Richmond was alive with activism Presidents Day as hundreds gathered across the city to protest the policies of the Trump administration and local political leaders. From rallies in Capitol Square to marches through the streets, the day highlighted a shared commitment to justice, solidarity and community action.
“On this beautiful, sunny day, we come here together as one humanity,” said Lacette Cross, executive director of Diversity Richmond during a rally at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square organized as part of the “50 Protests, 50 States, 1 Day” movement.
“We will continue to gather and to protest and to move in love fueled by a common belief that all of us deserve to be in the fullness of our humanity.”
Report on Richmond water crisis highlights staffing, procedure gaps
By George Copeland Jr.
An independent report identified the cause of a January outage at the City of Richmond’s water treatment plant that left residents without running water for days, and found ongoing issues in need of solutions.
The preliminary report fo-
cused on the outage, released last week by engineering firm HNTB, supported conclusions made by City officials about the crisis. It pointed to the outage, triggered by a winter storm, as the start of a sequence of power failures that led to flooding in the plant’s two basements and a disruption in water service
across the region.
The report was issued as Richmond works to resolve plant issues amid winter storms and other extreme weather, with efforts now overseen by Scott Morris, interim director of the Department of Public Utilities.
“We’ve invested millions of dollars in making sure that
we can build a more resilient system, and we’ve been successful,” Mayor Danny Avula said during a Friday press conference with Morris.
Light snow dusts the city
By Brodie Greene
The city saw a sudden winter chill this week, as light snow covered the streets, bringing a pause to the usual rush hour bustle. With office buildings and schools closing, city parks became gathering spots for children and parents hoping to take advantage of prime snowman-building weather. Wednesday morning’s below-freezing temperatures, followed by a powdery snow, arrived several hours ahead of schedule and lingered well into the evening.
Darren Guffey, dermatologist and father of two, enjoyed sledding with his kids in Byrd Park after they had completed their online learning. However, after several days off due to extreme
The 50-50-1 rally was part of a nationwide “No Kings Day” campaign to protest the actions of the Trump administration. It was also the second protest held in Capitol Square that day. Hours before hundreds of 50-50-1 rally attendees waved flags, held signs, and chanted, another crowd of more than 100 gathered in the same spot to voice their concerns about federal and state government actions and their impact on their communities.
This earlier crowd was part of the March for Working Families, which focused on voting and immigrant rights, housing, education and union labor. Their efforts started in the morning in Abner Clay Park, lasted for several hours and saw over a hundred attendees travel up Brook Road and across Broad Street to the Capitol.
HNTB also found, after interviewing plant staff, a lack of written or established training and standard operating procedures, including emergency manuals. Some of the few available plant documents are over 10 years old, potentially outdated and difficult to locate. Understaffing also has been a recurring issue.
“While on-the-job training is irreplaceable, written training manuals and job descriptions that are updated regularly are critical to ensure every staff member has access to the same information and critical plant knowledge is not lost as staff retire or move on,” the report reads.
Avula and Morris stated that efforts are ongoing to update and put in place the required procedures.
“I can guarantee you that the standard operating procedure for routine operations, they’re all going to be incorporated going forward,” Morris said.
Avula also defended Richmond’s regional communication during the crisis, despite
The march was bookended by rallies featuring bilingual speeches, poetry, as well as music courtesy of singer Luci Murphy.
“This problem can feel too big to solve because it’s happening at the highest levels in our land,” activist Penny Page said, addressing marchers on the actions of politicians in the Republican and Democratic parties. “But it’s also a problem here in Virginia, and here locally in Richmond. The problem starts locally, and it can be fixed locally.” Other assemblies occurred across the city, such as a protest outside the Tesla car dealership on Broad Street over its CEO Elon Musk’s role in cuts to federal agencies and departments. Around the same time, about 60 students walked out of classes at Virginia Common-
Multiple Richmond protests highlight unity, activism on Presidents Day Confederate marker near DPU substation under
By George Copeland Jr.
The future of a Confederate marker near a City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities substation on Wise Street is uncertain under Mayor Danny Avula’s administration. The marker, placed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1939. The marker’s presence has raised questions about whether it serves as a burial marker or a Confederate monument, an issue that began under former Mayor Levar Stoney’s tenure.
“We are aware that there has been discussion over whether that particular marker is a burial marker or a Confederate monument,” Avula’s interim press secretary, Julian Walker, said Wednesday. “At this point, we’re looking into it to learn more. The mayor has been unequivocal that his administration will not invest public dollars in Confederate monuments.”
Mike Sarahan, a former employee in the City Attorney’s Office, has been a key critic of the marker. His continued research into the site challenges the City’s justification for its upgrades, which they said were made at the request of a resident honor-
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
A snow plow clears the Nickel Bridge as two pedestrians walk the span on Feb. 19. The bridge was closed due to the winter weather.
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Presidents Day, Feb. 17, as part of the nationwide movement “50 Protests, 50 States, 1 Day,” opposing the policies of President Trump’s administration.
George Copeland/Richmond Free Press
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula speaks at a press conference at City Hall on Friday addressing findings from an independent report on the January water crisis.
Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press
A marker memorializing Confederate soldiers, seen here with a bench that was later removed, remains at a substation on Wise Street.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Mid-Atlantic Region to host Richmond conference
Free Press staff report
More than 4,500 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will gather in Richmond for the organization’s 72nd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, set for March 6 through 9 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
The conference will include a public meeting at 7 p.m. March 6 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to social justice, community empowerment and environmental advocacy. The event, free and open to the public, will feature Emmy-winning journalist and ESPN senior entertainment reporter Kelley L. Carter as host. Grammywinning gospel artist Hezekiah Walker and the Virginia Union University Gospel Choir will perform.
As part of the conference’s community service initiative, members will donate hygiene supplies, home goods, storage shelves and other essential items to HomeAgain Richmond, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. A presentation of the donated supplies is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 5 at HomeAgain Richmond, 5 E. Franklin St.
The Mid-Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha includes 134 chapters and more than 15,000 members across Virginia and North Carolina. The sorority, founded in 1908, has more than 360,000 initiated members worldwide.
Richmond cancer survivor featured in national campaign
Free Press staff reports
As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month approaches in March, Richmond resident CiNease Freeman is taking her story to a national stage.
Freeman, a Stage III rectal cancer survivor diagnosed at 28, is being featured in a campaign by Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) to raise awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection. Despite experiencing symptoms such as stomach pain, she was shocked by her diagnosis in June 2022.
Her journey will be highlighted in several high-profile locations next month. March 1 through 14, her story will appear on the NASDAQ screen in Times Square, drawing attention to the need for increased awareness. A display on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from March 9 through 22 will feature 27,400 blue flags representing those affected by colorectal cancer. Her story also will be featured on Fightcrc.org and its social media channels.
Freeman has become an advocate for colorectal cancer awareness and will meet with members of Congress on March 11 to discuss the need for increased research funding and accessible screenings.
“Cancer is not a death sentence,” she said, emphasizing the importance of positivity and community support during treatment. For more information on colorectal cancer symptoms, statistics, and advocacy efforts, visit Fightcrc.org.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Feb. 15, COVID-19 accounted for 1.3% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates trending down but still high compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time. As of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Feb. 2, COVID-19 wastewater levels in Richmond were below detection, and levels in Henrico County had plateaued.
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations. Please note that changes could occur due to inclement weather:
• Thursday, Feb. 20, 2 to 4:30 p.m. – Calvary United Methodist Church, 1637 Williamsburg Road.
• Friday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Southside Women, Infants and Children Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza.
• Thursday, Feb. 29, 2 to 4:30 p.m. – St. Luke Apartments Community Center, 117 Engleside Drive.
RHHD’s Resource Centers are providing free at-home tests for pickup at select locations:
• Creighton Court at 2150 Creighton Road, call 804-371-0433.
• Fairfield Court at 2311 N. 25th St., call 804-786-4099.
• Gilpin Court at 436 Calhoun St., call 804-786-1960.
• Hillside Court at 1615 Glenfield Ave., call 804-230-7740.
• Mosby Court at 1536 Coalter St., call 804-786-0204.
• Southwood Court at 1754 Clarkson Road, Unit B, call 804-230-2077.
• Whitcomb Court at 2106 Deforrest St., call 804-786-0555. For Virginia Department of Health testing locations, visit vdh. virginia.gov. Additional testing site information can be found at vax.rchd.com. Residents also can order four free at-home COVID test kits at covidtest.gov, while supplies last. Want a COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are approved for those age 6 months and older, while Novavax is for individuals age 12 and older.
To schedule an appointment with the Richmond and Henrico health districts, call 804-205-3501. A list of pharmacies and clinics offering the vaccine is available at Vaccines.gov. Additional locations can be found by texting your ZIP code to 438829 or calling 1-800-232-0233. Compiled by George Copeland Jr.
Cityscape
Joy-Hogg leads Richmond’s operations as interim CAO
Free Press staff report
Sabrina Joy-Hogg was sworn in as Richmond’s interim chief administrative officer during a ceremony in the basement of the Main Branch of the Richmond Public Library last month.
Joy-Hogg will serve as interim CAO while the city continues a national search for a permanent candidate. The process, led by the Robert Bobb Group in collabora-
tion with PoliHire, is expected to conclude in the first half of 2025.
Under Richmond’s government structure, the CAO reports to the mayor and oversees the city’s dayto-day operations.
“Effectively serving the citizens of Richmond requires deep collaboration across City Hall,” Mayor Danny Avula said. “I appreciate City Council for confirming Sabrina Joy-Hogg as interim CAO. Sabrina has extensive experience
in local government leadership, especially in administration, budget and finance — areas she’s already had such a positive impact on here in Richmond.”
Before her appointment, JoyHogg served as senior deputy chief administrative officer for administration and finance. Her previous roles include positions with the U.S. Department of Treasury, deputy city manager for Charlotte, N.C., and chief deputy city manager in Norfolk.
LeVere Bolling becomes first Va. lawmaker to
vote remotely after giving
The Associated Press
Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling, D–Henrico, became the first woman in Virginia allowed by political leaders to vote remotely after she delivered her child last week, casting her votes miles from a statehouse historically governed by men.
About a third of state lawmakers are women, holding 49 out of 140 seats. And of those female legislators, about two dozen have kids under 18, ranging from newborns to teens. But while LeVere Bolling juggled committee meetings, the delegate went into labor. Clerk G. Paul Nardo confirmed she is the first lawmaker granted permission to vote remotely because of childbirth.
“Being a woman, you feel pressured to just always show up,” she said before giving birth. “I feel compelled because of the issues — I feel compelled because of the lives that we’re all leading and the tumultuous political climate that we’re living in to be here. I almost feel this guilt or shame for being pregnant during this time, and I shouldn’t, right?”
The Virginia House of Delegates first allowed remote voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hosted virtual sessions, whereas the Senate continued to meet in person but allowed members to participate online. This year’s House rules allow House Speaker Don Scott, D–Portsmouth, to approve a member to participate electronically to ensure their safety.
He said letting LeVere Bolling vote remotely was a no-brainer.
“We want to live our values,” Scott said. “We say we believe in families. We say we want people to participate when they’re young when they have something to think about. We don’t need all the legislators to be very old and people who have grown children.”
In a body tracing its lineage back four centuries, women only began representing Virginians in 1924. A database of Virginia
birth
Delegates shows more than 9,500 men have served the body compared to 123 women.
Today, Virginia is one of the states with the highest representation of mothers caring for minors in its statehouse.
Elsewhere, the Colorado House also allows lawmakers to vote remotely for health reasons. But 31 states do not allow remote participation in floor proceedings in either chamber as of 2023, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Experts say the varying policies show that procedural rules were not designed with mothers in mind.
“Proxy voting in Virginia would be a significant step towards modernizing our legislatures,” Liuba Grechen Shirley, founder of the Vote Mama Foundation, said in a statement. “However, we need to do more to ensure lawmakers with caregiving responsibilities are fully included in the legislative process.”
Delegate Adele McClure, D–Arlington, had a daughter in October and has spent the session navigating postpartum, pumping breast milk on the House floor and rushing to see her daughter after long days.
“I’ve had to kind of learn different ways to adapt and adjust to motherhood and postpartum life and healing,” she said, adding: “I’m definitely not the same person I was last session.”
Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D–Alexandria, said she took her 8-monthold baby with her to the Legislature last year, a challenging situation. She said she hoped opportunities for proxy votes would become normalized, noting discussions in Congress about whether U.S. lawmakers should vote remotely.
“Every single year, we have members who have medical conditions, or every single year, I’ve seen paramedics called to the House floor for a member,” she said, adding: “Health is unpredictable.”
In the House chamber on Thursday, lawmakers debated a tax-related Senate bill previously opposed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. After a spirited debate, lawmakers cast their votes. The clerk spoke into his microphone: “Delegate LeVere Bolling?” “Aye,” LeVere Bolling responded, her voice booming in the chamber’s speakers. The bill passed 62–33.
McClellan celebrates Women’s History Month with awards program
Free Press staff report
U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, 4th District, recently launched her second annual Women of Excellence Awards program to celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the outstanding contributions of women in Virginia’s 4th District.
“March is Women’s History Month, an important reminder that women have played an integral role in our nation’s history, but were not always recognized
for their contributions,” McClellan said. “The Women of Excellence Awards program provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary women of Virginia’s Fourth and their meaningful impact in our communities. In Washington, I will continue working to empower women, uplift their stories and celebrate their achievements.”
The awards recognize excellence in several categories, including Businesswoman of the Year; Non-Profit of the Year, which honors organizations addressing
women’s issues or serving women and girls; Women of Impact in Education; Women in Action Volunteer; the Dr. Gladys West Women in STEM Award; Law and Government Champion; and Media and Communications Champion. Nominees must reside, study, work in or provide services to the district. Nominations can be submitted by mail, email or in person. The deadline is Friday, March 7. Details and nomination forms are available on mcclellan.house.gov
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Image of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and former Barton Heights resident, in the window of Shockoe Media. The photo is one of 20 large-scale historic images displayed in windows throughout Shockoe Bottom as part of the public art project “Portals,” which celebrates the legacy, resilience and everyday lives of Black Richmonders from the early 1800s to the 1980s.
CiNease Freeman
Shaban Athuman/VPM News
Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling, D-Henrico, is photographed in her office on Feb. 8 at the General Assembly Building.
U.S. Rep. McClellan
Sabrina Joy-Hogg
Hezekiah Walker
Light snow dusts the city
cold, snow, and a water crisis, it starts to feel as though the kids have been home more than at school, he said.
“It’s a little tough when you have to cancel and reschedule a bunch of patients. My wife and I are both patient or client facing, so it gets a little tough when you have to have one person on kid duty unexpectedly,” Guffey said.
Early estimates predicted the city would face anywhere from 8 to 14 inches of snow. But within Byrd Park, he noticed a “very typical” amount of snow for Virginia.
Confederate marker near DPU substation under new scrutiny
Continued from A1
ing an ancestor. Sarahan has also pointed to contradictions in statements from city leadership, regarding the removal of Confederate monuments.
“Mayor Stoney always talked as if he had removed all the Confederate monuments and markers on city property,” Sarahan wrote in a late January email to city officials. “He celebrated that as a major accomplishment of his time in office. Only that didn’t really happen. A sizable Confederate marker still stands on City property.”
His research also uncovered internal disagreements among DPU officials about the marker’s status. Former DPU Director Robert Steidel and April Bingham reportedly debated how to handle the site, with Bingham ultimately overseeing the recent additions. Her departure from the department adds another layer of uncertainty as the Avula administration evaluates its next steps. In addition to appeals to City leaders, Sarahan also sent a memo on the marker to members of the Virginia General Assembly, including Sen. Lamont Bagby and Delegate Delores McQuinn, who are now looking to identify the remaining Confederate structures and every group tied to that legacy in Virginia.
“With the new administration, I hope for a commitment to correct the errors of our Confederate past,” Sarahan wrote in an email.
“That is a tall order, surely, but it is not too much to ask with respect to this one marker.”
Continued from A1 Continued from
“How we’re not better at nailing it in the year 2025 is a little beyond me, but I guess the storm can shift a little bit one way or another,” Guffey said.
Higher expectations for snowfall may be due to a lack of standardization and human intervention across weather apps, according to Sean Sublette, a meteorologist and contributor to WRIR and The Richmonder. There are several data sets used to predict the weather, and it is often unclear which dataset a weather app uses to make its predictions, he said.
“Some of them pull raw model data, some pull digitized data that has a tiny bit of human oversight, some have a little more oversight than others, but there’s no one forecast out there for everybody,” Sublette said. “Anybody can pull anything from a dataset that they want when they put these out there.”
While weather predictions are generally more accurate a day or two in advance, Sublette also has that due to word of mouth,
people tend to remember the first number they hear, he said.
“Anybody who’s been on social media has seen people plot up maps that are 12, 14 days in advance saying ‘we’re going to get a foot and a half of snow in a week and a half!’ and they almost never come to fruition,” Sublette said. “It’s quite common, but once we get into the last one or two days before a storm hits, the data is a little bit better. We’re able to sample the atmosphere better one or two days ahead of time.”
Last week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency in Virginia ahead of an impending winter storm. In a press conference on Tuesday, he reiterated these concerns, and urged Virginians to stay home and avoid roads as they are able.
Between midnight and 11 p.m., there were 481 car crashes across the state, with 44 injuries and zero fatalities, according to Virginia State Police. Within Central Virginia, there have been 25 crashes with three reported injuries as of press time.
Multiple Richmond protests highlight unity, activism on Presidents Day
Continued from A1
wealth University for a rally focused on the ongoing treatment of Palestinians before and during the current ceasefire in the war in Gaza.
“We’re walking out today not to honor the presidents, but reject them,” organizer and VCU student Sereen Haddad said, speaking to a crowd in the VCU Park Plaza, “to reject the violence they enable, the oppression that they uphold and the destruction that they leave behind.”
Though the protests and organizing groups varied, shared concerns united them. Speakers criticized the Trump administration’s anti-trans executive orders and policies affecting workers, immigrants, and other marginalized communities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these struggles.
Accountability also was a frequent topic, though its focus shifted depending on the rally and speaker. Some focused on just the Trump administration, while others called out bipartisan acts of greed, exploitation and complicity nationally, globally or locally.
Above all, speakers and organizers stressed the need for solidarity and coalition-building to battle the injustices their communities faced and build a better future.
Samantha Mendoza Hernandez of the VCU Latinx Student Association, who spoke during the walkout rally, encouraged the public to find an issue important to them and strongly advocate for it, while supporting other causes whenever possible.
“It’s a big collective action that we’re taking together,” Hernandez said. “Even if it’s not directly involved with you, show up out of the goodness of your heart and because of humanity.”
Report on Richmond water crisis highlights staffing, procedure gaps
reports highlighting communication issues that impacted responses in Henrico and Hanover counties.
It’s unclear how the city’s response to a 2022 report by the Environmental Protection Agency on the plant will factor into HNTB’s investigation. The EPA report cited the plant for violations including damaged, old equipment and outdated, unfinished emergency response plans. While Morris was skeptical, saying work to address
issues raised in the past is underway, he and Avula said the final report could take a wider look at plant issues.
Former DPU Director April Bingham has not been interviewed by HNTB, according to reports, with city officials recently clarifying that she was fired from her position.
“On Jan. 15, Ms. Bingham resigned from employment at the City of Richmond,” Avula’s interim press secretary Julian Walker stated. “On Jan. 23, she rescinded her resignation. Ms. Bingham
was then issued a letter of termination. As this is a personnel matter, we cannot comment further.”
HNTB’s initial report also includes immediate and long-term recommendations to prevent future outages. These recommendations involve an automatic transfer system for the plant’s backup generator, the development of written standard operating procedures and a training system and a review and improvement of staffing plans. HNTB’s full report will be released in the coming weeks.
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
A runner makes their way through Byrd Park on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Hundreds of demonstrators, part of a nationwide movement called “50 Protests, 50 States, 1 Day” convened at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Presidents Day, Feb. 17.
Mike Sarahan
Youngkin, legislators battle on court, raise over $100K for cancer research
By Mekhi Wilson VCU Capital News Service
lob-
Youngkin,
Gov. Glenn
byists
and representatives from the House and Senate competed Monday evening on the basketball court to raise money for cancer research.
The 17th Annual Capitol Square Basketball Classic saw $50,190 raised for the Virginia Commonwealth University
A community member holds a sign calling for a national boycott
a news conference Jan. 30 outside Target Corporation’s headquarters
NAACP lists companies that dump DEI in its tactical
spending guide for Black Americans
By Matt Brown Associated Press
The NAACP wants Black Americans to steer their buying power toward companies that haven’t pulled back from diversity, equity and inclusion programs under conservative pressure, and the nation’s oldest civil rights organization is listing which brands have stood by — or reversed — past commitments to DEI.
The NAACP says the spending guide it published Saturday is needed because DEI initiatives promote the social and economic advancement of Black Americans, who are projected to consume nearly $2 trillion in goods and services in nominal dollars by 2030, according to the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility.
“Diversity is better for the bottom line,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in an exclusive announcement to The Associated Press. “In a global economy, those who reject the multicultural nature of consumerism and business will be left in the past they are living in.”
Keisha Bross, an economic strategist with the NAACP, said they are not calling for a “boycott” of companies but instead encourage consumers to “buy-in” on companies that back their values. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to use the Black Consumer Advisory.
The NAACP is speaking with executives at companies named in the advisory for reversing their DEI policies — including Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Amazon, Meta, McDonald’s, and Tractor Supply — and will update its guidance as companies roll back or reaffirm commitments to DEI.
The advisory praises Costco for standing by previous commitments, as well as Apple, Ben & Jerry’s, Delta Airlines, e.l.f. Cosmetics and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The effort comes as corporations, governments and other major institutions face pressure to roll back DEI policies amid a backlash from the Trump administration and Republican-led state governments.
Soon after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to end “illegal preferences and discrimination” in government and instructed federal agencies to find ways alongside the Justice
Department to “encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.”
DEI policies are a catchall term for programs meant to promote fair treatment, impartial hiring and cooperation between people from different backgrounds. Such policies vary wildly but often include anti-discrimination mandates and training meant to inform people about how to promote inclusive values. Some institutions hire staff who focus on implementing DEI policies.
The advisory looks at which companies are backtracking on prior commitments, including by eliminating diversity officer positions, ending hiring practices meant to boost staff diversity or supplier diversity standards, or reducing investments in Black communities such as support for historically Black colleges and universities.
The study by McKinsey also found that Black Americans are more likely to live in communities that lack access to the goods and services of major companies.
Johnson said he wants to provide a framework for Black communities “as we make difficult decisions on where to spend our hard-earned money.”
“If corporations want our dollars, they better be ready to do the right thing,” he said.
Trump’s orders also face legal pushback. In February, a group that included the mayor of Baltimore and an association representing university professors sued the Trump administration over the orders, claiming that the directives violated civil rights law.
“In his crusade to erase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility from our country, President Trump cannot usurp Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, nor can he silence those who disagree with him by threatening them with the loss of federal funds and other enforcement actions,” the plaintiffs in the lawsuit stated.
More litigation surrounding DEI in the private sector is pending. The Federal Communications Commission recently sued Comcast over its DEI policies. And the state of Missouri in February filed a lawsuit against Starbucks over its DEI policies. Companies including Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Coca-Cola, IBM, Mastercard and Pepsico face shareholder resolutions challenging their DEI practices.
Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The 2024 competition raised over $100,000, according to the governor’s office.
The governor’s office took the court first at the free event, held at the VCU Stuart C. Siegel Center. Members of Youngkin’s office beat the lobbyists 40-26.
Youngkin’s team clinched their fourth straight victory in the Classic series, their last game with the governor.
Next, the Senate faced off against the House of Delegates. Both teams had fans on each side, and the arena was filled with pages. The pages are teenagers enrolled in a program to assist with legislative day-today duties during the General Assembly session.
After a barrage of free throw
attempts in the final two minutes, the Senate defeated the House 25-21.
The state lawmakers kept up their good-natured ribbing at Tuesday’s General Assembly session.
Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, complimented his team’s effort in the Senate. Frustrated by the team’s close loss last year, Rouse had prepped the team for victory.
“Surprisingly, the members went above and beyond dedicating hours to learning the game,” Rouse said.
He asked the Senate to stand and celebrate the victory.
“We won the championship last night,” Rouse said. “That championship was for every member and staff of our offices and every member of this
chamber, the upper chamber, this was for you.”
Delegates addressed their loss in the House — it has been years since the Senate was able to snap their winning streak.
“That shows you that Sen. Rouse will stop at nothing to take the trophy from us,” said Delegate Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke. “It was a heated game.”
The House applauded its team members, coaches and the pages. The House pages won the “Spirit Trophy,” Rasoul said as he presented the trophy to a page. Donations are still being accepted at teamassey.org.
Lawmakers are now in the final week of the legislative session, which is set to adjourn on Saturday, Feb. 22.
AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt, File
of Target stores during
in Minneapolis.
Mekhi Wilson/Capital News Service
Representatives in the Virginia House and Senate compete in the 17th Annual Capitol Square Basketball Classic. Delegates are in pink and senators in green.
Richmond Free Press
Editorial Page
February 20-22, 2025
Let it snow
After a few dry winters and lots of discussion about climate change, many of us didn’t think we’d see snow like this again – or at least not for a long while. But here it is, weather we want it or not. (See what I did there?)
As we grow into our responsibilities and duties as adults, the promise of snowfall doesn’t provoke the excitement and anticipation as it did when we were young. Back then, a snowy forecast was not unlike a timeout to the normal routine of sitting in class, taking notes and walking in straight lines in the hallways. Instead, some of us got to enjoy a quiet day at home, with some warm foods and a steady diet of daytime television. All while waiting for the green light to frolick outside.
Children today don’t have to sit through silly game shows or dull soap operas that weren’t meant for them, as past generations did. Instead, they have a wide range of entertainment options at their fingertips, tailored to their interests and short attention spans. For many, heading outside is no longer the highlight of the day — if it even makes the agenda.
With digital distractions readily available, many children won’t experience the unexpected break that a snow day once provided. Virtual learning, a tool that emerged during the pandemic, has become a lasting fixture in education. It allows teachers and students to connect through livestreams, pre-recorded lessons, discussion boards and assignments, ensuring that instruction continues, regardless of the weather. It’s a great use of technology, but I think many students might disagree, for obvious reasons.
For many adults, snow is just an obstacle. If you have somewhere to be, getting there becomes more difficult. Routes need to be planned, cars have to be cleared and driving demands extra caution. We’ve got enough going on, we tell ourselves, we don’t need the snow. I know that feeling. But if you can, take a moment during this snowfall or the next and give yourself a timeout.
And maybe step outside for a minute. Feel the cold air, listen to the quiet it brings, and remember what it was like to be a kid watching the world transform. You might not get a day off anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the moment.
The shop stop
A text message has been making the rounds in recent days — maybe you’ve received it or a version of it. It calls for a one-day boycott of corporations like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy, which have recently cut back or eliminated their diversity programs.
Regardless of its origin, the message has sparked an important conversation about how to push back against the growing wave of intolerance that has seeped into corporate decisions, mirroring the stance of the current White House administration.
Most activists and experts agree that one-day boycotts have little impact. While they may briefly disrupt shoppers’ routines, their effect on corporations is minimal.
Paolo Gaudiano, founder and Chief Scientist of inclusion assessment platform Aleria, told Newsweek last month that there is “not much evidence that these kinds of ‘emotional’ types of boycott amount to much more than a blip.”
“Especially with social media amplifying negative reactions, a lot of people may take to the internet to voice their discontent, but unless there is a major societal upheaval, brands are unlikely to react in a significant way,” he said.
It’s hard to see how skipping a trip to Target for toilet paper one day, only to buy the same amount the next, makes for an effective protest. If the companies in question had to choose how their critics voiced their displeasure, they’d likely prefer this approach.
Also, the lack of results could deter some folks from the idea of spending money only with companies that value them. But consumers aren’t powerless.
Sustained economic pressure—shopping locally, supporting businesses that uphold diversity, and holding corporations accountable—has always been more effective than a one-day boycott. History has shown that real change comes from persistent action, not fleeting protests.
The real power isn’t in a one-time action — it’s in what we choose to do every day.
Icicles in Henrico
This month, as we celebrate African-American History Month, we reflect on the depth, resilience and undeniable contributions of Black Americans to this nation. Nowhere is that history more deeply woven into the fabric of America than in Virginia.
From the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the birth of leaders who shaped the nation, Virginia is not just a chapter in Black history, it is the foundation of American history itself. In August of 1619, “twenty and odd” Africans were brought to the shores of Virginia at Fort Comfort, modern-day Hampton. These men and women, taken from their homeland, arrived unwillingly, yet their endurance and spirit helped build the America we know today. They were among the first in an ongoing struggle for freedom, justice and equality, a struggle that still calls for our remembrance and vigilance.
From that first landing, the trail of African-American history winds throughout the entire Commonwealth. In Franklin
It’s not easy to steal the spotlight from two seasoned publicity lovers like President Trump and Elon Musk, but Musk’s 4-yearold son X AE A-Xii, or “X” for short, made it look easy during his Oval Office visit.
Now viral on the web, little X seemed to teach his dad a lesson I learned the hard way when I agreed to take my own son to my office on Take Your Child to Work Day. The most memorable lesson he seemed to pick up was that Dad’s job is pretty boring, especially for a 4-year-old.
Little X Musk offered his own version of that lesson in an executive order signing event last week in the Oval Office with his dad, an adviser to the president as head of DOGE, the president’s “Department of Government Efficiency.”
Although it is not easy to make out what the mics picked up of the young Musk’s voice in a video shared by media in the room, he seems to say “Shush your mouth” to the president as his daddy spoke — a sentiment I am certain was widely shared. And it was not the only pushback that Trump and his team heard this week.
Last Thursday, the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, resigned rather than carry out an order from Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove to dismiss the criminal indictments against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Later in the day, five other top Justice Department officials
County, we find the birthplace of Booker T. Washington, one of the most influential African American leaders in history. Born into slavery, Washington rose to become an educator, orator and the founder of Tuskegee Institute. His life and teachings on self-reliance, education and economic empowerment remain
vital lessons today. His Virginia roots remind us that even from the depths of oppression, greatness can rise.
Moving through history, we arrive at Farmville, home of the Moton Museum, a national landmark honoring the studentled strike at Robert Russa Moton High School in 1951. These courageous young men and women, led by Barbara Johns, ignited a movement for educational equality that played a pivotal role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Their bold stand reminds us that the fight for civil rights was never just about marches and speeches, it was about students, communities and everyday people demanding change.
But the journey doesn’t end there. If Virginia is the cradle of American democracy, it also is
resigned, including the head of the Public Integrity Section in Washington, which oversees corruption prosecutions, where Bove went next seeking a prosecutor to dismiss the case.
The drama carried over into Friday, according to Reuters, when Bove assembled the career
integrity section lawyers and told them they had an hour for a volunteer to step forward. After weighing a mass resignation, a veteran prosecutor in the section stepped forward to do the dirty work.
For old Washington hands, it calls to mind President Nixon’s infamous “Saturday Night Massacre,” when the desperate president ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson to fire Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox, who was taking his job investigating the Watergate affair too seriously for Tricky Dick’s liking.
To his credit, Richardson resigned rather than carry out the order, as did his subordinate, William Ruckelshaus. Eventually, a man was found to do the deed, Solicitor General Robert Bork. Richardson and Ruckelshaus, it should be noted, were Republicans. They were loyal to their party and to their president, but they were public servants of conscience. Their highest loyalty was to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law.
In that regard, Sassoon is cut from the same cloth. Although Trump’s MAGA World has denounced her as though she were some sort of infiltrator left behind by the radical left, in fact her conservative credentials are impeccable.
e-mail letters@richmondfreepress.com.
the cradle of the modern Civil Rights Movement. And at The Gloucester Institute, the next generation of Black leaders is carrying that legacy forward.
Located on the historic grounds where legendary civil rights strategist Robert Russa Moton once lived, The Gloucester Institute is a sanctuary for young minds committed to leadership, public service and the advancement of our communities. It stands as a testament to the fact that African-American history is not just a story of struggle, it is a story of triumph, perseverance and the continuous shaping of America’s future.
This month, as we honor African-American history, let us remember that it is not separate from American history, it is American history. Yet, while it belongs to us all, it must be intentionally recognized, preserved, and taught. Too often, these stories are overlooked or forgotten. That is why we take this time each year to ensure that the full, unvarnished truth is told and that the sacrifices and contributions of African Americans are never erased.
But remembering is not enough. These institutions, Booker T. Washington’s home, the Moton Museum, The Gloucester Institute are living
As she pointed out in a letter remonstrating with Attorney General Pam Bondi, she is a Harvard College and Yale Law School graduate, a former clerk for the late conservative icon Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and a member of Federalist Society, the prestigious conservative legal group.
Explaining her resignation to Bondi, Sassoon called Bove’s order to dismiss the case “inconsistent with my ability and duty to prosecute federal crimes without fear or favor and to advance good-faith arguments before the courts.”
“I have always considered it my obligation to pursue justice impartially, without favor to the wealthy or those who occupy important public office, or harsher treatment for the less powerful,” she continued. “I therefore deem it necessary to the faithful discharge of my duties to raise the concerns expressed in this letter with you and to request an opportunity to meet to discuss them further.”
That meeting apparently didn’t happen. Instead, the resignations did — and clouds of suspicion call for more investigation.
The resignations matter. They are a stunning repudiation of the administration’s attempt to force the dismissal of the charges against Adams — for reasons that hopefully will become clearer.
They are an encouraging sign that some political conservatives remain true to the standards we would like to see in the face of Trump’s countless other attempts to pollute the integrity of the criminal justice system with oldfashioned machine-style politics.
The writer is a columnist with the Chicago Tribune.
monuments to our history, and they need our support. Preserving our history requires investment. Educating future generations requires resources. If we want these stories to continue to inspire, we must ensure that these institutions have the financial backing to thrive. From 1619 to today, Virginia has been both a witness and a catalyst for change. Let us honor those who came before us by continuing to uplift their stories, educate the next generation, and ensure that history, not just Black history, but American history is never forgotten. And let us put action behind our words by investing in the institutions that safeguard this legacy. The past is ours to preserve, and the future is ours to build together. The writer is the founder of the Gloucester Institute and served as Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s secretary of the commonwealth.
Clarence Page
Kay Coles James
Commentary/Letters to the Editor
Silence of the lambs: Youngkin, Miyares and the rule of law
By David J. Toscano
The Trump administration, backed by Project 2025 allies, continues its assault on the rule of law — facing little opposition from Republican leadership, including here in Virginia.
The latest move? Slashing already-appropriated National Institute of Health (NIH) funding for research institutions tackling cancer and dementia — institutions like University of Richmond, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Commonwealth University. The stakes are high; these three universities alone will bring over $400 million in research to the Commonwealth this year.
Trump tried this before, pushing to cut NIH overhead funding in his 2018 budget, but Congress rejected it. Now, he is bypassing Congress altogether, issuing what is likely another illegal executive directive to do so. Republican statewide leaders remain on the sidelines, either complicitly silent or, in the case of Gov. Youngkin, embracing the cuts as “common sense.”
Few would argue against finding greater efficiencies in our research institutions. But does this across-the-board chainsaw approach make sense? And is it even legal?
That answer may come soon.
Twenty-two state attorneys general have sued to block the
cuts. Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares, however, refused to join them. A federal court has ordered NIH payments to temporarily resume — but only to institutions in those 22 states.
Virginia’s research institutions are now on the outside looking in. Their funding — and their ability to deliver on groundbreaking research — is in jeopardy. Will Virginia join the lawsuit? Don’t count on it.
A slow-moving constitutional crisis
With many of Trump’s early moves stalled in court, one might assume his agenda has been seriously compromised. This would be a mistake, and misunderstands a larger scheme aimed at the heart of our institutions and even democracy itself. Trump’s playbook is simple: create disruption and force dilemmas. Begin with an issue with broad public appeal — like government efficiency or cuts to universities. Then, issue an arguably illegal directive that goes far beyond what is necessary, sidestepping Congress in the process. The opposition is left to respond by press releases or filing lawsuits. If courts uphold Trump’s edict,
he wins. If the courts strike it down, attack the judiciary and appeal, hoping for a favorable ruling from a higher court. If all else fails, quietly ignore the court order — as happened when federal funds remained
David J. Toscano
frozen even after a judge ordered their release.
Throughout the debate, assert the power of the Presidency, attack our institutions, and suggest that our democratic process and Constitution do not work as intended. What results is an increase in anger among large segments of the electorate that questions democracy’s ability to deliver on its promises, or who believe that Trump is merely trying to root out the malingerers in a bloated federal bureaucracy. Whether this amounts to a coup can be argued, but the pattern is clear: Trump is actively undermining the institutions that uphold democracy. The real question is what happens years from now, when legitimacy has been further eroded, and the damage is irreversible.
Youngkin and Miyares in lockstep
As Trump tests the rule of law, Youngkin and Miyares continue to endorse his actions or remain silent.
When Trump issued an
Reader commends the Free Press
I want to congratulate the Richmond Free Press on the Jan 30 - Feb 5, 2025 edition.
Every article was so interesting and informative, especially the editorial page; I read it twice.
I also think your photographer, Sandra Sellars, is excellent. I remember meeting her when she did a photo shoot of the American Legion Post 199 and its Auxiliary on June 5-7, 2003 edition.
executive order targeting the federal workforce — 145,000 of whom live in Virginia — Youngkin dismissed concerns, calling the federal government “bloated” and saying he expects “job reductions.” When the administration proposed that federal employees take early retirement or face “significant” reforms, layoffs, and an expectation that they be “loyal,” only Sen. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner spoke out, calling the plan likely illegal and a scam. Funding for most federal agencies expires on March 14 and Kaine was clear that Trump “doesn’t have any authority to do this…” If you accept that offer and resign, he’ll stiff you just like he stiffed contractors.” Meanwhile, when Trump attempted to unilaterally overturn birthright citizenship — a direct violation of the 14th Amendment — Youngkin and Miyares said nothing. They were similarly silent when the administration froze federal funds to charitable organizations like Lutheran Services and Commonwealth
Catholic Charities, both of which provide services ranging from adoption assistance to food kitchens. Even after 23 Democratic attorneys general sued and convinced two federal judges to halt the freeze, reports surfaced that the administration continued withholding funds, raising the question of whether Trump’s team deliberately violated a court order? And when 11 of Virginia’s 31 federally qualified health centers — many in the state’s poorest areas — reported funding disruptions, neither Youngkin or Miyares publicly intervened to protect the funding.
Little respect for courts — or American traditions Trump has never hidden his contempt for the courts or his disdain for the checks and balances that define American democracy. Now, Vice President J.D. Vance and Elon Musk have taken up the mantle, with Vance claiming that “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power,” and Musk calling the court rulings against the funding
freeze “shady” and “absolutely insane.”
Both seem to ignore Article III of the Constitution and the concept of judicial review — a principle central to American law since the early 1800s that allows federal courts to check executive power. There is a legal way to cut spending — it’s called the congressional appropriations process. As the American Bar Association put it, Trump’s approach “may appeal to a few” but is “chaotic,” “wrong,” and “contrary to the rule of law.” In the coming weeks, expect Trump to flood the zone with more “democracy dilemmas” — manufactured crises designed to expand executive power at the expense of Congress and the courts. And Virginians will again discover whether its leaders fight for them and protect the American system of checks and balances so critical to democratic governance.
The writer is a practicing attorney in Charlottesville, where he formerly served as mayor.
I also look forward to reading the week’s personality, always so interesting and informative, people whom I would never have heard of or met.
Please keep publishing this wonderful paper. We need this information so much, and especially at this time. Again, congratulations and please keep publishing.
RUTH COLQUIT North Chesterfield
City of Richmond Department of Public Works Hull St over Manchester Canal Bridge Replacement Project Design Public Hearing
Wednesday, March 19 th 2025, 5:00-7:00p.m. Main Street Station 1500 E. Main St. Richmond, VA 23219
The City of Richmond, Department of Public Works invites you to attend a public hearing meeting at Main Street Station from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on March 19 th , 2025.
This meeting will include current plans and related documents concerning the proposed transportation improvements. The development team will be available to answer project related questions.
Project information, related documents and tentative project schedule also are available to review at 900 E. Broad Street, Rm 603; Richmond, VA 23219, 804-646-3421. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions.
Your written or oral comments can be given at the meeting or emailed or postmarked not later than March 31 st , 2025 to Mr. Thomas Westbrook, Project Manager, Department of Public Works (DPW), City of Richmond, 900 East Broad Street, 6th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. You may also email your comments to Thomas.Westbrook@rva.gov. Please include” UPC 113920 – Hull St over Manchester Canal Bridge Project” in the email subject line.
The City of Richmond ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact TTY/TDD 711.
VDOT Project No. 0360-127-035
UPC 113290
All-Star break over Time for run toward NBA playoffs
By Tim Reynolds
The Associated Press
The trade deadline is gone. The All-Star break ended Wednesday. Luka Doncic is with the Los Angeles Lakers. Jimmy Butler is with the Golden State Warriors. Anthony Davis is with the Dallas Mavericks, though it’s unknown when he’ll play again.
The dust has settled. It’s time for the stretch run. Here comes the fun part of the season. Every club has between 26 and 30 games remaining in this 7½-week sprint to the April 13 finish line, play resuming Wednesday when the Charlotte Hornets faces the Lakers. And teams will point to recent history as proof that just getting into the playoffs means anything can happen: No. 5, No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8 seeds have made their way to the conference finals in the last two years alone.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said the Warriors’ Stephen Curry, the now two-time All-Star Game MVP. “It’s basically a playoff game every single night, and that usually brings the best out of you.”
Some teams can go ahead and start planning for the playoffs.
Oklahoma City and Cleveland are both 44-10, tied for the best record in the league. Defending champion Boston, currently No. 2 in the Eastern Conference, remains on pace to obliterate league records for 3-pointers made and attempted in a season. The Celtics, New York, Denver, Houston and the Lakers all have winning percentages over .600, which is an excellent sign — 132 of the last 133 teams to reach the break with such a record have wound up making the postseason.
“We have obviously a pretty good basketball team,” said Oklahoma City All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the current MVP favorite according to BetMGM Sportsbook. “We have a
little bit more experience. We have an opportunity to, for sure, win an NBA championship. Now we’re going to have to earn it.”
Then there’s the other end of the spectrum, that being the teams that are out of the mix.
Over the last 20 seasons, 98.8% of the teams that have winning percentages under .400 at the break wind up missing the playoffs. If that form holds, that eliminates Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Toronto, Charlotte, Utah, New Orleans and Washington. So, based on the numbers, that means seven teams are in, seven teams are out, and 16 teams
Virginia golfer among finalists for Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Free Press staff report
remain in the middle fighting for what will be the last nine playoff spots — five to be clinched on or before the end of the regular season on April 13, four others to be won in the play-in tournament later that week.
“The last 25 to 30 games are really important for everyone,” said Miami guard Tyler Herro, the league’s new 3-point shootout champion.
“We’ve got a new group, in a sense, and we’re going to hit the ground running. It’s going to happen fast. Everything is going to matter throughout this next month and a half.”
The Heat traded Butler to the Warriors, getting
back Andrew Wiggins in return. San Antonio landed De’Aaron Fox from Sacramento, and the Los Angeles Clippers — who have barely had Kawhi Leonard available this season, but he’s playing now — figure they’re right in the mix to challenge as well.
“I think we got a really good chance,” Clippers All-Star guard James Harden said. “We added some shooting, we added some defense and obviously with a healthy Kawhi we’ve got a chance to compete with anybody. So, I think for us, it’s just finding out how we want to play and attacking it.”
Milwaukee added Kyle Kuzma, moving Khris Middleton — a Bucks mainstay for years — to Washington in that deal. And Phoenix didn’t trade Kevin Durant, which is a sign that the Suns are hoping their star trio of him, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal can make a push.
“We’re all figuring it out, man,” Durant said. “We’ve got 28, 29 games to go to figure it out. That’s the fun part, trying to figure out how to get out of a slump.” Davis’ injury obviously isn’t great for Dallas, especially with it compounded by a rash of other injuries to the Mavericks’ big-man corps. Doncic is still working his way back into form after a calf issue, so he and James will still likely need some time to figure out the best way for this new star duo to work. Butler went to the Warriors with hopes of being the jolt that gets Curry, Draymond Green and Coach Steve Kerr back to title contention. But a lot of teams have hope. And they all know that now’s the time to make a move. Let the stretch run begin.
“I think, 27 games or so left to make a push,” Curry said. “All we want is just to get into a playoff series and have a fighting chance to be a tough out against anybody in the West, and we have a good opportunity in front of us to do that.”
Virginia golfer Amanda Sambach has earned a spot in the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, joining an elite field of top players from around the globe. Sambach, who attends the University of Virginia, is one of 65 players confirmed to compete in the prestigious tournament, which will be held April 2-5, 2025, at Augusta National Golf Club. The field includes 18 countries and five continents, with some of the world’s top amateur golfers vying for the championship. Among them are three of the last four champions: Tsubasa Kajitani (2021), Anna Davis (2022), and the current title holder, Lottie Woad, who is ranked as the world’s top amateur.
Sambach’s participation highlights Virginia’s representation in the event. She will compete alongside 71 other players, including the top-50 eligible players from the final 2024 World Amateur Golf Ranking. The tournament kicks off with two rounds at Champions Retreat Golf Club before heading to Augusta National for the final round on April 5, which will be broadcast on NBC Sports.
Free Press staff report
The Virginia Union University football team, the defending CIAA champions, will kick off the 2025 season with an appearance in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday, Aug. 31, in Canton, Ohio.
The Panthers will face SIAC champions Miles College in the nationally televised game on the NFL Network at 4 p.m. VUU will then travel to Jacksonville, Fla., to play Edward Waters University on Saturday, Sept. 13, before returning to Richmond to host Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Hovey Stadium.
The Panthers’ 2025 schedule includes four more home games: Lincoln (Pa.) University on Oct. 18, Bowie State University on Oct. 25, and archrival Virginia State University on Nov. 8.
“We are excited about the 2025 schedule,” said VUU Coach Alvin Parker. “We face two new opponents, both from the SIAC, with one being the league champion. This will be followed by eight tough CIAA opponents. We are in preparation and look forward to what will be a challenging 2025 season.”
Game times for the remaining matchups are to be determined.
CIAA to celebrate 50th anniversary of women’s basketball tournament in 2025
Free Press staff report
The CIAA marks the 50th anniversary of its Women’s Basketball Tournament at the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, set for Feb. 25 through March 1 at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
This year’s tournament will honor the legacy of women’s basketball, celebrating the athletes who helped shape the sport. Special events under the #PaintingHerStory initiative will highlight women in sports, including the EmpowerHER Town Hall, Women’s Empowerment Brunch presented by Nationwide, Ladies’ Night on Championship Saturday and The Mind, Body, Soul Panel.
Teams from Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union Univer-
Free Press staff report
Coed softball players in the local area will soon have more opportunities to take the field.
FXA Sports, a leading provider of adult recreational sports leagues in Virginia, has merged with 804 Softball to expand league offerings in the region.
The merger, announced last week, combines FXA Sports’ league management experience with 804 Softball’s established presence in the Richmond area. Organizers say the partnership will provide players with more divisions, improved operations and greater access to facilities while maintaining the communitydriven atmosphere that has defined 804 Softball.
sity and Winston-Salem State University will compete in the 2025 tournament. Alongside the games, fans can enjoy Fan Fest, Career Expo, Education Day, Step Shows, and CIAA Parties. All 22 games will be available on ESPN+ with the championship games airing on ESPNU.
“This year marks a monumental milestone for the CIAA and women’s sports as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Basketball Tournament and honor the trailblazing athletes who have shaped its legacy,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. In 2024, the tournament generated a $32.5 million economic impact, supported over 1,300 jobs and produced $3.1 million in state and local taxes.
“The CIAA Tournament is more than just basketball—it’s a week-long celebration of Black excellence, HBCU pride, and community,” said Al Hutchinson, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore.
“This merger is about growing and enhancing the softball experience for players in Richmond and beyond,” said Tyler McKee, head of growth at FXA Sports. “Patrick, Ryan and Tyson have done an incredible job creating a strong, engaged
community, and we’re excited to build on that foundation by offering more leagues, additional facilities and an even greater overall experience for players.” 804 Softball will continue operating under its existing
name and structure, with plans to introduce more league divisions, tournaments and player benefits.
“This is a win for adult softball in Central Virginia,” said Ryan Mitscherlich, 804 Softball co-founder. “Tyson, Patrick and I are excited to partner with FXA Sports, who share our commitment to quality leagues and exceptional player experience. This merger ensures 804 Softball continues to grow and thrive.” Future plans include additional field access and expanded league offerings, with organizers emphasizing a seamless transition for current players. For more information on upcoming leagues, visit fxasports.com or 804softball.com.
Photo Courtesy of CIAA
Virginia State University’s Alexa Blake shoots, scores in a game against Lincoln University in last year’s tournament.
Amanda Sambach
A recent 804 Softball game held at the Glen Allen Softball Complex.
Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP
Team Shaq’s Stephen Curry and James Harden react to a Curry 3-pointer Feb. 16 against Team Chuck in the championship game of the 74th NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco.
Personality: Andrea Daughtry
At 16, Andrea Daughtry already was carving out a place for herself in the music industry. While attending Meadowbrook High School, she signed a deal with the gospel label Myra Records. Over the next seven years, she refined her skills both in the studio and on tour with a quartet she formed at Fifth Baptist Church on Cary Street.
Although the group disbanded, Daughtry remained immersed in the industry, forging valuable connections in Los Angeles. The relationships she built while living in the Leimert Park neighborhood fed her creativity and gave her what she needed to break from the music industry and chart another path toward independence and entrepreneurship. She made a name for herself by gaining recognition for her work as a stylist, creative director and clothing designer.
Still, Daughtry couldn’t shake the misogyny she experienced during her years in the music industry.
“I began to wonder how safe women are in the music industry,” she said. “There’s a normalcy of women not being valued or respected in studio spaces.”
Half of the women in the music industry say gender discrimination persists, according to a joint study from Believe, a global digital music company that helps artists and labels grow their audiences, and TuneCore, a global platform for independent musicians to distribute their music. Despite recent progress in music creation and representation, women and gender-expansive individuals—those who identify as nonbinary, transgender, or another gender—are significantly more likely than men to perceive the music industry as “generally discriminative” based on gender. According to the study, 49% of women and 41% of gender-expansive individuals hold this view, compared to just 16% of men.
“Men hold your music and your creativity for whatever perverted thing they have in their minds,” Daughtry said. “It’s been normalized. I’ve seen it.”
Daughtry set out to create an organization focused on providing safe spaces for Black women and LGBTQ+ individuals. This initiative is driven by the widespread discrimination and harm present in the industry. Her long-term vision is to establish a fully Black women-owned and operated space where creativity and community can flourish
Spotlight on founder of For the Fem In You
without fear.
“There’s a lot of untapped talent created from the trauma of being in those situations in recording studios,” Daughtry said.
While music remains her passion, Daughtry also has launched several businesses since her days of singing and touring with her gospel group. However, she hasn’t stopped making music.
“I create the music I want to put into the world now. You can call it jazz, soul, R&B or funk,” she said. “It’s whatever’s in my soul.”
Meet a musician, artist and entrepreneur committed to fostering a positive environment for artists and this week’s Personality, Andrea Daughtry:
Occupation: Director at For the Fem In You, owner of Buttah Babez, singer, songwriter, stylist.
Date and place of birth: April 5, in Richmond.
Where I live now: Los Angeles and Richmond.
Education: Virginia Commonwealth University.
For The Fem In You is:
A nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating safe spaces for Black women in the creative arts and small business communities. We empower underrepresented voices through public events and initiatives celebrating identity, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Mission: The organization is dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices, fostering authentic connections and providing inclusive platforms where creativity, identity and entrepreneurship can thrive.
How For The Fem In You carries out its mission: We host inclusive events and advocate for performing artists and small businesses to be included in public programming. The organization nurtures safe spaces, empowers community connections, and promotes health and wellness through thoughtful provisions like vegan foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
Why I founded For The Fem In You: It was in response to the trauma and discriminatory experiences I faced in recording studios and the music and arts industry, including racist and sexist encounters with producers, musicians, engineers and artists.
What’s with the name: The name “For The Fem In You” celebrates the divine feminine energy inherent in Black women
and honors the ancestors whose sacrifices allow us to exist freely today.
Why is a safe space needed: Safe spaces for Black women are more crucial than ever as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are being eliminated by the government and major corporations. The rollback threatens progress toward racial and gender equity, leaving Black women increasingly vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion. For The Fem
In You provides a necessary refuge where Black women can be seen, heard and celebrated without compromise, ensuring community and creativity thrive despite societal setbacks.
Our location: We hope to have a location in the next six months.
Our funding: We use pro-
ceeds from our monthly events and merch to fund our programs.
Our 2025 top goal: To open the doors of a 10,000-squarefoot space featuring a music studio, vegan community kitchen, coworking space, art gallery, wellness area and gift sho p — all dedicated to Black womenowned businesses.
Strategy to achieve the goal:
We’ll pursue grants, partnerships and cultivate relationships with community allies to achieve our fundraising goals.
By integrating impactful campaigns and storytelling, we aim to engage a broad donor base and secure sustainable funding for our Black woman-owned and operated space.
Our biggest challenge: Visibility, lack of funding and the historical animosity rooted in Richmond, a city that has long failed to prioritize or care about Black women. We also face challenges in gaining the recognition and resources needed to thrive.
How For The Fem In You makes a difference in Richmond: By creating platforms for small businesses and per-
forming and visual artists to showcase their talents and thrive while prioritizing fair pay for performing artists to ensure their work is valued and respected. Additionally, we connect our community to healthy foods and promote holistic well-being through access to physical wellness practitioners offering yoga, reiki, sound bath healing and more.
How to get involved: Donate via our website forthefeminyou. org or volunteer or attend our events to donate in person and experience our programs.
What happens at your events: We offer a holistic and empowering atmosphere designed to uplift and inspire. Our events feature a Zen Zone filled with wellness practitioners offering yoga, Zumba, reiki, sound bath healing, promoting physical and mental well-being. Guests are immersed in a vibrant cultural experience with vegan food, live performances and music by Black women DJs.
Upcoming events: Black AF: A Celebration of Black Love is an empowering event by For The Fem In You that honors Black love, creativity, and community on Feb. 28 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave. Also, we have The Black Arts Market (BAM), a monthly market for black-owned businesses and performing artists that will begin on March 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Diversity Richmond.
How I start the day: Incense or palo santo, prayer/meditation, and hot tea.
Three words that best describe me: Confident, powerful and disruptor.
Dream dinner party guest: Viola Davis because I love how she’s held onto her beliefs throughout her career and has been integral in all of her movements.
Top three on my music playlist: Myself, Lalah Hathaway and Kendrick Lamar.
Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I read comics and anime, play video games and sports that don’t exploit black people. And I have a green thumb.
Most influential book: “Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey, has influenced my work tremendously and implemented a reckoning in the way I was living my life in pursuit of things happening quickly.
Current read: I’m currently reading “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler. It’s more confirmation that our planet is having a real crisis with global warming and our gross negligence toward nature.
Next goal: Creating international relationships with For The Fem in You and creating spaces of retreat for Black women and their families in foreign countries.
Newlin Music Prize announces 2025 short list
Free Press staff report
The Newlin Music Prize recently announced the 20 albums shortlisted for its 2025 award, recognizing outstanding music from Richmond area artists. The winner, set to be revealed on March 24, will receive a $2,500 cash prize and a commemorative trophy. Each remaining nominee will receive $250, with the organization awarding a total of more than $7,000 to local musicians.
Founded in 2022, the Newlin Music Prize honors excellence in Richmond’s music scene.
Named after composer and Virginia Commonwealth University Professor Dika Newlin, the award is given to the best full-length album from the Metropolitan Richmond area based solely on artistic merit. The selection process is driven
by members of the local music community and fans.
“This year’s selected albums showcase a remarkable range of sounds, from intimate storytelling to boundary-pushing experimentation, reflecting the depth of artistry in our community,” said Newlin president Doug Nunnally. We hope this list serves as both a celebration of Richmond’s musical excellence and an invitation for listeners to discover their next favorite record.”
Albums considered for the 2025 prize were released by artists in the Richmond-Petersburg region in 2024 and met criteria of either containing at least five songs or exceeding 25 minutes in length. All eligible albums were automatically considered without requiring a formal submission or entry fee.
A jury of 150 Richmond area
musicians, artists, journalists, photographers and activists nominated albums for the award. A 10-member committee then reviewed the selections to determine the final list of 20 albums. Jury members will now evaluate the shortlisted records and submit ranked ballots to determine the winner.
The 2025 Newlin Music Prize short list includes “Alma Mia” by Alex J Dimas, “Heirloom” by Doll Baby, “The Pure Joy of Jumping” by
Drook, “Unlimited Things to Do Forever” by False Nectar, “Ritual Disaster” by Fight Cloud, “Good Religion” by Holy Roller, “New Heaven” by Inter Arma, “Feature Film” by King Kaiju, “Aftermath” by Landon Elliott, “MMCHT” by Nickelus F, “Rocky Coast” by Night Idea, “Long After the Empire” by Prabir Trio, “Putrid | Obsolete” by Prisoner,
“Memento Mori: The Inevitability of Death” by Reppa Ton x Agent-X, “Intrusive Thoughts” by Rine, “More to the Story” by Tennishu, “Public Access” by Tentative Decisions, “All Quiet” by Terror Cell, “Thursdays at Six” by The Wayward Leaves, and “Sad Girl Summer” by Tyler Meacham.
A public vote also is open from Feb. 17 to March 20 at NewlinMusicPrize. com, with results counting as one ballot toward the final decision.
Modeled after awards like Canada’s Polaris Music Prize and the United Kingdom’s Mercury Prize, the Newlin Music Prize highlights Richmond’s diverse music scene and encourages future recordings.
Black History Month celebrations
Feb. 21
The Penny Executive
1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Brightpoint Community College Midlothian Campus.
A one-woman play by Foster Solomon on the life of Maggie Walker, the first Black woman to lead a U.S. bank. RSVP to Ben Rogers at brogers@ brightpoint.edu.
Feb. 22
Soul Bowl
Noon, Henrico Police Athletic League, 2401 Hartman Street
A trivia competition open to middle and high school students in Henrico. Participants will have a chance to win prizes by answering trivia questions on Black history, mental health awareness along with challenges such as finishing a tune or performing a quick dance Refreshments and music provided. Advance registration encouraged. Contact henricotoosmart2start@gmail.com or call/ text (804) 506-0592.
HGTV
Feb. 22
Hanover County NAACP Black History Month Presentation
A discussion on the contributions of Africans throughout the African Diaspora and positive next steps in today’s political climate.
Feb. 24
Estate Focus Tour: Black History Month
1:30 p.m., Maymont, 1700 Hampton St.
A walking tour focusing on the African American domestic staff who lived and worked at Maymont. Explore the gardens, outbuildings and other estate features that made Maymont a showplace in Gilded Age Richmond. maymont.org
Feb. 25
10th Annual Black History Month Virginia
Author Celebration
3p.m., Hull Street Branch Library
A book fair featuring Black-owned bookstores, publishers and authors of color. Includes author tables, speakers, panel discussions, giveaways and refreshments.
Feb. 26
Generations: African Americans and Legacies of Military Service
6:30p.m., Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St.
A panel of Black veterans discusses their military experiences and legacies. Light refreshments at 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 26
The Constitution and “Loving v. Virginia”
6 p.m., Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St.
A panel moderated by Danielle Wingfield,
assistant professor of law at the University of Richmond, exploring the significance of the 1967 “Loving v. Virginia” Supreme Court ruling with Mary Bauer, executive director of ACLU-VA; Kim Forde-Mazrui, Mortimer M. Caplin, professor of Law at the University of Virginia; and author Peter Wallenstein, professor of history at Virginia Tech. Ongoing Portals
Daily, Feb. 1-28, Shockoe Bottom, 100 N. 17th St.
A free, self-guided tour featuring historic street-life photography blended with artwork by local artists.
We Are the Builders: Honoring the Contributions of Black Workers in Virginia Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
An exhibition highlighting the contributions of Black Virginians to America’s development, focusing on labor history and artifacts.
stars headline Richmond Home + Garden Show
Free Press staff report
The Richmond Home + Garden Show will feature HGTV stars Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, co-hosts of “Unsellable Houses,” from Feb. 28 to March 2, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The twin sisters will share their home and design expertise with attendees on Feb. 28 and March 1, offering advice on budget-friendly home improvements and real estate insights. The show is a major event for homeowners seeking to explore trends in home improvement, renovation and landscaping. The show will host more than 225 exhibitors, ranging from local businesses to national companies, offering products and services for various home projects. In addition to the sisters’ presentations on the Fresh Ideas Stage, there will be presentations from home improve-
of HGTV’s “Unsellable
the Richmond Home +
Complex.
Since its inception, the prize has awarded more than $20,000 to local musicians. Past winners include Butcher Brown in 2024 for “Solar Music,” Deau Eyes in 2023 for “Legacies,” and McKinley Dixon in 2022 for “For My Mama And Anyone Who Look Like Her.” For more information, visit NewlinMusicPrize.com.
live music and coffee from Coalesce Coffee, and the event also will feature a showcase of the latest products and services from exhibitors.
More than 225 exhibitors will be on hand, offering products and services for all kinds of home projects. Featured exhibitors include Woodfin: Your Home Team, Spa Blowout, Capital Remodeling, JDS Bath, Window Depot USA and others. The event will run from
or $7 online for adults. Admission is free for children 12 and under. The event will offer $5 admission after 5 p.m. on Feb. 28 and March 1. For more information, visit richmondhomeandgarden. com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram @ richmondhomeshows.
The Library of Virginia presents two free events in support of Virginia Opera’s world-premiere production of “Loving v. Virginia,” co-commissioned with the Richmond Symphony. The opera is based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a Virginia couple who were criminally charged for their interracial marriage, took their case to the Supreme Court and won a landmark victory for Civil Rights in the United States.
Photo courtesy HGTV Stars
Houses,” sisters Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, headline
Garden Show, Feb. 28 through Mar. 2 at the Richmond Raceway
Maggie Walker
Richard and Mildred Loving
Tennishu’s Marcus Tenney
A Black church that now owns Proud Boys logo is using it to sell shirts
Jack Jenkins Religion News Service
A historic Black church whose Black Lives Matter sign was destroyed by members of the extremist group Proud Boys is now selling T-shirts using the group’s logo after the congregation won the Proud Boys trademark as part of a yearslong legal dispute.
“Stay Proud, Stay Black” and “Stay Proud, Black Lives Matter,” read the shirts, which the church, Metropolitan AME Church in downtown Washington, put on sale on its website this week. All proceeds from sales go to the church’s Community Justice Fund, whose purpose will be revealed further in the “coming weeks,” according to the church’s site.
The church’s pastor, the Rev. William H. Lamar IV, said in a text to RNS on Feb. 12 that the effort was an attempt to “turn evil to good.”
“For the first time in our nation’s history, a Black institution owns property of a white supremacist group,” reads the statement on the church’s website. “Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church now owns the exclusive rights to the Proud Boys trademark, stripping them of the very name they rallied under. This also means that any money the Proud Boys makes from using the trademark must be paid to Metropolitan to help satisfy the multi-milliondollar default judgment.”
Photo credit screenshot
The “Stay Proud, Stay Black” and “Stay Proud, Black Lives Matter” shirts for sale by the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington.
The sale of the shirts is the latest chapter in a legal saga dating back to December 2020. In days before the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, rampaging members of the Proud Boys tore Black Lives Matter banners from the doors and fences of several churches in the nation’s capital and set one on fire in the street.
Metropolitan AME quickly erected a new version of their sign that read “Black Lives Matter. Today, tomorrow, and always,” the congregation filed suit against the Proud Boys. A judge ruled in the church’s favor in 2023 and ordered the extremist group to pay $2.8 million in compensation. When the Proud Boys didn’t comply, the church legally pursued the extremist group’s trademark and was awarded it earlier this month.
“We decided that in order to be made whole, in order for justice to be served, that we will go after their trademark, because that is valuable,” Lamar told RNS in an interview last week. “They use it for recruiting, they use it for commerce. We are due and
owed the money from the judgment, and they will not defy the law without our continuing to press for justice to be served.”
The Proud Boys, a loose association of far-right chapters across the country, are known for their enthusiastic support of President Trump and for using violence against those they see as liberal adversaries. Several have claimed religious inspiration for their actions, with one leader comparing Jesus’ crucifixion to members of the group “sacrificing ourselves for our country.”
The trademark ruling came soon after Trump issued a blanket pardon to Proud Boys who participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, including their purported leader, Enrique Tarrio, who was arrested before Jan. 6 and sentenced to more than five months in jail in 2021 for charges related to church vandalism and possession of a high-capacity magazine.
Tarrio was later found guilty of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years in prison related to the Capitol attack but
VAIPL to host open mic on environmental and racial justice
Free Press staff report
Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) is hosting an open mic night this Thursday, Feb. 27, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Abi’s Books & Brews, 1212 W Cary St. The event invites participants to explore the intersection of racial and environmental justice through poetry, prose, music and storytelling.
The event aims to highlight efforts to address the climate crisis, environmental and social injustices and the pursuit of a more just, thriving and equitable world.
In collaboration with Brilliance Behind Bars, a nonprofit that amplifies the voices of incarcerated individuals through creative expression and advocacy, the event will also feature stories written by those who cannot be present to share their words.
Those wishing to share their own writing at the event can sign up by emailing klassiter@ vaipl.org or by signing up on the day of the event.
For more information or to RSVP, visit the Virginia Interfaith Power & Light website at vaipl.org.
following the
from
“America is being America,” he said. “America says there were no rights a Black person had that a white man was bound to respect. America refused to let little Black children go to school. America has sponsored violence to do its political work, both domestically and abroad, and those who were violent against us were pardoned because this is America. Know where you are, and fight to make this place what it says it is, but never has been.”
The legal efforts of his church, Lamar said, make clear the “Black prophetic tradition is alive,” explaining, “we operate from love and justice and a belief that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God.”
He added: “America does whatever it can to keep us from getting power, but we will not stop.”
AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
The Rev. William H. Lamar IV, front, leads the Palm Sunday 2024 service at the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington. was released
prison last month
president’s pardon.
Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER NIKKI PATTERSON-
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD LINDSAY VICTORIA KIRKLAND, JAMEZ WESLEY KIRKLAND, Petitioners V DONOVAN LAMONT GINGER, II Case No.: CA24-56 January 31, 2025 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a Final Order of Adoption of Jaxon William Kirkland by Lindsay Victoria Kirkland and Jamez Wesley Kirkland. An affidavit having been filed that diligence has been used by the Petitioners without effect to ascertain the location of Donovan Lamont Ginger II. it is ORDERED that Donovan Lamont Ginger II appear before this Court on the 23rd day of May, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Historic 1917 Courthouse located at 10011 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, Virginia and protect his interest herein. A Copy Teste: Amanda L. Pohl Clerk of Circuit Court Anne L. Roddy, Esuire BARNES & DIEHL Boulders VI, Suite 200 7401 Beaufont Springs Drive Richmond, VA 23225 804-796-1000
VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re RYLNN CHICHESTER, a juvenile RDSS, Plaintiff v JENNIFER DONLY,
RDSS, Plaintiff v. ASHLEY
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 Ashley Russell (Mother) & Unknown Father to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before May 6, 2025, at 2:20 A.M., COURTROOM #2.
Woodman Road Improvements Henrico County, Virginia Public Hearing
The County of Henrico is proposing to improve 1.75 miles of Woodman Road to provide a four-lane divided roadway between Hungary Road and Mountain Road. The project includes turn lane improvements, a shared use path, and sidewalk along the corridor. Pedestrian crossings with push buttons and count down timers will be provided at each signalized intersection. Project plans and schematics will be available to view, and County staff will be available to answer questions. You will also have the opportunity to provide comments. Construction is currently planned for December 2030.
Project information which includes the construction plans, project schedule, and funding information can be reviewed at the County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, Administration Annex Building, 4305 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA. Telephone: (804) 501-5532. The County and the design team are performing environmental reviews and coordinating with state and federal agencies to obtain information about environmental resources in the project vicinity; provide natural and historic resource agencies with an opportunity to review and comment on the project during its development; and identify opportunities for avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of environmental impacts. The project is being coordinated with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) as part of the state environmental review process. This process will include a review of the potential impacts to threatened or endangered species within the vicinity of the project.
