May 26 28, 2016 issue

Besa retires

B2

Richmond Free Press

VOL. 25 NO. 22

© 2016 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

ee Fr

Fr ee

B1

The Weeknd wins 8

MAY 26-28, 2016

Roses to remember Army medic honors fallen soldiers by crafting steel roses for Gold Star families

By Bonnie N. Davis

As a combat medic in the Army, Anthony Vella witnessed the agonizing deaths of fellow soldiers killed in Afghanistan. When he returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Lee in 2013, he sought to escape the memories of a “living hell” but honor his lost comrades.

The 25-year-old sergeant turned his skill as a metal artist into a tangible way to remember the fallen soldiers while helping their families cope with the loss.

Mr. Vella crafts roses of remembrance

from steel.

Working after hours in his garage on the Petersburg base, Mr. Vella painstakingly produces the roses, which are mounted on stands and adorned with dog tags from his new, but small operation, Eternal Steel: Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice.

The roses are presented without charge to Gold Star families — parents, wives, siblings and loved ones who have lost a family member serving in the military.

The roses come with the promise: “As long as this rose lives, so too shall the love and memories of your fallen hero.”

Mr. Vella said his motto is simple: “They gave their life for us. We will live for them.”

To date, about 100 of the eternal roses have been made and sent to Gold Star families from Virginia to Alaska, Texas, Indiana and California. Earlier this week, Mr. Vella was working on plans to present a rose during the Memorial Day holiday to a Hopewell mother whose son died of natural causes after returning home from the military.

Please turn to A4

Republicans file suit to rescind rights restoration to 206,000 Virginians

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Anthony Vella holds one of the steel roses that nearly 100 families across the country have received in honor of their loved ones who have died while serving in the military.

Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe is facing a court fight over his April 22 order restoring voting rights to 206,000 felons who have completed their sentences, including about 40,000 people convicted of violent offenses.

In a case filed Monday, Republican leaders in the General

Manchester Courthouse renamed to honor Henry and Harold Marsh

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Civil rights was central to the law firm that Henry L. Marsh III organized with the late legal giants Oliver W. Hill Sr. and Samuel W. Tucker.

The firm spearheaded the fight to enforce the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision banning segregated public schools by engaging in more than 50 suits against school districts.

Mr. Marsh, who was joined at the firm by his younger brother, the late Harold M. Marsh Sr., also battled racial discrimination in employment and successfully forced Virginia to adopt single-member legislative districts, opening the door to the election of more African-Americans to the General Assembly.

So when the courthouse at 920 Hull St. in Richmond’s South Side formally was renamed last Friday the Henry L. Marsh III and Harold M. Marsh Sr. Manchester Courthouse, many in the audience nodded in agreement when Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott called it fitting.

“It is fitting that a courthouse, a symbol of equal rights under the law, is being named for

Assembly and four voters have asked the Virginia Supreme Court to find the governor acted illegally and to order him to rescind the blanket restoration of rights that allowed the affected individuals to vote, serve on juries and run for office.

Currently, 4,935 people across the state whose rights were restored have registered to vote, a barely noticeable percentage among the Virginia’s 5.3 million registered voters.

Legal experts say the case will test whether the governor can automatically restore felons’ voting rights without receiving individual requests.

Previous governors said they could restore rights only on a case-by-case basis, although Gov. McAuliffe’s immediate predecessors, Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell and Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine, streamlined restoration to make it virtually automatic for nonviolent felons — a move the legislature did not oppose.

Gov. McAuliffe The case also will test whether the governor can restore rights for felons who have not paid court-ordered restitution and fines, fees and other costs that have long been regarded as part of a sentence.

The more than 200,000 people whose rights were restored had completed their prison sentences, including any supervised parole or probation.

Gov. McAuliffe is the first to separate court debts from restoration of rights. He began doing so in 2015, and expanded that effort in his order last month under which he restored rights, but left intact the debts the individuals still might owe to a court.

Please turn to A4

Mistake may prevent hundreds from voting

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sandra Sellars/ Richmond Free Press

From left, Harold M. Marsh Jr. and Dr. Erica Marsh, the children of Harold M. Marsh Sr.; Henry L. Marsh III; and Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones stand in front of the new sign outside the courthouse at 920 Hull St. The South Richmond courthouse was renamed last Friday in honor of Mr. Marsh and his brother, Harold M. Marsh Sr., who died in 1997.

two brothers who spent their legal careers fighting for civil rights,” Congressman Scott said. “Thank you for making this necessary.”

More than 150 people at-

tended the outdoor ceremony, including about 40 Marsh family members, an array of judges, state and local elected and appointed officials, candidates for office, former law firm staffers,

friends and well-wishers.

Speakers praising the role the Marsh brothers played in shaping Richmond included

A flawed list could keep hundreds of felons in Richmond and possibly thousands across the state from being properly registered to vote and having their votes counted in the upcoming June 14 primary election, the Free Press has learned.

At least 420 felons in Richmond were still waiting to be put on the voter rolls by Monday’s voter registration deadline even though they believe they are covered by Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s April 22 order restoring rights to 206,000 people who had completed their sentences and any probation or parole requirements.

The state Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office, which handles the restoration of rights issue, confirmed other jurisdictions are facing the same problem. People who have

Please turn to A4

Please turn to A4

Top of the class Richmond Public Schools valedictorians, from left: Regena Walker of George Wythe, Emma Silverman of Open High, Natasha Coleman of Thomas Jefferson, Stefan Woodson Jr. of John Marshall, Willie-Lee Triania Molle-Bette Young of Armstrong, Chris Gabbert of Richmond Community, Brooke Hunter of Huguenot and Jocelyn Lee of Franklin Military Academy.

Richmond Public Schools is producing stellar students.

Want proof?

Just look at the Class of 2016’s valedictorians.

The high-achieving students have a collective 4.4 GPA, earning more than $2 million Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 May 26-28, 2016

Local News

Gordon to be among highest paid city officials Reginald E. “Reggie” GorHis starting salary: $142,500, don is looking forward to the according to the mayor’s press new challenge of leading the secretary, with an additional Office of Community Wealth $6,000 in deferred pay for Building, City Hall’s anti- retirement. poverty initiative, after nine That pay level will put him years of overseeing American on par with managers of far Red Cross operations in the larger operations, such as the Richmond area and director of public utilmost of the state. ities, Robert Steidel, Set to assume his and the director of new director post parks, recreation and June 13, the 55-yearcommunity facilities, old Richmond naDr. Norman C. Mertive believes he has rifield, according to a the experience in list of salaries of top previous stints as a city employees for the legal aid lawyer and fiscal year that ended coordinator of area June 30, 2015.

Mr. Gordon homeless services to (The city has not make a difference. yet provided current salaries He wants to be involved in for directors and managers in a community that is “ready to the unclassified service, though be transformative” on the issue the Free Press has requested of poverty and “building on them.) what has been accomplished Based on the 2015 salary already.” listing, Mr. Gordon will be paid One thing is certain: Mr. more than 13 other top managers Gordon will be among the high- at City Hall, ranging from the est paid city officials when he directors of the public libraries takes over one of the smallest and the city’s budget office to programs in City Hall. the directors of procurement, He will oversee a staff of justice services and inspections about 10 people and have a total and permits, also known as the budget of $1.8 million. building commissioner.

Memorial Day holiday schedule

A list of closings and schedule changes for Memorial Day, Monday, May 30: Government Federal offices: Closed Post offices: Closed State government: Closed DMV customer service centers: Closed Courts: Closed City, county offices: Closed City, county schools: Closed Libraries: Closed. In Richmond, Broad Rock Branch also closed Sunday, May 29. Library of Virginia closed Saturday, May 28, through Monday, May 30.

Parking meters: Not enforced.

Trash: Collections will be a day late all week. Recycling pick-ups also a day late.

Transportation GRTC: Buses will run on a Sunday schedule. Information: (804) 358- 4782 or www. ridegrtc.com Businesses Shopping malls and most stores: Open.

Banks: Closed.

ABC stores: Closed at 6 p.m.

Richmond Free Press: Closed.

Even the salaries of the mayor’s chief of staff and the mayor’s press secretary are listed as being lower than Mr. Gordon’s starting pay.

While comparable to his salary at the Red Cross, Mr. Gordon’s city salary also is a big jump from his predecessor, Dr. Thad Williamson, who was paid $107,000 annually, or $35,500 less than Mr. Gordon’s starting pay.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones, who announced the appointment, and the city’s chief administrative officer, Selena Cuffee-Glenn, who officially made the appointment, have a free hand in setting salaries.

They are not required to explain their salary decisions to anyone, including Richmond City Council, which sets salaries only for its own appointees, such as the city auditor, city assessor and city attorney. The council’s chief of staff, Lou Brown Ali, is listed as making $139,731, which is less than Mr. Gordon. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Cityscape

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

It’s still incomplete. But in a few months, the metal beams these men are sitting on will become a bridge that will allow Richmonders to cross the Slices of life and scenes in Richmond James River on bike or foot. It will be the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, named for a respected, but now deceased city planner. The workers are from Winchester-based Howard Shockey & Sons Inc., which is building the span that is to open in August. The pedestrian bridge will link Brown’s Island in Downtown to a recreation area on the south side of the river. Estimated cost: $11.5 million, including $9 million in city funds and $2.5 million in state funds. The bridge, which sits above the remnants of a former power company dam, is part of the city’s effort to make the riverfront more accessible.

Photo provided by UpStream Art in Northwest Arkansas, Photo by Ironside Photography

The City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities is seeking five artists who can paint a picture of the importance of keeping the James River, the city’s source of drinking water, clean.

The five local artists selected will paint their designs on stormwater drains in Downtown.

The Storm Drain Art Project is part of RVAH2O, a public education initiative.

Stormwater runoff is not absorbed through driveways, parking lots, roads, sidewalks or roofs, officials explained. As water runs over these surfaces, it picks up dirt, trash, oil, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste and other pollutants, which are carried into Richmond’s waterways.

“Stormwater is our nation’s No. 1 source of surface water pollution,” said Robert Steidel, director of public utilities. “The James River is Richmond’s greatest natural asset, and we hope the Storm Drain Art Project will help citizens visually understand

Deadline May 30 for city storm drain art competition

the importance of clean water and the impact of stormwater runoff because it all drains into the James.”

Officials said the paint to be used for the drains is the same as that used for traffic markings and should wear over time like street, utility and crosswalk markings. The city also will monitor the painting, with artists to be given instructions on precautions to prevent paint from getting into the drains.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older, and may submit their proposed designs by Monday, May 30, to www.rvah2o. org/storm-drain-art.

The online entry form includes judging criteria, photos and dimensions of the stormwater drains.

A panel from the Richmond Public Art Commission will judge the entries and select the artists, who will paint the drains in July.

The winning artists also will receive $300. — MALIK RUSSELL

Hundreds to benefit from payday loan settlement

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Hundreds of low-income Richmond area residents will benefit from the settlement of a lawsuit challenging the lending practices of Advance ‘Til Payday, a company that charges up to 960 percent interest on loans of $100 to $300.

The settlement will result in the dismissal of at least 50 garnishment actions and 800 judgments that Advance ‘Til Payday had obtained in court against borrowers who defaulted on the loans, according to Jay Speer of the Virginia Poverty Law Center, which brought the suit.

“That’s the most important result,” said Mr. Speer, who teamed with Kristi Kelly of the law firm of Kelly & Crandall of Fairfax.

“I think this is the first time that a company has agreed to turn over its judgments in a case like this,” he said.

He said the dismissal of the judgments could help improve the credit ratings of those involved.

Mr. Speer said that the two lead plaintiffs, Linda Ashford of Richmond and Donald Garrett of Henrico, also are to receive partial refunds of interest and principal paid to the lending company.

Mr. Garrett joined the lawsuit after being featured in the Jan. 28-30 edition of the Free Press in an article about the heavy cost he paid for taking out a loan from the company.

He ended up paying $320 in “membership or participation fees” — the company’s definition of its interest charge, although none of that went to pay off the $100.

The company charges a fee of $80 a month to borrowers until they pay off the full amount, when the loan is closed.

They also create multiple loans for people seeking more than $300. Mr. Speer said these policies appear to violate state laws that regulate the amount of interest a loan company can charge.

Mr. Speer said the agreement became effective Tuesday after all parties had signed. The agreement is awaiting the anticipated approval of U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson, who presided over the case.

Ms. Kelly played a lead role in gaining the settlement, Mr. Speer said, crediting her for coming up with the legal theory that persuaded the company to accept the deal and with the idea for the assignment of judgments.

She also generously agreed to give up any payment for her services or repayment of costs her firm spent, he said, which enabled the settlement to be reached.

He said civil divisions of general district courts in Henrico and Richmond have been notified that requests will be filed soon to dismiss all of the judgments. He said the agreement also requires the company not to accept — or at least to refund — any further payments from garnished wages.

However, Mr. Speer said the agreement does not bar the company from continuing to conduct its business. He said the Virginia Poverty Law Center also agreed not to sue the company again, he said.

But “if we get complaints,” Mr. Speer said, “we’ll just have to find someone else to take on the case.”

WE PURSUE

A GREATER

TOMORROW As one of the finest academic institutions in the world, our purpose goes beyond education. We create the next generation of leaders, we usher in the breakthroughs of tomorrow and we believe it is our responsibility to be a force for good in the world. Our graduates take these values with them and go on to achieve historic success.

With a tenacious spirit, a life-long commitment to truth, and an endless drive, we pursue a greater tomorrow.

Learn more at virginia.edu/pursuit

May 26-28, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Paid Political Advertisement

News

Elections Have National Policy Alliance schedules black political Consequences.

convention in Gary, Ind.

American community today are even greater than they were 44 years As the U.S. presidential and conago. This convention is being held gressional campaigns remain in full now because, if not now, when? If throttle, the National Policy Alliance, not us, who?” a coalition of 16,000 black elected He listed issues including “high and appointed officials and more unemployment, crime in our comthan 1 million black policymakers, munities, the need for better eduhas organized a National Black cation, quality and affordable and Political Convention to be held June accessible health care, the need to Mayor Ford 9 through 12 in Gary, Ind. develop our infrastructures in the The event is a follow-up to a hisblack community” as being key to a black toric gathering convened in 1972 by Richard agenda.

Hatcher, then mayor of Gary, Ind. These are issues being dealt with every day “The Gary Convention was perhaps the by state and local officials. “So, that’s why single most important political event for we who are closest to the people providing black America held during the last century,” the leadership.”

Mayor Johnny Ford of Tuskegee, Ala., said Mayor Ford acknowledged that while the in an interview earlier week. “With that issues are similar to 1972, the modes of comGary Convention came the inspiration and munication are different. For example, there motivation that led to the election of more was no Internet back then. black elected officials than any time since “While this convention is not as well Reconstruction.” known or will be as big as the one that As the first African-American mayor of took place 44 years ago where more than Tuskegee, Mayor Ford said, “I am a product 10,000 delegates came together and adopted of 1972.” a call for action, the African-American Although he is founding co-chair of the community in this country and even interNational Policy Alliance, Mayor Ford said nationally will be able to be a part of this there will be no top leader. convention by [live] streaming — thanks “We have no one leader. We don’t have a to the Internet.”

Martin Luther King. We don’t have a Malcolm.

Regardless of who shows up, Mayor Ford We have diversified if you will, whereby all says the significance of going back to Gary 44 of us have leadership roles,” he said. years later is powerful because of the historic Mayor Ford confirmed that both Democratic impact the convention made then. and Republican presidential candidates have “Gary precedes glory,” he said. “Gary is been invited to attend and speak at the event. a significant and historic return to a place He said President Obama and First Lady that is sacred in the sense that it was at Gary Michele Obama also have been invited, as that we shaped a national agenda. It will be well as national civil rights leaders, including at Gary that we will return to shape a 2016 members of the Black Lives Matter movement. national agenda.”

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Mayor Ford said he does not expect everyStudies also is involved with the organizing, one to agree on everything. But where there Mayor Ford said. is agreement will come the black agenda, he The main purpose of the gathering will be said. “And that will be the agenda that we to establish a black agenda that will result in will present to the national Democratic Party, equality and justice, Mayor Ford said. the national Republican Party and the nation “The challenges facing the African- and the world.”

By Hazel Trice Edney

We stand this year on the edge of making history in the upcoming May election in Norfolk and Chesapeake. We have an opportunity to elect African Americans in the 4th Congressional District and Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia.

We have not had an African American elected from the 4th Congressional in Virginia since 1888 when John Mercer Langston was elected. His election caused a bitter division between both racial and party lines. Fearing division in the Republican Party, Frederick Douglas vehemently opposed Langston’s candidacy as his seat was contested for two years. However he won the election and served from 1890 to 1891. Norfolk on the other hand, was settled in 1636 and incorporated as a city in 1736, and has never had a black mayor in 280 years. The opportunity we have this election year is too important for us not to not vote. Let me be clear, this election is not about race, but about the best qualified candidates to serve the needs of the 4th Congressional District and Norfolk, Virginia. To make this historic change will require African Americans to not only vote, but vote in larger numbers. In the past, Blacks have turned out in low numbers compared to other ethnic groups. Only about 20 percent of African Americans in predominantly Black neighborhoods vote in the City of Chesapeake. Whites, Asians, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders have a stake in this election provided they want progressive change, greater freedom, and prosperity. The 4th Congressional District is a mixture of six cities and eleven counties with a population of more than 740 thousand people. It is diverse demographically in terms of suburbs, urban and urban blight, rural communities and farms, poverty and everything in between.

The issues in this election is who can best serve the interests and needs of this diverse district? Can state Senator Don McEachin or Chesapeake City Councilwoman, Dr. Ella Ward best serve the 4th District? Senator Donald McEachin is well funded by the tobacco companies, utility companies, trial lawyers, bankers, and real estate companies.

Legislatively, what has he done to eradicate the blight in Richmond during his 10 years as a State Legislator? He serves on the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Courts of Justice, and Privileges and Elections Committees. He has not positioned himself in ten years to effect any major changes. Quite frankly, I could not find anything he has done to effect change in Richmond or any other place in the 4th District. He said “he is running for Congress to make a difference for citizens in his district, and noted that he has fought for the underdog in his law practice.” Maybe he has fought for the underdog in his law practice, but nothing his legislative history shows that he has done so in the General Assembly. What has he done for his current district (district 7 because he does NOT live in the 4th District) to aid economic development, eradicate urban blight, and improve the quality of life for his constituents?

Dr. Ella P. Ward, unlike State Senator Donald McEachin, is not funded by big business interests, but by small donations from citizens like you and me. She is very knowledgeable about the concerns, needs, and problems in the 4th Congressional District, and she has the political acumen, and skill sets to bring about change. She wants to bring jobs back to America; protect Social Security and Medicare, enhance support for our military and veterans, support meaningful education reform, and stop the gridlock in Congress. She also wants to close the loop holes for billionaires that have protected the Super Rich while destroying the middle class in America.

During her tenure on Chesapeake City Council, the City has shown real progress that has affected all citizens. The real estate tax rate has been reduced from $1.21 to $1.05 per $100 of assessed value; decreased the tax burden on Senior Citizens; increased educational spending for the school system; built new fire stations; supported public safety; upgraded the City’s libraries; revitalized South Norfolk; replaced the Jordan and Gilmerton Bridges. She also has worked with other councilmen to secure funds for a new Dominion Boulevard, and worked to secure funding the High Rise and AIW (Deep Creek) bridges. Councilwoman Ward has a clear record of working within the Democratic Party and across the aisle to get things done to help all demographics. This is why, my beloved City has one of the highest median family income, highest owner occupied household in the region, and one of the best educational systems in the Commonwealth. Her experience and proven ability to get things done has served us well, and she is deserving of our support.

You’re invited

During her tenure on Chesapeake City Council, Chesapeake has become one of the leading economic engines in Southampton Roads. She will help bring about the same kind of prosperity in the 4th congressional District. She has won five local elections, and when she ran for Congress in 2012, she garnered 42.9% of the votes in a gerrymandered District that favored Republican Candidates. This time, the 4th Congressional District boundaries have been changed to include many of the Democrats and African Americans that were removed from the 4th Congressional District. Dr. Ella Ward has served on the Chesapeake School Board and the Virginia Board of Education. She served five years as the vice president of the State Board, and she currently serves as Vice Chair of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission that serves 14 cities and counties, many of which are located in the 4th District.

She has voted to help bring billions of dollars to the Hampton Roads Region over the next 20 years during her five years of service on the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and the Hampton Roads Transportation Organization. She will use her experience to help assure that Federal and State dollars continue to come the Hampton Roads communities and the entire 4th District. She also serves on the Board of Visitors for Christopher Newport University, so she clearly has 16 years of local, regional, and State level experience to take to Washington.

Richmond community members honor ancestral remains Join the East Marshall Street Well Planning Committee in a community conversation with the Family Representative Council on their recommendations for the best way to honor the ancestral remains and preserve East Marshall Street Well history.

Family Representative Council members will share reflections on their learning experience and work process at the fifth community consultation.

Free and open to the public.

Sign up online.

Dr. Ella Ward needs both our financial and boots on the ground support to win the June 14, 2016 primary against a well‐funded opponent who basically represented big businesses. We need a representative that will bring greater economic development in our urban cities and rural counties, take care of our veterans, farmers, poor, seniors and disabled citizens. Visit www.ellawardforcongress and make a donation today. We have a chance to make history, but more importantly, we have a candidate that I am confident will represent everyone in the 4th Congressional District.

EMSW.vcu.edu Saturday, June 4 9 a.m. - Noon Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Gymnasium 1000 Mosby St., Richmond, Virginia 23223

Remember, elections have consequences!

Vote Ella Ward

for 4th Congressional District VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university

2681-01 East Marshall St well_Free Press.indd 1

002680-01

5/19/16 3:20 PM

A3

Paid Political Advertisement

PAID FOR AND AUTHORIzED By FRIENDS OF ELLA WARD FOR CONGRESS

Richmond Free Press

A4 May 26-28, 2016

News

Courthouse renamed to honor Marsh brothers

Top of the class

U.S. District Court Judge Raymond A. Jackson of Norfolk, one of the 13 lawyers from the law firm who went on to become judges; Helivi L. Holland, president of the Old Dominion Bar Association; and Vernon E. Inge, president of the Richmond Bar Association.

With Judge D. Eugene Cheek Sr., the chief judge of Richmond General District Court, presiding, the ceremony was punctuated by lighthearted, but reflective remarks from Mr. Marsh, now 82, and poignant recollections by Harold Marsh’s son, Harold Marsh Jr. Harold Marsh was fatally shot in 1997 about a mile west of the renamed courthouse by an embittered defendant in an eviction case. For Harold Marsh Jr., who was joined at the podium by his sister, Dr. Erica Marsh, the ceremony was bittersweet. He and his sister, who now live in Chicago, had not returned to the courthouse since the trial of the man charged with killing their father.

He spoke of his father’s commitment to the law and to helping others.

“He wasn’t one to seek the spotlight. He only sought the work that needed to be done,” he said.

While Harold Marsh served as a substitute judge and became well known as a mentor and supporter at Richmond’s Thomas Jefferson High School long after his children graduated, Henry Marsh made a name for himself in politics, winning election to Richmond City Council in 1966. He became Richmond’s first African-American mayor in 1977, with the backing of four council colleagues who help form the governing body’s first AfricanAmerican majority in the city’s history.

After 25 years on City Council, Mr. Marsh won election to the state Senate in 1991. After winning re-election for several terms, he resigned in 2014 and accepted an appointment by Gov.

Continued from A1

Continued from A1

Sandra Sellars/ Richmond Free Press

Henry L. Marsh III, a longtime state senator and Richmond City Council member and the city’s first African-American mayor, displays the key to the city he was presented by Mayor Dwight C. Jones at last Friday’s ceremony at the renamed courthouse.

Terry McAuliffe as a commissioner of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.

In his remarks, Mr. Marsh expressed gratitude to Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City Council for naming the courthouse in his honor and that of his brother.

He cited his love of the city and having the support of others.

“I had the privilege of achieving several firsts in my civic and political careers, but … anyone who comes first is usually standing on the shoulders of others.”

He also saluted his family, including his wife, Diane, and children, Nadine, Sonya and Dwayne, all of whom were present, and the unsung people who helped make the civil rights victories possible — those “who marched with us, voted with us, prayed for us and stood for us as we tried to change the scales of justice in the former capital of the Confederacy.”

He recalled the point at which he determined to take part. He was living in Isle of Wight County with relatives following the death of his mother when he was 5.

His father, a hard-working man, could not afford to

raise the four children, but kept working as a waiter until he could reunite the family years later.

Mr. Marsh returned to Richmond when he was 11.

While in Isle of Wight, he said he walked 5 miles to the one-room schoolhouse where one teacher worked with 78 students separated into seven grades.

He said he didn’t mind the walk even in inclement weather, but he started noticing yellow school buses passing him. When he asked, he learned that the buses were carrying children to the bigger, better, whites-only public schools.

“It dawned on me at that time that this system isn’t right,” he said.

That thought later would propel him into a career through which he could foster change.

“Being honored with Harold, to share that privilege, is the highest honor I could ever receive,” Mr. Marsh told the crowd.

When cadets from Franklin Military Academy removed the blue draping to show off the new brick sign bearing the courthouse’s new name, Mr. Marsh murmured to Mayor Jones, “It looks pretty good.”

Mayor Jones presented Mr. Marsh with a key to the city.

in scholarships to pursue further studies at colleges across Virginia.

These top scholars were honored at the school system’s annual Valedictorian Luncheon on Thursday, May 19, at the Science Museum of Virginia. The luncheon, sponsored by Capital One, included performances by students from Franklin Military Academy and a special video tribute.

Capital One also gave each of the scholars a laptop.

This year’s valedictorians, and where they plan to matriculate in the fall, are: Armstrong: Willie-Lee Triania Molle-Bette Young, 3.75 GPA, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Franklin Military Academy: Jocelyn Lee, 3.98 GPA, Hampton University.

Huguenot: Brooke Hunter, 4.41 GPA, James Madison University.

Thomas Jefferson: Natasha Coleman, 4.74 GPA, University of Virginia.

John Marshall: Stefan Woodson Jr., 4.5 GPA, University of Virginia.

Open High: Emma Silverman, 4.61 GPA, The College of William & Mary.

Richmond Community: Chris Gabbert, 4.93 GPA, Virginia Commonwealth University.

George Wythe: Regena Walker, 4.49 GPA, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Republicans file suit to rescind restoration of rights Continued from A1

In response to the suit, Gov. McAuliffe quickly vowed to “vigorously oppose” it, claiming he has “ample authority to restore the rights of people who have served their time.”

He called the lawsuit “simply the latest Republican attack on the voting rights of qualified Virginians who deserve a voice in their society.”

He noted that most states allow felons who have served their time to register and vote.

However, the challengers argue they are mounting the suit because the governor has overstepped his authority. The plaintiffs include House Speaker William J Howell, R-Fredericksburg; Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment, R-Williamsburg; William C. Cleveland, a former Republican vice mayor of Alexandria; and two voters from Southwest Virginia and one from Northern Virginia, who list themselves as Republicans.

The issue blew up, in large measure, because the governor’s order also covers violent felons, who previously faced a long wait time and further review to get their rights restored after convictions of murder, rape, robbery and similar crimes.

So far, fewer than 2 percent of felons whose rights were restored under the governor’s order have registered to vote.

Opponents believe the governor went too far.

“The governor simply may not, with a

stroke of the pen, unilaterally suspend and amend the Virginia Constitution,” Speaker Howell stated in announcing the suit. In his view, the governor’s blanket order violates provisions of the state Constitution that define a voter and authorize Del. Howell the governor to restore rights at his discretion.

“Gov. McAuliffe exceeded the authority granted to him, and we simply cannot ignore this unprecedented executive overreach,” Speaker Howell stated.

“A plain reading of the Constitution, 240 years of practice and precedent-setting Virginia Supreme Court cases,” Speaker Howell continued, “lead to the unambiguous conclusion that the governor’s order is unconstitutional and cannot stand.”

Sen. Norment went even further, describing the governor’s order as an “abuse of power” and asserting that “the governor has willfully ignored constitutional limitations on his power, demonstrating his complete and total disregard for the Commonwealth, the people of Virginia and the principles of representative government.”

However, restoration of rights advocates, as well as Democrats in the legislature, rushed to the governor’s defense.

Roses to remember Continued from A1

People hear about the roses mostly through word of mouth, he said. “Gold Star families seem to have a wide network,” he said.

Families who have suffered a loss also can request a rose on Eternal Steel’s Facebook site, www.Facebook.com/eternalsteel. The site also features posts, photos and videos from military families about their deceased loved ones.

Mr. Vella relies on donations to fund the operation, which is supported by a small team of 10 people, including his wife, Karrah. All are active duty military, retired military or spouses of military personnel at Fort Lee. “They understand the hardships that often come while wearing the uniform,” he said.

A native of Camarillo, Calif., Mr. Vella has served in the Army since 2009. He did a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2011.

He expects to be discharged sometime this summer.

His wife, who also is on active duty, is being stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

The family will be moving, Mr. Vella said.

Once he leaves the military, he expects to spend all of his time working with Eternal Steel.

Roses of remembrance are crafted in Anthony Vella’s garage at Fort Lee. A steel rose is mounted on a wood block and adorned with dog tags.

He is completing paperwork to establish the operation’s nonprofit status.

Already, more than 1,000 people have “liked” Eternal Steel on Facebook in the last month, he said.

For military families, learning about the death of a loved one can be horrific, he said.

But commemorations such as eternal roses become “reflections of the beautiful lives they lived.”

Linda Thomas, president of the nonpartisan state NAACP, expressed “disappointment” in the Republican decision to file the lawsuit, saying the civil rights group “has been persistent in advocating for the restoration of rights to those who have paid Sen. Norment their debt to society.”

House Minority Leader David Toscano, DCharlottesville, called the suit another Repub-

lican “attempt to strip away voting rights from hundreds of thousands of Virginians. Virginians who have made mistakes, served their time and returned should have the right to fully participate in their communities.”

Delegate Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, praised the governor for using his authority to restore rights and described the lawsuit as another example of Virginia Republicans “working to put barriers in front of people who are legally allowed to vote.”

Mistake may prevent hundreds from voting Continued from A1

applied to register to vote cannot be verified as having their rights restored by the governor, state officials said. How many people fall into that category was not disclosed.

The issue came to light at the same time that the governor’s order faced a new challenge from Republican lawmakers and voters who are asking the Virginia Supreme Court to rule the governor’s action unconstitutional.

As of Tuesday, 4,935 felons whose rights were restored under the governor’s order had registered to vote. That’s a tiny fraction of the 206,000 people to whom the order applied, and only about 4.5 percent of more than 110,000 new people who have registered to vote since January, according to the state Department Ms. Showalter of Elections.

Overall, there are about 5.3 million registered voters in Virginia.

The deadline to register to vote in the June 14 Democratic and Republic primaries in the state was Monday, May 23.

Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter said at least 620 felons with newly restored rights filed voter registration applications before the May 23 deadline. But only about 300 could be verified as having their rights restored based on the information in the databases of the state Department of Elections and the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office.

About 50 people who filled out voter registration forms were found not to have had their rights restored, she said.

“We know people are anxiously waiting to hear from us,” Ms. Showalter said.

In an official guidance Monday, Edgardo Cortes, director of the Virginia Department of Elections, notified registrars that felons who believe their rights were restored and who “submitted a complete voter registration application … have met the applicable close of books deadline … and should be processed for participation in the June 14 primary election” even if confirmation of rights restoration eligibility had not yet been received from the secretary of the commonwealth.

Ms. Showalter said she ignored the directive.

She said she has not followed the guidance because the law requires her to determine if a person is qualified to vote before entering his or her name on the voter roll. She said her plan is to send “each person whose restoration of rights had not been verified a letter

explaining the delay.”

“We will also let them know that, if we have not received confirmation by Election Day, then they will be eligible to vote a provisional ballot,” she said.

However, those provisional ballots will not be counted if verification of their restored rights does not arrive before the Richmond Electoral Board certifies the primary results in Richmond, Ms. Showalter said. That’s the law, she said. Certification will take place on Tuesday, June 21, she said.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson said her office is doing its best to go through the names of people that Ms. Showalter and other voter registrars have provided to her office that do not show up as having had their rights restored.

Ms. Thomasson More research has been required, she said, to verify their identities and ensure they qualify.

Secretary Thomasson said more people qualified to have their rights restored than on the original list. “We always said that the list of approximately 206,000 individuals was not comprehensive and that there were additional individuals who would be eligible and covered by the order,” she said.

That includes people who were convicted of felonies in other states and those convicted in federal courts, she said.

The list of 206,000 names was provided by the state Department of Corrections and the Virginia State Police, which has maintained criminal history records since 1938 based on state court felony convictions.

Secretary Thomasson said the original list also might have contained inaccuracies. She said some people might have used multiple Social Security numbers or aliases that are on their record, but were not uploaded on the list. Females might have used a married or maiden name at some point, she added, or felons previously might have used different dates of birth.

“Ms. Showalter has been sending us names of folks that have attempted to register who are not found in our Restoration of Rights database and are, therefore, not in VERIS,” the Election Department database, she said.

Researching the names may take a few weeks, she said.

“The timeline is longer now due to the number of requests that were received immediately after the governor signed the order,” Secretary Thomasson said.

Richmond Free Press

May 26-28, 2016

A5

Local News

Parking, trash collection fees to increase under new city budget

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Beginning July 1, Richmond residents will be charged an extra $3.55 a month for trash collection and recycling services, largely to help fund the city’s leaf collection program.

That’s an 18 percent bump that will raise the monthly cost from $19.44 to $22.99.

On the same day, the cost of parking at a meter in Downtown will jump 50 cents an hour — from 75 cents to $1.25, a 67 percent increase aimed at providing new revenue.

Raising fees is part of the strategy Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the Richmond City Council employed to balance the city’s operating budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year that will begin in a little more than a month.

City Council voted May 13 to approve the new budget for the next fiscal year, after getting an earful from more than 40 residents disappointed that the nine-member governing body found only an additional $5.5 million for public education, or $10.9 million less than the Richmond School Board had requested.

The city is a major business with nearly 4,000 employees and $1.6 billion in annual revenue — from taxes, grants, public utility

services, state funds and a host of other sources, including permits, fines and fees.

The major focus, however, is on the city’s operating budget. In the next fiscal year, the approved budget will represent a $717.1 million slice of the total — equal to about $3,300 for each of the estimated 220,000 men, women and children who make their home in Richmond.

That’s an increase of nearly $28 million in revenue — equal to $125 per person — from the current $689.3 million budget and 1.1 percent more than the $709.1 million that was originally projected. Overall, the city had a 4 percent increase in revenue to allocate.

However, Mayor Jones and the council found that the rise in revenue was not enough to cover all the expenses the city will be facing.

One result: About the only city employees who will get a pay raise are police officers and firefighters, who will advance along steps on their pay scales. Those funds already were built into the mayor’s budget.

In the council’s well-publicized scramble to find the extra $5.5 million it came up with for the public schools, primarily to improve teacher pay, the governing body followed the mayor’s lead and did not provide any

funds to increase pay for most other city employees.

To avoid layoffs, the council also approved the mayor’s plan to slash 12 percent from the discretionary operating budgets of departments, tightening the leash on spending and reducing city support for any array of private, nonprofit agencies by 25 percent.

As a result of the spending controls, most city departments have not been able to fill vacancies, leaving departments operating with smaller staffs as the result of turnover.

The impact has been felt in Public Works, which has had to slow efforts to deal with items that the public notices, including grass mowing, tree trimming and pothole repair. In one amendment, the council steered an additional $311,000 to the department to aid it in dealing with such issues after July 1.

One of the big winners in the budget battle — though most supporters would disagree — turns out to be the school system.

About $14.5 million, or half of the city’s new revenue, went to support public education.

That includes $9 million in new revenue the council previously had earmarked for schools in the new budget year and the extra $5.5 mil-

Virginia’s voter ID law upheld by federal judge

Richmond School Board adopts budget; cuts funds for academic improvement plan

By Bonnie N. Davis

The Richmond School Board adopted a $280 million operating budget that eliminates $4 million in numerous programs and services, but includes money for a plan to increase salaries to attract and retain teachers.

The 6-1 vote Monday night followed weeks of threats to close or merge several schools, along with intense lobbying from the public for Richmond City Council to pour more money into the cash-strapped school system. Although no schools will be closed, the budget still falls $10.9 million short of the amount sought by the School Board.

Under the spending plan that begins July 1, Richmond Public Schools will receive $179.4 million, including $151.5 million in local tax dollars, $26.3 million from state sales taxes, and $1.5 million in unspent funds from last year.

Last week, the board agreed to keep Armstrong High School open, along with four Richmond elementary schools targeted for closing, despite previous suggestions that closing them would eliminate 5,000 empty seats.

During Monday’s meeting, no mention was made about closing schools, although School Board member Derik Jones, 8th District, said too

The program was designed to provide more teachers, instructional assistants, social workers and guidance counselors to help beef up student performance.

“We did the best with what we had,” Dr. Dr. Bedden Mr. Bourne Bedden said after the meeting. “We have to many buildings remain under- figure out what is next with the populated. academic improvement plan “We will have to look at and try to find untraditional rezoning,” said Dr. Jones, who pathways. There’s still work joined Monday’s meeting by to be done.” speakerphone while traveling Board member Kimberly through Atlanta’s airport. “We B. Gray, 2nd District, agreed, can’t keep asking the mayor saying that she was “feelto throw or put money at ing filled up” by the budget situations that we have not process. Ms. Gray, who has properly right-sized.” served on the School Board for Mayor Dwight C. Jones is eight years, is a candidate for the father of Dr. Jones.

Richmond City Council.

Other efforts to “right-size” “We’ve pulled together, but the school system, which en- I’m disappointed and don’t feel rolls 24,000 students in some like we’ve been fully heard,” 42 schools, also saw defeat. Ms. Gray added. “I feel that Plans to expand elemen- (Dr. Bedden’s) plan is being tary school foreign language gutted and it’s discouraging to programs will not move work so hard. Binford Middle forward, nor will a rotating School is an example; it has fund for athletic equipment turned around in two years. I am maintenance or technology disappointed that we are here upgrades throughout the to gut an improvement plan school system. that everyone supported.”

Seemingly resigned to Meanwhile, the board the cuts that included a $2.3 seemed hopeful that the teacher million reduction to the aca- salary plan, which provides demic improvement program, $4.97 million over two years Superintendent Dana T. Bed- to make salaries more comden vowed to keep pushing. petitive, will help attract new

teachers, while leveling the salary playing field to help retain current teachers.

“While we cannot fund the entire academic improvement plan, I think we can do more for academics by decompressing the teacher salary scale than we otherwise would be able to do,” said School Board Chairman Jeffrey M. Bourne, 3rd District.

Mr. Bourne praised Dr. Bedden and his team “for working under some very challenging circumstances and environments” during the budget process. “I know we’ve all felt frustration and strife.”

The single vote against approving the budget came from Board member Mamie Taylor, 5th District, who also joined the meeting by speakerphone.

Board members Kristen Larson, 4th District, and Tichi Pinkney Eppes, 9th District, were absent and did not vote.

The board also approved a $9 million capital improvement plan in which nearly half of that amount will go toward renovating OverbySheppard Elementary School.

New walls, heating, cooling and electrical system upgrades will cost $4 million to turn Overby-Sheppard into a shared-use space and community center for the new Highland Grove neighborhood in North Side.

U.S. Supreme Court upholds newly redrawn congressional boundaries Free Press wire reports

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Virginia Republican efforts to overturn redrawn congressional district lines Monday, completing a sweep of this year’s major high court redistricting cases by Democrats and minorities.

The justices ruled unanimously that three GOP House members challenging lines drawn by a federal district court lacked standing to bring the case because they could not show they were directly affected.

The ruling came three weeks before voters will go to the polls on June 14 in primary elections to choose party nominees.

In the redrawn 4th Congressional District that includes Richmond, Democrat A. Donald McEachin, a state senator, and Republican Michael L. “Mike” Wade, Henrico County’s sheriff, are considered the frontrunners in their respective primary races.

Mr. McEachin of Henrico County is running against Ella P. Ward, a Chesapeake City Council member, in the Democratic primary, while Mr. Wade is running against Jackee K. Gonzlez of Chesterfield County, a Tea Party activist, in the Republican primary.

The winners of the two primaries will face off in November ’s general election for the congressional seat.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upheld district boundaries that all Rep. Scott but doomed a Republican lawmaker’s chance of re-election in the 4th Congressional District by redrawing his district to include more African- American voters.

The larger number of African-Americans in the district offers an increased opportunity for voters to elect a second African-American to the state’s congressional delegation.

Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-3rd, the first African-American congressman from the state since 1890, represented the district that previously included Richmond.

Justice Stephen Breyer, who wrote the decision, acknowledged during oral arguments in March that Republican Rep. J. Randy Forbes of the 4th District “goes from a safe seat to a seat he’s probably going to lose.”

But the court’s brief ruling said that

Rep. Forbes

because Rep. Forbes chose to run in another district rather than face likely defeat in his current district, he cannot show that the redistricting plan affects him. Neither, Justice Breyer wrote, could the other Republican House members fil-

ing suit.

“When challenged by a court (or by an opposing party) concerned about standing, the party invoking the court’s jurisdiction cannot simply allege a non-obvious harm, without more,” Justice Breyer wrote. “Here, there is no ‘more.’ ” Rep. Forbes, an eight-term congressman with seniority on the House Armed Services Committee, is competing in a three-way Republican primary in the 2nd District of retiring Republican Rep. Scott Rigell of Virginia Beach. He is not required to live in the new district in order to represent it in Congress.

Earlier this year, Democratic and minority voters also won disputes over political lines in Texas and Arizona. Last year, they prevailed in an Alabama case.

lion that council added in the amended budget it just approved.

According to Mayor Jones, some of the revenue increase — $8.8 million — essentially is needed to pay for goods and services for which the city already has contracted.

He also proposed, and council approved, providing $5.6 million to allow public safety agencies to hire new people — a move that Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham has been urging as he faces 40 vacancies he cannot fill for lack of funds.

As part of its amendments, the council also provided extra funds to the commonwealth’s attorney’s office, the city attorney’s office, the city assessor’s office, the voter registrar’s office and the Department of Finance mostly to enable them to fill vacancies or to add needed staff.

Finance plans to use the extra $1.34 million it will gain to add staff to go after delinquent taxpayers.

New revenue also will be used to beef up the city’s storm fund that was quickly exhausted by the big snowfalls during the winter. Previously the city set aside $250,000, but after spending $3 million this winter, council agreed to raise the amount in the fund to $1 million.

Free Press wire reports

A federal judge has upheld a 2013 Virginia law requiring prospective voters to show approved photo identification before being allowed to cast ballots.

The Virginia Democratic Party had challenged the law, signed by former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, saying it was politically motivated and intended to deter young and minority voters from turning out on Election Day. “The court’s mission is to judge not the wisdom of the Virginia voter ID law, but rather its constitutionality,” U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson wrote in his decision issued May 19.

Although Judge Hudson acknowledged that Virginia, a former slave state, has “an unfortunate history of racial and statutory artifice to hinder black voting,” and found that the measure created an “inconvenience” for potential voters Judge Hudson who did not have drivers’ licenses or other government-issued ID, he said that was not enough to strike down the law.

“While the merits of this voter identification law, and indeed all aspects of Virginia’s voting regime, can be reasonably debated, it remains true that Virginia has created a scheme of laws to accommodate all people in their right to vote,” Judge Hudson wrote.

That includes providing free IDs for potential voters at the local offices of voter registrars, he noted.

Lawyers for the government argued that the ID was necessary to ensure that only registered voters cast ballots, thus preventing voter fraud.

Attorneys for the state Democratic Party countered that the Republican-dominated state legislature passed the photo ID law “to stall, if not reverse, the growing success of the Democratic Party in Virginia.”

The ID law, though, has not appeared to have had much of an impact so far.

In 2008, President Obama became the first Democrat to carry Virginia in 44 years, in part because of the large turnout among African-American, Latino and young voters. President Obama carried the state again in the 2012 election.

In the 2013 statewide elections, Democrats swept all of the top offices — governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Moreover, the state’s two U.S. senators currently are both Democrats.

The ruling comes a month after another federal judge upheld an even stricter ID law in neighboring North Carolina.

A federal court last week ordered Kansas to register thousands of eligible voters who had failed to provide additional documentation of citizenship. Virginia’s law does not include such a provision.

WHY DON’T YOU DONAT

WHY DON’T YOU DONATE BLOOD? WHY DON’T YOU DONATE BLOO WHY DON’T YOU DONATE BLOOD? RESEARCH STUD RESEARCH STUDY

RESEARCH STUDY RESEARCH STUDY

Virginia Commonwealth Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth Univers School of Allied Health Pr Virginia Commonwealth University School of Allied Health SchoolProfessions of Allied Health Professions

School of Allied Health Professions

To Be a

We are conducting to testYou a new strategy to To research Be a Participant ToMust: Be a Participant You Be M a We are conducting research to test a new strategy totest a new We are conducting research strategy to donor pool in increase thetoAfrican American blood

To Be a Participant You Must:  Be an African American/ Blac  Be an African American

increase the African American blood donor in blood We are conducting research to test a newthe strategy toAmerican increase African donor pool in American’s RVA & pool to learn moreBlack about African 

Black

Be an African American/

RVA & toAmerican learn moreblood about African American’s increase the African pool in aboutabout RVA &donor to learn more African American’s feelings donating blood.

Black



NEVER donated blood. Participants will:



Live

Live in the Greater Richmond Are  Live in the Greater Rich

feelings about donating blood. feelings about donating blood.

RVA & to learn more about African American’s Area Areahave We arelooking Live infor the African Greater Americans Richmond who We are looking for African who have feelings about donating blood. We areAmericans looking for African Americans who have  18 years of age or older NEVER donated blood.

Participants will: Area





18 y

18 years of age or older  Not

NEVER who donated Participants will:  Not be permanently deferred We are looking for African Americans haveblood.  Not be permanentlyfrom de  Attend a 1years hour educational  18 of age or oldersession from donating blood

 Attend hour educational  Attend 1 hour educational session NEVER donated blood.a 1Participants will: asession  Not 3 besurveys permanently deferred  Complete &



Complete 3 surveys &  Complete 3 surveys & from donating blood Attend a 1 hour educational session  Receive compensation for your time  Receive compensation for your time  Receive compensation for your time



Receive compensation for your time



from donating blood



Complete 3 surveys &

If you would like to participate, please contact Arnethea Su aadonorstudy@vcu.edu If you would like to participate, please Arnetheaplease Suttoncontact at (804)628-2982 or at (804)628-29 If you would likecontact to participate, Arnethea Sutton aadonorstudy@vcu.eduaadonorstudy@vcu.edu

If you would to participate, please contactArnethea Arnethea Sutton at at (804)628-2982 or or If you would like tolike participate, please contact Sutton (804)628-2982 aadonorstudy@vcu.edu aadonorstudy@vcu.edu

Richmond Free Press

Daylily in Northside

Editorial Page

A6

May 26-28, 2016

Memorial Day

In honor of those who are Boost the homefront first gone, in remembrance of those we love, we lift you up in spirit on Memorial Headed for self-destruction Day.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

America is literally falling apart.

In Flint, children were poisoned by the lead contamination of the water. In Washington, the subway system is plagued by fires and delays. Arlington Memorial Bridge, which connects the North to the South, the Capitol to Arlington National Cemetery, may have to be closed soon.

President K e n n e d y ’s eternal flame may burn forever, but the bridge is on its last legs.

The American Society of Civil Engineers released a recent report once more warning the country of a massive investment deficit — an estimated $1.4 trillion shortfall over the next 10 years — coming on top of years of underfunding and neglect.

This isn’t a matter of money.

The Obama administration has announced its plans to spend more than $1 trillion to build a new generation of nuclear weapons and the planes, missiles and submarines that deliver them. These are weapons that can never be used. We have spent more than $2 trillion on

the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to date, with the final costs estimated at $4 trillion to $6 trillion. The war in Afghanistan, an impoverished country where we have no strategic interest, is already the longest in our history and continuing.

We have the money. U.S. corporations stash trillions

Jesse L. Jackson

abroad to avoid paying taxes.

If they paid what they owe — now estimated to be $700 billion — it would provide a down payment on rebuilding America. The federal tax on gasoline — dedicated to paying for infrastructure — has not been raised since 1993, even though gas prices have plummeted.

Interest rates on U.S. bonds are now so low that the Treasury Department could issue Rebuild America bonds, put people to work to rebuild the country — and the growth and increased productivity that results would generate revenues to repay the bonds.

Even establishment economists like Lawrence Summers argue that the program would literally pay for itself. And it would respond to the pleas of the bastion of economic conservatism

— the International Monetary Fund — that is pleading with the United States and other advanced countries to expand public investment to forestall a return to recession.

The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that the United States will suffer a stunning $4 trillion in lost GDP by 2025 from the costs of decaying tunnels, railways, waterways and other basic infrastructure. It will cost us more to decay than it would to rebuild.

But Washington is frozen.

The Republican Congress rejects President Obama’s modest plans for infrastructure investment, though they are supported by a massive coalition that includes the conservative Chamber of Commerce as well as the AFL-CIO. All three presidential candidates call for expanding investment in infrastructure, although only Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a Democratic candidate seeking the presidential nomination, comes close to meeting the shortfall that the civil engineers warn about. But it will require a wave election — a sweeping rebuke to the obstructionist Republican Congress — for anything to happen.

This is how great nations

decline. Investments that are essential to any modern civilized nation — from schools and bridges to electric grids and clean water systems — are neglected. Money is squandered on foreign adventures or lost to the tax evasions of corporations and the rich. Private speculators profit from privatizing public services. We build the most modern and powerful military in the world, but are ever more crippled by decaying services that we depend on every day.

Politics as usual won’t change this. It will change only if people rise up and hold their politicians accountable. How many bridges must collapse or children must be poisoned or businesses must be shuttered before that happens?

The writer is founder and president of the National Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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 Managing Editor Bonnie V. Winston

bonniewinston@richmondfreepress.com

Karen Pulfer Focht/Associated Press

Since the 1970s, black folks have resolutely refused to organize a national unity movement to promote and protect our cultural, economic, political, educational, health and legal interests in what is still basically a white supremacist/racist country. One of the most significant and very harmful results of our refusal is the too high rate of homicides in too many urban areas throughout the country.

Four points suggest how we can begin to deal with this negative situation: Point one requires us to diagnose things accurately, which is that the overwhelming majority of the killings involve low-income African-American males killing other low-income African-American males. If they were killing white people of any income or social class at that rate, they would be stopped by the authorities by any means necessary.

If they were killing males from African-American middle- and upper-income fami-

lies, they would be stopped.

If the authorities didn’t stop them, middle- and upperincome black folks would create a way to stop them.

Low-income black males should be told, “You’re being allowed to kill each other and most people in this country don’t give a damn. In fact, most of them probably say ‘good riddance.’ ”

A. Peter Bailey The second point: Those low-income black males should be made aware that by wreaking havoc in their own neighborhoods, they have, for all practical purposes, become allies of those forces out to do us harm. I wouldn’t be surprised that when reading the monthly homicide statistics in places like Chicago, New Orleans and other urban centers, many white people don’t slap fives and have parties celebrating the loss of so many black lives taken by other black people.

Point No. 3: If the injustices of the system play a pivotal role in low-income AfricanAmerican males killing each other at the rate they are doing, then they should be told

to direct their rage at those who control the system or at least look like those who control the system.

Point No. 4: We as a people must do much more than we are doing to guide and nourish our young people. As a group, we have sufficient resources to set up a space where young people can do what young people, especially teenagers, are doing and always will do, which is hanging out. Every major urban neighborhood should/must have a space where youngsters can relax, learn and grow under loving and nurturing adult supervision. Collectively, we have the resources to create such places. What is lacking is the will and the vision. We are now paying a steep price for not having both during the last 40 years.

The space doesn’t have to be lavish — just a safe, comfortable space where young people can socialize, be made cognizant of their worth to the community and taught marketable skills needed to take care of themselves, their families and their neighborhoods.

The writer is an author, lecturer and contributor to the Richmond Free Press.

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.

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

jrboone@richmondfreepress.com

Vice President – News Enhancement Jeremy M. Lazarus Vice President – Production April A. Coleman Staff Writers Fred Jeter, Frances Crutchfield Hazel Trice Edney Photographers Sandra Sellars James Haskins, Rudolph Powell and Clinton A. Strane ______________

Vice President – Administration Tracey L. Oliver Advertising Traffic Coordinator Cynthia Downing Advertising Fax: (804) 643-5436 e-mail: advertising@richmondfreepress.com classifieds@richmondfreepress.com

National Advertising Representative EPMG ______________

Distribution Reed Marshall 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

Richmond Free Press

May 26-28, 2016

Do you smoke cigarettes?

Are you looking to reduce?

You may be eligible to participate in a research study if you are: - Age 21 - 65 years - A current smoker interested in reducing - Willing to attend multiple study visits for 9 months - Willing to use a new product during the study

Important Tax Notice

City of Richmond Business and Personal property tax payments are due by Monday June 6, 2016 Payment(s) for Individual Personal Property, Business Personal Property, and Machinery and Tools Taxes are due on June 6, 2016. Payment(s) must be received and/or postmarked on or before June 6th. Payments postmarked or received after the June 6th due date will be assessed a 10% late penalty and will accrue interest charges at a rate of 5% per annum.

Please mail your notice and payment in the envelope provided with your bill. Failure to receive a billing notice will not prevent the imposition of late charges if your payment is not made on time. If you require a billing notice please contact our 311 Customer Care Center or visit us online.

Compensation is provided!

Contact Us Today! cstp.vcu.edu/rct (804) 628-7550

For your convenience, you may pay online at www.richmondgov.com or pay via telephone at 1-800-2PAYTAX (use locality code 1059). A convenience fee may be charged for use of these payment options. You may also pay in person at City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street Room 102 M-F 8-5; at our Southside office, 4100 Hull Street M-F 8 – 5; or at our East District office at 701 N. 25th Street, M-F 8 – 1:30; 3-5. You may also deposit your check payment in the payment drop box at each location.

JOE MORRISSEY

MORRISSEY & ASSOCIATES, LLC 605 EAST NINE MILE ROAD HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VIRGINIA 23075 PHONE: 804-737-1626 FAX: 804-737-1671 ATTORNEYJOEMORRISSEY@GMAIL.COM

Know Someone With An Illegal Gun?

Richmond Free Press

July 9-11, 2015

Earn up to Dr. McCreary mourned

www.richmondfreepress.com

NOVEMBER 13-15, 2014

Lynch confirmation delayed until 2015?

Free Press staff, wire reports

Richmond Free Press © 2014 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 23 NO. 19

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

Stadium plan near death?

Coach Michele Drayton enjoys being back with her players and assistant coach Wade Ellegood in the Albert H. Hill Middle School gymnasium Tuesday.

By Joey Matthews

“I felt loved and appreciated,” Coach Drayton told the Free Press Wednesday.

“It was a special feeling for me to be back and get such a welcome.

“It was like coming home,” she added.

Parents of the players, along with her Albert Hill colleagues, walked over and welcomed her back with more hugs and well wishes.

Although still weak from the stroke, Coach Drayton sat on the gymnasium bench and watched as her assistant, Wade Ellegood, coached Albert Hill to a win over Elkhardt in the Richmond Public Schools middle school playoff opener.

“I felt like taking over, but he did a good job,” a happy Coach Drayton said afterward of her anxiety of having to watch,

instead of coach.

Albert Hill lost its next game to the team from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School last Thursday in the playoff semifinals.

But the Albert Hill players and Coach Drayton have much to be proud of. The team completed an 11-1 season, which included a 10-0 regular season.

Under Coach Drayton, Albert Hill has recorded four consecutive unbeaten regular seasons and won the middle school league championship in 2011, finishing 13-0.

Coach Drayton, 46, said she knew something was seriously amiss just prior to suffering the stroke. She had been experiencing a series of headaches and felt

Above, Martin “Marty” Cobb, 8, was killed while defending his beloved 12-year-old sister during a sexual assault on her last Thursday on South Side; right, grieving children comfort each other at Saturday evening’s community vigil to honor Marty.

8-year-old hero

‘Marty’ Cobb slain while defending 12-year-old sister

By Joey Matthews

Eight-year-old Martin “Marty” Cobb and his 12-year-old sister had a special bond.

They were by all accounts inseparable as siblings, best friends and playmates.

“They were never apart,” said the Rev. Theodore L. Hughey, the pastor at Abundant Life Church of God in Christ, the family’s church.

They would ride bikes and big wheelers together, play side by side with children in their South Side neighborhood and brag about their mother’s fine down-home cooking, he told the Free Press.

Marty had a special affinity for keys of any type, the pastor added.

In a tragic event that has captured the nation’s heart, Marty now is being fondly remembered as a courageous hero.

Local and national media are telling the heart-rending story of how Marty died last Thursday afternoon bravely trying to protect his beloved sister from a sexual predator as they played near railroad tracks behind the family’s home in the 200 block of Brandon Road.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested Saturday and charged with Marty’s murder and the attack on his sister, who sur-

vived and is recovering at a local hospital.

Marty died from severe head trauma, police later reported.

Neighbors reported the attacker struck Marty in the head with a brick.

Last Saturday evening, about 200 family members, friends, neighbors and other community members somberly gathered outside Abundant Life to honor the endearing child with the small frame, indomitable spirit and warm, loving smile.

Prior to the vigil, loved ones assembled around a sign in Marty’s yard that read: “Martin: A real hero lived, fought and died here.”

ARE ANONYMOUS

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Young foodie Adilrah Johnson, 8, enjoys fresh-cut fries held by her mother, Shoshana. Mother and daughter tasted their way through Sunday’s GRAZE on Grace, a foodie’s delight. The first-time event featured nearly 30 restaurants and specialty food providers celebrating local and seasonal cuisine — from oysters on the half shell to banana tacos.

Location: East Grace Street, between North 4th and North 7th streets.

This is a view of the decaying property Montoya D. Phipps bought from the City of Petersburg for $5,000 and recently sold for $50,000. Location: 530-32 Fleet St., just across the Appomattox River from Virginia State University.

Mr. Phipps, an adjunct design instructor at Virginia State University, also makes his home and operates his interior design

business out of an apartment he leases from Mr. Myers. The apartment is in a five-unit building that Mr. Myers owns and

By Fred Jeter

where he, too, resides.

There is no evidence that Mr. Myers pushed the sale of the property in the 500 block of Fleet Street to Mr. Phipps.

Petersburg council records also support Mr. Myers’ assertion that “I had no involvement” in the vote approving the sale.

Mr. Myers is listed as abstaining from the otherwise unanimous vote of support for the recommendation from City Manager William Johnson III to sell the Fleet Street property to Mr. Phipps without any strings attached.

But even if there was no connection to Mr. Myers, this sale exemplifies the shortcomings of the program whose goal is to rev up development and job creation in a city that Please turn to A4

Please turn to A4

Petersburg man lost dream, but made $45,000 profit Montague D. Phipps had big dreams three years ago when he bought a derelict duplex from the City of Petersburg for the rock-bottom price of $5,000.

But when his dreams fell apart, he still came out ahead.

He recently sold the still-ramshackle building for $50,000 — a far different outcome than he and the Petersburg government envisioned when Mr. Phipps was approved to buy the property in 2011.

His case is attracting attention in part because he was able to flip the property for a profit and because of his ties to Petersburg City Councilman W. Howard Myers, who defeated a challenger Nov. 4 to win a second term as the Ward 5 representative.

Please turn to A4

Quarterback sacked by DUI charge

Virginia State University is heading into its biggest game of the season minus a key component — quarterback Tarian Ayres.

Mr. Ayres, a 20-year-old sophomore from Dillwyn, has been suspended from playing in the CIAA championship game Saturday against Winston-Salem State University, school officials announced.

The school-mandated suspension stems from Mr. Ayres’ arrest Sunday, Nov. 9, on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, underage possession of alcohol and speeding.

He was arrested 2:05 a.m. Sunday about 25 miles southeast of Ettrick in Waverly, where he was stopped on U.S. 460.

Mr. Ayres was clocked driving 52 mph in a 35 mph zone, and was spotted crossing the highway’s double solid line near Main Street.

Waverly Police Officer C.M. Washington said he determined Mr. Ayres was intoxicated after administering sobriety checks, including a breathalyzer test.

There were two passengers in Mr. Ayres’ car at the time of the arrest. He is scheduled to appear Nov. 18 in Sussex County General District Court.

Please turn to A3

“Little Marty is a hero,” stated City Council member Reva M. Trammell, who spoke at the vigil and represents the 8th District where the grieving family lives.

“He was there when his sister needed him the most,” she added in response to a Free Press query.

“Marty’s beautiful smile and his love for his sister will always be with us. Marty will always be in our hearts, and he will never, ever be forgotten.”

Charles Willis, executive director of the Citizens Against Crime group that has helped lead vigils for more than 20 years in the city, said the turnout reflects a caring community.

“Even though a crisis of this nature happens, this shows the strength of not only the city, but of the community,” Mr. Willis said. “When trouble comes to any community, we will respond in a positive fashion.”

He described Marty’s mother, Sharain Spruill, as “very, very, very upset as well as hurt and trying to wrap her mind around why this happened her son.”

Major Steve Drew, who directs Support Services with the Richmond Police Department, praised neighborhood residents

Free Press staff, wire reports SAN JOSE, Calif.

Just months after stepping down as head of the nation’s largest civil rights organization, former NAACP President Benjamin Jealous is changing his career from an East Coast political activist to a West Coast venture capitalist. It’s a switch he hopes will help further his goal of growing opportunities for black people and Latinos in the booming tech economy.

“My life’s mission has been leveling the playing field and closing gaps in opportunity and success,” Mr. Jealous, 41, said. “I’m excited about trying a difMr. Jealous ferent approach.”

The Northern California native and selfconfessed computer geek will be joining entrepreneurs Mitchell Kapor and Freada Kapor Klein at their venture capital investment firm that backs information technology start-ups committed to making a positive social impact.

Fred Turner, who studies culture and technology as an associate professor at Stanford University, said it’s “fascinating that a person of his caliber and experience would move into this space.”

Mr. Turner said there’s a deep question going on in the U.S. about how to accomplish positive social change.

“In the Silicon Valley, they approach it entrepreneurially. In Washington, they approach it politically,” Mr. Turner said. “These are two very different modes.”

Mr. Jealous said he and his family will remain in Silver Spring, Md., but he’ll commute to the West Coast about once a month.

Mr. Jealous was named to the NAACP’s top post in 2008 after Free Press Editor/Publisher

Raymond H. Boone advocated on his behalf.

He replaced former Verizon executive Bruce Gordon, who resigned under pressure from the NAACP board of directors in 2007 after Mr. Boone led a campaign showing Mr. Gordon favored corporate interests over those of the NAACP. Mr. Jealous was widely credited with improving the NAACP’s finances, donor base and outreach.

He said he will never completely drop out Please turn to A4

for providing information that resulted in the quick arrest.

“The community really came together to seek justice for little Marty, the hero,” he said.

Police said Marty’s sister first reported the attacker to be a white male, but later recanted and identified a black, 16-yearold neighbor as the attacker.

She told police the teenager had threatened to hurt her if she told on him.

It has been reported the suspect’s name is Mariese Washington. He has a history of violent behavior that includes a 2010 attack in the Mosby Court housing community on a 3-year-old boy. He hit the boy in the back of the head with a hammer.

Th attack required the child to receive 100 staples and a metal plate in his head. The boy has spent four years in recovery, according to his family.

The alleged killer of Marty made his first appearance in Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Monday in front of Judge Ashley K. Tunner.

Authorities have declined to identify the suspect because

Will Mayor Dwight C. Jones be throwing out the first pitch at a new Shockoe Bottom baseball stadium two years from now?

Not likely, if a City Council revolt against the stadium succeeds.

Five members, led by Jonathan T. Baliles, the 1st District representative and potential 2016 mayoral candidate, undertook the revolt.

They did so by removing from the proposed budget $12.6 million that was considered essential to creating a new home for the minor league Richmond Flying Squirrels in the low-lying area of Downtown where the city was born and that later became infamous as the largest slave market north of New Orleans.

Sending shockwaves through City Hall, the five began the revolt against the stadium last Thursday as the nine council members worked to craft the next capital budget, the spending plan for city construction.

The stadium money was earmarked to redo underground piping for flood control. Without the money, the work to meet federal regulations for building in a flood plain could not be done.

The stadium site near 17th and East Broad streets is defined as being in the flood plain.

Mr. Baliles was joined in the decision to remove the $12.6 million and reallocate it to other city needs, such as improvements for aging school buildings, by Council President Charles R. Samuels, 2nd District; Chris A. Hilbert, 3rd District; and the two staunch stadium foes, Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, and Reva M. Trammell, 8th District.

The four members who wanted to keep the stadium money in place included: Council Vice President Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District; Kathy C. Graziano, 4th District; Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, and Michelle R. Mosby, 9th District.

The move is the first clear evidence that the mayor and his legion of business supporters

Please turn to A4

Is gay the new black?

lesbians the right to the majority do not get a Commentary marry. vote in the issue, regardIronically, it was less of their discomfort Virginia which, in 1967, had its ban on inter- about interracial relationships. racial marriage overturned. Loving v. Virginia Is gay the new black? No one can say with said that every citizen has the basic human right honesty that gays, like blacks, are not oppressed. to marry who they might choose. The state and Gays, though oppressed, were never enslaved,

© 2014 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Please turn to A4

Shamika Fauntleroy accompanied her father Tuesday morning from their hometown of Tappahannock to the VCU Medical Center, where he was to undergo surgery.

“My father looked at me when we got there and told me to go take care of my business first,” Ms. Fauntleroy told the Free Press.

She and her longtime partner, Kristea Thompson, then drove the short distance to the John Marshall Courts Building in Richmond’s Downtown, where they bought a marriage license around 10 a.m.

The two Tappahannock residents became the first African-American couple and 12th overall to purchase a marriage license from the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk’s Office after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex marriages in Virginia and four /A6 other states Monday.

They told the Free Press they plan to wed as soon as they can make the arrangements.

The partners of 10 years already had celebrated their union at a Sept. 6 commitment service with family and friends at a home off Riverside Drive on South Side.

“We already had that bond, but we wanted to take care of it legally as well,” Ms. Fauntleroy said.

On Monday, the Supreme Court effectively allowed same-sex marriage to proceed in Virginia when it refused to take up a 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that overturned the same-sex marriage ban.

Gay and lesbian couples hurried to Virginia courthouses shortly after the news.

Edward F. Jewett, clerk of the Richmond Circuit Court, said his office anticipated the change and, in August, changed gender references on marriage licenses to refer instead to spouses rather than husband and wife.

Ms. Fauntleroy, 28, said she was on her job as an assistant manager at a Hardee’s restaurant in Warsaw when she heard the news that the marriage ban had been lifted.

“I was like this,” she said, gleefully raising her arms with a mile-wide smile. “We had waited so long for this moment.”

She called the Essex County Circuit Court about a license, “but they had no idea what had happened and could not help us,” she said.

That’s when she and Ms. Thompson formulated plan B — to buy a license in Richmond.

“This brings me the happiness I always wanted, to be able to legally say I’m going to share my life with her,” Ms. Fauntleroy said, sitting outside the John Marshall building with her future wife.

“It’s a blessing,” Ms. Thompson, 30, an employee at June Parker Oil Co. in Tappahannock, added. “This shows things are changing in each and every way.”

Area ministers weigh in on gay marriage

Shamika Fauntleroy, left, and Kristea Thompson are planning a wedding ceremony after obtaining a marriage license Tuesday at the John Marshall Courts Building in Downtown.

Court ruling moves Va. to historic change

By Jeremy M. Lazarus and Joey Matthews

Virginia joined the tidal wave of historic change this week, with the U.S. Supreme Court opening the door for same-sex marriage in the commonwealth.

The nation’s highest court at its opening session Monday refused to take up a ruling by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that overturned Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban.

By leaving intact Virginia’s lower court ruling striking down a ban on gay marriage, as well Please turn to A6

Nicole Pries, left, and Lindsey Oliver kiss after an impromptu ceremony outside the Downtown courthouse Monday. They became the first same-sex couple to wed in Richmond.

Please turn to A6

First Ebola patient dies in Dallas

Federal judges order redrawing of Scott’s district

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Two years ago, the Republican-controlled General Assembly was accused of creating new congressional districts that packed Democratic-leaning black voters into the 3rd House District, reducing the influence of black voters on congressional elections in adjacent districts.

This week, a divided federal court panel upheld critics’ complaints in finding that black voters were illegally overloaded into the district represented by

Please turn to A4

Latin Ballet members Monte Jones and Ana Ines King deliver a flashy dance move Saturday at the lively ¿Qué Pasa? Festival in Downtown. The event’s name translates to “what’s happening” in English, and there was plenty happening at this spring showcase of Latin American culture, music, art and food.

Location: The Canal Walk near 14th and Canal streets.

OCTOBER 9-11, 2014

By Joey Matthews

Free Press wire reports

¿Qué Pasa? in Richmond

www.richmondfreepress.com

Jubilant couples head to courthouse for marriage licenses

Chris gets better news LOS ANGELES R&B superstar Chris Brown finally got some good news.

A Los Angeles judge has said that the Tappahannock, Va., native could be released as early as this week from jail if attorneys can agree to terms for his release.

The news comes as the pop star deals with criminal cases on the East Coast and West Coast.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James Brandlin had earlier indicated Mr. Brown could be facing anywhere from a few months to more than a year in jail.

Unfortunately for him, Mr.

Please turn to A6

keyword: Virginia now GUN250 for all lovers followed by your tip.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Virginia’s lone black congressman, Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.

Rep. Scott, a Democrat, has represented the district for 22 years. The district includes parts of Richmond, Newport News, Hampton and Norfolk and the counties of Henrico and Prince George, and all of Petersburg and Portsmouth and the counties of Rep. Scott Charles City and Surry.

In a 2-1 decision, the panel deemed the current map in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause and ordered the state legislature to redraw the boundaries of the district by April 1. If not, the federal court panel will redraw the lines.

Tuesday’s decision is expected to have a ripple effect and require redrawing the boundaries of the adjacent 2nd and 4th House districts and possibly others to rebalance populations.

The 2nd and 4th districts are represented by Republican Reps. Scott Rigell and J. Randy Forbes, respectively.

But the upcoming congressional elections scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, will go forward with the current district lines.

Along with writing the opinion for the panel’s majority, Judge Allyson K. Duncan of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also issued a separate order allowing the November elections to “proceed as scheduled under the existing redistricting plan,” but she barred future elections until a new redistricting plan is adopted.

She and U.S. District Judge Liam O’ Grady, who joined her opinion, deemed it too late to do anything for the current round of elections.

The third member of the panel, U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne, found no reason to overturn the redistricting plan.

on a Richmond radio talk show.

“We’re going to work through the challenges we have today and come out of this a bigger, a better and a stronger university,” Dr. Miller told the audience of “The Jack Gravely Show.”

In addition, Dr. Miller has announced he will hold separate meetings for students and faculty to provide more information on the school’s fiscal outlook and on the steps the university is taking to overcome what it now lists as a $19 million shortfall in revenue.

He is slated to hold the town hall-style sessions

Free Press wire reports DALLAS The first person diagnosed with Ebola in the United States died Wednesday morning in a hospital here.

The case of Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian who came to the United States on Sept.

20, put health authorities on alert for the deadly virus spreading outside of West Africa.

About 48 people who Mr. Duncan had direct or indirect contact with Mr. Duncan since his arrival were being monitored, but none have shown any symptoms as of Wednesday evening, according to health officials.

Mr. Duncan’s case has led to expanded efforts by U.S. authorities to combat the spread of Ebola at its source in West Africa — and raised questions about the effectiveness of airport screening and hospital preparedness.

Mr. Duncan, 42, became ill after arriving in Dallas to visit family. He went to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital on Sept. 25, but initially was sent home with antibiotics. His

Please turn to A4

Please turn to A4

Please turn to A4

VSU president sets town hall meetings

Miller fighting to retain control

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Happy face Leoné Brunswick parties Saturday with balloon character SpongeBob SquarePants at the 26th annual 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward.

Thousands of people turned out to enjoy the twoday festival. Please turn to B2 for more photos.

Dr. Keith T. Miller is pushing back against perceptions that he has been secretive and lacks the leadership skills to overcome Virginia State University’s financial woes.

Facing student protests, faculty grumbling and alumni concerns about the university’s money troubles, Dr. Miller is taking fresh steps to open lines of communication and to quell efforts to force him to resign.

Last week, he appeared with Hyisheem Calier, president of VSU’s Student Government Association,

Don't Miss One Word R

C n M h D

Somanath in

Goolsby out

FR ee

B8

Richmond Free Press

NFL hou d o ow NBA o end D C p o eam ac m

Federal appeals court gives workers greater protection against racial harassment

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

B2

R chmond Free Richmond Free Press Press

A Maryland waitress who was fired after reporting that a manager twice called her “a porch monkey” has become a key figure in bolstering protections for workers who face racial harassment and abuse on the job.

A federal appeals court in Richmond is using the civil rights lawsuit that Reya C. Boyer-Liberto filed against the resort hotel where she worked in 2010 to bolster efforts of workers who seek legal redress for a hostile workplace — even when their

www.richmondfreepress.com

MAY 7-9, 20

case that dismantles a requirement that employees must show a persistent pattern of racial hostility in order to get their day in court and protection from being fired.

Twelve judges joined in the majority opinion, which revived Ms. Boyer-Liberto’s lawsuit against the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel in Ocean City, Md., and its owner who fired her.

A lower court and a panel of the 4th Circuit had tossed out her lawsuit on the grounds the racial slur she was subjected

R chmond Free Press

© 2015 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 24 NO. 6

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

FEBRuARy 5-7, 2015

FR ee

© 2015 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Please turn to A4

© 2015 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 24 NO. 20

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

MAY 14-16, 2015

On May 4, 2016, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion Virginia Power” or “Company”), pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 4 (“Subsection A 4”) of the Code of Virginia, submitted an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for approval of a rate adjustment clause designated as Rider T1.

In this proceeding, Dominion Virginia Power seeks approval of a revenue requirement for the rate year September 1, 2016, through August 31, 2017 (“Rate Year”). This revenue requirement, if approved, would be recovered through a combination of base rates and a revised increment/decrement Rider T1. Rider T1 is designed to recover the increment/decrement between the revenues produced from the transmission component of base rates and the new revenue requirement developed from the Company’s total transmission costs for the Rate Year.

The total revenue requirement to be recovered over the Rate Year is $638,782,866, comprising an increment Rider T1 of $178,931,394 and forecast collections of $459,851,472 through the transmission component of base rates. This total revenue requirement represents an increase of $1,255,818 over the revenues projected to be produced during the Rate Year by the combination of the base rate component of Subsection A 4 (the Company’s former Rider T) and the Rider T1 rates currently in effect.

Implementation of the proposed Rider T1 on September 1, 2016, would increase the average weighted monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month by $0.30.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on July 1, 2016, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony from members of the public and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing shouldA appear in the Commission’s courtroom 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff.

The Company’s Application and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing are available for public inspection during regular business hours at each of the Company’s business offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Copies also may be obtained by submitting a written request wto counsel for the Company, Lisa S. Booth, Esquire, Dominion Resources Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means.

R chmond Free Press Copies of the public version of all documents filed in this case also are available for interested persons review in the Commission’s Document Control Center, located on the first floor V rg n atonow or aBuilding, overs 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of of the Tyler 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

Any person or entity may participate as a respondent in this proceeding by filing a notice of participation on or before June 13, 2016. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 232182118. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUE-2016-00046. For additional M information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.

On or before June 13, 2016, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of such testimony and exhibits shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Respondents also shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service; 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format; and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. Respondents shall refer in all of their filed papers to Case No. PUE-2016-00046.

On or before June 24, 2016, any interested person wishing to comment on the Company’s Application may file written comments on the Application with the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before June 24, 2016, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact discs or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUE2016-00046.

The Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at Free the address R chmond Press set forth above.

Don'tsubscription Miss volunteer Don't Miss One Word One Word Don't Miss volunteer subscription One Word Carver Elementary teamwork fosters rewards for students

Community leaders, residents march in Mosby Court for peace

By Joey Matthews

Deputy Chief Durham

A new top cop in town

By Joey Matthews

Rayvon Owen hometown do m

Please turn to A4

complaint involves only one or two incidents.

In a decision issued May 7, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that even isolated incidents of racial abuse such as the one Ms. Boyer-Liberto faced can be enough to allow workers to seek damages and also to create a cause of action against employers who terminate a worker for reporting such abuse.

Essentially, the court sent a message that racial bigotry has no place in the workplace.

All 15 sitting judges of the court participated in hearing the

Richmond R chmond Free Press End the inconvenience ofNew empty newspaperS ad boxes, fighting um p an near dea h? boss at VSU School success the weather and hunting down back copies.Stop the violence Also, support the Free Press. We’re always working for you.

H m

■

m

ee FR

■

VOL. 24 NO. 19

D Wendell MNASCAR C Scott m Hall of Famer

RRHA Leadership

ee FR

FR ee

m

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION

BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1 A 4 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUE-2016-00046

wrenched from their homelands, raped and abused, as Africans.

Being black is not a choice, and neither is being gay.

Our Constitution was intended to protect the rights of anyone to pursue the realization of any right given to them by birth.

If a person is born with the right from their

Richmond Free Press

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Call 804-780-1000 or go to Ben Jealous in new position crimestoppersrichmondvirginia.com Coach Michele Drayton walked into the Albert H. Hill Middle School gym for the first time since suffering a stroke last month.

The players on her girls’ basketball team excitedly ran over, showering her with hugs.

Surrounding her, they applauded and yelled, “Let’s win this one for Coach Drayton!”

Putting their hands together in a team huddle, they yelled, “Do it for Coach Drayton! One! Two! Three!”

It was a heartwarming homecoming for the longtime Albert Hill hoops coach, who returned to the team Nov. 4. She suffered a stroke Oct. 2 at her North Side home.

274637

VOL. 23 NO. 41

Council opposition threatens mayor’s dream

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Pamela V. Hammond is on track to become the first woman to lead Virginia State University in the school’s 132-year history, the Free Press has learned.

School sources said Dr. Hammond, the current provost or chief academic officer at Hampton University, has emerged as the board of visitors’ choice to become interim president to replace Dr. Keith T. Miller, who submitted his resignation Oct. 31.

The sources said Dr. Hammond is scheduled to meet with the board this Thursday, Nov. 13 — the date the board set for choosing an interim leader for the university in Ettrick.

If all goes well, the board is expected to vote approval and introduce her as the choice for interim chief executive during the session, the sources said.

The sources said Dr. Hammond is expected to serve while the board conducts a national search for the school’s 14th president. She would be regarded as a potential candidate, sources said, depending on her work as interim.

Her start date could not be learned, but it could be soon after Jan. 1.

Dr. Miller is to officially leave the post Dec. 31.

A former nurse educator, Dr. Hammond will take over a public university grappling with major budget troubles as a result of an enrollment drop of more than 1,000 students. The problems led to cuts in student services and could force faculty and staff layoffs.

She will arrive as VSU experiments with a new schedule

Heartwarming return for Albert Hill coach ALL METHODS

Please turn to A4

MAY 8-10, 2014

Dr. Hammond

President Obama has set yet another precedent with his choice to succeed U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Loretta Lynch, a 55-yearold Greensboro, N.C., native and Harvard educated lawyer, would be the nation’s first African-American female attorney general if confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

As the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York since 2010, Ms. Lynch has worked on numerous high-profile cases involving Ms. Lynch police brutality, bank fraud and money laundering.

Sources close to the Obama administration said they expected Ms. Lynch would generate little controversy, making for a smooth Senate confirmation process.

The Senate twice previously has confirmed her nomination to federal prosecutor jobs, most recently in 2010.

But senior Senate Democrats and White House aides said Ms. Lynch’s confirmation likely would be delayed until the new session of Congress starts in January. Her nomination then will rest in the hands of Republicans, who will control the upper chamber as a result of the Nov. 4 elections.

Known for her low-key personality, Ms. Lynch has stirred little controversy during two tenures as U.S. attorney. She served in the position under President Bill Clinton from 1999 to 2001, before leaving for private practice. President Obama appointed her to the post once again in 2010.

A Republican-majority Senate confirmed her 1999 appointment, while a Democraticmajority Senate confirmed her in 2010.

Mr. Holder is the only attorney general to serve under President Obama, holding the job since 2009. He is the first African-American to hold the

A6

ee FR

for New information boss at VSU Hampton provost to takearrest reins leading to the of persons in possession of illegal guns. © 2014 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Is gay the new black? Have gays and lesbians supplanted African-Americans as the most oppressed American minority?

Several African-Americans have asked me if the recent opinions granting gays and lesbians the right to marry will have any impact upon African-American civil rights.

On Oct. 6, 2014, Virginia granted gays and

ee FR

Richmond Free Press

VOL. 23 NO. 46

FR ee

A4

By David P. Baugh

Don Sterling L.A. Clippers team owner

FR ee

NFL should follow NBA to end D.C. pro team’s racism

Dan Snyder Washington team owner

ee FR

FR ee

Text tip to

$250 ‘Texas Tornado’ goes and goes B8

A5

IF YOU’RE IN TROUBLE,YOU NEED A FIGHTER ON YOUR SIDE. YOU NEED JOE MORRISSEY!

The Richmond Police Department has stayed free of public accusations of police brutality as “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations grow locally and across the nation to protest atrocities by white police officers in the black community.

The nearly 740-officer force has garnered mostly praise for its community policing efforts to gain closer ties with neighborhoods in the city it serves.

Incoming Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham vows to take those efforts up a notch.

“There’s always room for improvement,” the 51-year-old Washington native and current Richmond Police deputy chief of administration said Monday after he was introduced by Major Dwight C. Jones as the city’s next police chief in a news conference at City Hall.

The mayor named his new top cop as a national furor grows over killings by white police officers of unarmed black men such as Eric Garner in New York City in July; Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, Mo., in August; and Rumain Brisbon in Phoenix in December.

In Richmond, young people in recent weeks have demonstrated and staged “die-ins” in Downtown and in the Fan District to draw attention to the police killings and the overall neglect of the black community.

“I want to acknowledge that

“We take an all-hands-on-deck approach to educating our children.”

That’s how George Washington Carver Elementary School Principal Kiwana Yates enthusiastically describes the full community involvement approach she and her staff utilize.

With it, they have achieved academic success against tall odds in the largely impoverished community served by the school at 1110 W. Leigh St. “Each school faces different challenges,” the third-year Carver principal told the Free Press. “A kid is a kid, and it doesn’t really matter where they come from. It takes a level of excellence from the teacher and the ability of the school to meet the needs of each child.”

Carver is among only 11 of Richmond’s 44 public schools to earn full accreditation from the Virginia Department of Education after surpassing state standards in four core Standards of Learning tests administered last spring.

Carver, with 95 percent of its 592 students in kindergarten through fifth grade being African-American, scored an average of 90 in science, 88 in English and 84 each in math and history.

At least 75 percent of a school’s students must pass English and at least 70 percent must pass the other three tests in order for the school to be fully accredited.

Carver also has been recognized as a Title I Distinguished School by the Virginia Department of Education. To qualify, a disadvantaged school receiving additional federal aid must meet all state and federal accountability requirements for two years and achieve average reading and mathematic SOL scores at the 60th percentile or higher.

The school’s theme this year is “The Jewel of the Carver Community.”

Early in the school year, Ms. Yates and her staff organized an “SOLabration,” a day of creative learning activities capped by a family fun night to recognize their accreditation. Staff wore “SOLabration” shirts to mark the day.

Hea wa m ng e u n o Atouts beanti-poverty H coach Mayor efforts in city address Carver Principal Kiwana yates gives kindergarten student Jajuan Dickerson a high-five for a job well done.

By Joey Matthews

Mayor Dwight C. Jones spoke of “a tale of two cities” in his State of the City address.

“Right now, one part of town is vibrant, prosperous and forward-looking,” he told an attentive audience of about 300 people Jan. 29 in the auditorium at Huguenot High School on South Side. “And then when you cross the Martin Luther King Bridge, you find another Richmond — one that has largely been ignored, overlooked and shunned.

“The old Richmond allowed a generation of Richmonders to believe that they don’t have a chance to succeed,” he added. “Leaders made a decision to create public housing projects and push thousands of poor people into them.”

The mayor spoke of a “resurgent” city early and often in his 22-minute speech that was greeted with

applause about a dozen times.

However, he bluntly told the audience of city officials, politicos, community advocates and ordinary citizens, “We’ll reach our full potential only when we move beyond the tale of two cities.”

He cited some of his administration’s povertyfighting efforts.

Among those: • Opening the new Office of Community Wealth Building last June to spearhead the city’s anti-poverty initiatives.

• Building new schools such as the $63 million Huguenot High School, the first new high school in the city since 1968.

• Reducing concentrated pockets of poverty in the East End by transforming public housing communities into mixed-income neighborhoods.

• Attracting new businesses, such as Stone Brewing Company in the Fulton neighborhood, to expand the city’s tax base and provide jobs.

• Increasing workforce training.

• Landing a $25 million federal grant for bus rapid transit along Broad Street from Rocketts Landing in the East End to Willow Lawn so people can get to jobs.

• Opening the new Richmond Justice Center in Shockoe Valley and the Day Reporting Center in Downtown to provide more opportunities for offenders to gain rehabilitative services and decrease their prospects of returning to jail.

Please turn to A4

By Joey Matthews

M

For most of her adult life, Joyce Kenney has been an advocate for people living in the Mosby Court public housing community and other poor neighborhoods in the city.

In that time, she has lobbied for more resources for people in disadvantaged communities. She also has attended countless vigils to comfort those mourning the deaths of their loved ones due to violence in the streets.

On Tuesday night, it was Ms. Kenney’s turn to be consoled by community members.

Her grandson, Ra’Keem Adkins, 22, was one of five shooting victims in Richmond May 7. He was shot multiple times and died on the sidewalk in the 1900 block of Redd Street shortly after 10 p.m. in Mosby Court in the city’s East End. Earlier in the day, Sylvester Nichols, 24, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Family Dollar Store in the 6500 block of Midlothian Turnpike on South Side. A third man also was shot that night about three miles away and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Angered by the ongoing black-on-black violence in the city, community activist J.J. Minor said he began planning an anti-violence rally last Saturday with the Mosby Court Tenant Council and fellow activist Charles Willis, who grew up in Mosby Court.

“I’m tired and frustrated by the blackon-black crime,” Mr. Minor told the Free Press prior to the rally as he and other volunteers prepared hamburgers and hot dogs to serve along with potato chips, soft drinks and water to rally attendees.

8-year-o d hero

Joyce Kenney holds an image of her grandson, Ra’Keem Adkins, 22, who was shot and killed in the Mosby Court public housing community May 7. Right, more than 200 people, including Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham, march from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School to Mosby Court calling for an end to the violence.

New city CAO gets $5,700 raise before job start

He pointed to a decrepit basketball court a few yards from where Mr. Adkins was killed. The baskets had bent rims and no nets.

“Look at that,” he said, shaking his head.

“The city needs to step up to the plate and put more resources in impoverished communities.”

He said he plans to contact community members, city officials, educators, business leaders and faith leaders to convene Please turn to A5

No charges filed against Wisconsin police officer in teen’s death Free Press wire reports

MADISON, Wis. A Wisconsin police officer who fatally shot an unarmed biracial teenager in March, prompting several days of peaceful protests, will not be charged, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Officer Matt Kenny used justified lethal force in the March 6 shooting of Tony Robinson, 19, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said.

Mr. Ozanne said Officer Kenny shot Mr. Robinson after the teen struck him in the head and tried to knock the officer down a staircase.

“I conclude that this tragic and unfortunate death was the result of a lawful Please turn to A5

Advocacy groups plan housing, services safety net for foster youths

For your convenience, the Richmond Free Press offers you the opportunity to receive the Richmond Free Press in the mail.

G

D

Please turn to A4

Petersburg jail to close

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

P

m

until the Petersburg City Council decides whether to build a new The Petersburg City Jail is holding facility at a projected going to be shut down in March cost of $5 million.

— forcing Petersburg Sheriff Sheriff Crawford, who has Vanessa Crawford to lay off the been fighting the decision, almajority of her staff of 98 depuready has warned that Petersburg ties and civilian employees. would have to pay Riverside Petersburg Mayor W. Howard nearly $3 million a year to house Myers announced Monday that the city’s inmates. That’s about the decision is final. as much as the city now spends Sheriff Crawford Saying Petersburg cannot afto operate its own jail. ford the $22 million to replace its antiquated The city also would incur a bigger bill for jail, Mayor Myers said that effective March prisoner transportation expenses and would 1, all new arrestees would be housed at the tie up police officers who will have to travel Riverside Regional Jail, located about 10 farther to book prisoners, she said. miles away in Prince George County.

Sheriff Crawford said the decision would Current inmates would be transferred on force her to lay off at least 55 of her 78 or about March 15 to the regional facility deputies. She also will have to eliminate a that opened in 1997, was expanded in 2010 major share of the department’s 20 civiland can house up to 2,000 inmates. ian employees.

The Petersburg jail, which houses about She and the remaining staff would be 200 inmates, dates to 1968. limited to providing security at the holding Petersburg is one of seven localities facility and the courthouse and serving civil that built and manages Riverside Regional papers. She noted that salaries of the half Jail. The city’s women prisoners already dozen deputies she would need to staff are housed there. the lockup would have to be paid by the After the transfer is complete, the city. The state only picks up the salaries mayor said the jail’s only use would be of deputies assigned to a jail. as a temporary lockup for inmates going Please turn to A4 to court or awaiting transfer to Riverside

m

■

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Mayor Jones at State of the City address.

m

“It’s new for all of us,” Mayor Jones said. “It’s never happened in my lifetime or yours. But I know this: If we unite together and look forward, and invite our neighbors to join us, then we’ll continue to shape the city and the region we all want to call home.”

The mayor kicked off his address touting the RichPlease turn to A4

State Dems hit with voting rights suit

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Did the Democratic Party of Virginia violate the U.S. Constitution and the federal Voting Rights Act in choosing its nominee to compete in a recent special election for a House of Delegates seat?

Yes, say three African-Americans, who are taking their case to federal court.

The trio allege the party trampled on their voting rights and those of thousands of Democrats like them in its zeal to eliminate Henrico Delegate Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey as a nominee in the election he went on to win Jan. 13 as an independent.

David M. Lambert, Gary G. Hill Sr. and his sister-in-law, Linda D. Hill, filed the suit Friday.

According to their suit, the Democrats’ method of nomination intentionally excluded them and other African-American voters living in the majority-black 74th House of Delegates District, which includes Charles City County, 26 precincts

in eastern Henrico County and a single precinct in Richmond’s North Side.

The lawsuit charges that the party, fearing such voters “might use their First Amendment rights to support a candidate the DPVA and other local party officials didn’t want to win the Democratic nomination,” imposed rules that “intentionally disenfranchised them all.”

The suit seeks to bar the party from ever using any procedure to “disenfranchise and discriminate” against African-Americans and other party members in the selection of its nominees, which the suit describes as “a critical element of the electoral process.”

The case, which is assigned to senior U.S. Judge Robert E. Payne, is one of the most significant involving voting rights in recent years in Virginia.

The suit also is a huge embarrassment for

Selena Cuffee-Glenn just received a $5,700 salary bump — from $203,000 a year to $208,700 — though she will not start work as the city’s top administrator until Monday, May 18.

Her benefits package also has been sweetened with a $5,700 increase in a retirement benefit paid by the city.

City Council asked no questions about the unexpected pay hike in voting 9-0 Monday to confirm the former Suffolk city manager as Richmond’s new chief administrative officer.

In mid-April when Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced Ms. Cuffee-Glenn Ms. Cuffee-Glenn as his choice for the No. 2 post at City Hall, he said she would start at $203,000 a year.

His staff even produced the offer letter she signed stipulating her salary and a host of other benefits, including a $950 monthly car allowance and $15,000 a year in deferred compensation, essentially a retirement savings plan.

Her new starting pay of $208,700 is listed in the ordinance that council members approved without public comment. Her deferred pay now is shown as $20,700 a year, with a $1,000 increase for each year of service, according to the ordinance.

One thing that was eliminated in the altered package is the $950 monthly car allowance, which would have totaled to $11,400 a year.

Apparently, Ms. Cuffee-Glenn traded the car allowance for improved starting pay and an increase in deferred compensation.

Asked about the changes, Tammy Hawley, the press secretary for Mayor Jones, responded that the mayor and Ms. Cuffee-Glenn “ended up renegotiating some things.”

By Joey Matthews

Janeva Smith has seen many of her friends in foster care suddenly become homeless when they turn 18. They have nowhere to go, few life skills and little hope for the future.

“I’ve had many friends who tried to commit suicide,” said Ms. Smith, who was 18 months old when she initially was placed in foster care in Plainfield, N.J. She was 14 when she entered foster care in Virginia, moving between foster families, group homes and shelters.

Related story on B3

“I’ve tried to commit suicide multiple times,” she said. “I’ve had many friends who face homelessness, have been incarcerated, many who don’t graduate from high school and others who got pregnant.

“Life’s rough when you don’t have any support,” she continued. “Imagine not having anybody to call on Mother’s Day.” Now 22, Ms. Smith lives in Hillside Court in South Richmond. She spoke with a Free Press reporter last week at the West End headquarters of the Children’s Home Society of Virginia, an organization that she credits with providing her with services and guidance.

The organization is collaborating with the Better Housing Coalition in Richmond to provide housing and supportive services to young adults being booted out of foster care on their 18th birthday.

The Possibilities Project, as the collaboration is called, would start by housing 20 young people early next year, then add more

young adults as the project develops.

In Virginia, children automatically “age out” of foster care when they reach age 18. According to the Children’s Home Society, about 700 young people fall into that category Ms. Smith each year in Virginia.

Within two years, according to the organization, one in four of those young people will be incarcerated, one in five will be homeless and fewer than one in six will graduate from high school.

Advocates point out that housing is an

especially critical need for this young and vulnerable population. They provided sad and gripping accounts of how some teens in foster care are packed up and taken to homeless shelters when they turn 18.

One available option is independent living programs that are coordinated through local social services departments in Virginia.

Youths no longer eligible for foster care can get housing until age 21 as long as they adhere to a contract requiring they are enrolled in school, working or in a counseling or treatment program. The contracts are personalized, designed to meet the specific needs of the young person.

While under contract, they can receive Please turn to A4

Like father, like son

Justin White holds two of his proud accomplishments — his son, Jeremiah, and his newly earned degree from Virginia Union University. The father and son celebrated in cap and gown Saturday at the university’s 117th commencement ceremony at Hovey Field. Please see article, more photos on Page B4.

End the inconvenience of empty newspaper boxes, fighting

Just take a minute and out and the hunting coupon below: thefill weather down back copies.

■

Please turn to A4

Celebration of hip-hop film and music at Gallery 5 in Jackson Ward/B2

Also, support the Free Press. We’re always working for you.

$99.00 for anconven 12-month ence subscription (Firstnewspaper class mail) boxes fight ng End the of empty $50.00 for a 12-month subscription (Third class mail) volunteer the weather ng down back cop subscription es Check or money and orderhunt enclosed.

For your convenience, the Richmond Free Press offers you the ■ Bill my: A so support the Free Press We re a ways work ng for you ■

opportunity to receive the Richmond Free Press in the mail.

Card number (please record Just Expiration date all take digits) a minute and fill out the coupon below: $99.00 for a 12-month subscription (First class mail)

Cardholder's name (please $50.00 for a print) 12-month subscription (Third class mail)

subscribe Cardholder's signature (required for credit card purchase) Check or money order enclosed.

Bill my:

Card number (please record all digits)

Expiration date

For your convenience, Cardholder's name (please print) For your convenience, Free Press offers you the Name ______________________________________________________ the Richmond Free Press offers the Richmond Cardholder's signature (required for credit card purchase) Address _____________________________________________________ you the opportunity to receive opportunity to receive the Name Richmond Free Press in the mail.

C______________________________________________________ n m Address Citythe____________________________ _________ Zip _________ M_____________________________________________________ hState D Richmond Free Press City ____________________________ State _________ Zip _________ R chmond Free Press R chmond Free Press in the mail. Free Press, Send Box to: Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 Send to: Richmond P.O. 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 W

m

■ nute and Just take a m the coupon be ow End the out nconven ence of

empty newspaper boxes fight ng the weather and hunt ng down back cop esStop the violence $99 00 for a 12-month subscr pt on (F rst c ass ma ) ■ A so support $50 00 for a 12-month subscr pt on (Th rd cthe ass Free ma ) Press We re a ways work ng for you School success

Don't Miss A

Check or money order enc osed Rayvon Owen B my

w

w

volunteer subscription Don't Miss hometown do m

Ca d numbe p ease eco d a d g s Ca dho de s name pDease p n

M

Exp a on da e

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY d/b/a DOMINION VIRGINIA POWER

A7

Richmond Free Press

A8 May 26-28, 2016

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU’s Taylor White named CIAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Few have maximized their college experience more than Virginia Union University’s Taylor White.

The senior’s all-around achievement has earned her the CIAA’s Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award.

The honor is bestowed on the most wellrounded student-athlete in athletic, academic and community performance.

From LaPlata, Md., the 6-foot-2 post

player on the basketball court averaged 10 points and nine rebounds while recording 11 double-doubles.

Earning All-CIAA hoops honors as well, White helped VUU to the CIAA and NCAA Atlantic Region titles and to the NCAA Division II’s Elite Eight.

The Dean’s List student posted a 4.0 GPA in her major of education. She will return to campus in the fall to play volleyball and

will graduate in December.

Off campus, White served as an essay judge for the Lucille M. Brown Community Youth Bowl, participated in the Teddy Bear Christmas Drive and volunteered more than 60 hours as a linguistics tutor at Richmond’s Overby-Sheppard Elementary School.

The CIAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year is Livingstone College golfer Phillip Harrison.

MLB’s Jackie Bradley has Richmond roots The hottest hitter in major league baseball has deep Richmond roots.

Boston Red Sox centerfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who has an epic 29-game hitting streak, was born in Richmond in 1990, and played baseball in the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League.

In 2007, Bradley suited up for the MJBL’s U-19 squad that competed in a Babe Ruth League program based out of Henrico High School.

“I remember everyone talking about this extraordinary talent,” recalled William Forrester Jr., MJBL executive director. One of my players’ fathers, Carlton Blount, came up to me and said, ‘This kid is pro material.’ ” Blount turned out to have a keen eye for talent.

Bradley, nicknamed “JBJ,” is the 26-year-old son of Jackie Bradley Sr., a former Richmond bus driver, and Alfreda Hagans.

Both Bradley Sr. and Jr. derive their first name from the late soul singer, Jackie Wilson.

About 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, the bearded Bradley Jr. bats left-handed and throws right.

He began this week leading the American League with a .342 average that featured seven doubles, three triples, eight home runs, 29 runs batted in and 17 walks.

During his hitting streak — the longest in the majors this spring — he has batted a blistering .411.

Bradley is chasing Boston’s all-time hitting streak of 34 games set in 1949 by Dominic Paul “Dom” DiMaggio.

Defensively, Bradley is outstanding and boasts one of baseball’s most prolific throwing arms. On a dare, Bradley has flung a ball from home plate over the 410-foot centerfield wall at Fenway Park.

His powerful pegs have been timed at more than 101 mph upon release. He has a career total in the big leagues of 23 outfield assists, including 13 in 2014.

“For sure, Jackie is the most illustrious alumnus of our program,” said Forrester. “We keep up with him as much as we can. Mostly, we hope he’s an inspiration for other boys in the city.”

Forrester alluded to fact that basketball and football have

far surpassed baseball in terms of interest among the city’s young athletes.

Bradley, who moved with his mother to Prince George County when he was in the sixth grade, went on to star at Prince George High School. But he maintained his Richmond ties. He played with the Glen Lea Association in Eastern Henrico and with the Richmond Braves travel team.

In fact, Bradley was splitting time between the MJBL and the Braves during the summer he was “discovered” by the University of South Carolina.

“Jackie was going with us to the Inner City Classic in Alabama,” recalled Forrester. “But he was playing for the Braves at the same time and they had a tournament in Cobb County, Ga. He wasn’t able to play for us that weekend because the Braves’ tournament was extended. As it turned out, that’s when the South Carolina coach saw him and offered him a scholarship.”

Bradley then was on the fast track to success.

Mickey Roberts coached Bradley both at Prince George High

and with the Richmond Braves.

“Jackie was one of those guys who was always motivated,” recalled Roberts. “He knew the direction he wanted to go and nothing was going to get in his way.”

Bradley was named Most Outstanding Player at the 2010 College World Series, pacing the University of South Carolina Gamecocks to the title. In 2011, he became the Boston Red Sox’s first round draft pick.

He has been with the parent Bosox since 2013.

Last year in 74 games, he hit .249, with 10 homers and 43 runs batted in as a part-time starter.

Now centerfield is all his, and figures to be for some time.

Boston, the last pre-expansion team to integrate, is making up for a shabby history in race relations.

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts from Aruba and outfielder Mookie Betts from Nashville are both 23 and, along with Bradley, are among the game’s brightest prospects.

Boston’s powerful lineup includes veteran sluggers David Ortiz and Hanley Ramirez, both from the Dominican Republic, and pitching ace David Price from Vanderbilt University.

Boston’s first African-American player was infielder Pumpsie Green, who debuted in July 1959, more than 12 seasons after Jackie Robinson broke the color line with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

The Red Sox haven’t had a multitude of star African-American players over the decades, but a few standouts have been Ortiz, Jim Rice, George Scott, Ellis Burks, Luis Tiant and Mo Vaughn, another Red Sox player with a Richmond link.

Coincidentally, Vaughn — the 1995 American League MVP — is the son of Leroy Vaughn, a former Virginia Union University athlete now residing in Chesterfield County.

If a 2016 MVP award was to be voted on today, Bradley would be a top contender.

“From way back, we all knew he was a special talent,” said Forrester.

African-Americans, NSU basketball signs 3 transfer players Latinos few among MLB managers Talk about a discrepancy.

About 28.5 percent of the players in Major League Baseball (MLB) are Latinos, but there are no Latinos in the managers’ offices, according to the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports based at the University of Central Florida.

The Atlanta Braves’ firing of manager Fredi Gonzalez on May 17 leaves the big leagues without a Latino manager.

Gonzalez, who managed the Richmond Braves in 2002, was given the pink slip in Atlanta following a dreadful 9-28 start, due in part to the organiza- Fredi Gonzalez tion’s decision to trade many of its established players for young prospects still in the minor leagues.

Overall, Cuban-born Gonzalez was 434-414 in five-plus seasons in Georgia.

Coincidentally, he was replaced by Brian Snitker, who managed the Richmond Braves in 2006. Snitker most recently served as the Braves’ third base coach under Gonzalez.

According to the institute’s figures, there were 10 managers of color in 2002 and 2010, the highest number in a single year.

Latino managers in the recent past have been Venezuelan Ozzie Guillen, Felipe Alou and Manny Acta from the Dominican Republic, Mexican Rick Renteria and Cubans Cookie Rojas and Preston Gomez.

Cuban born Al Lopez, aka “El Senor,” managed Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox from 1951 to 1969 and is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Latinos, mostly from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, continue to make headlines for MLB on the field. A total of 23 Latino players were selected for last year’s MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

African-Americans also are under-represented in MLB administration positions.

There are just two African-American managers — Dusty Baker in Washington and Dave Roberts in Los Angeles — among the 30 franchises.

MLB has two African-American general managers — Dave Stewart in Arizona and Michael Hill in Miami — and two Latino general managers — Cuban Al Avila in Detroit and Mexican Jeff Luhnow in Houston.

There was a peak of five general managers of color in 2009 and 2010.

About 8.5 percent of MLB players listed on opening day rosters this year were African-American, the same percentage as in 2015.

MLB has a long history of players from Spanishspeaking nations.

The first Latino player reaching the majors was Colombian Luis Castro with the Philadelphia A’s in 1902.

In need of immediate help, Norfolk State University basketball has gone all in on transfers.

Spartans Coach Robert Jones recently announced three more signings — all transfers.

The latest players to commit to NSU are 6-foot-4 Alex Brown from Brunswick Community College in Alex Brown Micah North Carolina, 6-foot-3 Micah Goss from Roane State Community College in Tennessee and 6-foot-2 Carrington Ward, a graduate from University of North Texas.

Earlier this spring, NSU’s Coach Jones announced transfer additions of 6-foot-10 Bryan Gellineau from Essex Community College in New Jersey, 6-foot-8 Stavian Allen from Tallahassee Community

College in Florida and 6-foot-4 Kyle Williams from Niagara Community College in New York.

Also, two Division I transfers who sat out last year at NSU become eligible to play in the 2016-17 season. They are 6-foot-4 Kervin Okoro who arrived from Rutgers University in New Jersey and 7-foot Goss Carrington Ward Chesapeake native Dan Robinson from Iona College in New York.

NSU was 17-17 last season, qualifying for the College Insider.

Com Tournament. However, the Spartans will lose three seniors — Jeff Short, D’Shon Taylor and Charlie Oliver — who were responsible for 51 of the team’s 73-points per game.

Mamie Rallins, former Olympic hurdler, Hampton University coach dies at 74 Two-time Olympian and former Ohio State University and Hampton University women’s track coach Mamie Rallins died Monday, May 16, 2016, in a car wreck near Port Clinton, Ohio.

Ms. Rallins, 74, was born in Chicago and began running as a teen. She joined the Mayor Daley Youth Foundation Women’s Track and Field Team, finishing second in the 80-meter hurdles in the Pan

American Games in 1967.

She qualified at age 27 for the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, winning the first heat of the 80-meter hurdles.

Because she placed Mamie fifth in the semifinals, she wasn’t able to advance to the finals that year.

In the 1972 Olympics in Munich, she ran the 100-meter

hurdles, but missed progressing to the finals by a split second.

Ms. Rallins became a three-time college All-American at Tennessee State University.

Rallins In 1976, Ms. Rallins became the first AfricanAmerican coach in any sport at Ohio State University. During that time, she worked with

Jim McMillian, member of L.A.Lakers 1972 championship team, dies at 68 Jim McMillian, a key component points — second to Mr. Goodrich — of the longest winning streak in NBA and 6.5 rebounds. Mr. Baylor played history, died Monday, May 16, 2016, just nine games that season before at his home in Winston-Salem, N.C. retiring.

A native of Raeford, N.C., Mr. The Lakers finished the season 69McMillian was 68 and died of com13 — the best regular season record plications from heart failure. in NBA annals at the time — and During the 1971-72 season, Mr. defeated the New York Knicks for McMillian helped the Los Angeles the NBA title.

Jim McMillian Lakers to a record 33-game winning Mr. McMillian was a three-time streak that still stands.

All-American at Columbia University and was The powerhouse team included Jerry West, the 13th overall selection in the 1970 draft when Wilt Chamberlain, Happy Hairston, Gail Goo- he was picked by the Lakers. drich, Pat Riley and Elgin Baylor, and was After three seasons in Los Angeles, he was coached by Bill Sharman. traded to the Buffalo Braves for Elmore Smith. In Early in the season, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound a nine-year NBA career that included stints with Mr. McMillian replaced Mr. Baylor at the small Buffalo, the Knicks and the Portland Trail Blazers, forward position and went on to average 18.8 he amassed 8,736 points and 3,319 rebounds.

numerous standouts, coaching 24 All-Americans, 60 Big Ten champions and nine Olympic Trials qualifiers. She remained in that position as track and crosscountry coach until 1994.

She also served as head coach of the 1987 U.S. indoor world championships team and was an assistant coach on the 1996 U.S. Olympic staff.

From 1997 to 2002, she served as track and crosscountry coach at Hampton University before retiring.

Most recently, she volunteered as a statistician with Ohio State’s track teams.

Meet sexy friends who really get your vibe...

Try FREE: 804-278-6045 More Local Numbers: 1-800-811-1633

vibeline.com 18+

May 26-28, 2016 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: Glen Besa

DiamonDs • Watches JeWelry • repairs 19 East Broad strEEt richmond, Va 23219 (804) 648-1044

www.wallErjEwElry.com

Newly reNovated moderN private office suites!

$

199

Spotlight on retiring director of Sierra Club’s Virginia chapter For the last 14 years, Glen Besa has been working to protect the environment as director of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Issue after issue, he has led the club’s more than 15,000 Virginia members and supporters in protecting and improving air and water quality, advancing clean and renewable energy sources, understanding climate change and holding politicians accountable on decisions impacting the environment.

“Most everyone cares about the environment, but the level of intensity is not what it should be until there is an environmental disaster — like the coal ash spill in the Dan River (near Eden, N.C.) or the lead in the Flint, Mich., water system,” Mr. Besa says.

He notes that stronger democratic institutions and improved public education can lead to greater environmental protection.

On May 27, Mr. Besa will retire from the Sierra Club staff.

He turns over the reins to Kate Addleson, the incoming Virginia Chapter director.

People credit Mr. Besa with making the state’s environmental movement more inclusive by focusing on issues of environmental justice.

“Communities of color generally experience greater exposure to pollution and the impacts of climate change as a result of the institutional racism in our society,” he says.

“Organizations like the Sierra Club are trying harder to be better allies in the fight for environmental justice.”

According to a Sierra Club report on state air quality, Richmond continually ranks among Virginia jurisdictions with the poorest air quality, and “the majority of the pollutants emitted into Richmond’s air are potent lung irritants, including ammonia, hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.

“Exposure to these pollutants explains in part why the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks Richmond among the worst cities for asthma in the United States,” the report states.

Mr. Besa has remained a fearless advocate for better air quality and a thorn in the side of big polluters, while contributing to the development of solutions.

“Virginia and the United States need to move aggressively to invest in efficient solar and wind power to address climate change,” Mr. Besa says, adding that President Obama has been a “real leader” in this area.

“These technologies create jobs that can’t be exported.

And because there are no fuel costs with these technologies, the money that flows elsewhere for coal, oil and gas would instead go into good paying jobs right here in our own communities.”

Mr. Besa will continue with the Sierra Club as he began nearly 30 years ago — as a volunteer. And in retirement, he plans to spend a lot more time with his major love — Mother Nature.

A close-up of this week’s Personality, a real “Mr. Clean,” Glen Besa: Date and place of birth: May 30, in Newport, R.I., where my dad was stationed while in the Navy.

Current residence: Meadowbrook in North Chesterfield County.

Alma maters: Bachelor’s degree in philosophy, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, 1995; J.D., University of Baltimore School of Law, 1999.

Family: Wife, Tyla Matteson.

Purpose of Sierra Club of Virginia: Our mission is to explore, enjoy and protect the planet; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore

the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out those objectives.

Annual budget: $875,000.

Number of staff: 11.

Number of members in Richmond: More than 1,000 members and supporters in Metro Richmond.

My job as director: Fight for environmental justice to protect people and nature from pollution and to hold polluters and their allied public officials accountable.

Why I got involved in environmental issues: The first big issue I got involved in was a proposed road that would have harmed existing neighborhoods in the community of Catonsville in Baltimore County, Md., where I went to college. I learned that when citizens band together, we can win, and we did stop that road. That experience in my early 20s influenced my environmental activism for the rest of my life.

Future of environmental movement in Virginia: Virginia has a history of lax environmental protection. The same aristocracy in Virginia that has slowed progress on race issues interferes with progress on environmental protections as well. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The arc of the moral universe is long and it bends toward justice.” That is equally true for environmental justice, and our job is to keep bending that arc.

Number of partner organizations: In our climate change work, our partner groups exceed 20.

Biggest success: Working with the Mattaponi Indian Tribe and others to stop the City of Newport News from building a destructive and unnecessary reservoir that would have harmed the Mattaponi River and inundated lands that are sacred to the Tribe. Working together, it took us more than 13 years to defeat this project. Only two or three politicians were ever on our side. Democratic and Republican governors supported this project until a federal judge ruled in our favor and the City of Newport News finally abandoned the project.

Biggest regret: Losing the fight against Dominion’s Wise County coal fired power plant, one of the last coal plants built in the United States.

Impact on Virginia if nothing is done: Powerful corporate and moneyed interests will continue to advance their interests over the public’s, which harms both our democracy and our environment.

Importance of clean air: Richmond and Hopewell have some of the most toxic air in Virginia and the state DEQ is doing too little to clean it up. And with climate change, hotter summers make our air pollution worse.

Richmond is ranked among the worst cities for childhood asthma as a result.

Importance of clean water: Flint, Mich., is a frightening example of the consequences of water pollution. In Richmond, the Sierra Club is work-

ing with United Parents Against Lead to prevent such tragedies here. Clean water and clean air are basic human rights.

Participation levels of African-Americans: The American environmental movement has traditionally been white and middle class. Acknowledgement of institutional and environmental racism and efforts to address these injustices by groups like the Sierra Club are starting to change that. But we need to do more.

Level of concern among African-Americans about the environment: Public opinion polls typically show AfricanAmericans care as much and generally more than the general public about climate change and pollution.

Role of Sierra Club in environmental justice issues: The Sierra Club has recently prioritized addressing diversity, equity and inclusion within the club. It is a national and Virginia Chapter priority. That is manifested in our work for voting rights, redistricting and campaign finance reform as well as in our environmental work on toxic air pollution.

Level of government support for Sierra Club positions at local and state levels: Generally, the same elected officials who oppose democratic reforms also oppose environmental reforms.

However, because big corporate polluters give equally to Democrats and Republicans, I’d say our support at the state level is not what it should be.

Concern about climate change in General Assembly is: Acknowledgement of climate change as a concern divides along party lines with Republicans denying it and Democrats admitting it. But when it comes to taking action, too many Democrats and Republicans are deferential to corporations because of all the money they give to both parties.

What needs to be done to expand use of alternative energy sources: We need to eliminate the market barriers to efficiency, solar and wind, and remove the incentives we give to fossil fuels.

Let me share two examples, one good, one bad. Gov. Terry McAuliffe, to his credit, just ended the tax credit the state has granted for decades to the coal industry. On the other hand, the governor sided with the Virginia Homebuilders Association to weaken building code standards for new homes that would have required more insulation and the testing of new heating and air conditioning systems before a home is sold. One step forward, one step back.

Role of schools on environmental issues: Learning the facts about the environment is important, but teaching critical thinking, civic engagement and good citizenship are important, too. Students need to grow up to be voters who hold public officials accountable and fully engage in our democracy.

My hero on the environment and why: Everyone who ever stood up to authority to fight for justice. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. are my personal heroes.

My advice to young people who have an interest in the environment: Bring to your interest in the environment a passion for justice.

How I unwind: Generally, I don’t unwind, but I get recharged by taking a hike in the woods.

I place top value on: Honesty, integrity and a passion for justice.

Best late-night snack: Coffee ice cream right out of the container, to my wife’s dismay.

Prized possession: My good health and high energy level.

Three words that best de-

scribe me: Intense, hardworking and enthusiastic.

No one knows that: I am really an introvert.

Persons who influenced me the most: My parents, who taught me empathy; my freshman philosophy professor, Tom Benson, who taught me how to think critically about ethics; and my wife, Tyla Matteson, who struggles daily to teach me patience.

If I had more time, I would: Take more walks in the woods and more paddles on our rivers, which is exactly what I intend to do upon my retirement.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Moral Rules” by Bernard Gert.

What I’m reading now: A biography of Harriet Tubman, “Bound for the Promise Land,”

by Kate Clifford Larson. It will be great to see Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.

Sta rt

ing

at

per mo nth

• ReCeptioniSt • ConfeRenCe RooM • 24 Hour secure electronic access 1618 Hull St. | Call Ms. Lisa Smith Hicks: 804.301.6986

Modern private office suites: Receptionist, Conference Roo secure electronic access starts at $199. 12 month lease, last m 1618 Hull St. Call Ms. Lisa Smith Hicks 804 303 14

YOU CAN STILL FILE

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Get rid of debts that you can’t pay.

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

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

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

Start with as little as $100

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

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

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

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

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

Accepting ApplicAtions Beth sholom Woods is an equal housing opportunity facility designated to provide housing to extremely low, very low and low-income elderly age 62 and over. Ten percent of its 111 apartments have been altered for accessibility. Applicants age 18 or more who have mobility/physical disability and need the features of our barrier-free/handicapped units may apply for one of these accessible units.

Beth sholom Woods is a Section 202/8-Section 223(f) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) project. Qualified applicants pay 30% of his or her monthly income towards rent and utilities. An Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic with a therapeutic pool is located on site.

Beth sholom Woods is part of the Beth Sholom Lifecare Community in the Far West End of Richmond. For more information or an application, please call (804) 741-4691, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. telephone: (804) 741-4691  ttY Users Dial 711 Fax: (804) 741-9813 email: sberinato@bslcc.org Website: www.bethsholom-lifecare.org

Beth sholom Woods Beth sholom lifecare community 2027 lauderdale Drive Richmond, VA 23233

3x9 la diff

open Memorial Day 11-5

*Some LaDiff vendors prohibit discounting of any kind; their items are excluded. See store for details.

Richmond Free Press

B2 May 26-28, 2016

Happenings

Madonna, Stevie Wonder pay homage to Prince at Billboard Music Awards Associated Press

and was backed by a pianist and violinist, hitting all the right notes and growing teary-eyed near the end.

She earned a standing ovation from the audience — a welcome response after the performance was initially nixed by her former mentor, Dr. Luke. The hit-making producer and his record label gave Kesha the OK to perform after she said she would not use the stage to discuss their ongoing lawsuit. They have been at odds since she accused of him of drugging, sexually abusing and emotionally tormenting her.

Other performances were not as strong: Justin Bieber sang his hits “Company” and “Sorry” with the help of a backing track as bright laser lights beamed throughout the performance. He walked from side to side, performing a few dance moves but didn’t match the energy of his backup dancers.

Britney Spears, clearly lip syncing, kicked off the show in a shimmery red number with a performance that featured several of her hits, from “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Toxic.”

Demi Lovato’s performance of “Cool for the Summer” was

Madonna paid homage to Prince by wearing his signature color and bringing another icon, Stevie Wonder, onstage to sing the classic “Purple Rain” at Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards.

Sitting atop a purple throne, Madonna kicked off the tribute Chris Pizzello/Invision/Associated Press with a version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which Prince wrote Stevie Wonder and Madonna bring the audience in Las and Sinead O’Connor recorded. She was teary-eyed as she sang Vegas to tears Sunday during their tribute to Prince on the song, videos and photos of Prince projected behind her.

Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards.

Mr. Wonder, in a purple scarf, later joined her for “Purple Rain” as the audience at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas sang along. among the night’s best. She made a statement by wearing a “Most of all, thank you Prince Rogers Nelson for all that shirt featuring an inclusive bathroom symbol, taking a stance you’ve given us,” Madonna said after the performance. against North Carolina’s recent law addressing LGBT rights and Prince died on April 21 at age 57. The icons collaborated on bathroom use by transgender people. Ms. Lovato, who is on tour “Love Song” in 1989 and Madonna was met with criticism online with Nick Jonas, recently canceled shows in North Carolina in when Billboard announced she would be the one to pay homage protest of the state’s law. to The Purple One. Some felt she should not do the tribute alone, Pink also impressed with her performance — featuring her and others said an African-American artist should be involved. signature high-flying moves — while she sang her new song, “All of us live in the land of music and his de“Just Like Fire.” parture was an earthquake,” Roots drummer Ahmir Ariana Grande and Rihanna — who won the “Questlove” Thompson said before the performance. fan-voted Billboard chart achievement award — “I just want to take a moment to remember the great were also highlights with strong vocals.

Prince Rogers Nelson.”

Mr. Bieber was a double winner, including The Weeknd, the night’s big winner with eight a win for top male artist, beating The Weeknd, awards, dedicated an award to Prince and told the Drake, Ed Sheeran and Fetty Wap. audience, “I love him so much. I didn’t know him, “I’m not really a talker, but I’ll say thank you but he was so close to me. He will always be an to my family. I want to thank God. I want to inspiration.” However, The Weeknd lost the night’s thank everyone that believed in me and believes big award – top artist — to Adele, who didn’t attend in me,” Mr. Bieber said. the show because she’s on tour.

Adele’s best-seller “25” bested albums from Celine Dion and Kesha, both in the midst of drama Taylor Swift, Mr. Bieber, The Weeknd and Mr. in their personal lives, gave emotional performances Sheeran for top Billboard 200 album. At the show, during the three-hour show. she premiered her music video for the single, Ms. Dion sang Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” “Send My Love (To Your New Lover).” in strong form, sporting a shiny dress and backed by Gospel artist Kirk Franklin, rapper Wiz Khalifa, a powerful orchestra. Ms. Dion lost her husband and pop singer Charlie Puth and the bands twenty one brother in the same week in January, and her son pilots, Walk the Moon and Hillsong UNITED also presented her with the Billboard icon award after won multiple awards. her performance.

In a surprise win, Meek Mill’s “Dreams Worth “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for crying. I want to be so strong More Than Money” won top rap album, beating for my family and kids ... I don’t want to cry in front of Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly,” Dr. Dre’s Chris Pizzello/Invision/Associated Press Richard Shotwell/Invision/Associated Press you,” a teary Ms. Dion said to Rene-Charles Angelil.

“Compton,” Drake’s “If You’re Reading This It’s Rihanna accepts the Billboard Chart Achievement Award at Sunday’s televised Ms. Dion said her late husband, Rene Angelil, will awards ceremony. The Weeknd clutches the eight awards he received Sunday Too Late” and Drake and Future’s collaborative “continue to watch over me from up above.” album, “What a Time to Be Alive.” during the ceremony. His awards: Top 100 Hot Artist, Top 100 Sales Artist, Top Kesha sang a heart-wrenching cover of Bob Dylan’s Radio Songs Artist, Top Streaming Songs Artist, Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Album, Ciara and Ludacris hosted the show. In the “It Ain’t Me Babe.” She stood still in a cream suit Top Streaming Song (audio) and Top R&B Song. opening monologue, the rapper poked at this year’s Academy Awards, which featured all-white acting nominees.

“Unlike the Oscars, we actually have black nominees,” Ludacris said to laughs.

Oprah to star in Henrietta Lacks story

By Frederick H. Lowe Trice Edney News Wire

Oprah Winfrey will star in an HBO movie based on the 2010 nonfiction book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.

Ms. Lacks was an African-American woman whose cancerous cells launched the multimillion-dollar bioscience industry that her family did not learn about until 20 years after her death.

Ms. Lacks’ cancerous cells were cultured without her knowledge or permission at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. The cells were given to Dr. George Otto Gey, a researcher there.

Dr. Gey discovered the first immortal cell line for medical research, which is known as HeLa (Henrietta Lacks). Unlike other cells that died after a few days, Ms. Lacks’ cells continued to grow.

By 1954, the HeLa strain of cells was being used by Jonas Salk to develop a vaccine for polio. To test Dr. Salk’s new vaccine, the cells were quickly put into mass production in the firstever cell production factory. In 1955, HeLa cells were the first human cells successfully cloned.

Henrietta Lacks

Ms. Lacks’ family, however, couldn’t afford health insurance. The family never benefited from the money made from the discoveries.

The story will be told through the eyes of Ms. Lacks’ daughter, Deborah, played by Ms. Winfrey. In addition to Deborah, Ms. Lacks’ other children were

Lawrence, David Jr., Joseph and Elisie.

Her husband was David Lacks, Sr. Ms. Lacks died on October 4, 1951.

She was buried in a grave without a headstone. In 2010, Dr. Roland Pattillo of Morehouse School of Medicine donated a headstone after reading Ms. Skloot’s book. A historical marker memorializing her has been installed in Lackstown, Va., a section of Clover, Va., her hometown in Halifax County.

In 1996, Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta and the mayor of Atlanta recognized Ms. Lacks’ family for her posthumous contributions to medicine and health research.

On Sept. 14, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Evergreen School District in Vancouver, Washington, named a new health and bioscience high school in her honor. The new school opened in the fall of 2013, and is named Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School.

George C. Wolfe, a veteran Broadway director and producer, will direct the HBO project, which is scheduled to begin filming this summer. Ms. Winfrey is the film’s executive producer. The film’s release date has not been scheduled.

MARLYLAND LIVE! CASINO DEPARTS RICHMOND EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DEPARTURE: 9:45 A.M. RETURN: 8:30 P.M. - COST: $60.00 DMCASINOBUS.COM TRIP INCLUDES: ROUND TRIP LIMO BUS TRANSPORTATION ON BOARD REFRESHMENTS 6 HOURS AT CASINO/MALL 2 RICHMOND PICK UP LOCATIONS SOUTHSIDE PLAZA 507 EAST SOUTHSIDE PLAZA MAIN STREET STATION 1500 E. MAIN STREET CONTACT: MR. SMITH @ 804-878-7700

Make money by Making a difference.

Octapharma Plasma donors get paid every time they donate. So you can earn good money to help pay for things you need and feel good knowing your donation saves lives.

New donors make up to $250.*

3830 Hull Street

Cosby to stand trial on sexual assault charge

By Joseph Ax Reuters

NORRISTOWN, Pa. A Pennsylvania judge on Tuesday ordered comedian Bill Cosby to stand trial on accusations of sexual assault, the most serious setback so far for a man who epitomized the all-American dad on the 1980s sitcom “The Cosby Show.”

Judge Elizabeth McHugh found that prosecutors presented enough evidence to support allegations that he drugged and assaulted a woman in 2004. The judge rejected arguments from Mr. Cosby’s defense lawyers that the case should be thrown out.

As the hearing concluded, Judge McHugh wished Mr. Cosby luck, to which the 78-year-old entertainer responded, “Thank you.”

The decision followed a 3½hour preliminary hearing in Montgomery County, Penn., where prosecutors introduced statements that Mr. Cosby and the woman, Andrea Constand, separately gave

to police in 2005. some details of Ms. Constand’s Ms. Constand was not called account. to testify, although prosecutors He acknowledged giving said she is prepared to appear Ms. Constand 1½ pills of the as a trial witness. antihistamine Benadryl to relax She told police in 2005 she her and said the two engaged was attacked as she lay on a in heavy “petting,” including sofa at Mr. Cosby’s fondling each other’s Philadelphia area genitals, Cheltenham home “paralyzed” by Police Chief John drugs the entertainer Norris testified. had given her, acAccording to Ms. cording to police.

Constand’s stateMs. Constand, a ments, Cosby told former basketball her the pills would coach at Mr. Cosby’s help “take the edge Bill Cosby alma mater, Temple off.” She swallowed University, is the only woman the pills, added a sip of wine whose accusations of sexual and told the comedian, “I trust assault have resulted in criminal you,” the detective said. charges against Mr. Cosby.

Brian McMonagle, Mr. CosA trial date in the Pennsylva- by’s lawyer, said after the hearing nia criminal case has not been that prosecutors relied on an set. Mr. Cosby faces up to 10 11-year-old “hearsay” statement years in prison if convicted of rather than present a live witness the most serious charge against because their case was weak. He him, aggravated indecent as- expressed confidence Mr. Cosby sault. would be absolved.

In his own 2005 interview Judge McHugh said state with police from Cheltenham, law permits prosecutors to Penn., Mr. Cosby confirmed introduce hearsay evidence at

a preliminary hearing.

Mr. Cosby’s lawyers repeatedly questioned the accuracy of Ms. Constand’s account, in what is likely a preview of their trial strategy.

Mr. McMonagle pointed to discrepancies between Ms. Constand’s initial interview with a detective and her later written statement, including her inability to recall precisely when the incident occurred.

He also said she had consensual sexual encounters with Mr. Cosby on other occasions, had dinner with Mr. Cosby after the alleged assault and later took her family to see his show in Toronto, Canada.

A stand-up comedian, Mr. Cosby landed a breakthrough role on the 1960s TV show “I Spy,” becoming a rare black actor with a leading part on a network television series. He went on to other shows and became a pitchman for Jell-O pudding while also stirring controversy with critical comments about black youth culture.

octapharmaplasma.com

*Earn up to $50 for first five donations • Promotions & fees may vary by location Must be 18-64 years of age & in good health • Have valid picture ID, proof of Social Security number & current residence postmarked within 30 days

MULTIPLE

POLICIES.

ONE AGENT. NO HEADACHES

Let me help simplify your life.

Bundle policies for your car, home, boat, motorcycle, RV and more. I’m here to help take care of the switching and paperwork. Plus, I can find you a bunch of discounts. It’s a no brainer. Call me today!

Felicia M. Perry (804) 262-3433 8661 Staples Mill Rd. Richmond feliciamperry@allstate.com

Call me to put yourself in Good Hands®.

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings will vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company © 2012 Allstate Insurance Company

Richmond Free Press

May 26-28, 2016

B3

Happenings

Big fun on the river

Photos by Clement Britt

Rain-filled skies couldn’t dampen the annual Dominion Riverrock on Brown’s Island. The weekend sports and music festival offered an array of outdoor activities for people and doggy friends. Below, Samantha Reed performs on Sunday.

Left, kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders move along the placid Downtown canal.

Far left, Gina Johnston and Falco competed for top honors in the dog-leaping competition. Sponsored by utility giant Dominion, the event promotes Richmond’s riverfront, downtown trails and whitewater rapids.

National Urban League issues annual State of Black America report

By Hazel Trice Edney

WASHINGTON Declaring that the state of black America is “locked out” of economic, social and educational equality, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial said in his State of Black America Address last week that at least $1 trillion must be invested in America’s urban communities in order to bring a semblance of justice.

“As President Obama wraps up his final months as the nation’s first African-American president, we begin to assess the progress black America has made under his administration.

How well has the nation recovered from the worst economic crisis it has seen in generations?

How much closer to the goal of universal health care coverage has the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, gotten us?

“As President Obama himself said in his commencement address at Howard University, ‘My election did not create a postracial society.’”

Mr. Morial said. “Mr. President, you are right.

The 2016 National Urban League Equality Index tells an all too familiar story of persistent racial disparity in American life. Your presidency has made a difference, yet we cannot, in eight short years, eliminate America’s long-standing challenges around racial inequity.”

An enthusiastic audience of hundreds packed into the Newseum’s Knight Studio in Washington on May 17 in commemoration of the National Urban League’s 40th Annual State of Black America.

“With this milestone 40th Anniversary State of Black America, the National Urban League proposes a sweeping and decisive solution to the nation’s persistent social and economic

disparities. We call it the ‘Main Street Marshall Plan: Moving from Poverty to Prosperity,’ ” Mr. Morial said in the speech, which also was livestreamed and televised on C-SPAN. “This bold and strategic investment in America’s urban communities requires a multiannual and multipronged commitment of $1 trillion over the next five years that would course correct our main streets.”

The following are some of the $1 trillion solutions outlined in the National Urban League’s report: • Universal early childhood education • A federal living wage of $15 per hour, indexed to inflation • A plan to fund compreRoy Lewis/Trice Edney News Wire hensive urban infrastructure • A new Main Street small- NUL President and CEO Marc Morial gives the State of Black America Address at the Newseum. and micro-business financing plan focusing on minority and • Expansion of financial literacy and homewomen-owned businesses buyer education and counseling • Expansion of summer youth employment • Expansion of the low-income Section 8 programs housing voucher program • Expanded homeownership strategies • Establishment of Green Empowerment • Expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit Zones in neighborhoods with high unemploy• Targeted re-entry workforce training proment grams administered through community-based • Affordable high-speed broadband and organizations technology for all • Doubling the Pell Grant program to make • Increased federal funding to local school college more affordable districts to help eliminate resource equity gaps.

Celebrate Jackson Ward

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Music, art and dance highlighted the weekend festival celebrating the people and places of historic Jackson Ward. Driven indoors by Saturday’s rain, the festive event hosted by the Richmond Symphony returned to Abner Clay Park on Sunday.

Left, singer Desiree Roots Centeio belted out a song from “Dream Girls.” Below, keyboardist Mack Baker uses both hands and one foot during his performance with Johnny Houston and Swagger.

Right, Imani Bell of the Elegba Folklore Society gives a highenergy performance of African dance. The event also served as a Friday showcase for ART 180’s spring exhibit of Richmond youth art.

Mr. Morial’s speech was punctuated with graphics, including a video to stress the pains experienced by African-Americans in areas such as police killings of unarmed people.

Another graphic was a photo of Vernon Jordan, the former National Urban League executive director from 1971 to 1981, who introduced the State of Black America report in 1976.

Mr. Morial referred to that time, when Mr. Jordan rolled out the first report as a message to the next president. He quoted Mr. Jordan: “It is our hope that this document will pierce the dark veil of neglect that has thus far smothered efforts to right the wrongs of the past and the present. I hope that it will be read closely in the White House and in Congress, that it will influence decision makers to open their eyes to the plight of black Americans. I hope it will be read by all the candidates in both political parties whose campaigns largely exhibit a refusal to grapple with the concerns of black citizens. I urge black people to educate themselves to the issues, to register, and to vote in the upcoming primaries and election.

For this election could be the most crucial in recent history for black people. The implications of the mass impoverishment of blacks and the massive assault on our newly won rights demand that every black vote be mobilized in defense of black interests and aspirations.”

Mr. Morial concluded, “My message to the next president is this: The disparities are real.

The conditions are tough. The times demand real leadership. Does our nation have the leadership and the will to confront yesterday’s problems, to forge a better tomorrow?”

Richmond Free Press

B4 May 26-28, 2016

Faith News/Directory

Bishop Tutu’s daughter quits priesthood after gay marriage

By Fredrick Nzwili Religion News Service

The daughter of Nobel laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa has given up her clergy credentials after marrying a Dutch woman.

Mpho Tutu told South African media that because her church did not recognize her wedding, she could no longer serve in the country.

Ms. Tutu said the church had instructed a bishop to revoke her license, which granted her the authority to preside at Communion, officiate at weddings, baptisms and funerals.

“I decided I would give it up to him rather than have him take it, a slightly more dignified option with the same effect,” South Africa’s City Press quoted her as saying in an online news story.

Bishop Tutu and his wife, Leah, attended their daughter’s wedding to academic

Marceline Van Furth at a wine estate in Franschoek, near Cape Town. The two first married in the Netherlands, Ms. Van Furth’s home country, in December. The couple are on a honeymoon on the Indian Ocean island of Bali.

Although South Africa legalized samesex marriage in 2006, the Anglican Church maintains that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman.

In February, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba announced the church would consider new pastoral guidelines for same–sex marriage. Debate over sex-marriage has divided the worldwide Anglican Communion and the South African church will discuss the issue later this year.

Archbishop Makgoba permitted Bishop Tutu to give the couple “a father’s blessing,” Bishop Tutu told the City Press.

Ms. Tutu pointed out the ironies in their marriage to the City Press: “My wife and I meet across almost every

dimension of difference,” Ms. Tutu told the City Press. “Some of our differences are obvious. She is tall and white, I am black and vertically challenged. Some of our differences are not apparent at a glance. She is Dutch and an atheist, I am South African and a priest in the Episcopal/Anglican Church.

“Ironically, coming from a past where difference was the instrument of division, it is our sameness that is now the cause of distress. My wife and I are both women,” she said.

Both Ms. Tutu and her wife have been married before and have children.

Ms. Van Furth is a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre in Amsterdam and was designated as a “Desmond Tutu professor” when she was appointed in 2009.

Rev. Tutu, who now uses the name Mpho Tutu-Van Furth, is executive director of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town.

Mpho Tutu exchanged vows in a small private ceremony with her longtime partner Professor Marceline Van Furth in Oegstgeest, a town and municipality in the province of South Holland in western Netherlands.

Trump wooing evangelical Christians Religion News Service

Donald Trump is moving quickly to rally the evangelical base of the Republican Party as the presumptive GOP presidential nominee pivots toward a general election contest where the conservative Christian vote will be crucial to his chances for winning the White House.

The brash New York real estate developer has been reviled by many evangelical Christian leaders, but he retains a significant appeal with grass roots evangelicals and is increasingly winning over some leading conservative Christian activists.

The latest sign of that rapprochement emerged on

Monday with word faith and conservathat Mr. Trump will tive activists” and it address a major will feature a host of Washington conferbig name evangelical ence of conservative leaders and politiChristians on Friday, cians.

June 10.

“This will be David Brody of an opportunity for the Christian BroadTrump to try and casting Network convince skeptical reported that Mr. evangelicals to get Mr. Trump Trump will speak to on board the ‘Trump the “Road to Majority” confer- Train.’ He still has work to do ence, which is sponsored by despite a good showing with the Faith & Freedom Coali- evangelicals during the primation — run by the former head ries,” Mr. Brody wrote. of the Christian Coalition, Last Friday, Time magazine Ralph Reed — and Concerned also broke the news that Mr. Women for America, a stalwart Trump is planning a closedorganization of the religious door meeting in New York in right. the coming weeks with some The event is billed as “the 400 social conservatives in an premier event for people of effort to gain or solidify their

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2016: Becoming a Five-Star Church of Excellence With Mission, Growth, Prayer, Purpose, Vision We Are Growing In The Kingdom As We Grow The Kingdom

with Word, Worship and Witness

Sunday, May 29, 2016 FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY

10:45 AM – Divine Worship Message by: Pastor Bibbs New Sermon Series: “I Desire God” (Exploring Unique Ways of Falling Deeper In Love With God)

Save The Date:

June 5th – 10:45 AM Deacons, Deaconess and Trustees Anniversary Special Guest Speaker: Dr. David Forbes All Invited Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

J

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park) (804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

ON

THE

LAWN

8:00 a.m. .... Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. .... Church School 11:15 a.m. ...Morning Worship

6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study

THURSDAYS 1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

1858

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 • Email: ebcoffice1@comcast.net • web: ebcrichmond.org Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study



Sunday Service 10 a.m.

Church School 8:45 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m.

Transportation Services 232-2867 “Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”

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

  

         



Join us for our annual

 Worship Service

10 a.m.

Sunday, May 29, 2016 Dorey Park Shelter 1 and Shelter 2 Tell a Friend, Bring a Friend!     

8 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11 A.M.

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays): Church School Morning Worship

8:30 A.M. 10 A.M.

Thursdays:

Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M. (Children/Youth/Adults)

Missions Emphasis Sunday Sunday, May 29, 2016

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

PASTORS: ROSCOE COOPER, JR., BARBARA E. INGRAM, DARRYL E. WALKER

Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

“The People’s Church”

FUN AGES

�

Sundays:

Ebenezer Baptist Church FREE ADMIS SION

2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224

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

Worship Opportunities

22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219 • 643-3825 thesharonbaptistchurch.com Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

WEDNESDAYS

Zion Baptist Church

Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Sharon Baptist Church SUNDAYS

need to get to a more comfortable place. If they do, he’ll have their support,” Mr. Brody wrote.

Riverview

St. Peter Baptist Church

“The Church With A Welcome”

6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

MAY 29, 2016 AT 3:00 P.M. FEATURING THE MAABC POSSE 5263 WARWICK ROAD RICHMOND, VA 23224 OD & F FO LOTS O S OF ALL ID FOR K

Mission Statement: People of God developing Disciples for Jesus Christ through Preaching and Teaching of God’s Holy Word reaching the people of the Church and the Community.

Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday)

PRESENTS 70 YEARS OF LIFE 50 YEARS OF MINISTRY 24 YEARS AS PASTOR AND PEOPLE PASTOR ROSCOE D. COOPER, JR.

azz

support.

“We are looking for a way forward,” Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, told Time’s Elizabeth Dias. “The main thing here is to have a conversation.”

Mr. Trump also sent a video message last weekend to a conference of Latino evangelical leaders meeting in California.

The meeting was organized by Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

As Mr. Brody wrote in an analysis of the Republican’s chances, “with the GOP presidential nomination pretty much in the bag, Trump can ill afford to think his work with evangelicals is over.”

“Skeptical evangelicals

Photo: Twitter / @Eusebius

11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wed. 7:45 p.m.

Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

Emphasis during 11 A.m. Service with Special Guest: Larry Bland & The Volunteer Choir 5/29: Youth Summit at 10:40 A.m.

6/5: Senior Choir’s 134th Anniversary at 11:00 A.m. Worship 2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

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

Dr. Levy M. Armwood, Pastor  Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Mosby Memorial Baptist Church

Spread the Word To advertise your church: call 804-644-0496

Richmond Free Press The People's Paper.

“A Caring Community Committed to Listening, Loving, Learning and Leaning While Launching into our Future.”

May 29, 2016

Joinus for morning worshipat 10:30 A.M.

Upcoming Events June 5, 2016 First Pastoral Anniversary Celebration 10:30 A.M. Morning Worship

Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Penni Sweetenburg-Lee Founder, Pastor & CEO, Triple “P” Enterprises Evangelistic Ministries

3:00 P.M. Afternoon Service

Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney Ebenezer Baptist Church, Beaverdam Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Adam Bond Providence Baptist Church, Ashland

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

Richmond Free Press

May 26-28, 2016

B5

Faith News/Directory

Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney

Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor

Rev. Dr. Dsniel Simmons Sr.

Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton

Mr. Tywanza Sanders

Ms. Ethel Lance

Ms. Myra Thompson

Ms. Cynthia Hurd

Ms. Susie Jackson

Federal authorities seek death penalty in S.C. church massacre Reuters

CHARLESTON, S.C. Federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a man accused of killing the pastor and eight parishioners in a racially motivated attack at an African-American church in Charleston, S.C., last June, the U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday.

“The nature of the alleged crime and the resulting harm compelled this decision,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement.

Dylann Roof, 22, is accused of opening fire on June 17, 2015, during Bible study at Charleston’s historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in a massacre that shook the country and intensified debate over U.S. race relations.

He faces 33 federal charges, including hate crimes, obstruction of religion and firearms offenses.

In a court filing, federal prosecutors cited a number of factors for seeking the death penalty, saying Mr. Roof singled out victims who were black and elderly, and showed no remorse.

They also cited “substantial planning and premeditation.”

A friend of Mr. Roof, 21-year-old Joseph Meek, pleaded guilty

last month to concealing his knowledge of Mr. Roof’s intention to carry out the attack, saying then that Mr. Roof planned the shooting for six months and wanted to start a race war.

Mr. Roof’s lawyers have said he would agree to plead guilty rather than face trial if prosecutors ruled out capital punishment.

But defense attorney Michael O’Connell, declined comment on Tuesday’s decision when reached by phone.

Dylann Roof Mr. Roof also faces the death penalty if convicted on separate, state murder charges in a trial set to begin in January.

The state prosecutor trying the case said last September that some of the victims’ families were opposed to a death sentence because of their religious beliefs, while others felt it was appropriate.

Steve Schmutz, an attorney representing families of three victims, said his clients “support whatever decision the U.S. government is making in this case, and I’m sure they support this decision.”

Some relatives of the slain worshippers tearfully offered words of forgiveness during Mr. Roof’s initial court appearance. Nearly a year later, views diverged on the federal death penalty decision.

“It’s a great message being sent by the government that this won’t be tolerated,” Kevin Singleton, whose mother was among those killed, told the local Post and Courier newspaper.

The relative of another victim cited the Bible in calling for Mr. Roof to spend his life in prison rather than die.

Federal prosecutors rarely seek the death penalty against defendants. Only three federal prisoners have been executed in the past half-century and none since 2003, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The best known of those was Timothy McVeigh, responsible for the 1995 bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building that killed 168 people.

Mr. Roof is due back in federal court in Charleston on June 8, when prosecutors are expected to discuss a trial date.

The Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, the church’s senior pastor and a well-respected state senator, was killed in the massacre, along with eight of his church members.

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

o

everence e with e evanc R g in Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

4th Sunday Unified Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

❖

SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

❖

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

❖

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

MONDAY-FRIDAY Nutrition Center and Clothes Closet 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Remember...

At New Deliverance, You Are Home!

See you there and bring a friend

823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office www.31sbc.org (804) 303-6297 – (804) 303-6797-FAX PASTORS: ROSCOE D. COOPER, JR., BARBARA E. INGRAM, DARRYL E. WALKER

Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

NOW ENROLLING: AGES 5-12 YEARS OLD JOIN US FOR 11 WEEKS OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES JUNE 20, 2016 THRU SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 MONDAY – FRIDAY (6:30 AM – 6:00 PM)

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

Wednesday Services

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & COST CONTACT: (804) 303-6291

Remembering my father and celebrating a great man’s glorious life.

You are still deeply missed.

Happy Birthday May 26, 1916 – May 26, 2016 With love from your son, Raymond

8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

A progressive suburban church is seeking grant writers and a video media technician. Interested persons please forward resumes to spbcoffice@verizon.net. Salaries are negotiable.

We remember thee in this solemn hour, our dear mother. We remember the days when thou didst dwell on Earth, and thy tender love watched over us like a guardian angel. Thou hast gone from us, but the bond which unites our souls can never be severed; thine image lives within our hearts. May the merciful Father reward thee for the faithfulness and kindness thou have ever shown us; may He lift up the light of His countenance upon thee, because He has granted thee eternal peace!

Many thanks continue to go out to Abundant Praise Christian Fellowship, Pastor D. Kenneth Hamilton, New Jerusalem ICM, Wilson & Associates Funeral Svc., Inc. and a long list of Family and Friends!!!!!!! You have been our support and by our side these 5 years, your prayers have carried us through, we never could have made it without you all.

THANKS! “A Heart of gold stopped beating, two shining eyes at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove, He only takes the Best. For when the day God beckon, mom did not go alone For a part of us went with her, the day God called her home”

REST ON MOTHER...WE LOVE YOU, BUT GOD LOVES YOU BEST!!!!!!!

Love Always & Forever, Family!!

Saturday

St. Peter Baptist Church

Julia Mildred Lucas Carroll, March 13, 1943 - May 28, 2011

There is really no word to describe the blow that comes in the rare moments when we realize our mother has been gone for 5 years today. Quite like witnessing a terrible tragedy or going through something so magnificent and personal that no one else on Earth could understand, going through life without such a significant piece of yourself is something you can never let go of. We were there by her side that dreary day, and sometimes it feels like it only happened an hour ago, while other times it feel like we’ve lived a hundred lives since seeing the face that looks so much like our own.

Mother, you heard Gods whisper, calling you home, you did not want to leave us, we saw your fight. You loved us so much that you held on tight, until all your strength was gone, and you could no longer fight.

Finally you gave your hand to God and slipped away quietly without telling us bye.

We will forever salute you, Mother, because you played a very instrumental part in our life. God gave us the best mom in the world. You taught us to never give up on our dreams but to persevere no matter how hard the storms may be.

Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m.

Attendance - 75 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m.

Attendance - 132

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online!

Also, for your convenience.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) www.ndec.net Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR-Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

ENROLL NOW!!!

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 3rd Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program.

Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old.

For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Come Celebrate with Us!

Pastoral Family 20th anniversary JUne 3rd - 5th, 2016

all activities at mount olive baptist church, glen allen

Formal banqUet Gala Friday, JUne 3rd 5:45Pm – reCePtion, 7:00Pm – dinner Speaker: rev. Dr. C. Diane MoSby, paStor anointed new life baptist church, henrico, va. call (804) 262-9614 for banquet tickets

Celebration ConCert satUrday, JUne 4th - 7:00Pm Free event

featuring dr. raymond wise and family of columbus ohio

sUnday worshiP - JUne 5th - 10:00am Dr. C. Dexter WiSe, iii

pastor faith ministries interdenominational church columbus, ohio

Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

2016 Theme: The Year of Restoration



8775 Mount Olive Avenue Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 262-9614 Phone (804) 262-2397 Fax www.mobcva.org

B6 May 26-28, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Divorce NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS

BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, BUNCOMBE COUNTY In the General Court of Justice, District Court Division Justina H. Scallion v.

Dale R. Scallion, 16-CVD-1055 TO: DALE R. SCALLION: Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above -entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is: Absolute Divorce. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than July 6, 2016, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the 26th day of May, 2016.

Laura G. Hooks, Attorney for Plaintiff, One Oak Plaza, Ste 209, Asheville, NC 28801, Tel: 828.333.2630 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TAMMY DESPRES, Plaintiff v.

JAMES DESPRES, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000970-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 1st day of July, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DAWN JAMES-TAYLOR, Plaintiff v.

ANDREW TAYLOR, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16001386-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 1st day of July, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

Continued from previous column

v.

RASHEEN COX, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16001030-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 22nd day of June, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MONICA BROWN, Plaintiff v.

MARK BROWN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15000497-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 15th day of June, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SHARON BOBB, Plaintiff v.

JUNIE BOBB, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16001274-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 15th day of June, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JERNIER COX, Plaintiff

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LYLE BRADBY, Plaintiff v.

ANNA BRADBY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16001220-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 10th day of June, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

Continued on next column

Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Walter Rogers v Cathyrony Wright Case No. 041CL6000595-00 Order of Publication The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony.

It appearing from an affidavit that the defendant is: that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what country or city defendant is I t i s O RD ER ED t ha t Cathyrony Wright appear at the above-named court and protect her interest on or before May 24, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.

An Extract Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk

Continued on next column

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re AIDEN KNIGHT, Juvenile Case No. JJ091018-06, JJ091018-07 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Amy Dean, (Mother), Unknown, (Father), of Aiden Knight, child, DOB 11/28/2014, “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.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown (Father), Amy Dean (Mother), appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interests on or before 7/11/16, at 9:20 AM, Court Room #1.

An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT,Clerk

PROPERTY Virginia: In the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond Theo Jones, Plaintiff v.

Bernice D. Washington, et al, Defendants.

Case No. 760CL15002102-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION TO: Bernice D. Washington AND Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Successors in Interest and/or Assigns of Bernice D. Washington

The object of suit is to quiet title in and establish title in the plaintiff to 105 West 21st Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224, that was willed

by Milton Jones, to Lillian Jones Dobbins and Herbert Dobbins, her husband, in Will Book 15, page 358, probated February 16, 1959; both died intestate, leaving Bernice D. Washington, as a potential heir to said property, now a lot.

An affidavit having been made and signed that the heirs, devisees, successors in interest and/or assigns of Bernice D. Washington, believed to be deceased, whose names are unknown, are or may be interested in the property to be disposed of in this suit, and if any such heirs, devisees, successors or assigns there be, it is therefore

ORDERED, that each of said parties appear on or before July 10, 2016, and do whatever is necessary to protect their interest.

A Copy, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk I ask for this: Audrey Freeman JaCobs (VSB 13166) Attorney at Law 2214 East Marshall Street P.O. Box 7970 Richmond, Virginia 23223 804.643.0500

Continued on next column

Continued on next column

lived separate and apart without interruption for a period of more than one year, since July 7, 2003. And it appearing

by Affidavit filed according to law that Michelle Brown, 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.

Continued on next column

It is therefore ORDERED that the said Michelle Brown do appear in the Clerk’s office of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, John Marshall Courts Building, 400 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, on or before August 8, 2016 and do whatever necessary to protect her interest in this suit.

An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

Richmond Ambulance Authority Notice of Request for Proposals Professional Collections Services Solicitation Number: 16-02 The Richmond Ambulance Authority, a high performance EMS system located in Richmond, Virginia, announces its intent to bid for the provision of professional collection services.The successful Proposer will provide a plan and cost proposal for the provision of either primary or secondary placement collection services for bad debts, as described in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

All proposals must be received at the Authority’s offices no later than 3pm on June 24, 2016. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP by contacting: Lee Ann Pond Chief Administrative Officer Richmond Ambulance Authority 2400 Hermitage Road Richmond, Virginia 23220 804-254-1183 lpond@raaems.org

Employment Opportunities

Janitorial Positions (Richmond) General Cleaners & Floor Techs

Janitorial experience in commercial/healthcare setting preferred.

Must have valid DL & acceptable background EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability Apply @ peninsulacleaning.com or

Call (757) 833-1603

SEEKING ORGANIST

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING PHILLIP EUGENE BROWN, SR., Plaintiff v.

MICHELLE BROWN, Defendant.

Civil Law No.: CL16-1762 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have Continued on next column

TransiT sysTem

PUBLIC NOTICE OF DBE GOAL FOR FY 2017- FY2019 The GRTC Transit System (GRTC) has proposed a FY2017-FY2019 overall goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation of 2.4% for Federal Transit Administration funded expenditures.

Details regarding this goal and how it was established are available for review for the next 30 days at GRTC Headquarters located at 301 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23224. Written comments, questions, or inquiries regarding the proposed goal will be accepted for 45 calendar days from the date of publication of this notice.

DBE businesses are encouraged to submit a brochure and letter of interest stipulating qualifications, products and services offered. All DBEs who desire to provide products or services must hold a Virginia Department of Transportation DBE Program certification issued by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity.

Comments may be sent to the following individuals: Antionette Haynes GRTC’s DBE Liaison Officer 301 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23224 and Lynn Bailey Civil Rights Officer, Region 3 Federal Transit Administration 1760 Market Street, Suite 500 Philadelphia, PA 191034124. GRTC’s DBE goal of 2.4% will be the final goal unless amended.

CHIEF LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER Richmond Ambulance Authority is a world class Emergency Management System. Its mission is to provide the patients it serves and the residents of Richmond with emergency and non-emergency ambulance service by practicing clinical excellence with superb response time performance while maintaining its commitment to economic efficiency and minimal tax subsidization.

Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) is seeking a Chief Legal and Compliance Officer to acts as legal advisor and general counsel by providing legal resources, assistance and advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors and senior management.

The position will be responsible for researching, analyzing and interpreting laws, regulations, and legislation; prepare and view various legal documents; collect legal information and factual evidence for decision making for management; prepared employees for depositions and court appearances; assist with RAA Act and city of Richmond franchise ordinance; examine material for legal implications; consult with colleagues and outside counsel; maintain knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Virginia Procurement Act, Virginia Office of Emergency Management Services, Library of Virginia and other regulatory agencies; maintain agency compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act; monitoring SWAM accreditation; Library of Virginia records retention schedule; oversee compliance with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services and manage agency re-accreditation process.

Candidate must have a Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar; and a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a law firm or in-house counsel.

Experience with governmental entities; Board governance; and experience in healthcare law, healthcare reimbursement and healthcare compliance preferred.

To apply, please visit www.raaems.org to complete an application no later than 5:00 PM June 6, 2016. EOE/AAP

Ebenezer Baptist Church is seeking a proficient organist to play for our Women’s Choir on 4th Sundays. The applicant must read music on sight, as well as play in anthem, spiritual, and gospel style, and read hymns.

Please submit a cover letter of interest and a resume via email to ebcoffice1@yahoo.com or mail to the Director of Music, Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 W. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION ITB # 16-1197-5CE – Mechanicsville Gardens Water Line Rehabilitation This project consists of providing approximately 1400 feet of 6-inch and 8-inch water lines and 28 water service connections. Due 3:00 pm, June 15, 2016. Additional information available at: h t t p : / / w w w. h e n r i c o . u s / departments/purchasing/ bids-and-proposals/

Operations Development Manager Richmond Ambulance Authority is a world class Emergency Management System. Its mission is to provide the patients it serves and the residents of Richmond with emergency and non-emergency ambulance service by practicing clinical excellence with superb response time performance while maintaining its commitment to economic efficiency and minimal tax subsidization.

Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) is currently seeking an Operations Development Manager. Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, The Operations Development Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operational efficiency of the Operations, Logistics & Production, Communications and Fleet Departments. This position will work cooperatively with the Chief Operating Officer to provide internal consultancy to ongoing projects and programs as well as project management in the development of new service lines. The incumbent will also develop, implement, and maintain necessary reports and documentation to ensure compliance with local, state and federal EMS laws, regulations, and guidelines.

To apply, please visit www.raaems.org to complete an application no later than 5:00 PM June 6, 2016. EOE/AAP

NEWS SPECIALIST NBC12 seeks part-time news/contect specialist.

Qualified candidates should have experience in all areas of broadcast operations including microwave, tape editing, graphics, camera and audio. Good computer and internet skills. Work schedule may include days, nights and weekends. Apply on line at https://careers-raycommedia.icims.com Drug Screen required. EOE M/F/D/V.

Loan CoLLeCtions offiCer VHDA is seeking candidates with experience in Mortgage Servicing and all phases of Collections up to Loss Mitigation. The successful candidate will maintain or lower delinquency rates in accordance with benchmarks set forth

by Division Director and in line with strategic goals. Viable candidates will utilize appropriate collection and counseling techniques as applicable and in compliance with the Insurer/Guarantor. Will perform preliminary loss mitigation review to identify potential loss mitigation candidates. Responsible for sending out appropriate financial package and reviewing completed package for either a repayment plan or referring loan to loss mitigation for other options. Duties include working collection suspense queues daily and batch processing as well as preparing multiple reports ranging from weekly reports to month end delinquency reports.

An A.A. degree or equivalent is required along with several years of experience in mortgage loan collections. Strong working knowledge of GSE and Conventional default collections guidelines, excellent communication and analytical skills are a must. Experience using the Black Knight servicing system is preferred. This position is for dayshift and work hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

VHDA offers an excellent working environment, generous benefit plans and market competitive compensation. If you meet the above stated criteria, please submit your resume and cover letter stating salary requirements online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE this position closes at midnight on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following positions:

Hiring Range: $39,084 – 50,808 Credit and background checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

Contract Specialist 87M00000118 Department of Emergency Communication Apply by 6/12/16 Contract Specialist Supervisor 84M00000007 Department of Procurement Services Apply by 06/05/2016 Electronic Technician I 87M00000108 Department of Emergency Communication Apply by 6/12/16 Equipment Operator IV 29M00000392 Department of Public Works Apply by 06/5/2016 Maintenance Technician II 29M00000471 Department of Public Works Apply by 06/5/2016 Maintenance Technician III 29M00000522 Department of Public Works Apply by 06/5/2016 Trades Supervisor II 29M00000156 Department of Public Works Apply by 06/5/2016 Traffic Signal Specialist I (2) 29M00000267 Department of Public Works Apply by 06/5/2016 ****************** For an exciting career with the City of Richmond, visit our website for additional information and apply today! www.richmondgov.com EOE M/F/D/V

LegaL/FuLFiLLment SpeciaLiSt, mortgage Servicing VHDA, Virginia’s Housing Finance Agency, is seeking a Legal/Fulfillment Specialist to join its Loss Mitigation Department. The Legal/Fulfillment Specialist will assist in transacting all approved Loss Mitigation applications, including traditional Loan Modifications, HAMP Modifications, FHA Partial Claims, Short Sales and Deeds in Lieu (DIL) of foreclosure. The successful candidate will be responsible for accurate and timely execution of all Loss Mitigation Fulfillment activities and reports directly to the Single Family Servicing Loss Mitigation Manager. This is a fast paced environment and often deadline driven.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Mortgage and Default Servicing environment is required. Several years of experience in real estate or mortgage servicing, processing FHA, VA, Fannie Mae loss, Freddie Mac and Mortgage Insurance (MI) mitigation options is required. General knowledge of Rural Housing and VHDA programs preferred. Understanding and experience in administering HUD claims a must. In addition, the successful candidate will possess proficient level knowledge of the Black Knight/MSP Servicing Platform Application, Passport and MOD Negotiator Application. Demonstrated experience and extensive understanding of Standard Modification/HAMP and Standard PFS/HAFA guidelines as well as FHA, VA, GSE and Rural Housing Default Servicing guidelines is required. Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and Explorer is required. Successful candidate will also possess strong communication, organizational, documentation, analytical and critical thinking skills. Finally, the successful candidate should have demonstrated ability to positively interact with peers and management and to work across functional lines in order to effectively transact approved Loss Mitigation applications.

VHDA offers an excellent working environment, generous benefit plans and market competitive compensation. If you meet the above stated criteria, please submit your resume and cover letter stating salary requirements online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE This position closes at Midnight on Monday, June 6, 2016.

Hiring Range: $44,946 – 58,428 Credit and background checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

Richmond Free Press

May 26-28, 2016

B7

Sports Plus

High school baseball players heading to camp in Cincinnati

By Fred Jeter

In Major League Baseball’s search for young African-American talent, the Richmond area hasn’t been overlooked.

Tyriq Branch of Henrico High School and Chris Hayden at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield County have been selected to participate in the Breakthrough Series, June 15 through 19 in Cincinnati.

The annual event is sponsored by Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, with the intent of discovering and developing prospects among players of color.

Branch and Hayden’s all-expenses-paid trip will provide instruction and evaluation that could possibly lead to college and/or pro looks.

“This is a great opportunity,” said William Forrester Jr., executive director and longtime commissioner of the Richmond-based Metropolitan Junior Baseball League.

Forrester recommended the Richmond area teens for the camp.

“There will be a lot of college scouts in attendance, and pro scouts, too,” Forrester added.

Former big league players will provide instruction and the Major League Scouting Bureau will make its evaluations available to colleges and pro teams.

Along with training sessions, the young men also will play in competitive games.

Branch is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound all-round player who takes his turn pitching and playing first and third base for Henrico

Tyriq Branch

Chris Hayden

High School under Coach Bryan Uzzell.

“I’ve helped coach Tyriq since he was about 10 years old,” said Uzzell. “He has always been the biggest kid on the field, always had the best arm and is one of the best hitters, too.”

Branch used that lively right arm to strike out 15 batters in a game earlier this spring against Highland Springs High School in Henrico County. The Warriors senior has played in the MJBL and also with the Henrico Hitters travel team, coached by Uzzell.

Uzzell, himself a product of the MJBL, played for Armstrong

Carter-Sheppard no longer headed to Central Florida

High School and Virginia State University.

Hayden is a unique athlete — both big and surprisingly fast.

“Chris is about 6-foot, 260 pounds and even at this size is still among the fastest kids on our team,” said Bird High School Coach Kris Wheeler.

“He pitches and plays outfield for us. But on the next level, I’m guessing he’ll be an infielder.”

The versatile Hayden also played defensive end for Bird’s powerhouse football team.

Neither Branch nor Hayden has received a college scholarship offer to play at this point. The Cincinnati exposure could help.

The pair also will be playing for Forrester’s Richmond-based team in the MJBL Inner-City World Series July 18 through 23 in Chicago.

Concerned that African-Americans comprise only about 10 percent of big-league baseball talent, MLB also sponsors Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI, a program aimed at developing talent in communities of color).

Carl Crawford, James Loney, Justin Upton, Manny Machado and C.C. Sabathia are current big leaguers who benefited from RBI. Jackie Bradley, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, owes some of his early mentoring to MJBL. Bradley lived in Richmond and played for MJBL before moving to Northern Virginia. He later became the College World Series MVP for the University of South Carolina.

Among the last athletes from Richmond schools to reach the top level was outfielder Alex Cole, a George Wythe High School alumnus who played in the big leagues from 1990 to 1996.

The future of the game Former Seattle Seahawks fullback and Richmond native Michael Robinson returned home last weekend to host his annual football camp for football enthusiasts ages 8 to 16.

Scores of youngsters turned out for the event at Sports Reality Performance in Mechanicsville to learn tips from the pro himself, left, and several of his notable NFL friends who also worked with the youngsters.

Bottom photo, Marshawn Lynch, who retired earlier this year from the Seahawks, prepares to throw a pass to campers.

Below, Maurice Canady, a standout at Varina High School and the University of Virginia who was drafted just weeks ago in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens, takes a moment to encourage camp participant Debin Raines.

Also a Varina High School alumnus, Mr. Robinson retired as an NFL player in 2014 and is now an NFL Network analyst.

This was his 7th annual football camp in Metro Richmond.

By Fred Jeter

Jeremy Carter-Sheppard has announced on Twitter that he is de-committing from the University of Central Florida and will re-open his recruitment.

The John Marshall High School senior basketball standout signed with UCF coach Donnie Jones last November.

On March 23, former Duke University All-American Johnny Dawkins was named the new basketball coach at UCF, replacing Coach Donnie Jones, who was fired.

Coach Dawkins then brought in a new crew of assistant coaches.

There is no indication yet which college Carter-Sheppard now will chose. Prior to signing with UCF, Carter-Sheppard also visited Old Dominion University, University of North Carolina-Wilmington and Missouri State University.

The 6-foot Carter-Sheppard scored a total of 1,488 points in four seasons at John MarJeremy Cartershall High, while connecting on 260 3-point Sheppard shots under Justices Coach Ty White.

His best season was as a sophomore, when he averaged 19.6 points, hit 103 3-pointers and was named the state’s Division 3A Player of the Year after pacing John Marshall to the state title.

This past winter, Carter-Sheppard was switched from a shooting guard to a point guard. He averaged 17.2 points, with 61 3-pointers and 3.5 assists per game.

The Justices advanced to the State 3A semifinals before being eliminated at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center by eventual champion I.C. Norcom High School of Portsmouth.

John Marshall High was an overall 90-23 during CarterSheppard’s four seasons. Carter-Sheppard also played for the Team Loaded travel squad.

Photos by Joseph Miles

Employment Opportunities DRIVERS:

TransiT sysTem

AdministrAtive AssistAnt The Virginia Housing Development Authority is looking for a dynamic individual to join its Executive Division. The successful candidate will perform a variety of coordinative and administrative assignments, while regulating office activities and document flow. Duties include responding to general inquiries as appropriate, scheduling appointments, making travel arrangements, scheduling and coordinating meetings, etc.

An Associate’s Degree or equivalent vocational/technical training or several years practical experience required. Great communications skills, a focus on excellent customer service, enthusiasm and the ability to multi-task and maintain confidentiality are essential in this position. Familiarity with housing organizations and state and/or local governments preferred. Must be proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

If you meet these criteria and enjoy a challenging, progressive environment, please submit your resume and cover letter stating salary requirements online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE This position closes at midnight on Thursday, June 2, 2016.

Hiring range - $39,084 – 50,808 Background and credit checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

Senior Budget & Financial analySt Salary: Commensurate Upon Experience Closes: June 8, 2016 GRTC Transit System in Richmond, Virginia seeks a skilled candidate to the Senior Budget & Financial Analyst of the Finance Department.

Primary duties include grants administration, budgeting, and financial reporting. Responsible for budget for mulation, monitoring and presentation, budget opening and closing processes, grant application development and submission, grant related projects, and preparing reports. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required. The successful candidate will be proficient in Windows, Excel, Microsoft Office, Great Plains, FRX and Word. For a more detailed job description and the ability to apply online, please visit www.ridegrtc.com. A preemployment drug screening will be required.

GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

Computer Science Instructors (Position #FO407 and FO232) (J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA) Master’s degree in Computer Science; or Master’s degree with 18 graduate semester hours in Computer Science. Pre-employment security screening is required.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time ninemonth teaching faculty-ranked appointment. Salary range: $42,501-$71,595. Approximate hiring salary: $51,000; additional compensation may be available to the candidate appointed to the program head responsibilities. Additional information is available at the College’s website: www.reynolds.edu.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin JULY 22, 2016 and will be accepted until the positions are filled.

AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/ AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/ Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

Get Home.

No-Touch!

Excellent Weekly Pay! Strong Family Benefits Package.

Monthly Bonuses!

CDL-A 1yr exp.

888-406-9046

Med Tech

Certified To Work 12-Hour Shift at Assisted Living Facility.

PCA or CNA to work PRN. Good Pay Good Days Off. Call For Appointment

(804) 222-5133

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press

call 644-0496

T:11 in

Richmond Free Press

B8 May 26-28, 2016

St…re…am…ing?

Or Streaming.

T:21 in

XFINITY® delivers the fastest Internet in America according to Speedtest.net Pixilation, frozen screens, that eternal loading bar…slow Internet is maddening. Get the

speed you need with XFINITY Internet, plus get the fastest, most reliable in-home WiFi

for all rooms, all devices all the time. And with millions of WiFi hotspots nationwide,

you’ll be able to stream video, instant message and connect with family and friends

while on the go. Don’t get stuck in the buffer zone with other Internet providers.

Stream uninterrupted with XFINITY Internet.

00

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. America’s fastest Internet based on download speeds reported at Speedtest.net/awards/us.

Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. XFINITY WiFi hotspots included with Performance Internet or above only. Available in select areas.

Requires WiFi-enabled device. Speedtest is a trademark of Ookla, LLC. Used under license. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved.