Richmond Free Press September 2-4, 2021 edition

Meet this week’s Personality B1

Richmond Free Press

VOL. 30 NO. 36

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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The scoop B2

SEPTEMBER 2-4, 2021

Martinsville Seven pardoned

Gov. Ralph S. Northam uses his power to help right a decades-old wrong in which seven Black men from Martinsville were executed in 1951 without due process Free Press wire, staff report

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Former Richmond Mayor Rudolph McCollum Jr., center, speaks Tuesday at a rally in Capitol Square that turned into a celebration after Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced he had given posthumous pardons to the Martinsville Seven. Holding the banner are Timothy R. Thomas, left, and Craig Watson. Mr. McCollum’s uncle, Booker T. Millner, and great uncle, Francis DeSales Grayson, were among the seven men executed in 1951. Right, a poster contains drawings of the Martinsville Seven who were pardoned posthumously. They are Francis DeSales Grayson, 37; Booker T. Millner, 19, Frank Hairston Jr., 18; Howard Lee Hairston, 18; James Luther Hairston, 20; Joe Henry Hampton, 19; and John Clabon Taylor, 21.

It took 70 years, but the Martinsville Seven have finally been pardoned.

On Tuesday, Gov. Ralph S. Northam granted posthumous pardons to the seven Black men who were executed in 1951 for the rape of a 32-year-old white woman. All of them were tried by all-white male juries.

Four of the men were executed in Virginia’s electric chair on Feb. 2, 1951. Three days later, the remaining three also were electrocuted.

It was the largest group of people executed for a single-victim crime in Virginia’s history.

The case attracted pleas for mercy from around the world and in recent years has been denounced as an example of racial disparity in the use of the death penalty.

The governor announced the pardons after meeting with about a dozen descendants of the men and their advocates. Cries and sobs could be heard from some of the descendants after his pardon announcement.

“Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Lord,” James Walter Grayson of Baltimore, the 74year-old son of Francis DeSales Grayson, sobbed when Gov. Northam told family members during a meeting on Tuesday that he had granted the pardons.

Mr. Grayson said he was 4 when his father was executed.

“It means so much to me,” he said of the pardon.

“I remember the very day the police came to the door. He embraced each of us and said,

‘I will be back.’ They took him away, but he never came back,” he told the Free Press.

The pardon was issued on what would have been Francis DeSales Grayson’s 108th birthday.

“History was made today,” Mr. Grayson said. “I knew that God would move today, and He did.”

Rudolph McCollum Jr., a former Richmond mayor who is the great-nephew of Francis DeSales Grayson and the nephew of another one of the executed men, Booker T. Please turn to A4

Small signs of recovery starting after Ida’s devastation Free Press wire report

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Jeremy Hodges walks Monday onto his family’s storage unit in Houma, La., an area that was devastated by Hurricane Ida that struck Sunday with winds over 150 mph.

NEW ORLEANS Lights came back on for a fortunate few, some corner stores opened their doors and crews cleared fallen trees and debris from a growing number of roadways Wednesday — small signs of progress amid the monumental task of repairing the damage inflicted by Hurricane Ida. Still, suffering remained widespread three days after Ida battered Louisiana and parts of Mississippi as the fifth most powerful hurricane to strike the United States.

Some low-lying communities remained largely under water. Roughly 1 million homes and businesses still had no electricity, and health officials said more than 600,000 people lacked running water.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said he was pleased that power had returned for some people, saying it was “critically important to show progress” after the storm. But he also acknowledged that much more work lay ahead.

“I’m very mindful that it’s a start, and only a start,” he told Please turn to A4

Clement Britt

Henry L. Marsh III, Richmond’s first African-American mayor and a former state senator, cuts the ribbon at Saturday’s ceremony dedicating the new Richmond elementary school named in his honor. The school is located at 813 N. 28th St. Flanking Mr. Marsh are his daughter, Nadine Marsh-Carter, left, and Principal Kimberly Cook.

Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School: A building worthy of kings and queens

By Jeremy M. Lazarus and Ronald E. Carrington

Henry L. Marsh III grew up across the street from the handsome new elementary school in Church Hill that is named in his honor.

Saturday, the man who rose to become Richmond’s first Black mayor, fight for civil rights in courtrooms across Virginia and

serve in the state Senate for two decades was on hand to cut the ribbon to formally open the $42 million building that will educate potential future leaders beginning next Wednesday, Sept. 8.

Now 87, Mr. Marsh did not speak at Saturday’s ceremony, but his daughter, former School Board member Nadine Marsh-Carter, Please turn to A4

File photo

Snafu puts warehouse donated to RPS on path for auction

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

In a surprise move, City Hall appears to be pushing to sell at auction for unpaid taxes a tobacco factory that was donated to Richmond Public Schools, which plans to convert it into a career and technical education high school, but is now owned by a for-profit entity.

In a filing submitted July 26 to Richmond Circuit Court, the city attorney’s office began the process of seeking court permission to put the property up for public auction to recover about $500,000 in taxes that have gone unpaid for the past four years.

However, the auction process is on track to be terminated before a sale can happen, officials said this week.

The taxes have been an RPS liability ever since the system accepted the donation from a subsidiary of tobacco giant Altria in 2017 of the vacant office-warehouse-stemmery complex at 2301 Maury St. in South Side.

The court filing follows the council’s approval of a capital budget plan in which Mayor Levar M. Stoney recommended borrowing up to $100 million to pay for conversion of the factory into a technical high school.

RPS also has an agreement with Reynolds Community College to create a joint operation, and the school system is planning within two months to issue a request for proposals for an architectural firm to handle the design work.

The property tax snafu began at the time of the donation.

To lay the groundwork to secure federal and state historic tax credits that would help finance the projected $60 million to Please turn to A4

Clement Britt

Making a move Denzel Johnson, 14, a student at CodeRVA Regional High School, makes a bold move during the Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament last Friday at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The pilot program drew area youngsters to classes and competition sponsored by the Bernice E. Travers Foundation. Please see more photos, B2.

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

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Wednesday, Sept. 8, 9 to 11 a.m., Eastern Henrico Recreation Center Pavilion, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. • Thursday, Sept. 9, 1 to 3 p.m., Hotchkiss Field Community Center, 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd.

Appointments are not necessary, but can be made by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.ly/RHHDCOVID.

Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 September 2-4, 2021

Local News

Labor Day 2021 In observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 6, please note the following: Government offices City of Richmond and Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover offices: Closed State and federal offices: Closed.

Courts Closed Schools Richmond: Closed Friday, Sept. 3, for teacher workday; Closed Monday and Tuesday.

In-p e r s o n c l a s s e s a n d Richmond Virtual Academy classes for pre-K through Grade 5 start Wednesday, Sept. 8.

Henrico: Closed Friday, Sept. 3, for teacher workday; closed Monday and Tuesday.

In-person classes star t Wednesday, Sept. 8.

Chesterfield: Closed Friday, Sept. 3, and Monday, Sept. 6. Classes resume Tuesday, Sept. 7 Hanover: Closed Monday, Sept. 6. Classes star t Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Public libraries Richmond Public Library

also closed Sunday, Sept. 5, and Monday, Sept. 6 Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover libraries: Close Trash and recycling No pickups; all collections will be delayed by one day for the week.

Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions Closed.

U.S. Postal Service Closed; no regular mail delivery.

Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers Closed.

Malls, major retailers and movie theaters Varies; check with specific locations.

ABC stores All stores will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

GRTC Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Free Press offices Closed.

Richmond Public Schools issues request for design proposals for new George Wythe building

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

This elegant Richmond railroad bridge over the James River has stood the test of time.

Woodrow Wilson was still president, the prohibition of liquor begins and the raging pandemic “Spanish flu” was killing millions of people when the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac and CSX-predecessor Atlantic Coastline railroads built the structure in 1919. Location: Between the Boulevard and Powhite Parkway bridges. Legendary engineer John E. Greiner designed the iconic arched bridge that was among the first rail bridges to be made of poured concrete. Dubbed the “million-dollar bridge,” the double-track bridge allowed trains to move through Richmond more quickly and to cross east-west rail lines that ran along both sides of the river. Considered an engineering marvel, the bridge continues to draw admirers.

School reopening a push-pull for some parents and educators

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

By Ronald E. Carrington

Richmond Public Schools took a big step this week in its goal to open a new George Wythe High School in August 2024.

On Tuesday, the school system issued its request for proposals, or RFP, from architectural firms to design a proposed a 260,000-square-foot building with a capacity for 1,600 students on the South Side campus of the aging 61-year-old building that is to be replaced.

The RFP calls for firms to submit their responses by Oct. 15, with the board to select the winner before Thanksgiving.

The issuance met the deadline set for Superintendent Jason Kamras by a five-member majority of the School Board that is committed to leading school construction.

Mr. Kamras has urged the board to let the city continue to be in charge of the school construction project, saying that with RPS in charge of the project, a new high school could not be finished until 2027.

State law grants school systems sole authority to build new schools unless that authority is ceded to the local government.

“I’m ecstatic that RPS is on schedule to open a world-class George Wythe High School,” School Board Vice Chair Jonathan Young, 4th District, a leader of the School Mr. Young Board majority, stated in a message to the Free Press after the RFP was issued.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney also has publicly contended that RPS’ control would keep the current worn-out George Wythe building in use until 2027, while claiming that city leadership could ensure an opening as of January 2025.

In the wake of the RFP’s issuance, Mr. Young stated that the selected architectural firm, working with a committee of teachers, parents, community members and staff, should have the proposed design ready for bid within nine to 10 months.

If all goes well, he indicated that the board could award a contract for the new building before Christmas 2022, with the public seeing dirt moving at the site early in 2023.

He noted that is the same timeline that Henrico County followed in moving forward with construction of two new high schools, J.R. Tucker and Highland Springs, both of which are on track to open next week. Construction on both schools began in early 2019.

The release of the school system’s RFP also appears to have undercut a similar RFP that City Hall issued in June for a new high school, with an award to be announced in coming weeks.

However, the School Board never agreed to participate in evaluating the firms that responded by early August to the city’s RFP. In response to one firm’s query, City Hall said that one of the responding firms would be selected and paid.

Based on an opinion issued by the city attorney’s office, the School Board would need to accept any design that the city’s selected firm might create as it remains in control of building.

After a year of virtual learning because of the coronavirus and new concerns about the highly contagious delta variant, Richmond Public Schools students, teachers, staff and contractors must mask up as schools open next Wednesday, Sept. 8.

The reopening is a push-pull for some parents and education professionals as health and safety are major concerns weighted against the importance of students returning to the classroom for inperson learning after a roughly 18-month absence and very little social interaction with friends and others.

Because the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t approved for use among children under age 12, health issues may be a challenge as the number of young children infected with the virus has risen across the state.

The community has continued its support of RPS students and teachers with school supplies drives, new shoe giveaways and meal cards placed among the supplies in the thousands of backpacks collected to be distributed to students from the 4th Annual Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive hosted by the VCU Alumni Association, Communities In School and CoStar Group.

Many students and parents are excited for the return to classroom, including Amy Wentz, whose daughter, Zoe Wright, will be a second-grader at J.L. Francis Elementary

Congressman Scott’s annual Labor Day political event canceled Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott’s Annual Labor Day Picnic has been canceled because of the resurgence of COVID-19.

The free political event, which has been held each September since 1977, draws dozens of candidates and office holders and hundreds of participants to a kickoff of the election season along the waterfront lawn of Rep. Scott’s family home in Newport News.

Rep. Scott The event was held virtually in 2020 because of COVID-19. Now, 2021 is the first time it has been canceled.

“Our annual cookout has become an important place for candidates running for office locally and statewide to meet and talk with voters and other elected officials,” Rep. Scott said in an emailed statement about the event. “Unfortunately, based on the advice of medical experts who pointed to higher infection rates and stagnant vaccinations, we’ve decided to cancel this year’s cookout.”

He also encouraged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible against the potentially fatal virus.

“We can limit the spread of COVID-19 and defeat this pandemic if we increase the rate of vaccinations and follow the latest CDC guidance,” Rep. Scott stated. “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and provide significant protection against serious infection, hospitalization, and death. I was vaccinated earlier this year, and I hope all who are eligible do the same.

School in South Side. Ms. Wentz said having her daughter in school not only helps with her academic development, but aids in her social development and skills.

“It is also very important for Zoe to have interactions with her teachers,” Ms. Wentz said, adding that getting up in the morning for school, going to the bus and being on a schedule “helps with discipline and provides a daily routine.”

“That helps children and gives them pride in themselves,” Ms. Wentz said, noting that during virtual learning, her daughter merely got up on school days, cleaned her teeth and then got on her laptop for online class.

“Zoe was getting lazy,” she said.

Ms. Wentz also said it is difficult for her young daughter to keep her mask on.

“But I think she understands how important it is because we have recently had family that have gotten sick from COVID,” Ms. Wentz said. “J.L. Francis teachers don’t play. When they tell Zoe to keep her mask on, she’s going to keep it on.”

David F. Jones Sr., founder of the TH-JAW Foundation whose mission is to motivate and mentor student athletes in RPS high schools, said the foundation’s programs were suspended last year because of the coronavirus and the shutdown of schools.

He is looking forward to the reopening for a new academic year. RPS football got

underway last Friday, Aug. 27.

“Sports give students a positive outlet to focus on something other than school, as well as getting them away from being on the computer all day,” Mr. Jones said.

As a former high school coach, Mr. Jones said, “The biggest challenge is cleanliness and precaution against disease—even before COVID. Coaches always tried to get players to understand the importance of cleaning and sanitizing their equipment every day.

“This is a challenge for city schools, as the counties have people performing those services for them,” he said.

He said the foundation will wait to restart its program “until RPS settles into reopening and (we) see how COVID affects the district’s athletic program. We want to make sure our plans do not hinder RPS in any way.”

Richmond City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille said COVID-19 taught many lessons.

“We learned how invaluable an in-person learning environment truly is across many domains,” she said.

The upside of schools reopening, Dr. Newbille said, is that “our children will be absolutely excited to see their friends and see their teachers. At the same time, I think they are going to have a new normal in school, as we truly understand the importance of in-person learning.”

Eviction protections still in place for Va. renters

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Eviction protections are still in place for struggling Virginia renters despite last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that appears to open the floodgates for landlords to go to court to remove tenants who have fallen far behind.

That’s according to Martin D. “Marty” Wegbreit, director of litigation at the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society’s Richmond office.

He offered his view following the Aug. 26 decision from the nation’s highest court that struck down the Biden administration’s latest attempt to keep a national eviction ban in place as a public health measure.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Congress needs to extend any eviction moratorium and that the executive branch lacks the authority to do so now that the pandemic emergency orders have expired.

Mr. Wegbreit stated that the current protections in force through June 2022 require landlords, before going to court, to give a 14-day notice to delinquent tenants of the state’s Rent Relief Program that can pay past due rent, and to apply on behalf of any of their tenants for relief from the program.

During that two-week period, a delinquent tenant can pay in full, enter a payment plan with the landlord if willing or

apply for rental relief, halting any immediate eviction action, Mr. Wegbreit stated.

He noted that landlords cannot seek eviction so long as the tenant has applied and is awaiting Mr. Wegbreit a response from the state program. The program has distributed about $500 million already in payments to families who have lost income due to the pandemic and fallen behind. The program had about $1.1 billion to spend.

The program is run through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and can pay up to 18 months past due rent, according to the website.

Mr. Wegbreit indicated that landlords who fail to cooperate with the application process or fail to supply requested documents are barred from seeking a court order of possession to oust a delinquent tenant.

A landlord can file for a court order of possession, Mr. Wegbreit stated, if the state program deems the tenant ineligible for relief, if the tenant refuses to cooperate with a rent relief application, if the rent relief program fails to respond within 45 days for an application or if the rent relief program runs out of money. Eligible tenants are those whose annual income is at

or below 80 percent of the area’s median income and whose rent is 150 percent or less of the area’s fair market rent.

However, “if a tenant is complying with a written payment plan,” the landlord is barred from evicting for nonpayment, Mr. Wegbreit continued.

Also, through Sept. 28, he stated, a tenant in an eviction lawsuit for nonpayment can get the case postponed for 60 days by providing written proof of reduced income to the court.

Finally, a tenant can pay the total balance due at least 48 hours before sheriff’s deputies are schedule to carry out the eviction, and have the eviction canceled, Mr. Wegbreit stated.

He added that the state protections impact landlords who gained an eviction judgment prior to Aug. 10 when they were reinstated, meaning they cannot enforce the eviction unless they meet the requirements now in place.

In Richmond, and most of the state, tenants can apply for rent relief online by calling (703) 962-1884 or by going online at www.dhcd.virginia.gov/rrp. Potential applicants also can email rrp@dhcd.virginia.gov with questions, problems and status updates.

Chesterfield County separately is operating its own relief program that is available online at actsrva.org/chesterfield-emergency-rent-and-utility-assistance-cera.

Correction The two men credited with pushing the idea of reviving the Armstrong-Walker Classic are Richmond Public Schools graduates. Cary C. Mitchell is a 1979 graduate of Huguenot High School and Reginald E. “Reggie” Gordon, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer for human services, is a 1978 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School.

An article published on the front page of the Aug. 26-28 edition of the Free Press about an initiative to revive the hugely popular football game and activities this November incorrectly stated their high school alma maters.

A photograph that accompanied the story should have been credited to Dennis H. Harvey, Armstrong High School Class of 1966, who captured the scene of the antique car parade during the festivities at City Stadium on Nov. 25, 1978.

The Free Press regrets the errors.

Richmond Free Press

September 2-4, 2021 A3

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Richmond Free Press

A4 September 2-4, 2021

News

Gov. Northam pardons the Martinsville Seven Continued from A1

Millner, told Gov. Northam the executions represent “a wound that continues to mar Virginia’s history and the efforts to move beyond its dubious past.”

He, too, wept when Gov. Northam announced he would pardon the men.

In addition to Mr. Grayson, who was 37 at the time, and Mr. Millner, who was 19, the other members of the Martinsville Seven who were pardoned are Frank Hairston Jr., 18; Howard Lee Hairston, 18; James Luther Hairston, 20; Joe Henry Hampton, 19; and John Clabon Taylor, 21.

A rally Tuesday at the Bell Tower on Capital Square that was intended to be a plea for their pardon turned into a celebration following the governor’s announcement.

“This case is symbolic of Jim Crow, racism at its basest and injustice in the criminal justice system,” Mr. McCollum told the small crowd of family members and supporters.

He credited among others law students at the College of William & Mary for preparing the legal documents to support the pardon request.

The Martinsville Seven, as the men became known, were all convicted of raping Ruby Stroud Floyd, a white woman who had gone to a predominantly Black neighborhood in Martinsville on Jan. 8, 1949, to collect money for clothes she had sold.

At the time, rape was a capital offense. But the death penalty for rape was applied almost exclusively to Black people.

From 1908 — when Virginia began using the electric chair — to 1951, state records show that all 45 people executed for rape were Black, Gov. Northam said.

The pardons do not address the guilt or innocence of the men, but Gov. Northam said the pardons are an acknowledgement that they did not receive due process and received a “racially-biased death sentence not similarly applied to white defendants.”

“These men were executed because they were Black, and that’s not right,” he said. “Their punishment did not fit the crime.

They should not have been executed.”

All seven men were convicted and sentenced to death within eight days. Gov. Northam said some of the defendants were impaired at the time of their arrests or unable to read confessions they signed. He said none of the men had attorneys present while they were interrogated.

Before their executions, protesters picketed at the White House, and the governor’s office received letters from around the world asking for mercy.

In December, advocates and descendants of the men asked Gov. Northam to issue posthumous pardons. Their petition does not argue that the men were innocent, but says their trials were unfair and the punishment was extreme and unjust.

“The Martinsville Seven were not given adequate due process ‘simply for being black,’ they were sentenced to death for a crime that a white person would not have been executed for ‘simply for being black,’ and they were killed, by the Commonwealth, ‘simply for being black,’ ” the advocates wrote in their letter to the governor.

Dr. Eric W. Rise, an associate professor at the University of Delaware who wrote a 1995 book on the case: “The Martinsville Seven: Race, Rape, and Capital Punishment,” said Ms. Floyd told police she was raped by a large group of Black men and testified at all six trials. Two of the men were tried together.

All seven men signed statements admitting they were present during the attack, but they had no access to their parents or attorneys at the time, Dr. Rise said.

“The validity of the confessions were one of the things their defense attorneys brought up at the trials,” Dr. Rise said.

Four of the men testified in their own defense. Dr. Rise said two men said they had consensual sex with her, one man denied any involvement, and another man said he was so intoxicated he could not remember what happened.

Gov. Northam now has granted a total of 604 pardons since taking office in 2018, more than the previous nine governors combined, his administration announced Tuesday.

This is about righting wrongs,” Gov. Northam said. “We all deserve a criminal justice system that is fair, equal, and gets it right — no matter who you are or what you look like,” he said.

In March, Gov. Northam, a Democrat, signed legislation passed by the Democrat-controlled legislature abolishing the state’s death penalty. It was a dramatic shift for Virginia, a state that had the second-highest number of executions in the United States.

The case of the Martinsville Seven was cited during the legislative debate as an example of the disproportionate use of the death penalty against people of color.

Small signs of recovery starting after Ida’s devastation Continued from A1

a news conference.

The death toll rose to at least six after a coroner confirmed a 65-year-old woman had drowned in her Louisiana home and police in Maryland said a 19-year-old man was found dead in an apartment complex flooded by heavy rain from Ida’s remnants. And the staggering scope of the disaster began to come into focus, with a private firm estimating total damage from Ida could exceed $50 billion.

Bands of the powerful storm struck Metro Richmond on Wednesday, resulting in downpours, some flooding and

power outages.

Gov. Edwards said Louisiana was blessed to have only two deaths from Ida so far given the magnitude of the hurricane’s devastation.

In Southern Louisiana’s Plaquemines Parish, Gayle Lawrence lost two cars, refrigerators and almost everything in her garage to flood waters. Her garage was filled with marsh grass and dead fish. Scores of other homes in the neighborhood also were flooded.

“The house is solid. It didn’t even move. But when the water came up, it destroyed everything,” she said.

In Jefferson Parish, hospital staff, food bank employees and

Free COVID-19 vaccines Continued from A1

Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

COVID-19 testing also is available at various drug stores, clinics and urgent care centers throughout the area for people with and without health insurance. Several offer tests with no out-of-pocket costs.

A list of area COVID-19 testing sites is online at https://www. vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/richmond-and-henrico-area-covid19-testing-sites/ The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Thursday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to noon – Richmond Public Library Broad Rock Branch, 4820 Old Warwick Road, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Henrico Theater youth event, 305 E. Nine Mile Road, Highland Springs, second floor, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Friday, Sept. 3, 9 a.m. to noon – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Tuesday, Sept. 7, 3 to 6 p.m. – Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd.

• Wednesday, Sept. 8, 1 to 4 p.m. – Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. • Thursday, Sept. 9, 1 to 4 p.m. – Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St. • Friday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to noon – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.

Children ages 12 to 17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Appointments are not required, but individuals can schedule an appointment online at vax.rchd.com or by calling (804) 2053501.

VaccineFinder.org and vaccines.gov also allow people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Richmond and Henrico health districts announced Monday that they will open beginning next week four new ongoing community vaccination hubs where people can get inoculated against COVID-19. Each site will operate one day a week and supplement the health districts’ pop-up vaccination clinics done in partnership with large employers, faith communities, community organizations and others.

The four new hubs are: Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd., which will be open 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays; Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., which will be open 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays; Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., which will be open 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays; and the Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, which will be open 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

The new hubs open as the number of COVID-19 cases in Richmond rise. According to city officials, Richmond has seen a 300 percent increase in cases in the last month with an 11.1 percent positivity rate on Tuesday. Officials said that 58.8 percent of adults in the city have had at least one dose of the vaccine.

On Wednesday, state health officials reported 3,407 new COVID-19 cases for a 24-hour period. With that number, Virginia has reached a total of 769,842 cases during the course of the pandemic, with 33,808 hospitalizations and 11,861 deaths.

Virginia’s seven-day positivity rate continues to rise at 10.3 percent. Last week, it was 9.8 percent.

According to state health department data, 56.8 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated, while 64.1 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

State data also show that African-Americans comprised 22.9 percent of cases statewide and 25.1 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 15.1 percent of cases and 6.4 percent of deaths.

Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021

Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 20,016 854 286 Henrico County 29,581 1,185 651 Chesterfield County 32,825 1,096 468 Hanover County 9,700 346 175

other critical workers were hampered by a gas shortage, said parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. The parish neighbors New Orleans and saw widespread destruction from Ida. Authorities were still waiting for floodwaters to recede enough for trucks carrying food, water and repair supplies to begin moving into Lafitte and other low-lying communities.

“Today we’re a broken community. It won’t always be that way,” President Sheng said after meeting with Gov. Edwards.

With all of New Orleans blacked out except for those running generators, Byron Lambert woke up startled at about 1:30 a.m. when light suddenly came

on down the hall from where he slept. He first thought it was a burglar, then realized his home had electricity.

Mr. Lambert’s house in Eastern New Orleans was among more than 11,000 homes and businesses that had power restored early Wednesday, according to Entergy, the electric company.

“When it came on it startled me. I’m like ‘All right! We got power,’” Mr. Lambert said, his enthusiasm tempered by the knowledge of what others were going through. “I’m fortunate, but they have a lot of people that aren’t as fortunate as me, and I pray for them because it’s rough.”

There were still 989,000 homes and businesses without

power, or 44 percent of all state utility customers in Southeast Louisiana, from the New Orleans area to Baton Rouge, according to the state Public Service Commission.

Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, told reporters Wednesday he predicts “a lot more progress” in coming days. Still, he said full recovery will be slow, with

thousands of power poles and transformers knocked out by the storm.

In neighboring Mississippi, 32,000 customers had no electricity.

Hard-hit areas in southeast Louisiana were under a heat advisory Wednesday, with forecasters warning combined heat and humidity could make some areas feel like 108 degrees.

Hurricane Ida help Several organizations have launched efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Ida. Here are several that are accepting donations: • American Red Cross: www.redcross.org • Virginia Baptist Disaster Response: www.bgavdr.org • United Way of Southeast Louisiana: www.unitedwaysela.org • The Greater New Orleans Foundation: www.gnof.org • Imagine Water Works: www.imaginewaterworks.org

Snafu puts warehouse donated to RPS on path for auction Continued from A1

$70 million overhaul, Tommy Kranz, who was interim RPS schools superintendent at the time, created a for-profit company, Project Ace LLC, to serve as the building’s nominal owner, according to School Board Vice Chairman Jonathan Young.

Only for-profit companies are eligible for tax credits under federal rules; governmental entities and nonprofits generally do not pay taxes and are ineligible.

However, the for-profit status of Project Ace meant that Project Ace became liable for payment of the city’s annual real estate taxes that ordinarily would not apply to RPS. At the time, RPS did not work out an agreement with the city regarding future tax payments, though that is in the works.

Lincoln Saunders, the city’s interim chief administrative officer, confirmed that talks are under way between the city and Project

Ace as well as the school system to ensure the matter ends without an auction.

RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras separately described it as a “clerical matter that will be resolved.” He said Wednesday that attorneys for the city and school system are now working out necessary steps to prevent a sale.

According to city records, the approximately 10-acre property, including two adjacent parking lots along with the massive, 288,000-square-foot factory structure, is valued at more than $8.1 million for tax purposes.

The tax bill the city wants to collect includes about $100,000 a year in property taxes, plus a 10 percent penalty on each year of unpaid taxes, plus interest, the records indicate.

This is just the latest instance of a for-profit Richmond entity created for tax credit purposes becoming snarled in unpaid property taxes.

In 2014, City Council had to provide a $1.75 million bailout for the Dominion Energy Center, one of the city-owned theaters that the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance leases and operates under a public-private partnership.

In that case, as in the situation with RPS’ Project Ace LLC, the property tax payments essentially involved the city paying property tax to itself. In the theater complex case, the city was collecting from an entity it helped launch and participates in to create more arts programming in Downtown.

In the case of the tobacco factory, the city appropriates money to support RPS, and any money paid in property taxes would simply involve RPS returning money the city had provided for school operations.

One option would be for the city to provide sufficient money to cover the property taxes, which the school system would return in the form of payment of the taxes Project Ace would owe.

Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School Continued from A1

noted in her remarks that her father came from humble beginnings as the son of a waiter and that this new school building can teach students that “humble beginnings” are no barrier to future success.

Speaking to the gathering of about 45 people and those watching via a Facebook broadcast of the ceremony, Principal Kimberly Cook said she hoped Mr. Marsh’s story will serve to inspire those who attend to prepare to do great things.

“Naming the school after (Mr. Marsh) gives our students something to strive for,” she said.

The school, one of three new buildings opening this academic year, including Cardinal Elementary and River City Middle School, is part of a $147 million investment that the city and its residents have made in new buildings in the past three years through payment of an increased tax on restaurant meals and prepared foods.

The Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School will offer a big change for students, teachers and everyone else involved, Richmond schools Superintendent Jason Kamras noted.

“Anyone who was at the old George Mason knows it was quite frankly just a travesty to have kids going to school there,” he said, noting that the new building will offer spacious accommodations for each grade, has been designed to take advantage of natural light and includes a large space to serve as a combination cafeteria, gym and auditorium.

Located at 813 N. 28th St., Marsh

Elementary replaces a worn-out George Mason Elementary School building that Mr. Marsh attended nearly 80 years ago.

The former building dated to 1887 and was expanded through the years. It had been on the list for replacement for at least 15 years before work began. Development of new athletic facilities on the grounds is still a work in progress.

The old building was named for George Mason, a slave owner ironically best known for authoring the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which became the basis for the federal Bill of Rights that protects many of the freedoms people take for granted.

Mr. Kamras said the new name sends an important message that Richmond Public Schools “is becoming an even more inclusive, equitable and just school system.”

School Board Chairwoman Cheryl Burke, 7th District, who also cheered the opening of the school and the adoption of a new nickname, the Monarchs to replace the Dragons, acknowledged that the failure to name the school for both Mr. Marsh and his late wife, Dr. Diane Harris Marsh, a pioneering dentist who made a major impact on community health care, was an oversight that should be addressed in some way in the school.

Along with speeches, the ceremony featured a musical performance from Richmond saxophone artist J. Plunky Branch.

Among those present Saturday were 3rd District Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, who served with Mr. Marsh in the state Senate; state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi;

Delegates Delores L. McQuinn and Betsy Carr; Mayor Levar M. Stoney; and two members of City Council, President Cynthia I. Newbille and Vice President Ellen F. Robertson. Several former School Board and elected city officials also were on hand.

The audience was mostly composed of family and friends. Parents and students were encouraged to watch online rather than attending to avoid any potential for Mr. Marsh, who is in less than stellar health, to be inadvertently impacted by the coronavirus.

Ms. Marsh-Carter, a lawyer and president of a children’s adoption society, observed that most in attendance “have known my dad for years as a civil rights attorney… community servant, avid golfer and trash talking bid whist player. To me, he is a man who grew up in poverty, believed in hard work and principles. A true community servant. An advocate for public education. Most of all, a man who did not make amassing a lot of material things a priority.”

Like her father, Ms. Marsh-Carter and her two siblings, Sonya Kraft, who is now Mr. Marsh’s caretaker, and brother Dwayne Marsh, also attended George Mason. She said she hopes the new building gives students the educational foundation that will build their success just as school did for her father.

In her remarks, Ms. Burke said the new nickname means “that kings and queens will be attending this building” and that the space they will enter reflects the view that “our children are worthy of the very best.”

Richmond Free Press

September 2-4, 2021 A5

Local News

Promises by Bon Secours for new medical office buildings go unfulfilled

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Commercial Partners, which medical office space in the brokers office, retail and other Richmond area in recent years Bon Secours is still strugcommercial space, said the outside of the new offices that gling to build long-awaited strongest demand for medical the VCU Health Center has medical office buildings that office space is in the Short developed. collectively would create at Among those Pump area and in least 175 new jobs in Church disappointed in the Western Chesterfield Hill and at the Westhampton lack of progress at County.

School property the health the two sites is forBut in the city, not care organization controls in mer Mayor Dwight so much, he said. the West End. C. Jones, who in He said demand The Catholic hospital and 2012 cut the deal remains strong but health system continues to for the two buildings noted that cost convow action at both sites before with Peter Bernard, stricts the amount the December 2022 deadline then chief execuof space that will be Dr. Jones under an agreement with the tive officer of Bon developed. Medical city, but the organization has office space costs $100 to Secours’ Virginia operations. moved far faster in developing In the former mayor’s view, $150 more per square foot to new free-standing emergency develop than ordinary office Bon Secours has “broken its rooms in Chesterfield County space, Mr. Dowdy said, and promise” to invest and create and other locations outside the for many physicians, that can new jobs in the medical field city limits. push the price of a yearly lease for the city. He said he is most City officials also have above the level their practices concerned that the Church Hill reported that Bon Secours portion of the agreement has can handle. is making progress on the If Bon Secours develops its not happened because it was two developments in a bid to buildings, that would be among to create 75 much-needed jobs counter public criticism. the largest investments in new for that area.

As part of gaining naming rights and use of the Washington pro football team’s training center when the team was not in town, Bon Secours received a low-priced lease on the vacant Westhampton School property on Patterson Avenue as a site for its nursing school.

Bon Secours also agreed to invest $8.5 million in a new medical office building on nearly an acre of Church Hill land in the 2600 block of Nine Mile Road. The site is next door to the Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital.

Under the deal, Bon Secours agreed that a minimum of 75 new, good-paying jobs would be created through the practices Clement Britt that would locate at the East End space.

City Hall initially contribAndrew Wyche, right, a 16-year-old student at Church Hill Academy in the East End, converses with Tito Luna, left, and Dr. Amanda Hall during the “I Have a Dream Festival” uted to delaying development Saturday at the booth about healthy eating and living sponsored by VCU Health Hub at of that site through its own 25th. The festival, held on the grounds of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School on Mosby slow-moving processes. It took Street, featured activities for youths, voter registration and information on community until 2015, three years after the gardening, as well as food and music. The event was sponsored by Replenish Richmond deal was made and two years and Virginia Free Farm in partnership with Richmond Public Schools, and was held after City Council ratified it, on the 58th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. for the land to be acquired, King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. cleared of former buildings, However, it is not clear the construction will take place given the changes the pandemic has made to the medical field — particularly the reported financial damage COVID-19 inflicted on independent private practices that saw patient visits wither during 2020.

Those medical practices often turned to computer visits with patients — telehealth or telemedicine visits—in a bid to avoid closure.

Nationally, demand for medical office space is reported to be rebounding, but there are fewer signs that is happening within the city limits. Amid a resurgence of the virus, it is still murky as to how many physicians have an appetite for securing satellite offices or opening new ones.

Tucker Dowdy, first vice president of Commonwealth

I Have a Dream Festival

properly zoned and transferred to Bon Secours.

The property, which once held at least 11 houses, is part of an urban renewal project that the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority undertook in this area for the city.

In the years since, the triangular property has been landscaped as a community park. It sits across Nine Mile Road from the Bon Secours Sarah Garland Jones Wellness Center, a much smaller health and community space that Bon Secours developed and opened four years ago in a former gas station that was revamped.

Under the agreement, Bon Secours must pay $2.5 million over 10 years to compensate the city for the cost of acquisition of the office building site if the office building does not go up by the deadline.

Emma Swann, a spokeswoman for Bon Secours Mercy Health’s operations in this area, stated in an email response: “Our health system’s leaders are committed to the construction schedule, as shared with the City and its Economic Development Authority, which will allow (the East End medical office) to be built by the current deadline of Dec. 31, 2022.”

“The capital investment contemplated by the performance agreement of $8.5 million, which will be exceeded, has been approved and is being spent,” she continued.

But based on discussions with commercial real estate experts like Mr. Dowdy, it is unclear that physician demand for new space exists at the level needed to fill the offices.

Ms. Swann noted that Bon Secours already has made significant investments in the East End since purchasing the once Black physician-owned Richmond Community Hospital 26 years ago. She stated those investments far exceed the $8.5

million investment promised in the 2012 agreement.

Ms. Swann stated that Bon Secours has invested more than $9.8 million in improvements to the hospital’s campus since 2013. The hospital system, she stated, also has distributed $26 million in the Richmond area in the past seven years to nonprofits and to support health initiatives.

“Of the ($26 million), $12 million has been invested in the city’s East End, including $778,750” that went to 36 fledgling businesses that have created numerous jobs as well, she stated.

As for the Westhampton medical building, Bon Secours has gone through multiple changes in that proposed development as well, including dropping the plan for a nursing school.

In 2019, the health system, with city Planning Commission and City Council approval, brought in Thalhimer Realty Partners to redevelop the site into apartments and offices.

That projected $53 million project is well underway on the old school site. A parking deck is done, and 128 apartments are mostly complete.

Also done is the conversion of the 1917 portion of the school into office space.

The investment and the jobs exceed the 2012 promise Bon Secours made.

The missing piece: The medical office building that Bon Secours two years ago stated it would develop with VCU’s Children’s Hospital of Richmond, whose satellite locations include services at Bon Secours’ nearby St. Mary’s Hospital.

For now, the most successful part of the deal as far as medical operations go is Bon Secours’ use of the $11 million training center on Leigh Street for medical offices and other health care operations.

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Butterfly at Maymont

Editorial Page

A6

September 2-4, 2021

On this Labor Day 2021 We honor all those whose talents and hard work make our own lives possible each day.

To the farmers, the bakers, the teachers, the bus drivers, the store clerks, the truck drivers, the emergency workers, the health care workers, the utility workers, the spiritual leaders, the furniture makers, the day care providers, the construction workers, the clothing and shoe makers and others, we thank you.

Our lives are all interconnected.

Happy Labor Day

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The party of Lincoln no longer exists When I hear today’s Republicans refer to themselves as the party of Lincoln, I have to stop and shake my head. Do Republicans really know what the party of Abraham Lincoln actually stood for?

The Republicans of 2021 and those from 1866 are not the same.

In fact, they are polar opposites. The Republicans from 1866 were liberals who supported the cause of citizenship for freed slaves, or freedmen. They also supported the right for Black men to vote, a right that was vehemently opposed by white Southerners who at the time were conservative Democrats.

In order to address the needs of the emancipated slaves, Congress established the Freedmen’s Bureau. It was created to help freedmen in the workplace by insuring that they received fair wages and could freely choose their employers. Special courts were created to settle disputes between Black workers and white employers.

The bureau also provided food and medical aid to the freedmen while establishing schools that were attended by children and adults. These progressive efforts, which were meant to bring full citizenship to Black persons, were supported by members of the Republican Party but hated by white Southerners and conservative Democrats. The resistance to the overall advancement of freedmen was made successful through special state laws referred to as Black Codes.

Giving freedmen the right to vote would mean a major shift in political power, a shift that the Republicans supported and the conservative Democrats opposed. Giving freedmen the right to vote was a major step toward racial and economic equality, a step that Republicans embraced and conservative Democrats consistently attacked.

Many are unaware that July 30 was the anniversary of the New Orleans Massacre of 1866.

As a nation, we should not continue to forget the events of that deadly day. Honor

should be given to those who were killed, wounded and who took the political courage to stand for fairness and common decency.

The massacre of 1866 started as a peaceful march. Black delegates and supporters were marching to the Mechanics Institute to attend the Louisiana

David W. Marshall Constitutional Convention.

The Republicans demanded that the convention reconvene due to the Louisiana state legislature’s passage of Black Codes and the unwillingness to extend the right to vote to Black men. The convention would have laid the foundation for a modified state government in Louisiana.

A mob of ex-Confederate, white supremacists, along with members of the New Orleans police force, wanted to keep the delegates from attending the convention and holding the meeting. As the march continued, shots were fired into the crowd and some Blacks attempted to escape or surrender. Some of those who surrendered were slaughtered on the spot.

The mob rushed into the building and the attack continued. Others were dragged from the convention hall by the mob and were either killed, beaten or arrested. At least 37 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.

The events of 1866 show us we have to be watchful and vigilant regarding today’s state laws. The motives behind these laws can often appear innocent and harmless, but at times are driven by the desire to maintain political, social and economic dominance.

In response to the 2020 presidential election, more than 400 voter suppression bills have been introduced in Republicancontrolled state legislatures throughout the nation. These restrictive measures are not intended to protect election integrity as they may claim.

Instead, the overall goal is to strategically keep targeted groups from achieving political power and political equality.

The election “reforms” vary from state to state, but the new Georgia law forbidding

volunteers from giving food and water to voters standing in line undermines basic common decency. Many voters during the 2020 primary stood in line for three hours or more.

This new law would make it a misdemeanor, punishable with up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

It’s a cruel strategy, but it can be successful by making a difference in a razor thin election. This particular law needs to be highlighted. It shows the degree of desperation by those who see the potential of the Black vote and its unwanted threat in future elections.

As a result, we give honor and respect to those who died in 1866 by rejecting these restrictive measures and continuing high voter turnout at all costs.

Additionally, 1866 shows us that we must have an unwavering response to repressive laws that prevent the rightful sharing of political power. At the time, the Republicans and their supporters did not accept state laws that were morally wrong. The national outrage and backlash to the Memphis, Tenn., and New Orleans massacres in 1866 cannot be overlooked.

During the 1866 mid-term elections, voters made a political statement by giving radical progressive Republicans victories in winning the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. In other words, common decency ultimately prevailed.

The massacres also were a motivating factor in gaining the necessary support for the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment, which would have been unlikely without Republican control of both chambers, granted citizenship to all persons born in the United States, including to formerly enslaved people. This was a major blow to the conservative Democratic agenda.

Can the same be done in 2022? Can voter suppression laws backfire and be a motivating factor in next year’s mid-term elections?

Common decency is on the ballot and it has never been a partisan issue. Will people who believe in what the true party of Lincoln stood for, which is equality and voting rights, make a political statement in 2022

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.

where fairness and common decency prevail?

The writer is founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book “God Bless Our Divided America.”

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Richmond Free Press

September 2-4, 2021 A7

Letters to the Editor

‘Don’t believe everything you read … in the Richmond Free Press’ Re “Jury still out: After a year on the job, Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith has not won over many officers or residents either through style or substance,” Free Press Aug. 12-14 edition, and “Vacancies hurting Richmond’s emergency operations,” Free Press Aug. 26-28 edition: I take issue with the recent reporting related to the Richmond Police Department in two editions of the Richmond Free Press.

First, because the reporting by Jeremy Lazarus primarily is not based on facts. Second, this reporter had the opportunity to interview me, as chief of police, to research and receive the correct numbers and information needed for fair, accurate and unbiased reporting for both articles. He chose not to.

The first article regarding my first year as Richmond’s chief of police was more of an opinion piece that relied on anonymous sources. Thankfully, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell were able to provide some insight as to my work for Richmond Police and for this city that I now call home.

I have come to know quite a few residents and business owners during my first year and will work to get to know more.

But a worldwide pandemic and the continuance of crime and working to curb it has put a hindrance on my interactions with people in general as well as the people I work with – Richmond Police personnel. My door remains open to both.

The only thing factual concerning Richmond Police about the second article was the headline, “Vacancies hurting Richmond’s emergency operations.” Our sworn strength fluctuates week to week with new hires and staff attrition. We currently have 80 vacancies, the most recent vacancies due to retirements. I have not downplayed the situation regarding vacancies as reported in the article.

The example given in the article that First Precinct in Church Hill had only two officers to report for a recent shift was totally false.

And this department would never have only one officer to work Shockoe Bottom on a Saturday night given the shootings we have experienced in that neighborhood this year.

I am not sure what the goal of the recent articles in your publication is or was. But it could not have been sound reporting.

It was sensationalized and editorialized, two things that should

not be contained in a news article.

One thing I did learn from these articles is that the reporter, Jeremy Lazarus, lacks integrity. Another thing I learned from these articles is don’t believe everything you read, especially in the Richmond Free Press.

CHIEF GERALD M. SMITH Richmond Police Department Editor’s note: We thank Chief Smith for his Letter to the Editor. We note, however, that two staff members contacted Chief Smith and his media representative multiple times during the course of more than two months requesting an interview with the chief. We also stand by the characterization of the facts as published based on information provided to our reporter by officers, spokespersons and others within the Richmond Police Department. Because Chief Smith disagrees with the facts in our story, we invite him to open the logs and show the public the records related to the number of officers on duty in Church Hill and Shockoe Bottom during the shifts in question.

In praise of GOP candidate for governor Re Letter to the editor ‘GOP candidate a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” ’ Free Press Aug. 12-14 edition: I was saddened by the letter to the editor written by Stephen Ford regarding Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin.

I first met Mr. Youngkin in February, shortly after he declared he would be running for governor. There were only about 15 people in the room, and we were able to ask candid questions and get to know Mr. Youngkin in a relaxed atmosphere. I have attended many of his events since that time and he has remained consistent, friendly and genuine.

Mr. Youngkin is not a typical politician. He is a Virginian who wants to implement policies that will make it possible for children in failing schools to get a quality education, which is fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty and crime.

I was proud to stand with him on the steps of the Wilder Library at Virginia Union University as he laid out his plan to make sure Virginia’s children get a quality education. His education

initiatives will most definitely help many Black children. Children who are properly educated will have hope and be ready to be productive citizens and less likely to commit crimes.

Mr. Youngkin is his own man. He has an excellent plan to improve our state, and it’s both inaccurate and unfair to tie him to former President Trump in an effort to destroy him politically.

We must evaluate each political candidate on their own merit and plans to govern.

Did you know that Mr. Youngkin went to college on a basketball scholarship? There is no room for racism in basketball.

Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for governor, has had his chance at governing Virginia and left a lot of stones unturned. It is time for a new leader with fresh ideas. Glenn Youngkin is working extremely hard to earn the votes of every Virginian. He is eager to make Virginia the best place to work, live and raise a family.

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Richmond Free Press

A8 September 2-4, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU-Hampton football matchup this weekend has history dating to 1906 Virginia Union University is hopeful its 2021 football opener is a carbon copy of the 2019 lid lifter.

To the surprise of many, Coach Alvin Parkers’ Panthers thrashed home-standing Hampton University 36-17 on Sept. 7, 2019.

This Saturday, Sept. 4, VUU will return to Hampton’s Armstrong Stadium, looking for more of the same. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

Coach Parker “Anytime a Division II (like VUU) goes against a FCS (Hampton), you get an upset feeling,” Coach Parker said. “Technically, they’re more equipped.

“But it was what it was,” he continued. “You still put 11 guys out there against their 11.”

NCAA Division II schools are allowed 36 scholarships. Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) members are permitted 63 scholarships.

Keying VUU’s 2019 upset were quarterback Khalid Morris and wide receiver Charles Hall.

In his first game as a Panther, Morris, who is from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, passed for 199 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Two of the touchdowns, including an 80-yarder, were to deep threat Hall, who finished the night with three catches for 152 yards.

Both Morris and Hall, who went on to lead NCAA Division II in yards per reception, will be back in uniform Saturday against Hampton.

“Charles has had a great camp,” Coach Parker said. “We’re hoping he can give us exactly what he gave us before, plus some more.”

As for Morris, “it’s always nice to have a returning quarterback,” Coach Parker said.

This is Coach Parker’s third season as head coach at his alma mater. The Panthers were 8-2 his first season in 2018 and 7-3 in 2019. Because of the pandemic, VUU has not played since losing a 27-24 heartbreaker to Virginia State University to end the 2019 campaign.

HU is starting its third season under Coach Robert Prunty and he’s not receiving much love from Big South Conference pollsters.

In a preseason vote of coaches and officials, the Pirates were picked to finish seventh out of eight teams in the conference.

At Big South Media Day, Coach Prunty countered that, saying, “We’re going to win some football games that people don’t think we’ll win.”

Quarterback Deondre Francois, the Florida State University transfer who played just one season at HU, is gone, leaving a hole at the most important position. Francois is now playing professionally for the Glacier Boyz of the Fan Controlled Football League.

Dallas Hall, one of Francois’ backups in 2019, has returned to HU. Another player battling for the quarterback spot is Isaiah Robinson, a transfer from the University of Maine.

Whoever lines up at quarterback for the Pirates will have an outstanding target in Jadakis Bonds, who was first-team All Big South in 2019. Bonds made 70 catches for 943 Coach Prunty yards and 15 touchdowns two years ago.

Like VUU, Hampton sat out the entire 2020 fall and 2021 spring seasons due to COVID-19. The Pirates were 7-3 under Coach Prunty in 2018 when the school was competing as an independent, and 5-7 in 2019 in its first year in the Big South.

The VUU versus Hampton rivalry, starting in 1906 (HU won 6-5), ranks among the nation’s oldest. According to the VUU record book, the Panthers, who dominated in the 1970s and 1980s, hold a 41-40-3 edge.

For decades, both schools competed in the CIAA. Hampton left the CIAA in 1991 for the MEAC and, in 2018, departed the MEAC for the Big South.

Until the 2019 game, VUU and HU had not met since 1994.

Saturday’s game will be the third of a three-year deal between the HBCUs. The third game, set for 2022, is also scheduled at Hampton.

VSU Trojans looking for a winning opener Sept. 4 against Lenoir-Rhyne Virginia State University has chosen a most challenging opponent to shake off the thick rust and dust and open the football season.

After missing the entire 2020 season because of the pandemic, Coach Reggie Barlow’s Trojans will finally return to the gridiron on Saturday, Sept. 4, against NCAA Division II powerhouse LenoirRhyne University of Hickory, N.C. Kickoff at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick is set for 6 p.m. It is Military Appreciation Day. The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears were 13-1 in 2019, including a 28-11 win at Virginia Union University. After opting out of the 2020 fall season, the Bears were 3-1 this past March under new Coach Mike Jacobs.

VSU hasn’t popped pads since defeating Virginia Union 27-24 on Nov. 9, 2019. The Trojans finished the 2019 season at 8-2 (6-1 in the CIAA), second behind Bowie State University in the CIAA Northern Division. The Trojans two losses were to Bowie State and in the season opener at Norfolk State University.

The opposing coaches for Saturday are both proven winners and former standout players in their own right.

Since taking the coaching whistle at VSU in 2016, Coach Barlow has posted a 31-10 overall mark and 22-6 in the CIAA, including a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2017.

Before that, Coach Barlow was 49-42 overall at his alma mater, Alabama State University, including 38-28 in the SWAC.

Coach Barlow

Coach Jacobs

He went on to play in the NFL with Jacksonville, Oakland and Tampa Bay as a wide receiver and kick returner.

Coach Jacobs was a standout offensive lineman and long snapper at Ohio State University, playing in 30 games for the Buckeyes, including two Sugar Bowls.

Coach Jacobs is no newcomer to the coaching sidelines. Prior to becoming L-RU coach in December 2019, his teams were 42-8 at Notre Dame College in Ohio.

In a preseason vote of league coaches, L-RU is picked to finish first in the South Atlantic Conference, or SAC. In a similar poll, VSU was chosen to finish second behind perennial juggernaut Bowie State in the CIAA Northern Division.

The Trojans’ opening-night chances are made more difficult by the absence of dualthreat quarterback Cordelral Cook.

Cook, who came to VSU with Coach Barlow from Alabama State, led the Trojans in passing, rushing and total offense for three seasons.

A likely successor at quarterback is sophomore Jordan Davis, a sophomore from C.D. Hylton High School in

VCU gets the jump and signs Varina High standout Alphonzo Billups After whiffing at some of the area’s top local hoops prospects in recent years, Virginia Commonwealth University has hit what may be a home run with Alphonzo Billups.

The 6-foot-7, four-star recruit from Varina High School signed with Rams Coach Mike Rhoades on Aug. 24.

Billups will finish his senior year at Varina this Alphonzo coming season and become VCU eligible in 2022-23.

As a sophomore, Billups, who is nicknamed “Fats,” averaged 16 points per game while helping the Varina Blue Devils to the State Class 5 quarterfinals. In a rare achievement, he made first team All-State as a 10th-grader.

Varina opted out of the 2020-21 basketball season because of the pandemic.

Despite missing his junior year, Billups is rated the 90th best prospect in America (Class of ’22) by 247Sports.

Billups also drew attention playing for the Team Loaded travel squad.

Among the schools VCU beat out to sign Billups were University of Pittsburgh and Louisiana State University, which both are coached by former Rams coaches. Jeff Capel III is now at Pitt, while Will Wade is at LSU. Billups’ signing ends something of a VCU drought regarding local talent. The last scholarship recruits coming directly

from area schools were Jordan Burgess (2015 from Benedictine), Brad Burgess (2008, Benedictine) and Brandon Rozzell (2007, Highland Springs High.)

Khris Lane (Benedictine) and Mike’l Simms (Highland Springs High) came to VCU as transfers.

In the meantime, VCU coaches had come up short with such other top-tier local Billups prospects as Roosevelt Wheeler and Isaiah Todd, both from John Marshall High School; Henry Coleman and Armando Bacot, both from Trinity Episcopal School; and Efton Reid from Steward School.

Billups becomes Coach Rhoades’second signing from the high school Class of 2022.

The first was 6-foot-10 Christian Fermin from Pocono Summit, Penn.

Coming off a 19-7 mark in 2020-21, the Rams figure to contend for the Atlantic 10 Conference title and an NCAA berth despite the loss of Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland to the NBA and at least the temporary loss to injury of returning point guard Ace Baldwin.

Billups is just VCU’s second recruit from Varina High School. Hunter Hoggatt, a 6-foot-3 guard, came to VCU under Coach Sonny Smith in the late 1990s after scoring a combined 2,073 career points for Altavista and Varina high schools. Hoggatt later transferred from VCU to Longwood University.

Woodbridge. Davis served as Cook’s top backup two seasons ago and threw for two touchdowns.

VSU has a proven returning ball carrier in Darius Hagans, a sophomore who scored 10 touchdowns in 2019 — eight rushing and two receiving. The 210-pound Hagans runs with power and speed. He also was a standout track sprinter at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake.

Javon Frazier, a muscular and mobile defensive lineman from Stafford, was named to the CIAA All-Preseason team.

Frazier made nine sacks in 2019.

Scheduling bold-letter opponents has consequences. The outcome of the L-RU at VSU clash could be pivotal regarding down-the-line NCAA rankings and, eventually, playoff berths.

After L-RU, the Trojans will head to Columbus, Ohio, to play another Division II power, Ohio Dominican University on Saturday, Sept. 11. Ohio Dominican was 4-2 this past spring, 7-3 in 2019 and 9-2 in 2018.

VSU plays at CIAA Southern Division contender Fayetteville State University on Sept. 25 before returning to Rogers Stadium on Oct. 2 against CIAA opponent St. Augustine’s University. The Trojans’ homecoming is 2 p.m. Oct. 23, against CIAA opponent Lincoln University.

The CIAA championship game is set for Saturday, Nov. 13, at Salem Stadium outside of Roanoke. That is the same facility where VSU defeated Fayetteville State 42-19 for the 2017 CIAA title and the right to advance to the NCAA playoffs.

VCU/804 connection Here’s a list of area basketball players who’ve suited up for Virginia Commonwealth University since 1969: Richmond Maggie Walker: Charles Wilkins, Jesse Dark, Richard Jones, Cornell Jones, Norman Barnes Armstrong: Don “Cisco” Ross, Freddie Bates, John Crittendon Thomas Jefferson: Monty Knight, Kendrick Warren, Thomas Meredith George Wythe: Len Creech, Jesse Pellot-Rosa John Marshall: Edmund Sherod, Pete Strayhorn, LaMar Taylor Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe: Alvin Hicks Marshall-Walker: Willie Jennings, Lewis Hackett Huguenot: Gerald Henderson, Bo Jones Henrico Mills Godwin: Greg Bostian, Brian Whitley Varina: Hunter Hoggatt, Alphonzo Billups (2022-23 season) Hermitage: Reed Garrett, Matt Coward Highland Springs: Harry Shelton, Brandon Rozzell, Mike Hargett, Mike’l Sims Henrico: Bobby Bostain, Bruce Robinson, Tim Harris Chesterfield Midlothian: Tim Carr Manchester: Domonic Jones Meadowbrook: Derrick Reid, Michael Doles, Michael Adams Private schools Benedictine: Rhea Saltz, Brad Burgess, Jordan Burgess, Khris Lane Gill School: Andy Gray St. Christopher’s: Arnold Henderson Collegiate: Patrick Kodjoe Trinity: Torey Burston Tri-Cities Petersburg: Morris Fultz, Kenny Harris Colonial Heights: Rodney Ashby H o p ew e l l : M i c h a e l B r ow n , D e r e k Thompkins, Greg McCray

Former NBA star J.R. Smith OK’d

by NCAA for collegiate golf J.R. Smith is trading in his sneakers for a pair of golf spikes.

The former NBA forward (2004 to 2020) has enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University and is eligible to play golf for the Aggies.

The HBCU in Greensboro will open its season Friday, Sept.

24, in the Black College Coaches Association tournament in Newnan, Ga. Smith likely will rank among the nation’s tallest college golfers at 6-foot-6, and most likely the oldest at age 35.

The New Jersey native never played college basketball. After committing to the University of North Carolina, he opted for the NBA. In 2004, he was the 18th overall pick in the NBA draft first round by the New Orleans Hornets.

Smith helped win NBA titles with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

He averaged 12.4 points and 3.1 rebounds for his career and in 2013 was named Sixth Man of the Year.

North Carolina A&T now competes in the Big South Conference after long runs in the CIAA and MEAC. Smith is listed on the Aggies’ current roster.

‘Clyde the Glide’ Austin’s grandson signs with Oakland school Alii Bledsoe, the 6-foot-5 grandson of Clyde Austin, has accepted a basketball scholarship to Lincoln University of Oakland, Calif.

Bledsoe, who played as a junior and senior at St. Joseph Notre Dame High in Alameda, Calif., will be playing at Lincoln for Coach Gary Payton, the former NBA star.

A private institution, Lincoln is just starting its intercollegiate program this year.

Austin, aka “Clyde the Glide,” starred Alii Bledsoe at Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond and at North Carolina State University from 1976 to 1980 before enjoying a long career with the Harlem Globetrotters from 1980 to 1988.

N.C. Central beats Alcorn State in Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge HBCUs got a rare crack at primetime, national television coverage on Aug. 28, and North Carolina Central University wasn’t blinded by the lights.

Playing in front of ESPN cameras in Atlanta, the Eagles defeated Alcorn State University of Mississippi 23-14, in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge before a live audience of 15,215 fans.

Davius Richard passed for 184 yards and ran for two touchdowns for North Carolina Central.

The Celebration Bowl, with a similar format matching MEAC and SWAC schools, is set for Dec. 18, also in Atlanta.

September 2-4, 2021 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Allison Kay Coles-Johnson Spotlight on co-chair of F.A.C.T.S., Finding a Cure Together 4 Sickle Cell Allison Kay Coles-Johnson is half a million dollars away from bringing new hope and opportunity to thousands of Virginians and millions of others across the world.

Since 2020, the Richmond native has been serving as cochair of F.A.C.T.S.—Finding a Cure Together 4 Sickle Cell.

Alongside the other co-chair, Kathie Teasley, Ms. ColesJohnson is leading the group’s efforts to raise $500,000 to fully endow the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship at the VCU School of Medicine. The professorship will be dedicated to sickle cell disease research, uncovering new treatments and working toward a possible cure for the sometimes fatal blood disorder that largely affects African-Americans and people of African ancestry.

“I accepted the co-chair position of F.A.C.T.S. because I truly believe in the goal of the group,” Ms. Coles-Johnson says. “The money raised for the professorship will make a huge difference in finding new treatments, removing barriers to care and improving outcomes.”

Reaching the goal will mean not just helping the many living with this illness, but also fulfilling the wishes of Ms. Smith, a F.A.C.T.S. co-founder, to see the endowed chair become a reality in helping those living with the disease.

Ms. Coles-Johnson’s relationship to Ms. Smith, who retired in 1995 as director of the Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Program at VCU Medical Center, goes back decades. The two became sorority sisters through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. While Ms. ColesJohnson, a retired nurse manager, doesn’t have sickle cell, her connections allowed her to see firsthand the negative effects of the disease both inside and outside of work.

“I have witnessed patients struggling with extreme pain and saw firsthand how sickle cell disease can shorten lives of patients,” Ms. Coles-Johnson says. “I also have seen improvements made possible through research, better education about the disease and creating medical homes for patients.”

As a result, when the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship was announced in 2014, F.A.C.T.S. and Ms. ColesJohnson weren’t far behind in lending their support.

In her role as co-chair of the group, Ms. Coles-Johnson seeks to raise within the next two to three years the more than $500,000 still needed to fully fund the professorship.

To reach this goal, the plan Ms. Coles-Johnson and Ms. Teasley have put together focuses on new ways to generate attention and funding. This includes a virtual global event 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, called “Finding a Cure for Sickle Cell Disease Together.”

The event, held in partnership with the MCV Foundation, will feature information about sickle cell and how the professorship

will support research and helping patients.

“We’re pretty excited because this is something new,” Ms. Coles-Johnson says.

“We’re really hoping to get the word out.”

During the last seven years, F.A.C.T.S. has raised half of the needed $1 million to endow the professorship. But Ms. ColesJohnson feels some people aren’t aware that F.A.C.T.S.’s mission is still in progress.

COVID-19 has made it much harder to perform outreach and inform the public.

F.A.C.T.S. also is dedicated to raising general awareness of sickle cell through education and support.

Ms. Smith, she said, recently turned 90.

“I want to see this get done in her lifetime,” Ms. ColesJohnson says.

“I’m the type of person who believes that if we work hard enough and we stay focused, we can get it done. And we don’t need to take another seven years to get it done.”

Meet a major partner in advancing sickle cell disease research and treatment and this week’s Personality, Allison Kay Coles-Johnson: No. 1 volunteer position: Cochair of F.A.C.T.S., Finding a Cure Together 4 Sickle Cell.

Date and place of birth: July 2 in Richmond.

Where I live now: Eastern Henrico County.

Education: Bachelor of science degree in nursing and an MBA. Occupation: Retired nurse manager.

Family: Husband, Charles Johnson Sr., and two adult children, Charles Johnson Jr. and Kristen Johnson.

F.A.C.T.S. is: A committee that formed in 2014 by a group of friends of Florence Neal Cooper Smith, who wanted to provide community support for the Medical College of Virginia Foundation’s Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship and to raise awareness of sickle cell disease, or SCD. The professorship is the first to be named for an African-American woman in our country.

When and why F.A.C.T.S. was founded: The goal is to raise $1 million toward the Florence

for the professorship will make a huge difference in finding new treatments, removing barriers to care and improving outcomes.

Co-chair’s name: Kathie Teasley.

Neal Cooper Smith Endowed Chair, which will contribute to the research, effective treatments and care and a cure for sickle cell disease.

Founders of F.A.C.T.S.: Florence Neal Cooper Smith and Laverne Cooper.

Membership: Consists of individuals interested in seeing the advancement of sickle cell disease research and support.

Members are advocates from the community, including individuals with sickle cell disease, parents and/or family members of children with sickle cell disease and friends of Florence Neal Cooper Smith.

When elected co-chair: 2020.

Why I accepted position: Because I truly believe in the goal of the group. I want to help raise the nearly $500,000 to fully endow the chair in honor of Florence Neal Cooper Smith, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. I would like to help fulfill her dream of seeing the chair fully endowed during her lifetime.

Also, as a registered nurse, I have seen firsthand what individuals with sickle cell disease and their families go through. I have witnessed patients struggling with extreme pain and saw how SCD can shorten lives of patients. I also have seen improvements made possible through research, better education about the disease and creating medical homes for patients. The money raised

Sickle cell disease is: Considered one of the most common inherited blood disorders in the United States. Due to a genetic mutation, a few months after birth, people with SCD produce red blood cells that create hemoglobin that sickles. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body and is normally donut-shaped. With SCD, the sickle-shaped hemoglobin is unable to carry oxygen as well as normal hemoglobin.

Complications and/or symptoms of SCD: Sickle-shaped hemoglobin slows the movement of red bloods cells through blood vessels, causing some red blood cells to clump together, slowing and stopping blood flow. This causes pain ranging from mild to severe. In addition, lack of proper oxygen flow to various parts of the body can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart and brain.

Who SCD typically impacts: SCD occurs in an estimated 1 out of every 365 births among Black people or African-Americans. An estimated 100,000 individuals in the United States suffer with SCD. Virginians and SCD: An estimated 2,500 to 4,500 Virginians are living with sickle cell disease. Florence Neal Cooper Smith, along with others, worked to have screening for SCD added to newborn testing in Virginia in 1989. Testing leads to early identification of those with SCD. Global impact of SCD: Worldwide, there are an estimated 6.4 million people living with SCD. The sickle cell gene originated thousands of years ago in Africa as a form of protection against malaria and primarily affects people of African ancestry.

Migration has resulted in SCD spreading around the world.

Adults and SCD: Adults with SCD often are misunderstood when they seek treatment for pain caused by their disease.

A study revealed young adults seeking treatment for pain feel they are often stigmatized as drug seekers and frequently face inadequate pain management.

Funding through the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship helps provide education on the care of all patients with sickle cell disease, reducing the stigma attached to the disease and improving outcomes.

Life expectancy and SCD: Treatments for SCD have come a long way during the past 50 years, when life expectancy was less than 20 years. Due to groundbreaking research, such as that supported by the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship, individuals with SCD are surviving well into adulthood.

No. 1 goal or project of F.A.C.T.S.: To raise funds for the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship.

Strategy for achieving goals: To raise awareness of sickle cell disease while educating about the exceptional research, programs and patient care supported by the professorship.

F.A.C.T.S. partners with: The MCV Foundation Upcoming F.A.C.T.S. events: F.A.C.T.S., in partnership with the MCV Foundation, is holding a “Finding a Cure for Sickle Cell Disease Together,” a virtual global event 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 26. The event will feature information on SCD and provide information on how the professorship is supporting research, helping patients and raising awareness of SCD. To join us, visit www.MCVFoundation.org/SickleCellEvent.

How people can help: To donate to the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship, visit the MCV Foundation website at www.mcvfoundation.org/florence-neal-coopersmith-professorship or contact Brian Thomas, MCV Foundation vice president and chief development officer, at (804) 929-0067.

How I start the day: By waking up in the morning reading Psalm 91, praying and getting ready for my day. I begin the day believing that no matter what the day has in store, I must keep pushing to get through it.

A perfect day for me is: Rising early, doing my morning

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Quote that I am inspired by: A scripture, Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”

My friends describe me as: A thoughtful, helpful person who loves to take charge, will go above and beyond to help others and a staunch advocate for causes near and dear to me, such as the professorship and autism.

What I am learning about myself during the pandemic: I am a lot more resilient than I thought I was in the face of the unknown. Like many, the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic has been rough for me and my family. I have learned I can endure, adjust and do what I need to do to help me and my family make it through.

At the top of my “to-do” list: Getting organized, which is always at the top of my list.

Best late-night snack: Cereal.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: To have confidence.

They always said to me and my siblings, “If they can do it, you can do it.”

Person who influenced me the most: My mother. She was an overcomer and instilled in me and my siblings that we could achieve whatever goals in life we set for ourselves. She taught us to never underestimate who we are and what we can be.

Book that influenced me the most: “Roots” by Alex Haley.

What I’m reading now: “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson.

Next goal: Through F.A.C.T.S., to continue to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and explore opportunities to raise funds toward endowing the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship Chair.

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Happenings Richmond ice cream queen gives the scoop on Food Network competition

By Ronald E. Carrington

You scream. I scream. Everybody screams for Rabia Kamara, who has won the first two rounds in “Ben & Jerry’s: Clash of the Cones,” a competition to create a new ice cream flavor broadcast on the Food Network.

Local ice cream queen and entrepreneur Ms. Kamara, owner of Ruby Scoops on Brookland Park Boulevard on Richmond’s North Side, outdid five other chunky cone filler-makers to win challenges based on the flavor profiles liked by actor Kevin Bacon and rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.

“Clash of the Cones” challenged six ice cream

makers from across the country to compete for a chance to impress Ben & Jerry’s ice cream co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield and win a grand prize of $20,000. The best flavor gets a featured spot in a Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop or an event in the winner’s hometown.

The grand prize is the exact amount Mr.

Cohen and Mr. Greenfield hoped to make in their first year of business in 1978.

The competition’s four challenges are being broadcast in episodes that can be viewed on the Food Network at 9 p.m. Wednesday and rebroadcast at 1 p.m. on Thursday, or on YouTube.

Ms. Kamara’s “B, Bean and Jay” ice cream, made from Mr. Bacon’s favorite flavors – bananas, peanut butter, chocolate, almonds, coconut and tequila, caused the actor to keep dipping, smiling and offering spoonfuls to the film crew.

Her masterful mixture of strawberry cheesecake, ricotta, cream cheese, chocolate and peanut butter, called “Strawberry Yum,” for Ludacris had the rapper asking Ms. Kamara to make more just for him.

“Those were great days for me,” Ms. Kamara told the Free Press about the two challenges that have aired. “I love me some Ludacris. He was constantly going through my head as I made his flavor.”

Until the other challenges are broadcast, she is sworn to secrecy on how they turned out and whether she was chosen the ultimate winner.

Unfortunately, even if Ms. Kamara wins, she cannot sell her winning flavors in her Richmond shop, Ruby Scoop. All of the ice cream flavors were Clement Britt created for the Food Network competition only.

“Clash of the Cones” was filmed in May on the Ben & Jerry’s factory grounds in Waterbury, Vt., where a specially constructed kitchen-lab was set up where the contestants mixed, baked, stirred and chilled their creations. It premiered on Aug. 16. Special guests on the remaining

Courtesy Food Network

Above, Rabia Kamara creates a unique ice cream flavor during the “Ben & Jerry’s: Clash of the Cones” competition. She is in the kitchen-lab on the grounds of the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury, Vt., where the show was filmed in May. Left, Ms. Kamara stands outside of Ruby Scoops, her ice cream shop on Brookland Park Boulevard on North Side, where she serves a variety of her ice cream and sorbet creations. Her ultimate goal is to open more locations.

episodes are the Food Network’s Duff Goldman and Buddy Valastro and the ice cream kings themselves, Ben and Jerry.

Ms. Kamara, a recent Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, is the daughter of immigrants. Her father is from Sierra Leon and her mother is Egyptian and Mauritian. Ms. Kamara grew up outside Washington in Silver Spring, Md., where she said her love of different foods started. She said she was exposed to diverse cooking styles, with her life experiences and food instincts a big part of her thinking about different ice cream flavors. Those instincts, and her popularity on the show, have brought people from near and far to Ruby Scoops.

“The exposure has brought people in Richmond, especially in the North Side community, to the shop,” Ms. Kamara said. Recently, families from Florida and Philadelphia visited and tried

several flavors from the menu.

“The families, as well as other curious neighbors, come in and see what all of the hype was about,” Ms. Kamara said. “We live up to it.”

Ruby Scoop’s unusual and tasty creations include Dulce de Leche and Honey Lavender, Vanilla and Chocolate, Butter Pecan and Strawberry Yum Yum ice cream, and Shine Farms Watermelon, Roasted Pineapple Rosemary, Guava Daiquiri and Lemon Bert sorbets.

Ms. Kamara hopes to stay in business whether or not she wins “Clash of the Cones.” Being on the show and getting great exposure helps people know who she is and what she is creating in her shop, she said.

“It has taken (Ben & Jerry’s) more than five years to build their empire,” Ms. Kamara said.

Her ultimate goal is to have shops in different locations and become a household name.

450 goal reached in campaign for new Richmond Planet license plate

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Coming soon: A new license plate bearing the Black power logo of a historic newspaper that fought lynching and other forms of oppression in Richmond and Virginia.

Richmond resident Reginald L. Carter, who single-handedly has led the effort to get a specialty license plate paying tribute to the Richmond Planet, announced success on Monday.

Mr. Carter told the Free Press that 450 vehicle owners have made reservations to purchase the plate that would be issued by the state Depart-

Mr. Carter

ment of Motor Vehicles.

By state law, pre-orders of 450 plates are the minimum required before the General Assembly will consider passing legislation allowing DMV to produce them, Mr. Carter said. He said the state Senate and House of Delegates would consider the specialty plate during the 2022 legislative session. If a bill authorizing the license plates is passed as expected and signed by the governor, DMV would produce the plates after the bill becomes law on July 1, he said.

As Mr. Carter has detailed, the license plate will feature an upraised Black arm with a clenched fist that was featured on the masthead of the

independent weekly newspaper that dared, as its famed editor, John Mitchell Jr., once wrote, “to hurl thunderbolts of truth into the ranks of the wicked.”

It is the latest triumph for Mr. Carter, a Virginia State University graduate from Tappahannock who also has a master’s degree from the University of Richmond. Mr. Carter, a human resources specialist at a state agency, also led the successful campaign that resulted in the Tappahannock Town Council voting to remove a Confederate statue from in front of the Essex County Courthouse.

He also led the successful effort to raise funds to pay for a state historical marker to honor the county’s lone lynching victim.

Mr. Carter, who found Richmond Planet articles on the lynching, was inspired by the coverage to create the specialty license plate.

Launched in 1882 by 13 former slaves, the Richmond Planet became the voice of the Black community after Mr. Mitchell became the editor two years later.

Mr. Mitchell, who also later was a banker and was an elected representative to city government for four years, ran the newspaper until his death in 1929, according to his Library of Virginia biography.

The crusading editor led the 1904 boycott of the city’s streetcar line after it segregated seating by race. The boycott led to the company’s bankruptcy, court records show. That led to the creation of a new owner and operator, which decades later became known as Dominion Energy.

Mr. Mitchell’s boycott, however, did not end segregated seating on public transportation. That finally ended in 1956 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the wake of the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that segregated seating was unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The Planet continued to publish another nine years after Mr. Mitchell’s death before being sold to the Baltimore-based Afro-American newspaper chain, which operated the publication as the Richmond Afro-American and Planet until it was closed in 1996.

Raymond H. Boone, the late founder, publisher and editor of the Richmond Free Press, served as the editor of the Richmond edition of the AfroAmerican in the 1970s and later as editor and vice president of the Afro-American chain.

Rev. Jackson in rehab; wife out of ICU Free Press wire report

CHICAGO The Rev. Jesse Jackson’s wife has been moved from intensive care back into a regular room at the Chicago hospital where she is being treated for COVID-19, her family said in a statement on Monday.

Jonathan Jackson, one of the couple’s five children, said in the statement that their 77-year-old mother, Jacqueline, who grew up in Newport News, Va., remains at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she “continues to receive oxygen.”

Rev. Jackson, a famed civil

rights leader and former presidential candidate, was transferred last week to a hospital focused on physical rehabilitation after receiving treatment for a breakthrough COVID-19 infection.

He has been vaccinated against the virus. But he told The Associated Press last week that his wife had not been vaccinated because she has a “pre-existing condition” that worried them.

The couple, who have been married nearly 60 years, were admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Aug. 21.

Rev. Jackson, who is 79 and has Parkinson’s disease,

remains at The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. He “participated briefly on his ‘Keep Hope Alive’ national radio broadcast” on Sunday, the family said.

“Both of our parents are continuing to receive excellent medical care and we thank God for the progress that both seem to be making. We urge that you continue to keep them in your prayers because we know this is a serious disease,” the statement added before ending with a plea for “all who have not yet been vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus to do so immediately.”

Photos by Clemett Britt

Checkmate!

It was a race against the clock – and each other – during the Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament, where a room full of area students matched wits last Friday, Aug. 27, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The tournament was the culmination of two weeks of classes taught by Fleming E. Samuels, a retired Richmond Public Schools administrator, and Dr. Theodore Andrews of Hampton University in a pilot program set up by the Bernice E. Travers Foundation. The inspiring group of 13- to 16-year-olds showed off the skills they learned during the tournament in which 14 students participated. Bottom photo, Binford Middle School student Jacory Oliver-Ray, 13, contemplates his next move, while, below, Franklin Military Academy student Ptah Ahmed, 13, left, faces off against Denzel Johnson, 14. Clinching the top three spots and prizes were Denzel Johnson; Jonathan Keel, 15, a student at Richmond Community High School; and Ptah Ahmed.

Richmond Free Press

September 2-4, 2021 B3

Obituaries/Faith Directory

Actor Tony D. Cosby, who portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in area productions for decades, dies at 66

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

For more than 35 years, Tony Darnell Cosby portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for audiences in the Richmond area and beyond.

Mr. Cosby made his living delivering the oratory of the assassinated civil rights icon, most notably the famed “I Have a Dream” speech that electrified the nation in 1963 and continues to resonate.

Mr. Cosby made numerous appearances during Black History Month in February, but also said in previous interviews that he had bookings year-round before the pandemic hit and closed churches, theaters and other venues where he typically appeared.

“To many in the community, he was affectionately known as ‘our very own Dr. King,’ ”his family stated.

Mr. Cosby’s artistic contributions to the community are being remembered following his death on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

He was 66.

A playwright as well as an actor, Mr. Cosby’s life was celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 31, at the March Funeral Home Laburnum Chapel.

He was interred in Washington Memorial Park in Sandston.

A Richmond area native who studied acting at Bowie State University in Maryland, Mr. Cosby said he began performing Dr. King’s words in plays but got his start as a re-enactor in 1983 when he was asked to deliver the speech at a Mr. Cosby Baptist church.

In past interviews, Mr. Cosby recounted that he prepared himself by listening to tapes and reading books on Dr. King and following the advice of an acting instructor at Bowie State that the audience would “believe whatever you believe.”

He said the response to his performance was so enthusiastic

Perry L. Briggs Sr., member of the Walker Sports Hall of Fame, dies at 92

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Perry Lee Briggs Sr., a former football star at Maggie Walker High School and Virginia Union University, has died.

A Richmond native who grew up in the Newtown section of the city, Mr. Briggs died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021.

He was 92.

Final tributes were paid to Mr. Briggs during a funeral Friday, Aug. 27, at Garland Avenue Baptist Church. Dr.

Mr. Briggs

Lance Watson, senior pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, delivered the eulogy.

“The Church With A Welcome”

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

Sunday 4FQUFNCFS Morning Worship 10:00 A.M. )PMZ $PNNVOJPO

Mr. Briggs, who played quarterback, was best known for leading Walker’s Green Dragons to victory over archrival Armstrong High School in the Armstrong-Walker Classic in the 1940s. He was inducted into the Maggie Walker Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

Mr. Briggs also was VUU’s starting quarterback for several years.

He later worked in a tobacco factory and as a supervisor at the Wonder Bread bakery before retiring.

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

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Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary.

Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Zion Baptist Church

2006 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA 23224 ZBCOFFICE@VERIZON.NET • (804) 859-1985 or (804) 232-2867 Church Office Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

Mr. Briggs was a life-long member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, where he served as an usher, deacon and trustee and also sang in the church’s choirs.

He was a founding member of St. Paul’s Male Chorus.

He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Dahlia Yates Briggs.

Survivors include his daughter, Diane B. Bacon; two sons, Perry Briggs Jr. and Robert Briggs Sr.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

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

Moore Street Missionary Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Triumphant

Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 “Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.”

Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890#

All church ac�vi�es are canceled un�l further no�ce.

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Drive-thru giving will be available the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. (Bowe Street side) You also may give through Givelify.

Be safe. Be blessed.

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

Baptist Church

Baptist Church

A pioneer in Sickle Cell Disease research, he was the first black physician at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He retired from Morehouse School of Medicine and the CDC in Atlanta, Ga.

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

Riverview

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

He was a graduate of Morehouse College 1957, Meharry Medical College 1961 and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

(near Byrd Park)

You may join us on Facebook Live: Zion Baptist Church (South Richmond)

DR. RUDOLPH ELLSWORTH JACKSON MD, Pediatrician, 86, Armstrong High School Class of 1953 passed away August 19, 2021.

Service ursday, September 2 at 11 a.m.

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

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

u

Link: https://www.facebook.com/William-GayleanoMurray-and-Son-Funeral-Home-100312988162809

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

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that he was able to eventually make it a full-time occupation.

Mr. Cosby never pretended that he looked like Dr. King, a tall, powerfully built man. But when he took the stage, Mr. Cosby could convince an audience with his ability to adopt Dr. King’s verbal cadence, inflection and sound.

But mostly, he once said, it was the audience and the connection each person listening has to the events of the past and to current events that made Dr. King’s words as vital today as they were when they were delivered.

The Rev. Tyler C. Millner, co-founder of Richmond’s annual Community Learning Week celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy that is now known as Living the Dream, lauded Mr. Cosby’s professionalism and dedication.

Portraying Dr. King, Mr. Cosby “was truly a shining star in the beginning years of (Community Learning Week) starting in 1978,” Rev. Millner wrote. “The tone for the weeklong activities was set by Mr. Cosby’s performance. Not only his voice, but also his dress … and demeanor conveyed sincerity and devotion — sentiments the CLW founders were committed to fostering and promoting in Central Virginia with celebrating the beloved Dr. King.”

Mr. Cosby’s survivors include his daughter, Kristin D. Cosby; his mother, Shirley Cosby; a sister, Sheree Taylor; two brothers, Willie D. “Kake” Cosby IV and George “Butch” Cosby; and two grandchildren.

Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service – 11:00 AM

Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus All regular activities have been suspended until further notice.

Visit https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith

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

2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org

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

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Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

Join us on Sundays at 12 noon via Conference Call: 1(503)300-6860 Code:273149#

Pastor Kevin Cook

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

bin om

in g

ance with Reverence Relev

Worship With Us This Week!

Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor ❖

The doors of the church are open for worship!

No registration required.

Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays

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

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

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Richmond Free Press

B4 September 2-4, 2021

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, September 13, 2021 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. 2019-275 As Amended To amend ch. 6 of the City Code by adding therein a new art. XII (§§ 6-596— 6-602) to establish a technology zone program in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-3850, for the purpose of facilitating the development and location of technology businesses in the city of Richmond, capital investment, and job creation.

Ordinance No. 2019-276 As Amended To amend City Code §§ 26-872, concerning definitions related to license taxes, and 26-989, concerning licenses taxes for personal services businesses, and to amend ch. 26, art. XV, div. 2 of the City Code by adding therein a new section numbered 261003.1, concerning the license tax for technology businesses, for the purpose of creating a new business, profession, and occupation license category called “technology business” and imposing a new license tax on such businesses.

Ordinance No. 2021-182 As Amended To authorize a Creighton Court Redevelopment Preliminary Community Unit Plan permitting the development of a residential community of up to 700 dwelling units on approximately 38 acres of land located at 3070 Nine Mile Road, 3100 Nine Mile Road, 2101A Creighton Road and portions of adjacent unimproved public rightsof-way in Tate Street and Tuxedo Boulevard, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2021-199 To amend and reordain City Code § 10-81, concerning advanced life support services, for the purpose of providing for the dispatch of certain basic life support services in addition to advanced life support services.

Ordinance No. 2021-200 To amend City Code § 2-1038, concerning the duties of the Participatory Budgeting Steering Commission, for the purpose of delaying the due date of the Participatory Budgeting Steering Commission’s first presentation to the Council until the December 6, 2021, Organizational Development Standing Committee meeting.

Ordinance No. 2021-201 To install an appropriate number of speed tables to be determined by the Department of Public Wo r k s i n S e m i n a r y Avenue between North Lombardy Street and West Brookland Park Boulevard.

Ordinance No. 2021-202 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice to provide for the terms and conditions by which the City’s Department of Justice Services will undertake certain intake services for the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice.

Ordinance No. 2021-203 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Second Amendment to the Declaration of Access, Construction and Utilities Easement between the City of Richmond and City Central, LLC, for the purpose of amending such declaration to provide for the City’s partial vacation of an access easement through 1220 Ingram Avenue, among other amendments Ordinance No. 2021-204 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 75-309-302, adopted Dec. 15, 1975, as most recently amended

by Ord. No. 2018-304, adopted Jan. 14, 2019, pertaining to the “Stony Point Community Unit Plan,” for the purpose of amending the development standards, as they pertain to Map Section A- 1 of the Northern Portion of the Plan, to allow for an accessory dwelling unit on the property known as 3417 Stony Point Road. The property is situated in an R-2 SingleFamily Residential District and the Stony Point Community Unit Plan.

The Richmond 300 Master Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Residential. Primary uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space.

Secondary uses: duplexes and small multi-family buildings (3-10 dwelling units), institutional and government. Residential density is typically two to ten housing units per acre. The density of the proposed development is approximately 6 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-205 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1508 Belleville Street for the purpose of a multifamily building containing up to 126 units, upon certain terms and conditions. The properties are situated in a B-7 Mixed-Use Business Zoning District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Industrial Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Institutional and government. The proposed density of the development is approximately 164 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-206 To a u t h o r i z e t h e property known as 1005 Chimborazo Boulevard for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in an R-5 Single-Family Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed-Use. Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space.

Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings (10+units), retail/office/ personal service, institutional, cultural, and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 13.5 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-207 To authorize the special use of the properties known at 3114 Groveland Avenue and 3119 Veranda Avenue for the purposes of three single family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-5 SingleFamily Residential District.

The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Residential. Primary uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary uses: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings, institutional and government. Residential density is typically two to ten housing units per acre. The density of the proposed development is approximately 21 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-208 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3101 East Marshall Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-63 Multi-Family Urban Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed-Use. Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space.

Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings (10+units), retail/office/ personal service, institutional, cultural, and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 73 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-209 To rezone the properties known as 2400 Afton Avenue and 2420 Afton Avenue from the R-53 Multifamily Residential District to the B-5 Central Business District (Conditional), under certain proffered conditions. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates these parcels as Residential.

Primary Uses: Singlefamily houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), institutional, and cultural. Secondary uses may be found along major streets.

Ordinance No. 2021-210 To rezone the property known as 1003 Commerce Road from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the TOD-1 Transit Oriented Nodal District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use of the subject property as Industrial Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Retail/office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Institutional and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-211 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 a non-exclusive easement over, under, through, upon, and across certain portions of the property located at 6120 Warwick Road for the laying, construction, operation, and maintenance of one or more lines of underground conduits and cables and all equipment, accessories, and appurtenances necessary in connection therewith to provide electrical service to the City’s E911 communications tower in accordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement.

Ordinance No. 2021-212 To designate the 100 and 200 blocks of Carnation Street in honor of the late Maybell Fountain.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the September 13, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER OLIVIA G. HARRISON, Plaintiff v.

MARK O. HARRISON, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002736-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is for the petitioner to obtain a divorce from defendant.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, Mark O. Harrison, jr., whose last known address was 1119 Georgia Avenue, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060, and whose whereabouts are now unknown, appear here on or before the 12th day of October, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., to protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Susan Gerber, Counsel for Plaintiff 206 DeSota Drive Richmond, Virginia 23229 (804) 741-3438 Email: dagny44@aol.com VSB #30901 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LEQUITA ROACH, Plaintiff v.

JOHN ROACH, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002810-00 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 14th day of October, 2021 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 AMY PAGAN, Plaintiff v.

VITALI LOHVIN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002809-00 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 14th day of October, 2021 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, Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

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 CHARLOTTE SYDNOR, Plaintiff v.

MELVIN SYDNOR, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002807-00 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 14th day of October, 2021 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 ROBIN HARRIS, Plaintiff v.

CHRISTOPHER HARRIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002723-00 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 5th day of October, 2021 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

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and without cohabitation for a period of more than one year, since May 15, 2012.

And it appearing by Affidavit filed according to law that Warren Ferguson Scott, III, the above-named defendant, is not a resident of this state and that due diligence has been used by or in behalf of plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendant is, without effect.

It is therefore ORDERED that the said Warren Ferguson Scott, III, do appear in the Clerk’s Office of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Henrico County, 430 East Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia 23273, on or before October 12, 2021 and do whatever necessary to protect their interest in this suit.

An Extract Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk

The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re SIAN CHASE BROOKS rdss v.

David Walls, Unknown Father, & Makiya BrooksWells Case No. J-99041-04, 05, 06 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of David Walls (Father), Unknown (Father), & Makiya Brooks-Wells (Mother) of Sian Chase Brooks, child DOB: 5/19/2020.

“RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: Visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support and that:

It is ORDERED that the defendants David Walls, (Father), Unknown Father (Father), Makiya BrooksWells (Mother) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 10/20/2021, at 10:00 AM, Courtroom #AKT.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO MYLEKKA ANN SANDS, Plaintiff, v.

DONISHA ELISE SANDS Defendant.

Case No.: CL21-4734 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart in excess of one year.

It appearing from an Affidavit filed by the plaintiff that the defendant’s whereabouts are unknown, it is ORDERED that the defendant appear before this Court on or before October 4, 2021 at 9 a.m., to protect her interests herein.

A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Shannon S. Otto, VSB # 68506 Locke & Quinn 1802 Bayberry Court Suite 103 Richmond, VA 23226 Telephone: (804) 545-9408 Facsimile: (804) 545-9400 Email: otto@lockequinn.com Counsel for Plaintiff

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO GLORIA PERRY SCOTT, Plaintiff, v.

WARREN FERGUSON SCOTT, III, Defendant.

Civil Law No.: CL21-4904 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without interruption

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JEANNE MOORE, Plaintiff v.

TERRY MOORE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20004805-00 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 21st day of September, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724

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REQUEST FOR BIDS For Easement, Franchise, Privilege, Lease or Right Over, Under, Through, Upon and Across 6120 Warwick Road In the City of Richmond The City of Richmond is seeking bids for a non-exclusive easement over, under, through, upon, and across certain portions of the property located at 6120 Warwick Road for the laying, construction, operation, and maintenance of one or more lines of underground conduits and cables and all equipment, accessories, and appurtenances necessary in connection therewith to provide electrical VHUYLFH WR WKH &LW\·V ( FRPPXQLFDWLRQV WRZHU LQ DFcordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement, for a duration of 40 years, subject to certain responsibilities to be imposed by the Right of Way Agreement and subject further to all retained rights of the City of Richmond.

All bids for the easement hereby offered to be granted PXVW EH VXEPLWWHG LQ ZULWLQJ WR WKH &LW\ &OHUN·V RIÀFH E\ 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021. Bids will be SUHVHQWHG WR WKH SUHVLGLQJ RIÀFHU RI WKH &RXQFLO RI WKH City of Richmond on Monday, September 13, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in open session and then will be presented E\ WKH SUHVLGLQJ RIÀFHU WR WKH &RXQFLO DQG EH GHDOW ZLWK and acted upon in the mode prescribed by law.

The City of Richmond expressly reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The successful bidder shall reimburse the City for all costs incurred in connection with the advertisement of this ordinance in accordance with section 15.2-2101 of the Code of Virginia and shall post the bond required by the ordinance. $ FRS\ RI WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH RUGLQDQFH LV RQ ÀOH LQ WKH &LW\ &OHUN·V 2IÀFH DQG WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH RUGLQDQFH DQG Right of Way Agreement to be executed is available at: https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDe WDLO DVS[",' *8,' ( & %& $ & $'))( &' Please address any questions or bids to: Candice D. Reid, City Clerk City of Richmond (DVW %URDG 6WUHHW 6XLWH 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD

License Art Instruction Studio Paint N Sip LLC Trading as: Paint N Sip 1420 N Parham Rd Ste M206 Henrico, Virginia 23229 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Art Instruction Studio license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

B&B Barzo LLC Trading as: Capitol Waffle Shop 9101 Midlothian Turnpike Suite 600 Chesterfield, Virginia 23235 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Beer And Wine On And Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Brad Barzoloski, Owner NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB No. 220001319: HSIP Pedestrian Improvements at Signalized Intersections – Phase 1B (UPC 116746) Pre-Bid Conference Call Meeting: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. For all information pertaining to this IFB conference call, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV).

Bid Due Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2021/Time: 11:00 A.M.

NOTE: Bidders choosing to submit bids through hand-delivery should allow extra time for delivery of bids. Hand-delivered bids will be accepted only during the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday at the 9th Street entrance to City Hall at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Bidders choosing to handdeliver bids must sign in at the security desk on the 1st Floor before delivering bids to the 11th Floor, Suite 1104. Bids will not be accepted after the Due Date and Time listed above.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV), or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

Richmond Ambulance Authority Notice of Request for Proposal Benefits Brokerage and Consulting Services Solicitation Number: 21-04 The Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) hereby invites bids from qualified brokers to assist RAA with strategically planning, designing, negotiating, and implementing the best coverage and cost for selective employee benefit programs and workers’ compensation, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in or referred to in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

All proposals must be received at the Authority’s offices no later than 3:00pm ET on September 10, 2021. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP by contacting: Shawn Wray Compliance Manager Richmond Ambulance Authority 2400 Hermitage Road Richmond, Virginia 23220 804-254-1185 shawn.wray@raaems.org Or Visit: https://raaems.org/about-procurement/ EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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.

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OUTREACH SPECIALIST (Full-time) Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an Outreach Specialist for the Business Investment’s Call Center. This position provides support for VEDP’s strategic lead generation initiatives during on-going calling campaigns, providing accurate data updates, and managing contact follow-up schedules.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/about-vedp. #RRNKECVKQP FGCFNKPG |5GRVGODGT EOE

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