Richmond Free Press May 14-16, 2020 edition by Richmond Free Press

VOL. 29 NO. 21

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Legendary music makers remembered B2

MaY 14-16, 2020

High marks for counselor RPS Teacher of the Year honor goes to Thomas Jefferson High’s Rahmah Johnson By Ronald E. Carrington

Like a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes commercial, a band of dignitaries from Richmond Public Schools and the City of Richmond carrying bouquets of flowers and balloons followed by cameras and reporters marched down Ladies Mile Road last Friday morning to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime surprise. Wearing masks and socially distancing, they stopped outside a home. RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras walked up to the door and knocked. The door opened and Rahmah T. John-

Personality on B1 son, a counselor at Thomas Jefferson High School, looked out. Shock and awe suddenly swept her face as she recognized the high-powered people on her porch — Mr. Kamras, Mayor Levar M. Stoney; School Board Chairwoman Linda Owen; her school principal, Cherita Sears — and a cheering crowd in her front yard. A beaming Mr. Kamras presented her with a certificate recognizing her as the RPS 2020 Teacher of the Year. She stood breathlessly holding her heart as the cheers continued. “Oh my God!” she said in a jolt of emotion as cameras flashed and local television

stations recorded the jubilant scene. “I love Richmond Public Schools and I love my students,” Ms. Johnson said in an blend of tears and laughter. “Public education is so phenomenal. We need to continue to support our schools. Our students will grow and become leaders in the community,” she said, tears running down her cheeks. “What I do is from my heart. This is amazing!” Colleagues who had been clued in about the surprise drove past her home honking horns and shouting congratulations to celebrate her achievement. The 1999 graduate of Virginia State University, who also earned her master’s degree and an educational specialist certification in counseling leadership, has been working with students at Thomas Jefferson High School for the past four years. “Ms. Johnson goes above and beyond her counseling duties every single day. She is more than a counselor,” Ms. Sears said. “She is everything in our school. “Ms. Johnson is adored by faculty as well as students and is deserving of this award,” Ms. Sears continued. For the Richmond school district, as well as school districts around the Commonwealth and nation, the coronavirus crisis has put pressure on students and their Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Rahmah T. Johnson proudly displays the plaque naming her Richmond’s Teacher of the Year last Friday. A counselor at Thomas Jefferson High School, Ms. Johnson found out about her selection when a delegation including Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and other officials surprised her at her North Side home.

Ready to re-open Va. businesses, churches and some restaurants are poised to open on Friday under state guidelines despite VLBC’s opposition By George Copeland Jr.

Virginia is on track to re-open businesses on Friday, May 15, despite concerns and criticism from the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and others about the potential risks and about the state’s ability to safely restart the economy everywhere except in Northern Virginia. Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney is among those expressing concern about re-opening with the coronavirus still active, although as of Wednesday, he and other regional officials had not sought

authority to prevent restaurants, barbershops, beauty salons and other businesses to begin welcoming customers again. In a letter to Gov. Ralph S. Northam on Wednesday, the VLBC, led by Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, strongly opposed the re-opening, pointing to a lack of “adequate medical, economic and workplace infrastructure” and the outsized impact the virus has had on African-American and Latino communities. The caucus called for “an equity-focused plan” that addresses those problems before moving forward. “While we understand that non-essential business closures and stay-at-home orders have taken a substantial toll on our Commonwealth’s economy,” the VLBC noted in the statement, “these concerns must be weighed against the substantial negative impacts on many Virginians, especially black Virginians” and other non-white communities. “Implementing Phase One (of the state re-opening plan) without properly addressing this issue will lead to chaos and confusion, resulting in Virginians who have already fallen through the cracks of our system to only fall deeper,” the letter stated. “Many Virginians, especially black Virginians and Virginians of color, will be faced with a false choice:

Officials pump up COVID-19 testing, begin mask and hand sanitizer distribution to city’s at-risk residents By Ronald E. Carrington

Efforts to combat COVID19 continue in Richmond’s high-risk communities and underserved neighborhoods. On Tuesday, the City of Richmond launched a pilot program with the state to provide coronavirus safety kits comprised of face masks, hand sanitizer and literature printed in the top five languages spoken in the state to people in the capital city. At a media event held in the parking lot of Armstrong High School in the East End, Mayor Levar M. Stoney was joined by Gov. Ralph S. Northam, Richmond Delegate Delores Please turn to A4

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City may be facing deficit in current 2019-20 budget By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Three months ago, with the city’s economy booming, Richmond’s government projected an $8.5 million surplus when the current fiscal year ends June 30. But today, the city appears to be facing a $6.2 million deficit, according to the latest data for the 2019-20 fiscal year, after the coronavirus sent the local economy — and that of the state, the nation and the world— into a tailspin. Mayor Levar M. Stoney disclosed the potential for a deficit Monday in submitting a request at the same time to City Council for permission to tap into the city’s savings, Mayor Stoney Dr. Brown if necessary, to cover any red ink that exists after the books close. But it remains unclear at this point, city officials said, whether there will be a deficit or whether it will be larger or smaller. Questions surrounding the city’s financial health only increased Tuesday when the state notified city officials that Richmond would receive $20.1 million by June 1 as its share of federal CARES Act money. The money can be used only to recoup expenses in fighting the pandemic, and not, as the state noted, to replace tax revenue lost to pandemic shutdowns of restaurants, retail stores and other businesses. Still, “this is $20 million we didn’t have before,” Jim Nolan, the mayor’s press secretary, noted on Wednesday. “We aren’t Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

City firefighters Walter Davis, left, and Kevin Henderson, center, and fire Lt. Mark Chase deliver face masks, hand sanitizer and information to a resident on North 20th Street in Church Hill on Tuesday. The team from Fire Station 11 was taking part in the city’s effort to distribute thousands of protective items to people in the areas regarded as high risk for COVID-19.

Free Press receives Facebook Journalism Project grant

Nearly 80 percent of award recipiThe Richmond Free Press has ents are family or independently been awarded a $100,000 grant owned news outlets and more from the Facebook Journalism than half are published by or for Project to boost local journalism communities of color. during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 2,000 applications The newspaper was one of three were submitted, with awards anVirginia news outlets and 144 local nounced May 7. newsrooms across the United States “As the publisher and keeper to be awarded a collective $10.3 milMrs. Boone of the Richmond Free Press flame, I lion as part of the FJP’s COVID-19 am grateful to Facebook for its recognition of Local News Relief Fund Grant Program. The fund is supporting many publishers who are hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis. Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Freewheeling Malea Claud, 7, and her mother, Melissa Claud, regularly finish their day with a leisurely bike ride around Byrd Park. Here, they are riding Tuesday near Swan Lake. Ms. Claud reminded her daughter to secure her mask before they took off in the evening breeze.

Richmond Free Press

May 14-16, 2020

Local News

City employee dies of the coronavirus By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A veteran social worker is the first City of Richmond employee to succumb to the coronavirus. Twelve others among the city’s 4,000 employees have tested positive for the virus. Denise Hargrove, 59, died Monday, April 27, according to an internal notice City Hall issued to employees. Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced her death three days later at a news conference, but did not identify her or the other city employees who have tested positive. Their city departments also have not been made public. Ms. Hargrove was a benefits program specialist for 18 years with the Department of Social Services. The job is now called a senior human services technician. Colleagues said Ms. Hargrove most recently worked on applications for Medicaid for people needing nursing home placement. Ms. Hargrove was last at City Hall around March 19, when she picked up a computer after being assigned to work from home, sources told the Free Press. Ms. Hargrove Within a day or two, she had developed COVID-19 symptoms. She was hospitalized and on a ventilator for several weeks before her death, according to information provided to the Free Press. In response to a Free Press query, Jim Nolan, the mayor’s press secretary, stated that virtually all of the city employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus have been found to have contracted the virus outside of City Hall. Mr. Nolan stated that the virus was traced to “non-work contacts and/or travel” involving work outside the municipal center. “A work-related contact,” he noted, “does not necessarily mean a contact related to a city-owned building as the work of many of our essential workers takes them outside of city buildings to engage with the public. “While some city agencies have more than one employee diagnosed with COVID-19, there has been no common connection identified,” he continued. Mr. Nolan stated that the city has undertaken “advanced cleaning of all city facilities using electrostatic disinfection to help prevent the spread of illness-causing pathogens.” He added that the cleaning employs air and an anti-microbial solution and follows the latest guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Funeral arrangements announced for Bishop Glenn A celebration of the life of Bishop Gerald O. Glenn, late founder and pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Chesterfield County, will be held next week, it has been announced. Bishop Glenn died April 11, 2020, from complications of the coronavirus. A public walk-through viewing will be held noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Bishop Glenn the church, 1701 Turner Road, with only 10 people at a time allowed into the building in conformance with health guidelines, according to the announcement. A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, May 22, at the church, which will be open only to family members. The public can view the service, which will be streamed over the church’s YouTube channel. Details: www.ndec.net or (804) 276-0791.

Stacey Daniels-Fayson named interim CEO of RRHA Stacey Daniels-Fayson has been named interim chief executive officer of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The announcement was made last week following a closed session of the RRHA Board of Commissioners. Ms. Daniels-Fayson has worked for RRHA since 2007 and currently serves as its controller, overseeing fiscal and reporting management for several of the agency’s programs and departments, including Low Income Public Housing, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the Capital Fund Program Ms. Danielsand the real estate and community developFayson ment departments. “I am honored by the board’s selection and look forward to leading the talented team of staff we have at RRHA,” Ms. Daniels-Fayson said in a statement. “Ensuring the welfare, health and safety of our residents, our employees and their families, and aligning our efforts with the board’s vision and goals, are key priorities. I look forward to addressing the challenges ahead of us.” Ms. Daniels-Fayson will assume her new role on June 22. CEO Damon E. Duncan announced in March that he is stepping down , but he remains at the agency to help RRHA through the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the agency’s announcement. The Board of Commissioners is conducting a search for a permanent CEO.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Demolition of the old Franklin Street Gymnasium on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University is underway. The long vacant building at 817 W. Franklin St. is being cleared to make way for a $121 million, six-story building that will be devoted to classes and programs involving STEM—science, technology, engineering and math. The goal is to increase the number of VCU graduates heading into those high-demand fields. Construction of a new building on the old gym site has been planned for some time and gained the green light a year ago from the General Assembly and Gov. Ralph S. Northam.

GRTC provides more protective gear to drivers By Jeremy M. Lazarus

It took nearly two months, but GRTC is ramping up virus protection for drivers who have kept the public transit system rolling during the pandemic. Four drivers have tested positive for COVID-19, including one who is hospitalized. An order of 400 face shields arrived Monday and was being distributed to drivers willing to wear the extra layer of protection. The face shields — 200 purchased and 200 donated — came from the online Good Work Society, a nonprofit coalition of volunteers that West Point resident and networking guru Larkin Garbee has created and runs as executive director. Ms. Garbee, a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, created the organization to connect Richmond area volunteers with access to 3D printers to produce the shields and RVAProjectShield to help get them made and into the hands of essential workers. GRTC also is retrofitting an additional 87 buses and 88 CARE vans with protective shields to isolate drivers, spokeswoman

Carrie Rose Pace stated. Driver shields previously were installed on 31 buses, she noted. The company also is continuing to procure and provide cloth face masks, protective gloves and cleaning supplies to drivers and other staff, Ms. Pace added. The company earlier had stepped up disinfection of buses before they were sent on the road, eliminated fares and had riders enter through rear doors to reduce contact with drivers. Julie Timm, GRTC’s chief executive officer, is urging all riders to wear masks. “Now that businesses are reopening,” Ms. Timm stated, “many more people will need our services to get to work, and there is no ability to social distance on a packed bus. It’s simple: Wear a mask.” Three weeks ago, GRTC and the president of the bus drivers’ union, Local 1220 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, engaged in a verbal war over driver health and safety after 46 drivers called in sick on April 27, forcing service cuts that day. Some drivers indicated they were protesting what they saw as a less than adequate company response to the virus. Ms. Timm initially threatened to with-

hold sick pay from the drivers who didn’t report to work, but backed off after the first driver was reported to have tested positive for COVID-19 two days after the sickout. The case proved to be a false positive, but the finding changed the dynamic. Between May 1 and 2, the company disrupted service to allow drivers and other workers to be tested for the virus. Three drivers ultimately were found to be infected, bringing the total of infected employees to four of 273 tested. Three drivers tested positive for the coronavirus, but one driver, who initially tested negative, was retested after feeling ill and hospitalized, where she remains. Six other GRTC drivers with whom she had contact have been quarantined until May 21, Ms. Pace said. All apparently have tested negative for the virus. Ms. Timm, in a public statement on May 8, expressed her concern for those infected and stated that the company “is working with the Virginia Department of Health to quarantine staff as needed to contain any possible spread and to identify proper testing frequencies for all GRTC staff moving forward.”

COVID-19 info or campaigning? By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Did 9th District Councilman Michael J. Jones misinform City Council in seeking permission to use city funds to send a direct mail card to his constituents? While Dr. Jones insists he did nothing wrong, the mailer, itself, appears to contradict what he told the council it would contain. Dr. Jones said he wanted to send the oversized postcard to constituents about resources available to those impacted by COVID-19. He said many of his constituents are senior citizens or Latinos without access to social media, making mailers his main method for reaching them. Before the unanimous vote on April 27 approving the $2,415 expenditure, Dr. Jones was asked by a council colleague if the mailer would be strictly informational and would not “contain any photographs or anything that could be perceived as campaigning.” He responded, “Yes.” However, the mailer sent out during the first week of May is dominated by a photograph of a smiling Dr. Jones, who plans to seek re-election to a second term this year. The mailer contains no mention of the election or his plans. The informational section of the mailer is a message from Dr. Jones that encourages recipients to cover up coughs and sneezes, to regularly wash their hands and to stay home. It also states that he and his aide, Summer Morris, are available to help those who might need them. It urges them to call for assistance and lists their phone numbers and email addresses. The only COVID-19 related resource mentioned on the mailer is RVAStrong.org, a city website, with the advice to visit “and find more information about local health resources, resources for individuals and resources for businesses.” The mailer has left some council members feeling deceived. “I would not have voted for using scarce city funds to pay

View of mailer sent by City Councilman Michael J. Jones to his constituents in the city’s 9th District during the first week of May.

for any mailer during a time of crisis that gives the appearance of support for any candidate,” said 2nd District Councilwoman Kim B. Gray. Dr. Jones’ mailer is different from the emails 6th District Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson is sending to her constituents on COVID-19. The emails do not include her picture, but do contain public information ranging from food resources to housing and virus testing sites. When reached for comment, Dr. Jones dismissed the concerns. He called the mailer “consistent with previous mailers, which have always included my photograph.” He said he supports City Council’s efforts to restrict members from using district funds for electioneering. He said he needed council’s permission only because the payment would have pushed the vendor handling the design, printing and mailing over the $5,000 limit for total payments by a council member to one company. Dr. Jones said he is focused on distributing food and, in coming days, would be engaged in distributing 10,000 donated disposable face masks to residents of the 9th District. He is partnering with donors Charles Willis of United Communities Against Crime and Jong Lim, owner of Beauti-Full beauty supply store, as well as city schools, a city agency and others on the distribution, according to a news release his office issued Tuesday.

Public housing residents sheltered, temporarily, from eviction By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Will there be a flood of eviction cases next month? That’s a growing concern for renters and advocates. A Virginia Supreme Court order holding up action during the pandemic has been extended until Sunday, June 7. But once that order is lifted, it would allow general district courts in Richmond and around the state to take up landlord requests for removal of tenants who have failed to pay their rent. Richmond City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, noted Monday that 5,000 evic-

tion cases currently are awaiting adjudication in local courts. Residents of public housing, however, are not as likely to be in any initial flood of evictions once the courts fully open. First, the federal CARES Act that became law March 28 imposed a 120-day moratorium on evictions for tenants in government-financed apartments for failure to pay rent, fees or other charges. The 120-day period will last through July 25. Second, Richmond City Council was told during an April 27 budget session that the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is on

track to resolve issues with 900 families in arrears on rent and/ or electricity charges in a bid to reduce their prospects for eviction. That figure represents nearly one-quarter of all tenants living in the six largest public housing communities. Sharon Ebert offered an optimistic view in reporting to City Council on information she said Damon E. Duncan, the departing RRHA chief executive officer, provided to her. Ms. Ebert is the city’s deputy chief administrative officer for economic and community development. She said Mr. Duncan told

her that 500 families have signed repayment agreements to catch up on what they owe. RRHA set a May 1 deadline for families to enter into such arrangements. RRHAspokeswomanAngela Fountain stated the number of agreements has increased to 618 as of Tuesday. She added that RRHA also has extended the deadline for tenants to sign such agreements until July 25. “RRHA staff is working with many of our residents in arrears to get them into repayment agreements to avoid as many lease enforcement cases as possible,” Ms. Fountain stated.

According to Ms. Ebert, Mr. Duncan also believes the funding the RRHA is receiving through the federal CARES Act could enable the agency to cover the arrears of most or all of the other families. RRHA so far has been awarded about $4 million in CARES Act funding, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced. However, Ms. Fountain stated that federal funds cannot be used to pay rent tenants owe. But she noted RRHA can adjust reported income and rent due from tenants who have lost

jobs and submitted appropriate documentation. Advocates for public housing residents remain skeptical and worried that RRHA will be on the eviction warpath once the federal hold on evictions is lifted. “The real question is whether families can fulfill the repayment agreements they signed,” said an attorney who works with public housing residents and commented only on the condition of not being identified. “Many owe substantial amounts, and I am not sure they will be able to keep current and pay the additional amounts required by their plans.”

Richmond Free Press

Help us shine a light on illegal scams. As we continue to respond to the outbreak of the coronavirus, Dominion Energy is hard at work safeguarding the well-being of our communities. You depend on us 24/7 to serve you safely and reliably, and it is a responsibility we take seriously. But with a recent increase in scams, it is more important than ever that we look after one another. The following actions can help.

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Remember

Signs of potential scam activity include: • Aggressive threats to disconnect service (usually within an hour or less)

Dominion Energy is NOT disconnecting customers for nonpayment right now.

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• Demand for a pre-paid debit card or credit card to be used for payment over the phone.

Verify If a scammer visits you in person, always ask to see their company photo identification card, and look for a vehicle clearly displaying the Dominion Energy logo. And if you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call us at 866-366-4357, or log in to your account online, to verify if payment is due.

Report If possible, collect information, such as phone numbers or names, to help us all track down scammers. Report suspicious calls, texts, and emails to Dominion Energy and to local authorities to help prevent you or anyone else from falling victim.

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May 14-16, 2020

Richmond Free Press

A4 May 14-16, 2020

News

Free Press receives Facebook grant

Virginia ready to re-open

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the Free Press with a $100,000 grant to empower our mission-driven agenda,” Free Press Publisher Jean P. Boone stated. “The Free Press was founded in 1992 by the late Raymond H. Boone. When he began that chapter of his professional life, I joined him in pursuing this dream, which many, at the time, thought was an impossible venture. I was then, and remain, ‘all in.’ ” The grant will ensure that the Free Press reporting on the coronavirus is responsibly increased, Mrs. Boone said. “We will continue to educate our readers about remedies for health disparities that disproportionately affect the Richmond community,” Mrs. Boone continued. “The Richmond Free Press will improve its online presence as well as our print product, making sure that our distribution and production technology are on point. “We will be responsible stewards.” In a statement, Facebook officials said the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of local news to communities, especially during crisis situations. “From sharing critical, time-sensitive information on the pandemic to asking tough questions to community leaders, local news organizations play a critical role in keeping communities informed and engaged,” according to the company. Other Virginia awardees are the Henrico Citizen, $34,350, and Charlottesville Tomorrow, $35,000. Grant recipients were selected through a process led by the Local Media Association and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, with significant contributions from the Institute for Nonprofit News, Local Independent Online News Publishers, Local Media Consortium and the National Association of Broadcasters.

Either go back to work under unsafe work conditions, putting themselves and their families in danger, or risk losing income and possibly unemployment benefits that are essential to meet basic needs …” “We particularly ask for a plan that explicitly considers and confronts current and potential growth in racial disparities, and the needs and safety of underserved and vulnerable populations in Virginia,” the caucus wrote. Phase One of Gov. Northam’s Forward Virginia Plan begins with a transition from the state’s stay-at-home order to a “safer at home” initiative. That new initiative allows restaurants to open their outdoor seating areas at 50 percent capacity, places of worship to re-open using only 50 percent of their seating capacity and other health and safety requirements for personal grooming establishments such as barbershops and

High marks for counselor Continued from A1

families, as well as teachers and counselors. That goes double for high school seniors and the teachers and counselors who are helping them get to graduation and the next step. “We know how important counselors are, especially right

now as they help to get seniors across the finish line,” Mr. Kamras told the crowd. “Ms. Johnson is a nationally certified counselor and she trains other counselors. An extraordinary number of T.J. students submitted her name for the award because they love her so much,” he told the Free

Press after the event. Mayor Stoney said Ms. Johnson is a great example of RPS educators. “It is apropos, during Teacher Appreciation Week, that we celebrate this amazing educator in our school system,” Mayor Stoney said. “She is truly an asset to the district as well as to T.J.”

City may be facing deficit he reported that the city appears to be on track to spend about $745.4 million, about $6.2 milgoing to let the money sit,” though decisions lion more than the projected $739.2 million on its use have not been made. in revenue. If that happens, Richmond would Mr. Nolan added that it is uncertain what finish the year with a $6.2 million shortfall, impact the federal money will have on the Dr. Brown’s preliminary data indicates, and projected deficit. the reason the mayor submitted his request to The deficit projection — the first inkling of tap into savings. the impact of the pandemic on city revenues — The vote on the 2020-21 budget came after emerged just before City Council voted 5-4 later four council members unsuccessfully urged their Monday evening to approve a largely standstill colleagues to delay action for at least two weeks budget as Mayor Stoney requested for the 2020- to allow more time to decide whether the spend21 budget year that will start July 1. ing plans should be reduced even more. While the approved plan boosts spending on Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, public education, it also eliminates pay increases joined with Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, 3rd for city employees, utility rate increases and District; Councilwoman Kristen N. Larson, 4th new initiatives, including salary support for District; and Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, public defenders. 8th District, in urging that the council pass solely Overall, the plan approved by City Council a schools budget to meet a May 15 deadline and eliminates $38.5 million that Mayor Stoney postpone consideration of the other budget papers proposed in March through the largest budget until the council meeting on May 28. element, the general fund, before the virus Ms. Gray repeated her concern that the city struck. The approved plan adopts the mayor’s is being far too rosy in its revenue projection post-pandemic changes, with the general fund for the new fiscal year. She said that restaurants, revenue set at $744.1 million, or just slightly hotels, gyms and other businesses might reopen, less than the $746 million originally approved but those survivors could generate far less tax for the current 2019-20 fiscal year. revenue than the projections. The newly released data on 2019-20 revenues, The mayor’s financial staff has projected however, suggests that the new budget plan a 5 percent reduction in overall revenues in might be optimistic on revenue. formulating the amended fiscal 2020-21 budget According to the report released by city plan that council approved, allowing the city to Budget Director Jay A. Brown, the city is keep all employees on the payroll at their current anticipated to show an $18.4 million revenue salaries and without any proposed furloughs or shrinkage after the books close on the current layoffs to balance the budget. fiscal year, with general fund revenue dropping The City Council majority led by Council to $739.2 million. President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, was That shrinkage is fueled largely by a projected unpersuaded by those seeking a delay, gaining 29 percent reduction in the amount of taxes applause from Mayor Stoney. gained from the sale of restaurant meals and Dr. Newbille noted, as did others, that the other prepared food, the third quarter report for council would be getting at least monthly upJanuary, February and March noted, when the dates on revenue from the administration and pandemic’s impact was just starting to be felt. would have the opportunity to make changes If results from the final quarter — April, to the 2020-21 budget as better information on May and June — track Dr. Brown’s projections, revenue and expenses becomes available. Richmond would finish the year with $7 million Dr. Newbille said the budget being approved less in revenue than the $746 million included in was a first cut and likely would change as the the original general fund budget and $5 million year progressed. “This isn’t going to be a oneless than council approved for the upcoming shot deal,” she said. budget year. Joining her in supporting budget passage were In his report, Dr. Brown noted that the Councilman Andreas D. Addison, 1st District; administration has cut expenses sharply and Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, 5th District; eliminated virtually all but the most essential Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, hiring, wiping out $11.8 million in costs. Still, and Councilman Michael J. Jones, 9th District. Continued from A1

City Council waives tax penalties Richmond residents and businesses will have until Friday, Aug. 14, to pay their 2020 city tax bills on real estate and on vehicles and other personal property without incurring an additional penalty or interest charge. The tax bills usually are due in June, but City Council voted Monday night to approve the two-month waiver of penalties and interest jointly proposed by the governing body and Mayor Levar M. Stoney. Businesses in arrears on payments of meals, lodging and admission taxes have until Tuesday, June 30, to pay those without penalty or interest added, the approved ordinance noted. In other business, City Council also voted 9-0 in favor of a resolution that calls on the administration to change its rules and end termination of employees found to have marijuana in their blood after a drug screen.

Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, 5th District, proposed the change in the wake of the passage of a new state law that eliminates possession of small amounts of marijuana as a criminal offense. That law takes effect July 1. “People have been losing their jobs for failing a marijuana test,” Ms. Lynch said. “That impacts the individuals and their families. And it has disproportionately affected African-Americans. I don’t think that should be happening.” She said the administration has signaled support for the resolution and is expected to make the change to its employee regulations. Ms. Lynch said that the city still has rules in place that would allow for appropriate discipline and even firing of those who come to work under the influence of drugs. But she said the results of a drug screen should not be the basis for an employee’s dismissal. – JEREMY M. LAZARUS

hair salons. Social distancing and teleworking continue to be encouraged under the reopening initiative, with face coverings recommended for those in public and mandatory for certain businesses. More vulnerable residents — senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions — are encouraged to remain at home. The ban on gatherings of 10 or more people remains in effect under Phase One, with beaches open only for exercise and fishing. Businesses and establishments unable to meet the requirements must remain closed, the governor said. “This virus hasn’t gone away,” Gov. Northam said during his media update on Monday. “Moving forward requires all of us acting responsibly.” As of Wednesday, 26,746 positive COVID-19 cases and 927 deaths had been identified, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Dr. M. Norman Oliver, the state’s health commissioner, said testing has revealed 4,337 cases and 221 deaths among African-Americans, comprising 23 percent of the cases and 25 percent of the deaths in cases for which racial and ethnic data is available. Likewise, the Latino community in Virginia also has been disproportionately hit by the coronavirus, Dr. Oliver said, with 7,711 positive cases and 73 deaths. Latinos represent 43 percent of the positive cases and 10 percent of the deaths for which

race and ethnicity information is available, he said. Northern Virginia will not be part of Friday’s re-opening. At the request of 13 localities in that region, Gov. Northam signed an executive order Tuesday delaying the Phase One reopening to May 28 to give them time to increase testing and show that the rate of positive cases has declined over two weeks. Still, the delay for Northern Virginia illustrates the precarious nature of the re-opening due to the coronavirus’ presence in the Commonwealth and the challenges still present. On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax sent a letter to Gov. Northam proposing a COVID19 Racial Disparities Task Force to address concerns about the virus’ impact on African-American and Latino communities. As of Wednesday, the governor had not responded. Both the VLBC and state Attorney General Mark R. Herring also have expressed concern over the continued lack of protection for essential workers, particularly those in meat and poultry plants, grocery stores and working in home health care. A significant number of workers in those categories are people of color. Another point of concern is the state’s ability to ramp up testing, both to ensure cases and outbreaks are caught and prevented, and to meet the requirements necessary to continue to the second and third phases of the state’s reopening plan. While testing has increased

but not reached the governor’s stated goal of 10,000 individuals a day, data from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center and the Kaiser Family Foundation show Virginia has the third lowest testing rate in the country. That has aroused the concern of two members of Virginia’s congressional delegation—U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner and 3rd District Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott – who issued statements earlier this week. As part of the effort to address this matter, Gov. Northam announced that $650 million in federal CARES Act funds will be sent to localities across Virginia. He urged localities to use the money to increase COVID19 testing and to employ more people as contact tracers. Dr. Oliver said the state Health Department is hiring 1,300 new contact tracers to meet the goal of having 15 contact tracers for every 100,000 Virginians at the start, based on guidelines from Harvard University researchers. He said those numbers may be increased up to 30 tracers per 100,000 people as needed. Both Dr. Oliver and Gov. Northam pointed to the potential for a resurgence of COVID-19 cases with the re-opening and cautioned that there could be fresh outbreaks in the summer and fall. They both stressed the need to take a health-first approach over financial considerations. “Until we get this health crisis behind us, the economy will never recover,” Gov. Northam said.

Distribution to city’s at-risk residents Continued from A1

McQuinn, City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, Richmond School Board Vice Chair Cheryl Burke and Dr. Janice Underwood, the governor’s chief diversity officer and head of the Virginia Health Equity Leadership Task Force, to talk about the effort. According to the governor, more than 20,000 face masks, 20,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and 10,000 flyers with information will be available for the city to distribute. “Distributing these items is a reflection of health care disparities this pandemic highlights, as well as historic injustices, which we can help address with targeted, equity-driven efforts,” Mayor Stoney told the crowd, the majority of whom were wearing masks and standing 6 feet apart in an effort to socially distance and curb the spread of COVID-19. Tuesday marked one of the first public appearances for Delegate McQuinn, who was stricken with COVID-19 along with her husband and daughter. Since successfully coming out of in-home quarantine last month, Delegate McQuinn has been on a mission to help others avoid the virus, which has disproportionally impacted African-Americans in the number of positive cases and deaths. She believes it is imperative that people have no excuse to say they do not have a mask or hand sanitizer to protect themselves. “The effort today — generated by the state, city and fire department, and supported by the faith community — demonstrates the community coming together to support those disproportionally affected by this pandemic,” she said. The items will be distributed by the Richmond Fire Department in collaboration with other community groups and individuals based on exhibited need, officials said. The state has provided the city with health equity data based on census tracts to help in the effort. Some of the items were given out after the news conference to people attending the event, while some of the officials, including Ms. Burke, distributed kits in a door-to-door drop in her district. Separately, City Councilman

Michael Jones, 9th District, announced Wednesday that a drivethru face mask giveaway will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at Beauti Full beauty supply shop, 5528 Hull Street Road on a first-come, first-served basis. Dr. Jones, in partnership with Charles Willis of United Communities Against Crime and Jong Lim, owner of the beauty supply shop, is coordinating the distribution of 10,000 disposable N95 masks that were donated. Masks will be given to the management offices at Blue Ridge Estates, Chesterfield Square, Chippenham Place and Norcroft Townhomes for distribution to residents. Masks also will be given to Miles Jones and G.H. Reid elementary schools for volunteers serving Richmond Public Schools families and for families who are picking up food from those locations or at neighborhood meal distribution sites. Masks also will be given out at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Precious Blessings Academy, 4823 Bryce Lane. He also announced that, next week, the city Office of Multicultural Affairs will give masks to residents of Worsham Mobile Home Park and LatinTax will give masks to residents

of Southwood Apartments, both in South Side, in an effort to help Richmond’s immigrant communities. The Richmond and Henrico County health districts also are holding community testing events next week in two locations, health officials announced. Testing will take place in Richmond’s North Side from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Diversity Richmond Event Hall, 1407 Sherwood Ave. It will be an indoor event, while an outdoor testing event will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Tuckahoe Middle School in Henrico, 9000 Three Chopt Road. In a new development, the federal government has awarded more than $500,000 to two Richmond health care nonprofits to enable them to expand testing for the coronavirus. The Capital Area Health Network was awarded $312,604 to beef up its testing at its Church Hill and North Side health centers, and Daily Planet Health Services in Downtown was awarded $201,424. The operations were among 26 across Virginia sharing in $7.9 million in grants announced on May 7 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

1 in 4 Virginians is missing money.

Look for the Unclaimed Property List in Next Week’s Paper!

Richmond Free Press

May 14-16, 2020

If you have a pre-existing condition, take action to help reduce your risk of COVID-19. Unfortunately, many health conditions disproportionately affect African Americans. If you are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 due to your age or a pre-existing condition, there are precautions you can take to help you stay safe and reduce your risk.

Serious heart conditions and cancer COVID-19 can damage your lungs, which causes your heart to work harder. Cancer weakens your immune system and can make you more vulnerable to COVID-19.

2 Week-Supply

Diabetes Preventative care is especially important for people with diabetes. When your blood sugar levels are managed properly, you’re less vulnerable to COVID-19. During this time, pay close attention to your: • Blood sugar levels • Insulin levels • Fluid consumption

Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk: • Take your medication as prescribed (have at least a two-week supply) • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals • Stay active

Keep protecting yourself and others STAY

AT HOME

Do not delay emergency care Emergency departments are safe. Hospitals are taking measures to protect you and your loved ones from getting COVID-19.

Continue to combat COVID-19 with these essential guidelines: • Stay home if possible • Wash your hands often • Keep space between yourself and others (stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths)

6 feet

Do not delay getting emergency care for your underlying condition because of COVID-19. For routine medical care, consider telehealth options.

Your health is important to us, and we are here for you.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself during this pandemic, go to: vcuhealth.org, vdh.virginia.gov, or cdc.gov. © 2020 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: VCU Health; American Diabetes Association; American Lung Association; Centers of Disease Control and Prevention; Virginia Department of Health.

Richmond Free Press

Dandelions in South Side

Editorial Page

May 14-16, 2020

Think twice We strongly support the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus in its opposition to begin re-opening Virginia’s businesses, restaurants and places of worship on Friday. In a letter sent Wednesday to Gov. Ralph S. Northam, VLBC chairman and Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico County detailed concerns that re-opening now would be “creating a situation where black and brown Virginians ... will become guinea pigs for our economy.” He noted the situation in Georgia, where that state’s “premature reopening has resulted in a huge spike” in COVID-19 cases — reportedly up 40 percent, with the overwhelming majority of those affected being black people and people of color. The caucus states that it is unclear whether the proper metrics have been met to satisfy safety guidelines set out by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the medical community for re-opening to start. The testing goal of 10,000 per day has not been met and certain areas of the Commonwealth still have difficulty obtaining basic and necessary cleaning supplies, the caucus points out. Additionally, some churches opening at 50 percent capacity would result in massive gatherings of people, putting many Virginians at risk, even with social distancing and other guidelines in place, Delegate Bagby wrote. We concur. We believe Gov. Northam, a physician, may be knuckling under the pressure of Virginia’s business community without proper regard for all Virginians’ health, particularly that of people of color, and without adequate plans to assist the most vulnerable. While masks and hand sanitizer being distributed to areas of Richmond are important, they are not enough to inoculate or fully protect Richmonders from getting — or spreading — the virus. If Gov. Northam is bent on opening, we urge our readers to protect themselves, their families and others, and to think twice before venturing back to business as usual.

What would Ida B. Wells do? Crusading journalist Ida B. Wells, who fearlessly and tirelessly worked against racism and violence targeting African-Americans in the late 1800s and early 1900s, was posthumously honored last week with a Pulitzer Prize. The special citation and $50,000 prize recognized her for “her outstanding and courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African-Americans during the era of lynching.” But 89 years after her death in 1931, black Americans still are pushing to expose the barbaric lynchings that continue to take place in our nation. The most recent wretched example to come to light is the Feb. 23 lynching of Ahmaud Arbery, the 25-year-old jogger who was tracked down by a white man and his son in a pickup truck and shot to death in broad daylight on a residential street in Brunswick, Ga. The white men claimed there had been burglaries in the neighborhood and they were making a citizen’s arrest of Mr. Arbery. A cell phone video of the fatal shooting, which was taken by a third white man who claims he is innocent of any wrongdoing, was uploaded to social media and made public on May 5, sparking protests calling for Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son, Travis McMichael, 34, to be arrested and charged in Mr. Arbery’s murder. Two separate prosecutors in the small Georgia community refused to bring charges against the McMichaels, claiming that the pair acted in self-defense when they used a shotgun to blast the unarmed Mr. Arbery three times, striking him twice in the chest and a third wound grazing his wrist. After first placing their thumbs on the scales of justice by refusing to bring charges against the McMichaels and even casting Mr. Arbery in a negative light, the two prosecutors removed themselves from the case, noting a conflict of interest because of their ties to the McMichaels. Gregory McMichael is a former police officer and investigator with the Glynn County district attorney’s office. A third prosecutor was brought into the case, but sat on it and did nothing for more than three weeks until the video was brought to light. As expected, the horrific video went viral, with outraged people demonstrating and calling from across the nation for the McMichaels’ arrest. The prosecutor then contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. And within 36 hours of launching an investigation, the GBI on May 7 found probable cause and arrested and charged the McMichaels with felony murder and aggravated assault. The pair are being held without bond. On May 8, Mr. Arbery, a former high school football standout and aspiring electrician, would have turned 26. His family is being represented by prominent Florida attorney Benjamin L. Crump, who has become widely known for his work representing the families of victims of racist attacks and police shootings, including Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown and Terrence Crutcher. A fourth prosecutor now has been brought in to handle the case — Cobb County District Attorney Joyette M. Holmes from the Atlanta area, a black woman who has experience both as a lawyer and as a judge. Violence perpetrated against black people with impunity is an indictment of America and its system of justice. These atrocities will continue until those in authority are held accountable for protecting racist murderers. Sadly, these occurrences are too frequent and too widespread to shrug them off as the aberrant behavior of a few bad apples. Bad apples rot the entire barrel. Those who commit such acts of violence must be punished, and those who protect them must face justice as well. The whole dismal event shows that anti-lynching efforts must continue in this nation, alongside the fight for justice. Not surprisingly, had the video not come to light, the McMichaels may never have been charged in Mr. Arbery’s death. The first prosecutors in the case had seen the video, which was turned over to authorities the day Mr. Arbery was killed. The pair were arrested only after the public saw the video. In Ms. Wells’ day, there were no cell phone cameras aiding her work. Thankfully, we have the technology that gives us the proof. Social media distribution of videos, such as that in Mr. Arbery’s case, helps to galvanize widespread public support seeking justice. We hope with Ms. Holmes’ appointment, the scales of justice will come back into balance. But that is not the end. Public officials in Georgia, and in every jurisdiction around the country, must answer to the public. Jackie Johnson, George Barnhill and Tom Durden, the district attorneys who refused to bring charges against the McMichaels, must be removed from office. Voters in Georgia should mount a drive to recall them from office immediately, or vote them out of office when their terms expire. Public officials, including police chiefs, district or commonwealth’s attorneys, judges and others are in office to protect the public. They abuse the public trust and their offices when they are complicit with racists in allowing harm to come to innocent black people. Mr. Arbery was neither armed nor involved in any illegal activity when he was targeted and hunted down by the McMichaels, officials have said, and no burglaries had been reported in the neighborhood where he was jogging. Clearly there was no justifiable reason for this violent attack, making these attackers – and their protectors — criminals. If these lynchings are to stop, we, the people, must stop them. We have demanded for years that people of color receive just treatment by police, prosecutors and the courts, but these demands have not been met. Now is the time to take action. We must march to the polls and vote these criminals out of office. We will face obstacles, including voter suppression, used by white supremacists to nullify our voting strength. But we must overcome these obstacles if we are to finally overcome the injustices in the American criminal justice system. We must all work to show that this senseless violence against black people will not be tolerated.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Black people and COVID-19

As the United States is trying to reopen after a nearly total shutdown caused by COVID19, one of the major questions is whether it is too early to reopen and, by doing so, whether there will be a second round of infections and deaths. There are two important lessons learned for people of African descent regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we are disproportionately and negatively impacted by this virus because we are the majority of those infected and killed by this virus. Second, the disparate results from COVID-19 reveal something that we all know is true i.e., we suffer disproportionately from diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease and respiratory issues, all of which COVID-19 exploits. I find it disheartening that there have been no calls from our political leadership to address this disparate impact. To date, we have not seen or heard a demand for programs or initiatives that would substantially reduce our morbidity so that the truism, “White folks get a cold, black folks get pneumonia and die,” will become the exception rather than the rule. Disproportionality has been the bane of our existence, beginning with how we were treated in Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution of 1787. That is the three-fifths clause, which declared that, for purposes of representation in Congress, an enslaved black person would

be counted as three-fifths of a person, while a state’s white inhabitant would be counted as a whole person. It does not help that as COVID-19 plays out its cruel and unusual treatment of human beings, far too many black people refuse to wear masks and practice social distancing, manifesting that they are not serious about dealing with

Sa’ad El-Amin COVID-19. One would think that given our significant disproportionality in being infected and dying from this virus, black people would be twice as alert and on guard. Unfortunately, like other important matters in our quality-of-life issues, we seem to act as if it is someone else’s responsibility rather than ours to protect ourselves from the cruelty of disproportionality. It appears that we have not learned from our history in America that disproportionality is the status quo, which we more often than not buy into rather than resist. Have we forgotten being last hired and the first fired; that we are four times as likely to be killed by a black person; that we are many times more likely to be convicted of serious felony offenses; that our wages and earnings are significantly less than white people, although we’re doing the same job; or our life expectancy is at least 10 years or more shorter. Despite our history being rife with such disparities, we more often than not conduct ourselves in a manner that invites and encourages others to continue these disparities

rather than curtail them. For example, we insist that we be recognized and treated like black lives matter. However, we treat each other and even ourselves like black lives do not matter, which means that we are engaged in rhetorical hypocrisy by asking others to do what we fail to do. We cannot demand that others treat us better than we treat ourselves. That is one of the main reasons that many of our demands for equal treatment are by and large ignored. We should always remember the words of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney, which undergird the Dred Scott decision of 1857, that enslaved persons were not citizens of the United States and had no rights to sue in federal courts. Justice Taney declared that black people have no rights that white people, are required to recognize, respect, protect or defend. I know of no event or events since the Dred Scott decision that nullify Justice Taney’s words and thoughts. I do remember the words and thoughts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he stood on the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on March 25, 1965, in his presentation “Our God Is Marching On!” Dr. King ended his speech by asking, “How long will prejudice blind the visions of men, darken their understanding and drive bright-eyed wisdom from her sacred throne? When will wounded justice, lying prostrate on the streets of Selma and Birmingham and communities all over the South, be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men? When will the radiant star of hope be plunged against the

Saluting Malcolm X A former U.S. president has been quoted as saying, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who want to govern themselves must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” No one whom I have ever met more clearly understood the realness of that observation than Brother Malcolm X, who once noted, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” That’s why I believe the best way to celebrate Brother Malcolm’s 95th birthday on Tuesday, May 19, is to honor his role as a superb deliverer of knowledge. This is demonstrated in remarks that he delivered to 37 young black folks from Mississippi who, in December 1964, were sent to visit him in Harlem by the Student Nonviolent Coordinat-

ing Committee, or SNCC. After greeting them warmly, Brother Malcolm said, “…(T)he topics we are going to discuss in an informal way are Africa and the African revolution and its effect on the Afro-American. I take the time to mention this because I am one who believes that what happens on the Af-

A. Peter Bailey rican continent has a direct bearing on what happens to you and me in this country.” This was probably the first time that those young folks had ever heard from a strong Pan-Africanist. He told them, “We of the Organization of Afro-American Unity realize that the only time the black man in this country is given any kind of recognition or even listened to is when America is afraid of outside pressure or when she’s afraid of her image abroad. So we saw that it was necessary to expand the problem and struggle of the black man in this country until it went above and beyond

the jurisdiction of the United States.” Brother Malcolm told them about his May 1964 trip to Africa where he had audiences ranging from 1½ hours to 3 hours with Presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Sékou Touré of Guinea and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania. Also Prime Minister Milton Obote of Uganda. Those kinds of connections, he told the young folks, are important because they would provide pressure on the U.S. government to do something about the terrorism going on in Mississippi. “I point this out to you to let you know that when you are in Mississippi, you are not alone …,” he said. That was a caring visionary, determined warrior and master teacher providing knowledge to those young black people. That’s why we salute and honor him on his birthday. The writer is an author and journalist based in Washington.

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.

nocturnal bosom of this lonely night, plucked from weary souls with chains of fear and the manacles of death? How long will justice be crucified, and truth bear it?” “I come to say … however difficult the moment, however frustrating the hour … truth crushed to earth will rise again … no lie can live forever … [and] you shall reap what you sow … How long? Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” However, Dr. King did not factor in black folk engaging in self victimization by failing to protect ourselves from hurt, harm and danger and waiting for someone else to cause the arc of the moral universe to bend toward justice. The writer, a graduate of Yale Law School, is a former member of Richmond City Council and president of Strategic and Litigation Consultants.

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Richmond Free Press

May 14-16, 2020 A7

Letter to the Editor

More than rhetoric needed

Re “Kay Coles James heads National Coronavirus Recovery Commission,” Free Press May 7-9 edition: Kay James is one of the great achievers of our city. In her new role leading the Trumpallied National Coronavirus Recovery Commission, I pray she will have some positive influence on an administration that seems totally unprepared for the crisis it faces. She could start by infusing some conscience and some compassion into the White

House. President Trump has shown little compassion generally, and absolutely minimal support for front line workers with low incomes. The James Commission seems to have a twofold purpose: 1) to justify the abandonment of compelling federal obligations and to set up governors and mayors as scapegoats, and 2) to make sure that COVID-19 policies ultimately benefit elite business interests, not the wellbeing of American families. In her native state, if Ms.

James wanted to move the needle, she could join those petitioning state and federal officials for more COVID-19 protections for highly exposed workers, such as health care workers everywhere, farm workers, transit workers, meat processing workers, construction workers, sanitation workers, postal workers and others. When infected, these workers need a safe place to recover, food for their families, child care and survival income to meet their needs.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ATEC USA, Inc. in Richmond, VA seeks a General Manager. Direct all aspects of business, including budget, finances, business operations, staff training & hiring. BA in any engineering field + 2 yr managerial exp. in ATM manufacturing/maintenance industry req’d. Send resume: Edwin Chay, 6829 Atmore Dr # A, Richmond, VA 23225

Director of Public Works

This is an emergency for lower-income families and it will benefit us all if we respond with creative solutions and generosity. Ms. James has said, “The message is to protect the people you love.” It requires more than rhetoric. BEN RAGSDALE Richmond

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Virginia Community Development Corporation (VCDC) VCDC is currently seeking a full-time Director of Equity Funds to join our team. For more details and how to apply visit: www.vacdc.org/careers

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TUESDAY, June 23, 2020 The purpose of these elections is to nominate party candidates that will appear on the ballot in November for the following offices: U.S. House of Representatives, 4th District (Democratic), and U.S. Senate (Republican). Voters will have to choose in which primary that they wish to participate. State law does not allow voters to participate in both.

Polling places will be open for voting from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM PHOTO ID IS NOW REQUIRED AT THE POLLS Visit www.elections.virginia.gov for details on photo ID

There is a polling place change for this election. Residents of precinct 206 will vote at the VCU 500 Academic Center, 1020 West Grace Street FOR THIS ELECTION ONLY. The polling place will revert to Dominion Place, 1025 West Grace Street, for the November 2020 General Election.

THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THIS ELECTION IS: Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Persons with Virginia DMV issued ID CAN REGISTER TO VOTE, UPDATE their voter registration, or apply for an absentee ballot ONLINE and paperlessly at www.elections.virginia.gov. City Hall is currently closed to the public. When it reopens, citizens may register in person in room 105, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Applications are also in all city post offices, libraries, and DMV. The Office of the General Registrar will mail applications upon request. While City Hall is closed, voters may email VoterRegistration@richmondgov.com to request an application, or may call Richmond 311 at (804) 646-7000. Voter registration applications must either be postmarked or in the Office of the General Registrar by 5 PM on the deadline date. Applications submitted online through www.elections.virginia.gov will be accepted if submitted by 11:59 PM on May 26, 2020.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT THROUGH THE MAIL IS Tuesday, June 16, 2020

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A Democratic Party primary and a Republican party primary election will be held in the City of Richmond. The original election date was June 9, 2020, but the Governor postponed these elections to:

Any qualified resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia who will be 18 by November 3, 2020 may register and vote in this election.

Keep paying on your house and car as long as you owe what they are worth.

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

NOTICE TO CITY OF RICHMOND RESIDENTS

Until City Hall reopens to the public, in person voting is available from the Broad Street entrance of City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. When City Hall reopens to the public, it will be available in room 105 from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. The deadline to apply and vote an absentee ballot in person is 5:00 PM, Saturday, June 20, 2020, except in the case of certain emergencies or military personnel. In addition to its normal business hours, the Office of the General Registrar will also be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2020 for absentee voting. Liberal use of reason 2A will be accepted for absentee voting due to COVID-19.

ELECTION OFFICERS NEEDED This City of Richmond needs persons to work the polls on election day. www.elections.virginia.gov to apply.

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Questions? Email us at VoterRegistration@richmondgov.com, call us at (804) 646-5950 when City Hall reopens to the public, or call Richmond 311 (804-646-7000) until City Hall reopens to the public.

TRANSIT SYSTEM

BUS STOP TECHNICIAN Full- Time Salary Non Exempt Closes May 22, 2020

GRTC Transit System seeks skilled candidates, at least 21 years of age, maintain bus stop maintenance to include designated bus stop area and bus stop signs. GRTC has over 1,600 bus stops and the position will work with the Planning Department and Facilities Department to fulﬁll maintenance requests for the bus stops, as well as performing Quality Assurance on larger projects. A Valid Virginia Driver’s license required. GRTC offers excellent pay and outstanding beneﬁts. Those interested can view a comprehensive job description and apply online at www.ridegrtc.com. GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

Senior Software Developer w/ S&P Global Market Intelligence Inc. in Glen Allen, VA. Perform analysis of high-level business reqs. Conceptualize approach & architecture to transform requirements into technical solutions using Cloud Technologies such as Amazon Web Services. Position reqs a Bach deg (US or foreign equiv) in Comp Sci, Comp Engg, or rel & 5 yrs of exp in job offered or rel role. Prior exp must incl 5 yrs of exp w/: Frameworks incl .Net Framework, MVC, MVVM, RESTful API; Programming Languages incl C#, ASP.Net, AJAX, Web Services, HTML, JavaScript, jQuery & AngularJS; Databases incl MS SQL Server; Tools incl Visual Studio, SSMS; & Methodologies incl SDLC, Agile, and Test- driven dvlpmnt & 2 yrs of exp w/ Cloud Technologies incl AWS – EC2, S3, Lambda, & Github. Qualiﬁed Applicants: Email resumes to TalentAcquisitionSupport@ spglobal.com & ref the job code 255565. S&P Global is an equal opportunity employer committed to making all employment decisions w/out regard to race/ethnicity, gender, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status (incl domestic partnerships & civil unions), sexual orientation, military veteran status, unemployment status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Only electronic job submissions will be considered for employment. If you need an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please send an email to:EEO.Compliance@spglobal.com & your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person. The EEO is the Law Posterhttp://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost. pdf describes discrimination protections under federal law.

Important Tax Amnesty Notice City of Richmond Tax Amnesty for Certain Months of 2020 Admission, Lodging, Meals (ALM), Real Estate, and Tangible Personal Property Taxes The City of Richmond is offering Tax Amnesty on penalties and interest applied to certain Admission, Lodging, and Meals (ALM) Taxes. This program, authorized by Ordinance 2020096 as approved by City Council, is designed to alleviate short-term cash flow concerns facing a number of City businesses that depend on public tourism and are being negatively affected by the COVID-19 virus. In order to participate in the program, taxpayers that normally file an ALM return and provide a monthly tax remittance would be required to submit a return each month (with or without a payment), and either pay all taxes due by June 30th or enter an approved payment plan by that time. The program would run from March 20, 2020 (the due date for taxes associated with February 2020) through June 30, 2020. Taxpayers would need to have submitted ALM monthly tax returns related to taxable sales for the months of January 2020 through April 2020 by May 20, 2020 in order to be eligible for the program. In order to qualify for a payment plan for the taxes becoming due during the amnesty period, a taxpayer must either (1) have been current on their tax liabilities as of February 20, 2020; or (2) have had an existing payment plan in place as of February 20, 2020; or (3) pay in full by June 30, 2020 all prior periods due. Payment plans for taxes that would otherwise be due during the amnesty period will require a minimum 25% down payment and a duration of no more than 6 months. In addition, the City is also offering Tax Amnesty on penalties and interest applied to Real Estate and Tangible Personal Property Taxes otherwise due in June 2020. This program, authorized by Ordinance 2020-109 as approved by City Council, is designed to give more payment flexibility to property owners that are being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

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In order to participate in the program property owners must pay their tangible personal property taxes otherwise due June 5, 2020, and/or their real estate taxes otherwise due June 15, 2020, by August 14, 2020. No special action would be required of these property taxpayers in order to receive a waiver of penalty and interest, so long as they pay the full principal balance due by August 14, 2020. Any payment plans for property taxes received after August 14, 2020, will include penalty and interest; no waiver of penalty and interest can be made for payments received after that date. Property owners currently participating in the City Assessor’s Tax Credit for Certain Rehabilitated, Replacement or New Structures Program must pay all Tax Year 2020 real estate taxes by June 30, 2020, in order to receive the respective 2020 tax credit. These tax credits are forfeited for a given year if the tax payment isn’t received by June 30th, per City Code Section 26405(c). The rescinding of a partial tax credit associated with the City Assessor’s program is not considered a penalty that can be waived by the Director of Finance. DMV related hold fees are not included in the Amnesty Program. For more information, please call 804-646-7000 or visit us online at www.richmondgov.com/Finance.

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Richmond Free Press

A8 May 14-16, 2020

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Woody Strode and other African-American athletes went from sports to the silver screen

Woody Strode was among the first four African-Americans to play in the NFL, but that isn’t necessarily his top claim to fame. The muscular native Californian became more of a national star on the silver screen than he was on the gridiron. While he helped break the NFL’s color line in 1946 with the Los Angeles Rams, Strode is better remembered for his role as Draba, the Ethiopian gladiator, in the 1960 action-packed historical drama “Spartacus.” Strode won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film and went on to appear in dozens of movies. His final role was as Charlie Moonlight in “The Quick and the Dead” in 1995, which was released one year after his death in 1994. The chiseled 6-foot-3, 205-pound Strode was essentially Jim Brown and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson long before Brown and Johnson had their names posted on a theater marquee. On a side note, Strode was among the first actors to shave his head. That’s routine now but most unusual in 1951 when he went bald — by choice — for his role in “The Lion Hunter.” Before suiting up for the Los Angeles Rams, along with African-American teammate Kenny Washington in 1946, Strode starred at UCLA and with the minor league Hollywood Bears. Also in 1946, African-American players Marion Motley and Bill Willis took the field for the Cleveland Browns. Among what is now an impressive list of black athletes turned actors, Strode may have been first on the Hollywood set. Here’s a sampling of other athletes that followed on the big screen: Jim Brown: The former player for the Cleveland Browns went from being the NFL’s top running back to becoming Robert Jefferson in “The Dirty Dozen” in 1966. In “100 Rifles” in 1969, Brown appeared with Raquel Welch in one of

VUU signs transfers to boost basketball team

Some of the athletes who transitioned from sports to become actors, clockwise, Woody Strode, Jim Brown, Dwayne Johnson, Boris Kodjoe, Bubba Smith, Carl Weathers, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.

cinema’s first interracial romantic scenes. Dwayne Johnson: Before becoming a leading man under the screen name “The Rock,” Johnson was a defensive tackle at the University of Miami and a pro wrestler. Boris Kodjoe: The former Virginia Commonwealth University tennis star burst onto the movie scene in 2000 with “Love & Basketball” followed by “Brown Sugar” in 2002. Kodjoe plays O.J. Simpson in a yet-to-be-released film “Nicole and O.J.” Mike Tyson: He made heads hurt as the world heavyweight boxing champ. The pugilist dealt with another kind of sore noggin in the 2009 comedy “Hangover.”

Bubba Smith: After dominating opponents as a hulking Baltimore Colts lineman, Smith turned into Moses Hightower in the “Police Academy” film series in the 1980s. Carl Weathers: You may know him best as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” film series, but before that, Weathers was a linebacker at San Diego State University and in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders. Shaquille O’Neal: The 7-foot-2 NBA legend played the role of John Henry Irons, a comic book superhero, in the 1997 film “Steel.” He also has played himself in several films, including “What Men Want” in 2019.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The NBA’s all-time scorer became the world’s tallest pilot in the 1980 comedy “Airplane.” O.J. Simpson: The speedster ran for many touchdowns at the University of Southern California and with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. About that same time, “The Juice” raced into movie star fame with 1974 roles in “The Klansman” and “Towering Inferno.” He also appeared in the TV miniseries “Roots.” Wilt Chamberlain: The man who once scored 100 points in a single NBA game became Bombaata in 1984’s “Conan the Barbarian” starring Grace Jones and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Timothy Brown: One of the Philadelphia Eagles’ all-time greats transformed into Cpl. Judson in the 1970 film M*A*S*H, and later in the M*A*S*H TV series. Terry Crews: Following four years of playing defensive end in the NFL, Crews’ breakout cinema role was Damon in “Friday After Next” in 2002. Jim Thorpe: This Native American won Olympic gold medals in 1912 in the pentathlon and decathlon. Later he appeared in some 70 movies, usually as a Native American in Westerns. Uzo Aduba: This actress was a star sprinter at Boston College, nearly setting the school record in the 55-meter dash before becoming Crazy Eyes Warren in the Netflix original series “Orange Is the New Black.” Forest Whitaker: Many know him from “Bird,” “The Crying Game” and winning an Academy Award for “The Last King of Scotland,” but before that, Whitaker earned a football scholarship to California State-Pomona. Strode was among the first black athletes to play major college football at UCLA in 1939, one of the first to reach the NFL and among the first to gain starring mainstream film roles. Any way you look at it, he was a tough act to follow.

Top NBA draft choice spent a week on college team Kenneth Southerland

Coming from near and far, help is on the way for the Virginia Union University basketball team. Coach Jay Butler has signed a pair of transfer students he hopes will make an immediate impact on his CIAA program. The newcomers are 6-foot-7 power forward Kenneth Southerland from Richard Bland College near Petersburg and 6-foot guard Darius Hines from Marist College in New York of the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic League. Also, 6-foot-2 Keleaf Tate, a transfer from Niagara University in New York, which also is part of the Metro Atlantic League, will become eligible after sitting out this past season at VUU. Southerland averaged 19.7 points, nine rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots for Richard Bland, a Division I junior college squad. He was selected to the All-Region 10 team and will have two seasons of eligibility at VUU. Before that, Southerland starred at Varina High School in Henrico under Coach Andrew Lacey, who now coaches at Richard Bland. Southerland becomes VUU’s second Bland transfer in recent years. Tavon Mealy came to VUU from Bland and became one of the Panthers’ top scorers and rebounders. Hines averaged seven points and three steals per game for the Marist Red Foxes in 2018-19.

Darius Hines

Keleaf Tate

He was also 42 for 51 at the foul line. Tate, a native of Washington, D.C., averaged five points and two assists during the 2018-19 season for Niagara. VUU is coming off a season in which it went 18-11 overall and 11-4 in the CIAA. The Panthers defeated CIAA Northern Division champions Virginia State University twice during the season. The Panthers’ season ended in disappointment, however, with a 72-67 loss to Fayetteville State University in the CIAA quarterfinals. A contributing factor to that loss was absence of junior guard Tyriek Railey, who was sidelined with a leg injury. In his previous four games, Railey had shot 17 for 34 beyond the 3-point arc. He was missed at the CIAA Tournament in Charlotte, N.C. VUU went just 5-for-23 from the distance against the Fayetteville State Broncos. A major loss from that Panthers squad is senior guard Terrell Leach, who earned All-CIAA honors while averaging 23.2 points per game. Leach was selected to the BoxToRow All-America team consisting of players from HBCUs. Rising senior Jordan Peebles made the BoxToRow second team. In five seasons under Coach Butler, the Panthers are 93-59 overall and 55-25 in the CIAA. VUU won the 2018 CIAA Tournament.

James Wiseman offers new meaning to the basketball term “one and done.” Typically, “one and done” refers to an athlete playing one season of college hoops before bolting for the pro ranks. In Wiseman’s case, it was more like “one week and done.” The 7-foot-1 Wiseman played three games for the University of Memphis — Nov. 5 to Nov. 12 — before withdrawing to focus full time on training for the 2020 NBA draft. At age19, he figures to be rewarded June 25 when his name is called near the top of the first round of the NBA draft. Wiseman is among a cluster of teenagers who figure to become instant millionaires as “Lottery picks” — those chosen in the first 14 selections. Here are others in a similar age group who figure to strike it rich next month as possible Lottery picks. To be eligible for the draft, a player must be one year removed from high school. Anthony Edwards (turns 19 on Aug. 5): The 6-foot-4 Atlanta native averaged 20 points and six rebounds as a freshman at the University of Georgia, earning the SEC Freshman of the Year title. Some mock drafts have Edwards picked first overall.

LaMelo Ball (turns 19 on Aug. 22): Bypassing college completely, the 6-foot-6 guard from Southern California averaged 17 points this past season for the Illawarra Hawks, a pro team in Australia. Tyrese Haliburton (turned 20 on Feb. 29): This 6-foot-5 guard out of Oshkosh, Wis., averaged 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds as an Iowa State University sophomore. Tyrese Maxey (turned 19 on Nov. 4): The 6-foot-2 Dallas native averaged 14 points and was secondteam, All-SEC as a freshman at the University of Kentucky. Isaac Okoro (turned 19 on Jan. 26): From Powder Springs, Ga., the 6-foot-6 guard averaged 13 points in his freshman season for Auburn University. Vernon Carey (turned 19 on Feb. 25): The 6-foot-10 native of Miami averaged 18 points and nine rebounds as a Duke University freshman. Jahmi’us Ramsey (turns 19 on June 9): The 6-foot-4 native of Arlington, Texas, averaged 15 points per game for Texas Tech and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Cole Anthony (turns 20 on May 15): The son of former NBA player Greg Anthony averaged 19 points during his injury-plagued freshman season at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

James Wiseman

Nico Mannion (turned 19 March 14): The red-haired Italian son of former NBA player Pace Mannion averaged 14 points as a freshman at the University of Arizona. Like it or not, there’s now a longer list of 19- and 20-year-olds at the top of the NBA draft list than the more traditional 22- and 23-year-olds of yesteryear. Players such as the University of Virginia’s Mamadi Diakite have become the exception. Diakite, who turned 23 on Jan. 21, helped U.Va. to the NCAA championship title in 2019 but elected to stay for his senior year. The 6-foot-9 native of Conakry, Guinea, is a likely second round choice. It’s no secret why the best of the best of the best are leaving school early for the NBA. While being “Big Man on Campus” has advantages, the NBA has money. Based on the current rookie salary structure, the overall first draft pick automatically receives $8.046 million, while the 30th and final pick in Round One qualifies for $1.596 million. It’s hard to turn down that kind of affluence for an early alarm clock ring and a seat in calculus class.

VUU alum played for late Coach Don Shula with the Baltimore Colts Johnson was a reserve guard and a special A native Richmonder played at least a small role in the historic coaching legacy of the late team’s performer on the Colts’ 1968 Super Bowl team that was upset by the New York Jets under Don Shula. Cornelius “CJ” Johnson, an alumnus of quarterback Joe Namath. The former VUU Panther went on to play Virginia Randolph High School in Henrico County and Virginia Union University, was an with the Colts until 1973 and was a regular on the 1971 squad that won Super Bowl offensive guard for six seasons with V against the Dallas Cowboys. the Baltimore Colts, including under For his career, Johnson played in Coach Shula from 1967 to 1969. 74 NFL games and later competed in Coach Shula, who had the most 16 games for the Honolulu Hawaiians coaching victories (347) in NFL hisof the World Football League. tory, died Monday, May 4, 2020, at Johnson suffered major setbacks age 90. in his final years. He lost a leg due Johnson, born in Richmond on May to complications from diabetes and 12, 1943, died in 2017 in Prescott, Don Shula MRSA and lost much of his vision Ariz. Mr. Johnson’s 1968 football card says that due to a series of strokes. Through it all, he never lost his sense of huhe is “the fastest lineman on the team.” Under Coach Thomas “Tricky Tom” Harris mor. Here are some items Johnson told Courier at VUU, the 6-foot-2, 245-pound Mr. Johnson Video in 2013. • On blocking for quarterback Johnny played on both the offensive and defensive Unitas: lines. “When you’re an offensive lineman and Coach Shula saw enough in Johnson to make him the Colts’ seventh round draft choice in the you’re in the hole and Johnny Unitas is there ... it’s like a God is in there and you’re not going spring of 1967. Johnson played under Coach Shula during the to get him hit.” • On facing Dallas lineman Bob Lilly: 1967, 1968 and 1969 seasons, with the Baltimore “I made a block and got hit in the stomach. Colts going 32-7 during that time and winning It was a bad block. On the next play, Bob Lilly the NFL championship in 1968. Coach Shula left the Colts to become coach got down in front of me and I threw up—threw of the Miami Dolphins in 1970 and was replaced up on Bob Lilly. He jumped and the referee gave him a 5-yard penalty for jumping off sides. From in Baltimore by Don McCafferty.

VUU to the NFL Cornelius “CJ” Johnson was the fifth player from Virginia Union University to be drafted by NFL and AFL teams. The others: 1961: Hezekiah Braxton, running back, drafted by San Diego, 12th round 1963: Harlow Fullwood, defensive tackle, drafted by the Baltimore Colts, fourth round 1964: Roger Anderson, defensive tackle, drafted by the New York Giants, seventh round 1966: Monroe Beard from Richmond’s Armstrong High School, wide receiver, drafted by Minnesota, 17th round Cornelius Johnson

then on, all I had to do was clear my throat and Bob Lilly jumped back.” • On Coach Shula, known as a strict, nononsense team leader who taught professionalism at all times: “Let me tell you the story. Don Shula was the type ... never forget, we were in the locker room and being big kids. We were throwing water, buckets of water. “Well, John Mackey was throwing water, and when Don Shula came around the corner, you’ve never seen a man try to put water back in the bucket so fast ... it was unbelievable.”

1967: Cornelius Johnson, offensive lineman, drafted by the Baltimore Colts, seventh round

Johnson, with wife Christy, lived in Prescott, Ariz., many years and became involved with area youth programs. Here is what was said about him in his obit in the Prescott Daily Courier: “He lived an amazing life that cannot be put into words. His impact touched many lives. “God gave CJ the gift to mentor and coach many of the youth of Prescott over the past 20 years. It was his desire to be a positive influence on their lives.

May 14-16, 2020 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

Personality: Rahmah T. Johnson Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year A holistic approach to counseling is the key to success for Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year Rahmah T. Johnson. “I love my children. I love my students. I love education.” That’s Ms. Johnson’s constant refrain as she pours her efforts daily into the students she interacts with and counsels at Thomas Jefferson High School. Named last week as RPS’top educator for 2020, Ms. Johnson wants students systemwide to grow and prosper and become great citizens. She wants them to develop life and professional skills that will take them to uncharted possibilities. To fulfill that goal, Ms. Johnson, a nationally certified counselor, trains other RPS school counselors to undertake an approach understanding the complete child as well as how to form an open bond of honesty, understanding and caring. “Ms. Johnson is the prime and perfect example of an RPS educator because she teaches with love, leads with love and serves with love,” said Superintendent Jason Kamras in presenting Ms. Johnson with the award during a surprise visit to her home last Friday. Richmond School Board officials and Mayor Levar M. Stoney joined in the surprise. Ms. Johnson’s treatment of students comes from both positive and unfortunate experiences throughout her life. She says she did not receive the same type of caring and counseling she tries to provide her students when she attended Kellam High School in Virginia Beach. A native of Orange, N.J., Ms. Johnson lived with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James T. Magwood, who wanted to move the family to a slower and quieter community and settled on Virginia Beach. Ms. Johnson attended junior high school in the resort city

Latest accomplishment: Richmond Public Schools 2020 Teacher of the Year. Date and place of birth: Feb. 2 in Orange, N.J.

Alma maters: Bachelor’s in sociology, Virginia State University, 1999; master’s in school counseling, VSU, 2001; and educational specialist in counseling leadership, University of West Alabama, 2013.

Three teaching strategies you use to help students as they adjust to online/distance learning: Helping them to maintain a routine/schedule, holding them accountable and ensuring that they remain organized.

Family: Brother, Shariff Johnson, and eight nieces and nephews.

Likely long-term changes in education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: Re-examine how we deliver instruction and how we assess learning.

Occupation: Professional school counselor, Thomas Jefferson High School.

before moving to the counseling staff at Thomas Jefferson High School four years ago. “I am always thinking of How long I’ve been a counselnew and innovative ways to or: From 2003 to the present. be different with our students,” Reaction to top teacher award Ms. Johnson says. news: Flabbergasted, awe and She believes and practices shock. leadership every day with stuHow I got the news: I was dents and faculty. Cherita Sears, principal of surprised by the superintendent, Thomas Jefferson High School, the mayor, my principal and calls Ms. Johnson “bossy,” chair of the School Board at adding, “She keeps the faculty my front door. on their toes.” Why I became a counselor: I “She is out there every single wanted a career that would allow day making sure our students, me to give love, be passionate even during the coronavirus and provide genuine care like I crisis, are OK and doing well,” witnessed growing up. Ms. Sears says. “She is always My counseling philosophy: To thinking of ways to do more for foster learning, build knowlour students.” edge, skills and abilities to The coronavirus has taken provide a strong foundation that its tolls on schools, which have is rewarding and meaningful to been shut down statewide under my students. I believe that we executive order through the end are motivated by our past and of the academic year to curb the not victims of it, and that we, spread of COVID-19. Teachers as individuals, determine our are challenged to adjust, mov- own unique style of life. ing from personal interaction with students to staying con- Describe how teaching with nected via technology. “Social media is a challenge,” says Ms. Johnson. “Because of the social separation, I can’t detect non-verbal cues or do an emotional temperature nd check to see how students are doing,” she said. “I can read people’s emotions without them even saying a word,” she continues. “Now I can’t hone in on students’social, emotional and health needs to make sure they are OK.” Despite the present pandemic, Ms. Johnson has a bright outlook for her own future and that of her students. “I want to help students beHtoa come who they aspire become ppe while overcoming obstacles,” nings Ms. Johnson says. “I want to plant seeds for others coming behind today’s students I counsel and encounter every day,” she says. “This is the driving force and motivation behind my success as an educator.” Meet Richmond’s top educator and this week’s Personality, ±

Technology now means: Full integration of technology at home and at school. What’s needed going forward: Meeting the social and emotional needs of our students virtually. Plans for the next academic year: Unknown at the moment, but I look forward to being with my babies again. Advice to aspiring counselors: Build relationships with your students and families. Practice self-care. Always focus on the whole child. Advocate for your students. Stay abreast of current educational trends. Role of parents in learning process, especially now from home: You will always be your child’s first teacher. Continue to support and encourage them. Be involved. Take an active role in your child’s education. Talk to your children and not at them. Ask probing questions.

Biggest challenge facing students today: Maintaining a healthy mental being. How this challenge impacts schoolwork: You can’t check for understanding. You can’t re-teach a concept. You can’t be in their presence and you can’t hug them. A good counselor is: An advocate, a leader and is intentional in their practice. A good student is: A visionary — seeing their future selves and working toward accomplishing their goals. How I start the day: With devotion, meditation and prayer. A perfect day for me is: Meeting the needs of my students daily. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Sing and dance — in my home — because I am not a novice. Kindergarten taught me: That learning is fun. A quote that inspires me: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world” – Dr. Seuss How I unwind: Exercise. Talk to my family. At the top of my “to-do” list: Always be present. Person who influenced me the most: My grandmother. Book that influenced me the most: “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison. What I’m reading now: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. Next goal: To pursue my doctoral degree and possibly begin to teach on a collegiate level.

Lillie Corbin Berry celebrated

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On May 8, 2020. The family helped Ms. Lillie Etta Corbin Berry celebrate her 102nd birthday. She was born in the former Brookland Community, circa 1865, to Marshall & Bessie Price Corbin. Brookland was nestled between the historic Westwood & Pilgrim Communities in western Henrico, on West Broad Street, two blocks west of what later became Willow Lawn Shopping Center. Good Hopewell Baptist Church, founded in 1869, was the center of this neighborhood. Some of the earliest residents were Allen, Berry, Hollow, Johnson, Payne, Perkins, Price and Twine. According to Berry, she was among those children who walked from Brookland up to Pilgrim to attend the one room Union School located on Broad Street Road. In her younger years, Ms. Corbin moved to Washington, D.C., and was employed in private services. Relocating back to Richmond about twenty years ago, she first lived with her devoted son & his wife, Harold & Emily Tyler Corbin. She has been a resident at Henrico Health Care/Airport Drive for about eight years. Sharing this celebrated occasion includes her devoted daughter in law, Emily, great-niece Cynthia Brown, 2nd cousin, Brenda Dabney Nichols, Dr. Bynum, family friend & others. This mother, grandmother and cousin can be seen “hot rodding” around the facility, headed out to play Bingo. Ms. Corbin enjoys needlepoint, is alert, humorous & such fun to be in her company. What a joy and blessing to have her with us even though we are separated by physical barriers, our hearts rejoice at being able to see her bright smile & hear her voice.

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Challenges of teaching from home: Not being able to read the non-verbal cues from my students, engaging students.

Current residence: Richmond’s North Side.

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students has continued during the COVID-19 shutdown: The buildings are physically closed but learning must continue. Although in a different setting, the children are still being challenged academically through online learning platforms.

Rahmah T. Johnson:

and graduated from Kellam High School. Both her junior high and high schools were predominantly Caucasian and Asian with few African-American students, she recalls. The schools were not as diverse as her educational experience in New Jersey, she says. “I can’t remember the names of any of my counselors, who only gave us information about colleges and standardized test schedules,” she remembers. “They were very hands off and didn’t do a lot of personal interacting with us.” Her grandparents helped her through the college admissions and scholarship process. The Magwoods, she says, scheduled time for her to study for college entrance exams, fill out college applications and apply for scholarships. They were hands on, she says, and discussed her progress. The Magwoods laid the foundation for the experience she wanted her students to have in high school. That contrasting experience, between her high school counselors and her grandparents, was a building block to her approach to developing and teaching her peers to become holistic, loving and effective high school counselors. Her career ascent to receiving the prestigious Teacher of the Year honor has not been easy. Upon graduating from Virginia State University, where she earned a bachelor’s in sociology in 1999 and a master’s in school counseling in 2001, Ms. Johnson returned to Virginia Beach and worked in a preschool program for two years. She then moved to King and Queen Central High School in King and Queen County to start her high school counseling career. Following that, she moved to Richmond Public Schools, where she worked for 10 years at John Marshall High School

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Richmond Free Press

Happenings ‘Architect of rock ‘n’ roll,’ Little Richard, dies at 87 Reuters

Richmond Free Press/Ronald E. Carrington

Newlyweds Dr. Janet West and Rodney Jordan pause for a photo after exchanging vows April 25 on the deck of their home in Colonial Heights.

Pandemic can’t stop nuptials for area newlyweds By Ronald E. Carrington

When the coronavirus pandemic threatened to disrupt the wedding plans of Dr. Janet West and Rodney Jordan, love proved too strong – even during a time of social distancing and rules preventing no more than 10 people in one place at one time. Dr. West, a pediatrician whose practice, RVA Baby, is located in South Richmond, and Mr. Jordan, an IT specialist in security, had planned to elope on April 25, the anniversary of their first date in 2012. They were going to marry in Williamsburg, with the bed and breakfast they had reserved making all of the wedding preparations. Dr. West and Mr. Jordan planned to invite family and friends. But that was before COVID-19 shut down most Virginia businesses. “The inn’s owner called when the pandemic hit, saying they had to shut down and couldn’t host the wedding,” Dr. West said. Mr. Jordan, learning about the cancellation and understanding the risk, said they could either marry this year or next year on that special anniversary date. Love won out, and the couple went into overdrive, with just a week to get their wedding together. It was held on the deck of their Colo-

nial Heights home and witnessed by their blended family – her children, Alayna and twins Jonathan and Jaylen, and his children, Rodney II and Reese. The overcast and sometimes drizzly sky couldn’t dampen the joy. They streamed the ceremony for their extended families to see. As the couple exchanged vows on the deck, Jaylen sang from just inside the house, while Jonathan played the guitar under a tree in the yard. With the help and network of their close friend, Dr. Paula Young- Perez, the sacred and memorable ceremony all came together. “We got the flowers, a trellis for the deck and bought a wedding dress by appointment on Thursday,” Dr. West said. “Oh, the food for the family reception was delivered to the wrong house. It was crazy.” The afternoon ceremony was capped with a celebratory drive-by of friends and wellwishers. The pandemic was, for the day, an afterthought. The newlyweds have an optimistic message for people trying to marry during the COVID-19 crisis. “You can do it. It’s all about the person you love and being one,” Dr. West and Mr. Jordan exclaimed almost in unison. “Plus, COVID weddings are cheaper.”

Andre Harrell, who founded Uptown Records and launched many careers, dies at 59 Free Press wire report

“I didn’t want to sit there and be the one confining Puff because the corporation was telling me NEW YORK to do that. I’m not built that way,” Mr. Harrell Andre Harrell, the Uptown Records founder said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal who shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the in 2014. “I told Puff he needs to go and create his late 1980s and 1990s with acts such as Mary J. own opportunity: ‘You’re red-hot right now. I’m Blige and Heavy D and also launched the career really letting you go so you can get rich.’ ” of mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, died Thursday, Diddy quickly launched Bad Boy Records, May 7, 2020. He was 59. taking B.I.G. with him and Diddy’s REVOLT company releasing his classic album confirmed Mr. Harrell’s death, “Ready to Die” in 1994. but no other details were im“And Biggie Smalls ended up mediately available. becoming my favorite rapper,” Mr. Harrell was vice chairman Mr. Harrell told WSJ. at REVOLT. Mr. Harrell was born in Har“Everyone in the REVOLT lem on Sept. 26, 1960. He was family is devastated by the loss part of the rap duo Dr. Jeckyll of our friend, mentor and Vice & Mr. Hyde, releasing several Chairman. Andre’s impact on songs before dropping their Hip Hop, the culture and on debut album, “The Champagne Mr. Harrell all of us personally has been of Rap,” in 1985. immeasurable and profound. May he Rest In Mr. Harrell began working for Russell SimPeace.” Roma Khanna, CEO of REVOLT Media mons at Def Jam in the 1980s, quickly becoming & TV, said in a statement. an executive and helping build the careers for Mr. Harrell launched his New York City- acts such as Run-DMC and LL Cool J. based label in 1986, eventually dominating the “So many can say they are successful because urban music scene with multiple hit songs and Andre Harrell gave them their start. He was so platinum-selling albums. beloved because he made his living uplifting He first found success in the late 1980s with others,” Mr. Simmons posted last Saturday on debut albums from Heavy D & the Boyz, Al B. Instagram. “We celebrate him in his passing Sure! and Guy, the R&B trio that also included because we were so blessed for his presence... megaproducer Teddy Riley, the leader of the He gave everything he had. God makes the best New Jack Swing movement. plans R.I.P @andreharrell.” In 1990, Diddy entered Mr. Harrell’s office. Mr. Harrell left to launch Uptown, where he He received an internship at Uptown and quickly also had success with Soul for Real, Lost Boyz, rose through the ranks after finding success with Christopher Williams, Monifah and Father MC. just-signed acts, including R&B group Jodeci Mr. Harrell’s talent even extended to television and Ms. Blige, who was dubbed the Queen and movies. He executive produced the hit 1990s of Hip-Hop Soul with the release of her 1992 TV police drama “New York Undercover,” which debut, “What’s the 411?” ran for four seasons. He also produced the 1992 Uptown also released Notorious B.I.G.’s first Halle Berry comedy “Strictly Business” and single, 1993’s “Party and Bull----,” which was 2003’s “Honey,” starring Jessica Alba. featured on a film soundtrack. “My heart is breaking and I can’t stop crying. Diddy often credits Mr. Harrell with giv- He was an amazing friend and I will miss him ing him the tools to find success in music and forever,” Mariah Carey tweeted. life, even saying Mr. Harrell was like a father Questlove of The Roots wrote an emotional post, figure to him. calling Mr. Harrell’s death “a staggering loss.” “Andre Harrell influenced me the most and “He gave you the best soundtracks of your I don’t know if that will ever change,” Diddy life man and you didn’t even know it. We never said in an interview with HipHollywood. gave him his flowers,” he continued. “He redeIn 1993, though, Mr. Harrell let Diddy go fined the party!” from Uptown. Mr. Harrell said one of the reasons Mr. Harrell was president and CEO of Mohe fired Diddy was because MCA Records, the town Records from 1995 to 1997. label’s distributor, didn’t want to release B.I.G.’s BET announced it is producing a three-part debut album because of its raw and rough subject television series about Mr. Harrell and Uptown matter about street life. Records that will premiere sometime this year.

Little Richard, the selfproclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” who built his groundbreaking sound with a boiling blend of boogie woogie, rhythm and blues and gospel, died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the age of 87. A Grammy Award winner and inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame whose electrifying 1950s hits such as “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” and flamboyant stage presence influenced legions of performers, succumbed to bone cancer. His bass guitarist, Charles Glenn, told celebrity website TMZ that Little Richard had been sick for two months and that he died in Tullahoma, Tenn., surrounded by his brother, sister and son. “He was loved by his family and adored by millions,” his family said in a statement released through their lawyer, Bill Sobel. Little Richard was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 but missed the ceremony because he was recovering from an auto accident. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him No. 8 on its list of 100 greatest entertainers of all time and he received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1993. “Little Richard bent gender, upset segregationist fault lines and founded a tradition of rock dadaists devoted to the art of self-creation,” a Rolling Stone critic said. “He went with the inspiration of the moment, be it divine or hormonal, and caromed like a shiny, cracked pinball between God, sex and rock ‘n’ roll.” As a minister, Little Richard officiated at weddings for Bruce Springsteen, Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, Cyndi Lauper and other celebrities. He suffered a heart attack in 2013 and hip problems required him to use a wheelchair at times. In a post on Instagram last Saturday, Little Richard’s guitarist Kelvin Holly said, “Rest in peace, Richard. This one really stings. My thoughts and prayers go out to all my bandmates and fans all over the world. Richard truly was the king!” At his peak in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Little Richard shouted, moaned, screamed and trilled hits like “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Lucille,” all the while pounding the piano like a mad man and punctuating lyrics with an occasional shrill “Whoooo!” Time magazine said he played “songs that sounded like nonsense ... but whose beat seemed to hint of unearthly pleasures centered somewhere between the gut and the gutter.” The music drew in young black and white fans at a time when parts of the United States

AP Photo/Ed Betz

Little Richard performs in August of 2004 at the Westbury Music Fair in Westbury, N.Y.

still were strictly segregated. Many white artists, such as Pat Boone, had their own hit versions of Little Richard’s songs, albeit considerably toned down and “safer” for the pop audience. “I’ve always thought that rock ‘n’ roll brought the races together,” Little Richard once told an interviewer. “Although I was black, the fans didn’t care. I used to feel good about that.” James Brown, Otis Redding, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Rod Stewart all cited Little Richard as an influence. Jimi Hendrix, who played in Little Richard’s band in the mid-1960s, said he wanted to use his guitar the way Little Richard used his voice. “I am the innovator,” Little Richard would tell interviewers and audiences. “I am the originator. I am the emancipator. I am the architect of rock ‘n’ roll!” Little Richard’s sonic extravagance was matched by his campy flamboyance. He wore brightly colored suits, a pencil-thin mustache, a carefully curled 6-inch pompadour, mascara, pancake makeup and lipstick. “Elvis may have been the king of rock ‘n’ roll, but I am the queen,” he proclaimed. Born Dec. 5, 1932 as Richard Penniman to a poor family of 12 children in Macon, Ga., Little Richard grew up with religion as a guiding force in his family. His family attended Pentecostal, Baptist and African Methodist Episcopal churches. His faith was so deeply ingrained that at times it would overwhelm his rock career. His first performances were as a child in his church choir and his earliest inspirations were gospel singers, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who let a young Richard open her show when she stopped in Macon. A singer named Esquerita also influenced Richard’s fashion and manic musical style. He first went on the road in the late 1940s, performing in medicine shows and drag shows

and with bands. Little Richard first recorded in the early 1950s and became a dominating force on the music charts starting in 1956 with hits such as “Tutti Frutti,” “Rip It Up,” “Slippin’ and Slidin,’ ” and “Good Golly Miss Molly.” All were infused with an energetic rhythm bordering on the frenetic. “Shining like a quasar, the most intensely radiant object in the cosmos, he seems to tap a mystical source of mental power that is only accessible to great preachers and shamans,” former Beatles star Paul McCartney wrote in the preface to Little Richard’s 1994 autobiography “The Life and Times of Little Richard.” But Little Richard’s career took a turn in 1957 when he decided to abandon rock in the middle of a two-week tour of Australia. Little Richard told a biographer that he saw a fireball shoot across the sky during an outdoor performance in Sydney and took it as a sign from God to change his life. He said he later determined the fireball was the launch of Russia’s Sputnik satellite. A few months later, however, Little Richard was a student at a Bible college in Alabama. For a while, he played only gospel music, but slipped back into rock ‘n’ roll, sharing a bill with the young Beatles in Hamburg, Germany, in 1962. It was a pattern that persisted for years, as Little Richard moved between rock ‘n’ roll, alcohol, cocaine and heroin abuse and Christianity and gospel music. He would go on to become an ordained Seventh Day Adventist minister and eventually worked both gospel and rock into his shows, along with a little preaching. “I talk about my life as a homosexual and a drug addict because I think it is right to tell people what God has done for me,” Little Richard wrote in his autobiography.

Grammy-winning singer Betty Wright succumbs at 66 Free Press wire report

MIAMI Betty Wright, the Grammywinning singer and songwriter whose influential 1970s hits included “Clean Up Woman” and “Where Is the Love,” is dead at age 66. Ms. Wright died at her home in Miami on Sunday, May 10, 2020, several media outlets reported. Steve Greenberg of S-Curve Records told the New York Times Ms. Wright had been diagnosed with cancer last fall. Ms. Wright had her breakthrough with 1971’s “Clean Up Woman,” which combined elements of funk, soul and R&B. Recorded when Ms. Wright was just 17, the song would be a Top 10 hit on both the Billboard R&B and pop charts, and its familiar grooves would be used and reused in the sampling era of future decades. The youngest of seven children, Ms. Wright was born Bessie Regina Norris in 1953 in Miami, the city whose funk and soul sounds her music would

Ms. Wright

always be identified with. She started singing with the family gospel group, Echoes of Joy, and released her solo debut album, “My First Time Around,” at age 15 in 1968. The album yielded a Top 40 hit, “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do.” After “Clean Up Woman,” written by Clarence Reid and Willie Clarke and later sampled by Afrika Bambaataa and Mary J. Blige, she would have her first hit she wrote herself with “Baby Sitter,” a 1973 hit that showed off her so-called “whistle register” vocals, an ultrahigh singing style later employed by Mariah Carey

and others. With members of K.C. and the Sunshine Band, she cowrote her 1975 proto-disco hit, “Where Is the Love,” which would win her a Grammy for best R&B song. A career lull in the late 1970s and early 1980s prompted Ms. Wright to start her own label in 1985, leading to a gold album, “Mother Wit,” in 1987 and the comeback hit “No Pain (No Gain).” She spent much of the rest of her life as a producer and mentor to younger artists, many of whom were singing her praises after her death. “Thank you for being a master teacher, a friend and one of the greatest female soul singers in our industry,” Ledisi posted on Twitter. “You were so much more than your music. We were blessed to be around royalty.” John Legend tweeted that Ms. Wright “was always so loving and giving to younger artists. Always engaged, always relevant. She will be missed.”

Richmond Free Press

May 14-16, 2020

Obituary/Faith Directory

Dolson B. Anderson Jr., a leader and deacon at Westwood Baptist Church, dies at 72 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oftentimes Dolson could be seen changing a light bulb, For more than two decades, Dolson Barnett â&#x20AC;&#x153;Butchieâ&#x20AC;? Anderson Jr. was the volunteer leader of the media ministry for mopping the floors or doing whatever needed to be done,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was always willing to assist and was often the last Westwood Baptist Church in Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End. Later a deacon in the church, Mr. Anderson videotaped virtu- person to leave the building.â&#x20AC;? He was ordained as a deacon at the church in ally every service with support from members of the 2013. ministry who ran the sound board and managed the Mr. Anderson was a founding member of the lighting to ensure a quality finished product.Â Jahnke Road Community Development OrganizaKnown as a kind, thoughtful and considerate man, tion. He also was a past president of the Westlake Mr. Andersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication, attention to detail and Hills Civic Association and belonged to the Astoria willingness to share the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services with the Beneficial Club and the Richmond Postal Union. wider world are being remembered following his death He was a member of the Leadership Metro on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, in Baltimore. Richmond Class of 2006. Lynda Sharp Anderson, his wife of nearly 30 In addition to his wife, Mr. Anderson is survived years, said Mr. Anderson died from the coronavirus. by three daughters, Dawn Anderson of Richmond, Isis Mrs. Anderson, a former executive director of the Anderson of Atlanta and Jana Carter of Kennedyville, Metropolitan Business League who is now a City of Md.; two brothers, David Hilton of Wilmington, Richmond employee, said the family doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know Mr. Anderson Del., and Reginald Hilton of Pennsauken, N.J.; four where her husband may have contracted the virus, but he became ill after taking her to Baltimore to recuperate stepsisters, Helen Butler of Pennsauken, N.J., Alyce Haskins of Raleigh, N.C., Dorothy Hill of Hi-Nella, N.J., and Janice Hilton with family following her knee surgery. He succumbed there after being hospitalized, Mrs. Anderson of Philadelphia; and two grandchildren. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donasaid. He was 72. tions be made to the Westwood Baptist Church Media Ministry, A celebration of his life is to be scheduled, she said. Born in Delaware, Mr. Anderson grew up in Baltimore. In 915 Glenburnie Road, Richmond, Va. 23226. high school, he was the drum major in the marching band and played the trombone and electric guitar. He attended Morgan State University and then served in the Navy before moving to Richmond, where he worked for more Baptist Church than 30 years for the U.S. Postal Service. He also worked part time in the Richmond Free Press circulation department in the 1408 W. Leigh Street Âˇ Richmond, Va. 23220 Sunday School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:45 AM (804) 358â&#x20AC;&#x201D;6403 late 1990s and early 2000s. Sunday Services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 AM Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor Mr. Anderson was best known for his service to Westwood Via Conference Call Baptist Church, which he joined more than 30 years ago. (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# Along with his work with the media ministry, he took on All church acďż˝viďż˝es are canceled other tasks, his wife said.

2IVERVIEW

Moore Street Missionary

"APTIST #HURCH

unďż˝l further noďż˝ce.

Broad Rock Baptist Church 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 â&#x20AC;˘ 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to the Corona All services Sunday SchoolVirus: ~ 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m. at Broad Rock Baptist Church 4th Sunday UniďŹ ed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m. are until further notice.â&#x20AC;? Biblecancelled, Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Follow us on Facebook for â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Word from Moore Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pastorâ&#x20AC;? 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.

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAKE IT HAPPENâ&#x20AC;? Pastor Kevin Cook

SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020 Morning Worship 11:00 AM Drive-In Service in our Parking Lot

For Sunday Services at 10:30 AM Bible Study, Wednesdays at 7 PM Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Listeners can call: (508) 924-3234 Support us Online through the Givelify App

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

Worship Opportunities Sundays: All Sunday services have been suspended for the remainder of the month. Join us for online streaming this Sunday at 10 AM. Visit our WEBSITE, look under â&#x20AC;&#x153;/NLINE 3ERVICES,â&#x20AC;? and access the â&#x20AC;&#x153;0ASTOR S -ESSAGE.â&#x20AC;? Bible Study Opportunities Thursdays: All Bible Study sessions have been suspended for the remainder of the month. Tithing Opportunities Download the Tithe.ly giving app for Apple and Android devices. Your gift is safe/secure and goes directly to our church. -OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ We Embrace Diversity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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

See you there!

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

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Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

1858

e with Reverence elevanc R in g Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Pastor-Elect bin m â?&#x2013; o

SUNDAYS

Church School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. â?&#x2013;

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

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

â?&#x2013;

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Adam L. Bond, Pastor-Elect

THIRD SUNDAY 10:30 a.m. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Higher Achievement

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working For You In This Difficult Hourâ&#x20AC;?

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 (804) 276-0791 office (804)276-5272 fax www.ndec.net

Services suspended until further notice.

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

Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor

2300 Cool Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23223 804-795-5784 (Armstrong High School Auditorium)

Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Founder (Dec. 19, 1938 - Dec. 9, 2006) Joseph Jenkins, III. â&#x20AC;˘ Jason K. Jenkins â&#x20AC;˘ Maxine T. Jenkins

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

Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Place for Youâ&#x20AC;?

Âą4HE 0EOPLEÂ´S #HURCHÂ˛

2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 (804) 358-9177

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402

Ebenezer Baptist Church For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NRSV)

Zion Baptist Church (South Richmond)

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

151

216 W. Leigh St. â&#x20AC;˘ Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcofďŹ ce1@yahoo.com â&#x20AC;˘ web: www.richmondebenezer.com

You may join us on Facebook Live:

500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825

Join us on Sundays at 12 noon via Conference Call: years of Christian 1(503)300-6860 Serv ating Code:273149# r b e i ce el

2006 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA 23224 ZBCOFFICE@VERIZON.NET â&#x20AC;˘ (804) 859-1985 or (804) 232-2867 Church OďŹ&#x192;ce Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH

Baptist Church

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.â&#x20AC;?

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Church With A Welcomeâ&#x20AC;?

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

Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 AM

Zion Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye Pastor and Founder

To empower people of God spiritually, mentally and emotionally for successful living.

All activities have been canceled until further notice including our radio broadcast. Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people. - Matthew 4:23

Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

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SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service

Follow peace with all WEDNESDAY SERVICES men, and holiness, Noonday Bible without which Study no man 12:00 p.m. (Noon) shall see the Lord: Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. (Bible Study) www.ndec.net

Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

SATURDAY

6 weeks to 4th grade Before and After Care

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You can now view Sunday Morning Service â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS IT HAPPENSâ&#x20AC;? online! Also, for your convenience, we now offer â&#x20AC;&#x153;full online giving.â&#x20AC;? Visit www.ndec.net.

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Richmond Free Press

B4 May 14-16, 2020

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, June 8, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2020-111 To declare the property known as 1201 Porter Street to be blighted property pursuant to Va. Code § 36-49.1:1 and to approve a spot blight abatement plan for such property. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, May 19, 2020, 1:00 p.m.) This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020093, adopted April 9, 2020. This meeting 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 Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams. Audio of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// richmondva.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx. To listen to the meeting’s live audio 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 June 8, 2020 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 June 8, 2020 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, June 8, 2020, 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 http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx. Candice D. Reid City Clerk 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, June 1, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, June 8, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2020-118 To amend Ord. No. 91220-208, adopted Jul. 8, 1991, which authorized use of the properties known as 1704 and 1706 Floyd Avenue, containing 4847.82 square feet located on the north side of Floyd Avenue between Vine Street and Allen Avenue, being more completely described as follows: beginning at a point being 43.00 feet west of the west line of Vine Street, thence fronting 37.58 feet in a westerly direction along the north line of Floyd Avenue and extending back 129.00 feet between parallel lines, parallel to the west line of Vine Street, to the south line of a 10.75 foot wide eastwest public alley, to be split into two separate lots, for the purpose of a twofamily dwelling on each property, to authorize a Continued on next column

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third dwelling unit at 1706 Floyd Avenue, together with accessory parking, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for this property is R‑6, Single Family Attached Residential. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single Family Residential at Medium densities. Primary uses for this category are single‑family and two‑family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses. The density of the proposed use of 1706 Floyd Avenue would be approximately 54 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2020-119 To amend Ord. No. 2019089, adopted Apr. 22, 2019, which authorized the special use of the properties known as 5400 Hull Street Road, 5336 Hull Street Road, and 5348 Hull Street Road for the purpose of self-storage facilities and multifamily dwellings containing up to 245 dwelling units, to modify the site plans, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is located in the B-3 General Business District and the R-4 Single-Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as General Commercial. Primary uses include a broad range of office, retail, general commercial, wholesale and service uses, typically located along major transportation corridors and serving large portions of the City, the region or the traveling public. No residential density is specified for this land use designation. The residential density of the proposed development would be approximately 20 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2020-120 To authorize the special use of the property known as 7345 Longview Drive for the purpose of a wildlife rehabilitation facility accessory to an existing single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is located in the R-2 Single-Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single‑Family (Low Density) uses. Primary use is single‑family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses. Ordinance No. 2020-121 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2100 West Cary Street for the purpose of a retail use on the ground floor, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a R-63 Multifamily Urban Residential District. The City Master Plan calls for a future land use recommendation for this property for single‑family medium density uses. Primary uses are single‑family and two‑family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2020-122 To authorize the special use of the property known as 301 West 6th Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to 350 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in the RF-2 Riverfront Zoning District. The City of Richmond’s Downtown Plan designates a future land use category for the subject properties as Downtown – Urban Center Area (DT-UCA). The Urban Center area is characterized by higher density, mixed-use development, typically arranged on a fine-grained street network, with wide sidewalks, regular tree planting, and minimal setbacks. The proposed density of the project is approximately 156 units per acre.

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and development, warehousing, distribution, office, warehouse and service uses. Office, retail and other uses that complement industrial areas are often secondary support uses. 401 Maury Street is within the Master Plan’s Downtown Urban Center Area designation which is characterized by higher density, mixed-use development, typically arranged on a fine-grained street network, with wide sidewalks, regular tree planting, and minimal setbacks. Ordinance No. 2020-124 To d e c l a r e t h a t a public necessity exists and to authorize the acquisition by gift, purchase, condemnation, or otherwise of the property known as 1201 Porter Street for the public purpose of implementing a Spot Blight Abatement Plan adopted in accordance with Va. Code § 3649.1:1 for such property. The subject property is zoned in the R-8 Urban Residential District. The Downtown Plan includes the subject property in a General Urban Area. The General Urban Area is characterized b y m e d i u m - d e n s i t y, mixed-use development, distributed along mediumsized bocks. The meetings will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020093, adopted April 9, 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 June 8, 2020 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 June 8, 2020 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, June 8, 2020, 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 http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx. Candice D. Reid City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances:

Ordinance No. 2020-123 To rezone the properties known as 400 Maury Street and 418 Maury Street from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the TOD-1 TransitOriented Nodal District and the property known as 401 Maury Street from the B-7 Mixed-Use Business District to the TOD-1 Transit-Oriented Nodal District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates 400 Maury Street and 418 Maury Street for Industrial land use, which includes a wide variety of manufacturing, processing, research

Ordinance No. 2020-108 To repeal Ord. No. 2019274, adopted Nov. 12, 2019, which amended ch. 11 of the City Code by adding therein in ch. 11 a new art. VIII, consisting of new §§ 11-190—11-197, effective Jul. 1, 2020, to establish a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program, for the purpose of repealing this program. (COMMITTEE: Finance & Economic Development,

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Thursday, May 21, 2020, 1:00 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2020-110 To amend Ord. No. 2019041, adopted May 13, 2019, which adopted the Fiscal Year 20192020 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by reducing total appropriations by $11,782,826, transferring funds from various agencies and nondepartmental programs and the Budget and Revenue Stabilization Contingency Reserve, and appropriating the transferred funds to various agencies and nondepartmental programs; and to amend Ord. No. 2019-042, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Special Fund Budget and made appropriations thereto, by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Affordable Housing – Non CDBG Areas special fund by $1,000,000.00 to provide for affordable housing initiatives. Ordinance No. 2020-112 To establish a residential permit parking district in the Historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, May 19, 2020, 1:00 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2020-113 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Deed of Quitclaim of Utility Easement Portion between the City of Richmond and FW-VA The Village Shopping Center, LLC, for the purpose of releasing a portion of a utility easement to FW-VA The Village Shopping Center, LLC. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, May 19, 2020, 1:00 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2020-114 To amend ch. 26, art. I of the City Code, concerning taxation, by adding therein a new § 26-3, concerning the application of payments for taxes, for the purpose of providing that the Director of Finance shall not be required to credit all payments of local levies first against the most delinquent account and may instead credit such payments, to the extent permitted by law, in the manner deemed appropriate where the taxpayer has entered into a bona fide payment agreement with the City. (COMMITTEE: Finance & Economic Development, Thursday, May 21, 2020, 1:00 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2020-115 To amend Appendix A of the City Code for section 12-120(a)(20), concerning rates and discounts for parking facilities operated by the City. (COMMITTEE: Finance & Economic Development, Thursday, May 21, 2020, 1:00 p.m.) This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020093, adopted April 9, 2020. This meeting 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 Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams. Audio of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// richmondva.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx. To listen to the meeting’s live audio 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 May 26, 2020 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 May 26, 2020 Richmond City Council Continued on next column

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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 Tuesday, May 26, 2020, 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 http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx. Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER PAMELA SHAWNAY FLOYD, Plaintiff, v. HERBERT LAMONT FLOYD, Defendant. Case No.: CL19002232-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION TO: Herbert Lamont Floyd 241 W. Hansberry Street Philadelphia, PA 19144 The object of this suit is for Plaintiff to obtain a divorce a vinculo matrimonii from the Defendant, Herbert Lamont Floyd, on the grounds of parties having lived separate and apart, continuously and without interruption for more than one (1) year, and the parties having two (2) children born of this marriage, namely Octavia Shawnay Floyd, born November 14, 2006, and Elijah Lamont Floyd, born April 28, 2008; and an affidavit having been made and signed that due diligence has been used to ascertain the Defendant’s location and residence without success; and that his last known address is as indicated above; and accordingly, it is therefore Adjudged, Ordered and Decreed that Defendant shall appear and protect his interests as he deems necessary within fifty (50) days from the date of entry of this Order, being on or before June 15, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. A Copy Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: William D. Hamner, Esq. (VSB# 17836) LANE & HAMNER, P.C. 3520-A Courthouse Road Richmond, Virginia 23236 804-745-2144 804-745-7880 Fax VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER IVELISSE CALDERON, Plaintiff v. ROMULO DUBON GARCIA, Defendant. Case No.: CL20000553-00 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 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, 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 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TAMISHA KEY, Plaintiff v. EMANUEL KEY, SR., Defendant. Case No.: CL20000959-00 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 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ISOKE GRIFFIN, Plaintiff v. MICHAEL GRIFFIN, Defendant. Continued on next column

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Case No.: CL20001309-00 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 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, 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

FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER HEATHER REMINGTON, Plaintiff v. JON REMINGTON Defendant. Case No.: CL20001450-00 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 of Virginia, appear here on or before the 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: The 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 WILLIAM HASKETT, JR., Plaintiff v. ROSEMARIE LEEHASKETT Defendant. Case No.: CL20001512-00 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 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TERILYN CRADDOCK GREEN, Plaintiff v. JUSTIN GREEN, Defendant. Case No.: CL20001513-00 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 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR CHESTERFIELD COUNTY IYABO EBUN OYEDIRAN, Plaintiff v. OYEDEJI OYEDIRAN Defendant. Case No.: CL19-2994-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION April 30, 2020 On this day the Petitioner appeared by counsel upon an Affidavit for Service by Publication, pursuant to section 8.01-316 of the Virginia Code. It is hereby ORDERED that Oyedeji Oyediran appear at the above-named court and protect his interests on or before July 1, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. An Extract Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk D. Scott Caslow, Esq. VSB# 92050 FRIEDMAN, FRAMME & THRUSH, P.A. 6800 Paragon Place, Suite 233 Richmond, VA 23294 (804) 377-0061 (phone) (410) 559-9009 (fax) Counsel for Petitioner

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LORRANDA JOHNSON, Plaintiff v. ANTOINE JOHNSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL19002265-00 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 has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 9th day of June, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER KENNETH BEW, Plaintiff v. JEANNE BEW, Defendant. Case No.: CL20001281-00 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 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CORBIN COTTINGHAM, Plaintiff v. TONIQUE JOHNSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL20001313-00 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 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C.

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Public Notice

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Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

Property Notice Judicial Sale of Real Property Owner/s of the below listed properties are hereby given notice that thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, proceedings will be commenced under the authority of Section 58.13965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to sell the following parcels located in the City of Richmond, Virginia for payment of delinquent taxes: 3101 1st Avenue N0000990014 915 East 15th Street S0000393007 118 East 18th Street S0000236024 1901 North 21st Street E0001238007 1903 North 21st Street E0001238008 1810 North 25th Street E0001083009 908 North 33rd Street E0000805016 910 North 33rd Street E0000805015 912 North 33rd Street E0000805014 914 North 33rd Street E0000805013 916 North 33rd Street E0000805012 918 North 33rd Street E0000805010 2409 Alexander Avenue S0080815054 2502 Berwyn Street S0080381014 2504 Berwyn Street S0080381013 1406 Brook Road N0000358014 1408 Brook Road N0000358013 1410 Brook Road N0000358018 1422 Brook Road N0000358009 2603 Columbia Street S0080379013 4002 Crutchfield Street S0002915016 3213 Delaware Avenue N0001158023 2014 Dinwiddie Avenue S0000397003 2016 Fairfield Avenue E0001237017 3518 Florida Avenue N0001371002 2115 Ford Avenue E0000598024 2117 Ford Avenue E0000598025 2012 Gordon Avenue S0000642003 4632 Grove Avenue Unit 10 W0190275049 3224 Lamb Avenue N0001136001 2400 Lamberts Avenue S0080815031 113 West Lancaster Road N0000597005 3011 Laurelbrook Drive C0090176009 505 Milton Street N0001365026 2934 Northumberland Avenue N0000860004 2401 Oakland Avenue S0071377018 2401A Oakland Avenue S0071377025 2401B Oakland Avenue S0071377024 2401C Oakland Avenue S0071377023 2605 Phaup Street E0120291011 505 Pollock Street N0001260004 2111 Warwick Avenue S0071633027 The owner/s of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and cost thereon, including the pro rata costs of publication hereunder. Gregory A. Lukanuski, Deputy City Attorney Office of the City Attorney for the City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia (804) 646-7949

custodY Virginia: In the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court HENRICO County Commonwealth of Virginia, in re CEDILLO CEDILLO, JOSE SAUL, Case No.: JJ106440-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Grant sole legal custody of jose saul cedillo cedillo pursuant to code 16.1-241 (A3). It is ordered that the defendant rutilIo delsid appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 27, 2020, 9:00 AM.

CONTACT: Lucinda Shannon 434-979-0654 Ishannon@tjpdc.org

Hearings will be held at the: • MPO Policy Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO will host a public hearing on: Adopting the FY 2021 Uniﬁed Planning Work Program (UPWP) Adopting the FY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) These planning documents outline future Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO activities. More information can be found at (http://campo.tjpdc.org). The hearings will be held online and phone, visit http://campo.tjpdc.org for connection instructions. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Comments may also be submitted via telephone, email or letter to the MPO: POB 1505, Charlottesville, VA 22902; phone (434) 979-7310; email: info@tjpdc.org. Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) uses the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development process of the TJPDC Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to satisfy the public hearing requirements of 49 U.S.C. Section 5307(c). The TIP public notice of public involvement activities and time established for public review and comment on the TIP satisﬁes the program-of-projects requirements of the Urbanized Area Formula Program.