Richmond Free Press May 2-4, 2019 Edition

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Remembering John Singleton

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Richmond Free Press © 2019 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 28 NO. 18

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Something in the Water B2

MAY 2-4, 2019

Balancing act

Richmond City Council designs a new budget that places a 50 cent-per-pack tax on cigarettes, increases funding for schools and expands bus service while giving city employees a 3 percent raise By Jeremy M. Lazarus

An exhausted City Council completed work Monday on a new 2019-20 spending plan for Richmond that calls for a 3.6 percent, or $26 million, increase in city spending and is balanced with the imposition of the city’s first tax on cigarettes — a 50 cent levy on each pack effective July 1— and a hike in utility rates. Scrapping Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s request for a 9 cent increase in the tax on real estate that he stumped for and insisted was required to pay for his priorities, City Council, instead, pared about $11 million from his proposed spending blueprint

while embracing virtually all of his priorities, including expanded funding for city schools and increased funding for GRTC to improve regular bus service. In all, the council is proposing a $746.2 million budget, or about $3,258 for each of the nearly 229,000 city residents. That’s an increase of about $114 per person from the current $720 million 2018-19 budget. The mayor had proposed a $757.9 million spending plan, or $3,309 per person, based on expectations of a property tax increase. “Yes, we completed our work and have a balanced budget, and that’s a good thing. But people have to realize we had to leave

Judge Damon J. Keith, civil rights and judicial icon, dies at 96 Free Press wire, staff report

DETROIT U.S. Appeals Court Judge Damon J. Keith, who decided many of the nation’s most important school desegregation, employment discrimination and government surveillance cases during his more than 50 years on the federal bench, died Sunday, April 28, 2019, at his home in Detroit surrounded by family. He was 96 and, as a senior judge, still heard cases about four times a year at the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. The grandson of slaves, Judge Keith, who has long ties to the Richmond area, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent attorney in Detroit and later a civil rights icon with his rulings in high-profile cases following Please turn to A4

a lot of things out,” said 9th District City Councilman Michael J. Jones, a supporter of the mayor’s tax increase and the lone member to respond to a Free Press request for comment. “You get what you pay for. You can’t get something for nothing, and people have to understand that.” The council expects to introduce the amended budget ordinances on Monday, May 6, and Ms. Newbille take final action on Monday, May 13. The council’s budget plan includes maintaining the current property tax rate of $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, a rate that has been in place for a decade and remains the lowest in city history. The vote is actually perfunctory as the council is required to pass a schools budget and set the tax rate by May 15, meaning there would be no time to amend the proposal even if the members were so inclined. Ignoring last week’s blowup that threatened his relationship with the council, along with his unsuccessful bid for a property tax increase, Mayor Stoney used Twitter to praise the council for reaching “a consensus to advance priorities in my budget.” Topping the list is extra funding for Richmond Public Schools that seemed a distant prospect when the council began deliberations, despite lobbying by the School Board, Superintendent Jason Kamras and advocates who urged the governing body to find the money. The council’s budget plan includes a nearly $18 million increase in operating funds for RPS, the biggest jump in years. About $6 million would cover the local share of raising teacher and staff pay and the remaining $11.7 million would pay for the Dreams4RPS educational upgrades Mr. Kamras has touted. The council put the $11.7 million in a special fund that can be tapped only through requests from RPS and the city showing Please turn to A4

Nation’s top teacher celebrated in whirlwind of appearances By Ronald E. Carrington

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Grand opening Shoppers flood into The Market @ 25th, the new grocery store in the East End that opened with a ribbon-cutting and big ceremony Monday at 25th Street and Fairmount Avenue. The Armstrong High School Wildcat Marching Band led the parade, with shoppers enjoying many of the locally grown and produced items inside.

Hemp: Virginia’s new big cash crop? By Daniel Berti and Andrew Gionfriddo Capital News Service

JARRATT At first glance, it looks like a stoner’s paradise: Acres of plants that resemble marijuana. But this crop is hemp, a relative of cannabis that has commercial uses ranging from textiles and animal feed to health products. Officials at the Southern Virginia Hemp Co., as well as other farmers and processors of the plant, say hemp could be a big boost to the state’s agricultural sector as demand for tobacco wanes. And it just got much easier to grow hemp in the commonwealth. Lawmakers have amended the state’s hemp laws to match the rules in the 2018 federal farm bill passed by Congress. Virginia farmers now can grow hemp for producing cannabidiol, or CBD, a naturally occurring chemical that some say has mental and physical health benefits. CBD products have become

popular during the past few years, with some industry analysts predicting the CBD industry will be worth $22 billion by 2022. Until now, only researchers at Virginia universities could grow hemp for making CBD. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has seen a surge in grower and processor applications since Congress passed the farm bill in December. The agency expects the number of applicants to increase even more now that Virginia has amended its hemp laws to match the federal laws. “VDACS was not issuing registrations to processor applicants who indicated that their sole goal was to sell a hempderived CBD to the public,” said Erin Williams, a spokesperson for the agency. “With the 2019 amendment, I think it will clear up the gray area.” As of Tuesday, the department had issued 629 grower registrations and 92 processor registrations. So far, Virginia

hemp growers are planning to cultivate more than 2,000 acres of hemp this year. In Southside Virginia, where tobacco growers have been hit Please turn to A6

If the nation’s president won’t honor you publicly as National Teacher of the Year, at least your state senators and district’s congressman will. Congressman A. Donald McEachin who represents the Richmond area, put forth a resolution honoring Rodney A. Robinson, the 40-year-old history and social studies teacher at the Virgie Binford Education Center at the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center. The resolution, to be presented to Mr. Robinson on Thursday during a meeting with Rep. McEachin in Washington, states in part, “…the House of Representatives … congratulates and honors Rodney Robinson on receiving the 2019 National Teacher of the Year Award.” Mr. Robinson’s tenure with the title that has catapulted him into the national spotlight officially began with a ceremony Monday in Washington. The Council of Chief State

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Award-winning teacher Rodney A. Robinson shows off the key to the City of Richmond presented to him by Mayor Levar M. Stoney during a ceremony last Thursday at the Virgie Binford Education Center inside the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center, where he teaches.

School Officers, which organizes the awards program, said they understood President Trump would not attend the cer-

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Planting for the future Students from North Side’s Barack Obama Elementary School plant a young dogwood tree with the help of Luke McCall, a Dominion Energy forester, on April 23, just a few days before Arbor Day. The first-graders in Kerry Richardson, Liz Pearson and Carla Lewis’ classes have been studying the importance of trees as part of a free environmental education program developed by the utility company that is now in its 13th year.

emony, which generated news stories throughout last weekend about the president foregoing the tradition of presenting the award that began with President Harry S. Truman in 1952. Instead, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos presented Mr. Robinson with his award at Monday’s ceremony, which also was attended by state winners in the annual Teacher of the Year program. The media was not allowed to attend. However, according to a text provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Ms. DeVos told the educators, “Teachers do a lot, some of which is visible, but much of which goes unseen. Well, I’m here to say, we see you.” Sometime after the ceremony, President Trump met with Mr. Robinson alone in the Oval Office before other state winners joined them. Two of the state award winners boycotted the ceremony, however, stating Please turn to A4


Richmond Free Press

A2  May 2-4, 2019

Local News

Homes for the homeless The expanded New Clay House, seen here, is one of the largest residential developments in the city for people experiencing homelessness. Originally opened 27 years ago with 47 tiny rooms, Virginia Supportive Housing, which owns the complex, has spent the past year overhauling the interior of the units at Clay and Harrison streets. The New Clay House now has 80 studio apartments, including 67 units for the formerly homeless and 13 affordable apartments for low-income people. Cost: $19 million. Slices of life and scenes Mayor Levar M. Stoney in Richmond and VSH officials will join in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially reopen the building at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7. Already, 54 people have moved in and leases are being inked for the 26 remaining units, according to VSH spokeswoman Elizabeth Warren. “This building now better reflects what we have learned through the years about creating permanent supportive housing while almost doubling the number of residents,” stated Allison Bogdanovic, VSH executive director. The building has long been used to serve the homeless. The

Cityscape

228,783 That’s now Richmond’s estimated population Free Press staff report

An estimated 228,783 people called Richmond home on July 1, 2018, the largest number since 1970 when the city’s population was near 250,000 residents, according to the latest estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau. While the breakdown by race has not yet been issued, the new estimate indicates Richmond’s population has jumped 24,569 people, or a substantial 12 percent, since the 2010 Census, which counted 204,214 city residents. But another takeaway from the new estimate is that population growth has begun to slow. The accuracy of the estimate will be tested in about nine months when the 2020 Census — an actual count — takes place in Richmond and across the country. According to the Census Bureau, Richmond added 1,815 residents from the 2017 estimate of 226,968 people, a 0.08 percent or well below 1 percent growth. That’s similar to the percentage growth that occurred between 2016 and 2017. A growth rate of less than 1 percent suggests the city is cooling off following six years when the population was growing at 1.4 percent to 2 percent a year. For example, between 2011 and 2012, Richmond added 4,000 people, or an increase of 2.1 percent. And between 2015 and 2016, the city added nearly 4,500 residents, a 2 percent growth rate, according to the Census Bureau. By Richmond standards, that was a lot of new faces. The influx helped fuel the boom in apartment construction and fresh interest in older neighborhoods, particularly in North Side. Based on that past growth, there were expectations that Richmond’s population would top 230,000 in this latest estimate. But the new census estimate threw cold water on that outlook. Chesterfield County is adding more than 5,000 people a year and has seen its population grow 10 percent since the 2010 count of 316,236. According to the Census Bureau, the county as of July 1, 2018, had 348,556 residents, an increase of 32,320 residents. Henrico County, meanwhile, has experienced slower population growth of less than 1 percent, according to the census estimates. Between 2010 and 2018, Henrico added 22,326 residents, a 0.07 increase from the 306,935 residents counted in 2010. According to the current estimate, Henrico has 329,261 residents.

City starts down road to regulate short-term rentals Want to use Airbnb, FlipKey, VRBO or other online websites to rent your Richmond home or apartment to travelers? City Hall is showing off a new regulation that would open the door to the rental of private residences, which already is going on despite being illegal in the city. Interested parties can read the proposal and other information on the city Planning and Development Review Department’s pages on www.richmondgov.com. People also can learn more and offer comment on the pending regulations at two upcoming public meetings. The first will be held 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4, at the Main Library, 101 W. Franklin St. The second is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, the community room in the state Department of Motor Vehicles headquarters, 2300 W. Broad St. According to the website’s information, the draft regulation calls for allowing short-term rentals in any district zoned for homes and apartments. The proposal also would require interested participants, either a homeowner or a tenant with the owner’s permission, to pay a $300 annual permit fee to the city. The permit for a certificate of zoning compliance would allow a home to be offered for rent for up to 29 consecutive days, but for no more than 180 days in a single year, according to the information. The home would need to be the primary residence of the person offering it, meaning that person occupies it at least 185 days a year, the proposed regulation notes. Rentals for parties, banquets, weddings or meetings would be prohibited unless the event involves the owner or renter, the department notes. Apartment buildings could participate, but would be limited to short-term rentals of no more than nine units or 25 percent of the total, whichever is less, the information states. It is not clear how the short-term rental rules would be policed, however. The department staff is seeking to get the word out. Staff have talked at City Council members’ monthly constituent meetings. The department also is gathering comments through an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/RichmondSTRsurvey, via email at marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com or by phone at (804) 646-5207. The regulation is expected to be in its final form by late summer or early fall. The regulation, as well as changes to the ordinance governing zoning and permitted uses, would need the approval of the Planning Commission and City Council. The goal is to have the regulation in place by the beginning of 2020. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

late James R. Stallings Sr. operated a meals program and shelter at the building before selling the space to VSH in 1992 for their first operation. VSH is naming the on-site community center for Mr. Stallings to recognize his contributions to the needy. The site also includes a computer room and fitness center for residents.

While the New Clay House is the VSH’s flagship, the group now has 16 additional properties for low-income, homeless and disabled people in Richmond, Charlottesville and Hampton Roads. Ms. Bogdanovic noted that “97 percent of individuals we serve do not return to homelessness.”

Former VCU dean drops defamation suit against Wilder By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is no longer facing a defamation lawsuit that was scheduled for trial in mid-July in Richmond Circuit Court. Dr. John Accordino, who was forced out as dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University school named for the former governor and former mayor, on Tuesday dropped the legal action that resulted from allegations Mr. Wilder released publicly last year. Dr. Accordino has been on leave the past year and is listed as returning to VCU in the fall to teach classes. He told the court in the filing that he was no longer interested in pursuing the case. The decision came after VCU appears to have dropped Mr. Wilder from the teaching roster at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs following allegations from a VCU student working as an office assistant at the Wilder

Mr. Wilder

Dr. Accordino

School that she was sexually harassed by Mr. Wilder in early 2017. His lucrative $150,000 annual contract with VCU to teach one or two courses per semester ends June 30. The student, Sydney Black, 22, went public with her claims in March that Mr. Wilder gave her an unwanted kiss and asked her to be his mistress when he took her to his Richmond condo after dining in a riverfront restaurant and giving her alcohol on her 20th birthday. Ms. Black’s allegation triggered an investigation. While the results have not

been made public, VCU does not list the retired 88-year-old Mr. Wilder as teaching during the fall semester. Whether he will be allowed to retain his campus office in the Wilder School remains a question. VCU is not commenting on the matter. The Wilder-Accordino dustup began in March 2018 when Mr. Wilder filed a suit against VCU’s top officials and Dr. Accordino. The suit alleged VCU officials had not taken action on a claim that Dr. Accordino had hurled obscenities at Mr. Wilder’s administrative assistant, Angelica Bega, and “generally disparaged her humanity.” The suit and the allegations led Dr. Accordino to be removed as dean, a post he had held for two years. Dr. Accordino said in court filings there was “no credible evidence” the incident happened. Mr. Wilder then dropped his lawsuit last summer, but faced a counterclaim for defamation from Dr. Accordino. Mr. Wilder had denied any wrongdoing, but lost his bid to get the case dismissed.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The Salvation Army plans to move from its current Central Virginia headquarters and shelter at 2 W. Grace St., left, to a larger property at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave., just north of School Street.

Salvation Army looks to relocate from Downtown to North Side By Jeremy M. Lazarus

People needing temporary housing and a helping hand might soon have to walk a bit farther to reach the Salvation Army’s combination headquarters and emergency shelter. The organization is seeking to relocate its people-helping programs from its familiar operations center at 2 W. Grace St. in Downtown to a larger building in North Side. The location: 1900 Chamberlayne Ave., the former home of Eternity Church, which has relocated. A converted office-warehouse, the building is part of the Chamberlayne Industrial Center and neighbors a Wells Fargo bank branch and is a stone’s throw from the Main Post Office. The Salvation Army has a contract to purchase the building and has filed a special

use permit with the city to use the space for its Central Virginia headquarters and for other faith-based programs, according to Richmond BizSense, an online business news operation. A Salvation Army official confirmed the plan on Monday, citing a need for more space after more than 40 years in Downtown. The current Downtown headquarters has about 23,000 square feet, or less than half the 47,584 square feet of finished space in the ChamberlayneAvenue building, to be dubbed a Salvation Army Center of Hope. If the permit is approved, the Salvation Army would have more room for its crisis housing, meals operation, rehabilitation services and educational programs as well as for its staff. Currently, the Christian group can provide beds for 55 people at its Downtown

center, but that number could increase to 97 people after the move, officials said. According to city records, Eternity Church purchased the repossessed building from a local bank in 2002 for $360,000, although the city valued it at $1.7 million at that time. The City Assessor’s Office now values the building at $3.38 million. The current Salvation Army building is valued at $1.71 million. The Salvation Army also operates an adult drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and thrift store on Hermitage Road in North Side and the Citadel Corps worship and performing arts center on Orcutt Lane in South Side. It also operates a Boys and Girls Club on R Street in Church Hill. That building was closed for more than a year for an $8 million overhaul before reopening earlier this month.

Rallying to remember the missing Young Zy’Asia Jordan cries in the arms of her grandmother, Valencia Harris, as Ms. Harris talks about her missing daughter, Unique Harris. Families shared stories about their missing loved ones last Saturday during the 3rd Annual Richmond Missing Persons Day Rally at Chimborazo Park. At left is Toni Jacobs, organizer of the event, whose daughter Keeshae, was last seen on Sept. 26, 2016. Ms. Harris’ grandson, Zy’Kei, looks on, along with, from rear left to right, Pamela Rogowski and her twin, Lisa Sullivan of Spotsylvania and Monique Smith who have missing family members.

Photos by Ava Reaves


Richmond Free Press

May 2-4, 2019

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Richmond Free Press

A4  May 2-4, 2019

News

Judge Damon Keith, civil rights and judicial icon, dies at 96 Continued from A1

his appointment to the U.S. District Court in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was elevated to the federal appeals court in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. A native of Detroit, Judge Keith graduated from West Virginia State University and, after serving in the Army during World War II, entered Howard University School of Law, where he finished in 1949. He married his wife, Dr. Rachel Boone Keith, an internal medicine specialist who was born in Liberia to Baptist missionaries, at First African Baptist Church in Richmond’s Jackson Ward in 1953. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the family farm of Dr. Keith’s aunt and uncle, the Tharps, in Mechanicsville. Judge Keith captured the nation’s attention in 1971 when he ruled that President Richard Nixon and U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell violated the constitutional rights of three radical White Panther Party members whose phones were tapped without a court order. Judge Keith said the government couldn’t engage in the warrantless wiretapping despite the three being suspected of conspiring to destroy government property. The decision was affirmed by the appellate court, but the Nixon administration appealed and sued Judge Keith personally. The case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Judge Keith prevailed in what became known as “the Keith case.” Judge Keith revisited the civil liberties theme roughly 30 years later in an opinion that said President George W. Bush couldn’t conduct secret deportation hearings of terrorism suspects. Judge Keith’s opinion contained the line, “Democracies die behind closed doors.” A similar phrase — “Democracy dies in darkness” — is now the slogan of The Washington Post, which has credited Judge Keith. “During his more than 50 years on the federal bench, he handed down rulings that have safeguarded some of our most important and cherished civil liberties, stopping illegal government wiretaps and secret deportation hearings, as well as ending racial segregation

in Pontiac (Michigan) schools,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement. Judge Keith told the AP in an October 2017 interview that the phrase, “Equal justice under law,” which is etched onto the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, inspired him and always summoned the lessons Thurgood Marshall taught him as one of his professors at Howard University School of Law. Justice Marshall became the first African-American justice on the U.S. Supreme Court in October 1967 — the same month Judge Keith received his federal appointment. He recalled Judge Marshall saying, “The white men wrote those four words. When you leave Howard, I want you to go out and practice law and see what you can do to enforce those four words.” Judge Keith did just that. In 1970, he ordered citywide busing to desegregate public schools in Pontiac, Mich. Federal marshals had to protect his home after he received death threats from the Ku Klux Klan. A year later, he made another groundbreaking decision, finding that Hamtramck, Mich., illegally destroyed black neighborhoods in the name of urban renewal with the federal government’s help. The remedy: He ordered the city of Hamtramck to build 200 low-income housing units. The court case is still alive decades later due to disputes over property taxes and the slow pace of construction. In a 1973 ruling, he ordered Detroit Edison to pay $4 million to African-American employees who were victims of employment discrimination. He also ordered the utility company to create an affirmative action program and for the union to pay $250,000 for failing to protect the workers. As an appellate judge in 1979, he upheld a lower court’s decision ordering the Detroit Police Department to integrate. “He was a jurist without fear or favor,” Judge Roger L. Gregory, chief judge of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, told the Free Press on Tuesday. “He took on some of the landmark cases involving equal employment, police hiring in Detroit, school desegregation after Brown. The Pontiac school case was so controversial that he needed police protection. He was never afraid to speak truth — that we

Balancing act for City Council Continued from A1

the programs and services on which each dollar will be spent, a requirement that five council members insisted upon. Separately, the council endorsed the mayor’s proposal to provide the school system with $19 million in mostly borrowed capital funds to replace old roofs, broken air conditioning equipment and aged boilers and to meet other maintenance needs for aging schools. That’s the single largest appropriation for such needs in at least 30 years and possibly longer. The list of items the council funded also includes: • Providing GRTC with an extra $800,000 to extend service on three routes into the late evening and to link Downtown and two East End public housing communities with the newly opened grocery store at 25th Street and Fairmount Avenue in Church Hill. • Awarding the Department of Public Works $15 million for street paving, the largest appropriation in years, and at least $1 million more for sidewalk improvements. • Appropriating $465,000 to begin implementing a pilot program aimed at preventing evictions, with help from Housing Opportunities Made Equal and Central Virginia Legal Aid, which is stationing an attorney at the John Marshall Courts Building to represent people facing the loss of their homes. • Ensuring city workers receive a 3 percent wage increase, the largest in at least a decade. • Setting aside $200,000 for a study examining the structure and efficiency of city government and another $150,000 to pay an independent consultant to help City Council review development proposals, including the plan to replace the closed Richmond Coliseum. The council struggled to get the budget done without raising other taxes, including the city’s admissions tax, but was rescued by turning up extra revenue. That includes an increase in the projected amount of real estate tax that is to be collected based on the increase in assessed values. Even with dumping the mayor’s tax increase, the council was relying on a $22 million increase in revenue from increased property valuations, but was able to add another $6.5 million based on an update from City Assessor Richie McKeithen. In addition, the mayor left out any projection of income from auction sales of tax delinquent properties that City Attorney Allen

are all under the rule of law. He ruled with a sense of fairness.” Judge Gregory noted that Judge Keith sat with the 4th Circuit in Richmond on a few occasions to hear cases. Judge Keith, who would spend time around his July 4th birthday at his wife’s family farm in Mechanicsville, used the occasion in 2016 to celebrate Judge Gregory becoming chief judge of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He served as “an inspiration to me,” Judge Gregory said, particularly when he was first appointed to the bench by President Bill Clinton in December 2000. Because he was a recess appointment, Judge Gregory said he was uncertain if he would remain on the bench because his term would only last until the end of the 2001 congressional session. “Judge Keith encouraged me to go forward in strength and faith and courage and to keep justice and truth at the forefront and then everything would be OK,” Judge Gregory recalled. And it was. Judge Gregory was re-nominated to the court in May 2001 by President George W. Bush and later confirmed by the U.S. Senate. “He always had a common touch and generous spirit,” Judge Gregory said. “He was an extraordinary American treasure. His legacy will live a long time.” Dr. Lance D. Watson, senior pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, is scheduled to give the official eulogy at Judge Keith’s funeral Monday, May 13, at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit. Dr. Watson, who is from Detroit, has known Judge Keith for nearly 40 years. As a young couple at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Detroit, Dr. Watson and his wife, Rose, were paired with Judge Keith, a deacon at the church, and Dr. Keith for leadership and guidance. As time and their bonds grew, the Watsons named their daughter and youngest son, Rachel and Damon after the older couple. Later, after Dr. Watson moved to Richmond to attend Virginia Union University’s divinity school, it was “by providence,” he said, that St. Paul’s Baptist Church relocated down Creighton Road from the Keiths’ family farm. He said the

church became “a place that felt like home” when Judge Keith visited Richmond. He also noted that Judge Keith had “unbounded energy for young people.” In 2017, Judge Keith, then using a wheelchair, did a book signing at St. Paul’s Baptist. (A biography, “Crusader for Justice: Federal Judge Damon J. Keith” by Trevor W. Coleman was published in 2013; a biopic, “Walk with Me: The Trials of Damon J. Keith, directed by Jesse Nesser, premiered in 2016.) The week after the book signing, Dr. Watson said, Judge Keith took 40 teens from the church on a tour of the federal court in Richmond. He explained how the court system works and “how they may be interested in a future career in the law and legal system,” he said. “It was a special moment,” Dr. Watson said. “He was not in the best of health, but he still had a lot of energy and was still getting around.” Tributes to Judge Keith, who was a close friend of late Free Press founder Raymond H. Boone Sr. and his wife, Free Press Publisher Jean Patterson Boone, have poured in from around the nation, including from many of his former law clerks who have gone on to distinguished careers in the law, government, business, academia and civil rights. Among them is former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. According to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, he has hired more law clerks of color — African-American, Latino and Asian — that any federal judge. He received many awards and more than 40 honorary degrees during his lifetime, including the national NAACP’s highest award, the Spingarn Medal. In 2011, Wayne State University opened the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, an addition to the university’s law school, that chronicles Judge Keith’s judicial career, the legal history of the Civil Rights Movement and the accomplishments of African-American lawyers and judges. Judge Keith’s wife died in January 2007. He is survived by three daughters, Cecile Keith-Brown, Debbie Keith and Gilda Keith, and two granddaughters.

Budget blowup quickly blows over The blowup at City Hall between Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Richmond City Council over the proposed 2019-20 budget ended almost as quickly as it began last week. Just hours after City Council voted on April 24 to hire an attorney and attracted media headlines with its threat to sue the mayor for refusing to certify about $9 million in revenue the city expects to collect, but which was not included in his budget proposal, Mayor Stoney backed down. Behind the scenes, it quickly became clear that the council’s threat was more political theater than a serious consideration. As one member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, put it, “We had no intention of suing. We just wanted the headline.” Still, the action had Mayor Stoney scrambling to end the perception of disarray.

At 7:59 p.m. April 24, after the Richmond Free Press deadline, Mayor Stoney went public with a conciliatory email sent six minutes earlier to Council President Cynthia I. Newbille and the eight other members of City Council. The purpose: To end the disagreement that was punctuated by Selena CuffeeGlenn, the city’s chief administrative officer, leading a walkout of administration staff from council’s budget session about three hours earlier. She led the walkout after notifying the council, without offering an explanation, that Mayor Stoney would not certify the existence of $6.5 million in extra revenue from higher than anticipated real estate valuations and a projected $2.5 million from the sale of tax delinquent properties. The notice and walkout apparently were triggered by council’s consideration of cutting about $7.5 million in departmental

L. Jackson handles. Initially, the council gained $2.5 million. That was bumped up to $3 million after the council agreed to suspend for a year an ordinance requiring development agreements with the buyers, which Mr. Jackson said was doubling the time it took to prepare properties for sale. Efforts by two members of the council to eliminate a proposed 15.5 percent total increase in utility rates were rebuffed by the majority after learning that it would mean a $4 million reduction in the Utility Department’s payment in place of taxes into the general fund. Council’s adoption of the cigarette tax, projected to provide about $3 million in new revenue, was a victory for outgoing 5th District Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, who has been pushing for the city to join virtually all other cities in Virginia in imposing the tax. Just last year, a split council rejected a similar cigarette tax. But rather than find budget cuts, the council majority this time chose to go along with the mayor’s recommendation, despite opposition from Philip Morris workers and owners of convenience stores. Councilwomen Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, and Reva M.

spending to balance the budget without an increase in the real estate tax rate. In his email, Mayor Stoney offered an olive branch: “While I do not agree with the proposed cuts, … it is my hope that we can work together to resolve any outstanding issues and produce a balanced budget that provides needed investments to deliver the services and city government our residents deserve.” He attached a memo listing the steps the council needed to follow so the money would be certified. That included getting letters from the City Assessor’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office, which report to the council, certifying to the mayor that the money likely would be available. That essentially was a just a formality, given that the mayor had earlier in the budget process signaled he was aware of the extra money and was prepared to certify that the council could include it. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Trammell, 8th District, warned their colleagues that the new tax could bring in less revenue as Richmond smokers may travel to nearby stores in Chesterfield and Henrico counties to purchase less expensive cigarettes. With cigarette sales representing up to one-third of sales at such stores, the loss of customers could lead to a loss of jobs. Ms. Gray projected that up to 100 people could be laid off. The tax ended up winning the support of the majority after Council President Cynthia I. Newbille proposed that $600,000 of the revenue go to a smoking cessation initiative to be spearheaded by the Richmond City Health District. The final step to completion came after Lenora Reid, the city’s chief financial officer, and the mayor’s budget staff agreed to support reductions in spending on capital needs in exchange for the council dropping a main proposal from 3rd District Councilman Chris A. Hilbert to pare departmental spending by $7.5 million. “It’s the lesser of two evils,” said Ms. Reid, who teamed with staff during a lunch break to offer up cuts. Among the items dumped was $1 million to be used for designing replacements for four aging fire stations.

Nation’s top teacher celebrated in whirlwind of appearances Continued from A1

they wouldn’t support an administration whose policies they feel have harmed their immigrant, refugee and LGBTQ students. The teachers’ group also met with Vice President Mike Pence. Last year, President Trump presented the award to Mandy Manning, an English teacher from Washington state who teaches refugees and immigrants. She surprised the president during the ceremony by handing him a stack of 45 letters from some of her students, many of whom were from countries on President Trump’s travel ban list. Mr. Robinson later told the media that President Trump said “he was happy that I was giving the kids a second chance.” Mr. Robinson also met Tuesday in Washington with U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia. “It’s clear that Mr. Robinson has devoted his career not just to teaching,

but to making meaningful change in the lives of students who need it the most,” Sen. Warner said in a statement following the meeting. “I am proud that teachers in Virginia and all across our nation can look to Mr. Robinson as an example of an educator who uses his classroom to actively tackle a larger structural issue in our society.” Life has been a whirlwind for Mr. Robinson since he was introduced to the nation on April 24 as the 2019 National Teacher of the Year on “CBS This Morning,” where he was interviewed by Gayle King on the set of the New York City television studio. Since then, he has navigated non-stop media interviews, accolades and phone calls and returned to his Richmond home, where he was feted in a reception last Thursday at the Virgie Binford Education Center. A bevy of people attended, including Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, a host of

local and state elected officials, officials from his alma maters of Virginia State and Virginia Commonwealth universities, colleagues, former students, family and friends. “We cannot be more thrilled and more overjoyed,” Mr. Kamras said with a huge smile and revealing that he also knew that Mr. Robinson had been selected for the national award, but had kept it secret for six weeks. “This is a man best described as love,” Mr. Kamras said of Mr. Robinson. “He loves his students as if they are his own children because he sees in them the greatness they have today and the greatness they will become.” Mr. Robinson fiercely believes in equity in education to ensure funding for students to receive the services they need to be successful. “I also represent cultural equity so students have (teachers) who look like them, sound like them and appreciate their culture, and show them they can be whatever they want to be,” Mr.

Robinson said to the cheering crowd at the reception. Mr. Robinson will spend the next 12 months speaking at schools and educational events around the country and internationally, “advocating for kids and for cultural and economic equity,” he said. RPS will continue to pay his salary. His travel and speaking engagements will be taken care of by CCSSO. Last week, while Mr. Robinson was in the New York airport, he received a call from Jahana Hayes, the 2016 National Teacher of the Year from John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Conn. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November, becoming the first AfricanAmerican Democrat to represent Connecticut in Congress. Mr. Robinson said Rep. Hayes informed him, “This is a unique experience. You will see most things teachers don’t experience. You have a vision. You are to bring CCSSO and

other people along with you to ensure them that this is your direction and understand the journey.” Before Mr. Robinson’s celebration began last Thursday, he went to Walmart on Forest Hill Avenue. There, he was greeted by well-wishers in the parking lot and in the store. A store clerk recognized him and asked if he was going to compete for the world teacher of the year award. As he did a Google search with the clerk, Mr. Robinson discovered Peter Tabichi, a science teacher and Franciscan brother in a school in a remote village in Kenya, was recognized in March with the 2019 Global Teacher Prize. It came with a $1 million award. Mr. Robinson and the clerk were surprised. The clerk was a native of Kenya. “He was happy that a black man could represent the world,” Mr. Robinson said, recounting the story to the audience at Binford Education Center. “I’m going to apply for the global teacher award,” Mr. Robinson said.


Richmond Free Press

May 2-4, 2019

African Americans are nearly twice as likely to have a stroke as other ethnic groups. Every 40 seconds, someone in America suffers from a stroke — and that someone is far more likely to be African American. That same group is also more likely to die from that first stroke. If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of a stroke, call 911 right away.

Health factors that cause stroke Stroke A stroke occurs when blood to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts Types of stroke: • ISCHEMIC: Blockage in blood flow to the brain; nearly 90% of all strokes are ischemic • HEMORRHAGIC: Caused by bleeding in the brain

• • • •

High blood pressure High cholesterol Obesity Diabetes

Reduce your risk • • • • • •

Stop smoking Limit alcohol intake Maintain a healthy diet Be active Maintain a healthy blood pressure and lower your cholesterol Control your diabetes

Warning signs If you have one or more of these symptoms, call 911 • You have sudden weakness or loss of balance or can’t walk • You suddenly can’t see out of one or both of your eyes

• You get sudden face and/or arm weakness or numbness • You suddenly can’t speak, or you can’t understand others

For an appointment, call 804-828-9350. © 2019 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Heart Association, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office Minority Health; Virginia Department of Health.

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Richmond Free Press

May 2-4, 2019  A6

Local News

Hemp: Virginia’s new big cash crop? Continued from A1

hard by declining sales and tariffs on their products, farmers increasingly are turning to hemp as a potential cash crop that can be grown in addition to tobacco. Southside Virginia has more registered hemp growers than any other region in the state. “There’s significant interest in Southside Virginia, particularly among tobacco growers who are looking to add a crop to what they’re doing,” Ms. Williams said. For years, several other states have allowed farmers to grow hemp for the manufacture of CBD products. But Virginia farmers were barred from doing so until lawmakers approved House Bill 1839 in February. Gov. Ralph S. Northam signed the bill into law on March 21. Thanks to an emergency clause, it took effect immediately. The legislation comes on the heels of the 2018 federal farm bill, which established a regulatory framework for the commercial production of hemp. HB 1839 conforms Virginia’s hemp laws to match the provisions of the federal bill. The Southern Virginia Hemp Co., a farm in the town of Jarratt straddling Greensville and Sussex counties, is expanding its operations to meet the demand for CBD products. The company plans to grow between 75 and 150 acres of hemp this year and aims to hire 40 additional employees to work on the farm this summer. Wayne Grizzard, owner of the Southern Virginia Hemp Co. and Virginia Homegrown Botanicals, said the new laws could have a positive impact for farmers across the commonwealth, especially for tobacco farmers who have been hit hard by tobacco tariffs levied against the United States by China. “One of my partner’s farms was for tobacco. He lost all three contracts this year because of the tariffs,” Mr. Grizzard said. “Some of the farmers have been forced to grow hemp because they don’t have anything to replace it.” Since colonial times, Virginia farmers — even George Washington — have planted hemp, using the fiber to make rope and other goods. Historians estimate that by the mid-18th century, Virginia had 12,000 acres cultivated for hemp. Marijuana and hemp were both banned in the 1930s under the Marihuana Tax Act, however. Now, Mr. Grizzard, once a vegetable farmer, has converted his entire farm to hemp. “When we first started growing, everybody kind of turned their nose up because it’s cannabis,” Mr. Grizzard said. “Once they started realizing that everybody’s getting into it and there’s money involved, they started singing a different tune.” Until now, Virginia’s hemp industry has failed to keep pace with neighboring Kentucky and North Carolina. Both states have been eyeing hemp as an economic driver for several years. In 2019, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture approved 1,035 applications to cultivate up to 42,086 acres of industrial hemp, as well as 2.9 million square feet of greenhouse space for hemp cultivation. North Carolina has 634 licensed farmers growing hemp on about 8,000 acres and 3.4 million square feet of greenhouse space.

SEAGRASS MEADOWS store more carbon dioxide than forests and protect coastal communities from storms and rising sea levels. In some areas, these underwater grasslands are rapidly disappearing. UVA is spearheading the world’s largest seagrass restoration program to help make these vital ecosystems stronger, and coastal communities — in Virginia and beyond — more resilient.

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Richmond Free Press

May 2-4, 2019

A brighter future for you and the environment. At Dominion Energy, we’ve increased the number of solar panels in Virginia from 5,250 to over 2 million since 2015. And we’re now the 4th largest solar producer in the nation. But we’re not stopping there. We’ll continue adding new renewable resources to our energy mix. Because when we make it a priority to protect our environment, we can all breathe easier.

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Richmond Free Press

Yellow iris in the West End

Editorial Page

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May 2-4, 2019

City budget, the high road We are anxious to read the details of Richmond City Council’s proposed $746 million budget plan for 2019-2020, which is up for a final vote on Monday, May 13. We commend City Council for fully funding Richmond Public Schools’ operating and capital budget requests without relying on a 9-cent hike in the city’s real estate tax rate. Currently at $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, the city’s tax rate is the highest in the region. Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s proposal to hike the rate gave little consideration to the additional tax burden faced by many Richmond property owners who have seen their real estate assessments shoot up by 25 percent this year. The higher assessments are expected to generate an additional $28.5 million for the city that will go toward funding the public school system’s major needs. That figure includes $22 million administration officials previously projected would be generated by the higher assessments and another $6.5 million that wasn’t included in the mayor’s budget plan. We expected council members to take the lead in making the tough decisions in cobbling together this budget. While the council cut more than $7 million from Mayor Stoney’s proposed capital budget, members pumped roughly $800,000 into expanding GRTC bus service in South Side and the East End. This is a major development for people living in neighborhoods in those parts of the city who will have greater access to transportation to reach jobs, doctors’ appointments, schools, grocery stores and retail establishments. We cannot ignore the barrier the lack of transportation has been for so many of our residents. We hope this can open doors and opportunity for those who live in the South Side and East End. We also register our dismay at the ploy used by Mayor Stoney’ top administration officials in walking out of budget negotiations with the council. We know from the gridlock in Washington that the tactic of “going nuclear” doesn’t win friends and influence people. Taking a break is acceptable; going nuclear is not. The bottom line is that we expect our public servants — including elected and appointed officials — to be dedicated to the good of Richmond and to the best outcomes for the future of this city and its people. What is also imperative is for the administration and City Council to respect one another, even if they don’t agree on the details. There is more than one road to every destination. We hope Mayor Stoney and his administration and City Council all will choose the high road.

The ‘next big thing’ We congratulate singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams, whose creative genius, perseverance and open spirit led to the successful “Something in the Water” festival last weekend in Virginia Beach. The multi-day event drew 35,000 ticket holders and thousands more people to the oceanfront, where Mr. Williams and his nationally known music friends put on an event to remember. It also showcased the tremendous talent emanating from Hampton Roads and Virginia, including Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Pusha T, DRAM, Teddy Riley, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Leikeli47 and, of course, Mr. Williams himself. After the event wrapped up on Sunday, Virginia Beach city officials, local police, hoteliers, business owners, tourism officials and others have all called the big entertainment weekend a success. Already Virginia Beach officials have included $250,000 in the city’s proposed 2020 budget toward sponsorship of the festival next April. And more than 10,000 people have signed a petition to keep the festival’s popular Adidas Creator Park basketball court — or a model of it — on the beachfront. The court, situated just off the boardwalk on 24th Street, enabled festivalgoers to show off their hoops skills, participate in dance workshops and watch dance competitions with Mr. Williams’ celebrity choreographer. Clearly, “Something in the Water” was a major contrast from past problem-plagued College Beach Weekends at the resort city that officials claim resulted in increased crime and heightened tensions between business owners and the largely African-American student crowds that attended. We believe the difference was Mr. Williams, who said he was inspired by college students and others. “If we have guests coming here,” he said in media interviews, “we have to entertain them, give them something to do.” He attributed the festival’s success to the ensemble of efforts by everyone from city officials to “everyday people.” In the past, he said, “there may have been pushback. But we see what happens now when people push forward. “It has been an incredible demonstration of harmony,” he said. “It shows that the bumper sticker is real — Virginia really is for lovers — when we come together and allow it to be.” Mr. Williams also noted that the event drew mayors from across Hampton Roads, as well as Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “Something in the Water” also demonstrates the impact entertainers, athletes, entrepreneurs, academics and other highly successful people can have on their hometowns if they have a vision, a bit of passion and a lot of verve. Singer and actor Queen Latifah is planning to break ground this summer on a $14 million affordable housing complex in her native Newark, N.J. Officials announced earlier this year that in addition to having about 75 housing units, the complex will include a fitness center and retail space to be rented to nonprofits. The first segment of townhomes is expected to open in December 2020. We hope Mayor Stoney was taking notes and names at “Something in the Water” for a future high-profile, momentous event on Richmond’s waterfront. It’s time for the city’s “next big thing” to embrace all of the people instead of just benefiting a few.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Eliminate demeanment

Black women in Houston and across the nation began preparing to use our political power during a recent event held at Texas Southern University. Presidential candidates attended to begin a conversation with black women regarding what’s important to us and what we’re looking for from candidates in 2020. Isn’t it time for us to begin using our economic power, too? A few months ago, the Black Leadership Alliance, Clear the Airwaves and the National Congress of Black Women began the campaign, “RESPECT US,” to urge corporations that spend millions of dollars advertising on radio programs that play hate music that disrespects our communities, and in particular, black women and girls, to end their support for such broadcasts. We’ve made every effort to get the attention of the guilty parties, but it’s as if they don’t care and relish making it possible for stations to play the degrad-

ing, hateful music that worships murder, illegal drugs, shooting up neighborhoods and misogyny. We recognize there are black franchisees of McDonald’s and Subway restaurants, but that’s not a good reason for accepting the disrespect of our people. Franchise owners should be the first in line influencing their corporate

Dr. E. Faye Williams offices to spend their advertising dollars on programs that uplift us. Franchise owners don’t get a pass just because they want to earn a dollar off the very community they should be uplifting. Some franchise owners make modest donations to certain community activities. That’s all the more reason they should want to clean up the filth their corporate owners are paying for. We’ve made every effort to communicate not only with McDonald’s and Subway corporate offices, but have been ignored. We’ve taken the same step with other heads of corporations that disrespect our community, but the time has come for us to move to action. Juneteenth has some meaning

to us so we’re asking you to join us on the weekend of June 21 through 23 to join with brothers and sisters in Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago to support our effort on this Juneteenth Economic Withdrawal Weekend. Don’t shop at McDonald’s or Subways because when you do, you are supporting these offenders, and disrespecting the communities some try so hard to clean up and protect. It’s the duty of all of us to support events and projects that are in our best interest. We oppose vulgar hateful rhetoric that encourages the killing of black people and the abuse and degrading of black women and girls in particular. Below are actual lyrics from current rappers: “Wet your mamas house (meaning to spill blood) wet your grandmamas house. Keep shooting til somebody die. Spray your block down, we not really with that rah rah sh**t. Glock cocked now, I don’t really give no fu**k bout who I hit. Coupe got the missing roof, your boo come up missing too Poof, I just stole your boo, now ooh, she got to eat the whole crew. We done with her come and pick your b**ch back up.”

Wisdom from ancestral warriors

In 1619, 400 years ago, the first African captives were brought to what is now Virginia. Since that time, many of our courageous ancestral warriors — men and women — have fought against the physical and psychological terrorism inflicted by the proponents of white supremacy and racism. If we, as people of African descent, had paid more attention to and agreed upon the guidance and advice from our ancestors, we would most definitely be further ahead in the war for equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity. Their directives include the following: David Walker: “I pray that the Lord undeceive my ignorant brethren, and permit them to throw away pretensions, and seek after the substance of learning. I would crawl on my hands and knees through mud and mire, to the feet of a learned man, where I would sit and humbly supplicate him to instill into me that which neither devils nor tyrants could remove, only with my life — for coloured people to acquire learning in this country makes tyrants quake and tremble on their sandy foundations.” Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune: “If our people are to fight their way out of bondage, we must arm them with the sword and the shield and the buckler of pride — belief in themselves and their possibilities, based upon sure knowledge of the achievements of the past. That knowledge and that pride we must give them if it breaks every back in the kingdom!” Dr. Benjamin E. Mays: “I hope we will make it clear to ourselves and our children — that

whether we believe in integration, separatism or nationalism, there is no substitute for a trained mind. For the future belongs, always has and always will belong, to the man who knows, and the man who has skills.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Education without social action is a one-sided value because it has no true power potential. Social

A. Peter Bailey action without education is a weak expression of pure energy. Deeds uninformed by educated thought can take false directions. When we go into action and confront our adversaries, we must be as armed with knowledge as they are. Our policies should have the strength of deep analysis beneath them to be able to challenge the clever sophistries of our opponents.” Malcolm X: “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today … Just because you have colleges and universities doesn’t mean you have education. The colleges and universities in the American system are skillfully used to miseducate.” Dr. Carter G. Woodson: “No systematic effort toward change has been possible, for, taught the same economics, history, philosophy, literature and religion which have established the present code of morals, the Negro’s mind has been brought under the control of his oppressor. The problem of holding the Negro down, therefore, is easily solved. “When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it.”

W.E.B. DuBois: “May God write us down as asses if ever again we are found putting trust in either the Republican or Democratic parties.” Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to raise a strong child than to repair a broken man.” Marcus Garvey: “Our leader will not be a white man with a black heart nor a black man with a white heart but a black man with a black heart.” Harold Cruse: “The black man’s one great and present hope is to know and understand Afro-American history.” Lerone Bennett, Jr.: “Given one way we were forced to live in this society, the miracle is not how so many families are broken, but that so many are still together. That so many black mothers are still raising good children is the incredible toughness and resilience in black people that gives me hope.” Dr. C. Delores Tucker: “We believe that anyone who will condone, support, produce or profit from gangsta rap is conspirator in the denigration and destruction of the black community. We will not be silent and allow our youth and our community to be murdered. We will not be silent and allow our women to be degraded and denigrated …” Steven Biko: “The most important weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.” Fannie Lou Hamer: “For three hundred years we’ve given them time. And I’ve been tired so long, now I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. We want a change.” Though she is not an ancestor, the following advice from Dr. Atallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, is very pertinent: “Remember when you are with your grandparents, you are holding the hands of history.”

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.

Many more rappers are putting out this same kind of filth. In the words of the late Dr. Frances Cress Welsing: “We’re the only people on this entire planet who’ve been taught to sing and praise our demeanment (calling ourselves bit*hes, ho*s, dogs and ni**as)…If you can train people to demean and degrade themselves, you can oppress them forever. You can even program them to kill themselves and they won’t even understand what happened.” McDonald’s and Subways are major sponsors of these disrespectful songs. They’ve chosen instead to continue paying to sponsor this hateful rhetoric. No other group has to ask sponsors to withdraw from offensive media. Sponsors do so willingly. Respect yourself, and demand that all others RESPECT US. The writer is president of the National Congress of Black Women.

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May 2-4, 2019

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Letters to the Editor Real estate tax hike proposal and duplicity Some public officials with admirable objectives are being less than straight with this town as it relates to the proposed real estate tax increase. They are pretending that if residents agree to this tax increase, we are in the clear. The truth is that these same people will be back next year asking for another real estate tax increase, because, absent the kind of cuts that the Richmond School Board and City Council have proposed, the Richmond Public Schools strategic plan will require an additional $58 million a year from the taxpayers when fully implemented. Absent the kind of belt-tightening that the School Board and City Council have adopted despite Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s objections, the RPS strategic plan, when fully implemented, would require a real estate tax increase to $1.47 per $100 of assessed value. So anyone pretending like Mayor Stoney’s proposed tax increase in 2019 will solve anything is at best uninformed, and at worst, misleading. JONATHAN M. YOUNG Richmond The writer represents the 4th District on the Richmond School Board.

‘Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson’ Re “Head of the class! Richmond Public Schools teacher Rodney A. Robinson, who mentors and inspires students at the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center, wins 2019 National Teacher of the Year,â€? Free Press April 25-27 edition: Kudos to Rodney A. Robinson, the teacher at Virgie Binford Education Center located inside the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center, for being named the 2019 National Teacher of the Year. He is the first Richmond Public Schools teacher to obtain this honor. What makes it even more gratifying for me is that I worked at the detention center for more than 30 years before retiring. I always felt that most of these residents just needed a chance and for someone to believe in them. Through the years, we had many good teachers there who cared. I know because of working closely with the teachers while I was an administrator there. Mr. Robinson definitely took teaching these kids to another level. These kids are detained and he still finds ways of reaching out to teach and educate them to the fullest. He is definitely one of a kind and, from what I read, is well deserving of this honor.

He stated after winning this award that he now has a big stage to fight for his students and what they need. This sounds like a person who is grounded and ready to meet these challenges on a bigger platform. There are more than 3.6 million teachers in the United States and only one received this award — Mr. Robinson. I am sure other doors and opportunities will be open to him

because of this. Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson, for being a phenomenal teacher and receiving the highest award. Continue to go forth and do great things. ERNEST PARKER JR. Richmond The writer is a former interim superintendent of the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center.

New Market Road (Route 5) Turn Lane Construction Henrico County Design Public Hearing Tuesday, May 14, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Varina Public Library 1875 New Market Rd. Henrico, Virginia 23231 Find out about the proposed project to add left turn lanes on east and westbound Route 5 at Buffin Road and a right turn lane on northbound Buffin Road to eastbound Route 5. The meeting will be held in an open forum style from 5 – 6:30 p.m. This format will provide the flexibility to allow participants to meet and discuss the proposed project directly with project staff members. Review the project information and National Environmental Policy Act documentation at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights, 23834-9002, 804-524-6000, 1-800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions. Give your written or oral comments at the meeting or submit them no later than May 24, 2019 to Adam Brooks, project manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002. You may also email your comments to adam.brooks@vdot.virginia.gov. Please reference “Route 5 Turn Lanes� in the subject line. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. *In the event of inclement weather on May 14, this meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at the same time and location above. State Project: 0005-043-R80, P101, R201, C501 UPC: 108654

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Richmond Free Press

A10  May 2-4, 2019

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Richmonder Ferrell raids No. 4 spot in NFL draft, headed to Oakland

Burdened with the NFL’s most anemic pass rush, the Oakland Raiders have turned to a Richmonder for first aid. The Raiders drafted former Benedictine College Preparatory school and Clemson University defensive end Clelin Ferrell in the first round as the fourth overall pick during the NFL draft last week in Nashville. Ferrell celebrated his surprisingly high selection at home in Richmond surrounded by family, friends and an ESPN camera crew. With little delay, he jetted to Oakland for his initial press conference. He said he’ll be proud to wear the Raiders’ famed silver and black. “I think of toughness. I think of effort. I think of people who aren’t afraid of the work and will do whatever it takes to get the job done,” he told the media. The 6-foot-4, 264-pound Ferrell becomes the highest drafted local player since Ken Willard of Varina High School and the University of North Carolina was plucked No. 2 overall in 1965 by the San Francisco 49ers. Oakland is in dire need of help on the defensive front. The Raiders recorded just 13 sacks last year. That was 15 less than the next lowest figure. That’s where Ferrell does his best work. During his Clemson career, he had 55 tackles for losses and 27 sacks, including 11.5 this past season while helping the Tigers to the National Championship. Pass rushers are well compensated. Ferrell’s rookie annual salary figures to be $20.7 million. It hasn’t always been an easy ride for Fer-

Kyler Murray poses with Roger Goodell

rell. His father, Cleavester, died when Ferrell was 13. He also missed his senior season at Benedictine with a torn ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament. Before Benedictine, Ferrell played for the Hening Athletic Association of the Chesterfield Quarterback League in 2010 and was on the Senior All-Star Team. Both of his parents were career military. His father served 24 years in the Army, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. His mother, Faye, served 22 years, becoming a first sergeant. Clelin, however, was not a military brat. He lived his whole life in Richmond prior to heading off to Clemson. His time in Oakland could be limited. The Raiders plan to move to Las Vegas for the 2020 season, pending completion of the team’s new stadium.

Toronto Raptors ready to claw victory from the 76ers

With the slogan “We the North,” the Toronto Raptors threaten to change the NBA’s initials to the IBA — International Basketball Association. The league’s lone Canadian franchise had the NBA’s second best regular season record this season (58-24), behind the Milwaukee Bucs, and is tops overall over the last two seasons (117-47). While past Raptors squads have tripped up early in the playoffs, this year’s team under Coach Nick Nurse has hastened the pace with a first round 4-1 rout of the Orlando Magic. The Canadians closed out the Magic with a definitive 115-96 victory that sends the team into the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, the 4-1 game winner over the Brooklyn Nets. Oh Canada: Kawhi Leonard may be the best thing to hit Canada since maple syrup, Niagara Falls and Wayne Gretzky. Since the NBA’s inception in 1947, rarely has a team won it all without one of the league’s premier individual talents. That’s where the 27-year-old Leonard takes his bows for the Toronto Raptors. Obtained in the offseason from the San Antonio Spurs for DeMar DeRozan, the 6-foot-7 Leonard averaged 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists during the regular season, playing just 26 minutes per game. Based on points per possession, Leonard led the NBA in scoring with 41.1 points per 100 possessions. The Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant is second at 39.5 points, followed

Kawhi Leonard

Chris Boucher

by the Houston Rockets’ James Harden at 39.5 points. A threat from anywhere, Leonard is among the few worthy of pledging the “50-40-90 fraternity,” which means shooting 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from outside the arc and 90 percent at the foul line. Leonard is famous for his enormous hands — stretching 11.5 inches from the tip of thumb to the tip of his pinkie. He is also among the league’s quietest players off the floor, rarely agreeing to interviews, keeping his thoughts to himself and avoiding social media at all costs. That said, he let’s playing do his talking. His game speaks volumes: In 2014, Leonard was MVP of the NBA Finals for champion San Antonio. From near and far: The Raptors’ closest thing to a hometown hero is 6-foot-10 backup center Chris Boucher, who grew up speaking French in his homeland of St. Lucia. He moved to the Montreal area as a youngster and has dual Canada-St. Lucia citizenship. Other Raptors with international roots are OG Anunoby from England, Marc Gasol from Spain, Serge Ibaka from the Republic of the Congo and Pascal Siakan from Cameroon.

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Drake

Then there’s guard Jeremy Lin, a Harvard University graduate who’s among the few of Chinese or Taiwanese ancestry to reach the NBA. The Rappin’ Raptor: Among the squad’s most passionate fans is Toronto born rapper Drake, who first coined the team slogan, “We the North.” Drake was named as the team’s “Global Ambassador” in 2013 and served as Host of Festivities for the 2016 AllStar Game. In the beginning: The Toronto NBA expansion franchise was born in 1995 and named the Raptors as a play on the popular 1993 movie “Jurassic Park.” The Raptors are among the current franchises never to have won the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy. Other teams without a championship are the Buffalo Braves/ Los Angeles Clippers, the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, the Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans. North of the border vs. Philly: This is rematch of the hotly contested 2001 second round of the NBA playoffs with the Sixers winning 4-3. That series pitted All-Stars Allen Iverson of the Sixers against the Raptors’ Vince Carter. Carter, nicknamed “Air Canada,” averaged 27.3 points during that playoff series and stands out as probably the Raptors’top highwire attraction since Leonard’s trumpeted arrival. Co-starring: Behind Leonard, the Raptors’most consistent standout is 33-year-old, 6-foot guard Kyle Lowry, who averaged 14 points, nine assists and five rebounds for the season. Lowry, a five-time All-Star, should hear some cheers even in Philadelphia for the upcoming series. He is a native Philadelphian and former standout at Villanova University. Look familiar? The Raptors’ broadcasting team on NBA-TV Canada includes former Virginia Commonwealth University basketball guard Sherman Hamilton (19941997), a native of Toronto. Fan frenzy: Tickets are going fast. The Raptors are fourth in the NBA for per-game attendance at 19,043 fans. Golden State, Philadelphia and Dallas are first through third.

• While Ferrell was drafted several slots ahead of what prognosticators predicted, there was no surprise at the No. 1 overall pick. As expected, the Arizona Cardinals picked University of Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, the Heisman Trophy winner. Since then, Arizona has traded its 2018 top pick, quarterback Josh Rosen, to the Miami Dolphins for draft picks. Murray becomes the first athlete in history to be picked in the first round of both the NFL and Major League Baseball drafts. He was the ninth overall pick by the Oakland Athletics in 2018. Murray, who accounted for 5,362 yards and 54 touchdowns this past season for the Oklahoma Sooners, becomes the fifthAfrican-American quarterback drafted at No. 1. Others were Jameis Winston from Florida State by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015; Cam Newton from Auburn University by the Carolina Panthers in 2011; JaMarcus Russell from Louisiana State University by the Oakland Raiders in 2007; and Michael Vick from Virginia Tech by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. • The Washington NFL team’s first draft pick (15th overall), quarterback Dwayne Haskins out of Ohio State University, figures to have a strong cheering section at FedEx Field. Rarely is a player drafted by his hometown team, but that’s what happened in Haskins’ case. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound Haskins was a high school All-American at the Bullis School in Potomac, Md., passing for 5,364 yards and 54 touchdowns. Haskins waited his turn at OSU, then made the most of his one season as starter. After backing up J.T. Barrett in 2017, he emerged as an All Big 10 performer in 2018, setting numerous passing records and becoming a Heisman finalist. In Washington, the rookie will compete with holdover Colt McCoy and Case Keenum (acquired in a trade) for a first string role. The last quarterback Washington took with its first pick was Robert Griffin III out of Baylor University in 2012. Griffin was the No. 2 overall pick in 2012. Before that, Washington’s last No. 1 quarterback pick was Tulane University’s Patrick Ramsey in 2002. •

Clelin Ferrell

Most top picks nowadays come from the prominent Power Five conferences. The Houston Texans dared to differ this year by selecting offensive tackle Titus Howard (23rd overall) from Alabama State University, a HBCU. Howard, 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, was a high school quarterback who has bulked up some 87 pounds in college. He credits his fiancée’s chicken spaghetti for his physical transformation. Howard impressed NFL scouts in a regular season game against Auburn last season, and also in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. This was long overdue for HBCUs. The last first round picks from historically black colleges and universities were Jackson State University’s Sylvester Morris and Rashard Anderson in 2000. Morris was picked 21st by the Kansas City Chiefs and Anderson, 23rd, by the Carolina Panthers. • News wasn’t as good around Bowie State University. Bulldogs quarterback Amir Hall was not drafted, but will attempt to sign as a free agent. Hall, who broke most CIAA passing records, was named the Black Colleges Player of the Year for the past two consecutive seasons, as well as CIAA Offensive Player of the Year.

VSU Coach Lonnie Blow wins Clarence ‘Big House’ Gaines Coach of the Year Award

Coach Lonnie Blow’s success at Houston’s Kelvin Sampson. Virginia State University has drawn Coach Blow guided the Trojans national acclaim. to a 28-5 mark this past season The Trojans basketball coach has and a CIAA Tournament champireceived the Clarence “Big House” onship. VSU was later eliminated Gaines Coach of the Year Award by in the second round of the NCAA the National Sports Media AssociaDivision II playoffs. tion. The award is presented to the In six seasons at VSU, Coach most outstanding men’s basketball Blow is 131-43, with two tournacoach in NCAA Division II. ment crowns in 2016 and 2019. Coach Blow will be honored He also won top CIAA honors in Coach Blow June 24 at Lawrence Joel Veterans 2010 during his coaching stint at St. Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C. Augustine’s University in North Carolina. This is the 60th year in which the presentaEarlier this year, the Norfolk native was tion has been made. named Atlantic Region co-coach of the The Division I winner is the University of year.

Kenny Easley among 10 to be inducted into Virginia High School Hall of Fame Kenny Easley, considered among the greatest athletes in state history, is among five athletes named to the Virginia High School Hall of Fame. He will be inducted with a total of 10 people into the Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Virginia High School League, during a ceremony June 23 in Charlottesville. Kenny Following a brilliant career at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake in the mid-1970s, Easley became a first team AllAmerican defensive back at UCLA. He was the fourth overall pick in the 1981 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Easley played his entire pro career with the Seahawks, amassing 32 interceptions. Easley was a five-time All-Pro pick and !

four-time All-NFL performer. His jersey, No. 45, has been retired by the franchise. Other athletes to be inducted are Natalie Baird Etheridge of Park View-Sterling; Billy Baber of Western Albemarle; Rebecca Wakefield-Snider of Woodbridge and Larry Stepney of Norview. Easley Three coaches also will be inducted. They are Jeffrey Custer of ChristiansburgWoodbridge-Gar-Field-Lake Braddock; Bill Dee of Southampton-Phoebus-Oscar Smith; and Lou Sorrentino of George Mason-Culpeper CountyC.D. Hylton-Mountain View. Two contributors will be inducted — Nancy Burke of George C. Marshall-South Lakes and Ernie Hicks of Richlands.


Section

B

May 2-4, 2019 B1

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: Dr. Cynthia O. Richardson Spotlight on president of the Petersburg Area Art League Cynthia Owens Richardson, president of the Petersburg Area Art League, wants the nonprofit to be a mecca for people to explore, experience and be inspired by art. PAAL, located in the city’s Old Towne, focuses on empowering the community through the visual arts. Along with an art education center, PAAL’s space includes a downstairs gallery for the public and upstairs gallery for member artists wanting to exhibit their work. PAAL also offers workshops and classes and participates in Petersburg’s “Friday for the Arts,” with new monthly exhibitions every second Friday. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Richardson moved with her mother to Petersburg in 1984 to join the administration of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Exploring her new community, Dr. Richardson saw the Art League’s building and remembers saying to herself, “I love art. I would like to be involved with the league someday.” A few years later, she happened to be at PAAL looking at some artwork and became friends with Russell Kvasnicka, the organization’s president at the time. “He invited me to join PAAL and to be on the board,” Dr. Richardson says. “That was right down my alley.” She has been on the board for four years. She was first elected as board secretary, then moved up to vice president. She became board president last year.

An art lover who creates jewelry and other craft items, she is eager to help PAAL become more integral in the community. Art has always been part of her life. Growing up, Dr. Richardson’s parents encouraged her to develop and express her creative side. They exposed her to the arts by visiting galleries in Columbus as well as taking trips to New York to the Guggenheim Museum. “I love painting and crafts and music. I’ve been playing violin since I was a child,” she says. For the last 15 years, she has designed jewelry using different techniques, such as kumihimo, a form of Japanese braiding that has been around for thousands of years. “The samurais used to braid these bracelets to hold their swords,” Dr. Richardson explains. “I use seed beads, which is a form of weaving. One piece of my jewelry may have a thousand beads in it.” She also crochets, sews and knits sweaters. “I am always doing arts projects and seeking ideas to take my work to the next level because once I master something, I want to do something else.” Now retired as director of planning and administration for Chesterfield schools, Dr. Richardson says her new goal for the 200-member arts group is to raise enough money to expand program offerings. “In the past, PAAL’s members had a lot of money to give, and we had a lot of money from endowments,” Dr. Richardson said. “Unfortunately, those

people have passed on, and we now have to find new ways of funding.” To that end, PAAL is hosting its 11th annual Ladies Luncheon scheduled for 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22. The event will feature hair stylists and a therapeutic masseuse talking about how those small, personal services benefit women’s physical and emotional health. “PAAL is for everybody, “Dr. Richardson said. “We are not just serving artists but serving the needs of the entire Tri-cities Area. We are here to inspire and move the community to take part in the arts and the organization.” Meet arts advocate and this week’s Personality, Dr. Cynthia O. Richardson:

No. 1 volunteer position: President, Petersburg Area Art League. Date and place of birth: April 17 in Columbus, Ohio. Current residence: Petersburg. Education: Bachelor of arts in clinical psychology, The Ohio State University; master’s in city and regional planning and master’s in social work, The Ohio State University; and doctorate in educational leadership, Virginia Commonwealth University. Family: Spouse, John A. Richardson Jr. When and how I got involved with the Petersburg Area Art League: I have been a member of the PAAL for four years. I was a member of the Southside Virginia Arts Council, and when that organization dissolved, I was asked by the president of PAAL to join. Why I wanted to serve as president: I wanted to continue to lead PAAL in a positive direction and serve the citizens of Petersburg. PAAL’s mission: To “empower the community through the visual arts and performing arts” via our three Gallery Spaces and Art Education Center. PAAL offers workshops and classes and participates in Petersburg’s “Friday for the Arts” with monthly exhibition openings every second Friday.

When PAAL was founded: PAAL was founded in 1932 by Anna Mercer Dunlop, who was considered the dean of Petersburg artists. She wanted to create a legacy of art in downtown Petersburg. Number of members: More than 200. PAAL’s top challenge: To raise money so that we can continue to maintain a variety of youth and adult art classes, a dynamic and engaging exhibition program that is now in its 16th year and our upcoming special events such as “Music in the Art Park” and new cabaret theater events. How I plan to meet it: By increasing our membership and having fundraising programs like our 11th Annual Ladies Luncheon. Dream for PAAL: To be an overall community center for the visual and performing arts.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love to travel in my RV. Favorite artist: Claude Monet. His paintings remind me of being in a dream. Best late-night snack: Popcorn. Quality I most admire in others: Truthfulness. Greatest source of inspiration: Going to the ocean and watching the waves. Favorite recreational activity: Dancing. Biggest chance I ever took: Flying in a helicopter over Hoover Dam and Lake Meade. The best thing my parents ever taught me: To never let anyone intimidate you and to know that “wherever you go, you belong there.”

Relevance of art to the growth and development of youths: It gives them the opportunity for expression that is also tied in with their academic requirements.

At the top of my “to do” list is: To go to the French Riviera.

Outlook at start of day: Positive, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

The book that influenced me the most: “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach.

A quote that I am inspired by: I have two — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13, and “That which does not destroy me makes me stronger,” Friedrich Nietzsche.

What I’m reading now: “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness.

The person who influenced me the most: My mother, Marion E. Owens.

Next goal: To expand my jewelry design business, Cyn’s Rich Jewelry Designs.

()1 )* (


Richmond Free Press

B2 May 2-4, 2019

Happenings Thousands of people enjoy the entertainment on the main stage on the oceanfront at 5th Street in Virginia Beach. Tickets for the three-day festival ranged from $150 to $450. Organizers said they would refund 33 percent of the base price to purchasers after Friday’s scheduled concert was canceled because of stormy weather.

Photo by Greg Noire

Brian Ach/Getty Images for Something in the Water

Brian Ach/Getty Images for Something in the Water

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Something in the Water

Performers announced and unannounced wowed the crowd on Sunday, including, from left, Jay-Z, P. Diddy and Portsmouth native Missy Elliott.

‘Something in the Water’

Randy Singleton

Pharrell Williams’ vision, efforts bring national artists and more than 50,000 people to the Virginia Beach oceanfront for a weekend of music and fun

“Something in the Water” is the brainchild of Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, left, who performed Saturday under the banner “Pharrell & Friends.” Here, he is joined on stage by Snoop Dogg.

By Nia Tariq

“Something in the Water,” the weekend music festival in Virginia Beach pioneered by that city’s own nationally known singer and songwriter Pharrell Williams, drew more than 50,000 happy people to the oceanfront for the first-of-its-kind event in Hampton Roads. Although the festival was planned for three days, strong winds accompanied by lightning and a torrential downpour on Friday pushed the weekend’s events to Saturday and Sunday when

Randy Singleton

Tappahannock native Chris Brown gets emotional during his Sunday set.

festival-goers lined up in sun and sand for entry and tourists populated the balconies of oceanfront hotel rooms for hours on end to people watch and listen to the music. It was “Black Coachella,” as festival attendee Alex Jackson of Washington put it. “It’s amazing when black people come together what we can do,” Mr. Jackson said. “People can come to a concert on the ocean and vibe, too. Best weekend of my life.” Performers ranged from the 804’s pop and R&B sensation Chris Brown, Virginia Beach’s Pusha T and Portsmouth’s Missy Elliott to Odd Future founder Tyler, the Creator and neosoul singer Jhené Aiko, who are California natives. The set “Pharrell & Friends” closed the show on Saturday with advertised appearances by Snoop Dogg, P. Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Timbaland and Usher and a surprise performance by Jay-Z. Sunday’s lineup brought in more unexpected guests, including SWV’s Coko Clemons and the members of Guy and Blackstreet during Teddy Riley’s new jack swing throwback performance that featured the song “Rump Shaker,” whose iconic music video set in 1990s Virginia Beach was playing in the background. Rain started pouring during Sunday’s performance by soul singer and former Gap Band front man Charlie Wilson. But, later, fans were provided an unforeseen reward for their wait when Petersburg’s Trey Songz emerged for a duet with Mr. Brown, a native of Tappahannock. Although centered around music, “Something in the Water” also paid homage to the local community and small businesses. Through various partnerships, the festival facilitated a pitch competition for local start-ups, the opening of an elementary school community garden, the collection of canned goods for donation and more. Inclusivity was embraced during several performances through

Performers, from left, Pusha T of Virginia Beach, Jhené Aiko and Travis Scott play to the audience.

Brian Ach/Getty Images for Something in the Water

Sunday’s Pop-Up Church Service draws an enthusiastic crowd. Nonticket holders were welcome at that event.

Photos by Randy Singleton

Singer SZA fires up the crowd on Saturday.

Randy Singleton

the help of American Sign Language interpreters on stage. And a cleanup day was held Monday by local volunteers. “I think this is really great for the community because it brings people out and it boosts up the economy by bringing money in. I definitely commend (Pharrell) on doing this,” said Shavanda Rountree of North Carolina. She and her kindergarten-age son, Bréon, attended Sunday afternoon’s Pop-Up Church Service on the beachfront. The event was one of a few opportunities during the festival for non-ticket holders to participate. “It’s been a great time just being here and seeing all these people,” Ms. Rountree said. She said when her son gets older, it will be important for him to remember certain experiences, with the pop-up service being a good example. “Pharrell made sure that he didn’t disappoint Virginia,” Ms. Elliott said after her performance Saturday. Looking back on the failure and violence of Greekfest on Labor Day weekend 1989 — the last major event on the Virginia Beach oceanfront that catered to the African-American community — she and Diddy, a Howard University alumnus, lauded Mr. Williams’ efforts in regaining the city’s trust. More recently, the last weekend of April, which is popularly known in the area as College Beach Weekend, had become a point of tension with local businesses and police because shootings, stabbings and fights have broken out among the large crowds of students. Turning the page this year, the tens of thousands of young people lining the streets for “Something in the Water” were welcomed by businesses, a safer night entertainment scene and a less intrusive police presence. “To be able to attend the first ever ‘Something in the Water’ festival is an experience I will forever cherish,” said Stormy Evans, a Californian who is stationed in Norfolk with the Navy. “Overall, Pharrell did an amazing thing for the seven cities (of Hampton Roads). And I bet whoever didn’t want to go this year will be the first to buy tickets next year.” Festival organizers already have hinted at plans to make another splash next year. Based on the weekend’s success, Mr. Williams has said he expects its return in 2020.


Richmond Free Press

May 2-4, 2019 B3

Happenings

Local designer ties down sneaker line By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sneakers have gone from the basketball court to the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Forget paying $75 to $130 for a pair bearing Michael Jordan’s name. Think, instead, of shelling out $500 to $1,200 for a pair of sneakers from Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace or other renowned fashion houses. A Chesterfield County man sees such skyhigh pricing as an opportunity to make his mark in the high-end market for sneakers for casual wear rather than athletic play. Michael D. Duke, 47, ambitiously has begun his own line of high-fashion sneakers with the goal of making them more affordable — $180 a pair. Just like the fashion big shots, he said his first shoe under his label, Smooth Luxury Shoes, is made of soft Italian leather and suede and designed for everyday and even formal use. “They’re just not the kind of shoe you play basketball in. You buy them for the look,” Mr. Duke said. For him, his new endeavor is a dream come true. Mr. Duke, who looks more like a football player than a fashionista, said he has been fascinated by the look and feel of sneakers since he was a youngster in Harlem. “My interest developed just growing up in the neighborhood, listening to music, being hip-hop. Taking an interest in people’s kicks was just part of life.” Now a full-blown sneaker aficionado or “sneaker head,” Mr. Duke has long been a collector. He said he was enthralled with the pricey ones that the fashion houses began introducing as celebrities made sneakers part of their outfits. He even has some of the fashion houses’ shoes. However, he wanted to go one better by designing his own with a lower price tag.

He quickly found “there aren’t a lot of companies that are making a high quality shoe” at the price he was targeting. That is until his online research turned up AliveShoes in Le Marche, Italy, located about 150 miles northeast of Rome. According to its website, AliveShoes was created to provide professional resources to people like Mr. Duke to start a shoe line from scratch, including custom shoemaking, shipping to customers, accounting and handling returns. Mr. Duke said he jumped at the opportunity. He submitted his design that the company approved, provided the $1,300 start-up fee, met the company’s requirement for a minimum of seven orders and he was in business. He markets online. Shoppers go through his @smoothaleno site on Instagram to order and the company sends him a percentage of the sales price. Mr. Duke said his shoe has attracted customers from across the United States as well as London, Brazil, Austria and Argentina. “It’s gratifying,” he said. He’s now ready to launch his second shoe as he builds his brand, which is still a side hustle. His full-time job is far removed from shoes and the fashion world. The married father of three children is the statewide coordinator of the Virginia Department of Corrections’gang program. He oversees four staff members, who like him, offer training on gangs to local, state and federal law enforcement personnel, hold public gang awareness seminars and work with staff at the each of the state prisons on gang identification and strategies for dealing with such groups. A criminal justice graduate of Benedict College in South Carolina, Mr. Duke started his career as a prison guard at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt. He was tapped to be the gang

Michael D. Duke hopes to carve out his niche in high-fashion footwear starting with a sneaker line he designed and is selling on line. An Italian company produces the leather and suede shoe.

coordinator at that prison after the DOC began its gang unit effort and later joined the gang staff at DOC’s central office. He has worked in his current post since 2015. He said DOC started the gang initiative around 2004 in a bid to reduce the potential for violence against prison guards and among the various inmate groups. DOC also sought to educate communities and authorities about gangs and their signs in a bid to reduce their spread outside prison walls.

Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Mr. Duke’s wife, Melanie, is a drug treatment specialist at a federal prison in the Petersburg area. He finds his sneaker hustle a way to release stress, provide a creative outlet and potentially create income to help pay for higher education for his children. He takes inspiration from a quote that he has printed on the tongue of each shoe, “When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”

HU Marching Force invited to 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Free Press staff report

performers and, of course, Santa Claus, and drawing thousands of spectators along the 2-mile route and hundreds of thousands in a national television audience. “This opportunity will allow Hampton University to once again shine on the worldwide stage in front of the millions in attendance and others watch-

standard of excellence as being one of the best marching bands Forget the floats and the in the nation.” cartoon character balloons. The Wesley Whatley, creative proHampton University Marchducer of the parade, concurred. ing Force will perform in the “Rooted in tradition and with 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving explosive energy, the Hampton Day Parade. University Marching Force deThe surprise announcement livers outstanding, entertaining was made Monday to an excited shows that time and time again group of student bring the crowd band members to their feet,” on the waterMr. Whatley front campus. stated. The high“We look energy HU forward to inMarching troducing the Force, which talented stuperformed in dents of Hamp2018 at the 16th ton University Annual Honda to our parade Battle of the audience for Bands before the band’s demore than but” in 2020 62,000 fans in in the Macy’s Mercedes-Benz parade. Stadium in AtEarlier this lanta and whose year, the band talented drumwas invited to line marched participate in in the 2019 the 2020 New Tournament of Year’s Day PaRoses Parade rade in Rome. in Pasadena, “ ‘ T h e Calif., is one Marching of nine bands Force’ is an selected from elite group of Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press hundreds of talented, young applicants to Hampton University Marching Force at 2017 Christmas musicians and appear in the Parade in Richmond. dancers who annual Macy’s are academically Thanksgiving tradition in New ing from across the globe,” accomplished,” Dr. Harvey York City. stated HU President William stated in a HU press release. The 2020 parade will be the R. Harvey. The 2020 Macy’s Parade, 94th iconic holiday spectacle “Under the direction of Dr. “Let’s Have a Parade,” has featuring floats, clowns, giant Thomas Jones, The Marching signaled the start of the holiday character balloons, superstar Force continues to uphold the season since 1924.

The parade marches down Central Park West to 59th Street then heads east to 6th Avenue and then south along 6th Avenue all the way to 34th Street and Herald Square pass Macy’s Department Store. The Marching Force will spend the next 18 months planning their appearance, rehearsing and fundraising, which

will bring the University and the community closer as well as preparing students for the march of a lifetime. Hampton was selected from more than 100 applicants to march in the annual holiday spectacle and will join the revelry along with other iconic Macy’s staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns and

superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day 2020, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions. HU’s drumline recently performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade prior to the Rose Bowl and in 2018, The Force performed at Honda Battle of the Bandsin Atlanta.

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Richmond Free Press

B4 May 2-4, 2019

Happenings

2019 commencement speakers announced It’s graduation season for Virginia’s colleges and universities. This is a time for inspiring commencement speeches, proud parents and cheering graduates. Politicians, celebrities and outstanding students are scheduled as speakers to motivate the Class of 2019. Following is a partial list of upcoming commencements in the Commonwealth. Saturday, May 4 Norfolk State University, 9 a.m., William “Dick� Price Stadium, 700 Park Ave., Norfolk. Speaker: Yamiche Alcindor, PBS NewsHour White House correspondent and political contributor for NBC News and MSNBC. Friday, May 10 John Tyler Community College, 4 p.m., Virginia State University Multi-Purpose Center, 20809 2nd Ave., Petersburg. Student speakers: Aaron Autler of Richmond, Tisa Clancy of Chesterfield, Sabrina Fuller of Chesterfield and Cassandra Morris of Chesterfield. Saturday, May 11 Virginia Union University, 10 a.m., Hovey Field on VUU campus, 1500 N. Lombardy St. (In case of inclement weather, Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center, 3001 Arthur Ashe Blvd.) Speaker: Danny Glover, award-winning actor, producer and humanitarian. Virginia Commonwealth University, 10 a.m., Greater Richmond Convention Center in Downtown. Speaker: Andy Florance, founder and chief executive officer of CoStar Group. College of William & Mary, 8:30 a.m., Zable Stadium on the Williamsburg campus, (In case of inclement weather, Kaplan Arena). Speaker: Award-winning actress Glenn Close, a 1974 William & Mary alumna. Richard Bland Community College, 4 p.m., VSU MultiPurpose Center, 20809 2nd Ave., Petersburg. Speaker: Justin G. Reid, a cultural preservationist, civil rights public historian and

Charlottesville. Speaker: Singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams, a Virginia Beach native. Sunday, May 19 Virginia State University, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., VSU Multi-Purpose Center, 20809 2nd Ave., Petersburg. Speaker to be announced. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, 12:30 p.m., Stuart C. Siegel Center at VCU, 1200 Lt. Gen. Williams Mr. Glover Ms. Close Mr. Florance W. Broad St. Speaker to be announced. former associate director of the Robert Russa Moton Museum Saturday, June 1 in Farmville. Randolph-Macon College, 10 a.m., Frank E. Brown Sunday, May 12 Fountain Plaza on campus, Ashland (Rain Location: CrenHampton University, 8:30 a.m., Armstrong Stadium on shaw Gymnasium) Speaker: Attorney Alan B. Rashkind, an campus, Hampton. Speaker: U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Darrell K. R-MC alumnus and retired chairman of the college’s Board Williams, a 1983 alumnus. of Trustees. University of Richmond, 2 p.m., Robins Center on campus. Speaker: Nancy J. Kramer, chief evangelist of IBM iX. DIAMONDS • WATCHES JEWELRY • REPAIRS Friday, May 17 19 EAST BROAD STREET Virginia Tech, 8:30 a.m., Lane Stadium/Worsham Field, RICHMOND, VA 23219 Blacksburg. Speaker: Retired Hokies football Coach Frank (804) 648-1044 Beamer. WWW.WALLERJEWELRY.COM University of Virginia, 3 p.m., The Lawn on campus,

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Richmond Free Press

May 2-4, 2019

B5

Faith News/Obituary/Directory

RISC receives federal grant to assist with community effort By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Prayers for peace

Imam Irfan Ali Shah of the Islamic Center of Henrico offers prayers in remembrance of the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings at three Christian churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka that claimed the lives of more than 250 people and wounded 500 others. The local interfaith service on April 26 included prayers for peace and an end to violence around the world. The Islamic State, or ISIS, released a video claiming responsibility for the terrorist attacks. More than 24 people have been arrested. Authorities were investigating whether the attack was related to the March 15 massacre at two mosques in Australia by a

gunman who killed 50 people and wounded another 50. Last Saturday, a 19-year-old California man opened fire on members of a synagogue outside San Diego, killing a 60-year-old woman and injuring several others, including the rabbi. Zulfi Khan, a member of the Islamic Center of Henrico, told the media, “Every few weeks, we are hearing news of another place of worship being attacked. It does not matter whether you are Christian, Muslim or Jewish or any other religion. We are all together. The common thread that ties us together is being human. And being human is to care about one another.”

Charles W. Howell Jr., longtime community advocate and health administrator, dies at Since 1975, the federal Coalition that included 20 government has been issuorganizations and involved ing income tax refunds to dozens of tax preparation low-income working indivolunteers who fanned out viduals and families through to provide no-charge tax an anti-poverty initiative help at 11 sites. called the Earned Income “We’re talking about Tax Credit, or EITC. real money that could help In 2002, Charles Wyatt put bread on the table for Howell Jr., a veteran comfamilies that really need munity development and it,” Mr. Howell noted in a health care administrator, Richmond Free Press Perstumbled across Internal sonality feature published in Revenue Service data showFebruary 2003 at the launch ing thousands of people in of the effort. Mr. Howell Richmond who qualified Mr. Howell, who died for the tax credit were failing to seek the in Richmond at age 91 on Sunday, April refund, leaving hundreds and, sometimes, 7, 2019, from complications of a long illthousands of dollars uncollected for them- ness, rarely gets any public mention for selves and their families. his role in starting the tax help initiative The Richmond native, then 74, imme- that continues today. diately sought to change that. Within three years, he and other adAs chair of an economic development vocates persuaded then-Gov. Tim Kaine committee for the Richmond Branch and the General Assembly to put around NAACP, Mr. Howell first educated $200,000 in the state budget to enable himself about the tax credit and then the Virginia Community Action Partnerfollowed up by energetically launching ship to build a statewide coalition of such a community crusade to provide free volunteer programs. service to ensure people got the incomeThe United Way of Greater Richmond lifting refund. and Petersburg took over the GREITC He buttonholed individuals and people- program. The United Way now calls it helping groups, and by tax time in 2003, Mr. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance in conHowell was heading the nonprofit Greater tinuing Mr. Howell’s legacy. Richmond Earned Income Tax Credit Recent data indicates the program

Volunteer cleanup Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery Members of Richmond Masonic Lodge #65, F&AM, will host a public day of cleanup at historic Evergreen Cemetery in the city’s East End, it has been announced. Volunteers are requested from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4. The lodge is working with the Evergreen Restoration Foundation to help improve conditions at the cemetery off Stony Run Parkway, according to Marvin Harris, foundation executive director. Details: Mr. Harris, mharris@mapinv.com or (804) 240-1418.

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

Transportation Services (804) 859-1985

 

“Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”



 

helps more than 3,000 people a year file taxes without charge and gain more than $800,000 in Earned Income Tax Credit refunds. Born in Church Hill, Mr. Howell graduated from Armstrong High School and Howard University. After returning to Richmond, he served in the late 1960s as director of Richmond’s Model City Program, which used federal dollars to develop new businesses in the East End, including a small shopping center next to Creighton Court. Mr. Howell spent most of his career as a staff member with the drug rehab center known as Rubicon, whose former treatment center in North Side is now part of the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority. Mr. Howell later served as a part-time administrator for the Manchester Medical Center and operated his own consulting business before his death. He was a past president of the Richmond Branch NAACP and was a member of the Richmond Crusade for Voters. He was married to Charlene Tinsley Howell, who died in 2003. Family and friends celebrated his life on Monday, April 15, at Fourth Baptist Church. Survivors include his children, Charles and Cheryl Howell; his brother, Richard Howell; and five grandchildren.

A coalition of 20 Richmond area Christian and Jewish congregations that focuses on social justice has been awarded a $144,000 federal grant ahead of its annual meeting where the faith-based coalition will press for changes in eviction policy and for proven reading and trauma response programs in schools. Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Henrico on Tuesday announced the award from the Corporation of National and Community Service to RISC, or Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Community, to provide support for staff and expenses. The award is timely. Billed as the area’s largest interfaith group of its kind, RISC is hosting its 17th Annual Nehemiah Action Assembly for social justice at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 1127 N. 28th St. in Church Hill. RISC expects up to 1,200 people to turn out for the public event to push for “significant, root-level changes to stop Richmond’s eviction crisis” and promote ways to boost reading and provide better treatment for students who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder due to violence in their neighborhood and/or family upheaval, according to a statement from the coalition. The group has dealt with a wide range of issues since its founding in 2002, from improving health care services for low-income people to working with Virginia Commonwealth University to help high school seniors obtain entry-level jobs. “RISC also has worked with Richmond Public Schools to ensure students who have been suspended multiple times receive an individual intervention rather than more suspensions,” Rep. McEachin stated in the awards announcement. He also noted that RISC advocated for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund that Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson spearheaded and which has helped more than 1,000 people secure lower-cost rental housing. RISC states that it seeks to empower change by having people organize as one assembly that transcends religious, racial and socioeconomic differences to address community problems. Participating congregations include Bon Air Presbyterian Church, Bonay Kodesh, Congregation Or Ami, the East End Fellowship, Ebenezer Baptist Church, First Congregational Christian United Church of Christ and First Presbyterian Church. Also, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, New Light Baptist Church, Richmond Mennonite Fellowship, Riverview Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church-Southside. Also, Seventh Street Memorial Baptist Church, Southminster Presbyterian Church, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, St. John’s United Church of Christ, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and The Light Community Church. Union Presbyterian Seminary also is a member.

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2018-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! A 21st Century Church Come Worship With Us!

With Ministry For Everyone

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs Pastor

18

Pastor’s Anniversary Celebration Sunday, May 5, 2019 10:45 AM Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Valarie Carter Smith Executive Directory/Treasurer Women’s Missionary Union of Virginia

Music by:

The Male Chorus and Gospel Truth

Community Welcome! Now Registering for Another Fantastic HjbbZg 8Vbe Ages 5-12 OPEN HOUSES Register before quota is met May 25th 9am - 11am

Call (804) 359-1691 for more information

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

th

June 1st 9am – 11am

400 South Addison Street, Richmond,Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park)

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 • Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org • drbibbs@sixthbaptistchurch.org

Twitter sixthbaptistrva Facebook sixthbaptistrva

The Soul Seekers OF MECHANICSVILLE

Remember... At New Deliverance, You Are Home! See you there and bring a friend.

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

Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

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

WEDNESDAY SERVICES

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) www.ndec.net

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

SATURDAY

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 5th Grade

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online! Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.” Visit www.ndec.net.

Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 4 p.m. This concert is sponsored by the Jones-Parker Missionary #4.

BAPTIST CHURCH ! SECOND (West d e s s le B End) e b d Come an 1400 Idlewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220

Telephone: 804-353-7682 | Rev. Dr. James Henry Harris,Pastor

WOMEN’S DAY Sunday, May 19, 2019 10:00 a.m.

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

Noonday Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. (Bible Study) 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

in Concert

ENROLL NOW!!! Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program. Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old. For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

“Women Propelled for God”

Philippians 1:6 and Isaiah 54:2-3 P������ J������ B������ C�����

R��. A����� V. C������, P����� 7204 Bethlehem Road • Henrico, VA 23228 • (804) 672-9319

Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michelle McQueen-Williams First Baptist Church - South Richmond http://www.facebook.com/PilgrimJourney

www.pjbcrichmond.org


Richmond Free Press

B6 May 2-4, 2019

Obituary/Faith Directory

Critically acclaimed filmmaker John Singleton dies at 51 Free Press wire report

NEW YORK Director John Singleton, who made one of Hollywood’s most memorable debuts with the Oscar-nominated “Boyz N the Hood� and continued over the following decades to probe the lives of African-American communities in his native Los Angeles and beyond, died Monday, April 29, 2019, after suffering several strokes during the last two weeks. He was 51. Mr. Singleton’s family said he died in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, after being taken off life support. Earlier this month, he suffered a major stroke. Mr. Singleton was in his early 20s and just out of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts when he wrote, directed and produced “Boyz N the Hood.� Based on Mr. Singleton’s upbringing and shot in his old neighborhood, the low-budget production starred Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube and Moris Chestnut, and centered on three friends in South Central Los Angeles, where college aspirations competed with the pressures of gang life. “Boyz N the Hood� was a critical and commercial hit, given a 20-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and praised as a groundbreaking extension of rap to the big screen, a realistic and compassionate take on race, class, peer pressure and family. Mr. Singleton would later call it a “rap album on film.� For many, the 1991 release captured the explosive mood in Los Angeles in the months following the videotaped police beating of Rodney King. “Boyz N the Hood� also came out at a time when, thanks to the efforts to Spike Lee and others, films by and about African-Americans were starting to get made by Hollywood after a long absence. With the film, Mr. Singleton became the first African-American director to receive an Academy Award nomination, an honor he would say was compensation for the academy’s snubbing Mr. Lee and “Do the Right Thing� two years earlier. The film also was nominated for best screenplay. (“Thelma & Louise� won instead.) At 24, Mr. Singleton also was the youngest director nominee in Oscar history.

“I think I was living this film before I ever thought about making it,� Mr. Singleton told Vice in 2016. “As I started to think about what I wanted to do with my life, and cinema became an option, it was just natural that this was probably gonna be my first film.� In 2002, “Boyz N the Hood� was added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, which called it “an innovative look at life and the tough choices present for kids growing up in South Central Los Angeles.� None of Mr. Singleton’s subsequent movies received the acclaim of “Boyz N the Hood� and he was criticized at times for turning characters into mouthpieces for political and social messages. But he attracted talent ranging from Tupac Shakur to Don Cheadle and explored themes of creative expression (“Poetic Justice�), identity (“Higher Learning�) and the country’s racist past, notably in “Rosewood,� based on a murderous white rampage against a black community in Florida in 1923. He also made the coming-of-age story “Baby Boy,� a remake of the action film “Shaft� and an installment in the “Fast and Furious� franchise, “2 Fast 2 Furious.� More recent projects included the FX crime drama “Snowfall,� which he helped create. Starring Damson Idris, “Snowfall� returned Mr. Singleton to the Los Angeles of his youth and the destructive effects of the rise of crack cocaine. Mr. Singleton’s death Monday followed a turbulent week during which family members made opposing court filings regarding his health. Mr. Singleton had been in intensive care in a Los Angeles hospital since he had a stroke on April 17. A court filing last week by his mother, Shelia Ward, requested she be appointed his temporary conservator to make medical and financial decisions while he was incapacitated. Ms. Ward’s filing stated that Mr. Singleton was in a coma. But on April 26, Mr. Singleton’s daughter, Cleopatra Singleton, 19, filed a declaration disputing that account. She maintained that her father was not in a coma and that doctors did not “have a concrete diagnosis.� She opposed her grandmother becoming conservator, or guardian.

I was on a kamikaze mission to really tell stories from my perspective — an authentic black perspective.â€? Mr. Singleton was married twice, and had five children. Besides his career in movies, he also directed the memorable, Egyptian-themed video for Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time,â€? which included Eddie Murphy and Magic Johnson. He cast hip-hop artists and other musicians in many of his films, including Ice Cube in “Boyz N the Hood,â€? Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur in “Poetic Justiceâ€? and Tyrese Gibson in “Baby Boy.â€? Mr. Singleton’s early success didn’t shield him from creative conflicts or frustration with Hollywood studios. He blamed the commercial failure of “Rosewoodâ€? on lack of support from Warner Bros. He fought with producer Scott Rudin during the making of “Shaftâ€? and was furious when Rudin brought in author/screenwriter Richard Price to revise the script. He had planned to direct a biopic about Tupac Shakur, but quit after clashing with Morgan Creek Productions. In 2014, he chastised the industry for “refusing to let African-Americans direct black-themed films,â€? but Mr. Singleton was pleased in recent years by the emergence of Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, Jordan Peele and others. “There are these stacks of (films by non-black filmmakers) where black people have had to say, ‘OK, at least they tried,‘â€? he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018, adding that now blacks Chris Pizzello/Invision/Associated Press people were making the films John Singleton themselves. “What’s interesting Mr. Singleton’s passing prompted widespread when you see ‘Black Panther’ is you realize it praise for a filmmaker who, as his “Shaftâ€? couldn’t have been directed by anybody else star Samuel L. Jackson said, “blazed the trail but Ryan Coogler. It’s a great adventure movie for many young filmmakers,â€? while “always and it works on all those different levels as remaining true to who he was and where he entertainment, but it has this kind of cultural came from.â€? through-line that is so specific that it makes Director Ava DuVernay called him “a giant it universal.â€? among us.â€? Spike Lee said, “We’ll miss you Most recently, Mr. Singleton, who regretbut your films will live on.â€? Jordan Peele, ted turning down the chance to direct on the the Oscar-winning “Get Outâ€? and “Usâ€? film- first season of “The Wire,â€? turned his focus maker, called him “a brave artist and a true largely to television. He directed episodes inspiration.â€? of “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American “Your love for the black experience was Crime Storyâ€? (for which he was nominated contagious and I would never be the man I for an Emmy), “Empireâ€? and “Billions.â€? He am without knowing you,â€? Ice Cube said in co-created and executive produced “Snowfall,â€? a statement. directing three episodes. “Drugs devastated a generation. It gave me “There’s hardly any precedent for a guy something to write about, but I had to survive like me to have the career that I’ve had,â€? Mr. it first,â€? Mr. Singleton told The Guardian in Singleton told Variety in 2017. “Because I grew 2017. “It made me a very angry young man. up the way I grew up, I’m an in-your-face kind I didn’t understand why I was so angry, but I of guy. I developed that as a defense mechanism wasn’t someone who took my anger and applied to survive in the streets. I do that in Hollywood it inward. I turned it into being a storyteller. in the service of my passion.â€?

2IVERVIEW

"APTIST #HURCH 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

Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

A memorial wreath stands on John Singleton’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. The 51-year-old director died Monday, April 29, 2019, after suffering several strokes.

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You� Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00 A.M.

St. Peter Baptist Church

$R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR

Worship Opportunities Sundays: Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

8 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11 A.M.

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays): Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10 A.M.

WEDNESDAY 12:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Bible Study

Broad Rock Baptist Church

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcofďŹ ce1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com

“MAKE IT HAPPEN� Pastor Kevin Cook

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2019 8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship and Holy Communion

THURSDAYS WEDNESDAYS 1:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service Bible Study 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study (The Purpose Driven Church)

Triumphant

Baptist Church

Bible Study - Wednesday - 7 p.m. Communion - 1st Sunday

Upcoming Events & Happenings

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m. 4th Sunday UniďŹ ed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

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

ALL ARE WELCOME

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

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

Church School - 9:30 a.m. Worship Service - 11:15 a.m.

&BTU #SPBE 4USFFU 3JDINPOE 7JSHJOJB r

SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH

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

Thursdays: Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M. (Children/Youth/Adults)

Serving Richmond since 1887

“The Church With A Welcome�

1858

¹4HE 0EOPLE´S #HURCH²

Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m. Mon. 6:30 p.m. Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wed. 6:45 p.m. Wed. 4:30 p.m. Wed. 6:00 p.m. Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor

Sunday Morning Worship May 5, 2019 @ 10:30 A.M. Communion Sunday

Initial Sermon of Sis. Germaine Blakey May 5, 2019 @ 3:00 P.M.

Join Us as We Celebrate this Important Moment in the Life of Our Church Family. W eekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. B ible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

Initial Sermon of Bro. Avi Hopkins March 24, 2019 @ 3:00 P.M.


Richmond Free Press

May 2-4, 2019 B7

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE

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Richmond Free Press

call 644-0496

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, May 20, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-120 To a u t h o r i z e t h e Highland Grove Preliminary Community Unit Plan permitting the development of a residential community of up to 155 dwelling units on approximately 40 acres of land located at 2651 Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, 2641 RichmondHenrico Turnpike, 500 Dove Street, 509 Dove Street, and 2300 1st Avenue, upon certain terms and conditions. The underlying zoning of the subject property is R-5 Single-Family Residential, R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential, and R-48 Multifamily Residential. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the property for single‑family (low density) land use. Primary land use under this recommendation is single‑family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. Also included are residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses. The maximum density of the proposed development would be approximately four units per acre. Ordinance No. 2019-121 To authorize the special use of the property known as 20 North Belmont Avenue for the purpose of up to two dwelling units as well as the principal and accessory uses permitted in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is located in an R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The City of Richmond’s current 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 singlefamily and two-family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre.” The proposed residential density of the project would be approximately 25 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2019-122 To authorize the special use of the property known as 804 North 22nd Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to four dwelling units and a single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for this property is R‑63 MultiFamily Urban Residential. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Mixed Use Residential uses. Primary uses in this category include “single-, two-, and multifamily dwellings, live/work units and neighborhood serving commercial uses developed in a traditional urban form.” No residential density is specified for this land use category. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at; the Main City Library located at 101 East Franklin Street; and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, May 13, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2019-117 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of West Marshall Street located between the west line of Hermitage Road and the eastern boundary of the property known as 2220 West Broad Street consisting of 41,468± square feet, but retaining portions as utility easements and access easements, upon certain terms and conditions, and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept the dedication of a public access easement, consisting of 60,011± square feet, over certain parcels adjacent to the closed portion of West Marshall Street, in connection with vehicular and pedestrian access to a proposed mixeduse development in the area. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DORIS ACKIMU, Plaintiff v. BRIAN MHLONGO, Defendant. Case No.: CL19000691-00 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 11th day of June, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., Courtroom 2 and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER THOMAS SMITH, JR., Plaintiff v. WANDA SMITH, Defendant. Case No.: CL19001112-00 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 29th day of May, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ERIC SMITH, Plaintiff v. TRACY BANKS, Defendant. Case No.: CL19001113-00 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 29th day of May, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

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

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re BRANDON SUMMERVILLE File No. J-095264-06-07 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Kyle Gaines (Father) and Unknown (Father), of Brandon Summerville, child, DOB 06/30/2017. “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Kyle Gaines (Father) and Unknown (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 6/17/2019, at 2:55 PM, Courtroom #4 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KING JACKIE TUCKERSHELTON File No. J-94226-13-00, J-94226-14-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Unknown Father (Father), and Shamika Shelton (Mother) of King Jackie Tucker-Shelton, child, DOB 04/6/2017. “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendants Unknown Father (Father) and Shamika Shelton (Mother) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 7/9/2019, at 2:20 PM, Courtroom #2

PROPERTY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO OLIVIA J. GARLAND and LYNDEN P. GARLAND, SR., Plaintiffs, v. HARVEY KINNEY ESTATE, et al., Defendant. Case No.: CL19-1605 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is for the Plaintiff to quiet title to the real property located at 1017 Nash Road, Sandston, Virginia, 23150, in the County of Henrico, Parcel Identification Number 834-709-8523, Lot 24.5 acres (more or less), and for the Court to establish the Eastern boundary line to said subject Property. It appearing by affidavit that based on Plaintiffs research and the records currently readily available to them each of the heirs to the Harvey Kinney Estate (Respondent) last known address and social security number are not known, the present whereabouts of these individuals are unknown, and diligence has been used by the Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city these individuals live in (if any), is without effect, it is ORDERED that the heirs to the Harvey Kinney Estate (Respondent) appear before this Court on or before June 3, 2019 and protect their interests herein. An Extract Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk (804) 501-4765 Matthew A. Winer, Esquire Pagano & Marks, P.C. 4510 S. Laburnum Avenue Richmond, VA 23231 Tele: (804) 447-1002 Fax: (804) 562-5924 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO EDWARD J. OLIVIS, et al., Plaintiffs, v. HEIRS OF MITZI DEAN McLAUGHLIN, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL19-1622 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this action is to quiet title in the name of Plaintiffs Edward J. Olivis and Beverly Daniel as to 2804 Sandy Lane, Henrico, Virginia 23223. It appearing by affidavit that the last addresses of Defendants Heirs of Mitzi Dean McLaughlin andParties Unknown (any other current or former owners, successors in title, heirs, devisees or lien creditors with an interest in this real estate) are unknown, that these Defendants’ present whereabouts are unknown, and diligence has been used by the Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city these Defendants are located to no effect, it is ORDERED that these Defendants appear before this Court on or before June 3, 2019, and protect their Continued on next column

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interests herein. An Extract Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk W. Mark Dunn, Esquire Shaheen Law Firm, P.C. 8890 Three Chopt Road Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 285-6406 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND CAVA CAPITAL-VA BEACH, LLC PLAINTIFF V. ROBERT ST. JOHN HOLDEN ET Al. ORA LEE HOLDEN MCCRAY EARL RUDOLPH BURWELL JACQUELINE DAYE EMMA DAYE TAYLOR CHARLIE MAC DAYE, JR. JIMMY BURWELL DAYE MELISSA DAYE LEANN JONES CALHOUN NICKIE J. FERGUSON JUDY L. JONES FOSTER PATTIE JO JONES JILL ANN JONES BROWN MATTIE B TURNER, ESTATE Mary Louise Lewis a/k/a Mary Catherine Warren Lewis, Executor, ESTATE OF MATTIE B. TURNER JOHN THOMAS BURWELL EDDIE BURWELL DELORES DAYE GILLARD BRENDA SUE DAYE TERESA DAYE MARY DELPHENE DAYE SHIRLEY V. DAYE UNA DAYE KELLY a/k/a UNA MAE KELLEY DAYE RUTH MAY HOLDEN EDDIE JONES, JR. ASHLEY STEWART HAMILTON HEATH OLIVER HEATH VICTORIA J. JONESCOLLICK TAMMIE R POWELL ALONZA POWELL And THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND SUCCESSORS OF: Robert St. John Holden, Charlie Henry Holden, Estille Holden K e l l e y, Tr u d y H o l d e n , Gertrude Elizabeth Holden, Charlie Holden Kelley, Charlie Holden, Delores Holden, Mattie Bell Holden, Elnor Holden Perry, Emma Day Taylor, Henry R. Holden, Mattie B. Holden Turner, Charles Warren Turner, Charles T Warren, Mary Catherine Warren Lewis, John T. Holden, Norman Holden, Lula Jones, Ora Alston, James Arthur Holden, Jonathon Holden, Anna C. Holden, Easter Perry, Harry R. Perry, Harry R Perry, Jr., Lola Cardwell, Emma Lillie Holden Daye, Jacqueline Daye, Seberta N. Holden, Manley L. Perry, Anna C. Holden, Montague Harvey, Montigue Harvey, Bessie Lee Brown Holden, Lula Mae Holden Jones, Eddie Alfonso Jones, Ora Lee Holden Person Alston, Joe Ben Alston, James Arthur Holden, Joe Nathan Holden, Susie A. Norwood Holden, Susie A Holden, Susie Harvey, Susanna N. Holden, Victoria Person Holden, Harry Roosevelt Perry, Catherine M. Perry, Derrick J. Perry, Janis Perry Cokeman, Frances Perry Jacobs, Harry R. Perry, Jr., Jerry Lane Perry, Morris Ray Perry, Shirley May Chase Perry, Wanda Perry Brown, Cheryl Perry Lewis, Robyn Lynn Brown, Leroy Perry, Chester Arthur Perry, James Thomas Perry, Josephine Riddick, Yvonne Riddick, McDonald Riddick, Jr., Larry R Riddick, Rene Riddick, Michelle Riddick, America Riddick, McDonald Riddick, Michael M. Riddick, Joseph Kelley, Joseph Kelley, II., Nannie McCray, Nannie Webster McCray KelleyDaniels-Barnes, William Alfred Kelley, William Alfred Kelley, Jr., Ruby M. Foxworth Kelley, Garry R Kelley, Ora Lee Holden McCray, Ruth May Holden, Alfonso Daye, Thomas Earl Daye, Lillian Royster Daye, Minnie Bell Daye, Garland Reid Daye, Mary Lizzie Fogg Daye, Bessie Lee Daye Burwell, Earl Rudolph Burwell, Jimmy Burwell Daye, Mary Anne Evans Roger, Linda Daye Evans Alston, Mack Fuller, Alfonsa Daye, Thomas Earl Day, Columbus Wilson, Joann Person, Elroy Turner, Elroy Turner, Jr., Mary Louise Lewis, Clinton Turner, Eddie Burwell Daye, Ralph Tyson Daye Jr., Tammie R Powell, Alonza Powell, Carolyn Lucy Daye, Roslyn Jones Murrill, Joann Person Turner, LaTonya Warren Bedford, Brenda Lewis, Terrence Calloway, Delores Daye Gillard, Brenda Sue Daye, Teresa Daye, Mary Delphene Daye, Shirley V Daye, Eddie Jones, Jr., Ashley Stewart, Hamilton Heath, Oliver Heath, Mattie B.Turner and Marshond Gipper, Tyeshia T. Daye and all of their heirs, successors in interest and/ or assigns if any; and PARTIES UNKNOWN who may have an interest in the property described below who are made parties to this proceeding by the general description as “PARTIES UNKNOWN”, DEFENDANTS AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION CASE No.: CL-19000874-06 The object of this suit is to partition and sell real property in the City of Richmond, Virginia, to wit all that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, with the improvements thereon, lying and being in the City of Richmond, Virginia Known as 415 North 33rd Street, as show on plat by J. K. Timmons, C E &S dated November 5, 1957, attached to and made a part of a certain deed dated November 3, 2014, recorded May 31, 2016 in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court Continued on next column

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of Richmond, Virginia, as Instrument Number 16-9968 and described with reference to the said plat as follows: BEGINNING on the eastern line of 33rd Street 117.83 feet south of Clay Street, running thence southwardly along and fronting 20 feet on the eastern line of 33rd Street, and running back from said front between lines parallel with the southern line of Clay Street 124 fee to a 16-foot alley. Being the same real estate conveyed to Montique Harvey (A/K/A Montague Harvey and Susie A. Harvey, his wife, as tenants by the entireties with the right of survivorship as at common law, by Deed with special Warranty from First and Merchants National Bank of Richmond, Trustee under the Will of Orion D. King, deceased, dated November 15, 1957, recorded November 15, 1957, in the Clerks of the Chancery Court, in the City of Richmond, Virginia, in Deed Book 582D, Page 517. The said Montique Harvey died, thereby vesting title in the said Property to Susie A. Harvey, his wife, by operation of law. The said Susie A. Harvey died intestate on January 1, 1989 and according to a List of Heirs recorded in the City of Richmond, Virginia, in Will Book 14, at Page 1440, she was survived by Trudy E. Holden, her daughter. Gertrude “Trudy” E. Holden died intestate on March 5, 2008 having no offspring and never having married, thereby passing title to her heirs or descendants by law. Affidavit having been made and filed that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the existence of and location of certain parties to be served, and that there are or may be persons whose names are unknown who are interested in the subject matter of this suit; It is ORDERED that, the Defendants named above and the PARTIES UNKNOWN, if then living or be dead, their heirs, devisees, assigns, or successors in title, and other unknown heirs or parties who have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, who are proceeded against as PARTIES UNKNOWN, appear before Court on or before June 12, 2019 to protect their interests, if any, in this suit and/or the referenced property; and It is further ORDERED that this Order be published once a week for four consecutive weeks, in The Richmond Free Press, a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Richmond, VA and surrounding areas. A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk Counsel for Plaintiff I ask for this: Stephen B. Wood (VSB 26581) The Wood Law Firm, PLC 1503 Santa Rosa Road Suite 109 Richmond, Virginia 23229 Telephone: (804) 288-4007 Facsimile: (804) 288-5973 Cell (804) 873-0088 Steve.wood@woodlawrva.com

McLauren, et. al. CL18-3209 2319 Halifax Avenue S0000645022 City of Richmond v. Nellie S. Gillespie, et. al. CL18-3239 1512 West Leigh Street N0000676032 City of Richmond v. Cesar V. Coles, et. al. CL18-3273 817 Norton Street N0000517030 City of Richmond v. Willie D. Bullock, et. al. CL18-3448 229 Bermuda Road C0060422006 City of Richmond v. William Elam, Trustee, et.al. CL18-3452 3108 Q Street E0000722021 City of Richmond v. Florida L. Steward, et. al. CL18-3507 620 North 21st Street E0000252005 City of Richmond v. Brenda J. Tolliver, et. al. CL18-3626 2811 Burfoot Street S0001123023 City of Richmond v. Leonard J. Byrd, et. al. CL18-3963 3712 Glenwood Avenue E0001663003 City of Richmond v. John Carter, et. al. CL18-4097 3315 Cliff Avenue N0001546033 City of Richmond v. Love Enterprises, et. al. CL18-4132 320 East Fells Street N0000377038 City of Richmond v. Abtelaziz Amro, et. al. CL18-4176 2601 Edgewood Avenue N0000637023 City of Richmond v. Letitia B. Johnson, et. al. CL18-4308 1009 North 2nd Street N0000086012 City of Richmond v. Bertha C. Fields, et. al. CL18-4484 2907 Hull Street S0001343012 City of Richmond v. Leroy Hatcher, III, et. al. CL18-5567

Special Commissioner, and deed recordation costs, by a date and in a form as stated in a settlement instruction letter. Time is of the essence. If a high bidder defaults by not making these payments in full, on time, and in the required form, the Special Commissioner will retain the deposit, and may seek other remedies to include the cost of resale or any resulting deficiency. Settlement shall occur when the Richmond Circuit Court enters an Order of Confirmation. Conveyance shall be either by a special commissioner’s deed or a special warranty deed. Real estate taxes will be adjusted as of the date of entry for the Order of Confirmation. Most properties will be sold with a development agreement requiring high bidders to complete construction, repairs, or renovation necessary to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the City of Richmond within two years of settlement. Properties are sold “as is” without any representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, subject to the rights of any person in possession, and to all easements, liens, covenants, defects, encumbrances, adverse claims, conditions and restrictions, whether filed or inchoate, to include any information a survey or inspection of a property may disclose. It is assumed that bidders will make a visual exterior inspection of a property within the limits of the law, determine the suitability of a property for their purposes, and otherwise perform due diligence prior to the auction. T h e S p e c i a l Commissioner’s acceptance of a bid shall not limit any powers vested in the City of Richmond. Additional terms may be announced at the time of sale. Individuals owing delinquent taxes to the City of Richmond, and defendants in pending delinquent tax cases, are not qualified to bid at this auction. Bidders must certify by affidavit that they do not own, directly or indirectly, any real estate with outstanding notices of violation for building, zoning or other local ordinances. Questions may be directed to Gregory A. Lukanuski at greg.lukanuski @richmondgov.com / (804) 646-7949, or to Christie Hamlin at christie.hamlin@ richmondgov.com / (804) 646-6940. Gregory A. Lukanuski Deputy City Attorney Special Commissioner 900 East Broad Street, Room 400

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SPECIAL

COMMISSIONER’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Pursuant to the terms of Orders of Sale entered in the Richmond Circuit Court, the undersigned Special Commissioner will offer the following real estate for sale at public auction at Motleys Asset Disposition Group, 3600 Deepwater Terminal Road, Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday May 22, 2019 at 3:00pm, or as soon thereafter as may be effected. The sale is subject to the terms and conditions below and any other terms and conditions which may be announced on the day of auction. Announcements made on the day of the auction take precedence over any prior written or verbal terms of sale 2606 North Avenue N0000641006 City of Richmond v. Joseph Carrington, et al. CL17-2649 2626 Belt Boulevard C0090480034 City of Richmond v. Joseph Mills, et al. CL18-323 2112 P Street E0000468016 City of Richmond v. Barbara J. Rucker, et al. CL18-986 13 West Lancaster Road N0000598003 City of Richmond v. Thelma Green, et al. CL18-1268 912 North 21st Street E0000420004 City of Richmond v. Henry S. Cherry, et al. CL18-1569 1316 Nelwood Drive E0002402010 City of Richmond v. Irene Brown, et al. CL18-2112 504 North 26th Street E0000383011 City of Richmond v. Sallie E. Smith, et al. CL18-2522 1723 North 21st Street E0000938024 City of Richmond v. Glenn J. Sweeting, et al. CL18-2896 118 Lipscomb Street S0000150018 City of Richmond v. Clarence Tucker, et al. CL18-3207 1220 North 35th Street E0001273030 City of Richmond v. Fred Gorham, Jr., et. al. CL18-3237 2523 Coles Street S0090104020 City of Richmond v. Donald J. Both, et. al. CL18-3260 1505 Perry Street S0000202010 City of Richmond v. Joseph W. Dobyns, et. al. CL18-3447 1510 Spotsylvania Street E0000665025 City of Richmond v. Nicole G. Jones, et. al. CL18-3449 1237 North 37th Street E0001411018 City of Richmond v. Marvin Doughtie, et. al. CL18-3497 28 East 32nd Street S0001874022 City of Richmond v. Curtis L. Williams, et. al. CL18-3605 23 South Morris Street W0000399032 City of Richmond v. Mary S. Smith, et. al. CL18-3947 2810 Burfoot Street S0001121020 City of Richmond v. Leonard J. Byrd, et. al. CL18-3964 2803 Midlothian Turnpike S0000911048 City of Richmond v. Thelma Sor, et. al. CL18-4098 2101 Redd Street E0000604025 City of Richmond v. Jack Hines, et. al. CL18-4136 2005 Decatur Street S0000354015 City of Richmond v. Juanita Cousins, et. al. CL18-4270 2114 P Street E0000468015 City of Richmond v. Pearl Harris, et. al. CL18-4393 2611 Dale Avenue S0090301028 City of Richmond v. Robert L. Lewis, et. al. CL18-4868 1610 Spotsylvania Street E0000764012 City of Richmond v. Veora Jane Allen, et al. CL17-5821 2111 Ford Avenue E0000598022 City of Richmond v. Neal Kennedy, et al. CL18-351 2304 Creighton Road E0120294003 City of Richmond v. Joan M. Robinson, et al. CL18-1142 3000 ½ Q Street E0000627031 City of Richmond v. RVA Property 1, LLC, et.al. CL18-1520 2206 Ford Avenue E0000756007 City of Richmond v. Walter E. Stokes, et al. CL18-2053 2113 Ford Avenue E0000598023 City of Richmond v. Peace on Earth, etc., et.al. CL18-2349 1517 Bangle Drive C0090178004 City of Richmond v. Vernon E. Oliver, et al. CL18-2870 3125 Irvington Street C0090565004 City of Richmond v. Michael Whitlock, et al. CL18-3206 4024 McKay Avenue C0090398103 City of Richmond v. Derrick

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JASPER LEWIS, JR., Plaintiff v. MARY FRANCES WILDER, et. als. and Any predecessors and successors in title and any unknown heirs of the defendants, if any there be, who are made parties defendants by the general description of “Parties Unknown”, and all persons, unknown, claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the property described in the complaint adverse to plaintiff’s title, or any cloud on plaintiff’s title thereto, Defendants. Case No.: CL19001000-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to partition and remove the cloud from two parcels of real estate located in Hanover County. Virginia that is the subject matter of this suit and it appearing from an affidavit that due diligence has been used on behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendants James E. Price, Elnora Alfred, Gladys Smith, Pamela G. Mosby Bronson, Henry Lewis, Jr., Frank Lewis, Matilda Lewis, Marcella Burke, Joanndra Jackson, Cassandra Smith, Angelia Cooper, Joseph Lewis, Alberta Josephine Lewis Russell, Shirley Lewis, Charles Brown and Floyd Davis Brown are without effect, it is Ordered that defendants appear before this Court on May 20, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. and do what is necessary to protect their interest herein. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I Ask For This: Donald M. White, Esquire 130 Thompson Street Ashland, Virginia 23005 (804) 798-1661

AUCTION

TERMS OF SALE: All sales are subject to confirmation by the Richmond Circuit Court. The purchase price will include the winning bid plus 10% of the winning bid. High bidders will pay at the time of the auction a deposit of at least 20% of the purchase price, or $2500.00, whichever is greater. If the purchase price is under $2500.00, high bidders will pay in full at the time of the auction. High bidders will pay the balance of the purchase price to the Continued on next column

Public Notice City of Richmond Lead Worker Training May 16-17 The City of Richmond will be providing a Department Professional and Occupational Regulation Lead Worker certified training on May 16-17, 2019 from 8:30am to 5:00pm each day, participants must attend both days for certification. The City of Richmond will be offering the two day Lead Worker training class free of charge. The training is designed for workers who want to be able to become a licensed lead paint worker and work for a lead abatement paint contractor. All participants must register with the City of Richmond by 3:00 pm on Thursday May 9, 2019 prior to class. Registration is first come first serve. Please contact the Sherrilyn Hicks with the Office of Community Wealth Building at 804-6466360 or SHERRILYN.HICKS@RICHMONDGOV. COM to register for the class or additional information.

Public Notice City of Richmond Lead Worker Training May 23-24 The City of Richmond will be providing a Department Professional and Occupational Regulation Lead Worker certified training on May 23-24, 2019 from 8:30am to 5:00pm each day, participants must attend both days for certification. The City of Richmond will be offering the two day Lead Worker training class free of charge. The training is designed for workers who want to be able to become a licensed lead paint worker and work for a lead abatement paint contractor. All participants must register with the City of Richmond by 3:00 pm on Thursday May 16, 2019 prior to class. Registration is first come first serve. Please contact the Sherrilyn Hicks with the Office of Community Wealth Building at 804-6466360 or SHERRILYN.HICKS@RICHMONDGOV. COM to register for the class or additional information.

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Richmond Free Press

B8 May 2-4, 2019

Sports Plus

America’s ‘national pastime’ forges bonds, records between fathers and sons By Fred Jeter

Baseball has been said to be a “daddy’s game.â€? Find a talented player and, more often than not, you’ll find a father or strong father figure closely linked to the youngster’s success. It’s that caring adult who bought the child his first glove, pitched to him in the backyard, signed him up for Little League and took him to his first big league game. Rarely does success happen by accident. Keeping that in mind as we head into the warm weather of the National Pastime, here are some shining father-son examples on the highest level.

Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and son Vladimir Jr.

Cecil Fielder and son Prince

Bobby Bonds-Barry Bonds

Vladimir Guerrero Sr.-Vladimir Guerrero Jr.  Vladimir Jr. already wears his father’s jersey number, No. 27, on his Toronto Blue Jays uniform. Now at age 20, Vladimir Jr. will try and chase his dad’s Hall of Fame slugging numbers. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Vladimir Sr. represents baseball’s most talked about second generation act. There’s much to live up to. Vladimir Sr., a native of the Dominican Republic, was a nine-time American League AllStar, American League MVP in 2004 and a 2018 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Vladimir Jr., born in Montreal when his dad was starring with the Montreal Expos, is among the most talked about players in the game. After tearing up the minors — including a stint last summer for the AA New Hampshire Fisher Cats when he played against the Richmond Flying Squirrels — the younger Guerrero was called up to the Toronto Blue Jays on April 26 from the AAA Buffalo Bisons.   In his first game, with his dad watching from the press box, Vladimir Jr. socked a gamedeciding double in a Toronto win.

Tom ‘Flash’ Gordon and son Dee

Barry Bonds and his dad Bobby

Father Bobby Bonds played alongside the great Willie Mays in San Francisco — Bobby in right field, Willie in center field. While overshadowed by Mays, Bobby slugged 332 home runs and was a three-time All-Star in a career dating from 1968 to 1981. Barry grew up in California and starred at Arizona State University before moving on to re-write the big league record books with the Pittsburgh Pirates and, eventually, with his dad’s team, the San Francisco Giants. While Bobby is linked to Mays, Barry is in the same sentence with Hank Aaron. In 2007, Bonds swatted his 756th home run, passing Aaron on the all time list. Barry’s career total of 762 “dingers� is tops among everyone who ever played the game. Ken Griffey Sr.-Ken Griffey Jr.

Tom “Flash� Gordon-Dee Gordon An infielder now with the Seattle Mariners, Devaris “Dee� Gordon ranks with the fastest men in the game. He has 316 career stolen bases and led the AL in hitting in 2015 with a .333 average. His dad, Tom “Flash� Gordon, was a strongarmed pitcher from 1988 to 2009. In 21 seasons on the mound, he won 138 games and struck out 2,108 batters. When Dee was 8, his mother was shot and killed. Dee was raised by his dad and his dad’s mother.

At a young age, Cecil converted Prince from a right-handed hitter to a lefty, believing it would enhance his career. It did. Prince was a regular around the Detroit clubhouse and, at age 12, walloped a pregame blast into the Tiger Stadium upper deck off Tigers third base Coach Terry Francona in 1996. Prince, a first baseman like his dad, played in the big leagues from 2005 to 2016, leading the NL in homers in 2007 and MLB in runs batted in during 2009. Now get this: Cecil Fielder had a career total of 319 homers. Prince’s career total was the same, 319. Like father, like son.

Sam Hairston and son Jerry Sr.

Ken Griffey Sr. and son Ken Jr.

Sam Hairston-Jerry Hairston

Jerry Sr. played in the majors from 1973 to 1989, Jerry Jr. from 1998 to 2013 and Scott from 2004 to 2014.

Two generations of big leaguers is rare. now consider the odds for three generations to play in the big leagues. Sam Hairston played many years in the Negro Leagues before making it to the “bigs� in 1951 with the Boston White Sox. His name would live on and on. His son, Jerry Sr., and two grandsons, Jerry Jr. and Scott, enjoyed substantial big league careers.

Cecil Fielder-Prince Fielder The elder Fielder, a big league first baseman from 1985 to 1998, was among the most feared hitters in the game. He helped the Detroit Tigers to the1996 World Series title, twice led the AL in homers and three times in RBIs.

The elder Griffey was a key component of the Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machineâ€? in the mid-1970s. Ever present around the Reds’ clubhouse during that era was Griffey Jr., aka “The Kid.â€? Griffey Sr. was a big leaguer from 1973 to 1991 and enjoyed an illustrious career. He was a three-time All-Star and member of the 1975 and 1976 World Series champions. Outdoing his dad, “The Kidâ€? was a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Golden Glove winner while clubbing 630 homers — the sixth most of all time. There have been others and there will be more. Just think: The next time you spot a father pitching balls with his son in the neighborhood, you just might be seeing the next Griffey or Guerrero in the making. Among baseball people, it’s agreed that â€œit all starts in the backyard.â€?

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities TRANSIT SYSTEM

GRTC TRANSIT SYSTEM AUDITING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS GRTC invites all interested parties to submit proposals for providing auditing and financial services. Interested firms may download a copy of RFP #17419-06 from GRTC’s website, www.ridegrtc.com (menu options: About Us, then Procurement) or obtain a copy by calling Allan Cox (804) 358-3871 ext. 371. There will be no pre-proposal conference. Responses are due no later than 11:00 am on May 22, 2019. All inquiries pertaining to the request or any questions in reference to the solicitation documents should be directed to: Allan Cox Purchasing Manager (804) 358-3871, extension 371 Supplier diversity program-“providing equal opportunity for small businesses�

REQUESTS & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES REQUESTSFOR FOR RESUME RESUME & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Richmond Metropolitan Habitat Habitat for Humanity seeking subcontractors in rehabs and new Richmond Metropolitan forisHumanity is seekingexperienced subcontractors construction of single-family houses in the following trades: experienced in New Construction of single-family houses in the following trades: Demolition Footings/Backfill Demolition Lead/Asbestos Abatement Masonry Masonry Framing Lead Abatement Asbestos Abatement Framing Roofing Siding Roofing Siding HVAC Electrical Insulation Drywall HVAC Electrical Plumbing Porches/Decks Trim Carpentry Painting Trim Carpentry Painting Insulation Flooring Grading Fencing Cleaning Drywall Porches/Decks Flooring Cleaning Fencing All must have a minimum of three (3) years experience in their field of expertise. These are for federally funded construction projects; subcontractors will be required to participate in Section 3 hiring requirements All must have a minimum of three (3) years experience in their field of expertise. reporting. Those not interested in participation in federally funded programs need not apply. These are for federally funded construction projects; subcontractors will be Insurance requirements: required to participate in Section 3 hiring requirements reporting. Those not • Certificate of Contractor Liability Insurance with at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and a $2,000,000 interested in participation in federally funded programs needinnot apply.with any aggregate. Habitat for Humanity will have to be added as “additional insuredâ€? conjunction contract for construction.

The projects areCompensation located at: Insurance: $100,000 each accident/$500,000 • Proof of Workers’ • Disease policy Limit/$100,000 Disease Each Employee

2008-2010 5th Ave., Richmond, VA 1706 Jacqueline Ct. • Automobile Liability = $500,000 1141 Eggleston St. 2019 2nd Ave. The projects are located at: 1500 Kansas Ave. 1509 Kansas Ave. !" #$%&'()*+,'-./"0'123,4)560'7-'#8##%9':25;</'=>42<?'@'A/+>3,/6'B'1/,>C! 1807 Ave. 1101 Sumpter St. #" Texas D%#'=)E*FE*/>5'G>5/0'123,4)560'7-'#8###9':25;</'=>42<?'@'A/+>3,/6'B'1/,>C! 8" Grayland ##!'H"'8&+,':+"0'123,4)560'7-'#8##D9':25;</'=>42<?'@'A/+>3,/6'B'1/,>C! 3402 Ave. 2810 2nd Ave. &" Jacqueline I!J'K2<<'L)M'A*"0'123,4)560'7-'#8##D9':25;</'=>42<?'@'A/+>3,/6'@'(/N'O)5P+*E3+2)5! 1708 Ct. 1613 Winder Ave. 1803 Texas Ave. 1510 Kansas Ave. 2404 5th Ave.3 Covered Positions; all HUD Recipients and 1712 Jacqueline St. are These are “Section Resident Owned Businesses encouraged to apply.â€?Ave. 1600 Colorado 1714 Jacqueline St. 2510 3rd Ave.and proof of insurance to acoble@richmondhabitat.org. Email all resumes

Applications are now being accepted for the following positions. PCA or CNA, Housekeeper, Male Attendant (PCA or CNA) ACTIVITY: Experience working with Alzheimer’s & Dementia Residents. Please bring a current TB report when applying. All references will be checked. GOOD PAY – GOOD DAYS OFF Call (804) 222-5133 for appointment

Senior Accountant The Senior Accountant will be responsible for tasks related to; reconciling statements, General Ledger reconciliation and analysis, preparation of ďŹ nancial statements, and entering and posting of journal entries; Preparing work orders and ďŹ xed assets; communication with external ďŹ rms. Bachelor’s Degree required or suďŹƒcient experience in related ďŹ eld.

Curtis Contracting, Inc.

www.curtiscontracinting.net

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

Swedish Match seeks Sr. Solutions Architect, BI to design & develop solutions to complex applications problems & system issues. REQ: Master’s (or Bachelor’s) in Tech, Comp Sci, or clsly related & 3 yrs (or 5 yrs) exp as BI Solution Architect & Developer or clsly related w/ 3 yrs concurrent exp designing, developing, & delivering end-to-end maintainable & value creating BI solutions; deďŹ ning strategic roadmaps for implementing data warehousing & BI; & working w/ SQL Server, SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) – Tabular & Multi-Dimensional, Tableau 9.1, Microsoft Azure, Sharepoint 2010 & 2013, Visual Studio Team Foundation Server, Visual Studio, Python, & R. LOC: Richmond, VA. Send cvr ltr, CV, salary rqmt and references to: C. Rusch, 1021 E Cary St, Ste 1600, Richmond, VA 23219.

AVAILABLE Downtown Richmond first floor office suite 5th and Franklin Streets 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.358.5543 Bedros Bandazian

Associate Broker, Chairman

Raffi Bandazian

Principal Broker, GRI

Ann Coble, Phone: 804-232-7001, ext. 114.

These are “Section 3 Covered Positions; all HUD Recipients and Resident Responses due July Owned Businesses are encouraged to apply. � 30, 2018. Email all resumes to acoble@richmondhabitat.org. Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ann Coble, Phone: 804-232-7001, ext. 114. Responses due May 8, 2019. Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Freelance Writers: Richmond Free Press has immediate opportunities for freelance writers. Newspaper experience is a requirement. To be considered, please send 5 samples of your writing, along with a cover letter to news@richmond freepress.com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261. No phone calls.

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