Richmond Free Press February 25-27, 2021 Edition

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FEBRUARY 25-27, 2021

High rollers 6 companies roll the dice in hopes of landing Richmond’s sole casino license

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A gusher of tax revenue for Richmond and potentially 1,400 or more new jobs for city residents.

That’s the story that up to six groups are pitching as they seek the single license to build a casino and resort hotel in Richmond.

For the first time with a huge deal involving an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars, Black companies and individuals are definitely in the mix.

On that score, the standout is Urban One, a Black-owned media conglomerate best known for its radio stations in Richmond and elsewhere and its array of radio programming.

Already part owner in MGM’s National Harbor casino operation in the Maryland suburbs outside Washington, D.C.,

the company sees Richmond as a huge opportunity to develop the first Black-owned gaming and entertainment center in the country, according to Alfred C. Liggins III, Urban One’s chief executive officer.

The company is offering to build a $517 million destination gambling resort, theater and concert venue on the 100-acre site of the former Philip Morris operations center on Walmsley Boulevard that has long been vacant and up for sale.

While Mr. Liggins said the company has agreed to hire Pacific Entertainment to operate the casino, he said that company would not have an ownership stake. Instead, Urban One is teaming with at least 48 investors, mainly Black people, to generate a destination center off the Bells Road exit of Interstate 95.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Freeman Hall, above, and Ryland Hall

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Names on UR buildings still carry racist stigma

By Jeremy M. Lazarus An artist rendering shows One Casino + Resort, a $517 million project proposed for South Richmond by Urban One, the Black-owned media conglomerate. The group said it would be the first Black-owned gaming and entertainment center in the nation.

Flying Squirrels honor legacy, history of Richmond 34

By Fred Jeter

The Richmond 34 will not be forgotten, at least not as long as the Richmond Flying Squirrels have anything to say about it.

At The Diamond on Wednesday, the local semipro baseball team announced multiple initiatives to celebrate a bold-letter event in Richmond’s civil rights history.

On Feb. 22, 1960, a group of 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested for challenging the “whites only” lunch counter at Thalhimers Department Store in Downtown.

Their peaceful sit-in, coming just days after the noted Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in by four North Carolina A&T State University students in Greensboro, N.C., led to the total integration of Thalhimers and other white-owned Downtown businesses and influenced legislation in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

A huge mural across the top of The Diamond honors the Richmond 34, the Virginia Union University students who were arrested in February 1960 during a lunch counter sit-in protesting the whites-only service at Thalhimers department store in Downtown. The mural, painted by Andre Shank, is one of several initiatives the Richmond Flying Squirrels is undertaking to honor the former students and their history.

Golf without Woods? A possibility Free Press wire report

LOS ANGELES The PGA Tour without Tiger Woods was always inevitable purely because of age. His shattered right leg from his SUV flipping down a hill Tuesday morning on a sweeping road through coastal Los Angeles suburbs only brings that closer.

Golf wasn’t ready Wednesday to contemplate the future of its biggest star after the 10th and most complicated surgery on the 45-year-old Woods. There was more relief that he was alive.

“Listen, when Tiger wants to talk about golf, we’ll talk about golf,” Commissioner

Free COVID19 testing

Jay Monahan said at the World Golf Championship in Florida.

“When you’re going to overcome what he needs to overcome, I think the love of all of our players and everybody out here, Tiger Woods it’s going to come forward in a big way and across the entire sporting world. I think he’ll feel that energy and I think that’s what we should all focus on.”

The Los Angeles County sheriff on Wednesday characterized the crash that

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues.

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Feb. 25, 1 to 3 p.m. Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. in South Side. Drivethru testing.

• Thursday, March 4, 1 to 3 p.m. Randolph Community Center, 1415 Grayland Ave. in the Near West End. Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.ly/

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Dr. Ronald A. Crutcher is taking a more nuanced approach to dealing with the racist parts of University of Richmond’s history and the long overlooked Black people who are part of it.

Instead of completely erasing or replacing names of segregationists on buildings such Dr. Crutcher as Virginia Commonwealth University and other public institutions in the state have done, UR’s first Black president announced plans for inclusion of Black history in the campus narrative to “spark conversation and understanding” among students and anyone else who comes to campus.

Dr. Crutcher told the Free Press the biggest name involves a residence hall named for Douglas Southall Freeman, the late historian, UR rector, influential radio commentator and white Richmond newspaper editor who championed white supremacy, segregation and Black voter suppression.

seriously injured Mr. Woods as “purely an accident” and appeared to rule out any potential criminal charges even as authorities were still investigating.

Deputies did not see any evidence that the golf star was impaired by drugs or alcohol after the rollover wreck on a downhill stretch of road known for crashes, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said.

“He was not drunk,” Sheriff Villanueva said during a livestreamed social media event. “We can throw that one out.”

The sheriff said investigators may seek search warrants for a blood sample to definitively rule out drugs and alcohol.

Detectives also could apply for search warrants for Mr. Woods’ cellphone to see if he was driving distracted, as well as the vehicle’s event data recorder, or “black box,” which would give information about how fast he was going.

Mr. Woods, who had checked into a clinic in 2017 for help dealing with prescription medication, was driving alone through coastal Los Angeles suburbs when his SUV struck a raised median, crossed into oncoming lanes and flipped Please turn to A4

Va. on record: Racism is a public health crisis

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Racism is a public health crisis, the General Assembly has declared.

A resolution with that declaration cleared the House of Delegates by a 55-37 vote in January and passed the state Senate with a voice vote Tuesday.

Sponsored by the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, the resolution sets state policy, but is not a law that requires the governor’s signature.

Still, it puts Virginia on record for the first time as being publicly opposed to racial inequity and is part of the wave of Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Last blast of winter Four-year-old Unique Bolden plays with what’s left of the wintry mix of snow and ice left last Saturday at a playground at Maxie Lane and Old Armstrong Way in Church Hill North. The youngster was enjoying the outdoors with her mother, Ciarra.

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February 25-27, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Harry F. Byrd statue to be moved from Capitol Square The statue of Harry F. Byrd Sr., an icon of white supremacy and Black oppression, is to be moved after 45 years haunting the grounds of the Virginia Capitol.

On a 36-3 vote Tuesday, the state Senate joined the House of Delegates in directing Gov. Ralph S. Northam to get rid of the monument to the man best known for orchestrating “Massive Resistance” to the U.S. Supreme Court rulings of the 1950s outlawing government-enforced racial segregation in public schools and other places.

“Capitol Square is the ultimate state park and should reflect the values of our Commonwealth,” Richmond state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan said in remarks from the Senate floor before the vote.

“Racism and its symbols, obvious and subtle, have no place.

“I think about the damage (Sen. Byrd) inflicted on this Commonwealth and on the African-American community, which we are still trying to eradicate. He does not belong,” Sen. McClellan said.

Sen. McClellan, a member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, is running for the Democratic nomination for governor.

The action sends the bill sponsored by Norfolk Delegate Jay Jones to the governor, who has promised to sign it and carry out its directive.

The Byrd statue has been in place since 1976 and was designed to honor the former governor, U.S. senator and political boss who ruled the state for 40 years before his death in 1966.

Delegate Jones, also a VLBC member who is running for attorney general, cheered the passage of the legislation that cleared the House on a 63-34 vote in late January.

“Monuments to segregation, Massive Resistance and the subjugation of one race below another, such as the Byrd statue, serve only as a reminder of the overt and institutional racism that has and continues to plague our Commonwealth,” Delegate Jones stated.

The Senate vote, as supportive Republican Sen. David R. Suetterlein of Salem reminded, took place just ahead of the 65th anniversary of then Sen. Byrd’s issuance of the Southern Manifesto. The manifesto he released on Feb. 25, 1956, called for the use of every legal means to resist and overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings rejecting the right of states to maintain a system of racial segregation.

Warrenton Republican Sen. Jill H. Vogel, who voted against the statue’s removal, noted that despite the stain of Massive Resistance, Sen. Byrd had been a key figure in state history, responsible for building the state’s highway system and creating the park system.

Senate Majority Leader Richard L. “Dick” Saslaw of Fairfax County responded that Sen. Vogel’s statements were akin to the joke about the asGeorge Copeland Jr./Richmond Free Press sassination of President Lincoln at Ford’s Theater: “Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?”

The effort to remove the statue ironically began last year with a Republican delegate who opposed the removal of Confederate statues from the Capitol building. He sponsored a bill to remove the statue of Byrd, a Democrat, that he later withdrew. But Democrats quickly picked it up. Initially, they agreed to consider adding signs noting Sen. Byrd’s racist history but dropped that idea this session in favor of elimination.

“There is no way to contextualize Harry Byrd,” said Sen. McClellan, a view that ultimately earned the support of most in the legislature.

Shelter for homeless to be open this weekend A safety net shelter for the homeless in Richmond is expected to stay open this weekend when heavy rain is expected, according to 5th District City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch.

Ms. Lynch, chair of council’s Education and Human Services Committee, said Tuesday that, in response to her inquiry, she was informed that the shelter would not close even though it will not be as cold as required under the guidelines for the shelter’s operation.

The congregate shelter serving up to 150 unsheltered people on cold nights is located at the Quality Inn on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

City Council only requires the administration to provide shelter when the low temperature, including the wind chill factor, is forecast to be 40 degrees or less.

On Saturday and Sunday, the low temperature is forecast to be 47 and 50 degrees respectively; on Monday, the low temperature is forecast to drop to 34 degrees.

Ms. Lynch, who supports creation of a year-round shelter for the city, said she expressed concern that dozens of people could be turned away from the shelter during the weekend rain if there is strict adherence to the 40-degree threshold. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Virtual panel to address strengthening Black community Congressmen A. Donald McEachin and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, the two African-Americans in Virginia’s congressional delegation, will participate in a free, virtual Martin Luther King Beloved Community Symposium from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26.

Also participating are Valerie Slater, executive director of RISE for Youth; Sa’ad El-Amin of Strategic Litigation Consultants; and Gwendolyn Davis, president of Equipping Businesses for Success Institute.

Theme: “Strengthening the Black Community: Where Do We Go From Here?”

The discussion will be moderated by Bernice Travers, founder of the Bernice E. Travers Foundation/Empowering Black Families, and Dr. Shawn Utsey, chairman of the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of African American Studies.

Sponsors include Virginia Union University, Living the Dream and the Travers Foundation.

Details and registration: www.tinyurl.com/VUUMLK2021.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape

The U.S. and Virginia flags fly at half-staff White House Monday night, where he was over the State Capitol this week in memory of joined by First Lady Jill Biden and Vice Presiand respect for the more than 500,000 people dent Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug who have died from COVID-19. The honor Slices of life and scenes Emhoff, in a moment of silence. In concert in Richmond comes as the pandemic reached a grim threshold with the president, and in recognition of the of claiming more American lives than World more than 7,400 Virginians who have died War I, World War II and the Vietnam War combined. President from the pandemic, Gov. Ralph S. Northam on Monday night Biden ordered U.S. flags to be lowered in national mourning also ordered that Virginia’s flag and the U.S. flag be flown at for five days, through Friday, Feb. 26. He also honored the half-staff on all local, state and federal buildings and grounds dead and their families during a candlelight vigil outside the in the Commonwealth through Friday.

School Board approves plan for $54M in COVID-19 relief The Richmond School Board voted 8-1 Monday Superintendent Jason Kamras thanked the board night to approve a plan for $54 million in federal for approving the spending plan and said, “I am very money to handle a variety of costs stemming from excited to get this over to the state and then receive the COVID-19 pandemic. those funds so we can begin this work in earnest.”

The money, coming from the federal Elementary The next step is for the board to submit the plan and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund, will to the State Board of Education for approval and be used over the next two school years, 2021-22 and for the state to release the $54 million to Richmond 2022-23, and to prepare for students returning to Public Schools. buildings this fall for in-person learning.

“I voted against the plan because I take my reMr. Kamras This money will be used, in part, to install bipolar sponsibility as a fiscal agent of this school district ionization and make repairs to all HVAC systems to upgrade very seriously,” Ms. Gibson said. “I’ve been fighting for more air quality throughout the school division. The work includes custodians and counselors for years now. But it’s not right to upgrading heating and cooling systems in many of the older hire people when we don’t know that the money will be there school buildings, while completing installation of touchless soap to keep them employed.” dispensers and sanitizing stations.

Mr. Kamras said RPS is free to make any changes to how The funding also includes $400,000 to increase custodial staff that money will be used moving forward. from 10 to 17 people, with the addition of one assistant, and “Throughout the life of the grant, we can always submit $14 million over the two budget years to assist with year-round amendments if we find out we were going to spend a million learning, although further discussion on year-round school was dollars on A, but now we want to spend a million dollars on tabled for a future board meeting.

B,” Mr. Kamras told the board.

Board member Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, cast the only The board tabled a discussion on year-round school for pardissenting vote, noting she believes the plan may have been ents, students, teachers and staff expressed strong opposition to rushed. what they called a sudden, drastic change.

Inaction by Senate thwarts Judge O’Berry’s reappointment to bench

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

At this point, Judge Pamela O’Berry still does not appear to have the support for keeping her seat on the Chesterfield County General District Court for six more years.

No one in the Virginia Senate nominated Judge O’Berry from the floor Tuesday, and her name was not included on the list of judges for appointment and reappointment to various courts that were approved overwhelmingly by the Senate.

Such an outcome is rare in Virginia, where judges generally are easily reappointed.

While the House of Delegates voted to support the 12-year veteran for a third term, Judge the Senate’s refusal indicates that March 31 likely will be the final day for Judge O’Berry, Chesterfield’s longest serving Black judge.

She is one of only two Black judges now serving in Chesterfield County. The others are still predominantly white men.

The Free Press has been told that a new effort will be made to secure a Senate floor vote before the General Assembly adjourns its special session Saturday. But securing the 20 Senate votes Judge O’Berry needs has so far proven impossible.

Her reconsideration became possible Monday when the Senate Judiciary Committee grudgingly and unexpectedly allowed a vote on her nomination. The committee motion to certify her reappointment passed 9-3 with two abstentions. Senate Republican Minority Leader Thomas K. “Tommy” Norment of James City County insisted that a sitting judge deserved the courtesy of a committee vote.

However, Sen. Norment, so far, has taken no further steps to support Judge O’Berry. None of the four Black senators stood on the floor Tuesday to speak on her behalf, even though the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement of support for Judge O’Berry on Monday in cheering the committee vote.

The Senate’s inaction on Tuesday upheld the opposition to Judge O’Berry by two Richmond senators, Joseph D. Morrissey and Ghazala Hashmi, both Demo-

crats, whose districts include portions of Chesterfield. The county’s third senator, maverick Republican Amanda Chase, also did not nominate Judge O’Berry.

“I think it speaks volumes that not a single senator was willing to nominate her from the floor after the committee certified her,” Sen. Morrissey said Tuesday.

He said the impending O’Berry vacancy, as well as an existing vacancy on the Chesterfield Circuit Court, offer an opportunity to improve judicial diversity in the county.

“I am committed to filling those vacancies with two African-American judges, and I will not be denied,” Sen. Morrissey said.

While the governor can temporarily fill the circuit court O’Berry vacancy, and the county’s circuit court judges can temporarily fill the district court spot when the legislature is not in session, usually such appointments are based on recommendations from the locality’s General Assembly delegation, as the legislature still must vote later to keep such appointees as judges.

Sen. Morrissey said he plans to lead an effort to advertise the vacancies and secure a consensus of the county’s seven House and three Senate members on new judges, though it could be 2022 before there could be a legislative vote.

Sen. Morrissey led the effort to remove Judge O’Berry based on concerns raised in December when he held a virtual public hearing on judicial appointments.

He said he was impressed that so many Black people participated to express opposition to Judge O’Berry.

Before Sen. Morrissey was disbarred and lost his license to practice law in 2018, he represented a client before Judge O’Berry in 2016 in a case that drew public attention. Judge O’Berry upheld a trespassing charge against his client, Kandise Lucas, an advocate for a special education student. Judge O’Berry’s ruling later was overturned on appeal to the Chesterfield Circuit Court, where a judge acquitted Ms. Lucas.

Members of the executive committee of the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP were among those who appealed

to the county’s legislative representatives to not reappoint her. Branch officers claimed Judge O’Berry treated Black and brown defendants more harshly.

In a letter Chesterfield NAACP President Avohom Carpenter issued to Senate members Tuesday, he urged them to oppose any action to keep Judge O’Berry on the bench, stating, “I have witnessed at least 10 complaints about Judge O’Berry dealing with courtroom decorum, harsh sentencing, violation of civil rights among other complaints.”

He cited in his letter the case of a man who currently is in Chesterfield County Jail awaiting trial for a nonviolent offense. Denied bail by Judge O’Berry, the man recounted that his business has folded and that his children have been left traumatized by his absence.

“This just is one of dozens (of stories) that I have heard since this appointment became the center of political debate,” Mr. Carpenter stated.

Advocates for Judge O’Berry decried the allegations as inflated and unsupported by evidence at the December hearing and in the months since. Some have alleged that Sen. Morrissey had a vendetta against the judge because of her ruling in the Lucas case.

The state NAACP’s leadership, including President Robert N. Barnette Jr., also defended Judge O’Berry and publicly urged her reappointment despite the opposition of the Chesterfield Branch.

Behind the scenes, there was intense lobbying to support Judge O’Berry, with former Richmond Judge Birdie H. Jamison, now an aide to Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, playing a key role.

Ms. Jamison, who was denied reappointment to the city bench in 2015 in what she has said was an unfair action, confirmed this week that she pressed for reconsideration of Judge O’Berry, by the Senate Judiciary Committee after it had stripped Judge O’Berry’s name from the list of recommended judges.

Ms. Jamison stressed that Judge O’Berry was the only person whom the committee had never voted on directly.

That point of fairness ultimately led to Monday’s committee vote.

Richmond Free Press

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February 25-27, 2021

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Richmond Free Press

A4 February 25-27, 2021

News

6 companies roll the dice in hopes of landing city’s sole casino license Continued from A1

According to the website, the investors range from retired physician Dr. Frank S. Royal and his family to event promoter and marketer Kenneth S. Johnson. Among other things, that provides Urban One with a corps of people with a stake in pressing for its selection.

Mr. Liggins said his company also plans to create a community benefit fund that could provide up to $30 million for community betterment.

And he’s touting the local restaurant companies that he said would have eateries in the resort, including Mama J’s, Perch, Southern Kitchen, Stella’s, EAT Restaurant Partners and the Richmond Restaurant Group.

Lester Johnson Jr., an owner of Mama J’s, is an example of the local people who will be speaking up for Urban One. “I am convinced,” Mr. Johnson said at a Tuesday news conference in South Side where he stood with Mr. Liggins, that the Urban One project “would bring an unmatched level of inclusiveness, opportunity and pride to the city we love.”

Other bidders who responded to City Hall’s request for proposals include the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Bally’s Corp., The Corish Cos. and Golden Nugget Hotels and Casinos. And there are reports that a sixth group will soon make its bid public.

Except for the Pamunkey, all of the execu-

tives have stories to tell about the Black investors they have recruited, the Black construction companies that will be participating and the efforts they will make to ensure good paying jobs for local residents.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration is promising a robust process of community engagement. His administration already has hired a consultant and set up a nine-member committee that includes top officials and two members of City Council—Vice President Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, and 1st District Councilman Andreas Addison.

The city expects to take Mr. Liggins at least 90 days to come up with a recommendation that would be sent to the full council. Mayor Stoney has emphasized that final approval would be up to Richmond voters who would decide in a November referendum whether to support a casino.

Voters in four other cities, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Danville and Bristol, already have approved casino operations.

In Richmond, gambling already is big business. Pacific Entertainment, which owns the Colonial Downs and Rosie’s operations, already is raking in about $65 million a month at its Richmond gaming center on Midlothian Turnpike, which is almost $800 million a year,

Flying Squirrels honor legacy, history of Richmond 34 Continued from A1

“The Richmond 34 are heroes in the push for civil rights,” said Todd “Parney” Parnell, chief executive officer of the Flying Squirrels. “We are more than thrilled to celebrate their legacy and tell their story to new generations, working hard together to positively affect our community twelve months a year.”

Several former VUU students who were part of the historic sit-in 61 years ago attended Wednesday’s announcement at The Diamond. They were Elizabeth Johnson Rice, Wendell Foster, Samuel Shaw and LeRoy Bray.

Also participating Wednesday were VUU President Hakim J. Lucas; Dr. Makola Abdullah, president of Virginia State University; Mayor Levar M. Stoney; and Ben Rothrock, general manager of the Flying Squirrels.

Here are some of the initiatives the Squirrels will be implementing with the upcoming 2021 season at the ballpark: • The Squirrels will permanently retire No. 34 from on-field use in honor of the Richmond 34. It is the second number to be retired by the minor league team, along with Jackie Robinson’s No. 42. Mr. Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

• A Richmond 34 Legacy Mural, created by area painter/ sculptor Andre Shank, will be positioned on The Diamond’s upper facade directly behind home plate. It stretches 100 feet long and 20 feet tall and will be visible to fans entering The Diamond gates as well as to motorists passing by on Arthur Ashe Boulevard and southbound travelers on Interstate 95.

• A two-day “Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend” will be celebrated, date to be determined. It will include a T-shirt giveaway, featuring an “End Racism” design, a collaborative work of artist Noah Scalin and Marc Cheatham of The Cheats Movement.

“The Flying Squirrels are making a strong, clear stand that they are a great community partner committed to positive change,” Mr. Scalin said. “It is so important that we recognize Richmond’s civil rights history as we build towards a better future.”

During the Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend, the Flying Squirrels players will wear special Richmond 34 Legacy jerseys featuring the “End Racism” logo. The jerseys then will be auctioned, with proceeds going toward scholarships to support students attending VUU and VSU. • Ms. Rice will serve as a community ambassador for the Flying Squirrels. Ms. Rice and the team will collaborate on educational and community outreach programs to tell the story.

“As ambassador, I am proud to represent these two organizations that stand for justice, peace, diversity and racial equality,” she said. “Our mission is to learn from lessons of the past, embrace with passion the present and to be proactive with technology and creativity for the future.”

• In partnership with VUU and VSU, the Flying Squirrels will offer students at both institutions opportunities to gain professional experience working with the sports organization in various capacities.

The program will be designed to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce with the goal of elevating more minorities into leadership positions. Details of the program will be announced later.

Golf without Woods?

Continued from A1

several times. The crash caused “significant” injuries to his right leg, and he underwent a “long surgical procedure” at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to a post early Wednesday on the golfer’s Twitter account.

Dr. Anish Mahajan, the chief medical officer, said Woods shattered tibia and fibula bones in his right leg in multiple locations. Those were stabilized by a rod in the tibia. He said a combination of screws and pins were used to stabilize additional injuries in the ankle and foot.

“I would say, unfortunately, it’s very, very unlikely that he returns to be a professional golfer after these injuries,” said Dr. Michael Gardner, chief of orthopedic trauma at Stanford Medical Center. “His age, his multiple back issues, this is going to be a very long road ahead if he chooses to attempt to return to his previous level

of golfing.”

Mr. Woods was in Los Angeles over the weekend as the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. Monday and Tuesday had been set aside for him to give golf tips to celebrities on Discoveryowned GOLFTV. Mr. Woods was driving his courtesy vehicle from the Genesis Invitational when he crashed.

The crash this week was the latest setback for Mr. Woods, who at times has looked unstoppable with his 15 major championships and record-tying 82 victories on the PGA Tour. He is among the world’s most recognizable sports figures, and at 45, with a reduced schedule from nine previous surgeries, remains golf’s biggest draw.

Mr. Woods has had four previous surgeries to repair ligaments on his left knee. This is the first major trauma to the right leg. Woods has had five surgeries on his lower back in the last seven years.

according to state reports.

For the city, the gaming tax alone appears to be providing a yearly stream of nearly $2 million.

The take for the city would be far larger from a resort casino. If $800 million a year were wagered at a Richmond casino, the gaming tax alone would generate more than $45 million a year in new tax revenue, with even more from real estate, personal property, meals and other taxes.

That kind of new revenue generation could aid the city’s plans to replace George Wythe High School and build a new Tech High School in the next four years, and funding for other Mr. Smith unmet needs.

Among the bidders, South Side has become a favorite location.

The Pamunkey Tribe, backed by a Kentucky billionaire, is proposing a $350 million casino that includes a 300-room hotel with thousands of slot machines on a 24-acre site that also is near the Bells Road exist.

The Pamunkey Tribe already has made a deal to build the casino in Norfolk.

Bally’s, which is based in Rhode Island and operates 11 casinos, has hopes of bringing a $650 million casino to a 61-acre site that sits to the rear of the Target store off Forest Hill Avenue and nestles the Chippenham and Pow-

hite toll roads.

The Cordish Cos. out of Maryland have looked to North Side and are proposing to put a $600 million casino and resort hotel on the 17 acres at the Bow Tie movie theater site at Leigh Street and Arthur Ashe Boulevard. If Cordish wins, Bow Tie plans to find another Richmond site for its movies.

Already operating other casinos in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida, Cordish chose the site because of its location near interstate exists and fast-growing Scott’s Addition. It’s also close to the future development of the city’s 60 acres at The Diamond baseball stadium and the athletic village.

Zed Smith, Cordish’s chief operating officer, said that his company is used to meeting inclusion goals as it has done in Baltimore and other cities. He also said his company has clear plan for hiring and training residents.

He said the company plans a partnership with Virginia Union University to offer opportunities for students seeking degrees in accounting, technology, finance and other areas the casino operation will need.

While he said Cordish could seek up to 2,000 people to staff the operation, the goal will be to provide career opportunities and upward mobility for those who become part of its team.

Golden Nuggett, which proposes to develop a $400 million casino resort, has not yet identified its location.

Names on UR buildings still carry racist stigma Continued from A1

Dr. Crutcher said that with the approval of UR’s board and the Mitchell family, the name of banker and fiery Black newspaper editor John Mitchell Jr. will be added to transform the name to Mitchell-Freeman Hall.

In life, the two editors often issued dueling editorials on topics related to race.

Dr. Crutcher said he believes that linking the names of two men with vastly different approaches to race and racism will be meaningful.

In his view, “the Freeman name will exemplify how prominent and well-regarded people embraced white supremacy and promoted the idea that the Black race was inferior to justify oppression and exclusion.”

At the same time, Dr. Crutcher said, the inclusion of the “Mitchell name will highlight the lived experience of those on our campus and in our city who both suffered through and subverted racial oppression — and to recognize the resilience of African-Americans in the face of centuries of injustice.”

In the second change, UR plans to incorporate Black history into Ryland Hall, a main academic building now undergoing a $25 million renovation. While the building’s name will not change, the terrace will be named for one or more of the enslaved people who worked at the school until the Union won the Civil War, Dr. Crutcher aid.

One wing of the hall is named for the Rev. Robert Ryland, UR’s first president, a slave-owning, Confederate supporter who was instrumental in the development of UR and also was the first pastor of First African Baptist Church. The other wing is name for his nephew, Charles H. Ryland, the first librarian.

The names of the enslaved to be considered are those whom Rev. Ryland owned and hired out to work at the university and for others, according to UR’s research.

A letter about the changes is being distributed Thursday to the campus community.

Dr. Crutcher said that he and the board considered student government organizations’ call to change the names of both buildings, but ultimately rejected that approach.

“I firmly believe that removing the Ryland and Freeman names would not compel us to do the hard, necessary and uncomfortable work of grappling with the university’s ties to slavery and segregation,”

Free COVID-19 testing Continued from A1 RHHDCOVID. Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering free COVID-19 testing at the following location: • Walmsley United Methodist Church, 2950 Walmsley Blvd., 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Feb. 25.

Testing is free, and no reservations or registration are necessary.

Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) 318-8207.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Contact the new statewide COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration System at vaccinate. virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA. The call center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week to help people pre-register by phone or to answer questions about the vaccine. The call center has English- and Spanish-speaking agents and a call-back service to help people in more than 100 other languages.

Additionally, TTY service is available to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

As the nation reached a grim milestone of more than 500,000 COVID-19-related deaths this week, Virginia hit its own landmark of more than 560,000 positive cases of the coronavirus.

At least 28 million people in the United States have contracted the virus, officials said, with

he said. “It would not help us achieve a fuller understanding of Black history, which most in our country still do not recognize as an essential part of American history.

It would instead lead to further cultural and institutional silence and, ultimately, forgetting.”

To help add to the dialogue, UR plans to create interactive displays to help those on campus delve deeper into UR’s Black and white history.

That includes the forgotten fact that the Westhampton campus of the university was once owned by a Black fraternal insurance society, the Grand Fountain of the United Order of True Reformers led by William Washington Browne.

Under Mr. Browne’s leadership, the True Reformers opened in 1889 in Richmond the first bank owned and operated

by Black people in Virginia and only the second in the United States. In 1897, the organization purchased part of what is now the UR campus with a vision for development that was never realized.

The university also is working on memorializing a Black cemetery that was desecrated decades ago during building construction.

Dr. Crutcher said the private Baptist university’s plans for the two buildings are undergirded by extensive biographical research into Rev. Ryland and Mr. Freeman that public historian Dr. Lauranett L. Lee conducted with two researchers, Shelby M. Driskill and Suzanne Slye.

As he views it, “The path we are forg-

ing will amplify the nuances and tensions of our history in a way our university has never done before, expanding upon the more common but woefully incomplete narrative of our history.”

Dr. Crutcher’s hope is that “no Richmond graduate should leave us without a deeper understanding of the roles of slavery and segregation in our institution, our state, and our nation.”

Public universities have taken a more direct approach.

For example, last September, VCU removed Confederate-linked names from six properties, including a chapel that long bore the name of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

And last week, James Madison University renamed three buildings on its Harrisonburg campus in honor of AfricanAmerican contributors to the university.

The Feb. 19 action came six months after the JMU board eliminated the names of Confederate military leaders.

The JMU board approved naming one building Gabbin Hall to honor Drs. Joanne V. and Alexander L. Gabbin, professors at JMU for more than 35 years.

A second building has been renamed Darcus Johnson Hall, in honor of Dr. Sheary Darcus Johnson, Class of 1970, JMU’s first Black student and Black graduate.

The third building is now to be called Harper Allen-Lee Hall to honor two longserving Black employees, Doris Harper Allen of dining services and Robert Walker Lee in maintenance.

Racism is a public health crisis Continued from A1

reforms that have cleared the General Assembly this session.

Among other things, the legislature abolished the death penalty, ended bans on abortion procedures being covered by health insurance and supported the governor’s proposal for the likeness of Black civil rights activist Barbara Rose Johns to represent Virginia in the U.S. Capitol.

Both chambers also passed Petersburg Delegate Lashrecse Aird’s resolution declaring access to clean, potable and affordable water a human right and calling for the state to create a fund to assist households and prevent disconnections from water and sewer services for lack of money.

The racism resolution noted that racial efforts continuing across the country to increase the pace of vaccinations.

With more than 1.6 million total doses of the vaccine being administered in Virginia by Wednesday, Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced plans to lift the modified stay-at-home order in place between midnight to 5 a.m. He also will ease the restriction on alcohol sales after 10 p.m. to midnight. Both changes take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 1.

Gov. Northam also said the cap on the number of people allowed at private social gatherings will remain at 10 if an event is indoors, but will be expanded to 25 people if outdoors.

Outdoor entertainment and public amusement venues will be able to operate at 30 percent capacity, or up to 1,000 people, whichever is lower. If the number of COVID-19 cases continues to drop, the governor said, he expects the venues may be at to operate at 30 percent capacity with no cap starting in April.

“We are finally seeing COVID numbers fall and vaccination numbers rise,” Gov. Northam said. “That means we can start to consider how to slowly, safely ease some of the measures we put into place before the holidays.”

Following weeks of reduced vaccine supply and delays in distribution due to inclement weather, the Biden administration announced a 70 percent increase in vaccine supply since January, with 14.5 million doses set to be supplied to states this week. Additionally, 25 million cloth masks also will be delivered to health centers and food pantries for low-income areas starting in March.

As of Wednesday, 516,655 people in Virginia

bias, whether overt or implicit, impacts personal health along with other aspects of life, including criminal justice, housing, education, employment and access to technology and fresh food.

In seeking to address the crisis, the resolution mostly focuses on health care. The resolution calls for the Virginia Department of Health and the Office of Health Equity to expand efforts to address racial equity in health care and that other relevant elements of state government, such as mental health agencies, participate in addressing systematic racism and its impact.

The resolution also calls for the state Commission to Examine Racial Inequity in Virginia Law to be made permanent and for all state elected officials, their staffs and other state employees to receive training to recognize and combat implicit biases. have been fully inoculated with two doses of the vaccine.

The Virginia Department of Health reported 568,946 cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday, along with 23,798 hospitalizations and 7,807 deaths. Virginia’s seven-day positivity rate continues to drop, and is now at 8 percent statewide. Last week, it was 8.7 percent.

Locally, however, health officials reported five confirmed cases of the COVID-19-related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C. Found in people under age 21, MIS-C causes inflammation of one or more organ systems, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, brain and/or skin.

The serious and possibly deadly syndrome was reported in the Richmond and Henrico health districts, as well as in the Chesterfield and Chickahominy health districts, which include Hanover, New Kent and Charles City.

There have been 18 total cases of MIS-C reported in Virginia.

As of Wednesday, Richmond reported a total of 14,647 positive cases, 676 hospitalizations and 171 deaths; Henrico County, 21,098 cases, 843 hospitalizations and 417 deaths; Chesterfield County, 23,245 cases, 775 hospitalizations and 263 deaths; and Hanover County, 6,578 cases, 251 hospitalizations and 118 deaths.

According to state data, African-Americans comprised 21.8 percent of cases statewide and 24.1 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 17.1 percent of the cases and 7 percent of deaths.

Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2021

A5

Local News Baseball set giveaway Feb. 27 at Play Ball Richmond 2021 Plastic baseball bat and ball sets will be given away this weekend during Play Ball Richmond 2021, a youth baseball initiative of Major League Baseball in concert with the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League, which promotes baseball and softball for inner-city youths.

From 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, people can walk up or drive through the parking lot of Mount Olivet Church, 1223 N. 25th St. in Church Hill, to pick up the children’s baseball sets, according to organizers.

Hot dogs and refreshments also will be available and youths up to age 18 can sign up to play ball this spring and summer with the MJBL. Organizers ask that participants wear a mask and observe social distancing.

The event is being led by Bishop Darryl F. Husband Sr. of Mount Olivet, who also coaches with MJBL. Other sponsors are Richmond City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille and Richmond School Board Chairwoman Cheryl L. Burke, who both represent the 7th District.

The event is aimed at calling attention to Black participation in the sport.

Details: Bishop Husband at (804) 640-7705 or Tracey Causey, president of Chamberlayne Little League Baseball & Softball, (804) 922-6789.

City Council votes to move $9M from fund to help cover budget shortfall

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Three months ago, City Hall was happily stuffing $12 million into savings accounts while enthusing about how the city’s economy in the 2019-20 fiscal year had proven more robust and resilient than anticipated during the pandemic.

Now as the pandemic wears on, Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration is singing the financial blues and starting to tap savings to try to keep the current 2020-21 budget from plunging into the red.

On Monday, Richmond City Council quietly authorized the administration to take $9.37 million from the budget stabilization fund — nearly half of the accumulated funds — and to cut $1.75 million in spending to help maintain the required balance between income and expenses.

The unanimous 9-0 vote came as the council looks ahead to Friday, March 5, when Mayor Stoney will present his budget proposal for the 2021-22 fiscal year that

begins July 1.

City Budget Director Jay A. Brown already had raised warning flags.

In late January, he indicated the budget preparations began with projections that Mr. Brown income would fall $37 million short of projected expenses.

As council Vice President Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, put it, “We don’t know yet what that will look like,” but it is not a signal of happy days ahead.

In the current fiscal year, Mr. Brown noted that revenues from meals, lodging and admissions taxes have shrunk with COVID19 still hammering restaurants and hotels and blocking concerts and other events.

In the current budget year, according to new reports, the city is projecting a $16 million drop in revenue from those taxes.

And while other revenue increases, notably

from taxes on real estate that continues to increase in value, the increases are not large enough to offset the decline.

To save money, the city has continued a hiring freeze and halted virtually all discretionary spending. But there are some jumps in expenses that need to be offset.

For example, the Richmond Fire Department is projected to be more than $2 million over budget because of increased overtime to make up for retirements and vacancies.

Another example is the Department of Public Works, which is about $8.2 million over budget. One reason is the $1.8 million Mayor Stoney took from Public Works to pay for removing Confederate statues.

Public Works also has faced an unexpected $6.2 million increase in cleaning costs for municipal buildings because of COVID-19 and is facing a $500,000 increase in trash collection costs, it was explained, due to homebound residents creating more refuse.

Residents of Garden City neighborhood get more clarity on Henrico project’s impact

By Lyndon German

A Henrico County official told residents of the Garden City neighborhood that the county isn’t planning on buying them out of their homes for the proposed $2.3 billion GreenCity arena and mixed-used development.

Steven J. Yob, deputy county manager for community operations, confirmed Monday night during a conference call with the Garden City Neighborhood Civic Association that the county is looking to acquire some property as it extends Magellan Parkway as the access point into the 250-acre development planned on the site of the former Best Products headquarters north of Parham Road and Interstate 95.

“We’re not talking about buying an entire piece of property,” Mr. Yob told the residents.

“We’re talking about buying a sliver of space or road frontage.”

About 50 homes in the Garden City neighborhood are located along Scott Road, which runs around the planned site. Many of the residents, largely retirees on fixed incomes, have voiced concern that homes closest to the project would be taken and that other longtime homeowners would be forced out with resulting higher property taxes.

Mr. Yob said on the Henrico the county hasn’t County Board identified which of Supervisors, pieces of propto seek clarity erty would be and details about needed to comthe project and plete the project to quell fears of because it is still Garden City resiin the prelimidents.

Mr. Yob Ms. Tretina Mr. Forrester nary stages. A Cari M. Tretnumber of traffic studies by the county, the ina, chief of staff to County Manager John Virginia Department of Transportation and Vithoulkas, said the county has always worked the GreenCity developers would have to be with residents to improve their properties rather concluded, he said. than outright acquire them, especially residents Scott Road has been used to access the like those in Garden City who have lived in property, but Mr. Yob said that won’t be the the county for generations. case once Magellan Parkway is finished.

“For families who built their home or had “Magellan Parkway has been a project the that property for decades and decades, it’s really county has identified for a number of years,” important we honor that,” Ms. Tretina said.

Mr. Yob said. “The road we would build The massive GreenCity project is to include would be the main entrance into GreenCity. a 17,000-seat arena for concerts and sporting Scott Road will remain to allow access to the events, 2,400 housing units, two hotels, about 2 neighborhood, but I can’t see it being used in million square feet of office space and 280,000 this project.” square feet of retail space.

The conference call with county officials Ms. Tretina and Mr. Yob stressed that the was arranged by William “Bill” Forrester Jr., GreenCity project is neither finalized nor immipresident of the civic association, and Frank J. nent. The county is years and months away from Thornton, the Fairfield District representative putting shovels in the ground, they said.

“We’ve truly just started a lot of the public processes,” Ms. Tretina said. “When Mr. Thornton talks about transparency, we’re at the forefront of all those public processes.”

Part of that public process is having conference calls like these, the county officials told residents. The county already has held several virtual town halls for the public. Mr. Thornton told residents the county will continue to be transparent as the process continues.

After the conference call concluded, Mr. Forrester said many of the residents’ questions were answered.

“We don’t know all the information yet, but they listened to what we’re trying to say,” Mr. Forrester said. He said he will continue to monitor the progress of the development to inform and protect his neighbors.

“I think they were transparent with the information that they did have. I think they answered a lot of questions,” Mr. Forrester said after the meeting concluded. “We don’t know all the information yet but they listened to what we’re trying to say.”

Mr. Forrester said Monday night was a good start but he’ll continue to monitor the progress of the development in order to inform and protect his neighbors.

Virginia Flood Awareness Week | March 14-20

The Impacts of Place, Space, Climate Change and Race

Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization, National Wildlife Federation

Dr. Robert K. Nelson Director, Digital Scholarship Lab at the University of Richmond

March 18 6-9 p.m. EST

Desiré Branch-Ellis Policy Advisor, Virginia Department of Emergency Management

A virtual discussion on the disparate impacts of flooding in minority communities, barriers to recovery and why Virginia must be a leader for change.

This panel brings together community and policy leaders to discuss the impacts of historic and systemic racism and the impacts to minority communities grappling with flooding and climate change.

Rob Jones Executive Director, Groundwork RVA

Rudene Haynes Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Register at www.dcr.virginia.gov/FloodAwarenessWeek Division of Dam Safety and Floodplain Management in partnership with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

T:2

A6 February 25-27, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Search Blackowned In the past 12 months, searches for Black-owned businesses have increased 600%. So we’re making it easy for businesses to proudly self-identify as Black-owned on Google Search and Maps. IJīŋÔĬĔøŒ ŲĔřđ Ô űøŎĔǁ øô ŞŒĔĬøŒŒ zŎIJǁ Ħø IJĬ <IJIJČĦø îÔĬ ĬIJŲ Ôôô Ô ĦÔîģͦIJŲĬøô íŞŒĔĬøŒŒ ÔNJ ŎĔíŞřø řIJ řđøĔŎ ŋŎIJǁ Ħø̶ ŒIJ řđøŸ îÔĬ øÔŒĔĦŸ íø ċIJŞĬô íŸ îŞŒřIJīøŎŒ ŲđIJ ÔŎø ĦIJIJģĔĬČ řIJ ŒŞŋŋIJLj řđøī̵ Learn more at g.co/blackowned

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Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2021 A7

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A8 February 25-27, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Former Chesterfield NAACP head wins libel suit

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

McCoy’s request through his attorney, Mark S. Paullin, for $15,000 in punitive damages, Mr. LaSalle J. McCoy Jr. said he never took a dime McCoy said. from the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP The case began in March 2019 when Ms. during the 10 years he served as president, Thompson-Martin, who was elected the previand a county General District Court judge has ous November in 2018 as treasurer, obtained a agreed with him. criminal warrant against Mr. McCoy Judge Matthew D. Nelson found charging him with a misdemeanor that the branch’s treasurer, Nicole of embezzling $200 or less from the S. Thompson-Martin, besmirched branch’s bank account.

Mr. McCoy’s reputation by accusing Mr. McCoy said she also spread him of theft of branch funds and has news of the charge by email and ordered her to pay $10,000 to Mr. social media, claiming information McCoy, plus $62 in court costs. from the bank indicated the total “It feels really good,” Mr. McCoy Mr. McCoy had improperly spent on said after being vindicated at the Feb. meals and other items amounted to 9 hearing. more than $200.

He said before he filed suit, A special prosecutor called in to Mr. McCoy he sought an apology from Ms. handle the case declined to prosecute Thompson-Martin, but she refused. after reviewing the evidence, ending the criminal Ms. Thompson-Martin did not respond to a case in June 2019. request for comment. However, she has filed a However, as a result of the charge, Mr. notice that she plans to appeal the case to the McCoy refused to allow Ms. ThompsonChesterfield Circuit Court.

Martin’s name as treasurer to be put on the Mr. McCoy sued for $25,000. However, branch’s bank account as required by the Judge Nelson awarded him only $10,000 in NAACP bylaws. The national NAACP in the compensatory damages. The judge rejected Mr. fall of 2019 removed him as president of the

branch and as secretary of the state NAACP for failing to comply.

Mr. Paullin filed suit on Mr. McCoy’s behalf against Ms. Thompson-Martin in January 2020.

The hearing was postponed several times due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The suit stated that Ms. Thompson-Martin “knew or should have known that her statements alleging Mr. McCoy stole branch funds that she made under oath in seeking a warrant for his arrest were false (and) were made with reckless disregard for the truth ... and that (Ms. Thompson-Martin) made the statements with malice.”

Such statements “constitute libel per se in that they accuse (Mr.) McCoy of committing crimes of moral turpitude, to wit, larceny and fraudulent embezzlement,” the suit stated.

Mr. McCoy said Monday that the money Ms. Thompson-Martin claimed he stole from the branch was spent for NAACP purposes and came from a separate account that supports youth members’ participation in the national civil rights group’s ACT-SO educational program and competition.

“This all could have been avoided if (Ms. Thompson-Martin) had simply talked to me,” Mr. McCoy said after winning his case.

Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s star to shine on Hollywood Walk of Fame Free Press staff report

A dream of most people in the movie business is to get a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Ruth E. Carter is getting hers this week.

The Hampton University alumna who won the Academy Award for the costumes she designed for the 2018 blockbuster film “Black Panther will be honored with a star during a virtual ceremony 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 25.

To punctuate the importance of the moment, Oprah Winfrey and Eddie Murphy will be guest speakers during the ceremony as Ms. Carter’s star is placed at 6800 Hollywood Blvd.

The 60-year-old costume designer was the first AfricanAmerican to win an Oscar in the costume design category.

She also is just the second costume designer honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The first was the late Edith Head in 1960.

Ms. Carter’s special award, which was first announced in June 2019, will be cemented – literally – for eternity at the end of Black History Month.

A native of Springfield, Mass., graduated from Hampton University in 1982, earning a bachelor’s in theatre arts. She initially pursued acting, but her work in the wardrobe department during HU productions led her to costume design.

“We could not be prouder of her accomplishments and

success,” Hampton President William R. Harvey said in an announcement earlier this week to alumni and others. “Hampton University is honored to be part of Ruth’s journey. Her star continues to be the brightest in Hollywood.”

During her nearly 30-year career in the film industry, Ms. Carter had been nominated for an Academy Award twice before for best costume design for Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” in 1993 and Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” in 1998.

Ms. Carter also is the costuming force behind earlier movies such as “School Daze,” “Love & Basketball,” “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “Selma,” “Dolemite Is My Name” and the upcoming “Coming 2 America,” starring Eddie Murphy and James Earl Jones.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s social media platforms, including www.walkoffame. com, www.instagram.com/ hwdwalkoffame/ and https:// www.youtube.com/user/HwdWalkofFame.

People also can celebrate Ms. Carter and see her costume designs at the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta. The exhibit, “Ruth E Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” is on view through Sept. 12, and features more than 60 costumes from Ms. Carter’s career – from “Detroit Red” to Wakanda.

Ms. Carter

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING GRTC Regional Public Transportation Plan March 4, 2021 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting*

GRTC is developing a Regional Public Transportation Plan that includes plans for expansion of the network by about 20 percent in FY 2022. The 2020 General Assembly created the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) which establishes dedicated funding for priority transportation investments in the Richmond region. GRTC will receive 15 percent of these new CVTA funds, in which about $10 Million is planned to be allocated toward expansion. The Regional Public Transportation Plan which is required to be submitted to CVTA annually in collaboration with PlanRVA will identify how GRTC ZLOO VSHQG WKH UHJLRQDO GROODUV %XW ÀUVW ZH QHHG \RXU IHHGEDFN Phase 1 Feedback: Alternative Concepts for Expansion (Winter 2021)

GRTC will ask the public to review two alternative concepts for expansion in the Richmond region, where one concept prioritizes coverage routes and another prioritizes ridership.

Phase 2 Feedback: Draft Regional Public Transportation Plan (Spring 2021)

Based on the input received from Phase 1, GRTC will present a draft Regional Public Transportation Plan for feedback.

Meeting attendees can join the virtual RingCentral meeting from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/1483698886?pwd=SHlxM0Vobkl MdFYzRFNEZWdDM203QT09 Password: 804408 Or by phone +1(470)8692200, Meeting ID: 148 369 8886.

Video and audio of the meeting will also be streamed live on YouTube at the following web address: https://youtu.be/cR9LaKxAcFc 7KH PHHWLQJ SUHVHQWDWLRQ PDWHULDOV DUH DFFHVVLEOH RQ *57&·V ZHEVLWH http://ridegrtc.com/statistics-reports/projects-plans/regional-transit-plan Please take the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GRTCregplan1 Please send any questions or comments by March 15, 2021 to: Email: planningcomment@ridegrtc.com Phone: (804) 358-4782

Mail: Planning Division, GRTC Transit System, 301 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond VA 23224

* To protect the safety of meeting attendees, this meeting will be conducted solely through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with City of Richmond Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to inperson participation by the public. Necessary GRTC Administrative Staff will assemble electronically for this meeting and will participate by videoconference via RingCentral.

Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2021 A9

At the first sign of a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest call 9-1-1.

VCU Health Pauley Heart Center is committed to the safety and well-being of our community, especially those with underlying heart-related conditions.

Reduce your risks and take precautions to prevent getting COVID-19 The safest place to be is still in the hospital

Throughout the pandemic, there has been a sharp decrease in the number of people coming to the emergency room with heart attacks, strokes or other heart-related conditions.

Certain symptoms require immediate medical intervention and every second matters.

If you have a heart-related condition, do not stop taking your prescribed medications for high blood pressure, heart failure or heart disease. These medications don’t increase your risk of getting COVID-19. They are vital to maintaining your blood pressure levels to decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke and worsening heart disease.

To prevent getting COVID-19: • Wear a mask • Regularly wash your hands • Stay at least six feet away from others Get the vaccine when it becomes available.

911

Recognize common heart attack symptoms and call 9-1-1 at the first sign of a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest: • Uncomfortable pressure, tightness, burning, squeezing or pain in the chest • Shortness of breath • Pain or discomfort in an arm, the back, neck, jaw or stomach • Sudden nausea or vomiting • Lightheadedness or dizziness

COVID-19 and underlying conditions The coronavirus affects the whole body, including making it harder for your heart to perform normally, especially for those 65 or older.

Certain conditions can increase your chances of severe complications: • Heart failure • Coronary artery disease • Cardiomyopathies • Obesity • High blood pressure « In the United States, nearly half of adults have high blood pressure

We care about the health and safety of our communities. To learn more, visit vcuhealth.org/heart. © 2021 VCU Health. All rights reserved. VCU Health; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A10 February 25-27, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Feature

Arthur Ashe Jr.: If someone was to ever make a list of Richmond’s all-time greatest athletes, they’d start with Mr. Ashe.

Wilt Chamberla in: A true coloss us, “Wilt the St towering above ilt” was bigger every one of hi than life, s generation.

The art of sport

By Fred Jeter As a mere whippersnapper, I took a keen interest in watching sports, writing about sports and drawing pencil pictures at the kitchen table of my favorite sports figures.

Mr. Jeter Nothing has changed after all these decades.

From the Waynesboro High School Gold & Purple Glimpses (Class of 1968), to the Waynesboro News-Virginian, to the VCU Commonwealth Times, to Richmond Newspapers to the Richmond Free Press beginning in 2009, the passion remains.

I like to say I’ve written about just about everyone who has hit, thrown, rolled or bounced a ball anywhere in my path.

But that’s not all. Along the way, I have done hundreds of drawings—many of famous athletes and some of the not-so-famous.

In honor of Black History Month, here’s a small sampling I hope you will enjoy.

Bernard Harris: This VCU Ram once told me, “If you ain’t laughing, you ain’t living.”

“Supernard” became “Benkku” in Finland, where he moved.

Frank Mason III: Emerged as a star at Petersburg High and never lost stride en route to the University of Kansas and the NBA.

Doby d Larry n a a ll e n Campa agues. on, Roy the Negro Le s in b o in ie R e, Jack careers wcomb after starting e N n o yers: D ll-Stars 1948 pla first Black A e were th

Hank Aaron: Some may surpass “The Hammer’s” home run totals. No one will ever surpass his style and grace.

Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2021 A11

IT WASN’T JUST ANY HEART ATTACK. IT WAS MICHELE’S HEART ATTACK. YOUR HEART IS UNIQUE. AND THAT’S HOW WE TREAT IT.

We know every heart is unique. And as Virginia’s only nationally-ranked heart program, we’ll keep yours healthy and strong. Learn more at vcuhealth.org/heart.

Do not delay emergency care during COVID-19. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Richmond Free Press

Sun-kissed trees near Arthur Ashe Boulevard

Editorial Page

A12

February 25-27, 2021

No way equal We cannot sit by without commenting on the announcement by the University of Richmond regarding its examination into possibly renaming two campus buildings that honor white supremacists who were instrumental in the school’s history.

UR President Ronald A. Crutcher has announced that the university will not change the name of Ryland Hall, an academic building, one wing of which is named for the Rev. Robert Ryland.

Instead, he said, the university will “turn our attention to vividly and fully telling there the story” of UR’s first president, a man of complexity, Dr. Crutcher said, who helped establish First African Baptist Church. He was a slaveowner who profited also by renting out some of his slaves to the university.

During the Civil War, Rev. Ryland invested his money in Confederate war bonds and convinced the college to do likewise with its endowment, sending both the school and himself into near bankruptcy when the South surrendered and the bonds became worthless.

Dr. Crutcher said the stories of the people Rev. Ryland enslaved also will be permanently recognized, including by naming an outdoor terrace for one or more whose histories have been recovered through university research.

Dr. Crutcher also announced that Freeman Hall, a dormitory named for journalist, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and UR trustee Douglas Southall Freeman, a staunch segregationist and supporter of the eugenics movement, would be renamed Mitchell-Freeman Hall by adding the name of John Mitchell Jr., a Black newspaperman and businessman whose writings and work in the late 1800s and early 1900s were devoted to civil rights and anti-lynching efforts.

However well-intentioned the university’s efforts may be to squarely confront its racist roots, its unimpressive results are both tone-deaf and insulting to the honor and legacy of Mr. Mitchell. It is akin to the state’s abomination of adding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a holiday honoring Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

Mr. Mitchell remains a human rights icon to this day in the Richmond community where he seemed to thrive despite forces that sought to keep Black people in subjugation. He was born enslaved in 1863 and his family remained after the Civil War at Laburnum, the plantation of their former owner, a lawyer and former member of the Confederate congress.

He taught school for a short while before becoming editor at age 21 of the Richmond Planet newspaper, a weekly publication that crusaded for the equal rights and advancement of Richmond’s Black community, which was still being oppressed by white supremacy.

In 1904, when Mr. Freeman was just finishing his studies at Richmond College, UR’s forerunner, Mr. Mitchell was organizing a boycott of the city’s segregated trolley system. While his efforts were not successful like the Montgomery bus boycott of 1954 in Alabama that was led by the Dr. King, Mr. Mitchell steered the Richmond boycott for two years until it finally ended with the bankruptcy of the company, whose remains became the launching pad for Dominion Energy.

While Mr. Freeman used the power of his pen to venerate Confederate traitor Robert E. Lee and to perpetuate the poisonous myth of white supremacy and Black inferiority, Mr. Mitchell railed in the Richmond Planet against lynchings of Black people.

Mr. Mitchell urged people to stand strong and resist the abuses of discrimination and he put up his own money to help get a 15-year-old Black youth’s death sentence for allegedly raping a white woman commuted to 20 years in prison.

In addition to his writing, Mr. Mitchell got involved in business and politics to aid Black empowerment. He founded the Mechanics Savings Bank in 1901, represented the community as a Richmond alderman and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1921.

To link Mr. Mitchell’s name on a building with someone who devoted his life and talent to denying and denigrating the intelligence and humanity of Black people is an affront to Mr. Mitchell, offensive to Richmond’s Black community and a disservice to UR students who are sincere in their desire for a racial reckoning of UR’s past.

In April 2019, more than a year before people across metro Richmond and the nation woke up and took to the streets calling for a stop to racial injustice, UR student government groups passed a resolution insisting that the university change the names of the two buildings honoring Rev. Ryland and Mr. Freeman.

Their reason: “(B)oth have legacies intrinsically linked to the entrenchment and maintenance of white supremacy.”

The students called for the buildings’ names to be changed, while “preserving and publicly displaying information about the former names, the legacy of the individuals and the reason for the changes.”

This current effort, recommended by Dr. Crutcher and endorsed by the UR Board of Trustees, falls short of the expectations and hopes of UR students. And it harms the populace of Richmond’s larger community by insinuating that Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Freeman have equal standing in the history of the struggle for human dignity. They do not.

It is akin to slightly moving the Confederate Lee statue on Monument Avenue to make room for a statue of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and believing everything is fine. It is not.

The only thing Robert E. Lee and Frederick Douglass had in common was that they both grew up on plantations. The same way the only thing Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Freeman have in common is that they both worked for newspapers. One only has to read what they wrote to see they don’t deserve equal standing. If anything, putting their names together on a building drags down Mr. Mitchell’s legacy and stature.

While the University of Richmond is a private institution and doesn’t have to answer to the state’s taxpayers, it has to consider the consequences of its actions on current and potential donors and its prospects for attracting new students.

We don’t want to speculate on the impact of Dr. Crutcher’s announcement. But with the widespread awareness and activism of young people of all backgrounds with the Black Lives Matter Movement during the past year, many are eyeing universities unafraid to take bold action to acknowledge and deal with the sins of the past and recognize, respect and embrace the diversity of today and tomorrow.

Perhaps Dr. Crutcher’s actions were limited by the will of the Board of Trustees and the changes the board would accept.

If the board remains unwilling to remove the names of white supremacists from its buildings, then it should be ready to deal with the notoriety and consequences that brings.

Truly honoring Mr. Mitchell means more than slapping his name on a building for the sake of a possible class discussion or teachable moment. UR officials must understand that.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

President and the pandemic Dear President Biden, It’s no secret to any of us that Black Americans have carried a disproportionate burden throughout every stage of the pandemic. As you undertake the daunting task of leading the efforts to lift all Americans out of the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all prayerful for your success in accomplishing your goals.

Knowing that you are surrounded by truly capable people informing you on the impact that COVID-19 has on the Black community, I would like to, respectfully, share perspectives as seen and experienced by those of us “on the ground.”

In addition to the readers of this column in the Black Press, who have used this information to make better and more informed decisions about staying safe, healthy and, most importantly, alive during the past year, my hope is that this modest insight and perspective will find value in informing the policies and guidelines that you put forth.

My motivation for writing this letter resulted from my concern on the current issue of vaccine hesitancy in Black people. This is a far bigger issue than many prefer to acknowledge. Our society, particularly the medical establishment and public health officials, has pigeonholed vaccine hesitancy into a neat little package called “The Tuskegee Syphilis Study.”

First of all, Mr. President, it wasn’t truly The Tuskegee Syphilis Study. It was the United States Public Health Service Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male at Tuskegee.

Big, big difference.

President Biden, PHS was the predecessor to today’s U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This wasn’t a mad scientist in a basement conducting cruel experiments in the dark of night. This was the United States government.

These are the same Black folks who thought they could trust and depend on the government to protect us all from unscrupulous medical practices or behaviors that rob individual autonomy, allowing people to be in charge of their own lives and to have the freedom to make one’s own choices about how and whether to receive health care. It should be reasonable to expect that there would be hesitancy in this population. After all, it’s not about whether the vaccine is safe. This is about institutional mistrust.

Instead of convincing Black people that this vaccine is safe,

maybe we should be looking at medicine’s behavior in the treatment of Black people for more than 400 years. Maybe the medical and public health establishment could benefit in their strategy to address vaccine hesitancy by acknowledging that Black people have not had a single collectively posi-

Glenn Ellis tive experience with the health care system in more than 400 years.

A consideration for you, Mr. President, is that rather than funding and supporting initiatives that always approach this problem from a point of doing community education on how safe the vaccines are and parading respected Black people in front of the media getting their vaccination, why don’t we provide human and financial resources to medical education?

Why can’t we look at medical education curriculum so that we are producing a workforce of medical professionals who are aware of the historical origins of structural racism in medicine in this country?

Do we really understand not having paid time off to receive the vaccine? Most vaccine sites are only open during business hours in the work week. What health care infrastructure is in place for those in marginalized communities — hit disproportionately harder — while they recover from COVID-19 hospitalizations?

The current inequitable internet access across the country to register online for vaccines demonstrates the systemic disadvantage that many Black people and others in marginalized communities are facing to get a vaccine. This same pattern is reflected racially with the unsuccessful attempts at transitioning to online learning for the children and youths in the public schools in these same communities throughout the pandemic.

Currently, with the overwhelming demand for potentially life-saving vaccines, and in light of known, welldocumented research that shows disproportionate gaps in internet access, the public health officials are encouraging Americans to register online to receive the vaccines. But how are we going to ensure equitable access for all?

Then, there’s the issue of face masks. According to Nielsen, a retail tracker, medical masks have seen a 319 percent surge in national sales during the last month compared to the same time last year. How can communities with already existing high rates of poverty afford to maintain an adequate supply

of face masks to protect themselves and their families?

No one thought about the cost associated with wearing face masks for those folks in urban and rural areas with high poverty rates, including mine, Philadelphia, the poorest major city in America. We give out condoms, but don’t think about making face masks available to people.

There’s also the hidden issue in the affordability of face masks for the black market that has developed with inferior products that offer little to no protection. Entire communities across the nation, trying to do the right thing, are made vulnerable to becoming infected, all because they are poor and, in most cases, Black. Merchants are profiteering on fear, and higher prices mean only the more affluent can afford face masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and other essential items necessary to stay safe during this pandemic. Again, we give away condoms for free. Why can’t we make face masks as readily available?

I also worry about the pervasive chronic conditions.

What precautions are in place to protect people with chronic conditions as we watch the primary care network in this country? What is the “national strategy” for chronic disease management, while we fight the pandemic?

Is any agency or department responsible for making sure that there’s information or guidance for people to know whether to take their insulin prior to or after a vaccination? Should they eat first? How should they alter, if at all, their medication schedule?

I should also point out that there are almost 2 million Americans who are completely or mostly homebound, while another 5 million have limitations in daily functioning that make it hard for them to leave their homes. What about them?

Finally, Mr. President, there’s the escalating suicide rate among our children and young people.

In Black communities, the resulting social isolation and the “vicarious trauma” of police violence bombarding their minds daily leaves us with an estimated 15 million children and adolescents in need of therapy from mental health professionals, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

However, there are just 8,000 to 9,000 psychiatrists treating children and teenagers in the United States. There was more than a 20 percent increase in the demand for mental health services in 2020 alone. This figure is probably much higher because many people are underreporting and avoiding hospitals

because of COVID-19.

In December, the Congressional Black Caucus issued a report showing suicide attempts by Black adolescents rose 73 percent between 1991 and 2017. White youths still die by suicide at higher rates than Black youths, and Black children under 13 are still twice as likely to die by suicide than their white counterparts.

We can do better on all of this, President Biden. We must do better. We’re rooting for you and your leadership.

The writer is a visiting scholar at the National Bioethics Center at Tuskegee University and a Harvard Medical School Fellow in Research Bioethics and Writing.

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Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2021 A13

Commentary

Changing Va.’s laws would honor the work of HIV advocates For more than 20 years, organizations around the country have commemorated National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day as a moment to raise awareness, spark conversations and highlight the work being done to reduce HIV in Black communities.

This past Feb. 7 was another important opportunity to recognize the rich and powerful history — and the current work — of Black HIV advocacy and action in our region.

Eleanor Harrison spent more than 30 years spearheading community outreach as a public health employee for the City of Richmond and the Health Brigade. When too many people turned their backs on individuals living with HIV/AIDS because of fear and stigma in the 1980s, she pulled up and parked her outreach van. With tenacity and compassion, Ms. Harrison helped ensure communities of color had access to educational resources, appropriate medical care and other support services.

Ms. Harrison passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of love and empathy that created a sturdy foundation on which many others stand today.

Working on behalf of Nia Inc. of Greater Richmond, a program started through Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in 1995, Lindsay Bryant is a familiar face at outreach events throughout the community. For three decades, she has been fearless in initiating tough conversations about safe sex and the importance of reducing transmission in the Black community. She has presented safe sex seminars at regional African-American church seminars and organized educational initiatives in the local community.

Zakia McKensey is another fierce trailblazer who positively impacts our region through the Nationz Foundation. Her team of community health advocates provides free HIV and STI testing, as well as other safety net resources, to support LGBTQ+ individuals. The nonprofit recently launched a PrEP clinic to make sure more people have access to the daily medication that is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission.

While those are just a few names, there are so many more unsung heroes making a positive impact in our region. I join the larger community in gratitude for their advocacy and dedication.

I am working now to carry the torch of their important work. In 2018, I co-founded an organization called Ending Criminalization of HIV and Overincarceration in Virginia, or ECHO VA. Our objective is to change the racially biased laws that are unfairly used against people living with HIV.

I learned of my HIV status when I was three months pregnant about 20 years ago. Thanks to medicine and my support system, my child was born without HIV. Today, I am healthy and can’t transmit HIV to partners because I maintain an undetectable viral load through the use of antiretroviral therapy.

Before giving birth, I moved from Texas to Alexandria and discovered something else: My HIV status was criminalized in Virginia.

At first, the state’s statutes

Deirdre Johnson that criminalize a person’s HIV status did not sink in. Only years later did I discover just how unjust and dangerous these discriminatory laws are for my community’s health.

Currently, Virginia law subjects people living with HIV to prosecution and punishment by criminalizing potential exposure, non-disclosure or potential transmission of HIV. Many of the country’s first HIV statutes were passed in the 1980s and 1990s when information was scarce, including here in Virginia.

Today, these laws are outdated, don’t reflect modern science and only serve to perpetuate stigma. We also know they are discriminatory and disproportionately impact Black, Latinx, Indigenous and other communities of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Due to decades of underfunding, underresourcing and care systems burdened by systemic racism, HIV remains an epidemic in the Black community despite the work of so many people like Ms. Harrison, Ms. Bryant and Ms. McKensey. The fact is, laws criminalizing a person’s HIV status are only exacerbating the extent of the crisis.

While making up only 19.5 percent of the state’s population, Black people represent 58 percent of persons living with HIV in Virginia.

The rate of Black males living with HIV is 5.5 times higher than white males, and the rate of Black females living with HIV is 15.1 times that of white females.

In 2019, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released “Ending the HIV Epidemic,” a plan to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030. A critical component of the strategy is to reinforce the importance of locally designed plans to improve interventions and care.

Across the nation, we already know that HIV

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A Message from Senator Jennifer McClellan We Must Increase Protections for Domestic Workers My mom, aunts, grandmother, and great grandmother were all domestic workers for white families in segregated Mississippi. As my mom told it, that’s all they could do. As was the case throughout the South, employment options for Black people—especially Black women—were extremely limited.

For more than 400 years, the American economy has been built on the backs of do kK b then through low-wage jobs that allowed others to work higher-paying jobs that wouldn’t employ Black workers.

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for America’s homes and families, the majority of whom are immigrant women and women of color. According to data from the " # b >8 of domestic workers are women, and half of all domestic workers are women of color.

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people or were the only jobs that Black people were able to take on. For decades, those workers were excluded from the minimum wage, workers’ compensation, the Human Rights Act, workplace safety standards, and unemployment insurance.

criminalization laws are ineffective public health strategies, but we also have local insights. A workgroup of people living with HIV formed by the Virginia Department of Health in 2013 pointed to criminal statutes as a key reason people don’t get tested. Eight years later, it’s time that our public policy is reflected in those findings.

As with many viruses, widespread testing is essential, and if a person tests positive, they must remain in treatment and care. That is the formula for ultimately ending the epidemic.

Remember — and this point is key — people living with HIV who suppress the virus through antiretroviral treatment cannot transmit HIV to anyone else.

A bill moving through the General Assembly could significantly improve health outcomes in our state by decriminalizing a person’s HIV status.

Sponsored by state Sens. Jennifer McClellan of Richmond and Mamie Locke of Hampton, SB 1138 would create several updates to the Virginia Code limiting the scope of the law to prevent criminalization. It also would eliminate additional punishments for people living with HIV when charged with a crime. Put simply, this bill is a common sense measure founded on sound public health policy and underlying care for people.

We’re seeing positive momentum in the legislature, but there’s still important work to be done. Last week, lawmakers passed an amended version of the bill that alarmingly includes a felony penalty, which means Virginians living with HIV could be penalized for up to five years in prison if charged. The bill in its current form is harmful to vulnerable populations, especially Black transgender women.

It’s critical lawmakers remove the felony penalty and reduce it to a misdemeanor — the original language drafted by Sens. McClellan and Locke, which means we still have the tools to prosecute an intention to transmit, while ensuring that Virginians living with HIV can safely access health care and prevention services without fear of prosecution.

Advocacy related to HIV/AIDS has a proud and determined history. Through the years, I’ve borne witness to how singular voices raised collectively can create change, shine light into darkness and find the humanity in all of us. I’m proud to join the chorus of change makers calling for a healthier and more equitable Virginia by passing SB 1138 without a felony penalty.

The writer is co-founder of ECHO VA. She can be reached at deirdrejspeaks@gmail.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT TO THE 2019-2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN In accordance with City’s citizen participation requirements for federal funds, a 10-day public comment period for the amendment to 2019 Annual Action Plan (City FY 2020) will begin on February 25, 2021, and will be extended to end on March 12, 2021. By this notice the City of Richmond announces the availability of the Amended 2019 Annual Action Plan Budget, is ready for public review and comment.

On Monday, March 22, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, the Richmond City Council will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan and FY 2019-2020 budget for CARES Act funding related to COIVID-19 pandemic for Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 (CDBG-CV). The additional funds are a result of the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed by the President in March of 2020 to address the Corona Virus Pandemic. These funds were allocated to the City from the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to address the City of Richmond priorities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic WKDW KDYH EHHQ LGHQWL¿HG LQ WKH $QQXDO $FWLRQ 3ODQ &LWL]HQV and interested persons are invited to give their views regarding the use of CDBG-CV funds for the proposed Annual Action Plan. The City will arrange for reasonable accommodations for non-English speaking persons or those persons with visual, hearing, or mobility LPSDLUPHQWV ZKHQ QRWL¿HG $Q\RQH ZLVKLQJ WR VSHDN DW WKH SXEOLF KHDULQJ SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH 2I¿FH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN E\ DP March 22, 2021 at 804-646-7955.

Despite this success, domestic workers remain at risk of losing their jobs based on race, color, religion, sex, or if they become pregnant. Additionally, domestic workers are not protected from the workplace issues that could arise due to the pandemic, and could be K

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The following project budget amendments are the result of additional HUD funding and reprograming of surplus funds and the cancelation of an existing activity. No additional funds were received from HUD for this amendment. The propose activities are outlined below:

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canceled, and 78 percent of all domestic workers now earn less than $300 dollars in their best work week.

Affordable Housing for Older Adults (HomeAgain) – Add a new activity at $1,600,000 for the acquisition of 501 N. Allen Avenue to house persons who have been impacted by COVID-19 and to provide permanent supportive housing for the stabilization of housing for these individuals. This location will also allow HomeAgain to house persons in isolation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The building may house up to 75 residents.

This year, I introduced the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (SB 1310) to expand additional workers’ rights to domestic workers to extend the protections of the Virginia Human Rights Act and workplace health and safety protections. Last week, SB 1310 passed * 0

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Marcia Price (D-Newport News) is expected to pass today.

As these bills become law, I look forward to continuing to take steps to protect domestic workers. I also look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to share your

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nated minimum wage exclusions for newsboys, shoe-shine boys, babysitters, ushers, doormen, concession attendants, and theater cashiers. Last year, partnering with Care in Action, I passed SB 804 making domestic workers eligible for minimum wage. This bill 1 K 5 secure any employee protections for domestic workers.

PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY FRIENDS FOR JENNIFER MCCLELLAN

Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG-CV): $1,700,000

Re-Employment Assistance (BHC) - Cancel the BHC’s Reemployment Assistance activity. Decrease activity by $150,000 from $150,000 to $0. This activity was awarded funds in the ¿UVW URXQG RI WKH 12)$ IRU &29,' IXQGLQJ KRZHYHU HUD made a determination that the activity was not an eligible activity. The City is reprogramming the $150,000 to other eligible activities in this O & R. City Workforce Development Program (PRCF) – Add a new activity at $100,000 for the training and hiring of persons who lost their jobs or had their hours cut in the retail and hospitality industry during COVID-19. Provide referrals to job opportunities offered through the City and other regional employment partners.

CDBG-CV Surplus (HCD) –This is money that was not appropriated to a project from the CDBG-CV allocation.

Decrease by $104,456 from $104,456 to $0 to fund eligible COVID-19 activities.

Grant Administration (HCD) - Decrease by $83,198 from $226,978 to $143,780. The $83,198 will fund eligible COVID-19 activities. The remaining funds will be used for program management by Housing and Community Development.

Copies of the amended 2019 Annual Action Plan are available for public review online on the Department of Housing and Community Developments website located at www.richmondgov. com. Citizens can also request a hard copy or electronic copy via e-mail or US Mail. To request a copy, contact Daniel Mouer at daniel.mouer@richmondgov.com or by mail at the City of Richmond, Department of Housing & Community Development, 1500 E Main Street, Suite 400, Richmond VA 23219-3571. The City of Richmond does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission of, or access to, or treatment in its federally assisted programs or activities. Virginia Relay Center - TDD Users - 1-800-828-1120.

Citizens and interested persons are invited to give their views regarding the use of CDBG-CV funds for the proposed Annual Action Plan. The City will arrange for reasonable accommodations for non-English speaking persons or those persons with visual, hearing, RU PRELOLW\ LPSDLUPHQWV ZKHQ QRWL¿HG ZLWKLQ ¿YH EXVLQHVV GD\V of the close of the public comment period. Submit comments and views in writing to: Daniel Mouer, Housing and Community Development Administrator, Housing and Community Development, 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23219-3571 or by e-mail to daniel.mouer@richmondgov.com.

Richmond Free Press

A14 February 25-27, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Anderson gives NSU spark from arc

Daryl Anderson Jr. is Norfolk State University’s spark from the arc. Most of his points come in bunches of threes.

The super slender 6-foot-7, 180-pound sophomore from Midlothian leads the MEAC with a .491 3-point percentage. The NCAA national average is 33 percent.

Anderson would be among the top five nationally with a few more attempts. A shooter needs 1.5 connections per game to be ranked nationally and Anderson stands at 1.44.

Entering games this week for NSU Coach Robert Jones, Anderson has made 26 of 53 attempts from behind the 22-foot, 1¾-inch bonus arc.

This is a continuation of his freshman season when the left hander swished 14 of 29 3-pointers for 48.3 percent.

“My role is basically to make shots,” said Anderson. “Shooting the three is the basis of my game. It goes back to when I was a kid in an empty gym. I’d just shoot and rebound my own shot, shoot and rebound, over and over.”

Anderson is the son of DeAnna and Daryl Anderson Sr. Anderson’s shot selection is predictable. Of his 62 total attempts, 86 percent have been launched from the 3-point range.

When he’s hot, he’s hot. He was four-for-six on 3-pointers while scoring 17 points against Old Dominion

NSU’s Daryl Anderson takes a shot.

University and three-of-four against Hampton University in a 12-point night.

He also had 12 points against Radford University, and 13- and 11-point outings against Coppin State University.

Known as “D.J.” — “A lot of people don’t even know my real name,” he said — Anderson has an overall scoring average of 5.9 points while logging about 16 minutes a contest.

The business entrepreneurship major also leads NSU in overall shooting percentage — 548; he has missed just once on 2-pointers — and free-throw accuracy — 12 for 15, or .800.

“My goal is to put on more weight so I can be a more all-round player like I was in high school,” he said.

Anderson modeled numerous different school colors in a journeyman-like

high school career. His jump shot can be traced from Midlothian High School in 2014-15, to Amelia Academy in 201516, to Millwood School in Chesterfield from 2016-18 and finally at Miller School of Albemarle in 2018-19.

His Amelia team finished second in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division III in 2016. Millwood reached the Division II quarterfinals in 2017 and 2018. Miller was Division 1 state runner up in 2019.

“We came close every year, close enough to get a taste of it,” Anderson said of the championships.

Norfolk State University wants more than just a nibble of the MEAC title.

Hungry for success, the Spartans started the week 12-7 overall and in first place in the conference at 7-4.

The MEAC Tournament will be March 11 through 13 at the Norfolk Scope, with the champion advancing to the NCAAs. Last season’s MEAC Tournament was canceled because of the pandemic.

NSU’s last MEAC Tournament title was in 2012. Led by Kyle O’Quinn, the 11th-seeded Spartans went on to upset No. 2 Missouri in the NCAA first round before losing to Florida.

To attain anything resembling the 2012 heroics, the Spartans will need to be at their best at the Scope. Having the conference’s top 3-point shooter should help.

QB Jalon Jones hands Sanders first college coaching victory With able assistance from former area athlete Jalon Jones, Deion Sanders is 1-0 as a college head football coach at Jackson State University.

In his first game coaching, the Tigers defeated visiting Edward Waters College 53-0 on Feb. 21 at Mississippi Veteran Memorial Stadium in Jackson.

Among the game’s headliners was quarterback Jones, a former Henrico

Jalon Jones

High School standout who transferred to Jackson State from the University of Florida.

Jones connected on 18 of 20 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns, and ran seven times for 39 yards, including a 12yard touchdown carry.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Jones is the son of Richmond City Councilman Michael Jones, 9th District, and Tanya Hughes,

Hampton alum becomes first Black head football coach at Marshall University Hampton University alumnus Charles Huff has become the first Black head football coach at Marshall University.

Huff, 37, was named Jan. 17 to succeed Doc Holliday at the university in Huntington, W.Va. Holliday posted an 85-54 record over 11 seasons.

For the past two seasons, Huff served as an associate head coach and running backs coach at the University of Alabama,

the current national college football champion.

Huff previously served as a college assistant with Penn State, Vanderbilt, Western Michigan, Maryland and Hampton and with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

A native of Maryland, Huff played primarily as a lineman for the Hampton University Pirates from 2002 to 2005 and was team captain during his senior year.

Charles Huff

who represented the United States in the high jump at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Dr. Jones was a linebacker and team captain on the University of Colorado football team in 1990 that defeated the University of Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl to win the national championship.

Jalon’s older sister, Jocelyn “JoJo” Jones, is a former star basketball player at Cosby High School in Chesterfield County and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

After Jackson State’s victory, a gleeful Jones was among the Tigers who drenched Coach Sanders with a tank of Gatorade.

The sideline spectators included Troy Aikman, Coach Sanders’ former teammate with the Dallas Cowboys.

Edwards Waters College is an NAIA affiliate located in Jacksonville, Fla. The competition figures to stiffen this Saturday, Feb. 27, when Jackson State plays host to in-state SWAC rival Mississippi Valley State University. Coach Sanders’ first road test will be March 6 at Grambling State University in Louisiana.

Jackson State will play seven regular season games with hopes of qualifying for the SWAC championship game and the NCAA/FCS playoffs.

Flying Squirrels to return to action on May 4 Starved for baseball?

Circle May 4 on your calendar.

That’s the date the Richmond Flying Squirrels will return to action for the first time since 2019.

The entire 2020 season for all minor league baseball was canceled because of the global pandemic.

The 2021 version of the Flying Squirrels will commence a 120-game schedule against the Hartford Yard Goats of Connecticut, an affiliate team of the Colorado Rockies.

T h e Jose Alguacil teams will play a six-game series through May 9 at The Diamond on Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond. At this juncture, there are no details regarding any pandemic-caused attendance limitations.

Richmond will continue to be theAAfarm club of the parent San Francisco Giants, but the name of its league has changed.

The old Eastern League is now the Double A Northeast League. Richmond will compete in the Southwest Division with teams from Akron, Ohio; Altoona, Erie and Harrisburg, Penn., and Bowie, Md. The regular season will end with an Aug. 14-19 series at Erie.

Back for his second stint as manager will be José Alguacil.

The native Venezuelan managed Richmond in 2015, posting a 72-68 record.

Prior to the 2020 cancelation, Richmond was 55-84 in 2019 under manager Willie Harris.

50th anniversary of historic 1970-71 Rams basketball team

What’s commonplace today in college basketball — an all-Black lineup—was head spinning a half century ago.

Virginia Commonwealth University, located in the former capital of the Confederacy, made a bit of history during the 1970-71 season by putting an all-Black lineup on the basketball court.

The Rams, along with Florida State and Western Kentucky universities that same season, are believed to be the first majority-white schools in the South to field five Black starters.

Under first-year Coach Chuck Noe, the Rams went 15-9 with an often first five of Charles “Jabo” Wilkins (20.2 points per game), Greg McDougald (16.5 points per game), Charles Booker (11.2 points per game), Jesse Dark (10.7 points per game) and Reggie Cain (9.0 points per game).

Black reserve players included David Edwards, Howie Robertson, Bernard Harris and Cornell Jones, along with white players David Hobbs, Mike Fling, Barry Sudduth and Keith Lawson.

It’s important to note Don “Cisco” Ross, who set the program record for points in a game (55 points against Old Dominion), was sidelined his senior season in 1970-71 because of a back injury.

At the time, VCU was affiliated with NCAA Division II and NAIA. Full Division I status didn’t come until three seasons later.

That same year, VCU opened its “new” Franklin Street Gym with a homecoming victory over HBCU Bluefield State College.

On Dec. 28, 1970, the Rams recorded their first victory of national significance by upsetting visiting University of Minnesota in overtime at the Franklin Street Gym. On Feb. 10, 1971, VCU defeated ODU 79-71 at home in the Rams’ first televised game through a local hookup with WWBTChannel 12. The game aired on a delay following the 11 p.m. news.

Other Virginia schools were a bit slower in breaking the color line.

Charlie Lipscomb was Virginia Tech’s first Black player in 1969-70; Al Drummond was first at the University of Virginia in 1971-72; Carlton Mack was first at the University of Richmond in 1971-72; Char-

Bernard Harris

Jesse Dark

Charles Wilkins

Greg McDougald

lie Tyler was the first at Virginia Military Institute in 1971-72; and Ron Satterthwaite was the trailblazer at the College of William & Mary in 1973-74.

In 1970-71, Coach John Oldham’s Western Kentucky Hilltoppers reached the NCAA Final Four with Black starters Jim McDaniels, Jim Rose, Clarence Glover, Jerry Dunn and Rex Bailey.

Also in 1970-71, Florida State went 17-9 with a Black lineup of Ron King, Reggie Royals, Vernell Ellzy, Rowland Garrett and Otto Petty.

Coach Hugh Durham’s Seminoles advanced to the NCAA Finals the next year, losing to UCLA. VCU was still wet behind the ears in basketball in 1970-71. The team makeup was a mixture of returnees from 1969-70 and an extremely talented group of freshman, who actually began the season on VCU’s first and only freshman team.

Here’s a rundown of the “Runnin’ Rams” of 50 years ago: • Charles “Jabo” Wilkins (senior, 6-foot-3, from Richmond’s Maggie L. Walker High School): Transferred to VCU from Fayetteville State and ranks with the program’s all-time scorers and rebounders.

• Greg McDougald (freshman, 6-foot-7, James Monroe High School in Bronx, N.Y.): The lefty was brilliant as a newcomer before transferring to Seminole Junior College in Florida and then to Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma.

• Charles Booker (senior 6-foot-7, Glassboro, N.J.): The transfer from Glassboro State was a steady force under the boards and later became a VCU assistant coach.

• Jesse Dark (freshman, 6-foot4, Maggie L. Walker High School): “Bodine,” famous for his gold tooth and powerful physique, became VCU’s first ever NBA draftee. He was picked in the second round by the New York Knicks in 1974.

• Reggie Cain (6-foot-2, freshman, James Monroe High, Bronx, N.Y.): Following a solid career with VCU, he became one of the area’s more prominent high school officials.

Edwards, also from New York City, quickly moved into the lineup and became one of the school’s all-time leaders in assists.

Robertson, another New Yorker, became a four-year regular under Coach Noe. The 6-foot-10 Harris, from Roanoke, grew into being one of the program’s all-time performers and was drafted by the NBA’s Buffalo Braves in 1974.

Hobbs, a transfer from Ferrum College, became a VCU assistant coach under J.D. Barnett and later head coach at the University of Alabama.

In the previous season, 1969-70, VCU had just four Black players, Wilkins, Booker, Charles Chambliss and Ross.

The 1970-71 freshmen were first recruited to VCU by Coach Benny Dees.

When Coach Dees left in the summer of 1970 to become an assistant coach at Western Kentucky, the prized freshmen then were successfully re-recruited by incoming Coach Noe. It was the start of something big. In the 50 years since, the Rams are 981-530 for a .649 winning percentage — the 12th best among all Division I schools.

Old-timers suggest the chain of success traces its roots to the “historical” season of 1970-71.

New Kansas City Monarchs team to debut this spring Remember the Kansas City Monarchs, the long-ago powerhouse in Negro Leagues baseball?

They’re back!

Well, sort of.

A 21st century facsimile of the K.C. Monarchs is set to debut this spring as a member of the American Association of Baseball, an independent league partnered with Major League Baseball.

The team formerly was known as the Kansas City T-Bones and plays home games at the Field of Legends. Its color scheme of navy blue, red and cream is similar to that of the original team.

The new Monarchs also will partner with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

A Monarchs’ coach is Frank White, 70, a five-time, major league All-Star with the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1990.

An active player is infielder Darnell Sweeney, 29, a former player with Philadelphia and Toronto.

This independent squad is not to be confused with the original Monarchs, who competed in the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1961. The original Monarchs won 12 Negro Leagues divisional titles and Negro World Series crowns in 1924 and 1942.

Among the Kansas City Monarchs standouts now in the Baseball Hall of Fame are Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, Cool Papa Bell, Buck O’Neil, Satchel Paige, Elston Howard and many others.

Tournament cancellation dashes Randolph-Macon’s hopes for national title Randolph-Macon College will have to settle for a conference title this season, hopeful that a national crown remains on the table for 2021-22.

The Yellow Jackets have two conference games remaining before the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament, March 1 through 11. All games will be played at a higher seed.

Randolph-Macon’s basketball team was a preseason No. 1 pick in the NCAA Division III, but the Yellow Jackets’ chances for a national championship were eliminated when the NCAA canceled its national playoffs recently because of the pandemic.

The private school in Ashland started this week 5-0 but hadn’t played since Feb. 2 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Philip Stanton, R-MC’s sports information director, announced that seniors Buzz Anthony and David Funderburg are planning to return for the 2021-22 season. The NCAA is allowing an extra year of eligibility due to all the problems associated with the pandemic.

Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2021

Actions

Speak

Louder Words have value, especially when they are used to make a promise. But the most important thing about a promise is the action you take afterward. At Dominion Energy, we believe in taking action – to deliver on our commitment to help people, communities, and the environment.

COVID-19 Response and Support In response to the pandemic’s economic impact, Dominion Energy has stepped up to meet the needs of our customers. We suspended all service disconnections for non-payment to provide uninterrupted, reliable service 24/7. We have given more than $1 million to support coronavirus relief efforts by the American Red Cross and other nonprofits, to help our communities in need.

Social Justice and Higher Education At Dominion Energy, we believe higher education is critical to addressing centuries of institutional racism. That is why we have committed $35 million to our initiative supporting historically Black colleges and universities, and to minority student scholarships. In addition, we have allocated another $5 million to promote social justice and community building.

Solar and Wind Energy To build a cleaner energy future, we have added more than 3.5 million solar panels throughout Virginia, helping to make us America’s third largest in solar. In addition, we are developing the largest offshore wind project in the U.S., which will produce enough energy to power 660,000 homes by 2026.

EnergyShare® For years, our EnergyShare® program has helped our neighbors across Virginia, assisting individuals and their families with bill payment and energy saving upgrades. As of today, the program has helped more than 858,000 people. In 2020, we expanded the EnergyShare® program to assist those impacted by the coronavirus with an additional $500,000 to help provide energy bill relief for small businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship throughout Virginia.

Lower Rates And to help residential customers, we have kept our rates more than 10%* below the national average.

Turning promises into reality is what defines us. That is why we are proud to invest in what we believe in, and what we know is important to you.

*Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of 1/26/2021

B1

Richmond Free Press

B2 February 25-27, 2021

Happenings

5 honored with annual ‘Strong Men & Women in Virginia History’ award

Dr. Lerla G. Joseph, a Richmond physician and community health advocate, is among five African-American leaders named as this year’s “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History.”

The five were honored by Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia in the annual Black History Month program spotlighting people from the past and present who have made noteworthy contributions to the Commonwealth.

Dr. Joseph, who specializes in geriatric and internal medicine, has medical offices in Richmond and Petersburg.

She earned her undergraduate degree Dr. Joseph from Winston-Salem State University, her medical degree from Wake Forest University and completed her internal medicine residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington. After working as an internist for the U.S. Public Health Service at a community clinic in Detroit, Dr. Joseph joined a medical practice in Richmond in 1983.

She opened her own private practice in Charles City County and saw the lack of comprehensive medical care in area communities. She expanded her practice into Richmond during the 1990s opening a diagnostic center and providing disease prevention education and other services.

In 2012, she founded the Central Virginia Coalition of Healthcare Providers, one of the nation’s few minority-owned accountable care organizations that brings together general practitioners, specialists and other medical professionals to provide accessible, high quality and affordable care for Medicare recipients.

She has served on the boards of Richmond Community Hospital and Bon Secours Health System, and was the first woman elected president of the Richmond Medical Society in 1994. Later, she served as the first female president of the Old Dominion Medical Society, for which she helped raise more than $60,000 for scholarships for Black medical students.

Dr. Joseph also organized annual short-term missions to Haiti, where she has provided medical treatment and supplies since 2005. In 2017, she received the International Trends and Services Award from the Eastern Area Links Inc. in recognition of her mission work.

Other 2021 honorees are: • Sen. L. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, the first woman and first African-American to serve as president pro tempore of the state Senate.

Sen. Lucas was one of the first women to graduate from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard apprentice program, where she became its first female ship fitter in 1971. She later worked as the command’s Federal Women’s Program manager and as an Equal Employment Opportunity officer.

She studied vocational-industrial education and urban affairs at Norfolk State University, earning a bachelor’s in 1971 and a master’s in 1982. In 1994, she joined the NSU faculty coordinating research efforts and securing federal aid to develop retraining programs as a result of military and defense industry downsizing in the region. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Sen. Lucas is president and chief executive officer of Lucas Lodge and other related businesses providing residential and health care services for intellectually disabled adults.

Concerned about substandard housing, Sen. Lucas got involved

8th Annual Black Book Expo to feature author talks Feb. 27 and 28 Tables full of new books and an opportunity to meet various authors.

Those will be among the highlights of the 8th Annual Black Book Expo this weekend at the Elegba Folklore Society in Downtown and virtually on Facebook Live.

“Everyone is welcome,” said Janine Y. Bell, founder and director of Elegba, which will stage the expo at Elegba’s cultural center, Ms. Bell 101 E. Broad St. It will be held 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, and 3 to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 28.

Ms. Bell said, as usual, the center will be packed with books

by Black authors on topics ranging from Black history, culture and politics to science, health, cooking, spirituality, personal development and fiction.

She said COVID-19 protocols will be observed in presenting the society’s first in-person event since the pandemic began nearly a year ago, though she noted that people also can tune in through Elegba Folklore Society’s social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram.

This year’s expo already has been underway, Ms. Bell said, through interviews with authors over Facebook Live.

Talks by authors also will be featured on both days. Here is the schedule: Saturday, Feb. 27: 3:30 p.m. J. A. Rollins, “ii-V-I: A JassOdyssey,” fictional journey through jazz history ; 4 p.m.

David Miller, “Chef Toussaint,” children’s book on a 9-year-old becoming a master chef; 4:15 p.m. Hollee Freeman, “Muddy Ballerinas,” story on interracial friendship; 4:30 p.m. Kerwyn Phillip, “Malik’s First Job: Financial Tips for Teens and Young Adults” and 5 p.m. Y.B. Taylor, poetic works.

Sunday, Feb. 28: 3:30 p.m. Melissa Fanning, “Sea Lessons with Daddy,” tribute to a veteran; 4 p.m. Jewel Peterson, “We Will Gaze at the Sun to Find Her: Poems for the Reclamation of the Black Female Body from Fabrication;” 4:15 p.m. Braxton Byerson, “Stay on the Tracks: The Journey of Patience & Perseverance,” personal development; 4:30 p.m. Dr. Ronald A. Crutcher, “I Had No Idea You Were Black: Navigating Race on the Road to Leadership,” an autobiographical commentary on the University of Richmond president’s work to bridge America’s racial and cultural divides.

Details: www.efsinc.org or (804) 644-3900.

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19 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, VA 23219 (804) 648-1044 WWW.WALLERJEWELRY.COM

Sen. Lucas

Ms. Jones

Ms. Syphax

with the Portsmouth Emergency Housing Coalition and served as director of the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project from 1985 to 1992.

She entered politics in 1984, becoming the first Black woman to win election to Portsmouth City Council.

Since being elected to the Senate in November 1991, Sen. Lucas has advocated for the expansion of health care for Virginians, restoration of voting rights for felons, expansion of background checks before firearms purchases and regulations allowing casino gambling.

• Krysta Jones of Arlington is a political activist and mentor who started the Virginia Leadership Institute in 2006.

The nonpartisan organization, now known as Vote Lead Impact, trains and mentors African-Americans interested in running for elected office at all levels. The organization has trained more than 350 future political candidates and leaders. Fifteen of the 30 who have run for office were elected, with more than 10 others receiving appointments to boards and commissions.

After graduating from the University of Florida, where she directed Students Taking Action Against Racism, Ms. Jones spent two years in Paraguay with the Peace Corps. Upon returning to Arlington County, she worked as a lobbyist and studied at the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and attended the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University.

She also earned a master’s from George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management and published “A Seat at the Table,” a guide to help people get involved in solving community problems.

She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and served on the boards of the Junior League of Northern Virginia and the Arlington Community Foundation.

• Evelyn Reid Syphax, who died in March 2000, was an educator and entrepreneur in Arlington County.

A Lynchburg native and 1948 graduate of Virginia Union University, Ms. Syphax moved to Arlington County in 1951, where she taught while earning a master’s in early childhood education from New York University.

She taught in Lynchburg for several years before marrying Archie D. Syphax, a firefighter whose family had a long history of public service in Arlington. When she could not find a preschool in segregated Arlington that would accept her son, Ms. Syphax started the Syphax Child Care Center in 1963. She also taught and served as a reading specialist in the county’s public schools

until retiring in 1972.

In 1980, Ms. Syphax began a four-year term on the Arlington School Board, where she advocated for a program to improve reading, writing and math skills of underachieving elementary students.

She also organized a local Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapter to provide scholarships and mentoring programs and established a local chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women to improve the social and political status of Black women.

Ms. Syphax also helped lead the fight for a state historic marker at the site of the Freedmen’s Village and for creating the Black Rev. Maclin Heritage Museum of Arlington.

In 2010, VUU named its School of Education in her honor.

• The Rev. Stanley Maclin Sr. of Harrisonburg, who died on Jan. 11, was a minister and social justice advocate deeply involved in the community.

Born in Peoria, Ill., Rev. Maclin became a Mennonite minister and, during the 1980s, served as pastor of Joy Mennonite Fellowship in Peoria. He was president of the Harrison Homes Mission in one of that city’s public housing developments.

He advocated for a stronger African-American presence in church leadership, becoming president for 12 years of the African American Mennonite Association beginning in 1989. In 1991, he became pastor of Jubilee Christian Fellowship in Richmond.

About 2000, he moved to Harrisonburg and studied urban ministry and community outreach at Eastern Mennonite University. He worked with the local chapter of Virginia Organizing to bring immigrant groups together and to combat anti-immigration legislation.

He promoted criminal justice reform and taught a class at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Jail on empowerment and reentry after incarceration. He urged the Harrisonburg City Council to rename a street for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 2013. And in response to police shootings of unarmed Black men, Rev. Maclin co-founded Americans Resisting Minority and Ethnic Discrimination in 2016 to document and raise awareness of similar events.

Following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, he organized peaceful rallies in Harrisonburg that led to the establishment of the People’s Equality Commission of the Shenandoah Valley, which provides a platform for citizens to combat institutional racism.

Rev. Maclin also served as president of the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Harrisonburg, which he opened in 2010 to emphasize her leadership and service to others.

Four high school student essay winners also were recognized as part of the annual commemoration. Each wrote essays, selected from dozens of entries, about what social justice means to them.

The winners are: Tamia Booker, a junior at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School in Petersburg; Madisyn Ford, a sophomore at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake; Zahria Ford, a sophomore at Rock Ridge High School in Loudoun County; and Julie Thomas, a freshman at Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg.

Each student will receive an Apple MacBook Air laptop and $1,000 for their school.

Lawyer and former NFL athlete plays new role in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’

By Ronald E. Carrington

Richmond native Archie L. Harris Jr., a Washington attorney and actor, has a new role. He plays a police officer in “Wonder Woman 1984,” the superhero sequel that had the highest domestic box office opening since the pandemic closed theaters last March.

It also began showing in late December on HBO Max. Mr. Harris has a short speaking role as “Penn Avenue Watergate Cop” in the film, his latest since the 2008 film “3 Days Gone.”

Although he has not yet landed a marquee role, his screen credits and feature roles include television and motion pictures with well-known stars.

His career path has been filled with high-profile adventure, including a brief stint in professional sports and a longer commitment in the high-pressure world of law.

“I have always loved acting,” Mr. Harris said. “My love for it began in undergrad at the College at William & Mary as well as in law school.”

He signed with an agent and started his acting career 25 years ago.

The audition for “Wonder Woman 1984” began with a phone call from his agent. “The production company did not tell the actors what the audition was for,” Mr. Harris said. “You knew it was a big movie because you didn’t know the title of the movie. I auditioned with a completely different script.”

The producer and director called him back a few months later.

“They gave me the movie’s featured role of the police officer for Wonder Woman,” said Mr. Harris, who at 6-foot-6, still has the look of an NFL tackle.

“I am in one scene with one line as the Penn Avenue Watergate Cop,” he said. “I

shot a couple more.

Angeles for roles in However, the rest of film and television. me and my work is That episode came on the editor’s cutting to a close, he said, room floor.” with the death of his Mr. Harris, a gradfather and namesake, uate of Huguenot a school administraHigh School, was tor and well-known drafted in the seventh basketball official Mr. Harris round of the 1987 for the CIAA and the NFL draft and played three Virginia High School League. games with the Denver Broncos.

“My father was known for He returned to William & Mary his dramatic and entertaining to earn a law degree and worked style, which was a great influin a Washington firm. ence in my life,” Mr. Harris said.

During that time, he said “My dad liked to perform. He he asked himself, “Do I enjoy gave the fans a show although practicing law? Do I really want you seldom get that from a to do this? If money was not an referee.” object, what would I do?”

Mr. Harris still has his “I started to pursue acting,” legal practice, specializing in he said. food and drug law and merg“Football helped me prepare ers and acquisitions. Working for acting because you have to independent of a firm, he has be comfortable and enjoy being control over his time and the in front of people as they look flexibility to audition when the at you doing what you do,” he opportunity arises. He also does said. “The law also prepares voiceover work, which he has you to be able to study and see added to his skill set. different aspects of a character’s Rounding out his talent, he situation.” plays the French horn and is a Mr. Harris began perform- martial arts instructor as well ing in plays in Washington and as a personal trainer. landed acting jobs in television “We should follow our commercials. From 1998 to dreams,” Mr. Harris said. “At 2008, he traveled back and forth the end of the day, you don’t between Washington and Los want to say, ‘What if?’ ”

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Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2021 B3

Happenings

Personality: Tiffany S. Mickel Spotlight on first African-American editor-in-chief of the Virginia Law Review Tiffany S. Mickel is blazing new paths as the first AfricanAmerican editor-in-chief of the Virginia Law Review, and she hopes to ensure an accessible, equitable and informative resource for others.

Founded on April 23, 1913, by students at the University of Virginia’s School of Law, VLR’s mission to publish professional periodicals on law-related issues for judges, legislators, teachers and others has grown slowly over the last century. The group elected its first female editors in 1942 and its first black editor in 1987. Ms. Mickel, a secondyear law student at U.Va., is fully aware of the significance of her selection for this prestigious role.

She was named editor-in-chief Jan. 23.

“Holding the top editorial post at one of the highest-rated law reviews in the country is a highly coveted feat,” Ms. Mickel says. “Being the first Black law student to serve as editor-in-chief, I am not only honored to contribute to a legal publication with such a rich history of advancing groundbreaking legal theories, but also extremely grateful to stand on the shoulders of the women and people of color who came before me.”

During her one-year term, Ms. Mickel will lead editorial efforts for VLR’s print publication and online edition. She wants to ensure that the VLR team shares not only their legal knowledge, but also their experiential knowledge.

Her plan as editor-in-chief: To synthesize VLR’s many priorities into a single, shared vision and isolate the best, workable steps to achieve it. This approach taps into Ms. Mickel’s passion for efficient processes, effective

leadership and teamwork and “pristine deliverables.”

“I aspire to approach the editor-in-chief position with thoughtfulness and vision,” says Ms. Mickel, who hopes she and her peers on the managing board will learn and grow from the experience. “I’m confident that we can foster a supportive team by appreciating our diverse motivations and viewpoints and encouraging teammates to contribute their unique skills.”

Ms. Mickel wants to expand access to VLR publications as well as the diversity of their authorships, scholarships and membership. The COVID-19 pandemic has “underscored” the importance of effective collaboration, communication, and coordination for VLR to succeed.

“Contributing to a legal publication at this point in history was not only my dream come true but also my civic duty to stand with my fellow U.Va. School of Law student body and let my voice be heard to make a difference for generations to come.”

Meet a landmark leader and this week’s Personality, Tiffany S. Mickel: No. 1 volunteer position: Editorin-chief, Virginia Law Review.

Date and place of birth: July 15 in Washington, D.C. Where I live now: Charlottesville.

Family: My parents retired from the U.S. Army. I’m the oldest of two children and my younger brother also served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper for four years. I grew up in a military community and family.

Education: Bachelor’s in material science and engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT.

Work experience: Management consultant with Accenture and brief tenure with Boeing in financial analytics.

Virginia Law Review is: A legal journal edited and published by the student body of the University of Virginia School of Law. When Virginia Law Review was founded: On April 23,1913, the Virginia Law Review was permanently organized.

Founders: U.Va. law students in 1913. But, VLR didn’t elect its first female editors until 1942 and its first Black editor until 1987.

Mission: The Virginia Law Review’s objective is “to publish a professional periodical devoted to law-related issues that can be of use to judges, practitioners, teachers, legislators, students and others interested in the law.”

Significance of my role: Holding the top editorial post at one of the highest-rated law reviews in the country is a highly coveted feat.

Being the first Black law student to serve as editorin-chief, I am not only honored to contribute to a legal publication with such a rich history of advancing groundbreaking legal theories, but also extremely grateful to stand on the shoulders of the women and people of color who came before me.

How I was notified and my reaction: I was contacted via phone by my predecessor Arjun Ogale with the good news and I was super excited about taking on the role!

Why I accepted: With the world in flux, the Virginia Law Review faces unprecedented challenges and an increased sense of responsibility to inform the legal thought leadership. Contributing to a legal publication at this point in history was not only my dream come true but also my civic duty to stand with my fellow U.Va. School of Law student body and let my voice be heard to make a difference for generations to come.

How many are on your staff: 30, including myself.

Major goal as editor-in-chief: Lead efforts in support of our dual goal of both honoring the Law Review’s time-honored tradition of being an excellent print publication and offering both authors and readers an engaging experience through our online edition.

My leadership strategy: Ensure that our team not only shares legal knowledge but also shares experiential knowledge. I aspire to approach the editor-in-chief position with thoughtfulness and vision. I dream of the opportunity to learn and grow alongside my

managing board peers and to empower them to achieve their goals and grow as leaders. I’m confident that we can foster a supportive team by appreciating our diverse motivations and viewpoints and encouraging teammates to contribute their unique skills.

I plan to synthesize our varied priorities to create a shared vision and to isolate manageable, workable steps to materialize the bigger vision. I’m passionate about efficiency and streamlined processes, effective leadership and teamwork and pristine deliverables. These three elements go hand in hand. I’ve experienced firsthand how effective leadership can ensure that a team is efficient, timely, organized, that teammates are growing as leaders and creating deliverables that live up and bolster the team’s reputation and ability to retain clientele.

Challenges facing Virginia Law Review: Editorial members share in the goals of advancing diverse authorship, publishing diversified scholarship and implementing innovative ideas for the changing online publishing landscape.

Racial equity and Virginia Law Review: VLR is committed to expanding access to our pages and membership.

COVID-19 and Virginia Law Review: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of effective collaboration, communication and coordination for VLR’s success with its publications and symposia. Operating under these new norms has truly advanced our ability to be flexible while maintaining consistency during very uncertain times.

Plans after law school: Join a law firm in a major metropolitan

city working on technology and intellectual property transactions.

How I start the day: Prayer, meditation, gym and coffee – not always in that order. (Lol) Three words that best describe me: Consistent, optimistic and humble.

Best late-night snack: Vanilla ice cream and Baileys.

How I unwind: Playing with my dog, “Mister Whiskey.”

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Binge watching “true crime” shows.

Quote that most inspires me: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 At the top of my “to-do” list: Show up for myself today.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Hard work, integrity and strong faith.

Person who influenced me the most: Choosing just one person is not an easy task. It would be a combination of my mother and my brother as two of the most influential people in my life. They are dedicated public servants, passionate about the value that equal opportunity for all of our citizens provides, such as ensuring education and health services and access to affordable and nutritious food.

Book that influenced me the most: “All About Love: New Visions” by bell hooks.

What I’m reading now: “A Promised Land” by former President Barack Obama.

Next goal: Learning conversational Spanish and French so that I can immerse myself in culture during international travel.

MEET ANTHONY BRYANT Anthony loves the unique perspective that being Downtown brings... being surrounded by diversity, the city’s architecture, and the energy of people. As a parent of two, Anthony saw the need for a different kind of children’s clothing in Richmond.

So, he and his wife, Nora, got to work building a children’s clothing line that tells a special story: stay in school, do good things, be strong, and go for your dreams! Located at 104 W. Broad Street, Little Nomad hopes to attract all of the new families living in Downtown Richmond and beyond.

Downtown has hundreds of small businesses, non-profits, and cultural institutions that are open!

For more information visit VentureRichmond.com.

venturerichmond.com

|

#MeetMeDowntown

Richmond Free Press

B4 February 25-27, 2021

Obituaries/Faith News/Directory

Rev. Kenneth E. Dennis Sr., pastor of Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, dies at 65

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Rev. Kenneth Eugene Dennis Sr., who led Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Jackson Ward for three decades, has died.

Rev. Dennis’ family reported that he died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at his Henrico County residence. He was 65.

Viewings are scheduled for 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St. in Church Hill. His funeral will be private.

A native of Miami, Rev. Dennis was called to the pulpit at Greater Mt. Moriah in 1988.

He would have marked his 33rd year as pastor in June.

During his leadership, Greater Mt. Moriah joined with other Downtown churches in serving food to the hungry and homeless on a weekly basis and became a center for meetings of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

A former chaplain for the Richmond Police Department, Rev. Dennis also coordinated grief

arrested for drunk driving and poscounseling programs for families of session of cocaine. He went to rehab homicide victims for a while. and survived an effort to oust him After graduating from high school as pastor. and serving four years in the Air Force, His longtime friend, the Rev. RosRev. Dennis came to Richmond to earn coe D. Cooper Jr., pastor of Metropolihis bachelor’s at Virginia Union Unitan African-American Baptist Church, versity. He later earned a master’s in said that the personal challenges Rev. ministry from the VUU’s seminary.

Dennis faced made him better able to Licensed to preach in 1980 while deal with the challenges and struggles earning his undergraduate degree, Rev. of those his church served.

Dennis started his career as a youth Rev. Dennis He said Rev. Dennis “had a passion minister for five years at 31st Street Baptist Church in Church Hill where he also for the poor and oppressed and gave his life and met his wife, Loretta H. Dennis. They married ministry to their service.”

He also noted that Rev. Dennis was “a greater in 1986, she said.

“He was a beacon of light who loved doing encourager.” Rev. Cooper said that when he left God’s work and serving the Jackson Ward com- Fifth Street Baptist Church to found Metropolitan, munity,” Mrs. Dennis said. “He often described Rev. Dennis allowed the fledgling church to use himself as the priest of the cathedral in the Greater Mt. Moriah for services and also began a joint ministry with him in Gilpin Court. community.”

He said Rev. Dennis for 15 years also coWell known within Richmond faith circles, Rev. Dennis drew headlines in 2004 after he hosted with him the television program “Focus crashed his car in Henrico County and was on Black Religious Life” and was an ally during

Hip-hop artist Prince Markie Dee of Fat Boys dies at 52

Dean Yolanda Pierce on grandmother theology, Black Jesus Religion News Service

Free Press wire report

Prince Markie Dee

Prince Markie Dee, a member of The Fat Boys hip-hop trio who later formed his own band and became a well-known radio host, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, the day before his 53rd birthday.

His death was announced by the SiriusXM station Rock The Bells, which did not provide a cause of death. However, his manager, Louis Gregory, reported Prince Markie Dee sought medical care at a Miami hospital because his hands and feet were swollen but died before doctors could surgically insert a stent, which they told him he needed for a heart blockage.

Born Mark Anthony Morales in Brooklyn, N.Y., Prince Markie Dee was a prolific songwriter and founding member of The Fat Boys, a group known for beatboxing. They released several popular albums in the 1980s such as the platinum record “Crushin.’ ” Their 1984 debut album, “Fat Boys,” went gold. Their next two albums sold millions of copies and they were featured in the films “Krush Groove” and “Disorderlies.”

Mr. Morales, Darren Robinson and Damon “Kool Rockski” Wimbley were known as Disco 3 when they won a rap contest in Brooklyn in 1984. That win led to a record deal and a European tour during which they generated high room-service bills that earned the ire of their promoter, who started calling them “fat boys,” a 1995 obituary for Mr. Robinson noted.

Mr. Morales formed his own band in 1993, Prince Markie Dee & The Soul Convention, which released the R&B hit “Swing My Way.” “Prince Markie Dee was more than a rapper,” Mr. Gregory wrote on Twitter. “He was one of my very best and closest friends.

My heart breaks today because I lost a brother.”

Zion Baptist Church

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

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

8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us!

Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary.

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

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

bin om

in g

“The Church With A Welcome”

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH

ance with Reverence Relev

Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor ❖

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

Please join us on

Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays-Bible Study

See you there!

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

$R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR

Worship Opportunities Join us for online streaming this Sunday at 10 AM. Visit our WEBSITE, look under “/NLINE 3ERVICES,” and access the “0ASTOR S -ESSAGE.”

Moore Street Missionary

2IVERVIEW

Baptist Church

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

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

Follow us on Facebook for “A Word from Moore Street’s Pastor” and weekly Zoom worship info.

"APTIST #HURCH Sunday School – 9:45 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service – 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

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

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

Broad Rock Baptist Church

Bible Study Opportunities Thursdays: Virtual Bible Study session via Zoom, every Thursday at 7 PM. Email request to spbcoffice@stpeterbaptist.net; A new Meeting ID and password will be emailed weekly.

Tithing Opportunities Download the Tithe.ly giving app for Apple and Android devices.

Your gift is safe/secure and goes directly to our church.

-OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

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

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

SERVICES

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

You described how your grandparents displayed a picture depicting Jesus as a Black man and how the coloring book someone gave you as a child on an Easter Sunday that had a white Jesus on the cover disappeared before you got home from church. How did these decisions about the color of Jesus shape you?

I talk about Black Jesus in order to interrupt the notion that Jesus comes from Europe, but instead really is birthed in the Afro-Asiatic cradle. I never until I was an adult saw images of white Jesus. And it’s only as an adult I appreciated that what they were trying to give me was a sense of the divine — who looked like me and could love me, a little brown girl — who was not outside of my family tree, but was a part of my own spiritual lineage.

Be safe. Be blessed.

SUNDAYS Morning Worship 10:00 AM Drive-In Service in our Parking Lot

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.

the theological discourse. With Black women making up the majority and sometimes as much as 80, 90 percent of the church, it felt like such a shame the theology wasn’t reflecting the experiences of the people who are its most faithful witnesses.

Even with that kind of power of women you speak of in your book, you also describe women — especially at your grandmother’s Brooklyn, N.Y., church — maintaining some of the patriarchal traditions of the church as you grew up, including modest dress. What did you learn from that tension?

It has been a challenge to tear apart the question of legalism from the question of holiness, to maintain the beauty of holiness but for it not to be caught up in the legalism of patriarchy.

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

500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825

St. Peter Baptist Church

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Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Dean Yolanda Pierce of the Howard University School of Divinity has been shaped by, and now teaches, womanist theology, the study of religion through the lens of gender, race and class.

The first woman to lead the predominantly Black theological school in its 150-year history has written a book chronicling how that theology stretches back generations before the term was used.

“In My Grandmother ’s House: Black Women, Faith, and the Stories We Inherit” was released Tuesday.

“If the only theology we have is (Martin) Luther or (John) Calvin, then we’re missing how God moves in a world for a group of people who don’t know Luther or Calvin, will never read (their) work nor are interested in the 1500s in which they lived,” she said.

“So I’m really trying to shift the discourse about who can do theology and what counts as theological source material.”

Dr. Pierce, who is in her 40s and identifies as a Pentecostal, talked with Religion News Service about what she learned from her grandmother, the kinds

of hymns she doesn’t sing and her expectations about the future of the Black church.

In the preface of your book, you described “grandmother theology” as “a subset of womanist theology.” Please explain the connection between the two.

I’m using the terminology “grandmother theology” to refer to the generations prior to our parents. It is to refer to the grandmothers, aunties, the other mothers, the nonbiological connections women have and to really expand the category of womanist theology, so the words and the thoughts of grandmothers and church mothers and other mothers are a part of the conversation.

Can you define “womanist theology” for the average person who may not use it much?

Womanist theology was created in the 1960s and 1970s to address the fact that much of the theology being done in the academy excluded communities of color, and then much of early Black theology excluded the voices of women. Womanist theology was birthed by Black women who wanted to see themselves, the concerns of their communities, addressed within

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

Zion Baptist Church (South Richmond)

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Rev. Cooper’s tenure as general secretary of the National Baptist Convention.

Rev. Dennis was a past president of the Richmond Branch NAACP and a silver life member of the national organization.

He also served as a mentor to students in Richmond Public Schools, was an adjunct instructor at VUU’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology and taught classes at the Richmond, Virginia, Seminary, which awarded him an honorary doctorate for his service.

Rev. Dennis also was a member of the Henrico Ministers’ Conference and was an officer of the Tuckahoe Baptist Association and the Men’s Division of the International Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows.

He also belonged to the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

In addition to his wife of 35 years, survivors include two sons, Kenneth E. “K.J.” Dennis Jr. and Kendall E. Dennis, his mother Susie Dennis, sister, Judy Ann dennis,and three grandchildren.

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

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

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Richmond Free Press

February 25-27, 2021 B5

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on M o n d a y, M a r c h 2 2 , 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-037 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1312 Bainbridge Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building containing personal services businesses, and medical and dental offices and clinics, within the commercial area of the building, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a R-63 Multifamily Urban Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Neighborhood MixedUse land use for the subject properties. Such areas are described as existing or new highly-walkable urban neighborhoods that are predominantly residential with a small, but critical, percentage of parcels providing retail, office, personal service, and institutional uses.

Ordinance No. 2021-038 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2416 Jefferson Avenue for the purpose of a mixed-use building containing outdoor dining and tourist home uses, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a UB Urban Business District and the Jefferson Avenue Parking Exempt Overlay District (PE4). The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends Community Mixed-Use land use for the subject properties. Such areas are described as a cluster of medium-density, walkable commercial and residential uses that provide neighborhood services to nearby residential communities and sometimes feature regional attractions.

The meetings will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2020-232, adopted December 14, 2020. The meetings will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public. Less than a quorum of Richmond City Planning Commission members and Richmond City Council will assemble in City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

The meetings will be streamed live online at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. a s p x . To w a t c h a meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the March 22, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the March 22, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 22, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/ office-city-clerk.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2020-265 As Amended To authorize the special use of the property known as 2515 Rear Hanover Avenue for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling, storage, a parking area, and a community garden, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2021-032 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $35,650.00 from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles; and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20202021 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Police’s DMV Traffic Enforcement and Safety Initiative Special Fund by $35,650.00 for the purpose of funding police traffic enforcement and safety initiatives in the city of Richmond.

Ordinance No. 2021-033 To amend City Code § 21-40, concerning cooperative procurement, for the purpose of modifying the procedures for joint and cooperative procurement.

Ordinance No. 2021-034 To amend City Code § 21-59, concerning contract modification or supplement, for the purpose of providing that no fixed-price contract may be increased by more than 25 percent of the amount of the contract or $100,000.00, whichever is greater, without written approval by the Chief Administrative Officer before any such modification is made.

Ordinance No. 2021-035 To amend City Code §§ 21-67, concerning competitive negotiation for goods, nonprofessional services, insurance, and construction, and 21-68, concerning contracting for professional services by competitive negotiation, for the purpose of modifying the procedures for the publishing of public notices for competitive negotiations.

Ordinance No. 2021-036 To amend City Code § 2168, concerning contracting for professional services by competitive negotiation, for the purpose of increasing the threshold for competitive procurement of professional services from $60,000.00 to $80,000.00.

This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2020-232, adopted December 14, 2020. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public. Less than a quorum of Richmond City Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

Video of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// r i c h m o n d v a . l e g i s t a r. com/Calendar.aspx. To watch the meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the March 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the March 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing Continued on next column

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to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/ office-city-clerk.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER GREGORY WALKER, Plaintiff v.

ANGELA WALKER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000180-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 5th day of April, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND MARLON RAMON JOHNSON, Plaintiff v.

CHAKERA (DUDLEY) JOHNSON, Defendant.

Case No. 20-3921-00-6 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 county or city defendant is and the last known address of the Defendant is as follows: L/K/A 2410 5th Ave., Richmond, VA 23222.

It is ORDERED that Chakara (Dudley) Johnson appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before March 29, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MAYRA MARTINEZ DE GONZALEZ, Plaintiff v.

ENRIQUE GONZALEZ MARTINEZ, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20002359-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 29th day of March, 2021 and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DEBORAH BLUE, Plaintiff v.

RON BLUE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000418-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 25th day of March, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney Continued on next column

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VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 ,

Custody

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jacob MATTHEWS & JOSHUA MATTHEWS RDSS v.

TYRONE MATTHEWS, HASANA MATTHEWSSPENCER File No. J-98227-04, 05-00 J-98229-04-05-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), of Jacob Matthews child, DOB 11/3/2013 & Joshua Matthews child, DOB 9/20/2012. “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 defendants Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/28/2021, at 2:30 PM, Courtroom #5 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jaedin MATTHEWS & Jinger MATTHEWS RDSS v.

TYRONE MATTHEWS, HASANA MATTHEWSSPENCER File No. J-85136-06, 07-00 J-85137-07-08-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana MatthewsSpencer (Mother), of Jaedin Matthews child, DOB 3/21/2009 & Jinger Matthews child, DOB 7/31/2010. “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 defendants Tyrone Matthews, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/28/2021, at 2:30 PM, Courtroom #5 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Emerald MATTHEWS RDSS v. unknown father, HASANA MATTHEWSSPENCER File No. J-98228-04, 05-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Unknown Father (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), of Emerald Matthews child, DOB 5/21/2018. “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 defendants Unknown Father, (Father) & Hasana Matthews-Spencer (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/28/2021, at 2:30 PM, Courtroom #5

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DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DE’ MIYAH MELTON RDSS v.

UNKNOWN FATHER File No. JJ094557-11 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Unknown Father of De’Miyah Melton DOB 05/17/2017, child.

“TPR” 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 to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/26/2021, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #4.

IT IS ORDERED that SPECIALIZED HOME LOANS, an entity not listed in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 15, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

of Commerce, Truth is Sovereign. An un-rebutted Affidavit in Admiralty now stands as truth in commerce and judgement in commerce. I, Jungle, Kay-Edo am on the DO NOT STOP, SEARCH, OR DETAIN list. Without prejudice. UCC1-308.

C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine & Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

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

PROPERTY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

EMMA WARREN, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-5485 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 108 East Charity Street, Tax Map Number N000-0085/016, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Emma Warren, Felming Hill, Jackie Baylor, Arnetter F. Hill, Silas Poindexter and Thomas Poindexter.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, EMMA WARREN, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, FELMING HILL, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and JACKIE BAYLOR, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, ARNETTER F. HILL, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, THOMAS POINDEXTER, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that EMMA WARREN, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, FELMING HILL, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and JACKIE BAYLOR, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, A R N E TT E R F. H I L L , THOMAS POINDEXTER, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before april 15, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

JANET L. ANDERSON, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-4613 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4202 Chamberlayne Avenue, Tax Map Number N0002350/015, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Janet L. Anderson.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JANET L. ANDERSON. is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that JANET L. ANDERSON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before april 15, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

FG Chamberlayne, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-4615 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3000 Chamberlayne Avenue, Tax Map Number N0001028/010 Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, FG Chamberlayne, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before april 15, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

Notice

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

SPECIALIZED HOME LOANS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-4358 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2410 Ingram Avenue, Tax Map Number S000-0865/006, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number NESW, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Specialized Home Loans.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, SPECIALIZED HOME LOANS, an entity not listed in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

Jungle, Kay-Edo, agent Secured Party/Creditor, Aboriginal: Private American National: Private Citizen of the united states of America privately residing/ domiciling within a nonmilitary occupied private estate, not subject to the jurisdiction of the “United States.” I Jungle, Kay-Edo the affiant affirms that the following recipients are put into default from lawful document, Injunction. Notices was sent December 31st, 2020 to the Governor of Virginia RA760502057US, Chief of the Supreme Court RA760502074US, VA State Comptroller RA760502065US, and Head County Sheriff of Henrico RA760502088US. Opportunity to cure was sent January 13th, 2021 to the Governor of Virginia RA760501958US, Chief of the Supreme Court RA760501927US, VA State Comptroller RA760501935US, and Head County Sheriff of Henrico RA760501944US. Notice of Default was sent February 9th, 2021 to the Governor of Virginia RA760501975US, Chief of the Supreme Court RA760501992US, VA State Comptroller RA760501989US, and Head County Sheriff of Henrico. Under the laws

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VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DE’ MIYAH MELTON RDSS v.

Robert Lee gregory File No. JJ094557-12 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Robert Lee Gregory (Father) of De’Miyah Melton DOB 05/17/2017, child.

“TPR” 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 Robert Lee Gregory (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 4/26/2021, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #4.

LICENSE Ashley Geneva Kenney Trading as: A Buck or 2 3090 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224-3574 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On Premises and Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

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

PRS VENTURES VA INC Trading as: Market Place 102 1 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, Virginia 23803 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Continued on next column

BIDS COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA construction bid

ITB #21-2116-2JOK Mayfield and Chickahominy Sewage Pumping Station Upgrades Due: March 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/ COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA construction bid

ITB No. 21-2125-2JOK Woodman Road Extended Multi-Use Trail Due: March 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/

Richmond Ambulance Authority Notice of Invitation for Bid EMS Medical Supplies Solicitation Number: 21-02 The Richmond Ambulance Authority hereby invites bids from qualified EMS medical supply dealers for the award of an agreement regarding the provision of EMS medical supplies, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in or referred to in the Invitation for Bid. All bids must be received at the Authority’s offices no later than 3:00pm ET on March 19, 2021. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the IFB by contacting: Shawn Wray Compliance Manager Richmond Ambulance Authority 2400 Hermitage Road Richmond, Virginia 23220 804-254-1185 shawn.wray@raaems.org EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond.

To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com.

EOE M/F/D/V

DEAN, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL TRADES, (#FA416)

Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA Reynolds is looking for a forward-thinking and ambitious leader to develop the newly formed School of Business and Industrial Trades. The Dean for the School of Business and Industrial Trades will provide essential leadership to the automotive, welding, business, accounting, culinary, paralegal, and administration of justice programs. As a key priority for Reynolds’ strategic vision, the Dean of Business and Industrial Trades will work hand-in-hand with business and industry partners to develop high-demand programs that are directly tied to regional employment needs, build a robust faculty team, and direct development of new facilities with cutting edge equipment. Reynolds is seeking applicants with experience collaborating with industry partners and a deep commitment to student success by eliminating barriers to college access and achievement.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, twelvemonth administrative faculty-ranked appointment.

Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant.

Salary range: $105,000-$110,000. Application reviews will begin, March 22, 2021.

Additional information is available at the College’s Website: www.reynolds.edu/jobs AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/ Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

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February 25-27, 2021

Richmond Free Press

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