Richmond Free Press March 4-6, 2021 edition

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VOL. 30 NO. 10

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MARCH 4-6, 2021

Bienvenidos to VUU

The historically Black university plans to enroll 450 Hispanic students by 2024 to obtain federal designation as a Hispanic-serving institution, according to VUU President Hakim J. Lucas

Dr. Lucas

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Within three years, Virginia Union University wants 25 percent of its undergraduate students to be Hispanic, according to university President Hakim J. Lucas.

The first 30 Hispanic students began classes last fall at the private, Baptist-affiliated institution in North Side in an initial foray into diversifying the campus, Dr. Lucas said in an interview Monday in which Michel Zajur, founder and chief executive officer of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, participated.

If VUU is successful in the effort, it would become the first historically Black college or university to earn the additional federal designation as a Hispanic-serving institution for the fastest-growing minority group in the country.

The move to transform the VUU student body is among Dr. Lucas’ initiatives for fuelMr. Zajur ing the university’s growth and increasing its community impact. Another initiative is having the campus become the new home of the regional MathScience Innovation Center.

Dr. Lucas said that increasing the Hispanic presence on campus is in keeping with VUU’s mission to create educational opportunities for those who are left behind and builds on VUU’s rich legacy of involvement in social justice and civil rights.

While some might be jarred, he said both AfricanAmericans and Latinos “have so much in common

RPS to reopen April 12 to 800 students

By Ronald E. Carrington

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VUU campus

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Conservancy turns up small, Black family cemetery on protected land

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

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Civil rights activist Vernon Jordan dies at 85

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Carolyn Bradford Moten stands among the headstones in an unmarked cemetery that was found on land off Long Bridge Road in Eastern Henrico County that is now owned by the Capitol Region Land Conservancy.

The land was purchased in 1874 by Abraham Truman and stayed in the Truman family until 1979. Ms. Moten is his great-niece. Right, the small marker rests at the grave of Samuel Truman, grandson of Abraham Truman, who bought the land to farm following the Civil War. Samuel Truman died at age 28 from typhoid fever, according to records.

After hours of debate, an attempted amendment and process clarification, the Richmond School Board voted Monday night to reopen schools to 800 students April 12.

On a 6-2 vote, with one abstention, the board approved the inperson inMr. Kamras struction plan offered by Superintendent Jason Kamras.

Under the plan, Richmond Public Schools would expand the use of five school buildings that currently offer emergency day care to 300 special and high needs students and English learners in kindergarten through fifth grade to include in-person

Nine years after the Civil War and his enslavement ended, Abraham Truman scraped up the money and bought a 40-acre farm plot for his family in the historically African-American Gravel Hill community in Eastern Henrico.

The widowed owner tried to cheat Mr. Truman by refusing to deliver the deed, but he got the property when a white neighbor, John K. Fussell, went to court to testify on his behalf that the money had been paid to the woman’s late husband.

After years of farming the land that nestles Sweeney Creek and the 4900 block of Long Bridge Road, Mr. Truman was buried on the property as were 10 other family members through the years, including a grandson, Samuel Truman, a government mail service employee.

The family cemetery was largely forgotten after heirs, who had long given up agriculture, sold the property 105 years later to people who wanted to keep it in its natural state.

Leaves covered up the plots and the three headstones, and

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues.

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, March 4, 1 to 3 p.m. Randolph Community Center, 1415 Grayland Ave. in the Near West End. • Thursday, March 11, 9 to 11 a.m., Regency Square rear parking deck, 1420 N. Parham Road, in Western Henrico County. Drive-thru testing.

Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.ly/RHHDCOVID.

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Free Press wire report

ATLANTA Vernon Jordan, who rose Mr. Jordan from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become a champion of civil rights before reinventing himself as a Washington insider and corporate influencer, has died at the age of 85.

His niece, Ann Walker Marchant, confirmed that he died peacefully Monday night, March 1, 2021.

Former President Bill Clinton remembered Mr. Jordan as someone who “never gave up on his friends or his country.”

Mr. Jordan “brought his big brain and strong heart to Please turn to A4

Free COVID-19 testing

Answers to questions about new Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

With 69,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson, single-dose COVID-19 vaccine scheduled to be distributed throughout Virginia this week, the Richmond Free Press sought answers to questions about the newest vaccine that was granted emergency use authorization last Saturday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be offered free to the public.

Q: How effective is the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

A: Studies have shown the vaccine is about

66 percent effective in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 and about 85 percent effective against the most serious illness.

Q: How long will it take for the vaccine to protect me from COVID-19?

A: Current estimates from Johnson & Johnson say that it takes about 29 days for immunity to take full effect. This is faster than the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which take five and six weeks, respectively, to reach peak immunity after the first dose. It also has been

shown to be very effective against the COVID19 variants that have emerged.

Q: Can I choose which of the available vaccines I can receive?

A: No, but the Virginia Department of Health is encouraging all providers who schedule vaccine appointments to advise individuals on which vaccine they’ll receive.

Q: What side effects are possible from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

A: Some temporary side effects have been

reported after vaccination, including arm pain and redness at the injection site, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches.

Q: How long will immunity last?

A: Like all of the COVID-19 vaccines, it’s unclear. Scientific research into the vaccine continues at this time, with some speculation that annual booster shots may be needed to respond to new COVID mutations.

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Richmond Free Press

March 4-6, 2021

Local News

U.S. 1 gets new names, signs Get ready to ride Emancipation High- Davis name already has been stripped. way.

That includes Alexandria, Arlington and That is going to be the new name for Prince William counties and Richmond, the sections of U.S. 1 that now bear the whose local governing bodies previously name of the slavery-defending Confederate approved replacing the Davis name with President Jefferson Davis.

Richmond Highway.

Delegate Joshua G. Cole, a FredericksIn Richmond, the city Department of burg Democrat and member of the Virginia Public Works has started installing the new Legislative Black Caucus, Richmond Highway signs proposed the new name in on the 4-mile stretch of seeking a dramatic break U.S. 1 in South Side that with the past honors for Slices of life and scenes bore the Davis name. the failed Confederacy.

Some parts of U.S. in Richmond The United Daughters of 1 in the city have long the Confederacy were successful in push- had different names, including Cowardin ing the agenda to honor traitors starting Avenue, Belvidere Street and Chamber110 years ago. layne Avenue. Those names would not Delegate Cole’s proposed name Eman- be affected by the bill. cipation Highway has secured the approval Delegate Cole said his goal was to of both the House of Delegates and the state eliminate the Jefferson Davis designation, Senate and now needs the governor’s signa- but he is hopeful communities that have ture to become law. Gov. Ralph S. Northam gone with Richmond Highway will consider has said he would sign the bill. another renaming to make the road’s name The measure would become effective Jan. more uniform in the state.

1, 2022, and make Virginia the first state According to the U.S. Department of to erase the Jefferson Davis name from its Transportation, Virginia is one of 10 states portion of the national highway system. stretching to California that have named porDelegate Cole’s bill would not im- tions of highways for the white supremacist pact any sections of U.S. 1 that already who sought to create a separate nation in bear different names or from which the which slavery would be perpetual.

Cityscape

Public engagement sessions on casino for Richmond start March 9 Richmond residents will be able to voice their opinions at virtual meetings City Hall plans to hold on the prospects of becoming a casino mecca and on the six proposals for casinos an internal committee has begun reviewing.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s community engagement sessions begin next week, with the first sessions 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, and noon Wednesday, March 10.

Additional sessions are planned for later in March and in April, according to the city’s schedule.

All of the community meetings will be virtual and provided through Microsoft Teams via computer or cell phone, it has been announced. The links to the meetings will be posted on the city’s new website at www.RVA.gov/economic-development/ resort-casino, officials stated.

The site also contains information on the casino legislation and the six proposals, including one-page sheets each bidder has provided to explain the offer.

Two of the companies, Bally’s Corp. and Golden Nugget, have competing proposals for the same 60-acre location, Chippenham and Powhite parkways, with access off Forest Hill Avenue.

The list of bidders also includes media company Urban One and its partners, which is seeking to build on the site of the former Philip Morris operations center at Walmsley Boulevard near Commerce Road and the Bells Road exit off Interstate 95; and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, which is seeking to build at 5000 and 5050 Commerce Road near the Bells Road exit.

Wind Creek Hospitality also is proposing a hotel-casino complex for 1401 Commerce Road.

The only bidder proposing a site north of the James River is The Cordish Cos., which wants to put its hotel-casino complex on the Bow Tie Cinemas Movieland site at Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Leigh Street. If that site is selected, Bow Tie plans to find another Richmond site for its movie theater complex.

The consulting firm Convergence Strategy Group has been hired to assist the committee, which is to present its recommendation to City Council by June.

The council is expected to make its decision by the end of July, and if the decision is positive, get it on the ballot for the Nov. 2 election. Voters would have the final say on a casino in Richmond. – JEREMY M. LAZARUS

RRHA taking comments on what qualities next CEO should possess

By George Copeland Jr.

The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is asking the public to weigh in on what qualities the next CEO should possess.

People can comment via an online survey, a paper survey, a message line, email and in listening sessions.

The listening sessions are virtual and will be held at noon and 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4.

“The Board encourages members of the public to weigh in on this critical decision that will impact the lives of Richmond families living in public housing and the community at-large,” RRHA Board Chairwoman Veronica G. Blount said in a statement.

The former chief executive officer, Damon E. Duncan, announced his resignation last March, after less than a year on the job, but stayed on until May 29. He was replaced for a few weeks by Terese Walton, RRHA’s executive vice president and chief real estate officer, before RRHA Controller Stacey DanielsFayson took over as CEO on an interim basis June 22.

Mr. Duncan’s exit followed a period of intense public scrutiny into his commitment to the public housing agency and its 10,000 residents. He faced tough questions and criticism about the agency taking hundreds of residents to court over late rent; starting the eviction process on 52 families, some of whom owed less than $100; and failing to rent vacant units in the face of a waiting list of more than 2,000 families seeking housing.

The problems eventually led to a temporary halt in evictions, which was extended since then because of COVID-19. It also led to a halt in RRHA’s redevelopment plans for public housing.

“The bigger question, at least in my mind, is whether RRHA is going to change the way it’s doing business,” said Steve Fischbach, litigation director for the Virginia Poverty Law Center.

He pointed to decisions over maintenance issues and RRHA’s redevelopment plan as major concerns.

The online survey is available at rrha.info/ceo.

Paper surveys will be distributed to RRHA residents in March and can be turned in at any property management office.

The message line for public comment is (804) 780-3437.

Emails can be sent to CEOsearch@rrha.com To participate in the virtual listening sessions, go to global. gotomeeting.com/join/995532045 or connect by calling (872) 240-3212 and entering access code 995-532-045.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond Department of Public Works crews have been busy since Feb. 25 replacing street signs along U.S. 1 formerly named for Confederate Jefferson Davis with the new name, Richmond Highway. City Council voted last summer to change its name. Officials said it will take about a month to replace about 98 signs. The cost: $45,000.

Richmond and Henrico to get 2 new Black judges

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Black female attorneys are continuing to make judgeship gains in Richmond and Henrico County.

In Richmond, General District Court Judge Jacqueline S. McClenney has been elevated by the General Assembly to the Circuit Court bench effective April 1.

Judge McClenney will replace Judge Joi Jeter Taylor, who retired in January.

To fill Judge McClenney’s slot, the legislature elected attorney Devika E. Davis, who has her own legal practice, to the General District Court. She is to become a full-time judge June 1.

In Henrico County, Judge Rondelle D. Herman of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court is the General Assembly’s choice to move to the Circuit Court bench, effective March 16. She will replace Judge James S. Yoffy, who retired.

To fill the vacancy that Judge Herman’s move is creating, the legislature elected Stacy E. Lee of the Allen & Allen law firm to the bench.

Ms. Lee, who got her educational start in Richmond Public Schools, is the first lawyer from the 111-year-old, per-

Judge McClenney

Ms. Davis

sonal injury firm to become a judge, the Richmond-based firm noted. Her six-year term as a judge begins May 1.

The positive news for these black women stands in contrast Chesterfield County Judge Pamela O’Berry, the county’s longestserving judge who failed to be reappointed by the General Assembly.

A General District Court judge since 2009, Judge O’Berry is one of two Black judges in Chesterfield. Her final day will be March 31.

Her departure became official when the General Assembly adjourned the 2021 session Monday without her name coming up for a vote.

Still, more opportunities lie ahead for those who want to see diversity among

Judge Herman

Ms. Lee

local judges.

The General Assembly created six new seats on the state Court of Appeals after changing the law to grant an automatic right of appeal in virtually every civil and criminal case. The appeals court is one step below the state Supreme Court.

The 11-member appeals court currently has one vacancy, meaning the legislature has seven seats to fill. If most of those seats go to experienced circuit court judges, that will open seats and create more opportunities for lower court judges to move up or for private attorneys to become judges.

With a push to diversify the bench, prospects that additional lawyers of color will be named to the bench appear to be bright.

City Council OKs $325M development replacing Public Safety Building

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

It’s official.

The decaying Public Safety Building in Downtown is to be transformed during the next four years into a tax- and job-generating $325 million office-hotel-retail-child care complex linked to the Virginia Commonwealth University medical campus.

As anticipated, Richmond City Council approved the sale of the 56-year-old city building for $3.5 million to Capital City Partners, the private venture of William Hallmark and Susan Eastridge, who led the failed Navy Hill Coliseum replacement venture in Downtown and are spearheading the $2.3 billion GreenCity arena development in Henrico County.

The 9-0 vote during a special council meeting Monday supports a deal that council members noted is much more than a real estate transaction to remake 3 acres of land adjacent to City Hall in a two-block area bounded by Marshall, Clay, 9th and 10 streets.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney called it a win-win for city residents, the community, VCU and the city, describing “the sale and redevelopment of the Public Safety Building site a critical first step to improving Downtown,” After two decades of talk about replacing the structure built in 1964, “I am glad that council has approved this important project,” said 6th District Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, whose district includes the project area.

The terms negotiated by Mayor Stoney’s team require Capital City to meet goals for training and hiring of Richmond residents for the jobs the development would create during construction and afterward.

The deal also requires union labor and tradesmen to perform a major share of the construction and payment of union-level wages in all phases of construction.

The deal also sets a goal of 40 percent inclusion of Black- and minority-owned businesses during the demolition and building phases, including reopening Clay Street between 9th and 10th streets.

Capital City also is required to create a $500,000 fund that will largely

be used to provide college scholarships for low-income Richmond high school graduates.

When complete, the new complex is projected to generate $5 million to $6 million a year in total new taxes for the city. During the first 25 years, the terms call for the city to receive at least $59 million in real estate taxes, or an average of $2.3 million a year.

The city’s only expense will be to relocate operations still in the building, including the Drug Court and a branch of the Department of Public Works. Under the deal, Capital City is to bear all other costs without any city subsidy.

The project is to include a 20-story building and a total of 300,000 square feet

of office space for VCU Health and others.

The project also will produce new quarters for two nonprofit hotels that serve VCU patients and their families, The Doorways and the Ronald McDonald House, and a new parking deck.

New retail and restaurant space also is part of the project, along with a new day care center that VCU Health will operate and that will reserve 20 percent of its slots for city residents who are not connected with the university or its medical center.

Ahead of the construction that is expected to start in about a year, GRTC’s bus transfer station, now located on the 9th Street side of the Public Safety Building, will be relocated to the public parking lot across the street.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Remembering the victims of COVID-19 White flags dot the lawn outside New Kingdom Christian Ministries in Highland Park in remembrance of the more than 200 people in the city of Richmond who have lost their lives to COVID-19. Pastor Chris Moore and his wife, First Lady Shawniece Moore, wanted to do something to honor those taken and the families impacted by the deadly virus. The church is holding a candlelight vigil 6 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at the church, 3200 Dill Ave., in remembrance of COVID-19 victims. They ask that people email a photo of their loved one taken by the virus to info@newkingdomcm.com for a visual memorial. “We want to put a name and a face” on the remembrance, Pastor Moore said. “They are not just a number. They are a member of someone’s household, fraternity, workplace and church.” More than 9,000 Virginians have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic last year.

Richmond Free Press

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Richmond Free Press

A4 March 4-6, 2021

News

Bienvenidos to Virginia Union University Continued from A1

in the things we deal with in terms of racism, injustice and unequal opportunities” and in the shared aspirations for advancement.

He also believes that Black students would benefit from the cultural interaction.

Dr. Lucas said the U.S. Department of Education designates schools as Hispanicserving when enrollment reaches a minimum of 25 percent Hispanic.

If that enrollment goal is achieved, VUU would be the second school in Virginia—after Marymount University in Arlington—to earn the designation. Marymount received the designation in 2020.

Aside from the culture shock, the increase in Hispanic students would be significant for VUU, whose undergraduate enrollment has remained relatively static, ranging from around 1,180 to 1,300 students in recent years. VUU reported enrolling 1,212 undergraduates and 310 graduate students during the first semester of the 2020-21 school year.

Dr. Lucas said VUU is projecting that Hispanic undergraduate enrollment could rise to 450 students by 2024, more than sufficient to meet the U.S. Department of Education threshold requirement to earn the Hispanic-serving designation.

If that also encourages additional online or in-person enrollment from Black students, VUU could see a historic level of growth for the school that traces its roots to 1865 and educational programs in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom to serve freed slaves after the Civil War. The Hispanic initiative is an outgrowth of an agreement VUU signed in 2019 with the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

At the time, Dr. Lucas and Mr. Zajur signed a resolution to “jointly promote education to those who are considered socially and economically disadvantaged.”

Mr. Zajur, whose chamber has long lobbied for greater educational opportu-

nities for Hispanics, is enthusiastic about the opportunities for affordable secondary education the partnership is creating. He said VUU is doing the most of any school the chamber has worked with to make it happen.

Dr. Lucas said VUU enrolled the first cadre of 30 Hispanic students through its Universidad Virginia Union led by Dr. Ingrid Bircann-Barkey, the dean. The universidad is incorporated into the new School of Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Dr. Lucas called the school a portal to ensure Hispanic students have the appropriate access, support and courses in Spanish if their English fluency is insufficient.

He said VUU would be adding courses and taking other steps to ensure the new students feel welcome.

Along with academics, Dr. Lucas said VUU would be starting men’s and women’s soccer clubs with a gaol toward intercollegiate competition and also seeking to use food, music and culture to make all VUU students comfortable with a more diverse campus.

As part of the work, Dr. Lucas outlined additional initiatives to boost its relationship with Hispanics. For example, he said VUU plans to assist immigrant doctors, lawyers and other professionals whose degrees and credentials are not recognized in the United States to gain the licensure they need. “They shouldn’t have to work in menial jobs,” he said.

VUU also will use its workforce and training programs to provide support to Hispanic entrepreneurs and business owners so they can meet the government requirement.

In addition, VUU plans to work with students and other young people to improve understanding of what it means to be bilingual and to value and appreciate their Latino heritage.

And, Dr. Lucas said, VUU would usher in change in other campus elements, such as signs, to help bring together the children

of the African and Hispanic Diasporas.

“We don’t have to strive separately,” Dr. Lucas said. “Our communities both face similar challenges. Our dropout rates are astronomical. Both of our communities have been historically ignored and under-resourced. We can come together to advocate for equity and for workforce inclusion and to build community.”

Along with transforming the student body, Dr. Lucas said VUU is undertaking other initiatives to expand its mentoring, after-school and summer offerings in Richmond for students too young to attend the university.

VUU also is ushering in improvements in the training and placement of future teachers, creating partnerships with various Richmond schools and seeking to improve the lives of Gilpin Court students with programs such as the Carver Promise, he said. He said VUU has reorganized that effort as the P-12 Experiences and Educational Initiatives.

Adding to that, Dr. Lucas said VUU’s new partnership with the MathScience Innovation Center would bring more youths to the campus and enable VUU to support the center’s work of spreading STEAM or science, technology, engineering, architecture and math learning.

The center, now located in Eastern Henrico County, could make the move to the campus this summer, Dr. Lucas said.

At the same time, VUU will seek to broaden its own students’ horizons and encourage them to become bilingual. This fall, Dr. Lucas said VUU will initiate a new requirement for students to spend a semester either abroad, on a university ship at sea or in a different academic location where they can use a second language they have studied on campus.

In his view, VUU, with support from the chamber, is creating “unprecedented educational and other opportunities for Virginia’s Black and Hispanic students” and giving meaning to the phrase “One Richmond.”

RPS to reopen April 12 to 800 students Continued from A1

instruction for 500 additional students, including general education students.

The schools are Blackwell, Holton, and Miles Jones elementary schools, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and Huguenot High School.

Board members Mariah L. White, 2nd District, and Jonathan M. Young, 4th District, cast the two dissenting votes, while board member Shonda Harris-Muhammed, 6th District, abstained from voting.

The reopening plan will be presented to the Virginia Department of Education on Thursday for their approval.

Monday night’s vote was a clear departure from stances taken in February by Mr. Kamras and the board that too many obstacles and safety issues prevented the schools from reopening so soon. RPS has long said it would reopen for in-person learning this fall.

Mr. Kamras said at the board’s Feb. 9 meeting that schools wouldn’t be ready to reopen until June because of the upgrade needed on air quality systems to prevent the spread of germs and work to be done on restrooms so that adequate hand washing and other pandemic health and safety

protocols can be followed.

The board also voted 7-2 at its Feb. 22 meeting in opposition to a state Senate measure that called for public schools in the state to reopen for in-person and virtual learning beginning in July.

And Mr. Kamras and the board signaled thumbs down to Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s request in early February that public schools reopen at least partially by March 15.

“The division has gone to great lengths to survey stakeholders, and their responses have driven the decision to remain virtual for the second semester,” Mr. Kamras told the School Board at the Feb. 9 meeting.

He said data showed that 63 percent of families responding to an RPS survey said they did not want to resume in-person learning.

However, Mr. Kamras told the Free Press this week that the April reopening plan was in response to Gov. Northam’s request.

And at its Feb. 22 meeting, the School Board approved a plan to use $54 million in federal CARES Act funding to prepare buildings for students’ return in the fall, including installing bipolar ionization air quality systems, repair all HVAC systems to upgrade air quality and install touchless

soap dispensers and sanitizing stations in schools and restrooms.

RPS officials said Monday the cost of reopening will depend on the number of students who participate. The money will be taken from the federal CARES Act funding.

Ms. White questioned the effectiveness of the administration’s in-person learning plan, citing a lack of details about safety protocols as well as the cost.

“As a school board person and a mother, I don’t see any protocols information,” Ms. White said. “We should have those details so that we can give that information to each parent and child as well as teachers. What the administration has is not a real plan to me.”

Mr. Kamras emphasized that the reopening plan needed to be approved on Monday by the board. If it were kicked down the road to the board’s March 15 meeting, he said, RPS would not be able to bring students back until late April or early May. Each School Board member will hold a Zoom town hall reopening meeting to get feedback from parents and other stakeholders. The first, by 8th District board member Dawn C. Page, will be 6 p.m. Thursday, March 11.

Black family cemetery on protected land Continued from A1

saplings and other vegetation began growing on the mostly unmarked gravesites.

The small Black family cemetery was rediscovered only after the Capital Region Land Conservancy bought the land nearly three years ago to ensure its permanent protection.

According to Parker C. Agelasto, the conservancy’s executive director, the finding resulted from the conservancy’s efforts to learn more about the land.

To that end, Mr. Agelasto said the conservancy commissioned the College of William & Mary’s Center for Archaeological Research to conduct a survey, which quickly turned up what Mr. Agelasto calls “sacred ground.”

Courthouse and census documents have helped uncover more of the history of the family and Mr. Truman whose name was variously spelled Abram Trueman and Abram Truman by clerks. To the family, he is Abraham Truman, Mr. Agelasto said.

The documents include information on

a special commissioner’s hearing about ownership of the property that led to Mr. Truman finally getting the deed.

Mr. Agelasto said the research also showed a surprising link with the recently rediscovered cemetery of the fraternal Sons and Daughters of Ham Inc. located next to the city-owned Bandy Field near Patterson Avenue and Three Chopt Road in Western Henrico County.

It turns out that one of Abraham Truman’s grandsons, William Truman, married Grace Bradford, whose family had created a now-demolished family subdivision on what is now Bandy Field. Bradford family members belonged to the Sons and Daughters of Ham and are among those buried in the 1-acre graveyard that neighbors the University of Richmond.

As part of the conservancy’s work, the Truman family cemetery “will be protected now that it has been cleaned and the ground debris removed. We will consult with the descendants and determine what they may like to do to mark other gravesites or install signage.”

Archaeology teams also turned up other forgotten history about the Truman property, said Joe B. Jones, the center’s director.

That includes flints and arrowheads that show Native Americans at least stopped and camped briefly on the property up to 5,000 years ago, he said.

Probes of the topsoil also turned up a small amount of Civil War ammo, indicating that Mr. Truman’s land was at least on the fringe of the Second Battle of Deep Bottom in August 1864 at nearby Fussell’s Mill and possibly the First Battle in July 1864 that took place around Gravel Hill.

The property was near both battles, and Long Bridge Road is known to have been used for troop movements, Mr. Jones said.

Mr. Agelasto said the conservancy sought the property in 2018 to extend the 6,000 acres of land that is now under protection through the conservancy or other organization. The project land extends through a neighboring farm and battlefield site to the conservancy-owned Malvern Hill. Other nearby wooded, undeveloped land is part of the Curles Neck Farm holdings.

Vernon Jordan dies at 85 Continued from A1

everything and everybody he touched. And he made them better,” the former president and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, said in the statement.

After serving as field secretary for the Georgia NAACP and executive director of the United Negro College Fund, Mr. Jordan headed the National Urban League, becoming the face of Black America’s modern struggle for jobs and justice for more than a decade. He was nearly killed by a racist’s bullet in 1980 before transitioning to business and politics.

President Biden remembered Mr. Jordan as a foot soldier for civil rights. “Vernon Jordan knew the soul of America, in all of its goodness and all of its unfulfilled promise. And he knew the work was far from over,” the president said in a statement.

Former President Obama said that “like so many others, Michelle and I benefited from Vernon Jordan’s wise counsel and warm friendship — and deeply admired his tireless fight for civil rights.”

After growing up in the Jim Crow South and living much of his life in a segregated America, Mr. Jordan took a strategic view of race issues.

“My view on all this business about race is never to get angry, no, but to get even,” Mr. Jordan said in a New York Times interview in 2000. “You don’t take it out in anger; you take it out in achievement.”

Mr. Jordan was the first lawyer to head the Urban League, which traditionally had been led by social workers. Under his leadership, the Urban League added 17 more chapters and its budget swelled to more than $100 million. The organization also broadened its focus to include voter registration drives and conflict resolution between Black people and law enforcement.

He resigned from the Urban League in 1982 to become a partner at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld.

Mr. Jordan was a key campaign adviser to President Clinton during his first presidential campaign and co-chaired the former president’s transition team. His friendship with President Clinton, which began in the 1970s, evolved into a partnership and political alliance. He met President Clinton as a young politician in Arkansas and the two connected over their Southern roots and poor upbringings.

Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr., was born in Atlanta on Aug. 15, 1935, the second of Vernon and Mary Belle Jordan’s three sons.

Until he was 13, the family lived in public housing. But he was exposed to Atlanta’s elite through his mother, who worked as a caterer for many of the city’s affluent citizens.

Mr. Jordan went to DePauw University in Indiana, where he was the only Black student in his class and one of five at the college. Distinguishing himself through academics, oratory and athletics, he graduated in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and went on to attend Howard University School of Law in Washington. While there, he married his first wife, Shirley Yarbrough. She died in 1985. He married Ann Dibble Cook in 1986.

In 2000, Mr. Jordan joined the New York investment firm of Lazard Freres & Co. as a senior managing partner. The following year, he released an autobiography, “Vernon Can Read!: A Memoir.”

He has received more than 55 honorary degrees, including ones from both of his alma maters and sat on several boards of directors.

Free COVID-19 testing Continued from A1

Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Contact the new statewide COVID-19 Vaccination PreRegistration System at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA. The call center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week to help people pre-register by phone or to answer questions about the vaccine. The call center has English- and Spanishspeaking agents and a call-back service to help people in more than 100 other languages.

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

State officials reported Wednesday that 15.8 percent of Virginia’s population has been inoculated with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. More than 2 million doses had been administered as of Wednesday, with 716,660 people fully vaccinated with the required two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

A third vaccine by Johnson & Johnson has been approved by federal authorities for use, with 4 million doses going out this week across the nation.

Officials said 69,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will arrive in Virginia this week, with more to be delivered to pharmacies for administration under a federal partnership.

Locally, officials said 5,000 doses will be arriving for administration by the Richmond and Henrico County health districts, which will hold mass vaccination events beginning Saturday, March 6, targeting about 12,000 seniors.

Officials said the Pfizer vaccine will be given out at the event on Saturday, March 6, and Monday, March 8, while the singledose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available at the event on Wednesday, March 10.

They urged seniors to pre-register using the state’s website or phone number listed above.

The Virginia Department of Health reported 580,108 cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday, along with 24,354 hospitalizations and 9,326 deaths. Virginia’s seven-day positivity rate continues to drop, and is now at 6.6 percent statewide.

Last week, it was 8 percent.

According to state data, African-Americans comprised 21.8 percent of cases statewide and 24.1 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 17 percent of the cases and 6.8 percent of deaths.

Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesay, March 3, 2021

Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 14,914 684 213 Henrico County 21,585 896 529 Chesterfield County 23,727 796 352 Hanover County 6,719 254 137

Answers to questions about new Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine Continued from A1

Q: How many doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are being distributed to Virginia?

A: Virginia expects to receive 69,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week.

Q: How will state and local health departments distribute it?

A: The Virginia Department of Health is prioritizing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for mass vaccination clinics and events statewide.

Q: Will pharmacies receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

A: Pharmacies participating in the federal vaccination partnership are expected to receive doses to aid in vaccinating priority groups such as people age 65 and older, but it isn’t clear when pharmacies will receive the vaccine or how many doses.

Q: Do I still need to wear a mask and socially distance after getting the vaccine?

A: Yes. While the vaccine may prevent

you from getting COVID-19, health officials aren’t sure if the vaccine will prevent you from spreading the virus to someone else. Until more information is known, health officials urge those inoculated to continue the routine COVID-19 precautions of hand washing, wearing a mask and social distancing.

Q: How can I get a vaccine?

A: Pre-register through the Virginia Department of Health at vaccinate.virginia.gov or call toll free at (877) VAX-IN-VA, or (877) 829-

4682, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Language translation is available. TTY users can dial 711.

Pharmacies in Virginia that are administering the vaccine will now be using the state health department information for registering appointments as well. Other registration options may be available depending on your locality.

Sources: Virginia Department of Health, federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Johnson & Johnson.

Richmond Free Press

March 4-6, 2021

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To learn more, go to vcuhealth.org/urgentclinic. © 2021 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: VCU Health.

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Richmond Free Press

A6 March 4-6, 2021

Local News

Marijuana justice groups criticize legalization bill passed by General Assembly

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Instead, the legislature did the reverse, authorizing Gov. Ralph S. Northam to begin the Just wait three years. work of forming the new state agency that will That’s the message the General Assembly sent handle licensing of producers and retail stores, after finally passing a bill to legalize recreational but holding up legalization. marijuana use for those 21 and older.

CECVA is among multiple groups calling The complex bill that passed Saturday as on the governor to send down amendments that the House of Delegates and state Senate closed would speed up legalization. the current session puts the big change on hold The legislature last year eliminated criminal until Jan. 1, 2024. charges associated with possession The measure narrowly passed both and use of small amounts of the drug. chambers largely along party lines, Currently, it is a civil offense that with Democratic majorities pushing it carries a $25 fine. through for a supportive Gov. Ralph Chelsea Higgs Wise, founder S. Northam. and executive director of Marijuana The House vote was 48-43, with Justice, noted in a statement that the seven members abstaining, includlegislature ignored the “urgency to ing Richmond Delegate Jeffrey M. address racial disparities by legalizing Mr. Jewell Bourne and three other members of simple possession.” the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

“Since ‘decriminalizing’ marijuana in July The Senate vote was an even closer 20-19, 2020, over half of the 4,505 people charged with no Republicans crossing the aisle. with marijuana possession were Black, a rate While Virginia is still the first Southern state four times that of white Virginians,” she stated. to try to eliminate marijuana from the war on “By not repealing simple possession until 2024, drugs, advocates are fuming about the decision legislators are risking the futures of an estimated to maintain the civil fine for possession and use 36,000 Virginians—that we can count on being of small amounts, generally an ounce or less. disproportionately Black.”

“Hugely disappointing,” said E. Martin Ms. Wise stated that New Jersey legalized “Marty” Jewell, chair of the Cannabis Equity possession of up to six ounces and removed Coalition of Virginia, or CECVA. penalties on youths, unlike the law that would “It makes no sense to keep the current penalties make Virginia youths subject to civil penalties in place when marijuana will soon be legal. It is for simple possession and would allow them to simply unfair,” said Mr. Jewell, whose group also be labeled delinquent. is concerned about the relatively small share, 30 Other groups, including Justice Forward, percent, of the state tax on marijuana that would the ACLU of Virginia and RISE for Youth, go to benefit the Black community that has been also were incensed. In a combined statement in damaged by marijuana enforcement measures. which Marijuana Justice participated, the groups Like others, Mr. Jewell believes the General called the bill “worse than the status quo. The Assembly could have legalized marijuana as of bill creates new crimes that include permitting July 1 and then returned next year to work out searches for having marijuana in a vehicle and the details of the regulatory scheme, the split possession under the age of 21.” of tax dollars and other issues.

While they noted that major provisions of the

bill must be re-enacted in the 2022 General Assembly session, “what matters is the message the legislature is sending. That message is clear: ‘We do not care about social and racial equity.’ This bill does not advance the cause of equal justice or racial justice in Virginia. The bill is a failure.”

However, House Majority Leader Charniele Herring of Alexandria, an attorney and member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus who served as chief patron, was more positive.

She said the final bill “moves us in a direction to strike down and address institutional barriers, over-policing, over-arrests and over-

The death penalty was abolished, a new state Voting Rights Act was approved to ensure voter suppression does not happen and racial bigotry was a labeled a public health crisis.

Separately, teachers, state employees and state-supported local employees were awarded a 5 percent pay raise.

And for the first time, 30,000 home health care workers who serve Medicaid patients will have five paid sick days annually.

That is just a sampling of changes ushered in by the General Assembly in bills sent to Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s desk for his signature.

The legislature, which officially adjourned its 46-day session Monday, will be back Wednesday, April 7, to consider any vetoes or amendments by the governor.

House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn said the legislative session was highly productive and will have a lasting impact on the Commonwealth and its families.

Ms. Filler-Corn

Racial equity was a highlight.

Among other legislation that passed, state agencies were directed to develop strategic plans to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in

their operations.

In addition, the legislature agreed to an initiative to help expand broadband service to areas where it does not currently exist.

The wave of bills included a push to expand vaccination for COVID-19, ensure public schools reopen in the fall and expand a child care voucher program.

The legislature also extended worker safety and discrimination protection to maids and other domestic workers and put the state on the road to legalizing marijuana.

Other approved bills to promote public safety would limit convicted domestic abusers from gun purchases and

The General Assembly just gave a big boost to the plan to build a replacement for The Diamond baseball stadium on the stateAlcoholic Beverage Control Authority property at Hermitage and Robin Hood roads.

The final budget shows approval for the House of Delegate’s plan to provide Virginia Commonwealth University with $16 million to buy the 20-acre property that the Virginia ABC will give up this year when it moves to Hanover County.

The state Senate initially wanted VCU to pay $13 million for the property but adopted the House’s approach in the end.

VCU proposes to join with the Richmond Flying Squirrels

bar weapons on State Capitol grounds and in polling places.

The legislature also made abortion a covered medical procedure for health insurance purposes and passed a bill to increase transparency in pharmacy charges.

Lawmakers also approved setting up a state-run health insurance marketplace in a bid to reduce policy costs.

As part of the budget action, the legislature included funding to enable public school systems to hire more counselors, psychologists and school nurses and restored funding for early childhood education.

Legislators for the first time also passed a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore the voting rights of felons after their release, although it must pass again next year before it goes before the voters in a referendum.

Also for the first time, the House and Senate agreed on a bill to provide for the automatic sealing of criminal records involving 170 misdemeanors and felonies for people who maintain clean records for at least seven years.

Deathbed letter by former NYPD officer tells of conspiracy to kill Malcolm X Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

macy of the Civil Rights Movement and its leaders,” Mr. Crump stated.

“Without any training, Wood’s job was to infiltrate civil rights organizations Almost 56 years to the day of the and encourage leaders and members Feb. 21, 1965 assassination of Malcolm to commit felonious acts,” Mr. Crump X, the slain leader’s daughters and noted noted in a news release before the civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump gathering. are shining a light on those whom they “He was also tasked with ensuring believe are responsible for that Malcolm X’s security the heartless murder. detail was arrested days The group gathered on prior to the assassination, Saturday, Feb. 20, at the guaranteeing Malcolm X old Audubon Ballroom didn’t have door security in Harlem, N.Y., — since while at the Audubon Ballrenamed The Shabazz Cenroom, where he was killed ter — with Mr. Crump and on Feb. 21, 1965.” lawyers Ray Hamlin and Officer Wood’s purportPaul Napoli. With them was ed death bed letter was deReggie Wood, whose relalivered to three of Malcolm tive, late New York Police X’s daughters — Qubiliah, Department Officer Ray Ilyasah, and Gamilah.

Malcolm X Wood, allegedly confessed Reggie Wood, the adminin a deathbed declaration letter. istrator of Ray Wood’s estate, read the The gathering occurred in the same letter to Malcolm X’s daughters. venue as Malcolm X’s assassination and Ray Wood served as an undercover just one day before the heinous crime’s New York City police officer with the anniversary.

Bureau of Special Services and InThe new allegations focus on Officer vestigation, or BOSSI. Reportedly, he Wood and a conspiracy against organized earned a reputation for infiltrating the civil rights groups that he said had been Bronx Congress of Racial Equality, or perpetrated by the New York City Police CORE, chapter under the name Ray Department and the FBI. Woodall in 1964.

Reggie Wood alleges that authoriAccording to a report in The Guardties conspired to assassinate Malcolm ian, Ray Wood posed as a 27-year-old X in Harlem. graduate of Manhattan College studying “Ray Wood, an undercover police of- law at Fordham University. ficer at the time, confessed in a deathbed “He was soon named CORE’s housing declaration letter that the NYPD and the chairman and oversaw a voter registraFBI conspired to undermine the legiti- tion project,” The Guardian reported.

convictions of African-Americans who do not use marijuana at a higher rate than our white counterparts, but who seem to get the brunt of criminal convictions.”

VCU to get $16M to purchase new stadium site

General Assembly wraps up session ushering in changes Free Press staff report

By Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

“Wood earned his activist bonafides by getting arrested with two others at city hall while attempting a citizen’s arrest of Mayor Wagner for allowing racial discrimination on a public construction project,” the U.K.-based newspaper published.

By 1965, Ray Wood had been reassigned to infiltrate a group calling itself the Black Liberation Movement and received credit for defusing a plot to bomb the Statue of Liberty.

Three men were convicted of Malcolm X’s 1965 murder.

Talmadge Hayer, who later changed his name to Mujahid Abdul Halim, was the only one to admit guilt in the assassination.

Norman Butler, who later changed his name to Muhammad Abdul Aziz, and Thomas Johnson, later named Khalil Islam, maintained their innocence.

Mr. Aziz won parole in 1985, Mr. Islam was released in 1987 and Mr. Halim was released in 2010.

Mr. Islam died in 2009.

A Netflix documentary, “Who Killed Malcolm X?” was released last year and featured interviews conducted

by Abdur-Rahman Muhammad, an activist and investigator who said he dedicated his life to solving Malcolm X’s murder.

Following the documentary’s release, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced it would review the case and reopen it if they found new evidence.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., could not immediately be reached for comment.

to build a new stadium to serve both the university’s baseball squad and the AA minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

The university already has acquired adjoining properties, including the former Salvation Army residential addiction center and store, and the former Greyhound maintenance facility, to create the space for a multifaceted athletic village for other sports.

While the development timetable is uncertain, the move of The Diamond will clear the way for City Hall to advertise for developers for the total 60 acres of property in which the stadium is a centerpiece.

Most of the land has been

cleared of former city and school operation offices and shops, but the land has sat idle during the several years it took to finalize decisions about replacing the ABC headquarters and warehouse and to construct its new home in Hanover.

The city has not offered proposals for replacing the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center, the school system’s basketball and convocation center that sits just north of The Diamond.

City plans have indicated that the Ashe Center, like the stadium, is to be demolished and included as part of the land to be redeveloped potentially as an office, retail and residential complex. – JEREMY M. LAZARUS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to 24 CFR 903.17, that Virginia Housing will hold a public hearing on the Public Housing Agency (PHA) Annual Plan for FY 2022. The hearing will be conducted virtually on Friday, April 16, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. To obtain the weblink to the public hearing, please send an email to diana.crosswhite@ virginiahousing.com by 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2021.

The proposed PHA Plan and information relevant to the hearing is available for review by the public by emailing diana.crosswhite@ virginiahousing.com.

Written comments may be submitted prior to the public hearing by mail to the attention of: HCVP Policy & Training Manager, Virginia Housing, P.O. Box 4545, Richmond, VA 23220. Written comments not presented at the public hearing must be received by Monday, April 12, 2021.

Virginia Housing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability.

E. Parham Pedestrian and Transit Stop Improvements Project - Henrico County Virginia Notice of Willingness The County of Henrico is proposing improvements to E. Parham Road between Shrader Road and Hungary Spring Road. The work will include sidewalk, curb and gutter, transit stop improvements and drainage improvements along the north side of E. Parham Road from the existing sidewalk at the Henrico Doctors Hospital complex to the intersection of Hungary Spring Road. Construction is currently planned to begin in March 2023.

The project information includes the proposed road intersection improvements, project schedule, National Environmental Policy Act documentation in the form of a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE), National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800 information, and funding information which can be reviewed at the Department of Public Works, County Administration Annex Building, 4305 E. Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia. Telephone: (804) 501-4244.

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, the County is willing to hold a public hearing.

You may request a public hearing by sending a written request to Conner Barnes, P. O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775, on or before March 19, 2021. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of the date, time and place of the public hearing will be provided.

The County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Conner Barnes at the above address or phone number or atbar136@henrico.us.

UPC: 110910 Project: VDOT # 9999-043-908 Federal Aid Project #NHPP-5A27(604)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE RICHMOND REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY ON PROPOSED PRIVATE ACTIVITY BOND FINANCING FOR SHOCKOE HILL I APARTMENTS MULTIFAMILY HOUSING FACILITY Notice is hereby given that the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (the “Authority”) will hold a public hearing on the request of Shockoe I Apartments VA LP, a Virginia limited partnership (the “Borrower”), whose address is 86 Route 59, Spring Valley, New York 10977, for the issuance by the Authority of a maximum stated principal amount of $16,000,000 of its revenue bonds (the ³%RQGV´ WR ¿QDQFH RU UH¿QDQFH D SRUWLRQ RI D WKH FRVW RI DFTXLULQJ FRQVWUXFWLQJ renovating, rehabilitating and equipping a multifamily residential rental housing project consisting of two buildings containing approximately 125 units representing approximately 83,598 rentable square feet and one building to be used as a leasing RI¿FH DQG FRPPXQLW\ FHQWHU WR EH NQRZQ DV 6KRFNRH +LOO , $SDUWPHQWV WKH ³3URMHFW´

located at 200 and 212 Hospital Street in the City of Richmond, Virginia, (b) the funding of reserve funds as permitted by applicable law and (c) the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Bonds (collectively, the “Plan of Finance”). The 3URMHFW ZLOO PHHW WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV RI D TXDOL¿HG UHVLGHQWLDO UHQWDO SURMHFW ZLWKLQ WKH meaning of Section 142(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Project is expected to be owned and used by the Borrower or a party related to the Borrower. The public hearing, which may be continued or adjourned, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 15, 2021 before representatives of the Authority. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with applicable federal and Virginia law, the public hearing will be conducted via toll-free teleconference call. Members of the public may witness and participate in the public hearing by using the following dial-in number and conference code: 1 (866) 292-2994; 9562118259.

The Bonds will not pledge the credit or the taxing power of the Authority or the City of Richmond, Virginia but will be payable solely from the revenues derived from the Borrower and pledged therefor.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for interested persons to be heard and communications and writings to be received and considered. Interested persons wishing to express their views on the Plan of Finance may also submit written comments prior to the time of the hearing to the Authority’s co-bond counsel, Michael W. Graff, Jr., Esq., 1750 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1800, Tysons, Virginia 22102 and 1DQF\ *ULI¿Q &KDPEOLVV (VT (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW 6XLWH 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD 23219. The hearing shall provide the fullest opportunity for the expression of opinion, for argument on the merits, and for the introduction of documentary evidence pertinent to the issuance of the Bonds.

RICHMOND REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY

Richmond Free Press

Actions

Speak

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 4-6, 2021 A7

Richmond Free Press

Daffodils in The Fan

Editorial Page

A8

March 4-6, 2021

An about-face Who lit a fire under Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras?

Was it Gov. Ralph S. Northam?

Someone from the state Department of Education?

This week, Mr. Kamras did a sudden about-face and asked the board to approve a plan to reopen city schools to 800 students on April 12.

We were surprised.

Mr. Kamras and the board had been adamant for weeks that Richmond Public Schools was not ready to reopen for in-person learning because of numerous obstacles.

Among the obstacles they named: •Air quality systems need to be installed to prevent the spread of germs.

•Restrooms need to be upgraded for adequate water for hand-washing and touchless soap and sanitizer dispensers.

•The incomplete effort to fully vaccinate teachers, staff and bus drivers.

•Lack of transportation available to get students to and from schools because buses are being used to distribute meals.

In early February, Gov. Northam asked that public school systems across Virginia come up with plans to reopen at least partially by March 15.

RPS and reportedly one other school system, Sussex County, were the only two that didn’t plan to comply.

Who put the squeeze on Richmond to join the fold? At Monday’s School Board meeting, Mr. Kamras stressed that the board needed to approve a plan that night so that it could be turned into the state Department of Education for approval on Thursday.

Under Mr. Kamras’ plan that was approved by the board, up to 800 students will return to in-person learning after their April spring break. The students will be in five schools — Blackwell, Holton and Miles Jones elementary schools, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and Huguenot High School. All five schools already are open — we repeat, they already are open — for emergency day care.

We have not heard any reports about COVID-19 outbreaks among the 300 youngsters in the day care programs. So reopening for several hundred more students should not be a great stretch for Mr. Kamras, RPS administrators or the School Board.

We hope expanding the opening to 800 students will be safe and will help push the work along for RPS to be ready for its all-student reopening in the fall.

As we have said many times in this space, we believe safety is paramount when it comes to reopening schools. RPS’ largest numbers of students are Black and Latino, populations that have been disproportionately hit by COVID-19 cases and deaths. Our neighboring school systems don’t have to be mindful of this to the same degree as Richmond, nor do they have the profusion of aged school buildings that require attention and upgrading in order for students to return to a safe and healthy environment.

That said, a return to school should not be a superspreader event even for 800 students. We call for greater transparency from Mr. Kamras and the administration about the reopening plan. We call on them to share information with parents, teachers, students and the community about safety protocols that will be in place in April and to report to the public any COVID-19 outbreaks once in-person learning resumes.

We believe a return to the classroom will be more successful, absent any abrupt changes, with the addition of a clear plan articulated to families, teachers and the community.

New CEO We hope that residents of Richmond’s public housing communities will offer their thoughts on what qualities the next CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority should have and what challenges he or she will face.

The agency serves more than 10,000 people, and they certainly deserve a leader who is both committed to their safety and well-being in public housing and committed to doing a better job than RRHA’s last chief executive officer.

Damon E. Duncan lasted about 11 months in the job before he announced he was out of here. RRHA may have almost the same high level of turnover with chief executive officers that Richmond Public Schools has had with superintendents.

We realize both jobs are high pressure, and both take a visionary people-person who is unafraid of dealing with angry or upset folks, who can remain calm when all havoc breaks loose, such as boilers that conk out in the winter or cooling systems that break down in the sweltering summer, but who can work adroitly to fix all types of problems as quickly as possible in the best way possible while moving ahead on larger goals with staff and the public joining in the vision and the journey.

Granted, that may sound more like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny than a real person.

Still, Mr. Duncan was criticized for his lack of commitment to the job and to the people living in public housing, many of our city’s poorest residents. He was criticized — justifiably — for keeping dozens of apartments in Creighton Court vacant while RRHA had a list of 2,000 families waiting to get into subsidized housing.

He also was rightly criticized for taking hundreds of residents to court who owed back rent and initiating eviction proceedings against people who were in arrears for less than $100.

This is not the type of CEO that RRHA needs going forward. The city is trying to come through a pandemic and residents everywhere, including in public housing, need a leader who can help them get back on their feet.

We believe those who live in RRHA housing know better than non-residents what the problems are, what the solutions may be and what it will take to lead the agency. They should have the most say in what’s needed in the next CEO and who should get the job.

We hope the RRHA Board of Commissioners is serious about wanting input from residents and the public and not just checking off a box for public engagement/feedback required on a government form. This is serious business and the needs of residents must be listened to, respected and acted upon if the agency and its new CEO are to be successful.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

‘Why I’m excited about the renaming of Freeman Hall … to Mitchell-Freeman Hall’ Let me first say that there are scholars and students who know more about John Mitchell Jr. than I do. There are more than a handful of curious historians who have studied the Richmond Planet, the newspaper of which he was editor from 1884 until his death in 1929, and the words he penned more than 100 years ago.

But as far as intention, motivation, mood and general mindset, I know it very well. It was politely described to me as “righteous arrogance.”

My father, John Thomas “Tiger Tom” Mitchell, and grandfather, Roscoe C. Mitch-

ell, who both worked for the Richmond Planet, knew this from experience. They had firsthand knowledge derived from observing him and interacting with people of that time.

This is why I’m excited about the renaming of Freeman Hall at the University of Richmond

John H. Mitchell to Mitchell-Freeman Hall.

In short, it forces us to ask why two adversaries are sharing the same space. In conversations with UR President Ronald A. Crutcher, the focal point will be a continuing examination of the printed words of both men, John Mitchell Jr. and Douglas Southall Freeman. A scholar might describe it as a well-documented call and re-

sponse. Me? I personally would call it “clap and clapback.”

I can share that some family members expressed the same concerns voiced in the Free Press editorial last week, “No way equal.”

This is a beautiful yet challenging endeavor for UR to rename the building MitchellFreeman Hall. By combining the legacy of a brilliant bigot and the arrogant race man force feeds a long-lasting public discourse.

There can be no bland conversations about social justice. Nor can there be the self-righteous feeling one gets when a villain’s name is replaced by that of a hero on brick and mortar.

Among other things, the renaming of the building to Mitchell-Freeman Hall is about

Black women’s organizations matter March is Women’s History Month. It is the perfect time to lift Black women’s organizations that make such an essential difference in our lives.

Last year, both the National Council of Negro Women, or NCNW, and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Wo m e n , o r N A N B P W, celebrated their 85th anniversary. Thanks to COVID-19, neither organization had the opportunity to celebrate in the way they planned. Now they are celebrating via Zoom. The differently scaled celebration does not diminish the importance that these organizations have.

When I think of the NCNW, I think of the late Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, who used to say, “If I tap you with my finger, you may or may not feel it. But if I combine these five fingers into a fist, you will definitely feel it.” Dr. Height was not a pugilistic woman, but she was a fervent believer in the power of the collective. And NCNW, an “organization of organizations,” certainly fits that bill.

Black women had a tremendous impact on this current election. I think of LaTosha Brown, a Black Votes Matter leader, and the tireless work she did to get voters out. I think of Melanie Campbell and the sisters of the Black Women’s Roundtable. There are so many more Black women and Black women’s organizations

that made a difference in this election.

It is crucial that our coalition continues to stay active and connected. One Black woman, Kristen Clarke, has been nominated to serve as assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights. Already, the right wing is going after her with their usual smear campaign

Julianne Malveaux tactics, taking comments out of context and blowing them up. The same coalition that worked to get the vote out now must work to support this exceptional woman.

Similarly, two other women of color are being smeared. Vanita Gupta, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, has been attacked by rabid right wingers. Another woman of color, Neera Tanden, who leads the Center for American Progress, has been attacked for her tweets. Really? Her tweets, some say, are vicious. When have tweets adhered to a civility protocol? The coalition of Black women who have always made a difference must step up to support these women, too.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of the NCNW, was a firm believer in diversity and inclusion. She reached out to white women who shared our values and worked in coalition with them when she could, given the constraints of the time. She would approve supporting sisters Ms. Gupta and Ms. Tanden, women of color just like us. While we might not be on the same page as

these sisters on everything, we have enough in common to be passionate in their defense.

The smear tactics that the rabid right uses to smear these women are unacceptable. They are the same tactics that these people use against Vice President Kamala Harris. We need to make sure they don’t work.

I often wonder what motivated Dr. Bethune to form an organization in the middle of the Great Depression, when overall unemployment rates soared to 25 percent and Black unemployment was two or three times higher. In 1935, food lines snaked around city blocks and down dusty roads in rural communities. Too many Black folks were pushed to the back of the line or denied assistance altogether. The indignities were innumerable, but Dr. Bethune shrugged them off to build a powerful organization with unprecedented access to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She walked into President Roosevelt’s office with the collective strength of Black women in her fingers or her fist.

Black women’s organizations don’t get the credit they are due so these organizations must be lifted in this Women’s History Month. What would our nation be without these organizations that get out the vote, raise money for scholarships, provide social and civic services, and do so much more?

I don’t want to know the answer. All I know is that Black women’s organizations matter. We must celebrate them.

The writer is an economist and author.

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.

the murder of Reconstruction and the hellish birth of the Jim Crow era — how America twisted its religion, economics and basic human decency to build that which we now call systematic racism.

It is my belief that renaming the building Mitchell-Freeman Hall can lead to a more realistic view of everyone’s ancestors.

Yes. To quote John Lennon, “You can say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one.”

The writer is the great-greatnephew of John Mitchell Jr.

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Richmond Free Press

March 4-6, 2021 A9

Letters to the Editor

Marijuana legalization legislation falls short of equity and fairness Along with many other individuals, groups and organizations across Virginia, the Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia, or CECVA, is disheartened with the details within the legalization of marijuana bill that was approved by the General Assembly.

Do Black lives really matter in Virginia?

If Black lives truly do matter, then Gov. Ralph S. Northam and the Virginia legislators should follow the recently passed New Jersey legalization of marijuana and allocate 70 percent of tax revenue from recreational sales of marijuana to be used exclusively to repair the damage done by Virginia’s war on drugs.

If Black lives truly do matter and Gov. Northam is sincere about racial, social and economic justice and helping to eliminate poverty and providing opportunities for people of color to create generational wealth, then 70 percent of the taxes should be allocated for re-investment by a Cannabis Community Reinvestment Board, which should be made up of Black people and other affected persons from communities impoverished by the war on drugs.

Why is it that Virginia has no problem advocating and enforcing maximum sentences for minor marijuana offenses, but when it comes to advocating for maximum restitution for such unfair treatment in the neediest communities, Gov. Northam and lawmakers have become very silent and non-responsive to the people’s request for not only racial and social justice but economic and equity justice as well.

During the General Assembly session that

Girls’ nights IN are gonna take COVID-19 OUT. We don’t get enough laughs these days. But, wherever they are, our friends are as close as a click. Vaccines are coming. But until enough of us are vaccinated, we still need to slow the spread. We can watch our distance, and not let COVID-19 keep us apart.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

ended last week, CECVA advocated for its top three interests dealing with the toughest portions of marijuana legalization. The bill that passed is totally short of Gov. Northam’s stated goals and promises, as well as the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’s well-researched admissions about the need for equity and fairness.

In addition, CECVA wants legislation to include specific requirements that adult-use marijuana licensees must include in their operation structures for full inclusion of junior partners — firms that are 100 percent owned

by Black and brown Virginians — who gain knowledge about every aspect of the legal marijuana business to the extent that such firms are able to create and operate their own companies.

CECVA and many others across Virginia are calling for action by Gov. Northam, legislators, statewide candidates in upcoming elections and officials in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity to address these three specific economic justice interests.

CECVA also is calling for action from all people of color to wake up and get involved, support CECVA and help CECVA hold Gov. Northam and legislators accountable and responsible for proving that Black lives really do matter in Virginia.

BILLIE BROWN Richmond The writer is a founding member of CECVA.

Thank you, Dominion Energy workers A big thank you to the Dominion Energy employees who worked day and night to get us power following the last two ice storms. Even though it was cold and the weather was bad, you could still see them restoring power to the various neighborhoods.

I know some people were complaining about not having power for a while, but rest assured Dominion workers were on the job 24/7. They braved the frigid elements to restore power. Many times, they are putting their lives on the line in order to restore power to us. Many times, we do not think about this when the power goes out for a period of time, but they are doing their

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best to restore it.

This is not an easy task when large trees have fallen on power lines causing blackouts. Even with all of these obstacles, they continue to work methodically to restore power to us.

If you feel not having power for a while is bad, just think about those who are homeless and have to brave the elements 365 days a year. Yes, we do have something to be thankful for.

Thank you, Dominion workers, for what you do for us 365 days a year.

ERNEST PARKER JR. Richmond

Kudos to Free Press sports writer and artist Fred Jeter Re “The art of sport,” Free Press Feb. 25-27 edition: Fred Jeter’s art added another dimension to last week’s issue of the Richmond Free Press. He is immensely talented, and I hope you will find other weeks to showcase his work.

The Free Press does a great job. My Thursdays would be incomplete without it.

SUSAN BOISSEAU Richmond

Have a Story Idea?

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Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr., Esq. McCollum At Law, P.C.

Mail to: P.O. Box 4595, Richmond, VA 23220 422 E. Franklin St., Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23219 (Franklin & 5th Sts.) We are a federally designated Debt Relief Agency under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and we help people file for bankruptcy.

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PUBLIC NOTICE RICHMOND 2021BOARD OF EQUALIZATION Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Equalization for the City of Richmond is authorized WR PHHW DW VSHFL¿HG GDWHV DQG WLPHV IRU WKH SXUSRVH RI KHDULQJ FRPSODLQWV RI LQHTXLWLHV IRU real estate assessments. Upon hearing such complaints, either oral or written, the Board will give FRQVLGHUDWLRQ DQG LQFUHDVH GHFUHDVH RU DI¿UP VXFK UHDO HVWDWH DVVHVVPHQWV

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Before a change can be granted, the taxpayer or his agent must overcome a clear presumption in favor of the assessment. The taxpayer or agent must prove that the property is not uniform with similar property assessments or prove that the property is assessed in excess of its fair market value.

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Richmond Free Press

A10 March 4-6, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Footwear and talent carry Atlee’s Jada Foreman to victories

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Jada Foreman

Atlee High School junior Jada Foreman is easily spotted at track and field meets.

She’s likely the one carrying the most medals—and also the most shoes.

The versatile 17-year-old won five individual events and helped account for 66 points in leading the Raiders to the Region 5B title.

Her size 9 footwear differs with each event.

“I carry about five pair” of shoes, she said with a friendly laugh. “Tennis shoes, running spikes, long jump spikes, high jump spikes and then another pair, just in case something happens.

“My bag is very heavy.”

It becomes a bit heavier after her general haul of medals, ribbons and trophies.

The slender 5-foot-9 daughter of Michael and Michelle Foreman of Mechanicsville doesn’t discriminate in regard to her choice of events. She tries them all.

“Jada is an outstanding young lady,” said Atlee Coach Neil Mathews. “What really caught us off guard at regionals was her second in the shot.

“We knew how explosive she was in the sprints and jumps, but the shot was a surprise. She hadn’t practiced it much. She said, ‘I’ll do it if it helps the team.’ ” Foreman was the 2020 state indoor champion in the long jump with a leap of 19-2¾. Also as a sophomore at the states,

she was fourth in the high jump and fourth in the high hurdles. Her ability to change events—and change shoes—sets her apart from the one- or two-event specialists.

Coach Mathews goes so far as to group Foreman with two of the greatest track and field performers in Hanover County annals—Courtney Neal from Atlee and Rachel Butler from the former Lee-Davis High School.

And now get this: The busy Foreman also is trying to squeeze in another sporting passion—volleyball—with all the track regimen.

She’s a springy middle hitter on the Raiders’ volleyball squad, earning AllRegion honors two falls ago. The team is practicing now for the spring season,

Parade of points Helping account for 66 points, here are Jada Foreman’s results from the Region 5B track & field meet: 55-meter dash First, 7.38 55-meter hurdles First, 8.6 High jump First, 5-foot Long jump First, 18-11.5

(meet record) Triple jump First, 37-2 Shot put Second, 27-51/4 4X200 relay Second, 1:50

which was postponed from fall due to the pandemic.

“I go to track practice,” Foreman said.

“Then I go to volleyball practice.”

There’s little time for her to catch her breath. Once indoor track ends, the outdoor season will commence.

Foreman’s talent and passion for track is a family affair.

Her father, Michael, was among the first track standouts when Atlee High opened in 1991. Her mother, Michelle (maiden name, Brown) sparkled in spikes at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield.

Michael went on to play football at Hampton University. Michelle is an alumnus of Norfolk State University.

Foreman’s brother Cameron was a track and football award winner for Atlee High and is now a defensive back for Norfolk State University.

An event Atlee High has long excelled in is the pole vault. At the regionals, Raiders girls took first, second, fourth and fifth in the event.

There’s always room for one more.

Foreman has the kind of speed and strength needed for the pole vault and has taken notice.

“I always felt like I wanted to give it a try,” she said.

Anyone know where you can get a good deal on vaulting shoes?

Hampton University out in Big South quarterfinals Hampton University’s Pirates accumulated a treasure chest of individual statistics this season, while often falling short on the scoreboard.

Coach Buck Joyner’s squad finished 11-14 overall (9-10 in the conference) after losing 67-52

Bones Hyland

at Radford University in Monday night’s quarterfinals of the Big South Tournament.

The individual statistical numbers shined brighter.

HU’s Davion Warren, a senior from Buffalo, N.Y., led the conference in scoring (aver-

Vince Wiliams

Mikeal Brown-Jones

age 21.6 points per game) and steals (2.0). Warren scored 22 points against Radford in the season finale.

Dajour Dickens, a 7-foot sophomore from Hampton, led the Big South in blocked shots with 3.5 per contest. A transfer

KeShawn Curry

Injury-plagued Rams hope to be ready for A-10 Tournament As this basketball season winds down, Virginia Commonwealth University has become more concerned with X-rays than Xs and Os. This has been an overachieving VCU season brimming with exclamation points.

However, question marks unfortunately have popped up at an inopportune time as the Rams limped to the regular season finish line. Now comes the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament.

After winning six straight games and leading the A-10, Coach Mike Rhoades’ injuryjinxed squad lost two of its last three games to slip behind St. Bonaventure, handing the Bonnies the No. 1 seed.

As the No. 2 seed, VCU opens 3:30 p.m.

Friday, March 5, at the University of Richmond’s Robins Center on NBC-SN. The Rams’ quarterfinal opponent will be the survivor of a Thursday preliminary game.

If victorious on Friday, the Rams will advance to the semifinals at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 6 at the Siegel Center.

The championship game will be Sunday, March 14, at the University of Dayton. The game will be broadcast on CBS. Now about those X-rays and Rx’s.

The top question concerns the health of leading Rams scorer Bones Hyland, who suffered a foot injury in the team’s Feb. 10 loss to George Mason University. The sophomore didn’t play in the last two games.

In the season finale loss at Davidson College, the Rams’ second leading scorer and top rebounder, Vince Williams, twisted his ankle and could not finish the game.

There’s more. Also in the Davidson setback, freshman Mikeal Brown-Jones re-injured a dislocated finger.

Making it worse, standout guard KeShawn Curry has missed the past three games while attending to family matters in his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla. His brother was killed.

And on Feb. 4, another talented guard, Tre Clark, was suspended from the team and has since transferred to Tallahassee Community College.

VCU remains hopeful that all the injured Rams will be ready to go by Friday. But how effective they might be won’t be known until the action begins.

HIPAA rules make it difficult to get precise reports on athletes’ injuries. Also, coaches are reluctant to reveal information that could serve as a scouting report for the opposition.

So that’s the negative. But there have been plenty of positives both in terms of wins and statistics.

from Old Dominion University, Dickens was second nationally in that category.

Russell “Deuce” Dean, a sophomore from Columbia, S.C., was second in assists (5.9 per game) and first in assists to turnover ratio (2.0).

Chris Shelton, a sophomore from Louisa, was No. 1 in 3-point accuracy at .485 (65 for 134).

Elijah Seward, a 6-foot freshman from Richmond’s 2020 State 2A champion John Marshall High School, played 89 minutes on the season, averaging 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds.

Cuttin’ down nets Here is a list of Virginia Commonwealth University conference tournament championships: Season Conference Coach 1980 Sun Belt J.D. Barnett 1981 Sun Belt J.D. Barnett 1985 Sun Belt J.D. Barnett 1996 Colonial Sonny Smith 2004 Colonial Jeff Capel 2007 Colonial Anthony Grant 2012 Colonial Shaka Smart 2015 Atlantic 10 Shaka Smart

Statistically, the Rams are first in the A-10 in free throw percentage (76 percent), first in blocked shots (5.4 per game) and first in steals (9.6 per game).

Individually, Hyland is second in scoring (19.2 points) and fourth in steals (2.0) and a prime candidate for A-10 Player of the Year.

Freshman point guard Ace Baldwin is second in steals (2.2) and sophomore Hason Ward is third in blocked shots (2.3).

Williams is another All A-10 candidate.

The junior from Ohio averages 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds while hitting 42 percent from beyond the arc and 80 percent at the foul line.

Additionally, VCU led the A-10 in attendance by maxing out at the state-imposed 250 crowd limit.

The A-10 Tournament champion will advance automatically to the NCAAs. Should VCU fall short in the conference, the team still would have a chance to be invited to “The Dance” as an at-large entry.

Because of the pandemic, this year’s NIT has been scaled down from 32 teams to 16 teams. All games will be played in Texas.

VCU is now 37th in NET (out of some 350 teams in the NCAA Division I), the power rankings the NCAA and NIT use to determine selections. NET breaks down teams in terms of quadrants.

The Rams are 2-4 in games versus Quad 1; 6-0 versus Quad 2; 4-2 versus Quad 3; and 5-0 versus Quad 4.

Any way you look at it, this has been a feel-good season for the VCU Rams. The Rams have prevailed in style despite losses of five front line seniors from 2019-20.

Also, Marcus Santos-Silva, the leading scorer and rebounder from a year ago, transferred to Texas Tech.

A rebuilding year? No way. If you were to take an X-ray of this season overall, it would receive a standing ovation.

Hampton’s Dajour Dickens goes up to block a shot.

Wizards’ Bradley Beal leads NBA in scoring In terms of basketball entertainment, Bradley Beal is the Wizard of Oohs and Ahhs.

The Washington Wizards’ All-Star guard leads the NBA in scoring while being a neon light for a struggling franchise.

Beal’s 33.2 scoring average starting this week was safely ahead of Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid (30.0), Portland’s Damian Lillard (29.8) and Golden State’s Steph Curry (29.5).

If Beal’s lead holds, he will become the first in the Wizards’ franchise history to rank No. 1 in the league in lighting up the scoreboard.

On Jan. 6, Beal tied Gilbert Arenas’ franchise record for points in a game when he poured in 60 against Philadelphia.

It’s fitting the Wizards lost that game. The Wizards began this week with a humbling 12-18 record despite the acquisition of perennial All-Star Russell Westbrook, the 2017 NBA scoring leader with Oklahoma City.

In 23 games for Washington,

Bradley Beal

Westbrook averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Changing landscape: The Wizards franchise traces its roots to Chicago, where the team played as the Packers in 1961-62 and the Zephyrs in 1962-63.

The operation moved to Baltimore and competed as the Bullets from 1963 to 1973. The club moved to Landover, Md., and played as the Capital Bullets in 1973-74, then as the Washington Bullets from 1974 to 1997. The name changed to the Washington Wizards in 1997.

Real Deal Beal: The 6-foot-3 native of St. Louis is no rags to riches story.

Torching the nets After one season at the Top 10 single-season scoring University of Florida, averages in Washington Wizards Beal was drafted by franchise history: The Wiz as the third *Bradley Beal 33.2 2021 overall pick in 2012, Walt Bellamy 31.6 1962 behind Anthony Davis Bradley Beal 30.5 2020 and Michael KiddGilbert Arenas 29.3 2006 Gilchrist.

Gilbert Arenas 28.4 2007 Beal made the NBA’s All-Rookie Bernard King 28.4 1991 team in 2012-13 and Walt Bellamy 27.9 1963 has been an All-Star Walt Bellamy 26.9 1964 each of the past three Earl Monroe 29.8 1969 seasons, sharing D.C. Bradley Beal 25.6 2019 honors with John Wall, * Season in progress who now is with Hous-

ton.

With plenty of fuel left in his tank, the 27-year-old ranks second behind Elvin Hayes as the franchise’s career scorer.

On the franchise all-time lists, he ranks first in 3-point connections, fifth in minutes played, sixth in assists and seventh in steals.

Along with his prolific scoring season, Beal averages 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists while hitting 48 percent from the floor, 33 percent behind the arc and 90 percent at the foul line.

Late season run? On March 7, Beal will start for the East in the NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta.

And after that? Despite the disappointing start, the Wizards are only 2.5 games behind Charlotte in the Southeast Division.

A healthy combination of Westbrook and Beal at Capital One Arena is very capable of winning a division in which no teams were above .500 starting this week.

Washington hasn’t won the NBA championship since 1978 and hasn’t reached the finals since 1979.

But with a player as gifted as Beal, the team will be too entertaining to ignore, regardless of their record.

March 4-6, 2021 B1

Section

B

As Black-owned businesses braced for the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new organization emerged in the Richmond region with the goal of ensuring these local businesses don’t just survive during this period, but thrive.

That organization is the Jackson Ward Collective, offering a virtual platform that connects Black business owners to each other and to resources for education, growth and ownership that can improve their place in the city and the region and create generational wealth.

Co-founder Rasheeda N. Creighton believes the Jackson Ward Collective is a necessary solution to the “double pandemic” Black businesses are facing.

“The extra hardships, ranging from racism to lack of financial support, coupled with the racial wealth gap make it increasingly difficult for Black-owned businesses to keep the doors open,” says Ms. Creighton.

“We want Black businesses to own not just their businesses, but, for those that are brick and mortar businesses, to own the buildings where they’re located to help create generational wealth.”

With a name based on the district shaped by the legacy of figures like Maggie L. Walker, John Mitchell Jr., Giles B. Jackson and others, the Jackson Ward Collective has a simple strategy: Meet member businesses where they are with customized approaches, and identify and attract what’s needed to ensure those businesses can move forward, no matter how new or seasoned they may be.

Ms. Creighton developed the Jackson Ward Collective with Kelli S. Lemon, owner of Urban Hang Suite and co-founder of the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, and Melody Joy Short, co-founder of The Richmond Night Market. Ms. Creighton says their expertise and history in Richmond is what enabled the

Richmond Free Press

Happenings Personality: Rasheeda N. Creighton Spotlight on co-founder of the Jackson Ward Collective organization’s creation.

“We understood, through our career and entrepreneurial experiences, that Black business owners have less access to resources and support, and are in need of that and community,” Ms. Creighton says. “We also understood the unique experiences we have in the Black community that sometimes only we can understand, and the value that brings when we come together to help each other.”

The Jackson Ward Collective is focused on businesses based in or related to the Richmond area, but is ready and able to expand because of its virtual platform and as resources grow.

For now though, the organization’s virtual door is open to any Black-owned business in the region looking for ways to establish themselves or to stay afloat.

“You can be at any stage, even if you’re starting with an idea,” Ms. Creighton says. “We have resources and partners that can support all stages, and we want to come alongside you to help you reach your business goals, while also taking care of the whole business owner.”

Meet a Black business advocate and this week’s Personality, Rasheeda N. Creighton: Position: Co-founder, The Jackson Ward Collective; Founder, Killing SuperwomanTM Date and place of birth: Nov. 22 in Richmond.

Current residence: Richmond.

Occupation: Lawyer by training; entrepreneur by day.

Education: Bachelor’s in English, Spelman College; and J.D., University of Michigan Law School.

Family: Daughter, Zoe, 6; and bonus daughters, Akilah, 16,

and Saván, 23.

The Jackson Ward Collective is: A hub that connects Black business owners to each other through a communal platform and to programmatic, technical and financial resources to help them learn, grow and own in the Black community.

When and why founded: We were founded in 2020 because we understood, through our career and entrepreneurial experiences, that Black business owners have less access to resources and support, and are in need of that and community. Location: We are based in Richmond, but operate off a virtual platform that enables us to scale and serve members anywhere.

Mission of Jackson Ward Collective: To learn, grow and own in the Black community. We want Black businesses to own not just their businesses, but, for those that are brick and mortar

businesses, to own the buildings where they’re located to help create generational wealth.

Values: Black. Authentic.

Excellence. We are unapologetically Black. We are genuine and purposeful in all we do. We operate with the highest quality and caliber at every step in the process.

How we decided on the name: We originally were going with “The Collective,” but there are many organizations utilizing that name, so we went back to the drawing board. Jackson Ward is one of the Black Wall Streets in America, and one of its monikers is “The Birthplace of Black Capitalism.” The legacy of Maggie Lena Walker, John Mitchell Jr., Giles B. Jackson and many others is what fuels us. Our goal is to pay homage to that legacy and use it to inspire ourselves and our members.

Memberships of The Jackson Ward Collective: 175.

Who joins: Any Black business owner. We are currently focused on businesses either based in the Richmond region or with ties to the Richmond region, but have plans to scale nationally as time and resources permit.

How to become a member, sponsor or partner: To join, sign up at our website, www.jacksonwardcollective. com under “membership.”

Those interested in sponsoring members should complete our contact form on the website.

Sponsorships are directed to new businesses that apply for a scholarship. We have a lot of ways to partner with us, and partner dollars help provide

grants to members that directly enable them to make progress toward short- and long-term business goals.

No. 1 goal: Help Black business owners not just meet their business goals, but also build generational wealth through real estate ownership. We want to “Buy the Block!”

Strategy for achieving goals: We keep it simple: Meet our member businesses where they are, customize their experience and identify/attract the necessary resources to ensure their ability to move their business forward where they are in the ideation phase of their journey or positioned to scale their business. The details of how we do that, however, are our “secret sauce.”

The Collective partners with: Service partners – Black owned businesses that provide services to small businesses; Community partners — organizations and businesses that offer programming, technical support and funding to small businesses; and Strategic partners — typically larger businesses, corporations and foundations that want to provide funds and technical assistance to directly support Black-owned businesses.

How I start the day: With gratitude and optimism. It’s a new day I have the privilege of being a part of, which means a fresh start and a clean slate.

Always giving thanks to God for the opportunity to make an impact, whether that be personal or professional.

Three words that best describe me: Grounded, joyful and undaunted.

Best late-night snack: No judgment, right? Utz Plain Rippled Potato Chips with Dean’s French Onion Dip.

How I unwind: One day a week, I block my calendar so I have no commitments or obligations.

I only do what I feel like doing on that day. It always ends with restorative yoga and a long, hot bath.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Visit model homes and open houses, obviously when outside was open. I really enjoy looking at creative ideas for maximizing space and interior design, and am always mentally redecorating or redesigning my own home.

Quote that most inspires me: “I want, by understanding myself, to understand others. I want to be all that I am capable of becoming.” — Katherine Mansfield At the top of my “to-do” list: Building enough capital to do Jackson Ward Collective full time so that we can expand and benefit more Black businesses across the United States.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: No one can beat you at being you.

Person who influenced me the most: My older brother, Aaronde. His thought processes, perspectives and navigation of his own life journey have served as catalysts for me as I’ve grown and come into my own sense of self, power and purpose.

Book that influenced me the most: “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi.

What I’m reading now: “The Power of TED (The Empowerment Dynamic)” by David Emerald Womeldorff.

Next goal: Beyond growing and scaling Jackson Ward Collective? Growing my Killing SuperwomanTM platform. It’s a brave space for Black women to create with a mission of breaking the “Superwoman Syndrome” in our lives. I haven’t spent as much time on it, but it’s necessary and I want to grow it because we all need it.

Virginia Flood Awareness Week | March 14-20

The Impacts of Place, Space, Climate Change and Race March 18 6-9 p.m. EST

A virtual discussion on the disparate impacts of flooding in minority communities, barriers to recovery and why Virginia must be a leader for change.

Register at www.dcr.virginia.gov/FloodAwarenessWeek This panel brings together community and policy leaders to discuss the impacts of historic and systemic racism and the impacts to minority communities grappling with flooding and climate change.

Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization, National Wildlife Federation

Dr. Robert K. Nelson

Desiré Branch-Ellis

Rob Jones

Rudene Haynes

Mary C. Lauderdale

Angela Davis

Director, Digital Scholarship Lab at the University of Richmond

Policy Advisor, Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Executive Director, Groundwork RVA

Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Visitor Services Manager, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

Floodplain Program Planner, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Division of Dam Safety and Floodplain Management in partnership with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Richmond Free Press

B2 March 4-6, 2021

Happenings Late actor Chadwick Boseman, others win Golden Globes as foreign press group called out for lack of diversity Free Press wire report

LOS ANGELES The organization that hosted the Golden Globes said it is developing a plan to recruit Black members after falling under sharp criticism for lacking diverse members.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association said in statement Feb. 26 that an “action plan” is under development to admit Black members. The group currently has 87 members who are journalists, but none are Black.

Former HFPA President Meher Tatna told Variety in an interview that the organization hasn’t had a Black member in nearly two decades. The Mumbai-born board chair said she couldn’t recall when there had been a Black member, but she said the organization will keep trying.

Some, including Time’s Up and presenter Sterling K. Brown, are among those who have criticized the HFPA’s lack of inclusion and diversity. The initial criticism came just days before the Golden Globe Awards aired live last Sunday.

But awards show co-hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler addressed it early on during the ceremony: “Even with stupid things, inclusivity is important.”

Jane Fonda made it a theme of her powerful speech accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award. And the HFPA made a hasty onstage pledge to change. “We recognize we have our own work to do,” said Vice President Helen Hoehne. “We Andra Day must have Black journalists in our organization.”

The late Chadwick Boseman won the best actor in a drama award for his last role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” While expected, the announcement did not dull the emotional impact of his victory.

His widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, tearfully accepted the posthumous award in his honor, telling viewers that her husband, who died of colon cancer at 43 before the film was released, “would say something beautiful, something inspiring, something that would amplify that little voice inside of all of us that tells you you can. That tells you to keep going, that calls you back to what you are meant to be doing at this moment in history.”

But, she said poignantly, “I don’t have his words.”

Chadwick Boseman

Simone Ledward

Mr. Boseman’s co-star, Viola Davis, could be seen weeping as Ms. Ledward spoke. She was not alone.

Daniel Kaluuya won best supporting actor for his role as Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” becoming the fifth Black performer to win a Golden Globe for supporting actor.

The historical drama by Shaka King, which counts “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler among its producers and is currently streaming on HBO Max, charts the events leading up to Mr. Hampton’s assassination and the involvement of FBI informant William O’Neal, played by LaKeith Stanfield. Mr. Kaluuya earned the blessing of Mr. Hampton’s fiancée and son in playing the role.

Technical difficulties, which persisted throughout the ceremony, nearly prevented Mr. Kaluuya from making his acceptance speech, but he was eventually heard.

“I gave everything,” he said of his role. “And I couldn’t give it to a more noble man than chairman Fred Hampton. I hope generations after this can see how brilliantly he thought, how brilliantly he spoke and how brilliantly he loved.”

A shocked Andra Day won best actress in a drama for her debut in the film “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Known for her singing career, Ms. Day became the second Black woman to win the category and the first to do so in 35 years.

Accepting the award virtually with a crowd that included two co-stars from the film, her manager, her publicist, her parents and some of her cousin’s family, Ms. Day noted of her fellow nominees that she was “in the presence of giants” as she thanked those involved with Lee Daniels’ bio-drama about the immortal jazz singer for being “so engaged in the story.”

She then thanked the “transformative, dynamic Billie Holiday,

who just transformed me with this role and with her presence and with her spirit.”

In the press room following her win, Ms. Day noted the significance of the awards accolade. “The thing I take from Billie more than anything is the strength of a Black woman,” she said.

“To know that the last person who won this award was Whoopi Goldberg in ‘The Color Purple’ is so not representative of how many Black women’s stories have been told sensationally and need to be told by the amazing talented actresses who do this.”

She continued, “On set, they’d say, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll never have to go through this again. There’s not that many meaty roles for Black women.’ And I go, ‘Who the hell else has meatier roles and meatier stories than Black women?’ So I take that strength with me. This woman (Ms. Holiday) shouldered all of this all on her own. She is the godmother of civil rights and I take that strength with me.”

Director Chloe Zhao became the first Asian woman to win best director for her haunting and elegant “Nomadland,” a film about itinerant Americans. It was the first directing Globe for a woman in nearly 40 years, since Barbra Streisand won for “Yentl.”

Ms. Zhao said the film, “at its core for me, is a pilgrimage through grief and healing. For everyone who has gone through this difficult and beautiful journey at some point in their lives, we don’t say goodbye, we say, ‘See you down the road.’ ” “Nomadland” also won best Daniel Kaluuya film in the drama category, while “Soul,” an animated film about a middle school band teacher (Jamie Foxx) whose passion is jazz, won best animated film and best score (Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste).

Actress Jane Fonda, who received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for her impact on the world of entertainment, used her acceptance speech to call for greater diversity in Hollywood.

Ms. Fonda, 83, said there’s another “story we’ve been afraid to see and hear about ourselves in this industry, about which voices we respect and elevate and which we tune out, who is offered a seat at the table and who is kept out of the rooms where decisions are made.”

Past recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman, Meryl Streep, Sidney Poitier and Lucille Ball.

Tea time: Oprah snags first interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since they quit royal duties Free Press wire report

College of William & Mary

Above, the Bray-Digges House today on the campus of the College of William & Mary.

Right, front elevation of the Dudley Digges House in its original location on Prince George Street in Williamsburg.

Courtesy of John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library/ Colonial Williamsburg

Research identifies 18th-century school for Black children Free Press wire report

WILLIAMSBURG The College of William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg are teaming up to preserve the legacy of an 18th century school that was dedicated to the education of enslaved and free Black children in Virginia.

The museum and university said in a news release last week that the small, white building will be moved from the school’s campus to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area.

The university said that the Bray-Digges House is likely the oldest building still in existence in the United States that was dedicated to the education of Black children. Colonial Williamsburg researchers analyzed the building’s wood framing last year to confirm that it once housed the school.

The partnership also establishes the Williamsburg Bray School Initiative. It will use the site as a focal point for research and discussions over the complicated story of race, religion and education in America.

The institution educated many of the town’s Black children from 1760 to 1774. Its mission was to impart Christian education to Black children and for students to accept enslavement as divinely ordained. Benjamin Franklin had suggested that it be established.

“So much of our history as a nation has gone unrecorded — the history of African-

Americans, their oppression and resistance,” said William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe. “By studying the legacy of the Bray School students, we will uncover and illuminate some of the most important impacts of education in the story of America.”

Colonial Williamsburg’s initial work to restore and interpret the school was paid for in part with a $400,000 grant from the Gladys and Franklin Clark Foundation. Additional funds will be raised.

“We invite guests, the community and the nation to join us as we continue to pursue and present a more complete story of all who lived in Williamsburg during the Revolutionary era,” said Cliff Fleet, president and chief executive officer of Colonial Williamsburg.

Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spill the tea when they talk with Oprah Winfrey in their first major TV interview since they quit their royal duties and bought a home last year in the United States?

Stay tuned.

The queen of TV interviews will ask all the good questions and more in a 90minute “Oprah With Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special” that will air Sunday, March 7.

Ms. Winfrey knows the couple well.

She attended their wedding in 2018 and lives near them in Montecito, Calif.

“Winfrey will speak with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, in a wide-ranging interview, covering everything from stepping into life as a Royal, marriage, motherhood, philanthropic work to how she is handling life under intense public pressure,” according to CBS. “Later, the two are joined by Prince Harry as they speak about their move to the United States and their future hopes and dreams for their expanding family.”

Buckingham Palace confirmed Feb. 19 that Prince Harry and his wife, Ms. Markle, will not be returning to royal duties, and Prince Harry will give up his honorary military titles — a decision that makes formal, and final, the couple’s split from the royal family.

The couple, however, remains committed to public service. After hearing about recent storm damage to a women’s emergency shelter in Texas, the couple surprised the shelter with a donation from Archewell Foundation, their nonprofit, for a new roof and money to cover immediate needs. They also have been spotted volunteering with Project Angel Food in Los Angeles, helping deliver food to people in need during the pandemic. Both were dressed down in jeans and jogging pants, shirts, baseball caps and masks.

When the couple stepped away from

Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the duchess of Sussex, talk with Oprah Winfrey for television special.

full-time royal life in March 2020, unhappy at media scrutiny and the strictures of their roles, it was agreed the situation would be reviewed after a year.

Now it has, and the palace said in a statement that the couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have verified “they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family. “ It said Queen Elizabeth II had spoken to 36-year-old Prince Harry and confirmed “that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”

The palace said Prince Harry’s appointment as captain general of the Royal Marines and titles with other military groups would revert to the queen before being distributed to other members of the family.

Prince Harry served in the British Army for a decade, including on the front line in Afghanistan, and retains a close bond with the military. He founded the Invictus Games competition for wounded troops, which first was held in 2014 at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The Invictus Games Foundation said Prince Harry would remain its patron.

But he is relinquishing positions as patron of the Rugby Football Union, the Rugby Football League and the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Ms. Markle, 39, will be stripped of her role as patron of Britain’s National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

“While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family,” the palace statement read.

Ms. Markle, a former star of the TV legal drama “Suits,” and the queen’s grandson married at Windsor Castle in May 2018.

Their son, Archie, was born a year later.

The couple recently announced they are expecting their second child.

In early 2020, Meghan and Harry announced they were quitting royal duties and moving to North America, citing what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media toward the duchess, who identifies as biracial.

They retain their titles of duke and duchess, and Harry is still sixth in line to the British throne.

Richmond Free Press

March 4-6, 2021 B3

Faith News/Directory

Bloody Sunday memorial March 7 to honor late civil rights giants

M. Gerard Samuels, 75, of Glen Allen, VA, entered eternal rest February 26, 2021.

Free Press wire report

OU

Washington

th Church 9944th Anniversary Pastoral

A “ n Educational Giant ”

Anniversary Sunday, March 14, 2021

On February 22, 2021, Anna Mae Washington was the last of our class teachers who taught at Virginia Randolph High School to earn her heavenly wings.

During our years of matriculation from September 1955 to June 1960, in a segregated environment, Virginia Randolph was the only high school for Black students in Henrico County.

Z ò͘ ZÊ Ùã ͘ ò®Ý Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m. &ĂĐĞŬ ĞůĞďƌĂƟŽŶ͊ Speaker: Rev. Michael Jones

Ms. Washington

Join us On Facebook at WĂƐƚŽƌ 'ƵŝůĮĞůĚ ĂƉŝƐƚ ŚƵƌĐŚ h ^Khd,Z/ ,DKE ŚĂƌůĞƐ ŝƚLJ͕ s dŚĞŵĞ͗ dŚĞŵĞ͗ ĞůĞďƌĂƟŶŐ ϵϵ LJĞĂƌƐ “Honoring RememberingOur Our Pastor, Past — A ĞůĞďƌĂƟŶŐ KƵƌ WƌĞƐĞŶƚ Ͷ Laborer For The Lord” 1 Timothy Approaching Our 5:17 Centennial (100 White Years)and Blue Colors: Red, Joshua: 4: 5-8 Sunday, July 26, 2020 Colors: yellow, white, purple, blue

Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m. :ŽŝŶ ƵƐ ŽŶ &ĂĐĞŬ h Speaker: Rev.^Khd,Z/ ,DKE Robert L. Dortch, Jr.

Ms. Washington and our other African American educational heroes including, Ms. Nancy Lawson, Ms. Mary Oliver and Mr. Ernest Parker prepared us for life’s challenges with a high degree of nurturing and love.

Union Baptist Church

Forever Grateful V������� R������� H��� S�����, C���� �� 1960

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

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

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

Triumphant

Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 “Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.”

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

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

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

1813 Everett Street Richmond, Virginia 23224 804-231-5884 Reverend Robert C. Davis, Pastor

Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held Sunday, March 7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and where a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. in Scott’s Chapel followed by a walk-through visitation until 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 8 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 909 Rennie Avenue and also live streamed at https:// rvav.com/memorial-services/. Interment at Forest Lawn Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to e Kappa Endowment Foundation, 6058 Pond Grass Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

2006 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA 23224 ZBCOFFICE@VERIZON.NET • (804) 859-1985 or (804) 232-2867 Church Office Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

You may join us on Facebook Live: Zion Baptist Church (South Richmond) ForTHEME: Sunday Services at 10:30 AM Bible Study, Wednesdays at 7 PM African Americans Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Listeners can call: (508) 924-3234 and The Vote!

Support us Online through the Givelify App February 22, 2020 11:00 am — 1:00 pm

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

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

"APTIST #HURCH

Baptist Church

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

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

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

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

Be safe. Be blessed.

Zion Baptist Church

2IVERVIEW

Moore Street Missionary

Sunday School – 9:45 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service – 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

“The Church With A Welcome”

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

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

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

Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary.

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

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

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

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

See you there!

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

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Gerard earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida A&M University and his Masters of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Coach Samuels taught and coached for 54 years in Henrico County, Richmond City, District of Columbia, and Prince George’s County public schools. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for 50 years.

for this ĞůĞďƌĂƟŽŶ͊

We thank Anna Washington and the other caring teachers for providing the very best high school education in one of the best high schools in the country.

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

Surviving are three daughters, DeHavilland S. Rogers (G. Matthew), GeNienne A. Samuels, and Mercedes S. Branch (Darin); five grandchildren, Devin, Bayleigh, Leiah, Kinnady and MJ; brother, Fleming Samuels; ex-wife, Nancy B. Samuels; four nieces, Connie, Sharrin, Ceonna and Ramona; a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

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Anna Mae

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Mack, Sr. and Jessie P. Samuels; sister, Dr. Jessica R. Samuels-Shields; brother, Robert Mack Samuels, Jr. and sister-in-law, Sherrill Fleming Samuels.

R

considered the dean of the SELMA, Ala. civil rights vetThis year’s commemoraerans and led tion of a pivotal moment in the Southern the fight for voting rights for Christian LeadAfrican-Americans will honor ership Conferfour giants of the Civil Rights ence.

Movement who died in 2020, Rev. Vivian Rep. Lewis Rev. Lowery Rev. Vivian Mr. Boynton including the late Congressman began organizJohn Lewis of Georgia.

There will then be a “slow Footage of the Bloody Sun- ing sit-ins against segregation Organizers have announced drive” across the Edmund Pet- day beatings helped galvanize in the 1940s and later joined plans for the Sunday, March tus Bridge and wreaths will support for passage of the Voting forces with the Rev. Martin 7, celebration that is being be placed honoring the four, Rights Act of 1965. This year’s Luther King Jr. In 1965, Rev. conducted differently this year former state Sen. Hank Sand- commemoration comes as some Vivian led dozens of marchbecause of the COVID-19 ers said. states seek to roll back expanded ers to a courthouse in Selma, pandemic.

Mr. Sanders said the early and mail-in voting access confronting the local sheriff on The Rev. Joseph Lowery, COVID-19 pandemic did not and efforts have been unsuc- the courthouse steps and telling the Rev. C.T. Vivian, attorney allow the four to have large cessful to restore a key section him the marchers should be alBruce Boynton and Rep. Lewis funerals with the exception of the Voting Rights Act that lowed to register to vote. The will be honored posthumously of Rep. Lewis, who was hon- required states with a history sheriff responded by punching during the 56th annual com- ored with events in Georgia, of discrimination to get federal Rev. Vivian in the head. memoration of Bloody Sunday, Alabama and Washington, D.C. approval for any changes to Mr. Boynton was arrested the day in 1965 that civil rights The former Georgia congress- voting procedures. for entering the whites-only marchers were brutally beaten man was beaten during Bloody Bernard LaFayette, who section part of a racially segreon the Edmund Pettus Bridge Sunday. worked with all four men, gated bus station in Richmond, in Selma, Ala. “This is lifting the people will speak at the breakfast, Mr. Va., in 1958, launching a chain The four will be honored dur- who were on the battlefield for a Sanders said. reaction that ultimately brought ing the Martin & Coretta King long time, starting in the 1950s While much of the annual about the abolition of Jim Crow Unity Breakfast on Sunday in and continuing all of their lives. Bridge Crossing celebration laws in the South. Mr. Boynton Selma. The breakfast will be ... Those of us who are still will be virtual this year, Mr. contested his conviction, and held as a drive-in, and people living, particularly the young, Sanders said they wanted to his appeal resulted in a U.S. will remain in their cars during need to take up the challenge have events that people could Supreme Court decision in the breakfast while speakers and go forward because there safely attend.

1960 that prohibited segregawill address the crowd from is still so much to be done,” Rev. Lowery, a charismatic tion on interstate buses and in a stage.

Mr. Sanders said. and fiery preacher, is often bus stations and other facilities linked to interstate travel. The next year, dozens of Black and white students, known as I� M������� Freedom Riders, set out on buses to travel the South and H’S ANNIVER test whether the high court’s C R U H C SA ruling was being followed.

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

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

Please join us on

Facebook or YouTube

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

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

Richmond Free Press

B4 March 4-6, 2021

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on M o n d a y, M a r c h 2 2 , 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-037 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1312 Bainbridge Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building containing personal services businesses, and medical and dental offices and clinics, within the commercial area of the building, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a R-63 Multifamily Urban Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Neighborhood MixedUse land use for the subject properties. Such areas are described as existing or new highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses.

Ordinance No. 2021-038 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2416 Jefferson Avenue for the purpose of a mixed-use building containing outdoor dining and tourist home uses, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a UB Urban Business District and the Jefferson Avenue Parking Exempt Overlay District (PE4). The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Community Mixed-Use land use for the subject properties. Such areas are described as a cluster of medium-density, walkable commercial and residential uses that provide neighborhood services to nearby residential communities and sometimes feature regional attractions.

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

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

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the March 22, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the March 22, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 22, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

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

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

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

T. LEE BROWN, Defendant.

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

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

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

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

MARITTA ANN ELLIS, Defendant.

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

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce.

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

An Exract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER WALLACE PRYOR, SR., Plaintiff v.

BEREATHA SHARPEPRYOR, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000715-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 21st day of April, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

DEBORAH ONALAJA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000690-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 21st day of April, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

KEVIN MALLORY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000689-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 21st day of April, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 Continued on next column

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(804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER GREGORY WALKER, Plaintiff v.

ANGELA WALKER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000180-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 5th day of April, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire 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 MARLON RAMON JOHNSON, Plaintiff v.

CHAKERA (DUDLEY) JOHNSON, Defendant.

Case No. 20-3921-00-6 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 the defendant is: 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 2410 5th Ave., Richmond, VA 23222.

It is ORDERED that Chakara (Dudley) Johnson appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before March 29, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MAYRA MARTINEZ DE GONZALEZ, Plaintiff v.

ENRIQUE GONZALEZ MARTINEZ, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20002359-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 29th day of March, 2021 and protect his interests.

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

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

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

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), of Jacob Matthews child, DOB 11/3/2013 & Joshua Matthews child, DOB 9/20/2012. “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

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

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J-85137-07-08-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana MatthewsSpencer (Mother), of Jaedin Matthews child, DOB 3/21/2009 & Jinger Matthews child, DOB 7/31/2010. “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

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

heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, FELMING HILL, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and JACKIE BAYLOR, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, ARNETTER F. HILL, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, THOMAS POINDEXTER, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that EMMA WARREN, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, FELMING HILL, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and JACKIE BAYLOR, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, A R N E T T E R F. H I L L , THOMAS POINDEXTER, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before april 15, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

forward to appear on or before april 15, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

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

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Unknown Father (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), of Emerald Matthews child, DOB 5/21/2018. “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Unknown Father, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/28/2021, at 2:30 PM, Courtroom #5 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DE’ MIYAH MELTON RDSS v.

Robert Lee gregory File No. JJ094557-12 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Robert Lee Gregory (Father) of De’Miyah Melton DOB 05/17/2017, child.

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant Robert Lee Gregory (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/26/2021, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #4.

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DE’ MIYAH MELTON RDSS v.

UNKNOWN FATHER File No. JJ094557-11 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Unknown Father of De’Miyah Melton DOB 05/17/2017, child.

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/26/2021, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #4.

PROPERTY

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

TYRONE MATTHEWS, HASANA MATTHEWSSPENCER File No. J-85136-06, 07-00

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

EMMA WARREN, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-5485 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 108 East Charity Street, Tax Map Number N000-0085/016, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Emma Warren, Felming Hill, Jackie Baylor, Arnetter F. Hill, Silas Poindexter and Thomas Poindexter.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, EMMA WARREN, upon information and belief deceased, or her

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

SPECIALIZED HOME LOANS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-4358 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2410 Ingram Avenue, Tax Map Number S000-0865/006, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number NESW, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Specialized Home Loans.

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

IT IS ORDERED that SPECIALIZED HOME LOANS, an entity not listed in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 15, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

JANET L. ANDERSON, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-4613 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4202 Chamberlayne Avenue, Tax Map Number N0002350/015, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Janet L. Anderson.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JANET L. ANDERSON. is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that JANET L. ANDERSON, and Parties Unknown, come Continued on next column

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

FG Chamberlayne, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-4615 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3000 Chamberlayne Avenue, Tax Map Number N0001028/010 Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, FG Chamberlayne, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before april 15, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

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

LICENSE NOTICE Stop & Go RVA, Inc. Trading as: Stop And Go 1600 Mechanicsville Tpke Richmond, VA 23223-3902 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Mandeep Singh, President NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

PRS VENTURES VA INC Trading as: Market Place 102 1 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, Virginia 23803 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine & Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Mandeep Singh NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

EOE M/F/D/V

CIRCUIT COURT CLERK’S OFFICE, CITY OF RICHMOND DEPUTY CLERK Permanent Position Immediate opportunity for energetic, dependable and professional candidate to work in downtown courts building. Must be detail-oriented and possess excellent customer service and clerical skills. Prior experience working as a courtroom clerk a plus.

COVER LETTER, RESUME AND SALARY HISTORY ARE REQUIRED PLEASE SUBMIT ALL THREE TO: CircuitCourtClerkEmployment@Richmondgov.com OR RICHMOND CIRCUIT COURT CLERK’S OFFICE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT 400 NORTH 9TH STREET RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219 NO WALK-INS OR PHONE CALLS, PLEASE EOE

TRANSIT SYSTEM

DATA ANALYST &ORVHV 2SHQ XQWLO ÀOOHG Non-Exempt

GRTC Transit System is seeking a skilled candidate to maintain and analyze system data, such as ridership, route performance and demographics. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in information and data systems, data manipulation and databases.

Strong quantitative skills, excellent oral & written communication and interpersonal skills are required. A bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience with Geographic Information systems highly desirable. Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug test. Those interested in the position should apply online at www.ridegrtc.com. Only online applications are accepted.

GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

TRANSIT SYSTEM

BUS OPERATORS (30) Starting Pay: $16.11 per hour Full Time Open Until Filled

GRTC Transit System is currently seeking RVBMJmFE DBOEJEBUFT BU MFBTU ZFBST PG BHF XJUI FYDFMMFOU DVTUPNFS TFSWJDF TLJMMT BOE B IJHI TDIPPM EJQMPNB GPS GVMM UJNF #VT 0QFSBUPS QPTJUJPOT Applicants are required to have a Class B CDL License with Passenger Endorsement. 5IF JEFBM DBOEJEBUFT XJMM IBWF a minimum of three QPJOU CBMBODF PO UIFJS ESJWJOH SFDPSE BOE NVTU CF BCMF UP QBTT B CBDLHSPVOE DIFDL B QSF FNQMPZNFOU ESVH UFTU BOE B %05 QIZTJDBM 'PS B DPNQMFUF KPC EFTDSJQUJPO BOE UP BQQMZ POMJOF QMFBTF WJTJU XXX SJEFHSUD DPN GRTC Transit System is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment that values diversity in the workplace.

TRANSIT SYSTEM

PLANNING INTERN PART-TIME (TEMPORARY-GRANT) DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING Hiring Range: $16.00 Part-Time 29 hours per week 3RVWLQJ &ORVHV 2SHQ XQWLO ÀOOHG

GRTC Transit System Planning Department seeks a undergraduate candidate to assist with various planning functions. Undergraduate degree required, preferably in urban planning or B SFMBUFE mFME &YDFMMFOU XSJUUFO BOE JOUFSQFSTPOBM communication skills are critical. The successful DBOEJEBUF XJMM CF QSPmDJFOU JO .JDSPTPGU 0GmDF and Adobe programs. For a more detailed job description and the ability to apply online, please visit www.ridegrtc.com. A pre-employment drug screening will be required.

GRTC Transit System is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment that values diversity in the workplace.

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