organization whose members are “concerned, committed, talented and professional” Black women” who enhance the quality of life in the larger community.”

‘Art in the Atrium’

The “Art in the Atrium” annual fundraiser benefits Greater Richmond. Past beneficiaries include Franklin Military Academy of Richmond Public Schools, Virginia Union University, The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Feed More, and Richmond Fisher House. Above, Dr. Monroe Harris, left, immediate past board president of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Tammy and Brian Jackson, were among “Art in the

Atrium” supporters, as were Barbara B. Wright and Dr. Thomas Wright Jr. of North Chesterfield. Also enjoying themselves during the Richmond Chapter of The Links’ fundraiser were Dr. Pamela K. Royall, one of the event’s two honorary co-chairs, and Joy. P. Goodrich, the chapter’s archivist. Moses Foster Jr., not pictured, also served as the event’s co-chair. Courtney Harris Armstrong of Richmond takes in some of the artists’ work that was part of the auction during the festive evening, which celebrated The Links 70 years of “distinguished service to the Richmond community.” Rounding out the dozens of attendees were, from left, Dee Dee French Boone, of Virginia Beach, Gail Hollyfield Taylor, of Richmond, Nikki Brown, a member of The Richmond chapter of The Links, and Nicole Gilpin Hood of Baltimore.

Bubba’s Block Party returns

Free Press staff report

NASCAR driver William D.

“Bubba” Wallace will again host a block party for the Richmond community as part of the return of racing to the track in Henrico County, it has been announced.

The free event, which requires advance registration, will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Virginia Credit Union Live!, 4200 Carolina Ave., or Gate 6 at the Richmond Raceway.

The Backyard Band and The Art of Noise RVA

will be the featured acts, according to a release from Mr. Wallace. One of the few Black NASCAR drivers, Mr. Wallace stated that the event is aimed at attracting more diverse interest in the sport.

“I’m thrilled to bring my black party back to Richmond. It’s important to make sure everyone feels welcome at the track,” he stated.

Registration is open at Bubbasblockparty.com, but the website states that a ticket does not guarantee admission. Admission is first-come, first-served, with a maximum of about 3,000 people.

Dorothy Height birthday celebration

The 11lth birthday of civil rights great Dorothy Irene Height will be celebrated at a public ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Friday, March 24, at the Hull Street Branch Library, 1400 Hull St.

The program will honor the Richmond native for her 40-year leadership of the National Council of Negro Women, for her role as a key strategist and organizer in the Civil Rights Movement

alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others, and for her service as the 10th president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The sorority’s Richmond Alumnae Chapter will host the remembrance event for Dr. Height, a longtime advocate for Black women who was born March 24, 1912, in the Blackwell community in the city’s South Side. Dr. Height died age 98 in April 2010.

You mean more to

Jewels of Kenya

Cicilia Seleian Koisenke, fifth from left, lives in Intashat sub location in Kenya, a community of about 5,000 people that has suffered from severe drought conditions throughout the Horn of Africa. During her March 17-24 visit to Richmond, where she is being hosted by Suzanne Hall, sixth from left, Mrs. Koisenke is raising awareness about her community and also is selling traditional beaded jewelry that she and the Maasai Mara women of her region make to raise money for villagers’ basic necessities such as food, shelter, sanitary items and more.

You deserve a world of love on this special 90th birthday and always.

Grandmommy, I’m thinking loving thoughts of you — I celebrate you and the grace of God upon your life, and I wish you a 90th birthday as special as you are! — Nicole t

Mom, Happy Birthday! You are smart and strong, you drop wisdom everywhere that you go! — Lois t

Grandmommy it’s your 90th birthday you raised 7 children 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. You have been a blessing to all of us. Thank You Love You and Happy 90th Birthday. — Bryan

Happy Birthday, Grandma. Remember, age is simply the number of years the world has been enjoying you! — Jason t

A birthday cake would be special for you because you are very special! — Kevin t

Mom, Happy Birthday! You are God’s gift to us! Beautiful, funny, smart and strong, you drop wisdom everywhere that you go!

— Lois

They should put a picture of you beside the word “Giver” in the your family and to others. We’re so blessed to have you as a grandmother and great grandmother. — Lawrence, Amanda, Liliana, Autumn, Lennox, & August t

Great Grandma can cook extremely wait to dig in on her delicious food. We just love how well she can cook!!! this at 90 years old! — Love, Liliana, Autumn, Lennox, & August t

Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and grandmother. — Malinda

Happy Birthday! Grandma Cora taught you and you taught me. Thanks for all of your love and support. You’re one of my favorite people. — Love, Lauren

Hi Mom, I love you and always will!!! Have a great birthday! — Freddie

Hi Grandma, I love you. Have a great 90th birthday. — Faith

Hi Grandma, I love you. Wishing you the best on your 90th birthday. — Freddie Jr

Dr. Height

‘Bubba’ Wallace

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Newman Davis

Rev. Clifford B. Chambliss Jr. dies at 81

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Rev. Clifford Boss Chambliss Jr. was just 25 when he was tapped to lead a new job training initiative that more senior Black ministers were organizing to help people find work and escape poverty.

Newly graduated from the Virginia Union University seminary, Rev. Chambliss seized the opportunity he was offered in 1967.

Over the next three decades, he would transform the Richmond Opportunities Industrialization Center into one of the largest Black employment assistance programs in the Richmond area — creating a fresh opportunity for the unemployed and underemployed to find success.

The Suffolk-born minister, who a year later also was installed as the ninth pastor of Springfield Baptist Church in Henrico County, enabled more than 20,000 youths and adults to change their lives by preparing them for work in construction trades, offices and factories, and in food service and retail stores.

“He believed that the best social program was employment that offered men and women, dads and moms, the ability to support their families,” said Cassandra Calender-Ray, a former OIC employee who now is executive director of the adoption program Virginia One Church, One Child.

Rev. Chambliss led the OIC for 33 years, but left in 2001 after the city’s leadership pulled financial support from the program. He would later see the program reborn in 2014 under then-Mayor Dwight C. Jones as the city Office of Community

Wealth Building, though on a smaller scale and without any mention of the OIC.

Rev. Chambliss’ impact on Richmond through the OIC and other civic endeavors is being remembered following his death Thursday, March 9, 2023. He was 81.

Family and friends celebrated his life Saturday, March 18, at GarlandAvenue Baptist Church, where he served as pastor from 2001 to 2011 after stepping down from the pulpit at Springfield Baptist after 32 years of service.

The OIC was a self-help program that was energized by the new employment opportunities for Black people that opened following the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Black churches across the country were galvanized by the training program that the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan launched in Philadelphia in 1965, and Richmond was one 63 communities where church leaders sought to emulate the Sullivan model and affiliate with a program that is largely forgotten.

Under a board that included some of the now deceased giants of Richmond ministry, notably the Revs. Robert L. Taylor and Bernard S. Giles, Rev. Chambliss, a Shaw University graduate, sought to build a program that would allow both adults and youths to train and benefit from the wide array of job possibilities that were now within their reach.

After outgrowing its first location on Bel-

Virginia Hayes remembered for her creative teaching

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

As a kindergarten and first grade teacher at Blackwell Elementary School, Virginia Hayes was concerned that too many children arrived with little knowledge of numbers, counting and the concepts of adding and subtracting.

Ms. Hayes set out to change that in the early 1990s.

Armed with a small grant from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, she organized workshops for parents and set up a lending library in her classroom of instructional kits and books to help parents work with their children.

and Me,” to other teachers and school divisions in Virginia. Ms. Hayes also earned Blackwell’s Teacher of the Year honors.

Ms. Hayes’ dedication to education and other endeavors is being remembered following her death at age 78 on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at a rehabilitation center in Chesterfield County.

videre Street near Monroe Park, OIC found a permanent home at 21 E. Leigh St., a then vacant 1909 school building that initially housed Armstrong High School.

In reflections at Rev. Chambliss’ funeral, Ms. Calender-Ray recalled “serving more than 1,700 students in the Summer Youth Employment Training Program. We engaged youth in the program by going to the schools to enlist them; we didn’t wait for them to come to us.”

Ms. Calender-Ray also noted that OIC became a place where dropouts could earn their high school equivalency degree with a heaping helping of Black history.

Rev. Chambliss “knew that selfworth comes from knowing who you are and where you came from,” she said.

In his role as executive director, Rev. Chambliss stressed to the staff the importance of their work in helping people reach self-sufficiency, she said.

During his tenure at OIC, Rev. Chambliss also led the first ever yearly cleanups of the Cannon Creek Greenway along the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, seeing a North Side gem instead of the informal, illegal dumping ground that it had become, Ms. Calender-Ray said.

In partnership with the Richmond Department of Public of Works, each summer Rev. Chambliss would enlist adults and youths from the OIC to clean out the rubbish, mattresses, tires and other

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

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

debris, an initiative that was forgotten and never credited by the time City Hall got around to turning the 1.9-mile greenway into a walking and biking trail and park space he had envisioned.

Rev. Chambliss also served on the board of the Congress of National Black Churches, was a past president of the Henrico Ministers’ Fellowship and a longtime member of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity, the Jackson Ward and Vicinity Clergy Association and the American Baptist Churches of the South Ministers’ Conference.

He served on the state Minority Economic Development Advisory Committee under Gov. Linwood Holton and was a member of the Governor’s Job Training Coordinating Council during the tenures of Govs. Gerald L. Baliles and L. Douglas Wilder.

Rev. Chambliss also was a former board member of the North Richmond YMCA and the Bethlehem Community Center, and was a past president of the Historic Jackson Ward Association.

He also served as a jury commissioner for the Richmond Circuit Court, and was a 62-year member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which he joined while attending Shaw University. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Nancy G. Chambliss; three children, Clifford B. Chambliss III, Melanie L. Chambliss and Bryant G. Chambliss; and six sisters, Edna Thompson, Exyie Ryder, Wilma Jones, Varese Swan, Margaret Edwards and Lynnette Horne-Hardt.

“BACK IN SERVICE” Our doors are open again every Sunday @ 11:00 am. Live Streaming Every Sunday At: BRBConline.org or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church) “MAKE IT HAPPEN”

The project drew the attention of the state Department of Education, which sought to spread her initiative, dubbed “1-2-3 My Parents, Reading

Final tributes were paid to her Saturday, March 18, in Henderson, N.C., where she was born and grew up. The service was held at Rose Bud Baptist Church, in which she was active before she moved to Virginia in 1980 to begin teaching.

Survivors include her brother, Samuel Hayes of Richmond, and two sisters, Arie H. Taylor and Tracy H. Mitchell, both of Henderson, N.C.

Sharon

Riverview Baptist Church

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

Pastor Kevin Cook

St. Peter Baptist Church

“BACK IN SERVICE” Our doors are open again Mask required • Must provide vaccination card Every Sunday @ 11:00 am. Live Streaming Every Sunday At: BRBConline.org or YouTube(Broad Rock Baptist Church) 1858 The

Sunday Church School • 9am

Moore

Please visit our website Ebenezer Baptist Church Richmond, VA for updates http://www. ebenezerrva.org

Liberty Baptist Church is seeking a musician or pianist.

If interested, please send resume or letter of interest to Bhicks52@aol.com or call or text 804 240 0543. Church is located at 12901 Genito Road, Amelia, VA 23002.

SENIOR PASTOR VACANCY

Riverview Baptist Church is seeking a bi-vocational Pastor. He or she must be deeply rooted in the Baptist doctrine, have pastored a church, and have theology training. The deadline for accepting resumes is March 31, 2023. Please submit to Riverview Baptist Church, ATTN: Pastoral Search Committee; 2604 Idlewood Ave.; Richmond, VA 23220, email to PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE riverviewbapt@verizon.net or contact Deaconess Threnodiez Baugh @ 804.353.6135.

Part Time

CUSTODIAN

Salary Commensurate with Experience

15 – 20 Hours Weekly M-T-W or as Needed

Providence Park Baptist Church is seeking a part-time Custodian.

The preferred candidate should possess previous custodian and/or sexton experience as well as experience in operating a floor buffer and other equipment.

A Criminal History Background Check, and references are required.

Please pick up an application at: Providence Park Baptist Church, 468 E. Ladies Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23222 (The Church Office is located at the back of the church). The e-mail address is cnickens@verizon.net, and the fax number is (804) 780-7791. For more information, please call (804) 329-1963.

Rev. Chambliss

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton,

Ms. Hayes

HANOvEr JAMES JONES, Plaintiff v. TAMEKA GAMBLE, Defendant. case No.: cL22003231-00 OrDEr OF PUBLicATiON The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 5th day of May, 2023 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724

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 ciTY OF ricHMOND WESLEY rOGEr HArriS, Plaintiff v. iriS LAFON (JOHNSON) HArriS, Defendant. case No.: cL22-5190-6 OrDEr OF PUBLicATiON The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony. It appearing from an affidavit that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is; and the last known address of the Defendant is as follows: L/K/A 2203 Afton Ave. Richmond, VA 23224. It is ORDERED that Iris Lafon (Johnson) Harris appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before the 21th day of April, 2023 at 9 a.m.

A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk virGiNiA: iN THE circUiT cOUrT FOr THE cOUNTY OF HANOvEr JAMES cArTEr iii Plaintiff v. TrAcY cArTEr Defendant. case No.: cL23000279-00 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 24th day of April, 2023 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 virGiNiA: iN THE circUiT cOUrT FOr THE ciTY OF ricHMOND YOLANDA LATricE (MEADE) WYNN, Plaintiff v. cArLTON cEciL WYNN Jr Defendant. case No.: cL23-1087 OrDEr OF PUBLicATiON The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony. It appearing from an affidavit that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is; and the last known adress of the Defendant is as follows: L/K/A 1208 Earrly St. Lynchburg, VA 24503. It is ORDERED that Carlton Cecil Wynn Jr. appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before the 12th day of May, 2023.

A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk virGiNiA: iN THE circUiT cOUrT FOr THE cOUNTY OF HANOvEr MicHAELA BANKS, Plaintiff v. ASHONTAE BANKS, Defendant. case No.: cL23000692-00 OrDEr OF PUBLicATiON The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on

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 circUiT cOUrT

FOr THE ciTY OF ricHMOND DAviD LAWSON PATTON, Petitioners, and ANNE STEWArT MiLLiGAN, v. SArA L. SHArPSTENE, respondent. in re: Lawson r. Patton (DOB: 03/12/2013)

case No.: cA23000045-00

OrDEr OF PUBLicATiON

The goal of this suit is an adoption of the minor child.

WHEREFORE, an affidavit having been filed by the Petitioners, David Lawson Patton and Anne Stewart Milligan, that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the Respondent, Sara L. Sharpstene, it is ORDERED that Sara L. Sharpstene, appear before this Court on April 25, 2023 to protect her interests herein.

AN EXTRACT, Teste:

EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

PrOPErTiES

virGiNiA:

iN THE circUiT cOUrT OF THE ciTY OF ricHMOND

JOHN MArSHALL cOUrTS BUiLDiNG ciTY OF ricHMOND, Plaintiff, v. JOHN M. DANiEL, et al, Defendants.

case No.: cL23-1098

OrDEr OF PUBLicATiON

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1901 Maddox Street, richmond, virginia, Parcel iD Number E0120226012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, John M. Daniel

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, John M. Daniel who 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. i T i S O r DE r ED that John M. Daniel, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 22, 2023 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. crYSTAL GALLONi, et al, Defendants. case No.: cL23-1000 OrDEr OF PUBLicATiON

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4720 caldwell Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Parcel iD Number S0090459008, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, crystal Galloni An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, crystal Galloni, who 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. i T i S O r DE r ED that crystal Galloni, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 22, 2023 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:

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, Marsha craig Edwards and venice craig have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s): Request for Proposals: 230003982 for Annual Environmental Engineering Services. For all information pertaining to this RFP conference call, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV).

Proposal Due Date: April 14, 2023, Time: 3:00P.M.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA. GOV), or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to:

IFB - 230009973 - Gillies Creek Greenway Project phases II and III

Construction - UPC 113429 & 113490

Pre-Proposal Conference Call Meeting: April 5, 2023, at 2:00 P.M.

For all information pertaining to this IFB conference call, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV).

Proposal Due Date: Tuesday May 2, 2023, Time: 2:00 P.M.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA. GOV), or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

Tri-Cities Area MPO

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135; 49 U.S.C 5303 and 5304, the Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hereby provides area citizens an opportunity to review and comment on the Draft FFY 2024-27 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) and its accompanying Draft Regional Conformity Assessment. These draft documents have been developed by local and State agencies represented on the Tri-Cities Area MPO and the Draft MTIP recommends highway and transit improvements for the Tri-Cities Area. Copies of these draft documents have been made available for public viewing during regular visiting hours at public libraries in the Tri-Cities Area during a 30-day public review period beginning March 20, 2023 and ending April 19, 2023.

One public meeting will be scheduled to receive comments on these draft documents on Monday, March 27, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Petersburg Public Library located at 201 W. Washington St, Petersburg, VA. Persons in need of special accommodations to participate in this public meeting are requested to forward this information either by contacting the Crater Planning District Commission at 804-861-1666 or by email using the address listed below one week prior to the meeting date. Persons with a hearing impairment may contact the Virginia Relay Center at 1-800-828-1120 to forward information to the Crater Planning District Commission and Tri-Cities Area MPO. A copy of these draft documents and other information related to the Tri-Cities Area MPO have been made available in electronic format located at https://craterpdc.org/our-works/transportation/ transportation-about/.

The Crater Planning District Commission and the Tri-Cities Area MPO assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, age or income status, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent nondiscrimination laws, be excluded from participation any program or activity.

Written comments on the FFY 2024-27 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program and/or Draft Regional Conformity Assessment should be addressed to: Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805, and/or send an email to org and received within the review period ending April 19, 2023. Los comentarios escritos sobre el Proyecto de FFY 2024-27 Programa de Mejora del Transporte Metropolitano y/o Proyecto de Informe de Conformidad

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

23-092

#VTC

The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has issued a Request for Proposal #VTC 23-092 creative and paid media agency or agencies to provide creative marketing and paid media advertising services for the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Sealed proposals are due not later than 5 p.m. EDT on May 3, 2023. A MANDATORY virtual pre-proposal conference will be held at 10 a.m. EDT, April 5, 2023, and requires pre-registration by 4 p.m. EDT, April 3, 2023. Proposals will only be accepted from those Offerors who attended this mandatory virtual conference. In order not to miss any important deadlines, please read, immediately, the announcement of the RFP for important details about eVA registration, pre-registration deadline, etc.

The RFP announcement may be found on the VTC website at https://www.vatc.org/operations/ request-for-proposal/ . Copies of the Request for Proposal #VTC 23-092 may be downloaded from the VTC website at https://www.vatc.org/ CreativeAndMediaAOR2023RFP. All inquiries regarding the RFP should be sent via email to CreativeAndMediaAOR2023RFP@virginia.org or by contacting Terry Minor at (804) 545-5523.

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond. To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com.

EOE M/F/D/V

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (CIO) (Richmond-Metro Area), a recognized leader and award-winning local government, is seeking an experienced, innovative, and forward-thinking leader who will lead, plan, coordinate and direct the activities of the Information Systems Technology department. The department has an annual budget of $21.2 million. The Information Systems Technology department employs 109 authorized full-time positions and reports to the Deputy County Administrator for Community Operations.

instructions, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/ Recruitment header.

The application deadline date is Interested applicants should submit a include salary requirements to: