Richmond Free Press February 15-17, 2024 edition

Saving history A6

Super Bowl highlight B2

Richmond Free Press © 2024 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 33 NO. 7

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Meet this week’s Personality B1

FEBRUARY 15-17, 2024

‘Human suffering involved,’ says business owner City Council passes steps to address meals tax concerns and homelessness

By Debora Timms

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Samuel Veney of Philly Vegan

Among the ordinances unanimously passed by Richmond City Council on Monday was one that would change how the Finance Department collects and applies meals tax payments.

A number of business owners were present to detail the harm meals-tax collection policies had caused them and their businesses. Changes made in 2019 to the

way payments were allocated with little to no notice given to businesses meant that restaurant owners often were unaware that part or all of their payment was being applied to past due amounts and leaving their current month’s payment short and subject to a 10% penalty. These fees sometimes amounted to tens of thousands of dollars.

“The unspoken side of this is the human suffering involved,” said Matthew Mullett,

owner of Richbrau Brewing. He said he wondered how many businesses may have failed and families may have suffered because of the stress caused by, for some, years of trying to rectify this issue.

“I can’t focus on my business. I should be home with my children right now,” Samuel Veney, co-owner of Philly Vegan, said as he urged the council to support Please turn to A4

Glory As a part of the First African Baptist Church Music and Fine Arts Black History program, the Richmond Free Press was recognized as having made significant contributions to the community on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, during the morning worship service.

In a presentation by First African’s Drama Ministry, the Free Press’ founding publisher, the late Raymond H. Boone Sr. and his wife, Jean P. Boone, were commended for their vision in establishing a weekly newspaper that “was an extension of his passion and advocacy and a platform to use the lens of civil rights and justice to provide solid, fair-minded news stories to empower readers and motivate them to take action on important issues in their lives.”

A video, set to the song “Glory” written by Common, John Legend and Rhymefest, was presented. It included images of numerous awards the Free Press has received since its founding on Jan. 16, 1992.

After Mr. Boone’s death in 2014, Mrs. Boone became publisher of the newspaper.

“On behalf of our pastor, Rev. Rodney D. Waller, we present this award to your unwavering commitment to journalism for getting it right,” said Kimberly B. Williams, executive assistant to the pastor. “We thank you. Please continue the legacy of the Richmond Free Press for your outstanding commitment.

We thank you, we thank your family, we thank your staff for the many years of contribution. Amen and bless you.”

Mrs. Boone, accompanied by her daughter, Regina H. Boone, and her son, Raymond H. Boone Jr., (photo top right) expressed her “love and gratefulness” for First African and its congregants.

“I am filled with gratitude,” she said. “My family is filled with gratitude. We could not be here without you. You keep us in business and if you weren’t there, there would be no us.” The VCU Black Awakening Choir, righrt, was the musical guest at the service.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

VLBC sees progress

By George Copeland Jr.

Associated Press

At least 8 children among 22 hit by gunfire at end of Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade; 1 person killed

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus announced progress in its legislative agenda in terms of voter rights, criminal justice, education, arrest and confinement, and more.

Delegate Cole In a press conference early Wednesday morning, VLBC members said that more than 20 bills have successfully passed their initial approval in the House of Delegates or the Virginia Senate and are now one step closer to becoming law.

Senate Bill 300 from Sen. Aaron R. Rouse, D -7th District, seeks to ensure voters flagged for felony convictions are alerted two weeks ahead of their potential removal from voting records, allowing them to either correct an Delegate Gardner error in filing or verify that their voting rights have been restored in a sworn statement.

If signed into law, it also would require the Please turn to A4

Please turn to A4

Gov. Youngkin

Delegate Scott

Virginia lawmakers plowed through hundreds of bills Tuesday as they reached a key deadline for this year’s legislative session.

The House of Delegates and Senate debated topics ranging from gambling to marijuana

sales ahead of what’s known as “crossover,” the point by which all legislation but the budget bills must clear its originating chamber.

This year’s session marks the third since the start of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s term. But it’s the first since he’s taken office with Democrats in

By Karla E. Peters

full control of the statehouse after they flipped the House of Delegates in last year’s elections.

Democrats have used their majorities to fend off Republican efforts to repeal previously enacted priorities, including Please turn to A4

Please turn to A4

U.S. Rep. Wexton

Sen. Aird

Lawmakers take up ‘skill games,’ minimum wage, marijuana as Assembly hits midpoint deadline The Associated Press

Rev. Thomas S. Simmons, a ‘people’s pastor,’ dies at 80 The Rev. Thomas S. Simmons always was willing to help somebody — anybody.

“He truly never met a stranger,” his daughter, Angela Simmons Cason said. “Once you met him, he loved you and you loved him.”

Rev. Simmons often encountered the people he helped as an unofficial carrier and distributor for the Richmond Free Press.

“He would pick up a stack of papers every Thursday and take them to people in the neighborhood, around the city and everywhere,” Ms. Cason said.

“He loved the Free Press.”

A much-requested revivalist in the region and known as a “people’s pastor,” Rev. Simmons is being remembered for pastoring and helping people

The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Eight children were among 22 people hit by gunfire in a shooting at the end of Wednesday’s parade to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, authorities said, as terrified fans ran for cover and yet another high-profile public event was marred by gun violence. One person was killed, a mother of two identified by her radio station as a DJ. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves detailed the shooting’s toll at a news conference and said three people had been taken into custody. She said she has heard that fans may have been involved in apprehending a suspect but couldn’t immediately confirm that.

“I’m angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment,” Chief Graves said. Police did not immediately release any details about the people taken into custody or about a possible motive for the shootings. She said firearms had been recovered, but not what kind of weapons were used.

“All of that is being actively investigated,” she said.

Rev. Simmons

Richmond Free Press

A2 February 15-17, 2024

Local News

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The installation of new infrastructure continues for new housing in the Creighton Court community, 2101 Creighton Road. One of the revitalization goals of Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for the redevelopment of the Creighton Court community is to provide more affordable housing options by increasing density and, build more units than what is currently there now. Currently, there are 504 units in Creighton Court. The approved Master Plan is designed for an increase of 196 mixed-income units, for a total of 700 units on the site.

Youngkins’ announce high school essay contest Free Press staff report

Gov. Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and the Virginia Council on Women have announced the 13th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Healthcare (STEAM-H) essay contest. The contest is open to female high school seniors who plan to pursue a STEAM-H career at a community college, four-year college or university, trade or technical school, online or through certificated STEAM-H courses.

One merit-based and one need-based scholarship will be awarded in each of the five geographic regions across Virginia. Merit-based scholarships

require a minimum 3.0 GPA and will be awarded based on essay quality. Need-based scholarships require a minimum 2.5 GPA and will be awarded based on financial need and essay quality.

Essays will be judged by a panel of council members and individuals who represent STEAM-H fields. The application deadline is Monday, April 1, at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be notified in late April and the scholarship awards will be presented in the spring. Award amounts are determined by the council annually and may vary.

In 2012, the Virginia Council on Women held the first STEM essay contest to award scholarships to high school students with interests in STEM

President’s Day 2024 In observance of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 19, please note the following: Government State offices: Closed City of Richmond: Closed Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover County offices: Closed Federal offices: Closed

Library: Closed Chesterfield County Public Library: Closed Hanover County Public Library: Open

Courts State courts: Closed Federal courts: Closed

U.S. Postal Service: N o d e l i v e r y M o n d a y, Feb. 19,

Schools Richmond Public and Chesterfield County schools: Closed Henrico County schools: Closed on Mond a y, F e b . 1 9 ; s t u d e n t holiday and teacher professional learning day on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Hanover County schools: Student holiday, professional learning day for staff, parent/teacher conferences and Inclement Weather Make-Up Day on Monday, Feb. 19.

Trash and recycling: Regular trash and recycling schedule on Monday, Feb. 19, for most of Central Virginia, though trash collection is delayed by one day in the City of Richmond and Henrico County on Feb. 19.

Libraries Richmond Public Library: Closed Henrico County Public

Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions: Closed

Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers: Closed GRTC: Buses operate on a weekday schedule with no express service on Monday, Feb. 19 F re e P re s s o f f i c e : Open.

careers. The STEM essay contest expanded to the STEAM-H essay contest to encompass more career opportunities for women. The Council has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships since its inception.

“These scholarships are important investments into the futures of women seeking a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and healthcare fields. The First Lady and I cannot be more excited for these Virginians’bright futures as they progress in their careers and develop as leaders,” Gov. Youngkin said.

For more guidelines and to apply for the essay contest, visit www.women.virginia.gov/ steamh-essay-contest.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin

R.E.B. Awards nomination deadline is Feb. 20 The deadline is approaching for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence, a program of the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, which recognizes public schoolteachers who distinguish themselves with inspiring classroom performance.

Through a nomination process, approximately 15 outstanding teachers are selected each year to receive cash grants to support professional development activities. Award recipients have earned graduate degrees, climbed mountains,

traced their ancestors and met peers from around the world — all to reignite their own passion for learning and to pass it on to their students.

This annual award program includes a cash grant to support the recipient’s professional development and reignite their passion for learning. The deadline for the nomination and letter of support is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Eligibility for the award is limited to full-time, classroom teachers in grades K-12 employed by the public school divi-

sions of the city of Richmond, counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico, and the Department of Juvenile Justice in these localities. Teachers must have completed a minimum of three years of full-time service. Past winners become eligible at the beginning of the sixth year following their last award.

Also, a teacher cannot be selected as an award finalist more than twice during a five-year period. To learn more and nominate a teacher, visit cfeducators. org.

VCU alum Jeffrey Blount to discuss new book Award-winning author Jeffrey Blount will discuss his new book, “Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way,” from 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library.

His wife, award-winning journalist and security analyst Jean Meserve, will moderate the discussion among the author and fellow VCU alumni Dabney and Joe Cortina and Emmy Award-winning director Jesse Vaughan. Beyond Mr. Blount’s book, they’ll discuss creativity and the power of longtime connections.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The event will be livestreamed through Zoom.

Mr. Blount, a VCU alumnus, is the author of three novels.

His most recent book, “The Emancipation of Evan Walls,” won the 2020 National Indie Excellence Award for African-American

fiction.

He also is an Emmy Award-winning TV director and a 2016 inductee into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame.

During a 34-year career at NBC News, he directed a decade of “Meet the Press,” the “Today” show, “NBC Nightly News” and major special events. He is the first African-American to direct “Today.”

To register, visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/ blount?ID=8-10158115 For more information, call (804) 8281105.

Bonnie Newman Davis/Richmond Free Press

Estate planning 101 Gerald W. S. Carter of Harrell & Chambliss LLP law firm, far left, spoke with members of the Metro Richmond National Alumni Association for Spelman College on Saturday, Feb. 10 at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St. Mr. Carter, who specializes in estate planning, business taxes and municipal finance and real estate taxes, discussed the importance of estate planning regarding wills, medical directives, powers of attorney and trusts. Pat Jones, seventh from right, is the metro Richmond president of Spelman’s alumni chapter, was photographed with other chapter member after Mr. Carter’s presentation.

Richmond Free Press

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Richmond Free Press

A4 February 15-17, 2024

News

At least 8 children among 22 City Council passes steps to address hit by gunfire at end of Chiefs’ meals tax concerns and homelessness Super Bowl parade; 1 person killed Continued from A1

the change which would direct tax payments as specified by the taxpayer.

Brad Hemp, former co-owner of Brenner Pass, added that while he is glad changes are finally being made, more needs to be done to address the injuries that have occurred because of the existing policy.

The council’s unanimous vote in support of the change came with statements of apology and a commitment to ensuring the systems and processes put in place from this point will be work to address the problems that have come to light.

“This legislation we have right now is the first step. There’s a lot more left to be done,” Councilman Andreas Addison, 1st District, said. “Guess we’ll roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

One next step will see the city introduce a new system called RVAPay which will allow taxpayers to make online payments and view account balances, although its full implementation may still be months away.

Council also passed ordinances that would allocate $7 million toward a $15 million project that would transform a North Side homeless shelter and create a partnership with the Salvation Army in its Center of Hope — the name chosen for the 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. inclement weather shelter once renovations are complete.

Center of Hope will offer expanded services year-round, including more beds for families, as well as men and women, and a community resource center to make it easier for them to find and access wraparound city services.

Despite one citizen who voiced opposition and questioned what oversight and accountability was being applied to the Salvation Army’s current locations, these ordinances received unanimous support from council.

Council Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert said this is still just the beginning.

“It’s going to take collaboration, communication and community to make this a success,” she concluded. “That way we can be an example for other districts and other shelters.”

VLBC sees progress Continued from A1

Department of Elections to include more identification information for data matching and maintaining voter rolls. It passed the Senate 21 to 19 on Tuesday.

The “Virginia Legislative Black Caucus remains united in our fight against ongoing Republican efforts to rollback voting rights, and to establish anti-voter and antidemocratic policies,” Sen. Rouse said.

In terms of education, House Bill 187 from House Delegate Nadarius E. Clark would require Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin’s budget bills for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 General Assembly sessions to include teacher and school staff compensation at or above the national salary levels. It passed the House 74 to 24 with multiple Democratic co-patrons.

HB 187 heads to the Senate alongside bills from Delegate Joshua G. Cole and Delegate Deborah Gardner, HB 536 and 1375 respectively, that seek to better define bullying in the context of public education and codify the Mixed Delivery Grant Program and Child Care Subsidy Program as early childhood programs in Virginia. Both passed in a 53 to 43 and 90 to 9 vote, respectively.

When it came to efforts in incarceration and criminal justice, two VLBC bills focused on restricting the use of solitary confinement in prison have passed both chambers. SB 719 from Senator Lamont Bagby and House Bill 1244, sponsored by Delegate Cole, passed this week in a 21 to

18 vote and 51 to 48 vote, respectively.

The bills were presented by Delegate Cole as a way to “readjust the reins” of correctional facilities, while avoiding undue punishment for the incarcerated.

“As we take a look into this, we have to make sure if we’re working with the Department of Corrections, that we have to be working in good faith,” Delegate Cole said. “It’s a time to reflect on the status quo (...) and it’s a time to say we are actually better than this.”

Related bills from Sen. Bagby, SB 546 and 547, would allow a family member or legal guardian of an individual to help decide if they qualify for a psychiatric temporary detention order, and would require law enforcement training for people with autism respectively. Both bills were unanimously approved in the Senate.

Criminal justice bills that have passed their chambers include HB 1496 from Delegate Sam Rasoul, which seeks to regulate law-enforcement agencies’ use of surveillance by creating a registry of surveillance technologies maintained by the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The bill passed the House 82 to 17.

A bill from Delegate Marcia Price, HB 611, focused on increased reporting of and transparency around deaths in police custody also passed the House 94 to 5.

Other VLBC bills tackled criminal justice reform through the financial burdens the legal system places on low-income Virginians. Bills from Sen. Williams

Graves and Delegate Price would create payment plans and deferred payment agreements for incarcerated individuals facing court fees.

Both bills, SB 654 and HB 612, passed their respective chambers alongside a bill with similar aims from Delegate Price, HB 614, which would create a program providing community service opportunities for the incarcerated as an alternative to fine payments.

“Because of these bills, Virginians will not immediately be hit with massive fines and fees payments when they are returning from incarceration,” Delegate Rae C. Cousins said, “giving them a better chance to become established and land on their feet.”

Also passed was HB 246, sponsored by new Delegate Michael Jones, which would make the fines, penalties and other costs of criminal and traffic cases more transparent for defendants. Another bill focused on indigent defendants from new Delegate Cousins, HB 824, would not hold them liable for potential increases in courtappointed attorney fees, lifting financial worries while encouraging more attorneys to serve in court appointment cases.

Additional bills from VLBC’s legislative agenda that passed their chambers focus on expunging juvenile court records for certain offenses that would be felonies for adults, easing employment for those in the recovery community, and reducing the offense for possession of a controlled substance smaller than one gram.

Lawmakers take up ‘skill games,’ minimum wage, marijuana as Assembly hits midpoint deadline Continued from A1

voting access protections and environmental laws. And they’re advancing new initiatives — including stricter proposed limits on firearms and legislation to increase the minimum wage — that could face the prospect of the governor’s veto.

The governor has been tight-lipped, however, about where exactly he might wield the veto pen, amid closely watched negotiations over his proposal to bring two Washington pro sports teams to northern Virginia.

Still to come this session, which is scheduled to end March 9, is much of the heavy lifting on one of the Assembly’s most important tasks: crafting the next two-year state budget.

Here’s a look at a where things stand on a number of other key issues: Northern Virginia Sports Arena One of the session’s most closely watched items, legislation underpinning a proposal by Gov. Youngkin to bring the Washington Wizards and Capitals to northern Virginia, passed the House of Delegates Tuesday on a bipartisan 59-40 vote. Supporters cheered the development as a major step forward, while opponents vowed to keep up their organizing.

The deal’s path forward looks murky, as an identical Senate version was allowed to die in that chamber this week for lack of a hearing. Top legislators there have questioned whether Gov. Youngkin is negotiating with Democrats in good faith and raised concerns about the public-private financing that’s proposed.

Marijuana sales Both chambers have passed bills that would pave the way for the legal recreational sales of marijuana, but they face a skeptical Gov. Youngkin.

In 2021, Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize marijuana, adopting a policy change that allowed adults to possess and cultivate the drug. But lawmakers have yet to enact a framework for recreational sales.

Abortion Democrats have defeated measures that would restrict access to abortion, including one proposal that would have instituted a near-total ban on the procedure. Meanwhile, they are advancing legislation likely to face a Gov. Youngkin veto that would prevent the issuance of search warrants for electronic or digital menstrual health data, which proponents say would prevent such information from being weaponized in potential abortion-related court cases.

Democrats also used a rare procedural technique to force a floor vote Monday on a bill from a conservative freshman member that would further restrict the already limited circumstances in which public funding can be used to provide abortion services and prohibit state funding from flowing to entities that provide abortions.

Democrats said they wanted to put every House member on the record on the issue, though the bill was not particularly divisive. It failed to advance on a vote of 95-1, with two abstentions. Republicans called the exchange a stunt.

‘Skills games’ and casinos The House and Senate this week passed differing versions of legislation that would tax and regulate so-called “skill games,” the slot-like betting machines that have proliferated in businesses such as truck stops, restaurants and convenience stores around the state before a ban took effect.

The House version has tighter regulations, and the Senate’s is preferred by the well-organized industry coalition pushing for legalization.

Other gambling-related bills this year include a now-defeated effort to allow a referendum on a casino in the wealthy suburbs of the nation’s capital and a separate measure, still alive, that would add Petersburg to the list of casino-eligible cities while removing Richmond, where voters have twice rejected ballot measures to pave the way for one.

Campaign Finance Reform Good governance advocates had high hopes that this may be the year Virginia lawmakers finally agree to join most other states

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and the federal government in preventing elected officials from spending campaign donations on personal expenses.

But a bill to do just that appears to face resistance in the House of Delegates, where Speaker Don Scott signaled skepticism about the legislation in an interview ahead of session. The House version was allowed to die for lack of a hearing. The Senate version, which passed 35-4, will now cross over for House consideration.

Medically-assisted suicide A bill that would let Virginians facing terminal illness end their own lives with a prescription of barbiturates or other controlled substance from a health care provider narrowly passed the Senate last week. The bill limits eligibility to mentally competent adults who have received a diagnosis that they have six months or less to live.

The bill failed in previous years, but this year passed the Senate on a party-line vote after receiving an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton, a Democrat and former state senator who has been diagnosed with a terminal neurological disease. Religious and socially conservative groups have opposed the measure.

A similar bill had been scheduled for a vote in the House on Tuesday but was passed by, effectively defeating it. The Senate’s version will now cross over.

License plate readers After a lengthy debate, the state Senate narrowly defeated a measure from Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell that would regulate the use of license plate reader technology, while also opening the door for use of the cameras on state highways.

Sen. Surovell said the bill would add guardrails on a widely used technology that is currently unregulated by the state.

Opponents raised privacy concerns.

Sen. Lashrecse Aird said that without tighter rules on how police can use the data, the bill would allow for an “unfettered expansion of mass surveillance here in the Commonwealth.”

A different version of the bill is still alive in the House.

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Continued from A1

It is the latest sports celebration in the U.S. to be marred by gun violence, following a shooting that injured several people last year in downtown Denver after the Nuggets’ NBA championship, and gunfire last year at a parking lot near the Texas Rangers’ World Series championship parade.

Social media users posted shocking video of police running through a crowded scene as people hurriedly scrambled for cover and fled. One video showed someone apparently performing chest compressions on a shooting victim as another person, seemingly writhing in pain, lay on the ground nearby. People screamed in the background.

Another video showed two people chase and tackle a person, holding them down until two police officers arrived.

“This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community,” KKFI said in a statement.

Lopez-Galvan, whose DJ name was “Lisa G,” was an extrovert and devoted mother from a prominent Latino family in the area, said Rosa Izurieta and Martha Ramirez, two childhood friends who worked with her at a staffing company. Izurieta said LopezGalvan had attended the parade with her husband and her adult son, a die-hard Kansas City sports fan who also was shot.

“She’s the type of person who would jump in front of a bullet for anybody — that would be Lisa,” Ms. Izurieta said.

The shooting outside Union Station happened despite more than 800 police officers who were in the building and around the area, including on top of nearby buildings, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended with his wife and mother and had to run for cover when gunfire broke out.

“I think that’s something that all of us who are parents, who are just regular people living each day, have to decide what we wish to do about,” Mayor Lucas said. “Parades, rallies, schools, movies. It seems like almost nothing is safe.”

Kansas City has long struggled with gun violence, and in 2020 it was among nine cities targeted by the U.S. Justice Department in an effort to crack down on violent crime. In 2023 the city matched a record with 182 homicides, most of which involved guns.

Mayor Lucas has joined with mayors across the country in calling for new laws to reduce gun violence, including mandating universal background checks.

Lisa Money, a resident of the city, was trying to gather some confetti near the end of the parade when she heard somebody yell, “Down, down, everybody down!”

At first Ms. Money thought somebody might be joking until she saw the SWAT team jumping over the fence.

“I can’t believe it really happened. Who in their right mind would do something like this? This is supposed to be a day of celebration for everybody in the city and the surrounding area.

And then you’ve got some idiot that wants to come along and do something like this,” she said.

University Health spokeswoman Nancy Lewis said the hospital was treating eight gunshot victims. Two were in critical condition and six were in stable condition, she said. The hospital also was treating four people for other injuries resulting from the chaos after the shooting, Ms. Lewis said.

Lisa Augustine, spokesperson for Children’s Mercy Kansas City, said the hospital was treating 12 patients from the rally, including 11 children, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds.

St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City received one gunshot patient in critical condition and three walk-ins with injuries that were not life-threatening, spokesperson Laurel Gifford said.

“When you have this many casualties, it’s going to get spread out among a lot of hospitals so that you don’t overwhelm any single ER,” said Jill Jensen Chadwick, news director for University of Kansas Health System, which received at least one person injured in the shooting.

Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said that he was with coach Andy Reid and other coaches and staff members at the time of the shooting, and that the team was on buses and returning to Arrowhead Stadium.

“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the team said in a statement.

Rev. Thomas S. Simmons, a ‘people’s pastor,’ dies at 80 Continued from A1

from all walks of life following his death on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. He was 80 years old. A standing-room-only service to celebrate the life of Rev. Simmons was held Saturday, Feb. 10, at Quioccasin Baptist Church.

A native of Cambridge, Mass., Rev. Simmons moved his family to Richmond in the early 1980s. In 1981, he earned his master’s of divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He received an honorary doctorate of divinity in 1998 from the Richmond Virginia Seminary.

In Richmond, Rev. Simmons was first assigned to the ministry of Second Baptist Church, South Richmond, under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Lawrence B. Samuel. Rev. Samuel took him under his wing and regarded him as a son. The Second Baptist Gospel Choir was the musical guest for Rev. Simmons’ funeral.

Over the years, Rev. Simmons served as pastor of First Baptist Church (Dinwiddie County), Zion Baptist Church (Mathews County) and Shady Grove Baptist Church (Goochland County).

He retired from pastoring full time after 14 years with the Pine Street Baptist Church in Covington. He was a member of countless ministers’ and civic organizations. Rev. Simmons also was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

In addition to his work as a pastor, Rev. Simmons was a City of Richmond retiree of the Department of Public Utilities. This is where Pastor Darryl G. Drummond Sr. of New Hope Outreach Ministry first encountered Rev. Simmons.

“I was a young man with a family in the ’90s, and often there was more month than money, so our utilities were cut off,” Pastor Drummond said. “I went down to City Hall with the little money I had, and fortunate for me, Thomas Simmons was at the payment window. … He said, ‘Give me what you can and you take $50 home and feed your family. We’ll get your utilities back on.’Æ I know he did that for me and countless others.”

Maj. Thomas J. Simmons, a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, remembers his father getting yelled at and cursed at by Public Utilities customers — and he would still help them. He also remembered he and his mother and sisters having to share his father with the people he pastored.

“He was that pastor. He was that man,” Maj. Simmons said.

“He helped people.”

In addition to his daughter, Angela, and son Thomas, Rev. Simmons is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth N. Simmons, daughter Christine S. Booker, siblings Sandra S. Davis, Charlotte S. Thornton, Valdace Levarity, Eugene Levarity and Margaret Levarity, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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February 15-17, 2024 A5

Richmond Free Press

A6 February 15-17, 2024

Local News

Photos by Bonnie Newman Davis/Richmond Free Press

Community bands together to renovate Charles City’s historic Mt. Zion School

By Darlene M. Johnson

A tarp covers part of the roof of an abandoned building on Route 623 in Charles City County. Underneath the tarp, clear plastic drapes a weathered window, perhaps to further shield the decaying wood structure from elements endured nearly 110 years.

Bricks and cinderblocks are the foundation for the building’s wobbly steps and landing. An open door next to the entry reveals a small pile of abandoned firewood. A “No Trespassing” sign hangs on another door.

Inside the building are exposed beams and pieces of sheetrock littering the floor. A lone church pew sits in the rear on one side of the structure.

When the Mt. Zion School, formerly known as the Mica School, opened in 1915, firewood was used to warm the oneroom schoolhouse that educated African-American students in grades one through five.

Funds to build the school included a contribution from philanthropist Julius Rosenwald.

Mr. Marrow said that he, his mother and siblings were taught

by Ms. Edloe. “(Ms. Edloe) taught my sisters and my brothers. I was the last one to come through,” added Sylvia Christian, the foundation’s grant writer. “I was the baby in the family. She taught me in second grade.”

Other members in attendance, recalled having to “make our own fun,” during recess by raking leaves, jumping rope and playing kickball.

Despite having second-hand desks and books with missing pages, Mt. Zion’s students were engaged and learned.

Eventually, the Mt. Zion School and other one- and tworoom schoolhouses were “discontinued” by the Charles City County School Board, said Nancy Phaup, coordinator of archival

“I think this school has been long overlooked.”

Inspired by Booker T. Washington, the renowned Black author, educator and leader, Mr. Rosenwald wanted to change the racial disparities in education. He formed the Julius Rosenwald Fund, which brought educational opportunities to African-American and rural communities in Southern states between 1917-1932. The Mt. Zion School was built with a contribution of $450 from the local Black community, $300 from the public and $250 from Mr. Rosenwald, according to records from Fisk University.

About 20 students attended the school per term, said members of the Historic Mt. Zion School Foundation of Charles City. The group is raising money to restore and preserve the schoolhouse.

During a meeting last October at the neighboring Mt. Zion Church, several foundation members shared their memories of the school and its teachers.

Over the years, Mt. Zion school had two prominent teachers, Hattie Wallace and Mamie Edloe, along with other assistant teachers, said James Marrow, the president of the board of trustees for the Historic Mt. Zion School Foundation of Charles City.

Back then, their teachers “had no problem” disciplining their pupils, including corporal punishment if necessary, the foundation members recalled.

“She didn’t play,” said one foundation member. “From day one you respected her. But we were taught to respect our elders.”

Rev. George Magazine, Prince Wallace and James Marrow stand in the abandoned Mt. Zion School in Charles City County. They are members of the Historic Mt. Zion School Foundation of Charles City that is seeking to restore and preserve the school.

collections at the Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History in Charles City. The Mt. Zion School was officially discontinued in June 1951, but it could have been closed as early as 1949.

Students were transferred to Ruthville High School, which had an elementary school component, Ms. Phaup said.

After Brown vs. Board of Education outlawed segregation in the 1950s, and integration ensued in the decades after, these one-teacher schoolhouses were slowly repurposed into community centers. The Mt. Zion Baptist Church, which is across the street from the school, used the Mt. Zion School for functions such as club meetings, cookouts, fish frys and fundraisers, said Hancy Hatchett, a deaconess at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Charles City County Public Schools officially integrated in

Hancy Hatchett, the Rev. George Magazine, Nancy Phaup, Prince Wallace, Sylvia Bradby Christian, James Marrow, Melinda Brown and Gwen Christian stand at the former Mt. Zion School, which many of their ancestors attended.

the late 1960s, about a decade after Mt. Zion shut down, Ms. Phaup said. Over the years, many of the tiny schoolhouses were abandoned and left to deteriorate, despite their historical significance.

This is the case with the Mt. Zion School.

“It’s been in a period of decline,” Mr. Marrow said.

In an effort to preserve one of the three remaining Rosenwald schools, the Historic Mt. Zion School Foundation of Charles City is working to get the schoolhouse on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation as a historic site will ease the grant application process, Mr. Marrow said.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources approved the preliminary application form, which is an indication that the process will go well, Ms. Phaup said. The department is expected to render its decision to the Historic Mt. Zion School Foundation of Charles City by May 2024.

Mt. Zion alumni have gotten into the act.

Nine former students congregated at the schoolhouse in 2021, around the same time the Historic Mt. Zion School Foundation of Charles City was established, to share memories and discuss the ways their beloved school can stay intact. The foundation meets on the second Sunday of each month to stay updated, Ms. Christian said.

“I think this school has been long overlooked,” Ms. Christian said. “We still have [community] members that attended that schoolhouse. They are very much interested in keeping it within the community like it was built. It means more than just renovating the building.”

Fundraising intensified in the last quarter of 2023, Ms. Christian said. An estimated $250,000 is needed to restore the school, she said. The foundation began repairs to the roof and covered the windows to prevent further damage, costing around $1,000, Mr. Marrow said. Other repairs needed include flooring and bathroom renovations.

Foundation officials said the schoolhouse needs to be “presentable” before the group can move forward with other plans, making restoration of the schoolhouse structure a top priority.

After restoring the school, the foundation hopes to use it as a place of tourism with “a lot of history inside,” like a museum, Ms. Christian said. The foundation also wants to create a website to complement the schoolhouse.

Ultimately, the foundation hopes to add on to the schoolhouse and have it function as an education or community center, Ms. Christian said.

“There’s so much rich history behind it. We want to use it as an educational platform; not just for the community, but for everyone,” she said.

Caroline Reinhart contributed to this article.

Richmond Free Press

February 15-17, 2024 A7

News

Franklin from ‘Peanuts’ gets to shine in the spotlight of a new animated Apple TV+ special

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press

NEW YORK The mild-mannered Franklin — the first Black character in the “Peanuts” comic strip — gets to shine in his own animated Apple TV+ special this month in a story about friendship.

Franklin is a newcomer who bonds with Charlie Brown and is welcomed to the “Peanuts” universe in “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” which premieres on Friday.

Co-writer Robb Armstrong, the cartoonist behind the “Jump Start” strip, says he’s building on the blueprints that “Peanuts” creMr. Armstrong ator Charles Schulz left. “Whenever you start with good ingredients, you have to work hard to make a bad cake out of it,” he says.

Race is never explicitly mentioned, but Mr. Armstrong and co-writer Scott Montgomery make a subtle nod when Franklin surveys the kids in his new town and remarks, “One thing was for sure: There was a lack of variety in this place.”

“I never wanted to come off preachy or anything, but it needed to be handled in the same way that I handled it in ‘Jump Start,’” Mr. Armstrong said. “I don’t come out and call people anything. I let the characters participate in a problemsolving process.”

The portrait of Franklin that emerges is of a boy who likes baseball and outer space, is good with his hands and listens to Stevie Wonder, Little Richard, James Brown and John Coltrane.

When he arrives in town, he’s tired of a life constantly moving, since his father’s military job takes them from

Apple TV+ via The Associated Press

This image released by Apple TV+ shows “Peanuts” characters Charlie Brown, left, and Franklin in a scene from the animated special “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” premiering Friday.

location to location. “I have lived in a lot of different places but none that I can call home,” he says.

But his introduction to the “Peanuts” gang initially goes poorly. He mistakes Lucy’s psychiatric booth for a lemonade stand and he freaks Linus out by picking a pumpkin from his patch. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I was in ‘The Twilight Zone,’” Franklin says.

“Every time he’s moved, he’s had to learn how to make friends quick and that meant that he didn’t feel he could ever be his authentic self,” said director and story editor Raymond S. Persi. “So when he comes to this town, his normal tricks don’t work because these are kind of weird kids.”

Franklin made his first appearance in the newspaper strip on July 31, 1968, prompted by a request from a schoolteacher for Mr. Schulz to integrate his comic strip world in the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mr. Schulz introduced him by having Franklin return Charlie Brown’s wayward beach ball one day by the sea. It was a historical meeting and a statement: Many public beaches, like other public facilities such as schools, swimming pools, theaters and restaurants, were segregated at the time.

The new Apple TV+ special recreates that first meeting, with Franklin returning Charlie Brown’s errant beach ball and then the two building a sandcastle together.

“To have this very simple idea of two children who don’t know about racism, having fun playing at the beach, building something together, I think was just so smart,” Mr. Persi said.

“What I really like about the special is you’re getting a chance to see this friendship kind of grow in real time, in the way that real friendships do,” said Mr. Persi, who has directed animated projects with

“The Simpsons,” Mickey Mouse and the Minions.

As usual for a “Peanuts” show, music plays a key role. Original music by Jeff Morrow leans into sophisticated jazz and, in nods to Franklin, Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” “Nothing from Nothing” by Billy Preston and some Coltrane playing on a jukebox.

Mr. Armstrong also has used the special to correct some misperceptions about the 1973 classic “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” In that special, Franklin sits by himself on one side of the Thanksgiving table, leading some to suggest he’s not been fully embraced. In the new special, Franklin is specifically asked to come sit with his new pals on their side during a pizza party celebration.

Mr. Armstrong said he started with that scene and then had to figure out how the gang got there. The writers came up with a soap box derby. “We needed something that was very highly

action-oriented and packed with great risk. It had to be a competition,” Mr. Armstrong said.

The special has plenty of lessons for kids and adults — winning isn’t everything, friendships can be messy but rewarding and be your authentic self.

“What I’d like people to get out of it is that you don’t have to be something different for other people.

Being yourself is what’s going to bring the right people into your lives,” Persi said.

Mr. Armstrong, who grew up revering Mr. Schulz, has a deep connection to Franklin. He became a cartoonist and a friend to Mr. Schulz. It was Mr. Schulz who asked the younger cartoonist if he would lend his last name to the character. So to have him years later spotlight Franklin in a TV special seems almost divine intervention.

“Sometimes a miracle happens,” Mr. Armstrong said. “If someone’s got a better answer, I’d love to hear it. I’m just convinced that sometimes God gets involved. And this is that.”

What to know about Franklin from “Peanuts”: First appearance: On July 31, 1968, on a beach, Franklin brings back a wayward beach ball to a grateful Charlie Brown.

What prompted his arrival: Creator Charles Schulz exchanged letters with Harriet Glickman, a teacher and advocate, regarding the addition of a Black character in “Peanuts” in the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Schulz agreed.

Franklin’s life: He plays baseball and is learning guitar, he’s a member of a swim club and of 4H. He goes to school with Peppermint Patty and Marcie but visits his friend Charlie Brown in a nearby neighborhood.

What’s new: The new Franklin special is co-written by cartoonist Robb Armstrong.

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Richmond Free Press Pansies on Grace Street Editorial Page

A8

February 15-17, 2024

Housing and feeding brethen in need Homelessness affects hundreds of people in the Greater Richmond area.

It’s a fact that led Richmond City Council to pass an ordinance on Monday night to allocate $7 million toward a $15 million project that would transform a North Side homeless shelter and create a partnership with the Salvation Army in its Center of Hope on Chamberlayne Avenue.

Center of Hope will offer expanded services year-round, including more beds for families and a community resource center to access wraparound city services.

We applaud this effort that City Council Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert described as just the beginning.

And much needed.

In September 2023, Homeward, an organization with a mission to reduce, prevent and end local homelessness, published its July 2023 federally-mandated Point in Time (PIT) count. The PIT count is a tally of changes and trends of homelessness in the region.

The most recent PIT count recorded 486 people experiencing homelessness, an 8.7% increase compared to the reported 447 people experiencing homelessness from the PIT count in July 2022.

“At this time, I know the homelessness issue is a growing concern in the city,” Pastor Jay Patrick recently told Richmond Free Press reporter Darlene M. Johnson. “There is a lack of supply for the growing demand.” Pastor Patrick is founder of Liberation Church in South Side and lead pastor alongside his wife, Ashley Patrick.

The Greater Richmond area’s homelessness level has remained high since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the low supply and high demand of assistance programs and affordable housing resources, according to Homeward.

Local churches are helping to bridge the gap, providing some necessities to people experiencing homelessness.

“We collaborate with churches to serve and prepare meals for our programs,” Pastor Patrick said. “Our food pantry is made up of volunteers from churches all over the city.”

Liberation initiated a homeless program for veterans in 2013. The church has a 38-bed facility at 12th and Hull streets. Almost 100 churches regularly serve meals for the program. Liberation also provides housing and wraparound services to an average of just under 100 homeless veterans annually.

“We have served 715 homeless veterans with an 86% success rate since our inception,” Pastor Patrick added. “We also have a family resource center where we assist families in crisis that may be experiencing homelessness.”

Even though housing is not offered at the family resource center, Liberation provides referrals and other resources, along with maintaining a small budget for emergency housing when appropriate.

“We have another program for non-veterans that houses about 40 or so individuals a year who are homeless and need respite while they are in recovery,” Pastor Patrick said.

Liberation also has provided non-housing related resources to hundreds of other people through its resource center and counseling programs. The church also operates a food pantry that served 21,688 people, many of whom were homeless, in 2023, Pastor Patrick noted.

Other Liberation services include a thrift store that offers clothing vouchers, and support for employment, and help for mental health and substance abuse.

Homeless services should be more than “just square footage, a sleeping area and HVAC,” Pastor Patrick explained. To truly mitigate the issue of homelessness, a “dignified space and wraparound services for mental health, substance abuse, employment, education” and other vital resources are needed.

“You must graduate some of these individuals from homelessness to self-sufficiency or liberation if you will,” Pastor Patrick said.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in North Side, the South’s oldest Black Episcopal church, also collaborates with local churches to help the homeless.

The Rev. Marlene E. Forrest, who joined St. Philip’s as priest-in-charge in 2020 and was installed as rector in 2022, said the church assists 125 to 150 housed and unhoused individuals monthly.

“In the past, individuals from St. Philip’s have volunteered with the Emmaus Ministry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,” Rev. Forrest said in an email.

“As we continue to move into a post-COVID season, many plan to volunteer once again.”

St. Philip’s also receives food donations from members of the Trinity Baptist Church for its St. Francis Food Pantry. The pantry, an effort Rev. Forrest is most proud of, runs the second and fourth Fridays of each month year-round. During each distribution, St. Philip’s serves between 80 and 100 families.

The food pantry works in conjunction with St. Philip’s Community Garden that volunteers tend. The food grown supplements the pantry and allows those in need to have fresh produce.

In addition, the St. Philip’s Little Free Pantry provides those in need with food, hygiene products and seasonal items such as winter hats, scarves and gloves.

Rev. Forrest is proud of what the pantry provides and thankful for contributions from the community.

“It is our hope that as we continue to grow our Community Engagement Ministry, opportunities to partner with local churches will emerge,” she said.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

NFL’s head coaching ranks starting to look more diverse

Two years ago this week, I met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, along with my fellow civil rights leaders, to discuss the failure of the “Rooney Rule” to diversify the ranks of the League’s head coaches.

At that time, despite nearly 20 years under a requirement that teams interview at least one candidate of color for head coaching and senior football operation positions, only one of the NFL’s 32 head coaches was Black. Brian Flores had just been fired after three seasons as Miami Dolphins head coach and was suing the NFL and several teams for racist hiring practices.

Thanks in large part to our advocacy, the 2024 season will begin with nine head coaches of color, including six Black coaches.

It’s a far cry from the parity we continue to seek in a league where more than half the players are Black, but it is significant progress for which Commissioner Goodell, team owners and senior leadership should be acknowledged.

The first move of the year to

replace a white head coach with a coach of color came from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who has been outspoken about inequality and prejudice. He recently founded the group, Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, and endowed a Chair in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Massachusetts General Hospital.

He downplayed the significance of Jerod Mayo becoming

Marc H. Morial the Patriots’ first Black head coach, saying “I chose the best head coach for this organization.” But Mr. Mayo acknowledged the moment: “What I will say, though, is I do see color because I believe if you don’t see color, you can’t see racism … It does matter so we can try to fix the problem that we all know we have.”

On cue, anti-racial justice activist Stephen Miller, a former adviser to Donald Trump, filed an EEOC complaint against the NFL, trying to keep the league from fixing the problem we all know we have.

Mr. Miller is calling for the same thing the National Urban League called for two years ago: elimination of the Rooney Rule. However, we were seeking

a better way to achieve equal opportunity for candidates of color. Mr. Miller is seeking to eliminate opportunities for candidates of color.

Since we met with Commissioner Goodell, the NFL expanded the Rooney Rule to require teams to interview at least two external minority candidates for head coach and general manager jobs. As we noted at the time, the effect of the rule as it had existed was for team decision-makers to regard interviews with candidates of color as an extraneous step, rather than an integral part of the hiring process.

The coach that Mr. Mayo replaced, Bill Belichick, inadvertently proved the ineffectiveness of the Rooney Rule and triggered Mr. Flores’ lawsuit when he texted Mr. Flores to congratulate him on being named head coach of the New York Giants — three days before Mr. Flores was scheduled to interview for the job.

Mr. Belichick thought he was texting Brian Daboll. Not only had the Giants already decided to hire Mr. Daboll before even interviewing Mr. Flores – presumably to comply with the letter, if not the spirit, of the Rooney Rule – but the team already was sharing the news.

Congressman Troy Nehls ­—­­ Rash, brash, out of control Republican Congressman Troy Nehls (R-TX) recently attacked his colleague, St. Louis Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO), with rash, brash, and out-of-control language. It happened at the end of January, but somehow, his attack stuck in my craw.

I am tired of unprincipled attacks on Black women, and more than that, I am tired of the casual use of racist tropes to demean us. The misogyny that Black women experience often goes unanswered. I’ve had enough.

Rep. Bush is being investigated for her use of campaign funds. After numerous death threats, she has chosen to use those funds, which are not federal funds, to hire security to protect her. One of the security officers she has hired is her husband, who has worked as a security guard.

She has done nothing illegal, although anyone would say the appearance is challenging. One investigation has found that she has done nothing wrong. The second investigation will likely see the same thing.

Rep. Troy Nehls, clearly a virulent racist, was asked what he thought. He described Cortney Merrits, Rep. Bush’s husband, as a “thug.”

Really?

Rep. Nehls is a disgraced former police officer fired for

mishandling evidence. He served our country as an Army reservist and was an elected sheriff in Fort Bend, Texas, from 2013 through 2021. He ran for office planning to address issues of health care for veterans. So why is he attacking a fellow veteran, Cortney Merrits, as a “thug”?

Does he only have concerns for veterans when they are white?

Should he not have respect for a colleague’s husband who served

Julianne Malveaux our country and put his life on the line?

A deep dive into Rep. Nehls’s background reveals him to be a deeply flawed, indeed unsavory, individual and an undistinguished member of Congress who needs to know how to keep his mouth shut.

Rep. Nehls did not stop at attacking Rep. Bush’s husband.

He went on to call her “loud” and to say that if she “toned it down,” she would not have experienced the death threats that require her to have private security. Loud? Rep. Bush was not elected to be quiet. She has been a tireless advocate, a Black Lives Matter leader, and a vocal member of “The Squad,” a force for social and economic justice. Loud? I wish she were louder and more vocal because she speaks our truth.

Rep. Nehls’ comments about Rep. Bush are inflaming, and his description of her as “loud” reminds me of the 1918 lynching

of Mary Turner, a young black woman who protested the murder of her husband and threatened to press charges against the white men who killed him. She was described as “mouthy,” or in other words, loud. Because she had the nerve to confront white men, she was lynched. She was nine months pregnant when she was killed, hung by her ankles, doused with gasoline, and set on fire.

Most of our nation’s five thousand known lynchings were of Black men, but as many as one hundred Black women were lynched, and Mary Turner is one of them. She was lynched as an example. Don’t speak up, Black women, or you will suffer consequences. Don’t confront white men, or we will knock you down.

Rep. Nehls invoked a dangerous racist trope, and he has yet to apologize for his language. He isn’t likely to apologize because it is open season on Black people, and these racist tropes play well with his crowd. He helped the Capitol Police barricade the Capitol on Jan. 6 but has since written a book supportive of the 45th president. He fits right in with the racist crowd that has nothing but disdain for Black people (except Tim Scott) and Black women.

Rep. Nehl’s racist rant is rash, brash, and out of control.

We must respond to him forcefully and throw our enthusiastic support behind Congresswoman Cori Bush, an American patriot, activist, and sheroe.

The writer is an economist and author.

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.

The league also created the Coach and Front Office Accelerator, which allows diverse candidates for positions across the league to network with club owners and executives and participate in personal and professional development workshops.

A federal judge ruled in July that Mr. Flores, now defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, may proceed to trial with his claims against the NFL, Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Houston Texans, but must pursue his claims against the Dolphins through arbitration.

Regardless of the outcome of Mr. Flores’ legal action, he has helped propel the league toward equity and opportunity.

The writer is the president and CEO of the National Urban League.

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Richmond Free Press

February 15-17, 2024 A9

Letter to the Editor/Commentary

VUU, don’t destroy hospital that took the Black community decades to build Thank you for your recent editorial, “Don’t pull plug on historic hospital, VUU” and the coverage of Virginia Union’s development plans, which omit the old Richmond Community Hospital building on Overbrook Road.

As a lifelong Richmond resident and amateur historian, I was appalled to learn that current plans call for the demolition of this historic building, rather than initiating a thoughtful community engagement process to develop a way to incorporate the structure into Virginia Union University’s campus plans.

This historic building was the result of decadeslong fundraising efforts to erect a community hospital to provide care with dignity and respect for African-American patients from birth to death. It was another stop along the path toward creating health care equity in Richmond that started after the Civil

War with such hospitals as Howard’s Grove and Chimbarozo.

Richmond Community Hospital addressed health care needs for those African-American patients who were excluded from most hospitals and provided a space where Black doctors could treat their patients. The hospital served not only the city of Richmond, but surrounding counties as well. In synergy with the hospital, Virginia Union University provided the health care courses many African-Americans needed to become nurses or doctors.

Were there any conversations held with the Black community at-large before the decision was made to demolish the structure?

Were any prior conversations held with Richmond’s Black health care providers? Were any historic preservation groups or experts consulted?

Posting a historic marker is not good enough. The Virginia

preservation community is rich with historic preservation resources. The National Trust for Historic Preservation funds projects across the United States.

VUU, you can do better! Demolition deprives us all of a true understanding of our history and shows a callous disregard in honoring the struggles of our ancestors. The conservation of Black history should be a priority for everyone, especially those institutions under a HBCU banner. If Black institutions don’t preserve Black history, then we are lost.

Viola O. Baskerville The writer is a Virginia lawyer who served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1998 to 2005 and as secretary of administration in the cabinet of Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine from 2006 to 2010.

Schools are trying to get more students therapy.

Not all parents are on board

The Associated Press

NEW YORK Derry Oliver was in fifth grade when she first talked to her mom about seeing a therapist.

She was living in Georgia with her uncle and grandparents while her mom was in New York scoping out jobs and apartments ahead of moving the family. It was a rough year apart. Derry, now 17, was feeling depressed.

A school staffer raised the idea of a therapist.

Derry’s mom, also named Derry Oliver, questioned the school’s assessment and didn’t give consent for therapy. “You’re so young,” the mom recalled thinking. “There’s nothing wrong with you. These are growing pains.”

The issue boiled over again during the COVID-19 pandemic when the younger Oliver, struggling with the isolation of remote learning, reached out to her Brooklyn high school for help.

School-based mental health professionals like social workers can provide some counseling without parent permission. But

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in New York, referring a student to more intensive therapy almost always requires a parent’s agreement. In Derry’s case, that led to more conflict.

“It was very emotional for both of us because I understood her frustrations and fears,” the younger Oliver recalled. “But at the same time it’s sometimes best for your child to be able to access this rather than hold it away from them.”

As schools across the country respond to a youth mental health crisis accelerated by the pandemic, many are confronting the thorny legal, ethical, and practical challenges of getting parents on board with treatment. The issue has become politicized, with some states looking to streamline access as conservative politicians elsewhere propose further restrictions, accusing schools of trying to indoctrinate students and cut out parents.

Differing perspectives on mental health aren’t new for parents and kids, but more conflicts are emerging as young people get more comfortable talking openly about mental health and treatment becomes more readily available. Schools have invested pandemic relief money in hiring more mental health specialists as well as telehealth and online counseling to reach as many students as possible.

“It’s this disconnect,” said Chelsea Trout, a social work graduate student at NYU who is training at a Brooklyn charter school. “The kids are all on TikTok or the internet and understand therapy speak and that this is something that could be helpful for their mental health and are interested in, but don’t have the explicit buy-in from their parents.”

Research suggests that having to obtain parental permission can be a significant barrier to teens accessing treatment.

Access to therapy can be critical, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, who are significantly more likely than their peers to attempt suicide, and whose parents may not know about or approve of their sexual orientations or gender identities.

Jessica Chock-Goldman, a social

The Associated Press

Derry Oliver, 17, right, hugs her mother, also Derry Oliver, during a Feb. 9 visit to a playground in New York. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the younger Oliver embraced therapy as she struggled with the isolation of remote learning, even as her mother pushed back.

worker at Bard Early College High School in Manhattan, said she’s seen many cases where mental health issues turn severe in part because teens didn’t get earlier access to therapy.

“A lot of kids would be hospitalized because of suicidal ideations or intent because the preventative work didn’t come into fruition,” she said.

The question of when young people can consent to mental health treatment is getting increasing attention from policymakers. States such as California and Colorado have recently lowered the age of consent for treatment to 12. But in some states such as North Carolina, the issue has been swept up into larger political debates about parents’ input on curriculum and the rights of transgender students.

There’s also a huge obstacle outside the law: Therapy is rarely free, and paying for it or submitting insurance claims often requires parental support.

Teens in New York can consent to therapy starting at age 16, and a provision allows doctors to authorize treatment for younger children if they deem it in their best interest. But there are caveats: The consent laws only apply in outpatient settings licensed by the state, and they

don’t extend to the prescription of medications.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced a partnership with the platform Talkspace to provide free online counseling to all city teens, through a program known as

NYC Teenspace. It doesn’t ask for insurance, but parental consent is required, “except in the case of special circumstances,” according to the program’s website.

For Derry and her mom, years of conversations have yielded some progress, but not as much access to therapy as the younger Oliver wants.

Several years ago, the Olivers agreed on a compromise. They found a Black female therapist, which was important to both of them as a Black family. The elder Oliver has felt the sting of being called “aggressive” for expressing normal emotions as a Black woman, and has had negative experiences with therapists and depression medication, which she said made her feel like a “zombie.”

Ms. Oliver agreed her daughter could start therapy — as long as she sat in on the sessions. But the therapist changed jobs after about a month, and Derry hasn’t seen another therapist since.

“It has to be someone trustworthy,” Ms. Oliver said of a potential therapist for her daughter.

Ms. Trout, the school social

worker in training, said she’s encountered a number of parents who, like Ms. Oliver, don’t trust the school’s recommendations, and wonder why their child would need therapy if they’re succeeding academically and socially.

“If we’re thinking about predominantly Black and brown communities, if your interactions with social workers or mental health services or anything in that realm thus far have not been positive,” she said, “how could you trust them with your kids?”

Statistics show a racial divide.

In 2021, 14% of white children reported seeing a therapist at some point during that year, compared to 9% of Black children, 8% of Hispanic kids, and only 3% of Asian American children, according to a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Without access to therapy, Derry has sought advice about managing her emotions through friends, school social workers, and the internet. But she’s convinced she could do a lot more with consistent professional help.

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Richmond Free Press

A10 February 15-17, 2024

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

One word says it best: ‘Mahomes!’

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates with the trophy Sunday after the team’s overtime win during Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. Behind him is Kansas City Chiefs Coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs won 25-22.

Ashley Landis/The Associated Press

Chiefs win Super Bowl on Mahomes’ clutch play Give the man a cape. He’s become the “Superman of the Super Bowl.”

Patrick Mahomes now has three Super Bowl MVPs to go with a trio of Super Bowl victories following Kansas City’s 25-22 win over San Francisco on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.

The marquee quarterback passed for 333 yards — including a 3-yard, game-winning touchdown toss to Mecole Hardman with 3 seconds left in overtime. Super Bowl LVIII was the longest game in Super Bowl history.

The Chief’s decisive drive covered 75 yards on 13 plays, with Mahomes running for two game-saving first downs. K.C. Coach Andy Reid called the drive “a thing of beauty.”

Afterward, Mahomes made it clear he’s just warming up.

“This is awesome. It’s legendary. Yeah, it’s the start of a dynasty,” he told CBS sideline correspondent Tracy Wolfson.

“We’re not done. We’ve got a young team. We’re going to keep this thing going. We want to go back to back to back.”

Only 28, Mahomes’ three Super Bowl crowns trail only Tom

Brady with seven and Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw with four each.

Mahome’s three MVPs is second to Brady, who had five.

There was high drama throughout the game. During the first half, K.C.’s Harrison Butker kicked a 57-yard field goal, the longest in Super Bowl history. Jake Moody had a 55-yarder for San Francisco.

Tight end Travis Kelce, perhaps more famous lately for being pop star Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, had nine catches for 93 yards, including a final grab that took the ball to the 3-yard line in OT. Starring for the 49ers was running back Christian McCaffrey, who ran for 80 yards and caught passes from Brock Purdy for 80 more.

McCaffrey just missed becoming a rare father-son Super Bowl champ. His dad, Ed, a former wide receiver, helped win two Super Bowls with Denver and one with the 49ers.

McCaffrey ranks among the NFL’s fastest men. But he

almost surely has the fastest maternal grandfather. The late David Sime played football at Duke but is best known for winning the silver medal in the 100-meter dash at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

The Niners are rich in talent from the Washington Commanders. Coach Kyle Shanahan was the franchise’s offensive coordinator before getting the 49ers job. Offensive left tackle Trent Williams, who came to the Bay following financial disagreements in Washington, is perhaps the best in the game.

And defensive end Chase Young, traded to the 49ers from D.C., in November, had a sack on Mahomes and forced another intentional-grounding call.

With a TV audience of more than 100 million, the game went back and forth but, in the end, one man made the most lasting impression.

Mahomes wears No. 15 on the front and back of his jersey.

All that’s missing is a cape.

VUU, VSU stars heading to New Orleans The football season isn’t quite over for Virginia State and Virginia Union universities.

Three Trojans and two Panthers will compete Feb. 24 in the HBCU Legacy Bowl on the campus of Tulane University in New Orleans.

Representing VSU will be offensive linemen Matt Foster (Ellenwood, Ga.) and Breyon Gaddy (Norfolk), and defensive lineman Miquel Pillow-Smiley (St. Louis).

VUU’s representatives are offensive lineman Justin Meade (J.R. Tucker

High in Henrico) and wide receiver Said Sidibe (Newport News).

Also, VUU Coach Alvin Parker will co-coach Team Gaither (including players from the CIAA and MEAC) along with Howard’s Larry Scott.

The annual event serves as a final

showcase for senior athletes from the nation’s historically black programs.

The 4 p.m. kickoff will be televised by the NFL Network and all 32 NFL franchises will have scouts present for the game and practices leading up to it.

Finishing 10-2, VUU won the CIAA

title last season and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Kutztown University defeated the Panthers 38-14 in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 18.

VSU was 8-2 and second to VUU in the CIAA North under Coach Henry Frazier.

Panthers have wind at their back Local stars highlight It’s not how you start that counts most.

As a late arrival after transferring from Shepherd, W.Va., It’s how you finish. And with Baltimore Jordan Gibson has helped key the late-season surge. The 6-foot-5 beckoning, Virginia Union is putting on a graduate student had 18 points in the win over Bluefield, includfinishing kick. ing four of six 3-pointers.

Coach Jay Butler’s Panthers are back Jonathan King added 18 points, hitting eight of 10 field in the divisional goals. race after defeatVUU plays Winston-Salem in a noning CIAA Northdivision game Feb. 17 in Indianapolis as STANDINGS leading Lincoln part of the NBA All-Star festivities.

Northern Division and Bluefield State VUU finishes with road games at Jordan Gibson Division CIAA Overall last week.

Elizabeth City on Feb. 21 and Virginia Lincoln, Pa. 6-1 9-5 13-11 Despite a disappointing 11-14 overall State on Feb. 24.

Virginia Union 5-2 6-7 11-14 mark, VUU is now 6-7 in CIAA and 5-2 From VSU, the Panthers will head Virginia State 3-3 6-7 12-12 in the division, which determines tournato Baltimore — hopefully with momenElizabeth City 2-4 4-9 7-17 ment seeding for the annual tournament, tum as the No. 1 or No. 2 seed from Bowie State 2-4 3-10 8-15 Feb. 26-March 2 in Baltimore. the North.

Bluefield State 1-5 4-9 7-17 Lincoln still leads the North with a VUU last won the tournament in Through Feb. 10 6-1 divisional mark.

2018.

new recruits

Virginia Union University’s latest recruiting class is brimming with local talent.

Coming off a CIAA championship, Coach Alvin Parker’s 19-man list of incoming Panthers features six signees from the Greater Richmond area.

They are Henry Brown (James River); Elijah Candia and Jaden Plantin (Manchester); Floyd Hall (Life Christian Academy); Raphael Tucker (Dinwiddie); and Tyrek Collins (L.C. Bird).

VUU also reached out internationally with the signing of Mads Hojen Hansen, a 6-foot-4, 295-pound lineman from Denmark.

Spirits are high on Lombardy Street. Last fall, VUU posted a 10-2 overall record that included a win over Fayetteville for its first CIAA crown since 2001 and a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

While the 2024 schedule is unfinished, VUU will play at Hampton University on Sept. 7.

Nelson leads Rams’ ‘Bench Bunch’

VUU Golf Coach E. Lee Coble receives national honor.

Photo courtesy USGA

Coble honored for longtime work in golf E. Lee Coble’s lifetime golf achievements have earned national recognition.

The veteran Virginia Union University golf coach will receive the U.S. Golf Association’s Joe Dey Award on March 2 in Nashville.

The annual Dey Award is for “meritorious service to the game of golf as a volunteer,” and is named after the late Joe Dey, who served as USGA commissioner from 1934 to 1968.

Coble, a native of Mebane, N.C., also serves as VUU’s assistant athletic director for student

athlete support.

Before coming to VUU as golf coach, he was the president of the Virginia State Golf Association.

He has been a member of the USGA’s Golf Committee since 1993 and has volunteered to work in more than 30 USGA championships.

Coble also has been actively involved over the years in introducing golf to children. His projects have included “Hook a Kid on Golf,” The First Tee of Richmond and Chesterfield, and a junior program at Independence Golf Club.

Basketball championships run Panthers. in the Nelson family and there is Nelson Jr. was redshirted his true room for more. freshman season at the University Jason Nelson Jr. has become a of Richmond and became a Spiders ringleader of VCU’s talented “Bench regular last season, averaging eight Bunch” that has spurred the Rams points and two assists. to the threshold of the Atlantic 10’s He transferred to VCU this top perch. season, with sophomore The 5-foot-10 guard led eligibility, in part to play VCU with 13 points in just with his old AAU Team 14 minutes of court time Loaded mates, Roosevelt in the 49-47 win over No. Wheeler (also his team21-ranked Dayton on Feb. mate at JM), Alphonzo 9 at the sold out (7,637) Billups (crossed paths at Siegel Center.

Varina) and Joe Bamisile In a tense defensive (Monacan).

Jason Nelson Jr. struggle, “J-Nel” hit four Nelson has started six of five shots from of 24 games for the the floor, including Rams but seems three of four beyond comfortable as a Heading west the arc. leading man on the Friday, Feb. 16 Nelson’s trophy “Bench Bunch.” In VCU at St. Louis, 7 p.m. case is well stocked. the win over Fordon ESPN2 He helped Varina ham, the VCU reHigh to the 2018 serves outscored State Class 4 title and then John their starters, 42-33. Against Dayton, Marshall to the 2020 crown. the subs had 23 of the 49.

In two seasons at Varina and one Overall, Nelson has averaged at JM, his teams were 75-6. He was seven points while hitting 37% likely denied another JM champion- from behind the arc and 81% of ship in 2021 when the season was his free throws. canceled during the pandemic.

The Dayton win lifts VCU’s Jason Nelson Sr. helped win record to 16-8 overall and 8-3 in some bling of his own in 2005 as the A-10. Richmond leads at 9-1 a member of the NCAA Division with Dayton and Loyola-Chicago II NCAA champion Virginia Union at 9-2.

February 15-17, 2024 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

Happenings Personality: Gregory D. Suskind Spotlight on chair of CARITAS Board of Directors

Richmond native Gregory D. Suskind has been involved with CARITAS for more than a decade. Since May 2022, he has been board chair of the nonprofit organization that focuses on helping people experiencing homelessness and/or addiction by creating safe spaces for healing and recovery and providing support to help them rebuild and renew their lives.

“Almost everyone has been touched in some way by homelessness or substance abuse,” he wrote in a recent email explaining why the mission of CARITAS is so important to him.

The organization grew out of a program called “Winter Cots” in the early 1980s, which was started by Richmond area congregations. It was formalized as CARITAS in 1987 and has since grown to include more than providing emergency shelter in the winter months.

In addition to its long-term residential recovery program, CARITAS also offers a workforce development curriculum for adults with significant barriers to employment, the only furniture bank in Central Virginia for people coming out of a housing crisis, and sober living apartments for program graduates and qualifying community members.

He shared another reason why he has continued to expand his own involvement over the years — “the staff and other board members are fun and very engaged. It’s a positive and joyful place.”

Mr. Suskind said one his greatest joys is the program’s commencement activities. Participants graduating from the long-term residential recovery program for men and women offered through the Healing Place have worked hard to overcome obstacles, but they are not the only ones leaving with lessons from the experience.

He said he tries to bring to CARITAS all the things taught to him by his parents and other mentors — self-reliance, generosity and the need for second chances — but he continues to learn new lessons as well.

“They have continued to teach me this lesson beyond anything I’ve brought. One lesson is the power of peer mentorship,” Mr. Suskind said.

“Having people help you that have been where you are, understand the situation and are really committed to helping you is a very effective method for healing. Giving people the room to make mistakes and grow is equally important.”

That is why he believes awareness is one of the biggest issues for CARITAS. “Many people in the Richmond area have heard of CARITAS and may know a little about us,” Mr. Suskind believes. “What seems to be missing is just a little deeper understanding of who we are and the services we offer. It’s important information because it could really help people.”

He adds that the organization is working to increase their relationships with local business with volunteer events and opportunities to engage with the community at CARITAS. Since late 2020, most of their programming operates out of one central facility and that

is also allowing the nonprofit to reactivate and reimagine its relationships with the area’s that traditionally supported its mobile shelters.

“I think that there’s great hope in what we do within a broad environment of homelessness and substance abuse that often seems to embody hopelessness,” Mr. Suskind said. “While not every story has a happy ending, many do.”

Meet Gregory D. Suskind, a leader who helps create safe spaces for people seeking healing and recovery in their lives and this week’s Personality:

the CARITAS Furniture Bank. Furniture can be dropped off at 2220 Stockton St. between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, or schedule a pickup by calling (804) 887-1592.

Occupation: Managing director — USM Investment Management.

Date and place of birth: 1971 in Richmond.

Where I live now: Richmond.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Hampden-Sydney College; MBA – Robins School of Business - University of Richmond.

Family: Wife, Dorothy Suskind, sons, Mac Suskind and Charlie Suskind.

CARITAS is: CARITAS creates a safe space to heal and time to rebuild.

When and why founded: CARITAS was founded in 1987 in response to the need for emergency shelter during the winter months. The organization has evolved from a mobile emergency shelter system to a solution-oriented homeless services and substance use disorder recovery community. Leading with compassion, CARITAS meets the needs of the people it serves by filling gaps in Richmond’s homelessness and addiction recovery systems. Its quality staff provide roundthe-clock care to the men and women in its safeguard.

Founders: Area congregations in Richmond.

Location: 2220 Stockton St. How CARITAS works in a nutshell: For people experiencing homelessness and/or addiction, CARITAS is Richmond’s active community of caring that provides them a safe space for healing and recovery — and the support to rebuild and renew their lives.

CARITAS is funded: CARITAS receives meaningful support across a spectrum of contributors, including individuals, businesses, civic organizations, foundations, and government agencies.

How I became involved: Many years ago when volunteering at St. James’s Church in Richmond when a service model revolving around congregations was still in use by CARITAS. Length of term: Two years.

No. 1 challenge so far: The most pressing issue for us at the time my term started was finding a new leader. Our current CEO at the time had been at CARITAS for 22 years and was retiring. It was a blessing to have her there for that long, but also quite challenging to find someone that could fill her shoes. It took a full year but our search ended with the

appointment of Karen O’Brien, a longtime employee and the former COO. She’s extremely well respected internally and in the community and is a talented and caring executive. We’re grateful to have her.

Strategy for achieving goals: CARITAS has a number of objectives that include fundraising, public awareness, community engagement and day to day management among many other things. Collaboration has been the most effective strategy for me. We have a large and talented board and a very committed staff. By asking for input and sharing the workload we get better outcomes.

CARITAS partners with: CARITAS has established long-standing partnerships with numerous community organizations such as The Daily Planet, VCU Health Systems, Virginia Health Department and Bon Secours among others. A large number of congregations, corporations and individuals provide countless hours of volunteer support and represent indispensable partnerships.

How I start the day: Usually I’m at the gym at 5 a.m. and then head home for coffee. It’s getting harder and harder to wake up that early though.

The three words that best describe me: Disciplined, persistent, friendly.

If I had 10 extra minutes in the day: I would play around on the guitar with my sons.

Best late-night snack: Fruity Pebbles cereal or fully salted Planters peanuts.

The music I listen to most is: Country music, but I sometimes listen to big band jazz like Louis Armstrong or Frank Sinatra.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Scuba dive and run the vacuum.

A quote that inspires me: “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” — Thomas Jefferson At the top of my “to-do” list: Getting some much-delayed work done to my very old pickup truck.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: My parents, Sandy and David Suskind, taught me you have to take responsibility for yourself. There were high expectations for me at an early age and those expectations only grew. I’m sure I didn’t like it much at the time, but the resulting self-sufficiency

has proven very valuable over the years.

The person who influenced me the most: Probably Ivor Massey, Jr. He gave me opportunities that he didn’t need to give me and taught me a lot about being generous, giving second chances and blazing your own trail.

Book that influenced me the most: Recently “The Son” by Philipp Meyer. I love westerns.

It’s fiction, but it is a great story about learning to adapt to hardship, resilience and determination and families.

What I’m reading now: Professionally, “Wealth 3.0: The Future of Family Wealth Advising” by James Grubman, Dennis Jaffe and Kristin Keffeler. The book is essentially about the changing landscape of family wealth advisory away from a primary focus on investments to a broader focus on the family, the importance of purpose and the role emotional intelligence plays.

Next goal: I’m not much of a cook, and I’d like to learn to be a better one.

No. 1 joy I have witnessed working with CARITAS: Commencement from the Healing Place for both men and women is really magical. The participants in the program have worked really hard over a long period to overcome significant obstacles and you see the pride and gratitude they have on full display during this graduation ceremony.

How the board measures its commitment to having a diverse and inclusive organization: The Board has demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusion by adopting a strategic plan that prioritizes DEAI in all aspects of work, collaboration, leadership and mission delivery. We have also undertaken a concerted effort to compensate staff equitably across the organization.

CARITAS is important for all people from various backgrounds and their families because: CARITAS was founded on the value that every person deserves to live with dignity and respect. We actively promote a more equitable and inclusive community by leading with compassion, integrity and determination.

Ways to get involved with CARITAS as a volunteer or someone in need of services: Individuals in need of shelter should call the Homeless Connection Line at (804) 972-0813.

Individuals in need of recovery services should call The Healing Place for Men at (804) 230-1184 or The Healing Place for Women at (804) 418-3049. Volunteer opportunities are available at www.caritasva.org/give-help/ volunteer There also is a need for donations of gently used furniture and household goods for

I

n honor of Black History month, the Library of Virginia presents a free preview screening of the documentary film Current: A Descendant's Journey for Truth followed by a discussion with producer Pam Smith, director Loria King and other members of the film’s team.

Friday, Feb. 23 | 2 to 4 p.m.

Register at lva-virginia.libcal.com/event/11899342

WWW.LVA.VIRGINIA.GOV

Richmond Free Press

B2 February 15-17, 2024

Happenings Review: Usher shines at star-studded 2024 Super Bowl halftime show Wedding bells ring after

Super Bowl performance, he descended from the stadium ceiling to perform “OMG” in Arlington, Texas.

“Don’t take the moments for granted because you only get 13 of them,” he said in advance of his 2024 performance, referring to the usually allotted 13-minute run time. “The hardest part is trying to figure out how to squeeze it all in when you actually have a large catalog, or a lot of records people celebrate and love.”

Without a doubt — he figured out exactly how to do just that.

Just hours after the R&B superstar’s headline appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show, Usher and longtime partner Jenn Goicoechea married in Las Vegas, according to officials The Associated Press and documents. The officiant Above, Usher performs who wed the pair is known Sunday during halftime of to dress as an Elvis Presley Super Bowl LVIII in Las impersonator.

Vegas. Left, Alicia Keys The couple married Sunday joined Usher as a surprise at Vegas Weddings, according guest during the halftime show. She sang her song to a marriage certificate made “If I Ain’t Got You” before public Monday. The ceremony joining Usher in their duet, was officiated by the Rev. “My Boo.” Ronald Joseph Polrywka, better known locally as Ron DeCar. Witnesses included Jonnetta Patton, Usher’s mother.

“Congratulations to the Newlyweds!” chapel owner Melody Willis-Williams said in a statement. “We were beyond thrilled to host in this epic day for Usher and his new wife.”

“As much as we love, love,” the statement adds, “this is the couple’s news to share any further details on. We’ll always be fans of Usher! Yeah!”

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES Usher emerged at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium for the Super Bowl halftime show seated on a throne, joined by a marching band and a trove of Vegas performers — but stayed its center.

It was an immediate confirmation of his position as the ideal halftime performer: One with timeless, well-known hits, masterful choreography, and a devoted audience.

He started with “Caught Up,” moving into “U Don’t Have to Call,” “Superstar,” and “Love in the Club.”

Then Alicia Keys appeared in front of a bright red piano for her song “If I Ain’t Got You,” which morphed into “My Boo,” Usher losing a glove in an apparent tribute to Michael Jackson — notable for a performance during Black History Month.

Across 13 minutes during the halftime show sponsored by Apple Music, Usher brought out a number of guests including H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon (for “Turn Down for What,” which became “Yeah!”) — and included a guest appearance from Ludacris.

Across three decades, the R&B superstar had an endless treasure trove of hits to pull from — and did so with costume changes, and a rolling performance of “OMG” while wearing roller skates — at one moment, sliding between will.i.am’s legs.

His album “Confessions” ranks among one of the best-selling music projects of all time and turned 20 this year; “Burn” became an easy performance highlight.

Over the past two years, Usher, 45, has made Vegas a home for his unique talents, with his sold-out residency, “Usher: My Way,” at Dolby Live at Park MGM making him the perfect pick for Sunday’s game.

The eight-time Grammy award winner also is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage — he made a guest appearance with Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am in 2011.

“I got a chance to see a bit of what it felt like,” Usher told The Associated Press in a recent interview. In his first

Black History Month Events 2024 RVA Community Makers Art Exhibit Organized by: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Where: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts at 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.

When: From Friday, Feb. 16, to Monday, March 18 Cost: Free More information: vmfa.museum/calendar/black-history-month2024 Dance After Work Organized by: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Where: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts When: Friday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cost: Free More information: vmfa.museum/calendar/black-history-month2024 Harmony & Heritage: The Black History Musical Organized by: The College of William and Mary’s Office of Residence Life and Housing and Student Engagement Team Where: Ernst Hall at 11301 Johnson Road at the College of William and Mary in Petersburg When: Friday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cost: Free More information: www.eventbrite.com/e/814660871597 Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Day Organized by: The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Where: Virginia State Capitol at 1000 Bank St. with a reception at the Omni Richmond Hotel at 100 S. 12th St. When: Monday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $50 for a day briefing only from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., $50 for the reception only at 5:30 p.m. and $75 for both More information: www.vablack chamberofcommerce.org/advocacyday Protecting Your Peace as a Change Agent Organized by: The University of Richmond’s Department of Psychology, the Student Center for Equity & Inclusion, the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, and Counseling and Psychological Services Where: UR Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts at 453 Westhampton Way When: Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Cost: Free More information: engage. richmond.edu or www.eventbrite. com/e/807244850077

Tri-Cities Enrichment Center Black History Discussion for Kids Organized by: Tri-Cities Elite Tutoring Where: Tri-Cities Enrichment Center at 231b N. Sycamore St. in Petersburg When: Saturday, Feb. 24, from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 More information: www.eventbrite.com/e/792649765787 Black Wellness Expo Organized by: RUSH Community Group Where: 63Thirty5 Restaurant at 6335 Jahnke Road #A When: Saturday, Feb. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Cost: $15 for General Admission, $25 for vendor table More information: www.eventbrite.com/e/799005275287

African American Read-In Organized by: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Where: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts at 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.

When: Thursday, Feb. 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free More information: vmfa.museum/calendar/black-history-month2024

Black AF ­— A Celebration of Black Herstory Organized by: Hand-Made In RVA Where: Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, 601 W. Broad St. When: Sunday, Feb. 25, from noon to 6 p.m.

Cost: $11 More information: www.eventbrite.com/e/809693443887

African American Read-In for Families Organized by: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Where: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts at 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.

When: Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Free More information: vmfa.museum/calendar/black-history-month2024

Stolen Lives, Dreamed Lives What: Featuring artist and figurative sculptor Sandrine Plante, this installation showcases nine sculptures illustrating the story of a people depicted as healers and nomads, enduring slavery, life on the plantation, the brutality of lynchings, and ultimately, their exodus to freedom.

Sandrine Plante was born in France in the south-central region known as the Puy de Dome, and at an early age, she learned to manipulate clay and eventually studied plastic arts, art history, as well as stone-cutting

and architecture.

Where: Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA), 122 West Leigh St. When: Through Feb. 29 Black History Month at UR What: The University of Richmond’s Department of Psychology, the Student Center for Equity & Inclusion, the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, will, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) welcome Dr. Joy Harden Bradford and Dr. Sesha Joi Moon to campus for a special Black History Month program.

Dr. Bradford is the author of Sisterhood Heals and Host of the award-winning podcast, Therapy for Black Girls. Dr. Moon is the chief diversity officer with the U.S. House of Representatives at the United States Congress and executive director of The JXN Project.

A reception and book-signing will follow their fireside chat, facilitated

by Dr. Janelle S. Peifer, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond.

When: Feb. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: University of Richmond, Camp Concert Hall Black History Program and Banquet What: Celebrating AfricanAmericans in Aviation Guest speaker: David Baugh, son of Tuskegee Airman Howard Baugh When: Feb. 24. 6: 30 p.m.

Where: Ephesus Junior Academy, Ephesus SDA Church Gym, 3700 Midlothian Turnpike Road Cost: $25 per adult, $15 per student (ages 5-18), free for children under 5-Free To r e s e r v e t i c k e t s , v i s i t e p h e s u s j r a c a d e m y. o r g , v i s i t eventbrite.com or call (804) 2334582

VSU, NSU bands featured in documentary Free Press staff report

In honor of Black History Month, the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) announced the debut of “The Legacy of HBCU Marching Bands,” a documentary film that pays tribute to the heritage and legacy of marching bands at historically black colleges and universities. The film will air on WTVR CBS6 at 9 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 18.

Fourth in the NBOTB series, the film will provide an in-depth look at marching band culture, its evolution and its role in African-American culture for over a century. Performances by eight marching bands from the 2023 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands will be featured, including Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion and Norfolk State University’s Spartan Legion.

“We are thrilled to bring the stories of these iconic HBCU bands to the screen,” said Derek Webber, executive producer of the NBOTB. “Their music, moves and the sheer magnificence of their performances have entertained and uplifted and united communities for generations. It’s a true honor to document and share this legacy during Black History Month.”

To view the trailer for “The Legacy of HBCU Marching Bands,” visit www.NationalBattleoftheBands.com/Salute.

The is True King planning Lil Walter hisforfuture the Virginia Music Hall of Fame for Outstanding Entertainer, Musician, Producer, Writer, Author and Promoter Plus Pull up True King Lil Walter on YouTube for new music

“Did Y’all come Here to Party,” “Roses”

and many more.

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Richmond Free Press

February 15-17, 2024 B3

Obituaries/Faith Directory

Elmer T. Seay Jr. remembered for his civic, social activism

By George Copeland Jr.

Elmer T. Seay Jr. known for his community activism, social work and talents as an artist died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. He was 90 years old.

Mr. Seay was born on May 17, 1933, in Richmond. He was the second of five children born to his parents, Elmer Taylor Sr. and Maria Seay.

Mr. Seay graduated from Richmond’s Armstrong High School in 1952, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University and a master’s degree from Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University).

After graduating from Virginia Union, Mr. Seay enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a military policeman. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Richmond to pursue his career. It was during this time that he met his

future bride, Shirley Mae Hairston. Mr. ington, D.C., the historic march was Seay and Miss Hairston exchanged designed to promote African-American vows on June 30, 1962. unity and family values.

Civil service defined much of During his retirement, Mr. Seay Mr. Seay’s life, from his time in the remained a dedicated community military to his career with the City of servant, tutoring for Richmond Public Richmond Department of Social SerSchools and the Head Start program, vices. He co-founded the Richmond and chairing the committee for the chapter of the National Association Sigma Beautillion as a member of of Black Social Workers in 1971 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s Lambda (ABSW), alongside lifelong friends Chapter at VUU. Mr. Seay Clinton Strane, former Richmond “Our Beloved Chapter Co-Founder, City Councilwoman Willie Dell, and the late Mr. Elmer T. Seay Jr. has peacefully made his Dr. Norma Goode, Hilda Warden, James Ryan, transition to the Ancestor realm,” the RichThomas Baynham, Edward Brown, Sandra T. mond ABSW wrote in an announcement of Mr. Mitchell, and Oliver Epps.

Seay’s passing. “He lived to be 90 years old, Mr. Seay also was a lifetime member of the and cultivated a life and legacy of activism as NAACP, contributed to The Richmond Crusade a social worker.” for Voters and attended the Oct. 16, 1995, Million Mr. Seay nurtured his art skills throughout Man March in Washington, D.C. alongside his his life, with his work featured in Armstrong son, Jaye. A political demonstration in Wash- and VUU yearbooks, as well as in his home and

Family and friends celebrate Constance Delores Brown

By George Copeland Jr.

love for singing began in the church choir at Second For more than 38 years, Baptist Church-Richmond.

Constance Delores Brown was As a junior in high school, a nurturing and welcome pres- she was an “invited traveling” ence for students at Richmond’s member of the Virginia Union Armstrong High School, where University Chorus. she helped further their eduAfter graduating in 1956 from cation and served Maggie L. Walker as the Senior Class High School, she Sponsor and “Miss enrolled at Virginia Armstrong” Pageant Union University Sponsor until she where she earned her retired. bachelor’s in sociol“She constantly ogy. Ms. Brown later had students comreceived her degree ing up to her with a and certificate in eduMs. Brown cheery “Ms. Brown, cation from Virginia do you remember me?” a fam- Commonwealth University. ily member wrote in her online She went on to teach English obituary. at Central High School in the Ms. Brown, 84, died Satur- King and Queen County Public day, Jan. 27, 2024. A private Schools system. At the same funeral service for family time, she dedicated her time, members took place Wednes- love of music and ministry to day, Feb. 7, at Vincent Funeral Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Home in West Point, according West Point with John Horace to her online obituary.

Lee. During her tenure there, Born on March 10, 1939, in this “singing-piano playing duo” Richmond to Edward L. Brown began planning weddings and and Marinda Brown, concerts. In 1975, she brought Ms. Brown attended Rich- her teaching skills to Richmond mond Public Schools where Public Schools. she excelled in music. Her Outside of her professional

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

(Zoom)

Sunday Morning Worship • 11am (in-person and livestream on YouTube)

Wednesday Bible Study • 7pm (Zoom)

American Baptist Men of the South Area II and

Second Baptist Church – West End 1400 Idlewood Ave, Richmond, VA 23220

Saturday, February 17, 2024, 8:30 AM to 12 PM “Your Home In God’s Kingdom”

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

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

The Rev. Sylvester T. Smith, Ph.D., Pastor “There’s A Place for You” “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

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Back Inside

“BACK IN SERVICE” Our doors are open again every Sunday @ 11:00 am.

Come worship with us!

Back Inside Sundays Join us for 10:00 AM Worship Service

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

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” Every Sunday @ 11:00 am.

Riverview Baptist Church “MAKE IT HAPPEN” Sundays Sunday School - 9:30 A.M. Worship Service - 11 A.M.

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

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

Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# In Person Sunday Service also on FACEBOOK and YouTube 2604 Idlewood Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 • www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. John E. Johnson, Jr., Interim Minister

St. Peter Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church i

Pastor Kevin Cook

Triumphant

Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622

Conference Calls are still available at: ( 503) 300-6860 PIN: 273149 Facebook@:triumphantbaptist

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

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

OPEN FOR IN PERSON WORSHIP Morning Worship - 11 am

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.

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Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor ❖

The doors of the church are open for worship!

No registration required.

Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays

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

Join us at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday for in-person worship service or Live-stream on YouTube (Good Shepherd Baptist Church RVA).

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

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We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

“Free” Training Sessions on Servant Leadership

New American Baptist Men USA President

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INSTALLATION SERVICE

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

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American Baptist Men USA in coordination with

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

Sunday Church School • 9am

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Baptist Church

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

Sunday, February 18, 2024, 11:00 AM A Day of Celebration and Honor

Free Press wire reports

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Moore Street Missionary

work, Ms. Brown was a longtime member of the National Drifters, where she served as national president, vice president and national membership chair and convention planner.

Ms. Brown is survived by her sister, Marinda A. Brown, niece Linda Brown-Nick, special cousins Jacquelin “Cookie” Brockington and the Rev. Gloria Lucas, a host of nieces and nephews in the Brown, Lee and White families, and her godchildren.

Judge Onzlee Ware dies at age 70

to the Circuit Court bench in 2020, replacing Judge William Roanoke Judge Onzlee Ware, Broadhurst. He was a Juvenile who rose from drug charges and Domestic Relations District and a gunshot wound Court judge since that cost him a leg to 2014 and, from 2003 become a Virginia until 2013, reprelegislator and the first sented part of RoaBlack judge in the noke as a Democratic city’s Circuit Court, member of the House died Saturday, Feb. of Delegates. Before 10, 2024, the Roathat, he was an attornoke Bar Association ney in Roanoke.

Judge Ware reported.

A memorial serThe bar association did not vice is scheduled for 3 p.m. give a cause of death, nor did Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Bera statement released by Ware’s glund Performing Arts Center, family through two Roanoke 710 Williamson Road N.E. in attorneys who recently repre- Roanoke. More details soon sented the judge. will be posted to www.hamlarJudge Ware, 70, was named curtis.com.

the homes of his family. “A self-taught artist, he was a masterful storyteller who skillfully wielded his brush, pen, and pencil to weave narratives of resilience, strength, and the inherent beauty within the African-American experience,” his obituary reads.

A member of First African Baptist Church since 1950, he served as a member of its History Committee. In 2023, Mr. Seay was honored and recognized as the Father of the Church.

Mr. Seay is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Hairston Seay, daughter Terri Anderson, son Jaye Anderson; sisters Evelyn Williams and Virginia Lewis and grandchildren Bevin Brown, Drew Anderson, Farron Anderson, Arielle Seay, Noemi Seay, and Brienna Seay.

A memorial for family and friends of Mr. Seay took place Monday, Feb. 12, at Mimms Funeral Home. A celebration of life followed on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at First African Baptist Church.

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

Richmond Free Press

B4 February 15-17, 2024

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call 644-0496 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 20, 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 hearing on Monday, February 26, 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. 2024-035 To authorize the special use of the property known as 6422 Forest H i l l Av e n u e f o r t h e purpose of ten singlefamily detached dwellings fronting on a private street, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-036 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2900 Rady Street and 2733 5th Avenue for the purpose of up to 83 permanent supportive housing units, upon certain terms and conditions.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the February 26, 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, March 5, 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 hearing on Monday, March 11, 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. 2024-049 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1 Rear North Auburn Avenue and 3145 Rear Floyd Avenue for the purpose of a surface parking lot, garages, and electric vehicle charging stations, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-050 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2510 Lynhaven Avenue for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to 50 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-051 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2904 Noble Avenue for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling with a driveway within the front yard, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2024-052 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1412 Rogers Street for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the March 11, 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 Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, February 26, 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. 2024-032 To repeal City Code § 2-239 of the Code of the City of Richmond, concerning value engineering, for the purpose of removing the requirement for value engineering for projects costing more than $5,000,000.00.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-033 To amend City Code § 8-555, concerning fees for the temporary use of Main Street Station, for the purpose of revising the schedule of fees for the temporary use of Main Street Station. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-034 To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Oct. 5, 2020, and approved by the City Council by Ord. No. 2020236, adopted Dec.14, 2020, to incorporate the Shockoe Small Area Plan detailing the vision, major goals, big moves, and priority projects for the development of the Shockoe neighborhood.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 3:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-035 To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Oct. 5, 2020, and approved by the City Council by Ord. No. 2020236, adopted Dec.14, 2020, to incorporate the Shockoe Small Area Plan detailing the vision, major goals, big moves, and priority projects for the development of the Shockoe neighborhood.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 3:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-037 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Facility License Agreement between the School Board of the City of Richmond, as licensor, and the City, as licensee, for the purpose of granting the City permission to use certain school facilities for the Mar. 5, 2024, primary election from Feb. 26, 2024, through Mar. 8, 2024.

Ordinance No. 2024-038 To amend Ord. No. 2023071, adopted May 8, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, to (i) create a new line item in the NonDepartmental agency called “ElderHomes Corporation t/a project: HOMES,” (ii) transfer $500,000.00 from the NonDepartmental line-item Reserve for Alternative Housing, (iii) appropriate such $500,000.00 to the new line item in the NonDepartmental agency for the purpose of providing funding for alternative housing, (iv) increase anticipated revenues from certain funds due to the City from the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority, in accordance with an Interlocal Agreement dated February 1, 2000, by $3,140,571.00, and (v) appropriate a total of $3,140,571.00 of such anticipated revenues to the Department of Economic Development for the purpose of funding certain professional and consulting services for developments in the city of Richmond and for the reimbursement of certain expenditures of the Economic Development Authority. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-039 To amend the assigned range incorporated into section I of the Pay Plan for the classification title of Council Liaison for the purpose of changing the pay range for such classification.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

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City Code § 27-282, concerning the special parking districts program and permitted expenditures from the Special Parking Districts Fund, for the purpose of authorizing the Chief Administrative Officer to execute grant agreements to disperse the funds to be used by neighborhood associations and civic associations within their boundaries for the maintenance of clean and safe neighborhood environments.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-041 To amend City Code §§ 26-430, concerning penalties for unpaid property taxes, and 26431, concerning interest on unpaid property taxes, for the purpose of reducing the interest and percentage of the penalty applied to certain unpaid personal property taxes. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-042 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Central Virginia Transportation Authority for the purpose of providing funding for the Fall Line Trail – Bryan Park Segment project. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 3:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-043 To designate and establish certain City-owned property known as 6008 Rear Howard Road as an official City park named “Bay Street Commons.”

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 3:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-044 To designate the corner of 2300 Third Avenue and Juniper Street in honor of the late Dr. Clifton Whitaker, Jr. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 3:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-045 To designate the corner of 300 North 11th Street and East Broad Street in honor of the late Lindsey Grizzard Braun. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 3:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2024-048 To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept certain parcels of real property presently or formerly owned by Enrichmond Foundation and its affiliate Parity LLC, commonly known as East End Cemetery, Evergreen Cemetery, and Forest View Cemetery for the purpose of preserving and maintaining such parcels as historic AfricanAmerican cemeteries and public greenspaces.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the February 26, 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.

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without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 27th day of March, 2024 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF 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 HANOVER GRACE EDWARDS, Plaintiff v.

DARON EDWARDS, SR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL24000427-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 29th day of March, 2024 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

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 JENNIFER SPENCE, Plaintiff v.

CARLTON SPENCE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003763-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 20th day of March, 2024 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER 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 of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 13th day of March, 2024 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TIFFANY CARVAN, Plaintiff v.

WAYNE CARVAN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL24000221-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 14th day of March, 2024 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C.

Custody VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KADEN HANNA RDSS v.

JULIA ANN SIMS & Unknown Father Case No. J-101857-04, J-101857-05 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is

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to: terminate the residual parental rights {“RPR”) of Unknown Father (Father) & Julia Ann Sims (Mother), of Kaden Hanna, child, DOB: 10/7/2022 “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: Visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support and that: It is ORDERED that the defendants Unknown Father (Father) & Julia Ann Sims (Mother) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/ her interest on or before 5/15/2024, at 2:00 P.M, COURTROOM #5 (AKT)

and Wine On and Off Premise license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia. gov or 800 552-3200.

issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia. gov or 800 552-3200.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD TO BE KNOWN AS HAYDEN MICHAEL GAINES (VIRGINIA BIRTH REGISTRATION NUMBER 145-21-083144) BY ERIN DANIELLE GAINES AND JACOB EDWARD GAINES Case No. CA-23-60 ORDER OF PUBLICATION 01/24/2024 The object of this suit is to allow the petitioners Erin Danielle Gaines and Jacob Edward Gaines to adopt a child known as Hayden Michael Taylor pursuant to Virginia Code Section 63.2-1242.3. However, the petitioners have been unable to locate the birth mother, Harley Makala Taylor, for purposes of service and whose parental rights must be terminated in order to proceed with the adoption.

Diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Harley Maka la Taylor. An affidavit has been filed in support hereof. The last known addresses of Harley Makala Taylor are 4118 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Virginia 23223 and Capital Inn, Room 219, 5408 Williamsburg Road, Henrico, Virginia 23150.

Upon consideration, this Order of Publication is GRANTED and it is therefore ORDERED that the birth mother Harley Makala Taylor appear on or before March 29, 2024 at 9:00 am in the Circuit Court for Chesterfield County and do what is necessary to protect her interests.

AN EXTRACT TESTE: AMANDA L. POHL, CLERK I ask for this: Sherry A. Fox, Esquire (VSB #72943) Fox Family Formation 10640 Charter Hill Court, Suite 103 Ashland, Virginia 23005 (804) 317-3416 (Telephone) RDJK, LLC Trading as: Nuevo Mexico Restaurante 10282 Staples Mill Rd Glen Allen, Henrico, VA 23060 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage Restaurant, Retail on and off-Premises wine and beer license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Julio Cesar Landaverde Rodriguez (President) NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia. gov or 800 552-3200.

Scott Staton LLC Trading as: E Taco Guapo 727 Broad St Richmond, VA The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage Restaurant Beer

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Divorce

Ordinance No. 2024-040 To amend and reordain

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHRISTOPHER BELL, Plaintiff v.

LATISHA BELL, Defendant.

Case No.: CL24000300-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart

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The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB – 240006652 - Calhoun Splash Pad Phase I Pre-Bid Meeting: February 21, 2024, at 1:30 P.M. For all information pertaining to this IFB pre-bid meeting, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV).

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Proposal Due Date: Wednesday March 13, 2024, Time: 2:00 P.M.

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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.

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Subscribe Please take a minute to fill out your Volunteer Subscription form below.

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Mail to: Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 or Email: Subscriptions@richmondfreepress.com

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Shrader Road Sidewalk Henrico County, Virginia Notice of Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing The County of Henrico is proposing to provide approximately 2,000 feet of 5-footwide sidewalk on both sides of Shrader Road between Parham Road and Eunice Drive including ADA ramps, and a pedestrian crossing at Eunice Drive. Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2025.

Information related to this project including the plans, project schedule, and funding information can be reviewed at the County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, 4305 E. Parham Road, Administration Annex Building, 3rd Floor, Henrico, Virginia 23228, Telephone: (804) 501-4624. ,I \RXU FRQFHUQV FDQQRW EH VDWLV¿HG WKH County is willing to hold a public hearing.

You may request a public hearing by sending a written request to the Department of Public Works, Attn: Michael Elander, P. O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775, on or before February 23, 2024. If a request for a public hearing is received, a notice of the date, time, and place of the public hearing will be provided.

The County 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 need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited (QJOLVK SUR¿FLHQF\ FRQWDFW 0LFKDHO (ODQGer at the above address, phone number, or at ela013@henrico.us.

VDOT UPC #: 117046

ABC License

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND 400 N. 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 KIMBERLY ANN VARGAS v.

EDGAR EDUARDO VARGAS Case No. CL24-193 BBC ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce.

It is ORDERED that Edgar Eduardo Vargas appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her Interests on or before April 17, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.

Smoke and Barrel, LLC Trading as: Smoke and Barrel, LLC 2329 W Main St Richmond, Virginia 23220 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control AUTHORITY (ABC) for a Retail Restaurant or Caterer Application Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Joseph Hadad, owner NOTE: Objections to the

Notice COPYRIGHT NOTICE FOR THE STRAW This copyright notice informs the potential user of the name JOVAN ORLANDO BRADSHAW and all its derivatives that is intended as pertaining to me, sincere knoshon el, an American State National, In Propria Persona Sui Juris, Proprio Heredes, that any unauthorized use thereof without my express, prior, written permission signifies the user’s consent for becoming the debtor on a self executing UCC Financial Statement in the amount of $500,000 per unauthorized use of the name used with intent of obligating me, plus costs, plus triple damages.

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

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

EOE M/F/D/V

Altria Client Services, LLC (Richmond, VA) –

Research Scientist:

Resp. for eval. the impact of tobacco product use in the pop. to adv. reg. & harm reduction efforts. Req. Bach. Degree or foreign equiv. in Math., Stats., Comp. Sci., Data Analytics, Data Sci. or a rltd quant. field & 3 yrs of exp. in a data stats. role within the consumer goods industry or a Mast. degree or foreign equiv. in Math., Stat., Comp. Sci., Data Analytics, Data Sci. or a rltd quant. field & 1 yr of exp. in a data stat. role within the consumer goods industry.

Exp. must incl.: Accessing, mining, & analy. large dtbases (e.g., government databases) & public health data; Bldng. predictive models, machine learning, & data mining algorithms to identify trends & gen. insights.

Using tools & tech. to visualize & monitor data in easy-to-understand formats, such as diagrams, graphs, & interactive dshbrds.

Interpreting stat findings from analyses & drafting sci. narrative content for ext. engagement; Wrkng w/ the following stat. software packages: SAS, R, Python or MATLAB. (Telecommuting position w/ no geographic limit. as long as the worker is based in the cont. U.S.). To apply, please visit https://careers.altria.com/, Job ID 2024-6270.

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