Richmond Free Press January 25-27, 2024 edition

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VOL. 33 NO. 4

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Robert Blue, chairman, president and CEO of Dominion, right, stands with Sandra Treadway, left, librarian of Virginia, and Danita Gail Wilkinson, middle, COO of the R.R. Wilkinson Foundation that is named after her father, the late Rev. Raymond Rogers Wilkinson, the Baptist minister and civil rights leader.

Rev. Wilkinson and several other Virginians were honored during Dominion’s and the Library of Virginia’s “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” awards program June 15 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa.

Sandra G. Treadway retires as Virginia’s state librarian

By Debora Timms

When Dr. Sandra Gioia Treadway started working as an associate editor of publications for the Library of Virginia in 1978, she recalls the time being such “a different world back then.

It’s hard to imagine what it was like.”

She remembers a period where finding materials meant searching the library’s card catalogues. And, as an editor, she said making corrections to publications often involved retyping multiple pages or entire documents, a process made much simpler by the arrival of word processors.

“Everything took so much longer. ... It was light years from where we are now,” Dr.

Treadway said.

The New Jersey native came to Virginia while pursuing her doctorate in American history after earlier earning a master’s in library and information sciences from the University of Tennessee. Before being tapped as librarian of Virginia 16 years ago, she served as deputy librarian for 11 years.

This month, after working for the Library of Virginia for 45 years, she will retire.

Her pending retirement has meant reflecting on the many changes that have occurred in nearly five decades at what arguably is one of the state’s most storied and valuable institutions.

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Ellis Henderson

Legislation calls for free school meals for all Virginia students

By Nathaniel Cline The Virginia Mercury

A bill that would provide free meals for all public school students in Virginia passed the Senate Education and Health Committee Thursday.

“This is about making sure that every kid who goes to school gets fed — no questions asked,” Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, the patron for Senate Bill 283, said earlier this month.

The proposal would cost an estimated $346 million over the next two years.

The bill now goes to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Some Republicans including Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, balked at the cost.

“I just obviously do not want any child to go hungry and do Please turn to A4

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Meet this week’s Personality B1

Virginia becomes abortion haven for out-of-state women

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Associated Press

Students select their meals during lunch break in the cafeteria on Dec. 12, 2022, at an elementary school in Scottsdale, Ariz. A bill that would provide free meals for all public school students in Virginia passed the Senate Education and Health Committee last week. The proposal would cost an estimated $346 million over the next two years.

It is no longer unusual for a pregnant Alabama woman with two kids to be parked overnight outside a Virginia League for Planned Parenthood (VLPP) clinic, waiting for the doors to open.

Jamie Lockhart, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, Mr. Becerra said the protection of abortion rights in this state means that women who live where the procedure is banned are making their way to VLPP facilities in Richmond and Hampton Roads.

An influx of patients from other states has increased the total of abortions that Planned Parenthood is performing yearly in Virginia, according to Paulette McElwaine, VLPP president and CEO. Prior to June 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the national right to abortion enshrined in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, Planned Parenthood’s clinics in Richmond and Hampton Roads would perform about 4,000 abortions a Please turn to A4

Atlanta’s Spelman College gets largest-ever single HBCU donation The Associated Press

Julie Yarbrough, Spelman College via The Associated Press

Participants in the Spelman College 136th commencement celebrate in College Park, Ga., in May 2023. Historically Black colleges and universities, which had seen giving from foundations decline in recent decades, have seen an increase in gifts —particularly from corporations and corporate foundations over the past several years.

ATLANTA A billionaire couple is giving $100 million to Atlanta’s Spelman College, which the women’s school says is the largest-ever single donation to a historically Black college or university.

The donation was announced last week by Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston. She is the billionaire granddaughter of the founder of medical device-maker Stryker Corp., and he is the chairman of money management firm Greenleaf Trust. They live in Michigan.

Spelman officials said that it would use $75 million to endow scholarships. The rest of the money will be used for other purposes, including developing an academic focus on public policy and democracy, and improving student housing, a sore point in recent years among Spelman students.

“It’s a transformational gift to any institution, period,” Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Clues clause Carrie Williams, 10; Madison Williams, 10; Maleah Hobson, 13; and Threvia Slayton, 15, participate in a scavenger hunt during the Black History Museum’s annual teen-focused Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day on Jan. 13.

Trump wins New Hampshire primary as rematch with Biden appears increasingly likely The Associated Press

Bonnie Newman Davis/Richmond Free Press

REaDy, set, taking action The halls of the Virginia General Assembly were ablaze with crimson on Monday as Richmond area members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority participated in Delta Days at the General Assembly. In between attending committee sessions led by several legislators, sorority members took time to greet new legislators Sen. Lashrecse Aird, 13th District, shown with Lisa Johnson and Greta Randolph and Delegate Debra Gardner, 76th District. Also in attendance were Valena A. Dixon, Bonnie Newman Davis, managing editor, Richmond Free Press, and Karla E. Peters, copy editor, Richmond Free Press.

MANCHESTER, N.H. Former President Donald Trump easily won New Hampshire’s primary on Tuesday, seizing command of the race for the Republican nomination and making a November rematch against President Biden feel all the more inevitable.

The result was a setback for former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who finished second despite investing significant time and financial resources in Mr. Trump a state famous for its President Biden independent streak. She’s the last major Trump challenger after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ended his presidential bid over the weekend, allowing her to campaign as the sole alternative to Mr. Trump.

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A2 January 25-27, 2024

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Mayor to deliver last ‘State of the City’ Mayor Levar M. Stoney will address the past, present and future accomplishments of Richmond on Tuesday, Jan. 30 during the 2024 State of the City event.

The program will be held in the Science Museum of Virginia at 2500 W. Broad St. and will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception for those in attendance, followed by Mr. Stoney’s address at 7 p.m.

Mayor Stoney Those interested in attending in person can reserve a seat at www.wkf.ms/48ZXWyX. Those who RSVP are encouraged to arrive on time for the event.

Virginia primaries begin in May Free Press staff report

In-person voting for statewide candidates in Virginia’s primary elections will kick off Friday, May 3, at local registrar’s offices.

While the election itself is set for June 18, the deadline to register to vote or to update your existing voter registration is May 28. Voters, however, can register after that date, through Election Day, and vote using provisional ballots, according to state elections officials.

The deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you is June 7. The official state elections website says the request must be received by your local registrar’s office by 5 p.m.

Voter registration offices also will be open for early voting — starting on Saturday, June 8.

Saturday, June 15, will mark the last day of in-person early voting at your local voter registration office.

State officials say that residents who need to register to vote or need to apply for an absentee ballot can do so online by using the Citizen Portal at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/ citizen-portal/.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Friday, Jan. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Southside Women, Infants and Children Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza.

• Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2 to 4:30 p.m. - St. Luke’s Apartments, 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 804-3710433 for more info • Fairfield Court at 2311 N. 25th St., call 804-786-4099 for more info • Gilpin Court at 436 Calhoun St., call 804-786-1960 for more info • Hillside Court at 1615 Glenfield Ave., call 804-230-7740 for more info • Mosby Court at 1536 Coalter St., call 804-786-0204 for more info • Southwood Court at 1754 Clarkson Road. Unit #B, call 804-230-2077 for more info • Whitcomb Court at 2106 Deforrest St., call 804-786-0555 for more info Call the Richmond and Henrico Call Center at (804) 2053501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com.

The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Those interested can schedule an appointment with RHHD by calling (804) 205-3501. Vaccines.gov also allows people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine, and those interested can also text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that children between the ages of 6 months to 4 years old may need multiple doses of the updated vaccines depending on their COVID-19 vaccine status and whether they had previously received Pfizer and Moderna.

Compiled by George Copeland Jr.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Organizers of the People’s Tribunal on Virginia’s Prisons, Jails & Detention Centers hosted a press conference on Jan. 10, the opening day of the 2024 Virginia General Assembly, to highlight its final report that is being sent to all 140 state legislators. The People’s Tribunal also gathered to show solidarity with prisoners at the Red Onion State Prison who, since Dec. 26, have been on a hunger strike to protest the continued use of solitary confinement in the Virginia Department of Corrections, an issue that many thought had been settled by a bill in the 2023 General Assembly.

New weed-sales bill would include minority vendors

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Prospects for the General Assembly to approve the retail sale of marijuana could get a big boost from a deal to guarantee Virginians of color gain a significant share of the business opportunity.

Unveiled Jan. 18 at a State Capitol press conference, the agreement is between state lawmakers, advocates and the state’s four medical marijuana companies.

It aims to ensure there is a major equity component.

The deal to create sales of recreational marijuana is incorporated into a bill that Alexandria state Sen. Adam P. Ebbin and Fairfax Del. Paul E. Krizek have introduced. That legislation soon will be heard in Senate and House committees.

The goal, according to Attorney Phillip Thompson of East Coast Cannabis, who helped craft the agreement, is to make sure there are business opportunities for minority entrepreneurs and communities hard hit by enforcement of marijuana laws. It also would prevent a few large companies to dominate what could become a multi-billion dollar business.

This is “why people are supporting these bills, because we think this is the best opportunity to have significant minority participation in the cannabis business,” Mr. Thompson told reporters. “We don’t want a situation where there are 60 licenses and 58 are awarded to non-minority businesses.”

He said this has happened in the past when other business opportunities arose in the state.

Mr. Thompson and other members of the Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia and East Coast Cannabis are less enthusiastic

about a separate bill that Virginia Beach state Sen. Adam Rouse has introduced to start retail sales.

While Sen. Rouse calls his bill a model of equity, Mr. Thompson and others say it does not include the kind of robust provisions they want and have included in their agreement with the other lawmakers.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond state Sen. Lamont Bagby, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, said he expects that ultimately the legislation will be merged to ensure united support.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has stated he is opposed to the establishment of retail marijuana operations, and he is armed with a veto pen that he could use to block such legislation if were to pass.

Under the agreement incorporated into the Ebbin-Krizek legislation, the four companies that now can only sell to adults with a prescription would be allowed to begin retail sales to adults on July 1 on the condition that each company agrees to train and mentor six minority entrepreneurs in the cultivation of saleable marijuana and the retail operation. The agreement also

would require the companies to pay $1 million apiece to gain the faster start and agree to a 12% sales tax on retail sales.

By January 2025, the agreement calls for 60 microbusinesses with majority Black or other minority ownership to be licensed to begin cultivation and sales. Also, five industrial hemp processors also could start retail sales in localities where voters do not pass a referendum to prohibit such operations.

In addition, the agreement calls for the microbusinesses to be eligible for low-interest loans and waivers on licensing fees and other local requirements for commercial operations.

Lastly, the deal calls for the tax revenue generated by the sale of marijuana to be heavily weighted to benefit communities hit hardest by enforcement of Virginia marijuana laws before the possession of small amounts was legalized in 2021.

The goal would be to have all of the state tax revenue the four medical marijuana companies generate between July 2024 to January 2025 to be used to support development of minority-owned businesses and improvements in the communities hardest hit by enforcement, according to the agreement.

After January 2025, the goal would be for 30% of revenue from the marijuana sales tax to be earmarked for the Cannabis Equity Trust Fund, which the General Assembly previously established as a vehicle to invest in areas that were previously law enforcement targets.

In addition, the agreement would require that half of the local share of revenue from the tax on retail sales be devoted to the renovation or construction of public schools.

Best-selling author Clint Smith is keynote speaker at VMFA symposium

By Bonnie Newman Davis

Author, journalist, poet and scholar Clint Smith says he has been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic and positive response to his best-selling book “How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America.”

The 2021 book, “which explores the legacy of slavery in America—and how both history and memory continue to shape our everyday lives,” writes Drew Faust of Harvard magazine, won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction and was named one of the New York Times 10 Best Books of 2021.

Dr. Smith will be the keynote speaker on Friday night during a two-day symposium, “Picturing the Black Racial Imaginary,” at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA).

Speaking by telephone earlier this week, Dr. Smith, 35, says his reaction stems not from any fears that his book wouldn’t be recognized or hailed by critics. Rather, it never occurred to him while sitting alone for years with his thoughts and conversations whirling in his head would result in his words being taught in high school classrooms, read by dozens of book club members and heard in lecture halls throughout the country.

“I feel so incredibly lucky,” he said. “There are so many writers who write” and never see their work” met with such strong response. “I am filled with gratitude.”

The deep-voiced New Orleans native explained that he wrote “How the Word is Passed” as a 15-year-old version of himself.

Growing up in what was the seat of the Atlantic Slave Trade, he felt inundated hearing about all the things “wrong with Black people,” he said.

“I felt I didn’t have the language to respond,” to the bigotry and racism he heard and saw, he said. “I am the descendant of slave people. My grandfather’s grandfather was born into slavery.

America was built on our backs, but as a teen, I didn’t know

the sociological and historical meaning of that.”

So he learned by researching the history of the Confederate statues in his home town and later by sharpening his skills while majoring in English at Davidson College, where he also participated in poetry slams (and won a national poetry slam contest), teaching high school students in Prince George County, Md., and later while earning a Ph.D in education at Harvard University.

His book is a lyrical journey to spaces teeming with monuments and landmarks — “those that are honest about the past and those that are not — that offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has been central in shaping our nation’s collective history, and ourselves,” reads one description.

Monticello Plantation in Virginia is just one of the places

he visits to learn more about Thomas Jefferson, who enslaved more than 400 people.

In an era of book banning and resistance to telling America’s true story, Mr. Smith acknowledges that “How the Word is Passed,” has been banned in some schools and libraries, a fact that he does not wear as “a badge of honor,” he said. “It’s unfortunate. I’m really thankful for teachers and librarians who are fighting back.”

A two-day symposium, “Picturing the Black Racial Imaginary”, will be in the Leslie Cheek Theater at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) on Friday, Jan. 26, and Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.

To kick off the symposium, renowned writer, poet and scholar Dr. Smith, will deliver a keynote address titled How the Word Is Passed: Reckoning with Our Past to Build a Better World on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the symposium will continue with a program inspired by the exhibition “Dawoud Bey: Elegy.”

For more details, please visit: https://vmfa.museum.

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Rate reform is working.

Last year, Virginia policymakers delivered meaningful rate relief and energy reforms.

• Lower Monthly Bills – $352 million in rate relief, saving the typical residential customer more than $80 a year.

• Fuel Cost Down – An additional $7 a month reduction by managing rising global fuel costs.

• More Oversight – Increased regulatory authority by the State Corporation Commission.

• Largest Offshore Wind Project – Moved forward with the largest offshore wind development in the U.S., which will deliver clean energy to 660,000 KRPHV ZKHQ êQLVKHG And Dominion Energy has undergrounded 2,000 miles of power lines to improve reliability, installed smart meters to help customers manage energy use, and expanded EnergyShare to help more neighbors in need.

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News

Sandra G. Treadway retires as Virginia’s state librarian Continued from A1

New technology clearly has made work at the library more efficient. In fact, Dr. Treadway said that the LVA was one of the earliest adopters of digital imaging of its collections among all of the state archives in the country.

“We recognize that not everyone can get to Richmond,” she said, noting that digitization helps make the library’s collections more accessible. “We’ve been doing that for quite some time.”

All of the library’s currently digitized original manuscripts or photograph materials reside on a satellite website to their main site, which is called Virginia Memory.

“Technology also lets us link collections in interesting ways,” she said.

As an example, she points to a project that originated with an idea staff members brought to her to identify records that tell the stories of individual African-Americans prior to 1865, whether enslaved or free. Those records have been digitized and entered into the database for “Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative.”

“The goal is that, over time, this will grow substantially,” Dr. Treadway said, explaining that the hope is to develop a vital resource that might help researchers move past the brick wall that often arises for those trying to trace their history and genealogy, especially African-Americans.

Increasing the diversity of the library’s holdings and highlight-

ing the stories and achievements of often-overlooked Virginians has been a focus of the collection-development policy throughout Dr. Treadway’s tenure.

“There are so many people important to history and their stories need to be discoverable,” she said.

Dr. Treadway said it has been her privilege to have opportunities tell those stories through exhibitions such as the current “Indigenous Perspectives” and through the library’s partnership since 2013 with Dominion Energy in the “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” program.

“I think so many of these life stories have not been included before and this program is a great resource for educators across the state,” Dr. Treadway said. “The more you reach out and look, the more you can identify and discover.”

The library’s work also raises awareness that it is always looking to increase such collections, which can lead to unsolicited donations as well. She gave the example of photographers involved in the Columbia Pike Documentary Project, who transferred thousands of photos, some of which became part of a 2021 exhibition celebrating the cultural diversity found in Arlington.

She said one of the LVA’s particular strengths is that, especially when it comes to government, every bit of information is saved.

“That is priceless. Even if it may not be top of mind today, in 50 to 100 years it will be vital,” Dr. Treadway said. “Our

Legislation calls for free school meals for all Virginia students Continued from A1

not want any child who cannot afford a meal to go hungry, either breakfast or lunch, but I just think at this point, I’m not quite ready to say that the commonwealth is going to pay for breakfast and lunch for every child in the commonwealth when you got (wealthy) counties,” Sen. Peake said.

Sen. Roem noted that even Virginia’s wealthiest counties, such as Loudoun, have schools that qualify for federal school lunch programs and have significant school meal debt. Furthermore, she said, many families fall just outside the eligibility limit for free and reduced meals.

Catherine Ford, a lobbyist representing the School Nutrition Association of Virginia, said the state should be putting money toward universal meals.

“We believe that just like textbooks, just like school buses, just like desks, that meals should be provided to children at school,” Ms. Ford said.

If passed, all public-school divisions in Virginia would be required to make meals available for free to any student unless the student’s parents or guardians are against it.

The state would reimburse schools for each meal.

Currently, only schools that qualify for the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) can offer all students free meals.

Schools qualify for the CEP if a certain percentage of their students are classified as low-income.

Previously, the federal government set

that threshold at 40%, but last September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered it to 25%, a change it said would “give states and schools greater flexibility to offer meals to all enrolled students at no cost when financially viable.”

Sen. Roem’s measure would expand free meals to even those schools that don’t qualify for the CEP. The legislation also would require school boards to adopt policies to maximize their use of federal funds for free breakfast and lunch, and create a work group to study the potential impact of offering guaranteed school meals.

Sen. Roem said this year’s proposal is an extension of a 2020 bill she successfully carried that required divisions to apply to enroll any schools in CEP that qualified for it.

Generally, Sen. Roem said school breakfasts in Virginia cost $34 million per year, while lunches cost $138 million.

During a Jan. 11 hearing on her newest proposal, Roem said that because of the 2020 legislation, 44 schools in Prince William County, which lies in her district, have zero school meal debt compared with more than 50 schools that just enrolled in the CEP this year — and had together collected $291,256 of school meal debt in the first semester of the prior year.

“Not every single student who attends a CEP school can’t afford their own breakfast and lunch,” Sen. Roem said. “A lot of them come from families that can, but most of the students … have enough insecurity at home financially that they need help.

And collectively, we’ve decided it’s in our interest, it’s in the student’s interest and it’s the parent’s interest to make sure that we are taking care of everyone at the school.”

Adelle Settle, founder of nonprofit Settle the Debt, which raised roughly $250,000 last year to pay down the lunch debt for students in Prince William County, said she often hears from parents “who earn just over the threshold to receive free or reduced meals for their students, but they’re still struggling and they need help to pay for those school meals.”

Meal debt, Sen. Roem also said, is “money that could’ve gone into other areas such as a classroom or computer lab.”

She added: “And frankly, if the federal government isn’t going to do its job, as far as I’m concerned, of fully funding universal free school meals for all, then we’ve got to step in and take care of our student constituents.”

Sen. Roem also is carrying Senate Bill 318, which would create a grant program to address food insecurity among students at public colleges or universities in Virginia.

The bill also is heading to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.

“With college enrollment still lower than it was pre-pandemic, addressing food insecurity can help students afford tuition and housing so they can stay in school and graduate on time,” she said.

Under the program, public institutions could apply for grants to address food insecurity.

Atlanta’s Spelman College gets largest-ever single HBCU donation Continued from A1

trustee Lovette Russell said.

HBCUs traditionally have had small endowments compared with other colleges, but have seen an increase in donations since the racial justice protests spurred by the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.

Spelman, which has about 2,400 students, has been relatively well-funded, though, reporting an endowment of $571 million in 2021. It’s one of only two historically Black women’s colleges and part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium — a group of four historically Black schools that includes Spelman, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine.

“I think it says that it’s worth investing in HBCUs more broadly, schools that have been far too underinvested in,” Spelman College President Helene Gayle told CBS News. The college announced the donation

in its chapel on a CBS broadcast.

Ms. Stryker has been a Spelman trustee since 1997. She and Johnston gave Spelman $30 million in 2018. They also gave $100 million in 2011 to create the Homer Stryker medical school at Western Michigan University.

The Spelman donation comes a week after the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) announced a donation of $100 million from the Lilly Endowment. That gift will go toward a pooled endowment for the 37 historically Black colleges and universities that form UNCF’s membership, including Spelman, with the goal of boosting the schools’ long-term financial stability. The fund is trying to raise $370 million for a shared endowment.

Other big donations to HBCUs in recent years include the $560 million MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, gave in 2020 to 22 Black colleges, the UNCF and the

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Thurgood Marshall College Fund, another fundraising arm.

Also in 2020, Netflix founder Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, split $120 million among the United Negro College Fund, Spelman and Morehouse College. And former New York mayor and entrepreneur Michael Bloomberg pledged $100 million for student aid at the four historically Black medical schools.

In addition, Robert F. Smith, the billionaire businessman who famously paid off the student loan debt for Morehouse students in 2020, two years later announced that his Student Freedom Initiative’s partnership with Prudential Financial to provide $1.8 million in microgrants to HBCU students.

According to a news release, Prudential also was to provide paid internships and pro bono services to enable improved financial literacy for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) families and students.

interest is in preserving stories today for the public and for students in the future.”

That mission of preservation has been at the heart of the LVA, which celebrated its 200th anniversary throughout 2023. With that milestone under her belt, Dr. Treadway said the timing was right to “pass the torch and bring in new leadership and a new perspective” as the library begin its third century.

Dennis T. Clark will become the 10th librarian of Virginia on Jan. 25. He comes to the role from the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., where he was chief of researcher engagement and general collections. He also brings with him an understanding of Virginia universities, having worked at both the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University in his career.

“It’s important to note that the Library of Virginia is widely considered to be among the finest and most relevant state library and archives in the country,” Mr. Clark wrote in a recent email.

“Virginia is, and should be, proud of its state library!

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to follow a terrific leader like Dr. Sandy Treadway,” he added. “I want more Virginians particularly Richmonders - to use our spaces, visit the Can Can Café in our lobby, and connect with our collections and staff.

We are looking at ways to make the building more accessible and engaging, so I’ll be very focused on ways to do that.”

Dr. Treadway said that even though she is retiring, she always will be one of the biggest supporters of the library and she is looking forward to seeing the new strategic plan that Mr. Clark and the board will put forward.

As for herself, she said she has no grand plan for her retirement other than working with local organizations in which she is active and to travel more.

“I can tell you that the stack of books on my nightstand and on the floor beside my nightstand has been growing so I’m hoping to reverse that,” she said, laughing. “I’m staying flexible to be open to new opportunities, but being careful not to say “yes” to everything so I don’t end up even busier than ever.”

Virginia becomes abortion haven for out-of-state women Continued from A1

year, Ms. McElwaine said. In the past year, the number has surpassed 7,000, she said.

Ms. McElwaine discussed the impact of the Supreme Court decision after meeting with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Resources Xavier Becerra at the newest VPPL women’s health clinic in Church Hill that quietly opened three years ago to provide services.

Secretary Becerra made Richmond one of his stops to raise awareness of the Biden administration’s commitment to protect reproductive health rights for women, including abortion, as the nation marked the 50th anniversary (Jan. 22, 2023) of the landmark abortion-rights decision.

“We’re going to protect all the rights that folks may have” when it comes to their health, he said at the meeting Jan. 18 at the clinic at 1122 N. 25th St., previously the home of a Blackowned medical office building and pharmacy.

Secretary Becerra also listened to the views of advocates for abortion rights who spoke about the importance of women having a right to choose who fear the loss the of the procedure.

Those who spoke up included Gianna Fioravante, who faced the difficult decision to have an abortion when she became pregnant at 15. Then living in West Virginia, the now 36-yearold Richmond paralegal said her life “would be far different” if she now were the mother of a 20-year-old.

She said she knows other teenagers from her area whose plans for the future were derailed as they became young mothers.

Ms. Fioravante told the secretary the decision to have an abortion is never easy, but must be left to the women whose lives will be impacted.

Trump wins New Hampshire primary as rematch with Biden appears increasingly likely Continued from A1

With more than 95% of the expected vote reported, there’s a single delegate left to be allocated in the New Hampshire Republican primary. But no matter where that spare ends up as the final ballots are counted, Mr. Trump is far ahead in the overall delegate count through the first two contests.

New Hampshire assigns its Republican delegates proportionally among candidates who win at least 10% of the vote statewide.

Mr. Trump, who placed first, and Ms. Haley, who placed second, will split the state’s 22 delegates, as no other candidate hit 10%.

Mr. Trump will receive 12 delegates, more than half of the state’s total. Ms. Haley has Ms. Haley locked down nine delegates, but she’s on the cusp of receiving 10.

If Ms. Haley does end up with 10 delegates, that’s the end of the count for New Hampshire. If she doesn’t reach 10, however, then we’re left with one extra delegate. According to RNC rules in New Hampshire, that extra delegate goes to the person who won the most votes: Mr. Trump.

In Iowa, Mr. Trump won 20 delegates to Ms. Haley’s eight.

Mr. Trump’s allies ramped up pressure on Haley to leave the race before the polls had closed, but Ms. Haley vowed after the results were announced to continue her campaign. Speaking to supporters, she intensified her criticism of the former president, questioning his mental acuity and pitching herself as a unifying candidate who would usher in generational change.

“This race is far from over. There are dozens of states left to go,” Ms. Haley said, while some in the crowd cried, “It’s not over!”

Mr. Trump, meanwhile, can now boast of being the first Republican presidential candidate to win open races in Iowa and New Hampshire since both states began leading the election calendar in 1976, a striking sign of how rapidly Republicans have rallied around him to make him their nominee for the third consecutive time.

At his victory party Tuesday night, Mr. Trump repeatedly insulted Ms. Haley and gave a far angrier speech than after his Iowa victory, when his message was one of Republican unity.

Richmond Free Press

January 25-27, 2024 A5

CHANGE IS ON THE WAY.

RICHMOND REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY

Change is �� the w�y.

WATCH US WORK! Since taking the helm of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority in 2022, I have committed myself to changing the image, public perception and most importantly, how we deliver services to our residents and voucher-holder families.

In one year we have made significant progress, but we acknowledge that there is still much work to be done.

Steven Nesmith,

CEO Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority

FOLLOW ALL OF THE WORK @vibrantrrha

In 2024, I am focused on a number of initiatives designed to create more affordable housing, to improve and expand customer service delivery to our residents, voucher families, partners and stakeholders, and to assist our families in becoming self-sufficient.

As a mission driven organization, “Building Communities. Changing Lives,” is not just a tagline. It is who we are. It is what we do.

Thank you for your continued support.

Watch Us Work!

Richmond Free Press

A6 January 25-27, 2024

News

A Wilder ovation

More than $875,000 raised during gala honoring the legacy of the nation’s first Black governor

By Bonnie Newman Davis

Photo courtesy of VCU

Keighton Bell, Norfolk State University student, and Pamela Boston, associate general counsel and senior assistant attorney general at Norfolk State University.

Photo by Bonnie Davis

WASHINGTON Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s gifts as an orator were on full display last Saturday, Jan. 20, in Washington.

But during his remarks before hundreds of family, friends, longtime political supporters, educators, legal professionals and politicians who gathered at the Washington Hilton Hotel to pay tribute to the 93-yearold former governor and help fund student scholarships, it was clear that Mr. Wilder never forgot his humble beginnings in Richmond’s Church Hill community.

Mr. Wilder recalled how his mother encouraged him to attend college, which resulted in his enrollment at Virginia Union University. He arrived at the Lombardy Street school with just $20, the most his mother could muster, he said. No one turned him away at VUU, and he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1951.

After graduating from Virginia Union, he served in the U.S.

Photo courtesy of VCU

Gov. Moore

Army during the Korean War, where he earned a Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat.

When not engaged in combat on the field, Mr. Wilder confronted other forms of battle that led him to speak up for his Black comrades who routinely were passed over for certain jobs and promotions.

When his supervising officers listened and acted on the soldiers’ concerns, Mr. Wilder realized the power of using one’s voice for equality and justice.

After the war, Mr. Wilder attended Howard University School of Law, establishing a legal practice in Richmond

shortly thereafter. His two sisters were his secretaries, he said.After building his practice, his attention later turned to politics, and he was elected to the Virginia Senate in 1969 as a member of the Democratic Party and served five terms before taking office as the lieutenant governor of Virginia, becoming the first AfricanAmerican to hold statewide office in the Commonwealth.

And then, in 1989, the unthinkable occurred when Mr. Wilder was elected as the first African-American governor in the United States. A highlight of his tenure while serving as governor from 1990-1994 was repeatedly presenting the state a balanced budget without raising taxes. This was accomplished despite a deep recession and budget crisis, he notes in his 2015 book, “Son of Virginia: A Life in America’s Political Arena.”

At the end of his four-year term, Mr. Wilder began teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University, before being elected mayor of Richmond. In 2004, when he retired as mayor, he returned to VCU as a distinguished professor at the L. Douglas

Photo by Bonnie Davis

Judge Roger Gregory

Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

His remarks were preceded by several speakers, including television journalist Ed Gordon, the evening’s master of ceremonies, VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Dean Susan T. Gooden, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine; Virginia Union University President Dr. Hakim Lucas; Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland; U.S. Representative Bobby Scott; and Mr. Wilder’s family members, Larry Wilder and Loren Wilder.

The gala began with Norfolk State University theater student Keighton Bell’s reenactment and delivery of Mr. Wilder’s inauguration speech from Jan., 13, 1990. The lengthy speech was delivered by memory, Mr. Bell said later in the evening.

NSU’s President, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, stood nearby, beaming.

“Wasn’t he wonderful,” she said.

To learn more about the scholarship fund that will benefit students at Howard, VUU and VCU who aspire to a career in public service, or to give online, please visit bit.ly/wilderovation, or contact Stevan Dozier, VCU Director of Development and Alumni Engagement: doziers2@ vcu.edu

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HEALTH CARE FOR THE UNIVERSE OF YOU

Richmond Free Press

January 25-27, 2024 A7

Local News

Gen Z’er takes advantage of once-low interest rates to purchase first home

By Darlene M. Johnson

In 2021, Raven Moseley needed a place to stay, but she could not afford an apartment that she felt comfortable in without splitting the bill with a roommate. Plus, she could not find a suitable roommate.

That is when her mother gave her the idea to buy a home.

The lower interest rates in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic helped Ms. Moseley, now 24, in her home-buying search, but it also made the market more competitive, she said.

Homes were going fast and people constantly were outbidding her. Just when she was at the point of giving up on her dream of buying a home, her third offer was accepted.

Once she closed on her home, Ms. Mosely joined the nearly 30% of 25-year-old Generation Z’ers who owned their homes in 2022, according to an analysis by Redfin, the Seattle-based residential real estate brokerage and mortgage origination company.

The percentage is slightly lower than that of baby boomers who owned homes at age 25 (32%), but slightly higher than homeownership rates for millennials (28%) and Generation X (27%) at the same age. Members of Generation Z were born after 1996.

“The number of millennial and Gen Z homebuyers has been steadily increasing for years,” said Dan Kern, Homeownership Business Development and training manager for Virginia Housing. “However, the number of buyers peaked in 2020-2021 and has declined since then due to the lack of housing inventory and the sharp increase in interest rates that began in March of 2022.”

Ms. Moseley said she believes the home was destined for her as it had been on the market since 2021 before she bought it for $192,000 in 2022. To cover closing costs and a down payment on the three-bedroom single family house, Ms. Moseley Mr. Kern used savings she had built up since March 2020, along with first-time homebuyer loans, some of her 401(k) and help from family, she said.

Ms. Moseley said she wouldn’t have been able to afford her house at the current interest rates at an average of 7%. She is grateful for the lower interest rates at 3.5% that allowed her to buy her Church Hill home.

“I never rented anything in my life,” Ms. Moseley said. “This is my first place. This was not on my bingo card. She added that had she waited to purchase her home two to three weeks after she closed on it, “I wouldn’t have been able to even afford my house.”

Although it is hard to predict what interest rates will be in the future, housing analysts say the current 7% interest rate is not unusual.

A recession could bring rates back down, but it seems unlikely that they would return to 3% or 4% anytime soon, Mr. Kern said.

“Other than a sharp upward spike in rates during the late 1970s and early ’80s, rates for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage have traditionally been in the 6% to 7% range for decades” Mr. Kern said. “After the Great Recession in 2008, we saw rates drop into the 3% and 4% range and stay there for 14 years. Everyone got used to that being the ‘norm’ when it was

truly abnormal.”

Gen Z’ers who are not yet homeowners— and who did not take advantage of the lower interest rates from the pandemic— face many obstacles. The Ms. Moseley biggest issues involve finances, Mr. Kern said. Many Gen Z’ers and millennials are carrying a much higher amount of student loan debt than previous generations, and that makes it harder to qualify for mortgages and even rentals in today’s housing market, he said.

Previous generations also were able to buy homes for two to three times their annual income despite interest rates being in the double digits, making the mortgage payments manageable, Mr. Kern said.

“Because household incomes have not kept up with the rapid appreciation of home values, millennial and Gen Z buyers might be looking at regional housing prices that exceed eight to 10 times their annual salary or 50% to 75% of monthly net income,” Mr. Kern said.

To mitigate this, more housing inventory is needed to slow the rate of appreciation, he said. Zoning changes that allow for more density per acre and smaller square footage home configurations — such as condominiums and townhomes — also could help.

“Taking advantage of new building technologies that can reduce the cost of construction should also continue to be a top priority,” Mr. Kern said.

About Virginia Housing Virginia Housing has programs geared toward first-time homebuyers who don’t have savings to help cover down payments and closing costs. Dan Kern, Homeownership Business Development and training manager for Virginia Housing, said his agency sees a strong demand for resources from millennials and Gen Z. “Since 2018, we’ve helped over 7,000 millennial and Gen Z homebuyers in the Richmond metro region and over 27,000 statewide,” Mr. Kern said.

“While we are proud of those numbers, we also realize that the lingering demand for housing means that there is always room for improvement.”

Virginia Housing offers free in-person and online homebuyer-education programs to assess homeownership readiness. More than 15,000 courses have been completed as of 2022, according Virginia Housing’s website, www.virginiahousing.com.

The agency has resources available for home maintenance, managing home finances and refinancing. Virginia Housing also provides home loans, grants, closing costs and down payment assistance grants.

Homes report In December 2023, the median listing home price in Richmond was $359.7K, trending up 10.7% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $230. The median home sold price was $349.5K. Richmond consists of 119 neighborhoods.

There are 961 homes for sale, ranging from $9.9K to $2.4M. Homes for rent: 700 Median days on market: 50 days Source: Realtor.com

Richmond’s top tourism promoter to retire The Richmond area’s biggest cheerleader for tourism is headed for retirement.

Known for his energy and enthusiasm for all things Richmond, John F. “Jack” Berry Jr. has announced that he will end his 31 years at the helm of Richmond Regional Tourism on June 30.

“Serving in this capacity has been the honor my life, made all the richer by the incredible support from leaders across the region, as well as the team at RRT who brings extraordinary talent, energy and creativity with them to work every day, Mr. Berry stated in announcing his decision.

His successor is already in place. The RRT board has approved Katherine O’Donnell, a 22-year veteran who is currently the executive vice president, will move up to president and CEO

after Mr. Berry’s departure.

Mr. Berry is credited with playing a pivotal role in enabling the region to fully promote its historic, cultural and natural assets and attracting conventions, sports tourists and other visitors in record numbers.

His efforts have led to a substantial investment in new hotels, motels and other Mr. Berry visitor occupancy arrangement and the accompanying growth in employment.

During his tenure, he was a key figure in securing the $165 million expansion of the regional convention center in Downtown, now the largest in Virginia.

Recently, he gained support from the city and county governments to add a 2% tax on lodging to create a tourism improvement district to beef up the region’s marketing in a bid to bring more tourists to the areas.

Mr. Berry stated that the plaudits he has received are due to the hard work of the staff of 27 he has managed.

He noted they have identified, tracked and magnified trends thorugh social media and online advertising that have helped Richmond roll out the welcome mat for a wide assortment of people.

The result is that during Mr. Berry’s tenure, Richmond has repeatedly been named a destination to visit by an assortment of national publications, helping to bring more people and spending to the area.

Help Plan the Future of Downtown Transit!

Join GRTC’s first public meeting to discuss a permanent facility for transit riders in Downtown Richmond. During this public engagement session, we'll present amenity and location options for the proposed 10-bay bus transfer hub with mixed-use development that will anchor transit service for the Richmond region and better integrate GRTC into the fabric of downtown. We would appreciate your opinions, feedback, and support!

Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5:30–7:30 pm Main Branch Richmond Library 101 E Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219 GRTC buses and public meeting locations are wheelchair accessible.

The Richmond Main Branch Library is accessible by GRTC Pulse and local routes 1, 2A/B/C, 3A/B, 5, 14, 50, 78, and 87.

Richmond Free Press Ornamental grass in Forest Hill Park Editorial Page

A8

January 25-27, 2024

Jason Kamras must resign Photos of Shawn Jackson, smiling proudly as he accepts his diploma on the Altria Theater stage, are hard to look at knowing that just minutes later the 18-year old would lay outside the downtown theater gasping for breath before dying from gunshot wounds.

His stepfather, Lorenzo Smith, 36, who tried to shield him, also was fatally shot on that June 6, 2023, afternoon.

Seven months have passed since the tragedy that struck not only Mr. Jackson and Mr. Smith. At least 12 innocent bystanders —including Mr. Jackson’s 9-year-old sister, were injured during the bloody shooting that followed the Huguenot High School graduation.

Amari Pollard , 19, was identified as the shooting suspect and an arrest was made less than 24 hours later.

The blame game and finger-pointing started well before vigils and final rites were held for the victims.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said the shooting suspect knew Mr. Jackson and the two had been embroiled in a dispute for more than a year.

Details of the young men’s relationship continued to unfold, some of which came from official and reliable sources while other information came from “so and so said.”

Finally, a week ago, Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant, upon a Freedom of Information Act request, ordered that an external report by the Sands Anderson law firm on the June 6 shooting be released to the public.

Lawyers on behalf of RPS didn’t want that to happen, arguing that the report should not have been released to the public due to attorney-client privilege.

However, in his opinion letter, Judge Marchant stated that “a non-privileged document does not somehow become privileged simply because it includes information the owner would prefer not to disclose.” Judge Marchant further added that “not every communication between attorney and client is protected by attorneyclient privilege.”

The Jan. 18 edition of the Free Press provides a detailed account of the report. It can be read online.

In short, Mr. Jackson, a homebound student, was not permitted to be on school property or at schoolsponsored events due to safety and mental health concerns. The safety concerns are said to be due to “an incident one of [Mr. Jackson’s] friends” was involved in that resulted in the shooting death of another person, according to the report and its exhibits.

Despite this, there were multiple instances of Mr. Jackson being on school grounds, Free Press reporter Darlene M. Johnson wrote. Safety and security issues cited in the Sands Anderson report included an email from Mr. Jackson’s mother to his counselor stating the family was “still homeless from [their] home being shot up, by students from Huguenot,” and another instance when Mr. Jackson took a test on school property “in the class with people who literally tried to kill him.”

Monique Harris, who is a mandated reporter of “threatening behavior, statements or actions” according to the RPS threat assessment policy, was aware of the incident that occurred on school grounds. She did not report the information to an administrator to begin a threat assessment the report stated.

Mr. Jackson did not attend the graduation rehearsal, but he was “squeezed in” at the graduation ceremony, even though his counselor, Ms. Harris, noted how it may have been “too dangerous” in an email to Mr. Jackson’s mother, Tameeka Smith.

The report goes on to touch on all sorts of protocols that were violated and cites a former principal, Robert Gilstrap, who had “checked out,” before leaving for another job.

Earlier this week a Richmond School Board member debated whether to hire an auditor.

Board member Kenya Gibson, who plans to run for Richmond City Council, believes a senior auditor with a primary focus on safety should be hired and report to the director of auditing.

Come again?

The motion failed, as did a couple of other motions regarding school safety measures.

Question. When will all the hand-wringing, mudslinging, secrecy and lack of accountability end?

Ernest Parker Jr., a longtime Free Press reader, gives his opinion in a letter to the editor.

“Looking over the article in the Free Press concerning the Huguenot High School shooting I find it very disturbing,” Mr. Parker writes. “For one, there were not enough security officers in place to deal with so many people. A young man Shawn Jackson and his stepfather lost their lives at this event. The mother sounded an alert by saying that she was fearful for her son attending this event.

“There seemed to be a lack of communication and it never reached the proper channels,” Mr. Parker continues. “I am not for seeing anyone lose their jobs but this case is an exception. Whether we start from the top and work our way down, someone needs to be held accountable for this type of neglect and travesty.”

We will say it more bluntly: If former school superintendents have been shown the door for less egregious situations, the Richmond School Board needs to show some grit and immediately demand Jason Kamras’ resignation.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Miyares pro proton radiation treatment The announcement that Defense Secretary LloydAustin is being treated for prostate cancer has hit home with millions of families across the nation. But in Virginia, the announcement is particularly relevant as the state’s legislature examines an opinion by the state attorney general that said insurances should cover a specific prostate cancer treatment that could save more lives.

Proton beam cancer therapy, administered by the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute, was casted front and center just before Christmas as Attorney General Jason Miyares issued the opinion, which clarified that those insurance companies that cover radiation as a cancer therapy should not deny coverage for proton beam therapy when a patient meets the clinical standards in the policy for coverage, an issue that has raged in the state due to repeated insurance denials.

In the three-page opinion, Mr. Miyares clarified that a section of the Virginia code “prohibits an insurance carrier that provides coverage for cancer therapy from denying a patient coverage for proton radiation therapy when the coverage determination is based on the carrier’s application of a higher standard of clinical evidence to such treatment than it uses for treatments it otherwise

approves.”

The recent announcement from the Pentagon concerning Mr. Austin’s diagnoses did not include the type of treatment he is receiving.

However, the fact that Mr. Austin is Black draws new attention to the health disparity between Black and white men with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the risk of

Hazel Trice Edney Black men dying from low-grade prostate cancer is “double that of men of other races” and Black men are slightly more likely than White men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In Virginia, the city of Portsmouth has the highest AfricanAmerican cancer death rates in the state and the city of Petersburg leads the nation with Black men dying from prostate cancer. Both Portsmouth and Petersburg are less than an hour from Hampton University.

Mr. Miyares pointed to the Hampton center, at a historically Black university, as being crucial to saving lives. “The Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute is a world-class academic and research institution that not only serves Virginians, but also treats people from around the world.

They save precious lives. It’s essential that the prior authorization process is streamlined and patient access to proton radiation therapy is expanded and made accessible

so that every patient can get the treatment that is right for them,” he wrote.

The opinion came as welcome news to families who have been repeatedly denied by insurance companies that have refused to pay for the treatment simply because it may cost more than other therapies and for reasons that many say are unexplained when their carriers provide coverage for other types of radiation treatment.

Mary Lambert of Richmond whose 52-year-old husband died of prostate cancer in 2019 after his insurance refused to pay for the proton beam therapy, applauded the attorney general’s opinion.

“I am elated to know that the state’s attorney has written a formal opinion,” she said. “No one’s family should have to go through what my husband and what our family went through. Our children were 9 and 12 when he passed.”

Ironically, the Virginia Legislature already had passed HB #1656 in 2017 stating that “each policy, contract or plan issued or provided by a carrier that provides coverage for cancer therapy shall not hold proton radiation therapy to a higher clinical standard of clinical evidence for decisions regarding coverage under the policy, contract, or plan than is applied for decisions regarding coverage of other types of radiation therapy treatment.”

Yet patients continue to report that the insurance companies are denying access. In some states, patients and patient families have successfully sued their insurance

Redefining policing in America “The only way to get this number down significantly would be to make more significant changes to, you know, what policing means in this country.”—Justin Nix, criminal justice professor, University of Nebraska Omaha The sheriff’s deputies who shot and killed Tony Cox in Michigan last month said he had a gun. He didn’t.

The deputies said Mr. Cox pointed at them with “a two-handed posture.” But in the single still image police released — it’s not clear whether it’s from a body camera or dashboard — Mr. Cox is facing away from the camera.

Police in Fayetteville, N.C., who shot and killed DeMarcus Brodie during a traffic stop on Thanksgiving Day haven’t explained why they stopped Mr. Brodie, or how the encounter escalated into violence.

Mr. Cox and Mr. Brodie are two of the 1,329 people killed by police in the United States last year, the deadliest year for police killings since 2013. Black people are three times as likely to be killed by police as white people. Almost 90% of the victims died by gunfire.

It’s no mystery why police killings continue to escalate: The nation is awash in guns,

too many police are poorly trained, and most face almost no accountability.

All of these factors point to the urgent need for the nation to adopt the National Urban League’s Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust.

A comprehensive framework for criminal justice advocacy, 21

Marc H. Morial Pillars takes a holistic approach to public safety, the restoration of trust between communities and law enforcement, and a path forward for meaningful change.

Each of the 21 Pillars centers on five key themes that are fundamental to the protection and preservation of life, dignity and trust, while also building safer communities: 1. Collaboration between law enforcement and communities 2. Accountability 3. Reform of divisive policies 4. Transparency, reporting, and data collection 5. Improved hiring standards and training.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which the National Urban League emphatically endorses, would accomplish most of the Pillars on the federal level.

About a quarter of those killed by police last year were in the throes of a mental health crisis.

Address the needs of individuals experiencing mental health crisis is Pillar 4.

Campaign Zero, the criminal justice reform advocacy group that compiled the data, notes that at least 42% of the incidents were captured on body-worn cameras, which police often don’t release to the general public. The footage “commonly” contradicts officers’ initial accounts of a fatal encounter.

Mandate the use of dashboard and body-warn cameras and provide public access to the footage is Pillar 15.

Campaign Zero also noted that their research efforts are hampered by the fact that at least than half of police killings are not reported in official government data. Collection of data on police misconduct and use of force is Pillar 14.

Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, told USA Today that de-escalation training is proven to work, but too few departments have implemented it.

Strengthening police hiring standards and improving training to build integrity and trust is Pillar 20.

“Until that training changes, and until the culture with it changes, that number is going to be way too high,” Mr. Wexler said. “We can cut officer involved shootings with the right training.”

The writer is president of the National Urban League.

The Free Press welcomes letters The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you.

We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.

carriers in court to get them to cover proton therapy for their cancer.

“It’s been law for five years.

So why are people still going through this? And I’m hoping that this administration can do what they’re supposed to do. I would not wish this on anyone,” Ms. Lambert said.

Bill Thomas, associate vice president of governmental relations at Hampton University and a national advocate for proton therapy puts it this way: “No one wants cancer. No one wants to be radiated. No one wants side effects from any form of cancer treatment.

But if you are diagnosed with cancer, if you must have treatment and the doctor prescribes proton radiation therapy, shouldn’t you be allowed to follow the doctor’s orders?”

The writer is president & CEO of Trice Edney Communications and editor-in-chief of Trice Edney News Wire.

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Richmond Free Press

January 25-27, 2024 A9

Letters to the Editor/News

Civil War was about ‘secession, not slavery’, says reader Marc H. Morial, in excoriating Nikki Haley, parrots the tiresome myth of American history by claiming the Civil War (which it was not, by definition) was “about” slavery, quoting slavery as one among the reasons for the secession of the Southern states.

He is wrong. The war was not “about” slavery, (nor “about” states’ rights, as one often hears as a counter-argument.) The war was about secession. As the noted historian Barbara Tuchman accurately called it, (in her book “The March of Folly, from Troy to Vietnam,”) it was “the North’s war against the South’s secession.”

The Ordinances of Secession were essentially Declarations of Independence, not declarations of war. Peaceful withdrawal from a voluntary union of sovereign states was the choice of

the Southern states that seceded. War to prevent their departure from the Union was President Abraham Lincoln’s choice.

President Lincoln said in his first inaugural that he was waging war against the South to “save the Union and collect the revenue.” (In other words, to save the Union in order to collect the tariff revenues from the South.) Follow the dollar and know the truth.

President Lincoln did not wage war against the South to free the slaves. He said so himself in his first inaugural. Are we to call “Honest Abe” a liar? And two years later he said in his famous Emancipation Proclamation that slavery was all right as long as you were loyal to his government, proven six months later when he admitted West Virginia, a so-called “Slave State,” into the Union. And if the war was “about” slavery, why was slavery

constitutional in the United States throughout the war?

In spite of Mr. Morial’s assertion, Virginia didn’t secede over the slavery issue. She, along with the other states of the upper South, seceded when President Lincoln called for her troops to invade the seven seceded States. These accusations of “Lost Cause Myths” and other righteous hyperventilations are nothing more than what true historians call “presentism,” the twisting of history to confirm to the politics of the present. And as Thomas Carlyle said in one of his latter-day pamphlets, it is a damned lie and nothing other, and, like all lies, it is cursed and damned from the beginning.

H.V. TRAYWICK JR. Richmond

‘Richmond’s restaurants struggle to stay alive,’ says mayoral candidate

Living the Dream features musical tributes, VUU Richmond continues to attract new industry. passion and commitment to contribute Philly Vegan’s interaction with the business and investment, create jobs, and to Richmond’s economic success and city — and I know there are others But instead, restaurants are struggling Gospel Choir provide an invigorating economic climate to stay alive — because the city gave them promising future. with similar stories, has exposed the Free Press staff report

A concert and tribute to the Rev. Nathan Dell will be part of the Community Learning Week events being presented by nonprofit Living the Dream, Inc. (LTD).

“Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Sing/ Gospel/Jazz/String and Classical Performances” will feature a number of prominent artists, including: • Instrumentalists Dr. Weldon Hill, James “Saxsmo” Gates and William “Bill” McGee • Violinist and symphony conductor Naima Burrs • Classical singer Lisa Edwards Burrs • Virginia Union University’s Gospel Choir • Vocalists Mervin Mayo, Coral Harvey Armstrong and Michelle Lightfoot and Friends and • Virginia State University Ensemble alumni Dr. Rebertha Pope-Matthews The concert will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. LTD’s president and board chair, Bernice Travers, stated in a press release that the event will be free; however, donations will be accepted.

The following Saturday, Feb. 3, “A Tribute to Reverend Nathan Dell” will take place at 11 a.m. at Fifth Baptist Church. It is free to the public, but advance registration is required.

Rev. Dell is the retired pastor of the East End’s Woodville Presbyterian Church. He also teaches the art of preaching or writing sermons as professor of homiletics at the Virginia Union University Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology.

Speaking at the tribute will be Union Theological Seminary retired professor, Dr. James Forbes of New York, along with Dr. James H. Harris, a professor at VUU’s School of Theology, and Dr. John W. Kinney, who retired as dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology in 2017.

For more information, contact event coordinators Bernice E. Travers or William “Bill” McGee at (804) 467-2707.

To register for the tribute to Rev. Dell, please contact Fifth Baptist Church at (804) 355-1044.

YOU CAN STILL FILE

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Get rid of debts that you can’t pay.

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for expansion—but once businesses decide to invest in Richmond, we need to treat them better.

Take restaurants, for example. We have great ones all over the city, and they make Richmond a great place to live. But we also have the second highest meals tax in Virginia. When the tax was raised in 2018 (to fund school construction), the increase came with a promise: that city government would work to support and sustain the viability of the restaurant

bad information and then punished them for following the city’s instructions.

Promises made should be kept, however, the stories in the media regarding Philly Vegan and other restaurants in the city, causes me and others to pause, and ponder that the promises have been forgotten. Most small businesses in the city of Richmond operate with a fierce sense of unfailing commitment to succeeding. Each has made a conscious decision to operate and invest in the “River City”—with the

Richmonders are not looking for perfection, but accountability from its local government. If we are pro business, then there has to be a sense of empathy and constructed customer service when dealing with governmental mistakes that impact a business’s viability. The media coverage has revealed the importance of having a skilled and professional staff, state of the art technology, and most importantly, a compassion and sensitive customer-service focus.

truth. This glaring depiction of our local government has to change. There has to be a commitment to providing the best services, amenities and responsiveness to our citizens and businesses — large and small. The new year brings an opportunity for us to do better!

Together we can change Richmond’s narratives.

MICHELLE MOSBY Richmond

America’s ‘hands off’ treatment of illegal immigration creates crime David W. Marshall is correct in his editorial that America is having major problems coping with crime, immigration and sanctuary cities. The solution would be to follow the Con-

stitution in allowing only legal immigration. At this writing we the people know not who is entering our borders and challenging our national sovereignty. Crime increases are

due to culture, judges, police being intimidated and allowing sanctuary cities with a “hands off” treatment concerning bad behavior and illegal immigration. The problems will expand

if and when we do not face our weak position in public safety which is America’s No. 1 responsibility.

May God bless this free land of the United States before it’s

too late. America has a stark choice between freedom or chaos!

JOEL MARKS Henrico County

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR REVISION OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER RPS, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00221 · Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider RPS, for recovery of projected and actual costs related to compliance with the mandatory renewable energy portfolio standard program established in the Virginia Clean Economy Act. · Dominion requests approval of a revenue requirement of $366,528,599. According to Dominion, this amount would increase a typical residential customer’s monthly bill using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by approximately $3.48. · A Hearing Examiner appointed by the State Corporation Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on May 14, 2024, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. · An evidentiary hearing will be held on May 14, 2023, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second ÀRRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD WR UHFHLYH WKH WHVWLPRQ\ DQG HYLGHQFH RI WKH &RPSDQ\ DQ\ UHVSRQGHQWV DQG WKH 6WD൵ · Further information about this case is available on the Commission website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

2Q 'HFHPEHU 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU &RPSDQ\ ³'RPLQLRQ´ RU ³&RPSDQ\´ ¿OHG ZLWK WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ ³&RPPLVVLRQ´ D SHWLWLRQ ³3HWLWLRQ´ for revision of a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider RPS, pursuant to § 56 585.1 A 5 d of the Code of Virginia (“Code”). Through its Petition, Dominion seeks to recover projected and actual costs related to compliance with the mandatory renewable energy portfolio standard program (“RPS Program”) established in the Virginia Clean Economy Act (“VCEA”).

Pursuant to Code § 56 585.5 C, Dominion is required to participate in an RPS Program that establishes annual goals for the sale of renewable energy to all retail customers in the &RPSDQ\¶V VHUYLFH WHUULWRU\ ZLWK FHUWDLQ OLPLWHG H[FHSWLRQV 7R FRPSO\ ZLWK WKH 536 3URJUDP 'RPLQLRQ PXVW SURFXUH DQG UHWLUH UHQHZDEOH HQHUJ\ FHUWL¿FDWHV µ¶5(&V¶¶ RULJLQDWLQJ IURP TXDOLI\LQJ VRXUFHV 7KH 536 3URJUDP UHTXLUHPHQWV µ¶VKDOO EH D SHUFHQWDJH RI WKH WRWDO HOHFWULF HQHUJ\ VROG LQ WKH SUHYLRXV FDOHQGDU \HDU¶¶ DQG PXVW EH LPSOHPHQWHG in accordance with the schedule set forth in Code § 56 585.5 C. The statute permits Dominion to apply renewable energy sales achieved or RECs acquired in excess of the sales UHTXLUHPHQW IRU D VSHFL¿F \HDU¶V 536 3URJUDP WR WKH VDOHV UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU FHUWDLQ IXWXUH \HDUV &RGH & IXUWKHU SURYLGHV WKDW WR WKH H[WHQW 'RPLQLRQ SURFXUHV 5(&V IRU RPS Program compliance from resources it does not own, the Company shall be entitled to recover the costs of such RECs pursuant to Code §§ 56-249.6 or 56-585.1 A 5 d.

Code § 56-585.1 A 5 d, as amended by the VCEA, provides that a utility may petition the Commission for approval of one or more rate adjustment clauses for the timely and current recovery from customers of: [p]rojected and actual costs of compliance with renewable energy portfolio standard requirements pursuant to § 56-585.5 that are not recoverable under subdivision 6. The ComPLVVLRQ VKDOO DSSURYH VXFK D SHWLWLRQ DOORZLQJ WKH UHFRYHU\ RI VXFK FRVWV LQFXUUHG DV UHTXLUHG E\ SURYLGHG WKDW WKH &RPPLVVLRQ GRHV QRW RWKHUZLVH ¿QG VXFK FRVWV ZHUH unreasonably or imprudently incurred . . . .

In its Petition, Dominion states that it will meet the annual requirements of the RPS Program through the retirement of RECs that will be sourced from a combination of RECs generated from Company owned renewable energy facilities, RECs generated from renewable energy facilities owned by an entity other than the utility with which the Company has entered into a power purchase agreement, long-term REC only contracts, and market purchases. The Company states that it may bank the RECs generated by Virginia facilities from 2021 through 2024 for use in 2025 when the requirement for Virginia-located resources begins.

7R GHWHUPLQH WKH WRWDO FRVW RI 5(&V WR EH UHFRYHUHG WKURXJK 5LGHU 536 WKH &RPSDQ\ VWDWHV LW ¿UVW GHWHUPLQHG LWV SURMHFWHG 536 3URJUDP UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU DQG WKHQ XVHG WKRVH SURMHFWLRQV WR GHWHUPLQH WKH HVWLPDWHG YROXPH RI 5(&V QHHGHG GXULQJ WKH UDWH \HDU RI 6HSWHPEHU WR $XJXVW µ¶5DWH <HDU¶¶ 7KH &RPSDQ\ DVVHUWV LW WKHQ determined the projected volume of RECs that the Company would need to utilize from its bank or purchase from the market. For any RECs the Company would need to purchase or utilize from the bank, the Company states it multiplied the volume of RECs by a weighted average price in order to determine the cost of the gross purchases and banked RECs needed for the Rate Year. The Company expects to need approximately 12.6 million RECs during the Rate Year, approximately 126,000 of which it says must come from distributed energy resources. According to the Company, once it determined the total costs of RECs to be recovered in this proceeding, it applied a Virginia jurisdictional allocation.

The revenue requirement for Rider RPS includes both a Projected Cost Recovery Factor and an Actual Cost True Up Factor. In this proceeding, the Company seeks approval of a Projected Cost Recovery Factor Revenue requirement of $374,168,527, and an Actual Cost True-up Factor revenue requirement of $($7,639,928), for a total revenue requirement of $366,528,599 for the Rate Year.

If the proposed Rider RPS for the Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider RPS on September 1, 2024, would increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month by approximately $3.48 compared to the current Rider RPS. Interested persons are encouraged to review the Petition and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals.

7$.( 127,&( WKDW WKH &RPPLVVLRQ PD\ DSSRUWLRQ UHYHQXHV DPRQJ FXVWRPHU FODVVHV DQG RU GHVLJQ UDWHV LQ D PDQQHU GL൵HULQJ IURP WKDW VKRZQ LQ WKH 3HWLWLRQ DQG VXSSRUWLQJ GRFXPHQWV DQG WKXV PD\ DGRSW UDWHV WKDW GL൵HU IURP WKRVH DSSHDULQJ LQ WKH &RPSDQ\¶V 3HWLWLRQ DQG VXSSRUWLQJ GRFXPHQWV The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Petition. On May 14, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner assigned to this case will hold a telephonic hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before May 7, 2024, any SHUVRQ GHVLULQJ WR R൵HU WHVWLPRQ\ DV D SXEOLF ZLWQHVV VKDOO SURYLGH WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ D \RXU QDPH DQG E WKH WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU WKDW \RX ZLVK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ WR FDOO GXULQJ WKH KHDULQJ WR UHFHLYH \RXU WHVWLPRQ\ 7KLV LQIRUPDWLRQ PD\ EH SURYLGHG WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ LQ WKUHH ZD\V L E\ ¿OOLQJ RXW D IRUP RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V ZHEVLWH DW scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

2Q 0D\ DW D P RU DW WKH FRQFOXVLRQ RI WKH SXEOLF ZLWQHVV SRUWLRQ RI WKH KHDULQJ ZKLFKHYHU LV ODWHU LQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V VHFRQG ÀRRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Petition from the ComSDQ\ DQ\ UHVSRQGHQWV DQG WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V 6WD൵ 7R SURPRWH DGPLQLVWUDWLYH H൶FLHQF\ DQG WLPHO\ VHUYLFH RI ¿OLQJV XSRQ SDUWLFLSDQWV WKH &RPPLVVLRQ KDV GLUHFWHG WKH HOHFWURQLF ¿OLQJ RI WHVWLPRQ\ DQG SOHDGLQJV XQOHVV WKH\ FRQWDLQ FRQ¿GHQWLDO LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG UHTXLUH HOHFWURQLF VHUYLFH RQ SDUWLHV WR WKLV SURFHHGLQJ An electronic copy of the Company’s Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com.

2Q RU EHIRUH 0DUFK DQ\ SHUVRQ RU HQWLW\ ZLVKLQJ WR SDUWLFLSDWH DV D UHVSRQGHQW LQ WKLV SURFHHGLQJ PD\ GR VR E\ ¿OLQJ D QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ DW VFF YLUJLQLD JRY FON H¿OLQJ 7KRVH XQDEOH DV D SUDFWLFDO PDWWHU WR ¿OH D QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ HOHFWURQLFDOO\ PD\ ¿OH VXFK QRWLFH E\ 8 6 PDLO WR WKH &OHUN RI WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, RI WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH DQ\ QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ VKDOO VHW IRUWK L D SUHFLVH VWDWHPHQW RI WKH LQWHUHVW RI WKH UHVSRQGHQW LL D VWDWHPHQW RI WKH VSHFL¿F DFWLRQ VRXJKW to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel RI WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH $OO ¿OLQJV VKDOO UHIHU WR &DVH 1R 385 )RU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW SDUWLFLSDWLRQ DV D respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.

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VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

Richmond Free Press

A10 January 25-27, 2024

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU men get big win against rival Virginia Union University has known hard times this basketball season, but the way Coach Jay Butler sees it, “We’re 1-0 ... 1-0 with nine to go.”

The CIAA Northern Division title is determined by divisional record and VUU started divisional play with a convincing 54-44 win at Virginia State as part of the Freedom Classic Festival.

The rivalry game drew 1,905 fans to VSU’s Multi-Purpose Center.

“Our kids embraced the rivalry and were locked in on defense,” said Coach Butler, noting his team disrupted the VSU attack with 2-2-1 backcourt pressure and their trademark “circle zone” halfcourt defense.

Coach Lonnie Blow’s Trojans got few clean looks at the hoop and it showed in the statistics. VSU shot 31.4% from the floor and 21.7% from the foul line. VUU’s never-relax

Ellis Henderson

defense caused 24 turnovers.

The 44 point total is among the team’s lowest in decades.

VSU leading scorer Kamryn Edwards had just nine points.

The victory lifted the rebuilding Panthers to 7-12 overall, 2-5 in the CIAA, and 1-0 where it counts most, the divisional mark.

VSU fell to 8-10, 3-5 the CIAA and 0-1 in the division.

“We’ve won the Northern Division the last two years and we’re looking to three-peat this season,” Coach Butler said.

“I’m excited; hopefully we’ve turned the corner.”

At one point this season, the Panthers lost seven in a row as Coach Butler experimented to find the best combinations on the court. Only two players returned from a year ago.

Juniors Tajh Harding and Jonathan Salazar provide the offensive spark for VUU. Harding scored 28 points, hitting 10 of 13 from the field, four of five

VUU women upset No. 11 Trojans

Virginia Union’s women from outside the arc and fourhoopsters were not intimidated for-four at the foul line.

Salazar, the bruising center after seeing Virginia State’s from Panama, had 14 points, NCAA Division II, No. 11 all from the foul line, in 18 national ranking.

Coach Tierra Terry’s Pantries.

“I told him to stay aggres- thers seemed more like the sive and he did,” Coach Butler favorite than the underdog in upsetting the host Trojans, 70said.

The Jan. 20 men’s and 56, before a partisan crowd of women’s games originally were 1,097 at VSU’s Multi-Purpose scheduled for Barco-Stevens Center.

The CIAA game was part but were moved to VSU to accommodate Freedom Festival of the annual Freedom Classic Festival that honors the activities.

VUU was listed as the life and legacy of Dr. Martin “Home” team on the score- Luther King Jr. and the Civil board with the Trojans the Rights Movement.

The victory lifted VUU to “Visitors.”

12-6 overall VUU and and 5-3 in the VSU will meet Coming soon …

CIAA, just next on Feb. Saturday, Jan. 27 – one game be24, likely at Virginia Union at Bluehind the paceVSU again to field State, W.Va., 2 p.m.; setting Troaccommodate and Lincoln, Pa., at Virjans who now H B C U T V. ginia State for St. Paul’s are 15-2 overDetails have College Day, 2 p.m. all and 6-2 in not been ironed CIAA. out, however.

Ellis Henderson

Originally, the game was scheduled for VUU’s BarcoStevens Hall. It was changed a week before to accommodate the Freedom Classic activities.

If the venue change (meaning loss of home court) upset the Panthers, it didn’t show.

VUU knows the way to Petersburg. And to the basket.

The Richmonders led 19-11 after one quarter, 36-21 at halftime, and the rout was on.

Taniah Johnson, a 5-foot-7 graduate student from Roanoke, buried three 3-pointers and led the scoring with 17 points.

Ny Langley, a 5-foot-11 se-

nior from North Carolina, had 15 points and was dominant on the boards with 13 rebounds.

Rori Cox added another 12 VUU points.

There was a revenge factor.

VUU lost twice to VSU last season.

Mihjae Hayes had 19 points for the Trojans and Tatiana Johnson had 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The rivals will meet again Feb. 24 with the venue uncertain. It would stand to reason the rematch would be at BarcoStevens but the game might be at the Multi-Purpose Center to suit a possible HBCU GO TV opportunity.

Daily news: ‘I’m smaller, but I’m faster’

Anyone using the excuse of being too small for basketball needs to take a lesson from Cherish Daily.

Inch for inch and pound for pound, the 5-foot2, 115-pound Armstrong High junior might be the city’s top baller.

“I’m smaller, but I’m faster and I can really

jump,” said the Wildcat guard who averages 28 points, with a high of 45 against Patrick Henry.

Scoring is not all No. 5 in orange and blue does.

“We don’t have the best statistics, but I’d estimate Cherish gets seven rebounds a game and 10 to 12 steals,” said Coach Molly Garthwaite.

“She is a tenacious defender, turning defense into offense.”

Here’s how Daily describes her court larceny in squeaky sneakers: “Players tend to do the same

things over and over. I pay attention and set up my body … then I try to pull it off.”

Under New Jersey native Coach Garthwaite, a former Mary Washington University player, the Wildcats, are making an East End comeback.

Under different coaches, the ’Cats were 7-15 in 2019, 5-16 in 2020, 1-13 in 2022 and 5-15 last year. There was no 2021 season because of the pandemic.

With the victory over Patrick Henry, Armstrong improved to 6-3 (with four straight wins) this go-round. The postseason playoffs have become a reality.

AHS’ winning streak ended Jan. 19 with a loss to Henrico, despite Daily’s 31 points.

In spite of that, the future looks bright for AHS. Daily is part of a young lineup that includes senior Toni Goodwin, juniors Cassidy Rozario-Rock and Heaven Cary, plus 6-foot-2 sophomore Kamillah Brown, who Coach Garthwaite said, “I stole from the track team.”

Daily helps the ’Cats in so many ways, including a positive approach.

“Cherish is incredible in how she makes others believe,” Coach Garthwaite said. “She’s a goofball, hilarious … but when she steps on the court, we all feed off her energy.”

Daily puts it like this: “If I’m in a good mood, everyone seems to feel the same. I don’t want to be in a bad mood because then others shut down.”

Daily started playing basketball when she was “3 or 4,” she said, and played at Franklin Military School before enrolling at Armstrong

and becoming a freshman starter.

She averaged about 20 points last season and was selected to the All-Region 3B squad as a sophomore.

Her goals for this year are “to score 1,000 points and help us make the playoffs,” she said.

The 45-point outburst versus Patrick Henry, likely a school record, put her just below 900 for this season. At the pace she’s going, she is likely to score more than 1,500 points for her

four-season career on Cool Lane.

Daily played travel hoops for Virginia Havoc in the past but says she might not play this spring and summer because of family financial concerns.

Despite her diminutive stature, she is most definitely looking forward to continuing her inspiring play on the college level.

“People watching Cherish really don’t think she’s small,” Garthwaite said. “She plays so big.”

CIAA MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT FEB 26 – MAR 3 • CFG BANK ARENA IN BALTIMORE

New Rams finding own identity It’s not too unusual for a basketball team to repeat as league champion or top contender.

But with a nearly all-new cast?

VCU is a story of “lost and found.”

Last year’s Rams won the Atlantic 10 regular and tournament titles, but lost most of their roster to graduation — Brandon Johns, David Shriver and Arnold Henderson. Others were lost to defection — Ace Baldwin, Jalen Deloach, Jayden Nunn, Jamir Watkins, Josh Banks and Nick Kern.

The team also lost Coach Mike Rhoades to Penn State.

The current edition, now on a three-game winning streak, is looking more and more like an A-10 contender with a lineup bearing slim resemblance to a year ago, and a new coach, Ryan Odom.

The Rams are winning games and their fans must like what they see. VCU drew 7,637 for its Jan. 19 win over St. Louis, and has averaged 7,119 crowds in 13 Siegel Center contests.

There was no time to cry over spilled milk last spring, following all the unexpected departures, which brings us to the “found” part.

Arriving from Utah State, Coach Odom brought two players with him: Max Shulga (leading the Rams with 15.2 points a game)

and Sean Bairstow (11.6 points).

Coach Odom traveled to London to sign Michael Belle, and lured transfers Kuay Kuay (California), Roosevelt Wheeler (Louisville), Jason Nelson (Richmond) and Joe Bamisile (Oklahoma) to The Fan. Bamisile and Bairstow were not immediately eligible, which likely accounted for some early season losses.

VCU entered this week 11-7 overall and 3-2 in the A-10. Next up is a trip to the Charlotte area to play Davidson on Saturday at 8 p.m. with CBSSN televising.

Bamisile, a 6-foot-4 senior guard who played locally at Monacan High, has added plenty of life to the Rams party since becoming eligible.

“Bam the Ram” averages 12.8 points with a high of 29 in just 23 minutes versus St. Louis, when he swished seven of 10 three-balls.

The top returning player thus far has been senior guard Zeb Jackson (12.4 points per game) who missed the St. Louis game with a back ailment. Adding plenty of sizzle is Tobi Lawal, averaging eight points and six rebounds with 21 blocked shots and more than 30 dunks.

The Rams won the 2023 tournament in Brooklyn and hope to do so again this March, also in Brooklyn.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO EXPERIENCE THE CIAA TOURNAMENT IN BALTIMORE

BALTIMORE.ORG/CIAA

January 25-27, 2024 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Tranelle A. Pollard knew the value of a good education. And as a young student at OverbySheppard Elementary School, her learning experience was greatly improved through the contributions of faculty such as her kindergarten and first grade teacher, Betty Blue.

It was this experience that inspired Ms. Pollard to become a teacher, starting in 2004 at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School with sixth grade science.

In 2012, she transitioned into a school counseling job for seventh- and eighth-graders at Dogwood Middle School.

“As a middle school science teacher, I worked very closely with my students and their families on concerns that extended beyond the science content,” Ms. Pollard says, explaining why she moved into counseling. “I assisted with goal setting, academic success and even identifying community resources for parents. I fell in love with that work.”

Last Wednesday, Ms. Pollard was recognized for the excellence she has brought to Richmond Public Schools (RPS) when she was named the 2024 RPS Teacher of the Year.

“I was completely shocked,” Ms. Pollard said. “I burst into tears of joy!”

Ms. Pollard describes her counseling style as solutionfocused, shifting to accommodate students’ needs, their strengths and helping them set attainable goals with practical solutions.

She said her counseling style is influenced by the philosophy she brings to her work, and features a similar approach to the philosophy she developed as a teacher.

“Every student can learn, grow and achieve. All students are entitled to the services of a professional school counselor,” Ms. Pollard said. “Effective school counseling is a collaborative process that involves school counselors, students, parents, teachers, administrators, community leaders and

Personality: Tranelle A. Pollard Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year other stakeholders alike.”

This counseling has been complicated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Ms. Pollard. The return to in-person instruction has seen, in her words, a “profound increase” in the number of students experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental afflictions that impact their ability to learn, socialize and succeed in school.

While these conditions have presented an additional challenge for Ms. Pollard, she said she remains committed to her students’ well-being.

Ms. Pollard said she personally has seen the benefits counseling has provided, helping new students develop social skills and confidence, and encouraging them to continue their education with a love of learning — just as she experienced years ago.

Following the RPS Teacher of the Year award, Ms. Pollard now represents RPS in the Central Virginia Teacher of the Year contest presented by the Virginia Department of Education. She could see statewide or even national recognition in further contests down the line if she is chosen.

Ms. Pollard said she is eager to make the division proud and spread her impact further. She said she encourages those feeling the same inspiration she felt from her early learning experience to join in and do their part as counselors for Richmond’s young students.

“Just do it!” Ms. Pollard said. “School counseling is heart work. We need counselors who are caring, passionate and dedicated to the academic, behavioral and social development of our students.”

Meet the 2024 RPS Teacher of the Year and this week’s

first grade teacher, Betty Blue, had a major impact on my life and taught me to love learning.

Why did you become a school counselor: As a middle school science teacher, I worked very closely with my students and their families on concerns that extended beyond the science content. … I fell in love with that work.

Personality, Tranelle A. Pollard: Latest accomplishment: 2024 RPS Teacher of the Year.

Date and place of birth: Jan. 12 in Richmond.

Where you live now: City of Richmond.

Education: Bachelor ’s in biology, Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville. Master’s in education in school counseling, Virginia State University.

Family: Father, John; mother, Veronica; sisters, Shameka and Jonisha; nephew, Joell.

Occupation: Professional school counselor, Dogwood Middle School.

Reaction to RPS top teacher award: I was completely shocked.

I burst into tears of joy!

Why did you become a teacher: I have always wanted to be a teacher because of the outstanding educators at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School. My kindergarten and

What is your teaching philosophy: Every student can learn. Every student deserves access to a safe learning environment.

Every student deserves equal opportunities.

I believe: • Every student can learn, grow and achieve.

• All students are entitled to the services of a professional school counselor.

• Effective school counseling is a collaborative process that involves school. counselors, students, parents, teachers, administrators, community leaders and other stakeholders alike.

Where did you first teach: Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.

Grades you teach/counsel: Seventh and eighth grades.

Your teaching/counseling style: My counseling style varies based on students’ needs; however, I like to use Solution Focused Counseling because it focuses on students’ strengths and allows students to set attainable goals. Solution Focused Counseling also emphasizes finding practical solutions to problems, rather than dwelling on past difficulties.

Advice to aspiring teachers/ school counselors: We need counselors who are caring,

passionate and dedicated to the academic, behavioral and social development of our students.

Role of parents/guardians in the learning process: Family engagement in schools helps students have better attendance and behavior, get better grades, and demonstrate better social skills.

How does this challenge impact schoolwork: These challenges impact a young person’s ability to learn, socialize with peers, interact with teachers and other authority figures, and thrive at school.

One way you have seen your counseling make a difference in a student’s life: Watching a student who had anxiety with coming to school, develop the social skills and confidence to move on to high school and develop a love for learning.

A good teacher is: Firm, fair and consistent.

What makes a good school counselor: Someone who can use compassion, empathy, and respect to develop genuine relationships with students. A good school counselor is humble enough to know they don’t have all the answers but are willing to see and understand things from a different perspective.

A good student is: All students are good! I believe that when we look to find the good in each student, that is when we can truly reach them. Finding the good, even when it is difficult, allows for deeper connections and impact.

Mental health care and Richmond Public Schools: RPS has done a phenomenal job at highlighting the importance of student and staff social and emotional well-being, especially after the pandemic. There

has been an increase in support groups and resources for our community.

How you start the day: I begin each day with a prayer. I also repeat positive affirmations to set the tone for the day.

The three words that best describe you: Authentic, dependable and nurturing.

If you had 10 extra minutes in the day: I would take that time to journal to reflect on my day, set future goals, and also write down things that I am grateful for.

Best late-night snack: Popcorn.

The music I listen to most: R&B. Something you love to do that most people would never imagine: I enjoy nature walks in solitude.

At the top of your to-do list: Self-care is at the top of my to-do list. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

The best thing your parents taught you: If you can be anything in this world, remember to be kind.

The person who influenced me the most: My late grandmother, Mary C. Pollard.

Book that influenced you the most: “Make Your Bed” by William McRaven. This book emphasizes the significance of discipline, resilience and small daily tasks like making your bed as a foundation for success.

It is an inspirational read for personal development.

What you’re reading now: “All About Love” by bell hooks. This novel focuses on the transformative power of love and the importance of advocating for a more compassionate, interconnected society.

Next goal: To make my district proud by becoming the Regional Teacher of the Year, so that my impact goes beyond this district.

Steve Hackman’s

THE RESURRECTION MIXTAPE

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Saturday, Feb. 3 • 8:00pm Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center Steve Hackman, conductor & creator, with Marcus Tenney of Butcher Brown A transformative exploration of life, death, legacy, struggle, and triumph,

The Resurrection Mixtape fuses the music of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur with Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony. Included are “Hypnotize,” “Dear Mama,” “California Love,” “Juicy,” “Keep Ya Head Up,” “Everyday Struggle,” and more.

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TCHAIKOVSKY’S FIRST CONCERTO

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Valentina Peleggi, conductor � Dinara Klinton, piano � Richmond Symphony Chorus

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Richmond Free Press

B2 January 25-27, 2024

Happenings

VMFA announces RVA Community Makers, events Free Press staff report

For the sixth year, RVA Community Makers will honor African-American leaders from various fields. The annual community-activated art project will be unveiled by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, and will remain on display until March 16.

Hamilton Glass, RVA Community Makers lead artist, will conduct a hands-on workshop with local community members on Sunday, Feb. 4, to design a quilt-inspired paper collage. That work will be displayed alongside a quilt by Richmond textile and portraiture artist Unicia Buster, who will use her medium to share the stories and passions of this year’s honorees.

Mr. Glass’ career as an artist stems from his architecture and design background.

Despite working in the architecture field for seven years, his passion for public art pushed him to start a career as an artist.

He enjoys creating multilayered projects that amplify many voices, and, in 2020, he founded two large projects, “Mending Walls” and “All In Together,” which were created Mr. Glass to address the civil unrest and pandemic raging in our country.

Ms. Buster earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s in art from George Mason University. She is a recipient of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Artist Fellowship and has exhibited throughout Richmond and Virginia, as well as in New York, Italy, Washington, D.C., and South Carolina.

She previously worked as a graphic designer for the Richmond Free Press and as an art Ms. Buster specialist for VCU Health. She currently is the program manager for Richmond’s 1708 Gallery.

The 2024 RVA Community Makers are: • J. Dontrese Brown led the historical movement to rename Richmond’s Boulevard to Arthur Ashe Boulevard and helped make Cristo Rey Richmond High School a reality for underserved youths. He serves on a number of boards, including as chair for Urban Hope and vice chair of the Richmond Public Library and earned graphic design degrees from Georgetown College, Morehead State University and Savannah College of Art & Design. Most recently, he co-founded “Hidden in Plain Sight,” a Mr. Brown virtual reality exploration of overlooked sites around our nation that tell the story of the Black experience throughout America’s history.

• Elvatrice Parker Belsches is a public historian, archival researcher, author and filmmaker. The Richmond native lectures locally and nationally on the Black experience in history. Her work can be seen in the Steven Spielberg motion picture “Lincoln.” Her creation of the Historic Jackson Ward Podcast Tour earned her the Maggie L. Walker Heritage Award in 2010 and she was recognized Ms. Belsches as a runner-up for the Journalistic Integrity and Community Service Award by the Virginia Press Association in 2016 for her three-part series “When Freedom Came,” which was commissioned by the Richmond Free Press.

• Ana F. Edwards is a public historian living and working in Richmond. She is a co-founder of Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality, serves on the editorial board of The Virginia Defender newspaper and, along with husband Phil Wilayto, launched the Defenders’ Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project. The project promotes the history, reclamation, and memorialization of Gabriel’s Rebellion and Richmond’s first

municipal African Burial Ground, and of the Shockoe Bottom district, once the epicenter of the U.S. domestic slave trade.

• Lauranett Lee, is the inaugural director of Race and Social Justice at Richmond Hill, an ecumenical retreat center, and sole proprietor of consulting firm L.L. Lee & Associates. As the founding curator of African American history at the Virginia Historical Ms. Edwards Society (now the Virginia Museum of History and Culture), she was part of the team that created “Unknown No Longer,” a genealogy database to help descendants find their ancestors. She serves on the Dr. Martin Luther King Commission, among other volunteer initiatives, and teaches at the University of Richmond where in 2019 she directed its investigaMs. Lee tion of slavery, race and segregation in the institution’s history.

• Brian Palmer is a Peabody Award-winning visual journalist based in Richmond. His work has appeared in the New York Times and other publications, and on PBS and the BBC. He was awarded a Ford Foundation grant for “Full Disclosure,” a 2009 video documentary about his three media embeds in Iraq with 1st Battalion/2nd Marine Regiment. Since 2014, he and wife, Erin Hollaway Palmer, have been part of volunteer efforts to reclaim East End Cemetery, a historic African-American burial ground in Henrico County, from nature, neglect and vandalism.

For more information about this, and Mr. Palmer other events happening at the VMFA during Black History Month, please visit https://vmfa.museum

Elegba Folklore Society explores the origin of civilization Free Press staff report

Artifacts, photographs and material culture from Egypt, known in antiquity as Kemet, will go on display at the Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, beginning Friday, Feb. 2, with an opening reception from 5 to 9 p.m.

“Before There Was Any History, There Was Black History: The Kemetic Collection”

will be on display until Feb. 29 among the permanent collection of the Elegba Folklore Society in the downtown arts district.

Through architectural and engineering marvels, mathematics, spirituality and artistic expressions, visitors can learn the influences that ancient rulers and peoples of Kemet have had on shaping the world.

February’s regular 3rd Sat-

urday Documentaries program will continue the theme with Egyptologist Anthony T. Browder and “Why Kemet Matters: The Reclamation of African Culture.” This free

screening will take place at 3 p.m. on Feb. 17 with a discussion to follow.

For more information, please visit www.efsinc.org or call (804) 644-3900.

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

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"For Richer or Poorer," They VOWED to HELP

Close the WEALTH __ GAP in our Community Randy & Shirley Cooper, a husband and wife, former Credit Union President/CEO duo team On opposite sides of the river, supporting each other and living under one roof

Randy & Shirley Cooper, a husband and wife, former President/CEO duo team representing two historical credit unions with a Shared Legacy of over 100 years, Living under one roof, on opposite sides of the river, & supporting each other people always ask, “What was that like?”

Randy & Shirley Cooper, who led two of the oldest credit unions in Richmond, Virginia, have been married for 29 years. They have a beautiful daughter, Tatyana.

$V D FRXSOH WKH\ ZRUNHG WRJHWKHU WR DFKLHYH WKHLU ¿QDQFLDO JRDOV One of Randy’s ambitious goals, which he somehow convinced Shirley to agree to, was to have seven bathrooms in their home, one for each day of the week. Despite this seemingly crazy passion of Randy, Shirley’s level-headedness drives them both to help others DQG FUHDWH VDYLQJ VWUDWHJLHV WR PHHW WKHLU ¿QDQFLDO JRDOV QR PDWWHU how unconventional they may seem.

There’s no denying that Randy & Shirley’s personal and professional lives were closely linked by their “For Richer or Poorer” vows.

In their previous roles as a married President/CEO team, this duo’s opposite personalities positioned them to assist others. Both of them worked tirelessly to introduce additional services and make changes to maintain the legacy of their credit unions and help shape their beliefs.

Their shared commitment to supporting each other’s aspirations and WKHLU FUHGLW XQLRQ PHPEHUV LQ UHDFKLQJ WKHLU ¿QDQFLDO REMHFWLYHV LV D clear indication of their unwavering dedication.

Randy is most proud of the Signature Events he created and his 424 Vision Shared Legacy for growth strategy to share Why, What & How we did it.

The Credit Union of Richmond formerly the The Richmond Postal Credit Union (founded in 1923) is the longest operating credit union in Virginia where Shirley Cooper was the former President/CEO. 6KLUOH\ PDGH KLVWRU\ E\ EHLQJ WKH ¿UVW $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ ZRPDQ President/CEO in the credit union’s 100-year history.

424 vision $ VORJDQ 5DQG\ FUHDWHG WR describe the vision of our Shared Legacy Partners, who wanted to partner with others to create a 4 growth movement built on our Shared Legacy and resources, to help close the WEALTH __ GAP in our community and have a positive IMPACT on the social DQG ¿QDQFLDO KHDOWK RI IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV

The Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union formerly The Richmond Teachers Credit Union, where Randy Cooper was the former 4th President/CEO, was founded in 1936 (88 years ago) in the middle of the great depression by ten Black educators from Virginia Union University, serving Richmond Public Schools staff, administrators, and teachers.

What’s Next?

Signature Events Created 1. Tiny Credit Union 2. Board Leadership Training program 3. +(5,7$*( 3XPSNLQ 3DWFK 4. The 1st line to the last line 5. Hidden Financial Figures 6. Black Future Month 7. Shared Legacy SIP Talks 8. 6OLQJ 6KRW $70 7RXU 9. $QQXDO +HULWDJH 7RXU 10. Money Mixers

For Shirley, it is to travel, volunteer, and spend quality time with family. Shirley said,” I planned to HQMR\ UHWLUHPHQW WR P\ IDYRULWH DI¿UPDWLRQ Live, Laugh, and Love.”

Randy, said “I remain Passionate, Persistent & Driven to help CLOSE the Finanical :HDOWK *$3 LQ RXU CommUnity & have a SRVLWLYH )LQDQFLDO ,03$&7 RQ IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV ´ +H ZLOO VSHQG VLJQL¿FDQW WLPH VXSSRUWLQJ WKH FUHGLW XQLRQ FRPPXQLW\ FDSDFLW\ EXLOGLQJ IRU WKH FUHGLW XQLRQ¶V DI¿OLDWH Richmond Heritage Community Development Fund (RHCDF).

Randy said, “I truly LOVE the Heritage message & this transition will allow me the opportunity to focus on my 424 Vision Shared /HJDF\ 3DVVLRQ 3URMHFW ´ He has an ambitious goal of celebrating the 4wardThinking Vision of individuals & organizations who have contributed to the 154 years of Shared Legacy (from 1870 to 2024) to close the WEALTH __ GAP in our CommUnity and how his 424 vision, contributions & growth contributed to that Shared Legacy.

It’s not surprising to those who know Randy & Shirley Cooper that they both became credit union Presidents/CEOs, representing 2 historical credit unions & living together under one roof.

7KH SKUDVH ³RSSRVLWHV DWWUDFW´ PHDQV WKDW WZR SHRSOH RU REMHFWV ZLWK different natures, behaviors, or appearances are often drawn to each other.

My ask: Please Join me for a series of shared legacy events at the Black History Museum Starting March 2024. Text Randy Cooper at 804-651-9138 for more information

Here are a few examples of those opposite attractions of Randy & Shirley.

SHARE your WEALTH of Knowledge, Empathy & You

Randy

Shirley

• Youngest of 11 siblings • From Halifax County, NC • Worked at a clothing store • Was CEO on South Side Richmond • Credit union started in 1936

• Oldest of 5 children • From Halifax County, VA • Worked at a shoe store • Was CEO on North Side Richmond • Credit union started in 1923

YOU are the KEY to HELP Close that WEALTH __ GAP in our Community.

424 Vision Shared Legacy Series (4 events in 2024)

Courtesy of Richmond Free Press

Randy and Shirley Cooper in front of Founders wall.

1st 424 Vision Shared Legacy (Let’s Share) 2nd It’s a Family Affair (Let’s Talk) 3rd FUNNY MONey (Ler’s Laugh) 4th Money Mixer (Let’s Sing)

Richmond Free Press

January 25-27, 2024 B3

Obituaries/Faith Directory Dexter Scott King, son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dies of cancer at 62 The Associated Press

ATLANTA Dexter Scott King, who dedicated much of his life to shepherding the civil rights legacy of his parents — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King — died Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, after battling prostate cancer. He was 62.

The King Center in Atlanta, of which Dexter King served as chairman, said in a statement that the younger son of the slain civil rights icon died at his home in Malibu, Calif. His wife, Leah Weber King, said in a statement that he died “peacefully in his sleep.”

“The sudden shock is devastating,” Martin Luther King III, the older brother of Dexter King, said in a statement. “It is

hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family.”

The third of the Kings’ four children, Dexter King was named for the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., where his father served as a pastor when the Montgomery bus boycott launched him to national prominence in the wake of the 1955 arrest of Rosa Parks.

Mr. King was just 7 years old when his father was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while supporting striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tenn.

“He turned that pain into activism, however, and dedicated his life to advancing the dream Martin and Coretta Scott King had for their children” and oth-

Mr. King

ers, the Rev. Al Sharpton said in a statement. He said Dexter King “left us far too soon.”

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, the senior pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, said he prayed with the King family Monday and extended “my deepest condolences, strength and solidarity to them during this time of remembrance and grief.”

Mr. King described the impact his father’s killing had

on his childhood, and the rest of his life, in a 2004 memoir, “Growing Up King.”

“Ever since I was 7, I’ve felt I must be formal,” he wrote, adding: “Formality, seriousness, certitude — all these are difficult poses to maintain, even if you’re a person with perfect equilibrium, with all the drama life throws at you.”

As an adult, Mr. King bore such a striking resemblance to his famous father that he was cast to portray him in a 2002 TV movie about Ms. Parks, starring Angela Bassett.

He also worked to protect the King family’s intellectual property. In addition to serving as chairman of the King Center, he also was president of the King estate.

Mr. King and his siblings,

who shared control of the family estate, didn’t always agree on how to uphold their parents’ legacy.

In one particularly bitter disagreement, the siblings went to court after Dexter King and his brother in 2014 sought to sell the Nobel Peace Prize their father was awarded in 1964 along with the civil rights leader’s traveling Bible used by President Obama for his second inauguration.

Bernice King said she found the notion unthinkable.

The King siblings settled the dispute in 2016 after former President Jimmy Carter served as a mediator. The items were turned over to the brothers, but other terms of the settlement were kept confidential.

Decades earlier, Dexter King made headlines when he pub-

Remembering a trailblazer

Bernadine A. ‘Bernie’ Simmons paved the way for others to follow

By Debora Timms

Bernadine A. ‘Bernie’ Simmons, the late television news anchor and creator of Richmond’s popular “12 About Town” segment for WWBTNBC12, was remembered by friends and colleagues on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home in Richmond.

Born in Aliquippa, Pa. on Aug. 14, 1944, to the late Asbury H.L. Johnson and Gladys (Mann) Johnson, Ms. Simmons earned her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University and started her career in that same city on WTAE-TV before eventually moving to Richmond.

While it is unclear if Ms. Simmons was Richmond’s first Black woman television reporter, she was definitely the first that her former colleague, Diane Walker, saw on her screen. For a teenager who dreamed of being a reporter, it was a revelation.

“For me, Bernie with Ms. Simmons. was a mirror to see He had just relocated myself through,” Ms. to Richmond from Walker said in a reNew York, joining cent telephone interNBC12 as an account view. “She provided executive in 1990. the inspiration and “I knew nothing the confirmation that about Richmond and I could also pursue didn’t know a single my dream of beperson in the state of coming a broadcast Virginia,” he said.

Ms. Simmons journalist.”

“One of the first to When they later worked embrace me was Bernie Simtogether, Ms. Walker said she mons.” was always in awe at “the She took him to lunch and naturalness with which Bernie gave him the lay of the land in stepped into a purpose bigger her own no-nonsense style. than she.

“There was no in-between “She was a trailblazer. She with Bernie,” he added. “She came to slay and she left no was true to who she was. She crumbs,” Ms. Walker added. said what she meant and she “Bernie was fierce, fearless, meant what she said.” tough and wise. A bad-ass From the early ’80s to the who was also wonderful and mid ’90s until Ms. Simmons amazing.” moved to a sister station in Other friends and colleagues Charlotte, N.C., the “12 About echo these sentiments.

Town” segment made her a NBC12’s General Manager recognizable face in Richmond, and Regional Vice President of as did her involvement with Gray Television, Kym Grin- numerous boards and organizanage, recalled his first meeting tions in the area, such as the

Richmond Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Renaissance, the Women’s Resource Center and Richmond AIDS Ministry.

Ms. Walker says these were more than segments — they were like a “conduit that brought people and communities together.”

“I remember Bernie having such a dynamic presence both while on air, but also in the community,” Willie Redd, former chief photographer for NBC12, shared in an email.

He and other former NBC12 colleagues credit her example and her guidance as being influential to their careers.

Ben Hamlin said in an email that it was Ms. Simmons who encouraged him to go from photographer to on-air reporter, while longtime former NBC12 news anchor Sabrina Squire shared a time where Ms. Simmons provided a valued lesson about serving the community that watches and supports your work.

“Bernie paved the way for me and many other reporters at NBC12,” Ms. Squire wrote.”

She set a standard of excellence to which we all aspired.”

In his own emailed remembrance, retired NBC12 anchor Gene Cox’s final words are a testament to the loss felt by all who knew her.

“Her passing creates a vacuum in our lives.”

Ms. Simmons’ son, Michael B. Simmons, and younger sister, Cathy J. Johnson, preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory her granddaughter, Tyjaisha Garner, siblings Carla Hill, Asbury T. Johnson (Norma), Kendall H. Johnson (Cynthia), Beth Johnson-Harris (David), Bonny Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

178 Church Anniversary th

“BACK IN SERVICE” Our doors are open4,again Sunday, February 2024 every Sunday @ 11:00 am.

11:00AM Anniversary Service

Live Streaming Sunday (In-person andEvery via Facebook Live)At: BRBConline.org or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church)

Speaker: “MAKE Guest IT HAPPEN”

Rev. Dr. Shajuan House

Tabernacle Baptist Church, Chesterfield, VA

Theme: The Goodness of God

Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

“Your Home In God’s Kingdom”

“The Church With A Welcome”

Sharon Baptist Church 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

Riverview Baptist Church Celebrating

licly declared that he believed James Earl Ray, who pleaded guilty in 1969 to murdering his father, was innocent. They met in 1997 at a Nashville prison amid an unsuccessful push by King family members to have Mr. Ray stand trial, hoping the case would reveal evidence of a broader conspiracy.

When Mr. Ray said during their prison meeting that he wasn’t the killer, Dexter King replied: “I believe you and my family believes you.” But Mr. Ray never got a trial. He died from liver failure the following year.

Mr. King is survived by his wife as well as his older brother, Martin Luther King III; his younger sister, the Rev. Bernice A. King; and a teenage niece, Yolanda Renee King.

Coretta Scott King died in 2006, followed by the Kings’ oldest child, Yolanda Denise King, in 2007.

“Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling,” Bernice King said in a statement.

A memorial service will be announced later, the King Center said.

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Sundays Sunday School - 9:30 A.M. Worship Service - 11 A.M. Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# In Person Sunday Service also on FACEBOOK and YouTube

Back Inside 1858

The People’s Church

2604 Idlewood Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 • www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. John E. Johnson, Jr., Interim Minister

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

“Please come and join us”

216 W. Leigh St., Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 (PDLO ṘFH#HEHQH]HUUYD RUJ ZHE HEHQH]HUUYD RUJ

Sunday Church School • 9am (Zoom)

Every Sunday @ 11:00 am.

Sunday Morning Worship • 11am

Live Streaming Every Sunday At: BRBConline.org or YouTube(Broad Rock Baptist Church)

Wednesday Bible Study • 7pm

Bible Study online and in person Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

(in-person and livestream on YouTube) (Zoom)

Please visit our website Ebenezer Baptist Church Richmond, VA for updates http://www. ebenezerrva.org

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

All are welcome.

1127 North 28th Street, Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402

Lunch will be served following service.

The Rev. Sylvester T. Smith, Ph.D., Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Join us at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday for in-person worship service or Live-stream on YouTube (Good Shepherd Baptist Church RVA).

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

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

St. Peter Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities Sunday Worship Opportunities: 10 A.M. [In-person and Livestream] Sunday Church School Opportunities: Adults [In-person] at 8:30 A.M. Children [Virtual] online via our website.

Bible Study Opportunities: Noon [In-person] 7 P.M. [Virtual]; Please contact the church office for directives.

2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

SERVICES

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

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us!

Back Inside Sundays Join us for 10:00 AM Worship Service Live on Facebook @ 4ixth #aptist $IVSDI 37" Live on Youtube @4#$ 37" Or by visiting our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor 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 `VeaUON]aV`aPUb_PU_cN www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

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 DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M. A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

Richmond Free Press

B4 January 25-27, 2024

Sports Plus Don’t miss one word.

Don’t miss one word.

Rispress takes recruiting prowess to Colorado

Subscribe Subscribe End the inconvenience of empty newspaper boxes, fighting the weather and hunting down back copies. Also support the Richmond Free Press. We are always working for you.

By Fred Jeter

a successful high school coach until 2022 when he joined Willie Simmons’ Devin Rispress helped Florida staff at A&M. Simmons has since A&M’s football team win a national resigned to become the running backs championship. Now he hopes to coach at Duke. do the same for the University of With Coach Rispress recruits all Colorado. over the field, A&M won the SWAC The former director of recruiting and Black National Championship for A&M has joined Coach Deion Celebration Bowl this season. A&M Sanders’ Buffaloes staff in a similar Coach Rispress was 12-1 this season and 21-3 over capacity. Officially his title is assistant director two campaigns. of player personnel and high school relations.

A&M had 13 All-SWAC players this seaFlorida is generally considered the nation’s son, five on offense, seven on defense and one hottest state for prep talent and Coach Sanders, specialist. a Florida State alumnus, wants to develop a Quarterback Jeremy Moussa was lured by “Florida pipeline.”

Coach Rispress from Vanderbilt. He recently Coach Rispress, a Tallahassee native, was declared for the NFL draft.

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Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities 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, February 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2023-346 As Amended To authorize the special use of the properties known as 901 North 36th Street and 909 North 36th Street for the purpose of up to ten single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-009 To p r o v i d e fo r t h e granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of the franchise, right, and privilege, to use the streets, alleys, and public places of the City, and to acquire, erect, install, maintain, and use, and if now constructed, to maintain and use, poles, towers, wires, cables, c o n d u i t s, d u c t way s, manholes, handholes, meters, and appliances in, over, along, on, and under the streets, alleys, and public places of the City, for the purpose of distributing, transmitting, and selling electric current for light, heat, and power at any point within the corporate limits of the city of Richmond as the same now exist or may hereafter be extended or altered, in accordance with a certain Franchise Agreement.

Ordinance No. 2024-024 To repeal City Code § 263, concerning application of payments and to amend ch. 26, art. I, of the City Code by adding therein a new section numbered 26-3.1, concerning application of payments, all for the purpose of clarifying the application of tax payments.

Ordinance No. 2024-025 To repeal ch.2, art. VII, div. 3 of the City Code (§§ 2-1336 – 2-1339), concerning webpages for development and capital improvements projects.

Ordinance No. 2024-026 To amend City Code §§ 2-1158, concerning composition and terms of office for the Clean City Commission, 2-1159, concerning duties and functions, and 2-1160, concerning organization and reporting requirements, for the purpose of modifying the membership, functions, and operations of the Clean City Commission.

Ordinance No. 2024-027 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $4,000,000.00 from CSX Transportation, Inc., to amend Ord. No. 2023-073, adopted May 8, 2023, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, and determined a means of financing the same, by increasing estimated revenues from the funds r e c e i ve d f r o m C S X Transportation, Inc. and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Ar thur Ashe Boulevard Bridge Replacement project in the Transportation – G.O. Bonds category by $4,000,000.00, all for the purpose of funding the replacement of the Arthur Ashe Boulevard bridge.

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To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Agreement and Purchase Option between the City of Richmond and The Salvation Army for the purpose of funding the construction of The Salvation Army’s longterm shelter operation to be known as the “Center of Hope” located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue.

Ordinance No. 2024-029 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $797,329.00 from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families; to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services called the Human Ser vices Integration Special Fund; to appropriate $100,000.00 of the accepted funds to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Ser vices’ Human Services Integration Special Fund by $100,000.00; and to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the YMCA of Greater Richmond (Social Needs Navigation) line item in the Non-Departmental agency by $697,329.00 of the accepted funds, for the purpose of increasing integration among nonprofit organizations and human services agencies to reduce poverty and increase financial selfsufficiency for residents of the city of Richmond. ( C O M M I T T E E : Education and Human Services, Thursday, February 8, 2024, 2:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-030 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a L ease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as tenant, and The Salvation Army, as landlord, for the purpose of leasing a portion of the property located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue for the operation of a resource center. (COMMITTEE: Education and Human Services, Thursday, February 8, 2024, 2:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-031 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and The Salvation Army for the purpose of providing funding for the operations of an inclement weather shelter and year-round emergency shelter to be located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. (COMMITTEE: Education and Human Services, Thursday, February 8, 2024, 2:00 p.m.)

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the February 12, 2024 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hear ing on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2024-012 To conditionally rezone the properties known as 4400 East Main Street and 4500 Old Main Street from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the TOD-1 Transit-Oriented Nodal District, upon cer tain proffered conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-013 To rezone the property known as 809 Oliver Hill Way from the M-1 Light Industrial District to the TOD-1 Transit-Oriented Nodal District.

Ordinance No. 2024-014 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2017 2nd Avenue for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-015 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1200, 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, and 1220 North 26th Street for the purpose of ten single-family attached dwellings and ten garages as an accessory use, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-016 To a u t h o r i z e t h e conditional use of the property known as 309 East Broad Street for the purpose of authorizing a nightclub, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-017 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1912 West Cary Street for the purpose of a mixed-use development, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-018 To authorize the special use of the property known as 801 Craigie Avenue for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-019 To authorize the special use of the property known as 12 Granite Avenue for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling, with driveway access to the street, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-020 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1401 Hull Street and 1407 Hull Street for the purpose of a mixeduse building with off-street parking, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-021 To authorize the special use of the property known as 5114 Salem Street for the purpose of three single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-022 To authorize the special use of the property known as 5101 Stratford Crescent for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling with an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-023 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3112 Woodcliff for the pur pose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

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Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the February 12, 2024 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO PAUL ALLAN AKONG, Plaintiff v.

ROSE ANN AKONG, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22006250-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit, brought by Paul Allan Akong, is a Complaint for divorce on the grounds of living separate and apart for more than (1) one year. It appearing from an affidavit that the Defendant, Rose Ann Akong, cannot be found, and that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the Defendant; it is hereby ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before March 18, 2024 at 9:00 AM, to protect their interest herein.

A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: W. Allan Burns Jr. VSB #68002 Cravens & Noll, P.C. 15871 City View Dr. Ste 300 Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 330-9220 Telephone (804) 330-9458 Facsimile Counsel for the Plaintiff VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO SAMUEL TARRY, Plaintiff v.

CHAQUITA (SIMON) TARRY, Defendant.

Case No.: 23006132-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony.

It appearing from an affidavit 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.

It is ORDERED that Chaquita (Simon) Tarry appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before the18th day of March, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JOAO MORENO DIAS, Plaintiff v.

JAMEISHA DAVIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL24000179-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground Continued on next column

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of living separate and apart FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Libbie Avenue Road Diet without any cohabitation Clerk Henrico County, Virginia and without interruption for I ask for this: a period exceeding twelve Law Office of Notice of Willingness to Hold a months.

Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Public Hearing It is ORDERED that Dorothy M. Eure, t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e Plaintiff’s Attorney The County of Henrico is proposing to modiwhereabouts are unknown, VSB# 27724 fy Libbie Avenue to provide a combination of appear here on or before 8460 Mount Eagle Road the 13th day of March, 2024 Ashland, VA 23005 a 10-foot-wide paved shared-use path and at 9:00 AM and protect her (804 798-9667 two-way protected bike lanes the east Please take a minute to fill out your formonbelow. interests. side of Libbie Avenue between West Broad A Copy, Teste: PROPERTY P $99 for weekly 12-month subscription Street and Bethlehem Road. Construction is FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk P $50 for bi-weekly VIRGINIA: 12-month subscription anticipated to begin in July 2025.

I ask for this: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT P Check or money order enclosed.

Law Office of OF THE CITY OF Information related to this project including Dorothy M.P Eure, P.C. Bill my: T Visa RICHMOND T Mastercard T American Express the plans, projectT Discover schedule, and funding Dorothy M. Eure, JOHN MARSHALL Plaintiff’s Attorney COURTS BUILDING information can be reviewed at the CounVSB# 27724 CITY OF RICHMOND, ty of Henrico, Department of Public Works, 8460 Mount Eagle Road(please record all digits) Plaintiff, Card number 4305 E. ParhamExpiration Road, Date Administration AnAshland, VA 23005 v.

(804 798-9667 The Janice Denise nex Building, 3 rd Floor, Henrico, Virginia 23228, Telephone: (804) 501-4616.

Cardholder’s name (please print)Johnson VIRGINIA: Irrevocable Trust IN THE CIRCUIT COURT of 2017, et al, ,I \RXU FRQFHUQV FDQQRW EH VDWLV¿HG WKH FOR THE COUNTY OF Defendants.

HANOVER Cardholder’s signature (required for credit card purchase) County is willing to hold a public hearing.

Case No.: CL23-819 BARBARA MULHI, ORDER OF PUBLICATION You may request a public hearing by sendPlaintiff The object of this suit ing a written request to the Department Name v. is to subject the property ABULGHANI MULHI, of Public Works, Attn: Sarah Briggs, P. O. briefly described as 1117 Defendant.

East 16th Street, Richmond, Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775, on or Case No.:Address CL23004218-00 Virginia, Parcel ID Number before February 2, 2024. If a request for a ORDER OF PUBLICATION S0000639019, to sale in order The object of this suit public hearing is received, a notice of the to collect delinquent real estate City State Zip is to obtain a divorce from taxes assessed thereon in the date, time, and place of the public hearing the bond of matrimony from name of the owners of record, will be provided. the defendant on the ground The Janice Denise Johnson Mail to: Richmond P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 of living separate and apart Irrevocable Free Trust Press, of 2017, The County ensures nondiscrimination and without any cohabitation trustee PaulSubscriptions@richmondfreepress.com G. Izzo, Naomi or Email: and without interruption for equal employment in all programs and acJ. Taylor, Beverly A. Johnson, a period exceeding twelve Elenora E. Johnson, Phyllis tivities in accordance with Title VI and Title months.

J. Smith, Ruth J. Johnson, VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you It is ORDERED that Philip M. Johnson, III, and t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e need more information or special assisLatisha N. Johnson. whereabouts are unknown, An Affidavit having been tance for persons with disabilities or limited appear here on or before the filed that said owners, all who (QJOLVK SUR¿FLHQF\ FRQWDFW 6DUDK %ULJJV 28th day of February, 2024 have either been served by at 9:00 AM and protect his at the above address, phone number, or at posting and by mailing a copy interests. of the complaint to their last bri114@henrico.us.

A Copy, Teste: known address, or have not FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., been found nor have not been VDOT UPC #: 115769 Clerk personally located and has not I ask for this: filed a response to this action, Law Office of and that any heirs, devisees, Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. REQUEST FOR BIDS assignees, successors in Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s For Franchise, Right and Privilege interest, successors in title Attorney Over, Along, On and Under and/or any creditors with VSB# 27724 Streets, Alleys, and Public Places a current or future interest 8460 Mount Eagle Road In the City of Richmond in said property, have not Ashland, VA 23005 been identified and/or served (804 798-9667 despite diligent efforts to do so The City of Richmond is seeking bids for a franchise and are defendants to this suit VIRGINIA: right and privilege over, along, on, and under the streets, by the general description of RICHMOND CIRCUIT alleys, and public places of the City, for the purpose of “Parties Unknown.”

COURT distributing, transmitting, and selling electric current for IT IS ORDERED that 400 North 9th St., light, heat, and power at any point within the corporate The Janice Denise Johnson Richmond, VA 23219 limits of the city of Richmond as the same now exist Irrevocable Trust of 2017, Commonwealth of or may hereafter be extended or altered, in accordance trustee, Paul G. Izzo, Naomi Virginia, in re with a certain Franchise Agreement.

J. Taylor, Beverly Johnson, REGIN M. JOHNSON Elenora E. Johnson, Phyllis All bids for the easement hereby offered to be granted v.

J. Smith, Ruth Johnson, PXVW EH VXEPLWWHG LQ ZULWLQJ WR WKH &LW\ &OHUN·V RIÀFH MIKAIL D. BANKS Philip M. Johnson, III, Latisha by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024. Bids will be Case No.: CL23-5602 RBC N. Johnson and Parties SUHVHQWHG WR WKH SUHVLGLQJ RIÀFHU RI WKH &RXQFLO RI WKH ORDER OF PUBLICATION Unknown, come forward to City of Richmond on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 6:00 The object of this suit is to appear on or before MARCH p.m. in open session and then will be presented by the notify defendant of divorce.

14, 2024 and do what is SUHVLGLQJ RIÀFHU WR WKH &RXQFLO DQG EH GHDOW ZLWK DQG It is ORDERED that necessary to protect their acted upon in the mode prescribed by law.

Mikail D. Banks appear at interests in this matter. the above-named court and The City of Richmond expressly reserves the right to An Extract, Teste: protect his/her interests on or reject any and all bids. The successful bidder shall Edward F. Jewett, Clerk before February 15, 2024. reimburse the City for all costs incurred in connection Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. An Extract, Teste: with the advertisement of this ordinance in accordance City of Richmond, EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk with section 15.2-2101 of the Code of Virginia and shall Office of the City Attorney post the bond required by the ordinance.

VIRGINIA: 900 E. Broad Street IN THE CIRCUIT COURT Richmond, VA 23219 $ FRS\ RI WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH RUGLQDQFH LV RQ ÀOH LQ WKH FOR THE COUNTY OF 804-646-7949 &LW\ &OHUN·V 2IÀFH DQG WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH RUGLQDQFH DQG HANOVER Right of Way Agreement to be executed is available at: MICHELLE NALUMU, ABC License Plaintiff https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail. v. aspx?ID=6467980&GUID=B08492E9-1054-4107-864CAavin Ric LLC ARNOLD SEGAWA, $&('' 2SWLRQV 6HDUFK Trading as: Defendant.

Crazy Vapor Please address any questions or bids to: Case No.: CL23004180-00 824 W Broad St ORDER OF PUBLICATION Richmond, VA 23220-3807 Candice D. Reid, City Clerk The object of this suit The above establishment is City of Richmond is to obtain a divorce from applying to the Virginia (DVW %URDG 6WUHHW 6XLWH the bond of matrimony from Alcoholic Beverage Richmond, Virginia 23219 the defendant on the ground C ontro l (ABC) (804) 646-7955 of living separate and apart AUTHORITY for a Retail without any cohabitation Off Premise Wine and Beer and without interruption for license to sell or manufacture Employment opportunity a period exceeding twelve alcoholic beverages. months.

NOTE: Objections to the It is ORDERED that the issuance of this license must defendant, who is a nonbe submitted to ABC no resident of the Commonwealth later than 30 days from the of Virginia, appear here on publishing date of the first of or before the 21st day of two required newspaper legal February, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. notices. Objections should be Thank you for your interest in applying and protect his interests. registered at www.abc.virginia.

A Copy, Teste: for opportunities with The City of Richmond. gov or 800 552-3200.

Volunteer Subscription

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,)% 6HPPHV $YH WK 6WUHHW 7UDIÀF 6LJQDO 83& DQG )RUHVW +LOO $YHQXH 6WUHHWVFDSH 'HVLJQ 83& 1R 3UH %LG &RQIHUHQFH &DOO 0HHWLQJ February 08, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. For all information pertaining to this IFB conference call, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV).

3URSRVDO 'XH 'DWH Tuesday February 20, 2024, Time: 2:00 P.M.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA. GOV), or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

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

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