Richmond Free Press September 9-11, 2021 edition by Richmond Free Press

VOL. 30 NO. 37

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

ee Fr

Fr ee

Ruby Scoops owner Rabia Kamara wins ‘Clash of the Cones’ B2

SEPTEMBER 9-11, 2021

The 131-year-old, six-story bronze symbol of white supremacy honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue is taken down as scores watch in person and online

Onlookers raise their fists in the air in solidarity with the removal of the towering statue at Monument and Allen avenues.

From hatred to hope Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Workers carefully lower to the ground Wednesday the 12-ton bronze statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from the large stone pedestal on Monument Avenue where it has stood since 1890.

An empty pedestal covered with colorful anti-racist slogans. That’s all that remains of the state’s greatest symbol of white supremacy – the statue of the traitorous Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee riding his horse, Traveller. On Wednesday, after more than a year of legal maneuvering, the 21-foot-tall, 12-ton bronze statue of the slaverydefending Civil War loser was taken down from its perch in a traffic circle at Monument and Allen avenues, where it had seemed to be permanently affixed since 1890. Who knew it could be so quick and easy? Cheers and chants of “Na, na, na, na, hey, hey, hey, goodbye,” erupted among the 300 or so people who had gathered to witness a crane lifting the statue from the pedestal and depositing it on the ground in two minutes. A few years ago, this historic and dramatic change in Richmond’s landscape would have seemed impossible, but there is was—livestreamed to the hundreds of thousands of people who watched via computer and cell phone. Security was tight, but statue supporters waving Confederate battle flags did not make an appearance. Please turn to A4

This can’t be all: ‘A paradigm shift must occur’ By George Copeland Jr.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Devon Henry, president and chief executive officer of the Newport News-based Team Henry Enterprises, hugs his mother, Freda Thornton, after the Lee statue came down on Wednesday. Mr. Henry’s company was responsible for the removal and disassembly of the statue for storage in an undisclosed secure location. He faced death threats after his company’s role in removing Richmond’s other Confederate statues in July 2020 was made public.

Cheers, chants and singing echoed across Monument Avenue early Wednesday morning as a few hundred people gathered to watch the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue from the perch where it has stood over the city for more than a century. For the crowd, which ranged from college-age to senior citizens, this was history in the making, with a palpable enthusiasm for Richmond’s future. “All of this is a historic moment, and we shouldn’t stop here” said Muhammad Abdul-Rahman, an organizer with Richmond New Mainstream, who rallied the crowd by leading chants. “The people united will never be divided!” some chanted. And they sang, “Hey, hey, hey, goodbye.”

Not a single person waving a Confederate flag was seen. There was a more uniform sense of purpose among Wednesday’s spectators compared to July 2020 when other monuments to the Lost Cause were taken down. Some people waved Black Lives Matter flags and there was a sign that put it simply and plainly: “F--- These Statues.” And while the crowd, which was kept at a distance, had to move to opposite ends of the street to see the statue’s removal through the trees, it

did little to dampen the enthusiasm when the 12-ton bronze statue was finally lifted from its pedestal. The work to remove and disassemble the statue for storage was overseen by Team Henry Enterprises, led by Devon Henry, a Black executive who has faced death threats after his company’s role in removing Richmond’s other Confederate statues was made public last year. He told the Associated Press the Lee statue posed the most complex challenge. “It won’t transport in this

Please turn to A4

First day jitters The first day of school always brings jitters – to parents as well as youngsters heading off to class for the very first time. Fran Neal encourages her son, Anthony Mitchell, on Wednesday morning outside Chimborazo Elementary School in Church Hill, where he is in pre-kindergarten. Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras was outside the school to welcome youngsters and talk with parents at the start of the 2021-22 academic year. Wednesday was the first day of in-person learning for thousands of city public school students since the pandemic forced a shutdown in March 2020.

Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Sept. 9, 1 to 3 p.m., Hotchkiss Field Community Center, 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd. • Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1 to 3 p.m., Eastern Henrico Recreation Center Pavilion, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. • Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1 to 3 p.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) 2053501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.

height, so we need to lift the rider off the horse and transport it that way,” Mr. Henry said. “From a thickness standpoint, we don’t know how long it will take. Are there iron supports? It’s a total mystery.” By mid-afternoon, the pieces of the statue were gone, hauled away on a flatbed truck to cheers from the remaining crowd. The only moment of conflict came from a brief argument between local anti-Confederate residents and Aubrey “JaPharii”

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-area-covid-19-testingsites/ The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID-19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19testing-sites/.

Please turn to A4 Clement Britt

A2 September 9-11, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Three Virginia HBCUs join Apple initiative Three historically Black universities in Virginia are part of an Apple-inspired initiative to get more people of color involved in computer coding and computer science. Virginia State, Norfolk State and Hampton universities are among the 45 HBCUs that have joined the partnership that the technology giant launched a year ago with Tennessee State University to get HBCUs more involved in technology fields. The program involves training campus educators to use Apple’s Swift programming language and having each university begin to incorporate Apple’s “Everyone Can Code” and “Everyone Can Create” programs into school offerings. The initiative also involves each school creating a center for coding and creativity to help spread instruction in computer coding to nearby K-12 schools, local governments and community organizations. As part of its $30 million investment, Apple also is providing iPad and Mac labs to the schools and offering student scholarships, internships and other opportunities in a bid to attract more Black young people to computer-related fields. Hampton and Norfolk State were among early joiners, while VSU announced Tuesday that it had accepted the invitation to develop a center for coding and creativity to serve Central Virginia. “This past year has shed light on the importance of technology in our ever-advancing global society,” Dr. Dawit Haile, dean of VSU’s College of Engineering and Technology, stated. “This new initiative and partnership with Apple provides our students an opportunity to further be a part of the revolutionary world of technology.”

RAA earns re-accreditation Free Press staff report

The Richmond Ambulance Authority still ranks among the top ambulance companies in the country despite personnel shortages that have slowed its responses to emergency calls. The evidence: The RAA once again has met the standards of excellence in patient care that a national commission sets for medical transport services. The RAA released the findings of the independent Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, or CAAS, which re-accredited the city’s emergency services for three more years, the maximum allowed, following a top-to-bottom review. Preparing to mark its 30th anniversary next month, the RAA is “thrilled to again be recognized for our strong commitment Mr. Decker to our patients and our community,” stated Chip Decker, RAA’s chief executive officer. The city-supported RAA was launched Sept. 23. 1991, to replace private providers and upgrade ambulance service in Richmond. The authority’s paramedics and emergency medical technicians respond to nearly 200 calls a day and, of those, transport 150 patients to hospitals and other medical providers. Renewed accreditation “validates the hard work of our dedicated staff and the data-driven methods we use to deliver high-quality emergency medical services and patient-centered care to the residents of Richmond,” Mr. Decker stated. RAA is one of 190 ambulance companies in the country that have voluntarily sought and received CAAS accreditation. Those receiving accreditation are just a tiny fraction of the 18,000 emergency transport services in the United States, according to CAAS The CAAS states on its website that its accreditation is the “gold standard” for the ambulance industry and that its stamp of approval means an operation meets the requirements that the ambulance industry has determined “to be essential in a modern medical services provider.” The commission adds that its standards “often exceed those established by state or local regulation” and are designed to increase operational efficiency and clinical quality while reducing an ambulance company’s risk and potential liability. To earn CAAS accreditation, RAA stated that it had to “exhibit excellence in patient care and in its operational relationships with other agencies, the general public and the medical community.” RAA and a private ambulance company in Virginia Beach are the only emergency transport services in Virginia to have earned CAAS accreditation, according to the commission. RAA also has earned accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch and is one of only 32 American ambulance companies to have earned accreditation from both bodies. The IAED reaffirmed its accreditation of the Richmond service in 2020.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

The red light at Franklin and Madison streets in Downtown appears to have swelled in size, but the distortion the camera captured Sept. 1 reflects the impact of a downpour. The forecast for Richmond calls for far more heat than rain in the coming week. Temperatures are projected to climb into the upper 80s this weekend and hit the low 90s early next week, creating muggy conditions again ahead of fall’s arrival later this month. The chance of rain, though, is forecast to be virtually nonexistent through next Wednesday.

City may wind up with surplus from 2020-21 budget year By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Hall appears to have weathered the financial storm caused by the pandemic and could wind up reporting a surplus for the 2020-21 fiscal year that ended June 30 after the final numbers are in. With a flood of money pouring in from various sources in the new budget year that began July 1, and with real estate values continuing to soar, City Council could face pressure by next spring to consider lowering the property tax rate for the first time in 15 years. According to a fourth quarter report from the city Department of Budget and Strategic Planning, the city essentially spent just about as much as it brought in the 2020-21 fiscal year that ended June 30. The report acknowledges that some revenue accrues through mid-August and that the final numbers would change as a result of the annual audit. Soon after the pandemic began in March 2020, City Council followed Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s recommendation and slashed $40 million in projected spending from the budget that was to go into effect July 1, 2020. Overall, the report indicates the city collected $783.6 million in revenue and spent about $779.6 million by the time the books were closed at the end of June. Virtually all of the $4 million difference involves expenditures that were approved in the 2020-21 fiscal year but will be paid in the current fiscal year. The revenue total includes $37.2 million in federal CARES Act funding that the federal government provided directly to the city. Including those funds, the city spent about $3,445 per resident on everything from police and fire services to planning

and social services. The bottom line: The city will not have to tap its rainy day fund for $5.6 million to ensure a balanced budget. Based on past years, there is an expectation the results for 2020-21 could show a surplus when the preliminary audited results are released in a few weeks. But even if that does not happen, the current picture for the 2021-22 fiscal year is far brighter. First, the city has received $77 million Mayor Stoney from the American Rescue Plan, or half of the $154 million total it will receive over two years. That money has not been allocated. And even more ARP money could be available. The council heard Tuesday evening about millions of dollars for specific programs that could flow into city coffers. Also, later this year, the city could receive a one-time infusion of $25.5 million from would-be casino operator Urban One if city voters approve a ballot measure authorizing the company’s casino and resort in South Side. In addition, the city received an infusion of $16.7 million from the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, which is sharing receipts from an increase in the sales and gasoline taxes that area residents began paying last year to Richmond and eight other localities. That money is not included in the general fund, but is recorded in a different part of the budget as it is earmarked for street paving and sidewalk improvements. Meanwhile, the general fund for the current 2021-22 fiscal year is projected

to enjoy a $28 million increase to $772 million, up from the reduced $744 million that council budgeted during the 2020-21 fiscal year. That total does not include the federal CARES Act money. Much of that increase is to come from an increased tax on property owners, based on the rising value of property in the city. The latest report from City Assessor Richie N. McKeithen shows that the average value of a single-family home in Richmond hit a record $315,000 this year, up $38,000 or 13.7 percent from the $277,000 average value he reported just a year ago, and up nearly 20 percent from the $264,000 average value that he reported in 2019. Though many properties are valued at far less, the jump in values would mean that the owner of a property that was revalued from $277,000 to $315,000 would owe $456 in additional city real estate taxes, based on the current rate of $1.20 per $100 of assessed value. At $277,000, the tax would amount to $3,324 per year; at $315,000 the tax would amount to $3,780 a year. The council has kept the $1.20 rate intact since 2007, rejecting Mayor Stoney’s request to raise it several years ago and rejecting other proposals to reduce it. As yet, there is no sign of any organized movement to push for a lower tax rate, and whether that develops ahead of City Council’s consideration of the tax rate in the spring remains to be seen. The new tax bills based on the increased assessments have not yet been issued. The leap in the average value of a single-family property, though, is adding to pressure on the council to do more to push development of so-called affordable housing that features a lower price tag and would enable more people to become homeowners in the city.

Community health fair Sept. 11 at Hillside Court A group of churches, community and religious organizations are hosting the Mind, Body & Soul Health Fair in Hillside Court from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, in the Hillside Court public housing community, 1500 Harwood St. Free COVID-19 vaccines will be available, along with health screenings, food, games and community resource education. Joining in the program are the Hillside Tenant Council and the Richmond City Health District.

Splash landing

Project Restore Community Outreach Day at Chesterfield flea market Project Restore and E.Y.P.C., Empowering Youth for Positive Change, are holding a Community Outreach Day 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Jefferson Davis Flea Market, 5700 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Chesterfield County. Bookbags and school supplies will be given away during the free event that features a variety of activities for youngsters, including a bounce house, music and food. COVID-19 vaccinations will be provided by the Capital Area Health Network, along with other health screenings and community resources. Organizers hope to spread the word about Project Restore and its free services, including housing counseling, mental health services and opioid addiction services. “The need is great and we are intentional about meeting that need,” stated Towanda Darden, chief executive officer of E.Y.P.C.

Levi Vaughan, 6, enjoys the cooling spray at the splash pad at Battery Park Pool in North Side last Saturday. The youngster and his family were visiting relatives in Richmond during the holiday weekend.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

T:11"

S:10.5" Richmond Free Press

September 9-11, 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.

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 9-11, 2021

Richmond Free Press

News

Symbol of white supremacy is taken down Continued from A1

Workers spent more than an hour preparing to remove the state-owned statue. Taken up in lift buckets, the workers first secured straps around the statue. Then with a brief countdown, the signal was given to lift the statue off the 40-foot-tall base a few minutes before 9 a.m. Once it was on the ground, the crew spent another 90 minutes cutting through the torso of the general. The two pieces were then loaded on a truck and carted off to an undisclosed secure location where the statue will remain while decisions are made about its future, according to the state Department of General Services. Aubrey “JaPharii” Jones, organizer of BLM 757, exemplified the emotions that overwhelmed many of the witnesses. He pushed aside the barricades that kept the crowd at a distance and ran around the traffic circle carrying a Black Lives Matter flag before he was quickly escorted off by police. “This is a proud day for our city and our state,” said computer programmer Carl Cheatham, 62. “This symbol of hatred and oppression is now gone.” Richmond radio talk show host Gary Flowers, 58, described it as “a day of Jubilee,” in a Biblical reference to what he said Black people call “a great getting up morning of freedom. The removal of Confederate symbols and iconography alleves the spirits of my ancestors who were brutalized by the system those traitors sought to preserve.” This was a day that Raymond H. Boone, the late publisher and editor of the Richmond Free Press, would have reveled in. He was outspoken about the Confederate symbols that he said “littered the city” and the mindset that he believed made it far more difficult for Black businesses and Black members of the community to succeed. He routinely called for the statues, symbols of oppression for Black people, to come down. “Any remnant like this that glorifies the lost cause of the Civil War, it needs to come down,” said Gov. Ralph S. Northam, who had ordered the statue’s removal in June 2020 amid large and continuous racial justice demonstrations in Richmond stemming from the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The governor’s removal order ended up tangled in a legal fight that finally ended last week in complete victory. On hand Wednesday for the removal with First Lady Pamela Northam, the governor called it “a great day for Virginia, and hopefully the start of a new era.” He said the statue represented “more than 400 years of history that we should not be proud of” — referencing the racism that had become ingrained among Caucasians since the arrival of the first Black people on a slave ship in 1619. The statue also was a constant reminder of the birth of new oppressive measures that resulted in the full-blown racial segregation of society. For Gov. Northam, this was another opportunity to continue his efforts toward racial equity as he pledged to do after he was nearly forced to resign from office in February 2019 after a photo publicly circulated from his 1984 medical school yearbook page that featured a picture of a person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robes. The statue’s removal was particularly poignant for Richmonder Carmen F. Foster, who viewed it from the street with her son, Dr. Kenneth W. Foster, and 6-year-old grandson, Xavier Foster. A public historian and leadership coach, Dr. Carmen Foster called it a “full-circle experience” for her family. When the statue went up 131 years ago, her once enslaved great-grandfather Jack Foster, who had been a body servant for Confederate Col. Christopher Tompkins during the Civil War, was still alive, while her grandfather, Christopher Foster, was 10. Like many at the event, she sees the removal as turning a page while still leaving many chapters to complete. “While it is significant to dismantle symbols of white supremacy,” Dr. Foster commented after the event, “there is much work for communities to do to transform hearts and minds and

Free COVID-19 vaccines Continued from A1

Want a COVID-19 vaccine? The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Thursday, Sept. 9, 1 to 4 p.m. – Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St. • Friday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to noon – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. • Tuesday, Sept. 14, 3 to 6 p.m. – Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. • Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1 to 4 p.m. – Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. • Thursday Sept. 16, 1 to 4 p.m. – Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St. • Friday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to noon – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. Children ages 12 to 17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments are not required, but individuals can schedule an appointment online at vax.rchd.com or by calling (804) 205-3501. VaccineFinder.org and vaccines.gov also allow people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine. On Tuesday, health officials touted the new milestone reached nationally of 75 percent of all adults having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. That news was tempered, however, by the nation logging 40 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The United States is now averaging three times as many cases daily than it was a year ago. In Virginia, the state Department of Health reported 2,007 new COVID-19 cases for the 24-hour period, which was a significant drop from the peak of 4,255 new cases logged statewide on Sept. 2. As schools in Metro Richmond and across the state opened this week, concerns about the virus and its transmission remain high because youngsters under the age of 12 are not yet approved for vaccination. Warning signs already have begun to appear, with Chesterfield County reporting over 230 cases among students since its return to classes in late August. On a more positive note, vaccination rates continue to rise statewide, along with increased interest in COVID-19 testing, particularly in Central Virginia. On Tuesday, state health officials reported that 57.3 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 64.7 percent of the people have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Virginia has logged a total of 788,917 cases during the course of the pandemic, with 34,312 hospitalizations and 11,947 deaths. The state’s seven-day positivity rate dropped slightly to 10 percent. Last week, it was 10.3 percent. State data also show that African-Americans comprised 22.9 percent of cases statewide and 25.1 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 15 percent of cases and 6.4 percent of deaths. Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 20,670 880 290 Henrico County 30,243 1,189 656 Chesterfield County 33,725 1,110 468 Hanover County 9,941 346 176

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Onlookers cheer and take pictures as the Lee statue is lowered to the ground and dismantled by workers on Wednesday before being transported to a warehouse. The state will decide what to do with the statue and its large stone pedestal.

overcome the vestiges of systematic racism if we are to honor the humanity of all.” Blaine Lay, 38, of the Richmond Christian Leadership Initiative, agreed. “The question I have been reflecting on is where do we go from here,” Mr. Lay said. “This is important, but I think there are a lot of other issues around housing, education and other things. This a really good chapter to close, but there are other chapters to be written. I heard someone say, ‘Now is when the work begins,’ and I think that is right.” Richmond City Councilman Michael J. Jones, who began the effort four years ago to remove Confederate statues in the city following the death of Heather Heyer during the August 2017 white supremacists protest over Confederate statue removals in Charlottesville, said he felt similarly. He called the removal a step in the direction of building “a more inclusive and welcoming city. There is far more work still to be done.” “This is a good day,” said Ben Ragsdale, coordinator of the Virginia Civil Rights Movement Video Initiative. “But it’s no substitute for real responsibility, repair and reparations that will sustain families and advance generations to the middle class and beyond. Today does not absolve Richmond’s leaders, in both public and private sectors, of this solemn obligation,” he said. Reginald Carter, a 32-year-old state employee, said the statue’s removal should inspire increased activism. “If it is possible to take down what arguably is the largest Confederate statue in the country, then anything is possible. No longer can we listen to those who say the status quo is how things have always been and this is the way things will always be. Now is the time to speak up and get real change.” The takedown followed a Sept. 2 Virginia Supreme Court decision that finally cleared the way. On Sept. 2, the state’s highest court, after months of dawdling, unanimously agreed with state Attorney General Mark R. Herring’s legal team that there was no merit in two suits that had sought to block the state from removing the statue. Before the ruling, the court refused to remove injunctions judges in Richmond’s Circuit Court had imposed despite rejecting the arguments that statue supporters had mounted. The statue went up in 1890 and would soon be followed by Jim Crow segregation and a new constitution imposing literacy tests, ballot taxes and other barriers to Black participation in politics and society. Like Wednesday, the statue drew national coverage when it was erected. Crusading editor John Mitchell Jr., who had used his Richmond Planet newspaper to inveigh against the monument at the time, had predicted that one day the statue that extolled oppression would come down and that a Black person would do it. Richmond state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan recalled that prediction, noting that the work was done by Black contractor Devon Henry and his company, Team Henry Enterprises. Mr. Henry said that since last summer, his company has been hired to remove at least 22 Confederate statues. Despite death threats, he accepted a city contract last summer and took down virtually all of the Richmond-owned Confederate icons, including three statues on Monument Avenue of Matthew Fontaine Maury and Confederate Gens. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart. Protesters had toppled a fourth statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis on Monument Avenue. The only statue still standing on once whites-only Monument Avenue, ironically, is that of a Black Richmond hero, tennis great and humanitarian Arthur Ashe Jr. The General Assembly, which has swung from Republican to Democratic control, aided the process last year by overhauling a state law that had barred localities from removing Confederate statues to authorizing them to do so. The removal of the Lee statue gained national attention given the statue was a significant feature of a city that had served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War that Union forces, under President Abraham Lincoln, finally won. The Lee statue went up 25 years after the Civil War ended and was a creation of supporters of the ideology of the “Lost Cause,” which sought to present a false narrative about the nobility of the failed effort to rip apart the union to create a society built on slavery, historical records show. One Confederate statue remains in Richmond — that of Gen. A.P. Hill at the intersection of Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road in North Side — and stone markers to Confederate

units have yet to be removed from the Manchester Courthouse in South Side. Gov. Northam has tasked the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts with leading a community-based effort to reimagine Monument Avenue, lay out a vision for the future of the stone pedestal and make recommendations for replacement statues. City Hall and its planning arms, as well as City Council, have called for removal of the pedestals that remain but, as yet, no steps have been taken. The governor also directed the removal of the time capsule that was installed in the Lee statue pedestal in 1887, three years before the actual sculpture was completed and installed. On Thursday, Sept. 9, a new time capsule will be put in its place. The new capsule has been created by Richmond sculptor Paul DiPasquale, who also made the Arthur Ashe statue. A photo taken of a Black ballerina at the monument last summer, a COVID19 vaccination card, a face mask, a Black Lives Matter sticker, a poem written in Unified English Braille and Kente cloth are some of the items to be included. Photographer Mark Ingram, who took the ballerina photograph, said, “I am thrilled to have my print, my piece of history, be included.” A poem by Douglas Powell aka “Roscoe Burnems,” Richmond’s poet laureate. It was originally published by the Slover Library in Norfolk for National Poetry Week in April 2021. An Anthem For Removal ‘An Anthem For Removal’ By Douglas Powell/Roscoe Burnems Feels like history repeats like a song Played so loud it can't hear the screams in the blackground. History was sung to me how General Lee fought brave. Same history books, left out the slaves he owned and fought to keep. When I see him, I see me auctioned off like property or hanging from a tree. or buried in a shallow grave on the same land where an entire war takes place over states rights to own me. My skin is still where the real battle takes place. Before it was a war song for my body to be seen as five-fifths human; The ability to soak in the sun without crows picking at my flesh and my freedom. Now, I am still asking to matter; to take up space; to be solid not sold; to be fluid not fleeing; to be whole and not a hole in my chest. How did my black become so blue and red, But simultaneously end up a footnote in an election? or a foot on my neck? Inside the text of the history books are silenced screams Stitched in the spines trapped in black necks snapped necks like branches after a storm. From Civil War to Civil Rights America implodes and black and brown bodies suffered the most And civility is a little-white-lie you tell children in classrooms; A fairytale turned fact I am my ancestors voice still screeching like black tires in a long road to feeling free. Until the sky falls like a confederate soldier or (finally) a confederate statue I am holding a raised fist in the smoke, and an olive branch looking for a hand to hold.

I want peace I want equality I want equity Because my life's value is not dollars. My life be a priceless joy. 400 years and prayers and I am still wanting everything any other human being desires: A place where everyone is given a fair hand and not treated like fair game, and officers aren't overseers, and there are no more screams And the silence would sound less like a prayer for change and sound more like peace after God answers the prayer.

This can’t be all: ‘A paradigm shift must occur’ Continued from A1

Jones of Black Lives Matter 757, who managed to get into the fenced-off work area and was escorted out by police. BLM 757 is an independent group that has been disavowed by other BLM organizations and criticized for its association with farright groups. Beyond that moment, the mood was calm enough for casual communion and creativity, whether it was Washington, D.C., native Tim Smith creating an art piece based on the statue’s removal as he sat in the median or media representatives from as far as Japan interviewing people in the crowd. From local politicians to out of state visitors, those who spoke to the Free Press shared a common consensus: The statue’s removal is a symbolic step toward progress and greater positive changes in Richmond. “I hope this is not the end,” said Elise Fuller, a consultant who attended the event with her mother, Lisa. “I think there are a lot of things that we can continue to do. I think this is a tangible change, but there

are other changes that need to be made within the community to make sure that this is just the beginning.” What that next step should look like ranged greatly among the people, from addressing the other Lost Cause aspects of Monument Avenue to focusing on less obvious disparities within the city. This diversity in opinion extended to the future use of the Lee statue site, with suggestions ranging from converting it into a park or leaving in place the graffiti that has covered the pedestal since mid-2020. Nonetheless, all returned to the importance of using the statue’s removal to push for further change and progress in Richmond “It’s just a step in the right direction,” said Richmond City Councilman Michael Jones, 9th District. “It’s a symbolic gesture. And so now we’ve got to do the real work to make the city what it needs to be.” Mr. Abdul-Rahman was optimistic about the possibility of Richmond now tackling other critical matters such as affordable housing, police shootings and equity in city services. This would ensure a “consistent,

real democracy” in the city, as he put it, one that didn’t prioritize certain areas and communities at the expense of those less fortunate. Artist Ra-Twoine Shameel “Rosetta” Fields had a different outlook. With an African flag draped over his shoulders, he pointed out the lack of meaning the Lee statue’s removal would hold for people and communities that have been largely excluded from places like Monument Avenue as they struggle with more systemic problems. While Mr. Fields acknowledged the statue’s removal as a big moment for the city, he also stressed the need to see the same interest and activity from the public and city officials around other issues. Richmond’s underserved communities don’t get the same attention, he said. “It’s just a symbol. It’s a placebo pill,” Mr. Fields said of the statue’s removal. “After we take it, we’re still going to be hurting. This trauma, there’s still healing that needs to happen. There’s still change that needs to happen. There’s still a paradigm shift that must occur, and this just can’t be it.”

Richmond Free Press

September 9-11, 2021 A5

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in our communities is risking lives. Almost daily, we learn new information about the virus and how it’s affecting our family and friends. The good news? We already know the steps needed to fight infection.

Get Vaccinated • The COVID-19 vaccines work • If you have not been vaccinated — get vaccinated • COVID-19 vaccines are FREE and available for everyone 12 and older • The CDC states that if you have been fully vaccinated, you can do most things that you stopped doing because of the pandemic

Get Updated on the Delta Variant • Fully vaccinated people are protected from the severity of the Delta variant • Though rare, vaccinated individuals can contract the Delta variant and may be contagious • The CDC advises, because of the Delta variant, that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings, especially in high spread situations • Social distancing and hand washing are still important

Maintain Your Health and Well-Being Even if you are fully vaccinated, it is still important to take care of yourself: • Continue to schedule routine medical and dental check-ups • Stay active and exercise — it can be as simple as taking a walk • Be mindful of your mental wellness — seek help when you need it • Help your children and family members receive the care they need

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

A6 September 9-11, 2021

Richmond Free Press

News

9/11 artifacts share ‘pieces of truth’ in victims’ stories Free Press wire report

Robert Bumsted/Associated Press

These photos represent a sampling of the thousands of artifacts from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that are archived inside a warehouse in Jersey City, N.J.

PUBLIC NOTICE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT TO THE 2019-2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN In accordance with City’s citizen participation requirements for federal funds, a 30-day public comment period for the amendment to 2019 Annual Action Plan (City FY 2020) will begin on September 3, 2021, and will end on October 10, 2021. By this notice the City of Richmond announces the availability of the Amended 2019 Annual Action Plan budget, is ready for public review and comment. On Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. the Richmond City Council will hold both a virtual and in person public hearing on an amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan and FY 2019-2020 budget for entitlement and CARES Act funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic for Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 (CDBG-CV), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Emergency Solutions Grant COVID-19 (ESG-CV). The City has been the recipient of CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing since 1975 to implement housing and community development programs in the City’s neighborhoods. The City has been receiving ESG funds to meet the needs of individuals and families who are homeless since 1989. The CDBG-CV and ESG-CV funds are a result of the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed by the President in March 2020 to address the Corona Virus Pandemic. These funds were allocated to the City from the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to address the City of Richmond’s priorities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that have been LGHQWL¿HG LQ WKH $QQXDO $FWLRQ 3ODQ &LWL]HQV DQG RWKHU LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQV DUH LQYLWHG WR JLYH WKHLU YLHZV UHJDUGLQJ the use of CDBG-CV funds for the proposed Annual Action Plan. The City will arrange for reasonable accommodations IRU QRQ (QJOLVK VSHDNLQJ SHUVRQV RU WKRVH SHUVRQV ZLWK YLVXDO KHDULQJ RU PRELOLW\ LPSDLUPHQWV ZKHQ QRWL¿HG $Q\RQH wanting to speak in person at the public hearing can do so in City Council chambers on October 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. $Q\RQH ZLVKLQJ WR VSHDN RU WR VXEPLW ZULWWHQ FRPPHQWV DV SDUW RI WKH YLUWXDO SXEOLF KHDULQJ SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH 2I¿FH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN E\ D P RQ 2FWREHU DW RU FLW\FOHUNVRI¿FH#UYD JRY The following project budget amendments are the result of reprograming HUD CDBG, CDBG-CV, ESG and ESGCV surplus funds and program income. No additional funds were received from HUD for this amendment. The propose activities are outlined below: Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 (CDBG-CV): $1,095,783 1.

Inclement Weather Shelter-CDBG-CV (Commonwealth Catholic Charities) – Add a new activity in the amount of $1,095,783 to stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19 amongst the city’s homeless population during times of inclement weather. The proposed project employs a 2-prong approach to implementation of an Inclement Weather Shelter. First, the proposed project will provide funding for the shelter to be housed at a local hotel, at which meals, showers, case management and overnight accommodations will be provided until the renovation of the permanent structure is completed. Secondly, Commonwealth Catholic Charities will rehabilitate its Housing Resource Center located at 809 Oliver Hill Way to house at least 75 individuals per day. The renovation will modify existing space to function as a shelter and to streamline all processes that directly connects individuals and families to housing focused case management and to permanent housing opportunities. The permanent space will accommodate at least 75 individuals per day, and will provide ten full bathrooms with showers, a prep and warming kitchen, and an all-purpose space that can be used for daytime support and occupancy. CCC’s program will embed extra safety measures to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The program will employ the practices of using PPE, maintaining social distancing, and encouraging the frequent use of hand washing stations. Professional cleaning services will be provided DORQJ ZLWK DQ DLU SXUL¿FDWLRQ V\VWHP EHLQJ XWLOL]HG WKURXJKRXW WKH IDFLOLW\ &'%* &9 IXQGV ZLOO EH XVHG towards the renovation and operations of the inclement weather shelter.

CDBG-CV Surplus (HCD) – Decrease by $916,802 from $916,802 to $0 to fund an eligible COVID-19 activity.

Grant Administration CDBG-CV (HCD) – Decrease by $178,981 from $226,978 to $47,997 to fund an eligible COVID-19 activity.

Emergency Solutions Grant COVID-19 (ESG-CV): $149,988 1.

Inclement Weather Shelter-ESG-CV (Commonwealth Catholic Charities) – Add a new activity in the amount of $149,988 to stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19 amongst the city’s homeless population during times of inclement weather. The proposed project will provide funding for the shelter to be housed at a local hotel, at which meals, showers, case management and overnight accommodations will be provided until the renovation of the permanent shelter space is completed. Commonwealth Catholic Charities will used ESG-CV funds to cover a portion of the case management and operational cost of the Inclement Weather Shelter that will be located at a local hotel and at 809 Oliver Hill Way to house at least 75 individuals per day. The space will also provide ten full bathrooms with showers, a prep and warming kitchen, and an all-purpose space that can be used for day-time support and occupancy. ESG-CV funds will be used for case management, shelter operations that include meals, utilities, maintenance, security, transportation cost and furnishing. No ESG-CV funds will be used for the building renovation.

Grant Administration ESG-CV (HCD) - Decrease by $119,988 from $147,257 to $27,269 to fund an eligible COVID-19 activity.

ER Housing for LGBTQ+ Youth in Crisis ESG-CV (Side by Side) – Decrease by $30,000 from $100,000 to $70,000 to fund an eligible COVID-19 activity.

Community Development Block Grant- (CDBG): $485,689 1.

Inclement Weather Shelter-CDBG (Commonwealth Catholic Charities) – Add a new activity in the amount of $485,689 to stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19 amongst the city’s homeless population during times of inclement weather. Commonwealth Catholic Charities will rehabilitate its Housing Resource Center located at 809 Oliver Hill Way to house at least 75 individuals per day. CDBG funds will be used for the renovation of existing space to function as a shelter. The space will accommodate at least 75 individuals per day, and will provide ten full bathrooms with showers, a prep and warming kitchen, and an all-purpose space that can be used for day-time support and occupancy. CCC’s program will embed extra safety measures to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The program will employ the practices of using PPE, maintaining social distancing, and encouraging the frequent use of KDQG ZDVKLQJ VWDWLRQV 3URIHVVLRQDO FOHDQLQJ VHUYLFHV ZLOO EH SURYLGHG DORQJ ZLWK DLU SXUL¿FDWLRQ V\VWHP being utilized throughout the facility. CDBG funds will only be used for the rehabilitation cost.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): $50,050 1.

Inclement Weather Shelter-ESG (Commonwealth Catholic Charities) – Add a new activity in the amount of $50,050 to stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19 amongst the city’s homeless population during times of inclement weather. The proposed project will provide funding for the shelter to be housed at a local hotel initially, at which meals, showers, case management and overnight accommodations will be provided until the renovation of the permanent shelter space is completed. Commonwealth Catholic Charities will use ESG funds to cover the some of the case management and operational cost of the Inclement Weather Shelter that will be located at 809 Oliver Hill Way to house at least 75 individuals per day. The permanent space will also provide ten full bathrooms with showers, a prep and warming kitchen, and an all-purpose space that can be used for day-time support and occupancy. ESG funds will be used for case management, shelter operations that include meals, utilities, maintenance, security, transportation cost and furnishing. No ESG funds will be used for the building renovation.

Copies of the amended 2019 Annual Action Plan are available for public review online on the Department of Housing and Community Developments website located at https://www.rva.gov/housing-and-communitydevelopment Citizens can also request a hard copy or electronic copy via e-mail or US Mail. To request a copy, contact Daniel Mouer at GDQLHO PRXHU#UYD JRY or by mail at the City of Richmond, Department of Housing & Community Development, 1500 E Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond VA 23219-3571. The City of Richmond does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission of, or access to, or treatment in its federally assisted programs or activities. Virginia Relay Center - TDD Users - 1-800-828-1120. Citizens and interested persons are invited to give their views regarding the use of CDBG, CDBG-CV, ESG & ESG-CV funds for the proposed Annual Action Plan. The City will arrange for reasonable accommodations for non(QJOLVK VSHDNLQJ SHUVRQV RU WKRVH SHUVRQV ZLWK YLVXDO KHDULQJ RU PRELOLW\ LPSDLUPHQWV ZKHQ QRWL¿HG ZLWKLQ ¿YH business days of the close of the public comment period. Submit comments and views in writing to: Daniel Mouer, Housing and Community Development Administrator, Housing and Community Development, 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219-3571 or by e-mail to GDQLHO PRXHU#UYD JRY.

NEW YORK For nearly six years, Andrea Haberman’s ashen and damaged wallet lay mostly untouched in a drawer at her parents’ Wisconsin home, along with a partly melted cell phone, her driver’s license, credit cards, checkbook and house keys. Flecks of rust had formed on the rims of her eyeglasses, their lenses shattered and gone. Those everyday items were the remnants of a young life that ended when a hijacked jetliner struck the north tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Ms. Haberman was 25 and about to be married when she was killed while on a business trip from Chicago — her first visit to New York. Her belongings, still smelling of Ground Zero, evoked mostly sorrow for her family. To ease their pain, they donated the artifacts to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. “These are not the happy things you want to remember someone by,” said Gordon Haberman, her father. The collection of some 22,000 personal artifacts — some on display at the 9/11 museum, and others on display at other museums around the country — provide a mosaic of lost lives and stories of survival: wallets, passports, baseball gloves, shoes, clothes and rings. As the nation pauses in reflection on the 20th anniversary of the tragedy this Saturday, Sept. 11, the artifacts take on a special significance. “Each person who makes up part of that tally was an individual who lived a life,” said Jan Ramirez, the museum’s chief curator and director of collections. “We knew that families — the people that have lost a loved one that day — were going to need to have a place, have a way, to remember the person that never came home from work, that never came home from a flight,” Ms. Ramirez said. Many of those personal effects were plucked from the ruins of what was once the Twin Towers. Other items were donated by survivors or by the families of those who perished. A woodworking square, screwdriver, pry bar and a toolbelt represent Sean Rooney, a vice president at Aon Corp. who died in the South Tower. Mr. Rooney’s essence was that of “a builder,” his sister-in-law Margot Eckert said, making the carpenter’s tools donated to the museum the “perfect antidote to the destruction.” Mr. Rooney had phoned his wife, Beverly Eckert, at their home in Stamford, Conn., after being trapped by fire and smoke on the 105th floor. He spent his last breaths recounting happier times, whispering, “I love you,” as he labored for air. His remains were never found. Ms. Eckert died eight years later in a plane crash while traveling to her late husband’s high school in Buffalo, N.Y., to award a scholarship in his honor. Before she died, she had set aside the items she hoped would help tell her husband’s story, that of a weekend carpenter, handyman and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. “We have a gravesite for her, we don’t have a gravesite for Sean,” Margot Eckert said. “Artifacts become very important. And artifacts are

the facts that someone lived. They are the facts you can touch.” For Robert Chin’s family, the story was about a love for playing softball. They recounted his first hit — a drive down the third-base line — playing for Fiduciary Trust International. To help savor the moment, his teammates scribbled congratulatory notes on the ball before presenting it to him. Among the names on the ball were Pedro Francisco Checo and Ruben Esquilin Jr., who also died with Mr. Chin that day. That dusty softball Mr. Chin had kept at home is included among the trove of keepsakes in the 9/11 museum’s collection. Not all of the donated artifacts are on behalf of those who died. Some came from those who survived 9/11. Linda Raisch-Lopez donated her bloodied patent leather heels to represent her will to survive on a day she ran for her life. As she made her way down a stairwell from the 97th Floor of the South Tower, she slipped out of her heels and walked through the debris in her bare feet, according to the museum’s account. Somewhere on her way to a Hudson River pier, she had slipped back into her shoes, smearing blood on the tan leather from her cut and blistered feet. Just a small part of the museum’s collection of artifacts is ever on display because there are too many to show at any one time. When not in public view, the artifacts are kept offsite, most in a facility across the Hudson River in New Jersey and others stored in a warehouse near Albany, N.Y. Row after row of shelves are stacked with boxes filled with tragedy and remembrance. “Each piece is a little part of a puzzle,” Ms. Ramirez said. “Having those important, little pieces of truth, those palpable pieces of truth — those bridges to allow people to get engaged in the story — is why we do what we do and will continue to do what we do.”

Ex-prosecutor charged in Ahmaud Arbery case booked at jail Free Press wire report

records did not list an attorney for her. SAVANNAH, Ga. Mr. Arbery’s mother, Wanda The former prosecutor Cooper Jones, called Ms. Johncharged with misconduct for son’s Sept. 2 indictment “a very her handling of the Ahmaud huge win.” Arbery case was booked at a “I’m speechless, Ms. Jones Georgia jail on Wednesday and told reporters during a video released. news conference last Friday. Former Brunswick Judi- “Unfortunately, Ahmaud is not cial Circuit District Attorney here with us today. But losing Jackie Johnson turned her- Ahmaud, it will change some self in Wednesday things here in the morning at the Glynn state of Georgia.” County jail, county Greg McMichael Undersheriff Ron and his grown son, Corbett said. Jail reTravis McMichael, cords show she was armed themselves released on her own and pursued Mr. Arrecognizance, meanbery in a pickup truck ing she did not have to on Feb. 23, 2020, Jackie Johnson after they spotted pay a cash bond. A grand jury indicted Ms. him running in their neighborJohnson, 49, last week on a hood just outside the port city felony charge of violating her of Brunswick, about 70 miles oath of office and a misdemeanor south of Savannah. count of obstructing police. A neighbor, William “RodMs. Johnson was the area’s die” Bryan, joined the chase and top prosecutor when three white took cellphone video of Travis men chased and fatally shot Mr. McMichael shooting Mr. Arbery Arbery last year. The indictment at close range with a shotgun. alleges she used her position to Greg McMichael told police discourage police from making they suspected Mr. Arbery was arrests in the 25-year-old Black a burglar and Travis McMichael man’s killing. One of the armed shot him in self-defense. men who pursued Mr. Arbery Prosecutors have said Mr. had worked for Ms. Johnson Arbery was unarmed and was as an investigator. carrying no stolen items when Ms. Johnson did not imme- he was slain. diately return a phone message The McMichaels and Mr. Wednesday. Officials at the jail Bryan weren’t charged in the and the Glynn County Superior killing until more than two Court clerk’s office said their months later, after the video was

Ahmaud Arbery

leaked online and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case. Now all three men are scheduled to stand trial this fall on murder charges. Greg McMichael worked for Ms. Johnson as an investigator in the district attorney’s office before retiring in 2019. Phone records introduced in court show he called Ms. Johnson and left her a voicemail soon after the shooting. Ms. Johnson previously has denied any wrongdoing, saying she recused her office from the case immediately because of its relationship with Greg McMichael. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s office is prosecuting Ms. Johnson. Mr. Carr sought the misconduct investigation last year, saying the first outside prosecutor he appointed to handle the case had been recommended by Ms. Johnson, who never disclosed that she had already asked that prosecutor to advise police in the immediate aftermath of Mr. Arbery’s killing. That outside prosecutor, Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Barnhill, later recused himself — but not before sending a letter to Glynn police advising that he believed the shooting of Mr. Arbery was justified. Ms. Johnson lost re-election last year and blamed controversy over Mr. Arbery’s death for her defeat.

Richmond Free Press

September 9-11, 2021 A7

THIS FALL, VOTE YES &

RICHMOND WINS! 55 ACRES OF GREENSPACE Open for all to use and enjoy

1,500 NEW PERMANENT JOBS ɨƵȲƊǐƵ ƊȁȁɐƊǶ ȺƊǶƊȲɯ ƊȁƮ ƦƵȁƵ˛ɈȺ ȌǏ ‫ ۋ ׀׀׀ةׅׅٽ‬ȯȲȌ˛Ɉ ȺǘƊȲǞȁǐ

$16

MILLION IN DONATIONS IȌȲ ǶȌƧƊǶ ƧǘƊȲǞɈǞƵȺ ƊȁƮ ƧȌǿǿɐȁǞɈɯ ȌȲǐƊȁǞɹƊɈǞȌȁȺ

$500 MILLION IN

NEW TAX REVENUE

ÀȌ ǞȁɨƵȺɈ Ǟȁ ȌɐȲ ȺƧǘȌȌǶȺ‫ ة‬ɈƵƊƧǘƵȲȺ‫ ة‬ƧȌǿǿɐȁǞɈɯ ȯȲȌǐȲƊǿȺ ƊȁƮ ǞȁǏȲƊȺɈȲɐƧɈɐȲƵ

VOTE YES FOR THE CASINO REFERENDUM! SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AT

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

Richmond Free Press

Purple leaves in North Side

Editorial Page

September 9-11, 2021

A new day It’s gone. The six-story statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which stood as a towering symbol of white supremacy over Richmond and the South since 1890, is down. Just minutes before 9 a.m. Wednesday, crews lifted the 12-ton bronze statue from its granite pedestal to the cheers of the crowd watching from Monument Avenue and brought it down to the ground. But no matter how many straps, cranes, heavy equipment or even dynamite is used to remove these monuments to racism across the South, they will never erase the generations of abuse, mistreatment and inhumanity perpetrated on Black people who were brought to this country 402 years ago in slavery and who were kept enslaved until Confederate insurrectionists were subdued after a bloody four-year Civil War. Even after Confederate forces were brought under control, their hateful will was never vanquished. Southerners, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy, spun a false narrative of the war being a means to protect the noble way of life of the South. And with a weak federal government after the death of President Abraham Lincoln, Southerners – including Virginians – continued their system of oppression of Black people through intimidation (the rise of the Ku Klux Klan) and enactment of racist laws (Jim Crow). And they erected statues along Monument Avenue and across the South to their vanquished traitors who had picked up arms and fought against the United States in order to keep Black people in bondage. The Lee statue on Monument Avenue was the iconic tangible, visual signal that Richmond was still the Capital of the Confederacy and that Black people would remain subjugated “in their place” for perpetuity. While many Black Richmonders have ignored the statue of Lee and the four other Confederate monuments that were taken down in June 2020 from the widely traveled, tree-lined boulevard, Wednesday’s removal of the Lee behemoth has brought a deep sense of relief—not thought but felt—that at least some of the chains of the past have finally been broken. “I’m free,” some people in the crowd shouted. “I’m free.” But it doesn’t free us as individuals or our elected officials from honestly dealing with the past and taking appropriate actions through reparations and changes in laws, policy and practices in education, health care, employment, lending, criminal justice and other areas to ameliorate the generational harm done. Our hope is that with the Lee statue coming down, Richmond has now freed itself of its ingrained and crippling identity as the former Capital of the Confederacy, and that we can move on to build a city and state that recognizes and rewards the talents and contributions of all its residents fairly and equally, without regard to skin color or national origin, and lifts up those who for whatever reason have fallen behind. Nothing can change the past, but we can build toward a better, more just and equitable future. On Wednesday, we took the first step. Let’s see how far we can go.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A return to the regrettable past Unquestionably, Maya Angelou’s most famous quote is: “If someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time.”  Current events lead one to seriously question whether people are hearing the radical right and listening to where they are intent on taking the country.  If we questioned the true meaning of the phrase, “Make America Great Again,” it should be clear to us now.  For practical purposes, legal abortion is dead in the United States. I’ve discussed ad nauseum the torrent of lies that issue from their mouths in the style of their orange leader, but among those lies rests the truth of their viciousness and evil. I have suggested before—and am now even more convinced—that the intent of Republican acolytes and the conservative base is to return the country to that point in time where women were subjugated to men and people of color knew their “place,” whether force needs to be used

for that purpose or not. The most recent travesty is the adoption of Texas’ new antiabortion law and the U.S. Supreme Court turning a blind eye to its unconstitutionality. This law  outlaws  legal abortions after six weeks or when viability can be established with a fetal heartbeat. Few women even know they have become pregnant within a six-week

Dr. E. Faye Williams window. Adding insult to injury, the high court has refused injunctive relief for appeals and challenges. This law has been labeled by progressive broadcasters as the most egregious antiabortion law in history. I agree. Not only does it outlaw legal abortions after six weeks, but it also makes no exceptions for rape or incest. One can only imagine the distress of having to carry your rapist’s child to full term. Contrary to what most perceive, this would be a child conceived in violence and given birth with a measure of hate. “Legal standing” is a way of indicating that a person has an interest in the outcome of

a situation or circumstance, or that a person can be injured, physically or emotionally, by the outcome of an action. This dystopian law gives legal standing to any citizen of the United States and allows her or him to bring a lawsuit against anyone who participated or assisted a person getting an abortion. Beyond any moral outrage, the person bringing the lawsuit also has a monetary incentive. If the complaint is upheld, the person being sued must pay the plaintiff the sum of $10,000 and any legal fees. If the complaint is defeated, there is no penalty for bringing a false claim. This law is genuinely Draconian. Fewer and fewer people still live who remember the time before Roe v. Wade was decided on Jan. 22, 1973. Generations of women now live without the memories of back-alley abortions.  There are fewer memories of bent wire coat hangers used as surgical tools to perform an illegal abortion. There are gravestones marking the final resting places of young women who died from infection, perforated uteruses or a myriad of complications associated with the desperation of an unsanctioned medical procedure. Unfortunately, we can

Playing politics with students’ health Across the country, students are embarking on what is certain to be a third consecutive academic year that is compromised or disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is unfortunate for all students, it’s especially dire for students of color and low-income students, who experienced the steepest setbacks as a result of interrupted instruction. To make matters worse, students are being used as pawns by politicians more concerned with signifying partisan loyalty than with the health and education of public schoolchildren. Twenty states have prohibited proof-ofvaccination requirements. At least eight states — Florida, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, South Carolina, Tennessee and Utah — have imposed bans on school districts requiring masks. Florida and Arizona have gone so far as to threaten to withhold funding from districts that impose mask mandates. As U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has pointed out, these policies represent discrimination against students who cannot attend school because of the risk to their health. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is preparing to launch investigations in states block-

ing mask mandates — a move the National Urban League emphatically supports. It’s appropriate that Secretary Cardona recognizes pandemicrelated educational disruption as a civil rights issue. As I testified earlier this year before the House Education and Labor Committee’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood Elemen-

several policy recommendations to support students’ health and well-being while at the same time expanding access to excellent educational opportunities. These include: • Re-engage for all students, with a focus on historically underserved students. • Continue to support access to remote learning technology for students and families. • Attend to physical, social Marc H. Morial and mental health needs of students and families. tary and Secondary Education, • Measure student progress, Black children are more likely rethink assessment systems and than their white counterparts use data to support recovery. to lack internet access and the • Support and train teachers devices necessary to receive and leaders. adequate remote instruction. • Move from restarting to This “homework gap” affects reimagining accountability and one in three Black, Latino and school improvement. American Indian-Alaska Native None of these goals are students. served by endangering the health The effects on inequality have and safety of students and their been stark. Research released families with anti-mask and antilast month showed students vaccine policies, or by inviting in majority Black or Hispanic even more learning interruption schools ended the school year by withholding school funding. six months behind where they These misguided, politically normally would have been motivated and racially discrimiin math, compared with four natory policies can only serve months for white students. to widen the already-alarming Students in low-income schools racial achievement gaps. were seven months behind. The National Urban League “Put simply, the students and our network of 91 affiliwho could least afford to lose ates across the country stand ground relative to other students ready to work with states and are those who were the most school districts on policies that impacted,” wrote the authors of uplift all students and expand a similar report that reached the educational opportunities for same conclusions. everyone. The educational research The writer is president and organization NWEA, which chief executive officer of the produced the report, offered National Urban League.

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.

anticipate a recurrence of these events, impacting primarily, as they did before, the poor and young women of color. If past is prologue, we also can anticipate the wealthy unencumbered by any anti-abortion law. Just as they did before Roe, they will send their daughters out of the country where a safe abortion procedure can be performed. They might even find a local physician who will take an under-the-table payment to perform an abortion—just as was done before Roe. To where they are taking women back is now clear. The only questions left are where they will attempt to take others who they deem as “second class” or “less than.” The writer is president of the National Congress of Black Women.

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 9-11, 2021 A9

Letter to the Editor

Honoring Tony Cosby

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF THE APPLICATION OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER US-4, SADLER SOLAR PROJECT, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING JUNE 1, 2022 CASE NO. PUR-2021-00119 •Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider US-4. •In this case, Dominion has asked the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) to approve Rider US-4 for the rate year beginning June 1, 2022, and ending May 31, 2023 (“2022 Rate Year”) •For the 2022 Rate Year, Dominion requests a revenue requirement of $15,473,000, which would increase the bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $0.11. •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on February 14, 2022, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. $Q HYLGHQWLDU\ KHDULQJ ZLOO EH KHOG RQ )HEUXDU\ DW D P HLWKHU LQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V VHFRQG ÀRRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW Richmond, Virginia 23219, or by electronic means. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling. •Further information about this case is available on the Commission website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

Re “Actor Tony D. Cosby, who portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in area productions for decades, dies at 66,” Free Press Sept. 2-4 edition: Tony Cosby made a significant contribution to the struggle for equal justice in Virginia. His dramatic portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. brought Dr. King alive in such productions of “I Have a Dream” and “Malcolm X Meets Martin Luther King Jr.” Richmonders will mourn the passing of this great performer.

2Q $XJXVW 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU &RPSDQ\ ³'RPLQLRQ´ RU ³&RPSDQ\´ ¿OHG ZLWK WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ ³&RPPLVVLRQ´ DQ DSSOLFDWLRQ ³$SSOLFDWLRQ´ IRU DSSURYDO RI LWV DQQXDO XSGDWH ¿OLQJ ZLWK UHVSHFW WR 5LGHU 86 ³ $QQXDO 8SGDWH´ IRU WKH 6DGOHU 6RODU )DFLOLW\ DQ DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PHJDZDWW ³0:´ XWLOLty-scale solar photovoltaic generating facility located in Greensville County, Virginia (“US-4 Solar Project” or the “Project”). On January 22, 2020, and April 13, 2020, respectively, the Commission approved Dominion’s construction and operation of the US-4 Solar Project, and also approved a rate DGMXVWPHQW FODXVH GHVLJQDWHG 5LGHU 86 IRU WKH &RPSDQ\ WR UHFRYHU WKH FRVWV DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKH FRQVWUXFWLRQ RI WKH 3URMHFW 7KH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V DSSURYDO ZDV VXEMHFW WR FHUWDLQ FRQGLWLRQV DQG UHTXLUHPHQWV LQFOXGLQJ D SHUIRUPDQFH JXDUDQWHH IRU WKH 3URMHFW ZKLFK ZHUH DFFHSWHG E\ WKH &RPSDQ\ 2Q 0DUFK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DSSURYHG WKH ¿UVW DQQXDO XSGDWH WR 5LGHU 86 DQG GLUHFWHG WKH &RPSDQ\ WR ¿OH LWV QH[W 5LGHU 86 DQQXDO XSGDWH RQ RU DIWHU $XJXVW $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ WKH 86 6RODU 3URMHFW LV JHQHUDOO\ SURFHHGLQJ RQ VFKHGXOH DQG RQ EXGJHW 7KH &RPSDQ\ VWDWHV WKDW WKH 3URMHFW ZDV SODFHG LQWR FRPPHUFLDO RSHUDWLRQV RQ -XO\ 7KH WRWDO IRUHFDVWHG FRVWV IRU WKH 86 6RODU 3URMHFW UHPDLQV DW PLOOLRQ H[FOXGLQJ ¿QDQFLQJ FRVWV RU SHU NLORZDWW DW WKH 0: QRPLQDO $& UDWLQJ ZLWK FRVW YDULDQFHV IURP WKH RULJLQDO HVWLPDWHV ERWK XSZDUG DQG GRZQZDUG DQG ZLWKLQ VSHFL¿F FRVW FDWHJRULHV DQG VXEFDWHJRULHV 7KH XSGDWHG EXGJHW IRUHFDVW LQFOXGHG LQ WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ UHÀHFWV DFWXDO FDSLWDO H[SHQGLWXUHV WKURXJK 'HFHPEHU DQG SURMHFWHG FDSLWDO H[SHQGLWXUHV WKURXJK DQG ZLWK PRQWKO\ SURMHFWLRQV RI FDSLWDO H[SHQGLWXUHV XVHG WR GHWHUPLQH WKH UHYHQXH UHTXLUHPHQW IRU WKH $QQXDO 8SGDWH 7KH &RPSDQ\ VWDWHV WKDW DV SDUW RI WKLV $QQXDO 8SGDWH LW LV UHTXHVWLQJ WKDW WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DSSURYH WKH XSGDWHG H[SHQGLWXUHV IRU WKH 86 6RODU 3URMHFW VXEMHFW WR VXEVHTXHQW WUXH XS DQG ¿QG WKDW VXFK H[SHQGLWXUHV DUH UHDVRQDEOH DQG SUXGHQW ,Q WKLV SURFHHGLQJ 'RPLQLRQ KDV DVNHG WKH &RPPLVVLRQ WR DSSURYH 5LGHU 86 IRU WKH UDWH \HDU EHJLQQLQJ -XQH DQG HQGLQJ 0D\ ³ 5DWH <HDU´ 7KH WZR FRPSRQHQWV RI WKH SURSRVHG WRWDO UHYHQXH UHTXLUHPHQW IRU WKH 5DWH <HDU DUH WKH 3URMHFWHG &RVW 5HFRYHU\ )DFWRU DQG WKH $FWXDO &RVW 7UXH 8S )DFWRU 7KH &RPSDQ\ LV UHTXHVWLQJ D 3URMHFWHG &RVW 5HFRYHU\ )DFWRU UHYHQXH UHTXLUHPHQW RI DQG DQ $FWXDO &RVW 7UXH 8S )DFWRU UHYHQXH UHTXLUHPHQW RI 7KXV WKH &RPSDQ\ LV requesting a total revenue requirement of $15,473,000 for service rendered during the 2022 Rate Year.

HENRY L. MARSH III Richmond The writer is a former Richmond mayor and state senator.

For purposes of calculating the revenue requirement in this case, Dominion utilized a rate of return on common equity of 9.2%, approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR2019-00050. If the proposed Rider US-4 for the 2022 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider US-4 on June 1, 2022, would increase the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately 7KH &RPSDQ\ LQGLFDWHV LW KDV FDOFXODWHG WKH SURSRVHG 5LGHU 86 UDWHV LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH VDPH PHWKRGRORJ\ DV XVHG IRU UDWHV DSSURYHG E\ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ LQ WKH PRVW recent Rider US-4 proceeding, Case No. PUR-2020-00123.

YOU CAN STILL FILE

Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals. 7$.( 127,&( WKDW WKH &RPPLVVLRQ PD\ DSSRUWLRQ UHYHQXHV DPRQJ FXVWRPHU FODVVHV DQG RU GHVLJQ UDWHV LQ D PDQQHU GL൵HULQJ IURP WKDW VKRZQ LQ WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ DQG VXSSRUWLQJ GRFXPHQWV DQG WKXV PD\ DGRSW UDWHV WKDW GL൵HU IURP WKRVH DSSHDULQJ LQ WKH &RPSDQ\¶V $SSOLFDWLRQ DQG VXSSRUWLQJ GRFXPHQWV

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Get rid of debts that you can’t pay.

7KH &RPPLVVLRQ KDV WDNHQ MXGLFLDO QRWLFH RI WKH RQJRLQJ SXEOLF KHDOWK LVVXHV UHODWHG WR WKH VSUHDG RI WKH FRURQDYLUXV RU &29,' ,Q DFFRUGDQFH WKHUHZLWK DOO SOHDGLQJV EULHIV or other documents required to be served in this matter shall be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH DQG 3URFHGXUH ³5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH´ &RQ¿GHQWLDO DQG ([WUDRUGLQDULO\ 6HQVLWLYH ,QIRUPDWLRQ VKDOO QRW EH VXEPLWWHG HOHFWURQLFDOO\ DQG VKRXOG FRPSO\ ZLWK 9$& 5-20-170, &RQ¿GHQWLDO LQIRUPDWLRQ RI WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH $Q\ SHUVRQ VHHNLQJ WR KDQG GHOLYHU DQG SK\VLFDOO\ ¿OH RU VXEPLW DQ\ SOHDGLQJ RU RWKHU GRFXPHQW VKDOO FRQWDFW WKH &OHUN¶V 2൶FH 'RFXPHQW &RQWURO &HQWHU DW WR DUUDQJH WKH GHOLYHU\

“Get A Fresh Start” Keep paying on your house and car as long as you owe what they are worth.

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, )LOLQJ DQG VHUYLFH RI WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH WKH &RPPLVVLRQ KDV GLUHFWHG WKDW VHUYLFH RQ SDUWLHV DQG WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 6WD൵ LQ WKLV PDWWHU VKDOO EH DFFRPSOLVKHG E\ HOHFWURQLF PHDQV 3OHDVH UHIHU WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 2UGHU IRU 1RWLFH DQG +HDULQJ IRU IXUWKHU LQVWUXFWLRQV FRQFHUQLQJ &RQ¿GHQWLDO RU ([WUDRUGLQDULO\ 6HQVLWLYH Information.

Also Chapter 13 “Debt Adjustment” STOPS FORECLOSURES, GARNISHMENTS AND HARASSING PHONE CALLS

7KH &RPPLVVLRQ HQWHUHG DQ 2UGHU IRU 1RWLFH DQG +HDULQJ WKDW DPRQJ RWKHU WKLQJV VFKHGXOHG SXEOLF KHDULQJV RQ 'RPLQLRQ¶V $SSOLFDWLRQ 2Q )HEUXDU\ DW D P WKH Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before )HEUXDU\ DQ\ SHUVRQ GHVLULQJ WR R൵HU WHVWLPRQ\ DV D SXEOLF ZLWQHVV VKDOO SURYLGH WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ D \RXU QDPH DQG E WKH WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU WKDW \RX ZLVK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ WR FDOO GXULQJ WKH KHDULQJ WR UHFHLYH \RXU WHVWLPRQ\ 7KLV LQIRUPDWLRQ PD\ EH SURYLGHG WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ LQ WKUHH ZD\V L E\ ¿OOLQJ RXW D IRUP RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V website at VFF YLUJLQLD JRY SDJHV :HEFDVWLQJ; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov RU LLL E\ FDOOLQJ 7KLV public witness hearing will be webcast at VFF YLUJLQLD JRY SDJHV :HEFDVWLQJ.

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

2Q )HEUXDU\ DW D P HLWKHU LQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V VHFRQG ÀRRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD RU E\ HOHFWURQLF PHDQV D KHDULQJ ZLOO EH FRQYHQHG WR UHFHLYH WHVWLPRQ\ DQG HYLGHQFH IURP WKH &RPSDQ\ DQ\ UHVSRQGHQWV DQG WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 6WD൵ )XUWKHU GHWDLOV RQ WKLV KHDULQJ ZLOO be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

Start with as little as $100

(OHFWURQLF FRSLHV RI WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ PD\ EH REWDLQHG E\ VXEPLWWLQJ D ZULWWHQ UHTXHVW WR FRXQVHO IRU WKH &RPSDQ\ (ODLQH 6 5\DQ (VTXLUH 0F*XLUH:RRGV //3 *DWHZD\ 3OD]D 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com. 2Q RU EHIRUH )HEUXDU\ DQ\ LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQ PD\ ¿OH FRPPHQWV RQ WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ HOHFWURQLFDOO\ E\ IROORZLQJ WKH LQVWUXFWLRQV RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V ZHEVLWH scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments 7KRVH XQDEOH DV D SUDFWLFDO PDWWHU WR ¿OH FRPPHQWV HOHFWURQLFDOO\ PD\ ¿OH VXFK FRPPHQWV E\ 8 6 PDLO WR WKH &OHUN RI WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ F R 'RFXPHQW &RQWURO &HQWHU 3 2 %R[ 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD $OO FRPPHQWV VKDOO UHIHU WR &DVH 1R 385 2Q RU EHIRUH 'HFHPEHU DQ\ SHUVRQ RU HQWLW\ ZLVKLQJ WR SDUWLFLSDWH DV D UHVSRQGHQW LQ WKLV SURFHHGLQJ PD\ GR VR E\ ¿OLQJ D QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ ZLWK WKH &OHUN RI WKH Commission at: VFF YLUJLQLD JRY FON H¿OLQJ 7KRVH XQDEOH DV D SUDFWLFDO PDWWHU WR ¿OH D QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ HOHFWURQLFDOO\ PD\ ¿OH VXFK QRWLFH E\ 8 6 PDLO WR WKH &OHUN RI the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of SDUWLFLSDWLRQ DV D UHVSRQGHQW DOVR PXVW EH VHQW WR FRXQVHO IRU WKH &RPSDQ\ 3XUVXDQW WR 9$& % 3DUWLFLSDWLRQ DV D UHVSRQGHQW, of the Rules of Practice, any notice of SDUWLFLSDWLRQ VKDOO VHW IRUWK L D SUHFLVH VWDWHPHQW RI WKH LQWHUHVW RI WKH UHVSRQGHQW LL D VWDWHPHQW RI WKH VSHFL¿F DFWLRQ VRXJKW WR WKH H[WHQW WKHQ NQRZQ DQG LLL WKH IDFWXDO DQG legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, &RXQVHO, RI WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH $OO ¿OLQJV VKDOO UHIHU WR &DVH 1R 385

Call Rudy McCollum at (804)218-3614 24-7. Talk to an attorney for free

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

2Q RU EHIRUH -DQXDU\ HDFK UHVSRQGHQW PD\ ¿OH ZLWK WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DW VFF YLUJLQLD JRY FON H¿OLQJ, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent H[SHFWV WR HVWDEOLVK LWV FDVH $Q\ UHVSRQGHQW XQDEOH DV D SUDFWLFDO PDWWHU WR ¿OH WHVWLPRQ\ DQG H[KLELWV HOHFWURQLFDOO\ PD\ ¿OH VXFK E\ 8 6 PDLO WR WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DW WKH DGGUHVV OLVWHG DERYH (DFK ZLWQHVV¶V WHVWLPRQ\ VKDOO LQFOXGH D VXPPDU\ QRW WR H[FHHG RQH SDJH $OO WHVWLPRQ\ DQG H[KLELWV VKDOO EH VHUYHG RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 6WD൵ WKH &RPSDQ\ DQG DOO RWKHU UHVSRQGHQWV VLPXOWDQHRXV ZLWK LWV ¿OLQJ ,Q DOO ¿OLQJV UHVSRQGHQWV VKDOO FRPSO\ ZLWK WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH DV PRGL¿HG E\ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 2UGHU IRU Notice and Hearing, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, )LOLQJ DQG VHUYLFH, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits $OO ¿OLQJV VKDOO UHIHU WR &DVH 1R PUR-2021-00119.

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.)

$Q\ GRFXPHQWV ¿OHG LQ SDSHU IRUP ZLWK WKH 2൶FH RI WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ LQ WKLV GRFNHW PD\ XVH ERWK VLGHV RI WKH SDSHU ,Q DOO RWKHU UHVSHFWV H[FHSW DV PRGL¿HG E\ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 2UGHU IRU 1RWLFH DQG +HDULQJ DOO ¿OLQJV VKDOO FRPSO\ IXOO\ ZLWK WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV RI 9$& Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice.

We are a federally designated Debt Relief Agency under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and we help people file for bankruptcy.

7KH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 2UGHU IRU 1RWLFH DQG +HDULQJ WKH &RPSDQ\¶V $SSOLFDWLRQ DQG RWKHU GRFXPHQWV ¿OHG LQ WKLV FDVH PD\ EH YLHZHG RQ WKH Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case Information. 9,5*,1,$ (/(&75,& $1' 32:(5 &203$1<

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

About 1 in 12 African Americans have

Sickle Cell Trait.

Backto

Have a Story Idea? WRITE

School

SCAN ME

If your child is entering 7th grade they OWUV JCXG VJGǾMeningitis, HPV, and Tdap vaccines in order to enroll. Talk to your doctor and vaccinate them now!

When two people with Sickle Cell Trait have a child, there is a 1 in 4 chance with each pregnancy, that the child will have a painful life threatening disease called Sickle Cell Disease.

Do you have Sickle Cell Trait? GET TESTED! For more information, call

SICKLE CELL ASSOCIATION OF RICHMOND - OSCAR

804-321-3311

We stand

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

Richmond Free Press The People’s Paper

& 'SBOLMJO 4USFFU 3JDINPOE 7JSHJOJB r

Richmond Free Press

news@richmondfreepress.com

Follow the Free Press on

@FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA Follow the Free Press on

@FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA

Richmond Free Press

A10 September 9-11, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

VSU falls to Lenoir-Rhyne; now headed to Ohio for Saturday matchup

Photos by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Virginia State University wide receiver Javon LaPierre slips past the Lenoir-Rhyne defense with an 82-yard punt return to the Lenoir-Rhyne 8 yard line during last Saturday’s season opener at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick. Right, Trenton Cannon, a former VSU standout from Hampton who played with the NFL’s New York Jets in 2018, watches last Saturday’s game from the Trojans’ sidelines. Cannon is now a free agent.

In search of an offensive spark, Virginia State University is headed to Columbus, Ohio, with a 0-1 record and many questions to be answered. The Trojans opened their fifth season under Coach Reggie Barlow Saturday, Sept. 4, with a 48-7 loss to visiting NCAA Division II powerhouse Lenoir-Rhyne University of North Carolina. Before 1,174 disappointed fans at Rogers Stadium, VSU was outgained, 546 yards to 148, and had just 10 first downs to the Bears’ 27. Now the Trojans will trek some 500 miles to Columbus to face Ohio Dominican University on Saturday, Sept. 11. The Panthers of the Great Midwest Conference are coming off a 35-30 loss to Shepherd University of West Virginia. For the first time in four seasons, VSU is without standout quarterback Cordelral Cook, who came to VSU

in 2016 with Coach Barlow from Alabama State University. Jordan Davis and Marquez Phillips struggled against Lenoir-Rhyne. The pair went 14 for 34 in the air for just 90 yards. VSU’s highlight was a 47-yard touchdown dash by Floridian Kimo Clarke in the second period. WillAdams, from Hermitage High School in Henrico County, led the VSU defense with 12 total tackles. VSU has known better times. Coach Barlow, now 31-11 on the Trojans’sidelines, began his VSU tenure in 2016 with a 34-9 victory in Hickory, N.C., over the same Lenoir-Rhyne it faced to open this season. VSU travels to Fayetteville State University on Saturday, Sept. 25, before returning to Ettrick on Saturday, Oct. 2, to face St. Augustine’s University.

Trenton Cannon

After bowing to Hampton, VUU to play home opener Saturday against Valdosta State Virginia Union University will play its first game on Willie Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 11, and it might help if Lanier himself could play for the Panthers. Of course that’s impossible, but VUU Coach Alvin Parker’s squad will need a much improved effort, especially on defense, if the Panthers are to post a victory against invading Valdosta State University of Georgia. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. on the $1.2 million, state-of-the-art FieldTurf playing surface. Lanier played home games for Maggie L. Walker High School at Hovey Field in the 1960s and went on to star for Morgan State University and the NFL Kansas City Chiefs. The linebacker extraordinaire was named to both the College and NFL halls of fame. Against Hampton University, the Panthers were tissue thin on defense—yielding 611 yards—in its opening 42-28 loss Saturday, Sept. 4, before 4,500 fans at Armstrong Stadium. The Pirates had 32 first downs and 369 yards rushing, good for a per-carry norm of 8 yards. VUU showed more life on offense, primarily through the air. Quarterback Khalid Morris threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns, with Charles Hall making six catches for 182

yards, including an 83-yard touchdown. A junior from Trenton, N.J., Hall ranks with the nation’s most explosive receivers. In 2019, the “Jersey Jet” led the NCAA Division II with 26 yards per reception, while scoring 10 touchdowns. VUU got little traction on the ground against Hampton, settling for 92 yards and 3.5 yards per carry. Jada Byers, a 5-foot-7 freshman from New Jersey, was the leader with a mere 25 yards overland. On a trick play, Jaiden Reavis, normally a wide receiver, threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Hall. After trailing 13-0 in the first period, VUU rallied to lead 14-13 at halftime. It was 28-28 early in the fourth quarter before the Pirates seized control with a crunching ground game. Pirates Darran Butts rans for 143 yards and Elijah Burris for 136, including the go-ahead touchdowns in the fourth period. VUU upset Hampton to start the 2019 season but wasn’t nearly as fortunate this go-round. Both VUU and HU sat out the 2020 season due to COVID-19. HU, a member of Big South Conference, competes in the NCAA’s FCS division, while

Howard University gets beat by UR; heading to Maryland It’s out of the frying pan and into the fire for Howard University’s Bison. After losing at the University of Richmond 38-14 on Saturday, Sept. 4, HU now faces an even more difficult assignment — the University of Maryland. The game is Saturday, Sept. 11, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Like Howard, UR competes in the NCAA FCS division. Maryland plays on the top shelf, the FBS. Howard lost 79-0 at Maryland in 2019. Before 7,048 fans at UR’s Robins Stadium, the Bison did enjoy some bright moments. Quarterback Quinton Williams passed for 226 yards and Jarett Hunter ran 12 times for 93 yards, including a 30-yarder. UR outgained the Bison 530 yards to 348, and had 28 first downs to Howard’s 14. Howard’s first home game will be Saturday, Sept. 18, against Hampton University.

NSU to take on Wake Forest Sept. 11 Norfolk State University will need to work on its punting game before venturing to Wake Forest University this Saturday, Sept. 11, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Kickoff is at noon. In Coach Dawson Odums NSU coaching debut, the Spartans lost 49-10 Sept. 4 at the University of Toledo. The host Rockets converted two blocked punts into touchdowns. NSU quarterback Juwan Carter, from Highland Springs High School in Henrico County, passed for 125 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown to Justin Smith from Benedictine College Preparatory. Kevin Johnson of Suffolk had a 52-yard run and finished with four carries for 56 yards. Wake Forest is coming off a 42-10 rout of another Norfolk school, Old Dominion University, on Sept. 3. NSU’s home opener is Saturday, Sept. 18, against Elizabeth City State University.

VUU is a member of the onepeg lower Division II. Valdosta State, of the rugged Gulf South Conference, is about as tough a Division II matchup as one could find. The Blazers won the NCAA title in 2018 with a 14-0 record and went 10-1 in 2019. Valdosta State opted out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19. While VUU braces for Valdosta’s invasion, Hampton will travel to Norfolk on Saturday, Sept. 11, to face Old Dominion University of the NCAA’s highest FBS division.

Photo by Anthony Hilton

Virginia Union University players work to protect Panthers’ quarterback Khalid Morris on the snap.

Thomas Jefferson High is going for third win Friday The Thomas Jefferson High School football program has picked up in 2021 where it left off in 2019. Following a year’s absence from the gridiron due to COVID-19, the new Vikings are looking like the Vikings of old under first-year head Coach Josef Harrison. The Class 2A Richmond school improved to 2-0 Sept. 2 with a 20-6 win over Class 5A Meadowbrook High School. The Vikings had opened a week earlier with a 7-0 shutout of Armstrong High School. Some of the current standouts were part of the 2019 team under Coach P.J. Adams that posted an 11-3 record en route to the State semifinals. Arthur Sutton, a sophomore on the 2019 team, is two years older and emerging as an elite running back. Sutton rushed for 115

yards at Meadowbrook, featuring a 45-yard touchdown scamper. Sutton added an interception from his defensive safety slot. Treymon Green and Josiah Hargrove scored the other TJ touchdowns. “We haven’t had a lot of chances to practice due to the weather and transportation issues, but I’m happy to see the progress,” said Coach Harrison, a Baltimore native who played and helped coach football for Virginia Union University. “We’ve got 35 kids now and we’re hoping to pick up a few more (after) school opens,” he said. Defensively, Amari Jackson was the ringleader against Meadowbrook, with an interception, a sack, two tackles behind the line of scrimmage and six solo tackles. Dominique Williams and Kentre Darden

have led a relentless pass rush that has resulted in a total of 14 sacks in two games. “We’re doing a great job of flying to the ball,” Coach Harrison said of his aggressive defense. The Thomas Jefferson backs are running behind an NFL-sized offensive line. Zadier Artis, Jaden Goodwin and Timarion Venable are all well over 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. The Vikings will travel to Amelia on Friday, Sept. 10, in hopes of making it 3-0. Looking farther ahead, there’s not a game on the schedule in which the Vikings will be clear underdogs. That’s very unusual for a city school. Not wanting to take it too fast, Coach Harrison said, “Our goal is to go 1-0 every week.”

Washington Football Team’s ticket to success: ‘The Roadblock’ In searching for a nickname for the Washington Football Team’s vaunted defense, “The Roadblock” seems to fit. In and around a city known for traffic backups, visiting teams—especially offensive players—might consider taking a detour when nearing the Bermuda grass inside FedEx Field. The 2020 Washington Team had the NFL’s second stingiest defense in yardage yielded, and more of the same is expected this season under second-year Coach Ron Rivera. An intimidating Washington Team front four, composed entirely of first round draft choices, represents the first line of defense opponents will face on Sundays. Rival quarterbacks are likely to get rubbery knees when eyeing this quartet of young and restless defensive linemen: • Chase Young—Round one, second overall pick, 2019, from Ohio State University, age 22, jersey No. 99. • Montez Sweat—Round one, 26th overall pick, 2019, Mississippi State University, age 24, jersey No. 90. • Daron Payne—Round one, 13th overall pick, 2018, University of Alabama, age 24, jersey No. 94. • Jonathan Allen—Round one, 17th overall pick, 2017, University of Alabama, age 26, jersey No. 93. In winning the NFC East a year ago and nearly upsetting eventual Super Bowl champ Tampa Bay in

Ready to rumble Sunday, Sept. 12: Washington Football Team versus the Los Angeles Chargers at FedEx Field in D.C. Kickoff: 1 p.m. Broadcast: CBS television.

the playoffs, the Washington sparkled on defense. Washington was second in yards allowed with 304.6 per game. Only the Los Angeles Rams were more impenetrable with 281.9 allowed. The Washington kept teams off the scoreboard, too. Washington allowed a paltry 20.6 points per game, trailing only the Los Angeles Rams, the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers in that category among 32 NFL teams. The all-first-round front four is only one phase of Washington’s plan to deny opponents first downs and touchdowns. The linebacker corps has received a notable boost in Jamin Davis, the team’s latest first round draftee (19th overall) from the University of Kentucky. Davis drew notice on the field, recording 102 tackles last season for the Wildcats, and at the NFL Combine. Measuring 6-foot-3½ and 234 pounds, Davis ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds and did a 42-inch vertical leap and 11-foot standing broad jump. That kind of size, speed and explosiveness is like adding a wrecking ball to the middle of an

Chase Young

Montez Sweat

Daron Payne

Jonathan Allen

already powerful defense. Washington’s secondary received a bold-letter addition, too, in cornerback William Jackson III, a first round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016. As a free agent, Jackson signed a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Washington in March. The NFL has a rich history of great defenses with catchy tags. To name a few, there was the “Fearsome Foursome” in Los Angeles, the “Steel Curtain” in Pittsburgh, the “Gritz Blitz” in Atlanta, the “Killer B’s” in Miami, the “Doomsday D” in Dallas, the Jets’ “New York Sack Exchange,” the “Dome Patrol” in New Orleans, the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle and “Sacksonville” in Jacksonville. It’s best when the nickname fits the city. “The Roadblock” fits D.C.

Field at N.C. stadium named to honor legendary Coach Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes first made his football coaching mark at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. Now that mark will become permanent. The stadium will continue to be called Bowman Gray but the playing surface will be Bill Coach Hayes Hayes Field. Coach Hayes, now 78 and living in his hometown of Durham, N.C., coached the Winston-Salem State University Rams from 1976 to 1987, posting an 89-40-2 record with CIAA titles in 1977 and 1978. Among his first stars was quarterback Kermit Blount from Rich-

mond’s Armstrong High School. Coach Hayes later coached at North Carolina A&T State University from 1988 to 2002, winning the National Black College Championships in 1990 and 1999. He later served as athletic director at North Carolina Central University, his alma mater; Florida A&M University; and WinstonSalem State from 2010 until his retirement in 2014. Bowman Gray Stadium, a multipurpose facility, has served as WinstonSalem State’s home field for decades. It also was the home turf for Wake Forest University at one time and has a long history in NASCAR.

September 9-11, 2021 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

Personality: Melanie K. Frank During COVID-19, grief has become a greater presence in the lives of many people with the large numbers of people stricken with, hospitalized by or who succumbed to the virus. For Richmonders struggling with this part of life, Melanie K. Frank and the Full Circle Grief Center have been working to be a helping hand. Ms. Frank has been leading the nonprofit’s board since 2019. It is her second time in the role after first being elected in 2011. But her time with the organization stretches back more than a decade to the organization’s founding in September 2008. When first approached by founder Allyson Drake about becoming part of Full Circle’s founding board, one of Ms. Frank’s co-workers had just lost his wife. The thought of the impact that death would have on her co-worker and the couple’s children spurred Ms. Frank to join the group. She has served in multiple roles in the years since. “I was in from the start and have stayed as I have realized the impact losing their mother early in life had on my own family,” Ms. Frank says, noting the importance of having a resource like Full Circle to help grieving families in our community heal. Now in the second year of her six-year term as president, Ms. Frank seeks to continue Full Circle’s work in providing comprehensive grief counseling in many forms. With referrals bolstered through their many community partners, Full Circle Grief Center provides support to people each year through group and individual programs, ranging from spousal and parental death to pregnancy loss, community recovery and deaths by suicide or opioid overdose. To meet the needs of those grieving, Full Circle employs a wide range of support strategies, including discussion groups, creative expression like art, music and games, relaxation techniques and more. The support services are free, as “we want our services to be as accessible as possible to any and all who need them,” Ms. Frank says. “At Full Circle, we believe the most important piece of grief support is listening and holding space, non-judgmentally and compassionately,” Ms. Frank says. “Our biggest priority is for nobody to feel alone in their grief and to help communities learn how to grieve in a more healthy manner.” Full Circle’s services didn’t stop during COVID-19, Ms. Frank points out. Initially, the nonprofit moved to virtual counseling. However, in-person and virtual options are available and used as statewide regulations and federal Centers for Disease Control guidelines have allowed. On Sept. 18 and 19, the organization is hosting its 2nd Annual Miles in Memory Virtual Remembrance Run/Walk with Bon Secours Richmond. Participants can run or walk wherever they are in memory of a loved one, with the $25 registration fee and any other donations benefiting Full Circle Grief Center’s grief support programs for children and families in the Richmond area. Looking ahead, Ms. Frank says her biggest goal is “striving for happiness and good health for my family,” a fitting goal for one whose work puts her

Spotlight on board chair of the Full Circle Grief Center in close proximity to so much trauma and sadness. Meet a leader in supporting the community in healing from all types of grief and this week’s Personality, Melanie K. Frank: No. 1 volunteer title: Board chair, Full Circle Grief Center. Date and place of birth: May 15 in Detroit. Where I live now: Short Pump, Henrico County. Education: Mills Godwin High School in Henrico County; bachelor’s in aerospace engineering; University of Virginia; and master’s in engineering, University of Maryland. Occupation: Managing vice president of technology, Capital One. Family: Husband, Charlie; and daughter, Parker, 17; son, Will, 15; and daughter, Ellie, 12. When and why Full Circle Grief Center was founded: It was established in September 2008 by Allyson Drake as a comprehensive grief resource center for children, adults and families. Mission: To provide comprehensive, professional bereavement support to children, adults, families and communities in Central Virginia. When elected board chair: I was a member of the founding board starting in 2008, elected chair in 2011, moved to the junior board in 2014, moved back to the board and elected board chair again in 2019. Why I accepted position: I have been committed to Full Circle and its mission since it was founded in 2008 and have been a part of the board or junior board and active program volunteer the entire time. When Allyson first approached me about joining the board, I had heard that day about a co-worker who lost his wife suddenly. They had two young daughters, and I was trying to imagine what he would do and how they would all be. That night, Allyson told me about her plans to start Full Circle, and I got chills. I was in from the start and have stayed as I have realized the impact losing their mother early in life had on my own family and how important having a resource like Full Circle is to helping grieving families in our community heal. Length of term: First term, 6 years; currently in year 2 of second term. Grief is: Hard and messy. Full Circle Grief Center helps find meaning of loss by: Helping individuals integrate the loss into their lives and discover ways to honor their loved one as they move forward in their “new normal.” Difference between bereavement and grief: Grief is reaction to a loss, encompassing thoughts and feelings, as well as physical, behavioral and spiritual resources. Bereavement is state of loss when someone close to you has died. Children and grief: Unresolved grief, especially in children and youths, can become a serious issue that prolongs suffering and even impairs regular daily functions at school and home. Our Hands on Healing, or HOH, family group helps families work through grief together. Our school groups help stu-

dents access grief support that they may not otherwise get. And our individual counseling practice is also open to grieving children. More information is available about HOH online at https://fullcirclegc.org/handson-healing-family-group/ and about individual counseling at https://fullcirclegc.org/individual-counseling-2/. Spouses and grief: All of Full Circle’s programs and groups help support spouses experiencing loss. In a group setting, spouses are able to connect with others experiencing a similar loss. In our individual counseling practice, our therapists tailor the approach specifically to each client in that one-to-one relationship. Parents and grief: We serve grieving parents in every single Full Circle group and program. Their challenges are all different — ranging from grieving the death of an adult child to parenting young children while grieving the loss of another — and each program takes into consideration the best way to support those parents depending on their situation. In Hands on Healing, parents and their children have the opportunity to attend group together. Suicide and grief and overdose and grief: The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released reports citing record high numbers of suicide and overdose deaths in 2020. At Full Circle, our Suicide Loss Group and Overdose Loss Group operate on a waitlist all the time, and pages on our website related to those topics have seen exponential traffic growth in 2020 and 2021. You can learn more about our Suicide Loss Group online at https://fullcirclegc.org/suicideloss-group/. You can learn more about our Overdose Loss Group online at https://fullcirclegc.org/ overdose-loss-group/. Pregnancy loss and grief: There are few services in our area to support parents who are dealing with the loss of a baby. Our Perinatal Loss Group supports parents grieving the death of an infant or stillborn baby. We also offer a Pregnancy After Loss Group, as well as a Parenting After a Perinatal Loss Group. You can learn more online at https://fullcirclegc.org/ perinatal-loss-group/. Community grief: Our community is living in a state of community and national grief currently. We can support communities, organizations, neighborhoods and companies that are grieving the death of someone

in their organization. To learn more about these services, please email allyson@fullcirclegc.org. Racial equity and grief: Everyone grieves at some point. It’s one of the most universal experiences in our world. But everyone grieves in different ways based on a variety of factors, including life experiences, family of origin beliefs around death, religious beliefs, support system and depth of relationship with the person who has died. We are often asked about demographics, and while there are certainly trends, that information often changes because grief does not discriminate. Grief doesn’t “choose” based on income, age, sexuality, religion, race, etc. It’s one reason our groups are offered at no cost. We want our services to be as accessible as possible to any and all who need them. How we help our city heal as homicide rates increase: We need to provide an outlet for family members and friends who have lost a loved one to homicide. Those grieving these losses need to have a place to talk to others who understand and can relate to the intricacies and specific challenges of a homicide death. Full Circle partners with Virginia Victim Assistance Network to offer these groups in our area. For more information, visit https:// vanetwork.org/homicide-survivor-support-groups/. Strategies we use to help the grieving process: We use a variety of strategies to support those who are grieving a loss — discussion, various forms of creative expression (such as art, music, painting, games, drama, and play), relaxation/meditation/ mindfulness techniques, companioning and listening. At Full Circle, we believe the most important piece of grief support is listening and holding space, non-judgmentally and compassionately. How Full Circle Grief Center individualizes services: At Full Circle, each person who contacts us, either via phone or email, talks to a licensed mental health professional from the start. These professionals work in partnership with the clients to understand their individual goals, needs and challenges. We make recommendations for services based on the client, not working to fit them into our pre-defined programs. Full Circle Grief Center and COVID-19: Full Circle has remained operational with no break in service since the beginning of the pandemic. When the initial quarantine timeframe was instituted, the organization moved to a completely virtual format for the first time ever. During the course of the last year and a half, Full Circle has offered virtual and in-person options for groups and individual counseling as statewide regulations and COVID-19 trends have allowed. No. 1 goal or project of Full Circle Grief Center: Our biggest priority is for nobody to feel alone in their grief and to help communities learn how to grieve in a healthy manner. Full Circle Grief Center

partners with: Full Circle collaborates with a wide variety of organizations in the Greater Richmond area. We have strong referral partnerships with many organizations, including but not limited to: Communities In Schools, National Association for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, ChildSavers, McShin Foundation and local community service boards, funeral homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and OBGYNs. We also partner closely with local public schools, where we offer as-needed grief support groups onsite for students who have experienced traumatic loss. Ways to assist Full Circle Grief Center: • Engage with us on Facebook and Instagram • Volunteer https://fullcirclegc. org/volunteer/ • Participate in an upcoming event https://fullcirclegc.org/ miles-in-memory/ • Purchase an item from our Amazon Wish List https://fullcirclegc.org/amazon-wish-list/ • Make a donation https://fullcirclegc.org/donations-support/ Upcoming Full Circle Grief Center events: Our 2nd Annual Miles in Memory Virtual Remembrance Walk/Run, presented by Bon Secours, is coming up! https://fullcirclegc. org/miles-in-memory/ Participants can join us virtually from anywhere the weekend of Sept. 18-19 and walk or run in memory of a loved one. All proceeds and donations will fund our ongoing grief support groups. We also will be hosting a Fall Fest in November at Hardywood with more details to come. How to access Full Circle Grief Center’s services: Visit the Full Circle Grief Center website at https://fullcirclegc. org/. There, you can find information about how to register for groups, inquire about individual counseling services, or sign up to attend an event. To stay in the loop about programs, services and events, you can also follow Full Circle on Facebook and Instagram. How I start the day: I start most every day with some form of exercise. This helps my mental health as much as my physical health and wakes me up, getting me ready to attack the day. I am generally a

“find the silver lining” person, using that to tackle anything that might be challenging me at the time. A perfect day for me is: Sleeping in, getting a workout, plenty of time outside (preferably on the water or in the mountains … maybe at a U.Va. sporting event), good food and great time with family. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Maybe that I love to sing and dance (and not well), usually in my kitchen or my car and much to the embarrassment of my children. Quote that inspires me: “She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails.” – Elizabeth Edwards. My friends describe me as: Smart and funny seem to be the general themes. What I am learning about myself during the pandemic: I like working from home way more than I would have expected. I love getting time with my kids during the day that I wouldn’t have if I was in the office. I need to keep the routine to stay sane: Up, workout, shower, makeup, dress for work (at least on top). At the top of my “to-do” list: Organize my closet! It keeps getting pushed down the list by back-to-school tasks, work items, etc. Best late-night snack: Fresh popcorn with plenty of butter. Best thing my parents ever taught me: I can only pick one? Work hard, be financially responsible, be kind and put family first. Family is way bigger than those you are related to by blood. Person who influenced me the most: My grandfather. Book that influenced me the most: “Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do” by Claude M. Steele. What I’m reading now: “Ask Again, Yes” by Mary Beth Keane and “Brag Better: Master the Art of Fearless Self-Promotion” by Meredith Fineman. Next goal: Honestly, my biggest goal is striving for happiness and good health for my family. And when it comes to Full Circle, as board chair, I want to ensure that this valuable service will be available to our community for generations to come.

W E I N ST E I N AU T HOR SE R IE S

KAREN L. COX

No Common Ground: Confederate Monuments and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 6:00–7:30 PM Lecture Hall | FREE

he Carole Weinstein Author Series supports the literary arts by bringing both new and well-known

authors to the Library of Virginia. Free and open to the public, the series focuses on Virginia authors and Virginia subjects across all genres. Most events will include light refreshments, a question-and-answer session with the author, and book signings. For more information, contact

S P R I N G 2 019

Emma Ito at 804.692.3726 or emma.ito@lva.virginia.gov.

ZACHARY WOOD

UNCENSORED

at the Wall Street Journal, will discuss

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 | Noon–1:00

achary R. Wood, a columnist and assistant opinion editor at The

Guardian and a Robert L. Bartley Fellow

Registration Required: lva.virginia.gov/public/weinstein

Join us for this in-person only talk by author and historian Dr. Karen L. Cox on her eye-opening narrative. 800 East Broad Street | Richmond, VA 23219 www.lva.virginia.gov | 804.692.3999

B2 September 9-11, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Happenings Friends throw fundraiser for singer Carlton Blount By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Ruby Scoops owner wins ‘Clash of the Cones’ Rabia Kamara is a winner! And so is her ice cream. The owner of Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets on Brookland Park Boulevard in North Side walked off with the title and grand prize of the Food Network’s “Ben & Jerry’s: Clash of the Cones” ice cream flavor competition. Ms. Kamara wins $20,000 and a featured spot in a Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop or an event in her hometown. Ms. Kamara’s creative ice cream flavor beat out five others in a series of challenges to win the competition, which aired on the Food Network beginning Aug. 16. Her winning flavor: Bia’s Black Joy Sundae, with salted malted Dulce de leche ice cream, vanilla ice cream, old bay caramel swirl, dark chocolate fudge brownie chunks and salty toffee hazelnut blondies. “I am grateful for this experience and even more that I won!” Ms. Kamara said in a statement. “It’s amazing to be reassured that I’m on the right path in life and that people now know who I and Ruby Scoops am!” The Virginia Commonwealth University graduate opened her shop in Richmond in 2020. Her ultimate goal, she said, is to have shops in different locations. The competition was filmed in May in Waterbury, Vt., the headquarters of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute’s Leadership Awards Luncheon slated for Sept.18 Six people who have made lasting impacts within their communities and on Virginia Union University will be honored at the 2021 Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute’s Leadership Awards Luncheon. The event will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center on the VUU campus, 1500 N. Lombardy St. The honorees are: Roslyn M. Brock, former chair of the national NAACP and chief global equity officer for Abt Associates; Carlos M. Brown, senior vice president, Mr. Brown Ms. Brock general counsel and chief compliance officer for Dominion Energy; Beverly Brown Davis, chief operating officer of Davis Brothers Construction Co. and an associate professor at Reynolds Community College; Greta J. Harris, presiMs. Harris Ms. Davis dent and chief executive officer of the Better Housing Coalition, a member of the Markel Corp. Board of Directors and the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors; Richard A. Lambert Sr., president and owner of Scott’s Funeral Home Mr. Lambert Sr. Mr. Phillips and president of Richard A. Lambert Investments LLC; and N. Scott Phillips, managing member of N. Scott Phillips Legal and Business Consulting Services, director of the Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center and a member of the VUU Board of Trustees. The keynote speaker for the luncheon is Dr. Nicole Thorne Jenkins, the John A. Griffin dean at the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. “We are fortunate enough that Dr. Ruth Coles Harris will be in attendance at this year’s event and will help us celebrate this year’s honorees,” said Dr. Robin Davis, dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business at VUU. “Her legacy and the example she set will live on in the community for decades to come. Dr. Harris was the first African-American woman to pass the certified public accountant licensing exam in Virginia and among the first 100 African-Americans in the United States to pass the exam. Dr. Harris also was the founding dean at VUU’s Sydney Lewis School of Business and served on the faculty for 48 years. The Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute offers a lecture series to deepen students’ understanding of business; offers workshops and seminars for the community; and certificate programs for professionals in entrepreneurship, organizational change and leadership; and nonprofit and church administration. Tickets are $50, or $400 for a table of eight, and may be purchased online at www.vuu.edu/register or call the VUU Sydney Lewis School of Business at (800) 368-3227.

Carlton V. Blount’s voice has taken him to New York, Los Angeles and a host of other places he could only dream about when he was growing up in Richmond. Starting at Hermitage High School where he peerformed with his first band, the silky-voiced crooner has been pouring out music for five decades over the radio, on TV and in live performances. A slender, bearded man, Mr. Blount has been the singer at more than 1,000 weddings, recorded countless jingles and commercials for small and large businesses and government entities, created a series of albums that include his own soul song compositions and earned acclaim as the lead singer for eight years for the renowned R&B group The Main Ingredient. The Richmond native, best known for his cover of Larry Graham’s “One in a Million You,” was at one time recruited by both The Manhattans and The Temptations to join their groups, though those gigs fell through. Still, he performed widely with the band he developed called Total Control, which enabled him to be fully engaged with music. But time and health challenges have taken their toll. At 61, he lives with his father, Cephas N. Blount, a retired federal employee, and is struggling to make ends meet after suffering a stroke and being stricken with Parkinson’s disease. He also is dealing with other chronic conditions, including arthritis, diabetes and a pinched nerve in his back. That’s why a group called Friends of Carlton Blount is throwing a fundraiser for him. They hope that musicians, fans and others who know the mild-mannered, soft-spoken performer will pitch in with

a donations for him. The fundraiser will take place 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, in the parking lot of Second Baptist Church, 1400 Idlewood Ave. The pastor, Dr. James Henry Harris, is supporting the initiative, according to Russell Bennett, the founder and leader of the a cappella group Bak N Da Day, who organized the event for his friend. Mr. Bennett, a retired Richmond Public Schools employee who currently operates Outdoor Affair Catering, said he came up with the idea and pulled together a dozen other people in Mr. Blount a bid to “help Carlton manage the demands of his serious health conditions.” “A musician needs his instrument,” Mr. Bennett said, “and in this case, Carlton’s instrument is his voice. He has no way to make a living when his voice is not working.” He said Mr. Blount’s recordings would be played to serenade people who come to the fundraiser to drop off donations. Mr. Bennett said donations also can be made directly to Mr. Blount through his Cash App account, $shake724, or by sending the donation to Carlton Blount, P.O. Box 27641, Richmond, Va., 23261. “We need to do what we can for him,” Mr. Bennett said. “He is deserving of our support.” The son of Mr. Blount and the late hairstylist Josephine Blount, Mr. Blount said he first remembers singing when he was 5. His hopes for a career in music started to come together when he joined

The Volunteer Choir, then at Second Baptist Church, under the direction of the late Larry Bland. Mr. Bennett also was a member. Mr. Blount said as people in the choir heard him sing, they began encouraging him to seek wider venues. He said Mr. Bland assisted by having him participate in the June Jubilee Festival that Mr. Bland was producing at the time. Building on his growing popularity, he created a band with some of the musicians who played with the choir and quickly started gaining bookings. He said he also benefitted from meeting two top area professionals in music production, Bill Grishaw and Hannon Lane. Mr. Blount said both have been involved in creating the albums he has released and in connecting him to other elements of the music industry. Mr. Blount’s two children, Corey and Chelsea, are both involved in the music business in Los Angeles. In 2019, Corey Blount co-wrote, produced and performed with NOURI the song “Where Do We Go From Here” that achieved No. 1 ranking in eight countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Mr. Blount said he’s doing what he can to avoid giving in to his health problems. He continues to write new songs and sing. “I already have two albums completed,” he said, and hopes soon to have the material arranged in good order so the albums can be released. Still, he is grateful that Mr. Bennett and others are pitching in to connect him to services he was unfamiliar with, are checking in to make sure he is taking care of himself and are hosting this fundraiser to provide additional support. “I’m so grateful to have great friends,” he said.

30th Annual Down Home Family Reunion slated for Sept.12 at Kanawha Plaza The Legendary Blue Notes will headline a revived Down Home Family Reunion that returns this weekend, but at a new location in Downtown, it has been announced. Sidelined last year by the pandemic, the 30th edition of the festive celebration of African-American folklife will take place 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at Kanawha Plaza, 701 E. Canal St., according to Janine Bell, director of the presenting group, the Elegba Folklore Society. The featured Legendary Blue Notes are keeping alive the soul sounds of the late Harold Melvin, who, along with singer Teddy Pendergrass, made the Philadelphia group a top act in the 1970s. Led by Arthur “Sugar Bear” Aiken, the quartet tours around the country performing “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “The Love I Lost,” “I Miss You,” “Wake Up Everybody” and other

songs that continue to resonate. The entertainment also will include music from the Washington-based Sahel Band and Another Level featuring “James Brown,” along with traditional African dance from the Elegba Folklore troupe, Ms. Bell stated. The event is open to the public and will include folkloric demonstrations, games and other activities for children, a heritage market, community service information and food offerings, Ms. Bell noted. No coolers, pets or tents are allowed. Sponsors include the City of Richmond, CultureWorks, the Capital Area Health Network, Dominion Energy, Wells Fargo, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. Details: Elegba Folklore Society, www.efsinc.org or (804) 644-3900.

Summer’s unofficial end Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, with a flurry of cookouts and outdoor activities before youngsters return to school, pools close and families settle back into fall routines. That’s the way it was in Richmond last weekend and people soaked in sunshine and cool waters during the holiday. Below left, Kim Brown and Sean Griffin watch as rafters float down the James River at the Pony Pasture in South Richmond. A grill in Forest Hill Park sizzles, bottom left, with a variety of meats at the Scott family Labor Day picnic. Below, Elijah Armstrong, 6, enjoys a swim lesson from his mom, Lindsey Armstrong, at Battery Park Pool in North Side, while river rafters, left, paddle into Brown’s Island after more than an hour on the James River. Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

DIAMONDS • WATCHES JEWELRY • REPAIRS 19 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, VA 23219 (804) 648-1044

WWW.WALLERJEWELRY.COM

Richmond Free Press

September 9-11, 2021 B3

Faith News/Directory

Dr. Walton M. Belle, longtime Richmond surgeon and team doctor for VUU Panthers, dies at 91 By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Dr. Walton McNeil Belle Sr. combined surgery with a flair for business. Along with saving lives on the operating table, Dr. Belle developed a medical office building in North Side, owned multiple storefronts on Brookland Park Boulevard near his offices and purchased with partners three flourishing Richmond radio stations. His role in medicine and the community is being remembered following his death on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. He was 91. His life was celebrated during a funeral service at the Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, Sept. 4. He was interred in Riverview Cemetery. A Richmond native and U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Belle graduated from Virginia Union University and was accepted at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. After graduating with honors in 1958, he stayed in Nashville to develop his surgical skills through an internship at Hubbard Hospital. He moved his family back to Richmond in 1964, where he

practiced until his retirement 35 years later in 1999. During his career, he served as the team physician for VUU’s football and men’s and women’s basketball teams. He continued in that role for another 15 years after he retired from active practice. Dr. Belle also influenced the North Side. He developed a medical office building at 2809 North Ave. that is now a clinical operation for the Capital Area Dr. Belle Health Network. He bought and leased space to barbers, beauticians and retailers in the retail area near his offices. Around 1979, he got interested in radio and bought the small station now known as WREJ. He later partnered with Dr. Charles Cummings of Richmond, two Washington physicians and station manager Larry Jones to add two other stations, WKJS and WSOJ, in building what was then one of the largest Black-owned chains of broadcast outlets in Virginia.

Alan G. Reese Sr., accountant, dies at 64 By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Alan Gerard Reese, a veteran accountant who also was involved in the revival of Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood, has died. Mr. Reese succumbed to illness on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, according to his family. He was 64. His contributions to the profession and the community were remembered during a graveside service Saturday, Sept. 4, at Mayflower Baptist Church in Kenbridge in Lunenburg County. Born in Kenbridge, Mr. Reese began his accounting career in Richmond after graduating summa cum laude from Virginia State University. A certified public accountant, he worked for Price Waterhouse’s Richmond office before starting his own firm in the early

1980s. He and his staff kept the books, organized finances and handled tax reporting for numerous clients, including the Richmond Free Press. Under his leadership, the firm ranked as one of the largest Black-owned and Mr. Reese operated accounting firms in the Richmond area. To create new offices for his company, A.G. Reese & Associates P.C., Mr. Reese took on the renovation of one of Jackson Ward’s most significant structures, John Mitchell Jr.’s home, at 621 N. 3rd St, one of the few buildings that survived the expansion of the Richmond Convention Center that opened in 2003.

In a December 2001 Free Press Personality feature, Mr. Reese said that he took on the project to preserve the legacy of Mr. Mitchell, a crusading Black newspaper editor, banker, civic leader and political figure from the 1880s until his death in 1929. Mr. Reese’s company remains in operation. Mr. Reese also revived and led the Jackson Ward Business Association in a bid to help the community once again flourish as it had during its heyday during segregation and before the city built the interstate highway through it. Survivors include his children, Alan Gerard Reese II and Tef Paige Reese; six siblings, Oscar Cradle, Brenda R. Herrington, Early W. Reese, Marvin E. Reese, Mark S. Reese and Reginald C. Reese; and one grandchild.

In 1999, he and his partners shared a $6 million profit when media magnate Cathy Hughes and her son, Alfred Liggins III, owners of the corporation now known as Urban One, bought the seven stations most Black Richmond residents listened to, including WKJS and WSOJ. (Currently, Urban One is seeking to build a casino in the city.) Dr. Belle also was long active at Third Street Bethel AME Church. A 400-seat theater that is part of a multipurpose events and meeting addition to the sanctuary is named in honor of him and his family. Dr. Belle was predeceased by his wife, Armond Belle. Survivors include his son, Walton M. Belle Jr., a Nashville architect; two daughters, social worker Claudia B. Davis and physician Dr. Cheryl B. Bradley; three sisters, Dr. Joan Christian, Laverne Jeter and Eulalia Lee; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. “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

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Back Inside

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).”

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

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

Moore Street Missionary

Riverview

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.

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

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

2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

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

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

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

g ratin eleb

151 years of Christian Ser Twitter sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

vice

(near Byrd Park)

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

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

±4HE 0EOPLE´S #HURCH²

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

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NRSV)

Antioch Baptist Church “Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”

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

SERVICES

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M.

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

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

Please visit our website Ebenezer Baptist Church Richmond, VA for updates http://www.richmondebenezer.com Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Adam L. Bond, Pastor

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

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

“Working For You In This Difficult Hour”

The doors of the church are open for worship! No registration required. Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays

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

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

Milestones are meant to be celebrated. Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 (804) 358-9177

Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Founder (Dec. 19, 1938 - Dec. 9, 2006) Joseph Jenkins, III. • Jason K. Jenkins • Maxine T. Jenkins

Share accomplishments in a special person’s life by announcing it in the Richmond Free Press. Contact Cynthia Downing, advertising coordinator, today to ﬁnd out more about aﬀordable celebratory advertising rates to celebrate a special achievement or a special occasion.

Richmond Free Press The People’s Paper

422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 www.richmondfreepress.com advertising@richmondfreepress.com PHONE (804)644-0496 | FAX (804)643-5436

Richmond Free Press

B4 September 9-11, 2021

Sports Plus

Naomi Osaka announces hiatus after U.S. Open defeat Reuters

NEW YORK Retired athletes voiced their support for four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka last Saturday after she said she would take a break from tennis, having lost her enthusiasm for competition. The world’s No. 3 ranked player suffered a stunning defeat in the third round of the U.S. Open on Sept. 3 before tearfully telling reporters she planned to take an indefinite break from the sport. “I feel like for me recently, like, when I win, I don’t feel happy. I feel more like a relief,” said Osaka, months after publicly disclosing that she had suffered from depression. “Take all the time you need to recover, rest, and heal, @naomiosaka,” 12-time Grand Slam singles champion Billie Jean King wrote on Twitter on Saturday. “Sending you love and support.”

Retired American tennis player James Blake applauded her decision. “Please do what is best for you @ naomiosaka,” he said on social media. “We want to see your extraordinary tennis again, but more importantly, we want to see you happy.” Osaka, 23, has ushered in a new conversation around mental health in professional sports after she dropped out of the French Open amid a public row over mandatory press conferences at the Grand Slam, saying they took too great a toll on her mental wellbeing. The two-time champion’s return to Flushing Meadows did not go to plan, but ended in tears Friday with her defeat to Canadian Leylah Fernandez 5-7 7-6(2) 6-4. Osaka wordlessly left the court after uncharacteristically losing her cool in the second set tiebreak. She whacked her racquet and then flung it onto the court twice in frustra-

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Naomi Osaka returns a shot to Leylah Fernandez of Canada during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships last Friday in New York.

Basketball star Hansel Emmanuel to play for Tennessee State Tennessee State University is sold on Hansel Emmanuel Donato Dominguez, even though the high school hoops standout has only one arm. The HBCU in Nashville is the first to offer a full scholarship to Emmanuel, a rising senior at Life Christian Academy in Kissimmee, Fla. More offers are likely to follow. A native of the Dominican Republic,

Emmanuel lost his left arm, above the elbow, at age 6 in an industrial accident. The 6-foot-5 athlete became an internet sensation last winter after being featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter. He now has more than 600,000 Instagram followers. His father, Hansel Salvador Donato, played professionally in the Dominican

Republic and represented his homeland on the national team. Tennessee State is coached by Brian “Penny” Collins and competes in the NCAA Division I Ohio Valley Conference. An added note: A current freshman at Tennessee State is Hercy Miller, the 6-foot-3 son of hip-hop legend Master P.

tion as Fernandez scored five straight points in the tiebreak, in a series of superb play. Osaka did not receive a warning or a code violation and left the court between sets, later telling reporters she struggled to contain her emotions. “I’m really sorry about that,” she told reporters later, announcing her intention to take a break from the sport. “I was telling myself to be calm, but I feel like maybe there was a boiling point. “I feel like I’m kind of at this point where I’m trying to figure out what I want to do. Honestly, I don’t know when I’m going to play my next tennis match,” she said, breaking down in tears at a post-match press conference and pulling the brim of her visor over her eyes. “I think I’m going to take a break from playing for a while.” Osaka’s influence extends far beyond the court, as she brought the Black Lives Matter protest to tennis’ international platform a year ago, becoming a leading figure for athlete advocacy in the process. “Good decision. Young, trying to figure out life, how to win consistently, and as a huge celebrity athlete is hard! Trying to also be a change maker too. Exponentially harder!” four-time Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Michael Johnson wrote on Twitter. “If there was ever a need for an athlete to step away, this is it.”

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Divorce 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 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER OLIVIA G. HARRISON, Plaintiff v. MARK O. HARRISON, JR., Defendant. Case No.: CL21002736-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is for the petitioner to obtain a divorce from defendant. It is ORDERED that the defendant, Mark O. Harrison, jr., whose last known address was 1119 Georgia Avenue, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060, and whose whereabouts are now unknown, appear here on or before the 12th day of October, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., to protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Susan Gerber, Counsel for Plaintiff 206 DeSota Drive Richmond, Virginia 23229 (804) 741-3438 Email: dagny44@aol.com VSB #30901 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LEQUITA ROACH, Plaintiff v. JOHN ROACH, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002810-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 14th day of October, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER AMY PAGAN, Plaintiff v. VITALI LOHVIN, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002809-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 14th day of October, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHARLOTTE SYDNOR, Plaintiff v. MELVIN SYDNOR, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002807-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 14th day of October, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ROBIN HARRIS, Plaintiff v. CHRISTOPHER HARRIS, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002723-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 5th day of October, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO GLORIA PERRY SCOTT, Plaintiff, v. WARREN FERGUSON SCOTT, III, Defendant. Civil Law No.: CL21-4904 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without interruption and without cohabitation for a period of more than one year, since May 15, 2012. And it appearing by Affidavit filed according to law that Warren Ferguson Scott, III, the above-named defendant, is not a resident of this state and that due diligence has been used by or in behalf of plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendant is, without effect. It is therefore ORDERED that the said Warren Ferguson Scott, III, do appear in the Clerk’s Office of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Henrico County, 430 East Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia 23273, on or before October 12, 2021 and do whatever necessary to protect their interest in this suit. An Extract Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO MYLEKKA ANN SANDS, Plaintiff, v. DONISHA ELISE SANDS Defendant. Case No.: CL21-4734 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart in excess of one year. It appearing from an Affidavit filed by the plaintiff that the defendant’s whereabouts are unknown, it is ORDERED that the defendant appear before this Court on or before October 4, 2021 at 9 a.m., to protect her interests herein. A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Shannon S. Otto, VSB # 68506 Locke & Quinn 1802 Bayberry Court Suite 103 Richmond, VA 23226 Telephone: (804) 545-9408 Facsimile: (804) 545-9400 Email: otto@lockequinn.com Counsel for Plaintiff

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re SIAN CHASE BROOKS rdss v. David Walls, Unknown Father, & Makiya BrooksWells Case No. J-99041-04, 05, 06 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental r ights (“RPR”) of David Walls (Father), Unknown (Father), & Makiya Brooks-Wells (Mother) of Sian Chase Brooks, child DOB: 5/19/2020. “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: Visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support and that: It is ORDERED that the defendants David Walls, (Father), Unknown Father (Father), Makiya BrooksWells (Mother) to appear at Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 10/20/2021, at 10:00 AM, Courtroom #AKT.

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 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.

Property NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SPECIAL COMMISSIONER’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Pursuant to the terms of Orders of Sale entered in the Richmond Circuit Court, the undersigned Special Commissioner will offer the following real estate for sale at public auction at Motleys Asset Disposition Group, 3600 Deepwater Terminal Road, Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday, 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 Continued on next column

Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

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 Continued on next column

CONSOLIDATED PLAN PUBLIC NOTICE The results of the Commonwealth’s 2020-2021 Action Plan covering the use of Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solution Grants, HOME, HOPWA, and National Housing Trust Fund will be available upon request and online starting September 13, 2021. Copies of the 2020-2021 results may be requested by calling (804) 338 - 9585, or (804) 371-7084 TDD. Persons requiring special accommodations should call (804) 371-7073. The Plan will appear on the agency’s web site at http://www.dhcd. virginia.gov. The Department of Housing and Community Development will receive written comments on these results through the close of business on September 24, 2021 at kaycee.ensign@dhcd.virginia.gov.

Continued from previous column

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

Continued on next column

Notice of Acquisition of Property: The Valentine Museum hereby acquires title to the objects listed below as of 9/4/2021. There is no last known owner on record & no claims have been made on the property after 65 days pursuant to Code of VA § 55.1-2606. FIC.002400 Poster: War Needs Money FIC.002414 Poster: Better Gasoline […] FIC.002418 Poster: The Flag […] FIC.002465 Poster: Dish it out […] FIC.002477 Poster: Share the Deeds […] FIC.031590 Poster: [Help Stop Fuel Waste] FIC.031600 Poster: [Get in the Scrap] FIC.031601 Poster: [America Needs Your Scrap Rubber] V.52.85.08-.23 Sixteen WWI posters, 1917-1918 V.68.1855.1-.3 Three WWI posters, 1914-1919 V.98.27 Poster: Shall we be more […] V.98.46 Poster: Do with less […] V.89.128.03-.05 &.07 Four WWI and WWII posters, 1917 & 1943

License Art Instruction Studio Paint N Sip LLC Trading as: Paint N Sip 1420 N Parham Rd Ste M206 Henrico, Virginia 23229 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AU T H O R I T Y fo r a A r t Instruction Studio license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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