Urban Views Weekly February 10, 2016 by Urban Views Weekly

Feb. 10, 2016

Scholar of the Week - Kaylah Burt

Strong Men & Women Students honored during

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Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Philanthropy is alive and well in the African American community Here’s a stereotype to bust: Philanthropy is about large gifts from the rich and the powerful who give to organizations and institutions that serve those in need. Here’s an expanded definition: philanthropy includes everyday African Americans who give freely of their treasure.

American perspective, placing African Americans at the center as donors, caregivers, social change agents, and generous souls. The photos and tributes highlight church members, neighbors, family members and others who have touched the lives of individuals and communities. It records everyday African American philanthropy.

So much of African American philanthropy is impactful, but unrecorded. We have a history of digging deep and calling on each other for the good of our community. Ever since we landed on these shores, that’s what we have done. It’s part of our DNA, though rarely recorded.

While we give in unrecorded ways, we are also on record for giving a high percentage of our incomes. According to a 2012 report from the Kellogg Foundation, “almost two-thirds of black households make charitable donations, giving 25 percent more of their income than whites. About $11-billion [in giving] comes from black donors...” That’s a lot of money.

Our philanthropy is a rite of passage. It arises out of necessity. It empowers us to address needs within our community. It also gives us an independence. It’s how we survived for decades after the end of slavery and through to modern times: being able to share our resources, our knowledge, and our treasure. We would not enjoy the quality of life that we do without the traditions of philanthropy within our community. Those traditions still stand today. For most of us, the quality and character of our lives are measured by our philanthropy: by how we advocate, share, mobilize, and volunteer so we can upgrade the quality of life in our community.

This Christmas, we were given a most beautiful book – Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists. It was created by the members of New Generation of African American Philanthropists – a giving circle in Charlotte, NC that is hosted by the Foundation for The Carolinas. The book includes photos, stories, tributes, quotes, statistics and poetry. The author is Valaida Fullwood and the photographer is Charles W. Thomas Jr. At its core, this remarkable book reminds readers “We have always been philanthropists.” Giving Back reframes, redefines and re-imagines philanthropy from an African

Cover Photo, Left to right: Northern Region essay winner - Savannah Frye – Westfield High School, Chantilly, VA; Eastern Region essay winner - Sohilia Elziny – Woodside High School, Newport News, VA; Governor Terry McAuliffe; Western Region essay winner - Katy Richardson – Gate City High School, Scott County, VA; and; Central Region essay winner - Samuel Adu-Gyamfi – Highland Springs High School, Henrico County, VA.

ON OWN

Letter To The Editor

When we change the images we hold in our minds, we are empowered to grow the tradition of African American philanthropy and adapt it to the changing needs of our community. Working together we can be more creative, more resourceful, and more powerful in our numbers. Our history has shown that our power is in our collective giving. Continue your individual giving, and take time to give collectively and strategically. Copyright 2016– Mel and Pearl Shaw For suggestions on how to increase your impact as a fundraiser or nonprofit board member visit www.saadandshaw.com If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly. com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

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Scholar of the Week

Kaylah Burt

of Manchester High School GPA: 3.25 College of Interest: Shenandoah University, Methodist University Major Community Service: BETA Club, Church activities, lemonade stands Strong Interests: Criminal Justice Favorite Activities: Track and photography

By Janeal Downs

Since the eighth grade Kaylah Burt has had an interest in the With a passion for helping others, while still in high school, she criminal justice field and it has simply grown over the years. “As volunteers through different organizations to give back. Among I have developed into a young adult I’ve continued to have a other activities, through her church’s youth ministry she served passion for helping others, whether tremendous or small,” she by helping the Children’s Miracle Network Anthem Lemon Aid wrote in an essay. “The passion I carry has cultivated into a love stand which reached out to the elderly. She has also been able for crime fighting, saving lives, and the love for community to volunteer as a member of her school’s National BETA club. service.” She has already had a taste of what it would be like to When she is not volunteering or doing school work, Kaylah’s be in the field, because this past summer she interned with the favorite activities are running track and photography. She Virginia State Police Department. “It was enjoys the team aspect of track, and amazing. I honestly wasn’t expecting to photography allows her to be “creative love it as much as I did but it was such with my own vision.” Her photography a great experience,” she said. She also skills led her to making the video for the had the opportunity to create a video Virginia State Police Department, and she as a tribute to a fallen trooper. Because also had the opportunity to create special of her video and its positive reception video tributes of various youth activities from the others, she received a letter of for her church family. ™ k e e W e commendation from one of the retired h t of Kaylah’s parents are her biggest troopers. inspirations because they are very driven She is not yet completely sure if she will in life. “Empowering others and helping go into the police academy, but Kaylah does plan on attending them live in a safe environment is something that really drives a four-year university and majoring in criminal justice. Her me,” Kaylah said. Although there are dangers in the criminal top choices are Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va. and justice field and currently a lot of backlash against those who Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C. These schools appeal work in criminal justice, Kaylah wants to be able to change to her because she likes that they are small so teachers can the communities in Richmond, around the world and “bring connect with students and the family aspect of the schools. One minorities forward instead of backwards.” She wants the lesson she will take with her to college is that it is important to community to know that she likes to help people and make be open minded and “learn from other people. Don’t be stuck in others smile. your ways.”

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Urban Views Weekly | February 10, 2016

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

What is Love? The lights are dimmed, the atmosphere is charged with so much anticipation that it can hardly contain itself, we are dressed to impress and our hearts begin to beat faster as the moment is finally upon us. The curtain rises on the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and they take our breath away. After almost 60 years this storied company founded by famed dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey is still as stunningly magnificent as it has ever been. Since its first performance in1958 to the present, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre has forever changed the perception of American dance. As they tour the world, the Company has left audiences amazed and delighted in over 71 countries on six continents and 48 states across the US. Over 25 million people all over the world have witnessed live performances while millions of others have been exposed through television broadcasts, film screenings and online platforms. In 2008, the US Congress declared the Company “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world” by resolution.

If only we could love one another with the joy and the fullness of commitment with which the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre dances. No matter how many times we witness their signature suite “Revelations” we are transported to a spiritual place beyond ourselves individually and collectively and we have an encounter with Love. That is what Love is…it is not reduced to a commercially calculated holiday celebration like Valentine’s Day. It is real…it is an experience and it cannot be imitated, it is authentic and it moves you beyond words with unspeakable joy.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.

Founder and Artistic Director The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor Virginia Commonwealth University

If you have not ever experienced the love that is shared with the world by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, you must make a sincere effort to change that if and when you ever have the opportunity to do so. They truly are an American treasure. Until then do everything you can to make Love a priority in your life, it has medicinal effects like nothing else. Love of self, love of others, love of art, culture and music enriches your life and by association the community of which you are a part. It is a part of our humanity that needs more urgent care and attention. Take the time to allow something beautiful, precious or amazing to take your breath away… if only for a moment this week. Then pause and breathe in that moment and see how it uplifts your spirits and brightens your day. Love passionately, enjoy the moment you are present in and live your life on purpose.

This iconic arts institution is uniquely and unapologetically African American and fully embraces the Black Aesthetic as the expression of its heart and soul. Through jazz and blues, spirituals and DrT@Margins2theCenter.com gospel, the company explores the cultural continuum of the Black www.theconciliationproject.org experience in America and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. The love of the art, the form and its expression is a gift to humanity. Every time we have the privilege to experience their work we are moved, we are changed and that is LOVE. Love Up Next Week: A Black History Moment is bold and declares itself without apology. It gives completely without the expectation of receiving anything in return, with passion and abandon because it loves so completely.

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Urban Views Weekly | February 10, 2016

Dominion Resources an Honor ‘Strong M Dominion Resources and the Library of Virginia commemorated the leadership and accomplishments of eight outstanding African Americans during the fourth annual “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” awards program on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at the Richmond Marriott. The program honors prominent African Americans, past and present, who have made significant contributions to the commonwealth. “It is always an honor to celebrate the accomplishments of these extraordinary individuals during Black History Month,” said Daniel A. Weekley, vice president of Corporate AffairsDominion. “Be it through government, education, activism, sports or the arts, these men and women have helped shape and improve our communities while enriching the lives of many.” Dominion Resources is the parent company of Dominion Virginia Power and sponsor of the annual series. “Each year, the men and women honored through the Strong Men and Women program bear witness to the amazing accomplishments and contributions of African American Virginians throughout our history and up to the present day,” added Dr. Sandra G. Treadway, Librarian of Virginia. “The Library of Virginia is proud to be a partner in this valuable program, which serves as an inspiration to us all.” The following honorees were recognized: • Melody C. Barnes – former domestic policy advisor, President Barack Obama’s administration, Richmond • Thomas Cannon, Sr.* – humanitarian and philanthropist, Richmond

• Clarence M. Dunnaville, Jr. – attorney and civil rights activist, Roanoke • The Honorable Leroy R. Hassell, Sr.* – first African American chief justice, Virginia Supreme Court, Norfolk • The Honorable Mamie E. Locke– first African American mayor, Hampton, Virginia senator and educator, Hampton • Claude G. Perkins, Ph.D.– president, Virginia Union University, Richmond • Michael Robinson– retired professional football player and youth mentor, Henrico • Anne Bethel Spencer* – American poet and civil rights leader, Lynchburg *Posthumous honor Four high school students also were recognized during the ceremony. Each wrote winning essays, selected from more than 200 entries, about the importance of helping others. The winners of the 2016 “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” student essay writing contest are: • Samuel Adu-Gyamfi– Highland Springs High School, Henrico County • Sohilia Elziny – Woodside High School, Newport News • Savannah Frye– Westfield High School, Fairfax County • Katy Richardson– Gate City High School, Scott County Each student received an Apple iPad Air and $1,000 for their school. Urban Views Weekly is proud to feature the essay of each student winner.

Western Region Essay Winner Katy Richardson Gate City High School, Scott County Once when we were on a family vacation, we stopped at a convenience store. Two little girls, poorly dressed, tried to buy some food but didn’t have enough money. My mother reached in her pocket and gave the clerk fifty cents. The girls’ face lit up when they realized a stranger cared. What are you doing with your pocket change? I want mine to make a difference! This is why Thomas Cannon inspires me. He was a “working man’s philanthropist” who, over his lifetime, had only a modest income as a postal worker. He lost his father at a young age. His childhood home had no electricity or running water. Yet, his childhood financial needs nurtured sensitivity. His life experiences empowered him to give sacrificially. We can all benefit from the power of giving. continues on page 8

Urban Views Weekly | February 10, 2016

Photos: Clin

nd the Library of Virginia Men & Women’ Courtesy of Dominion Resources

Northern Region Essay Winner

Central Region Essay Winner

Savannah Frye Westfield High School, Fairfax County

Samuel Nana Adu-Gyamfi Highland Springs High School, Henrico County

Helping people is something that comes effortlessly to me. If I had to come up with a list of why I help people, it would consist of these five things. I love knowing that I made someone’s day a little bit better. I believe that kindness is contagious. Thinking about helping people makes me smile. I know how it feels to feel helpless and down, and I don’t want anyone else to feel that way. And more importantly, I want to make a difference in the world, and helping people is my contribution to that cause.

Growing up, I came to understand that giving in itself was not what was important; it was the intent and the love behind giving that made the difference. One would not give until he is prompted or a burden is laid upon his heart to do so in the grand scheme of things. I find solace in the knowledge that there existed a man like Thomas Cannon and that there are others like him out there.

One of my favorite things to do is work with kids, and I have done this by joining the Best Buddies club, which is working with handicapped kids, and taking the elective Peer Helping, which is when I go to elementary schools and have a buddy assigned to me. My cousin

nton Strane

continues on page 8

Eastern Region Essay Winner Sohilia Elziny Woodside High School, Newport News I have always been the person who helped no matter what. Sometimes I got taken advantage of, but I’ve learned so much throughout the years. I’ve never thought about why I help others, it just comes naturally, but now that I think about it, I help others for two reasons: to help people not feel as I have, and to prove that I was here. Many times throughout my life, I felt unnoticed and unimportant and as if nobody cared about my well-being. I would do anything to make sure nobody feels like that. I know nobody deserves that and no matter who you are you deserve to feel like you belong and that someone cares about you.

The first reason on my list for giving would be, “The beauty of compassion does not just lie in the deeds of a man but the potential to birth happiness and contentment.” The reason I would have this on the top of the list is because I find the human nature of compassion to be most intriguing. I find it amazing that one would give part of his possessions to another person,

I want it said that I lived each day to the fullest until I died. I want to leave my mark on the world, and I don’t want to be forgotten. I’ve loved many people and they continues on page 8

continues on page 9 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

From Katy Richardson pg 6

My older brother’s life was touched by an elderly man who created a college scholarship by picking up aluminum cans. This gentleman understood how little acts add up. So, I know that by simple acts like picking up aluminum cans or collecting pocket change I can make a difference. I am a teenager, but I can sponsor a scholarship. I can feed a homeless man or clothe an orphan. I can make people visible.

Left to right: (standing) 2016 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees and family representative –Dr. Claude G. Perkins, Shaun Spencer-Hester, representing her grandmother, honoree Anne Bethel Spencer (posthumously); Melody C. Barnes; Clarence M. Dunnaville, Jr.; Governor Terry McAuliffe; Linda G. Hassell, representing her husband, honoree Chief Justice Leroy Hassell, Sr. (posthumously); Thomas Cannon, Jr., representing his father, honoree Thomas Cannon, Sr. (posthumously); Senator Mamie B. Locke; not pictured was an eighth honoree, Michael Robinson who was unable to attend but accepted his award by video. (sitting) - Savannah Frye – Westfield High School, Chantilly, VA; Eastern Region essay winner - Sohilia Elziny – Woodside High School, Newport News, VA; Western Region essay winner - Katy Richardson – Gate City High School, Scott County, VA; and Central Region essay winner - Samuel Adu-Gyamfi – Highland Springs High School, Henrico County, VA.

I have other deeply personal reasons for giving, too. There were times when I needed help and didn’t receive any. I needed a friend, but I was alone. I needed a relationship with my dad, but instead I felt isolated. The only person I felt who was there for me was my mom. Unfortunately, some

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people don’t even have that; they need someone like Thomas Cannon to encourage them and make them feel special. Cannon understood giving can also make people feel like their life is appreciated and their efforts applauded. Loud applause is needed in our world. I can give that applause, too, by giving sacrificially. Overall, giving isn’t about a higher figure in a bank account. Giving is a calling, according to Thomas Cannon. It is about having a sacrificial spirit. This is why I have joined the U.S. Army Reserves as a high school senior. I know how important it to give sacrificially. Now, here is the real question. The question is not: How can I afford to give? Rather, I ask: How can I afford not to give? Today is my day to make a difference. Follow my lead!

Urban Views Weekly | February 10, 2016

From Savannah Frye pg 7

has severe autism, so I feel a personal connection with the kids in the Best Buddies program. I have the opportunity to work with these kids and when I see their faces light up, I just know that I am making a difference; even if it’s something little like helping them color or something big like helping them with personal issues. I like to believe I’m creating a positive impact. One of the buddies I’ve been assigned to is named Isaiah and at first he didn’t talk, but now every time I pick him up from his classroom, he gets the biggest grin on his face and jumps up to hug me and won’t stop talking to me about his day and his family, and I couldn’t be happier.

I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety for the last four years so I know what it’s like to feel helpless. If I can be a confidant or lend a helping hand to anyone so that they don’t have to feel that despair, I know I have accomplished an incredible feat. By helping someone and showing compassion toward them, it has a lasting effect on that person and will create a domino effect, causing them to show that same compassion to another person and so on. I believe Thomas Cannon would have agreed with my list because not only do I help people, but I continue to pass along my compassion for helping others through my actions, which Thomas Cannon’s legacy has done well. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

From Sohilia Elziny pg 7

have impacted me drastically. The simple things mean a lot. I can make a difference in somebody’s life and for someone to think about me and have a positive thought is all I ever want. I want to mean something in somebody’s life, make a difference, so when I’m gone I want to know I did my best and gave it all the positivity I had in me. I want to bring someone at least a sliver of happiness and make the world a little better, or at least the way someone views the world a little better. I don’t want to have any regrets, and I want to do everything to be able to have someone smile when they remember me; that’s my proof that I was here. I do think Thomas Cannon would have agreed with my two reasons.

He has definitely left a mark on our society but, more importantly, on the individuals who influence that society. He seemed like the kind of person who held self-respect and equality as a very high aspect of life. The amount of positivity surrounding his name is spontaneous; you can hear it when people say his name and all the positive words surrounding it. Cannon gave away what he had and sometimes didn’t have. I try to give away happiness while simultaneously trying to build my happiness off the happiness I give. People like Thomas Cannon are the glue to our society; they bring us together as one. Check out our website for the latest Articles and Information.

From Samuel Nana Adu-Gyamfi pg 7

who would then do unto others as someone had done for him or her. And even as we seek, we should be able to give because it speaks unto one’s values and character. I strongly believe that Thomas Cannon would agree with me because fresh leaves do not grow on their own; they are nourished by autumn leaves and fertile soil. That is one of the twelve undeniable truths of our very existence. People have sacrificed too much for us to do so little in our everyday lives. Another reason I would like to add is, “If you give with the right mindset, you give the happiness unto yourself.” Being of African descent, I grew up in a Third World environment. Life www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

was a daily struggle, and I watched my parents toil every day to provide for me and my siblings. We could barely make ends meet and this made me start stealing. Instead of giving, I began to take things that did not belong to me. Even in the midst of my actions, the people I stole from still showed me love and sympathy. They would often say that all I needed to do was ask and they would give to me. As I grew older, I realized that the motivation for giving transcends human understanding. I began to not just give but also to show love to others. After all, if we don’t, who will? To be able to freely give is one of the greatest gifts a person can have.

Boydton Plank Road (Route 1) Bridge Repairs Dinwiddie County Citizen Information Meeting Monday, February 29, 2016, 5 – 7 p.m. Dinwiddie Elementary School 13811 Boydton Plank Rd., Dinwiddie, VA 23841 Find out about the proposed bridge repairs on Boydton Plank Road (Route 1) over the CSX railroad in Dinwiddie. The project will upgrade the deficient bridge and reduce the southbound bridge from two lanes to one. During construction, all traffic heading over the southbound bridge will be moved to the northbound bridge. The meeting will be held in an open house format from 5 - 7 pm. This format will not include a presentation, but will provide the flexibility to allow participants to meet and discuss the proposed project directly with project staff members. Review the project information and National Environmental Policy Act documentation at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights, 23834-9002, 804-524-6000, 1-800367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions. Give your written comments at the meeting or submit them no later than March 10, 2016 to Tony Haverly, PE, PMP, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002 or Anthony.Haverly@VDOT.Virginia.gov VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you have questions or concerns about your civil rights in regards to this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. * In the event of inclement weather on February 29, this meeting will be held March 7 at the same time and location above. State Project: 0001-026-576, P101, R201, C501, B607

Federal Project: BR-5A27(062), BR-5A27(321), BR-026-4(020),

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Urban Views Weekly | February 10, 2016

FEBRUARY IS

AMERICAN HEART MONTH Coronary heart disease

is the number one KILLER of women in the United States

RED SCARF/RED TIE SUNDAY Nia, Inc. of Greater Richmond, a ministry affiliate of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, is encouraging local pastors to celebrate a Red Scarf/Red Tie Sunday during the month of February by asking women in their congregation to wear a red dress or red scarf and men to wear a red tie to bring attention to the problem of heart disease in women. For more info and resources go to

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Reception for Artist William H. Clarke at Petersburg Public Library – Proceeds Will Help Benefit Library Foundation A reception for Virginia artist William H. Clarke will be held at Petersburg Public Library on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., during Petersburg’s Friday for the Arts. Clarke’s collection, titled “Route 460 Eastbound to Petersburg,” will be on exhibit at the Library throughout the month of February. A portion of the proceeds from this exhibit will benefit the Petersburg Library Foundation. The gallery is open during Library hours: Monday thru Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. thru 5:30 p.m., closed Sundays. The Library is located at 201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803. Clarke, who was born in Nottoway County, Virginia, narrates his rural African American heritage with artistic depictions of old tobacco farming, old country stores, baptisms, funerals, and remembered scenes from day-to-day childhood. His work is in numerous private and museum collections throughout the United States. For information on gallery exhibits at Petersburg Public Library, please call (804) 733-2387, ext. 104, or stop by the Customer Service desk. 10

Urban Views Weekly | February 10, 2016

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