Urban Views Weekly July 13, 2016 by Urban Views Weekly

July 13, 2016

Scholar of the Week - Highlights from 2016

Strength in Numbers Using the Powerful Black Dollar to Support Black Businesses

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

HEROES WELCOME

2015 was America’s most generous year ever One of the positive attributes of who we $100 million or more). Last year the are as Americans is our generosity. We amount of these gifts that were publicly believe in helping our fellow man. Giving announced totaled at least $3.3 billion. is the backbone of our culture, manifesting But that’s just one percent of all gifts itself in so many ways. We from individuals. give our time, expertise, “The last two and skills. We share our Other sources of resources and connections. years represent philanthropy include We give money and other foundations, that gave the highest and $58.46 billion; and financial resources. For example, in 2015 charitable corporations, that gave second-highest $18.45 billion. Another donations totaled an estimated $373.25 billion. totals for giving” form of giving from That’s billion with a “b.” individuals is charitable bequests, which totaled Here’s what we learned from Giving $31.76 billion. This includes giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on through wills and life insurance as well Philanthropy for the Year 2015. as through more complex methods. Donations from America’s individuals, estates, foundations and corporations “The last two years represent the reached an estimated $373.25 billion in highest and second-highest totals for 2015, setting a record for the second year giving—and the third and fourth largest in a row. percentage increases in giving—in the past 10 years, adjusted for inflation,” said “Americans are embracing philanthropy Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel at a higher level than ever before” said Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Giving USA Foundation Chair W. Keith Family School of Philanthropy. Curtis. In fact gifts from individuals in 2015 totaled $264.58 billion. That’s “But where does the money go?” you may a little over 70% of all charitable ask. Well, Giving USA’s report shares giving. Now, some of us give very that information as well. large charitable donations (gifts of continues to page 11

And fairies. And ninjas. Here, kids can still be kids. With specialists in every care category, the new outpatient Children’s Pavilion is equipped to do what it takes to keep kids out of the hospital. With extensive amenities and ample parking, parents will have a truly remarkable experience as well. Take a virtual tour of the Children’s Pavilion at chrichmond.org/pavilion

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Urban Views Weekly | July 13, 2016

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Men vs. Women: it is what it is The “battle of the sexes” is not a myth or a metaphor; it is a reality. The characterization of women as the weaker vessel or lesser being has long-standing and historic roots. Although many younger women seem to minimize the historic candidacy of the first woman in U.S. history to be the nominee of a major political party, the possibility that we could actually elect a woman to be Commander-in-Chief is a seismic paradigm shift. The historic advancements made by women and the feminist movements, particularly over the last few decades, have been formidable, but having a woman as the Leader of the “free world” would be earth-shattering change. Equality for women is still measured in increments and moments of transformation, none of which should be minimized. However, having a woman as the leader of this nation, as the Head of State at the table, instead of merely being “invited” to be seated at said table or relegated to just setting the table, sets in motion both a ginormous shift in the way women are seen and the manner in which women participate as citizens of the United States of America.

violence towards women and girls, that we neglect to recognize the hypocrisy and double standards we embrace here on our own soil as tolerable and progressive. Although the recent 5-3 decision by the SCOTUS ruling against what was fundamentally a challenge to Roe v. Wade by the state of Texas was extremely significant, the fact that we are still litigating the issue of a woman’s right to choose after 43 years is stunning. Given the battle of equal pay for equal work still faced by women in this country, and the persistent and irretraceable attacks on the longstanding battle over women’s reproductive rights, it is baffling that many Millennials have not yet connected to the struggle for women’s rights as one that is paramount for them. Or that rallying around a woman, as a real contender to ascend to the highest elected office in the world is, arguably, a cornerstone to moving women and the struggle for those rights measurably from the margins to the center of public discourse and institutional change.

Nonetheless, the long struggle continues. Since the ratification of the 19th amendment The election of President Barack Obama as the first African American to hold the office giving women the right to vote, we continue the battle, challenging systemic and of POTUS was something many African descended people never believed would happen institutional bias and pushing down barriers that required legislation for the right to in their lifetime, and changed the global view of what the United States of America was maintain our legal existence (personhood) after marriage to the right to vote; from equal actually capable of given our historic legacy of white supremacy, genocide and over 150 pay to legislation against marital rape, sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, years of chattel slavery. So too would the election of a woman as President of the United violence against women, equal access to education, sex-based job discrimination, fair pay States create iconic change in perception worldwide. In fact, the treatment of women restoration (giving women the right to sue “after the and the lack of equality evidenced institutionally and fact” when not compensated at the same rate as a man systemically here in the United States is so insidious for the same work) and more. The upcoming election Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. that it often goes unseen and unacknowledged. This could signal more than support of the right or the left Founder and Artistic Director is mostly because we tend to focus on other nations positional posture, it could be another historic shift The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor throughout the world. We so often point to other with seismic global impact. Virginia Commonwealth University countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East as Up Next Week: What is an American? DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org notorious for their overt and clear mistreatment and

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The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Choosing the Right Project for Your Home Renovation Before the housing market collapse of 2007, all renovation projects – no matter how expensive – seemed like winners. Today, home renovation is a whole new ballgame and why you should carefully research any potential fix-up project you’re planning for your home. For the past 14 years, Remodeling magazine’s annual Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report has tracked cost recoupment on renovation projects nationwide and by region, as local tastes are important. Based on trends from transactions tracked in 2015, several guidelines emerged: • Aim to cover your costs. Pre-housing crash, people were investing heavily in their homes and seeing returns greater than 100 percent on their spending. In 2016, the cost and return at resale for the projects listed in the report averaged 64.4 percent for a home sold within a year of the upgrades. Making a profit on a renovation isn’t guaranteed, so aim instead to tackle projects that will allow you to recover your costs at the highest possible level. • Smaller projects focusing on essentials can provide better returns. A decade ago, it was an upscale outdoor deck or a gourmet kitchen. These days, new doors, which can cost under $500 to replace and install, are one of the most popular projects. A high quality fiberglass entry door replacement can recoup an average 82.3 percent of costs; a garage door replacement can return over 90 percent. • Upgrade rooms and spaces, but keep it modest. A minor kitchen remodel including upgraded cabinet fronts, new hardware and the addition of one or two energy-efficient appliances averaged a return of more than 83 percent of original cost compared to the 65 percent for the gut jobs.

After assessing the national and regional averages, you’ll need to evaluate your personal situation, local home market and the type of homes that are selling in your neighborhood. Let’s start with the questions you need to ask yourself: • What kinds of improvements make sense for my neighborhood? Generally, exterior renovations that complement nearby homes have greater value, so consider how your new exterior might fit in with other houses on the street. As far as interior renovations, keep your spending in line with your future sale price. For example, a $100,000 kitchen in a home that might not sell for more than $300,000 would probably be a wasted investment – but a kitchen update worth $10,000 or less might help your house move quicker once it’s listed for sale. • How long will I stay post-renovation? Remember, the latest Remodeling magazine numbers cover only one year of cost recovery on projects. People renovate for a variety of needs, either to make the home more livable or to make it more salable. The longer you stay, the more you’ll get out of the investment – but if you have to sell

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soon, think carefully about what you’ll need to spend to attract a buyer. • Will this send my property taxes through the roof? Renovation projects that create larger homes can risk higher property taxes. You should think through potential property tax impact not only for yourself but also for your future buyer. Consider checking with your local residential taxing body to determine “before and after” property tax rates for renovated properties in your vicinity. Sometimes this information might be available on their websites. If you know a real estate broker with significant knowledge of your immediate neighborhood, you might consider speaking with them about this issue. Consider consulting experts to help you answer the basic questions you’ll have as you make this decision. Start with trusted financial professionals who can offer a second opinion on what you’re planning to do, how much you want to spend, and what particular tax issues may arise when it’s time to sell. If you need to borrow to renovate, that means it’s time to make sure your credit reports are accurate and you are pre-qualified or pre-approved for your loan based on what is required. In short, do your homework before you renovate your home. Bottom line: In 2016, home renovation is far from a home run. Know how long you’re planning to stay in the home before you start and make sure the project you choose makes sense for your local marketplace or you won’t get your money back. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter. com/PracticalMoney

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255 Urban Views Weekly | July 13, 2016

Strength in Using the Powerful Black Dolla Throughout our history in America, Black Americans have internalized messages that affirm our significance and help us place value in ourselves in a time when America didn’t. “Black is beautiful,” we’ve told our little black girls and boys. We’ve emphasized the beauty in our unique texture of hair, the deep melanin in our skin, and the curves in our bodies. “I’m Black and I’m proud,” shouted James Brown on stages across the world. His message instilled a sense of pride in an oppressed people and made them proud to be descendants of African royalty despite their tumultuous history in the U.S. “Black Lives Matter,” we chant in protest, demanding a stop to police brutality, a stop to the corrupt justice system, and the demonizing of those who fall victim to it. Such mantras have become staples in the black community, phrases we teach to our children as soon as they can begin comprehending who they are and how they’re different from white counterparts. But there’s another phrase that needs to be chanted until it’s internalized, and chanted until it becomes a way of life, just like the aforementioned mantras: “Support Black Business.” In September 2015, Nielson, the top

global marketing and media research firm, ran a consumer report on the increasing influence of African Americans in this country. “Increasingly Affluent, Educated and Diverse: African American Consumers”, the report said in its title, and it goes on to spell out the growing influence of African Americans in all aspects of American culture. The report examines a group composed of “trendsetters, education enthusiasts, media influencers, social activists, and content creators—all anchored by a strong cultural influence.” Their findings detail a narrative not often found in the mass media: there are many African American households not living below the poverty line, and those households have some serious buying power, power that is undoubtedly shifting the culture. And because the growing African American consumer base is comprised of the younger generation, they’re the tastemakers and trendsetters. Their dedication to social media allows the masses to see which brands they’re loyal to, which companies have excellent (or poor) customer service, and ultimately, which businesses others should and shouldn’t patronize. They truly define mainstream culture, and brands are taking notice— their marketing strategies are even tweaked to target their biggest non-white consumers. African Americans make up only approximately 13% of the nation’s population, but our buying power is projected to reach $1.2 trillion in 2016, a 275 percent increase from 1990, when buying power was $320 billion. The University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth predicts that by 2020, that buying power will reach a whopping $1.4 trillion. According to the U.S. Census, African Americans make up

Urban Views Weekly | July 13, 2016

“... African Americans population in the Richm and the buying pow 30% of the population in the Richmond metropolitan area, and the buying power is $15.5 billion. Why then, with such power and such influence, are black businesses opening and closing at such a rapid pace? Why do only 2 cents to every dollar go back into the African American community? Why are people more eager to spend hundreds at mall department stores, but won’t visit the local black-owned boutique? Vanessa Perry, Founder and CEO of Thyme Out, a Richmond-based personal services company that offers home cooking, cleaning, errand, and catering services, believes it’s because too many consumers value convenience over everything else. “The majority of consumers tend to go support people who are already established,” she says. “Sometimes it’s just more convenient for them. For example, ordering from smaller

n Numbers ar to Support Black Businesses effect, inspiring other black entrepreneurs to set up shop within their own community.

make up 30% of the mond metropolitan area, wer is $15.5 billion.” businesses sometimes means shipping isn’t as fast as with larger, more established companies. But it’s so important to support local, black companies. Many of us have had to jump through more hoops to start our businesses than any other race, so we have to show the support that’ll keep those businesses thriving. We can’t value convenience and only shop at large companies and then wonder why that small shop down the street is closing down. It’s because it wasn’t supported.” Supporting local business also keeps the city thriving. It puts money back into the local economy, empowers small business owners, and provides more opportunity for employment for the city’s residents. Supporting black local businesses holds a similar effect, yet is felt on a larger, more personal scale. It reduces black unemployment, which is alarmingly high in many inner cities, and creates a domino

Perry wholeheartedly believes that black-owned businesses provide opportunity where larger companies don’t. She recalls her good friend Tonya Thompson, a Richmondbased woman who had trouble staying employed due to her criminal record. “Every time [Thompson] got a new job, later down the road they’d have to let her go because of the felony on her record. Eventually, she took the steps to open her own cleaning business, Quality Cleaning, and she now employs people who are out of jail and looking for work. And that’s the great thing about black-owned businesses—they’re eager to pay it forward and help other people because of what they’ve been through to get there.” Richmond and its surrounding counties are bustling with blackowned businesses, from accounting firms to construction companies, and from coffee shops to consignment shops. The Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce provides a directory for a majority of these black businesses, granting members of the community direct access to the owners and employees. It is through services like this that the Black dollar is able to circulate internally, which fosters

By Janna M. Hall

business growth. In addition to growing, these businesses are able to pour into their communities by providing practical job skills to those entering the workforce, scholarships to recent graduates pursuing higher education, and the opportunity for Black employees to see themselves as the employer, not just the employee. Such examples are critical in building a strong infrastructure within the black community. Even still, simply having the businesses up and successfully running isn’t what will build a strong infrastructure. More important to the cause is the amount of money put back into the businesses and the awareness brought to them. Black youth should remain dedicated to using their influence to shift awareness toward local black businesses, plugging their favorite local boutiques and restaurants as frequently as they plug the latest designer label. Creating the trend of buying locally also fosters relationships within the community and bridges the gaps that separate neighborhoods and the people in them. Yes, the “trendsetting” Black youth not only have the money and influence to shift mainstream culture, but they have the potential to build and foster positive relations between fellow black youth on a local level. continues on page 11 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

By Olivia Carey

Happenings The Happenings is a compilation of things to do in the cultural hub of RVA. Some events will be traditional urban offerings, and some more eclectic. All of them give us the opportunity to broaden the horizons of entertainment with art, music, and history. Olivia Carey is a rising senior at Mills E. Godwin High School.

Wed. July 13 The Come Hears playing at the Cary Street Café Wrap up the day with authentic Richmond. The Come Hears are a local, multi-genre band that came together through the open jams at the Cary Street Café, which has been open since 1995. In addition to regular live music, the café offers homemade food and draft beers. If influences like Van Morrison, the Beatles, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, and Fleetwood Mac appeal, drop by for a casual evening and a sound that was born and bred in RVA. When: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: 2631 W Cary St., Richmond, VA 23220 Cost: Free music, expect to spend $8-$10 on an entrée 804.353.7445 carystreetcafe.com

Thur. July 14 Susy Yim and Daniel Stipe performing Watch violinist Susy Yim and pianist Daniel Stipe perform their piece of the six-part Summer Series collaboration between the Richmond Symphony, the University of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University. During the hour-long performance, Yim and Stipe will play pieces by Russian composers Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky.

East of Hollywood performing at the 60th Festival of Arts Dogwood Dell has been home to art in all of its interpretations for decades. Every year since 1956, the amphitheater holds a summer-long Festival of Arts. It’s an opportunity not only for artists to share their work, but for Richmond to enjoy various exhibits, concerts, dance, and theatre. On the 15th, multi-genre group East of Hollywood will perform rock classics. As EoH posted to their Facebook page, “Be prepared to Rock the Park!” When: 8 p.m. Where: 600 S Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220 Cost: Free 804.646.1437

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, which opens 2-4 hours prior to

“Funky Turns 40” exhibit at the Black History Museum

The Black Lives Matter movement has been the subject of both criticism and praise over the past weeks. What’s your take? Do you support the efforts of the Black Lives Matter movement? Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com. You can now watch us LIVE at TanyaFree.com and ustream.tv

Urban Views Weekly | July 13, 2016

Fri. July 15

When: 6:30 p.m. Where: 600 E Grace St. #400, Richmond, VA 23219 Cost: Adults $20; Children and college students $12 804.788.1212 richmondsymphony.com

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll

the performance at the venue, or online at www.richmondsymphony.com/even/ susy-yim-daniel-stipe.

Sat. July 16 Funky Turns 40, Black Character Revolution: An exhibition to commemorate the 40th anniversaries of progressive Saturday Morning cartoons. In the 1970s, positive Black characters were finally given their place on television. The Black History Museum will celebrate this milestone with original production cels and drawings from the Museum of UnCut Funk. This includes animations like Soul Train and Our Friend Martin. When: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Where: 122 W. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Cost: Adults $10; Seniors & Students w/ID $8; Children (3-12 years old) $6; Children (under 3 years old) free; Military discount 10% 804.780.9093 blackhistorymuseum.org

Sun. July 17 Artspace exhibits: “Sew and So”, “People and Places: Photographs from 50 years (1966-2016)”, and “Objects May Appear” “Sew and So” is a contemporary art exhibition by Virginia Tech professors Jennifer L. Hand, Simone Paterson, and Amelia Salisbury, all of whom use sewing in their creative expression. The play on the phrase “so-and-so” is a reference to both unrecognized artists and the empowering experience of being disliked. “People and Places: Photographs from 50 Years (1966-2016)” is a photography retrospective by life-long photographer Dan Mouer. With a long career behind him, he sought to pull his body of work together and look back. Mouer chose photos of people he’s met and places he’s been, all the way from 1966 Vietnam to 2016 Virginia. “Objects May Appear” features various Richmond artists and media. The 17th is the last day for these three exhibitions. To celebrate their duration in the galleries, there will be a closing artist talk at 2:00 p.m. that is open to the public. When: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Zero East 4th St., Richmond VA 23224 Cost: Free 804.232.6464 artspacegallery.org

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Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site Celebrates 152nd Anniversary of Maggie L. Walker’s Birthday On Saturday, July 16, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site invites the public to celebrate the life and legacy of Maggie L. Walker and the Jackson Ward community in which she lived with a day of tours, children’s activities, special programs, and refreshments. In honor of the 152nd anniversary of Mrs. Walker’s birthday, the site will host a number of activities highlighting this year’s theme, “Sharing Our Stories.” Visitors can share their memories of Jackson Ward and what it was like to grow up in Richmond from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a pop-up oral history booth and opt to have their narratives recorded on the Storycorps app and preserved by the Library of Congress. A recognition ceremony honoring the Maggie L. Walker Summer Youth Leadership Institute Class of 2016 will be held at 11:30 a.m., followed by refreshments and music. From 1-1:30 p.m. Stuart Scott

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of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society will speak about the Freedmen’s Bureau Project, followed at 2 p.m. by a presentation from author and filmmaker Rebekah Pierce on her film Black Wall Street: The Money, The Music & The People. All events are free and open to the public. The first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president, Mrs. Walker dedicated herself to a life of civic engagement, challenging racial discrimination and gender bias. Her story of leadership and selfdetermination continues to resonate with and inspire people around the world. For more information about the event, please call the visitor center at (804) 7712017 x 0, visit www.nps.gov/mawa or find us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/MaggieL.WalkerNHS

Let’s talk about growing your business. Ask us how: (804) 441-6255

Urban Views Weekly | July 13, 2016

Scholar Highlight

By Janeal Downs

Lashawn Blackston wants the community to know that she is a caring and loving person. As a self-motivated person, she wants to one day use her skills to empower other people. With her interest for helping others out, Blackston’s family, many who went to school for nursing, encouraged her to go into the field as well. “The reason why I want to be in the medical field is because I get great satisfaction out of caring and helping others out,” Blackston stated in an essay. Because of this interest, she plans to continue her education to become a certified Registered Nurse of Anesthetists.

Lashawn Blackston of Richmond Community

High School

GPA: 3.8 College of Interest: Virginia Commonwealth University Major Community Service: Habitat for Humanity, Circle Center Adult Day Services, food drive, etc. Strong Interests: Nursing, business Favorite Activities: Dance and volunteer

Blackston said. She has done a range of community service for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Circle Center Adult Day Services, Virginia Rep Children’s Theatre, the Richmond Police Department and South Park Mall. She has also helped with food drives and a freshman orientation where she participated in activities with incoming high school freshmen. Other than volunteering, Blackston’s other favorite thing to do outside of school is to dance.

Scholar0

Blackston aspires to one day come up with a medical program to help eliminate people being uninsured In order to accomplish her goals, or lacking medical care. “By having ™ k e e W e Blackston plans to attend a four-year the medical program, I would of th institution after graduating high want more individuals to have the school because she believes “that proper medical attention to be the key to success and living a better healthier,” Blackston stated. She is life is knowledge.” Her top choice for college is Virginia also interested in going beyond the medical field by having Commonwealth University. The university’s reputable discussions with people within her community. She wants nursing program, and the fact that it is local, is what makes to use these discussions as ways to inform people about life VCU so appealing to her. In the past, Blackston attended a skills and what it takes to be healthier. health and science program at the university which is when she first became interested in the school. With all of her dreams and aspirations, Blackston’s mother is one of her biggest influences. “She’s a motivating person Blackston attends Richmond Community High School and she always brings me up,” Blackston said. “She always where she currently has a 3.8 GPA. While in school she has makes sure that I do the right thing.” With the support already gained a lot of experience helping others through of her mother and other family members, Blackston feels community service, one of her favorite things to do. “I just that being able to accomplish her goals will help her feel have a passion for it, I like doing it. It’s just natural to me,” accomplished and even save other people’s lives.

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Win Prizes! "Black Dollars" from page 7

All in all, black businesses are more than just someone’s means to an end. They’re a manifestation of those mantras internalized by African Americans, mantras that reinforce Black value and beauty, both internally and externally. They’re a manifestation of mantras that our lives matter, that our intelligence and business savvy can impact the world, and that our resilient self-starters can defy odds and emerge as victorious entrepreneurs. It shouldn’t be about convenience, but about building a system that ensures that the strong Black dollar circulates internally and strengthens our communities. It’s about honoring small beginnings and patronizing local, black-owned businesses so that they may one day be the “convenient,” “more established” companies the masses so eagerly support. “Support Black Business” needs to be more than just a catchy phrase or the latest hashtag. It needs to be way of life.

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Urban Views Weekly | July 13, 2016