Richmond Free Press October 8-10, 2020 edition by Richmond Free Press

VOL. 29 NO. 42

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Meet board president of YWCA Richmond B3

OCTOBER 8-10, 2020

Richmond Public Schools’ on-time graduation rate still lowest in state By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond Public Schools continues to generate more dropouts and produce fewer graduates in four years than virtually any other school division in Virginia, according to the latest yearly report from the state Department Education. Despite pandemic-induced halts to grading and end-of-course testing in the final three months of the 2019-20 school, RPS issued diplomas to 1,078 students of the 1,506 who began ninth grade in 2017, according to the report. That’s a 71.6 percent graduation rate, and it lags far behind the state’s 92.3 percent on-time graduation rate for all 132 public school divisions. Meanwhile, 349 students, or nearly one in four from the Class of 2020, dropped out before graduation — with the RPS student loss rate of 23.2 percent nearly five times Mr. Kamras the state average of 5.1 percent.

A scan of the report indicates that Richmond continues to be in a league of its own in shedding high school students. While RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras continues to praise the work teachers, administrators, staff, students and parents are doing, he has been silent publicly on the Sept. 30 report. Nor has there been any public comment from members of the Richmond School Board or those seeking election to the board in November. The bottom line: The state report appears to show that the change of leadership ushered in when Mr. Kamras took charge of RPS in February 2018 has had little impact on student outcomes. In the Richmond region, RPS’ 71.6 percent on-time graduation percentage trailed most other school divisions by at least 20 percentage points. Richmond also was 15 percentage points behind Petersburg Public Schools, which reported that 86.5 percent of the 275 members of the Class of 2020 received diplomas. Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond Police officers stand with National Guard members and Virginia State Police troopers at Madison and Grace near Police Headquarters in June in Downtown Richmond.

Richmond Police detectives indicted on misdemeanor charges By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Richmond Police Department appears to have largely dodged a legal bullet from the actions of its officers during the spate of protests over police brutality and racial injustice during late spring. Capping at least a 90-day investigation, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin on Monday presented 18 charges against eight officers to a Richmond grand jury. But the grand jury sent back only two indictments against

two Richmond officers for misdemeanor assault and battery — charges considered relatively minor, although conviction carries the potential for up to a year of jail time and a fine and would open the door for possibly expensive civil lawsuits. The two officers who were indicted are Detective Christopher Brown, 28, who has been on the Richmond police force for five years, and Detective Mark Janowski, 34, who has been on the force for six years. Because the charges presented to the grand jury were sealed, and state law requires grand jury proceedings to be secret, noth-

By Ronald E. Carrington and Jeremy M. Lazarus

By Fred Jeter

Please turn to A4

Day care options opening for student virtual instruction

CIAA football the latest victim of COVID-19 The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on the CIAA. As result of the pandemic, the CIAA will not crown an official football champion in the spring of 2021. That means there will be no CIAA school standings in football, no Northern and Southern Division champions and no CIAA Championship Game in Salem, as in the past. Basketball is being affected, too. The CIAA basketball season will not start until at least Jan. 9, some two months later than normal. These decisions involving football and basketball were made last week during a meeting of CIAA chancellors and presidents in Charlotte, N.C. The CIAA had postponed football until the spring of 2021, with little in the way of announced details, because of the pandemic. Although the CIAA will not recognize a football champion, schools are free to attempt

ing is known about the six other officers and why charges were sought against them. Detectives Brown and Janowski were processed Monday night and released on their own recognizance. They both appeared in Richmond Circuit Court on Wednesday, but the setting of a trial date was postponed until early November to allow them to confer with their attorneys to decide whether to have a jury trial or have a judge decide their guilt or innocence.

More lower cost day care options are starting to emerge for Richmond Public Schools students to attend virtual classes and relieving parents who must work or who feel ill-equipped to double as teachers. Though still modest and far short of the 1,000 to 1,500 slots some estimate as the need, the program backed by $3 million in city funding is expanding to include school buildings, churches and other approved sites, including the BlackTop Kings & Queens Sports Academy Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Who is that masked man? Joshua Crawford, 5, of Manchester shows off his police badge sticker Tuesday during National Night Out, the annual community-building campaign put on by police departments across the nation to promote police-community partnerships. The youngster and his mom, Chi Reed, attended the Richmond kickoff at the Jefferson Davis Civic Association event in South Side. Please see more photos, A6.

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. 8, 9 to 11 a.m

Robinson Theater Community Arts Center 2903 Q St., East End

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4 to 6 p.m.

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

Thursday, Oct. 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Epiphany Lutheran Church 1400 Horsepen Road, Western Henrico

Friday, Oct. 16, 1 to 3 p.m.

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

Drive-thru testing only.

Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered.

in South Side. In an update presented Monday, the Richmond School Board was informed that one of five school buildings the board approved for day care use is now open. YMCA Richmond opened its first schoolbased Student Success Center Monday at Miles Jones Elementary School in South Side, with the 49 slots already filled. That adds to the 80 slots at two churches the YMCA began with. The School Board was told that the YMCA is scrambling to add staff at Miles Jones ElPlease turn to A4

Gov. Northam remains in isolation after COVID-19 symptoms emerge By George Copeland Jr.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam remain in isolation for the coronavirus this week in the Executive Mansion after the

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. 12, 19 and 26, and Thursday, Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29. • Walmsley Boulevard United Methodist Church, 2950 Walmsley Blvd., 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 20 and 27. • Faith and Family Center, 7900 Walmsley Blvd., 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 17, 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 153,691 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, along with 11,345 hospitalizations and 3,303 deaths. Officials reported a steady 4.8 percent positivity rate statewide. According to the data, African-Americans comprised 25.3 percent of cases and 27.2 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 29.2 percent of the cases and 9.8 percent of deaths.

governor, who was asymptomatic after first testing positive for COVID-19, developed symptoms over the weekend. In a video message posted to social media on Monday, Gov. Northam said he developed “mild, cold-like symptoms” during the weekend and lost his sense of smell. Mrs. Northam was showing

mild symptoms of the virus, officials said, after the couple found out on Sept. 24 that they tested positive for the virus. Gov. Northam, a 61-yearold physician, is monitoring his symptoms along with doctors, and helping state and local health officials as they Please turn to A4

Gov. Ralph S. Northam and his dog, Pearl.

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Richmond Free Press

October 8-10, 2020

Local News

Deadline to register to vote Oct.13 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. • Deadline to register to vote in November election: Tuesday, Oct. 13. • 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: • R i c h m o n d Vo t e r 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. Details: (804) 646-5950 or www.richmondgov.com/ registrar/ Henrico County Early in-person voting: • Henr ico Wester n G ove r n m e n t C e n t e r, 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. 10, 17, 24 and 31. Details: (804) 501-4347 or henrico.us/registrar/

Chesterfield County Early in-person voting: • C h e s t e r f i e l d Vo t e r Registrar’s Office, 9848 Lori Road – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. • Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, four satellite locations open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. T h ey a r e M e a d ow d a l e Library, 4301 Meadowdale Blvd.; LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Road; Nor th Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road; and Ettrick-Matoaca 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. Details: (804) 748-1471 or www.chesterfield.gov/ Registrar Hanover County Early in-person voting: • Hanover County G ove r n m e n t C o m p l ex , 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. Details: (804) 365-6080 or www.hanovercounty. gov/365/voting

Energizing voters With less than 30 days until Election Day, efforts are in full swing to encourage Virginians to register and vote in the presidential election. Right, Doug Emhoff, husband of Democratic vice presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, pauses for a photo with L. Frances Brown of Henrico during a solo campaign stop last Thursday outside Henrico County’s Western Government Center on Parham Road, where early voting is taking place through Oct. 31. Ms. Brown, a supporter of Sen. Harris and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, was excited because, like Sen. Harris, she is an alumnus of Howard University. Ms. Brown graduated in 1987, a year after Sen. Harris. Outside the polling place, Mr. Emhoff talked with voters and local and state officials, including former Gov. Terry McAuliffe; state Sen. Jennifer McClellan of Richmond, who is running next year for the Democratic nomination for governor; state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield; Henrico County Sheriff Alisa A. Gregory; Susan Swecker, chair of the state Democratic Party; and Marques Jones, immediate past chairman of the Henrico Democrats. Meanwhile in Richmond, talk show host and activist Gary Flowers, below, leads the John Lewis “Good Trouble” Voter Awareness March last Friday from the Richmond Technical Center to the Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office on West Laburnum Avenue, where Richmond voters can cast ballots before Election Day, Nov. 3. Chanting “Black Lives Matter,” several marchers went inside to vote.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Correction Alexsis Rodgers, a candidate for Richmond mayor, supports creation of a civilian review board with subpoena powers to investigate complaints filed against the police. She also believes the city needs to invest in community services so that police can focus on public safety needs and are not put in scenarios that others, such as mental health professionals, are better equipped to handle. She has not advocated for defunding the police, nor has she criticized her opponents for not wanting to defund police. She also has not called for a reorganization of the police department. An article published in the Oct. 1-3 edition of the Richmond Free Press about the mayoral forum held Sept. 24 at Virginia Union University was unclear on her position on a civilian review board and misstated her position on funding for the police and reorganization. The Free Press regrets the errors.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

A sign of support or a statement? This homemade “Black Lives Matter” banner was spotted on a brick wall in front of a Monument Avenue residence near Allen Avenue, the intersection where the huge statue to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee stands on a traffic circle. The area around the statue has been the epicenter of protests over racial injustice and police brutality since May. Signs like this one and logos with BLM have become commonplace on businesses and other buildings in and near Downtown and the circle following an early spate of window-smashing, fires and looting. The signs often were posted as plea for anyone bent on destruction to spare a structure.

Theft at area mailboxes under investigation By George Copeland Jr.

Postal and law enforcement officials are investigating a series of mailbox break-ins and thefts outside six area post offices. Officials believe the mailboxes were tampered with sometime between 3 a.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Monday, when the first reports were made. As of Tuesday, investigators with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and other law enforcement agencies were working to find those responsible. While officials said they believe mail was stolen from the boxes, nothing has been confirmed about the full extent of the thefts or what was stolen and why. The incidents happened at mailboxes outside one Richmond post office, two in Chesterfield County and three in Henrico County. Their locations: Westhampton Post Office at 805 Glenburnie Road, in Richmond; the Pocoshock Creek Post Office, 7501 Lady Blair Lane in North Chesterfield; the Midlothian Post Office,1201 Sycamore Square Drive, Midlothian; the Lakeside Post Office, 2100 E. Parham Road in Henrico; the Regency Branch Post Of-

fice, 2000 Starling Drive in Henrico; and the Glen Allen Post Office, 4990 Sadler Place. The incidents come at a time when the U.S. Postal Service has faced a number of challenges and setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic has more people relying on postal deliveries for critical items, including medicine, bills and mail-in ballots. With the upcoming presidential election, more than 106,500 absentee ballots have been requested in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield, according to state election officials. Thelma J. Hunt of Richmond, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 496, lamented the potential negative impact of the break-ins for postal workers and the public, and encouraged anyone who sees any similar incidents at mailboxes or post offices to alert authorities. She said members of the local union remain vigilant for any signs of tampering. Fourth District Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Richmond also expressed concern. Last month, he and Congresswoman Abigail A. Spanberger of Henrico, toured the U.S. Postal Service Processing

and Distribution Center in Sandston after reports of operational changes nationally slowing mail delivery and jeopardizing the integrity of the election. “I am deeply troubled by the reports of mail theft at multiple USPS drop-off boxes across the Richmond area,” Rep. McEachin said in a statement. “It is a shame that someone has chosen to compromise this important resource for our communities. Folks rely on these boxes to drop off bill payments, to send letters to friends and family and, of course this year, to mail in their absentee ballots. “We do not yet know if absentee ballots were among the stolen mail or if these thefts were coordinated, but I am certain that USPS and the FBI will fully investigate these incidents.” Anyone who dropped mail in the postal boxes at any of the six locations between 3 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Monday is asked to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service hotline at (877) 876-2455. Voters also can track their ballots online to see if it has been received by going to “Check my registration” at elections. virginia.gov/voterinformation. A new ballot also can be requested from the local voter registrar’s office.

Judge rules against Sa’ad El-Amin entering Lee statue lawsuit By Jeremy M. Lazarus“Black lives still

don’t matter,” former Richmond City Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin said as he left a Richmond courtroom last Friday.

Mr. El-Amin made the comment after Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant refused to allow the veteran advocate to join a lawsuit seeking to block Gov. Ralph S. Northam from removing the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Monument Avenue. Mr. El-Amin sought to intervene as a defendant alongside Gov. Northam in order to inject an African-American presence and perspective into the legal case underscoring the pain and anguish the statue has caused him and others as a symbol of white supremacy. “I claim to be one of the injured parties that Gov. Northam spoke of June 4 when he issued the executive order for the statue to be taken down because of the pain the statue causes to people who look like me,” Mr. El-Amin argued. He told Judge Marchant that “you have never discussed that pain, never mentioned it.” Instead, Mr. El-Amin said, the focus has been solely on the property interests of the plaintiffs who brought the suit rather then considering the broader issues of the statue’s impact on others.

In response, Judge Marchant ruled that neither Mr. El-Amin nor any AfricanAmerican who lacks a direct stake in the property has any rights or interests that he is bound to consider. The judge has broad discretion to determine whether to allow other parties into a case. O v e r M r. E l Amin’s objection, Judge Marchant found the only relevant interests are those of homeowners who can trace their holding back to predecessor owners who donated Mr. El-Amin property for the grassy circle on Monument Avenue where the statue and its pedestal have stood since 1890 — a six-story behemoth of stone and metal. “This is a results decision,” Mr. El-Amin said later. “He had a result he wanted and overthrew all jurisprudence to achieve that result.” For example, Mr. El-Amin noted that Judge Marchant allowed both Patrick McSweeney, an attorney for the property owners who want the statue to remain in place, and assistant Virginia Attorney General Jacqueline C. Hedblom, who is representing the governor, to object to his

intervention verbally without submitting written statements as the rules of the state Supreme Court require. Mr. El-Amin argued the two parties had waived their right to object with their failure to respond. Ultimately, Judge Marchant found that Mr. El-Amin failed to meet the same high bar of standing — the right to sue — as the plaintiffs who brought the suit in determining that the emotional impact of the statue was insufficient. “But I am not a plaintiff. I sought to be a defendant. I’m not trying to sue the government,” Mr. El-Amin said. In court, he told the judge that AfricanAmericans were not consulted about the statue when it was put up 120 years ago and now are being cut out of any role in the decision on whether the offensive statue should come down. Judge Marchant in an August ruling signaled that he is more likely than not prepared to rule in the property owners’ favor. He is to consider arguments Monday, Oct. 19, on whether to transform the temporary injunction into a permanent block on the governor’s authority to remove the Lee statue, but has indicated he believes the plaintiffs are likely to prevail on the merits, a key element that must be satisfied to first gain a temporary injunction.

New housing hotline opens to connect people, resources A new hotline is accepting calls to help people get information about housing faster and more conveniently, it has been announced. The hotline number: (804) 422-5061. Operators are available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to help people get connected with a range of services, including financial assistance, financial education and home-buying support, lending support or help in preventing a foreclosure. Callers also can seek help with housing discrimination, to find legal support, to find assistance with home repairs, to apply to get a wheelchair ramp installed or to learn

about apartment options. This is separate from the Homeless Crisis hotline — (804) 972-0813 — operated by the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care that offers assistance to those who need shelter or are facing a loss of their home. The new housing assistance line is the brainchild of the regional Partnership for Housing Affordability that serves the city and surrounding communities, including Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan counties and the Town of Ashland. “This new line responds to the need for a centralized point of contact for those need-

ing assistance with housing issues ranging from affordable homeownership programs to legal support,” stated Laura Lafayette, executive director of the partnership. The hotline started last month without fanfare and provides a central connection to 55 mostly nonprofit, government and faith groups who are involved with housing. That includes familiar names like Housing Opportunities Made Equal, the Salvation Army and the Virginia Poverty Law Center and RAMPS RVA to a host of other organizations such as Boaz & Ruth, CancerLINC, CAPUP, Human Kind, Senior Connections, Thrive Virginia and Urban Hope that are playing roles.

Richmond Free Press

October 8-10, 2020

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Richmond Free Press

A4 October 8-10, 2020

News

Richmond Public Schools’ on-time graduation rate still lowest in Va. Continued from A1

The RPS results for 2020 showed little overall change from 2019, when about 71 percent of seniors received diplomas, and a small drop from 2018 when 75 percent of students graduated on time. A closer look at the report shows that one of the unaddressed concerns involves the education of Latino students. Of the 314 Latino students who began high school four years ago, only 106, or one in three, completed the 12th grade. Five are still enrolled, but 203 dropped out during the four years.

While the graduation rate for Latino students in Richmond has always been extremely low, this year’s 33 percent represents a drop from 2019, when 40 percent of Latino students completed high school, and from 2018 when 38 percent did. There is no indication what may have changed during that time. Meanwhile, the graduation rate for African-American students hovered around 81 percent, a barely noticeable improvement from 2019, when 80 percent of African-American students completed high school and bit better than 2018 when 77 percent did. However, while African-Americans graduated at a higher rate

than the overall 71.6 percent that RPS recorded, African-American students across Virginia are achieving at higher rates. Statewide, 91.3 percent of African-American students graduated in four years. And while one in eight Black high school students in Richmond, or 12.5 percent, dropped out of the Class of 2020, only one in 20, or 5 percent, did statewide, a clear disparity. Given the challenges of making virtual school work and early reports suggesting that between 1,000 and 2,000 students are not participating, the prospects at this time are for the 2021 report to show little progress in closing the gap between RPS graduation rates and the state graduation rate.

Richmond Police detectives indicted on misdemeanor charges Continued from A1

Both have been placed on administrative duties. “These events are unfortunate,” Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith said in a statement. “However, we must allow the legal process to work. The officers will be placed on administrative assignment until a verdict is reached.” He declined further comment. For now, all that is known is that something happened involving the two men around 5:24 a.m. Sunday, May 31, in the 200 block of West Grace Street outside Richmond Police Headquarters, at the end of a rampage by protesters in which windows along Broad Street were broken and buildings were set ablaze and looted. No other details are available on the specific incident, including whether there is any connection between the detectives’ arrests and

two civil lawsuits from bystanders alleging that police officers peppersprayed them without cause on May 31. A defense attorney noted in court on Wednesday that there is video of the event. That video is Mr. Brown likely to play a major role in the case, depending on its quality. What is known is that both detectives were part of a large contingent of police from Richmond and at least four other law enforcement agencies who were engaged for hours trying to control the sudden protests and riots that erupted after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. Protests broke out in cities across the country and the globe, with the first of a wave occurring

in Richmond on Friday, May 29. Richmond protests began peacefully during the day and turned violent at night, mostly in the first few days. On Saturday, May 30, protesters marched through Richmond and converged Mr. Janowski on Richmond Police Headquarters, resulting in a chaotic and raucous demonstration. Officers ultimately fired tear gas at least twice in a bid to disperse the crowd that some believed were trying to take over police headquarters. According to reports, protesters lighted and threw firecrackers and pelted officers with bottles and other objects. Dumpsters were set on fire near the headquarters. After the tear gas was fired, the protesters

scattered, breaking into large, virtually uncontrollable groups. Through the early hours of Sunday, the protesters sought to burn down an apartment building at 309 W. Broad St., as well as the headquarters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Windows were smashed along Broad Street, the Rite Aid drug store at Belvidere and Broad streets was torched, as were a group of retail stores located further west at Bowe Street. The damage went on past the Boulevard, where a state liquor store and another drug store had windows smashed. The damage led Gov. Ralph S. Northam to declare a state of emergency to authorize a short-lived curfew and became a key document in enabling Mayor Levar M. Stoney, a month later, to order the removal of the city’s Confederate statues.

Day care options opening for student virtual instruction Continued from A1

ementary in order to boost the program to the 100 slots allowed. The YMCA also has plans to open day care centers with 100 slots each at Holton Elementary School in North Side and Huguenot High School in South Side, but has paused as it investigates staffing and community interest for those programs. The YMCA, relying on the city subsidy, is charging a maximum of $33 a week for those day care centers, with even lower costs or no charge for families living at or below the poverty line or whose income mainly comes from government aid. Registration information is online at YMCARichmond.org Along with the YMCA, two other organizations are gearing up to offer a safe space for learning at two other city school buildings. First, the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority plans to open its independent safe learning space at Blackwell Elementary School in South Side on Monday, Oct. 12, with operating hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Supported by Medicaid, that program’s 100 slots are reserved for students whom RBHA is treating for emotional difficulties, those recommended by Richmond Public Schools and for qualifying students whose parents ask for an evaluation, said Dr. John Lindstrom, RBHA’s chief executive officer. Already, 60 students are signed up, officials said. RBHA is offering the program without charge to those with Medicaid or an inability to pay

due to income, he said. “We will support RPS’ virtual learning program along with providing therapeutic day services,” said Shenee McCray, RBHA’s chief operating officer for mental health services. “These services will help students manage their emotions, develop coping strategies and assist them to focus so they can successfully complete each virtual school day.” Transportation is provided by RBHA, with daily breakfast and lunch provided by RPS. For details on that program, call (804) 8194000 and ask for Rapid Access. Separately, the Peter Paul Development Center plans to open its Promise Center with 100 spaces at the Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End on Monday, Oct. 19, with operating hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A memorandum of understanding is now being worked out between the nonprofit located at 1708 N. 22nd St. in Church Hill and RPS, the School Board was told. Damon Jiggetts, Peter Paul’s executive director, said the program aims to serve students in the second through eighth grade whose parents are teachers, essential workers or live in the East End. He said the program at the school, which will have city financial support, would include help during the day so children can attend virtual classes and after-school enrichment. Mr. Jiggetts said he is working with city partners on ways to provide transportation, though it initially would not be available. He said the goal is to provide the service without charge.

Miles Jerome Jones Elementary School

“This is not just day care we are providing,” Mr. Jiggetts said, “We want to make sure we are supporting the educational progress of our students as well as providing support to our families.” He already is advertising for staff for the Promise Center and hopes that some people will volunteer to support the initiative. Details: www.peterpaulva.org, www.help1rva.org or www.rvaschools.net, according to information provided to the School Board. The city has sought other places to host similar programs. The BlackTop Kings & Queens Sports Academy on the grounds of the United Nations Church is one of the first places to be approved for a city subsidy.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Fifth District City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch said that program has provided relief to families in her district. She said she is actively seeking additional sites in her district that could qualify. Meanwhile, The Community Foundation is conducting a study of current child care providers at a time when at least one-third of providers have become casualties of the pandemic and forced to close. Still, others are managing to keep their doors opens, such as the YWCA’s Sprout School that mostly serves preschoolers. The study is expected to assist parents in finding spaces and also offer insight into the need for service.

Gov. Northam remains in isolation after COVID-19 symptoms emerge Continued from A1

trace the couple’s contacts before learning they were positive for the virus. Currently, contact tracing by the Virginia Department of Health and the Richmond and Henrico health districts have identified around 65 individuals who were in close contact with the Northams prior to their diagnoses, according to the state health department. None of those individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Monday, officials said. Nevertheless, all close contacts have been instructed to quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms. The first couple was alerted the evening of Sept. 23 that a staff member working in the couple’s living quarters at the Executive Mansion tested positive for COVID-19. The Northams

CIAA football the latest victim of COVID-19 Continued from A1

to schedule games independently. Finding suitable opponents on short notice may be challenging, however. Virginia Union and Virginia State universities announced they will not play football this spring. The NCAA already has announced it will not conduct a Division II football playoff in the spring, further reducing the incentive for teams to play. Basketball traditionally starts in November, with schools playing close to 10 games by the New Year. This season, there will be no hoops until Jan. 9. Schools then will be allowed to play 16 conference games with the possibility of adding six more non-conference contests. However, to play up to 22 games between Jan. 9 and the start of the CIAA Tournament in late February would be very challenging in less than two full months. For now, the CIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament set for Feb. 23 through 27 in Baltimore is still on, but likely with attendance restrictions. The CIAA moved the popular event to Baltimore this winter following a 13-year run in Charlotte.

then were tested, with results received in 24 hours showing they were positive for the virus, according to local health officials. They immediately went into isolation in the Executive Mansion and contact tracing efforts began. Both the governor and his wife had participated in public events around the state just days before. The state health department noted this week that two other staff members working in the executive residence tested positive for COVID-19 at the same time as the Northams. With so many members of the residence staff and security staff in close contact with one or more of the positive staffers, it may be difficult to figure out which exposure led to infection, officials said. The Northams seem to be taking their isolation in stride, with Gov. Northam delivering Monday’s video message with their dog, Pearl, seated next to him on their sofa. The governor said that, despite developing new symptoms, he and Mrs. Northam are “doing well and staying in good spirits.” He thanked people across Virginia for their well wishes and prayers. “It does great to keep us in good spirits,” he said. Gov. Northam initially was scheduled to end isolation on Monday, but the emergence of symptoms during the weekend requires him to isolate for at least 10 days starting with their onset, officials said. While Mrs. Northam’s symptoms have improved, she and health officials opted to have her follow Gov. Northam’s isolation schedule, officials in the Governor’s Office said Wednesday. Regardless of his current circumstances, Gov. Northam said in his message that work continues on Virginia’s COVID-19 response, criminal justice reform and final revisions to the state budget. He also urged Virginians to take the virus seriously and stay vigilant as the pandemic continues. “I encourage you to continue to wear your mask. Continue to wash your hands, keep your social distance and most importantly, take care of yourselves,” Gov. Northam said. “Take care of your family, your loved ones and your friends. We’re going to get through this together.” In an interview with The Washington Post, Gov. Northam also criticized President Trump, who is recovering from COVID-19 after being hospitalized for three days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, for his tweets on Monday telling the American people, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge.”

Gov. Northam called the president’s message “irresponsible,” citing the more than 200,000 deaths in the nation from the coronavirus. The governor also noted that President Trump “has access to the best medical care, medications, treatments other people don’t have access to.” B8

Richmond Free Press

June 2-4, 2011

We stand for ★ Equality ★ Justice ★ Opportunity ★ Freedom of expression

and we fearlessly ﬁght for ★ Equality ★ Justice ★ Opportunity ★ Freedom of expression

Richmond Free Press

October 8-10, 2020

Getting more masks to where they’re needed most Across the country, Bank of America continues to work with local organizations to provide critical resources to the vulnerable and underserved populations hardest hit by the coronavirus. To support the safety and health of those most at risk in our community, we are partnering with local leaders and organizations to distribute PPE masks here in Richmond. This is in addition to the four million masks we donated earlier this year in cities across the country — and part of our ongoing commitment to provide millions of masks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Together, let’s work to help Richmond recover.

Victor Branch Richmond Market President

36,000 masks distributed to our neighbors here in Richmond. We’re partnering with: Sacred Heart Center YWCA Richmond

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community

Richmond Free Press

A6 October 8-10, 2020

Local News

Merrill welcomes Donte Smith, our newest financial advisor.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

National Night Out in the city

Turning your ambitions into action begins with a conversation. Donte can give you straightforward advice and guidance, and will work with you to create a personalized strategy to pursue your goals. Donte Smith, AAMS® Assistant Vice President Financial Advisor

McGruff the Crime Dog, above, Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and other city officials came out Tuesday evening for National Night Out, the annual police-sponsored event to build bridges within the community. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the event, typically held in August, was moved to Oct. 6. Richmond held a scaled-down celebration with McGruff as part of a police motorcade that made stops at seven community events throughout the city, beginning with the kickoff at the Jefferson Davis Civic Association’s event in South Side. Below, Chief Smith hands out backpacks to youngsters and joins a family for a photo. With the chief are Daryle Williams-Lester, left, Frank Lester, and their two sons, “Spider-Ham” Darick Williams, 11, and “Spiderman” Darian Williams, 9.

804.225.6804 donte.smith2@ml.com Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 901 East Byrd Street 12th Floor Richmond, VA 23219 fa.ml.com/donte.smith2

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

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May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation. AAMS® is a registered service mark of the College for Financial Planning. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. | ARSKD9JX | AD-09-20-0595 | 470957PM-0919 | 09/2020

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Richmond Free Press

October 8-10, 2020

Local News

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

A surprise honor

James Green, left, the custodian crew leader at Chimborazo Elementary School, is surprised as Richmond Public Schools officials and others, including, School Board member Cheryl L. Burke, Superintendent Jason Kamras and Mr. Green’s wife, Cynthia Green, applaud in honoring him last Friday on National Custodial Workers Day for 43 years of service to RPS students and families. Mr. Green has worked 27 of those years at Chimborazo Elementary in Church Hill. Mr. Green, 61, knew that he was setting up earlier for a program for the superintendent and Mayor Levar M. Stoney, but had no clue the program was to recognize and honor him. He was tipped off when he saw his wife and family members, but was brought to tears by the ceremony, which also was attended by Chimborazo Principal David Peck and custodians from other schools. After the ceremony, right, Mr. Green receives a hug from his grandson, Mykhi Davis, 9. “I felt proud that someone recognizes the work you do for the schools,” Mr. Green said.

Candidates chip away at Mayor Stoney’s record during Chamber RVA forum By Lyndon German

Candidates vying to unseat Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney in November’s general election tried to chip away at his record during a candidates forum Tuesday night sponsored by Chamber RVA. Forum moderators Curt Autry and Diane Walker, anchors from NBC12 News, as well as Roberto Roldan from VPM News, peppered the candidates with questions about the coronavirus pandemic, schools, the eviction crisis, economic relief and policing. Kimberly B. Gray, who represents the 2nd District on Richmond City Council, reasserted during her opening statement that her reason for running is to end “corruption and cronyism” at City Hall. She cited as an example the $1.8 million no-bid contract awarded to one of Mayor Stoney’s former campaign donors to remove the Confederate statues from Monument Avenue and elsewhere in the city. Ms. Gray also criticized the mayor’s pandemic response, saying the administration dragged its feet on providing grant relief to businesses.

In addressing Ms. Gray’s claims, Mayor Stoney said his response to the pandemic has been data driven. Asked if he had any regrets for not disclosing his relationship with the contractor who has removed all but one of the city-owned Confederate statues, Mayor Stoney responded, “No regrets at all.” Mayor Stoney also said he expects the outside commonwealth’s attorney appointed to review the contract will find that everything was handled in a legal and appropriate manner. He said Ms. Gray “has always been an impediment to change, an impediment to progress in the city of Richmond. And you see that now being championed in her campaign backed by Republicans.” Candidate Alexsis Rodgers interjected, noting that during the contention over the Confederate monuments, the city is still facing an eviction crisis that’s affecting working-class families. She said that as director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, she has experience advocating for workingclass families and intends to do even more to help them as mayor. “It’s important that we are putting

forward policies that help workers recover” during the COVID-19 crisis, Ms. Rodgers said, adding the need to fully fund eviction diversion programs and to create more affordable housing in the city. Ms. Rodgers also talked about the need for access to child care and improving equity in the public school system. “I’ve been really proud to see teachers and families and students all coming together to advocate for a stronger RPS. What we have to have is a leader like me who’s used to working in coalitions, building teams to make progress for our communities,” she said. On education, candidate Justin Griffin, an attorney, said what’s needed to improve graduation rates in city schools is a student-centered approach focusing on literacy, job skills and job training. As for the eviction crisis, he said people need to be connected with city services. “We have to jump on this and get people connected to social services and financial planning and different programs as soon as they fall behind” in paying rent, Mr. Griffin

said. “And finally, we have to act and move forward with uplifting our people economically. And we do that through … completely changing our school system.” Asked if they agree with the decision of Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin to release the names of police officers charged with crimes, Mr. Griffin, Ms. Gray and Mayor Stoney said that decision should be left to the commonwealth’s attorney. Ms. Rodgers said police officers’ names should be made public if they are charged criminally. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen protesters get named before they’re even convicted of a crime,” Ms. Rodgers said. “Police officers … should be named so the public can be aware and we can hold the police department accountable.” Asked to grade Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras’ performance leading the public school district for the past three years, Mr. Griffin gave him an “F” and Ms. Gray, a former member of the Richmond School Board, gave him a “D minus” for what she called the school system’s lack of

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progress under his leadership. Ms. Rodgers gave Mr. Kamras a “B,” while Mayor Stoney gave him a “B-plus.” He pointed to the building of three new schools to replace dilapidated buildings and relieve overcrowding. Only four mayoral candidates participated in the forum. Candidate Tracey V. McLean said Wednesday she was told her campaign did not meet the criteria necessary to be included on the forum stage. “They said I didn’t meet the fundraising amount or the polling amount,” Ms. McLean told the Free Press. According to Ms. McLean, the fundraising criteria was $15,000; she said she didn’t know what percentage of support was required through poll numbers. Ms. McLean said she felt “disrespected” by Chamber RVA for not being included. “I am on the ballot to run for mayor. Because I’m on the ballot, I should meet the criteria. I feel like my voice was not heard and the people I represent, their voices were not heard. The people should decide who gets to debate.”

Richmond Free Press

A8â&#x20AC;&#x192; October 8-10, 2020

Local News RPS program aims to bring stability, academic success to homeless students and their families By Ronald E. Carrington

For Demeka Artis and her three children, home was, for more than a year, bouncing from hotel to hotel and worrying about food and paying bills. That pressure and insecurity has disappeared thanks to Richmond Public Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Center for Families in Transition, or C-FIT, a new program helping Richmond students and their families find permanent housing and new hope. In October 2019, Ms. Artis lost her cashierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job at a fast food restaurant on Broad Street, which meant no major income for her family and eviction from their apartment in Woodland Crossing in South Side. From then until May 2020, Ms. Artis said the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life was filled with strife as they moved from hotel to hotel around the city with the help of various Richmond human services programs. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a stable place to call home. Ms. Artis was on the verge of giving up her search for assistance in finding an affordable home for her family when she found C-FIT through a North Side church. The C-FIT program helped Ms. Artis find a three-bedroom apartment in Highland Park to call home, and assisted the family with furnishings for their new home and food support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all have somewhere to live,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Artis said recently through a huge smile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a

key now, and I can go in and out of my own place. The weight on both shoulders has gone from 200 pounds to 75 or 50 pounds. Now I feel awesome.â&#x20AC;? RPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; program is designed to be a resource hub for and collaboration with families in transition. The program works in partnership with families, the schools and the community to connect homeless families and students with support services needed for success and stability. That includes clothing, school supplies and weekly grocery deliveries. The program also supports families with the goal of ensuring all students graduate with a high school diploma. By the end of 2021, RPS and the nonprofit Housing Families First hope to help 130 students and their families move from motel rooms or living in a car to stable housing. Ms.Artis and her childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kemiya Dodson,16, a 10th-grader at George Wythe High School; Jeremiah Dodson, 14, a ninth-grader at Armstrong High School, and Amica Dodson, 8, a third-grader at Overby-Sheppard Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are the first of the group to be settled in a new home. On a morning in early September, Lakesha Allen, a family support specialist in RPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; C-FIT program, pulled up in a maroon pickup truck filled with groceries and household supplies for the Artis family.

Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press

From left, Lakesha Allen, a staff member with Richmond Public Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new Center for Families in Transition program, and Superintendent Jason Kamras, pause to talk after delivering food and household products to RPS parent Demeka Artis and her children, Amica, 8, Jeremiah, 14, and Kemiya, 16, at their new apartment in Highland Park.

Ms. Allen said that she has helped Ms. Artisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; family with clothing and school supplies as well as going through the housing process to make sure they have housing stability. She also donated a bedroom set that was sitting in her garage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a blessing to have someplace to call your own instead of living in hotels, couch surfing or staying at friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homes on different days, and not knowing where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to stay the next day,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Allen said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so proud of Ms. Artis and her family because they worked so hard to get into a new home,â&#x20AC;? Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said after meeting the family that morning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ninety-nine point nine percent of the credit goes to her,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Kamras said. Details about the C-FIT program, including volunteer and donation efforts, are available by contacting Ms. Allen at lallen3@rvaschools.net or (804) 780-6288.

Plans in the works to create several 24-hour homeless shelters By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Frizzell Stephens wishes he had a roof over his head. At 69, Mr. Stephens, who walks with a cane and has other health problems, finds himself sleeping outdoors after losing his bed in a menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelter â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the cause of which is a matter of dispute between him and shelter officials. But one thing is certain: He is on the street with no place to stay. That soon could change for him and others who are facing difficulty in getting space indoors as nights turn cold and winter approaches. Although it is still uncertain

how many people Act, emergency shellike Mr. Stephens ter and Community would need such Development Block help, Fifth District grants. City Councilwoman The new initiaStephanie A. Lynch tive would provide said that city officials counseling and conare rushing to create nections to other three to four 24-hour programs, possibly Mr. Stephens shelters around the include shuttle transcity for homeless people during portation to the shelter sites and inclement weather. be open for more hours daily She told the Free Press than in the past. negotiations are underway Ms. Lynch, first made the with churches and others with disclosure at the Oct. 1 meeting potential space who could make of City Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education it available, and with existing and Health Committee, and shelter providers who could said the goal is to have the operate the space. Under the new operation in place within plan, the city would pick up a few weeks. the tab using federal CARES Ms. Lynch said the new

initiative would improve service and be less costly than continuing the city partnership with homeless service providers to shelter people in hotels and motels using federal dollars. And it could be timely given the concern that more individuals and families could face evictions early next year when it is still winter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we are going to need a dedicated funding stream to support this effort,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Lynch said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The federal funding is going to run out and we are going to need to come up with the resources to make it sustainable.â&#x20AC;? The goal would be to replace the traditional cold weather

shelter the city has long operated when temperatures fall to 40 degrees or below, but that previously only provided overnight shelter with no services, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can do better,â&#x20AC;? she said. Officials with Mayor Levar M. Stoneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration, including Sharon Ebert, deputy chief administrative officer for economic and community development, who has been the key figure on shelter issues, have not responded to Free Press queries seeking confirmation. Surprisingly, Mr. Stephens has money in the bank, but the bank wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let him access it because he cannot prove his

identity with acceptable documents. His birth certificate is insufficient. He lost his photo ID, and the upheaval from the pandemic has left him unable to get a replacement from the state Department of Motor Vehicles. DMV now requires people to make online appointments, but Mr. Stephensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cell phone is not working and he does not have access to a computer. Even if he had access, it can take two months or more to get an appointment because DMV is so overwhelmed with requests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just have to do the best I can to survive,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Stephens said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can only hope things will get better.â&#x20AC;?

Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment To Be Voted on at the November 3, 2020, Election

BALLOT QUESTION

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT $UWLFOH ,, )UDQFKLVH DQG 2ŕľśFHUV Section 6. Apportionment. Section 6-A. Virginia Redistricting Commission

Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to establish a redistricting commission, consisting of eight members of the General Assembly and eight citizens of the Commonwealth, that is responsible for drawing the congressional and state legislative districts that will be subsequently voted on, but not changed by, the General Assembly and enacted without the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement and to give the responsibility of drawing districts to the Supreme Court of Virginia if the redistricting commission fails to draw districts or the General Assembly fails to enact districts by certain deadlines? EXPLANATION Current Law Under the current Constitution, the General Assembly and the Governor are responsible for drawing new election districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Senate, and the House of Delegates. These districts are required to be compact and contiguous, and to have populations that are equal to each other. Proposed Law The proposed amendment would shift the responsibility of drawing these election districts from the General Assembly and the Governor to a bipartisan commission, made up of 16 persons, half being members of the General Assembly and half being citizens of the Commonwealth. This commission would draw the election districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Senate, and the House of Delegates and then submit the maps to the General Assembly for approval. If the commissioners are unable to agree on proposals for maps by a certain date, or if the General Assembly does not approve the submitted maps by a certain date, the commission is allotted additional time to draw new districts, but if maps are not then submitted or approved, the Supreme Court of Virginia becomes responsible for drawing these election districts. 7KH HLJKW OHJLVODWLYH FRPPLVVLRQHUV DUH DSSRLQWHG E\ WKH SROLWLFDO SDUW\ OHDGHUVKLS LQ WKH VWDWH 6HQDWH DQG WKH +RXVH RI 'HOHJDWHV ZLWK DQ HTXDO QXPEHU IURP HDFK KRXVH DQG IURP HDFK PDMRU SROLWLFDO SDUW\ 7KH HLJKW FLWL]HQ FRPPLVVLRQHUV DUH SLFNHG E\ D FRPPLWWHH RI ÂżYH UHWLUHG FLUFXLW FRXUW MXGJHV )RXU RI WKH UHWLUHG MXGJHV DUH VHOHFWHG E\ SDUW\ OHDGHUV LQ WKH 6HQDWH DQG WKH +RXVH IURP D OLVW FRPSLOHG E\ WKH &KLHI -XVWLFH RI WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW RI 9LUJLQLD 7KHVH IRXU MXGJHV SLFN WKH ÂżIWK MXGJH IURP WKH VDPH OLVW 7KLV VHOHFWLRQ FRPPLWWHH WKHQ chooses citizen commissioners from lists created by party leaders in the Senate and the House. Members and employees of Congress or the General Assembly cannot be citizen commissioners. Each party leader in each house gives the selection committee a list of at least 16 candidates, and the committee picks two from each list for a total of eight citizen commissioners. For a plan to be submitted for the General Assemblyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval, at least six of the eight citizen commissioners and at least six of the eight legislative commissioners must agree to it. Additionally, for plans for General Assembly districts to be submitted, at least three of the four Senators on the commission have to agree to the Senate districts plan and at least three of the four Delegates on the commission have to agree to the House of Delegates districts plan. The General Assembly cannot make any changes to these plans, and the Governor cannot veto any plan approved by the General Assembly. The amendment also adds a requirement that districts provide, where practicable, opportunities for racial and ethnic communities to elect candidates of their choice. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;? vote will make a bipartisan commission responsible for the initial drawing of election districts. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? vote will leave the sole responsibility for drawing the districts with the General Assembly and the Governor. FULL TEXT OF AMENDMENT [Proposed new language is underlined. Deleted old language is stricken.] Amend Section 6 of Article II of the Constitution of Virginia and amend the Constitution of Virginia by adding in Article II a section numbered 6-A as follows: ARTICLE II FRANCHISE AND OFFICERS Section 6. Apportionment. Members of the House of Representatives of the United States and members of the Senate and of the House of Delegates of the General Assembly shall be elected from electoral districts established by the General Assembly pursuant to Section 6-A of this Constitution. Every electoral district shall be composed of contiguous and compact territory and shall be so constituted as to give, as nearly as is practicable, representation in proportion to the population of the district. Every electoral district shall be drawn in accordance with the requirements of federal and state laws that address racial and ethnic fairness, including the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended, and judicial decisions interpreting such laws. Districts shall provide, where practicable, opportunities for racial and ethnic communities to elect candidates of their choice. The General Assembly shall reapportion the Commonwealth shall be reapportioned into electoral districts in accordance with this section and Section 6-A in the year 2011 2021 and every ten years thereafter. $Q\ VXFK GHFHQQLDO UHDSSRUWLRQPHQW ODZ VKDOO WDNH HŕľľHFW LPPHGLDWHO\ DQG QRW EH VXEMHFW WR WKH OLPLWDWLRQV FRQWDLQHG LQ $UWLFOH ,9 6HFWLRQ RI WKLV &RQVWLWXWLRQ The districts delineated in the decennial reapportionment law shall be implemented for the November general election for the United States House of Representatives, Senate, or House of Delegates, respectively, that is held immediately prior to the expiration of the term being VHUYHG LQ WKH \HDU WKDW WKH UHDSSRUWLRQPHQW ODZ LV UHTXLUHG WR EH HQDFWHG $ PHPEHU LQ RŕľśFH DW WKH WLPH WKDW D GHFHQQLDO UHGLVWULFWLQJ ODZ LV HQDFWHG VKDOO FRPSOHWH KLV WHUP RI RŕľśFH DQG VKDOO FRQWLQXH WR UHSUHVHQW WKH GLVWULFW IURP ZKLFK KH ZDV HOHFWHG IRU WKH GXUDWLRQ RI VXFK WHUP RI RŕľśFH VR ORQJ DV KH GRHV QRW PRYH KLV UHVLGHQFH IURP WKH GLVWULFW IURP ZKLFK KH ZDV HOHFWHG $Q\ YDFDQF\ RFFXUULQJ GXULQJ VXFK WHUP VKDOO EH ÂżOOHG IURP WKH VDPH GLVWULFW WKDW HOHFWHG WKH PHPEHU ZKRVH YDFDQF\ LV EHLQJ ÂżOOHG Section 6-A. Virginia Redistricting Commission. (a) In the year 2020 and every ten years thereafter, the Virginia Redistricting Commission (the Commission) shall be convened for the purpose of establishing districts for the United States House of Representatives and for the Senate and the House of Delegates of the General Assembly pursuant to Article II, Section 6 of this Constitution. (b) The Commission shall consist of sixteen commissioners who shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. (1) Eight commissioners shall be legislative members, four of whom shall be members of the Senate of Virginia and four of whom shall be members of the House of Delegates. These commissioners shall be appointed no later than December 1 of the year ending in zero and shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed. (A) Two commissioners shall represent the political party having the highest number of members in the Senate of Virginia and shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia. (B) Two commissioners shall represent the political party having the next highest number of members in the Senate of Virginia and shall be appointed by the leader of that political party. (C) Two commissioners shall represent the political party having the highest number of members in the House of Delegates and shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates. (D) Two commissioners shall represent the political party having the next highest number of members in the House of Delegates and shall be appointed by the leader of that political party. (2) Eight commissioners shall be citizen members who shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of this subdivision and in the manner determined by the General Assembly by general law. $ 7KHUH VKDOO EH D 5HGLVWULFWLQJ &RPPLVVLRQ 6HOHFWLRQ &RPPLWWHH WKH &RPPLWWHH FRQVLVWLQJ RI ÂżYH UHWLUHG MXGJHV RI WKH FLUFXLW FRXUWV RI 9LUJLQLD %\ 1RYHPEHU RI WKH \HDU HQGLQJ LQ ]HUR WKH &KLHI -XVWLFH RI WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW RI 9LUJLQLD VKDOO FHUWLI\ WR WKH 6SHDNHU RI the House of Delegates, the leader in the House of Delegates of the political party having the next highest number of members in the House of Delegates, the President pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia, and the leader in the Senate of Virginia of the political party having the next highest number of members in the Senate a list of retired judges of the circuit courts of Virginia who are willing to serve on the Committee, and these members shall each select a judge from the list. The four judges selected to serve on the Committee shall select, by a PDMRULW\ YRWH D MXGJH IURP WKH OLVW SUHVFULEHG KHUHLQ WR VHUYH DV WKH ÂżIWK PHPEHU RI WKH &RPPLWWHH DQG WR VHUYH DV WKH FKDLUPDQ RI WKH &RPPLWWHH (B) By January 1 of the year ending in one, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, the leader in the House of Delegates of the political party having the next highest number of members in the House of Delegates, the President pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia, and the leader in the Senate of the political party having the next highest number of members in the Senate shall each submit to the Committee a list of at least sixteen citizen candidates for service on the Commission. Such citizen candidates shall meet the criteria established by the General Assembly by general law. The Committee shall select, by a majority vote, two citizen members from each list submitted. No member or employee of the Congress of the United States or of the General Assembly shall be eligible to serve as a citizen member. (c) By February 1 of the year ending in one, the Commission shall hold a public meeting at which it shall select a chairman from its membership. The chairman shall be a citizen member and shall be responsible for coordinating the work of the Commission. (d) The Commission shall submit to the General Assembly plans for districts for the Senate and the House of Delegates of the General Assembly no later than 45 days following the receipt of census data and shall submit to the General Assembly plans for districts for the 8QLWHG 6WDWHV +RXVH RI 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV QR ODWHU WKDQ GD\V IROORZLQJ WKH UHFHLSW RI FHQVXV GDWD RU E\ WKH ÂżUVW GD\ RI -XO\ RI WKDW \HDU ZKLFKHYHU RFFXUV ODWHU 7R EH VXEPLWWHG DV D SURSRVHG SODQ IRU GLVWULFWV IRU PHPEHUV RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV +RXVH RI 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV D SODQ VKDOO UHFHLYH DŕľśUPDWLYH YRWHV RI DW OHDVW VL[ RI WKH HLJKW OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV DQG VL[ RI WKH HLJKW FLWL]HQ PHPEHUV 7R EH VXEPLWWHG DV D SURSRVHG SODQ IRU GLVWULFWV IRU PHPEHUV RI WKH 6HQDWH D SODQ VKDOO UHFHLYH DŕľśUPDWLYH YRWHV RI DW OHDVW VL[ RI WKH HLJKW OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV LQFOXGLQJ DW OHDVW WKUHH RI WKH IRXU OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV ZKR DUH PHPEHUV RI WKH 6HQDWH DQG DW OHDVW VL[ RI WKH eight citizen members. 7R EH VXEPLWWHG DV D SURSRVHG SODQ IRU GLVWULFWV IRU PHPEHUV RI WKH +RXVH RI 'HOHJDWHV D SODQ VKDOO UHFHLYH DŕľśUPDWLYH YRWHV RI DW OHDVW VL[ RI WKH HLJKW OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV LQFOXGLQJ DW OHDVW WKUHH RI WKH IRXU OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV ZKR DUH PHPEHUV RI WKH +RXVH RI 'HOHgates, and at least six of the eight citizen members. (e) Plans for districts for the Senate and the House of Delegates shall be embodied in and voted on as a single bill. The vote on any bill embodying a plan for districts shall be taken in accordance with the provisions of Article IV, Section 11 of this Constitution, except that no amendments shall be permitted. Such bills shall not be subject to the provisions contained in Article V, Section 6 of this Constitution. I :LWKLQ ÂżIWHHQ GD\V RI UHFHLSW RI D SODQ IRU GLVWULFWV WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ VKDOO WDNH D YRWH RQ WKH ELOO HPERG\LQJ WKDW SODQ LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH SURYLVLRQV RI VXEVHFWLRQ H ,I WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ IDLOV WR DGRSW VXFK ELOO E\ WKLV GHDGOLQH WKH &RPPLVVLRQ VKDOO VXEPLW a new plan for districts to the General Assembly within fourteen days of the General Assemblyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s failure to adopt the bill. The General Assembly shall take a vote on the bill embodying such plan within seven days of receipt of the plan. If the General Assembly fails to adopt such bill by this deadline, the districts shall be established by the Supreme Court of Virginia. (g) If the Commission fails to submit a plan for districts by the deadline set forth in subsection (d), the Commission shall have fourteen days following its initial failure to submit a plan to the General Assembly. If the Commission fails to submit a plan for districts to the General Assembly by this deadline, the districts shall be established by the Supreme Court of Virginia. If the Commission submits a plan for districts within fourteen days following its initial failure to submit a plan, the General Assembly shall take a vote on the bill embodying such plan within seven days of its receipt. If the General Assembly fails to adopt such bill by this deadline, the districts shall be established by the Supreme Court of Virginia. K $OO PHHWLQJV RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ VKDOO EH RSHQ WR WKH SXEOLF 3ULRU WR SURSRVLQJ DQ\ UHGLVWULFWLQJ SODQV DQG SULRU WR YRWLQJ RQ UHGLVWULFWLQJ SODQV WKH &RPPLVVLRQ VKDOO KROG DW OHDVW WKUHH SXEOLF KHDULQJV LQ GLŕľľHUHQW SDUWV RI WKH &RPPRQZHDOWK WR UHFHLYH DQG FRQVLGHU FRPments from the public. (i) All records and documents of the Commission, or any individual or group performing delegated functions of or advising the Commission, related to the Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, including internal communications and communications from outside parties, shall be considered public information.

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A10

October 8-10, 2020

The difference The past week has shown us a major difference in how two top elected officials have handled the coronavirus. Both President Trump and Gov. Ralph S. Northam and their wives tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days. Gov. Northam immediately went into isolation at the Executive Mansion, with state officials launching tracing efforts to find and notify all who had come into close contact with the couple. Gov. Northam’s office also issued a statement to the public about his positive test and what was happening. By comparison, President Trump got on a plane and headed to his New Jersey resort, where he hobnobbed with supporters at a fundraiser that raked in $5 million for his re-election campaign, even though, according to media reports, he knew his close aide Hope Hicks had tested positive for the coronavirus that morning and his own rapid results test may have shown he was positive. President Trump, his aides and doctors were less than forthcoming about his condition. And even after being hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., President Trump had Secret Service agents drive him in a sealed presidential SUV up and down the street outside the hospital so he could wave to supporters. The president cared little about whether he was putting the health of the Secret Service and others at risk. When he left the hospital Monday night and returned to the White House, he made a show of taking off his face mask and was seen closer than 6 feet to a photographer and videographer that he had documenting it all. He later tweeted that people shouldn’t “be afraid” of COVID-19 or let it “dominate” their lives. “We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge,” he stated on social media. Facebook and Twitter, however, blocked his false claims that the coronavirus is less deadly than the flu. All of this is further proof that our commander in chief is selfish, egoistic and gives little regard to those who work for him, his supporters, the people of this nation or the 211,000 people who have died as a result of COVID-19 and their families. Gov. Northam, a physician, is abiding by the protocols health experts advise regarding COVID19. While he was asymptomatic when he was first tested and was about to be released from isolation, Gov. Northam developed mild symptoms during the weekend and remains quarantined inside the Executive Mansion and away from people. He released a video Monday explaining the new occurrence and he advised Virginians to take precautions — wear masks, wash their hands and socially distance — to stay safe and well. The governor called President Trump’s tweets “irresponsible.” That was kind. Social media has been lit up with more fitting words and descriptions. But the point is this: Why should America be stuck with such an incompetent buffoon for another four years? These 3¾-years with President Trump have been too much. America needs a real leader who genuinely cares about the health and safety of the people. Tuesday, Oct. 13, is the deadline to register to vote in the presidential contest. Already, more than 650,000 Virginians have voted in person or sent in absentee ballots. Please don’t let the deadline pass you by. If you’re not registered, it only takes a few minutes. You can register online at elections.virginia.gov, at a local voter registrar’s office and at any other location where voter registration efforts are taking place locally. Our health and our future are too important to sit out this election.

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Between hope and despair

Black people occupy a place between hope and despair. We hope our nation will keep its promises — that all people are created equal, that justice is both blind and fair, that truth matters, that there is integrity. We struggle against the imperfections, the racism that is baked in the cake called the United States. We fight to rectify historical wrongs. We pass laws to soften the sting of predatory capitalism. But we despair when we continue to see police killings of unarmed Black people, when we tolerate a “leader” who would prefer a lie to the truth, when more than 210,000 people have died from COVID-19 and the “leader” won’t bother to wear a mask. No wonder Breonna Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said, “I have no faith in the legal system.” Charles Booker, a Democrat and member of the Kentucky state legislature, said, “Justice failed us.” How can Black people have faith in a system that minimizes our lives and our value? The roll is too long to call, but in addition to Ms. Taylor, there are others — Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, George Floyd. Cellphone recordings make it easier for us to see some of this police

misconduct. There is a straight line between the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision of 1857, the Black Codes and Jim Crow laws of the 20th century and the police massacres that have happened in the 21st century. The Breonna

Julianne Malveaux Taylor case in Louisville is especially egregious. Police used a battering ram to enter a home in the middle of the night. According to most witnesses, they did not announce themselves. Ms. Taylor’s boyfriend, thinking someone had broken into their home, fired a shot, hitting a police officer in the leg. The police responded with more than 20 rounds of ammunition, hitting Ms. Taylor at least six times. She died. It took more than six months for the Kentucky attorney general to convene a grand jury, and the grand jury indicted none of the three police officers who executed the no-knock warrant in Ms. Taylor’s death. The grand jury indicted one of the officers for shooting into a white neighbor’s apartment. They shot into a Black neighbor’s apartment, too, but no one has been indicted for that. The grand jury seems to have ignored discrepancies in the incident report, which no one can explain. No wonder Ms. Palmer says she has no faith in the justice

system. No wonder so many other Black people look askance at the so-called justice system, which means “just us.” The racism embedded in the criminal justice system erodes any faith we had in it. We are used to Black death. After all, thousands of us were lynched and no one ever paid the price. Black Wall Street was destroyed, and the only people arrested were some of the Black people who were victims of a rabid mob. Some faith in our system, even with its flaws, is central to the operation of our democracy. If we don’t believe in our institutions, we won’t respect them. That’s why we exist between hope and despair, hoping our country will keep its promises, despairing that it cannot or will not, make an effort. The current president has spent his entire presidency undermining our nation’s institutions. He has undermined scientists, run roughshod over environmental regulations, flaunted every rule and used the U.S. Treasury as a personal profit center. But the worse thing he has done recently is undermine our electoral system by indicating that if he does not win the election, it is because the election is rigged. He has refused to commit to a peaceful transition of power unless he likes the results, and has suggested that mail balloting is fraudulent. He has repeated the allegations of “widespread

What’s at stake

The Republicans’ rush to fill the vacant U.S. Supreme Court seat before the Nov. 3 election is a terrible threat to Black people’s civil rights and the health of our communities. In her 27 years on the nation’s highest court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a champion of civil rights. During those same years, though, Republican presidents and senators moved the court further and further away from its duty to protect racial equity and the rights of working people. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, we counted on the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional principle of equality under law. We have counted on federal courts to enforce the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights act, federal laws that finally put the force of law behind the idea that Black people are part of the U.S. Constitution’s “We, the people.” But the Supreme Court we have today is a long way from the court that did away with legal segregation, a long way from the court that upheld civil rights laws that were won with the blood of Black people and our allies in the struggle for equality. Justice Ginsburg was often a key vote in 5-4 decisions that protected civil rights. And as the right wing took power, she was

often a powerful prophetic voice dissenting from abominations like the gutting of the Voting Rights Act in 2013. As part of a political deal to help him win the White House, President Trump turned over selection of judges to a hard right legal movement that wants to reverse many of the social justice gains of the past century. Any Trump nominee would

Ben Jealous be a threat to the causes for which Justice Ginsburg devoted her life. Judge Amy Coney Barrett believes the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is unconstitutional — and there’s a case coming before the U.S. Supreme Court just a week after the election that will give her and other right wing justices a chance to destroy access to health care and legal protections for people, right in the middle of a pandemic. In a case that raises alarms about her commitment to racial equity, Judge Barrett voted to deny a hearing to a Black man who worked for a company that assigned staff to different stores based on their race. If she is confirmed, our ability to count on federal courts to protect our rights will be diminished even further. Yet, this is the Republicans’ top priority, just a month before Election Day, with many Americans already voting to turn out a president who is trying to create a Supreme Court that will protect his agenda long

after he is gone. Here’s what Senate Republicans aren’t doing while they confirm every new judge, no matter how extreme or unqualified, President Trump sends their way: They aren’t dealing with the COVID-19 crisis that is killing Black and brown people at a far higher rate than white people. And they aren’t providing relief for all the working people driven into economic crisis by the pandemic. They aren’t taking up the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which would bring back federal protections for voting rights that were once embraced by politicians from both parties. They aren’t acting on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which would bring greater accountability to law enforcement and help protect people of color from racist and discriminatory policing. The push by President Trump and Senate Republicans to pack the U.S. Supreme Court while ignoring the urgent needs of our community and our demands for justice is the ultimate evidence of how important this election is to America, especially to Black America. Do not sit this one out. Get registered. Make a plan to vote. And vote like our lives depend on it. The writer, a former president and chief executive officer of the national NAACP, serves as president of People For the American Way and for People For the American Way Foundation.

The Free Press welcomes letters The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you. We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.

fraud” so frequently that many in his base believe it. He has used racist rhetoric to inflame his base, many of whom are domestic terrorists who travel armed, from city to city, harassing protesters. President Trump does not care about the integrity of institutions. He cares about winning by any means necessary. Republican leaders don’t stand up to his perfidy because they support his results, if not his methods. Do they want to win at the expense of our democracy? No faith in the judicial system eroded trust in the electoral progress. But resilient Black people still vote, protest and legislate, because we must. Our historical memory demands that we resist. Our hope is the young leaders pushing for justice and change, and rejecting this administration’s absurdity. The writer is an economist, educator and author.

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Richmond Free Press

October 8-10, 2020 A11

Commentary

Stop telling Black people to pray for Donald Trump Donald Trump is a sick man. Last Friday, as the president went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be treated for COVID-19, some Americans responded to the news of the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition withÂ delight, others withÂ doubtÂ and yet others withÂ death wishes. Most of the restÂ insistedÂ that the American people â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially Christians â&#x20AC;&#x201D; have an obligation to pray for the p r e s i d e n t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speedy recovery.Â As someone reared in a Christian tradition, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m well aware of the many Bible passages that urge people to love and pray for leaders, and sometimes even their enemies. As a Black activist, however, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also well aware of how those passages have been turned against oppressed people, forbidding the expression of legitimate human emotions in response to violence and coercing us to silently comply with our own harm.Â Because of this history, I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s justifiable for Black Americans to decline to hasten to prayer intercession for the president. Refusing to pray for our anti-Black oppressorin-chief is logical, human and prophetic. Imagine if the president were an antebellum plantation overseer who had fallen ill. The enslaved in his work camp would no doubt be told to pray for him. Many probably wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t â&#x20AC;&#x201D; at least not for his speedy recovery â&#x20AC;&#x201D; because they know that the sooner the overseer recovered, the sooner heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be breaking their teeth and ripping flesh from their backs. It would be illogical for the enslaved to wish for their

captorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good health.Â The plantations that survived have largely been turned into backdrops for wedding photos, but Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti-Black caste system â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the violence thereof â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has yet to undergo a similarly genteel transformation. We still suffer the lynching of Ahmaud Arbery and the gruesome execution of George Floyd. We wonder as the only officer to be indicted in the shooting of Breonna Taylor was charged for the bullets that missed her. President Trump was elected

Andre Henry to defend the American caste system, in which white life matters most. This is why he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t denounce white supremacy in his first presidential debate with Democrat Joe Biden, though the opportunity was handed to him on a platter. Instead, he told violent white nationalists to â&#x20AC;&#x153;stand by.â&#x20AC;? You may begin to understand why some Black people were not anxious to get him back to the Oval Office. The sooner heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back at work, the sooner President Trump can demand that schools adopt whitewashed history curricula through his â&#x20AC;&#x153;1776 Commission.â&#x20AC;? The sooner heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well, the sooner he can release federal agents to snatch Black Lives Matter activists off the streets in unmarked vehicles, as they were in Portland. The sooner he recovers, the sooner he can continue to refuse to take seriously a pandemic that has disproportionately killed Black citizens.Â As long as President Trump is quarantined, we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear him denigrating â&#x20AC;&#x153;BLMâ&#x20AC;? by uttering â&#x20AC;&#x153;Antifaâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an organization that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even exist â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in the same breath. TheÂ Kyle RittenhousesÂ and Proud Boys canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear him promise that a regime of violence waits to

support them as they deputize themselves as the protectors of white order.Â People who believe thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some apolitical lens through which we should view the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illness are fooling themselves. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the host of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Apprenticeâ&#x20AC;? who has fallen ill, but one of the most powerful men in the world, one who has proved himself an ally to white supremacist violence.Â Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural for Black people, who have experienced President Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidency as an existential threat, to be relieved or even to feel joy at the thought of that threat being removed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an abuse of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures to censor these emotions because the Bible holds sacred space for them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let his days be few; and let another take his office,â&#x20AC;? oneÂ psalmist praysÂ of his enemies, a prayer some conservatives wrylyÂ prayedÂ for President Obama. Another psalmist sings to the Israelitesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Babylonian captors: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doomed to destruction, happy is the one who repays you according to what you have done to us.â&#x20AC;? The Hebrew sage in the Book of Proverbs writes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the wicked perish there are shouts of joy,â&#x20AC;? and when the writer of Revelation imagines liberation from Roman rule, he envisions Caesar, symbolized by â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Beast,â&#x20AC;? being thrown into a lake of fire as angels shout â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hallelujah!â&#x20AC;? These biblical passages may not represent the highest ideals of Christian love toward oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enemies. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manipulative to pretend that the only thing the Bible has to say about responding to oppression is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Turn the other cheek.â&#x20AC;? The fact that some supplicants ask or imagine God to afflict wicked rulersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or worseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean Christians should automatically do the same. But it must at least

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suggest God can hold space for those emotions in prayer. And if God holds space for such expressions of raw human emotion, then who are we to shame people for feeling them? The Bible at times encourages us not to intercede for others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How long will you mourn for Saul,â&#x20AC;? God asks the prophet Samuel, referring to the deposed king of Israel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?â&#x20AC;? As the Israelites await deportation by Nebuchadnezzarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imperial forces, God tells the prophets not to pray for Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s king or people because it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make a difference: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do not pray for this people or offer any plea or petition for them, because I will not listen.â&#x20AC;? It was time for them to face the consequences of their actions. No one would be gleeful about the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illness had he not done everything in his power to make us vulner-

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able to it, including lying about its severity. As Naomi Klein put it in a recentÂ interview, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the epidemiological equivalent of a mass shooting where the shooter opens fire on the crowd and then turns the gun on himself. ... This is not a tragic accident, this is a crime scene.â&#x20AC;? Similarly, President Trump has sown the wind and reaped the whirlwind. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a prophetic act to commend him to the hands of God. Even if one concedes that anything can happen with prayer, that President Trump could have some Dickensian transformation and wake tomorrow morning ready to give Bob Cratchit a raise and send

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Tiny Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family a Christmas ham, that wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t oblige those most harmed by his presidency to become custodians of the impossible. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Holy Spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job to soften hardened hearts, not the job of the oppressed. So if I or any other Black person chooses to pray for the president, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not limited to choose to wish for his health or his death. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an array of options, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.â&#x20AC;? The writer is program manager for the Racial Justice Institute at Christians for Social Action. He writes a weekly email and hosts a podcast called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hope & Hard Pills,â&#x20AC;? sharing insight on anti-racism and social change.

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Article X. Taxation and Finance. Section 6. Exempt Property BALLOT QUESTION Should an automobile or pickup truck that is owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard who has a one hundred percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability be free from state and local taxation? EXPLANATION Present Law Generally, the Constitution of Virginia requires all property be taxed. However, there are certain types of property that the Constitution VSHFLÂżFDOO\ VD\V LV QRW VXEMHFW WR WD[DWLRQ Proposed Amendment 7KLV DPHQGPHQW ZRXOG DGG WR WKH OLVW RI SURSHUW\ WKDW LV QRW VXEMHFW WR VWDWH RU ORFDO WD[DWLRQ RQH PRWRU YHKLFOH RZQHG DQG XVHG SULPDULO\ E\ or for a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard who has a one hundred percent (100%) service-connected, permanent, and total disability. The amendment says that motor vehicle means an automobile or pickup truck. The motor vehicle would be exempt from taxation beginning on the date the veteran gets the motor vehicle or January 1, 2021, whichever is later. A veteran who claims this tax exemption would not get back any taxes paid on his motor vehicle prior to January 1, 2021. Under this amendment, a motor vehicle that is owned by the spouse of a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard with a one hundred percent (100%) service-connected, permanent, and total disability could also be free from taxation. The General Assembly is allowed to pass a law that places conditions or restrictions on this exemption. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;? vote will mean the Constitution of Virginia will be amended to exempt one automobile or pickup truck that is owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard who has a one hundred percent (100%) service-connected, permanent, and total disability from state and local taxation. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? vote will leave the Constitution of Virginia unchanged and automobiles and pickup trucks owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard who has a one hundred percent (100%) service-connected, permanent, DQG WRWDO GLVDELOLW\ ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR EH VXEMHFW WR VWDWH DQG ORFDO WD[HV FULL TEXT OF AMENDMENT [Proposed new language is underlined. Deleted old language is stricken.] Amend Section 6 of Article X of the Constitution of Virginia as follows: ARTICLE X TAXATION AND FINANCE Section 6. Exempt property. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the following property and no other shall be exempt from taxation, State and local, including inheritance taxes: (1) Property owned directly or indirectly by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, and obligations of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof exempt by law. (2) Real estate and personal property owned and exclusively occupied or used by churches or religious bodies for religious worship or for the residences of their ministers. 3ULYDWH RU SXEOLF EXU\LQJ JURXQGV RU FHPHWHULHV SURYLGHG WKH VDPH DUH QRW RSHUDWHG IRU SURÂżW 3URSHUW\ RZQHG E\ SXEOLF OLEUDULHV RU E\ LQVWLWXWLRQV RI OHDUQLQJ QRW FRQGXFWHG IRU SURÂżW VR ORQJ DV VXFK SURSHUW\ LV SULPDULO\ XVHG IRU OLWHUDU\ VFLHQWLÂżF RU HGXFDWLRQDO SXUSRVHV RU SXUSRVHV LQFLGHQWDO WKHUHWR 7KLV SURYLVLRQ PD\ DOVR DSSO\ WR OHDVHKROG LQWHUHVWV LQ VXFK property as may be provided by general law. (5) Intangible personal property, or any class or classes thereof, as may be exempted in whole or in part by general law.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE (Ref: VA Code Â§ 58.1-3321)

The City of Richmond proposes to increase property tax levies: Assessment Increase: Total 2021 assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total assessed value of real property by 2.9 percent. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $1.176 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lowered tax rate.â&#x20AC;? Effective Rate Increase: The City of Richmond proposes to adopt a tax rate of $1.20 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.024 per $100, or 2.04 percent. This difference from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lowered tax rateâ&#x20AC;? will be known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;effective tax rate increase.â&#x20AC;? Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate of $1.20 and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the City of Richmond will exceed last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by negative 0.28 percent. In other words, the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total budget this year decreased by 0.28 percent compared with last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. A public hearing on the increase will be held and be open to in-person participation on Monday, November 9, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 900 East Broad Street, and for participation through electronic communication means in the same manner as described in Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as amended by Ordinance No. 2020-183, adopted August 20, 7KLV PHHWLQJ ZLOO EH OLYHVWUHDPHG DW D ZHE DGGUHVV WR EH SURYLGHG E\ WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN 7R REWDLQ WKLV ZHE DGGUHVV ZKHQ LW EHFRPHV DYDLODEOH SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN DW (804) 646-7955 or candice.reid@richmondgov.com.

(6) Property used by its owner for religious, charitable, patriotic, historical, benevolent, cultural, or public park and playground purposes, as PD\ EH SURYLGHG E\ FODVVLÂżFDWLRQ RU GHVLJQDWLRQ E\ DQ RUGLQDQFH DGRSWHG E\ WKH ORFDO JRYHUQLQJ ERG\ DQG VXEMHFW WR VXFK UHVWULFWLRQV DQG conditions as provided by general law. /DQG VXEMHFW WR D SHUSHWXDO HDVHPHQW SHUPLWWLQJ LQXQGDWLRQ E\ ZDWHU DV PD\ EH H[HPSWHG LQ ZKROH RU LQ SDUW E\ JHQHUDO ODZ (8) One motor vehicle owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the armed forces of the United States or the Virginia National Guard ZKR KDV EHHQ UDWHG E\ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 'HSDUWPHQW RI 9HWHUDQV $ŕľľDLUV RU LWV VXFFHVVRU DJHQF\ SXUVXDQW WR IHGHUDO ODZ ZLWK D RQH KXQGUHG percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability. For purposes of this subdivision, the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;motor vehicleâ&#x20AC;? shall include only automobiles and pickup trucks. Any such motor vehicle owned by a married person may qualify if either spouse is a veteran who is one hundred percent disabled pursuant to this subdivision. This exemption shall be applicable on the date the motor vehicle is acquired or the HŕľľHFWLYH GDWH RI WKLV VXEGLYLVLRQ ZKLFKHYHU LV ODWHU EXW VKDOO QRW EH DSSOLFDEOH IRU DQ\ SHULRG RI WLPH SULRU WR WKH HŕľľHFWLYH GDWH (b) The General Assembly may by general law authorize the governing body of any county, city, town, or regional government to provide for the exemption from local property taxation, or a portion thereof, within such restrictions and upon such conditions as may be prescribed, of real estate and personal property designed for continuous habitation owned by, and occupied as the sole dwelling of, persons not less than VL[W\ ÂżYH \HDUV RI DJH RU SHUVRQV SHUPDQHQWO\ DQG WRWDOO\ GLVDEOHG DV HVWDEOLVKHG E\ JHQHUDO ODZ $ ORFDO JRYHUQLQJ ERG\ PD\ EH DXWKRUL]HG WR HVWDEOLVK HLWKHU LQFRPH RU ÂżQDQFLDO ZRUWK OLPLWDWLRQV RU ERWK LQ RUGHU WR TXDOLI\ IRU VXFK UHOLHI (c) Except as to property of the Commonwealth, the General Assembly by general law may restrict or condition, in whole or in part, but not extend, any or all of the above exemptions. G 7KH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ PD\ GHÂżQH DV D VHSDUDWH VXEMHFW RI WD[DWLRQ DQ\ SURSHUW\ LQFOXGLQJ UHDO RU SHUVRQDO SURSHUW\ HTXLSPHQW IDFLOLties, or devices, used primarily for the purpose of abating or preventing pollution of the atmosphere or waters of the Commonwealth or for the purpose of transferring or storing solar energy, and by general law may allow the governing body of any county, city, town, or regional government to exempt or partially exempt such property from taxation, or by general law may directly exempt or partially exempt such property from taxation. H 7KH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ PD\ GHÂżQH DV D VHSDUDWH VXEMHFW RI WD[DWLRQ KRXVHKROG JRRGV SHUVRQDO HŕľľHFWV DQG WDQJLEOH IDUP SURSHUW\ DQG products, and by general law may allow the governing body of any county, city, town, or regional government to exempt or partially exempt such property from taxation, or by general law may directly exempt or partially exempt such property from taxation. (f) Exemptions of property from taxation as established or authorized hereby shall be strictly construed; provided, however, that all property H[HPSW IURP WD[DWLRQ RQ WKH HŕľľHFWLYH GDWH RI WKLV VHFWLRQ VKDOO FRQWLQXH WR EH H[HPSW XQWLO RWKHUZLVH SURYLGHG E\ WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ DV herein set forth. (g) The General Assembly may by general law authorize any county, city, town, or regional government to impose a service charge upon the owners of a class or classes of exempt property for services provided by such governments. (h) The General Assembly may by general law authorize the governing body of any county, city, town, or regional government to provide for a partial exemption from local real property taxation, within such restrictions and upon such conditions as may be prescribed, (i) of real estate whose improvements, by virtue of age and use, have undergone substantial renovation, rehabilitation or replacement or (ii) of real estate with new structures and improvements in conservation, redevelopment, or rehabilitation areas. (i) The General Assembly may by general law allow the governing body of any county, city, or town to exempt or partially exempt from taxation any generating equipment installed after December thirty-one, nineteen hundred seventy-four, for the purpose of converting from oil or natural gas to coal or to wood, wood bark, wood residue, or to any other alternate energy source for manufacturing, and any co-generation equipment installed since such date for use in manufacturing. 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There will be a Game 5 Friday night, Oct. 9, in the NBA Finals. The Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler saw to that. Just when it seemed the Los Angeles Lakers might waltz through the best-ofseven NBA Finals without breaking stride, Butler hoisted a triple-double stop sign. The 31-year-old veteran enjoyed perhaps the best game of his career as the Heat won 112-104 Sunday night in Game 3 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Butler had 40 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Furthermore, he so frustrated Lakers megastar LeBron James that James stalked off the court with 10 seconds left on the clock, claiming he thought the game was over. “How do you say it other than Jimmy F’n Butler,” said Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra. “Jimmy is a supreme, elite competitor.” The Lakers won the first two games over the injury-plagued Miami Heat — missing Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic — with ease. The Lakers prevailed Tuesday night in Game 4 with a 102-96 win. Game 5 is set for 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, on ABC television. Butler’s brilliance sent statisticians

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The Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler (22) goes for a layup against the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) during the second half in Game 3 on Sunday of basketball’s NBA Finals in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

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Black quarterbacks were not so long ago an NFL rarity. Now, they make up nearly a third of the starters in the 32-team league. A record 10 Black quarterbacks were taking snaps on the opening weekend of this season. There were no Black starters until 1968, when Marlin “The Magician” Briscoe earned the distinction with the Denver Broncos. Briscoe later was converted to a wide receiver. Here are the 10 Black starters opening the NFL’s 2020 season. Their age and team follow: • Teddy Bridgewater, 27, Carolina Panthers • Dwayne Haskins, 23, Washington Football Team • Lamar Jackson, 23, Baltimore Ravens • Patrick Mahomes, 29, Kansas City Chiefs • Kyler Murray, 23, Arizona Cardinals • Cam Newton, 31, New England Patriots • Dak Prescott, 27, Dallas Cowboys • Tyrod Taylor, 31, Los Angeles Chargers • Deshaun Watson, 25, Houston Texans • Russell Wilson, 31, Seattle Seahawks • Jackson was the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player. Mahomes, who led Kansas City to the Super Bowl championship, recently signed the NFL’s richest contract for $503 million over 10 seasons. Newton was the 2015 League MVP with Carolina. Many feel the unflappable Wilson is the favorite for League MVP honors this season. In guiding the Seahawks to a 3-0 start, the former Richmonder and Collegiate Schools alumnus has hit 77 percent of his passes for 925 yards and 14 touchdowns. There are more on the way. Among this year’s top collegians is Ohio State’s Justin Fields. Last season for the Buckeyes, Fields passed for 3,273 yards and 41 touchdowns, while also running for 10 touchdowns. Ohio State is among the favorites to win this year’s NCAA title.

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scurrying to the record book. He became only the third player in NBA Finals history to score a triple double with at least 40 points, joining James and Jerry West. Also, Butler is the first to score 40 points without attempting a 3-pointer since Shaquille O’Neal in 2002. Butler was 14 for 20 from the field, mostly on muscular drives to the hoop, and 12 of 14 at the foul line. There had been some jawing between Butler and James during the tense struggle. Early on, Butler said that James shouted, “You’re in trouble now,” during a Lakers’ run. Butler admitted he returned the same line in the late going with the Heat in charge. “It’s competition at its finest,” Butler said. “I think LeBron got the best of me many times. I respect the guy for it, but this is a different time now, a different group of guys around me.” A native of Houston, the 6-foot-7 Butler joined the Heat this season after previous stints with the Chicago Bulls, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers.

This is his first shot at the NBA Finals. Initially, Butler was a first round draft choice of the Chicago Bulls following an outstanding career at Marquette University and Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. The Lakers are looking for their 17th NBA championship. But it would be the Lakers’ first since 2010. The Miami Heat won the championship in 2006, 2012 and 2013. O’Neal and Dwyane Wade were Miami’s leading lights in 2006. James was the Heat’s ringleader in 2012 and 2013 before transitioning to the Cleveland Cavaliers and, now, with the Lakers. By extending the playoffs, Butler will continue to operate his “Big Face Coffee Shop” out of his hotel room in “The Bubble,” the NBA’s protective sphere for teams at Walt Disney World in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. Butler opened for business after becoming disappointed with the hotel’s java options. Using his French press brewer, Butler sells a single cup of coffee for $20. While that may seem costly, after Butler’s Sunday performance, coffee-sipping customers might even want to add a generous tip.

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo doubles up on NBA awards The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is a double dipper when it comes to awards. Born in Athens, the “Greek Freak,” as he is called, has won his second straight NBA Most Valuable Player Award. For good measure, Antetokounmpo also won Defensive Player of the Year accolades. He became only the fifth player in NBA history to win both awards. The 6-foot-11, 25year-old sensation averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists in the 2019-20 season, while logging 30.4 minutes per game. NBA awards are based on regular season performance and are voted on by a panel of sports writers and sportscasters in the United States and Canada. Postseason exploits do not figure into the voting process. Antetokounmpo is the first to win back-to-back MVPs since Steph Curry in 2015 and 2016. He also is the fourth foreign-born player to be named MVP, joining Canadian Steve Nash, German-born Dirk Nowitzki and Hakeem Olajuwon from Nigeria. Other MVP finalists this season were LeBron James and James Harden. Finalists for Defensive Player of the Year were Anthony Davis and Rudy Gobert.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leader in MVPs with six, followed by Bill Russell with five and Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain with four each. Antetokounmpo joins a list of six players each with two MVP awards. Others NBA honors this season went to: Coach of the Year: Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors. Rookie of the Year: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies. Sixth Man of the Year: Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles Clippers. Most Improved: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans. Sportsman Award: Vince Carter, Atlanta Hawks. All NBA Team: Antetokounmpo, James (L.A. Lakers), James Harden (Houston), Davis (Lakers) and Luka Doncic (Dallas). All Rookie Team: Morant, Kendrick Nunn (Miami), Brandon Clarke (Memphis), Zion Williamson (New Orleans) and Eric Paschall (Golden State). All Defensive: Antetokounmpo, Gobert (Utah), Davis (Lakers), Marcus Smart (Boston) and Ben Simmons (Philadelphia).

‘Sweet Lou’ Johnson, who played 14 years with the L.A. Dodgers, dies at 86 Louis Brown “Sweet Lou” Johnson, so nicknamed because of his infectious smile and friendly habit of clapping his hands, died Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. The former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder was 86 and living in Los Angeles. A native of Lexington, Ky., the Kentucky State University alumnus enjoyed a 14-year pro baseball career, most notably with the Dodgers. Twice he came to the rescue of the great Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax. In September 1965, Mr. Johnson scored the only run in Koufax’s 1-0 perfect game against the Chicago Cubs. In October 1965, with Koufax on the mound, Johnson crushed the game-winning home run, striking the left field foul pole, in L.A.’s 2-0 win over the Minnesota Twins in the World Series Game 7. Dodgers’ fans will never forget Mr. Johnson rounding the bases on the dramatic home run, clapping his hands in delight with a grin on his face.

October 8-10, 2020 B1

Richmond Free Press

THE RICHMOND FORUM PRESENTS

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GET UP CLOSE (2020-2021 STYLE)

Andrés Changing the World Through the Power of Food

NOV 21st

PEREL

MAY EXTRAORDINARY TIMES

JAN 16TH

MODERN LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

FEB 20TH

THE HEALING POWER OF MUSIC

GUPTA APR 17TH

STEVENSON AMERICAN INJUSTICE MAR

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This season, due to COVID-19, all of our Richmond Forum programs will be presented online. And we’d love for you to join us as a new subscriber! Our speakers could not be more timely: humanitarian Chef José Andrés, former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, love and relationship therapist Esther Perel, social justice attorney Bryan Stevenson, and Street Symphony founder Vijay Gupta. We are now offering a limited number of online viewing subscriptions for the full season of five amazing programs! Visit www.richmondforum.org to learn more about our speakers and how to join us!

Online Viewing Subscriptions now available! Join us! www.richmondforum.org The Richmond Forum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We’re proud to support speech and debate programs in our region’s public schools. RICForum_RFP_full_page_color.indd 1

10/1/20 10:58 AM

B2 October 8-10, 2020

Richmond Free Press

Happenings Civil rights heritage trail adds 12 new sites with focus on education By Noah Fleischman Capital News Service

The half-mile road leading to a park in Prince Edward County was packed with cars parked on one side and a park ranger directing traffic on the other side. This was a normal 1950s summer day at what was then the only state park for African-Americans in Virginia. Prince Edward State Park for Negroes, as it was then called, could draw up to 1,000 visitors per day that could rent bathing suits and cabins overnight. “It was a place for people to recreate and be — they didn’t have that opportunity in other places,” recounted Veronica Flick, Twin Lakes State Park manager. Prince Edward State Park was adjacent to Goodwin Lake Recreational Area, where only white patrons were allowed. The two areas merged and was renamed Twin Lakes State Park in 1986, according to the park’s website. Twin Lakes is one of 12 new sites added this fall to the Virginia’s Crossroads Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail spanning Central and Southern Virginia. The trail was established in 2004 and focuses on the struggle African-Americans, Native Americans and women faced to receive an education in the Commonwealth. The parks were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a program established by Congress to help people find work during the Great Depression. Twin Lakes was added to the trail because of the education the CCC provided to African-Americans who helped build the park in the 1930s. The builders were taught framing and roofing skills, Ms. Flick said. “In those days, education was the most important and it was denied,” said Magi Van Eps, tourism coordinator for Prince Edward County. “If you were not a white male, you didn’t have access to an education.” The impact of being on the trail brings more attention to Twin Lakes and its history, Ms. Flick said. “For us to be a part of this trail, it not only brings more awareness to what the history of this park is, and its importance to so many people,” Ms. Flick said. The park has added roadside historical markers, explaining the origins of Prince Edward State Park. One sign on the grounds of the park tells

the story of Maceo Martin, who sued the state when he was denied access to Staunton River State Park. The lawsuit led Virginia to add the Prince Edward State Park for African-American visitors to follow the state’s “separate but equal” doctrine at the time. The trail also has added stops at Greensville County Training School in Emporia and Buckingham Training School in Dillwyn, according to Ms. Van Eps. The sites were Rosenwald schools, established by former Sears President Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington to help African-American children and teens in the South to receive an education. The expansion of the trail 16 years after its establishment was a result of additional funding. The trail originally was envisioned to have more than 60 sites, Ms. Van Eps said. Instead, the trail was able to add only 41 sites using a grant from the Virginia Department of Transportation. “There were all these other sites that were still very important, but they were overlooked at that time just because there wasn’t enough funding to fund them all,” Ms. Van Eps said. After receiving $70,000 in funding from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission in 2020, a dozen more sites were added to the trail. Virginia’s Crossroads matched the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission funding. The L.E. Coleman African-American Museum in Halifax and the Beneficial Benevolent Society of the Loving Sisters and Brothers of Hampden Sydney in Prince Edward County were also added to the trail during the expansion. Bobby Conner, who helped found the James Solomon Russell-Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives, another site on the trail that displays the history of the historically Black college that closed in 2013, said the additions couldn’t have happened at a better time. “The expansion has come at a perfect time with everything that’s gone on this past spring,” Mr. Conner said, referring to the demonstrations for racial justice that have taken place in Virginia and around the nation after the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May. “Anybody that goes along this trail will learn incredible amounts of history on what the struggle was from right after the Civil War all the way up until recently,” Mr. Conner said.

16th Annual Richmond Folk Festival comes alive virtually Oct. 9 through 11 The 16th Annual Richmond Folk Festival, a celebration of music and culture from around the globe, will take place virtually Oct. 9 through 11. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, people can enjoy the festival through a special television program, radio broadcasts and online streaming. Music from Jamaican reggae, Chicago blues, Altai throat singing, kosher gospel, Gypsy jazz, Indian slide guitar, Gulf Coast boogie-woogie, Ireland and Dominican bachata will be featured from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11, on Virginia Public Media radio stations 107.3 and 93.1 FM. The music is by performers from past Richmond festivals. From 6 to 8 p.m. Satur-

day and Sunday, the festival will broadcast “All Together Now,” a two-part television celebration of Virginia artists, including Butcher Brown featuring J. Plunky Branch, Cora Harvey Armstrong, Kadencia and Jared Pool & Friends. The performances were filmed at Richmond’s Spacebomb Studios in partnership with VPM, and will be interspersed with performances from the festival’s Virginia Folklife Stage from the past. It will be broadcast on VPM Plus Channel 57.1 WCVW digital HD and livestreamed on VPM’s Facebook page and VPM’s YouTube page. An interactive art installation by artist Kevin Orlosky will take place on Brown’s Island, the site of the festival in the past. Public participation is encour-

MBL hosts 10th Annual Women Who Mean Business Summit on Oct. 8 The Metropolitan Business League is holding its10th Annual Women Who Mean Business Summit from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. The half-day professional development and networking conference is being held virtually and is designed to help women entrepreneurs, executives and professionals elevate their careers. Dr. Lisa Masterson, former co-host of the Emmy Award- winning daytime show “The Doctors” and owner of Ocean Oasis Medical Spa in Santa Monica, Calif., will be the keynote speaker. The summit will focus on resilience and includes an opening motivational moment, followed by three sessions – “Producing Not Perplexed,” “Power of the Pivot” and “Preparing to Propel.” The event will close with virtual networking and a musical performance by Richmond-based keyboardist Lucy Kilpatrick. Register online at https://thembl.org/events/womenwhomeanbusiness/. Details: Darricka Alexander, (804) 313-5941 or dalexander@ thembl.org. DIAMONDS • WATCHES JEWELRY • REPAIRS 19 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, VA 23219 (804) 648-1044

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CONNECTED TO WHAT MAKES US SMILE. 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

aged, with people wearing masks and socially distancing. People can paint a rock that represents something they miss, mourn or are looking forward to doing again after the pandemic. The rocks will become part of Mr. Orlosky’s stone labyrinth that, when viewed from above, will form a hand. Artist Shannon Wright of Richmond, an illustrator and cartoonist whose work has been featured in major publications, books and online sites including The New York Times, created the official poster for the festival. Details about the festival, performers, schedule, activities and where to listen or watch it are available on www.richmondfolkfestival.org.

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Richmond Free Press

October 8-10, 2020

Happenings

Personality: Genevieve A. Roberts Spotlight on board president of YWCA Richmond The presence of COVID-19 hasn’t slowed down YWCA Richmond, which is preparing to celebrate 40 years of recognizing women leaders in education, volunteerism and more with its Outstanding Women Awards on Friday, Oct. 16. Genevieve A. Roberts was elected board president of YWCA Richmond after serving in various leadership positions for the past six years. She takes the helm during a critical time for the organization that was started in Richmond 133 years ago and has worked to empower women through programs focused on aiding women and children. “YWCA Richmond has been tackling our region’s most critical social issues – from the individual inequities that affect a woman’s health or safety to systemic problems that affect her family’s future,” Mrs. Roberts says. “We empower women who are at the lowest of lows in their lives and have nowhere else to turn.” During the COVID-19 crisis, which has seen a rise nationally in domestic violence and child abuse cases, and when October is designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, YWCA Richmond’s programs are even more in the spotlight. Through its Domestic Violence Program, the nonprofit organization provides emergency housing for those in danger, individual and group mental health counseling, safety planning and referrals to other services, including employment, health care, court advocacy and financial literacy. YWCA Richmond also provides a 24-hour regional hotline – (804) 612-6126 – to help survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

The agency also has continued providing child care for essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis and recently opened another pre-school location on Bainbridge Street in South Side. Mrs. Roberts is leading the organization as it launches a fundraising campaign to renovate its headquarters on 5th Street in Downtown and relocating its Downtown pre-school, called the “Sprout School,” to a bigger and better-equipped space. “We are on the brink of completing some incredible projects that will continue to shape the social services support network in Richmond,” Mrs. Roberts says. The scale of the initiatives YWCA Richmond is handling and developing this year is extensive and far-reaching, and that’s something that clearly appeals to Mrs. Roberts, who is eager to do her part in furthering the organization’s mission and vision. “It’s an exciting time to lead this organization and I want to give back my time, talent and treasures to something that truly makes a phenomenal impact in my community.” Meet an advocate for women and the community and this week’s Personality, Genevieve A. Roberts: No. 1 volunteer position: YWCA board president. Date and place of birth: Oct. 5 in Wilmington, Del. Where I live now: Glen Allen. Education: Bachelor’s in psychobiology from Wellesley College; MBA from Georgetown University. Occupation: National manag-

Want to go — virtually? What: YWCA Richmond’s 40th Outstanding Women Awards Luncheon When: 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16 Details: Nine women will be honored for their contributions to various segments of the community Cost: Free or $1,500 to host a viewing party for 10 with boxed lunches Details and registration: www.ywcarichmond.org

ing director, leadership & organizational development consulting, A.J. Gallagher & Co. Family: Husband, Chris; teenagers, son Tucker and daughter Maddie; and dog, Cody, a Basenji/Jack Russell mix. YWCA mission: To eliminate racism and empower women. YWCA is intentional about fulfilling its mission by providing programs and services to women and children in the Greater Richmond vicinity that support them in times of need, whether they are victims of domestic or sexual violence, racial discrimination or have children in need of education that is provided through our preschool called Sprout. When and why the YWCA was founded: YWCA Richmond was conceived in a parlor meeting of eight women on May 16, 1887, and a year later, it opened a boarding home, which would accommodate 19 young women

moving to Richmond for factory work. One year after that, they opened a day nursery to care for children while their mothers worked in local factories. YWCA Richmond is important in our community because: YWCA Richmond has been tackling our region’s most critical social issues — from the individual inequities that affect a woman’s health or safety to systemic problems that affect her family’s future. We empower women who are at the lowest of lows in their lives and have nowhere else to turn. They may have been continually physically beaten by a spouse or psychologically abused by a significant other. They need to leave their unsafe home. We provide safe temporary housing, assistance in finding employment and a place they can send their young children to get a top-rated preschool experience. Further, our mission focuses on eliminating racial discrimination by striving to transform communities, systems and public policies. When elected board president: July 1. Length of term: 2020-2021. Why I accepted position: I have been serving the YWCA as a

BLK RVA Acঞon Team - 2020 Richmond History Makers Honoree.

We are calling on YOU to nominate the history maker in your life! Over the past year, Richmond has undergone tremendous change, and individuals and organizaঞons have confronted these challenges with strength and resolve. And now, we are calling on YOU to let us know about them! On March 9, 2021, we will highlight six of these history makers at a community celebraঞon. Save the date and nominate at RichmondHistoryMakers.com! THE VALENTINE | 1015 E. CLAY STREET | RICHMOND, VIRGINIA | 804.649.0711 | THEVALENTINE.ORG

board member in various leadership positions since 2014. I felt that it was the right time to step up and lead our amazing board of 27 women who represent all of Richmond. We are on the brink of completing some incredible projects that will continue to shape the social services support network in Richmond. We just opened up another pre-school location on Bainbridge Street. We have launched a fundraising campaign that will expand the path to equity and opportunity for women through transforming our historic building on 5th Street and relocating the Downtown Sprout school to a bigger and better-equipped space. It’s an exciting time to lead this organization and I want to give back by giving my time, talent and treasures to an organization that truly makes a phenomenal impact in my community. Number one goal as YWCA board president: To lead and motivate our board members to be authentic advocates for the work of the organization. Strategy for achieving goal: Virtual transparent communication and relationship building. How YWCA is helping women and children during COVID19: Child care for essential workers; continuing to provide almost all of our services. Some are delivered under social distancing

and other safe guidelines. How I start the day: Yoga, a cup of Americano coffee and walking our dog Cody with my husband, Chris. Three words that best describe me: Friendly, good listener and competitive. Best late-night snack: Black licorice. How I unwind: With a glass of wine and a walk near the water. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Paddleboarding with my dog. A quote that I am most inspired by: “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” — Brene Brown At the top of my “to-do” list: Write a book on my experiences in working with leaders over the past 25 years and draw comparisons with marine life on the “rivah.” Best thing my parents ever taught me: Everything in moderation. Person who influenced me the most: My sister, Emily Davison. Book that influenced me the most: “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” by Dale Carnegie. I read it when I started my first job out of college and was living in New York and worrying about everything. What I’m reading now: “Book of the Little Axe” by Lauren Francis-Sharma, “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate and “None Like Him” by Jen Wilkin. Next goal: To retire as soon as my kids graduate from college!

PHOTO/MICHAEL SIMON

Richmond Free Press

B4 October 8-10, 2020

Faith News/Directory Center on a mission Dr.Yvonne Jones Bibbs, left, speaks at a gathering. Below left, Corey Tolliver and Kevin Evans help distribute dinners to the dozens of people who attended the event. Attendees also enjoyed music by The Gospel Truth as well as a performance by the Rev. Almeta Ingram-Miller. The center, located at Idlewood Avenue and Addison Street, is the vision and work of Dr. Bibbs, pastor of Sixth Baptist Church, and church leaders to celebrate the opening of Sixth Baptist Church’s Community Mission Center. The center will be open for the distribution of food, personal protective equipment and spiritual nourishment during the pandemic. Among those attending the grand opening were Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Delegate Betsy B. Carr.

Rev. Louis G. Jones, First Lady Mary A. Jones and the Gravel Hill Baptist Church South Richmond celebrates

25years

of “Pastor and People, Kingdom Building Together” Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16

“I have no right to boast just because I preach the gospel. After all, I am under orders to do so. And how terrible it would be for me if I did not preach the gospel!” GNB

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The virtual anniversary service may be viewed on the church website: www.gravelhillbaptistchurch.org

Sunday, October 11, 2020 @ 8am and 11am Once on the website click media and streaming will begin

Speaker: Rev. Dr. James Henry Harris, Pastor Second Baptist Church (West End) Richmond, Virginia

Gravel Hill Baptist Church 2600 Gravel Hill Road, Richmond, Virginia 23225 • (804) 272-5791

Alabama governor apologizes to 1963 church bombing survivor

James “Bear” Hicks October 12, 1950 - July 1, 2015 Happy 70th Birthday

Free Press wire report

you as soon as possible,” she wrote. Mrs. Rudolph was unavailable for immediate Birminghan, AL comment, but her husband, George Rudolph, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has apologized to said they had yet to receive Gov. Ivey’s letter. a survivor of a racist 1963 church bombing “I didn’t know she had apologized,” he said. that killed four Black girls, calling the blast an An attorney for Mrs. Rudolph, Ishan Bhabha, “egregious injustice.” But the governor declined said he and other members of Mrs. Rudolph’s on Sept. 30 to pay restitution without legislative legal team were “gratified” by the apology and involvement. looked forward to discussions about compensaGov. Ivey, responding to a request submitted tion that she “justly deserves.” by an attorney for Sarah Collins Rudolph, said Five girls were gathered in a downstairs the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church bathroom at the 16th Street Baptist Church on in Birmingham, Ala., caused “untold pain and Sept. 15, 1963, when a timed bomb planted by Ku Klux Klan members went off outside under a set of stairs. The blast killed Denise McNair, 11, and three 14year-olds: Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Addie Mae Collins, who was Mrs. Rudolph’s sister. Blinded in one eye by the blast, Mrs. Rudolph, 69, has spent a lifetime dealing with physical and mental pain from the bombing. Despite her injuries, Mrs. Rudolph provided testimony that helped lead to the convictions of the men accused of planting the bomb. Three KKK members convicted in the bombing years later died in prison, Jay Reeves/Associated Press and a fourth suspect died without ever Sarah Collins Rudolph and her husband, being charged. George Rudolph, discuss the results of the 2016 A law firm working without charge presidential election in this Nov. 16, 2016, photo on Mrs. Rudolph’s behalf sent a letter taken in their home in Birmingham, Ala. Mrs. Rudolph was blinded in one eye and lost her sister, to Gov. Ivey arguing that the words Addie Mae Collins, in the 1963 bombing of the 16th of state leaders, including then Gov. George Wallace, encouraged the bombStreet Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala. ing. Months earlier, Gov. Wallace had suffering” through the decades to the victims vowed “segregation forever” during his inaugural, and their families. and the bombing occurred as Birmingham’s “For that, they most certainly deserve a public schools were being desegregated. sincere, heartfelt apology — an apology that I Gov. Ivey wrote that there were questions extend today without hesitation or reservation,” about whether the state could be held legally Gov. Ivey wrote. liable for the bombing. But Gov. Ivey said legislators would have to “Having said that, there should be no question be involved in talks about Mrs. Rudolph’s request that the racist, segregationist rhetoric used by for restitution. “For that reason, I would propose some of our leaders during that time was wrong that our attorneys — as well as attorneys for and would be utterly unacceptable in today’s the Legislature — begin such discussions with Alabama,” the governor said.

May the angels in heaven chant the mo�t beautiful song as you celeb�ate with your loving mother, Helena Always Loved, Fo�ever Missed Sister: Alma Niece: Joy Nephew: Spike

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

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

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

SUNDAY’S

th & October 1125th October

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook “The Church With A Welcome”

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

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

SUNDAYS Summer Hours

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

See you there!

bin om

in g

ance with Reverence Relev

Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor ❖

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic All regular activities have been suspended until further notice. Please join us on

Facebook or YouTube

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

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

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

Bishop G. O. Glenn

s -ASK AND FACE COVERINGS must be worn

First Lady

s 0RACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING BY REMAINING six (6) feet distance

SUNDAY

s !LL ATTENDEES must remain in their vehicles”

Mother Marcietia S. Glenn

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

Follow peace with all WEDNESDAY SERVICES men, and holiness, Noonday Bible Study without which no man 12:00 p.m. (Noon) shall see the Lord: Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! HebrewEvening 12:14Bible (KJV) Wednesday Study 7:00 p.m. (Bible Study) www.ndec.net 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

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

Following COVID-19 guidelines:

D. Min., Pastor

SATURDAY

Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus All regular activities have been suspended until further notice. Visit https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith

Service

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

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

Please join us for virtual live streaming Church services at www.ndec.net Sundays at 9:30 a.m. CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

NOW ENROLLING!!!

K5 thru 4th Grade Virtual Learning At A Discount Price Chrome books will be issued to all students if needed For more nformation Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9 am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

October 8-10, 2020

To the Planning Committee, Ministers, Churches, Organizations and Individuals who participated in the Sunday, September 27, 2020 Fundraiser/Salute: If I had the tongue of ten thousand angels, it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be enough to say how grateful I am to God for His Mercy and Grace . . . . . . and how He has moved through you to bless me. Your cards and shower of financial support, along with your fervent prayers on my behalf, are making the difference in my life in a profound way during this difficult time. As I continue to face health challenges, I want you to know how much I appreciate each and every gesture of your unselfish giving and concern. In fact, I am still receiving your blessings. Earth has no sorrow, that Heaven cannot heal. May God continue to bless you, our City, State and Nation in the days to come. I LOVE YOU ALL.

THANK YOU!

Larry J. Bland

Richmond Free Press

B6 October 8-10, 2020

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

Walter E. Baker Sr., partner in the former Baker & Dyson painting and contracting company, dies at 92 By Jeremy M. Lazarus

For more than 40 years, Walter Edward Baker Sr. partnered with his friend Lynwood M. Dyson Sr. on home improvement projects in Richmond. Under the banner of Baker & Dyson, the two specialized in painting and wallpapering homes. They also did plastering, Sheetrock and carpentry work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were known for their honesty, integrity and work ethic,â&#x20AC;? said Walter E. Baker Jr., who remembers his dad starting him as a summer laborer when he was 13. The team also included Mr. Dysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son, retired city firefighter Lynwood M. Dyson Jr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He taught me the value of hard work, being on time, keeping your word to customers, living with the quoted price and going back to deal with a complaint without charging extra,â&#x20AC;? said Mr. Baker, a retired employee of Dominion Energy. The elder Mr. Baker, whom friends called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Docâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Froggie,â&#x20AC;?

retired around 1992. The business closed within two years after the later retirement of Mr. Dyson, who died in 2006. Mr. Baker died Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, in hospice care at the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in South Side. He was 92. His family celebrated his life during a private graveside service Friday, Oct. 2, in Woodland Cemetery, where he was buried beside his wife of 57 years, Sarah James Baker, who died in 2008. Mr. Baker Born in Richmond in 1927, two years before the stock market crash in 1929 that led to the Great Depression, Mr. Baker grew up in the Navy Hill neighborhood as Mr. Dyson did. Mr. Baker graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1948 where he learned the painting trade in vocational classes

in which Mr. Dyson earlier also gained his initial training. The two became partners around 1949 after Mr. Dyson returned from serving in World War II and started a company, family records indicate. Mr. Baker joined the Marine Corps after the Korean War began. He served two years on active duty and later continued in the Marine Corps Reserve, but his son said he did not see combat in Asia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He served overseas in nine countries,â&#x20AC;? his son said, including on Navy ships in the Mediterranean. Mr. Baker resumed the partnership after being discharged from active service and worked until his retirement in 1992 when he turned 65. He was a member of First African Baptist Church and also attended Triumphant Baptist Church where his late wife was a member until her death. In addition to his son, survivors include his brother, Roy M. Baker of Henrico County; two grandsons; and a great-grandson.

Trump evangelical advisers exposed to COVID-19 flout CDC guidelines, preach in public

By Jack Jenkins and Emily McFarlan Miller Religion News Service

WASHINGTON At least two faith leaders, including one of President Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unofficial evangelical advisers, have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a White House Rose Garden ceremony and a separate evangelical gathering in Washington. University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, who was present at the Rose Garden event on Sept. 26, announced his positive coronavirus testÂ results on Oct. 2 and is isolating. Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., also in attendance at the Rose Garden ceremony, confirmed Monday that he tested positive for COVID-19. Rev. Laurie saidÂ in a videoÂ that he had been quarantining since last Friday, when he received the diagnosis. A number of other highprofile Christian leaders were also at one or both events. Some have since chosen to quarantine out of precaution, but others continue to travel and even preach in front of their congregations. With the diagnoses of Rev. Jenkins and Rev. Laurie, at least nine people who attended the Rose Garden ceremony where the president announced his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for a seat on the U.S. Supreme CourtÂ have tested positive for the potentially fatal virus. Many faith leaders were photographed sitting near or next to them throughout the event. At any given time, most were within feet of Rev. Jenkins, Rev. Laurie, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Trump counselor

Kellyanne Conway and White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all of whom have since tested positive. At the ceremony, attendees sat close together, few wore masks and many were seen shaking hands when the event concluded. The Rev. Paul Scalia, a priest at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church, Va., and son of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, announced to his church on Sunday that he tested negative over the weekend but that he would quarantine â&#x20AC;&#x153;at the recommendation of my doctor and per CDC guidelines.â&#x20AC;? Rev. Scalia sat in the same row and three seats down from Ms. Conway at the Rose Garden event. Paul Browne, vice president for communications at the University of Notre Dame, told Religion News Service that 10 faculty members â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as opposed to 18, as had been previously reported â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from the school attended the Rose Garden event. All have been tested, but Mr. Browne said the university would not reveal their identity or the results of their tests as a matter of policy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with the exception of Rev. Jenkins. He also stressed the importance of quarantine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anyone who tests positive at Notre Dame is isolated and anyone in close contact with someone who tests positive is quarantined,â&#x20AC;? he said. Meanwhile, many other faith leaders who attended the event said they have since tested negative for the virus, but not all are adhering to the guidelines from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Infection, whichÂ recommendÂ quarantining for 14 days after spending more than 15

8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ We Embrace Diversity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Love For All! Come worship with us! Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary. Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

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

k Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 (804) 358-9177

minutes in close proximity to someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Even with a negative test, the CDC still recommends a person exposed to COVID-19 quarantine for two weeks after their last known exposure to the virus because symptoms may take anywhere from two to 14 days to appear. Indeed, many of the pastors in attendance preached in-person to congregations Sunday. Rev. Laurie, who sat diagonally in front of former Gov. Christie during the Rose Garden event, preached during Harvest Christian Fellowshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harvest at Homeâ&#x20AC;? online services Sunday. His message was filmed Sept. 30, before his diagnosis, according to his spokesperson. Rev. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, sat directly in front of former Gov. Christie and next to Rev. Laurie at the Rose Garden event. He opened his service on Sunday by pray-

ing for the president, who was hospitalized last Friday after experiencing complications from his own COVID-19 infection, and First Lady Melania Trump, who also tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The president was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., on Monday. Rev. Graham â&#x20AC;&#x201D; speaking at one of Prestonwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worship centers in Texas, which are open with no restrictions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thenÂ assured his congregationÂ that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am ridiculously healthy, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just put it that way. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sick. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fine. I exercised every day this week â&#x20AC;Ś and flew to Atlanta to speak with the vice president on Wednesday. I worked every day, preaching three times this weekend, so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have COVID. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just put it that way. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful for that, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re grateful for Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protection always,â&#x20AC;? he said. Rev. Graham then preached a message titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Socialism: A Clear and Present Danger.â&#x20AC;?

St. Peter Baptist Church

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

President Trump, center, stands with Judge Amy Coney Barrett at a Sept. 26 news conference to announce Judge Barrett as his nominee to the Supreme Court at the White House Rose Garden.

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

$R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR

Worship Opportunities Sundays: All Sunday services have been suspended for the remainder of the month. Join us for online streaming this Sunday at 10 AM. Visit our WEBSITE, look under â&#x20AC;&#x153;/NLINE 3ERVICES,â&#x20AC;? and access the â&#x20AC;&#x153;0ASTOR S -ESSAGE.â&#x20AC;?

Tithing Opportunities Download the Tithe.ly giving app for Apple and Android devices. Your gift is safe/secure and goes directly to our church. -OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

Antioch Baptist Church â&#x20AC;&#x153;Redeeming Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s People for Gods Purposeâ&#x20AC;?

1384 New Market Road, Richmond, Virginia 23231 | 804-222-8835

SERVICES

A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

Homecoming

2020

I Am Apart of the Family of God

E-n-t-h-u-s-i-a-s-m Say it three times

Enthusiasmâ&#x20AC;Ś

Enthusiasm! Write: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Listen Ministry

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

^Ä?Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2014; 'Ä&#x201A;ĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x;Ä&#x201A;ĹśĆ?Í&#x2014; ĎŻÍ&#x2014;ĎŽĎ˛

Sunday, October 11, 2020 11:00 a.m. Speaker:

Rev. Kevin Robinson

^Ć&#x161;Í&#x2DC; DÄ&#x201A;ĆŠĹ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ç Í&#x203A;Ć? Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x;Ć?Ć&#x161; Ĺ&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä?Ĺ&#x161; <Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ?Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x161;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2022; s

Union Baptist Church

Post Office Box 16113 Richmond, VA 23222

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

2IVERVIEW

Moore Street Missionary

Sunday School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:45 AM Sunday Services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 AM

1408 W. Leigh Street Âˇ Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 358â&#x20AC;&#x201D;6403

"APTIST #HURCH Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 AM

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.

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:00 A.M. CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 P.M.

ertyfootball onto another win today with this beautiful lady,â&#x20AC;? he tweeted, along with images He did not mention being of himself standing next to other tested for COVID-19, and people and speaking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a Prestonwood has not returned great time getting to know some requests for comment by LU students, staff, and faculty RNS. at the game. Congratulations to RNS has learned that Tony @CoachHughFreeze and the Perkins, head of the conserva- Flames for their 3-0 record. Go tive Family Research Council Flames!â&#x20AC;? who sat on a row close to Many of these same evanGov. Christie, has not had a gelical faith leaders also joined COVID-19 test since the event thousands who attended aÂ masbut was already infected by the sive prayerÂ march in Washcoronavirus earlier this year. He ington, the same day as the also has taken an antibody test Rose Garden event. It was led that came back positive. by the Rev. Franklin Graham Mr. Perkins revealed the and includedÂ prayersÂ by Skip previous infection in aÂ postÂ on Heitzig; Paula White; President the FRC Action website Mon- Prevo; Jentezen Franklin; Robert day evening. Morris; Jack Graham; Andrew â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those of us who have the Brunson, a pastor and missionary antibodies need to be out and who was imprisoned by Turkish about, because we become part officials for almost two years; and of the process that stops the Christian musicians Michael W. spread,â&#x20AC;? he wrote. Smith and Sean Feucht. Liberty University act- Theme: National reporters Adelle M. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honoring Our and Pastor, ing President Jerry Prevo, Banks Alejandra Molina also Laborer contributed For The Lordâ&#x20AC;? who also attended the Aevent, to this report. tested negative for the virus1 Timothy 5:17 on Friday morning, according to a university spokesperson. President PrevoÂ tweeted on SaturdayÂ images of himself attending a Liberty University football game with other Join us on Facebook people in what appeared to be Î&#x2C6;h ^Khd,Z/ ,DKE Î&#x2030; a closed room. Theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loved cheering @LibFamily of God; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so glad,

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

Barkyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Baptist Church

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

All church acďż˝viďż˝es are canceled unďż˝l further noďż˝ce. Follow us on Facebook for â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Word from Moore Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pastorâ&#x20AC;? and weekly Zoom worship info. Drive-thru giving will be available the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. (Bowe Street side) You also may give through Givelify. Be safe. Be blessed.

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Richmond Free Press

October 8-10, 2020 B7

Legal Notices 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, October 19, 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. 2020-216 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. 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

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CRISTEN WILLIAMS, Plaintiff 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 4th 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 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 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

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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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, Unknown Father, to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before November 16, 2020, at 11:00 AM, Courtroom #4.

to subject the property briefly described as 5 East 19th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000294/013, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, 4J Properties, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, 4J PROPERTIES, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company listed as being in default per the records of the Nevada Secretary of State, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that 4J PROPERTIES, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company listed as being in default per the records of the Nevada Secretary of State, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 12, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

N000-0887/002, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Matthew W. Johnson. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MATTHEW S. JOHNSON, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that PAUL D. STOTTS, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 11-3398 on February 25, 2011, or his successor/s in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that MATTHEW S. JOHNSON, PAUL D. STOTTS, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 11-3398 on February 25, 2011, or his successor/s in title, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before DECEMBER 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” I T I S OR D ERE D that ELIJAH W. JONES, JR., KATHY J. TOLER, CYNTHIA RENEE JONES, LYNDA JONES WINSTON, G W E N D O LY N J O N E S LESTER, ANGELA JONES, A A L I Y ICI A A I K E N S , LAVAR MALLORY, LAKISH M A L L OR Y, RIC A R D O BRUCE JONES, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before December 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that MATTHEW E. PERKINS, JR, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before DECEMBER 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD MELISSA TONITA WINKLER, Plaintiff v. VINCENT SQUIRE, Defendant. Case No.: CL20-2448 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce a vinculo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony. It appearing from an affidavit that the defendant is: that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is. And the last known address of the Defendant is as follows L/K/A 1700 Winbury Dr., Midlothian, Va23114. It is ORDERED that Vincent Squire appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before October 28, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. An Extract Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BRITTANY RIDENHOUR, Plaintiff v. ROBERT EDWARDS, Defendant. Case No.: CL2001655-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 4th 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, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

Custody 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 JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF CHARLES CITY Commonwealth of Virginia, in re RA’MEL T WASHINGTON SIERRA A WASHINGTON v. UNKNOWN FATHER Case No. JJ002566-01-00, JJ002566-02-00, ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Establish sole parental custody of Ra’mel T. Washington and determine visitation. It is ORDERED that the defendant, Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before December 9, 2020, at 10:30 AM.

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:

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re MARLAYSIA TARSHAI SMITH v. UNKNOWN FATHER Case No. JJ097343-05-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) for Unknown (Father), of Marlaysia Tarshai Smith, child, DOB 9/01/2007, “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.

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PROPERTY File/Case No. 760CWF200000498 All persons, firms or corporations having claims against, Alvin Roy Barrett, Deceased, late of 2614 Lamb Avenue, Richmond City, Virginia, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 24th or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 21st day of September 2020. Deborah Lane Rice, Administrator VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. HERMAN WARREN, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-2252 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2718 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0001002/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Herman Warren. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HERMAN WARREN, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that RYAN SEVEKE, TRUSTEE, of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 06-36135 on October 18, 2006, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that HERMAN WARREN, RYAN SEVEKE, TRUSTEE, of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 06-36135 on October 18, 2006, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before DecEMBER 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. DANA E. PAYNE, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-3979 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3202 North Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0001132/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Dana E. Payne and Katherine G. Payne. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, DANA E. PAYNE and KATHERINE G. PAYNE, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” I T I S OR D ERE D that DANA E. PAYN E, KATHERINE G. PAYNE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before DECEMBER 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. JUNIUS W. MEREDITH, SR, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-2414 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2723 Tate Street, Tax Map Number E012-0426/015, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Junius W. Meredith, S r, B r e n d a M e r e d i t h , Julia Meredith, Clarence Meredith, Wayne Meredith, Ronald Meredith, Janice Wooten, Freida James, Marion Meredith, Charles Meredith, Sheila Kumar, Kirkland Jones, Ricardo Lee Jones, Courtney Carter, Tiffiney Carter and Derek Carter. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, JUNIUS W. MEREDITH, SR, BRENDA MEREDITH, JULIA MEREDITH, CLARENCE M ERE D I T H , W AY N E M ERE D I T H , RO N A L D M ERE D I T H , J A N ICE WOOTEN, FREIDA JAMES, M A RIO N M ERE D I T H , C H A R L E S M ERE D I T H , SHEILA KUMAR, KIRKLAND JONES, RICARDO LEE J O N E S , CO U R T N E Y C A R T ER , T I F F I N E Y CARTER, AND DEREK CARTER, are to be proceed against by Order of Publication pursuant to Section 8.01316(A)(3) of the Code of Virginia, that PROVIDENCE DANE, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be a creditor with an interest in said parcel, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that JUNIUS W. MEREDITH, SR, BRENDA MEREDITH, JULIA MEREDITH, CLARENCE M ERE D I T H , W AY N E M ERE D I T H , RO N A L D M ERE D I T H , J A N ICE WOOTEN, FREIDA JAMES, M A RIO N M ERE D I T H , C H A R L E S M ERE D I T H , S H EI L A KUMAR, K IR K L A N D J O N E S , RICARDO LEE JONES, CO U R T N E Y C A R T ER , TIFFINEY CARTER, DEREK CARTER, PROVIDENCE DANE, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before DECEMBER 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ALFRED W. BATES, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-3987 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3122 2nd Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000990/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Alfred W. Bates and Ida M. Bates. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ALFRED W. BATES, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and IDA M. BATES, upon information and belief deceased, or hers heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that ALFRED W. BATES, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, IDA M. BATES, upon information and belief deceased, or hers heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before DECEMBER 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. 4J PROPERTIES, LLC, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-3989 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MATTHEW S. JOHNSON, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-66 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2918 Hanes Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ELIJAH W. JONES, JR, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-2663 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3213 Delaware Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0001158/023, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Elijah W. Jones, Jr., Kathy J. Toler, Cynthia Renee Jones, Lynda Jones Winston, Gwendolyn Jones Lester, Angela Jones, Aaliyicia Aikens, Lavar Mallory, Lakish Mallory and Ricardo Bruce Jones. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ELIJAH W. JONES, JR., KATHY J. TOLER, CYNTHIA RENEE JONES, LYNDA JONES WINSTON, GWENDOLYN JONES LESTER, ANGELA JONES, AALIYICIA AIKENS, LAVAR MALLORY, LAKISH MALLORY and RICARDO BRUCE JONES, are to be proceed against by Order of Publication pursuant to Section 8.01-316(A)(3) of the Code of Virginia, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. EVELYN SMITH, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-2634 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 5401 Blue Ridge Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0100230/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Evelyn Smith, Flossie Falice, Candace Royal, Gloria Slade, Margie Joyner, Sharon Holloman, Evelyn Stewart, Brenda F. AskewJones, Gladys Freeman, Queen Bunch, Hazel Ward, Shirley Ward, Alvin Ward, Clyde Ward, Edina Wilkins, Alexander Falice, John Freeman, Leon Howell, Milton Howell, Willie Howell, Charles Howell, Geraldine Ward, Doris Ward, Abdul Karim M. Ahmad, Joe W. Fennell, Joyce Lassiter, Catherine F. Baker and Tyrone Johnson. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, EVELYN SMITH, FLOSSIE F A L ICE , C A N D A CE ROYAL, GLORIA SLADE, MARGIE JOYNER, SHARON H O L L O M A N , EVE LY N STEWART, BRENDA F. ASKEW-JONES, GLADYS FREEMAN, QUEEN BUNCH, HAZEL WARD, SHIRLEY WARD, ALVIN WARD, CLYDE WARD, EDINA WILKINS, A L E X A N D ER FA L ICE , JOHN FREEMAN, LEON HOWELL, MILTON HOWELL, WILLIE HOWELL, CHARLES HOWELL, GERALDINE WARD, DORIS WARD, ABDUL KARIM M. AHMAD, JOE W. FENNELL, JOYCE LASSITER, CATHERINE F. BAKER and TYRONE JOHNSON, are to be proceed against by Order of Publication pursuant to Section 8.01-316(A)(3) of the Code of Virginia, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that EVELYN SMITH, FLOSSIE F A L ICE , C A N D A CE ROYAL, GLORIA SLADE, MARGIE JOYNER, SHARON H O L L O M A N , EVE LY N STEWART, BRENDA F. ASKEW-JONES, GLADYS FREEMAN, QUEEN BUNCH, HAZEL WARD, SHIRLEY WARD, ALVIN WARD, CLYDE WARD, EDINA WILKINS, A L E X A N D ER FA L ICE , JOHN FREEMAN, LEON HOWELL, MILTON HOWELL, WILLIE HOWELL, CHARLES HOWELL, GERALDINE WARD, DORIS WARD, ABDUL KARIM M. AHMAD, JOE W. FENNELL, JOYCE LASSITER, CATHERINE F. B A K ER , T Y RO N E JOHNSON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before December 10, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MATTHEW E. PERKINS, JR, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL20-2610 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 118 East 18th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000236/024, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Matthew E. Perkins, Jr. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MATTHEW E. PERKINS, JR, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND MERRICK U. COX 4225 Martha Lane Richmond, VA 23234, Plaintiff, vs. GLORIA A. KENNY UNKNOWN, Defendant. Civil No. 760CL2000415000-5 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Comes now Plaintiff, Merrick U. Cox, by counsel, to be heard on Plaintiff’s complaint to quiet title to the subject property described as 2210 Keswick Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map ID: S007-1081/004, that Plaintiff purchased by Deed, dated September 30, 2005, from the Defendant, Plaintiff having secured the purchase by a certain Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 050034089, at Page 1435 on October 3 2005; and Plaintiff having made all installments payments to Defendant timely, and did, in fact, make additional payments erroneously; Plaintiff and John G. Chaplin, Jr., Trustee, for the above-referenced Deed of Trust securing the Plaintiff’s debt, have made diligent efforts to contact Defendant, to no avail, to have Defendant execute a Certification of Satisfaction releasing the lien on Plaintiff’s property. On information, not officially substantiated, it is Plaintiff’s belief that Defendant has passed away; she was elderly at the time of the property’s purchase and sale in 2005, and no longer can be found at her usual residence. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk

ABC License ANA Foods LLC Trading as: Easy Street Grub N Pub 2612 Perdue Springs Dr Chester Chesterfield, Virginia 23831-2125 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. Maheshbha M Patel, 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.

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB #20-2059-9EAR Henrico Eastern Government Center Repairs Due: October 29, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/

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B8 October 8-10, 2020

Sports Plus

Curt Flood

Bill White

Julian Javier

Lou Brock

Bob Uecker

The 1964 St. Louis Cardinals team was bright with stars By Fred Jeter

son stirred memories of the 1964 St. Louis Cardinals team for which they so brilliantly played. The 1964 Cardinals should be

The recent deaths of baseball Hall of Famers Lou Brock and Bob Gib-

NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY For CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA FY22, and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund FY21 The City of Richmond is preparing for the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) for FY22 and the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) funds for the current FY21. The Federal funds are entitlement dollars allocated to the City through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for neighborhood development and supportive services. The AHTF is to assist with housing production and housing supportive services, which are intended for projects and programs that align with regional, state and federal plans. All federal funds and AHTF applications must be for projects that will have a direct impact on very-low, low- and moderateincome City residents, except for HOPWA for which the City administers funds for the entire Metropolitan Statistical Area. AHTF funds may not be used to supplant H[LVWLQJ FRPPLWPHQWV RI SHUPDQHQW ¿QDQFLQJ Application packages will be available October 12 th on the City of Richmond websites: https://www.rva.gov/ and https://www.richmondgov.com. To request applications by email or for a paper copy please contact Patrick Odehnal at Patrick.Odehnal@ richmondgov.com or 804-646-6711. Applicants must submit their application electronically to Patrick Odehnal, through email at Patrick.Odehnal@richmondgov. FRP 3OHDVH VXEPLW DOO DSSOLFDWLRQV DQG DWWDFKPHQWV LQ D VLQJOH FRPSUHVVHG ¿OH All proposals and applications must be received no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, November 16, 2020. Faxes and late submissions will not be accepted. There will be three application virtual workshops held on October 15, 2020 10:00 am, October 15, 2020 at 6:00pm and on October 19, 2020 at 10:30am. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of these workshops. Please have a copy of the application available during the workshop. The purpose of this meeting is to go over the application and answer any questions you may have. All questions and answers will be shared by email with all attendees after the last workshop. The information in WKLV PHHWLQJ ZLOO EH PDGH DFFHVVLEOH WR /LPLWHG (QJOLVK 3UR¿FLHQW 3RSXODWLRQ /(3 with prior request of an interpreter as advertised on the notice of the event. Please direct all questions to the Department of Housing &amp; Community Development at 804-646-1766. The City of Richmond does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission or access to its programs. Virginia Relay Center - TDD users dial 711.

remembered for winning the National League pennant, the World Series and much more. The team was rich with AfricanAmerican players and also had an infielder from a tiny Caribbean island that later would become a huge exporter of baseball talent. Let’s start with first baseman Bill White. The native Floridian, now 86 and residing in Pennsylvania, enjoyed a standout playing career and an even more distinguished retirement. As a player, White was an eighttime All Star and seven-time Gold Glove recipient. He was early in his career in 1964. From 1989 to 1994, he served as president of the National League, becoming the first person of color in any sport to serve in such a high executive position. White also was a trailblazing member of the media. He was the New York Yankees’radio play-by-play announcer from 1971 to 1987. Then there was dazzling center fielder Curt Flood, perhaps the most influential player in terms of labor in baseball annals. In 1969, Flood refused to accept a trade from St. Louis to Philadelphia and challenged baseball’s long-standing “reserve clause,” which locked a player into the same team for his entire career unless traded by the team. Flood’s lawsuit, which would have given players freedom over their own destiny, was appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. While Flood’s efforts were not immediately successful, they created solidarity among players and eventually led to today’s lucrative free-agent system. Flood died in 1997 at age 59. Cardinals manager Johnny Keane’s

Bob Gibson

ace right-handed pitcher in 1964 was intimidating Bob “Hoot” Gibson. Mr. Gibson, who died Friday, Oct. 2, at age 86, was a nine-time All-Star who became so dominant that baseball was forced to change its rules. In 1968, Mr. Gibson threw 13 shutouts and compiled a microscopic 1.12 earned run average. To help the hitters, baseball lowered the pitcher’s mound from 15 to 10 inches and reduced the height of the strike zone from armpits to jersey letters. Mr. Gibson was the MVP of the 1964 and 1967 World Series championships and finished with a 251-174 record, 2.91 earned run average and 3,117 strikeouts. The 1964 Cardinals’ second baseman was Julian “Hoolie” Javier from San Francisco de Macoris in the Dominican Republic. Javier, now 84, was in the first trickle of Dominicans to reach the big leagues. Before long, that trickle became a wave. There were 110 Dominicans starting on major league rosters this season. Santo Domingo, the capital, has become the world’s most productive city in churning out big leaguers,

with 18 currently. San Francisco de Macoris is the fourth most productive city after Houston, No. 2, and San Diego, No. 3. On the 1964 Cardinals team, don’t ever forget the “Running Redbird,” Lou Brock, who retired as baseball’s all-time leader for stolen bases. Mr. Brock is among the few MLB players to have traveled the HBCU route to a big league contract. As a junior in 1959, Mr. Brock led Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., to the NAIA national championship. Also that year, he became the first Black to be selected to the U.S. Pan American team. Mr. Brock and Andre Dawson of Florida A&M University are only HBCU baseball alumni to reach the Baseball Hall of Fame. Larry Doby played basketball at Virginia Union University but did not play baseball for the Panthers. The 1964 Cardinals also may have led the majors in laughs. The back-up catcher was Bob Uecker. “Uke” has become famous as a comedian, actor and broadcaster and has been the Milwaukee Brewers’radio play-by-play man since 1971. While St. Louis enjoyed the perfect ending to a season — winning the World Series by beating the New York Yankees in seven games — the postscript ranks among the strangest ever. For whatever reasons following the 1964 World Series, St. Louis Owner August “Gussie” Busch fired manager Keane and elevated Coach Red Schoendienst to manager. Soon after, the fired Keane was named manager of the year by The Sporting News. Who knows? With all that talent, perhaps Busch felt the Cards should have beaten the Yankees in six or less.

Employment Opportunities

Part-time House-Keeper needed must have

experience working in Assisted Living Facility. Good-Pay – Good Days Off. Must have current TB report. Please call to set up an appointment (804) 986-4881 or email ingcarellc@gmail.com.

$300

Assisted Living Facility has SIGN-UP openings for the following positions: BONUS State Licensed Medication Aide for 12 hour shift. PCA or CNA must have experience working ZLWK $O]KHLPHU·V DQG 'HPHQWLD UHVLGHQWV Experience full-time or part-time cook. 0XVW KDYH D 6HUY6DIH FHUWLÀFDWH Please bring a current TB report when applying. Good pay - Good days off Please e-mail: ingcarellc@gmail.com or call (804) 986-4881

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GREAT HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH Great Hope Baptist Church is seeking an experienced Minister of Music to lead and direct its Music Ministry. Individual must be competent to teach various forms of gospel music to inspire the congregation through musical ministry; direct choirs; read music and play by ear; capable of playing the keyboard, organ, and piano; possess strong work ethics; demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, and communications skills by effectively collaborating with church staff, administrators, and choir members; and, has a spiritual background. Compensation: $30,000.00 annually. If interested, please send your resume to: ghbcsec1@outlook.com Position opened until successfully filled.

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