Richmond Free Press October 22-24, 2020 edition

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VOL. 29 NO. 44

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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October 22-24, 2020

‘Relentless racism’ Probe ordered of VMI after news report of racist incidents Free Press wire, staff report

LEXINGTON State officials have ordered an outside investigation into the Virginia Military Institute following a report in The Washington Post that described Black cadets and alumni as facing “relentless racism.”

Gov. Ralph S. Northam co-wrote a letter Monday with other state officials and lawmakers to the state-supported school’s Board of Visitors expressing “deep concerns about the clear and appalling culture of ongoing structural racism” at VMI. The letter said the state will fund an independent probe into the school’s culture, policies, practices and equity in disciplinary procedures, the Post reported.

In response, John William “Bill” Boland, the president of VMI’s Board of Visitors, wrote in a letter Tuesday that the school would welcome a review and pledged its full cooperation.

“However, systemic racism does not exist here and a fair and independent review will find that to be true,” Mr. Boland, a 1973 graduate of VMI and retired partner at McGuireWoods, wrote in the letter, which a school spokesman provided to The Associated Press.

Photo courtesy of Harry Gore, Jr.

From left, Phil Wilkerson, Adam Randolph, Harry Gore, Jr. and Richard Valentine were among the first five Black cadets accepted to Virginia Military Institute in September 1968.

Richmond judge during hearing to remove Lee statue: ‘It’s a very difficult case’

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The General Assembly appears to have torn away the foundation of a lawsuit seeking to stop Gov. Ralph S. Northam from removing the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Monument Avenue — the giant symbol of white supremacy that has loomed over the city since 1890.

On Oct. 16, the House and Senate approved a revamped budget that includes language repealing a 131-year-old joint resolution of the 1889 legislature authorizing acceptance of the statue and promising

perpetual care. The General Assembly’s budget language also authorizes $1.1 million to take down the statue and put it in storage.

During a hearing on the lawsuit Monday in Richmond Circuit Court, state Solicitor General Toby Heytens argued that the General Assembly’s vote to repeal and provide money sends the clearest message yet that Virginia’s public policy regarding the statue has changed — even if the governor has not yet signed the budget bill into law.

Mr. Heytens urged Richmond Circuit

Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant to kill the lawsuit and lift his injunction that is keeping the six-story statue and pedestal in place.

Judge Marchant, who favored the plaintiffs and cited the 1889 resolution in justifying the injunction, listened to arguments, but declined to rule from the bench.

“It’s a very difficult case,” he said after listening to several hours of testimony. “It’s a difficult case for our city; it’s a difficult case for the nation.”

Because the case is expected to be apPlease turn to A4

General Assembly completes work on budget, criminal justice reform

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Ms. Holton and Mr. Kaine

Confederate Avenue to be renamed

Fairer sentencing for people convicted of crimes and a Marcus crisis alert system to improve the response to mental health emergencies are among the criminal justice reforms that have emerged from the General Assembly’s special session.

But other initiatives that also passed are on hold — including a ban on utility disconnections of residential service for nonpayment and new restrictions on landlords seeking to evict

tenants who are not paying their rent.

Also on hold are a new dental benefit for Medicaid recipients, bonuses for law enforcement officers and overtime pay for personal care attendants serving ill people in their homes.

All of those items and more are included in the revamped, two-year, $134 billion state budget that passed the House of Delegates and the state Senate on Oct. 16 before the legislature recessed.

Please turn to A4

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton, soon will no longer live on Confederate Avenue.

Richmond City Council, while stalled on renaming Jefferson Davis Highway, is expected to vote next Monday, Oct. 26, to change the North Side street name to Laburnum Park Boulevard.

The change has the support of the neighborhood’s civic association and residents, who increasingly wince at their current address.

The council’s Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee chaired by 6th District Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson on Tuesday sent the name change to the full council with a recommendation for approval. That virtually ensures it will be on the consent agenda for items that are not contested.

The three-member committee that includes 2nd District Please turn to A4

Confederate Avenue to be renamed

Joining the party

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Birthday girl Primrose Lynch, 4, left, and sister Violet-Hazel Lynch, 6, participate with their mother, Amanda Lynch, at a birthday remembrance Saturday for the late Marcus-David Peters. Location: The Lee statue on Monument Avenue, where the green space has been dubbed by some as Marcus-David Peters Circle. Primrose shares Mr. Peters’ birth date — Oct. 17. Please see more photos on A6.

The first Black cadets enrolled at VMI in 1968; the first women, in 1997, after a U.S. Supreme Court decision forced the school to open to women. About 6 percent of VMI’s 1,700 cadets are Black, according to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

State officials ordered the investigation after the newspaper published an article last weekend that described an “atmosphere of hostility and cultural insensitivity” at the nation’s oldest statesupported military college. The article described incidents such as lynching threats and a white professor reminiscing in class about her father’s Ku Klux Klan membership.

The Roanoke Times also reported on Black alumni speaking out about racism at the school months ago.

Mr. Boland wrote that several of the incidents detailed in The Washington Post story were many years old and that they “had more to do with an individual’s lapse of judgment than they do with the culture of the Institute.”

“Each one, as is the case with any allegation of racism or discrimination, was investigated thoroughly and apPlease turn to A4

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

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:

Date

Location

Thursday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to noon

The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church 4247 Creighton Road, in Henrico

Friday, Oct. 23, 1 to 3 p.m.

Eastern Henrico Health Department 1400 N. Laburnum Ave. Eastern Henrico

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon

Eastern Henrico Health Department 1400 N. Laburnum Ave. Eastern Henrico

Thursday, Oct. 29, 4 to 6 p.m.

Second Baptist Church of South Richmond 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. in South Side

Friday, Oct. 30, 1 to 3 p.m.

Eastern Henrico Health Department 1400 N. Laburnum Ave. Eastern Henrico

Drive-thru testing.

Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered.

Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered.

Drive-thru testing.

Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered.

Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering free COVID-19 testing at the following locations: • Cornerstone Church, 10551 Chalkley Road, 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, and Thursday, Oct. 22 and 29.

• Walmsley Boulevard United Methodist Church, 2950 Walmsley Blvd., 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.

• Faith and Family Center, 7900 Walmsley Blvd., 5 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24 and 31.

Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms.

The testing is free, and no reservations are necessary.

Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) 318-8207.

The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday a total of 168,772 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, along with 12,010 hospitalizations and 3,515 deaths. Officials reported a steady 4.9 percent positivity rate statewide.

According to the data, African-Americans comprised 24.7 percent of cases and 27.6 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 28 percent of the cases and 9.5 percent of deaths.

Locally, Richmond and Henrico and Chesterfield counties are among the 12 localities in Virginia with the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in the last three weeks. As of Wednesday, 5,145 cases and 68 deaths were reported in Richmond; 6,058 cases and 227 deaths were reported in Henrico; and 6,796 cases and 100 deaths were reported in Chesterfield.

Nationally, the United States now has more than 8 million positive cases of COVID-19 and more than 218,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Twenty-two states, largely in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains region, are reporting record numbers of new cases.

Absenteeism up in Richmond schools even during pandemic

By Ronald E. Carrington

The coronavirus is causing a significant increase in absenteeism among Richmond Public Schools students.

Data presented to the Richmond School Board on Monday indicates that 1 in 5 RPS students has missed two or more days of virtual learning.

Harry Hughes, RPS’ chief schools officer, said that, as of Oct. 5, the 20th day of school during the 2020-21 academic year, RPS has a chronic absenteeism rate of 21.2 percent. That rate is determined by the number of students who have missed two or more days of school.

That rate is three percentage points higher than the same period in 2019, when 17.2 percent of students were defined as chronically absent.

Historically, RPS has struggled with chronic absenteeism Please turn to A4

A2

Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020

Local News

Deadline to request absentee ballot Friday, Oct.23 Voting information The presidential election, as well as contests for U.S. Senate, Congress, Richmond City Council and Richmond School Board, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

• Early in-person voting: Through Saturday, Oct. 31.

• Deadline to request an absentee ballot: Friday, Oct. 23.

Contact: Virginia Department of Elections, www.elections.virginia.gov or (800) 552-9745, for details on early in-person voting, voting by mail, requesting an absentee ballot to vote by mail and acceptable forms of ID to vote.

Richmond Early in-person voting: Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office, 2134 W. Laburnum Ave. – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

City Hall, 900 E. Broad St. in Downtown and Hickory Hill Community Center, 3000 E. Belt Blvd. in South Side – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, through Friday, Oct. 30.

All three locations open for early voting 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31.

Drop box locations for mail-in ballots: Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office, first floor lobby; City Hall lobby; Southside Social Services Center lobby, Southside Plaza, 4100 Hull Street Road; or at the voter’s polling place.

Details: (804) 646-5950 or www.richmondgov. com/registrar/ Henrico County Early in-person voting: Henrico Western Government Center, Voter Registrar’s Office, Administration Building Annex Room 105, 4305 E. Parham Road – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Henrico Eastern Government Center, Room 100, 3820 Nine Mile Road – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Both locations open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 and 31.

Drop box locations for mail-in ballots: Henrico Wester n Gover nment Center, Administration Building Annex Room 105; and Henrico Eastern Government Center, Room 100.

Details: (804) 501-4347 or henrico.us/registrar/

Chesterfield County Early in-person voting: Chesterfield Voter Registrar’s Office, 9848 Lori Road – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Four satellite locations open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Friday. They are Meadowdale Library, 4301 Meadowdale Blvd.; LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Road; North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road; and EttrickMatoaca Library, 4501 River Road.

All five locations open for early voting 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31.

Drop box locations for mail-in ballots: Chesterfield Voter Registrar’s Office and the four library satellite locations.

Details: (804) 748-1471 or www.chesterfield. gov/Registrar Hanover County Early in-person voting: Hanover County Government Complex, Wickham Building, 7497 County Complex Road – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31.

Drop box location for mail-in ballots: 24-hour drop box that is under surveillance is available on the northeast side of the Wickham Building at the Hanover County Government Complex.

Details: (804) 365-6080 or www.hanovercounty. gov/365/voting

Celebrated Richmond muralist Hamilton Glass completes his latest addition to the city’s streetscape — a dramatic work that features black faces infused into the traditional red, white and blue and stars of the American flag. A clear artistic statement of the message that Black Lives Matter, the mural faces the Brookland Park Boulevard side of the Richmond Urban Ministry Institute at the

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park Boulevard in North Side. New murals continue to be added.

On Wednesday, the city unveiled Josh Zarambo’s mural tribute to the late Congressman John Lewis of Georgia at the Powhatan Community Center on Fulton Hill. And recently, another well-known muralist, Sir James Thornhill, completed a new mural with student help in the 800 block of Oliver Hill Way in Shockoe Bottom.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Election officials encourage voters to report problems, irregularities

By Lyndon German

Chesterfield resident Clarence Lee, 90, has been an active voter since the 1950s. He was planning to vote in person on Nov. 3.

If his daughter, public historian Dr. Lauranett Lee, hadn’t checked his voter registration status on the state Department of Elections website, Mr. Lee would have been turned away at the polls in November. His daughter discovered that records showed he was not registered to vote.

Dr. Lee learned from the Chesterfield voter registrar’s office that her father’s birth date was recorded incorrectly, causing the change in his voter registration status.

Although the issue was resolved and Dr. Lee took her father to vote on Monday, rather than waiting until Election Day, Dr. Lee felt frustrated by the occurrence.

“Initially I was surprised, shocked and frustrated. But we went through the process and reached a resolution,” Dr. Lee said. “It did make me wonder how many others would be impacted, particularly the elderly, because they would not have known to go online to check their status.”

In Henrico County, a couple reported an odd mishap on the first day of early voting when they went to the Western Henrico Government Center to vote. Before feeding his ballot into the electronic collection machine, the husband realized his ballot was missing the two state

Get out the vote efforts step up this weekend Local organizations and advocacy groups are ramping up efforts to energize voters and get people to the polls in the final days before Election Day. The Henrico County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is hosting “Caravan to the Polls,” two weekend events designed to get voters to meet at neighborhood rallying points in their vehicles and join the rally to early voting sites to cast or drop off ballots.

The first event, on Saturday, Oct. 24, is targeting Henrico County voters. A caravan will start at noon at Highland Springs High School and make stops in the Cedar Fork and Creighton Road areas before heading with voters to the Eastern Henrico Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road, which will be open until 5 p.m. for people to go inside and vote or to drop off absentee ballots.

A second caravan, also starting from the high school at noon, will head through communities in the Route 5 and New Market Road area before ending at the Eastern Henrico Government Center.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, the Deltas will have a second “Caravan to the Polls,” this one targeting voters in New Kent and Charles City County.

That caravan will begin at noon at Food Lion, 9030 Pocahontas Trail, in Providence Forge. It will parade through the community encouraging people to join the caravan to the polls to cast their ballot. The parade will conclude at the Charles City County voter registrar’s office, 10900 Courthouse Road in Charles City County.

Details: Shereka Banks, Social Action Committee co-chair, (804) 332-0197 or sherekabanks2016@gmail.com.

The Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will be encouraging voters in the city’s public housing communities to do their civic duty with a roving car parade 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, the Henrico Ministers Conference, the Henrico Branch NAACP and voter advocates are hosting MOTORVOTE! to provide transportation to get people to the polls in Henrico County to vote or drop off their ballots.

Organizers ask that people who will be driving to the polls, need a ride to the polls or are willing to take a rider fill out a form at http://tinyurl.com/motorvote2020.

Details: Call (804) 833-1405 or (804) 404-9713, or email p1wisecrawley@gmail.com or contact.henrico.naacp@gmail. com.

From 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, a Socially Distanced Voting Rally will be held outside Bateau Restaurant, 301 Virginia St., on the Canal Walk to encourage people to get out and vote.

Dr. Harry Watkins, a political scientist and owner of the restaurant, said that information about the state constitutional amendments on the ballot will be distributed, along with information about polling places.

Assistance will be provided for people to electronically check their registration status.

Several elected officials and candidates are expected to attend, along with former NFL standout and ESPN sports analyst Michael Robinson.

Constitutional amendments included in this general election.

He told election officials who took his marked ballot and gave him a new one printed with the amendments. No explanation was given as to why the initial ballot didn’t contain the amendments or why it was given to him or other voters.

More than 812,000 Virginians have gone to the polls since early voting started on Sept. 18 to cast ballots in what is widely viewed as one of the most important elections in recent history. Another 631,000 people in the Commonwealth have voted early by mail.

Few reports of voting problems or irregularities have been lodged locally, although state and federal officials and voter advocates urge that any issues or suspicious circumstances be reported to local registrar’s offices, voter suppression hot lines and the FBI. Susan J. Beals, chair of the Chesterfield County Electoral Board, said that voter registration and early voting has gone smoothly.

Asked about Mr. Lee’s situation, she said, “We haven’t really heard of many problems. The only thing that we’ve seen is, if somebody gives us the wrong information while registering, sometimes that will cause us to have a mistake in our record.”

Ms. Beals pointed to a problem that occurred when a person seeking to register to vote was unable to because he or she entered their Social Security number incorrectly. Other than that entry error, she said the process has had no glitches.

She said it has been up to her and the Chesterfield registrar’s office to train the county’s 1,300 election officers on new regulations or changes coming out of the General Assembly and the state Department of Elections, including the change that allows voters to cast absentee ballots in the November election without providing an excuse.

Ms. Beals expressed confidence in the county’s election officials and training.

Henrico County Voter Registrar Mark Coakley said that the issue of the incorrect ballot hadn’t been reported directly to his office, but he did advocate for voters to contact their local registrar if such problems occur.

“We had a mother and daughter call us because they were sent the wrong ballots. We have two congressional districts here in Henrico, and supposedly they were sent the 7th District ballots rather than the 4th District ballots,” he said.

The Election Protection Hotline — (866) OUR VOTE — has been set up by a national nonpartisan coalition of more than 100 organizations, including the national NAACP, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Action Network and the NALEO Educational Fund. The hotline is open 24 hours to help people with information and assistance, including reporting any issues, at all stages of voting — from registration to early and absentee voting to overcoming any obstacles.

The FBI’s Richmond Field Office also stands ready to assist voters. In a news release issued Oct. 9, the local office stated it will be working with local law enforcement agencies to monitor any significant threats to the election such as voter fraud, ballot fraud, campaign finance crimes and civil rights violations.

“We’re working closely with all our law enforcement partners and trying to be proactive, getting out in the community and making sure everybody has the right information,” Special Agent Michael Schuler said. “We’re always concerned about voter fraud, ballot fraud and we look to the community to help us protect the integrity of the election.”

Any incidents can be reported to the FBI Richmond Field Office anonymously at (804) 261-1044 or tips.fbi.gov.

George Wythe High School replacement may get new life with expected announcement

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Hall is poised to move faster to replace George Wythe High School in South Side, the Free Press has learned.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney, who is up for re-election, is expected to announce shortly that the city plans to move ahead with design and development of a new school building that the Richmond School Board has listed as a top priority, according to two insiders who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the development publicly.

The announcement was to be made 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, the Free Press was told.

The mayor is anticipated to disclose that the city plans to use its line of bank credit to jumpstart the initial phases that precede construction.

The city has long used a line of credit to pay for projects — including the three newly finished school buildings — before selling long-term bonds several years later to spread the full cost over a longer period. The city generally only pays interest on the line of credit.

Last year, city officials told the Richmond Free Press that that line of credit, like its bonding capacity, would not allow additional projects like George Wythe. But a source told the Free Press last week that a review has now found it is possible to use that approach.

That could cut two to three years off the projected timeline for design and construc-tion of the new building.

Replacing George Wythe High School was not expected to begin for several years. Under a plan advanced by the mayor that City Council approved in January 2019 and reaffirmed this year, the city is making plans to borrow an additional $200 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year to replace more outdated school buildings, with George Wythe being among them.

The cost of replacing George Wythe with a new building that can hold up to 2,000 students was pegged at $85 million in 2018.

Because of the cost, Mayor Stoney dropped the high school from the package of schools to be replaced when he won council support in early 2018 for raising the city meals tax by 1.5 percent to pay for new school construction.

At the time, the mayor said the $150 million the tax would support should stretch enough to cover the cost of replacing or remodeling five buildings. Ultimately, the funding only produced a new middle school and two new elementary schools that were finished in August, but remain closed because of the pandemic.

The pandemic also has reduced the amount of money generated by the city meals tax, which was estimated at $9 million a year to repay the nearly $150 million cost of the three new school buildings.

Behind the scenes, credit for this change in plans is going to advocate who continued to push for replacement of the George Wythe High School building, which is listed among the school facilities in the worst condition.

Catholic Diocese of Richmond to pay $6.2M to sexual abuse victims

Free Press wire report

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced last week that it is paying $6.3 million to 51 people who experienced sexual abuse as minors by clergy.

The diocese released details on Oct. 15 in a report on its website, richmonddiocese.org.

In February, Bishop Barry Knestout directed the formation of a program to offer assistance to those who experienced abuse.

“Recognizing that no amount of money will ever be able to fully compensate for the injury inflicted by abusive clergy, Bishop Knestout announced the Independent Rec-

onciliation Program as one of many means to offer individuals a tangible sign of the Church’s effort to repair the injury and overcome the estrangement caused by clergy sexual abuse of minors,” the report stated.

The report said that out of 68 claims, six were ineligible, two were withdrawn or never completed and nine were denied by the claims administrator.

The diocese said it’s funding the program through the Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s self-insurance program, as well as a loan and contributions from other religious orders, where appropriate. The diocese said it didn’t use parish or school assets.

The report also said the claims process did not involve confidentiality agreements, allowing victims to retain the rights to publicly discuss their claim and their abuse.

Bishop Knestout also encouraged people to report sexual abuse by clergy or diocese representatives by contacting law enforcement, including Virginia Child Protective Services at (800) 552-7096 and the Virginia Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at (833) 454-9064.

Individuals also may report clergy sexual abuse on the diocese’s 24-hour Victim’s Assistance Reporting line at (877) 887-9603 or by emailing vac@richmonddiocese.org.

Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020

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Richmond Free Press

A4 October 22-24, 2020

News

Probe ordered of VMI after news report of racist incidents Continued from A1

propriate action was meted out in a timely fashion,” he said in the letter.

The Post’s reporting cited interviews with more than a dozen current and former students of color.

Among them was William Bunton, a Black senior, who told the paper, “I wake up every day wondering, ‘Why am I still here?’ ” Mr. Bunton said that after he and another Black student boycotted a September speech by Vice President Mike Pence, they were punished with three weeks of confinement on campus, demerits and multiple hours of detention.

Debate has swirled recently among alumni of VMI, which was founded in Lexington in 1839, about how its ties to the Confederacy should be memorialized, the Roanoke Times has reported. The school announced earlier this year that it had no plans to take down its Confederate monuments, but would be changing some of its long-standing traditions.

Multiple buildings on the campus are named for Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson as well as other alumni and faculty who fought for the Confederacy. A Jackson statue also stands in front of the barracks. Until a few years ago, freshmen were required to salute it, the Post reported.

Among the changes announced by VMI’s superintendent, re-

tired Army Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III, in July were re-orienting flagpoles surrounding the Jackson statue and centering them at the new barracks, and relocating an oath ceremony from a battlefield where 10 VMI cadets died fighting for the Confederacy to school grounds.

In addition to Gov. Northam, who is a 1981 VMI graduate, co-signers of the Monday letter included Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax; Attorney General Mark Herring and top Democratic legislative leaders.

Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy of Prince William County, a Black woman who graduated from VMI in 2003 and recently announced her candidacy for governor in 2021, released on Sunday a seven-point diversity and inclusion plan that she said VMI should adopt to root out racism.

Among her recommendations: Mandatory diversity education for all cadets; semi-annual diversity training for leadership, faculty and staff; and elevating racism, sexism and bullying offenses to the same as honor code violations, dismissal with a single offense.

“Racism and discrimination of any kind is unacceptable everywhere, most especially in the halls of a premier military institution,” Delegate Carroll Foy said in a statement. “VMI is more than a military outpost — it is a place that prepares leaders to serve the people of the United States. That means treating every American with respect and committing to fight for each and every American.

“While VMI has a history rooted in the Confederacy, it must have a future that’s rooted in inclusion and diversity. As the U.S. military fights to root out racism, VMI must do the same and lead from the front.”

In a subsequent statement issued Wednesday in response to the VMI board president denying the existence of systemic racism at the college, Delegate Carroll Foy said it was “disheartening” that leaders are uncomfortable acknowledging the presence of racism at VMI. “The experiences that Black students continue to face at VMI — some of which I, myself, experienced — are egregious.

And the daily occurrences of racism that Black Americans face should not be dismissed.

“While it’s encouraging to know that VMI has agreed to fully cooperate with the Northam Administration’s investigation, we have a long way to go in ensuring that Black students are able to pursue their education and prepare to serve their country without the looming threat of race-based violence or intimidation,” her statement continued. “As a starting point, it will be important for the Institute to recognize that racial bias and discrimination does exist. Without that basic understanding, I fear an investigation won’t be taken seriously.

“This is a pivotal moment. I hope this process will be handled earnestly and with a sense of urgency.”

Richmond judge during hearing to remove Lee statue: ‘It’s a very difficult case’ Continued from A1

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Helen Marie Taylor, 96, is taken by wheelchair to the John Marshall Courts Building in Downtown on Monday, where she sat in a hearing by Monument Avenue residents to keep the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in place. Ms. Taylor wants to halt the statue’s removal. She holds a photo taken with a descendant of one of the Confederates whose bust was removed earlier this year from the State Capitol.

pealed to the state Supreme Court, Judge Marchant said he would issue a written ruling within seven to 10 days. He kept the injunction in place until then.

The case did not draw protesters and only a few spectators because of the pandemic, including Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring and former City Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson, both supportive of removal of the statue.

Also in attendance was 96-year-old Helen Marie Taylor. Being helped to court in her wheelchair, the longtime resident and advocate for Monument Avenue was the driving force in bringing the lawsuit to defend the Confederate statue. But she has been eliminated as a plaintiff in the suit because her home has no connection to the land where the statue stands.

The crux of the plaintiffs’ case, according to Patrick McSweeney, lead lawyer for the three remaining property owners, “is whether the governor has the authority to order the removal of the Lee Monument.”

Mr. McSweeney previously indicated that the 1889 joint resolution — which Mr. Heytens noted did not grant private citizens the right to bring suit to enforce it — was a key factor in setting public policy, and he claimed that Gov. Northam’s unilateral action ordering the statue’s removal was unconstitutional because essentially it overrode the legislature’s will as defined by the resolution.

He could only urge the judge to declare the repeal language contained in the bud-

get as unconstitutional for interfering in pending litigation.

The case for the plaintiffs was already tattered. Mr. McSweeney rested the plaintiff’s case without putting on a single witness to buttress other elements of their suit — that removal of the statue would diminish the value of the plaintiffs’ homes or otherwise damage their property interest.

Mr. Heytens argued that the plaintiffs’ failure to provide witnesses undermined their standing or right to bring suit and should result in the lawsuit being stricken.

The only testimony came from two historians, Edward Ayers, a Civil War scholar and former University of Richmond president, and Kevin Gaines, a specialist in civil rights history at the University of Virginia.

Both affirmed the state’s argument that that the purpose of the placement of the Lee statue 130 years ago was to show that white people had regained the political power lost in the Civil War defeat, and that Black people were returned to virtually the same subservient status as before

the war.

None of the testimony, though, focused on the anguish and hurt that the statues have caused African-American residents of Richmond and the state, which Judge Marchant ruled earlier was not relevant to the case or an issue he need consider.

Mr. Heytens ticked off a list of reasons that Judge Marchant could use to lift the injunction, dismiss the lawsuit and allow the state to proceed.

But Mr. Heytens said the most important is that the state should not be forced to maintain a statue that is no longer aligned with its values — and he argued that it would break new legal ground if Judge Marchant sided with the plaintiffs to make that happen.

“I just need to emphasize one more time the extraordinary nature of the claim the plaintiffs are making here,” Mr. Heytens told Judge Marchant. “They are claiming that private parties can enlist the power of the courts to force a sovereign state to broadcast a message that the leadership of that sovereign state no longer wishes to do.”

Confederate Avenue to be renamed Continued from A1

Councilwoman Kim B. Gray and 9th District Councilman Michael J. Jones also gave a thumbs up to Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s plan to turn six city-owned parcels in South Side into five new parks.

The committee’s recommendation also clears the way for swift approval of that

proposal at the upcoming meeting.

The names and locations of the five new green parks are Hioaks Park, 201 Hioaks Road; Reedy Creek Wetlands Park, 315 Beaufont Hills Drive; Rosemont Road Park, 620 Rosemont Road; Ernest Road Park, 2903 Rear Ernest Road; and Broad Rock Creek Park, which combines two parcels, 2100 Colby Lane and 2606 Lynhaven Ave.

Absenteeism up in Richmond schools during pandemic Continued from A1

with a rate double the state average.

In 2019, the state average for absences was about 18 days for the entire year, or about two days per month.

The information comes as RPS administrators are scheduled to meet Thursday, Oct. 22, with Virginia Department of Education officials to discuss corrective action plans outlined in a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, between RPS and the state.

The MOU focuses not only on decreasing RPS’ absenteeism rate, but also decreasing the dropout rate, increasing the graduation rate, boosting the number of schools accredited and student scores on Standards of Learning tests and improving English as a second language services and the district’s financial practices.

Absenteeism and other factors affect state funding for schools in the commonwealth.

Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, who met with the VDOE officials last week, informed the School Board that officials stated the district is moving in the right direction academically with the strategic plan, Dreams4RPS. The RPS administration, and School Board Chair Linda Owen and Vice Chair Cheryl Burke are to meet virtually with Dr. James Lane, state Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Pete Decker III, president of the state Board of Education, at 2 p.m. Thursday.

Mr. Kamras told the board that school superintendents across the state have been lobbying the General Assembly regarding the impact the coronavirus has had on student attendance that can affect school funding. Because of the virus, some families now have chosen to home school their children or send them to private schools.

“The General Assembly has deferred action on funding until the

formal session in January 2021,” Mr. Kamras told the board.

According to the administration’s report, the majority of Richmond’s chronic absenteeism has been driven by 13 elementary schools and one middle school. Mr. Hughes told the board that is unusual because elementary school attendance is usually better than that at middle schools.

Board member James “Scott” Barlow, 2nd District, representative, was not surprised at the data, as he said it lays out some context to what the system is facing.

“We are trying to achieve better attendance. However, we have to understand the challenges RPS families are facing and meet them where they are and provide them with the support and technologies they need to be successful,” Mr. Barlow said.

“We have to temper our expectations because now we are in a very different environment.”

According to Mr. Hughes, one of the critical issues driving up absenteeism is virtual instruction, with many students experiencing problems logging on to computers. He also noted there is a lag time for students and teachers to get assistance with technical problems.

Mrs. Burke, who said she walks her East End district regularly talking to parents, said her constituents tell her schools are a safe haven for their children.

“One parent who lives in public housing said her child’s teacher called on more than one occasion because their son was not in class,” Mrs. Burke said. “Her son had signed in (to class). However it was discovered that because of where they were living, the internet would go in and out, even with their hot spot.”

Mr. Hughes’ report also stated that many families are not utilizing the emergency child care centers because

they don’t have transportation and for fear of bringing the coronavirus into their homes and infecting vulnerable family members.

Some kindergarten through fifthgrade students are staying physically and emotionally “hunkered down” during the day because of the growing violence they see and hear, according to the report.

In February 2020, RPS also reduced the number of truancy workers from 21 to seven. Those community liaison officers are to go out into the community to find out why students are absent. That job is more difficult now because of the coronavirus and virtual learning.

To assist, RPS is using a plethora of resources, including school-based personnel, family liaisons, the Communities in Schools program and other partners to craft individualized attendance intervention plans for chronically absent students.

General Assembly completes work on budget, criminal justice reform Continued from A1

The special session was called to deal with a projected $2.8 billion shortfall over the 2020-22 budget period, as well as to usher in reforms growing out of the demonstrations over police brutality and racial injustice.

Under a deal with the governor, the legislature has agreed to hold onto the budget until after the Nov. 3 election, when voters will decide whether to change the state Constitution and create a 16-member commission to handle the politically charged task of redrawing legislative districts based on population changes revealed in the U.S. Census.

If voters approve the constitutional amendment, the legislature is to return to consider inclusion of language in the budget to enable the commission to start work when the census results are released early next year.

The decision means it will take additional weeks for the governor to receive and sign the budget into law.

The delayed schedule may impact individuals headed to court for an eviction hearing. The budget language would provide a reprieve until

Dec. 31 and impose new requirements on landlords who might seek to evict after that.

The language is far from the blanket prohibition against eviction that tenant advocates had sought, but still more onerous for landlords than they wanted.

The delay also means that utilities can continue disconnections that affect light, heat and water service in a residence, though many companies have self-imposed moratoriums.

Still, the legislature could boast that many of the 54 pieces of legislation that passed will usher in change in criminal justice, including authorizing localities to set up civilian oversight boards to hear complaints against police officers, banning officers from using chokeholds and no-knock warrants and halting police departments from purchasing surplus military weapons and gear.

Among the changes legislators have described as most significant is the sentencing bill pushed by Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey of Richmond.

That legislation would end the 224-year practice of allowing juries trying cases to impose sentences, a practice allowed in only one other state, Kentucky.

Sen. Morrissey said as of July 1, 2021, defendants will be able to opt for sentencing by a judge, who generally must follow sentencing guidelines that often contain shorter prison terms than those meted out by juries.

Research of state court convictions shows that prison terms handed down by juries average four years longer than those imposed by judges.

Sen. Morrissey said that juries are required to impose sentences based on the ranges provided in the statute. “They never see the sentencing guidelines,” he said.

For example, the guidelines might recommend a six-month to 18-month sentence for a convicted drug dealer, he said. But a jury might sentence the individual to 22 years in prison based on the statutory range requiring a five- to 40-year sentence.

“It happens all the time,” said Sen. Morrissey, a former criminal defense lawyer, who is hoping to end such disparities.

Another reform involves the Marcus mental health alert, named for Marcus-David Peters, the 24-year-old high school biology teacher who was fatally shot by a Richmond police officer in May 2018 when he was experiencing what

some have described as a mental crisis.

The legislation shepherded by Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne of Richmond also would go into effect on July 1. The approved legislation calls for developing community care teams in every locality that could respond and help stabilize individuals in crisis situations. The team would include mental health professionals, who would take the lead, and law enforcement, the bill states.

The bill requires the state departments of Criminal Justice Services and Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to develop the program and ensure the service is established in all localities within five years through the local community services boards that are responsible for mental health services.

Mr. Peters’ family has been advocating for such a system, which already exists in Richmond but has long been underfunded.

Other legislation headed to the governor’s desk for signature requires the creation of statewide standards for police and strengthens the ability of the state Department of Criminal Justice Services to decertify officers who are found by a court or their department to have violated the standards.

Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020

The nation’s leading community-engaged cancer center is right here in Richmond.

VCU Massey Cancer Center researchers work to make scientific discoveries that can benefit everyone in the community by improving the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

What is a community-engaged cancer center?

A community-engaged cancer center partners with community members through research, education and care to understand and address the impact of cancer in the center’s local area.

VCU Massey Cancer Center’s approach to community engagement means that our community informs our cancer research, and our research discoveries directly benefit our community.

How to engage with VCU Massey Cancer Center Benefits of a community-engaged cancer center Partnering with community members improves cancer research and benefits communities. The Office of Health Equity and Disparities Research coordinates Massey’s community engagement efforts.

The Office’s aims are to: •

Identify, communicate and continuously monitor the cancer burden within the communities that Massey serves (Massey’s catchment area)

We need your voice. Please feel free to share your community’s health concerns and ideas for how to address them. Here’s how you can become part of the work that we do: • •

• •

•

• • Massey has helped: • • • • • •

•

Decrease cancer-related deaths Improve quality of life for cancer survivors Reduce cancer disparities in our community Offer cancer screenings to find cancer early Educate and learn from the community about cancer and preventative care Partner with community organizations to develop and lead outreach programs

• •

Collaborate with community stakeholders to develop and implement evidence-based education and screening programs that consider community context and experiences Promote and emphasize cancer research that focuses on disparities Promote policy and advocacyrelevant initiatives that can make a real difference in people’s lives and specifically in cancer outcomes

•

•

Contact the Office of Health Equity and Disparities Research Learn about the 25 for 25: Health Equity & Justice campaign and become a Health Equity Champion at teammassey.org/25for25 Participate in Massey’s clinical trials and prevention studies Attend our webinars, community town halls and outreach programs and learn how to collaborate with our community partners Engage with us on social media (Twitter: @VCUMassey; Facebook: @VCUMasseyCancerCenter; Instagram: vcumassey) Ask for copies of our community newsletter or other materials Collaborate with our Patient Resource Libraries in Richmond, Petersburg Healthy Living & Learning Center, or our Cancer Resource Centers in Lawrenceville and Danville (Facebook: @CancerResearchResources221 and @Cancer Research and Resource Center-Danville Listen to cancer center director Dr. Robert Winn’s monthly radio show on KISS FM and comment on the KISS website to share your concerns Share your ideas for your community and how we can reduce cancer disparities

OUTREACH PARTNERSHIPS TRAINING STUDIES

15:30 // 35:00

To learn more about how to engage with VCU Massey Cancer Center, visit masseycancercenter.org or call 804-827-0000. © 2020 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: VCU Health; VCU Massey Cancer Center.

A5

Richmond Free Press

A6 October 22-24, 2020

Local News

50 homeless people aided under city’s new shelter plan during weekend cold snap

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

weekend hours.

Mayor Stoney said the city also has physical City Hall appears to have succeeded in shelter- access points where people in need can contact ing the homeless in the first test of its new model the hotline. Those include: RVA Light, 504 W to assist people when the temperature plunges. Broad St.; REAL Life, 406 E. Main St.; OfInstead of using a central location as in past fender Aid & Restoration, 3111 W. Clay St; the years, the city, in partnership with nonprofits, city Social Services Center at Southside Plaza, chose to house the homeless in hotel rooms and 4100 Hull Street Road; and the Main Library, shelters last weekend when the temperature was 101 E. Franklin St. forecast to drop below 40 degrees.

Rhonda Sneed, leader of the While specific figures were not homeless services provider Blessing available, city officials indicated that Warriors RVA, was impressed with between 50 and 55 homeless people the city’s efforts. She and a team of were sheltered through the weekend, workers have been distributing blansome for longer. kets, coats and food to people on the “It went really well,” 5th District street, as well as serving people who City Councilwoman Stephanie A. are housed in hotels.

Lynch stated Monday. But she ex“With all the flaws, it is a big step Ms. Ebert pressed concerned about how finanforward,” Ms. Sneed posted on Facecially sustainable housing and feeding people book. She credited Ms. Lynch and 2nd District in hotels will prove during the winter.

Councilwoman Kim B. Gray for their work to She praised the city for temporarily taking help make it happen. over the homeless hotline, (804) 972-0813, and Among the beneficiaries was Frizzell Steensuring it operated around the clock to take phens, 69, who was provided a room at a South calls, something previously unavailable.

Side motel near Chippenham Parkway, though “People were able to get help,” she said. he had to provide his own transportation from Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced last Fri- Downtown. Others also had to find a way to get day the expanded hours for the hotline, which to the hotel rooms offered. used the help of city employees. The mayor Mr. Frizzell said he has been notified that also announced the city is providing funding his stay is paid through Friday. to the regional homeless group to expand the “I haven’t heard from anyone about another hours of the hotline on weekdays and to add place,” he said, indicating that the promise of

wrap-around case services to provide direction might not be as robust as portrayed by the mayor and Kelly King Horne, Homeward’s executive director.

Mr. Frizzell slept on a bus bench in front of the city’s old Public Safety Building in Downtown for two weeks after losing his previous space. He is worried about having to return to the streets.

Sharon Ebert, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer who has been managing the city’s homeless response, said efforts are being made to keep people sheltered or to move them to more permanent situations.

She stated that the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, an umbrella organization for shelters and other nonprofits engaged in homeless services, has collectively housed a total of 750 people over time since the pandemic began in March, even when the temperature was above 40 degrees.

Ms. Ebert noted that the city and its partners “currently have the resources to properly shelter approximately 500 individuals and/or households at any given time.”

According to the city, nonprofits have about 400

shelter beds, although many of them are designated for specific groups, such as the mentally ill, victims of domestic violence, veterans or families.

Under the plan to address homelessness that City Council adopted earlier this year, the goal is to create another 250 emergency shelter units, Ms. Ebert stated.

That would replace the 150 beds the city previously maintained in its overflow shelter and add 100 beds. The homeless plan that council adopted eliminated the city’s shelter.

More beds are on the way, though it is not clear all will be available this winter. The additions include a 28-bed shelter for women that CARITAS expects to open in November at its new headquarters in South Side. CARITAS also will have an additional 120 beds for women recovering from addiction.

The Salvation Army, which operates 51 shelter beds, is approved to open at least 40 additional shelter beds at its new North Side headquarters. But the organization’s move from Downtown to the North Side headquarters appears to be on hold.

City Council committee blocks mayor’s dedicated funding plan for affordable housing

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A City Council committee has quietly blocked Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s plan to earmark millions of dollars flowing into the general fund to aid development of lower-cost apartments and homes.

As the mayor announced on Sept. 28, the money was to come from residential properties graduating from an abatement program that had reduced their real estate taxes for seven years. The plan proposed the first $2 million Ms. Larson to be included in the 2021-22 budget and an additional $2 million to be added each year thereafter.

That did not suit 9th District Councilman Michael J. Jones and 4th District Councilwoman Kristen N. Larson, chair and vice chair, respectively, of the three-member Finance and Economic Development Committee.

Both turned thumbs down on the mayor’s proposal at the Oct. 15 meeting in at least temporarily derailing the investment.

The third member, 6th District Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, endorsed the proposal to provide a dedicated stream of funding for the city’s chronically underfunded Affordable Housing Trust Fund, or AHTF, that provides support to developers willing to create lower-cost housing.

Ms. Larson noted that the council already has approved a resolution calling for the administration to put $10 million into the 2021-22 budget that begins July 1 to beef up the ATHF and was leery of designating a specific source.

That would be a big jump from the $2.9 million provided in the current 2020-21 budget.

Dr. Jones, too, felt that “this could just be a budget item.” He also wanted more information on whether the city could borrow money to increase the trust fund as other communities have Dr. Jones done and, if so, what the timing would be.

Mayor Stoney has not embraced the council’s nonbinding resolution. It is unclear whether he would propose the full $10 million for the AHTF that the council has called for if he is re-elected.

His announced plan takes a more gradual approach to reaching $10 million. Rather than doing it in one year, his proposal called for the AHTF to grow to $10 million in five budget years and to $20 million in 10 budget years to aid in developing 10,000 new units of affordable housing by 2031.

Under his plan, by 2031, the AHTF would cumulatively collect $110 million to use to support private development of such housing.

But for now that idea is on hold.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Voter appeal Doug Emhoff, husband of Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, chats with Herman Baskerville, left, owner of Big Herm’s Kitchen in Jackson Ward, as he picks up takeout from the 2nd Street eatery before heading to a campaign rally in Henrico County, where he joined Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger of Henrico.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney, right, took the opportunity to meet with Sen. Harris’ spouse in Richmond. This is Mr. Emhoff’s second campaign visit to Richmond in the last 30 days.

Help The Valenঞne Tell This City’s History

Richmond Police revise details on time, location of incident in which detectives indicted The Richmond Police Department has revised its official statement about the time and location of the incident that led to the indictment of two detectives after the Richmond Free Press raised questions about the initial statement.

In response, the department issued the following statement to the Free Press on Oct. 16: “After further review, we discovered the incident involving both detectives occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. on May 31 in the 200 block of North Belvidere Street. We apologize for any confusion.”

The original statement from the department stated the incident occurred at 5:24 a.m. May

31 in the 200 block of West Broad Street So far, neither the department nor the commonwealth’s attorney’s office has released any further details on the events that led to the indictment of Detectives Christopher Brown and Mark Jankowski on misdemeanor charges of assault and battery.

Neither of the men has made any public statements.

The detectives are to appear in court in early November to set a trial date and to determine if they will be tried by a judge or jury. Few details are expected to emerge until the trial.

— JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Signs honoring Dr. Charles K. Price to be unveiled Oct. 23 The Cannon Creek Greenway, a cycling and pedestrian trail runs along the RichmondHenrico Turnpike in North Side, will have new signs to honor Dr. Charles K. Price for the major role the retired educator played in the trail’s creation.

The unveiling of the honorary signs bearing Dr. Price’s name is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 23, at the intersection of Dove Street and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson announced Tuesday.

Remembering her brother

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Princess Blanding, sister of the late MarcusDavid Peters, joined family members in hosting a celebration Saturday to mark what would have been her brother’s 27th birthday and to keep his memory alive. Location: The Lee statue in Richmond that sits on a traffic circle that some now call Marcus-David Peters Circle. Standing beside a sign that bears Mr. Peters’ name and photo, Ms. Blanding tells reporters she misses her brother and appreciates the outpouring of love from people attending the event. She said she would never tire of fighting on his behalf and for others suffering from mental illness. A high school biology teacher, Mr. Peters was 24 when he was fatally shot by a Richmond Police officer in May 2018 while experiencing what has been described as a mental crisis.

We are reimagining the Valenঞne Sculpture Studio, and we want your input on Richmond’s monuments.

The new space will allow visitors to confront Richmond’s painful history and the enduring impact of the Lost Cause.

Take the survey at thevalenࢼne.org.

Must be completed by Nov. 1.

All answers will remain anonymous.

THEVALENTINE.ORG | Ґ804ґ 649҃0711 1015 E. CLAY STREET | RICHMOND, VIRGINIA MUSEUM HOURS: TUES.҃SUN. 10 A.M.҃5 P.M.

Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020 A7

Local News

Franklin County elementary schoolteacher named Virginia’s 2021 Teacher of the Year Free Press staff report

Virginia’s 2021 Teacher of the Year credits his fourth-grade teacher for helping him through the trauma of being put into foster care as a child and remaining a mentor to him throughout his childhood in Danville.

Anthony Swann, a fifth-grade teacher at Rocky Mount Elementary School in Franklin County, was named Virginia’s newest Teacher of the Year during a virtual ceremony on Oct. 8 that was livestreamed on social media and included remarks from Gov. Ralph S. Northam and state Secretary of Education Atif Qarni.

“Anthony Swann is the real deal,” Dr. James Lane, state superintendent of public instruction, said in announcing Mr. Swann’s selection from eight regional finalists.

“He represents the thousands of Virginia teachers who dedicate every day — whether teaching remotely or in person — to the academic success of their students and their social and emotional well-being. Anthony overcame many challenges to get where he is today, and he shares those life lessons with his students as he prepares them for success in the classroom and beyond.”

He also becomes the state’s nominee for 2021 National Teacher of the Year, which will be awarded this spring at a White House

him after he won the Teacher of ceremony. He was chosen for the Year Award. The kind of supthe state award after interviews port she has provided, he said, with a committee that included reminds him of how important representatives of professional teachers can be. and educational associations and “Teach for the love of your the business community. children,” Mr. Swann said during Mr. Swann, who was recogthe television interview. “There is nized for creating an inclusive a child that is counting on your and supportive environment for voice.” his students, said he was humbled He said part of his success at and grateful for the honor.

Rocky Mount Elementary School, “First of all, I’d like to thank where he has been teaching since God for the opportunity to serve 2017, is being emotionally open his children. It’s been a dream of with his students. In addition to mine ever since I was 11 years Mr. Swann teaching, he provides mentoring old,” he said during the ceremony.

In an interview with a Roanoke television and life-skills coaching for fifth-grade boys station the day after his win, he talked about through “Guys with Ties,” a program he started how his fourth-grade teacher, Jerretta Wilson, at Rocky Mount Elementary in 2019.

The program includes lessons on the imcomforted him during a traumatic moment in portance of integrity, honesty and respect. The his young life.

“Social services knocked on my classroom students are required to “dress to impress” twice door to take me to a foster home,” Mr. Swann a month and participate in 45-minute lessons. told WSLS-TV. “My teacher, Miss Jerretta He also schedules guest motivational speakers Wilson ... she grabbed me, hugged me and several times a year. whispered in my ear, ‘Anthony, everything is going to be alright.’ ” He said her voice “is what saved my life.”

Miss Wilson remained a mentor to him, he said, and was one of the first people to contact

Mr. Swann also helped develop the elementary school’s Cooperative Culture Initiative that rewards students for positive behavior and achievement. The initiative has been credited with improving school culture and reducing disciplinary referrals.

Mr. Swann’s teaching career began at Schoolfield Elementary School in Danville in 2007 after earning his bachelor’s in elementary education from Averett University. He taught for two years in Caswell, N.C., before returning to Danville in 2015 to teach at Johnson Elementary until 2017, when he assumed his current position at Rocky Mount Elementary in Franklin County.

He earned a master’s in educational leadership from Regent University in 2014.

“I plan to utilize this opportunity to give hope to those students who feel that their current trauma or economic hardship is the end of their world,” Mr. Swann said during the ceremony. “Teachers, together we have the ability to change one life at a time through our influence. Let’s continue to change the world, one child at a time.”

Virginia’s first medical cannabis dispensary opens in Bristol Free Press wire, staff report

BRISTOL Virginia’s first medical cannabis dispensary has officially opened to patients.

Dharma Pharmaceuticals held a grand opening last Saturday morning in Bristol in Southwest Virginia. It’s one of five pharmaceutical dispensaries approved in the state to produce medical marijuana.

Lisa Smith and her daughter, Haley, made the trek to Bristol from Richmond earlier last week to receive the company’s first fill of medical cannabis oil, WJHL-TV reported.

Ms. Smith, whose daughter has a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, lob-

bied at the General Assembly for a change in the state’s medical marijuana laws.

“It’s kind of surreal that it’s happening,” Ms. Smith said.

In order to enter the building, patients must first get a recommendation from a medical provider and register as a patient with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

“We’re excited to finally be serving patients at our facility,” Jack Page, co-founder and chief operating officer of Dharma Pharmaceuticals, stated in a news release.

The dispensary is inside the old Bristol Mall.

The company plans to expand to other locations soon, according to media reports.

A dispensary in Richmond hopes to open its doors by late October.

According to the Marijuana Police Project, a pro-legalization group, 34 states have legalized medical marijuana to varying degrees. Eleven of those states and the District of Columbia also have legalized non-medical, or recreational, use of marijuana for adults.

And nearly all the states have systems in place for taxing and selling marijuana, according to the group.

In 2018, the state Board of Pharmacy granted licenses to five companies to legally dispense medical marijuana, one for each health service area in the state.

Virginia Commonwealth University will hold two one-day breaks during the spring semester.

More Virginia colleges scrap traditional spring break

By Anya Sczerzenie Capital News Service

A growing number of Virginia colleges are announcing that spring break will be canceled or modified in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, announced plans Monday. The biggest change is that the university will not have a weeklong spring break. It will instead have five, one-day breaks spaced throughout the semester.

“While we want to discourage travel that could aid in the spread of COVID-19, we don’t want to eliminate much needed downtime that students seek for their overall well-being,” Frank Shushok, vice president for student affairs at Tech, said in a news release.

Tech will hold a mix of in-person and hybrid classes. The latter will be fully online or a mix of online and in-person courses. The university did not modify the start and end of the spring semester. The university will begin classes on Jan. 19 and end on May 5.

Exams will be held May 7 through 12.

Other Virginia universities have started to announce plans for the spring semester.

Virginia Commonwealth University announced last week that it will start the spring semester a week later than originally planned. The start date will move from Jan. 19 to Jan. 25. After the conclusion of winter break, the university will implement a phased re-opening similar to the fall semester. That means classes will be a combination of inperson, hybrid and online.

VCU will hold two one-day breaks during the spring semester — one in February

and one in March. The university will offer in-person and online classes or a mixture of both formats.

“This measure is consistent with many other universities in Virginia and across the country,” VCU President Michael Rao said in an email announcing the move.

Christopher Newport University in Newport News announced a tentative spring 2021 academic calendar on Oct. 7, which includes a shortened, two-day spring break in March.

Classes at CNU will begin on Jan. 11 and final exams will end April 29.

George Mason University in Fairfax announced Monday plans to start classes on Jan. 25, one week later than originally planned.

GMU will also be eliminating spring break.

The university will hold a mix of in-person, online and hybrid classes, and will end classes as originally scheduled on April 30, followed by final exams.

Radford University will start classes on Jan. 19 as originally planned and hold spring break at the end of the semester, concluding classes a week early. Classes will be a mix of in-person and hybrid format and end on April 23. Exams will be held the following week.

Many Virginia colleges have not announced their spring semester plans. No word has been received from Virginia State University in Ettrick or Virginia Union University in Richmond. The University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville, will announce plans later this month, UVA spokesman McGregor McCance said last week.

Richmond Free Press staff contributed to this report.

OFFICIAL VIRGINIA HISTORY ORNAMENT OF 2020 In honor of the Garden Club of Virginia’s Centennial, this year’s official state history ornament features a painting from the VMHC’s collection, a stunning view of land that would one day become Shenandoah National Park. In securing support for the park’s creation, the Garden Club helped safeguard 79,000 acres of wilderness.

BIRTH.BIRTHDAY.AWARD.GRADUATION.HONOR. ENGAGEMENT.WEDDING.ANNIVERSARY.LIFE.

Milestones are meant to be celebrated.

Share accomplishments in a special person’s life by announcing it in the Richmond Free Press.

Contact Cynthia Downing, advertising coordinator, today to find out more about affordable celebratory advertising rates to celebrate a special achievement or a special occasion.

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Richmond Free Press Editorial Page October 22-24, 2020

A8

Voter power Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

At stake: U.S. presidency and vice presidency, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Richmond mayor, Richmond City Council and School Board.

The Richmond Free Press has asked candidates about the top issues facing their city and their respective districts, and for their plans to address those issues. Their answers are published in this week’s Special Election Section.

Your vote is your power.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, and early voting is taking place now, including on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31.

Vote.

Questions?

Visit the Virginia Department of Elections at www. vote.virginia.gov or call (800) 552-9745; Richmond Voter Registrar, www.richmondgov.com/registrar or (804) 6465950; or the registrar for your locality.

Joe Biden for president and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris for vice president Competent.

It’s not a flashy word or a flashy concept.

But it best describes Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

And after enduring nearly four years of Donald Trump, we believe it would be a comforting relief to have someone who is competent back in the White House.

We strongly endorse Mr. Biden for the job as the 46th president of the United States. His election, along with that of his vice presidential running mate U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, would restore a sense of hope and direction to our nation.

We believe their strong and compassionate leadership will help to bring the COVID-19 crisis under control, returning science and not alchemy and misinformation to battle a pandemic that has stricken more than 8 million Americans and killed nearly 220,000. A disproportionate number of African-Americans, Latinos and people of color have been crushed by this pandemic, and we need to have trust that our national health institutions are being guided by the science without political interference and that any vaccines offered to the American people are safe.

We believe a Biden-Harris team at the helm will go a long way in restoring a sense of trust.

This team also would soundly address the criti-

cal economic crisis people and communities are facing in the wake of the coronavirus and will work on a national policy to get schools, businesses and families back to some semblance

of normalcy.

The Biden-Harris team also will take seriously the issues of police and criminal justice reform and gun control to help stamp out systemic rac-

ism, police brutality and the gun violence that plague our communities.

We believe they have a solid platform to address immigration, to stop the cruel separation of families at the border, to end this border wall nonsense, to smartly address the threat of global warming and climate change and to rebuild broken relationships with our foreign allies.

Sen. Harris brings an intellectual brilliance to the ticket with her legal and political background in California and the U.S. Senate. She has shown through her questioning of judicial nominees and other interviews during her initial run for the presidency that she has a depth of understanding and stands on the right side of the array of issues critical to our community, including health care, education, justice, civil rights, gay rights and women’s rights.

We believe she is someone Mr. Biden — and the American people — can rely on for her deep analytical skills and problem-solving abilities as we head into a future fraught with its own challenges as well as the hard task of cleaning up the current president’s messes.

We believe Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have the courage, strength and conviction to lead this nation well, and we urge you to vote for them.

Levar M. Stoney for mayor Richmond is at a crossroads — brought to this point by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the summer of protests calling for racial justice after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis and capped by the removal of the racist Confederate statues that have weighed our city down for far too long.

Still, the question remains: Are we going to move forward as a city, or are we going to remain mired in the past?

We believe that Mayor Levar M. Stoney is the best of the five candidates who can take Richmond forward.

We acknowledge that four years ago when Mr. Stoney first ran for mayor, we endorsed another candidate whom we believed had the experience and track record to be successful. But Mayor Stoney won that election in 2016 and has shown substantive growth during his tenure that we believe qualifies him to lead our city during this next important chapter.

These next years in the city will be critical, with the pandemic and the protests causing Richmonders to truly see the gaps in health status and health access, education, home ownership, wealth and other opportunities that exist in our community.

It is critical that Richmond’s next mayor not only sees and understands these issues, but also moves deftly and directly to address them.

We believe Mayor Stoney is the one to do that.

In a virtual editorial board meeting with the Richmond Free Press, Mayor Stoney talked about how Richmond would have squandered this critical opportunity if we are the same in 10 years.

Absent a federal playbook to guide the nation through the pandemic, Mayor Stoney has done an admirable job leading the city’s efforts to distribute personal protective equipment and to target testing

in communities that have suffered disproportionately with coronavirus; providing free hotel rooms to first responders, essential workers and others who couldn’t quarantine safely at home; directing federal CARES Act money to businesses impacted by the shutdown, offering eviction diversion and mortgage relief; and ensuring nutrition programs would continue through the schools for the most vulnerable families.

During the protests, he also had the courage to use his emergency powers to remove the offensive cityowned Confederate statues from Monument Avenue and elsewhere around Richmond before someone got

hurt trying to take them down.

Aside from the pandemic, Mayor Stoney has achieved a great deal for the city during his time in office. He led the effort to build three new schools, to pave roads, to get the city on a more firm financial footing and to address issues of poverty and homelessness.

His biggest stumbling block has been his fidelity to corporate interests controlled by people who live outside the city, which led him to push the wrongheaded $1.5 billion plan by the Navy Hill Development Corp. to build a new Coliseum and develop parts of Downtown that ultimately would have burdened Richmond taxpayers for years to come.

We are happy that project was rejected by City Council. We also hope that Mayor Stoney has learned from that mistake and will be more community-oriented and transparent in future development plans. We believe he understands better that while corporate interests and community interests can co-exist, his priority is to the people he is elected to represent.

We believe Mayor Stoney has the drive and ability Richmond needs to move forward in the next four years.

We have been impressed during this mayoral campaign by candidate Alexsis Rodgers, the 29-yearold state director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. She is thoughtful and well-reasoned in her positions and we look forward to her contributions to our city in the future.

We also value the energy of candidate Kimberly B. “Kim” Gray, who has given up her City Council seat to run for mayor. She has brought a wealth of insight and service to the city, particularly on education-related issues. We hope that she will continue to speak up and speak out on the issues.

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Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020 A9

Letters to the Editor

Why I am supporting Joe Biden I’ve taken deep pride in my job during the past 20 years as a home care worker. The essential care I’ve provided to my clients — taking them to doctor appointments, reminding them to take their medication, shopping for groceries, assisting with bathing and meals — has helped them to live at home with independence and dignity.

During the coronavirus pandemic, home care workers have become even more critical. We are the first line of defense to protect those at the highest risk for the virus, including parents, grandparents and loved ones with disabilities.

Despite our pivotal role, home care workers have been working in the shadows of our communities, with few protections, for far too long.

Home care workers, who are predominantly women and people of color like myself, have devoted our lives to taking care of others’ family members. But systemic racism and sexism have kept us down, making it a daily struggle to care for our own families.

Home care workers have been continuously excluded from protections enjoyed by other American workers, starting with the first minimum wage and overtime laws. In 41 states, the majority of home care workers still do not have the legal right to join a union. Most recently, the Trump administration allowed some employers to exclude home care workers from the paid sick and family leave provisions in the coronavirus relief bill.

This devaluing of home care work has impacted every aspect of my life. For my entire career, I never made more than about $8.50 an hour. I had no health insurance, paid sick time or any other benefits whatsoever. Like 53 percent of the home care workforce, I must rely on public assistance just to survive.

After a life of dedicated caregiving, I find myself at age 57 temporarily unable to work due to disability and without a permanent home. But that hasn’t stopped me and my fellow home care workers from demanding, through our union, fundamental changes to fix our broken caregiving system. We have made some progress but still have a long way to go.

So when I first heard about Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s economic plan to invest in home care services and jobs, my heart swelled.

In order to meet the growing demand from our country’s aging population, Mr. Biden’s plan would expand funding for home care, eliminate the long waiting list for services and create a million and a half new jobs. At the same time, his plan would solve a severe workforce shortage by increasing pay; providing benefits such as paid sick leave, family leave and health care; expanding job training opportunities; and ensuring all caregivers have the basic right to join a union to advocate for themselves, their families and their clients.

I believe this is the most important election of our lives. In Joe Biden’s vision of America, we are a country that cares for each other, lifts each other up and keeps each other safe. That’s the kind of country I want for my daughter and grandson.

And that’s why I’m talking to all my fellow home care workers, family members, friends and neighbors to make sure they vote for Joe Biden.

LAURALYN CLARK Richmond The writer is a member of the home care and public service union, SEIU Virginia 512.

Route 675 (Hardy Road) Curve Realignment Lunenburg County Notice of Willingness Find out about the proposed improvements to Route 675 (Hardy Road). The project will realign the curve located 0.3 miles south of the intersection of Route 40 (Lunenburg County Road) and Route 49 (Courthouse Road). Sight distance improvements are proposed. A detour will be required.

Project information and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation in the form of a Categorical Exclusion are available at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive, South Chesterfield VA 23834-9002, 804-5246000, 1-800-663-4188, TTY/TTD 711. Please call ahead to make arrangements for personnel to share more information or answer your questions.

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Mr. Thomas Kendrick, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, South Chesterfield, VA 23834-9002 or by email to thomas.kendrick@vdot.virginia.gov on or prior to November 4, 2020. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted.

‘Stop voting for Democrats’ The rampage of shootings in Richmond has caused horrific damage to families and neighborhoods. In August and September, there were a total of 502 shootings in Richmond. Many of these had multiple victims, including fatalities. The problem is out of control.

It is obvious that our elected city officials cannot stop the carnage. I’m not convinced that they want to. The shootings in Richmond will continue as long as Democrats are in charge.

I’m insulted when an official holds a media event to offer an insincere and disingenuous show of sympathy and offer bromides such as “Enough is enough” and “We need to build bridges.” Please notice these only occur when an innocent child is shot or murdered. These press conferences are nothing more than political stunts.

I must point out that poverty does not cause crime. The thugs who commit crimes have a lack of values, have not been socialized and have not learned right from wrong. It is not my purpose here to speculate why some boys born out of wedlock, and raised by young girls on welfare without a father in the home, decide to lead a life of crime. Throwing money at community programs will not solve the problem.

At the state level, members of the General Assembly cannot agree on a solution. The Republicans want to separate the criminals from society so they cannot do further harm. The

During the era of World War II, there was bipartisan agreement in America on one simple, unavoidable, indisputable fact — the only good Nazi is a dead Nazi.

But in 2020, just like in 2016, President Trump and his “fly guy,” Vice President Mike Pence, openly welcome neo-Nazi support. In fact, the

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We stand

The People’s Paper

MIKE WILSON Richmond

Liberate Washington!

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.

Richmond Free Press

Democrats reject this common sense solution.

The Democrats in the General Assembly are getting their marching orders from national leaders and big donors to wage war on honest law-abiding gun owners. Their goal is to ban and confiscate all privately owned legal firearms.

They want only the government — military and police — to have firearms because they know they cannot install a socialist government in America with an armed populace. If you think the police are brutal now, you ain’t seen nothing.

Earlier this year, Virginia Democrats passed the universal background check, the one-guna-month and red flag laws that will not stop crime. Those laws make it more difficult for honest citizens to exercise their right to own firearms so they can defend themselves and their loved ones from such things as a tyrannical government.

The only way to continue enjoying the liberties and rights of being a citizen of our republic and not become a slave to a tyrannical government is to stop voting for Democrats and Democratic incumbents in all city, state and national elections. For example, vote for Leon Benjamin for the U.S. House of Representatives and Donald Trump for president.

Vote for Republicans whenever possible.

president unapologetically insists neo-Nazis and white supremacists are “very fine people” who should “stand back and stand by.”

Stand by for what? To be arrested?

President Trump has even publicly demanded “that woman,” Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, turn over control of the state of Michigan to racist, right wing, pro-Trump terrorists who, at the president’s beckoning, were illegally attempting to “liberate Michigan” by kidnapping and assassinating Gov. Whimer a probable future president.

And all the while President Trump is threatening to steal another presidential election by using the neo-Nazi Proud Boys,

the new-Confederate Boogaloo Boys and the Michigan militia morons as his own personal Gestapo goon squad.

Too bad for President Trump and his insurrectionists, but once state and federal law enforcement agencies are through with these fascists, they might as well start calling themselves “The Rent Boys” upon their arrival at prison.

Liberate Washington! Liberate the U.S. Senate and White House from Republican/ Russian control.

Do not stand back! Do not stand by! Vote for Biden-Harris on Nov. 3 — or before. Just do it.

JAKE PICKERING Arcata, Calif.

Current White House occupant not fit for re-election People here in Virginia and in other states are saying that Democratic presidental candidate Joe Biden is not fit to be elected president.

Well, if that is so, then the person occupying the White House now isn’t fit either.

America needs a change. Vote for Joe Biden.

America doesn’t need to be divided because of President Trump. He needs to be put out of office and not re-elected for another four years.

M.M. GOODMAN Henrico County

for Equality Justice Opportunity Freedom and we fearlessly fight for Equality Justice Opportunity Freedom

Richmond Free Press

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Stories by Fred Jeter

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Lottery app or inia Virg lie Lanier, a graduate of Maggie L. 110819 boxes in blue or black Walker High School, hasMark launched n. pen or pencil as show an initiative to install modern artificial playing surfaces at nearly three dozen HBCUs. The initiative, called the “Honey Bear Project” after Lanier’s pro football nickname, is being done in partnership with FieldTurf, a major manufacturer and installer of artificial playing surfaces for athletic teams.

Area football fans have no further to look than Virginia Union Mr. Lanier University to see that the initiative is well underway.

The newly laid field at VUU was installed during the spring and summer at a cost of $1.1 million and has been renamed Willie Lanier Field at Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Virginia Union University’s Willie Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium is new and green following a recent Hovey Stadium.

It was ready for the 2020 football $1.1 million renovation. Mr. Lanier is seeking $50 million in donations to help renovate athletic fields at season, but the coronavirus pandemic nearly three dozen HBCUs. interfered. VUU canceled football this the new gridiron. the project on the fast track. support,” he said. “Many of the fall because of the pandemic, but plans Lanier said he hopes to raise $50 “I’m excited about this project football fields at HBCUs are in to resume play in the fall of 2021 on million over the next two years to keep and I’m confident we will get the bad shape. Some, like the one at

Chester’s Chris Tyree making big plays as Notre Dame’s featured tailback Chris Tyree is a local athlete earning a national reputation.

The former football sensation at Thomas Dale High School in Chester has wasted no time in making his presence known at the University of Notre Dame.

Listed at 5-foot-9½ and 188 pounds, Tyree ran 11 times for 103 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown in a 42-26 home win Oct. 10 over Florida State University.

In Notre Dame’s Oct. 17 win over the University of Louisville, Tyree added 32 yards on seven carries, two pass receptions for 16 yards and a 22-yard kickoff return.

The team’s latest victory lifts the No. 4-ranked Fighting Irish to 4-0. Next up is a date at Pittsburgh this Saturday, Oct. 24, with a 3:30 p.m. ABC television national audience.

On the season, Tyree, who wears Notre Dame’s No. 25 in blue and gold, has turned 32 carries into 188 yards, with two touchdowns and a 6.9 yard per carry average.

Tyree is sharing the featured tailback role in South Bend, Ind., with Kyren Williams.

Quinton Byfield

Notre Dame is playing for the Atlantic Coast Conference title this year but will not be facing the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech.

A game to circle on your gridiron calendar will be Nov. 7 when No. 1-ranked Clemson University travels to South Bend for a nationally televised game at 7:30 p.m. on NBC. What Tyree may lack in size, he more than makes up for in speed and elusiveness. As a Thomas Dale senior, he won the State 6A title for 55-meters in a state record 6.37 seconds.

Earlier this season at Notre Dame, Tyree was clocked at 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, making him among the fastest freshmen in the nation.

Tyree was ranked among the nation’s top running backs and all-purpose backs during his brilliant career at Thomas Dale under Coach Kevin Tucker.

Thomas Dale has a rich tradition producing running backs. Knights alumni William Henderson, Ken Oxendine and Rudi Johnson all went on to play in the NFL.

Virginia Union in my hometown of Richmond, are more than 100 years old and have never been replaced.”

Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium has been used for Panthers football since 1907.

Lanier stated that outdated playing surfaces at HBCUs place the schools at a competitive disadvantage.

“Poor surfaces make it tougher to recruit good high school players,” he said. “With these fields, I hope to leave a bigger footprint on the game of football—‘leveling the playing field’ for the nation’s Black colleges by replacing their old fields with new ones.”

Now 74, Lanier was a headliner for the Maggie L. Walker Green Dragons in the 1960s when most of the school’s home games were played down Lombardy Street at Hovey Field. He was a member of the Class of 1963. He then went to Morgan State University in Baltimore before embarking on a brilliant NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

To donate or get involved, please call (248) 862-5981 or visit www. honeybearproject.com.

World Series gets underway with L.A. Dodgers-Tampa Bay Rays matchup Entering this postseason, Arozarena’s résumé isn’t A free spirit, Arozarena also showed Mookie Betts of the Los nearly as glowing. off another talent following the Rays’ Angeles Dodgers was an Known as the “Cuban Division win over the New York Yanestablished marquee attracRocket,” Arozarena defected kees. In an impromptu, on-field “dance tion, a leading man if ever from Cuba at age 19 and was off” with teammate Brett Phillips, Arothere was one. obtained in the offseason by zarena stole the show by busting some In sharp contrast, Randy Tampa Bay from the St. Louis breakdancing moves that sent everyone Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Cardinals. He missed much of into a frenzy.

Rays was little more than an the start of this season recoverWhich brings us to baseball’s verRandy extra in Tampa’s supporting ing from COVID-19. sion of the “Last Dance,” the World Arozarena cast.

Arozarena has turned these playoffs Series.

That said, both have arrived at the into a coming out party like none other.

Who figures to be in the spotlight in same much desired destination: The He has stroked seven home runs and gone the end? Will it be on one of baseball’s 116th World Series.

21-for-55 while earning the American most recognizable players or the new The Betts versus Arozarena matchup League Championship Series MVP. kid the block? of outfielders could help decide whether the Dodgers or the Rays wind up with baseball’s top prize.

Dodgers, Rays Without Betts, it’s unlikely the are World Serious Dodgers would be where they are now.

The right fielder made two scintillating game-saving catches against the Atlanta The matchup: National League 3-2, ,and the Houston Astros 4-3.

Braves during the National League Manag ers: Dodgers’ Dave champion Los Angeles Dodgers vs. playoffs.

American League champion Tampa Roberts—fifth season, 436-273 regular From Nashville, Betts is a season, 34-25 playoffs; Tampa Bay’s Bay Rays.

Format: Winner of the best of seven Kevin Cash—sixth season, 454-416 four-time All-Star, regular season, 12-8 playoffs. games the 2018 MVP, a History: The Los Angeles Dodgers Location: All games at Globe Light four-time Gold Field in Arlington, Texas, home of the have won the World Series six times, Glove recipient most recently in 1988. The Tampa Bay Texas Rangers and three-time Remaining schedule: Oct. 23 and Rays have never won a World Series.

Silver Slugger Name game: The Dodgers got 24 and, if necessary, Oct. 25, Oct. 27 champ. He was their nickname when the franchise and Oct. 28. All games at 8:08 p.m. key to the Boston was in Brooklyn, N.Y., and fans had Television: FOX Red Sox’s 2018 How they got here: The to “dodge” the trolley cars to get to World Series Dodgers were 43-17 during Ebbets Field. The Dodgers moved to the regular season; the Rays Los Angeles in 1958. Tampa originally title. Betts was were 40-20. In the playoffs, the was supposed to be the Sting Rays in traded by the Dodgers defeated Milwaukee 1998. The plans changed when it was Red Sox ear2-0, San Diego 3-0, and learned the Maui Sting Rays in Hawaii lier this year Atlanta 4-3. The Rays won the owned rights to that name. So Tampa to the Los playoff series against Toronto switched to the Devil Rays until 2008, Angeles 2-0, the New York Yankees when it dropped the word “Devil.”

Dodgers.

Mookie Betts

Quinton Byfield is second overall pick in NHL draft Quinton Byfield has made hockey history.

The 18-year-old Canadian has become the highest drafted Black athlete in National Hockey League annals.

From Newmarket, Ontario, near Toronto, the swift, powerful 6-foot-4, 214-pound Byfield was chosen by the Los Angeles Kings as the second overall pick in the recent NHL Entry Draft.

“It means a lot to me. It’s something special,” Byfield told NHL.

com. “It shows there is opportunity for everyone in the world to be successful in any sport they choose.”

Previously, the highest drafted Black athletes in the NHL were Evander Kane, chosen by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009, and Seth Jones, chosen by the Nashville Predators in 2013, both selected with the fourth overall pick.

The first overall pick this year was another Canadian, Alexis Lafrenière, by the New York Rangers.

A left-handed stickman, Byfield will

become just the seventh Black athlete to play for the Los Angeles Kings. The first was Grant Fuhr in 1995.

The selection of Byfield comes on the heels of the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, designed to fight racism and increase opportunities for minorities in an overwhelmingly white sport.

Byfield, whose father, Clinton Byfield, is a Jamaican immigrant, and his mother, Nicole Byfield, is a white Canadian, has played the past two seasons

for the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League junior division.

He was OHL Rookie of the Year in 2018-19. In 109 total games for the Wolves over two seasons, he has 61 goals and 82 assists.

Byfield developed a passion for the sport by watching “Hockey Night in Canada” with his father.

“Since my father never played hockey, or knew much about it, we kind of grew up with the sport together,” Byfield told NHL.com.

October 22-24, 2020 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

B

★ ★ Election 2020 ★ ★

Voting is power The future leadership of our nation and our city will be decided in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election.

While formally that is Election Day, voters have been able to cast ballots since Sept. 18 as Virginia embraced early voting for the first time. For those who haven’t voted early in person or by mail, the polls will open on Election Day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. People in line at 7 p.m. still will be able to vote.

Topping the ballot in Richmond and across the country will be the contest for president. Three teams of candidates will be on the ballot in this high-stakes election.

The major party choices are Democrats Joseph R. Biden and his vice presidential running mate, U.S. Sen. Kamala D. Harris of California, and Republican incumbents Donald J. Trump and his vice presidential running mate, Michael R. Pence.

A Libertarian candidate team also will be on the presidential ballot: Jo Jorgensen and her vice presidential ticket mate, Jeremy F. “Spike” Cohen.

Richmond voters also will elect a mayor along with members of the City Council and the School Board to four-year terms that will begin Jan. 1, 2021.

The mayor is chosen citywide, while the ballot for each voter will include the names of the council and School Board candidates seeking to represent the district in which the voter lives.

The ballot will list six people vying for Richmond mayor, although one, Michael J. Gilbert, has dropped out of the race.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney is seeking re-election to a second term.

His challengers are Richmond City Councilwoman Kimberly B. “Kim” Gray, attorney M. Justin Griffin, domestic worker advocate Alexsis E. Rodgers and business owner Tracey V. McLean.

To win the mayor’s race, a candidate must win more votes than anyone else on the ballot in five of the city’s nine districts. If no

candidate wins five districts, then a run-off election will occur between the two people who receive the most votes citywide.

This Election Section includes information about the candidates and their views on issues, except for those who did not respond to or return a candidates’ questionnaire to the Richmond Free Press.

Separately, city voters will help choose a member of the U.S. Senate and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington.

U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner, a former Virginia governor, is running for a third, six-year term. A Democrat, he is Virginia’s senior senator, having first taken office in January 2009. He is being challenged by Republican Daniel M. Gade, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who teaches at American University.

U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin of Richmond also is running for his third, two-year term representing the 4th Congressional District, which includes Richmond and all or parts of 15 other localities, including Henrico, Chesterfield, Charles City County, Petersburg and Prince George County to Chesapeake. A Democrat, he is being challenged by Republican Leon Benjamin Sr., senior pastor and bishop of New Life Harvest Church in Richmond.

In adjacent Henrico County, U.S. Rep. Abigail A. Spanberger, a Democrat, is running for a second, two-year term representing the 7th Congressional District, which includes large portions of Henrico and Chesterfield and all or parts of seven other localities, including Goochland County and Spotsylvania County.

E lectio

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VOTE y Tu esda Nov. 3

She is being challenged by Republican Nick J. Freitas of Culpeper, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since January 2016.

Virginia voters also will decide whether two amendments will be added to the Virginia Constitution.

The first one asks whether the state Constitution should be changed to establish a 16-member redistricting commission to redraw state and congressional districts.

The commission would be made up of eight citizens and eight members of the General Assembly. Their redistricting maps would have to be approved by the General Assembly, but could not be changed by the legislature. If the commission fails, or the General Assembly fails to approve the lines by certain deadlines, then redistricting would become the responsibility of the Virginia Supreme Court, according to the proposed amendment.

The second proposed amendment asks whether a vehicle owned and used primarily by or for a military veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected injury be exempt from state and local taxes.

Voters will be asked to vote yes or no on both amendment questions.

For additional information about what’s on the ballot, or with help to find your voting precinct, contact the Virginia Department of Elections at www.elections.virginia.gov or (800) 552-9745.

Information also is available at the Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office, www.richmondgov.com/registrar/ or (804) 646-5950.

Incumbents for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives face challengers U.S. Senate Daniel M. Gade

Mark R. Warner

Age: 45 Occupation: Retired lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army Education: USMCA 97’; master’s and Ph.D. in public administration, University of Georgia Civic/community engagement: Co-lead church Bible study Contact: info@gadeforvirginia.com or (804) 9444606 Website: www.gadeforvirginia.com

I decided to become a candidate for U.S. Senate because: Throughout my life, I have faced many challenges and forks in the road. I’ve tried to do the hard right thing instead of the easy wrong one. As I’ve campaigned, I’ve consistently heard that the old, stale ideas aren’t working for Virginians. We face tough challenges right now and it will take a true commitment to working with people across the aisle to solve them. Sen. Mark Warner is a career partisan who cynically talks about reducing insulin prices while taking over $500,000 from big pharma in contributions. If you’re sick of career politicians, choose a different path.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Virginia? American families are suffering and dying because China lied and people died. Now our businesses need help and our health care capacity is being strangled. I am in this race to solve hard problems like these. Career politicians like Sen. Warner scream that we have to “do something,” but when given the chance to

give much needed relief to families, additional testing and vaccine funding, he voted to withhold relief. Once we win this war, I will fight to regain our record economic growth and reform a health care system that puts patients first and meets the needs of a post-coronavirus America.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the U.S. Senate: The federal government has unique abilities to solve the two main issues America faces: health care and COVID-19. The CDC, DHS and other federal agencies can leverage their expertise and resources to assist the local leaders who are at the front lines. The federal government also can direct emergency resources to local governments. Sen. Warner voted against that just a few weeks ago, hurting Virginia and Virginia families. The federal government can and should secure our borders, rethink the nature of our relationship with China and prepare for the next pandemic by securing our supply chain for pharmaceutical products and PPE.

Age: 65 Occupation: U.S. senator representing Virginia Education: Bachelor’s degree, George Washington University, 1977; J.D., Harvard Law School, 1980 Contact: (571) 257-8862; info@ markwarnerva.com Website: https://markwarnerva.com/

I decided to run for re-election to the U.S. Senate because: As Virginia’s senior senator, I’m focused on how to get past the challenges our families face—from how to help coastal communities grapple with climate change, to making sure every Virginian, including gig economy workers, can retire with dignity, to defending the health care of millions of Americans by standing up for the Affordable Care Act. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down, but the way I look at my job has not changed. This isn’t a time for partisan politics. I’m here to do my job so that millions of Americans can get the help they need.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Virginia? I believe our country is facing dual crises right now: The pandemic and a reckoning with racial injustice in this country. Something I’m really worried about is the long-term consequences of the pandemic on communities of color. All over the country, we’ve seen that Black

Americans have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, both in terms of businesses closing and in terms of health care outcomes. I am committed to ensuring that when we get a vaccine, that it works for Black Americans. And we need to make sure that financial relief and capital is reaching Black-owned businesses.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the U.S. Senate: In January, before a single case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Virginia, I asked the Trump administration if they needed more funding to fight the virus. I delivered relief to small businesses and expanded free COVID-19 testing. I made it possible for freelancers and independent contractors to file for unemployment. And I worked to make sure our schools could reopen safely. These things have helped a lot of people and businesses stay afloat, but we need to do more. I have a bill that will increase access to capital for the Black, Latino and women-owned businesses that have been hit hardest.

Congress 4th District Leon Benjamin Sr.

A. Donald McEachin

Age: 52 Occupation: Senior pastor and bishop of New Life Harvest Church Education: Bachelor’s in biblical studies and master’s in Christian education, Rovear Christian University Civic/community activities: Former Richmond GOP chairman and president and founder of the Coalition of Leaders United Contact: (804) 426-5314; info@benjamin4congress. com Website: Benjamin4congress.com

I decided to become a candidate for Congress because: We need new leadership in Washington. I’m running to bring true conservative leadership back to Washington, to stand for life and fight back against the anti-life left, to get the leftist monopoly out of education and stand with the president to keep taxes low and reboot our economy back to where it was pre-COVID-19.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The key issue facing our district specifically has a two-pronged factor. One is that COVID-19 has caused many institutions to be impacted, like small businesses, educational institutions and families who have had to adjust to the COVID-19 guidelines. The other side is the dangers our communities now face because of the unrest and riots coupled with the idea of defunding the police. Our police stations have been under attack and my opponent has not helped the situation by refusing to call out the political leaders in the district

for allowing this to continue.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with new economic challenges.

These are challenges we can address by using common sense solutions. Economic recovery and development start at the local level and Congress has a place in assistance. In Congress, I plan to work with state and local officials to boost their efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The riots and violence our cities have seen in recent months must be condemned by every elected official, and in Congress, I will do just that. We must build the bridge between our police and communities with the support of federal resources.

Age: 59 Occupation: U.S. representative representing the 4th District and retired partner, McEachin & Gee law firm Education: Bachelor’s, American University; J.D., University of Virginia School of Law; master’s of divinity, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University Contact: info@mceachinforcongress.com Website: www.donaldmceachin.com

I decided to run for re-election to Congress because: I want to continue serving the people of VA-04 and working to improve lives. As a member of Congress, I have passed legislation to improve voting, remove corruption from campaigns, address climate change, reduce poverty and, particularly in these times, address the pandemic and reform police. President Trump’s lack of leadership and inflammatory and hostile rhetoric does not serve our country or my constituents.

I will continue to stand up for real change that improves lives and makes a positive difference.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The pandemic, with its impacts on health and the economy, is impacting lives in our district. Until people feel safe going out without fearing infection, the economy will flounder and jobs will continue to be lost. Our children will struggle with virtual learning, with some not even having access to the necessary tools. We must address systemic racism that pervades this

country, particularly in the area of criminal justice. Too many Black men have died at the hands of police. Whether its education, housing, jobs, banking or many other parts of life, Black Americans struggle and don’t have the opportunity to succeed.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the U. S. House of Representatives: We have passed three critical bills to address the pandemic. Unfortunately, the most recent bill, which would provide ongoing unemployment assistance, help our schools, support first responders among other crucial components, is languishing in the Senate. I continue to advocate for more assistance to child care programs, an additional stimulus check for Americans and more investments in public health. I’m also a co-sponsor of the Justice in Policing Act that reforms qualified immunity, which protects police when they may have committed wrongdoing. It also mandates training on racial bias, bans chokeholds, limits military equipment to police and works to ensure body cameras.

B2 October 22-24, 2020

Richmond Free Press

★ ★ Election 2020 ★ ★

7th District incumbent faces GOP challenge for congressional seat Congress 7th District Nicholas J. Freitas

Abigail A. Spanberger

Age: 41 Education: Bachelor’s, Henley-Putnam University Contact: 703-298-4717; nick@nickforva.com Website: nickforva.com

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Age: 41 Occupation: CIA case officer, U.S. Postal Inspection Service agent, education consultant Education: Bachelor’s, University of Virginia; MBA, GISMA Business School and Purdue University Civic/community activities: FeedMore volunteer; Girl Scout Troop leader Contact: (804) 223-0770; info@abigailspanberger.com Website: abigailspanberger.com

I decided to run for re-election to Congress because: In Congress, I’ve been honored to engage with working families, listen to the needs of our communities and fight to make everyone’s voice heard. During this time of widespread uncertainty, I’m focused on solving problems, working with Democrats and Republicans alike, and advancing legislation that directly improves the lives of our neighbors. I’m running to protect access to affordable health care, strengthen workforce training programs, expand broadband internet access, reduce prescription drug costs and address disparities that have long existed, but have been truly laid bare by COVID-19. These are critical priorities as we rebuild and recover from this crisis.

need for investments in telehealth services.

Second, the recent economic downturn has caused an unemployment crisis, forced beloved businesses into bankruptcy and put us on a path toward another housing crisis.

And it has proven that reliable internet is still out of reach for far too many families, students and businesses in our district.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the U. S. House of Representatives: To protect health care coverage for all Virginians, we need to push back against the administration’s attempts to strip protections for those with pre-existing conditions and we need to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for skyrocketing drug prices. To safely reopen businesses and schools, we must expand COVID-19 testing capabilities. We also need to make sure schools, businesses and health care workers have reliable access to PPE and access to broadband to enable telework and virtual learning. To make sure our economy can recover, we must give Central Virginia’s small businesses the resources they need to weather and adapt to this crisis.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? First, the top concern of Central Virginians remains health care, specifically the cost of health care coverage and prescription drugs. COVID-19 has only intensified the financial and health care pressures experienced by so many of our neighbors — and it has emphasized the pressing

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â&#x2DC;&#x2026; â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Election 2020 â&#x2DC;&#x2026; â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

Ms. Gray

Ms. McLean

Mr. Stoney

Mr. Griffin

Ms. Rodgers

5 candidates for Richmond mayor share vision Kimberly B. Gray Age: 50 Occupation: Mom and Realtor Education: Virginia Commonwealth University Civic/community activities: Renaming Arthur Ashe Boulevard after Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s native son and civil rights leader; bringing equity and common sense to School Board discipline policies (reducing inequitable suspensions). Contact: (804) 852-4427; KimGrayForMayor@ gmail.com Website: www.KimGrayRVA.com

I decided to run for election for Richmond mayor because: Richmond needs real change, not more of the same. I am running in order to bring back good government, to end the corruption, to reduce crime in our neighborhoods and restore common sense to our city government.

Our public schools need a champion because they do not deliver a fair educational outcome for the majority of its students and we need a transparent and honest leader who can help guide Richmond through the post-COVID-19 world and economy and who will engage and listen to help rebuild the trust with the community.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? I believe the lack of trust in government transparency and accountability is a major concern as is the failure of helping our children prepare for their future. We saw the lack of transparency with the Navy Hill deal and the suspect contract to remove the statues.

Backroom deals need to be a thing of our past like the statues themselves. We also have to provide our children with the chance to succeed. They need the right hardware, internet broadband and the ability to learn skills and trades to build a bright future.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: I will be open and honest and transparent. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste two years and $2 million and millions more in staff time developing a risky economic development plan that ignores community input. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever allow a single source contract to be approved that is done in secret and costs five times what the job should cost.

For the children, we will fully fund schools and provide broadband to the housing communities, make sure they have working computers and expand skills training courses and options as well as workforce opportunities for employment after graduation.

Justin Griffin Age: 31 Occupation: Founder and manager of Virginia Small Business Law, PLLC Education: Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in business administration, University of Tennessee, with a major in accounting; J.D., University of Richmond School of Law Civic/community activities: Adult leader with the high school youth group at Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Baptist Church; volunteer drafting probono wills for those diagnosed with cancer through the nonprofit Legal Information Network for Cancer or CancerLINC Contact: (804) 505-0089; Justin@ GriffinForMayor.com Website: www.griffinformayor.com/

I decided to run for election for Richmond mayor because: We deserve better. I, like most Richmonders, am tired of our city governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mismanagement and misplaced priorities.

Richmond is an amazing place full of amazing people, but we are saddled with a completely incompetent city government. That is because we keep electing career politicians who focus more on furthering their own political careers than on solving real problems. I am in this race because I care about Richmond, and I believe that if you care about something and you see it being failed, you either have to stop caring or step up and do something about it.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? The most important issue that must be addressed is the crime, violence and daily shootings that are happening in our neighborhoods. We must make sure all of our people live in a safe and peaceful environment. That is the number one charge of local government. The second most important issue is the Richmond Public Schools system, which is failing our children. We have seen the graduation rate drop from 80 percent to 70 percent in the last four years. That is a crisis that must be addressed.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: Crime/violence: First, we must shut down the

constant threat of riots and vandalism. This will allow the police to return focus to preventing crime in our neighborhoods. Second, we must increase resources to our police department so they can patrol all of our neighborhoods and engage in more community policing. Third, we need more after-school activities, sports leagues and mentorship programs for our youths. Schools: I have a three-part plan for improving the school system. Step 1: Fix the buildings. Step 2: Create a student-centered academic approach. Step 3: Implement a holistic education that provides life and job skills.

Tracey V. McLean Age: 49 Occupation: Small business owner and author Education: John Tyler Community College Civic/community activities: Contact: (844) 494-4441; Traceymcleanformayor@gmail.com Website: https://traceymcleanformayor.com/

I decided to run for election for Richmond mayor because: Called by God, I decided to run because Richmond has been running on an uneven scale for years. We now have a chance to heal the pain that has been in our city over the decades. We have a chance to offer solutions and fair options for all. Richmond is the city with a church on every block. This means our faith is important to us. Our community is important to us. I am running to change the narrative, to build a cohesive community, to implement true equity and to offer to equality and equal and quality education.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? Inequality and safety. There are so many issues, it is hard to narrow them down.

All of the issues are important to me.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: I will start by offering local reparations.

It is particularly important that we work together as a cohesive unit for the community. We must understand that we work for the people. I will engage in healthy conversations to achieve solutions. I will always listen and consider all opinions of each council member and resident.

I will focus on the kids in need, evaluating and implementing an action plan, including offering tutors, Spanish-speaking counselors, psychologists, funds for supplies and more. I will assist with the needs of students and parents, offering more programs to help parents to get better opportunities for their families.

Alexsis E. Rodgers Age: 29 Occupation: Virginia state director, National Domestic Workers Alliance Education: Graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University Honors College, with degrees in public relations and Spanish Civic/community activities: Emerge Virginia alumna, 2014, and board member, 2016 to present; Richmond City Democratic Committee member, 2016 to present, and vice chair, 2018 to 2020 Contact: (804) 482-1059; alexsis@ alexsisrodgers.com Website: alexsisrodgers.com

I decided to run for election for Richmond mayor because: Richmond needs a mayor who will fight for the working people. For the past eight years, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been advocating for economic security, voting rights and quality health care.

This year, I helped make Virginia the first Southern state to pass labor protections for domestic workers who are mostly women of color. I have a track record of bringing people together to advance policies for our most vulnerable community members. As mayor, I will make sure our city government is accountable to the people, not special interests.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the city? Police reform and affordable housing.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: Police reform: I will work to keep Richmond safe by reducing the scale and scope of policing and reinvesting in community resources for public education, after-school programs and mental health services. Affordable housing: I will prioritize access to clean, safe and affordable housing for every Richmond resident and support zoning policies and programs that promote economically diverse communities and reduce displacement.

Levar M. Stoney Age: 39 Occupation: Mayor of Richmond Education: Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in public administration and political science, James Madison University Civic/community activities: Board member, GRASP; board member, Massey Cancer Center Contact: (804) 646-7970; levar@stoneyforrva. com Website: www.stoneyforrva.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond mayor because: I am proud of the work weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done over the last four years in Richmond.

We have made the largest investment in Richmond Public Schools in decades, built three new schools in Black and brown neighborhoods, created the first ever Eviction Diversion Program and expanded after-school programs to every elementary and middle school. However, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much left to do. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m committed to continuing the fight for more funding for RPS, expanding affordable housing and Black homeownership and leading the city through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure we build One Richmond, a city that works for everyone.

What do you see as the top two issues

facing the city? My number one priority right now is protecting public health and safety during the pandemic. Our city has escaped the worst of COVID-19 in terms of cases and deaths, but we must not let our guard down. We are not out of the woods yet. We also must tend to the economic impact of the virus. Richmond families have lost loved ones, their jobs and their homes, while our city has lost business and revenue. We also must do everything we can to make sure life can continue to go on while also keeping residents safe from this virus.

How I plan to address those issues as mayor: We need to continue our box-it-in strategy, focusing on testing and tracing infections.

We have offered free testing, hotel rooms for those who cannot quarantine safely and more than $14 million to hold off evictions and for rental assistance. For our small businesses, we offered no interest loans and grants, amnesty on taxes and helped restaurants expand outdoor seating and to-go capabilities. Until the threat of COVID-19 has passed, your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety and economic security will continue to be my top priority. We will get through this and come out stronger on the other side, but we must do it together.

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Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020

B5

★ ★ Election 2020 ★ ★

City Council candidates tell their plans 1st District

member of City Council: First, I will focus on a pro-business strategy to reopen small businesses, get more residents employed at living wage rate jobs and access to resources for them to succeed.

Second, bridge our digital divide. Too many families lack access to high-speed internet in their homes, which limits access to new economy jobs, new skill training and education opportunities. Third, we must make all city services available online.

Paying bills, applying for permits, opening a business and requesting a service must not only be available online, but also trackable to keep City Hall transparent and accountable for everyone.

Andreas Addison

1st District

Age: 38 Occupation: Government operations and management consultant at my business, Civic Innovator Education: Bachelor’s in political science, Virginia Tech; MBA, University of Richmond Civic/community activities: Community policy management team for foster care and Virginia First Cities Contact: (804) 371-8828; andreas@ addisonforcouncil.com Website: https://addisonforcouncil.com/

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: Turning my campaign priorities into my first term accomplishments has taken a lot of work. Collaborating with my fellow City Council members, the administration, the mayor and the General Assembly has resulted in tripling our paving budget, a 50 percent increase in regional funding of GRTC, increasing classroom funding for RPS by $22 million and making over 60 city services more accessible through RVA311.

Now is the time to build on these efforts to lead the change we demand from our government. I am running for re-election to continue my efforts in leading the first forward.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The global pandemic and economic recession have created many challenges for many residents in the 1st District. Unemployment, shuttered businesses and fighting to make ends meet has become a burden for many families.

The added stress of students having to learn from home has many families struggling. More and more services are necessarily being made available online. As more people interact with businesses and services online, the need for a digitally accessible City Hall has become apparent. We have seen an increase in frustration toward the lack of communication from City Hall, especially surrounding core services.

How I plan to address those issues as a

Richmond. We are letting the inmates run the asylum — literally! The people do not feel safe. My opponents refuse to discuss these issues.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: We must loudly refute any proposal to defund the police. I will vote “No” on any anti-police legislation. We must also restore law and order in Richmond. Criminals and vandals must understand they will be met with the full force of the law. That’s why I propose an ordinance mandating a 45-day hold before they are bail eligible on anyone arrested for rioting. We must freeze the property tax and repeal the restaurant tax. I promise to vote “No” on any proposal that raises taxes. We must fix the schools. Issue all students a voucher who desire to leave RPS.

Schools and enhancing our infrastructure.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: Increasing support for Richmond Public Schools is critical to Richmond’s success. I’m proposing that the city allocate at least 25 percent of its annual revenues towards RPS funding for the next 20 years. This is a floor allocation percentage that can be higher based on revenues. Infrastructure is another priority for residents. The city needs to bring in an outside consultant to conduct a thorough analysis of the city’s infrastructure and grade components based on deterioration level. The Department of Public Works does not have a complete picture of the state of our gas, water and stormwater assets.

1st District

2nd District

Michael C. “Mike” Gray

Katherine L. Jordan

Michael R. “Mike” Dickinson Age: 41 Occupation: Businessman Education: Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University Civic/community activities: Former board member, Mount Vernon Condo Association; member, Richmond Crusade for Voters Contact: (804) 347-7976; miked4rva@gmail. com Website: www.votedickinson.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I decided to run because Richmond has few leaders. My opponent, Councilman Andreas Addison, has voted repeatedly to raise taxes, voted for the Navy Hill plan and has proven himself to be Mayor Stoney’s go-to man on City Council. He called the proposal to defund the police “a good idea.” Instead of fighting for we the people, Mr. Addison goes along to get along.

He is not a fighter, nor a leader.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Long-term safety and strong leadership. We must work to defend the police and ensure they have every tool needed. The last three months living in Richmond have felt like being on an airplane with no pilot. We fly aimlessly with no clear leadership, wondering if we are about to crash. Our mayor, nor our City Council, has taken charge. They sympathize with the people ruining

Name: Katherine L. Jordan Age: 46 Occupation: Urban and environmental planning project manager Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Virginia, 1996; master’s in urban and environmental planning, U.Va., 2003 Civic/community activities: Richmond’s Green City Commission; Fan District Association, past parks and trees chair, president and grants chair Contact: (804) 396 3709; electKatherineJordan@gmail.com Website: www.electKatherineJordan.com

Age: Not provided Occupation: Partner and co-founder, Gray Ryan Companies Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Richmond Civic/community activities: Board of directors, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; Former commissioner for the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission Contact: mike@grayforrva.com Website: www.grayforrva.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: Having grown up in Richmond, I have a unique understanding for where we’ve been as a city. For the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated my career and life to working to enhance the city so that it works for every resident. This is the common thread that has led me to this point.

It is why I’m running for City Council. I love our city but believe that in order to succeed, we must do a better job of listening to residents, learning from them and others on how we can improve, and stop talking about it and start doing it.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Increasing support for Richmond Public

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I want a dedicated, experienced community voice for the 2nd District at City Hall. I have consistently filled 2nd District leadership roles because I feel called to serve. I will fight for increased funding and equity across the city with the urgency our families and residents deserve. I’ll use my long-standing relationships both inside and outside City Hall to hold departments and elected leaders accountable to constituent issues and enact progressive policies Continue on next page

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Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020

B6

★ ★ Election 2020 ★ ★

20 candidates running in 9 districts Continue from previous page

and laws. I will use my experience as a planner to make sure future land use changes and projects are implemented successfully, equitably and with neighborhood buy-in.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Like Richmond overall, we face the challenges of 2020 — reopening from COVID-19 and moving forward after the civil unrest sparked by the murder of George Floyd and Marcus-David Peters in particular — and funding the change neighbors are calling for in education, public safety, housing, transportation and environmental justice.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: We address COVID-19 by following science and using local, state and federal tools to support our residents and businesses. We fund a more equitable and sustainable district through policies and reforms targeting the climate crisis, employment, education, transportation, public safety, and housing. This requires increased revenues from 1) examining existing budgets for greater efficiency; 2) more state and federal funding; 3) community-supported, equity-based economic development; and 4) general obligation bond projects that create jobs, revenue and support citywide priorities — schools, Shockoe Bottom Memorial Park and Museum, James River Master Plan and Richmond 300 — without raising taxes.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Housing affordability and equity in education are my top two of many issues facing this district. Every resident of this city should have an affordable, safe and clean home without living in fear of eviction or being taxed out of their home.

Every child should have the privilege of a quality education in an environment that fosters success for all and not just a few.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will advocate for more mixed use and inclusionary up-zoning, especially along commercial and transit corridors, to increase the overall supply of housing while increasing the city’s tax base. We also need property tax reform to incentivize construction of an adequate supply of housing. I will continue to advocate for equitable resources for all of the schools. COVID-19 made the disparities glaring. The substandard conditions of these older buildings have to be addressed immediately as these kids eventually will have to go back into buildings that will require quality air and hot water, basics that shouldn’t be an afterthought.

3rd District

Public Schools and housing affordability. Although these are the two main concerns, we also need to address the basics. Whether it is obtaining a building permit or getting a utility bill fixed, we need greater efficiency and transparency in City Hall. No matter the policy issue, I will seek accountability through budgeting based on measurable goals and performance management plans.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will intentionally engage community members to co-create effective policy.

Regarding our schools, I will prioritize funding for RPS to ensure equity in quality of facilities and academics across Richmond. I also will collaborate with my colleagues, the School Board and others to advocate the General Assembly for resources.

For housing, I will identify a sustainable annual funding source for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, promote tax relief for people on fixed incomes, support the continuation of the Eviction Diversion Program and continue the city’s partnerships with organizations that help Richmonders build wealth through homeownership.

4th District

2nd District

Kristen Nye Larson Ann-Frances Lambert

Tavarris J. Spinks Age: 36 Occupation: Project manager, health care IT Education: Bachelor’s in history, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Civic/community activities: I’ve spent 17 years fighting for my community, including lobbying the General Assembly to make it easier to register to vote, cast a ballot and empower Black voters. I also was a plaintiff in a U.S. Supreme Court case to block gerrymandering that would have weakened the power of Black voters in Richmond.

Contact: (804) 350-5728; tspinks@ tavarrisspinks.com Website: tavarrisspinks.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I’m a proud fifth-generation Black Richmonder. I grew up poor in a workingclass household in the East End, became the first member of my family to graduate from college and I’ve rented my home in The Fan for 12 years.

I have a deep love for this city, but I also have a vivid understanding of its flaws. Too many hard-working folks are struggling due to systemic inequity, underfunded schools and a government that does not prioritize our residents’ day-to-day needs. That’s why I’m running—to build a better Richmond that works for everyone.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Fully funding Richmond Public Schools and creating pathways to wealth creation for disadvantaged communities are two of the 2nd District’s biggest challenges.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will fight to fully fund our schools by working with the Richmond delegation to lobby the General Assembly for a re-evaluation of the state funding formula and the reallocation of certain state sales taxes to enhance existing RPS funding. To create pathways for wealth creation, I will take bold steps to enhance workforce development, such as mandates that require Richmond workers are hired on all moderate to sizeable public development projects. My platform also includes several initiatives to expand homeownership opportunities and plans to stabilize the rising and increasingly burdensome costs current homeowners are facing.

Age: Not provided Occupation: Chief executive officer, Lambert Aerial Services Education: Bachelor’s in communications, Howard University; FAA certified drone pilot Civic/community activities: Member, Ginter Park Residents Association; member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Contact: (804) 213-2553; runannfrancesrun@ gmail.com Website: www.Lambert4CityCouncil.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I am running to make the 3rd District a better place and to continue the legacy my father instilled in me, which is to carry out community service and offer civic responsibility.

My vision for the 3rd District is a safe, united community where one can live, work and play. In doing so, I will make Richmond a place where all kids, regardless of ZIP code or skin color can have a chance at a better life and a decent life filled with opportunity. I am the experienced change agent the district needs to begin the job on Day 1.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The top two issues facing the district are the pandemic and the number of looming evictions that will occur, and providing affordable housing options in a landlocked city. The 3rd District is facing more than 500 evictions alone.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will support putting additional funding into the Housing Trust Fund. I will explore the regulatory powers that the City Council possesses to address zoning changes for areas needing to develop. We need to re-imagine how we are going to offer one-to-one replacement for affordable housing. The Richmond 300 plan addresses some of these solutions. We must increase the supply of housing. I’m open to exploring forward-thinking affordable home ownership options that will lessen our high poverty rate, close the income gap and propel those from a lower income into the middle class.

3rd District

3rd District

Elaine T. Summerfield

Willie Edward Hilliard Age: 57 Occupation: Manager of Trent’s Barbershop Education: Attended Norfolk State University Civic/community activities: Executive director, Historic Brookland Park Collective; member, Mayor’s Education Compact Team Contact: (804) 852-7463; williefor3rd@gmail. com Website: williefor3rd.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: Richmond is a great place to live, but there are so many inequities in education, employment, housing and health, among others, that I have been at the forefront of fighting against for the past 15 years. As executive director of the Historic Brookland Park Collective, I have been constantly doing the work of building community by collaborating, engaging and empowering people to create a true city for all. I’m running for City Council to amplify the voices of those who never seem to be heard.

Age: 52 Occupation: Community investment strategist Education: Bachelor’s in English, University of Washington; master’s in public administration, Portland State University Civic/community activities: Advisory board member, Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation; member, Bellevue Civic Association Contact: (804) 357-4799; elaine@ elainesummerfield.com Website: elainesummerfield.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: Creating equity in opportunities in Richmond is the primary driver for my run for City Council. When looking at a map of Richmond that highlights challenges related to wealth, education, health conditions and other factors, we can see the continuing impact of redlining and Jim Crow laws. COVID-19 has magnified these racial inequities. To create long-lasting policy solutions, we need thoughtful, collaborative leadership that uses a people-centered approach. Residents must be intentionally engaged and included in decisions that affect their neighborhood. This is the kind of leadership I will bring to City Hall.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Richmond has many policy challenges to address, but my priorities reflect what I have heard from 3rd District residents: Funding for Richmond

Age: 46 Occupation: Freelance writer Education: Bachelor’s in newspaper journalism, Syracuse University Civic/community activities: 4th District City Council member; board member, Richmond Ambulance Authority Contact: (804) 503-1313; kristenrva@gmail.com Website: www.electkristenlarson.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: With the current uncertainty regarding the city’s future economic outlook, I feel like my experience and perspective make me the right representative to get the 4th District through this tumultuous time. I have experience with making tough decisions about budgets, with little impact in services to taxpayers.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? City infrastructure, including our parks system, and public education continue to be top priorities for the 4th District.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I plan to continue to dig into the details of our budget and push for more efficiencies in our programs and spending. We have made some progress over the last several years, but more work is needed in how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

5th District

to redirect those funds into escrow, specifically towards measures that will help lower the achievement gap and address inequities citywide. Our City Council operates as a body of one, majority rules.

That requires transparency. As such, what I know, you will know.

5th District

Stephanie A. Lynch Age: 33 Occupation: Social work Education: Bachelor’s in social work and master’s in social work, Virginia Commonwealth University Civic/community activities: I work with Making Men that offers mentoring to RPS students; member, Governor’s Homelessness Task Force Contact: (804) 441-2671; electstephanielynch@ gmail.com Website: electstephanielynch@gmail.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I’m a social worker who has spent my career helping our most underserved communities navigate employment, affordable housing and criminal justice. I’m running for re-election because I’m committed to continuing to achieve structural change in Richmond while delivering on the basic functions of city government and remaining responsive and transparent to residents. We have made real progress in my 10 months on council, achieving police reform and securing critical housing relief to avoid evictions during the pandemic. There is still much left to do to ensure a fair and equitable Richmond, and I am committed to carrying on that fight.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The two top issues that I hear from residents of the 5th District are ensuring that we have quality K-12 schools for every student in the district, and keeping the cost of living affordable.

As a social worker, I’ve seen the impact that a good school and a stable home can have on a person, a family and a community. I’m going to work hard on council to make sure that our schools are fully funded and supported in a way that ensures equity and inclusion and that every person in the 5th has access to quality, affordable and stable housing.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I have been a vocal proponent for fully funding costs to provide holistic support in our schools, and I voted to raise salaries for teachers and support staff. I will prioritize facilities funding and the rebuilding of George Wythe, and I will work towards economic empowerment of families and programs to address issues outside the classroom to improve outcomes for our kids.

On housing, I championed $300,000 in affordable housing assistance during COVID-19, and I will continue advocating to increase our affordable housing stock, oppose property tax increases on vulnerable residents and expand access to eviction diversion programs.

5th District

Mamie L. Taylor Age: Not provided Occupation: Journalist and educator Education: Bachelor’s in mass communications Civic/community activities: Advocate for families with special needs and assisting seniors and community members with gaining access to city services Contact: (804) 420-5239; MamieTaylor.MT@ gmail.com Website: Not provided

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I care about all Richmonders having equal access to information and available resources. I believe true transparency in local government is sorely needed. Richmond is a city with such great promise, and I would like to make sure that the direction in which it is headed ensures equality for all of its residents. I believe my previous experience as an effective public servant can only show my readiness to serve this great city.

For too long, many of our most vulnerable residents have been overlooked, and I can no longer stand by and watch these injustices continue.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The school system and racial inequities: Underfunded facilities, unaligned curriculums division-wide, children matriculating through the school system unprepared for future endeavors. This inequitable distribution of resources and division among racial lines is problematic. This practice disallows children of color access to advanced educational opportunities. While on the School Board, I spent a great deal of time in our facilities and was privy to closed-door conversations. I observed how children of color didn’t have equitable access to technology, gifted programs or funding. I also watched as schools in more affluent areas had the full attention of school and city leaders.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I am not afraid to speak truth to power. Accordingly, the people will always have my ears and I will always be their voice. I will dedicate full-time hours to watch our city’s spending trends. When council forms the city’s budget, I will make sure the needs of all are heard.

I will further identify where potential surpluses lie

Jer’Mykeal D. McCoy Age: 30 Occupation: Business development manager Education: Bachelor’s degree with honors, Tennessee State University; master’s, Georgetown University.

Civic/community activities: Immediate past president, Urban League Greater Richmond Young Professionals; member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Contact: (804) 833-0078; staff@mccoryforrva. com Website: mccoyforrva.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I am the son of a mother who is a small business owner and a father who is a Navy veteran. Like many of our young people in our city, I lived in a community that was underinvested and over-policed. As a child, four generations of my family lived in public housing. Then as it is now, poverty is too expensive. I have used my academic, business and policy experience to serve the city I call home. I am running because I have fresh ideas to bring solutions facing our neighborhoods, small businesses and public schools.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The biggest issues facing our society and community are the COVID-19 pandemic and schools. The abysmal state of Richmond Public Schools is compounded by the pandemic. RPS is one of the lowest performing school districts in the Commonwealth. Many parents are struggling with virtual learning. I have talked to business owners who aren’t just worried about sales, but their employees. They feel for their fellow business owners who are also on hard times. These conversations reflect a growing need locally to Continue on next page

Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020

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★ ★ Election 2020 ★ ★

Candidates tell why they are running Continue from previous page

support the Richmond Health District and virtual support for parents and teachers.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: My priorities in coming budgets are education and public health. I will fight to make sure we are funding RPS to improve outcomes in the midst of this pandemic in a virtual capacity. I also will focus on funding the Richmond Health District to keep residents and businesses informed to reduce COVID-19 cases and other health disparities. On City Council, I would advocate for a renewed commitment to summer jobs programs for our youth in partnership with RPS, City Hall and local businesses. These opportunities reduce youth crime and unemployment while supporting the economy and professional development.

6th District

Allan-Charles Chipman Age: 33 Occupation: Faith-rooted organizer and transformation strategist Education: Bachelor’s in human development and family science, Messiah College; AINS, Risk Management from The Institutes; New Leaders Council, 2020 Fellow Civic/community activities: Mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters, 6Pic, Community 50/50 and Faith Covenant Christian Fellowship Church. I also lead a coalition of art museums, history museums, cultural festivals and commemorative justice historians called “Intersecting History” to expand the public memory of our city concerning race, history and justice.

Contact: (804) 638-1889; ChipmanForRichmond@gmail.com Website: www.Chipman2020.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: The people of the 6th District asked me to run because they want a council member that reflects their priorities. It’s time for a change. The city is protesting to end systemic racism. With an accomplished history as a community advocate, auditor, risk management specialist and faith leader, I also have the skillset and moral courage needed to implement a reality of racial equity. I am running during this time of protest and revolution because the 6th District deserves leadership that is willing to end both the era of Confederate statues and end the era of Confederate outcomes in our city.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? As the No. 2 city in the nation for evictions, the 6th District is still in a low-income housing crisis—not an arena crisis—and we are still living in the aftermath of the pandemic of systemic racism. Cost burdened households have increased 9 percent over the last eight years and Black homeownership is decreasing. Black neighbors being evicted due to gentrification, police violence and the displacement of Camp Cathy have been a testament to some of the Confederate outcomes in our district. The legacy of racism, from the racial wealth gap to community violence, still determines the outcomes of our district.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I believe the city must no longer play the role of both arsonist and firefighter by incentivizing the very developers that gentrify and displace our Black neighbors with 10- to 15-year tax abatements. I propose instead these funds be used to create housing stability funds to help neighbors stay in developing areas. We also need rent relief for seniors. To deal with homelessness, I propose expanding HUD’s Housing Plus Pilot Program in Richmond as part of the five-year consolidated plan.

I also will bring a proactive strategy to rooting out racism in our policies by implementing the Equity Assessment Index.

6th District

a shared, equitable cost of living that creates opportunities for household financial stability and to eradicate poverty. I’ve developed legislation that enables citizens to earn living wages, afford decent housing and educate children in state-of-the-art environments. My service will continue to find ways to attract community-based nutritious food stores that remove district food deserts. Public safety remains a critical focus of mine since serving on council.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The top issues facing the 6th District are an immediate need for a COVID-19 cure, the rebuilding of the economy, returning our children to in-person school and eradicating racism, poverty, gun violence and racial injustice. These critical challenges are best achieved through a steadfast determination of city administration and City Council collaboration, strengthening citizen coalitions and building inclusion opportunities for shared resolve.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: First, make drastic city operational shifts with measurable outcomes to restore trust in government. Second, strive to rebuild the city and district post-COVID-19, with equity and inclusion policies that protect against racial, social and income disparities. Council passed my legislation to adopt the Economic Development and Equity Policy. Third, enforce housing and homeless policies to make affordable housing a right. Fourth, fight to increase youth service resources that will eliminate gun violence, provide educational opportunities and create safe neighborhoods. I’m a trusted voice for the 6th District and committed to getting the right things done the right way.

7th District

Cynthia I. Newbille Age: Not provided Occupation: Senior adviser to the president, Richmond Memorial Health Foundation Education: Bachelor’s and master’s in psychology, State University of New York At Stony Brook; Ph.D. in public policy and administration, with concentration in health policy, Virginia Commonwealth University Civic/community activities: Richmond Community of Caring; one of the six founders of SisterFund, Richmond’s first African-American women’s giving circle Contact: (804) 321-3807; Cynthianewbille@ gmail.com Website: www.cynthianewbilleRVA.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I am running for re-election to continue our work to build a healthier, more equitable and economically vibrant East End/7th District community. Expanding on our community partnerships, I will continue to advocate for resources to support accessibility to health, education, housing, economic and employment opportunities for our community. For example: 7th District COVID-19 PPE distribution; The Market@ 25th Street; VCU Health Hub at 25th; 1st new RPS in the 7th District in decades – Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School; Kitchens at Reynolds; Affordable Housing Trust Fund; eviction diversion funding; elderly and disabled tax relief; OCWB-East End Career Center, etc.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Our response to the collective and catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across major areas of our community’s life – health, unemployment, evictions, education and economic losses; and the availability of quality affordable housing.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will move from ideas to action.

Working collaboratively with residents, City Council, the administration and community partners, I will develop strategies with accountability to pursue health equity and social and racial justice for the City of Richmond. As your representative, I will continue to advocate on behalf of our community, bringing inclusive and comprehensive reform to policies, programs and budgetary allocations. I remain committed to serving the residents of the East End/7th District and energized to take on the challenging and critical work ahead of us.

7th District

Ellen F. Robertson Age: 69 Occupation: Retired urban planner and developer Education: Associate degree, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College; licensed practical nurse certification, Richmond Technical Center School of Nursing; bachelor’s, urban studies and planning, Virginia Commonwealth University Civic/community activities: Not provided Contact: (804) 508-4157; robertson4the6th@ gmail.com Website: www.robertsonrva6.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I seek re-election to address the economic, social, racial divide to achieve inclusion and justice for all. It’s imperative to continue my commitment to provide citizens a pathway to growing a safe Richmond community. I support

Joseph S. H. Rogers Age: 30 Occupation: Museum educator Education: Not provided Civic/community activities: Justice and Reformation campaign; East End Music Festival Contact: info@joseph4seven.com Website: www.joseph4seven.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: I want to see Richmond do more for its vulnerable communities and expand democratic inclusion

through regular meetings where the people are, not simply expecting them to come to us.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Transportation infrastructure and policing, including co-jurisdictional policing from Henrico Police Department.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: Historic investment in transportation and transportation infrastructure starting with the communities that currently have the least, i.e., Fulton, Mosby and Woodville. For policing, the support and funding of the Marcus Alert for mental health professionals to be the lead on calls involving suspected or confirmed mental health issues, a civilian review board with subpoena power and a review of the co-jurisdictional agreement with the Henrico Police Department.

8th District

Regie D. Ford Age: 52 Occupation: Mortgage consultant Education: Bachelor of applied science degree in banking and leadership Civic/community activities: Annual coat and book drive; teaching financial and homeownership classes Contact: (804) 426-5377; friendsofregieford@ regieford.com Website: regieford.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: The city needs leadership that will bring confidence, trust and accountability.

I have witnessed a level of indecision, doubt and lack of direction by the current leadership. Our leaders have been afraid to lead, and it appears they are more concerned about showmanship, resulting in being ill-prepared for the now and the next generation.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? Sewage and the lack of increased services and resources to the 8th District. The 8th District needs someone willing to fight for us with the expectation of improving the quality of life for us. In order to achieve these goals, you need a fighter.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: It requires diplomacy, tact and a willingness to get along. Diplomacy is the alternative to yelling and throwing tantrums. We citizens in the 8th District know that only results count, not theatrics.

8th District

will continue to fight for more street paving like the recent paving of Walmsley Boulevard and the Davee Gardens and Cullenwood neighborhoods. I will support improvements to stormwater drainage.

8th District

Amy C. Wentz Age: 40 Occupation: Analyst Education: U.S. Army Basic Combat Training School; U.S. Army Transportation School Civic/community activities: Co-founder of Richmond Black Restaurant Experience; member, Mayor’s Education Compact Contact: (804) 446-1029; info@amyinthe8th. com Website: www.amyinthe8th.com

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond City Council because: As an advocate of active citizenship, I believe that engaged and informed residents lead to better communities. Understanding that a district is as strong as its constituents, I have diligently worked to improve public education, promote safe and healthy neighborhoods and advocated to create more equitable outcomes for residents throughout South Richmond and beyond.

This and my commitment to necessary and progressive change is what encouraged me to run for the 8th District City Council seat. My walks, talks and connection with residents have affirmed that I’m on the right track. It’s time for a fresh perspective and new vision!

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? The quality of life for 8th District residents is a top concern. Across areas of health, housing, transportation, safety, etc., there is work to do in ensuring 8th District residents are supported and positioned to thrive. Lack of safe and affordable housing, increased need for public transportation that connects to livable wage careers and a focus on the social determinants of health are just some of the issues. Another top issue is the need for bold and transformative leadership that utilizes transparent and effective communication to ensure residents are encouraged to use their voice, and that fosters knowledge and information.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I have begun a deeper dive into issues through my vision for the 8th District that include Education, Infrastructure, overall Growth, Housing, Transportation and Health and Safety. I am prioritizing budget equity, collaborative partnerships and reimagining how we as a city are meeting resident needs. I will address these issues by working with fellow council members and stakeholders. Often the concerns are shared, so it is important that we work collaboratively for citywide change. I will lead by example. Remaining open-minded and working with all residents of the 8th District will be key.

9th District

Reva M. Trammell Age: 66 Occupation: City Councilwoman 8th District Education: High school diploma and flight attendant training Civic/community activities: Chairman, City Council Public Safety Committee; board member, Richmond Regional Airport Commission Contact: (804) 240-5050; revatram50@gmail. com Website: www.reva2020.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I believe that I have the experience, knowledge, dedication and determination to best serve the residents of the 8th District and the City of Richmond during these challenging times for our city. Having faithfully served the residents of the 8th District on the City Council for 18 years, I will continue to always act in their best interests and listen to their concerns by being accessible 24/7.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? While the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest that have rocked our city affect everyone in the city, the top two issues facing 8th District residents are poverty and declining infrastructure. I have lived in the 8th District since I was 3. I know the 8th District and the people who live and work here. I listen to them and I know that they want good paying jobs, safe and healthy neighborhoods and a better life for their children. Many of our residents do not have the education or job training to obtain good paying jobs to escape poverty.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: I will continue to support legislation and budgets that address social inequities throughout the 8th District and the city. I supported the meal tax increase because it went directly to schools. I have worked with developers to bring jobs to the district like the Amazon warehouse complex on Bells Road. I will continue to work with developers and the administration to bring affordable housing to the district like Port City. I

Michael J. Jones Age: Not provided Occupation: Pastor of the Village of Faith Education: Bachelor’s in sociology, University of Colorado; master’s of divinity, Virginia Union University; doctor of ministry, McCormick Theological Seminary Civic/community activities: Not provided Contact: drjrva9th@gmail.com Website: mikejones4council.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond City Council because: I am still fighting to bring resources and opportunities to my district. I want to see working families receive “family sustaining wage.” I believe we are gentrifying our city to the detriment of our Black senior residents and I want to see them protected. I want to see City Council truly live out its role of oversight and bring a level of respectability back to working as elected officials.

What do you see as the top two issues facing the district? My top two issues are housing and infrastructure. We have to push homeownership, and not just renting, for Black and brown communities. We have programs that are encouraging homeownership for the affluent and “rentership” for our communities of color. We need to have programs that will help first-time homebuyers in our city. Lastly, we need sidewalks and streets that do not flood on the South Side.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of City Council: My goal is to introduce legislation that would create programs for homeownership on the South Side and communities of color. I have done the infrastructure studies in the 9th District.

Now is the time for the administration to put together a funding strategy to accomplish it.

Richmond Free Press

B8 October 22-24, 2020

★ ★ Election 2020 ★ ★

School Board candidates outline plans addressing common reasons for attrition. One area of opportunity is to require and report out on employee exit interviews.

1st District

2nd District

Liz B. Doerr Age: 35 Occupation: Partner and co-founder, Sandbox Education: Bachelor’s in economics, College of William & Mary; MBA, W&M Civic/community activities: Board member, Lighthouse Labs; chair, School Board Finance Committee Contact: (804) 731-6949; liz@thesbx.co Website: www.facebook.com/ LizDoerrforSchoolBoard/

J. Scott Barlow

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: Three reasons: 1) We are on year two of our strategic plan and I am excited to continue to work to realize our dreams for RPS. 2) There is a steep learning curve to holding any position. I believe that I am in a strong position to hit the ground running for a second term. 3) My passion for RPS has only grown over the past four years. I truly love our administrators, teachers and constituents. It is a joy to serve.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? The top two issues are 1) Funding. Our state funding formula continues to put Richmond at a disadvantage where we receive less money per pupil than some of the wealthiest counties in the Commonwealth despite having a greater portion of students living below the poverty line. 2) Administration and teacher retention. Our teacher retention metrics were flat year over year and we have lost nearly a quarter of our principals every year since I have been on the board.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: 1) Continuing to build strong relationships with City Council and our state delegation. In regards to state funding, I would like to see us advocate for a PILOT, payment in lieu of taxes. Richmond has $7.7 billion in assessed value from all exempt parcels. Assuming 100 percent collection at current tax rates, that could mean an additional $40 million in revenue from the state. 2) I continue to advocate for a more data-driven approach to

Age: 32 Occupation: Counsel, EAB Global Inc. Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina; juris doctor, Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Drexel University Civic/community activities: Embrace Carver Elementary Foundation; Richmond City Democratic Committee Contact: (804) 616-3132; scott@votebarlow. com Website: www.votebarlow.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: Now, more than ever, it’s critical that our school system has effective, transparent and stable leadership. Although I’m proud of our accomplishments—construction of three new schools, our pandemic response, increased focus on equity and increased teacher pay—we still have a lot of work to do to improve student supports and academic achievement in RPS. RPS is facing unprecedented challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis, student disciplinary challenges, poor graduation rates and state oversight. RPS needs experienced leaders who are willing to work with all RPS stakeholders to tackle these challenges head on.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? 1. COVID-19 has presented an existential crisis for school districts throughout the country. Although we are experiencing unexpected challenges now, we must prepare for the after effects of the pandemic, which we may feel for years. We must balance priorities of student and staff safety, the emotional well-being of our students and continued commitment to academic excellence. 2. We have significant equity challenges in RPS, from student disciplinary matters to resource allocation. I’m glad we’ve focused more

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effort in these areas, but a sustained commitment to improvement is necessary to provide a quality education to all of our kids.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: 1. I’m proud of the response of our students and staff during the pandemic. As a board member, I will continue to emphasize student and staff safety first and foremost. I will continue to advocate for more student support, from technology access to additional counseling and support services. 2. I’m committed to continued review of RPS policies and practices to promote equity. Our schools with the highest poverty students need more support. Furthermore, we must address student behavior using compassionate, effective methods, so I support hiring more counselors and expansion of our trauma-informed care and restorative justice pilot programs.

2nd District

to be prepared for college and a career.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Resources. There are vast inequalities across race and socioeconomic status in access to high-quality schools and resources.

Funding. There is a need to improve the financing of equitable distribution of resources. Also, students’ requirements for additional funds are necessary to return to school after the pandemic.

How I plan to address these issues as a member of the School Board: As a decisive decision-maker, I plan to use my logistical and financial experience to ensure every student has equitable resources and education. The School Board needs to create a policy to close the equity gap.

Everyone should be inclusive of each other. As a School Board member, I will continue to advocate on behalf of all children’s educational needs at the local, state and federal levels by encouraging more funding for all schools to meet the unique needs of high-need students.

3rd District

Mariah White Age: 54 Occupation: Department of Defense employee for 24 years; retired from Virginia Army National Guard after 26 years Education: Master’s of education in curriculum, instructional and assessment; MBA in supply chain management Contact: (804) 306-6122; info@voteformariah. com Website: voteformariah.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I am invested in RPS because my children attend city schools.

I am a product of RPS and spent the last 12 years volunteering as a mentor with Communities In Schools and a classroom parent. I became a candidate because the board has failed to meet students’ basic physical and emotional needs. It is the human and constitutional right of every student to be afforded an excellent education regardless of background, obstacles or economic status. Every student is entitled to the best in buildings, safety, technology, support resources, curriculum, basic toiletries, nurse counselors and every opportunity

Kenya J. Gibson Age: 46 Occupation: Marketing executive Education: Bachelor’s in economics and fine arts, College of William & Mary; master’s in architecture, Yale Civic/community activities: Member, Richmond School Board and its Finance Committee and former chair of its State Advocacy Committee; former PTA vice president at the elementary school my children attended Contact: (804) 908-459; kenya@kenyagibson. com Website: kenyagibson.com

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: In 2017, I ran a grassroots campaign with dozens of volunteers. We were teachers, parents, students and neighbors. Together, Continue on next page

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Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020

B9

★ ★ Election 2020 ★ ★

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we knocked on more than 6,000 doors, getting to know the North Side—the people to whom I’m accountable. I’m running for re-election because there’s still work to do to ensure our public schools fulfill community needs. We can do that when we get the funding we need and we spend it on what we need most. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished by listening to the folks who elected me. Today, our community needs us more than ever.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Our district faces many urgent challenges. Our buildings are crumbling, leaving us to decide how to reopen schools in the midst of a pandemic without enough working sinks. In this health crisis, we have schools without a full-time nurse or enough counselors to meet the needs students will have when they return. Our schools all lack technology. Our discipline policies have allowed our Black and special needs students to be arrested and expelled at disproportionate rates. Our community has lost faith that we can do better. These issues are all critical, and it’s our responsibility to address all of them.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Our schools can be more when our communities know more. As a board member, I’ll continue to demand transparent, democratic governance. I have advocated for a comprehensive equity audit and more accountability to the metrics of our strategic plan. Our families deserve to know where our students are repeatedly taught by long term subs, which schools have fewer elective offerings and which buildings lack working sinks. Last year, I served as chair of our State Advocacy Committee contributing to our 2020 legislative agenda. If re-elected, I’ll continue to demand more dollars from our administration, mayor, City Council and state legislators.

3rd District

Sabrina J. Gross Age: 40 Occupation: Education coordinator Education: Bachelor’s in psychology and minor education, College of the Holy Cross; juris doctor, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Civic/community activities: PTA president, Barack Obama Elementary School; board member, Richmond Behavioral Health Authority Contact: (804) 631-9058; better2gether2020@ gmail.com Website: www.sabrinaforrps.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: The 3rd District is rapidly changing. However, not all change is created equal. Not one 3rd District board representative in the last three elections has roots in the majority Black schools in the district. While diversity can be a strength, it must come with equitable representation. Given recent policy votes, I realized that to have such representation, a board representative must build relationships with the whole community so that policy decisions reflect the desires of all residents. I will build a coalition of advocates from across North Side to meet the needs of all of our students and schools.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? RPS must address its issues of inequity by dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, strengthening instruction and creating commitments to achieving a culture of equity within our schools. RPS needs to provide more supportive services. Creating community schools that address the needs of our most vulnerable children will create more room for educational growth.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Addressing equity issues rests in adopting restorative discipline practices, improving instruction, particularly in reading, and by establishing an equity committee. Creating other means of supportive services lies in adopting a community-based approach to education. Such an approach can be addressed by working with the mayor and City Council to create incentives for teachers to live in the city, by tapping into local community resources such as VCU and RBHA to provide services and by advocating for a fully funded strategic plan. A more detailed explanation can be found on my website at www. sabrinaforrps.com.

4th District

Deanna Fierro Age: 37 Occupation: Middle school math teacher, Henrico County Public Schools Education: Bachelor’s in math education, University of Texas at El Paso; master of education, educational leadership and

administration, Virginia Commonwealth University Civic/community activities: Richmond region vice chair, Democratic Latinos Organization of Virginia; Richmond region League of United Latin American Citizens Contact: (915) 820-6778; deanna@deannafierro. com Website: www.deannafierro.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I’m running because as a teacher and parent, I understand firsthand what is at stake. I believe that all students have a right to succeed no matter their background, race, ability or legal status. This means we need a decision-making process that works to achieve the best possible educational opportunities for all of our youth. On the board, I will work collaboratively with fellow board members, families, educators and community members to set policy that retains educators, attracts families and builds communities. I’m running because we need new leadership and new vision and because quality education is my life’s work.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Inequities faced by our students in the education system. We must close opportunity gaps by creating plans that are supported by research. Students with exceptional education needs and limited English language proficiency should be at the center of more board decisions to ensure equitable learning experiences for all students. Recruitment and retention of educators. We should stand by our hiring decisions and allow educators the autonomy to demonstrate their expertise. We must listen to our educators and provide resources and support needed. The teacher evaluation process should require no more scrutiny than the evaluation process of our highest paid employees.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Establish collective bargaining to improve teaching and learning, provide fair employment procedures and provide a genuine voice for educators. Develop a plan to collect educator input on board decisions. Conduct employee exit interviews to create data-informed solutions on recruitment and retention issues and foster opportunities for employee advancement.

Create a community engagement plan that empowers all families to provide input for school and division-wide decision making. Develop a plan to close achievement and opportunity gaps caused by larger systemic disparities. Create solutions to address the root causes for gaps. Evaluate and improve policies and procedures to uplift our underserved students.

4th District

5th District

Jenny A. Aghomo Age: 47 Occupation: Management Education: Esthetics operator license, 2002, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Civic/community activities: PTA vice president and president, John B. Cary Elementary, 2013 to 2017; superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee, 2018-19 and 2019-20 Contact: (425) 770-3510; jenny4schoolboard@ gmail.com Website: N/A

I decided to become a candidate for Richmond School Board because: I see it as a real opportunity to work with RPS families and teachers in my community. I believe if we all work together, school boards could be a connection and opportunity for parents and caregivers to build relationships with their child’s school. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better. At the end of the day, it is all of our responsibility to make sure our students succeed. With everyone on the same team, we can work toward a unified goal and create meaningful change for the future of RPS. What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Mental health is something we just don’t talk about nearly enough, especially in middle and high schools. Yet one in five children and adolescents experience some sort of mental health condition during their school years. Nationally, only 40 percent of students with mental health disorders graduate from high school compared to the national average of 76 percent.

Additionally, RPS needs strong community partnerships to effectively link such children to appropriate treatment and intervention services in the school and the community and to form partnerships between schools and mental health providers.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Making sure teachers and all school staff have the training they need to recognize the warning signs of trauma in children.

Every school also should have adequate staffing to provide students with sustained counseling or other mental health services; assist children and families in accessing community-based services; and provide ongoing support strategies in traumabased programs as well as relationship building and cultural responsivity for all RPS staff. We also need to re-evaluate RPS’s disciplinary strategies when it comes to suspension and school resource officers in our schools, and continue the implementation of restorative justice practices.

learners, advanced or struggling through academic, behavior and social and emotional service.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: If I’m elected to the School Board, I will push for more equitable resource allocations across the division. I will work to guarantee all of our schools are affording students opportunities to be successful. I also would support equitable measures that enhance and improve school facilities, school safety and extracurricular prospects. I believe division-wide training and programs should be implemented with fidelity. These programs should be research based to meet students’ needs. As a member of the Richmond School Board, I will advocate for programs and policies that support all learners.

5th District

David F. Jones Sr. Age: 46 Occupation: General contractor Education: Thomas Jefferson High School Civic/community activities: Organizing mentorship programs and luncheons with community leaders and RPS student-athletes; donating time and materials to beautify RPS Contact: (804) 386-2366; bigcoachdave804@ gmail.com Website: davidfjonesforschoolboard.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: After years of working with RPS and the School Board, I felt the need to be a part of the decision-making process. I feel as a lifelong district resident, student and parent of 5th District schools, I would be a great fit as I understand the needs of my community.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Racism and poverty.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: Better education leads to more opportunities for jobs which in turn would help more families get out of poverty and pave the way for future generations to do the same. We need more integrated schools in RPS. Diversity training is also something that RPS could benefit from.

5th District

5th District

Jonathan M. Young Age: 43 Occupation: Educator at Virginia State University Education: Bachelor’s, College of William & Mary; master’s, Virginia Commonwealth University Civic/community activities: Member, Richmond School Board; past president, Southampton Citizens Association Contact: (804) 320-4251; jonathan youngtransformourschools@yahoo.com

Website: www.facebook.com/jonathan. youngtransformingourschools I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: A native of Richmond, I love this town immensely and am committed to ensuring that all of our children have access to a terrific school. Too frequently in the past we shortchanged our families and, because of it, inequities materialized. I want every one of our young people to have access to a world-class education right here in RPS. It’s why for the last 13 years I have worked so tirelessly at Virginia State University and at leading undergraduate bridge initiatives for K-12 and why I know that education is the ticket to everything.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Teacher and family retention constitute the keys to unlocking success. Retain teachers and we retain families. RPS has consistently averaged a very high attrition regarding both the former and the latter, i.e. teachers and families. The counties benefit from an exodus of our talent, realizing a comparatively small enrollment despite significant increases in the city population the last three decades. The ramifications for RPS are profound and include budget, reputation, resources, etc.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I believe in providing teachers autonomy in the classroom. Hire well and get the heck out of the way and we retain both teachers and families. Teachers pursue the profession to change the world but to do it requires affording teachers space to innovate, go off script, challenge norms, etc. I believe in radical deference for teachers so that they may work with the zeal and passion that excites students and meets our young people where they are in lieu of some one-size-fits-all, teach-tothe-test approach.

Stephanie M. Rizzi

Decardra L. Jackson Age: 45 Occupation: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) coordinator Education: Advanced studies diploma, John Marshall High School, 1994; bachelor’s in chemical science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1999; master’s in school counseling, Virginia State University, 2008; post master’s certificate, administration and supervision, VCU, 2010; doctorate, educational leadership, VCU, 2015; data wise certified coach, Harvard University Graduate School of Education, 2018 Civic/community activities: Educational Development Committee co-chair, Richmond Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; member, Richmond City Democratic Committee Contact: (804) 928-6433; friendsofdjackson@ gmail.com Website: www.jackson5forrps.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I am and have always been vested in improving Richmond Public Schools, which provided my educational foundation.

I believe in the great teachers and administrators that educate our children in Richmond. Based on my experience and unique prospective of working in RPS in a number of different capacities, I am confident in my ability to lead and work collaboratively with other School Board members to help resolve these issues. I have a passion for education and a strong desire to continue my support of Richmond’s students through service on the School Board.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? I would focus on creating academic excellence and equity in our city.

Our system has allowed longstanding inequities to persist, and we must move beyond this paradigm as a community. My vision is that ZIP code and location will not be the determining factor in where parents choose to send their children to school. We must have schools of excellence throughout the city.

I also would prioritize implementing a multi-tiered system of support, which is grounded in nurturing the whole child. Supports would be available for all

Age: 52 Occupation: Assistant professor, Department of Focused Inquiry, Virginia Commonwealth University Education: Bachelor’s in mass communications/news editorial, Virginia Commonwealth University; master’s English/ composition, VCU; Postgraduate professional license, 30-credit hour certificate in English education, VCU Civic/community activities: Former president, Randolph Neighborhood Association; parent volunteer, RPS, Armstrong High School tennis, William Fox Elementary, John B. Cary Elementary, Binford Middle School, food distribution at George Wythe High School; One Richmond, One Book Contact: (518) 396-7245; info@ stephanieforthe5th.com Website: www.stephanieforthe5th.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: As a product of public schools, lifelong educator and RPS parent, I know how important high-quality public education is to achieving the democratic ideals of our nation.

I survived a very tough childhood. School was my refuge. Teachers and support staff cared for me as an individual. My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Bell, was a tall, majestic, beautiful Black woman who noticed me, recognized my gifts and often risked her job to help my mother educate me in a way that encouraged my advanced development. In life, when my gifts were ignored or not recognized, Mrs. Bell’s influence helped me persist.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? We need to attract, recruit, train, develop and support teachers who not only share the cultural or socioeconomic background of our students, but who have a commitment to Richmond. Teachers are professionals with expertise and experience who should be empowered. We must create additional ways for parents and families facing economic or social barriers to participate in their children’s education at RPS. Working families deserve a School Board representative who takes the time to listen to them outside of School Board meetings.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I plan to solicit Continue on next page

B10 October 22-24, 2020

Richmond Free Press

★ ★ Election 2020 ★ ★

School Board candidates share vision Continue from previous page

recommendations from teachers first when considering how to address issues. Teachers must be part of raising our graduation rate from 71 percent.

I will support the education and development of RPS students and alumni so they can become RPS teachers or staff. I will work to ensure our teacher salaries are competitive. I will work to support and facilitate community stakeholder participation in the governance of their schools. I will work to provide food and child care to families who want to attend meetings. I also will hold meetings in spaces that are convenient to our community members.

6th District

homelessness, to food insecurity and in some cases witness to or victims of violence in the community, this pandemic has only further demonstrated just how significant the economic disparities are that exist among our families within RPS and the need to expand our vision of schooling.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I would propose an in-depth cost-benefit/academic impact analysis comparing maintaining the current number of school buildings versus fewer, larger community schools. Support students keeping the devices they have been issued after in-person classes. Support efforts to bolster wrap-around services needed by students and families in our most vulnerable communities, including increasing the number of guidance counselors in middle and high schools.

Create a student-focused/driven communication tool to provide students the opportunity to share their voices with the board. Establish open and consistent lines of communication with principals, teachers and school support staff.

6th District

Shonda Matia HarrisMuhammed Age: Not provided Occupation: Educator for 29 years Education: Mathematics degree; master’s in curriculum, instruction and assessment; Virginia Department of Education graduate professional license, mathematics and administration Civic/community activities: Founder and executive director of Northside Coalition for Children Inc.; Black Women Educators Leaders Contact: (804) 687-6743; shondaforthesixth@ gmail.com Website: vote4shonda@weebly.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I decided to run for the following reasons: a) During these unprecedented times that I sincerely pray we never see again, the lack of preparation for all students, the lack of technology upgrades and the communication of the direction for Richmond Public Schools were clearly visible. b) The direction of Richmond Public Schools’ human resources department must be clearly outlined through an external audit. c) To form a policy committee to address the inequities in the student discipline policies and the human resources policies. All of the bullets mentioned have concerned me and encouraged me to run.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Technology upgrades for all students, teachers and staff and identifying appropriate benchmarks for all students and teachers in Richmond Public Schools.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: As the next School Board representative for the 6th District, I will work collaboratively with the division leadership and my School Board colleagues to ensure that all levels of school governance are addressed on a continued foundation. Addressing levels of school governance requires understanding educational policy on all facets to include each school within the division.

Applying the wisdom of educational justice is not easy or popular, however, it is necessary. I will work tirelessly with my School Board colleagues to address all aspects of imbalance for all students, teachers and staff.

6th District

Lynette R. Plummer Age: 56 Occupation: Licensed Realtor and notary public Education: Associate degree in office administration, Kee Business College, 1985; bachelor’s in criminal justice, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2001; VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Minority Political Leadership Program certificate, 2016 Civic/community activities: Member, Richmond Public Schools Education Compact Committee; volunteer, RVA Reads Contact: (804) 683-1233; lynette4rps@gmail. com Website: lynetteforschoolboard.com

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: While serving on the PTA Board at Binford Middle School, I was appointed to the Mayor’s Education Compact Committee. To better serve the committee, I decided to attend School Board meetings. I evaluated the policies presented and observed the discussions and voting. When it came to my attention Felicia Cosby was not seeking re-election, I felt strongly that it was important to continue to have someone in the seat who would vet policy decisions through the lens of equity. To ensure that perspective, I decided to run.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? I see the need to modernize city schools both in physical structure and the utilization of computer technology, and the negative impact of poverty on students as the top two issues facing RPS. From lack of access to computers/internet service, to students being unprepared to learn because they are facing eviction/

educational choice.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? a) Inadequate and subpar infrastructure. We’ve built three schools, including Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School in the 7th District. However, the renovation and modernization of school facilities must continue until every site has updated heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water systems and technology. b) The concentration of generational poverty and racial inequities. This issue continues to negatively affect students’ achievement.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I will continue to advocate for a fully funded school system. This past term, I worked with students, parents, educators and community supporters. We rallied, planned and actively pursued all government decision makers from whom we receive our funding. I partnered with area organizations and businesses for the 3rd Ultimate Backpack Drive in which we collected more than 21,000 personal protective equipment kits and school supplies for our students. Regarding inequalities, I am encouraging the inclusion of “Real Richmond,” the forgotten and untold story of Richmond’s history, in every grade. I will continue to advocate for resources for every child.

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: As a child in Richmond and attending RPS, I received a quality education that helped me to become the woman I am today. I had the support of my grandmother for wisdom, but it was the teachers who helped me to obtain knowledge. Much of what I had instilled in me as a student is missing today, such as home engagement and pride within many of our schools. As a PTA president, I witnessed these things firsthand. As the mother of a second-grader, I knew change must come and I want to be a part of that change.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Parental engagement and infrastructure. Chronic issues within RPS such as absenteeism and poor socioeconomic conditions can play a major role in the education of our students. Obtaining more parental engagement can help the student to value and understand the importance of education. The existing infrastructure of RPS is declining faster than it is improving. Work has been done, but there is more to do. Many of our schools were built more than 50 years ago.

Therefore, not being equipped with state of the art facilities, our students are at a disadvantage from a more productive learning environment.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I plan to bring back innovation and creativity into RPS. Education needs to be sought after by our students. The excitement of learning must be present. Therefore, working with our students in the various fields of the arts, vocational skills and athletics need to be heightened. Providing our students with alternative methods of learning will increase their creative minds and produce a more enthusiastic pupil, increase parental engagement and deliver that sense of pride and commitment that is missing.

7th District

Cheryl L. Burke

8th District

Dawn C. Page

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: I would collaborate with the board members and the superintendent with concerns from our constituents within the 8th District and other districts, as I get calls from other districts in the city, with hope that we can form a task force and a committee to address the issues. We can move forward with a plan to execute and improve our graduation rates, invest in more supportive services and also address our dropout rates. Our pupils are our greatest investment. Support services and organization can assist with the growth and development of our pupils.

Age: Not provided Occupation: Clinical supervisor Education: Master’s in professional counseling Civic/community activities: Fifth Baptist Board of Christian Education Contact: (804) 402-5020; page4schoolboard@ yahoo.com Website: http://dawncpage.wix.com/ schoolboard

I decided to run for re-election for the Richmond School Board because: Twelve years ago, I began public service with core values: Collaboration, advocacy, accountability and fiscal responsibility with transparency. Since then, I have demonstrated leadership by opening seven new schools, which will create a high quality learning experience for achieving full accreditation and fostering relationships among constituents and with colleagues to benefit our children and the greater community.

RPS aims for college and workforce readiness.

We want each student to reach their full potential as lifelong learners. The realities of 2020 show we do not know what challenges are ahead. A team of experienced policy makers and effective collaborators is critical to keeping our students in the forefront.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? RPS must meet the requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding with all schools fully accredited by 2025-26.

Improving the experience of each student and ensuring equity across the district, and proper funding is necessary. Teachers and students alike need the tools, proper resources and support conducive for learning. This includes responsible, proactive maintenance of facilities. In the most recent budget, RPS received $18 million in the operational budget and $19 million in Capital Improvement Project Building Maintenance. However, the district has been playing catch-up for decades of neglect from the state.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: We can meet the requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding by holding the RPS administration accountable to satisfy the elements in the five-year strategic plan. The plan addresses benchmarks for such focal points, i.e. school quality, overall academic achievement (English, math and science), subduing achievement gaps, promoting student and family engagement with objective outcomes (improving chronic absenteeism, dropout rate, and graduation rate). This work continues only with collaborative efforts for appropriately funding the needs of RPS. The School Board member is a manager as well as an advocate of raising the public’s and legislators’ awareness.

8th District

Age: 67 Occupation: Retired principal, Richmond Public Schools Education: Virginia Commonwealth University and Saint Paul’s College Civic/community activities: The Richmond (VA) Links Inc.; Richmond Branch NAACP Contact: (804) 347-3291; cherylburkerva@ gmail.com Website: #everychild Cheryl Burke

I decided to run for re-election for Richmond School Board because: Having served on the School Board since 2017, I understand the role and duties of a member. My experience as a teacher, teacher specialist, RPS principal, parent of two RPS graduates and as a weekly volunteer since my retirement in 2014 have afforded me firsthand knowledge when making decisions in the best interest of every child.

I have successfully delivered every promise that I made during my campaign in 2018. However, there is so much more to accomplish. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the constituents of the 7th District and to continue to make RPS a viable

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I saw a need when I was picking up trash at Blackwell Elementary School. I noticed pupils were running across the street because there was no crossing guard to help them. My unyielding, unconditional positive regard and empathic understanding prompted me to be the crossing guard to assist pupils. We need to protect RPS funding. We have teachers, staff, administrators and pupils who depend on this funding. I advocated for additional funding at the Fund Our Schools Rally in 2020. After analyzing these important concerns and hearing from members of our community, I declared that I would campaign for the seat.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? The first issue is our low graduation rate, which has led to curriculum inequality for many pupils who are not attending school. It is important for our graduation completion rate to grow so that our pupils will be ready to enter into the world as productive adults. Our schools need to be accredited. The second issue is long-term suspension and expulsion rates. We need to invest in programs that will provide unconditional positive regard and empathic understanding. These practices should be considered when determining student reprimands. We want to encourage, motivate, empower and uplift our pupils with the policies and resolutions.

Timika S. Vincent Age: 45 Occupation: Respiratory therapist, VCU Children’s Hospital Education: Bachelor of applied science, respiratory Civic/community activities: President, nonprofit Wealth Building Solutions Inc.; PTA president, John B. Cary Elementary School Contact: (804) 237-3161; tsvincent.tv@gmail. com Website: timikavincentforschoolboard2020.com

Contact: (804) 928-8475; dsallyallenforschoolboard2020@gmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/dsallyallen/

Dana C. Sally-Allen Age: 56 Occupation: 18 years in hemodialysis with infection control experience, currently a support services specialist Education: Associate degree in human services, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College; bachelor’s in human services Civic/community activities: President, Blackwell Historic Community Civic Association; board of directors for the Virginia Certification Board

9th District

Nicole Jones

Age: 50 Occupation: Donor relations director Education: Bachelor’s in business administration Civic/community activities: President, Worthington Farms Civic Association; board member, Drums No Guns Foundation Contact: (804) 405-0921; njonesforschoolboard@gmail.com Website: Not provided

I decided to become a candidate for the Richmond School Board because: I am reminded of my best asset and talent and that’s being a parent.

One of the key actions as a mother is advocating for quality education for their children. As an RPS parent alumna, I’ve served and advocated for the needs of our communities for over 15 years. My knowledge and lived experience will help me to provide leadership and build a vision the community can share in especially in times like now, where there is uncertainty in how we move forward.

What do you see as the top two issues facing Richmond Public Schools? Funding and access to equitable resources and services, although funding ultimately is the reason that there isn’t equitable access.

How I plan to address those issues as a member of the School Board: My plan is to assess the needs of students, parents, staff and community stakeholders to build progressive relationships that foster growth and development within the community. As a member of the School Board, I plan to bring awareness and advocate on behalf of the parents to help them understand the budgetary process of state and local funding and how it affects their children’s learning environment. I want to build a coalition of parents who will understand the School Board’s role on a deeper level and hopefully end up running for my seat.

October 22-24, 2020 C1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

C

Personality: Deborah D. Jackson

Spotlight on treasurer of Sisters Network Central Virginia In 2008, Deborah D. Jackson was part of a door-to-door campaign to help educate women in the city’s underserved neighborhoods about breast health. That was part of the annual Gift for Life Block Walk conducted by the Sisters Network Central Virginia, a breast cancer survivorship organization of African-American women.

Now, following her own multiple cancer diagnoses and in the midst of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ms. Jackson is doing her part to assist people diagnosed with breast cancer through her volunteer work with SNCVA and service as treasurer.

“I wanted to be a source of hope and inspiration to help others diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Ms. Jackson when explaining her decision to join the group in 2011.

During the last 15 years, the group has worked to educate communities in Central Virginia and provide solidarity with and kinship among breast cancer survivors – both women and men.

SNCVA promotes the importance of detecting breast cancer early, the risk factors to be aware of and preventative measures that can be taken. Early detection includes three steps, Ms. Jackson notes: Monthly breast self-exams, an annual clinical exam and a yearly mammogram for women 40 and older, or for younger women who have a family history of breast cancer.

SNCVA holds community forums, seminars and outreach activities in neighborhoods and churches. Its mission is bolstered through mutual support and cooperation with the American Cancer Society.

For Ms. Jackson, her part in SNCVA is to ensure the group’s

finances are managed, maintained and regularly reported, as well as to make decisions as part of the executive board. She also does her part in terms of outreach, as SNCVA also works to tackle its biggest challenge— increasing the chapter’s membership.

Even in the midst of a pandemic, with in-person efforts impacted, SNCVA’s members find a way to continue their work. In place of the annual door-to-door Gift for Life Block Walk, SNCVA held a Gift of Giving Virtual Walk in late September.

Those participating were able to walk either through their own neighborhood or within the comfort of their home, with the event raising money to support those in need.

“The turnout was awesome, with over 100 persons and dogs walking to raise funds for the event,” says Ms. Jackson, who conducts virtual visits to churches to talk with people about breast cancer.

The growing community interest and involvement is a positive sign for recruitment efforts.

“We don’t want anyone to sit back and think that we are not in existence,” Ms. Jackson says, “because we still exist and we are still growing and we are still helping people.”

Meet an advocate who seeks to educate and raise awareness about breast health and this week’s Personality, Deborah D. Jackson: No. 1 volunteer position: Treasurer, Sisters Network Central Virginia.

Date and place of birth: Jan. 5 in Richmond.

Where I live now: North Richmond.

Occupation: Assistant to deputy

director of operations, Richmond Department of Emergency Communications.

Education: Associate degree in information system technology, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Family: Two sons, Corey and Reynard Sr.; daughter-in-law, Jamia Royal-Jackson; and three granddaughters and three grandsons.

Sisters Network of Central Virginia is: An African-American breast cancer survivorship organization.

When and why Sisters Network was founded: It was founded in 1994 by Karen E. Jackson of Houston. She recognized the lack of “sisterhood” in traditional organizations, the staggering breast cancer mortality rate for African-American women and limited material for women of color. This is the only AfricanAmerican breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States.

When Sisters Network Central Virginia, or SNCVA, was founded: January 2005 by Zelma Watkins.

Number one goal of SNCVA: To stop the silence about breast cancer in the underserved communities due to lack of knowledge and medical support.

Strategy for achieving goal: Going out into communities to educate women about breast health.

How COVID-19 is affecting SNCVA’s mission: COVID-19 has limited our community and faith-based outreach ministry, but we still are able to supply information to individuals that reach out to us and meet with them virtually.

Why SNCVA is important in the Black community: Going out in the community to share breast health information can make a difference in increasing life expectancy through education and those that are affected with breast cancer.

Profile of membership: SNCVA has three levels of membership: Survivors, associate members and volunteers. Membership requires participation in sponsored activities.

Number of members: 18 — nine survivors, six associates and three volunteers.

Who qualifies for membership: Breast cancer survivors can join at no cost. There is a one-time $25 fee for associate members.

There is no cost for volunteer members.

Black men, breast cancer and SNCVA: Men can get breast cancer as well. My father had breast cancer. When we go out in the community, we talk with

men as well as women about their breast health. The same breast health information is shared with men and women.

People can get involved with SNCVA: Due to COVID-19, we are meeting virtually. Interested parties may contact SNCVA at (804) 447-4027 and leave a message and we will reach out to them.

Relationship of SNCVA to American Cancer Society: SNCVA supports the mission of the American Cancer Society in eradicating all types of cancer. We work together to connect those in need of services available within each organization. We support each other’s outreach activities as well.

SNCVA’s No. 1 challenge: To increase chapter membership.

How we plan to meet it: To increase attention at Pink Ribbon — monthly chapter worship at local churches — and other outreach activities to proactively recruit survivors to become members.

The recruitment of new members will give us an opportunity to solicit the support of family and friends who may, in turn, be interested in becoming associate members or volunteers. A viable working membership can best be maintained when a vested interest is held by all.

How to deal with breast cancer diagnosis: Pray, receive that you have the diagnosis and shed your tears because it is a shock when you first hear of the diagnosis.

Be open and communicate your concerns to your family, doctors and other involved in your medical treatment. Make sure that you think about your options, research and then make your decision.

Make sure that God is included in all you do and involve yourself with positive people on your support team. Faith is a major

source when going through the treatment process.

Importance of family support: All positive support and faith are key to healing. Your circle should include people who will keep you encouraged, be willing to transport you and be your source of your strength during the trying times.

Importance of emotional wellness: Pray. Ask God for wisdom during this time. Journal your thoughts, feelings and changes in your body. Find a friend or family member you can talk to and, if able, go out and enjoy nature.

How I start the day: My day starts with prayer, daily scripture reading and song.

A perfect day for me is: I consider every day perfect after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer stage 4, breast cancer and pituitary adenomas. And with God’s grace, I have recovered from them all.

A quote that I am inspired by: “I can do all thing through Christ who strengthen me.” — Paul quoted in Philippians 4:13 How my friends describe me: As spiritual, inspirational, confident, willing to go above and beyond to help others, encouraging and fearful and wonderfully made.

Best late-night snack: Pepperidge Farm Goldfish.

Best thing my parents taught me: Listen and observe.

Person who influenced me the most: Mrs. Helen Gunn.

Book that influenced me the most: “What I Know for Sure”

by Oprah Winfrey.

What I’m reading now: “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien.

Next goal: Work on my autobiography.

CONNECTED TO WHAT KEEPS US CURIOUS. CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS. From our community to the world at large, we’re proud to be your choice for insightful programming in arts and culture, history, science, news and education. As Virginia’s home for public media, we’re here to educate, entertain and inspire. VPM.org

Richmond Free Press

C2 October 22-24, 2020

Happenings

Juneteenth now officially a state holiday

By Sam Fowler Capital News Service

Juneteenth officially has become a state holiday after lawmakers unanimously approved legislation during the Virginia General Assembly’s special session.

Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, in Texas when the last enslaved African-Americans learned they were free following the Civil War. Virginia’s holiday also is to recognize the significant roles and many contributions ofAfrican-Americans to the Commonwealth and the nation.

The companion bills making Juneteenth a state holiday were introduced by state Sen. Mamie Locke of Hampton and Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico, both Democrats and members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Delegate Bagby also serves as the caucus chairman.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam signed the legislation on Oct. 13 making June 19 a state holiday.

State offices will be closed and state employees will have the day off. If the job requires individuals to come in to work, then they will be compensated with overtime or extra pay, said state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan of Richmond.

“Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the United States,” Gov. Northam said during a news conference last week. “It’s time we elevate this, not just a celebration by and for some Virginians, but one acknowledged and celebrated by all of us.”

Delegate Joshua G. Cole, a Fredericksburg Democrat, introduced a bill during the regular legislative session earlier this year to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday, but the pro-

Sandra Sellars/Richmnd Free Press

Janine Bell, president and artistic director of the Elegba Folklore Society, pours a libation honoring the ancestors at 1st and Broad streets in Downtown. The libation was part of the society’s “Juneteenth 2020: A Freedom Celebration” that was shown virtually on June 20.

The crossroad was chosen to symbolize the point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have far-reaching consequences culturally, locally, regionally and nationally.

posal didn’t advance. He was a chief co-patron on the bill that passed during the special session.

Then in June, Gov. Northam signed an executive order recognizing the day this year and giving state employees in executive branch offices the day off, along with employees of state colleges and universities. He held a news conference at the time with songwriter-singer-producer Pharrell Williams, a native of Virginia Beach, and several others.

Some Virginia localities, including Richmond

and several cities in Hampton Roads, also observed the holiday this year.

“I think it is overdue that the Commonwealth formally honor and celebrate the emancipation and end of slavery,” said Delegate Mark L. Cole, a Fredericksburg Republican who signed onto the bill, stated in an email. “It was a step towards fulfilling the promise of equality contained in our founding documents.”

The Elegba Folklore Society, a Richmond-based

Impact of attending Million Man March 25 years ago still felt today

By Ronald E. Carrington

Twenty-five years ago on Oct. 16, 1995, an estimated 1 million African-American men from across the United States descended on the Washington Mall for the historic Million Man March.

The march was called by Minister Louis Farrakhan, head of the Nation of Islam, who believed Black men of all faiths should gather for preaching, prayers and promise for the future.

However, media publicity during the yearlong run-up pushed politics onto the agenda, and the Million Man March became different things for different people.

Washington was panicstricken.

At the time, African-American unemployment was nearly twice that of white Americans, with 40 percent of Black people in poverty and a median family income about 58 percent that of the median for Caucasians.

However, many whiteAmericans and Washington business owners anticipated a threat — looting and damage to property — and they closed their stores in the area around the mall, consequently missing potential booming sales.

How wrong they were on all counts.

Minister Farrakhan gave a two-and-a-half-hour keynote speech that day, centering on self-improvement, Black liberation and racism in America.

Other speakers included Martin Luther King III, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., founder of the national Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

At one point, comedianactivist Dick Gregory shouted from the podium, “I love you!” and the audience sang the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Black men came together during the march to address their power as husbands, fathers, business and community leaders, as well as to discuss the pain of historic condemnation by the country’s judicial system, economic limitation and housing discrimination.

That sunny, yet brisk autumn day is remembered by hundreds of thousands of African-

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American men. The communal feelings of unity, warmth and calmness — stretching across all ages and socioeconomic classes from working class men, professionals, grandfathers, teens, cousins and little boys — radiated throughout the day as Black men from across the country met, shook hands, hugged, talked and prayed together.

The significance of that day is still present with two Richmonders, one of whom now lives in Maryland.

Both were moved to action to make an Mr. Gordon impact in their respective communities.

Reginald “Reggie” Gordon, Richmond’s director of the Office of Community Wealth Building, was senior associate general counsel of the National Red Cross in Washington at that time. As one of two Black attorneys at the Red Cross, he attended the march because he felt the need for Black men to come together during a time of so much negative news about African-American men. The media was reporting then 1 out of 4 Black men were in the prison system and they were the source of violence in their communities.

“This was an opportunity for Black men to come together to tell our story and be together,” Mr. Gordon recalled in a Free Press interview. The night before the march, his brother and friends arrived in Washington from Richmond and discussed the plight of Black men.

“The march was a ‘Day of Atonement,’ a pro-black male event, and it was reverent from beginning to end,” Mr. Gordon said. “Minister Farrakhan wanted us to focus on ourselves — our lives, our history, our background and values — rather than on what the world was saying about us.

“The march’s message was crystal clear: What is your place

for healing our people? Start with yourself, then your family and then your community,” he said.

Richmond native Jerry H. Palmer had moved to Maryland two years earlier in 1993 and attended the march with two friends, one, his Omega Psi Phi Fraternity brother, Lionel Lathan, and the other, Charles Mann.

Mr. Palmer, now retired as a DuPont business leader, compared the Million Man March to the famous 1963 March on Washington for Jobs Mr. Palmer and Freedom where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream Speech.”

Mr. Palmer was 12 during the 1963 march and didn’t attend.

But the impact of attending the march in 1995 remains with him to this day.

“To be part of an event with almost a million Black men from different fraternal organizations and churches from across the United States was powerful and impactful as it focused on togetherness,” Mr. Palmer said. “More importantly was the march’s spiritual nature and focus on how we could help each other.”

Mr. Palmer went back to his church, New Antioch Baptist Church of Randallstown, Md., and developed men’s groups — “Men with a Mission” and men’s fellowships with other churches exploring the spiritual nature of being a man—to help address

Black men’s responsibilities to themselves, their families and their communities, which was brought up during the Million Man March. The groups he started are still vital today.

When Mr. Gordon returned to work, he had to explain the march to his white colleagues who were disturbed by his participation. He said he told them that the march had nothing to do with white America.

He left the Red Cross and moved in 1997 to Richmond, finding his voice in many ways.

He became a fund developer with the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, helping to boost critical programs in both largely Black communities.

In 2016, he became director of the city’s anti-poverty effort.

Now 25 years later, Mr. Gordon and Mr. Palmer both said they are grateful for experiencing the historic and uplifting march.

They said they will always remember the ocean of Black men across the Washington Mall as far as the eye could see, holding each other’s hands, praying and crying with joy, laughing and smiling, standing together in silence, understanding 3 out 4 Black men were not in jail and were assets to their communities.

“There was an afterglow from the march,” Mr. Gordon said.

“Many of us felt like elders.

Many men I talked to told me that they would walk up to young brothers on the street and tell them to pull up their pants—sagging was popular— or talk to them and tell them how to carry themselves. That responsibly was amplified after the march.”

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organization focused on promoting African and African-American culture, history and arts, has been celebrating the holiday for many years. The celebration usually is a three-day weekend event that looks at the history of Juneteenth. It includes a torch-lit walk along the Richmond Slave Trail from the Manchester Docks, the city’s port where ships bearing enslaved Africans were loaded and unloaded, to the area in Shockoe Bottom where slave markets were held, said Janine Bell, Elegba’s president and artistic director.

“We take time to just say thank you to our ancestors, their contributions, their forfeitures, their trials and tribulations,” Ms. Bell said. “We invite people to Richmond’sAfrican Burial Ground so that we can go there and pay homage from a perspective of African spirituality.”

Juneteenth should not be used as another holiday to look for bargains in stores, Ms. Bell said. It should be a time of reflection about liberty, as well as for celebration and family strengthening.

“It’s a time for optimism and joy,” Ms. Bell said.

The Elegba Folklore Society held its Juneteenth event online this year because of the coronavirus.

It received about 7,000 views, Ms. Bell said, although the in-person event typically is much larger and has international influence.

As calls for police reform and social justice increase and more attention is being drawn to the racial disparities across America, Ms. Bell views the legislation making Juneteenth a state holiday as “a step toward equity.”

It’s “a symbolic step,” she said, “but a step nonetheless.”

‘Empire’ star Taraji P. Henson hailed for mental health work Free Press wire report

“Empire” star Taraji P. Henson has enjoyed wealth, celebrity, a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination. But behind the scenes, she has battled anxiety and depression.

The 50-year-old actress and filmmaker, who has spoken publicly and powerfully about her private struggles, was honored Oct. 8 by the Boston-based Ruderman Family Foundation for her work to end the stigma associated with mental illness.

“It’s OK to not be OK,” Ms. Henson, the latest recipient of the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion, told The Associated Press via email. “Tell someone. Your vulnerability is actually your strength.”

Ms. Henson was nominated for an Oscar Ms. Henson for the 2008 film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” She also won critical acclaim for the film “Hidden Figures” in 2006 about three African-American women mathematicians at NASA who played a key role in the early days of the U.S. space program, and won a 2016 Golden Globe for her role as Cookie Lyon in television’s former “Empire” series.

In 2018, the Washington, D.C., native started the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to stop those with mental illness from being stigmatized — especially Black people, who she says are less likely to seek treatment.

This year, with the coronavirus pandemic complicating people’s mental health struggles, Ms. Henson’s foundation has been helping African-Americans — who’ve been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 — access free online therapy.

Ms. Henson named the foundation for her father, a military veteran whom she said “returned broken” from his service in Vietnam. The organization, she said, is “committed to offering support to AfricanAmericans who face trauma daily simply because they are Black.”

Ms. Henson also is among several actors participating in a series of virtual panels about inclusion and equity in Hollywood hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that presents the Oscars.

The Ruderman Family Foundation works for more inclusion and opportunities for the disabled. Previous recipients of its award include filmmaker brothers Peter and Bobby Farrelly, Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps, Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin and former Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, a driving force behind the Americans with Disabilities Act. “When role models and influencers like Taraji are so vocal about their own experiences with mental illness, it has the potential to inspire millions of people to accept their own mental health issues and find healthy ways to address them,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the group.

“But it hasn’t just been words with Taraji. She took action,” Mr. Ruderman said. “We need more people like Taraji to continue to eliminate the stigma around mental health across all our communities in America.”

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Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020

C3

Faith News/Directory

Stacey Abramsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; zeal for activism began with preacher parents

By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service

Stacey Abrams, the former Georgia House minority leader who lost a razor-thin race for governor in 2018, voted on Oct. 15, driving her ballot to a local drop box.

Jeanine Abrams McLean, a former biologist at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who now helps her sister run the census advocacy group Fair Count, also took advantage of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early voting, wearing her â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come to Your Censusâ&#x20AC;? T-shirt to her polling place in Tucker.

In an interview with Religion News Service, Ms. Abrams called it a coincidence that the siblings had cast their votes on the same day.

The familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastor, the Rev. Ralph Thompson, said voting is ingrained in the Abramses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The family is just a tight-knit cadre of people who understand that it is incumbent upon them to vote and to make a difference,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Rev. Thompson, whose predominantly Black Columbia Drive United Methodist Church in Decatur, Ga., has a sign outside that says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vote Early,â&#x20AC;? said the entire family has long viewed voting as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a sacred civil duty.â&#x20AC;?

When Ms. Abrams, 46, threw herself into her twin causes of protecting the right to vote and being counted in the census, most news stories attributed her efforts to her loss in the gubernatorial election by 50,000 votes to Brian Kemp, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top elections official at the time.

Ms. Abrams, charging that Gov. Kemp suppressed votes, announced the formation of her voter access organization, Fair Fight, in her concession speech, along with her intention to sue Gov. Kemp for running what she alleged was an unfair election. The suit is ongoing.

But Ms. Abrams also connects voter protection and other civic activism to her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My faith is central to the work that I do, in that I not only hold Christian values, but my faith tradition as a Methodist tells me that the most profound demonstration of our faith is service,â&#x20AC;? said Ms. Abrams.

Ms. Abrams and her siblings were raised by two United Methodist clergy, the Rev. Robert Abrams and the Rev. Carolyn Abrams, both now retired. Their parents trained them early in service, bringing them to work at soup kitchens and to boycott a local Shell gas station to protest its corporate ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connections to apartheid-era South Africa. Ms. McLean was an acolyte, or altar server, and Ms. Abrams said she â&#x20AC;&#x153;did double dutyâ&#x20AC;? as an usher and a choir member in the small church her family attended at the time.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You look at Stacey, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing public service with all of her advocacy,â&#x20AC;? said Ms. McLean, 38. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You look at Fair Count and the work that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to do here, but even public service working in public health: My siblings are all doing some sort of work that has an impact on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the way that we were taught. ... The first place we learned to do that was in the church.â&#x20AC;?

The family has continued to pursue its commitment to public service through the church, using faith as a motivator to be engaged in politics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was raised to not only think about my faith as an activity, but to translate that into how I engage community,â&#x20AC;? said Ms. Abrams.

Earlier this year, Fair Count provided a â&#x20AC;&#x153;faith appâ&#x20AC;? to dozens of congregations to help clergy text their members with census and church information. Ms. McLean envisions faith leaders encouraging congregants to get involved when new maps for redistricting are reviewed in their communities.

Apps that can be used on mobile phones make such information more available to disadvantaged communities, where cell phones are more widely available than broadband-dependent devices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to do is provide these resources, not only to help to make sure that there is long-term power building in faith communities in these vulnerable areas,â&#x20AC;? Ms. McLean said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but also to just give people a lifeline so that they can continue to reach out and stay connected with their members.â&#x20AC;?

Ms. McLean worships at Rev. Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Columbia Drive Church in Decatur, along with her husband and two children and the Revs.

Robert and Carolyn Abrams. Stacey Abrams attends when her schedule allows and has been a speaker for special events and obliges her pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impromptu invitations to make remarks.

Ms. Abramsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; four other siblings are Leslie Abrams Gardner, a U.S. District Court judge; Andrea Abrams, an anthropologist and associate vice president for diversity affairs at Centre College in Kentucky; and two brothers, Richard Abrams, a Georgia social worker; and Walter Abrams, a detox tech at a California drug treatment facility.

All but Judge Gardner joined Ms. McLean, Ms. Abrams and their parents on a Facebook â&#x20AC;&#x153;Abrams Family Reunionâ&#x20AC;? as Fair Count held a virtual event to highlight census participation in the Magnolia State where they were raised.

Voting activism and the Black church have long been mutually reinforcing, as churches historically provided a protected space to discuss politics and organize drives. The family has been

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Abramsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaigns dating at least to her run for governor, when her â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boundless Beliefâ&#x20AC;? ad featured her recollections of the Saturdays of service observed in her parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home as a child and included footage of her holding hands around a dinner table with family members as an adult.

Speaking earlier this year at Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Ala., Ms. Abrams referred to the biblical book of Isaiahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discussion of faithful endurance when she spoke of civil rights marchers who fought and bled for the right to vote on Bloody Sunday in 1965. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the product of the Voting Rights Act, an act that was bought and paid for on Edmund Pettus Bridge with foot soldiers who had believed that they had the right to be there,â&#x20AC;? she said in footage of the event in â&#x20AC;&#x153;All In: The Fight for Democracy,â&#x20AC;? a 2020 documentary about barriers to voting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They stood up and they crossed the bridge.

Those were the wings of the eagles that Isaiah talked about. It may have looked like feet crossing the bridge but that was flight.â&#x20AC;?

Political scientist Dr. Andra Gillespie at Emory University in Atlanta said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not unusual for Black politicians like Ms. Abrams to include faith in voter mobilization work. But her deep experience in congregational life gives Ms. Abrams a level of familiarity to draw on more than a few oft-heard Bible verses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not going to go to the same places that everybody usually goes to because they only know a handful of Scripture,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Gillespie, an expert on African-Americans and politics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been around church her whole life, so, yeah, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fluent in the Bible.â&#x20AC;?

Ms. Abrams said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to keep up her message despite the disappointments along the way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this country, democracy is how we speak to those in power and how we determine who holds power,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my mission.â&#x20AC;?

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

th

D. Min., Pastor

18 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 s (804) 643-1987 Hours Mon.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Sunday Closed

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

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

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New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

Bishop G. O. Glenn

that for the Abramses as well.

In a January speech to law students at Chapman University in California, Judge Gardner recalled her grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story of being taught at her Mississippi church how to pass a written poll test, only to be refused the vote because she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the â&#x20AC;&#x153;rightâ&#x20AC;? answer when asked how many bubbles there were in a bar of soap. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She told me she made sure once she finally got the right to vote that she exercised it on every occasion,â&#x20AC;? Judge Gardner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we celebrate the progress weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made, we must remain resolute to continue the fight for equal rights and equal justice under the law.â&#x20AC;?

The Abramses are helping to expand the focus on the vote to other areas they say are equally empowering. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are three pillars of democracyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the census, voting and redistrictingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we want to make sure that communities that have been left out of all three of these conversations have their voices heard from now and into the future,â&#x20AC;? Ms. McLean said in an interview. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I evaluated the census the same way I did the right to vote or the right to read,â&#x20AC;? said Robert Abrams on the Facebook event, sitting next to his wife. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything that anyone worked so hard to keep from you must be good.â&#x20AC;?

Perhaps the most important link between Ms. Abrams and her church background, however, has been the resilience it has granted her to come back from seemingly overwhelming setbacks.

The latest came Oct. 13 when the U.S. Supreme Court decision ended the extended census count, a decision Ms. McLean called â&#x20AC;&#x153;jarring.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope my witness is always seen as one of perseverance,â&#x20AC;? said Ms. Abrams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I may not have been the governor, but that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t absolve me of the responsibility that my faith tells me I hold, which is to ensure that the marginalized, the voiceless, the disadvantaged, are able to be heard and to be served.â&#x20AC;?

Religious messages have been a part of Ms.

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Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and state Rep. Stacey Abrams speaks on March 1 to the congregation at Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Ala.

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For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

(Jeremiah 29:11, NRSV) Please visit our website Ebenezer Baptist Church Richmond, VA for updates http://www.richmondebenezer.com Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

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Church Drive-thru Events Saturday, October 31, 2020

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"APTIST #HURCH Sunday School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:45 AM Sunday Services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, Services Are Cancelled, until further notice; but, please join us, by visiting BRBCOnline.org or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church).â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAKE IT HAPPENâ&#x20AC;?

Pastor Kevin Cook

Richmond Free Press

C4 October 22-24, 2020

Obituaries/Faith News/Directory

Dr. Irving P. McPhail, president of St. Augustine’s University, dies from COVID-19 complications Free Press wire report

RALEIGH, N.C. Dr. Irving P. McPhail, president of St. Augustine’s University, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, of complications from COVID-19, just three months after taking the helm of the historically Black university in Raleigh, N.C. In mid-September, Dr. McPhail learned he had been exposed to someone away from the campus with COVID-19 and quietly went into quarantine, according to Judge James Perry, a retired Florida Supreme Court justice and chairman of St. Augustine’s Board of Trustees.

Dr. McPhail gave the keynote speech on Sept. 17 at the university’s annual fall convocation, but pre-recorded his address instead of giving the speech in person because he knew then he had been exposed to the virus but didn’t know whether he had it, Judge Perry said.

Most of the university’s student body of 600 lives on campus, where instruction has been a combination of online and inperson, socially distanced classroom work. A handful of people attended the convocation in person, officials said, but most watched it online.

Judge Perry said that after Dr. McPhail tested positive for COVID-19 and began to show symptoms, he stayed home and took over-the-counter medicines. But the weekend of Oct. 3, he had trouble breathing and was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he died last week, Judge Perry said.

Judge Perry said that about six to 10 employees who worked closely with Dr. McPhail and were at risk of exposure were tested for COVID-19. One of those people tested positive, was quarantined and is now back at work, he said. No students were exposed, he said.

Dr. McPhail

Students, faculty, staff and community members paid tribute to Dr. McPhail during a short chapel ceremony last Friday before walking to the president’s home and laying red and white roses along a landscape wall outside.

After becoming president of the university, Dr. McPhail, a former chief executive officer of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, told the Raleigh News & Observer newspaper that he believed science-based guidance would lead his students — and the nation — out of the pandemic. He said he would drive around the campus at the end of each workday to see if students were wearing masks and keeping a safe distance from one another.

If they weren’t, he said, he would put down the window of his car and gently remind them.

Despite his short tenure, Judge Perry said Dr. McPhail already had made a mark on the school.

“He was a transformative leader,” said Judge Perry. “The students loved him. The faculty loved him. The board loved him.”

He had plans to boost enrollment to 1,000, and of launching an institute on the study of racial disparities to be based at the university, which was founded in 1867 and later launched North Carolina’s first nursing school for African-American students. He had said the pandemic and the recent emphasis on racial and social justice issues in America would be incorporated into coursework.

The school said a search for a new president will begin immediately. Dr. Maria A. Lumpkin, St. Augustine’s vice president, will serve as interim president, officials said.

Raised in Harlem, Dr. McPhail earned degrees from Cornell University, the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the University of Pennsylvania. During a long and distinguished career, he held professorships at Delaware State University, LemoyneOwen College and Pace University, and served as a professor of practice at Dr. John E. Roueche Community College Leadership Center at Kansas State University before coming to St. Augustine’s.

According to the university, his work focused on connecting practice, policy and research in language, literacy and culture; post-secondary student success; underrepresented minorities in STEM education and careers; and community college leadership.

He also was founder and chief strategy officer of the McPhail Group LLC. Survivors include his wife, Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, former president of Cypress College in California and a former professor of higher education at Morgan State University; a son and daughter; and several grandchildren.

A celebration of his life is to be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the University Quadrangle.

Online sessions to highlight Weekend of Mourning on Oct. 23 and 24

By George Copeland Jr.

With gun violence occurring regularly in Richmond, members of Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities, or RISC, are collaborating with Temple Beth-El for a two-day Weekend of Mourning to reflect on the lives lost, pray for those affected and to call for meaningful action by city leaders.

The sessions will be streamed from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, over Zoom and on Temple Beth-El’s YouTube channel, TBE Richmond.

Saturday’s session is to include a sermon dialogue between Temple Beth-El Rabbi Michael Rose Knopf and Rabbi Aryeh Cohen on gun violence. Rabbi Cohen is a professor to Rabbinic literature and social justice at the Ziegler School for Rabbinic Studies of the American Jewish University in California and author of “Justice in the City.”

The Weekend of Mourning was organized following discussions between members of RISC, which represents 22 Richmond faith organizations, and Mayor Levar M. Stoney on how to best respond to the rise in gun violence in Richmond.

“He’s not hearing the cries of the people of Richmond that we need to do something about this violence,” said Kristin Gorin of Temple Beth-El during an early October news conference.

“Our children are unsafe. Our children

are being traumatized. Our community is being traumatized.”

Police Chief Gerald M. Smith said in a recent public report that homicides in the city rose 60 percent between July 1 and Sept. 30 compared with the same period last year. There were 24 homicides this year during that period, while there were 15 in 2019 during the same three months.

As of Oct. 20, there have been a total of 52 homicides in the city in 2020, compared to 51 during the same time last year, according to police department records.

In an August meeting with Mayor Stoney, RISC Rabbi Knopf members advocated for a Group Violence Intervention program that focuses on identifying the core group committing crimes and providing resources and opportunities to mitigate the causes that lead them to crime and gun violence.

As part of their proposal, RISC asked Mayor Stoney to allocate $70,000 for a six-month introductory period in which consultants would help the city develop a plan that would best fit the city’s needs.

Roughly a month after the meeting, Mayor Stoney informed RISC that he was opting to create an original program that would use aspects of the GVI pro-

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gram and two others discussed, Advance Peace and Cure Violence, according to RISC members.

RISC members are concerned whether the mayor’s approach will actually address the crisis. Details on what local experts, if any, would be used to develop the program and its timeline are unclear, RISC members said.

These programs are “designed to be done in a certain way to get the exact kind of results you want, which is a reduction in gun violence,” said the Rev. Ralph Hodge, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church of South Richmond and a RISC member.

Rev. Hodge He said that RISC had discussed the mayor’s plan with the creators of the programs.

“We don’t think what the mayor is proposing is going to be successful,” he said.

Rev. Hodge said that, in addition to allowing the community to remember the victims of gun violence and their families, the Weekend of Mourning will allow those seeking a solution to this spike in gun violence “to pause and recharge ourselves and continue the fight.”

Instructions to access both video streams are available at www.bethelrichmond.org/services.

Antioch Baptist Church “Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”

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SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M. A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

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Lawyer who successfully argued Loving case legalizing interracial marriage dies Free Press wire report

FALLS CHURCH Bernard S. Cohen, who won a landmark case that led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of laws forbidding interracial marriage and later went on to a successful political career as a state legislator, has died. He was 86.

Mr. Cohen and legal colleague Phil Hirschkop represented Richard and Mildred Loving, a white man and Black woman who were convicted in Virginia in 1959 of illegally cohabiting as man and wife and ordered to leave the state for 25 years.

Mr. Cohen and Mr. Hirschkop represented the Lovings as they sought to have their conviction overturned. It resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous 1967 Loving v. Virginia ruling that declared anti-miscegenation laws unconstitutional.

Mr. Cohen died Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, of complications from Parkinson’s disease at his home in Fredericksburg, said his son, Bennett Cohen.

Mr. Cohen had a great sense of humor and liked to ride motorcycles and fly planes, his son said.

“He was a bit of a risk taker, and I guess that’s in line with the risks he took in his younger professional life,” Mr. Cohen Bennett Cohen said.

Mr. Cohen and Mr. Hirschkop were ACLU volunteer attorneys only a few years out of law school when they took on the case. Mildred Loving was referred to the ACLU by then-U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, to whom she had written seeking assistance.

“We would pinch ourselves and say, ‘Do we realize what we’re doing?’ We’re handling one of the most important constitutional law cases ever to come before the court,” Mr. Cohen said in a documentary about the case that aired on HBO in 2012.

The biggest challenge, Mr. Cohen always said of the case, was not the Supreme Court argument, but getting the case back in state court so it could be appealed.

After devising a strategy to do so, the judge who sentenced the Lovings roundly rejected the request to set aside the conviction, giving the lawyers a ruling that could be appealed.

“Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, Malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents, and but for the interference with His arrangement there would be no cause for such marriages,” the judge wrote in upholding the sentence.

“The fact that He separated the races shows that He did not intend for the races to mix.”

Before arguing the case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Mr. Cohen said he tried to explain to Richard Loving the legal doctrines he would use.

“He was very country, sort of rough,” Mr. Cohen told the Associated Press in 1992. “He just said, ‘Tell them I don’t understand why if a man loves a woman he can’t marry her no matter what her color.’ ” Following the landmark case, Mr. Cohen continued a legal career, but also veered into politics. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1979, representing the Alexandria area, and served eight terms.

Bernie always had a strong interest in politics. He always wanted to run for Congress. He was a very successful senior delegate,” Mr. Hirschkop said in a phone interview. “He was much more interested in politics than law.”

During a 16-year career in the House of Delegates, Mr. Cohen ran as “an unabashed liberal” and reveled in introducing controversial legislation. In 1983, he sponsored a resolution in favor of a nuclear freeze that won passage in the House but stalled in the state Senate after a Reagan administration official testified against it. Mr. Cohen blamed the defeat on “kooks in the Defense Department.”

He successfully advocated legislation banning smoking in public places in an era when the tobacco industry was a political powerhouse in Richmond.

Brian Moran, who succeeded Mr. Cohen in the legislature and is now Virginia’s secretary of public safety and homeland security, said Mr. Cohen opted to retire in 1995 because he had grown weary of campaigning. Arthritis made shaking hands painful, and he’d come to loath door-knocking after getting attacked by a dog.

He endorsed Mr. Moran as his successor because he wanted a lawyer to hold the seat.

“He was a real legal eagle. He respected the law and wanted a lawyer to succeed him,” Mr. Moran said. “He was a distinguished legislator, extremely bright.”

His advocacy on behalf of the Lovings rarely came up in his political campaigns, and Mr. Moran said many of his legislative colleagues were unaware of it.

Bennett Cohen said his sense was that the civil rights cases of the 1960s weren’t on people’s immediate minds in the 1980s and 1990s, when his father was active in politics. The Loving case, though, had a huge resurgence in public interest in the last decade, in part driven by the documentary and the 2016 Hollywood feature film “Loving,” but even more so by the parallels people saw between the Loving case and the debate over same-sex marriages.

Bennett Cohen noted that on Oct. 12, the day his dad died, Democratic vice presidential nominee U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris talked about the Loving case during the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett.

Richmond Free Press

October 22-24, 2020 C5

Legal Notices Continued from previous column

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City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2020-207 As Amended To authorize the special use of the property known as 1513 Rear Grove Avenue for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2020-214 To amend City Code §§ 12-36, concerning the disposition of revenues derived from the expiration of partial exemptions from real estate taxation and from certain sales of tax delinquent properties, and 26-104, concerning the duties of the City Assessor, for the purpose of providing for the accounting of certain real estate tax revenues arising from the phased reduction, expiration, and termination of certain partial exemptions from real estate taxation in such a manner as to facilitate the City Council’s future appropriation of those revenues to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Ordinance No. 2020-215 To amend and reordain City Code § 26-355, concerning the levy of tax on real estate, to establish a tax rate of $1.20 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2021, pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3321(b), and increasing such rate from the Rolled Back Tax Rate of $1.176 as computed in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-3321(a).

Ordinance No. 2020-216 To close, to public use and travel, Anderson Street and an east-west alley that bisects Anderson Street located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Government Road and Glenwood Avenue consisting of 18,660± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2020-217 To close to public travel certain medians located in Monument Avenue and North Allen Avenue at or near General Robert E. Lee Circle, to retain the City’s legal interests in such medians, and to designate such medians as official City Parks, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2020-218 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1829 West Cary Street and 1831 West Cary Street for the purpose of outdoor dining areas, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in a UB Urban Business District and the Main Street/Uptown Parking Overlay District PO-3.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single‑Family (Medium Density) land use. Primary uses are single‑family and two‑family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses.

Ordinance No. 2020-219 To designate the Cityowned properties known as 201 Hioaks Road, 315 Beaufont Hills Drive, 620 Rosemont Road, 2100 Colby Lane, 2606 Lynhaven Avenue, and 2903 Rear Ernest Road as public parks to be known by the names of Hioaks Park, Reedy Creek Wetland Park, Rosemont Road Park, Broad Rock Creek Park, and Ernest Road Park.

Ordinance No. 2020-220 To amend and reordain City Code §§ 2-927, concerning the general powers and duties of the Personnel Board, and 2-1264, concerning the creation of the personnel system, for the purpose of conforming the classes protected from discrimination under the City’s personnel system to Va. Code §§ 2.2-3904 and 2.2-3905. (COMMITTEE: Governmental Operations, Thursday, October 22, 2020, 12:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2020-221 Continued on next column

To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for an on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Sublease Agreement between the City of Richmond as sublandlord and UGK Community First Corp. as subtenant for the purpose of leasing to UGK Community First Corp. a portion of the City-owned building located at 1400 Oliver Hill Way. Ordinance No. 2020-222 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the total amount of $60,000.00 from Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia and known as St. Catherine’s School and to appropriate the amount of $60,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Pedestrian Safety Improvements with HAWKs and RRFBs (Federal) project in the Transportation category by $60,000.00 for the purpose of funding the installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon at the intersection of Grove Avenue and Somerset Avenue in the city of Richmond in accordance with certain proffered conditions accepted by the City pursuant to Ord. No. 2016-268, adopted Nov. 14, 2016.

Ordinance No. 2020-223 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Programmatic Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation for the purpose of the development and administration of previously authorized and future Revenue Sharing Program projects.

Ordinance No. 2020-224 To rename the street in the city of Richmond known as Confederate Avenue as “Laburnum Park Boulevard.”

This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as amended by Ordinance No. 2020-183, adopted August 20, 2020. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public.

Less than a quorum of Richmond City Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

Video of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// r i c h m o n d v a . l e g i s t a r. com/Calendar.aspx. To watch the meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the November 9, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the November 9, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ r i c h m o n d g o v. c o m i n lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2020, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, November 2, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2020-225 To amend Ord. No. 71180-163, adopted Jun. 14, 1971, as previously amended by Ord. No. 81-204-199, adopted Nov. 23, 1981, which authorized the special use of the property known as 3800 Grove Avenue for the purpose of doctors’ offices, permitted an addition at the rear entry way, and authorized the erection of an accessory utility building, to also allow other office uses and personal service uses.

The property is situated in an R‑5 Single‑Family Residential District. The City Master Plan calls for a future land use recommendation for this property for single‑family low density uses. Primary use is single-family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi-public uses.

Ordinance No. 2020-226 To amend Ord. No. 2013156-154, adopted Sept.

9, 2013, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2013-208-197, adopted Oct. 28, 2013, which authorized the special use of the property known as 2501 Monument Avenue for the purpose of a museum for architecture and design and a lodging unit and imposed as a condition on the special use of such property a 150-person attendance limit for all reception events, to permit a dwelling unit and retail space and to impose as a condition on the special use of such property a 300-person attendance limit for all reception events instead of a 150-person attendance limit for all reception events. The property is situated in an R‑6 Single‑Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s current Master Plan designates the subject property for Single Family Medium Density. Primary uses are single‑family and two‑family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses.

Ordinance No. 2020-227 To authorize the special use of the property known as 320 Hunt Avenue for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in an R‑5 Single‑Family Residential District.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single‑Family (Low Density) uses. Primary use is single‑family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. The density of the parcel if developed as proposed would be approximately 11 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2020-228 To authorize the special use of the property known as 414 Milton Street for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in an R‑5 Single‑Family Residential District.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single‑Family (Low Density) uses. Primary use is single‑family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. The density of the parcel if developed as proposed would be approximately 11 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2020-229 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3406 East Broad Street for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R‑8 Urban Residential District.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single‑Family Medium Density. Primary uses for this category include single‑family and two‑family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. The density of the parcel as proposed Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

would be approximately 29 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2020-230 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3411 Kensington Avenue for the purpose of an existing multifamily dwelling and a new twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R‑6 Single‑Family Attached Residential District.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single‑Family (Medium Density) uses. Primary uses in this category are single‑family detached dwellings at densities between 8 and 20 units per acre. The density of the parcel if developed as proposed would be approximately 27 units per acre.

The meetings will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as amended by Ordinance No. 2020-183, adopted August 20, 2020. The meetings will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public.

Less than a quorum of Richmond City Planning Commission members and Richmond City Council will assemble in City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

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

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the November 9, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the November 9, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ r i c h m o n d g o v. c o m i n lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2020, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2020-231 To c r e a t e a n e w reservation of fund balance called the 2020 Unfunded Other PostEmployment Benefits Liability Reserve, intended to be categorized as an assigned fund balance and used to fund the trust created by Ord. No. 2018-196, § 1, adopted Jul. 23, 2018, to provide other post-employment benefits to individuals who have terminated their service to the City and to the beneficiaries of such individuals.

This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Continued on next column

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Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as amended by Ordinance No. 2020-183, adopted August 20, 2020. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public.

Less than a quorum of Richmond City Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

Video of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// r i c h m o n d v a . l e g i s t a r. com/Calendar.aspx. To watch the meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the October 27, 2020 Richmond City Council Special meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Special Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the October 27, 2020 Richmond City Council Special meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ r i c h m o n d g o v. c o m i n lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CRISTEN WILLIAMS, Plaintiff v.

DEVANTE JACKSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20001044-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 2nd day of December, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

BHUPINDER SINGH, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20004040-00 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 23rd day of November, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney Continued on next column

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VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER NAZHA ABOUZAKI, Plaintiff v.

OMAR HALABI, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20002929-00 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 six months, it is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 23rd day of November, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

KATHRYN MARIE BAYNE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20003867-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony, from the Defendant, on the ground that the parties hereto have lived separate and apart continuously, without cohabitation and without interruption for more than one year.

And it appearing from an affidavit that the Defendant may not be a resident of the State of Virginia and the address of the Defendant is unknown, it is ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on November 13th, 2020, at 9:00 AM pursuant to this notice and protect her interest herein.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I Ask For This: Donald M. White, Esquire VSB# 17604 130 Thompson Street Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-1661 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND LATASHA WIGGINS, Plaintiff, v.

AARON LEROY YATES, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17-2760 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

On this day the Petitioner appeared by counsel upon an Affidavit for Service by Publication, pursuant to section 8.01-316 of the Virginia Code;

It is hereby ORDERED that Aaron Leroy Yates appear at the above-named court and protect his interests on or before November 9th at 9:00 a.m.

A Copy, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: Christopher D. Adams, Esq. VSB # 87267 Friedman, Framme & Thrush, P.A. 6800 Paragon Place, Suite 233 Richmond, VA 23230 (804) 649-1334 X3000 (phone) (804) 649-2172 (fax) Counsel for Petitioner VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DANIEL SMITH, Plaintiff v.

JANETTE YOUNG, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20003598-00 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 13th day of November, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

Case No.: CL20002803-00 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 Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

posted service appear here on or before the 15th day of November, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

VIRGINIA: THE CITY OF RICHMOND CIRCUIT COURT Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KING JACKIE TUCKERSHELTON Case No. CJ19-4133 and 4134 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Shamika Shelton, mother of King Jackie TuckerShelton, child DOB 4/6/2017, “TPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to: rights of visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that Shamika Shelton appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before November 20, 2020, at 9:00 AM An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER PAMELA FITZSIMONS, Plaintiff v.

DANIEL FITZSIMONS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20003930-00 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 six months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 13th day of November, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

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

Custody Virginia: In the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court HENRICO County Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Rodriguez pinot, meydeli e Rosales, nolbia Pinot v. chaves, carlos rodriguez, Case No.: JJ106991-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole legal c u s t o d y o f M eydeli Elisua rodriguez pinot pursuant to code 16.1241 A3.

It is ordered that the defendant CHAVES, Carlos appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 5, 2021, 9:00 AM.

PROPERTY 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, November 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm, 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.

Virginia: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re MARJURY NICOLL mendez Molina, Case No.: JJ098621-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole and legal custody of marjury nicoll mendez molina pursuant to code 16.1241A3.

It is ordered that the defendant Wilmer osman mendez appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 25, 2021, 9:30 AM.

901 North 2nd Street N0000069021 City of Richmond v.

Hawthorne Ventures, LLC, et. al.

CL18-5997 1002 North 2nd Street N0000085013 City of Richmond v. Wade O. Johnson, III, et. al.

CL19-5772 920 North 4th Street N0000070010 City of Richmond v. Charles Best, et. al.

CL20-60 3311 5th Avenue N0051186006 City of Richmond v. Agnes M. Simmons, et. al.

CL19-4100 209 East 15th Street S0000191003 City of Richmond v. Betty Hinton, et. al.

CL19-3886 211 East 15th Street S0000191004 City of Richmond v. Betty Hinton, et. al.

CL19-3887 1408 East 18th Street S0070983005 City of Richmond v. Robert E. Goode, Jr., et. al.

CL19-6191 10 East 19th Street S0000241027 City of Richmond v. Rapid Funding, LLC, et. al.

CL19-6192 1806 North 19th Street E0120282021 City of Richmond v. Peak Foundation, et. al.

CL20-901 1720 North 20th Street E0000934011 City of Richmond v. Willette Joyner-Holland, et. al.

CL19-5522 812 North 21st Street E0000327015 City of Richmond v. Ronald R. Seaborne, et.al.

CL20-941 1604 North 22nd Street E0000858011 City of Richmond v. Marvin Robinson, Sr., et. al.

CL19-4919 721 North 24th Street E0000333030 City of Richmond v. Ridge Point Real Estate, et.al.

CL19-3438 1808 North 24th Street E0001082015 City of Richmond v. Florene Moreland, et.al.

CL20-1778 1325 North 28th Street E0000623027 City of Richmond v. ABC Home Services, Inc., et.al.

CL20-998 1612 North 28th Street E0000864023 City of Richmond v. William B. Mitchell, et.al.

CL19-3797 1745 North 28th Street E0000951072 City of Richmond v. True Revelation Church of God, et.al.

CL19-5944 1747 North 28th Street E0000951073 City of Richmond v. True Revelation Church of God, et.al.

CL19-5538 2404 Alexander Avenue S0080885017 City of Richmond v. Leon A. Ford, et. al.

CL19-5807 4319 Angus Road C0090901044 City of Richmond v. Tyrome Cox, et. al.

CL19-5746 2 East Bacon Street N0000228015 City of Richmond v. John H. Lomax., et. al.

CL19-45 1407 Bryan Street E0000606016

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Virginia: IN THE HANOVER CIRCUIT COURT Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Gates, Aurielle Kathleen Ann v Waite, aurielle kathleen, Case No.: CL29993132-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant minor name change.

It is ordered that trinity gates appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before November 30, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Virginia: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lemmy Yanira Garcia Molina, Case No.: JJ098623-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole and legal custody of L E M M Y YANIRA GARCIA MOLINA pursuant to code 16.1241A3.

It is ordered that the defendant EFRAIN GARCIA appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 25, 2021, 9:30 AM. Virginia: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Gladis osiris mendez Molina, Case No.: JJ098622-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole and legal custody of gladis osiris mendez molina pursuant to code 16.1241A3.

It is ordered that the defendant Wilmer osman mendez appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 25, 2021, 9:30 AM.

Richmond Free Press

C6 October 22-24, 2020

Sports Plus

NFL Hall of Famer Fred Dean dies at 68

By Fred Jeter

Fred Dean, the relentless defensive end who helped the San Francisco 49ers win two Super Bowl titles, died Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, of complications from the coronavirus.

He was 68.

Mr. Dean was a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection. He played with the San Diego Chargers from 1975 to 1981 and with the 49ers until 1985.

Mr. Dean was nicknamed “The Closer” for his ability to deliver a knockout punch to the opposition’s offense.

In 1981, he was chosen as NFC Defensive Player of the Year. He was enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame in 2008.

Former San Diego Chargers defensive end Fred Dean stands next to his bronze bust at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2008 in Canton, Ohio.

In January 1982, he helped the 49ers defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl. In January 1985, he was a key to the 49ers’ Super Bowl victory over Miami.

Mr. Dean’s most productive season was 1983, when he is credited with 17.5 sacks, including six in one game against New Orleans. He was credited with 93 career sacks, but that statistic was not officially recognized by the NFL until 1982.

A native of Ruston, La., Mr. Dean played for his hometown school, Louisiana Tech, before joining the San Diego Chargers as a second round draft pick in 1975.

In addition to his NFL Hall of Fame honors, Mr. Dean is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Tech Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Kiichiro Sato/Associated Press

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

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City of Richmond v.

Nathaniel Porter, Jr., et. al.

CL19-5446 1415 Bryan Street E0000606020 City of Richmond v. Justin G. French, et. al.

CL19-6137 2016 Carver Street E0001237021 City of Richmond v.

Christopher Allen, et. al.

CL19-5025 2712 Cheatham Street S0080521012 City of Richmond v. Antioch Church of Our Lord, et. al.

CL19-5605 2307 Creighton Road E0000955013 City of Richmond v. Jerry J. Sullivan, et. al.

CL19-5945 2403 Dale Avenue S0090345019 City of Richmond v. George Rogers, et. al.

CL20-993 3113 Dill Avenue N0000997022 City of Richmond v. Barry O’Neill, et. al.

CL19-5932 3385 Dill Avenue N0051182049 City of Richmond v.

Claudette E. Greene, et. al.

CL19-6105 2010 Fairfax Avenue S0000547005 City of Richmond v. Percy L. Hancock, et. al.

CL20-126 3000 Fendall Avenue N0000971011 City of Richmond v. James G. Kennedy, et. al.

CL20-1831 3423 Frank Road S0080854029 City of Richmond v. Richard Woolridge, et. al.

CL20-484 2500 Gravel Hill Road C0040826026 City of Richmond v.

Hampton White, et. al.

CL19-643 2510 Gravel Hill Road Rear C0040826024 City of Richmond v. Myrtle G. White, et. al.

CL19-928 314 Green Acres Avenue C0060488020 City of Richmond v. June A. Mcelroy, et. al.

CL19-799 3606 Griffin Avenue N0160081016 City of Richmond v. Robert White, Jr., et. al.

CL20-1680 2720 Haden Avenue S0080772019 City of Richmond v. Robert Lee Terry, Sr., et. al.

CL19-3892 2916 Hanes Avenue N0000887003 City of Richmond v. Sharon E. Jackson, et. al.

CL19-5653 1741 Hopkins Road C0090249004 City of Richmond v. Rose

L. Mayo, et. al.

CL19-5149 2008 Ingram Avenue S0000861006 City of Richmond v.

Michelle D. Bussell, et. al.

CL19-1355 2300 Ingram Avenue S0000865019 City of Richmond v. Leroy Hatcher, III, et. al.

CL18-5566 803 Jessamine Street E0000376011 City of Richmond v. Carlton S. Rogers, et. al.

CL19-1383 3205 Jeter Avenue N0001454023 City of Richmond v. Joshua E. White, Jr., et. al.

CL19-150 1101 Judson Road C0070261002 City of Richmond v. Berkley Square Ltd. Partnership, et. al.

CL20-963 2624 Lancelot Avenue S0090301013 City of Richmond v.

Dorothy Lucille Flippen, et. al.

CL20-625 4114 Lynhaven Avenue S0090185013 City of Richmond v. Andy Roomy, et. al.

CL19-4729 1807 Maddox Street E0120253010 City of Richmond v. William G. Meekins, et. al.

CL19-6104 1813 Maury Street S0000234034 City of Richmond v. Floyd B. Tyler, et. al.

CL19-4514 3015 Midlothian Turnpike S0001347025 City of Richmond v.

Dorothy Flippen, et. al.

CL20-125 450 Milton Street N0001459017 City of Richmond v.

Harrison Smith, et. al.

CL20-122 1407 Minefee Street S0071234008 City of Richmond v.

Rudolph A. Crocker, et. al.

CL19-6078 1409 Nelson Street E0100106020 City of Richmond v.

Anthony P. Hicks, et. al.

CL19-4921 1306 Newell Road C0050475002 City of Richmond v. Ellis W. Jefferson., et. al.

CL19-1762 3598 Platinum Road C0090717020 City of Richmond v.

Dominion Land & Development, et. al.

CL20-2251 1807 Powell Road C0080217033 City of Richmond v. Kathy Branch, et. al.

CL20-254 3011 Q Street

E0000628004 City of Richmond v. Richard S. Sully, et. al.

CL18-5837 3410 R Street E0001104041 City of Richmond v. Gabby Homes, LLC, et. al.

CL18-5708 2100 1/2 Redd Street E0000665040 City of Richmond v. Robert C. Sample, et. al.

CL19-4297 2616 Redwood Avenue E0120279018 City of Richmond v. George A. Coleman, Jr., et. al.

CL19-3341 3406 S Street E0000959013 City of Richmond v. Iula Robinson, et. al.

CL19-0044 812 Spring Street W0000167038 City of Richmond v. Erik Jacob Froehlich, et. al.

CL19-6139 2715 Terminal Avenue S0080521006 City of Richmond v. Antioch Church of Our Lord, et. al.

CL19-5655 2714 Toledo Avenue S0080844037 City of Richmond v. Tax Specialists, Inc., et. al.

CL20-258 2317 Warwick Avenue S0071629012 City of Richmond v. Patricia Mack, et. al.

CL19-4528 1446 Whitehead Road C0070553047 City of Richmond v. Simon Green, et. al.

CL20-140

estate taxes will be adjusted as of the date of entry for the Order of Confirmation.

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.

Q u e s t i o n s m ay b e directed to Gregor y A. Lukanuski at greg.lukanuski @richmondgov.com (804) 646-7949, or to Christie Hamlin at christie.hamlin@ richmondgov.com (804) 6466940.

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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 $5,000.00, whichever is greater. If the purchase price is under $5,000.00, high bidders will pay in full at the time of the auction. High bidders will pay the balance of the purchase price to the 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

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity is seeking subcontractors experienced in new construction of three single-family houses in the following trades: Site preparation Roofing Plumbing Drywall Fencing

Foundation Siding Electrical Interior Trim Cleaning

Framing/ porches/ decks Gutters HVAC Insulation Water/Sewer main connections Flooring Painting Grading/ landscaping

All must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in their field of expertise.

This is for a federally funded construction project; subcontractors will be required to participate in Section 3 hiring requirements reporting. Those not interested in participation in federally funded programs need not apply.

The project is located at: 912, 914, and 916 State St. These are “Section 3 Covered Positions; all HUD Recipients and Resident Owned Businesses are encouraged to apply.”

Email all resumes to acoble@richmondhabitat.org.

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

Responses due October 29, 2020 Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Gregory A. Lukanuski Deputy City Attorney Special Commissioner 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia 23219

TRANSIT SYSTEM

ABC License Bocata Arepa Bar, LLC Trading as: Bocata Arepa Bar 10170 West Broad Street, Richmond Glen Allen, Henrico 23060-3303 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On Premises, Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

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

TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISORS (2) Full Time Exempt

Closes: Open Until Filled GRTC seeks a results oriented professional who excels in working in a fast-paced environment.

This position is responsible for supervising and monitoring the activities of the bus operators on a daily basis. The ideal candidate will possess integrity, excellent problem solving skills, proven decision-making skills and excellent communication skills. High School diploma required, with a Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Previous experience in the transit industry highly desirable. Must be able to pass a background check, pre-employment drug test and DOT physical. A CDL Class B or higher with a Passenger endorsement is required. Those interested in the position may apply online at www.ridegrtc.com. GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

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

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EOE M/F/D/V

DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR/COLLEGE REGISTRAR (FA419)

Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA

Under the general direction of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, the College Registrar provides operational management and academic leadership for the Office of the Registrar staff and functions. This includes oversight and supervision of grade processing, attendance certification, academic suspension/dismissal, transcripts, and college graduation processes and other records related functions. The College Registrar provides leadership and direction in leading the college into the usage of electronic self-service functions for students. The College Registrar supports the development, testing, and successful execution of enrollment management tasks within the college’s Student Information System (SIS) and the Reynolds website. The College Registrar maintains and preserves the integrity of student data and serves as the college’s point of contact for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) related questions and issues. The College Registrar ensures consistency, currency, responsiveness, and excellence in all aspects of student records services provided by the college on its multiple campuses.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time twelve-month administrative faculty-ranked appointment. Salary range: $70,000-$85,000.

Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the candidate. Application reviews will begin November 19, 2020.

Additional information is available at the College’s Web site: www.reynolds.edu/jobs.

AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/ AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/ Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.