Richmond Free Press September 30-October 2, 2021 edition by Richmond Free Press

VOL. 30 NO. 40

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

ee Fr

Fr ee

33rd Annual 2nd Street Festival returns Oct. 2, 3 in Jackson Ward B2

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2, 2021

Convicting R. Kelly R&B superstar R. Kelly faces up to life in prison after being convicted Monday on the testimony and strength of Black women who would not let the justice system forget what happened Free Press wire report

Amr Alfiky/Associated Press file photo

In this file photo, R. Kelly leaves the Leighton Criminal Court building in Chicago on June 6, 2019. Accusers and others demanding accountability for the R&B superstar over allegations that he was abusing young women and girls for decades say it took so long to get to a guilty verdict in part because his targets were Black. R. Kelly was convicted Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in his sex trafficking trial in federal court in New York.

NEW YORK For years, decades even, allegations swirled that R&B superstar R. Kelly was abusing young women and girls, with seeming impunity. They were mostly young Black women. And Black girls. And that, say accusers and others who have called for him to face accountability, is part of what took the wheels of the criminal justice system

Families plead for more information on missing loved ones By Ronald E. Carrington

Richmonder Toni Jacobs wishes that her missing daughter could have gained the kind of national and social media exposure that the family of 22-year-old blonde Gabby Petito experienced. Finding Ms. Petito became a national obsession after her family reported her missing from her Sarasota-area residence and drew national press attention. That obsession has now transferred to the hunt for her fiancé, a prime suspect in her slaying after her body was discovered in a remote section of Wyoming. Ms. Jacobs understands the pain the Petito family is feeling. She has lived with the same kind of pain for five years since her daughter, Keeshae, disappeared on Sept. 26, 2016, without a trace. “This makes me angry because my missing daughter only received local coverage when she went missing,” Ms. Jacobs said. What happened to her daughter remains a Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Toni Jacobs, who created Missing Person Awareness, talks about her daughter, Keeshae Jacobs, who vanished Sept. 26, 2016. Ms. Jacobs and others, including Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith, asked during a news conference on Monday for the public to report any information that may lead to finding the missing persons.

so long to turn, finally leading to his conviction Monday in his sex trafficking trial. That it did at all, they say, is also due to the efforts of Black women, unwilling to be forgotten. Speaking out against sexual assault and violence is fraught for anyone who attempts it. Those who work in the field say the hurdles facing Black women and girls are raised even higher by a society that hypersexualizes them from a young age, stereotyping them as promiscuous and judging their physiques, and in a country with a history of racism and sexism that has long denied their autonomy over their own bodies. “Black women have been in this country for a long time and ... our bodies were never ours to begin with,” said Kalimah Johnson, executive director of the SASHA Center in Detroit, which provides services to sexual assault survivors. “No one allows us to be something worthy of protection, a human that needs love, and sacredness,” Ms. Johnson said. It’s as if, “there’s nothing sacred about a Black woman’s body.” A jury of seven men and five women found R. Kelly, 54, guilty of all nine counts, including racketeering, on their second day of deliberations. R. Kelly wore a face mask below black-rimmed glasses, remaining motionless with eyes downcast, as the verdict was read in federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y. Prosecutors alleged that the entourage of managers and aides who helped R. Kelly meet girls—and keep them obedient and quiet— amounted to a criminal enterprise. Two people have been charged with R. Kelly in a separate federal case pending in Chicago. He faces the possibility of decades in prison for crimes including violating the Mann Act, an anti-sex trafficking law that prohibits taking anyone across state lines “for any immoral purpose.” Sentencing is scheduled for May 4. Please turn to A4

School Board, administration thwarted own tenets set up for RPS food service By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Game day! Camrhon Holt and his little sister, Xiaomi Holt, are on their way to the Hotchkiss Field Community Center in Highland Park to last Saturday’s football game between the RVA Trojans and the Chesterfield Falcons. The youth league game was complete with cheerleaders and fans watching from the sidelines. The youngsters were with their mother, Alexus Harris.

Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras appeared to have undermined a key tenet of the School Board’s approved three-year-old school improvement plan, Dreams4RPS, with decisions about the cafeteria operation and the delivery of food that were made before schools reopened Ms. Doerr earlier this month. That tenet involves ensuring students have good food to eat to enable them to have the energy and nutrition needed to be alert in class. Since the start of school, that has not been the case with parents and students describing offerings as almost inedible. At times, still frozen meals have been passed out to student. Trash baskets often overflow with food students have discarded rather than eat. Based on documents and information the Free Press obtained, the Kamras administration deliberately did not recruit new workers to fill multiple vacancies among the cafeteria staff, ensuring there were not enough people to operate kitchens. The administration also did not follow School Board policy requiring a health advisory panel to be involved in the selec-

Hickory Hill and City Hall now open for early voting By Jeremy M. Lazarus

In-person early voting is now being offered at City Hall in Downtown and at the Hickory Hill Community Center in South Side, as well as the city Voter Registrar’s Office in North Side. The two satellite operations opened Tuesday, about three weeks earlier than the planned start date of Sunday, Oct. 17, in response to public outcry. The Richmond Board of Elections voted 2-1 on Sept. 23 to authorize Richmond Voter Registrar Keith G. Balmer to begin offering early in-person voting at Hickory Hill Community Center, 3000 E. Belt Blvd., and City Hall, 900 E. Broad St., after receiving a new opinion from the state Attorney General’s Office. Please turn to A4

tion of a vendor or follow board guidance to allow student panels to taste-test menu offerings of vendors competing to provide pre-packaged meals. Mr. Kamras declined to respond to Free Press questions about the food debacle as did Matthew Stanley, RPS director of advocacy and outreach. Mr. Stanley sent an email stating that RPS was unable to respond in a timely Mr. Kamras fashion to Free Press queries. The administration is now scrambling to ensure students are getting the food they need, with cafeteria managers required to Please turn to A4

COVID-19 booster shots available By George Copeland Jr.

The Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield health districts have opened appointments for area residents to get the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot. Those eligible to get the shots should have received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and fall into one of the following categories: • Individuals 65 years or older. • Individuals 18 years or older living in a long-term care setting. • Individuals ages 18 to 64 years with underlying medical Please turn to A4

Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Richmonders heading into Hickory Hill Community Center on Tuesday are greeted by two poll workers outside the early voting location at 3000 E. Belt Blvd. in South Side. The community center and City Hall in Downtown opened Tuesday for early voting for the Nov. 2 election following action by the city Electoral Board. Voters also can cast ballots at the city Voter Registrar’s Office at 2134 W. Laburnum Ave.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Sept. 30, 1 to 3 p.m., Diversity Thrift,1407 Sherwood Ave., • Tuesday, Oct. 5, 9 to 11 a.m., Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd., drive-thru testing. • Wednesday, Oct. 6, 9 to 11 a.m., Eastern Henrico Recreation Center Pavilion, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. Appointments are not necessary, but can be made by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501

Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 September 30-October 2, 2021

Local News

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

2021 Wilder symposium slated for Sept. 30 A panel of experts in public health, justice and economics will speak Thursday, Sept. 30, at the virtual 2021 Wilder Symposium hosted by former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and the School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University that bears his name. The symposium, which will be held via Zoom from 1 to 2:30 p.m., has the theme Mr. Wilder “The Triple Pandemic: Implications for Racial Equity and Public Policy.” Panelists will address such topics as policing, housing, vaccine distribution, immigration, education, disaster response, workforce development, re-entry after incarceration and responses to public protests. They are Dr. Nakeina Douglas-Glenn; Dr. Hans Louis-Charles; Dr. Jacqueline Smith-Mason; Dr. Elsie Harper-Anderson; Dr. Benjamin Teresa; Dr. Grant Rissler; Dr. Chernoh Wurie and Dr. Christina Mancini, all of the Virginia Commonwealth University faculty; and Dr. Steven Keener of Christopher Newport University. Details and registration: https://bit.ly/vcuwilder2021

Positive COVID-19 cases climb among area students By Ronald E. Carrington

Richmond Public Schools reported this week 241 positive cases of COVID-19, while Henrico County Public Schools reported 570 positive cases. Both school systems have been monitoring COVID-19 cases since the school year began on Sept. 8. Updates are provided weekly on their websites. Richmond’s current data was not broken down by school or whether the infections were among students or staff. Superintendent Jason Kamras noted that to the best of his knowledge, only three of the current cases were from in-school transmission. He said in about 98 percent of the cases, transmission occurred outside of school. After the first week of school, RPS reported 128 positive cases as of Sept. 15, including 114 students, 13 staff members and one volunteer. For parents keeping their children at home because of COVID-19, Mr. Kamras said he understands the anxiety and fear associated with the virus. “I do want to note the data does show RPS schools, by and large, are safe for our children and much safer than in the community,” Mr. Kamras said. “We will welcome any of those children back into the classroom.” He also encouraged people to get vaccinated, wear a mask and maintain social distancing as much as possible. According to documents from the RPS administration, of the district’s 4,460 employees, only 45 percent have provided proof of full vaccination or been exempt from the requirement for vaccination. The remaining 55 percent of employees are required to get vaccinated before the Friday, Oct. 1, deadline. Mr. Kamras said in a social media update that RPS teachers and staff who don’t meet the mandate could be fired.

Teen gun ban remains intact Free Press staff report

A federal ban on gun sales to young people who are old enough to vote but have not reached the drinking age of 21 is still the law—for now. Just two months after striking down the law barring gun sales to those 18 to 21 years of age, the same three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out their opinion that the ban is unconstitutional. The problem: The plaintiff, Natalia Marshall, turned 21, and the law she objected to no longer applies to her, the panel noted in a ruling issued Sept. 22. Judge Julius N. Richardson wrote the July 13 opinion that created consternation among law enforcement officials by finding no reason for the ban on federally licensed dealers selling to those under 21, who are treated as adults for other purposes. He ruled that the opinion throwing out the law was null because the lower court was unable to implement the decision prior to Ms. Marshall’s birthday. “After the opinion, but before the mandate, Ms. Marshall turned 21. And that made her claims moot,” he wrote in the new opinion. She turned 21 on July 25. Judge Richardson also rejected Ms. Marshall’s attorneys’ request to add new plaintiffs to keep his opinion alive. He agreed with the lower court judge that adding new plaintiffs was not permissible. Judge G. Stephen Agee, who had joined Judge Richardson in striking down the law, agreed that the original opinion was dead. So did Judge James Wynn Jr., who had disagreed with the two jurists and wanted to uphold the ban. Whether the ban will remain intact depends on whether a new set of teenage plaintiffs can be recruited to restart the legal process and whether the next panel of the appeals court that hears it agrees the ban is unconstitutional.

From a distance and close up, this new sculpture in Richmond is a stunner. It is the creation of designer An “Sledge” Liu and is titled “Helper.” Location: The courtyard of the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Ave., where it will be on view through the fall. The work won first place in the museum’s 2021 Design Build Challenge. Made of leftover wood that would have laanded in a landfill, the sculpture seeks to highlight the impact of people on the natural world through wasteful practices, but also the wonders they can create with abandoned items. The use of wood reflects the connection to nature, with the sticks comprising the piece pointing to the countless places that are meaningful to viewers. Mr. Liu has said he named the piece to recognize the people and companies who were involved in the process from design to construction. He cited funding from a patron, Sally Brown, mentors at VCUarts where he is an adjunct professor and at the Storefront for Community Design. He also cited support from SMBW, the architectural firm where he works, and from DPR Construction and the Richmond Community ToolBank and from volunteers who helped him complete the piece. All of the help, he has said, resulted in “something beautiful, meaningful and impactful” and renewed his appreciation of the ties between people and the world around them.

RPS Chromebooks missing? By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A major share of the estimated 20,000 Chromebooks that were distributed to Richmond students last year to help them connect to virtual classes have yet to be recovered or accounted for, the Free Press has been told. Insiders told the Free Press that between 7,000 and 9,000 of the laptop computers were not turned in when the school year ended. As best as can be determined, little effort has been made to recover them, the sources said. Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras and his administration did not respond to a request for comment on the potential $1.9 million to $2.5 million loss of equipment to the school system. Mr. Kamras and his executive team last year pushed to get Chromebooks and tablets into the hands of students as the pandemic led school buildings to close. By the start of school year in September 2020 when all classes were to be virtual, reports at the time indicated that 16,000 of the laptops were already in students’ hands, with RPS awaiting delivery of another 10,000 devices.

When those came in, students who received tablets as a temporary substitute received laptops. Richmond paid $282.51 for each of the Chromebooks and spent additional Mr. Young money to load them with software and configure them to link with RPS computers so students could connect with virtual classes. Overall, RPS spent between $400 and $500 per laptop to buy, configure and deliver them. Students and their parents or guardians were required to sign a formal agreement with RPS to receive a Chromebook, a copy of which is posted online. The agreement put the onus on parents and students to maintain the equipment, bear the risk of loss from theft or damage and return the assigned laptop and charger “prior to the conclusion of the school year.” However, the agreement that RPS posted online did not require students and parents to list an address where the device would be stored or to provide a phone number. No

spaces are shown on the form to identify the school representative who provided the machine or list the machine’s serial number or other unique identifier. It is not clear whether RPS created a database to ensure there is a record of who received which specific laptop to assist those tasked with recovery. The Free Press obtained a copy of a final memo from Darin Simmons Jr., who resigned as RPS’ chief operating officer in June 2020 after two years in the post. The memo includes a warning to Mr. Kamras and his team that the distribution system for laptops was too lax in recording information that would allow the devices to be found later. School Board Vice Chair Jonathan Young, 4th District, said rumors are flying about missing laptops, “but currently, we do not have any facts.” He said he will request at the School Board’s next meeting on Monday, Oct. 4, that the board authorize an internal audit to determine if any laptops are unaccounted for and, if so, how many; whether appropriate procedures were in place when the devices were distributed; and what efforts are being made to recover any missing laptops.

Amtrak expands rail service from Main Street Station in Downtown

It took two years, but Richmond’s Main Street Station is now able to offer additional service to Washington, New York and Boston. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, who announced plans for increased service in 2019, helped launch the new service Monday that results from expensive track improvements. The new service departs the station daily at 5:35 a.m. and represents the first expansion of service under the governor’s $3.7 billion “Transforming Rail in Virginia” initiative to increase rail options at the Downtown

station and in other Virginia cities. Gov. Northam said the new train would provide “quick, reliable service” that will help travelers avoid rush hour on Interstate 95. The start of the new train service also signaled the reopening of service to and from the Staples Mill Station in Henrico County. That connection had been severed since March 2020 due to the pandemic; the new train signaled the return to prepandemic rail service, according to D.J. Stadtler, executive director of the Virginia

Passenger Rail Authority. Along with the new train, two other morning trains and one evening train stop at Main Street Station. In addition to the expanded service, the rail transformation plan has included Virginia’s repurchase of the 233 miles of rail line between the state capital and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., along with $1 billion in track and bridge improvements. A big element of the initiative also includes building a new rail bridge across the Potomac River to relieve train congestion.

RRHA extends eviction moratorium through end of the year A month after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national eviction moratorium, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has extended its moratorium on evictions through the end of the year. The extension, announced late last week, was implemented by RRHA Interim Chief Executive Officer Stacey Daniels-Fayson as “a final and additional opportunity for RRHA residents who are still behind to catch up” on outstanding rent payments. The move follows discussions with the

RRHA Board of Commissioners and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on the potential impact not collecting rent for the rest year would have. “It is our sincere hope that our families who remain behind will use this time and take the necessary measures to bring their rent balances current,” Ms. Daniels-Fayson stated. “The housing authority has gone above and beyond and will continue to reach out to families who are behind through the end of the moratorium. We need our families to do their part.” RRHA officials said more than 1,300

families of the nearly 4,000 families in housing managed by RRHA are behind on their rent. The housing authority has helped 519 families by applying for Virginia rent relief funds and using them to reduce or eliminate overdue rent bills, officials said. RRHA residents experiencing financial hardship directly or indirectly because of COVID-19, such as job loss, child care challenges and other hardships, are asked to contact their property management office for resources and help. Families in arrears are encouraged to enter into a repayment agreement.

Natural gas price hike expected with Oct. bills By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmonders who cook and heat with natural gas are about to be hit with a sharp jump in the cost of the fuel heading into winter. Beginning with the October bills, city consumers will face a 48 percent hike in the portion of the bill called Purchased Gas Cost (PGC), which covers the cost of the fuel, the city Department of Public Utilities has announced. The hike will send the PGC from the current 38.5 cents per 100 cubic feet of gas to 57 cents per 100 cubic feet used, DPU noted. That’s the highest level in at least six years. One hundred cubic feet, the base unit for DPU, is equal to 750 gallons. DPU estimates the average customer uses 70 units or 7,000 cubic feet of gas a year, and could expect to pay an extra $12.95 a month. The gas bill also includes

other taxes and charges, including one covering the cost of piping the natural gas to homes and businesses. The hike in the PGC, which the department sets to recover its cost of purchasing natural gas, would be among the largest in recent years and push the PGC to its highest level since 2014. Consumers have enjoyed relatively stable pricing of natural gas since 2014 because of abundant supplies. DPU dropped the PGC to its current level in April 2020 as demand shrank during the pandemic. But conditions have changed in recent months. Supplies have fallen in this country and abroad, sending the price of natural gas and its cousin, liquified propane gas, soaring around the globe. One big reason for supply shortages: Hurricane Ida. The late August storm wreaked havoc on a major center of production, the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Energy Information Agency, cutting up to

60 percent of production in the area. Meanwhile, the hot summer boosted demand for air conditioning that led to increased purchases by utilities for fuel to generate electricity. Demand also kicked up due to increased economic activity after the pandemic restrictions were lifted, the EIA noted. The bottom line: The supply of natural gas has fallen and the amounts in storage have disappeared, leading to price hikes as demand continues to be strong. The EIA has projected that the price of natural gas could potentially remain above recent averages for at least another year before supplies again match or exceed demand. DPU noted that even with the price hike, natural gas is still cheaper to use than electricity, heating oil, propane and kerosene. For those who need help to pay the increase, DPU is urging people to call (804) 646-4646 for ways to spread the cost or obtain assistance.

T:11" S:10.5"

Richmond Free Press

September 30-October 2, 2021 A3

family’s history and newfound family’s future. It’s your HBCU. That’s why Xϙnity recognizes the legacy, community, and importance of HBCUs. And now that gatherings are a little diϞerent, it’s time to reconnect to the culture. Just say, “HBCU,” into your Xϙnity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU.

Visit xϙnity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

600

CLIENT

COMCAST

FILE NAME: CMCCO21052M13_11x21_HBCU_MoreRefresh_RichmondFreePress_v01.

T:21"

They are a legacy. It’s the place you become, where you’re upliϖed by past generations. It’s your

S:20.5"

HBCUs are more than an education

A4 September 30-October 2, 2021

Richmond Free Press

News

R&B superstar R. Kelly faces up to life in prison after being convicted Monday on the testimony and strength of Black women who would not let the justice system forget what happened Continued from A1

One of R. Kelly’s lawyers, Deveraux Cannick, said he was disappointed and hoped to appeal. “I think I’m even more disappointed the government brought the case in the first place, given all the inconsistencies,” Mr. Cannick said. Several accusers testified in lurid detail during the trial, alleging that R. Kelly subjected them to perverse and sadistic whims when they were underage. For years, the public and news media seemed to be more amused than horrified by allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors, starting with his illegal marriage to the R&B phenom Aaliyah in 1994 when she was just 15. His records and concert tickets kept selling. Other artists continued to record his songs, even after he was arrested in 2002 and accused of making

a recording of himself sexually abusing and urinating on a 14-year-old girl. Widespread public condemnation didn’t come until a widely watched docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly,” helped make his case a signifier of the #MeToo era, and gave voice to accusers who wondered if their stories were previously ignored because they were Black women. “To the victims in this case, your voices were heard and justice was finally served,” Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis said Monday. At the trial, several of R. Kelly’s accusers testified without using their real names to protect their privacy. Jurors were shown homemade videos of R. Kelly engaging in sex acts that prosecutors said were not consensual. The defense labeled the accusers “groupies” and “stalkers.” Mr. Cannick, R. Kelly’s lawyer, questioned why women

COVID-19 booster shots available Continued from A1

conditions that put them at high risk for severe COVID-19, such as cancer, heart conditions, chronic kidney or lung diseases, pregnancy and obesity. Individuals ages 18 to 64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or where they work. “We welcome individuals seeking boosters to make an appointment at one of our clinics,” stated Joanna Cirillo, public health nurse supervisor for the Richmond and Henrico health districts. “We will also continue to ensure there are more than enough opportunities for individuals who haven’t received their first series to walk up to all our clinics … individuals who are not yet vaccinated are very vulnerable to severe COVID-19 outcomes.” People are asked to bring their vaccination card from the initial COVID-19 shots to the appointment. Appointments for the booster shots in Richmond and Henrico can be made online at vax.rchd.com or by calling (804) 205-3501. For an appointment in Chesterfield, go to www.vaccines.gov.

Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines Continued from A1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.ly/RHHDCOVID. 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-areacovid-19-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 or booster shot? The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Thursday, Sept. 30, 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson; 3 to 6 p.m. – Westover Hills Elementary School, 1301 Jahnke Road, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. • Friday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to noon – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. • Sunday, Oct. 3, 10: 30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Sacred Heart Center, 1400 Perry St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. • Tuesday, Oct. 5, 3 to 6 p.m. – Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. • Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. • Thursday, Oct. 7, 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Children ages 12 to 17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments are required for booster shots by scheduling one online at vax.rchd.com or by calling (804) 205-3501. VaccineFinder.org and vaccines.gov also allow people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine and booster. The Chesterfield County Health District is offering vaccines and booster shots at its Rockwood Vaccination Center, 10161 Hull Street Road in Midlothian. The center is open 3 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged by going to www.vaccines.gov. Those who are getting a booster shot should bring their vaccine card to confirm date and type of vaccine received. The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday 3,151 new positive cases of COVID-19 around the state during a 24-hour period, bringing the cumulative total to 863,644 cases statewide. There have been a total of 36,566 hospitalizations and 12,696 deaths. The state’s seven-day positivity rate was 9 percent. Last week, it was 9.8 percent. On Wednesday, state health officials reported that 60.2 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 67.6 percent of the people have received at least one dose of the vaccine. State data also show that African-Americans comprised 22.8 percent of cases statewide and 25.1 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 14.4 percent of cases and 6.2 percent of deaths. Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 22,619 907 310 Henrico County 32,493 1,225 681 Chesterfield County 36,975 1,124 502 Hanover County 10,860 355 186

stayed in relationships with him if they thought they were being exploited. “You made a choice,” Mr. Cannick told one woman who testified, adding, “You participated of your own will.” In a 2017 study from the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality, adults were asked about their perceptions of Black girls in comparison with white girls of the same age in terms of their needs

for nurturing and protection, as well as their knowledge of adult topics like sex. At all ages, Black girls were perceived as more adult than white girls, needing less protection and knowing more about sex. The gap was widest between Black and white for girls between the ages of 10 and 14, followed by girls between the ages of 5 and 9. “We don’t value Black girls, and they are dehumanized,

and they are also blamed for the sexual violence that they experienced to a greater extent than white girls are,” said Rebecca Epstein, executive director of the center and one of the study’s authors. For years, girls suffering at R. Kelly’s hands were treated as more of a punchline than a travesty, even during a trial on child pornography charges where a video, allegedly of him abusing a girl, was shown. He

was acquitted in 2008. Lisa Van Allen, who testified against R. Kelly in 2008, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” in an interview broadcast Tuesday that she “almost cried” when she learned of Monday’s verdict. “You know, this is what I was looking for back in 2008,” Ms.Van Allen said. “So I would say that the difference this time around is that there’s power in numbers. A lot of people came forward.”

Families plead for more info on missing loved ones Continued from A1

mystery. Local police have not found any clues or the young woman’s body. Her case has received new local attention during the fourth annual “Missing Person Awareness” program that Ms. Jacobs created to shine a light on people who cannot be located. This year’s program spotlighted Keeshae and two other Richmonders who went missing during the month of September, Benjamin Lott and Robert Long. Mr. Lott vanished 13 years ago on Sept. 26, 2008; Mr. Long went missing 10 years ago on Sept. 18, 2011. Ms. Jacobs created “Missing Person Awareness” for her daughter and others in hopes of sparking new tips and leads for police. Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith joined Ms. Jacobs and members of the families of the two men at a news conference Monday to encourage the media to continue spread the word about the missing trio. Ms. Jacobs has been fighting and searching for five years to find Keeshae, who was 21 when she disappeared and would now be 26. Ms. Jacobs said that Keeshae, who lived in South Side, was last seen by a family member whom her daughter promised to see the next day. She was last seen wearing black basketball shorts, pink and black Nike basketball shoes and a pink scarf. She had tattoos on her right foot, right leg and right hand of a leaf, paws and a flower, respectively. During the news conference, Ms. Jacobs stood before news cameras with her head down, clearly overflowing with emotion that initially made her unable to speak. After Chief Smith consoled her, a tearful

Ms. Jacobs said, “Keeshae has family that loves her. Please help me. Help my daughter. Help our loved one. Help our family.” In an interview, Ms. Jacobs was frank in expressing her concern that race was a big factor in explaining why Ms. Petito’s disappearance garnered widespread attention that so many families of color cannot get when their children go missing. “Keesha and Gabby are about the same age,” Ms. Jacobs said. “The circumstances are about the same. Basically, the difference is Gabby was white.” Ms. Jacobs said she believes that the urgency is often missing among law enforcement for those who report a missing relative, particularly an adult like Keeshae. “They brush it off like it’s no big deal. They act like we — African-Americans — just run away,” she said with a hint of anger. “Everybody that’s Black does not have problems at home or families that don’t love them.” She believes all missing persons cases deserve the same amount of attention, regardless of the color of the person’s skin. “My daughter is still missing,” Ms. Jacobs said tearfully. Mr. Lott lived in the 6300 block of Elkhardt Lane in South Side before he disappeared. According to police reports, the last person to hear from him was his girlfriend, who lives out of town. He called to wish her a happy birthday and talked about bringing her to Richmond later in the month for an extended stay. She was not identified. According to police, Mr. Lott ended the conversation with a promise to call her back in about an hour, and that is the

last time anyone is known to have spoken with him. His black Saturn Vue was later found abandoned at a shopping center in the 4800 block of Commonwealth Center Parkway, miles from his home. His car was impounded and towed. Mr. Lott would now be 43 years old. At the time of his disappearance, according to police, he was 5-foot-10 to 5-foot-11 and weighed 150 to 165 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes, wears eyeglasses and answers to the name Ben. Mr. Lott’s daughter, Chris Lott, who lives out of town, made a poignant appeal during the news conference for anyone who saw something to report it to authorities. Any leads or tips would be appreciated, she said. “I miss my dad. I love him. He is a caring, loving father that I miss. I wake up every morning hoping I would see him again,” Ms. Lott said as she wiped away tears. Mr. Long’s address was listed as the 5500 block of Belmont Avenue in the city’s West End until his parents reported him missing. However, at the time, he was panhandling to gain a little money, authorities said.. Police said the circumstances of his case indicate Mr. Long might have needed mental health attention. Officers contacted nearby psychiatric facilities and shelters in hopes of locating him or his vehicle, a 1999 green Honda, which has never been found. Chief Smith urged anyone with information about any of the three cases to call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The information can be provided anonymously, he said, and if the information leads to arrest, the caller would be eligible for a $1,000 reward.

School Board, administration thwarted own tenets Continued from A1

do daily audits of the pre-packaged meals that Illinois-based Preferred Meals provides to determine if the food is being eaten or thrown out. Many students are brown-bagging or bringing lunches from home, with a few schools cranking up their cafeteria kitchens to provide alternative offerings. In a Sept. 10 email obtained by the Free Press as the food issue exploded, Mr. Kamras acknowledged a major shortage of cafeteria staff and admitted that his administration had deliberately not rushed to fill the vacancies. As he put it, the hiring of replacement cafeteria staff was “deprioritized.” In the email, he also rejected an offer from a staffing company that specializes in providing temporary workers to fill the shortfall until RPS could hire enough people. As of the date of the email, RPS had 106 vacancies among the 233 cafeteria workers and 11 vacancies among the 45 managers, Mr. Kamras stated. He explained that his administration was avoiding temporary staffing options due to the pandemic. “We do not feel a shift of model – which could mean hundreds of additional individuals in our schools – is the appropriate way to proceed given COVID,” Mr. Kamras stated. He noted that fewer cafeteria staff were supposed to be needed given that an outside vendor had been hired to provide pre-packaged meals that were to be dis-

tributed to students through kiosks. The Free Press has been told that at some schools, security personnel have been tasked with wheeling the meals to classrooms where teachers and students remain during the lunch hour rather than going to the cafeterias. Breakfasts go out through the kiosks, but shortfalls in bus drivers mean some students arrive so late that they have to rush to class and cannot take time to eat a morning meal. RPS began advertising last April for vendors to provide meals for the 2021-22 school year, but did not recruit student panels to test vendor offerings. The Kamras administration also never involved an advisory panel the board set up to focus to improving student health. Helping RPS ensure student access to quality meals is a main responsibility of the panel. School Board member Liz Doerr, 1st District, who championed the creation of the School Health Advisory Board, is a member of the advisory board, along with School Board member Nicole Jones, 9th District. Ms. Doerr admitted this week in a lengthy post that she had not pushed for the school system to work with SHAB during the vendor selection process. She wrote that “SHAB should have been engaged. This was a missed opportunity (and demonstrates) a need to strengthen lines of communications” between SHAB and the administration. She did not explain the disconnect. The selection of Preferred Meals as the vendor continued a relationship that began

during the 2020-21school year when the company gained the contract to provide prepared meals that RPS passed out at various schools and delivered by school bus to neighborhoods. The School Board approved the current contract with Preferred Meals in August. Before the vote, board member Stephanie M. Rizzi, 5th District, questioned whether there had been student taste tests, without apparently getting a specific response. The board, however, did not check prior to the vote whether the meals the company created and RPS delivered actually were eaten by students and their families. The Free Press has been told that parents and students often did not come to get the school bus delivered meals and that at least a portion went to homeless shelters and other places that serve needy adults rather than allowing them to go to waste In choosing Preferred Meals, the administration rejected the option of renting cafeteria kitchens to local caterers and restaurants to provide fresh food options for students, one idea that SHAB had advocated. Preferred Meals, which provides meals to school divisions in multiple states, has defended the food it provided. Company officials noted the contract with RPS did not specify that only cold meals were to be delivered and on many days sent items that needed to be heated. In her statement, Ms. Doerr noted that holding Preferred Meals accountable is difficult because the contract the board approved with Preferred Meals “is confusing and hard to understand.”

Hickory Hill, City Hall now open for early voting Continued from A1

That opinion overrode an early opinion from the board’s legal counsel, acting Deputy City Attorney Tabrica C. Rentz, which would have barred the early opening at the two sites. The Electoral Board’s two Democrats, James Nachman and Joyce K. Smith, voted to open the satellite centers early, while Republican C. Starlet Stevens opposed the early opening.

As the Free Press reported ahead of the board’s meeting, Mr. Balmer had been prepared to seek board authorization to get early voting underway this week at City Hall and Hickory Hill until Ms. Rentz issued her opinion that a state law would prevent that action. Early voting began in Richmond on Sept. 17 at the registrar’s headquarters at 2134 W. Laburnum Ave. New state laws allow voters to begin casting ballots up to 45 days before the official Election Day,

set for Tuesday, Nov. 2. Voters will be filling the state’s top offices, governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, electing representatives to the Virginia House of Delegates and choosing local constitutional officers, including the sheriff, treasurer and commonwealth’s attorney in Richmond. Richmond voters also will be deciding whether to allow a casino and resort hotel to be developed on a 100-acre site in South Side.

Richmond Free Press

September 30-October 2, 2021 A5

Protect yourself and your baby from COVID-19. Pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill from the virus. Here’s what you need to do:

Get Vaccinated • COVID-19 vaccines are safe and help protect you and your baby. Vaccines are recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding people • If you are trying to get pregnant, get vaccinated. If you get pregnant after the first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine requiring two doses, get the second shot to be fully protected • If you have already had COVID-19, the CDC recommends that you still get vaccinated to protect yourself against Delta and other variants

Take precautions • Practice social distancing and avoid crowded public spaces • Wear a mask and wash your hands frequently • Keep all your regularly scheduled prenatal care appointments, some of which may be virtual • Call your healthcare provider if you have any health concerns, especially if you think you may have COVID-19

We care about the health and safety of our communities. To learn more, visit vcuhealth.org.

Richmond Free Press

A6 September 30-October 2, 2021 Paid Political Advertisement

Paid Political Advertisement

Democrat Joshua Cole has always put our families ﬁrst. As a Delegate, he has delivered for us.

• Expanded healthcare and reduced the cost of insulin • Increased the minimum wage • Voted to ban chokeholds and no knock warrants

Re-elect Delegate Joshua Cole because representation matters. MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE EARLY

TODAY THROUGH OCT 30TH.

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT IWILLVOTE.COM.

PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY COLE FOR VA

2021-2022

’

o rg e t y o u r

D on tf

a sk

g in person tin

City of Richmond Department of Public Works

BAGGED COLLECTION OPTION

VACUUM SERVICE OPTION

Beginning October 4

Available November 1 $30 Per Request

Up to 10 bags collected on normal trash day (place bags near supercan) Biodegradable plastic bags preferred

DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) OPTIONS 1). Compost or Mulch Email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov to order a compost bin 2). Dispose of loose leaves at:

East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) * 3800 East Richmond Road Richmond, VA 23223

Maury Street Landfill * 2900 Maury Street Richmond, VA 23224

*Accepts only loose leaves or leaves in biodegradable paper bags

Transfer Station **

3506 North Hopkins Road Richmond, VA 23224 **Note: accepts ALL bagged leaves

Vacuum service may be delayed during inclement weather.

Make sure leaves are raked to the curb or property line but not into the street or gutter Leaves must be raked and ready for pickup when service request is made Remove sticks, stones or other objects that may damage equipment Leaves will be picked up within 15 days from date of request

Payment Methods:

Include on Utility Bill Make online request at RVA311.com or by calling 3-1-1 OR

Mail (check/money order only)* City Hall Attn: DPW Vacuum Service 900 East Broad Street Room 704 Richmond, VA 23219 *A service request ID number is generated for requests made through RVA311.com, please include that number on your check/money order.

UNLIMITED BAG COLLECTION OPTION

(by Sector/Trash Collection Day During November and December)

DPW has divided the city into four sectors for bagged leaves based on trash collection days. During this period, residents may put out an unlimited number of bags for collection.

Sector 1

Sector 3

Wednesday Trash Collection

Monday Trash Collection

All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 3 & November 17

All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 29 & December 11

Sector 2

Sector 4

Thursday Trash Collection

Tuesday Trash Collection

All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 18 & November 27

All bagged leaves will be picked up between December 14 & December 31

For more information, go to www.rva.gov/public-works or Call 646-LEAF for scheduling details

Richmond Free Press

News

September 30-October 2, 2021 A7

DINEO SESHEE BOPAPE: ILE AYE, MOYA, LÀ, NDOKH…HARMONIC CONVERSATIONS…MM OPENS SEPTEMBER 24

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama use shovels to ceremonially break ground Tuesday to officially kick off construction of the Obama Presidental Center in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. They are joined by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, left, and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, right.

Obamas break ground for $830M presidential library Free Press wire report

CHICAGO After five years of legal battles, gentrification concerns and a federal review, Barack and Michelle Obama dug shovels into the ground Tuesday during a celebratory groundbreaking on their legacy project in a lakefront Chicago park. Construction on the Obama Presidential Center along Lake Michigan, near the Obama family home and where the former president started his political career on Chicago’s South Side, officially began last month. Standing near an excavator and other heavy equipment, former President Obama described how the city’s South Side shaped him, first as a community organizer, then as a husband, father and elected official. He said the center was one way of giving back and he hoped it would bring an economic boost to the area and inspire a future generation of leaders. “We want this center to be more than a static museum or a source of archival research. It won’t just be a collection of campaign memorabilia or Michelle’s ball gowns, although I know everybody will come see those,” he joked. “It won’t just be an exercise in nostalgia or looking backward. We want to look forward.” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and several city aldermen were among the few people allowed at the event,

which was streamed online to limit crowds amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The presidential center will sit on 19 acres of the 540-acre Jackson Park, which was named for the nation’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson. It will be unique among presidential libraries. President Obama’s presidential papers will be available in digital form. The sprawling campus will include a museum, public library branch, athletic center, test kitchen and children’s play area. The initial cost was projected at $500 million, but documents released by the Obama Foundation last month showed it is now roughly $830 million. Funds are being raised through private donations. Organizers estimate about 750,000 visitors will come to the center each year. Work on the Obama Presidential Center is expected to take about five years. Currently, heavy machinery peppers the site that’s fenced off with green tarps. Progress has been delayed by lawsuits and a federal review required because of the location in Jackson Park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. At the same time, fears about displacing Black residents in the area developed into a yearslong battle resulting in city-approved neighborhood protections, including for affordable housing.

Ile aye, moya, là, ndokh…harmonic conversations…mm is a solo exhibition by Dineo Seshee Bopape (b. 1981, Polokwane, South Africa). The show’s title calls to the elements: earth, wind, fire, and water…summoned in various languages from West and Southern Africa, and features new works spanning video, sculpture, installation, and animation.

601 W. Broad St | Richmond, VA | icavcu.org

VOTE YES FOR ONE CASINO + RESORT NOW!

WHEN YOU VOTE YES

RICHMOND WINS!

RESTAURANTS & BARS featuring Richmond classics like Mama J’s and Southern Kitchen

GENERATING $500

200

SHOWS ANNUALLY

featuring the biggest names in music through a partnership with Live Nation

MILLION FOR RICHMOND

BY BRINGING 3.7 MILLION VISITORS TO RICHMOND ANNUALLY

Learn more about ONE Casino + Resort and how to VOTE YES early at:

CASINORESORT.COM PAID FOR BY VOTE YES. RICHMOND WINS!

Richmond Free Press

A partridge pea flowers in the West End

Editorial Page

September 30-October 2, 2021

Playing politics Another U.S. government shutdown is imminent this week if Senate Republicans don’t end their blockade of an agreement to fund government operations beyond the last day of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30. While it is easy to avert our attention away from the train wreck that is about to occur in Washington, we remind our readers that this crisis of the Republicans’ making has wide repercussions that will impact much more than our 155,600plus fellow Virginians who work for the federal government or the 2.1 million federal workers across the nation. What we are talking about is an immediate impact on families who would be without paychecks for as long as the shutdown lasts. Estimates are that roughly 60 to 70 percent of federal employees nationally would be furloughed during a shutdown, with only “essential” workers still reporting for duty. Those essential workers include federal law enforcement and border protection officers; prison guards and managers; air traffic controllers; medical personnel in veterans’ hospitals and other federal facilities; and possibly those in the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that would not include any of the clerks or support workers in any of those offices. Some federal offices and operations would be shutdown, or partially shut down, should no agreement be reached by Congress to extend government funding beyond midnight this Thursday. National historic sites, museums and parks would be shuttered, for example. According to the nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, new Social Security and Medicare filings and claims might not be processed; food stamp benefits to 42 million recipients could be delayed; mortgage and other loan applications would be held up because the Internal Revenue Service and/or Social Security wouldn’t be available to verify income and other information. In this area, such federally owned properties as the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and Richmond National Battlefield Park would be shut down. Federal inspections for food, agriculture and environmental quality and safety could be halted, including inspections of drinking water and hazardous waste. In addition to federal employees, hundreds of thousands of federal contract workers and their families also would be caught in the crisis, as payment to those people and companies that provide goods and services to the U.S. government would be suspended. When federal workers and contractors don’t get paid, there’s a huge ripple effect. No paycheck going out to federal workers can mean landlords, mortgage companies, utility companies and credit card companies won’t get paid, experts warn. Small businesses such as coffee shops and restaurants that depend on the dollars of federal workers eating lunch, grabbing carryout or making purchases might not be able to stay afloat. This is not the first time the nation has dealt with a government shutdown. The last, a record 35-day shut down from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 25, 2019, wreaked havoc on the lives of millions of people and reduced economic growth in the last three months of 2018 by $3 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. This is yet another crisis of the selfish Republicans’ making. They would rather play politics and create chaos in the style of former President Trump than to govern effectively for the benefit of all people. We commend U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia for introducing on Wednesday the Stop STUPIDITY Act to put an end to future government shutdowns. In his bill, STUPIDITY stands for Shutdowns Transferring Unnecessary Pain and Inflicting Damage In The coming Years. “In the past, government shutdowns have left federal employees no other recourse than to drain their savings, tank their credit or choose between putting food on the table or keeping a roof above their heads,” stated the announcement of Sen. Warner’s legislation. “The Stop STUPIDITY Act would allow federal workers to keep receiving a paycheck during shutdowns by automatically renewing government funding at the same levels as the previous fiscal year, with adjustments for inflation. This legislation would fund all aspects of the government, except for the legislative branch and the Executive Office of the President — effectively forcing Congress and the White House to come to the negotiating table without putting the economy at risk or hurting the American public.” If lawmakers and the president’s office didn’t get paid during a shutdown, it may precipitate some positive change and avert a future shutdown. We blame Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader from Kentucky, for blocking the latest efforts to reach an agreement. He and his band of GOP miscreants are intent on undermining Democratic President Joe Biden and any Democratic administration—like he tried with former President Obama—by crippling this nation with a shutdown and hurting as many Americans as possible. It is a dangerous political game that we believe will backfire as people recognize the GOP hand behind it. Sen. McConnell and his GOP minions in the Senate also are aiming to tank the U.S. economy by refusing to raise the debt limit. Failure to suspend or raise the debt limit by Oct. 18 can cause the United States to default on paying its debts for the first time in history, creating severe economic consequences and making the U.S. dollar a less reliable currency globally. “The full faith and credit of the United States would be impaired and our country would likely face a financial crisis and economic recession,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Congress earlier this week. We call on our readers to contact Sen. McConnell’s office and those of other GOP senators and demand that they stop their effort to destroy the fiscal health and welfare of our nation and its people. We demand that they approve funding to extend government operations and also raise the debt ceiling. We also call on our readers to contact Virginia’s two senators, Democratic Sens. Warner and Tim Kaine, and demand that they put pressure on Sen. McConnell and his Republican colleagues to stop playing politics with our lives. The consequences of inaction are too critical to ignore.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Flexibility for whom? I had not planned to have a policy conversation when I boarded my connecting flight from Detroit to D.C. But the young white woman, totally professionally dressed, seemed to want my ear. She was coming to Washington to do “advocacy,” she said, around workplace flexibility and “reimagining work.” I thought girlie just wanted to hear herself talk, so my responses were minimal — “um hum,” “OK.” But I was more interested when she wove her policy thoughts into her own story – a young mom whom COVID-19 challenged to ensure that her children didn’t fall behind. The exchange sustained us for the scant hour or so of the flight, but I went another perspective as we began to exit the plane. We were in row 15, just five rows out of first class. As we left, I observed several women, mostly Black and Latina, and one African man, frantically cleaning the plane’s first class cabin. It was clear they also were waiting for the rest of us to get off the plane so they could go to the back and continue to clean. The airlines promise cleaning between flights, and these folks were doing their jobs.

Watching them, though, made it clear that the flexibility my seatmate was advocating for is not flexibility that trickles down. Those who write, talk, think and compute for a living have the privilege of flexibility. Those of us who clean, sit behind a cash register, pick up garbage or more don’t have the same benefit of flexibility. Too much of the policy conversation centers around providing

Julianne Malveaux flexibility for some. What accommodations are we prepared to offer others? For example, at hotels these days, guests are told that we should sleep on the same sheets and use the same towels for days, only asking for housekeeping services when we need them. But when we do not have housekeeping services, there’s a sister who has less work. She can’t clean our rooms from home, so her work week—once 40 hours or more—is now shortened. Her paycheck is smaller. Her benefits may disappear. Where is flexibility for her? Our policy lens is distorted by our privilege and class situation. Desk jockeys advocate for desk jockeys, folks who can easily do their jobs from their desk or the office. Folks who can’t desk jockey or advocate are left on their own. Too many

of those who don’t have the luxury of flexible work are Black or Brown. A conversation about flexible work reeks of privilege and sidelines too many in the labor force. According to Dr. Kristin Broady of the Brookings Institute, about 13.4 percent of the workforce teleworked. Nearly a third of Asian American workers teleworked, compared to 12.4 percent of white people, 11.2 percent of Black people, and a scant 7.9 percent of Chicano/ Latinx people. I’m not casting any shade on Asian American workers. Still, I’m wondering about other workers and how we reimagine work for those who aren’t sitting at the policy table. Simple arithmetic suggests that when we pay people more, we get more effort, that many won’t mind the three-day workweek if they can be paid for it. Some of the workers, most of whom are women, won’t mind spending more time engaged in their children’s education, perhaps volunteering at their schools. Others might like the time to upgrade their skills, possibly enroll in classes that augment their already proven skills with management possibilities. Or they might choose to chill, work less complicated. Predatory capitalism extracts surplus value from workers, exploiting them because they have no choice but to work at substandard conditions for the

Learning Black history to build upon it One of the main reasons for knowing Black history is so important. Why white supremacists try so fiercely to keep control of U.S. history is its value as something to study carefully, learn from and build upon. That’s why serious Black adults have the responsibility to be aware of important individuals and events and to pass that information on to young Black folks. During the month of October, there are two such historical dates I believe should be passed along. This is no claim that they are the only ones, just the two I choose. The first, Oct. 4, is the birth date of Dr. C. Delores Tucker, founder of the National Political Congress of Black Women and the Bethune-DuBois Institute. Dr. T, as we called her, led a serious and vigorous campaign against the psychological damage done to young Black folks, especially young males, by the creators and distributors of gangster rap. She called

them “gangstas in the suites and gangstas in the streets.” She bought 10 shares of Time Warner stock so she could attend a stockholders’ meeting during which she said the following: “… I come before you to address one of the most serious issues of our time — the issue of corporate responsibility in regards to violent, sexually

A. Peter Bailey explicit and misogynistic lyrics in recordings financed by this and other corporations … Due to inaction towards its destructiveness and a silent conspiracy between profiteers and producers, violent, sexually explicit and misogynistic music has seeped into the souls of our youth, conditioning them to violent behavior, disrespect for women and utter disregard for human life …” For her campaign, Dr. T was viciously attacked by the gangstas in the suites and gangstas in the streets. The latter profanely attacked her in song lyrics. The second date is Oct. 31, the day in 1919 when the legendary Pan Africanist leader, Marcus Garvey, launched a ship

from the 125th Street Pier in Harlem. According to Brother Marcus as quoted in the book, “Marcus Garvey and the Vision of Africa,” compiled by John Henrik Clarke and his assistant, Amy Jacques Garvey: “In the space of two or three months the corporation of the Black Star Line was able to purchase its first ship, the S.S. Yarmouth, which was rechristened the S.S. Fredrick Douglass … ‘I thought if we could launch our ships and have our own black captains and officers, our race too would be respected in the mercantile and commercial world, thereby adding appreciative dignity to our downtrodden people …’ ” The book notes that “thousands upon thousands” of Black folks cheered on the 125th Street Pier and along Riverside Drive as the ship set sail. It also states — and this is very important — that the launching was completely financed by Black stockholders in the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Every Black student in the country should be made aware of warriors such as Dr. T, Brother Marcus and others who have promoted and protected us throughout our history. They must be taught to carefully study history, learn from it and

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.

capitalists to maximize their profits. COVID-19 reminded us of our interdependence, of the many ways we must rely on each other. For many privileged workers, it has meant that the terms and conditions of their work can be re-examined. What about the workers we rely on for our health care, transportation services, grocery shelving and more? It will be a classist tragedy if the few folks at the top only enjoy workplace flexibility. Workplace flexibility, and the pay that goes with it, must also be a privilege of those at the bottom. The writer is an economist, author and dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State University, Los Angeles.

Richmond Free Press 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone (804) 644-0496 FAX (804) 643-7519 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 27709 Richmond, VA 23261 ______________

Founder Raymond H. Boone President – Publisher Jean P. Boone

jeanboone@richmondfreepress.com

Managing Editor Bonnie V. Winston bonniewinston@richmondfreepress.com

Vice President – New Business Development Raymond H. Boone Jr.

jrboone@richmondfreepress.com

Vice President – News Enhancement Jeremy M. Lazarus

jeremylazarus@richmondfreepress.com

Vice President – Production April A. Coleman

aprilcoleman@richmondfreepress.com

Staff Writers Fred Jeter, Frances Crutchfield Hazel Trice Edney Photographers Sandra Sellars

sandrasellars@richmondfreepress.com

Regina H. Boone

reginaboone@richmondfreepress.com

James Haskins, Rudolph Powell and Clinton A. Strane ______________

Vice President – Administration Tracey L. Oliver traceyoliver@richmondfreepress.com

Advertising Traffic Coordinator Cynthia Downing advertising@richmondfreepress.com classifieds@richmondfreepress.com

Advertising Fax: (804) 643-5436 National Advertising Representative NNPA ______________

Distribution GouffyStyle LLC ______________

Richmond Free Press is published weekly by Paradigm Communications, Inc. Copies of the Richmond Free Press (one copy per person) are free of charge at outlets in the Richmond area. Back copies are available at the Free Press office at $3 per copy. Bulk orders can be made prior to any upcoming edition at special rates.

A Publication of

PARADIGM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

422 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone (804) 644-0496

Follow the Free Press on @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA

Richmond Free Press

September 30-October 2, 2021 A9

Letters to the Editor

‘I don’t like where things are headed’ with U.S. Supreme Court Former President Trump added three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court during his tenure in office. They are now a 6-3 conservative majority. We can see signs of the fruit of his labor by watching the U.S. Supreme Court punt the ball to allow Texas to have one of the strictest abortion laws in years. In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed in the case Roe v. Wade that access to a safe and legal abortion is a constitutional right. This law is in jeopardy like never before with the makeup of the court. Many other programs, such as affirmative action and voting

rights, also could be overturned. We have come too far to be turned around now. But the pendulum could swing back if nothing is done about the composition of this court. These are lifetime appointments. President Biden needs to tackle this issue with just as much passion as he did with withdrawing our soldiers from Afghanistan and pushing for passage of the infrastructure bill. President Biden would not be in office if it were not for the many women, people of color and LGBTQ community members who voted for him. Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives

Another lost cause loser The self-declared “very stable genius” and former social media influencer Donald Trump loves slavery and the lost cause of Robert E. Lee’s defeated Confederacy so much, he just can’t keep his ignorant mouth shut. On Sept. 8, he said in regard to Afghanistan, “What an embarrassment we are suffering because we don’t have the genius of a Robert E. Lee.” As a notoriously corrupt and frivolously litigious bankrupted businessman and legendary tax cheat who is infamous also for repeatedly refusing to pay his employees the wages they are legally entitled to, Mr. Trump knows a thing or two about forcing contractors and laborers to work for him without being

paid for their labor. It’s time to make traitor Trump pay for his crimes. Does any American who is not currently in a medically induced COVID-19 coma on a ventilator in a Republican-controlled state have any doubt whatsoever that Mr. Trump is a neo-Confederate, neo-Nazi career criminal

Get rid of debts that you can’t pay.

“Get A Fresh Start” Keep paying on your house and car as long as you owe what they are worth. Also Chapter 13 “Debt Adjustment” STOPS FORECLOSURES, GARNISHMENTS AND HARASSING PHONE CALLS

and U.S. Senate must get with President Biden and urge him to set the wheels in motion to change the composition of the U.S. Supreme Court. What are we waiting for? We have already seen signs of what can or will happen. Doing nothing is not an option. We all need to let our lawmakers know how we feel on this issue. I definitely do not like where things are headed, so I am expressing my views and will contact my legislators as well.

OTHER LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED: Divorce, Separation, Custody, Support, Home Buy or Sell

Start with as little as $100

ERNEST PARKER JR. Richmond

Call Rudy McCollum at (804)218-3614

Explanation, please

24-7. Talk to an attorney for free

and get legal restrictions, fees, costs and payment terms.

who belongs in Rikers Island prison instead of his truly tacky country club in Palm Beach? U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland needs to get a move on and slap the cuffs on Mr. Trump ASAP!

Please explain to me why swarms of Haitian refugees from the first Black republic in the Western Hemisphere are choking the border of the United States trying to get into this incorrigibly racist, white supremacist country?

JAKE PICKERING Arcata, Calif.

H.V. TRAYWICK JR. Richmond

The brotherhood of male bullying Now that 11 people have been indicted and arrested recently in connection with the hazing death of Virginia Commonwealth University student Adam Oakes, universities have to become more involved to establish bylaws that would abandon fraternity hazing and dismantle its humiliating and restraining tyrannical unmanning posturing. Despite all of our advancements in diver-

YOU CAN STILL FILE

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

sity development, bullying within male brotherhood is still seen as being a real man. As sad as it is true, today’s male bonding remains the same antiquated toxic masculine cultural norm. RICK KNIGHT Henrico County

Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr., Esq. McCollum At Law, P.C.

Mail to: P.O. Box 4595, Richmond, VA 23220 422 E. Franklin St., Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23219 (Franklin & 5th Sts.) We are a federally designated Debt Relief Agency under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and we help people file for bankruptcy.

Web Address: McCollumatLaw.com E-mail: rudy@mccollumatlaw.com

Need Home Health Care Services? We provide:

5 5 5 5 5 5

Wound Care, Tube Feeding Tract Care, Bowel and Bladder Care Colostomy Care, Private Duty Medication Administration Diabetes Teaching Catheter Care, Antibiotic Treatment

Call us (804) 234-3540 pmihomehealth@gmail.com

We accept Medicaid

THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO LET OUR GUARD DOWN. 6 ft.

Wear a mask over your nose and mouth

Stay at least 6 feet away from others

Avoid crowds

Find your free vaccine

We’re all tired of COVID-19. But with new and more dangerous variants of the virus here in Virginia, we have to stay committed to stopping the spread. Please do your part by following the steps above. Find your free vaccine at Vaccinate.Virginia.gov or learn more by calling 1-877-VAX-IN-VA.

We’re not finished yet.

We stand We stand

and fight andwe we fearlessly fearlessly fight

for for forfor Equality Equality Equality Equality Justice Justice JusticeOpportunity Justice Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Freedom Freedom Freedom Richmond Free Freedom Press The People’s Paper

Richmond Free Press & 'SBOLMJO 4USFFU 3JDINPOE 7JSHJOJB r The People’s Paper

& 'SBOLMJO 4USFFU 3JDINPOE 7JSHJOJB r

Richmond Free Press

A10 September 30-October 2, 2021

Local News Free Press wire report

Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin clashed Tuesday evening over vaccinations, tax policy, education and their respective records in the second and final debate Mr. McAuliffe in Virginia’s closely watched gubernatorial election. The event, hosted by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus, quickly got off to a combative start and neither candidate let up over the course of the hour, with each accusing the other of lying to voters. Five weeks from Election Day and with early voting already underway, recent polls suggest a tight race between former Gov. McAuliffe, who is seeking a second term after his first ended in 2018, and Mr. Youngkin, a former business executive and political newcomer. Third-party candidate Princess Blanding, who was not invited to participate, interrupted the debate after about 15 minutes, shouting from the audience about the fact that she was shut out. The station broadcasting the debate went to a commercial break. Ms. Blanding told The Associated Press earlier in the day that the Chamber of Commerce had invited her to sit in the audience and meet with the media afterward. “The way that felt to me was, ‘Yes, you can come and get on the bus like everybody else ...

McAuliffe, Youngkin spar over vaccinations, taxes in final debate but you’re going to sit in the back of Mr. McAuliffe called Mr. Youngkin’s the bus.’ I met the requirements just like position on the issue “disqualifying.” they did to get on the ballot, however, Moderator Chuck Todd, NBC News I’m being blocked,” she said. political director, pressed Mr. Youngkin Democrats made huge gains in on whether he believed getting vacciVirginia while former President Trump nated for “measles, mumps or rubella was in office, taking full control of state is a personal choice.” government. But Republicans are more Mr. Youngkin struggled to find his energized and optimistic about their words for several seconds and then Ms. Blanding chances this fall than they have been said: “I think that the data associated in years. The contest, one of only two regularly with those vaccines is something that we should scheduled governor’s races this year, is also draw- absolutely understand the difference between this ing national attention as a possible indicator of vaccine.” voter sentiment heading into next year’s midterm When asked again, he said he thinks those elections. vaccines “can be mandatory.” The first question of the night dealt with the Mr. McAuliffe, as he has throughout the camcoronavirus pandemic, and the candidates main- paign, consistently sought to tie Mr. Youngkin to tained the positions they’ve consistently outlined on Mr. Trump, who lost Virginia by 10 points. At one vaccine mandates, which Mr. McAuliffe generally point, he called Mr. Youngkin “bought and paid supports and Mr. Youngkin does not. for” by the former president. “He wants employers to fire employees who “There’s an over/under on how many times you’d don’t get the vaccine,” said Mr. Youngkin, who is say Donald Trump,” Mr. Youngkin responded. vaccinated and said he believes everyone should “You’re running against me. It’s Terry McAuliffe get it. against Glenn Youngkin.”

In the night’s final question, Mr. Todd asked Mr. Youngkin if he would support Mr. Trump if he ran for president again in 2024. After initially talking around the question, Mr. Youngkin said, “If he’s the Republican nominee, I’ll support him.” Mr. Youngkin One of the event’s sharpest exchanges came during a question about the state’s historic $2.6 billion surplus, which Democratic Gov. Ralph S. Northam has said is thanks to the state’s strong economic outlook but Mr. Youngkin has called the result of over-taxation. Asked why some of that money shouldn’t be returned to taxpayers, as Mr. Youngkin has proposed, Mr. McAuliffe argued that the Republican’s “crazy” tax scheme would devastate Virginia’s economy and lead to cuts in public education. “Revenue and expenses, I know were hard for you. I know they’re hard for you,” Mr. Youngkin, a former co-chief executive officer of The Carlyle Group, shot back, to cheers from the audience. “At the end of the day, Terry, you have no idea what you’re talking about.” While Mr. Youngkin sought to portray Mr. McAuliffe as a failed politician, Mr. McAuliffe went after Mr. Youngkin’s background in private equity, citing unflattering news reports about the performance of some companies his firm acquired, including a nursing home chain that a Washington Post investigation found exposed its patients to “increasing health risks” and racked up health code violations.

RRHA transfers 204 apartment units to private company By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The city’s housing authority is launching a new phase of its plan to turn over all of its public housing to private ownership. On Thursday, Sept. 30, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is to symbolically turn over 204 apartments in five smaller properties that primarily serve families, the elderly and disabled to New Jersey-based The Michaels Organization. According to RRHA, TMO is investing about $69 million to purchase, revitalize and restore the units, using low-interest tax credits and other subsidized financing to make the initiative work. The property transfer, with approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, was completed in June. Some renovation work already is underway. TMO initially has gained the Fulton Apartments, 1221 Denny St. in the East End, with 64 units; the Randolph Apartments, 300 S. Randolph St. in the West End, with 52 units; and the Afton Avenue Apartments, 2201 Afton Ave. in South Side, with 40 units. TMO also has gained Oscar E. Stovall Place, 100 W. 24th St. in South Side, with 30 units; and the Bainbridge Apartments, 28th and Bainbridge streets, with 18 units. The units were developed between 1971 and 1984, with only Stovall and Randolph having received facelifts since then.

Based on the figures supplied by RRHA, TMO paid about $100,000 per unit and is planning to invest about $226,000 per unit to modernize the five complexes. The renovation will bring central air conditioning, washer-dryers and dishwashers to each unit, RRHA stated. RRHA has not announced any minority Ms. Danielsbusiness participation with this initiative. Fayson RRHA stated that Richmond-based Moseley Architects has been hired to handle the design work, while Henrico County-based The Breeden Company, a major apartment developer, has been tapped as general contractor. TMO will operate the units under the umbrella name of Richmond Family Housing, RRHA said. In addition, RRHA noted that a nonprofit called Better Tomorrows has been hired to provide social services to residents of the complexes after the renovations are completed. “The residents of these communities deserve an exceptional living environment to call home and raise their families. With this public-private partnership, we will achieve that goal,” said Stacey Daniels-Fayson, RRHA’s interim chief executive officer. RRHA has gone this route because it, like other local authori-

ties, has seen the federal funding for maintenance shrink. HUD has been pushing for privatizing public housing for more than a decade because of funding shortfalls from Congress. “Michaels [Organization] is grateful for the trust RRHA has placed in us to revitalize these communities and lift the lives of the residents who live there,” said Curtis Adams, the TMO vice president who is leading the renovation and redevelopment of the Richmond units. According to RRHA, TMO paid $22.8 million for the five properties, with RRHA retaining the land and providing a 99-year lease to the company. RRHA also is financing the property purchase, Ms. Daniels-Fayson said. TMO also raised $46 million for redevelopment work through the sale of tax credits and through securing tax-exempt bond finding, RRHA said. TMO was chosen in 2018 to take on this initiative, Ms. DanielsFayson said, noting it took time to put all the financing pieces in place. TMO is in line to gain six other properties with a total of 349 units. That changeover is expected to be completed in 2022 after the financing is assembled. Virginia Housing, the state’s home financing operation, has received applications from TMO to take on much of the financing.

L -ii iÀÃ > ` Business Owners, Meet ONE Casino + Resort At Two Events JOB SEEKERS

Join us for a Community ONE Job Opportunity Fair Wednesday, October 13th, noon to 4 pm at Liberation Church. Learn about the upcoming construction jobs and the 1,500 exciting and well-paying casino jobs on the way.

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES & EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Promote your business at our Diverse Supplier Event Thursday, October 14th, 5 to 7 pm at Liberation Church. Meet the construction team behind ONE Casino + ,iÃ ÀÌ > ` w ` ÕÌ Ü Þ Õ V> }iÌ Û Ûi`°

LIBERATION CHURCH 5501 Midlothian Turnpike Richmond, VA 23224

onecasinoresort.com

Richmond Free Press

September 30-October 2, 2021 A11

Sports

Stories by Fred Jeter

VSU hopes bad news will fall to good in Saturday’s match against St. Aug’s

Courtesy of Virginia Union University

Virginia Union University running back Kore PrenticeCole, a freshman from Fayetteville, N.C., carries the ball right up the center during last Saturday’s game against Johnson C. Smith University. The Panthers defeated the Golden Bulls 43-7 on their home turf in Raleigh, N.C.

Bad and good news are sprinkled together for Virginia State University’s beleaguered football team. The bad news is that the Trojans fell to 0-3 last Saturday with a 24-14 CIAA loss at Fayetteville State University. The good news is that the Men of Troy are returning home this Saturday, Oct. 2, to face another down-in-the-dumps CIAA squad, St. Augustine’s University. Kickoff is 6 p.m. at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick. The St. Augustine’s Falcons from Raleigh, N.C., are 0-2, with a 58-14 loss to Tusculum University of Tennessee and a 59-12 setback to Chowan University on their ledger. VSU Coach Reggie Barlow continues to look for a full-time quarterback to take the place of departed three-season starter Cordelral Cook. Mark Wright, a sophomore from Georgia, alternated with sophomore D’Vonte Waller in the loss at Fayetteville. Wright and Jordan Davis had shared duties in the first two VSU games. In his first action as quarterback, the 6-foot-3 Waller hit seven

of 14 passes for 70 yards. Waller arrived at VSU with a glowing resume from Highland Springs High School in Henrico. In 2018, he led the Springers to the State 5A title with a 15-0 record. Highlights for VSU at Fayetteville included a 37-yard touchdown run by Demetrius Strickland and a 77-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Tyrone Fisher. VSU has only four touchdowns in three games, including one by Fisher on defense. Defensively, VSU has been solid. Zion Johnson was in on 13 tackles and Aponte Braxton was credited with four sacks against Fayetteville State. The offense has been the problem. The Trojans had only 14 first downs and 131 yards total offense at Fayetteville State as the team hunts for a cure for its offensive woes. St. Augustine’s, having yielded 117 points in two games, could be just what the doctor ordered.

VUU on a roll; taking on Shaw this Saturday Virginia Union University football has gone from famine to feast—and the Panthers are hungry for more. After two deflating September losses, VUU has conquered opponents during the last two weeks, defeating Virginia University of Lynchburg 49-7 on Sept. 18 and host Johnson C. Smith University 43-7 last Saturday. “All the goals we started the season with are still there,” said VUU Coach Alvin Parker. “That means winning the (Northern) divisional title and, hopefully, the (CIAA) championship.” That might require running the table the next six weeks, starting with the opponent this Saturday, Oct. 2, CIAA rival Shaw University of Raleigh, N.C. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Hovey Stadium on Lombardy Street. The VUU Hall of Fame Class of 2021 will be honored at halftime. Like VUU, Shaw University, which is in its fifth season under Coach Adrian Jones, has switched from cold to hot. The Bears opened with losses to Wingate University and Davidson College. But since then, the Bears have defeated Central State University of Ohio 52-0 and CIAA rival Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 41-6. “Shaw is big and fast, definitely a challenge,” said Coach Parker. VUU quarterback Khalid Morris showed his best marksmanship last Saturday against Johnson C. Smith. The senior out of Thomas Dale High School in Chesterfield County

hit 20 of 31 passes for 390 yards and five touchdowns. The five touchdown tosses fell just short of the school record of six set by Lamar Little in 2007 and Carl Wright in 1991. “Khalid is an unselfish guy. He doesn’t care if we run 40 times or pass 40 times,” Coach Parker said. His favorite target, as usual, was Charles Hall, the “Jersey Jet,” who made six catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns, including a 77-yard masterpiece. The VUU record for most receiving yards in a game is 239, set by Rodney Hounshell in 1990. “We’ve got a lot of playmakers, and Charles is a catalyst,” Coach Parker said. Jada Byers, who leads the CIAA in rushing, settled for 14 yards overland against Johnson C. Smith and made three receptions for 51 yards, including a 28-yarder. Another standout has been punter Marvin Holmes, a freshman from Varina High School in Henrico County. In 16 attempts through four games, Holmes has averaged 42 yards per punt, with three fair catches and nine kicks inside the 20-yard line. VUU hopes to be 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the CIAA for homecoming, Saturday, Oct. 9, against Lincoln University. Homecoming is long overdue on Lombardy Street. The Panthers’ alumni missed last year’s traditional homecoming when the entire CIAA opted out of the season because of COVID-19.

CIAA game schedule Saturday, Oct. 2 Shaw University at Virginia Union University, 1 p.m. Johnson C. Smith University at Bowie State University, 2 p.m. St. Augustine’s University at Virginia State University, 6 p.m. Winston-Salem State University at Chowan University, 6 p.m. Lincoln University at Fayetteville State University, 7 p.m. Livingstone College at Elizabeth City State University, 2:30 p.m.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Thomas Jefferson football Coach Josef Harrison, holding football, stands with his senior standouts during Monday’s practice. They are, from left, lineman Lemonta Whitaker, running back Arthur Sutton and lineman Jermaine Booker.

Thomas Jefferson High shuts out rival John Marshall 37-0 It’s like Thomas Jefferson High School has planted a “Do Not Enter” sign on its defensive goal line. Coach Josef Harrison’s Vikings have allowed only three touchdowns all season while compiling a 4-1 record, by far the best among Richmond Public Schools teams. “We’re very happy with our defense, and it’s only getting better,” Coach Harrison said after the Vikings’ 37-0 shutout last Friday of crosstown rival John Marshall High School. Coach Harrison estimates his Vikings defense, dubbed the “Bermuda Triangle,” has amassed 30 sacks and five interceptions with wins over John Marshall, Greensville High (25-8), Meadowbrook High (20-6) and Armstrong High (7-0) and a loss to Amelia High (8-7). The fired-up West Enders will try to improve to 5-1 this Friday, Oct. 1, at Deep Run High School in Western Henrico County. Kickoff is 7 p.m. The offensive hero against John Marshall High was running back Arthur Sutton, who raced for 103 yards and three touchdowns, including a 45-yarder.

K’Vaughan Pope gets the boot from Ohio State

Former Dinwiddie High School football standout K’Vaughan Pope has been dismissed from the team at Ohio State University. The Big 10 school’s decision to dismiss Pope came after he angrily stormed off the field in last weekend’s victory over the University of Akron. The senior linebacker will remain on scholarship the second semester. He has been mostly a backup during his four seasons with the Buckeyes. His brother, Kymon Pope, is a redshirt freshman defensive back at Virginia State University.

“Arthur is the kind of kid you can build around,” Coach Harrison said. “He can run between tackles or he can take off outside and turn it up field.” The long list of defensive stalwarts includes linebacker Loring Johnson, Jason Fowler, Lemonta Whitaker and Jermaine Booker. Coach Harrison, a former Virginia Union University defensive lineman and defensive coach, is in his first season as Thomas Jefferson’s head coach after previously serving as an assistant under Coaches Chad Hornik and P.J. Adams, who is now head coach at Mills Godwin High. The Vikings opted out of the 2020 season because of the pandemic, but were 11-3 and advanced to the State 2A semifinals in 2019. That means Thomas Jefferson, once among the area’s weaklings, is 15-4 over its last 19 games. Competing in the state’s Class 2 based on enrollment, Thomas Jefferson will be cast in the role of “giant killer” for the rest of the regular season. The teams remaining opponents are Deep Run High (Class 5), J.R. Tucker High (Class 5), Glen Allen High (Class 5), Colonial Heights High (Class 3) and Coach Adams’ Godwin Eagles (Class 5). The Vikings don’t seem to care about enrollments and feel no inferiority. There are no plans to take down the “Do Not Enter” sign regardless of the opponent’s higher classification. “We’ve got something special going on here,” Coach Harrison said. “Our defense never rests.” Richmond Public Schools football scoreboard Friday, Sept. 24, scores Powhatan 42, George Wythe 12 Clover Hill 48, Huguenot 40 Thomas Jefferson 37, John Marshall 0 Armstrong at Hanover, postponed Friday, Oct. 1, games Thomas Jefferson at Deep Run, 7 p.m. John Marshall at Douglas Freeman, 7 p.m. George Wythe at James River, 7 p.m. Huguenot at L.C. Bird, 7 p.m.

Hopewell’s TreVeyon Henderson sets freshman rushing record TreVeyon Henderson hardly broke stride in moving from Hopewell High School to football’s national spotlight at Ohio State University. In his first start for the Buckeyes, Henderson rushed for a freshman record 277 yards in a Sept. 18 win over the University of Tulsa at the famed “Horseshoe” in Columbus, Ohio. That broke the Buckeyes freshman record of 236 yards set by Archie Griffin in 1972. Additionally, it was the third most yards a

Buckeye ever rushed for, trailing only Trey Sermon’s 331 yards last year and Eddie George’s 314 yards in 1995. The gifted newcomer followed that up with 93 yards on just eight carries in a 59-7 win over the University of Akron on Sept. 25. He scored two touchdowns, including a 35-yard dash. Listed at 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds, Henderson was among the nation’s

TreVeyon Henderson

top-rated recruits while at Hopewell High under Coach Ricky Irby. As a Hopewell Blue Devil, Henderson rushed for more than 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, while leading Hopewell to the 2018 and 2019 State 3A titles. Making a non-traditional decision, Henderson skipped his senior season at Hopewell High when football was

moved from fall to the spring because of COVID19. He enrolled at Ohio State in January 2021 and competed in the university’s spring drills. Don’t feel too sorry for Hopewell losing Henderson for his senior season. Henderson’s brother, Kesean Henderson, has shown similar skills and already has scholarship offers from the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, among others, as a sophomore. He was dynamic last spring as a freshman, filling in for his brother.

Richmond Free Press

A12 September 30-October 2, 2021

Stepping up when it matters most Last year, we committed $1.25 billion over five years to build on our long-standing work in support of driving racial equality and economic opportunity. To date, we’ve directly funded or invested nearly $400 million of this commitment, in addition to other ways we continue to make an impact in our communities. Our actions include: • $36 million to 21 Minority Deposit Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks that support minority-owned businesses. This is in addition to our approximately $100 million in deposits to MDIs and our existing $1.8 billion CDFI portfolio. • $300 million to 100 equity funds to provide capital to diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners • $10 million grant to fund the Center for Black Entrepreneurship (CBE), in partnership with Spelman and Morehouse colleges • $25 million to 21 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) and community colleges in support of job skilling and placement • Establishing new partnerships and coalitions focused on building skills and creating job opportunities for people of color • $60 million to increase access to capital and career opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) affordable housing developers • 33 million+ masks, more than 272,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and 8 million gloves to communities in need • $1.35 million in grants to support mental health initiatives for young people of color • $25 million founding partnership in the Smithsonian’s new initiative on race, Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past These are just some examples of how we’re working with community partners, business leaders, experts and academics across the public and private sectors to continue to drive progress. At Bank of America, we call this a nice start.

Victor Branch President, Bank of America Richmond

What would you like the power to do?® Go to bankofamerica.com/richmond to learn more.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

RFF2021 Freepress Ad 0927 HIGHREZ.pdf

9/27/21

Richmond Free Press

3:05 PM

September 30-October 2, 2021 B1

ROCK YOUR ROOTS 3 DAYS, 5 STAGES, 30+ GENRES OF MUSIC

OCT. 8-10

DOWNTOWN RICHMOND’S RIVERFRONT • FREE

GOSPEL BLUES SICILIAN JAZZ & HIP HOP GO-GO PLEASE BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

Wear A Mask

Maintain Social Distance

Clean Your Hands

Be Vaccinated

richmondfolkfestival.org

#RVAfolkfest

PRODUCED BY

FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL

Richmond Free Press

B2 September 30-October 2, 2021

Happenings 33rd Annual 2nd Street Festival returns Oct. 2 and 3 in Jackson Ward

The annual 2nd Street Festival, Richmond’s free fall music and cultural festival celebrating Jackson Ward, returns this weekend after going virtual last year because of COVID-19. The two-day festival, now in its 33rd year, will feature a variety of music and entertainment on three stages, running from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3. It will take place within an eight-block area along 2nd Street between Broad and Jackson streets in Jackson Ward. Along with the musical entertainment, there will be food vendors, a marketplace and artist row and vintage cars displayed by the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club. Musical headliners are Plunky & Oneness on Saturday evening and Mighty Joshua on Sunday afternoon. Performances also will include a musical tribute to Prince, the Virginia Union University Gospel Choir, Young Prince Charles, Bak N Da Day and the Richmond Urban Dance Company.

“We’re really excited to be back in the Jackson Ward neighborhood,” stated Sharon Bassard, booking and festival manager for Venture Richmond, the Downtown booster organization that sponsors the festival. “This year’s lineup features Richmond favorites and up-andcoming artists,” she stated. “From jazz to reggae and gospel to R&B, you’ll be able to find a stage over the weekend with your favorite music — all for free.” Organizers ask that festivalgoers follow federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 protocol and wear a mask and maintain social distancing during the event. Richmond radio host Gary Flowers, whose family has a four-generation connection to Jackson Ward, will lead walking tours of the neighborhood, which was once known as “Black Wall Street of the South” and the “Harlem of the South.” The free, 60-minute guided tours leave at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from the sidewalk at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site at 2nd and Leigh streets.

Additionally, festivalgoers can see the street signs honoring notable Jackson Ward residents who have played a major role in the history of the city and the nation. The honorary street signs are spearheaded by the JXN Project, headed by sisters Sesha Joi Moon and Enjoli Moon, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Jackson Ward. They also will be featuring a video Oct. 2 about many of the notable people, known as “Unveiling the Vanguard,” on their website, www.thejxnproject.com and on social media @TheJXNProject. Festivalgoers also can purchase the official 2021 2nd Street Festival poster designed by Richmond artist Unicia R. Buster, a former graphic designer at the Richmond Free Press whose work has been shown in galleries on the East Coast and abroad, from her quilt art. Posters also are available for sale at Plan 9 Music in Carytown and online beginning Monday, Oct. 4, at Plan9Music.com. Details about the festival are available at venturerichmond. com. Look for “Our events.”

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Crabs & Q Crabs, gumbo and burgers were among the plentiful fare last Saturday at “Coming Out of the Corona Crab & Q,” a free community event in the East End encouraging people to vote, stop the violence, get vaccinated against COVID-19 and advocate for new city schools to be built. Hundreds of people enjoyed the food, music and camaraderie being outdoors and in the sunshine. The event, held outside the Bacon Retirement Community at 815 N. 35th St., was sponsored

by James E. “JJ” Minor III, and numerous groups, including the Richmond Branch NAACP, the Help Me Help You Foundation, United Communities Against Crime and health care organizations. Far left, Darryl Jordan stirs one of his pots of gumbo. Members of the Richmond, Va., chapter of the Continental Societies Inc. wrap and package food items, above, as they are ready for the waiting crowd.

Metropolitan Opera makes history with first work by a Black composer Free Press wire report

NEW YORK “We bend, we don’t break. We sway!” sings the chorus in the second act of Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” That is how much of the audience of about 4,000 in the Metropolitan Opera felt as they watched Monday night’s landmark performance, the first staged work in the house since March 2020 and the first by a Black composer in the long history of a company that launched in 1883. With many of the women wearing evening

gowns and jewels and a large percentage of the men in black tie and even a few in white tie, tails and top hats, people greeted each other to celebrate their return to Lincoln Center after an absence they never imagined. After a historic gap of 566 days, the country’s largest performing arts organization had resumed staged presentations in the start of the season scheduled to run until June 11. The return attracted a far more diverse audience than it usually attracts and was simulcast live to video screens in Times Square and Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park.

Melvin Van Peebles, ‘godfather’ of modern Black cinema, dies at 89 Free Press wire report

NEW YORK Melvin Van Peebles, the groundbreaking filmmaker, playwright and musician whose work ushered in the “blaxploitation” wave of the 1970s and influenced filmmakers long after, has died. He was 89. In a statement, his family said that Mr. Van Peebles, father of actor-director Mario Van Peebles, died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at his home in Manhattan. “Dad knew that Black images matter. If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth?” Mario Van Peebles said in a statement last week. “We want to be the success we see, thus we need to see ourselves being free. True liberation did not mean imitating the colonizer’s mentality. It meant appreciating the power, beauty and interconnectivity of all people.” Sometimes called the “godfather of modern Black cinema,” the multitalented Mr. Van Peebles wrote numerous books and plays, and recorded several albums—playing multiple instruments and delivering rap-style lyrics. He later became a successful options trader on the stock market. But he may be best known for “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song,” one of the most influential movies of its time. The low-budget, art-house film, which he wrote, produced, directed, starred in and scored, was the frenzied, hyper-sexual and violent tale of a Black street hustler on the run from police after killing white police officers who were beating a Black revolutionary. With its hard-living, toughtalking depiction of life in the ghetto, underscored by a message of empowerment as told from a Black perspective, it set the tone for a genre that turned out dozens of films over the next few years and prompted a debate over whether Black people were being recognized or exploited. “All the films about Black

Mr. Peebles

people up to now have been told through the eyes of the AngloSaxon majority in their rhythms and speech and pace,” Mr. Van Peebles told Newsweek in 1971, the year of the film’s release. “I could have called it ‘The Ballad of the Indomitable Sweetback.’ But I wanted the core audience, the target audience, to know it’s for them,” he told The Associated Press in 2003. “So I said ‘Ba-ad Asssss,’ like you really say it.” Made for around $500,000, including $50,000 provided by Bill Cosby, the film grossed $14 million at the box office despite an X rating, limited distribution and mixed critical reviews. The New York Times, for example, accused Mr. Van Peebles of merchandizing injustice and called

the film “an outrage.” Mr. Van Peebles, who complained fiercely to the Motion PictureAssociation over the X rating, gave the film the tagline: “Rated X by an all-white jury.” Born Melvin Peebles in Chicago on Aug. 21, 1932, he would later add “Van” to his name. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1953 and joined the Air Force, serving as a navigator for three years. After military service, he moved to Mexico and worked as a portrait painter, followed by a move to San Francisco, where he started writing short stories and making short films. Mr. Van Peebles soon went to Hollywood, but he was only offered a job as a studio elevator operator. Disappointed, he moved to Holland to take graduate courses in astronomy while also studying at the Dutch National Theatre. Eventually, he gave up his studies and moved to Paris, where he learned he could join the French directors’ guild if he adapted his own work written in French. He quickly taught himself the language and wrote several novels.

There was a minute ovation for the orchestra at the start, even before “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung with many a shimmering high note. And when it was over more than three hours later, about nine more minutes of applause for the cast, the composer, librettist and film maker Kasi Lemmons, the production team and finally Charles M. Blow, The New York Times opinion columnist whose 2014 memoir was adapted for the opera. The evening was a triumph for Mr. Blanchard, a 59-year-old jazz trumpeter and composer who, like Mr. Blow, is from Louisiana. A wrenching tale of child molestation in segregated northern Louisiana of the 1970s is beautifully composed with nuances of shade and color. “Fire” premiered in 2019 at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and was brought to the Met as part of a co-production that will travel to the Lyric Opera of Chicago in March and Los Angeles Opera in a future season. The Oct. 23 matinee from the Metropolitan Opera, the last of eight performances, will be broadcast to movie theaters around the world. This was Mr. Blanchard’s second opera after 2013’s “Champion,” about boxer Emile Griffith,

and the music is most colorful and moving in orchestral parts. At times, the vocal writing can seem more restrained, especially in the first act. Energy lifts at the start of the second act in a Baptist church with “Wash Me Clean” and his recollection of a storm from his youth.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Riding with a message A line of motorcycles and cars parade through the city last Saturday promoting a message to end the violence in low-income areas and raise money for families of shooting victims. This was the fifth annual event sponsored by Kattz Angelz motorcycle group. The 75-minute ride started on Mechanicsville Turnpike in Henrico County, wound through several public housing communities in Richmond and ended at a Harley-Davidson outlet on Hull Street Road in Chesterfield County, where participants enjoyed food and music. Participants, including Robert “Patch” Suthrin, left, and Eric “Big E” Royal, who are registering, paid $15 to ride in the parade, with proceeds going to help two families who have lost loved ones to violence.

THA NK

100th Birthday on August 25, 2021

Guidance from state and city oﬃcials, health and human services divisions, and VA K12 directives for large group activities were continuously consulted to support the decision.

Your CALLS, VISITS, CARDS, GIFTS, PRAYERS, WELL WISHES and OTHER ACTS OF KINDNESS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED AND WILL BE LONG REMEMBERED.

Since 2006, this free event presented by the non-proﬁt organization, Richmond Alumnae Delta House Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Richmond Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. draws high school juniors, seniors and their parents from across the Commonwealth of Virginia, colleges across the United States, and numerous volunteers and supporters from Richmond and surrounding communities. Since 2010, over $145,000,000 has been awarded. Anna M. Gee, Coordinator RVA Inﬁnite Scholars Program

YO U

FAMILY MEMBERS, CHURCH MEMBERS, NEIGHBORS, FORMER RPS CO-WORKERS, ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY SISTERS and FRIENDS for helping me to celebrate my

Richmond Alumnae Delta House Foundation, Inc. announces cancelation of the October 9, 2021, RVA Inﬁnite Scholars College Admission/Scholarship Fair, scheduled to be presented at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The event was held virtually in 2020 because of COVID-19. Now, 2021 is the ﬁrst year that it has been canceled.

Thelma Y. Pettis, Board Chair Richmond Alumnae Delta House Foundation, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Jason DeCrow/Associated Press

Cast members perform during a rehearsal Sept. 24 of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” an opera by jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The opera, the first by a Black composer in Met history, is based on the 2014 memoir of New York Times columnist Charles Blow.

GOD BLESS YOU! u Eddie N. Patrick

Richmond Free Press

September 30-October 2, 2021 B3

Happenings With COVID-19 still a clear and present danger, building and maintaining human connection can be difficult. It’s a need that Mollie S. Reinhart and the organization she founded, Befriend, seek to address. “Befriend connects people to meet one another and forge new relationships by uniting through compassion,” Ms. Reinhart says. “Our goal is to create friendships instead of divisions so that every person can embrace empathy, foster understanding and unite our world.” From the individual level to the governmental level, compassion should be central, Ms. Reinhart explains. “We believe compassion should be at the core of our community’s actions—how we live, how we legislate and how we connect and thrive.” The Maryland native founded Befriend in December 2017 after the kind of chance encounter and growth the group seeks to ensure in others. Ms. Reinhart says the connection she made with someone whose experience was far different from Ms. Reinhart’s comfortable life was transformative, and one that led to even further connections and friendships. Looking to bring that experience and opportunity to as many as possible, Ms. Reinhart sees Befriend as a conduit for personal growth for those involved, regardless of their background. Befriend offers various opportunities for people to connect through Befriend Gatherings at events and places such as coffee shops, gyms and community cleanups. Two such events are coming up: Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Jefferson Park on Princess Anne Avenue in Church Hill, where people will share inspirational quotes and conversation, and Tuesday, Oct. 12, a cleanup along the 25th Street corridor in Church Hill. “I’ve had some amazing conversations with new friends

Personality: Mollie S. Reinhart Spotlight on founder of Befriend while doing a community cleanup event,” Ms. Reinhart says. Ms. Reinhart’s work with Befriend isn’t just focused on the individual, but the institutional. In May 2020, Befriend led the City of Richmond’s proclamation as a City of Compassion, joining the International Charter for Compassion global movement, a movement guided by the Golden Rule: To treat others as you wish others to treat you. In March 2020, she was asked to join the then-nascent Human Services Expert Cabinet of Richmond, representing Befriend and Community Connections/Compassion. She uses this role to “continually seek and promote new ways for our city to lead through a lens of compassion.” Befriend’s work within Richmond is only the start of Ms. Reinhart’s vision for the group. Already, she says, Befriend is expanding across the country and around the globe. “We hope to continue spreading compassion all over the world.” Meet an advocate for compassion and connection and this week’s Personality, Mollie S. Reinhart: No. 1 volunteer position: Founder, Befriend. Date and place of birth: July 19 in St. Michaels, Md. (July 19 is the same date as on the official seal of the City of Richmond. Always thought that was interesting!) Where I live now: Richmond. Education: Bachelor’s in psychology and management from Hood College; master’s in education in human development psychology, Harvard University Graduate School of Education; and current student at Stanford

University’s applied compassion training certification program. Occupation: Founder, Befriend, a movement of connection through compassion. Family: Married 32 years to Jim, my high school sweetheart, and three wonderful children, Porter, 27, Hunter, 24, and Caroline, 21. Befriend is: Connection through compassion. When and why Befriend was founded: Befriend started in December 2017 by chance when I met a woman who lived 5 miles from me yet endured a completely different life. I live in a comfortable, safe home; she is in public housing and hears gunshots every night. We became friends and I’ve been changed forever. This opened me up to other friendships. People became curious about these relationships, which ultimately led to the very organic beginning of Befriend. Story behind the name: As my

first friendship continued and others followed, I shared my experiences, my findings and my personal growth with my friends, Reggie Gordon and Patty Parks. The three of us would often talk about how we felt we were “on to something groundbreaking.” But could simply being a friend be this life-changing? For me, it was. As our conversations continued and evolved, the core principle of friendship or befriending people rose to the top. Befriend was born. A friend is: An equal, trustworthy, respectful, honest, kind and fun! Racial equity and Befriend: Befriend creates opportunities for people from different backgrounds to share their stories and foster understanding and respect for every human being. Sparking this connection of recognizing our common humanity encourages racial healing. Most memorable moment to date through Befriend: Anytime I “see” a light bulb go off at one of our Befriend Gatherings and someone is changed forever. I also have to mention when one of my first friends I met through Befriend, Ed, unexpectedly texted me, “Happy Mother’s Day!” Befriend’s No. 1 hope for Richmond: Healing and transformation. How Befriend is funded: Through individual donations. How Befriend works: Befriend provides opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect and share each others’ stories. We continually spread the message of doing random

acts of compassion as beginning ways to connect. For example, consider treating someone to a cup of coffee. Befriend partners with: Anyone who would like to collaborate with us! There are many ways to connect with different people, and we are always open to discovering new opportunities. For example, we partner with YMCA of Greater Richmond, 804 Coaches for Change, Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building, RVA Light, RVA Fitness Warriors, Richmond Police Department, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, Communities in Schools of Richmond, Richmond Animal League, and many others. Ways readers can get involved and make new friends: Follow us on Instagram@befriend. movement (this is where we do most of our updates), join our email list at www.befriendmovement.org, or email mollie@ befriend.movement. Upcoming events: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Jefferson Park, 1941-1999 Princess Anne Ave. Join us for conversation and sharing inspirational quotes. Also 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 25th Street Corridor Clean-Up with Richmond Police Department and Real Life. Meet at 1111 N. 25th St. Email mollie@befriend. movement.org to sign up for either of these events. How I start the day: Being grateful for a new day to spread compassion and kindness and to serve our community. A perfect day for me is: Walking in nature and then enjoying the Chesapeake Bay with my family. What I am learning about myself during the pandemic:

When I learned to become comfortable with uncertainty, endless possibilities opened up. Fear was no longer present. I embraced the circumstances, adjusted as necessary and learned to be flexible, creative and innovative to develop new ways of human connection. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Given this time of year, I love to eat an entire bag of candy corn! Quotes that I am inspired by: “When you know better, you do better.” — Maya Angelou “I wonder how many people I’ve looked at all my life and never seen.” — John Steinbeck, “The Winter of Our Discontent.” Friends describe me as: Kind, inspiring, compassionate, trustworthy and energetic. At the top of my “to-do” list: Spreading acts of compassion and kindness every day. Acts of compassion, big or small, matter! Best late-night snack: Peanut M&Ms. (I’m eating them now.) Best thing my parents ever taught me: Go for my dreams (and they were my safety net if I fell). Person who influenced me the most: Regarding Befriend, hearing Bryan Stevenson, author of “Just Mercy,” speak at Virginia Commonwealth University a few years ago was transformative for me. Many Befriend concepts stem from his work. And Ciji Redd was the woman from Creighton Court I met in December 2017 who changed my life forever. Next goal: While Befriend’s roots are in Richmond, we are expanding all over the United States and the world — most recently to Africa! We hope to continue spreading compassion all over the world. A documentary is in the works to reach even more people! Let’s unite the world and create a better tomorrow for all.

NOVEMBER THEATRE ARENSTEIN STAGE

DISCOVER IT ALL

By Dominique Morisseau

AT THE GARDEN THIS FALL!

DIRECTION BY

KATRINAH CAROL LEWIS

OCT 15 - NOV 7

lewis Ginter 3x10.5 HARVESTFEST

Dominique Morisseau, described by The New York Times as “a playwright of piercing eloquence,” brings a timely and urgent examination of race and education to the stage in this riveting play about love, parenting, and a mother’s struggle to give her son a future out of the school to prison pipeline.

VIRGINIA REPERTORY THEATRE | VIRGINIAREP.ORG | 804-282-2620 DOWNTOWN ON BROAD STREET

Saturday, Oct. 23 • 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24 • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Celebrate fall in all its beauty, with live music, food, family-friendly activities and more— all on 50 acres of gorgeous gardens!

Plan your visit now at lewisginter.org

21LGB0321_RichmondFreePress_QuarterPageAd-FALL_rd2.indd 1

9/27/21 1:08 PM

Richmond Free Press

B4 September 30-October 2, 2021

Obituaries/Faith Directory

David N. Smith, former banking executive and state official, dies at 66

Card of

Thanks

In grateful appreciation, the family of the late

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond area. He spent 14 years with that bank and its sucDavid Nathaniel Smith wanted to be a journalcessor, Bank of America, before moving to be ist but found his road to success in commercial vice president of commercial lending for then sales and banking. Black-owned Consolidated Bank & Trust Co., Mr. Smith went on to serve as Virginia’s now Peoples Bank. deputy secretary of commerce and trade during His stay at Consolidated Bank was short-lived. the governorship of now-U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine. In 2006, newly elected Gov. Tim Kaine tapped “My father would command any room he Mr. Smith to be a deputy state secretary, with a entered,” said his son, David N. Smith II, comfocus on finding ways to boost state spending munity coordinator for a restaurant chain. “He had with small businesses, most notably Black- and a booming voice and made his presence felt.” minority-owned businesses and women-owned Mr. Smith said his father succumbed to businesses. Mr. Smith was involved in a variety Mr. Smith health issues on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at age of business deals and heavily involved in issues 66. His life and contributions were celebrated during a funeral related to state spending with those businesses. service Friday, Sept. 17, at the Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel His son said that after Gov. Kaine’s term ended in 2010, in North Side. his father closed out his career with the Virginia Department An additional service and burial were held in Columbia, S.C. of Transportation. A native of Columbia, Mr. Smith graduated from the UniThe elder Mr. Smith also was active with the area YMCA. versity of South Carolina. He was a former board chairman of the North Richmond YMCA “He wanted to be a journalist,” his son said, adding that life and a member of the board of the Tuckahoe YMCA. and family matters led his father to a sales job with DuPont. A He also served as a trustee of Greater Refuge Church of Our transfer brought him to DuPont’s Spruance Plant in Richmond Lord Jesus Christ. and a home in Henrico County. Survivors include another son, Brandon E.B. Smith; a sister, After 18 years in sales and advertising, his work caught Joyce Smith; a brother, William E. Smith; and a grandson. the eye of a recruiter for what was then NationsBank. He was The family requests that memorial contributions be made to tapped to be a vice president for small business lending in the the American Cancer Society or the Lustgarten Foundation.

Rev. Dr. Clifton Whitaker, Jr.,

wishes to express its deep gratitude to all who supported us during our time of loss. Special recognition is extended to the Cedar Street Baptist Church family, Rev. Anthony Chandler, pastor; the Grayland Baptist Church family, Bishop Dexter Cannon, pastor; The Community Mass Choir; The Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond and Vicinity; Engine Company #9 and Associates; all program participants and numerous others who gave their time and resources on behalf of our loved one. Please know that the love and kindness shown to our family will remain forever in our hearts.

Jazz saxophonist Carlton Ayles dies at 77 By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond jazz icon Carlton Andrew Ayles has died. Mr. Ayles, a saxophonist who entertained for decades in the Richmond area, succumbed Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, to complications from a lung ailment. He was 77. The Philadelphia transplant received final tributes from family and friends on Monday, Sept. 27, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in South Side. He was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery. As his family noted in the program, Mr. Ayles was 9 years old and in the fourth grade when he “met his first love, the saxophone. Samuel Grant, his first band teacher, recognized a ‘diamond in the rough’ and

Mr. Ayles

motivated (Carlton) to play the instrument.” Along with his music, Mr.

Singer Sarah Dash, co-founder of Labelle, dies at 76 Free Press wire report

“Touch Me All Over.” But the group’s best known NEW YORK tune was “Lady Marmalade,” Singer Sarah Dash, who a song about New Orleans sex co-founded the all-female workers from their 1974 album group Labelle—best “Nightbirds.” known for the rau“Lady Marmacous 1974 hit “Lady lade” reached No. 1 Marmalade”—has on both the Billboard died. She was 76. Hot 100 and Hot Patti Labelle Soul Singles (now and Nona Hendryx Hot R&B/Hip-Hop completed the trio. Songs). It was voted They announced Ms. into the Grammy Hall Dash’s death Monof Fame in 2003 and day, Sept. 20, 2021, appears in both Baz Ms. Dash on social media. No Luhrmann’s hypercause of death was disclosed. active 2001 movie “Moulin “We spoke a musical lan- Rouge” and the Broadway guage, music says it best. musical inspired by the film. Singing brought us together,” Labelle disbanded in 1976. wrote Ms. Hendryx. “Sarah Dash was an awesomely talented, beautiful and loving soul who blessed my life and the lives of so many others in more ways than I can 2021 say,” Ms. Labelle wrote. “Rest Sunday, October 10, 2021 Morning Worship 10:00 am in power my dear sister.” Speaker: Michael Collins Ms. Dash originally started in the group The Ordettes, Theme: Build A Spiritual Home before it morphed into The Fall In Troubled Times Bluebells and then into Patti Colors Proverbs:24:1-3 LaBelle and the Bluebelles. In Drive In (weather permitting) the early 1970s, they shortened or join us on Facebook it to Labelle, changed their UBCSOUTHRICHMOND outfits and veered toward funk, with all three members singing lead and background. They made gospel-soul covers of rock songs, and their original tunes included the 1813 Everett Street ballad “Can I Speak to You Richmond, Virginia 23224 804-231-5884 Before You Go to Hollywood?” Reverend Robert C. Davis, Pastor “Morning Much Better” and

Le�’s Celebrat�

HOME COMING

Union Baptist Church

Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

All church ac�vi�es are canceled un�l further no�ce. Follow us on Facebook for “A Word from Moore Street’s Pastor” and weekly Zoom worship info. Drive-thru giving will be available the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. (Bowe Street side) You also may give through Givelify. Be safe. Be blessed.

Riverview

Baptist Church Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call ( ) - Pin 572890#

Ayles also played football while in middle school and later for Armstrong High School before he graduated. While taking college classes in the Richmond area, he fell under the spell of jazz stars Stanley Turrentine and Gene Ammons. He started playing with G.C. Coleman and the Soul Twisters and later performed with Mike Harrison & The Imperials. Mr. Ayles’ music career was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army, his family stated. He served in Korea and on a U.S. base, rising to sergeant before his discharge. Returning to Richmond, he first joined a band called Brother Love, then formed his first band, the Carlton Ayles Sextet, featuring some of the best known jazz musi-

cians in the Richmond area. Members included trumpeter Peyton “P.J.” Johnson, pianist Debo Dabney, bass player Jan Simpkins, flutist Al Walters and drummer Reggie Smith. Mr. Ayles later toured the area with another band he organized, Legacy, performing at festivals, weddings and various events. Outside of music, he also worked as a receiving clerk at an area bank for 20 years. He was a longtime member of Club 533 and an avid golfer. He was proud to be ranked among the small group of players who have achieved one of the rarities of the game, a hole in one, that is putting the ball in the hole with one stroke of a club. Mr. Ayles is survived by a niece and two nephews.

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

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

“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 0DU " . Morning Worship BOE )PMZ $PNNVOJPO

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us! Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary. Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

Back Inside

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

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

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

Worship With Us This Week!

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

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

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.”

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

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

e with Reverence elevanc R g in Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor bin ❖ om

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

Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service – 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

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

Richmond Free Press

September 30-October 2, 2021 B5

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, November 8, 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. 2021-273 To authorize the special use of the property known as 419 Brook Road for the purpose of a (i) mixeduse building containing uses permitted in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District on the ground floor and one dwelling unit on the second floor or (ii) two-family dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in both the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District and the B-1 Neighborhood Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary Uses: Single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units) and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+ units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 49 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2021-274 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1108 North 28th Street for the purpose of up to three single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings (10+units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 16 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2021-275 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1301 North 32nd Street for the purpose of a mixeduse building containing up to two dwelling units and commercial space, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for this property is R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed Use. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings (10+units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 26 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2021-276 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3026 North Avenue for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Residential. Primary Uses: Singlefamily homes, accessory dwelling units and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multifamily buildings (3-10 units), institutional and cultural uses. Secondary uses may be found along major streets and the portion of North Avenue that the property abuts is designated as a major street. The density of the proposed development is approximately 15 units per acre.

Continued from previous column

adopted May 14, 1990. The current zoning for the subject property is R-48 Multifamily Residential. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates this property as Neighborhood Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+units), retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural, and government. Ordinance No. 2021-278 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 6900 Patterson Avenue and 6904 Patterson Avenue for the purpose of (i) up to seven single-family attached dwellings; (ii) either one single family detached dwelling or offices, including business, professional and administrative offices, medical and dental offices and clinics, and studios of writers, designers and artists engaged in the graphic arts; and (iii) one common area, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for the subject property is R-4 SingleFamily Residential. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates this property as Community MixedUse. Primary Uses: Retail/office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Single-family houses, institutional, and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 17 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2021-279 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3422 R Street for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-5 Single-Family Zoning District. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed Use. Primary Uses: Single family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 15 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2021-280 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3310 RichmondHenrico Turnpike for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-5 SingleFamily Zoning District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Residential. Primary Uses: Singlefamily homes, accessory dwelling units and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings (3-10 units), institutional and cultural uses. The density of the proposed development is approximately 19 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2021-281 To rezone the properties known as 1903 Chamberlayne Parkway and 1900 Roane Street from the M-1 Light Industrial District to the B-7 Mixed-Use Business District. The property is situated in the M-1 Light Industrial District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category 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. Ordinance No. 2021-282 To rezone the property known as 925 East 4th Street from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the B-7 Mixed-Use Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use of the subject property as Destination Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Institutional and government.

Continued from previous column

as Corridor Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/ office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Singlefamily houses, institutional and government uses. Ordinance No. 2021-284 To close, to public use and travel, an alley bounded by West Leigh Street, North Belvidere Street, West Duval Street, and Brook Road, consisting of 2,370± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the November 8, 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 City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, October 11, 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. 2021-268 To amend Ord. No. 2019188, adopted Jul. 22, 2019, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2020-094, adopted May 11, 2020, and to amend Ord. No. 2020-164, adopted Aug. 10, 2020, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2020-191, adopted Sept. 28, 2020, Ord. No. 2021089, adopted Apr. 26, 2021, and Ord. No. 2021184, adopted Jul. 26, 2021, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to submit original and amended Fiscal Year 2020 Consolidated Annual Action Plans to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as an application for the receipt of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds; accepted funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the total amount of $15,027,206.00; and appropriated $16,318,561.00 for various projects, to appropriate $201,627.00 in additional CDBG program income, reappropriate $334,112.00 in additional CDBG and ESG prior year surplus, and reappropriate $1,245,771.00 in reallocated CDBG-CV and ESG-CV funds, for the purpose of an inclement weather shelter project. Ordinance No. 2021-269 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from the Vi r g i n i a D e p a r t m e n t of Criminal Justice Services; to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities called the Youth Gun Violence Prevention Program Special Fund and by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the new Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities’ Youth Gun Violence Prevention Program Special Fund by $143,200.00; and to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Non-Departmental agency by $356,800.00 for the purpose of funding youth gun violence prevention programs.

Ordinance No. 2021-277 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3401 Patterson Avenue for the purpose of a restaurant, tea room, café, delicatessen, ice cream parlor, or similar food service establishment, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal of Ord. No. 90-142-117,

Ordinance No. 2021-283 To rezone the property known as 2723 East Cary Street from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the B-5 Central Business District. The property is situated in the M-2 Heavy Industrial District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property

Ordinance No. 2021-270 To amend Ord. No. 2021041, adopted May 24, 2021, which adopted the Special Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and appropriated the estimated receipts of the Special Revenue funds, to transfer funds in the amount of $1,300,000.00 from the Office of the City Attorney’s “Delinquent Tax Sales” special fund and to amend Ord. No. 2021-042, adopted May 24, 2021, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital

Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Budget, and determined a means for financing the same by appropriating the funds transferred to the Fiscal Year 20212022 Capital Budget by increasing revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ Enslaved African Heritage Campus project by $1,300,000.00 for the purpose of procuring design services and associated community engagement. Ordinance No. 2021-271 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $1,489,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20212022 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Transportation Projects project in the Transportation category by $1,489,000.00 for the purpose of funding the construction of improvements to Forest Hill Avenue from its intersection with Hathaway Road to its intersection with Powhite Parkway. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the October 11, 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 KEITH ROBINSON, Plaintiff v. ROBERTA ROBINSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002197-00 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 November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER PATRICIA HARRIS, Plaintiff v. TYRONE HARRIS, Defendant. Case No.: CL21003129-00 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 November, 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 MARCIA WOLFE, Plaintiff v. CANTINA WOLFE Defendant. Case No.: CL21003112-00 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 8th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

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 SHEROD BARBER, Plaintiff v. TIFFANY BARBER, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002284-00 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 8th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHARLES YEATMAN, Plaintiff v. WHITNEY SINCLAIR, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002217-00 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 8th day of November, 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 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHRISTOPHER GREEN, Plaintiff v. CHARITY GREEN, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002299-00 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 8th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SHAUN LANGHORNE, Plaintiff v. DANIELLE SMITHERS, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002096-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 4th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

Continued from previous column

is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 4th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANDREA BRAMMER, Plaintiff v. JEFFREY BRAMMER, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002983-00 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 28th 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 NAOMI QUARTERMAN, Plaintiff v. EUGENE QUARTERMAN, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002722-00 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 4th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JUSTIN MARTIN, Plaintiff v. JESSICA SCHOOLCRAFT, Defendant. Case No.: CL21003047-00 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 4th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER COREY COLEMAN, SR., Plaintiff v. DREAMA BAKER, Defendant. Case No.: CL21001662-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING DARRYL M. JACKSON, Plaintiff v. LISA A. JACKSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL20-2378-4 AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit includes, inter alia, the divorce of the parties. It appearing by affidavit that Lisa A. Jackson’s last known address is Picture Lake Camp Ground, 7818 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23803; it also appearing that Lisa A. Jackson is no longer residing at her last known address and her current whereabouts are unknown to the Plaintiff; that Plaintiff’s counsel attempted to locate Lisa A. Jackson’s current address via a public records software search, which did not yield results. It is therefore ORDERED that LISA A. JACKSON appear before this Court on or before October 28, 2021 and protect her interests herein.

Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

A Copy, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk I ask for this: Erik D. Baines, Esquire (BSB # 83618) BARNES & DIEHL, P.C. Boulders VI - Suite A 7401 Beaufont Springs Drive Richmond, VA 23225 ebaines@barnesfamilylaw.com (804) 796-1000 (telephone) (804) 796-1730 (facsimile) Counsel for Plaintiff

taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Larry Inge and Cindy Inge. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, LARRY INGE and CINDY INGE, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that LARRY INGE, CINDY INGE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND RICKETA V MCCRAY, Plaintiff v. CLAUDE L BUCKHALTER, JR., Defendant. Case No.: CL21-2163-4 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a no-fault divorce. It is ORDERED that the defendant, Claude L. Buckhalter, Jr., appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before October 25, 2021. A Copy, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

Property VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MALEA, LLC, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3628 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4200 Richmond Highway, Tax Map Number S009-0221/006, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Malea, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MALEA, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that MALEA, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. THE SAMUEL D. DICKSON REVOCABLE TRUST, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-2641 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2610 East Franklin Street, Tax Map Number E000-0439/020, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, The Samuel D. Dickson Revocable Trust. An Affidavit having been filed that TRUSTEE, THE SAMUEL D. DICKSON REVOCABLE TRUST, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that TRUSTEE, THE SAMUEL D. DICKSON REVOCABLE T R U S T, a n d P a r t i e s Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND John Marshall Courts Building CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. NOE FLORES, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3626 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 823 China Street, Tax Map Number W0000165003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Noe Flores and Jennifer Flores. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, Noe Flores and Jennifer Flores, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 18-24912 on 6 December 2018, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that Noe Flores and Jennifer Flores, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 1824912 on 6 December 2018, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. EDWARD BITTNER, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3121 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2520 Rear Belt Boulevard, Tax Map Number C009-0480/026, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Edward Bittner. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, EDWARD BITTNER, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that EDWARD BITTNER, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. LARRY INGE, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3051 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2400 Buford Avenue, Tax Map Number S009-0265/011, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ZOBIA MAHMOOD, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3354 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 5214 Germain Road, Tax Map Number C008-0339/020 Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the

Continued on next column

Continued on next page

Richmond Free Press

B6 September 30-October 2, 2021

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

name of the owner of record, Zobia Mahmood. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ZOBIA MAHMOOD, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that ZOBIA MAHMOOD, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. EDWIN MAURICE BEANE, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3611 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4025 Crutchfield Street, Tax Map Number S000-2917/030, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Edwin Maurice Beane. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, EDWIN MAURICE BEANE, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that EDWIN MAURICE BEANE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. GREGORY MARIO MCKOY, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-2644 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3422 Delaware Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-1265/003, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner/s of record, Gregory Mario McKoy, Shantell Taylor, Curtis Taylor, Illuminato Taylor, Taj Mitchell, Sadie Mitchell, Dominique Malone and Travell Teal. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, GREGORY MARIO MCKOY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owners, SHANTELL TAYLOR, CURTIS TAYLOR, TAJ MITCHELL, SADIE MITCHELL, and DOMINIQUE MALONE, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owners, ILLUMINATO TAYLOR and TRAVELL TEAL have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/ or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that GREGORY MARIO MCKOY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, S H A N T E L L TAY L O R , CURTIS TAYLOR, TAJ MITCHELL, SADIE MITCHELL, DOMINIQUE MALONE, ILLUMINATO TAYLOR, TRAVELL TEAL, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ROSA EDITH FRANCO, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3351 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3325 McGuire Drive, Tax Map Number C009-0172/012, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, name Rosa Edith Franco and Merlos Elmer Dubon. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ROSA EDITH FRANCO and MERLOS ELMER DUBON, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and has/have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that ROSA EDITH FRANCO, MERLOS ELMER DUBON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. KAY ANN STRONG, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3356 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3121 Falcon Road, Tax Map Number C001-1092/002, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Kay Ann Strong. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, KAY ANN STRONG, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that KAY ANN STRONG, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. TARIQA WATERS, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-2663 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3008 Hanes Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-0972/007, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Tariqa Waters, Tiffany Coleman and Reginal L. Coleman, III. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, TARIQA WATERS, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, TIFFANY COLEMAN, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, REGINAL L. COLEMAN, III, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that BENJAMIN J. DRUMMOND, Registered Agent for DRUMMOND CONSTRUCTION, INC, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that TARIQA WATERS, TIFFANY COLEMAN, REGINAL L. COLEMAN, III, BENJAMIN J. DRUMMOND, Registered Agent for DRUMMOND CONSTRUCTION, INC, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. TABATHA OSBORNE, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3053 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2600 Harold Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-0711/014, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Tabatha Osborne, Lisa J. Osborne and Russell E. Osborne. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, TABATHA OSBORNE, LISA J. OSBORNE, and RUSSELL E. OSBORNE, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that TABATHA OSBORNE, LISA J. OSBORNE, RUSSELL E. OSBORNE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. LARRY W. INGE, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3078 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2403 Coles Street, Tax Map Number S009-0065/023, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner/s of record, Larry W. Inge. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, LARRY W. INGE, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that LARRY W. INGE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. AQUALAND 3, LLC, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3627 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2210 Edwards Avenue, Tax Map Number S000-0459/005, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Aqualand 3, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that RICK WAYBRIGHT, Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Registered Agent for AQUALAND 3, LLC, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that RICK WAYBRIGHT, Registered Agent for AQUALAND 3, LLC, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. CHARLENE BOND, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-2691 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1907 Redwood Avenue, Tax Map Number E012-0250/015, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Charlene Bond. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, CHARLENE BOND, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that CHARLENE BOND, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

Continued from previous column

collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, name Joshua Nathanian Patterson. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JOSHUA NATHANIAN PATTERSON, who has/have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has/have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that J O S H U A N AT H A N I A N PATTERSON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

2610 Hopkins Road C0090528064 City of Richmond v. Omicron Group, LLC, et. al. CL20-2104 2807 Hopkins Road C0090583070 City of Richmond v. Naomi C. Wilson, et. al. CL20-5061 3313 Hopkins Road C0090789008 City of Richmond v. Robert O. Gegugeit, et. al. CL20-3579 2910 Hull Street S0001342003 City of Richmond v. Archelle Johnson, et. al. CL20-4841 2410 Ingram Avenue S0000865006 City of Richmond v. Specialized Home Loans, et. al. CL20-4358 911 Irby Drive C0050690002 City of Richmond v. Monte’s Trust, et. al. CL20-5060 2509 Kensington Avenue W0001126011 City of Richmond v. Bradford Jay Kirby, et. al. CL20-5361 500 East Ladies Mile Road N0001563015 City of Richmond v. Mary E. Wigfall, et. al. CL21-838 718 Lincoln Avenue N0180427027 City of Richmond v. RVFM 8 LLC, et. al. CL20-65 3410 Logandale Avenue S0071062002 City of Richmond v. Peggy Coley Carter, et. al. CL21-756 2317 M Street E0000293004 City of Richmond v. William McKinley Perry, et. al. CL20-2621 1608 Mechanicsville Turnpike E0120334004 City of Richmond v. Rosa Jordan, et. al. CL20-4110 1600 Monteiro Street N0000290012 City of Richmond v. Thomas Jasper Johnson, et. al. CL20-1933 108 North Morris Street W0000457011 City of Richmond v. MTC Futures, LLC, et. al. CL20-5423 2401 Oakland Avenue S0071377018 City of Richmond v. Evans Lee Clark, et. al. CL20-2662 2401-A Oakland Avenue S0071377025 City of Richmond v. Evans Lee Clark, et. al. CL20-2662 2401-B Oakland Avenue S0071377024 City of Richmond v. Evans Lee Clark, et. al. CL20-2662 2401-C Oakland Avenue S0071377023 City of Richmond v. Evans Lee Clark, et. al. CL20-2662 8900 Old Holly Road C0010508038 City of Richmond v. Doris Ann Toy, et. al. CL21-2137 8913 Old Holly Road C0010550016 City of Richmond v. Michele K. Jones, et. al. CL20-5784 2640 Pompey Spring Road C0090526056 City of Richmond v. Robert E. Owens, et. al. CL20-5848 314 Preston Street N0000088016 City of Richmond v. Shirley Harvey, et. al. CL20-1628 318 Preston Street N0000088014 City of Richmond v. David Thorne, et. al. CL20-1629 3601 ½ Richmond Highway S0080884052 City of Richmond v. Shakuntala I. Patel, et. al. CL20-499 3603 Richmond Highway S0080884051 City of Richmond v. Shakuntala I. Patel, et. al. CL20-499 3605 Richmond Highway S0080884050 City of Richmond v. Shakuntala I. Patel, et. al. CL20-499 3607 Richmond Highway S0080884048 City of Richmond v. Shakuntala I. Patel, et. al. CL20-499 2100 Richmond Street

E0000764001 City of Richmond v. Daniel T. Bohannon, et. al. CL19-4156 2002 Ridgemont Road S0071634009 City of Richmond v. Elvert S. Wood, et. al. CL21-861 1609 Rogers Street E0001235005 City of Richmond v. Calvin H. Wright, et. al. CL20-4355 2303 Rose Avenue N0000488009 City of Richmond v. Alice Fowler, et. al. CL20-3309 4321 Saratoga Road C0010363016 City of Richmond v. D & T Land Trust, et. al. CL21-2118 5015 Snead Road Rear C0080660064 City of Richmond v. John B. Coleman, Jr., et. al. CL21-2937 1710 Spotsylvania Street E0120333009 City of Richmond v. James Henry Roots, III, et. al. CL20-1651 3019 Terminal Avenue C0090593002 City of Richmond v. Inez Fleming, et, al. CL21-2640 3220 Terminal Avenue C0090589018 City of Richmond v. Tekeisha Smith, et, al. CL21-1037 2300 Venable Street E0000425029 City of Richmond v. Venable Properties, LLC, et. al. CL21-1016 2417 Whitcomb Street E0120224006 City of Richmond v. Samuel Atsu, et, al. CL20-5337 TERMS OF SALE: All sales are subject to confirmation by the Richmond Circuit Court. The purchase price will include the winning bid plus 10% of the winning bid. High bidders will pay at the time of the auction a deposit of at least 20% of the purchase price, or $5,000.00, whichever is greater. If the purchase price is under $5,000.00, high bidders will pay in full at the time of the auction. High bidders will pay the balance of the purchase price to the Special Commissioner, and deed recordation costs, by a date and in a form as stated in a settlement instruction letter. Time is of the essence. If a high bidder defaults by not making these payments in full, on time, and in the required form, the Special Commissioner will retain the deposit, and may seek other remedies to include the cost of resale or any resulting deficiency. Settlement shall occur when the Richmond

Circuit Court enters an Order of Confirmation. Conveyance shall be either by a special commissioner’s deed or a special warranty deed. Real estate taxes will be adjusted as of the date of entry for the Order of Confirmation. Properties are sold “as is” without any representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, subject to the rights of any person in possession, and to all easements, liens, covenants, defects, encumbrances, adverse claims, conditions and restrictions, whether filed or inchoate, to include any information a survey or inspection of a property may disclose. It is assumed that bidders will make a visual exterior inspection of a property within the limits of the law, determine the suitability of a property for their purposes, and otherwise perform due diligence prior to the auction. T h e S p e c i a l Commissioner’s acceptance of a bid shall not limit any powers vested in the City of Richmond. Additional terms may be announced at the time of sale. Individuals owing delinquent taxes to the City of Richmond, and defendants in pending delinquent tax cases, are not qualified to bid at this auction. Bidders must certify by affidavit that they do not own, directly or indirectly, any real estate with outstanding notices of violation for building, zoning or other local ordinances. Questions may be directed to Gregory A. Lukanuski at greg.lukanuski@rva.gov or (804) 646-7949, or to Christie Hamlin at christie.hamlin@ rva.gov or (804) 646-6940. Gregory A. Lukanuski Deputy City Attorney Special Commissioner 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia 23219

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. JOSHUA NATHANIAN PATTERSON, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3357 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1112 Irby Drive, Tax Map Number C005-0585/031, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SPECIAL COMMISSIONER’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Pursuant to the terms of Orders of Sale entered in the Richmond Circuit Court, the undersigned Special Commissioner will offer the following real estate for sale at public auction at Motleys Asset Disposition Group, 3600 Deepwater Terminal Road, Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm, or as soon thereafter as may be effected. The sale is subject to the terms and conditions below and any other terms and conditions which may be announced on the day of auction. Announcements made on the day of the auction take precedence over any prior written or verbal terms of sale. 3101 1st Avenue N0000990014 City of Richmond v. Dorothy R. Snydor, et. al. CL20-3962 3306 2nd Avenue N0001071009 City of Richmond v. Peter L. Meredith, et. al. CL20-1624 3024 3rd Avenue N0000920003 City of Richmond v. 1417 Investment, LLC, et. al. CL21-2120 2606 4th Avenue N0000717004 City of Richmond v. James Pointer, Jr., et. al. CL21-2119 2409 Alexander Avenue S0080815054 City of Richmond v. Dorothy M. Woolford, et. al. CL20-2665 2306 Burton Street E0000427024 City of Richmond v. Haywood Williams., et. al. CL21-1573 3014 Bradwill Road C0040695014 City of Richmond v. Annie Rebecca Green, et. al. CL20-6044 2327 Carrington Street E0000470014 City of Richmond v. Harry E. Jones, Sr., et. al. CL20-5066 3212 Cliff Avenue N0001140023 City of Richmond v. Richard E. Souels, et. al. CL18-962 1604 Columbia Street S0071377003 City of Richmond v. Stella Clark, et. al. CL20-3075 2832 Dunn Avenue N0000906012 City of Richmond v. Eugene Lee, et.al. CL21-2394 8909 Elm Road C0010508010 City of Richmond v. Doris Ann Toy, et. al. CL21-2136 1801 Fairfax Avenue S0000456012 City of Richmond v. Orion Development Group, LLC, et.al. CL21-950 6922 Forest Hill Avenue C0040662028 City of Richmond v. Randy K. Davis, et. al. CL20-2120 8001 Forest Hill Avenue C0030240001 City of Richmond v. J. Everett Johnson, et. al. CL20-239 8011 Forest Hill Avenue C0030240002 City of Richmond v. J. Everett Johnson, et. al. CL20-240 8021 Forest Hill Avenue C0030240003 City of Richmond v. J. Everett Johnson, et. al. CL20-241 3700 Greenbay Road C0090557040 City of Richmond v. Robert E. Owens, et. al. CL20-4886 1712 Greenville Avenue W0000785016 City of Richmond v. Lillie Virginia Green, et. al. CL20-3002 2918 Hanes Avenue N0000887002 City of Richmond v. Matthew S. Johnson, et. al. CL20-66 1823 Harwood Street S0071082013 City of Richmond v. Richmond Renovations, Inc., et. al. CL21-1119 5612 Heywood Road C0080372024 City of Richmond v. G. Michael Lyons, et. al. CL20-5062

Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. EQUITY TRUST COMPANY, CUSTODIAN, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-3352 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1338 Drewry Street, Tax Map Number S007-1134/017, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Equity Trust Company, an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Custodian FBO Ronald Foster IRA. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, EQUITY T R U S T C O M PA N Y, a n entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, CUSTODIAN FBO Ronald Foster IRA, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that EQUITY TRUST COMPANY, an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, CUSTODIAN FBO Ronald Foster IRA, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

Continued on next column

LICENSE Crafty Crab Eastgate Inc. Trading as: Crafty Crab 4995 Nine Mile Road Richmond, Virginia 23223 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Beverage on premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Jian Feng Pan, 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.

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

ELEPHANT INSURANCE SERVICES LLC SEEKS ONE MID-TIER SOFTWARE DEVELOPER: Design complex multi-tier software apps. Provide software development operational support associated w/ existing applications. Apply practical & theoretical knowledge in software development to define, design, implement, maintain, & enhance the company’s web software apps. Develop layered applications including user interface, business functionality, & database access. Reqs: Master’s degree in IT, Comp Sci, Comp Apps, or related IT field, or foreign equiv.; 3 yrs exp. as a JAVA developer; & 2 yrs concurrent exp. using Angular 8, Go Lang, Web services, REST, Azure, Jenkins, VSCode, Github, Artifactory, Docker, Oracle, JavaScript, Node.js, HTML, CSS, JUnit, Karma, SonarQube, Jasmine. In the alternative: a Bachelor’s degree in IT, Comp. Sci., Comp. Apps., or related IT field, or foreign equiv.; 5 yrs exp. as a JAVA developer; & 2 yrs concurrent exp. using Angular 8, Go Lang, Web services, REST, Azure, Jenkins, VSCode, Github, Artifactory, Docker, Oracle, JavaScript, Node.js, HTML, CSS, JUnit, Karma, SonarQube, Jasmine. Job in Henrico VA. Only applicants sending cover letter, CV, salary reqs & references to Logan Buyalos, Employee Relations Manager, 9950 Mayland Dr., Deep Run I, 4th Floor, Henrico, VA 23233 will be considered.

Continued on next column

Flagger Traffic Plan seeks Flaggers to set up & control traffic around construction sites. A valid driver’s license is a must, good pay, and benefits. If interested please fill out an application online at www.trafficplan.com