Richmond Free Press Sept. 12-14, 2019 edition by Richmond Free Press

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VOL. 28 NO. 37

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SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2019

Life interrupted

Kitchen fire throws Richmond family into upheaval, uncertainty By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Janice F. Lewis, left, and her sister, Celieto L. Lewis, stand beside their vehicle, which now doubles as their bedroom. The sisters have been homeless since Aug. 23, when the house they were renting was condemned after a kitchen fire.

It just took a small fire on the stove on Aug. 23 to upend the lives of sisters Celieto L. and Janice F. Lewis. Both in their 60s, they have few resources and are now homeless after their rented home in South Side was condemned after the fire. Also caring for two grandchildren, a greatgrandchild and a cat, their sleeping quarters is their vehicle, a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country SUV they cannot afford to replace. Their tale of woe, unfortunately, is not unusual in a city where one in four people live in poverty and another 25 percent have household incomes below the city’s median of about $43,000 a year. One of the biggest barriers to stability within families and in employment involves an unexpected event that creates unforeseen bills that overwhelm a household’s resources. It just takes the breakdown of a car, an injury, the illness of a child, a death in the family or another situation, according to workers for social services agencies and nonprofits who hear such stories every day from people desperate for assistance. Neither the government nor nonprofits such as the Community Foundation, the United Way or area faith groups have created a fund to provide bailout money for people who have run through their money and do not have a backup plan to deal with emergencies. Food pantries and clothes closets can assist with some of the problems families face, but sometimes people just need cash to resolve their difficulties. The Lewises’housing problem is compounded by other challenges, including the pregnancy of a granddaughter, who is about to give birth. The Please turn to A4

Coliseum review panel stalled after attempt to add VUU president By Jeremy M. Lazarus

New twists occurred this week in the ongoing saga of the Navy Hill District Corp. proposal to replace the Richmond Coliseum. On the political front, a five-member majority of City Council forced at least a twoweek delay in the formation of an advisory commission that is to spend 90 days reviewing the proposal. They did so by rejecting a proposed slate of seven people to join the commission that already

has an approved Board. He also offered chair and vice chair, a compromise plan to and insisting that the Richmond Circuit the president of VirCourt to work with the ginia Union Unicity voter registrar to versity be named as check 2,079 petition one of the members signatures he claims of the panel despite were wrongly rejected Dr. Hakim J. Lucas’ in violation of state Dr. Lucas public endorsement law and the U.S. and of the project Virginia constitutions. On the legal front, Paul GoldAt City Council’s informal man, the leader of a drive to meeting on Monday, Councilget an advisory referendum on man Michael J. Jones, 9th the ballot so voters can register District, and Councilwoman their opinion, got a little help Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, from the Richmond Electoral led the push to seat Dr. Lucas

What color is love?

Virginia couples challenge state law requiring race on marriage license application By Matthew Barakat Associated Press

ALEXANDRIA Three couples planning to get married in Virginia have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a state requirement that they disclose their race on their marriage application. Civil rights lawyer Victor Glasberg, who filed the lawsuit Sept. 5 in Alexandria, said the requirement is a vestige of Virginia’s Jim Crow laws and that Virginia is one of only eight states requiring marriage applicants to disclose their race. One Virginia county, Rockbridge County, provided a list of more than 200 potential races to a couple that questioned the requirement. It included “American,” “Aryan,” “Moor” and “Mulatto,” according to the lawsuit. Brandyn Churchill, 27, who plans to marry Sophie Rogers next month, said he was flabbergasted when the Rockbridge clerk’s office presented him with the list, which he said illustrates how ridiculous the requirement is.

“How is this on a piece of paper from a government agency?” Mr. Churchill asked when he saw “Mulatto” and “Aryan” on the list. The Rockbridge County Circuit Court clerk, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, did not return calls seeking comment. In Arlington County, bride-to-be Ashley Ramkishun said she was told that if she objected to listing a specific race, she could list “other.” “We’re not others. We’re human beings,” she said. While local court clerks may differ in how they ask the question, the requirement to disclose race is a state law. Paul Ferguson, circuit clerk of Arlington County, said he can “certainly understand why that question could make someone uncomfortable” and that he would be willing to forward an application to the state that leaves the race question unanswered. Fundamentally, though, state officials Please turn to A4

on the Coliseum review panel based on the claim that the recommended slate included only three black members — not enough in their view. The push came even though Dr. Jones and Ms. Robertson previously joined the rest of council to install two white men to lead the commission, former state Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer and entertainment project consultant John Gerner. Neither Dr. Jones nor Ms. Robertson — or anyone else on City Council —proposed an African-American to serve as chair or vice chair of the commission. Dr. Jones and Ms. Robertson lobbied for Dr. Lucas’ inclusion on the commission after receiving calls on behalf of Dr. Lucas from a group of 20 black pastors of Richmond churches, most of whom live outside the city, including the leader, the Rev. F. Todd Gray of Fifth Street Baptist Church. Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

High flier Kyan Nixon, 9, races to head off a hard landing by the kite launched by his mother, Jess Nixon, during the low winds last Saturday at the World Heritage Festival and Festival of Kites on Brown’s Island in Downtown. The waterfront festival drew kite fliers, a variety of artists and vendors offering wares and representatives of nonprofit and other organizations offering information.

Gov. Northam appoints ‘diversity czar,’ boards in upholding promise after blackface scandal tematic inequities” and use feedback from state workers, community leaders, business groups Dr. Janice Underwood will be the state’s first and others to generate policy initiatives, he “diversity czar.” stated in adding Dr. Underwood to Gov. Ralph S. Northam on Monday his leadership team. tapped the former director of diversity Dr. Underwood’s appointment initiatives at Old Dominion University follows Gov. Northam naming 18 to serve as the new state director of other people to the state’s first diversity, equity and inclusion that he African-American Advisory Board created as part of his efforts to recover that is to make recommendations on from a blackface scandal. issues important to the community — Dr. Underwood has been tasked similar to existing advisory boards with developing a framework “to Dr. Underwood for Latinos and Asians. promote inclusive practices” in hiring and The governor also named nine legal experts policy development in state government, the to a separate Commission to Examine Racial governor stated. She also is to create a plan to “address sysPlease turn to A4 By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A2 September 12-14, 2019

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Black Lives Matter activist Jalene Schmidt takes part in a protest last Sunday outside the national headquarters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy on Arthur Ashe Boulevard as the slavery-defending organization marks its 125th year. Ms. Schmidt of Charlottesville was Slices of life and scenes among 30 protesters holding up signs to passing motorists with such slogans as “No Shrines to White Supremacy” and “End White Supremacy.” The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, in Richmond Justice & Equality, a 17-year-old progressive group based in Richmond, organized the protest based on an assessment that the UDC has arguably done the most “to promote the false ‘Lost Cause’ mythology of Confederate nobility, sponsor and defend statues to the Southern rebels who fought for slavery and block school textbooks that accurately cite slavery as the primary cause of the Civil War.”

Cityscape

Civil rights exhibit City Council approves anti-litter, anti-conversion therapy resolutions at City Hall By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The words and photographs of 28 area residents who participated in the Civil Rights Movement in Richmond are now on display in City Hall. The exhibit, “Growing Up in Civil Rights Richmond: A Community Remembers,” will be on view through Nov. 22, according to the city’s Public Arts Commission, which arranged for the display. The show, first exhibited last winter and spring at the University of Richmond, features portraits of people whose childhood was impacted by the Civil Rights Movement, along with excerpts from their interviews. The exhibit features the work of Brian Palmer, an award-winning journalist and photographer whose freelance work has been published in the Richmond Free Press, and Dr. Laura Brower, a University of Richmond professor of American studies who gathered oral histories from the subjects. Opened last week, the exhibit includes 25 portraits on the first floor of City Hall Mr. Palmer in Downtown and three in the lobby of the Mayor’s Office on the second floor. “These compelling portraits and insightful narratives tell deeply personal stories of an important and pivotal time in our city’s history,” Mayor Levar M. Stoney stated in a news release on the show. “I applaud the Public Art Commission for bringing this exhibit to City Hall and providing an opportunity for our residents to experience these stories at the intersection of our civic life,” the mayor stated. The idea for the exhibit is credited to Ashley Kistler, chair of the Public Art Commission and director of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Anderson Gallery, and Dr. Browder, who received a 2012 Virginia Foundation for the Humanities grant to support its development. Mr. Palmer was later brought in as a partner. The show, along with a separate exhibit at City Hall of eight portraits from prolific Richmond artist and muralist Hamilton Glass, signal a revival of the city’s public arts program and commission. The commission, which has been in hibernation after creating a master plan, has six new members and is moving ahead with new efforts to explore the city’s identity through art, Ms. Kistler stated. Currently, Susan Glasser is serving as public art program coordinator and secretary to the commission. Details: Ms. Kistler, akistler@vcu.edu or (804) 363-6448.

AKA Sorority to host 5th Annual HBCU College Fair Sept. 28 Six graduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority are hosting the 5th Annual HBCU College Fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Second Baptist Church-South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. in South Side. Representatives from more than a dozen historically black colleges and universities in Virginia and several other states are scheduled to attend, with some offering on-site college admission and scholarships to attendees. Students are asked to bring copies of their high school transcript and results from SAT or ACT tests for consideration by college representatives. The event is part of the sorority’s national “HBCU for Life: A Call to Action” initiative to raise awareness, support and student consideration of HBCUs. Sponsoring the event are the AKA Sorority’s Delta Omega, Upsilon Omega, Pi Rho Omega, Rho Eta Omega, Tau Phi Omega and Omega Rho Omega chapters. Details or questions: AJ White, chair of Pi Rho Omega Chapter’s HBCU for Life committee, (804) 592-6794.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

It took five months, but Richmond City Council is finally putting its anti-plastic stance on record. In a quick vote Monday, City Council approved a resolution calling on City Hall, city residents and local businesses to do all they can to reduce the use of plastic straws, water bottles, balloons and other polluting, single-use plastic products. The council also passed a resolution, at the request of Mayor Levar M. Stoney, to condemn the use of quack, faith-based and psychological techniques aimed at converting homosexual men and women into heterosexuals. That action, along with passage of a resolution expressing disapproval of City Attorney Allen L. Jackson’s decision to appeal a case that had settled to the state Supreme Court, came on a night when the council also: • Gave the green light to the 125-yearold St. Andrew’s School in Oregon Hill to renovate the former William Byrd House at 224 S. Cherry St. into expansion space for its operations. The approval also allows St. Andrew’s to team with the YWCA to operate a day care that will include space for babies and additional space for the Sprout program. Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, said once the building is renovated, it will help with the large, unmet demand from working mothers for quality child care centers for their babies. • Cleared the way for the Richmond portion of the “Fulton Yards” project to be created on 20 acres near Rocketts Landing in the East End. The approval will allow the developers to build 216 new apartments in the 200 block of Orleans Street.

The potential $120 million project is to straddle the city’s boundary with Henrico County and is to include more than 500 apartments when complete. While the vote on plastics was unanimous, the resolution can only be described as far weaker than the action of other cities around the country that are imposing bans on single-use plastics, most notably straws, in a bid to reduce the disposal of plastic into oceans, rivers, lakes and streams. However, Richmond and other Virginia communities currently lack authority from the General Assembly to impose bans and can only seek to raise awareness, according to Mr. Agelasto, who, along with1st District Councilman Andreas D. Addison and 4th District Councilwoman Kristen N. Larson, introduced the legislation in late March. The resolution cleared council’s Education and Health Committee on July 25, with all nine City Council members signing on as co-patrons. The simple declaration of support for reducing the use of single-use plastics got held up after the Clean City Commission objected to the council taking action without input from the anti-litter and recycling promotion advisory group. The resolution has been amended to include wording the commission recommended, along with a reminder that the resolution is another step in the environmental protection effort the council began in 2012. In addition to calling on people and businesses to “switch from plastic straws to compostable, reusable or paper straws,” the resolution also urges people to use memorials such as planting a tree, spreading birdseed or installing a bench rather than releasing balloons.

It also urges the city to provide at public events water stations for refilling plastic water bottles to reduce the number thrown away; to substantially reduce purchases of single-use plastics; to encourage the use of reusable grocery and store bags; and to install convenient recycling receptacles where possible. The conversion therapy resolution, which originated with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, was offered in Richmond by Mayor Stoney for City Council approval. The resolution, also unenforceable, decries as bogus any practices or treatments “that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” noting that “being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is part of the spectrum of human identity and is not a disease, disorder or illness” that therapy can correct. The resolution notes that nearly 700,000 people, about half of whom are teens, have been subjected to such therapies. It puts the city and the council on record as supporting the prohibition of such practices in Richmond and across the state. On the legal front, the council passed Mr. Agelasto’s resolution scolding retiring City Attorney Allen L. Jackson for wasting money to appeal a Richmond Circuit Court decision that prevented his office from withholding information on the Navy Hill-Coliseum replacement project from a private citizen that was previously released to the daily newspaper. The case was settled before the court’s decision, but Mr. Jackson is seeking to challenge the decision as invalid and an attack on his office’s previously unfettered authority to control the flow of city information required to be released under the state’s Freedom of Information Act.

5th District candidates present ideas at Crusade forum By George Copeland Jr.

The main chapel of Fifth Baptist Church was abuzz Tuesday night with ideas for the future of Richmond’s 5th District, and the city as a whole, as seven candidates made their case for the public’s vote during a community forum that showcased how the upcoming special election has grown beyond its goal of replacing an embattled City Council member. “We have a responsibility to ask questions and get the answers to those questions,” said former City Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin after nearly two hours of statements and proposals from electoral hopefuls Nicholas DaSilva, Stephanie Lynch, Jer’Mykeal McCoy, the Rev. Robin D. Mines, Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson, Mamie L. Taylor and Dr. Thaddeus W. “Thad” Williamson. An eighth candidate, Graham Sturm, did not attend. The forum was organized by the Richmond Crusade for Voters to give Richmond voters the ability to make an informed choice between the candidates seeking to succeed Councilman Parker C. Agelasto in the special election set for Nov. 5. Moderated by the Crusade’s Research Committee co-chair, Stephanie Rizzi, and radio personality Clovia Lawrence, the forum seemed to have the intended effect for those in attendance, despite the occasional technical hiccup. Issues discussed during the forum ranged from taxation and gentrification, the city’s high eviction rate and addressing poverty through advocacy. The candidates offered a range

of solutions and initiatives, including more information and transparency on city matters for the public, greater scrutiny for the actions of landlords and institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University and their impact on the city, and ensuring more resources for transportation and schools from the state. Whether because of the nature of the topics selected for the forum or the solutions raised by the candidates, the impact of the special election was frequently brought into focus. Most notably, when asked how they’d vote on the $1.5 billion proposal to replace the Richmond Coliseum and develop parts of Downtown, five of the seven candidates said they would vote against approving it. Mr. Richardson and Mr. Williamson were the exceptions, opting to not giving definitive answers because of what they said is a lack of information about the proposal. Crusade President Bernice E. Travers speculated on what an African-American representative for the district, and a blackmajority on City Council, could mean for Richmond. “It could balance out the City Council,” Ms. Travers said, “and we could get better results and services, and issues could be addressed, affecting the African-American community.” While the forum drew a modest turnout of around 80 people, it also featured a number of former and potential elected officials, including former 5th District Councilman E. Martin Jewell; former Delegate Joseph “Joe” Morrissey, who is running for state Senate in November; Viola

Baskerville, who formerly served on City Council, in the House of Delegates and as state secretary of administration; and Sheila Bynum-Coleman of Chesterfield, a candidate for the House of Delegates. November’s special election for the 5th District council seat is the result of an agreement between former city Commonwealth’s Attorney Micheal N. Herring and Mr. Agelasto, after the councilman revealed he had moved outside of the 5th District. As part of the arrangement, Mr. Agelasto agreed to step down on Nov. 30. Mr. Richardson, who previously represented the 5th District, and Mr. El-Amin have been among the most vocal critics of how Mr. Agelasto’s move outside the district has been handled. They criticized city officials for their response and mounted a court challenge seeking Mr. Agelasto’s immediate removal. When candidates were asked if they would run again in 2020 when the term of office ends, Mr. Richardson was the only one to say he wouldn’t, and chided the other candidates for not speaking up against Mr. Agelasto’s continued presence on the City Council, saying he wouldn’t be running if they had. All of the candidates presented themselves as advocates for the 5th District and the Richmond community at large. The Crusade’s Research Committee is to hold one-on-one interviews with the candidates on Saturday, Sept. 14 and 21, followed by the committee recommending an endorsement on Sept. 24, which will be voted on by the organization’s members.

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September 12-14, 2019

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News

Kitchen fire throws family into upheaval, uncertainty Continued from A1

family’s landlord and property owner has not offered assistance and has not started repairs to the home in the 1400 block of Flynn Road, leaving the family to hunt for another place to live. The fire has left the Lewis sisters hunting for another three-bedroom house for themselves and those they care for. They thought they had one, but on Tuesday that prospect fell through. So they continue to sleep in their vehicle as they keep searching for another place to live. “Our biggest problem has been coming up with a security deposit. That’s on top of the rent. We’ve gone to Social Services, but they just referred us to other places. It’s just a run-around.” For now, they have solved the problem of the security deposit. They have set aside money from their government checks from September to pay the deposit if they find another place. Their hope is to start paying rent of around $900 a month, about half their monthly income, if they can move in October or later. They admit that their situation would not be so bad if they had purchased a rental insurance policy to protect their possessions from fire loss and to pay for temporary housing if their place became uninhabitable. They are living with that decision. Many who face tough challenges are like the Lewis sisters, who have always worked until they could not but never saved much. Celieto Lewis, 63, worked in cold storage operations for ice-making firms and food wholesalers until she became disabled in 1991 and became reliant on a government disability check of about $900 a month.

Janice Lewis, 65, spent most of her career as a food service worker at area grocery stores, including the now defunct Ukrop’s supermarket operation where she trained other deli workers to make pot pies, chicken and dumplings and chicken. Her main income is a check for about $970 a month from Social Security. Before this upheaval from the fire, she also added to the household income by working part time at a fast-food restaurant. The sisters look after the two grown, unemployed grandchildren, Damion Lewis, 21, who is autistic and has a tough time finding work, and Tania Cooper, 23, who is pregnant. Both are children of Janice Lewis’ late son, who was killed in 2002. Janice Lewis, along with her sister, have been caring for the grandchildren since they were toddlers. The household also includes Ms. Cooper’s 4-year-old daughter, Sinai. Their life took a turn when Celieto Lewis went to make French fries around 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, and left a heating pan of grease on the new stove she and her sister had purchased four weeks earlier. “I saw light in the kitchen,” she said, and found the fire. She burned her hand pulling the flaming pan off the stove. The flames already had destroyed the range hood and had begun creeping up the wall. They called 911, then mostly extinguished the flames by the time the fire trucks arrived. However, a city building inspector, who was called in by the Fire Department, condemned the house after finding the electrical breakers had not functioned, signaling a wiring problem that needed correction. “By 9 p.m., we had to be out,” Celieto Lewis said. “That was shocking.”

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

The Lewis sisters in front of the condemned house on Flynn Road in South Side that they no longer are allowed to live in.

The home’s owner, Franklin Carroll, has not responded to Free Press requests for comment. Celieto Lewis said Mr. Carroll has called her only once since the fire. “He talked about getting a few things done like a new back door. So far, nothing has changed on the house.” The area Red Cross responded to the fire and provided the Lewises with $455 on an electronic card based on the five people in the household so they could afford to stay at an area motel for a few days. “But that really was the only money we had. We needed to use that for other things like gas for the car and

food,” said Janice Lewis. After the fire, they could not cook or preserve the food stocked in the freezer. Their money remained short until their next disability and Social Security checks arrived after Labor Day, more than a week later. They have reached out to a variety of groups and received support from their City Council representative, Dr. Michael J. Jones, who was able to arrange for a nearby Motel 6 to put up the family for four days during the Labor Day holiday without charge. But that respite has come and gone. Celieto Lewis said they rejected

one option they were offered — staying in shelters. “We would have had to split up,” she said, “and we didn’t want to do that. No one could take us as a group.” Even when they find a place, they will still face challenges, including surviving until they can move in. They also must deal with the cost of moving their furniture and other possessions to the new address. “It’s just one thing after another,” said Celieto Lewis. “Sometimes you think about just giving up. But you can’t. Others are depending on you. You just have to keep going and hope for the best.”

Gov. appoints ‘diversity czar,’ boards in upholding promise Continued from A1

Inequity in Virginia law. That commission will include former Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring and former Richmond General District Court Judge Birdie H. Jamison. The racial inequity commission is to offer recommendations for changes in state law and administrative regulations for the General Assembly and state agencies to consider in 2020. Gov. Northam called the appointments part “of the ongoing work to right historical inequities in areas like education and health care” and business support. The recent wave also represents the latest sign of Gov. Northam’s rebound from the blackface scandal that nearly crashed his political career in ruins. It also signals that he retains the trust

and confidence of many African-Americans in the state. Rejecting widespread calls for his resignation after his page in his 1984 medical school yearbook was found to show a photo of a person in blackface and another in Ku Klux Klan regalia, Gov. Northam pledged to use his remaining tenure in office — through early January 2022 — to make Virginia more equitable and inclusive, with a focus on the African-American community. Among other things, he pledged to name a director of diversity. He called Dr. Underwood an ideal choice for the role. Her “background as an educator, leader and collaborator, as well as her experience promoting inclusive policies and directing diversity initiatives, make her the perfect person,” he stated. “I look forward to having her as a partner in

Virginia couples challenge state law requiring race on marriage license application Continued from A1

would still have the final say in accepting or rejecting the application, he said. The lawsuit names the state registrar’s office as a defendant, in addition to the county clerks in Rockbridge and Arlington. Michael Kelly, a spokesman for Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, said in an emailed statement, “Although it’s not readily apparent why state law requires the collection of this data on the marriage license application, we will examine the complaint closely and carefully to determine how best to proceed.” Mr. Glasberg wrote a letter to Mr. Herring asking him not to defend the law. Instead, Mr. Glasberg suggests that Mr. Herring “do what must be done to get on the right side of history: have the defense stipulate to the unconstitutionality of the provision at issue.”

Mr. Glasberg said the requirement to disclose race has bothered him ever since he got married in 1981 and was asked the same question. He said he wanted to write “human” but was told that was not an option. Instead, he wrote “white” in quotes. He recruited couples who were willing to challenge the provision so the lawsuit could be filed. He said most people, when confronted with the issue, simply acquiesce to the requirement because getting a marriage license is frequently one of the last steps in planning a wedding and few people are willing to disrupt those plans to stand up for a principle. He said the case is a logical sequel to the 1967 Loving v. Virginia case that struck down laws banning interracial marriage. “This is an occasion for Virginia to get rid of possibly the last vestige of ... Jim Crow on our books,” he wrote in his letter to Mr. Herring.

this important work.” Dr. Underwood, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Hampton University and her doctorate from Old Dominion University, said she would be “dedicated to working with Virginians to promote lasting, institutional change at all levels of state government.” She has worked on a national board that certifies special education teachers and been involved with the Virginia Community College System and other groups to bolster racial and cultural awareness and staff diversity. Along with other tasks, she also will work with the new African-American Advisory Board, whose 18 members include Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green, executive minister of First Baptist Church of South Richmond. The board grew out of legislation that Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, introduced in January before the photo scandal broke and that assumed greater importance after the scandal. Delegate Bagby, at the time, called the “creation of this board far overdue. Establishing the board through legislative action will ensure that the African-American community has a permanent voice in the state’s executive branch.” Gov. Northam signed the legislation in March and named the 18 members just before the Labor Day holiday. The appointees also include: The Rev. Cozy Bailey of Dumfries, president of the Prince William County NAACP; Xavier L. Beale of Smithfield, vice president of trades for Newport News Shipbuilding; Gilbert T. Bland of Virginia Beach, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, who will serve as chair of the advisory board; and Norfolk Police Chief Larry D. Boone. Also, Zyahna Bryant of Charlottesville, a University of Virginia student; Hope F. Cupit of Bedford, president and chief executive officer of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project Inc.; Keren Charles Dongo of Alexandria, state director for U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine; and Dr. Ingrid Granberry Grant of Chesterfield, Henrico Public Schools’ lead director of school leadership and director of middle school education.

Also, Teri Helenese of Loudoun, Washington representative and director of state-federal relations for the governor of the Virgin Islands; Gaylene Kanoyton of Hampton, president of Celebrate Healthcare and first vice chair of the state Democratic Party and president of the Hampton Branch NAACP; and Yvonne J. Lewis, Virginia Beach community and social activist. Also, Dr. Monica Motley of Danville, founder and chief executive officer of The Motley Consulting Group and a faculty member at the Virginia Teach Center for Public Health Practice and Research; Precious Rasheeda Muhammad of Suffolk, an independent scholar; Cameron D. Patterson of Farmville, managing director of the Robert Russa Moton Museum of Civil Rights; Monica L. Reid of Alexandria, director of advocacy for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Yvette G. Robinson of Petersburg, retired agriculture professor at Virginia State University; and Van C. Wilson of Glen Allen, associate vice chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. The governor credited the formation of the legal commission to two other members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Delegate Marcia Price of Newport News and state Sen. Lionel Spruill Sr. of Chesapeake, who pushed the idea in the recent session. The legal commission’s members, who were named Sept. 3, also include: Cynthia Hudson of Richmond, chief deputy attorney general, who will serve as chair; Andrew Block of Charlottesville, an attorney and former director of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice; Henry L. Chambers Jr. of Henrico, a professor at the University of Richmond Law School; and Jill Hanken of Richmond, an attorney and health law specialist for the Virginia Poverty Law Center. Also, Carla Jackson of Chesterfield, assistant commissioner for legal affairs with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles; Judge Jerrauld Jones, chief judge of the Norfolk Circuit Court; and Leslie Chambers Mehta of Chesterfield, chief of staff and legal counsel to the chief executive officer of the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Coliseum review panel stalled after attempt to add VUU president Continued from A1

The two council members insisted on Dr. Lucas even though they and other council members were aware that Richmond’s daily newspaper published an opinion piece on Dec. 9, 2018, endorsing the Navy Hill development proposal that was written by the company’s public relations consultant and signed by Dr. Lucas and Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah. The newspaper has acknowledged that it later added other signatories to the online version after learning that Dr. Lucas and Dr. Abdullah had no hand in writing it. Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, who led the charge to create the commission, said she couldn’t understand the effort to get an openly biased person seated on a panel whose members were supposed to be impartial. Ms. Gray said the slate includes a racially diverse group of men and women who are experienced in the fields of development, real estate, procurement and other areas as the council had stipulated. Dr. Jones insisted that Dr. Lucas could set aside professed support and join the other members in analyzing the numbers. “I know he can do that,” Dr. Jones said after the meeting. “I do it all the time.”

But he offered little explanation of what development expertise Dr. Lucas would provide, other than his leadership of a university. According to court documents, before coming to VUU, Dr. Lucas was involved in a financially ruinous $300 million dormitory development at Bethune-Cookman University in Florida. He and other former Ms. Robertson executives of the university are being sued for saddling the private Florida school with a project the university has said it cannot afford. Dr. Lucas has denied any wrongdoing. The council didn’t vote on any of the commission members. Joining in delaying the appointment of the commission until council’s meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, were Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District; Andreas D. Addison, 1st District; and Chris A. Hilbert, 3rd District. Mr. Hilbert said that despite his vote, he is still “very unlikely to support this (Navy Hill) project,” repeating a statement he made publicly Aug. 14 and that the Free Press later published. As a veteran underwriter of real estate deals, Mr. Hilbert said he has not seen anything that would change his opinion that the deal is too risky, includes projections that are too optimistic and

does not take into account the potential for a recession. On the legal front, Richmond Chief Circuit Judge Joi Jeter Taylor still has not set a hearing on Mr. Goldman’s contention that city Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter wrongly disqualified 2,079 signatures on petitions to put a referendum on the Navy Hill project on the Nov. 5 ballot. Dr. Jones In a fresh attempt to move the process forward, Mr. Goldman submitted a motion Tuesday afternoon asking Judge Taylor to order Ms. Showalter to work with him to go over the disqualified signatures to determine whether at least 400 could be identified as valid to allow the referendum on the ballot. Tuesday night, the three-member Richmond Electoral Board, led by attorney James M. Nachman, voted to send a letter to the judge urging her to allow signers who now have different addresses than those listed on the voter rolls time to submit a change of address form so their signatures can be counted. The vote came after Ms. Showalter acknowledged that many of the signatures she disqualified were because of a “mismatch of information,” basically a different city address, that prevented her from concluding the person signing was on the voter rolls.

Richmond Free Press

September 12-14, 2019

Local News

RPS Board affirms rezoning plan will be finished by late Dec. By Ronald E. Carrington

The Richmond School Board reaffirmed Monday night that it will complete school rezoning by late December. The affirmation came during a special meeting of the board, in which big issues surrounding rezoning were discussed, among them ensuring the racial and socioeconomic diversity of student populations at the schools; easing overcrowding largely at South Side schools; dealing with a shifting city population that may impact student population and school crowding; handling the cost of rezoning, including any changes in transportation costs; and sticking with the rezoning timeline. School Board member Cheryl L. Burke, 7th District, urged the board to press city government officials for information on new housing and apartment construction across the city that could “affect future (school) enrollment.” RPS’ massive rezoning effort comes at a time when several schools in South Side are bursting at the seams because of overcrowding; enrollment is projected to grow by more than 1,000 students over the next decade; two new elementary schools

and a new middle school are under construction and expected to open in the fall of 2020; and options to combine elementary schools north of the James River that have low enrollments and a lack of racial and economic diversity have drawn criticism from some parents. School Board member Linda B. Owen, 9th District, reminded the board of the importance to move full speed ahead to craft a rezoning plan that is to go into effect next fall for the 2020-21 academic year. “We’re opening the (new Elkhardt-Thompson) middle school and a new Greene Elementary School in a little less than a year” in South Side, Ms. Owen said. “Students need to know where they will be going in the next school year.” Since March, RPS has held a rezoning public hearing, three meetings of the board-appointed Rezoning Advisory Committee, 14 community meetings and four regional meetings in an effort to engage Richmond residents in the rezoning process. At Monday’s meeting, the board focused on how the Rezoning Advisory Committee should prioritize rezoning goals and whether to phase in some changes to achieve the goals.

Blackwell developer and mortgage executive facing federal fraud charges By Jeremy M. Lazarus

An energetic entrepreneur who with his wife sought to upgrade housing in the Blackwell community and add new businesses to Manchester’s old downtown along Hull Street is facing federal fraud charges. Michael Hild was arrested Aug. 28 after a federal grand jury indicted him on a series of criminal charges related to his collapsed Chesterfield-based Live Well Financial, a once high-flying mortgage company. The founder and chief executive officer of the 14-year-old company, Mr. Hild is facing government charges related to security fraud, mail fraud and bank fraud as well as civil charges related to the company’s practices before the company locked its doors in May and ceased operations. He pleaded not guilty last week and has been released before trial on a $500,000 bond. He has acknowledged the business failed and issued a statement in response to the charges that “every business failure is not a corporate crime.” The government alleges that he and two other top executives at the mortgage company, who already have pleaded guilty to similar charges and are cooperating

witnesses, inflated the value of the company’s portfolio by at least $65 million to gain bigger supporting loans from banks and others. The government alleges they then used the money for other purposes, including lavish lifestyles and opening other businesses. In recent years, Mr. Hild and his business partner and wife, Laura Dyer Hild, had won attention with their big plans in South Side. They acquired dozens of properties, Mr. Hild including decaying houses and buildings in Blackwell, Manchester and along Hull Street, and then spearheaded a drive to gain historic designation to raise property values. One of their projects involved the renovation of a former Siegel’s grocery store at Hull and 20th streets for a possible food manufacturing plant. The Hilds also opened a doughnut shop, a craft beer brewery and a market/café on Hull Street. Their work, along with that of other developers, has been blamed or credited for dramatically boosting rents and for raising property tax bills for existing residents.

The government last Friday filed a court motion to seize 29 properties, including eight businesses that are now mostly in Mrs. Hild’s name, as “proceeds of the fraud.” The motion seeks to halt the Hilds from trying to sell their holdings, which also include an oyster farm and a goat cheese operation. The collapse of Live Well during the spring led to layoffs for several hundred employees and to a parade of lenders seeking repayment of tens of millions of dollars in loans going to court to force the company into bankruptcy. A former Capital One executive, Mr. Hild and his attorneys noted that he cooperated in the government’s investigation of the collapse. Started in 2005, the company originated and serviced reverse mortgages that enable senior citizens to borrow against the equity in their home while continuing to live there. The loans are repaid when the property is sold after the borrower relocates or dies. According to the government, Live Well represented to lenders that its mortgage portfolio was worth $500 million, though government accounting indicates that the portfolio was worth at least $65 million less.

School Board member J. “Scott” Barlow, 2nd District, urged the board to adopt longer-term strategies because some of the goals may not work well together. “We have long-standing segregated neighborhoods to a large degree,” he said, “but we want to address transportation as we increase diversity. Those two goals don’t necessarily go hand in hand.” Further discussion about creating racial and socioeconomic equity within the schools led to a testy exchange among board members. Board Vice Chair Elizabeth “Liz” Doerr, 1st District, requested the RPS administration provide board members with socioeconomic information by school. “It is hard to create a definition of diversity with our school (zones) as they are,” Ms. Doerr said. “Best practices should be considered by looking at rezoning in other parts of the country.” Board member Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, chimed in. “What we do should reflect the diversity of Richmond and the school system broadly,” she said. Superintendent Jason Kamras urged board members to send any beneficial information to the Rezoning Advisory Committee. He said cost estimates for the rezoning plans being considered by the committee are being drafted by the administration and are expected to be completed by the end of September. The School Board will discuss those estimates at its Oct. 7 meeting.

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Richmond Free Press

A6â&#x20AC;&#x192; September 12-14, 2019

Local News

MJBL, Hampton U. part of hurricane relief efforts for the Bahamas By George Copeland Jr.

People in Richmond and across the state are lending a hand to help residents of the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian settled over the islands, killing at least 44 people, leaving around 70,000 people homeless and causing billions of dollars in damage. In Richmond, the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League has put together a two-pronged relief fund, a combination of local and nationwide crowdfunding supported by multiple organizations, including the Richmond Flying Squirrels and several local television stations. William M.T. Forrester Jr., executive director of the MJBL, said the league is collecting specific items to aid the recovery from a list provided by Nassau Sen. Greg Burrows. The list includes first aid supplies, toothbrushes, flashlights, batteries, portable stoves, disposable face masks and nonaerosol insect repellents. Donations can be delivered between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, to The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.

The MJBL also has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay the $100,000 in delivery costs to transport the supplies to Miami and onto a relief ship to the Bahamas. A full list of items can be found at GoFundMe.com/F/MJBLBahamas-Relief. Donors are asked not to supply butane fuel or aerosol insect repellents; the maMr. Forrester terials must be non-hazardous and able to be transported safely. Mr. Forrester said the MJBL has a special connection to the Bahamas. The leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All-Star team visited Nassau during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday in January to play against the Bahamian affiliates in the Freedom Farm Baseball League. The FFBL also traveled to Richmond earlier this summer to participate in the MJBL annual Inner City Classic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kids rallied around the cause,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Forrester said of MJBL members participating in gathering hurricane relief supplies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to see them stand up in this humanitarian

effort to make sure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supporting their fellow ballplayers and friends.â&#x20AC;? On Sept. 5, Hampton University officials announced the university is opening its doors to students and families from the University of the Bahamas affected by the hurricane. Hampton Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offer includes free enrollment, room and board for Bahamian Dr. Harvey university students during the fall semester, with the option to stay at Hampton for additional semesters at regular tuition rates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think this agreement is something that can be helpful to a great number of students and families,â&#x20AC;? Dr. William R. Harvey, Hamptonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president, stated in a news release. Like the MJBL, the HBCU has its own special connection to the affected islands. The agreement was the result of talks between Dr. Harvey and Dr. Rodney Smith, a former administrative vice president and chief planning officer at Hampton University, who now serves as president of the University of the Bahamas.

Middle schools now offering electives, PE after flouting state standards By Jeremy M. Lazarus

After five years of parental lobbying, middle schools in Richmond appear to be on track with offering an array of elective courses that meet state requirements. According to Superintendent Jason Kamrasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; administration, Richmond Public Schools is providing all middle school students this school year with an opportunity to take four elective courses in addition to courses in the four core academic areas. In addition, RPS is enabling each middle school student to have 150 minutes a week of physical activity, a requirement that was not met last year when the requirement went into effect. Dr. Tracy Epp, the school systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief academic officer, promised the Richmond School Board on Aug. 19 that those changes would happen amid preparations for the start of the 2019-20 school year. And RPS Chief of Staff Michelle Hudacsko stated last week that the promise is being kept. At the August meeting, Dr. Epp told the School Board that the middle school program would â&#x20AC;&#x153;be in compliance with all requirements.â&#x20AC;? She did not offer any specifics on the electives or the curricula that would guide the courses, including offerings in Algebra I, geometry, Earth science, Spanish I and Art I that she said would be available at each middle school. Betsy Milburn, an activist parent who has worked with others since 2014 to lobby RPS for upgraded electives, said information she has received suggests that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the promise is not being kept,â&#x20AC;? although she provided no specifics.

Another parent, who asked not to be named, said the â&#x20AC;&#x153;electives are a bit messed up.â&#x20AC;? She noted that an elective Spanish class has been extended through a study hall to provide enough time to qualify for high school credit. RPS and individual schools do not post class schedules, making it virtually impossible to independently verify whether electives are being offered. Electives involve courses in foreign languages art, music, dance, career and other programs. They are in addition to the 560 hours a year that each student must complete in the four core subjects â&#x20AC;&#x201D; English, math, Dr. Epp science and history and/or social studies. School Board member Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, remains disappointed that Dr. Epp and her staff failed to accompany the promise with concrete information on what â&#x20AC;&#x153;each (elective) course would cover and which classes would fulfill requirements for high school credit.â&#x20AC;? Ms. Gibson said such information should be easily available to every student in middle school â&#x20AC;&#x153;during the course selection processâ&#x20AC;? before the school year begins. She also is disappointed with the lack of course guides, as were made available for high school classes this year. Dr. Epp said the middle school guides would be ready for the next school year. RPS failed to provide at least four elective courses during the 2018-19 school year to students in grades six through eight as required by

the state, according to the Virginia Department of Education. RPS also failed to offer the minimum level of physical activity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 150 minutes a week â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that the General Assembly has mandated, VDOE indicated. The Free Press learned that a schedule change recommended by Mr. Kamras and approved by the School Board ahead of the 2018-19 school year essentially ensured that middle school students were reduced to taking only two elective courses during the school year, while the physical activity requirement was largely Ms. Milburn ignored. Ms. Milburn and others were surprised by the reduction as was VDOE, which essentially is required to be consulted and to authorize any changes in RPS schedules and courses under a memorandum of understanding with RPS. Charles Pyle, VDOE spokesman, said Mr. Kamras and his staff did not consult with or seek VDOE approval for the schedule changes. He stated that VDOE learned about them in September 2018 after the school year had begun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;VDOE communicated its concerns to the division,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Pyle stated. No immediate action was taken until Ms. Milburn filed a complaint with the state in January 2019. Without mentioning the complaint, Mr.

Pyle stated that the department conducted â&#x20AC;&#x153;a master schedule review of Albert Hill Middle School.â&#x20AC;? The findings appeared to support Ms. Milburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claims. School Board members, including Ms. Gibson, began raising questions and urging RPS officials to meet the requirements for middle school electives and for providing the minimum level of physical activity that the General Assembly had mandated. Dr. Eppâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise to the School Board appeared to be a victory for school advocates like Ms. Milburn, who also in 2018 was among the first to raise concerns about RPS transcript errors after finding that her son failed to get proper credit for dual-enrollment college courses he took in high school. Ms. Milburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complaint helped trigger further investigation by RPS and VDOE that turned up a huge array of transcript errors that affected hundreds of students. During the past school year, Mr. Kamras, Dr. Epp and other staff spent hours reviewing high school transcripts up to eight times to remove errors and ensure that transcripts contained proper information for seniors and other students in regards to meeting graduation requirements. Despite possible shortcomings, Ms. Milburn is â&#x20AC;&#x153; heartenedâ&#x20AC;? that RPS is focusing on upgrading middle school electives. She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My only concern is that another year not pass without opportunities for students to have a robust class schedule.â&#x20AC;?

Federal appeals court ruling sets precedent in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unreasonableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; search case By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Can police officers stop and search a random group of people found near a location where the officers believe gunshots have been fired? And even if the shooter is not among them, can they arrest an uninvolved person who turns out to be carrying a gun illegally as the result of a felony record? Yes to both questions, a divided three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided last week in a precedent-setting Fourth Amendment case that grew out of an incident two years ago in Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crime-ridden Creighton Court. The majority decision overturned a lower courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to suppress evidence â&#x20AC;&#x201D;the gun â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that led to the arrest of Richmonder Billy Curry Jr., even though authorities confirmed he had not fired any of the gunshots. In a vigorous dissent, Judge Henry F. Floyd of South Carolina wrote that the decision â&#x20AC;&#x153;completely cripples a fundamental Fourth Amendment protection and creates a dangerous precedent.â&#x20AC;? In his view, the majority opinion means that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;sounds of gunshots, or even something that police perceive as gunshots, â&#x20AC;Ś creates an emergency situation and allows police to stop and frisk anyone in the area without individualized suspicion.â&#x20AC;? The case began Sept. 8, 2017, when four detectives from the Richmond Police Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Focus Mission Team heard gunfire within Creighton Court and responded to Walcott Place where it was believed the shots originated no more than 35 seconds earlier. According to a recital of the facts, the detectives spotted and stopped six to eight men who, though clearly not together, were walking away from the

area. The detectives asked the men to lift their shirts. The detectives shined flashlights on the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waists to determine if they had guns. All complied and showed they did not have weapons, except Mr. Curry, who did not pull up his shirt. He turned out to have a weapon after he was wrestled to the ground and searched. Writing for the appeals court majority, Judge Julius N. Richardson, also of South Carolina, found that the detectives were operating in an emergency circumstance affecting the public interest, thus triggering an exception to the U.S. Constitutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fourth Amendment prohibition against â&#x20AC;&#x153;unreasonableâ&#x20AC;? government searches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The officers were not investigating a shooting that occurred days or even hours earlier,â&#x20AC;? he stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were rushing to respond to shots fired just seconds earlier in a densely populated residential neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;? where there had been two homicides and six other shootings in the previous 90 days. While Judge Richardson acknowledged that the officers did not have any â&#x20AC;&#x153;reasonable suspicionâ&#x20AC;? that the men they stopped were involved in the gunfire, he found the primary purpose of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;stop and flashlight search was the need to protect the public and (themselves)â&#x20AC;? from a shooter and the potential for retaliatory gunfire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The officers reacted quickly â&#x20AC;Ś with a measured response to address the very real threat of further violence,â&#x20AC;? he wrote in an opinion supported by Judge Paul V. Niemeyer of Maryland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;An unobtrusive flashlight searchâ&#x20AC;? of the waistbands of those stopped to determine if they had weapons represented an â&#x20AC;&#x153;intrusion on the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liberty (that) was minimal both in scope and duration,â&#x20AC;? Judge Richardson concluded. He addressed only the search of the group and left unsettled

the question of whether the search of Mr. Curry was reasonable or violated the Fourth Amendment, which will require additional argument at the lower court. Mr. Curry, who has a lengthy criminal record, has been held without bond since his arrest. But Judge Floyd argued his colleagues should have suppressed evidence of the gun, just as U.S. District Court Judge M. Hannah Lauck of Richmond did. He wrote that none of the men the detectives stopped were known to have been involved in firing the shots. Unlike cases where police set up roadblocks after a kidnapping or bank robbery or have a known suspect in a confined area, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the officers who stopped (Mr. Curry) had no such information. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The officers approached (Mr.) Curry in an open field at one of several possible escape routes in an area they only suspected to be the scene of an unknown crime,â&#x20AC;? Judge Floyd continued, but the detectives were missing key pieces of information, including a description of the person who had fired the shots. The detectives â&#x20AC;&#x153;had no reason to believe that the men (who were stopped) had anything to do with the gunshots (the detectives) heard,â&#x20AC;? he wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The exigent circumstances exception may permit suspicionless seizures when officers can narrow the seizures based on specific information on a known crime,â&#x20AC;? but he wrote that exception does not apply when that information is unavailable. Judge Floyd stated that this view of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;exigent circumstances exceptionâ&#x20AC;? has been the standard the 4th Circuit has previously followed and needs to maintain within its jurisdiction, which includes Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and North and South Carolina.

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Richmond Free Press

September 12-14, 2019

Best of Luck to the Recipients of the 2019 Altria College Opportunity Fund Scholarship. We wish you great success as you start your college journey.

Amazin Bullock

Andre Jackson

Thomas Jefferson High School James Madison University

Dominic Ross

John Marshall High School Virginia State University

Jade Smith

John Marshall High School North Carolina A&T State University

Chantal Hernandez

Armstrong High School Radford University

Open High School University of Virginia

Emma Wegener

Open High School Virginia Commonwealth University

Jonathan Hargett

Richmond Community High School Virginia Commonwealth University

Majestic Colley

George Wythe High School Old Dominion University

Lahjae White-Patterson Huguenot High School Virginia Tech

Timothy Gills

George Wythe High School Old Dominion University

Altria is proud to partner with Richmond Public Schools to award up to 10 renewable $10,000 college scholarships to graduating seniors through the Altria College Opportunity Fund. 6LQFH WKH SURJUDP EHJDQ LQ ZHÂˇYH DZDUGHG PRUH WKDQ PLOOLRQ LQ VFKRODUVKLSV WR VWXGHQWV Thank you to our partners and supporters of the Altria College Opportunity Fund: Art 180 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Richmond & Tri-Cities Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond Communities In Schools Great Aspirations Scholarship Program Higher Achievement MathScience Innovation Center Next Up Partnership for the Future Peter Paul Development Center

Richmond Minorities In Engineering Partnership Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community Side by Side 5IF 'JSTU 5FF PG 3JDINPOE $IFTUFSmFME Virginia 4-H Virginia College Advising Corps Virginia Latino Higher Education Network Virginia Mentoring Partnership YMCA

Richmond Free Press

Trumpet flower in West End

Editorial Page

September 12-14, 2019

We know the problems; we need action It’s tough to dig yourself out of a hole. But Gov. Ralph S. Northam is still in the trench trying to work his way out eight months after his sad and disgraceful blackface scandal. His latest attempts to resurrect himself and his bona fides with the African-American community? He named Dr. Janice Underwood of Old Dominion University as the state’s new director of diversity, equity and inclusion. He also named a nine-member commission to recommend changes in discriminatory and inequitable Virginia laws and an 18-member Virginia African-American Advisory Board. The board is charged with advising the governor on developing economic, professional, cultural, educational and governmental links between state government and the African-American community. To be fair, neither the commission nor the African-American Advisory Board were the governor’s idea. Both arose from measures submitted to the General Assembly by members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. The measures just happened to catch Gov. Northam at a desperate time after the scandal broke earlier this year and during his struggle to get back into the graces of the African-American community. Lest we, the governor or the state Democratic Party forget, it was African-American voters who played a key role in Democrats winning the top three state posts — governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general — in November 2017 and in giving Democrats pivotal gains in the House of Delegates. Unfortunately, Gov. Northam has shifted the burden of dealing with the state’s longstanding racist and inequitable policies and practices over to a diversity czar and two appointed bodies rather than taking leadership and handling the issues we have long known are problems. He can now absolve himself of any responsibility for changing Virginia’s racist laws and ways should the panels fail to act. Our hope is that the commission and the advisory board will work both expeditiously and strategically. But it is up to Virginians of color and people of conscience to pressure Gov. Northam and the General Assembly to make the needed changes. The governor can start with eliminating the race question on Virginia’s marriage license applications. Clearly, the requirement that applicants provide their race is a throwback to Jim Crow when Virginia law made it illegal for African-Americans and Caucasians to marry. The racial identification box was stricken from marriage license applications in 2003, but returned to the applications in 2005. We don’t understand why such information is necessary or pertinent. What benefit does it provide to the Commonwealth? We also point out the inequitable school funding formula in Virginia that shortchanges urban school districts and thousands of African-American children in the state. We don’t need commissions or advisory panels to tell us this is a problem. Gov. Northam simply needs to take the initiative to lead change. Additionally, for the purposes of the census, state inmates are counted as living in the jurisdictions where the prisons are located. That means many rural, largely white areas of Virginia are benefiting in political clout from redistricting and funding formulas derived from a census count based on the black bodies housed in state prisons in those areas. Many of the offenders housed in these rural state prisons are from urban areas. The cities and counties where they are from lose out on political representation, clout and funding when these men and women are not counted in their hometown’s population. Because of the prison count’s significant impact on redistricting, New York passed a bill in 2010 mandating that inmates be counted in the census based on their last known home address. Virginia needs to adopt a similar practice. The special commission and advisory board Gov. Northam appointed have their place. But most African-Americans already can identify many of the problems in the state. We urge them to call the governor’s office and clue him in to the racist laws and practices in Virginia — (804) 786-2211. What’s needed now is action — not a lot of talk from a governor still seeking atonement. The Commission to Examine Racial Inequity in Virginia Law has until Nov. 15 to issue a preliminary report on its findings and recommendations. We will see what Gov. Northam does after that.

Presidential dishonesty Presidential dishonesty is going on and, no, it’s not President Trump. It has come to public attention that Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao has passed off as his own an op-ed column supporting the $1.5 billion Coliseum replacement and Downtown redevelopment project. His op-ed, which was published earlier this year in Richmond’s daily newspaper, actually was ghostwritten by Jeff Kelley, a public relations consultant working for the company that is pushing the costly project. In published reports, Mr. Kelley also acknowledged writing another op-ed piece published last year by the daily newspaper that was signed by Virginia Union University President Hakim J. Lucas and Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah. We find this distasteful and academically dishonest for these college presidents to have outside sources who have a stake in the project to pen these public persuasion pieces that the presidents are passing off as their own. It calls into question the integrity of all three of the presidents. Certainly in academic circles, any student discovered to have had someone else write a term paper for him or her would fail the course. That the president of VCU, VUU and VSU did so is a disgrace to themselves and their universities. It also loudly signals to Richmond residents and voters the extent of the well-financed and well-oiled lobby machine of Dominion Energy CEO Thomas F. Farrell II, the mastermind behind the Downtown project. Those involved with Navy Hill Development Corp. appear willing to go to any lengths to push this needless project over on Richmond City Council and the voters who will pay for it in the long run. We believe the university presidents owe the public an apology and that they should step back from these deliberations. That includes Dr. Lucas taking himself out of consideration to serve on the commission City Council is appointing to dissect the development plan. We also point out that a column about the development project published in this week’s edition of the Richmond Free Press does not suffer from integrity issues. It was written by the Rev. Ben Campbell, pastor emeritus of Richmond Hill, and Dr. John Moeser, professor emeritus at VCU. Both authors proudly put their names to their jointly written column and stand by their work.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

New Coliseum project ‘almost certainly a mistake’ The Navy Hill development project proposes to spend $350 million in public money to build a massive 17,500-seat regional arena in Richmond’s small and valuable Downtown. The arena, paid for only by the City of Richmond, will short-circuit all other city capital projects — most notably schools and housing — for at least a decade. The arena is almost certainly a mistake. The problem began with the process. The manner in which the plan was developed runs counter to what today constitutes good planning. Corporate planning shrouded in secrecy and then sprung on citizens was “the Richmond way” for decades. That explains why the real Navy Hill — a largely, African-American community that sat to the east of Jackson Ward and whose schools rivaled some of the best white schools in the region — was destroyed by highways and one redevelopment project after another. Ironically, City Hall, the center of local democracy, was built at the expense of Navy Hill. Then there was the construction of the Federal Building, the Coliseum, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, the Greater Richmond Convention Center, the expansion of the Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMedical College of Virginia Hospital and Health Sciences buildings and, lest we forget, parking lots. The arena project is an idea whose time is long past. Our present Coliseum, opened in 1971, failed to encourage effective Downtown development. The same pattern of failure was reproduced nationally. That’s why no comparable city has placed a big arena in its downtown grid in the last 20 years. Other medium-sized cities have chosen to erect their arenas on large tracts adjacent to interstate highways, often with significant surrounding space for parking. (See aerial photos of all of the cities listed as comparable to Richmond by the Navy Hill Consultants.) No city this size expects to see daily normal residential, retail or office life immediately adjacent to a massive arena and its parking decks. Three arenas of comparable size — Madison Square Garden, Washington’s Capital One Arena and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. — have been

fit tightly into downtown street grids. But they are built in extensive, dense downtown areas on top of high-capacity subway train systems that can deliver as many as 10,000 patrons to the site in an hour. A fourth, the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., is financially supported by two major league teams and

Rev. Ben Campbell is surrounded by a sea of parking lots. The Navy Hill arena would be paid for under a procedure called Tax Increment Financing, or TIF. Under this plan, about 80 blocks of highly developed city land —representing about 10 percent

Dr. John Moeser of the city’s tax base — would be separated out from the rest of the city tax system. Taxes on all new development projects and growth in property value, and most of the other city taxes collected in this separated territory, would be legally reserved for the arena project until the $350 million in bonds, plus up to $210 million in interest, are paid off. When and if tax revenues exceed bond payments, some of this city money will be available for city expenditures. Until then, the Navy Hill TIF financing will both limit the city’s capital improvement program and sequester tax money that normally would pay for the city’s ongoing expenses. The proposal calls for the immediate construction of a 527-room hotel and a number of blocks of housing, retail and office space in the TIF district. When these projects are completed, nearly all taxes levied on them for real estate, sales, professional license and other purposes also would be reserved to pay off the arena construction bonds. Fifty years ago, cities were destroying their downtown areas, hoping to make them look like suburbs in order to rescue the urban economy. In large part, these “urban renewal” projects imposed on the fragile, condensed streetscapes of downtowns failed. The clearance of minority housing, the scouring of streetscapes, the building of parking decks and vast arenas that are dark 90 percent of the time and the discouragement of safe pedestrian life and businesses that serve daily retail needs proved devastating to urban success and helped drive suburban escape. But today, Richmond’s Downtown is scarce and valuable. All over the nation active pedestrian downtowns are reviving in high demand. Cities fortunate to have preserved earlier streetscapes are seeking to infill vacant blocks and rebuild their pedestrian grid

and invest in public transportation and street life. Local businesses and entrepreneurs spring up around every corner. Cities such as Charleston, S.C., have proven that a historic downtown, unmolested, can be a powerful attraction. Meanwhile, suburban developers mimic downtown streetscapes, avoiding large arena-type facilities and building successful “urban villages” like Henrico’s West Broad Village and Libbie Mill. “There’s something so passé about creating a city of pavement,” one citizen observed. Downtown Richmond’s vacant blocks are indeed ripe for development, but not for another coliseum. The present Coliseum site is a hot site not for an arena, but for desperately needed retail. It will connect the new and old Jackson Ward, knitting the city fabric together once again. Stimulating Downtown real estate values and building genuinely affordable housing Downtown seem to be contradictory goals. By economic necessity, much of the “affordable housing” proposed for the Navy Hill arena project is actually designed for persons whose income is at least $40,000 or $50,000. A more successful strategy will be to use the taxes collected on high-dollar Downtown real estate to support more humane family housing in more affordable locations. The developers of the Navy Hill project assert confidently that there is an immediate market for both a new convention hotel and new residential, entertainment, retail and office space in Richmond’s Downtown. Other developers are making proposals as well. The city should hurry up and scrap the Navy Hill arena, do proper planning and encourage development north of Broad Street to proceed immediately. There are other exciting possibilities. A new Navy Hill High School of Government and Equity on a Downtown campus with Reynolds Community College would give us a flagship school for internships in government — a fitting memorial to the original Navy Hill School and community — and a center for our dual enrollment students. A retail center where the old Coliseum is located would serve the growing Downtown population and visitors to the new convention center hotel. If further incentive for development is needed, a simple trackless tram up and down 8th and 9th streets between Jackson Street and the James River would provide incentive and solve Downtown’s uphill and downhill problem. The value of this Downtown real estate, and the taxes collected on this development, can and should be devoted immediately to Richmond Public Schools and to subsidize Richmond housing. If

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

the city’s predicted debt capacity is added, this would enable from $400 to $500 million to be spent on schools and housing before 2030 in time to serve the present generation of children. This is exactly what the city needs and wants. The 17,500-seat arena, if anyone wants to pay for it, may be built elsewhere in the city or counties and with other funds. Rev. Campbell is pastor emeritus of Richmond Hill. Dr. Moeser is professor emeritus of urban studies and planning at Virginia Commonwealth University.

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Richmond Free Press

September 12-14, 2019

Letter to the Editor Who are the politicians in bed with tonight at the expense of the American people?

Too many of the “devout” white male politicians who scream about the immorality of others are themselves immoral and insatiably greedy. They are in bed each night with a different white male corporate CEO. One night it is with the big banks. Are Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs charging the linen bills to the U.S. government? The next night, these same politicians are getting intimate with big pharma.Opioids anyone? The next night, the big insurance companies

get their love and affection. Isn’t it nice that an insurance company, not a doctor, gets to decide which medical care you get or don’t get? These same evil, greedy white male politicians see nothing immoral about being cozy with the white male corporate sector at the expense of the American people. The devil loves those who are devoutly loyal to him.

PUBLIC NOTICE Proposed Limited Access Control Changes I-95/I-64 Pull-Off at 3rd St. Exit Ramp City of Richmond

Naomi G. Saunders Richmond

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Through October 3, 2019 For the GRTC Transit Advisory Group (TAG)

Download the application from ridegrtc.com and mail or email it to GRTC no later than October 3, 2019 TAG seats open for Chesterfield County and the City of Petersburg At Large applications from Greater Richmond are also welcome The next TAG Meeting is scheduled: Thursday, October 17, 2019 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at City Hall (5th Floor Conference Room - enter at 9th St. doors), Richmond, Virginia

This is the Annual Meeting

The GRTC Transit System Advisory Group is a diverse group of volunteers interested in the advancement and improvement of public transit. Group members collaborate with GRTC leadership to identify problems and recommend solutions. Learn more about TAG at their webpage: http:// www.ridegrtc.com/about-us/transit-advisory-group/.

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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is accepting comments regarding proposed limited access control changes for the I-95 South and I-64 East 3rd St. off-ramp (Exit 75). The project will create a new emergency pull-off area within the I-95 and I-64 overlap corridor. The pull-off can be used by distressed vehicles or emergency medical services and be utilized for the VDOT stand-by towing initiative. This initiative is designed to rapidly remove disabled or damaged vehicles from the I-95 South mainline through lanes to a safe location for further recovery or accident investigation. The pull-off will be located within the triangle of I-95/I-64, I-95/I-64 3rd St. off-ramp and 5th St. Information related to the project and the limited access control changes is available for review at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in South Chesterfield, 23834-9002. Please call (804) 524-6000, 1800-367-7623,TTY/TDD 711 in advance for staff availability. The VDOT Richmond District Office invites public comments related to the proposed limited access control changes. Comments must be received via email to Anthony Haverly, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, South Chesterfield, VA 23834-9002 or by email to Anthony.Haverly@VDOT.Virginia.gov on or prior to September 14, 2019. Please reference “UPC 111465 Limited Access Control Changes” in the subject line. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above.

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A10 September 12-14, 2019

Richmond Free Press

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU upsets Hampton at Armstrong Stadium Virginia Union University has scaled one more Charles Hall from Trenton, N.J. “Charles was used sparingly last year; he mountain. Now the Panthers are looking to waited his turn,” Coach Parker said. “But when climb another. There’s no time for prolonged celebration the call came, he answered.” Morris, a Petersburg native who played or complacency in VUU’s football camp. As a reward for stunning Hampton University of the at Thomas Dale High School in Chesterfield FCS 36-21 last Saturday, the Panthers have a County, came to VUU from ASA College, a chance for a 2-0 record with a victory Saturday, private, two-year college in Brooklyn, N.Y. “I Sept. 14, over NCAA Division II powerhouse didn’t decide on Khalid until Thursday practice,” Coach Parker said. “Not only did Lenoir-Rhyne University of he throw for four touchdowns, North Carolina. he was never sacked, which “Lenoir-Ryne is certainly means our offensive line did the equal of Hampton,” said the job.” VUU Coach Alvin Parker. That offensive line cleared “The Bears have the pedigree. plenty of space for Tabyus They’ve been where we want Home sweet home Taylor, too. The junior from to go.” Saturday, Sept. 14 Hopewell rumbled for 159 The school in Hickory, N.C., Virginia Union University yards, caught a 40-yard touchlost in the NCAA semifinals plays Lenoir-Rhyne down from Morris and returned a year ago and opened this University at VUU’s Hovey a kickoff for 58 yards. season with a 68-7 thrashing of Field. Kickoff: 1 p.m. Game to be broadcast on “That’s the kind of producCIAA member St. Augustine’s WNTW radio. tion we expect from Tabyus University. week after week,” Coach Parker Before a crowd of 8,127 at said. Armstrong Stadium at Hampton HU coach Robert Prunty was duly impressed University, VUU thwarted the Pirates’ touted quarterback, Deondre Francois, and introduced with the powerfully built 230-pound tailback. Randy Singleton “He looks like an NFL player,” Coach Prunty a star or two of their own. Virginia Union University running back Tabyus Taylor of Hopewell carries the ball past VUU transfer quarterback Khalid Morris said of Taylor. “He’s one of the biggest backs the Hampton University defense during last Saturday’s game at Armstrong Stadium in Hampton. The VUU Panthers beat the Pirates 36-21. threw four touchdowns passes, three to sopho- I’ve seen. He’s huge.” Still, the play of the game might have been a punt – or, rather, something that looked like it might be a punt. With the Panthers leading 23-17 in the third period and facing a fourth and 3 on its own 21, Coach Parker rolled the dice and called for a fake punt. Instead of snapping to punter Jefferson Turnovers taste great fresh off the griddle, Souza, the ball went to Sterling Hammond, but can cause indigestion on the gridiron. much to the Pirates’ surprise. Hammond scooted Virginia State University is 0-1 largely because 21 yards, moved the chains and VUU never of its inability to hang on to the football. looked back. A whopping six turnovers—four lost fumbles Defensively, VUU held Hampton quarterback and two interceptions—led to the VSU Trojans’ Francois, a transfer from Florida State Univer44-21 loss before a crowd of 15,538 people last sity, in check. Hammond and Bryan Epps had Saturday at Norfolk State University. interceptions and Elijah Johnson broke up four Twice, the Trojans lost a handle on the ball Francois pass attempts. inside the NSU 5-yard line. VSU left Dick Price Taj Conway, a junior linebacker out of J.R. Stadium with a huge “What if?” on its mind. Tucker High School in Henrico County, led in Some might suggest VSU’s biggest enemy tackles with 10. was wearing orange and blue compared to the Souza, the Brazilian born junior, hit two field opponent wearing green and gold. goals and averaged 64 yards on seven kickoffs, with five touchbacks. Historically speaking, this was a take-notice vicComing home tory for the maroon and steel. It has been compared Saturday, Sept. 14: to VUU’s win over Grambling State University Virginia State University in 1991 as among the best wins ever. plays the University of VUU upset Coach Eddie Robinson’s GramNorth Carolina-Pembroke bling Tigers 46-37 under Panthers Coach Joe at VSU’s Rogers Stadium. Taylor at The Meadowlands. Kickoff: 6 p.m. Military Appreciation Day. Randy Singleton “It (beating Hampton) certainly ranks at Despite losing his helmet, Virginia State University quarterback Cordelral Cook the top of any game I’ve been involved with,” Cleaning up the spilled turnovers will be scrambles to carry the ball during last Saturday’s game against Norfolk State University Coach Parker noted. a primary mission as the Trojans play host to at Dick Price Stadium in Norfolk. The second-year VUU coach also saluted his the University of North Carolina-Pembroke at VSU senior quarterback Cordelral Cook passed Highland Springs, threw for four touchdowns and own cheering section. 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, in Ettrick. “Best road crowd ever for Union,” he said. for 207 yards but suffered two interceptions. Cook 203 yards as the Spartans improved to 1-1. UNC-Pembroke, of the Peach Tree Con- also led VSU with 77 rushing yards. The Spartans travel to Conway, S.C., on Sat- “And they stuck with us ’til the finish.” ference, opened last Saturday with a 27-21 Hampton, now 1-1, will travel to the Windy City urday, Sept. 14, to face Big South Conference Transfers came up big for the Trojans. win over CIAA affiliate Winston-Salem State Darius Hagans, a transfer from Alderson member Coastal Carolina University at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, to meet Howard University University. VSU’s next opponent, UNC-Pembroke, in the Chicago Classic at Soldier Field. Broaddus University in West Virginia, rushed for Aside from the turnovers, VSU Coach Reg- 52 yards on 10 carries, and Christian Nelson, a opened in 1887 as a school for mostly Lumbee The Pirates will come to Richmond next fall gie Barlow’s NCAA Division II squad was transfer from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and Cherokee students from Robeson County, in what is shaping up as an updated version of impressive against NSU of the next-level-up caught six passes for 84 yards. N.C. The team’s nickname is the Braves. It the Gold Bowl. FCS. An upset was in the making except for For now, VUU readies for a Lenoir-Rhyne K’Jon Coley, a Benedictine graduate who is the alma mater of Kelvin Sampson, the the miscues. VSU outgained the NSU Spartans transferred to VSU from the University of Virginia current basketball coach at the University outfit that ranks with the elite in Division II. It’s 502 yards to 430 yards and had 25 first downs at Wise, led the defense with nine tackles. of Houston and former coach at Oklahoma a tall assignment. But then VUU has become to the home team’s 20. used to that kind of stuff. NSU quarterback Juwan Carter, a junior from and Indiana.

VSU Trojans their own biggest opponent in 44-21 loss to NSU

Thomas Jefferson High starts football season with new field, new quarterback and new classification Jaylen Tyler scored three touchdowns in Thomas Jefferson High School’s opening 48-6 win at Colonial Heights High School. Shamar Graham tallied three touchdowns in the home-opening 56-6 rout of Armstrong High School on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Next up for the Vikings is a game Friday, Sept. 13, at Amelia High School. Kickoff: 7 p.m. TJ High School football has a new classification, a new field and a new quarterback. All point to continued success for Coach P.J. Adams’ smoothsailing Vikings. “We expect to win. We’re not afraid of anyone we play, regardless of classification,” Coach Adams said. First the classification: Due to a low enrollment of about 606 students, Thomas Jefferson High has been dropped from the Victorious state’s 3A to 2A classification, creating Vikings a slightly smoother playoff route. “We’re looking for a deep run into Thomas Jefferson High the playoffs,” Coach Adams said. School has The field: Gone is the old—make outscored its first that ancient—field (TJ opened in 1929). two opponents “The Cabbage Patch,” as it was called, this season by a has been laid to rest. combined 104Finally, at a cost of some $60,000, TJ 12 while bolting has a modern turf field with turtle-back to a 2-0 start. slope. This also will enable TJ to play home soccer games. “Nice and soft,” Coach Adams said. “Now we have 120 yards of grass.” There also is some additional bleacher space, specifically for the marching band. Quarterback: Taking over as the Vikings quarterback is Jaylen Tyler, a transfer from Huguenot High. In just eight games for Huguenot last fall, Tyler passed for 1,652 yards and 14 touchdowns. TJ is a double winner here. Tyler’s arrival frees the Vikings’ 2018 quarterback, Jaylen Jones, to play his more natural position, wide receiver. “Jaylen Jones should be one of Jaylen Tyler’s top targets,” Coach Adams said. “I look for Jaylen (Jones) to have a break-

Clement Britt

Members of the Thomas Jefferson Vikings football team gather with Coach P.J. Adams following their Sept. 4 victory over Armstrong High School on the Vikings’ new turf field.

out season.” TJ has become “the little engine that could” in Richmond, fueled by optimism, hard work and a surprising talent base. After many disappointing seasons, TJ turned the corner a while back under Coach Chad Hornik. Coach Adams inherited the momentum and shifted into high gear. TJ has made the state football playoffs four straight years and has won a playoff game each of the past two seasons. Offensively, TJ has a quality running back in 210-pound Shamar Graham and a huge offensive line, showcasing 6-foot-8, 350-pound sophomore Sala Hawash, a transfer from Benedictine College Preparatory School.

“He’s got quick feet,” Coach Adams said. “He’s also a good student and has two older brothers who played here.” Coach Adams returns seven defensive starters led by three returning All-Region performers — Graham at linebacker, end Shacko Fearon and safety Jacobi Harrison. So much has changed. TJ was a woeful 1-69 the seven seasons prior to Coach Hornik’s arrival in 2012. Now the Vikings reign as the unofficial champs of Richmond and also among Virginia’s top inner-city football programs. “I attribute it to preparedness, physical fitness and mental toughness,” Coach Adams said.

September 12-14, 2019 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

Personality: Sandra A. Taylor Spotlight on board chair of the Young Women’s Christian League In June of 1959, 12 women founded the Young Women’s Christian League in Richmond with the goal of aiding the less fortunate through activism and community service. Today, 60 years later and 115 members strong, the organization continues its work through eight chapters with Sandra A. Taylor, the daughter of one of the founders, leading the organization’s board. “There is so much need in our community,” Ms. Taylor says. “The children and elderly need support. Families are in need of basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. Youths have college expenses. And there is so much more.” The organization aids individuals, families and the overall community through an array of efforts — from hosting breast cancer awareness and fundraising events to preparing meals for Assisting Families of Inmates and donating to ChildFund International. The various chapters chart their own courses of community engagement, which can include providing help to families who make appeals to chapter members. In conjunction with the YWCL’s 60th anniversary, the chapter supported Extra Special Parents, a local therapeutic foster care agency, by providing 60 duffle bags for children in foster care. The bags were stuffed with toiletries and Scripture cards. The bags for younger children also included stuffed animals and blankets. Three of YWCL’s 12 founders are still active – Ms. Taylor’s

mother, Phyllis A. Taylor, Lucy B. Jones and Dorothy H. Mines. And one charter member, Florence B. Morgan, is still active after 60 years. The YWCL is celebrating the organization’s history and accomplishments at a 60th anniversary luncheon, “Celebrating a Diamond — Looking Back and Moving Forward,” on Saturday, Sept. 21. As the YWCL board chair, Ms. Taylor is more than aware of the weight of the legacy behind her. “I did grow up with the league. When I was probably 10, I could recite the league prayer because we heard it so much,” she says with a laugh. While some of the organization’s endeavors aren’t continued at the same level of engagement today, the causes aren’t lacking for attention. For example, Ms. Taylor says, the groundswell of support that Assisting Families of Inmates has seen in recent years allows the YWCL to help out every two years, confident that the group has what it needs to operate fully. Those resources of time and money then can be used to help with other critical needs in the community. Ms. Taylor joined the organization in 1994 when she and a group of friends were recruited and “energized,” she says. She became a charter member of the Lilies of the Valley Chapter, one of four new chapters started at the time. Ms. Taylor became chapter president and her mother was their adviser. The experience is one that

Want to go? What: Young Women’s Christian League 60th Anniversary Luncheon, “Celebrating a Diamond — Looking Back and Moving Forward.” When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Where: University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center, 442 Westhampton Way. Details: Dr. Cynthia Newbille, president of Richmond City Council, will speak, with recognition of two new honorary members, Vivian B. Griffis and Jean H. Trimiew. Tickets: $60. Information and ticket purchase: YWCL60th@gmail. com or Sandra Taylor at (804) 266-4224.

Ms. Taylor carries with her to this day, as they prepare to recognize the many women — founders and members both — who laid the foundation she and others continue to build upon. “It has just been the most rewarding thing in the world,” Ms. Taylor says. “I learned so much from (my mother) and admire the way she helped us grow. It’s really an honor to follow in her footsteps.” Meet a people-helper, leader and this week’s Personality, Sandra A. Taylor: Occupation: Retired senior vice president, SunTrust Banks. No. 1 volunteer position: Board chair, Young Women’s Christian League. Date and place of birth: April 24 in Richmond.

Current residence: Henrico County.

Services and International Outreach.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Sweet Briar College; MBA, University of Rochester.

Number of members: 115.

Family: Mother, Phyllis A. Taylor; sister, Dr. Marsha T. Horton; brother, Samuel S. Taylor Jr.; and three nieces and two nephews. When elected and length of term: July 1 for a three- to five-year term.

Profile of YWCL members: Any woman with a passion to serve, holds to the diety of God, is a citizen or an inspiring citizen and a registered voter is eligible to seek membership. Our current members range in age from 24 to 90.

Why YWCL was founded: The organization was founded based on the belief that we can make a difference in our community by serving the less fortunate. Our motto is “Others Rather Than Self.”

Relevance of organization today: Women need a way to connect with other women whose values align with theirs. The YWCL is a safe place for women to volunteer and form meaningful friendships. In addition to the service aspect of the organization, we strive to create a sisterhood. We often say that the league is like a Christian sorority.

Mission of Young Women’s Christian League: Our mission is to serve our community with a focus on five service areas: Health & Human Services, Economic Development, Cultural Arts, Education & Youth

Outlook at start of the day: Positive; God has given me one more day to please Him. Now,

When YWCL was founded: June 1959.

How women can join: Membership is by invitation and application. Feel free to contact us at YWCL60th@gmail.com.

for the full agenda of to-dos! How I unwind: Sit on my screened porch and read. If I had more time, I would: Travel more. Three words that best describe me: Friendly, committed and loyal. A quote that I am inspired by: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Spend time alone to re-energize. At the top of my “to-do” list: Prepare for our 60th anniversary celebration. Best late-night snack: Chocolate ice cream with nuts. The best thing my parents ever taught me was: Have faith in God and know that He will be with you no matter what! Person who influenced me the most: My parents, Samuel S. Taylor Sr., now deceased, and Phyllis A. Taylor. The book that influenced me the most: “Who Moved My Cheese” by Dr. Spencer Johnson. What I’m reading now: “The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears” by Mark Batterson. My next goal: To work with our Board of Directors and all chapters to increase our membership of dedicated sisters.

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF GREATER RICHMOND

Race in Academia A Wi\

A Wilder Symposium featuring four Virginia college presidents

Makola Abdulla, President Virginia State University

Ronald Crutcher,President University of Richmond

Paula Pando, President Reynolds Community College

Michael Rao, President Virginia Commonwealth University

Join us for “Race in Academia,” a dialogue organized by L. Douglas Wilder, the 66th governor of Virginia and a distinguished professor at the school that bears his name. “Race in Academia” will examine the role of higher education institutions in combating structural racism from the perspective of four Virginia college presidents. Panelists will include Makola Abdullah, Ph.D., president of Virginia State University; Ronald Crutcher, D.M.A., president of the University of Richmond; Paula Pando, Ed.D., president Reynolds Community College; and Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU. Alvin Schexnider, Ph.D., former interim president at Norfolk State University and former president of Thomas Nelson Community College, will moderate. Learn more at wilder.vcu.edu.

Saturday, Oct. 5 Acca Shrine Center

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Richmond Free Press

B2 September 12-14, 2019

Happenings 4 to be honored at Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute Awards Luncheon Sept. 21 at VUU Four area people who have demonstrated excellence in leadership will be honored at the inaugural Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center at Virginia Union University. The honorees are: â&#x20AC;˘ Wendy Lewis, a VUU alumna and partner in KPMGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s audit practice. She has more than 21 years of experience in providing financial statement and audit of internal control services to public and private companies. She also is a KPMG local and national instructor and serves on the national steering committee of the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s African-American Diversity Network. She is a past recipient of KPMGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chairman Award for Excellence in Volunteerism. She is a licensed CPA in Virginia and a member Ms. Lewis of the board of the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation and the Howard University Middle School for Mathematics and Science.

Ms. Thornton

ers Association and a board member of the National Black McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Operators of America. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the Shining Star Award, which celebrates the top 10 percent of female McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operators in the nation. She is involved in several community service organizations and is a member of the executive board of the Richmond Ronald McDonald House.

â&#x20AC;˘ George K. Martin, managing partner of the Richmond office of the McGuireWoods law firm. He specializes in construction law, commercial real estate, real estate finance and public-private partnerships. He is the co-author of a book on construction law and lectures nationally on real estate-related topics. He also is the former rector of the University of Virginia, his alma mater, and has devoted much of his time to a variety of community service and church activities. He has been awarded the NAACP/Black Student Alliance Image Award, the John Jasper Trailblazer Award, Mr. Martin the UVA Club of Richmond Ridley Fund Trailblazer Award and the 2019 Ann and Don King Community Leadership Award from HomeAgain, a nonprofit organization helping the homeless to obtain safe and affordable housing.

â&#x20AC;˘ Freda Thornton, owner and operator of five McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurants in the Richmond area through her company FWL & Sons Inc. She began her career with the fast food chain in 1980 before working her way up to various corporate positions in the Norfolk region and later owning franchises. She is vice president of the regional chapter of the Virginia Black McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own-

Richmond area resident wins national publishing competition By George Copeland

Freelance writer Robin Farmer is set to release her first book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Angel Dressed in Black,â&#x20AC;? in 2021 after winning a nationwide indie publishing contest. The Hanover County resident was one of two women whose manuscripts were selected by She Writes Press and SparkPress for a free publishing package typically priced at $75,000 that will include a 500-book run and more. The contest, started in 2018, is part of an effort to bring more diversity to the literary world, according to contest organizers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did not go in thinking I was going to win,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Farmer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You know, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hit if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play, right?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;? A Philadelphia native, Ms. Farmer is a former daily newspaper journalist whose

work has been recognized with numerous awards. She is a former Knight-Wallace Fellow for accomplished journalists at the University of Michigan and was selected in 2016 for the prestigious Djerassi Resident Artists Program in Woodside, Calif. The idea for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Angel Dressed in Blackâ&#x20AC;? came to Ms. Farmer around 2001 as she was applying for the fellowship at the University of Ms. Farmer Michigan. Looking for inspiration for her personal essay, she was encouraged to write about her experiences dealing with the racism of a teaching nun during her time as a young student at a largely white Catholic school in Philadelphia.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For many years, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even talk about it. It was just buried deep down,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Farmer said of the experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think when I wrote about it in the essay, those feelings started coming back to the surface.â&#x20AC;? That real-life trauma would spark the creation of the fictional story, which changed over the years from a screenplay to a book she would develop and refine over several years. A chance email put the publishing contest on Ms. Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radar. The book is set for publication with SparkPress in 2021. Ms. Farmer is hopeful that the bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success will lead to new opportunities, in particular a film, television or streaming adaptation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can honestly say that I have the life that I wanted to live,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Farmer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a blessing, because not many people can say that.â&#x20AC;?

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A real feast Hundreds of people are in crab heaven at the all-you-can-eat Crab Feast & Fish Fry held last Saturday by the Men of St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church at Peter Paul Development Center in the East End. The annual event benefits the outreach and community center that serves seniors and after-school programs for youngsters. Enjoying the meat they picked from crabs are, seated clockwise from left, Rhonda Thorpe, Delores Key, Catherine Robinson and Nicole Robinson. For those with no time to eat in, carry-out orders were filled. Below, Roxie Harris, right, watches as Johnnie Payne fills her to-go bag with steamed crabs. More than 800 people registered for the event.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Dr. Joy Goodrich, senior vice president and provost of VUU. Before coming to VUU, where she has worked under five presidential administrations, she was one of the first African-American women to serve as education administrator for the Virginia Department of Educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Career and Technical Education Services. She also previously served as TRiO direcDr. Goodrich tor of the Upward Bound program at the former Saint Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College in Lawrenceville. She worked in numerous administrative capacities at VUU before being named provost. Two students in VUUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sydney Lewis School of Business, Tristan Kinsler, a finance and banking major, and Chandler Cox, a management major, will be presented scholarships from the Ruth Coles Harris Endowed Scholarship Fund. Dr. Harris, who served on the faculty at VUU nearly 48 years, was the first African-American woman in Virginia to be certified as a public accountant. She was the first director of the VUU Sydney Lewis School of Business and oversaw the development and expansion of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curriculum and its enrollment to more than 400 students at her retirement in 1997. Luncheon tickets are $50 and may be purchased through www.vuu.edu or www.eventbrite.com Details: (804) 257-5710.

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Richmond Free Press

September 12-14, 2019 B3

Happenings

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

No do-si-do here

The smooth moves of bachata reigned supreme last weekend at the 2nd Annual RVA Bachata Congress held at a Downtown hotel. The three-day event, sponsored by the RVA Salsa Bachata Foundation, featured choreographed dance performances, open dances and workshops for all levels of dancers. Above left, instructor Kat Arias of Washington, owner of Ferocity Dance Company in Falls Church, leads a class with her fellow dance instructor Josette Souza of Washington. Participants watched them demonstrate central bachata, then practiced the moves as they rotated partners. At far right, Nikkia Parker of Richmond and Noel Aguilar of Williamsburg share a dance as they practice moves during a workshop last Saturday.

4th Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival starts Thursday Raymond Santana, who was 14 when he and documentary by Ken Burns, David McMahon and four other youths were wrongly charged with Sarah Burns that inspired director Ava DuVernayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the attack and rape of a female jogger in New recent Netflix series, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When They See Us.â&#x20AC;? York Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Park in 1989, will moderThe screening and discussion will be held at ate a discussion about the now Exonerated Five the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia case following a documentary film Commonwealth University, 601 W. screening at the 4th Annual Afrikana Broad St. Independent Film Festival this weekThe four-day festival begins 7 end in Richmond. p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, with an Mr. Santana served five years in opening night reception, performance prison before DNA evidence exonerby Calvin Presents and screening of ated him in early 2002, showing that snippets from the film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harriet,â&#x20AC;? about a convicted murderer and rapist was abolitionist Harriet Tubman played responsible for the crime. by Cynthia Erivo, at The Valentine, In 2014, New York City officials 1015 E. Clay St. The sneak peek will Mr. Santana announced a settlement with Mr. Sanbe followed by a panel discussion led tana and the other members of the Exonerated by Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, founder of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Angry Five for about $40 million in their malicious Black Femaleâ&#x20AC;? online community. prosecution case against the city. At 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, the Institute for Mr. Santana will highlight festival events on Contemporary Art will host the premiere of Saturday, Sept. 14, following the 12:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Remix: Hip-Hop X Fashion,â&#x20AC;? by Academy screening of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Central Park Five,â&#x20AC;? a 2012 Award nominated director, writer and producer

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Lisa Cortes and director Farah X. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with celebrity stylist and designer Misa Hylton, fashion designer April Walker and the films co-directors. In addition to Mr. Santanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk on Saturday, the festival will feature a variety of short films and panel discussions in the Richmond Arts District. A 30th anniversary screening of Spike Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do the Right Thing,â&#x20AC;? will be held at 8:30 p.m. at Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;est Le Vin, 15 N. 17th St. Sunday events include a trolley ride and brunch highlighting black Richmond hosted by Untold RVA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for people to understand the power of black storytelling. Human narratives of laughter, unity, heartache and empowerment uncover our common stake in this world,â&#x20AC;? film festival founder Enjoli Moon stated in a news release about the event. While some of the events are free, entry fees and tickets are needed for others. Details: www.afrikanafilmfestival.org

Ruth Coles Harris Leadership ! # " Institute inColes the Sydney School Institute of Business Ruth HarrisLewis Leadership

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Home-sharing sites roll out welcome mat for minorities By Dee Ann Durbin Associated Press Business Writer

A handful of home-sharing services are trying to ease fears of discrimination by catering to specific minority groups. Their approach has carved out a thriving niche in the market. Muzbnb is a site for Muslims. Misterb&b serves gay travelers. Innclusive and Noirbnb cater to African-American customers. There are also home-sharing sites for Mormons, Christians and women. Anyone is welcome to use the sites. Some hosts list on both niche sites and the bigger competitors. One executive calls the services â&#x20AC;&#x153;digital Green Books,â&#x20AC;? a reference to the guide that black motorists once used to find welcoming hotels. The dominant home-sharing brands â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Airbnb, Booking.com and VRBO â&#x20AC;&#x201D; have more than 14 million listings between them. All three have software and staff dedicated to rooting out bias and responding to complaints.

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Richmond Free Press

B4 September 12-14, 2019

Faith News/Directory

Pope Francis preaches message of peace, care of the sick and environmentalism during 3-nation visit to Africa that the devil often reminds us of our sins and imperfections Pope Francis greeted packed to make us feel like â&#x20AC;&#x153;however stadiums full of celebrating much we do, nothing can ever locals and spoke to crowds change, everything will remain numbering up to 1 million people the same.â&#x20AC;? in Madagascar, the second stop But God, Pope Francis said, on his weeklong, three-nation â&#x20AC;&#x153;wants you to share all your gifts trip to Africa. and charisms, all your dreams In Madagascar, where he and your talents.â&#x20AC;? reached out to people over the The pope was met with masweekend, he was embraced by sive enthusiasm at every stop many of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youths, during the second leg of his trip who traveled and waited for to Africa, and the young people hours to catch a glimpse of him who gathered for the vigil made Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press during his trip to the country. Pope Francis, background center, is cheered by a crowd of faithful last Sunday as he arrives in the popemobile to celebrate every effort to embrace and But while the popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to Mass in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The pope was in Madagascar for the second leg of his weeklong trip to Africa. touch the pope when he threw Mozambique, Madagascar and himself into their midst. Mauritius was buoyed by an optimistic message of peace and larly important for this pontificate. Following the release of his The pope went to the island nation of Mauritius on Monfaith, the realities he addressed at nearly every stop weighted encyclical on the environment in 2015, Laudato Si, he called day, the last stop of his trip before returning to the Vatican on his speeches and meetings with concerns about climate change, a synod specifically to discuss the spiritual and environmental Tuesday, Sept. 10. poverty and other issues. needs of the Amazon forest, for which the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bishops will During the popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first stop last week in Mozambique, drumIn the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, last Sunday, come to Rome in October. ming, dancing and singing erupted from the Zimpeto Stadium Pope Francis called on local authorities to take more responsible Beyond the quickening depletion of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources, in the peripheries of Maputo on Friday when Pope Francis care of the planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources for the good â&#x20AC;&#x153;not only of present the citizens of Madagascar also face crippling poverty levels reminded the more than 40,000 people present that â&#x20AC;&#x153;you have generations, but also of those yet to come,â&#x20AC;? he said. that leave 75 percent of the population living on less than $2 a a right to peace!â&#x20AC;? Deforestation in Madagascar has become an increasing concern day, according to the World Bank. He called for peace and beseeched the crowd to care for the as a growing portion of its biodiverse forests are cut down and During a vigil at the Soa Mandrakizay field last Saturday, Pope sick and the marginalized among them. burned to leave way for cattle and farmland. According to pho- Francis encouraged the thousands of young people to continue tographic evidence, more than half of the forest in Madagascar moving forward despite the challenges of day-to-day survival has been lost since 1950. and despite social injustice and instability. The care of the environment, especially forests, is particuSome may be â&#x20AC;&#x153;tempted to give up,â&#x20AC;? the pope said, adding 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 Office: (804) 644-1402 Religion News Service

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Church School - 9:30 a.m. Worship Service - 11:15 a.m. Bible Study - Wednesday - 7 p.m. Communion - 1st Sunday

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

Serving Richmond since 1887 &BTU #SPBE 4USFFU 3JDINPOE 7JSHJOJB r

8:30 AM - Sunday School 10:00 AM - Morning Worship Music: Theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Men On The Move For Christâ&#x20AC;? Male SUNDAY, Speaker: Rev. Alvin E. Drew Chorus SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

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Dr. Kirkland R. Walton -ONDAY 3EPTEMBER s Dr. Emanuel C. Harris

5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 â&#x20AC;˘ 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org

Join Us For Worship!

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

Message by: Pastor Bibbs

Fish Lunch to Follow and Fellowship

Jerusalem Baptist Church, Manakin-Sabot, VA

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4UESDAY 3EPTEMBER s Rev. Justin D. House Tabernacle Baptist Church, Chesterfield, VA 7EDNESDAY 3EPTEMBER s Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Zion Baptist Church, Richmond, VA

Broad Rock Baptist Church

Family & Friends Sunday Sunday, September 15, 2019 11:00 AM Worship Celebration

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Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Pastor Kevin Cook

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

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

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Antioch Baptist Church

Upcoming Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All About Celebrating Jesus!

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September 15, 2019 @ 10:30 A. M.

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

SERVICES

Celebrating our Pastor Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis!

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

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

Pastor of the Month For Praise 104.7 Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

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

Initial Sermon of Bro. Avi Hopkins Join

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

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

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Theme for 2018-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New We Embrace Diversity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Love For All! A 21st Century Church

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Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye Pastor and Founder

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

March 24, 2019 @ 3:00 P.M.

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the Come Join Us! starless midnight of racism and war that the bright â&#x20AC;Ś and Listen to our Radio Broadcast Sundays daybreak of peace and at 10:15 a.m. on WQCN 105.3 FM brotherhood can never become a realityâ&#x20AC;Ś. I believe that Jesusunarmed went throughout truth and unconditional love will have the final Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Rev. Dr. kingdom and Price healingL. Davis, Pastor every disease and sickness among the people. - Matthew 4:23

We Pray Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ric for You & You in The New

Lenten Season word.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Martin Luther King,Christi Jr. Mosby joins with the larger in celebrating the Lenten season reflection, fasting & prayerful conse on the journey and follow along w Calendar at www.mmbcr

Richmond Free Press

September 12-14, 2019

Faith News/Directory

Alexandria seminary announces $1.7M slavery reparations fund By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service

An Episcopal seminary in Alexandria has announced plans to create a $1.7 million endowment fund whose proceeds will support reparations for the school’s ties to slavery. Virginia Theological Seminary said in a statement issued Sept. 5 that enslaved persons worked on its campus and the school “participated in segregation” after the end of slavery. “This is a start,” said the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, president of the Alexandria-based seminary, in the statement. “As we seek to mark (the) Seminary’s milestone of 200 years, we do so conscious that our past is a mixture of sin as well as grace. This is the Seminary recognizing that along with repentance for past sins, there is also a need for action.” A spokesman for the seminary said officials know of three buildings on its campus that were built with slave labor, including Aspinwall Hall, where the dean’s and admissions offices are located. “We do want to honor those who worked in this place and we want to provide financial resources for their descendants,” said Curtis Prather, the seminary’s director of communications. “The Office of Multicultural Ministries will take the lead in the exhaustive research that will need to take place.” The seminary, which was founded in 1823 but admitted its first African-American student in 1951, raised the funds for the endowment with a capital campaign. School officials estimate that they will spend $70,000 annually from accumulated interest on reparations. The seminary intends to de-

Photo by John W. Cross/Creative Commons

Aspinwall Hall at Virginia Theological Seminary was one of three buildings on campus built by slave labor.

termine with stakeholders how the income from the endowment fund will be distributed. It said some of the money would be allocated to descendants of enslaved persons who worked at the seminary and to assist the work of African-American alumni, especially those involved with historic black churches. It also plans to encourage African-American clergy in the Episcopal Church and support programs that promote inclusion and justice. “Though no amount of money could ever truly compensate for slavery, the commitment of these financial resources means that the institution’s attitude of repentance is being supported by actions of repentance that can have a significant impact both on the recipients of the funds, as well as on those at VTS,” said the Rev. Joseph Thompson, director of the seminary’s Office of Multicultural Ministries, in a statement. “It opens up a moment for us to reflect long and hard on what it will take for our society and institutions to redress slavery and its consequences with integrity and credibility.”

The decision comes as other institutions of higher learning, some with ties to religious organizations, have mulled whether to offer forms of reparations. In 2017, Georgetown University apologized for its involvement in the 1838 sale of more than 270 enslaved persons that kept the Catholic-run school from bankruptcy. The school renamed two buildings that once honored former university presidents who were priests and supporters of the slave trade. A year earlier, Georgetown announced that it would give preferential status in the admissions process to descendants of the enslaved people who had been owned by Maryland Jesuits. Jennifer Oast, author of “Institutional Slavery: Slaveholding Churches, Schools, Colleges, and Businesses in Virginia, 1680-1860,” said the seminary’s “momentous announcement” is more noteworthy than the nonbinding vote by Georgetown students in the spring to add a student fee whose proceeds would benefit the descendants of the slaves sold more than a century and a half ago.

Rev. Dr. Grace E. Tolliver

Pastor

FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY

"APTIST #HURCH

ANNUAL

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

September 15, 2019 11:00 a.m.

IVAL

Rev. Maurice Vincent

Baptist Church

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Join us for Community Day!

Saturday, September 14, 1 – 4 p.m.

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ND y r urc a h Annivers ing & H ecom om

Sunday, September 15, 2019 Worship 10:45 a.m. Guest preacher:

Rev. Dr. Sheridan Nelson Abyssinia Baptist Church, Norfolk, Va.

Mee

14 West Duval Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 Phone: 804.648.7511 Web: www.smzbc.org

Rev. Tyrone E. Nelson, Pastor

September 17-19 7:00 p.m.

New Chestnut Baptist Church, Hanover, VA

Moore Street Missionary

R E V I VA L

Guest Revivalist:

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

7 p.m. Nightly September 16 – 18 Fall Revival

Greater Brook Road Baptist Church

513 West 28th St., Richmond, VA 23225 804-231-7538

2IVERVIEW

10 a.m. Sunday September 15, 2019 Worship Service

Georgetown spokesperson Meghan Dubyak said the university’s board of directors will not have an “up or down” vote on the student referendum, but “will engage thoughtfully and with the most careful consideration of the issues” raised by it. “To my knowledge, this is the most substantial direct financial reparations effort by a university,” said Dr. Oast, chair of the history department at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. “What makes this action by VTS more significant is that it has been undertaken by the university itself and is fully funded.” T h e R e v. Q u a r d r i c o s Driskell, who teaches religion and politics at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, agreed. “VTS would by definition be the first to have a fund — a University-established led form of reparations,” Rev. Driskell, pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, located about three miles from the seminary, told Religion News Service in an email message. Other institutions have chosen to recognize their connections to slavery without making monetary reparations. Last year, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a flagship institution of the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, Ky., released a report about its founders condoning slavery and owning slaves, but six months later denied a request from an interracial ministers coalition for financial support for a nearby black college. Virginia Theological Seminary currently has an enrollment of about 200 master’s and doctoral level students.

t us at The Mount!

2 church-sponsored festivals set for Sept. 20, 21 in Church Hill Back-to-back festivals will be held on church grounds in Church Hill next weekend. The Community Fest 2019 at Faith Community Baptist Church, 1903 Cool Lane, which is open to everyone without charge, will take place 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. This is the second year for the festival that will include live music, a farmer’s market offering vegetables from the garden on the church grounds and other family-friendly activities. Details: (804) 649-7225. On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Church Hill Community Festival will return for its second year to the 800 block of North 25th Street. Staged by Mt. Sinai and Fourth Baptist churches, the event is to be a family-friendly block party, it has been announced. Live music and spiritual song and dance will be featured, along with free food and distribution of gently used clothing on the block where Mt. Sinai is located. Outreach units of the of the city fire and police departments also will be on hand, along with vendors and representatives of city services, and other f Christigroups years ononprofit g aCommonwealth n n i community partners, including Virginia t S a e rvic ebr e University, Cel organizers stated. Details: (804) 644-1013 or (804) 788-1977.

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Theme:

th in a Chang nging Fai ing W a h c n orl U n d A

Homecoming Sunday

September 22, 2019 11 a.m. Worship Service Guest Minister:

Rev. Dr. Corey Walker

Ebenezer Baptist Church ±4HE 0EOPLE´S #HURCH² 1858

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcofﬁce1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Star Fellowship Baptist Church ★

★

2223 Keswick Ave., Richmond, Virginia 23224 • 804-233-0059 Rev. Larry D. Barham, Sr., Pastor

Growing Stronger and Reaching Higher HOMECOMING SUNDAY Sept. 15, 2019

Celebration

11:00 a.m. n 7ORSHIP 3ERVICE s 3:30 p.m. – Celebration Guests: Jaimal C. Hayes, Senior Pastor Abner Baptist Church, Glen Allen, VA

Revival

FALL

TUESDAY - THURSDAY Sept. 17-19, 2019

Prayer and Praise Nightly - 7:00 p.m. Revival Service Nightly - 7:30 p.m. Guest Evangelist: Rev. Herbert R. Holly, II and Congregation Pastor, St. John Baptist Church, Stony Creek, VA

Come out and join in the celebration with us!

Richmond Free Press

B6 September 12-14, 2019

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-208 To amend City Code § 12-263, concerning the Budget and Revenue Stabilization Contingency Reserve, to set forth stipulations for the use of the reserve. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, September 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-220 To amend Ord. No. 2019048, adopted May 13, 2019, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Department of Public Works’ Parking Enterprise Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by reducing estimated receipts and the appropriation for the Department of Public Works’ Parking Enterprise Fund by $363,000.00 and transferring $363,000.00, and to amend Ord. No. 2019-042, adopted May 13, 2019, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 special fund budgets and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by increasing estimated receipts and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Special Parking District special fund by $363,000.00, for the purpose of (i) providing clearly marked crosswalks, (ii) providing off-duty police patrols for the purpose of responding to reports of loud noise and other disturbances associated with celebrations and festivities, and (iii) maintaining and improving safety and cleanliness in residential restricted parking districts in accordance with City Code § 27-282. Ordinance No. 2019-221 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $300,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Social Services, and to appropriate the grant funds received to the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of Community Wealth Building’s TANF RVA GPS special fund, for the purpose of retaining program personnel to provide training and certain supportive services to participants in the RVA Guiding People to Success program. Ordinance No. 2019-222 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from the Virginia Resources Authority, as administrator of the Virginia Water Supply Revolving Fund, and to appropriate the funds received to the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Capital Budget by increasing revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Utilities’ Water Distribution System Improvements project by $500,000.00 for the purpose of funding full lead service line replacements in the city. Ordinance No. 2019-223 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 118 Lipscomb Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $31,900.00 to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-224 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 2626 Belt Boulevard and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $78,100.00 to Abelardo Perez for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Ordinance No. 2019-225 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 1220 North 35th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $55,000.00 to Umer Khalil for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-226 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 1316 Nelwood Drive and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $44,550.00 to Tower 3, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-227 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 1505 Perry Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $66,000.00 to Christopher F. Blank and Robert W. Miller, Jr. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-228 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 1510 Spotsylvania Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $9,900.00 to Haggais House, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-229 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 23 South Morris Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $319,000.00 to Carver Homes, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-230 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 2601 Edgewood Avenue and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $132,000.00 to Spence Nunnamaker, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-231 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 2206 Ford Avenue and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $46,200.00 to Casey Investments, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-232 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 3712 Glenwood Avenue and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $36,300.00 to ECO Marble & Granite, Inc., for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-233 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 3125 Irvington Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $104,500.00 to Arbor, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-234 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 4024 McKay Avenue and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $19,800.00 to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-235 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 817 Norton Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $71,500.00 to Carver Homes, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-236 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 2811 Burfoot Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $19,800.00 to B&D Arbor, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-237 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 28 East 32nd Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $28,600.00 to Antoine Peterson and Ianthe Peterson for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-238 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 504 North 26th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $154,000.00 to ECO Marble & Granite, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

temperature falls to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

Ordinance No. 2019-239 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 912 North 21st Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $51,700.00 to Chris Taylor Properties, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

Ordinance No. 2019-246 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Agreement between City of Richmond and Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority Regarding the Kanawha Canal Stones for the purpose of allowing the City to use certain canal stones in connection with improvements to The Low Line park in the city of Richmond. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

Ordinance No. 2019-240 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 620 North 21st Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $90,750.00 to Nelson Benavides and Paulo Benavides for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-241 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 1723 North 21st Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $27,500.00 to Chris Taylor Properties, LLC for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-242 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 3000 ½ Q Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $56,100.00 to Nelson Benavides and Paulo Benavides for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-243 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 3108 Q Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $50,600.00 to Hafiz Ibrahim for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-244 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 2101 Redd Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $13,200.00 to Hafiz Ibrahim for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-245 To change the use of the City-owned real estate known as the Annie Giles Community Resource Center and located at 1400 Oliver Hill Way so that such City-owned real estate will be used as a cold weather shelter for homeless persons in the city of Richmond when the outdoor or wind chill Continued on next column

Ordinance No. 2019-247 To amend ch. 8, art. II of the City Code by adding therein a new § 8-34, concerning unsolicited offers to give or dedicate interests in real estate to the City, for the purpose of imposing certain reporting requirements when the City receives an unsolicited offer to give or dedicate interests in real estate to the City. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-249 To amend ch. 11 of the City Code by adding therein a new art. VIII (§§ 11-190—11-197) to establish a commercial property assessed clean energy program in accordance with Va. Code § 15.2-958.3, for the purpose of facilitating the development of clean energy projects. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, September 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-250 To create three new reservations of fund balance called the 2019 Cost of Living Adjustment for City Retirees Reserve, the 2019 Richmond Retirement System Unfunded Liability Reduction Reserve, and the 2019 Capital Projects Replenishment Reserve, each intended to be categorized as a committed fund balance and used, respectively, to provide a one-time, one-percent cost of living adjustment for each member of the Richmond Retirement System who has received a retirement allowance for at least one year at the time such adjustment is granted, to reduce the unfunded liability of the Richmond Retirement System, and to restore funding to certain capital projects for which funding was reduced in the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 capital budget. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, September 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-251 To amend and reordain certain fees set forth in Appendix A of the City Code for section 8-545 (concerning fees for the temporary use of Main Street Station) for the purpose of revising the schedule of fees for the temporary use of Main Street Station. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, September 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-252 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and Capital Trees for the purpose of making landscape improvements to The Low Line park in the city of Richmond. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, September 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-254 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Assignment and Assumption of License Agreements between the City of Richmond and the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the purpose of transferring license agreements for certain events held at Main Street Station from the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority to the City. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, September 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, October 14, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-253 To p r o v i d e f o r t h e granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law, of the lease, franchise, right and privilege to use certain property, consisting of 91 single parking spaces located at 212 North 18th Street, for parking in accordance with a certain Parking Lease. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, September 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-255 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia, and the County of New Kent, Virginia, for the purpose of establishing cooperation between the City’s Department of Police and the County’s Sheriff in the furnishing of certain law enforcement services. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 12:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-256 To amend City Code §§ 29-114, 29-116 and 29-117, concerning the denial and revocation of permits issued to drivers of taxicabs in the city, for the purpose of reflecting the enactment of Va. Code § 46.22011.33. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 12:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER STEPHANIE KAY THOMPSON, Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Plaintiff v. JON TYLOR ENKEL., Defendant. Case No.: CL19002524-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony, from the defendant, on the ground that the parties hereto have lived separate and apart continuously, without cohabitation and without interruption for more than one year. And it appearing from an affdavit that the whereabouts and address of the defendant are unknown and that he may not be a resident of Virginia, it is Ordered that the defendant appear before this Court on October 22nd, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. pursuant to this notice and protect his interests herein. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I Ask For This: Donald M. White, Esquire 130 Thompson Street Ashland, Virginia 23005 (804) 798-1661

October, 2019 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER STEVEN JOHNSON, JR., Plaintiff v. CASEY JOHNSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL19000984-00 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 22nd day of October, 2019 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MONTEL DAVENPORT, Plaintiff v. LUCILLE DAVENPORT, Defendant. Case No.: CL19002604-00 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 25th day of October, 2019 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER HEBA MOHAMMED, Plaintiff v. ABDULAZIZ ABDULAH, Defendant. Case No.: CL19002233-00 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 22nd day of October, 2019 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JOSEPH TOTH, Plaintiff v. KAREEN TOTH, Defendant. Case No.: CL19002418-00 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 18th day of Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER VIOLET DUNCAN-HILL, Plaintiff v. CHRISTOPHER HILL, Defendant. Case No.: CL19002422-00 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 18th day of October, 2019 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TILDA LEWIS, Plaintiff v. JAMES CHALKLEY, Defendant. Case No.: CL18000876-00 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 18th day of October, 2019 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TAN’ISE VAUTERS, Plaintiff v. SIDDEEQ MUMIN, Defendant. Case No.: CL19002340-00 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 7th day of October, 2019 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF Richmond Portia Chiffon (Roberson) Allman, Plaintiff v. Oneil Anthony Allman, Defendant. Case No.: CL19-3900-3 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony. It appearing from an affidavit that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is. It is ORDERED that Oneil Anthony Allman appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before the 10th day of October, 2019. A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

Property Notice Judicial Sale of Real Property Owner/s of the below listed properties are hereby given notice that thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, proceedings will be commenced under the authority of Section 58.13965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to sell the following parcels located in the City of Richmond, Virginia for payment of delinquent Continued on next page

Richmond Free Press

September 12-14, 2019 B7

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

Continued from previous column

taxes: 1002 North 2nd Street N0000085013 1020 North 2nd Street N0000085003 920 North 4th Street N0000070010 2212 4th Avenue N0000561015 1305 North 5th Street N0000233006 3113 5th Avenue N0050999007 1200 North 19th Street E0000552015 1720 North 20th Street E0000934011 1702 North 23rd Street E0000940008 1745 North 28th Street E0000951072 1747 North 28th Street E0000951073 619 North 30th Street E0000632037 911 North 31st Street E0000724001 1120 North 34th Street E0000877004 2404 Alexander Avenue S0080885017 4319 Angus Road C0090901044 3020 Atlantic Avenue C0091033016 4909 Bassett Avenue S0060444016 5119 Boscobel Avenue S0060265019 1842 Botetourt Street N0000945049 1407 Bryan Street E0000606016 1415 Bryan Street E0000606020 2312 Burton Street E0000427021 500 Carnation Street C0070216002 1420 Catherine Street N0000617026 2712 Cheatham Street S0080521012 4319 Clarkson Road C0060403006 3327 Cliff Avenue N0001546040 2307 Creighton Road E0000955013 3224 Detroit Avenue N0051081016 3113 Dill Avenue N0000997022 3385 Dill Avenue N0051182049 4604 Ferguson Lane C0080427038 517 Hunt Avenue N0001558009 1519 Mechanicsville Tpke E0000928051 1407 Minefee Street S0071234008 1021 1/2 Oakwood Avenue E0000964010 2037 Orlando Road C0090372061 2210 Terminal Avenue S0080562002 2715 Terminal Avenue S0080521006 The owner/s of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and cost thereon, including the pro rata costs of publication hereunder. Gregory A. Lukanuski, Deputy City Attorney Office of the City Attorney for the City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia (804) 646-7949

Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000235/018, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Cheryl T. Carter. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, CHERYL T. CARTER, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parties Unknown.â&#x20AC;? IT IS ORDERED that CHERYL T. CARTER, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 31, 2019 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 804-646-7940

and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 10, 2019 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 804-646-7940

6, 2006, 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parties Unknown.â&#x20AC;? IT IS ORDERED t h a t WAY N E D I X O N , PASTOR, WORD OF LIFE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, LEONARD LAMBERT, upon information and belief deceased, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 06-22914 on July 6, 2006, or his successor/s in title, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 31, 2019 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 804-646-7940

Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

to this action; that GE C A P I TA L C O N S U M E R CARD CO, a purged Virginia corporation, Beneficiary of a Credit Line Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0410834 on April 6, 2004, 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parties Unknown.â&#x20AC;? IT IS ORDERED that MICHELLE D. BUSSELL, JAMES R. ELLIS, WITTSTADT TITLE AND E S C R O W C O M PA N Y, LLC, cancelled Virginia Corporation, Trustee per Deed of Appointment of Substitute Trustee, filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 12-19858 on October 5, 2012, PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a corporation withdrawn from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Beneficiary of a Corporate Assignment of Deed of Trust filed at Instrument Number 1218355 on September 17, 2012, WALTER L. HOOKER, PC, a terminated Virginia Corporation, Trustee of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 00-26076 on November 2, 2000, JUDSON W. COLLIER, Registered Agent for JUDSON W. COLLIER, JR, PC, Trustee of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0026076 on November 2, 2000, LINWOOD L. DAVIS, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 00-26076 on November 2, 2000, SPECIALIZED, INC, a purged Virginia corporation, Trustee of a Credit Line Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0410834 on April 6, 2004, GE CAPITAL CONSUMER CARD CO, a purged Virginia corporation, Beneficiary of a Credit Line Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 04-10834 on April 6, 2004, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 31, 2019 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 804-646-7940

0952/012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Seklaw Enterprises, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that TIMOTHY WALKES, Registered Agent for SEKLAW ENTERPRISES, LLC, 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 STUART L. WILLIAMS, Trustee of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0741047 on December 21, 2007, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that NANCY ANN ROGERS, Trustee of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 07-41047 on December 21, 2007, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parties Unknown.â&#x20AC;?

IT IS ORDERED that that TIMOTHY WALKES, Registered Agent for SEKLAW ENTERPRISES, LLC, STUART L. WILLIAMS, Trustee of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 07-41047 on December 21, 2007, NANCY ANN ROGERS, Trustee of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 07-41047 on December 21, 2007, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 31, 2019 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 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. CHERYL T. CARTER, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-2585 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1709 Everett

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. WELLS FARGO BANK, NA, TRUSTEE, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-1772 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1814 Boston Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000342/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Wells Fargo Bank, NA fka Wachovia Bank, NA, Dorothy B. Williams, upon information and belief deceased, Paul Wesley Brinser, Jr., Mary Anne B. Newsome, Allyson L. Brinson, and Lydia Abrams Grady. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, DOROTHY B. WILLIAMS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said own, PAUL WESLEY BRINSER, 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; that said owner, ALLYSON L. BRINSON, 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parties Unknown.â&#x20AC;? IT IS ORDERED that DOROTHY B. WILLIAMS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, PAUL WESLEY BRINSER, JR, ALLYSON L. BRINSON,

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. DIANA METZGER BROOKE, et al, Defendants. Case No. : CL19-1356 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3620 Ironbridge Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number C008-1065/004, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Diana Metzger Brooke. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, DIANA METZGER BROOKE, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parties Unknown.â&#x20AC;? IT IS ORDERED that DIANA METZGER BROOKE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 31, 2019 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 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. WORD OF LIFE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-1761 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1718 Everett Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000234/011, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Word of Life Christian Ministries. An Affidavit having been filed that WAYNE DIXON, PASTOR, WORD OF LIFE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, 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 LEONARD LAMBERT, upon information and belief deceased, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 06-22914 on July Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ANTOINE E. GREEN, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL18-4804 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4324 Ferguson Lane, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number C0080430/024, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Antoine E. Green. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ANTOINE E. GREEN, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that UNITED FIRST INVESTORS, INC, an entity purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Beneficiary on a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 567 page 963 on July 21, 1980, 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parties Unknown.â&#x20AC;? IT IS ORDERED that ANTOINE E. GREEN, UNITED FIRST INVESTORS, INC, an entity purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Beneficiary on a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 567 page 963 on July 21, 1980, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 31, 2019 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MICHELLE D. BUSSELL, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-1355 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2008 Ingram Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000861/006, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Michelle D. Bussell and James R. Ellis. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MICHELLE D. BUSSELL, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, JAMES R. ELLIS, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that WITTSTADT TITLE AND ESCROW COMPANY, LLC, cancelled Virginia Corporation, Trustee per Deed of Appointment of Substitute Trustee, filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 1219858 on October 5, 2012, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a corporation withdrawn from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Beneficiary of a Corporate Assignment of Deed of Trust filed at Instrument Number 1218355 on September 17, 2012, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that WALTER L. HOOKER, PC, a terminated Vi r g i n i a C o r p o r a t i o n , Trustee of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0026076 on November 2, 2000, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that JUDSON W. COLLIER, Registered Agent for JUDSON W. COLLIER, JR, PC, Trustee of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 00-26076 on November 2, 2000, 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 LINWOOD L. DAVIS, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 00-26076 on November 2, 2000, 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 SPECIALIZED, INC, a purged Virginia corporation, Trustee of a Credit Line Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0410834 on April 6, 2004, has not been located and has not filed a response

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. SEKLAW ENTERPRISES, LLC, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL19-3195 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1816 North 30th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000Continued from previous column

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BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB #19-1914-8JOK Holladay Elementary School Expansion (New Brookland Area Elementary School) Due:Â October 8, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Assisted Living Facility accepting applications for the following positions: Experience Licensed Medication Aide, Part-time Housekeeper, CNA or PCA Please provide a current TB report when applying. All references will be checked. Good pay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good days oďŹ&#x20AC;. Call for appointment (804) 222-5133

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond. To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com. EOE M/F/D/V

Director of Building Inspection Chesterďż˝ieldCounty,Virginia(RichmondMetro area) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who works effectively and collaboratively with Building Inspection staff as well as other county departments, governmental agencies, elected ofďż˝icials and citizens of the county. To view the recruitment proďż˝ile and application instructions, please visit www.chesterďż˝ield.gov. The deadline to apply is September 20, 2019, at 5 p.m. https://www.chesterďż˝ield.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/11826/Recruitment-Proďż˝ile---Director-ofBuilding-Inspection

Executive Director The Crater Planning District Commission is seeking a dynamic, highly energetic and entrepreneurial spirited individual to serve as Executive Director and lead the agency toward increased regional cooperation and policy development.Visit https://www.craterpdc.org/ for detailed information and how to apply by 09/30/2019. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

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804.358.5543

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

Bedros Bandazian

Associate Broker, Chairman

Raffi Bandazian

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Richmond Free Press

B8 September 12-14, 2019

Sports Plus

Serena Williams loses at U.S. Open Free Press wire report

Trailing by a set and 5-1 in the second, WilNEW YORK, N.Y. liams erased one match point and prolonged Maybe someday in the distant future, Serena the match, eventually getting to 5-all. But she Williams will look back and be proud of herself wouldn’t win another game. for making it to the final at four of the first “I believe I could have played better. I believe I seven Grand Slam tournaments she played in could have done more. I believe I could have just after having a baby. been more Serena today,” said Williams, who turns But not right now. 38 this month and was the oldest major finalist Last Saturday night, Williams, as fierce a in the Open era. “I honestly don’t think Serena competitor as tennis has seen, could only focus on showed up. I have to kind of figure out how to the fact that she lost each of those title matches. get her to show up in Grand Slam finals.” The latest instance came earlier Saturday at the Andreescu, the first player from Canada to U.S. Open, when she was beaten 6-3, 7-5 by win a major singles title, was happy and relieved 19-year-old Bianca Andreescu of Canada. at her victory. With the victory, Andreescu won her first “Being able to play on this stage against Serena, major championship and stopped Williams from a true legend in this sport, is amazing,” Andreescu claiming a record-tying 24th. said. “Oh, man, it wasn’t easy at all.” “I feel like, in 20 years, I definitely will be Rooting Williams on from the tennis star’s box like, ‘Wow, that wasn’t so bad,’ ” the 37-yearwas Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. old Williams said, her words halting, her voice Ms. Markle sat in Williams’ box at Arthur scratchy. “It’s very hard right now in the moAshe Stadium in New York and stood and cheered ment to, like, take this and say, ‘It didn’t work like thousands of other fans when Williams hit a out for you today.’ It’s really hard right now to booming overhand to win a point in the first set. take that moment in and to say, ‘You did OK,’ The former actress-turned-royal, who starred in because I don’t believe I did.” the cable show “Suits,” sat in front of fashion Adam Hunger/Associated Press Williams has not won a title of any sort since influencer Anna Wintour and behind Williams’ the Australian Open in January 2017. That al- Serena Williams gives it her all to return a shot during her match last Saturday against husband Alexis Ohanian. lowed her to break a tie with Steffi Graf for Bianca Andreescu of Canada during the women’s singles final of the U.S. Open tennis Ms. Wintour wore her usual dark shades and most Grand Slam titles in the Open era, which championship in New York. did not crack a smile when she was shown on began in 1968, by collecting No. 23. the big screen as the song “Vogue” by Madonna The losses have come against Naomi Osaka, Angelique blared through the stadium. Only Margaret Court, with 24, has more in the history of Kerber, Simona Halep and, now, Andreescu. tennis. By comparison, Ms. Markle smiled and waved to a cheering “All of it honestly, truly is super frustrating. I’m, like, so crowd as she was billed on the screen as “HRH The Duchess “Nobody has pressure like Serena. No one,” said Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, who was cited for trying to send close, so close, so close, yet so far away,” Williams said. “I of Sussex.” Williams signals in last year’s U.S. Open final, leading to a don’t know what to say. I guess I’ve got to keep going if I want The Duchess wore a belted denim long-sleeve dress and to be a professional tennis player. And I’ve just got to just keep headlined the A-list starpower that attended the U.S. Open final: series of arguments between her and the chair umpire. “She’s playing for history. She’s playing one match for his- fighting through it.” Spike Lee, Andy Cohen and Taraji P. Henson were among the Williams started poorly against Andreescu, who was seeded big names in the stands. tory. There is no bigger pressure than that,” Mouratoglou said. No. 15 and playing in her first major final and her debut in the “That she’s a bit tight is normal.” Ms. Markle struck out as serving as a good luck charm for Williams gave birth in September 2017, and since returning to main draw at Flushing Meadows. Williams double-faulted twice Williams. She was Briefcase Model No. 24 — the number of the tour last year, she has managed to play in two finals apiece in a row to drop the very first game. slams Williams was trying to reach — when she appeared on She wound up with eight double-faults, three that came on the TV show “Deal or No Deal.” at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Each time, she fell short of victory. And each time, Williams lamented not quite playing up break points, and made a total of 33 unforced errors, nearly While her appearance at Flushing Meadows sparked a media twice Andreescu’s 17. to her own high standards. blitz, the royal family is a constant presence at Wimbledon.

Richmond Flying Squirrels end season, honor VUU’s Joe Taylor

Joe Taylor, Virginia Union University athletic director and a highly successful former football coach at several universities, throws out the ceremonial first pitch on Aug. 30 at the Richmond Flying Squirrels game against the Bowie Baysox at The Diamond on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Mr. Taylor, who has served as the Panthers’ AD since 2014, was named earlier this year to the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame. He will be inducted Dec. 10 in a ceremony in New York.

By Fred Jeter

The Richmond Flying Squirrels have wrapped up their season. And while Richmond wasn’t the best team in the Eastern League, the Flying Squirrels were best at drawing fans. Despite an overall 55-84 record, Richmond led the EL in attendance with 400,321 paying customers. The Flying Squirrels averaged 6,631 people per game. A fan favorite was swift outfielder Johneshwy Fargas. The native of Puerto Rico led the EL this season in stolen bases with 50. In so doing, he broke the Squirrels’ single season mark of 49 stolen bases held by Kelby Tomlinson. Fargas also led the team with five triples. Flying Squirrels officials voted Fargas the overall Player of the Year. Other awards went to Ryan Halstead, Pitcher of the Year; Jalen Miller, Puritan Cleaners Dirty Squirrel of the Year; and Matt Winn, Community Service Award. The Flying Squirrels honored Joe Taylor,

Caroline Phipps/Richmond Flying Squirrels

Virginia Union University athletic director, at its Aug. 30 game against the Bowie Baysox at The Diamond. Taylor, who was named earlier this year to the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Squirrels game. Mr. Taylor compiled an impressive 233 wins overall during a 30-year career coaching at Eastern Illinois University, VUU, Howard University, Norfolk State University, Hampton University and Florida A&M University. During his stint as football coach at VUU from 1984 to 1991, he complied a 60-19-3 record, leading the Panthers to three NCAA tournaments. He also is the all-time winningest coach in Hampton University’s history. The Richmond Flying Squirrels will open the 2020 season on April 9 at Bowie, Md. The home opener will be April 16, also against the Bowie Baysox. This marked the 10th season the San Francisco Giants have had a AA affiliate in Richmond.

First African-American to play for the Yankees

Aaron Judge

Aroldis Champman

Domingo German

Gary Sanchez

Elston “Ellie” Howard (1929-1980) • 12-time American League All-Star • Six-time World Series champion • 1963 AL Most Valuable Player • Two-time Gold Glove winner • His No. 32 jersey retired

Yankees then and now: Team could field lineup of color in World Series By Fred Jeter

The New York Yankees are a diverse bunch fueled by numerous African-American and Latino players. However, before the arrival of Elston Howard in 1955, the storied franchise was as white as the ball. First, the current situation: The Yankees started the week 92-50 in first place in the American League East. The Bronx Bombers boast one of baseball’s top starting pitchers, Domingo German; arguably the premier closer, Aroldis Chapman; and a loaded lineup of muscular sluggers. Not surprisingly, The Pinstripes are pushing toward what could be a record 28th World Series title. Along with German and Chapman, Yankees players of color include catcher Gary Sanchez, second baseman Gleyber Torres, shortstop Didi Gregorious, third baseman Gio Urshela, outfielders Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks, designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and veteran hurlers C.C. Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka. Furthermore, slugger Giancarlo Stanton and pitchers Dellin Betances and Luis Serverino are on the mend following injuries and may join the team soon. Diversity, however, was slow to arrive in the

Yankees’ former Richmond farm club Very few African-Americans ever suited up for the Richmond Virginians, the New York Yankees’ top farm club from 1956 to 1964. The short list of black Virginians passing through Richmond to the big leagues included catcher Jesse Gonder, infielder Horace Clarke and pitcher Al Downing. From 1964 to 1966, the Yankees’ AA farm club was in Columbus, Ga. That team, called the Columbus Confederate Yankees, wore uniforms bearing the Confederate flag. Big Apple’s northernmost borough. The team’s complexion didn’t change until April 1955 when Elston “Ellie” Howard became the first African-American Yankee. The St. Louis native broke the color barrier at Yankee Stadium eight full seasons after Jackie Robinson debuted across town in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1947. Despite the success of Robinson and other black players with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the arrival of the great Willie Mays with the New York Giants, the Yankees’ management seemed to look the other way in scouting talent. At the time Howard made his big league debut, he was the lone African-American in the entire Yankees organization. The inclusion of Howard came after years of protests outside Yankee Stadium and media

pressure. Howard was a powerful hitter and versatile defender, capable of playing catcher, first base or the outfield. However, Yankees manager Casey Stengel, who was born in 1890 in Kansas City, nicknamed Howard “Eight ball,” synonymous with black, and called him that to his face and in front of the media. It was the elderly Stengel’s poor attempt at comedy and never affected how the manager treated Howard on the field. Despite the racial nickname, Stengel selected Howard to nine straight All-Star teams from 1957 to 1965, and sometimes batted him cleanup in the Yankees’ order. There were racial problems and complications, however. Howard and his wife stayed in separate hotels from the other Yankees at spring training in St. Petersburg, Fla., and at some of

the Southern cities where the team played. On the field, Howard proved he belonged and then some. After some early heckling from racists in the crowds, he emerged as a fan favorite and among the most respected Yankees on and off the diamond. Powerful with the bat and versatile in the field, Howard became the American League’s first African-American MVP in 1963. Following a sparkling career, he later became the storied franchise’s first African-American coach. During Howard’s career with the Yankees from 1955 to 1967, he played with only a handful of other African-American athletes. It’s far different now for the Yankees. The makeup of the team closely reflects that of the surrounding Bronx. Through games of Sept. 7, German is among big league leaders in victories with 17. Chapman, “the Cuban missile,” leads the league with 36 saves. Through 142 games, the Yankees had blasted 264 home runs and are on track to notch a record 41st AL pennant. Manager Aaron Boone conceivably could start an all-minority lineup in the World Series. That’s a sharp contrast to years before Howard changed minds and thrilled fans at Yankee Stadium.