February 9 11, 2017 issue

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VOL. 26 NO. 6

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FEBRUARY 9-11, 2017

Giving sanctuary?

Mayor Stoney stops short of designating Richmond a ‘sanctuary city’

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Mayor Stoney

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney is taking a cautious centrist approach in addressing the uproar over national immigration policy.

While he lambasts the ban on immigration that President Trump and others are pushing as “fearmongering,” he also is refusing to embrace activists’ calls to declare Richmond a “sanctuary city.”

His solution: Promote Richmond as a “welcoming city, inclusive and diverse,” while maintaining the policies that Richmond followed under his predecessors. Those policies seek to embrace immigrants and also hold them accountable if they break the law.

Already his solution has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives who say his approach is opening the door to “terrorists” and liberals who say he is not doing enough to support immigrants.

Mayor Stoney spelled out his approach Monday in a policy directive he signed that essentially tells Chief Administrative

DeVos, Sessions confirmed Free Press wire report

Two of President Trump’s controversial picks for his cabinet have been confirmed by the Senate and are ready to take office.

Betsy DeVos, his nominee for secretary of education, was narrowly confirmed on Tuesday when Vice President Mike Pence, the Senate’s presiding officer, broke a 50-50 tie to give her the job, the first time a cabinet nominee has been approved on such a vote.

And Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions was confirmed as U.S. attorney general Wednesday evening in a 52-47 vote despite efforts by most Senate Democrats to derail his nomination.

Two Republicans joined the entire 48-member Democratic Senate Caucus of 46 party members and two independents

younger children and universities and also administers a $1 trillion college financial aid program.

During the debate over Sen. Sessions’ nomination, Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell used his position to silence Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren when she began reading a 30- year-old letter that Coretta Scott King wrote criticizing Sen. Sessions’ Ms. DeVos Sen. Sessions track record on civil rights when he to oppose Ms. DeVos’ confirmation. was up for a federal judgeship. He ultimately Democrats are concerned Ms. DeVos, was rejected for the judgeship. a billionaire advocate of charter schools, Sen. McConnell interrupted Sen. Warwould seek to use her position to promote ren’s reading and ordered her silenced for them and undercut public schools, long the using the letter to attack Sen. Sessions, anchor of the U.S. education system. citing Senate Rule 19, which states, in part, Teachers unions, a major constituency that if a senator “impugns the motives or for the Democratic Party, roundly opposed integrity of any senator,” he or she “may Ms. DeVos for the leadership post of an Please turn to A4 agency that sets education policy for

Bourne sworn in

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Abolitionist and activist Frederick Douglass, right, is pictured with Charles Satchell Morris, the grandfather of Fox Elementary School librarian Faithe Norrell.

Dr. Morris’ first wife, Anna, was Mr. Douglass’ granddaughter.

Norrell Family photo

Smarter than a third-grader?

Local students could give Trump some lessons

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Jeff M. Bourne headed this week to the General Assembly as the city’s newest representative to the House of Delegates, ending his four-year tenure on the Richmond School Board.

The 40-year-old lawyer was sworn in Wednesday and took his new seat after easily brushing aside two long-shot rivals Tuesday in a special election to fill the vacancy in the 71st House District.

The vacancy opened when Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-9th District, who formerly held the House seat, won a January special election to the state Senate to succeed now 4th District Congressman A. Donald McEachin.

At his victory party at a Shockoe Bottom restaurant, Mr. Bourne thanked God, his supporters and his family and said his goal would be to help children who do not have the same support that his two children do.

“It is incumbent on us as public servants and as leaders of our community to make sure that they have every opportunity to succeed,” Mr. Bourne said. “And so that’s what’s going to be my focus — public education and finding common sense solutions” to community problems.

Mr. Bourne, who entered the race as the presumptive favorite after securing the Democratic nomination with broad support and endorsements from virtually every elected area Democrat, won nearly 90 percent of the 3,950 votes cast, according to unofficial results for the district that includes 25 precincts in the city’s North Side and East End and one precinct in Henrico County.

According to the state Board of Elections, Mr. Bourne, won 3,542 votes,

Officer Selena Cuffee-Glenn to ensure all city departments, including the Richmond Police Department, continue to do what they have been doing.

That includes: • Protecting and promoting “policies of inclusion for all residents, regardless of national origin, immigration or refugee status, race, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation or identity; • Continuing to have the Richmond Police Department avoid signing or participating in agreements with federal Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) that would make city officers immigration agents and maintaining the department practice of not inquiring about the place of birth or immigration status of individuals with whom its officers come in contract; and • Ensuring that “all city employees focus on the needs and safety of our residents, not on their legal status, and advocate for and promote their well-being.”

By Nichole M. Christian

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Delegate-elect Jeff M. Bourne, center, extends his hand to a well-wisher at his victory party Tuesday night in Shockoe Bottom after winning a special election for the 71st District seat for the House of Delegates. After resigning from the Richmond School Board, he was sworn in to his new office at noon Wednesday, joining 33 other Democrats in the House of Delegates.

Facts trump fiction.

They always have; they always will, even when it’s the president of the United States spinning a tale that threatens truth.

This is what Faithe Norrell told herself as she made the choice to challenge comments by President Trump that led some people — not many — to believe that Frederick Douglass, the former slave turned author, newspaper publisher, abolitionist and radical activist, was suddenly alive.

“Frederick Douglass is an example of someone who’s Please turn to A4

Historic aviator inspires others

By Holly Rodriguez

Jamaica native Barrington Irving moved to Miami with his family when he was 6, excelled on the gridiron and as a student and had several football scholarship offers when his career ambitions suddenly changed from football to flying.

He was working in his parents’ bookstore, he recalls, “when I saw this white Lincoln Navigator pull up, and a brother in a sleek suit stepped out of it.

“As a kid who grew up in the ’hood with limited means, that immediately got my attention.”

The man was Capt. Gary Robinson, a fellow Jamaican who was flying airliners for United Airlines.

The captain asked Mr. Irving, who was 18 at the time, if he’d ever thought about becoming a pilot. When he responded that he did not think he was smart enough, Capt. Robinson invited him to sit in the cockpit of a Boeing 777 the next day.

Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Nick Booker, a seventh-grader at Richmond Preparatory Christian Academy’s Douglass School, takes a selfie with aviator Barrington Irving, left, following Mr. Irving’s talk Wednesday to several hundred students at the Science Museum of Virginia. Also in the selfie is Elbert Brinson, dean of the Douglass School.

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Richmond Free Press

Local News

Petersburg sells baseball team; utilities next?

By Jerermy M. Lazarus

Petersburg is moving ahead with a proposal to sell off its drinking water and sewer pipelines to a private entity.

The city announced Tuesday it had received bids from two companies by Tuesday’s deadline, Virginia American Water Co., which operates in Hopewell, and Aqua Virginia Inc., which began the process by submitting an unsolicited bid under the Public-Private Partnership Act. Even as the utility sale is being considered, the administration won Petersburg City Council approval Tuesday night to sell the city-owned Petersburg Generals baseball team for $100,000 to a private company, SRO LLC, which apparently plans to move the team to Macon, Ga. Petersburg has owned and subsidized the team since 1999, but now considers the Generals a luxury it can no longer afford given its financial struggles.

The summer team for players at the collegiate level participates in the 16-team Coastal Plain League.

On the utility front, the city stated the bids still must be reviewed and that a citizen’s committee is to be established to do that.

The City Council would need to approve any recommendation.

The goal, according to the city administration, would be to create Petersburg Generals mascot a partnership that would allow an outside provider to maintain all meters and pipes, employ staff and handle the billing for services within the city. Petersburg would still rely on regional entities to deliver drinking water for distribution and to treat the city’s wastewater.

“The City of Petersburg’s infrastructure dates back to the 1800s,” said City Engineer Daniel Harrison. “We have aging water mains and clay and cast iron pipes, but we do not have an ongoing replacement plan. Our system is close to needing major improvements.”

The problems the city faces were underscored with the recent discovery of a broken sewer line needing extensive repairs.

Robert Bobb, the consultant the city has hired to turn around its fiscal crisis, stated the city has an obligation to consider “using city water and wastewater resources as an asset” that could bring in new resources.

Town hall postponed to Feb. 21

A town hall meeting to develop strategies to address policies of the Trump administration is now set to be held from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Mt. Olivet Church, 1223 N. 25th St., organizer James E. “J.J.” Minor III announced this week.

The meeting originally was scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 7, but was postponed because of the special election.

Information: Mr. Minor at (804) 677-7340 or jayjay1675@ yahoo.com.

Dominion Resources to change name Dominion Resources is changing its name to Dominion Energy in a bid to unify its brand, the company announced this week.

The name change will become official later this spring after stockholders ratify the change at the annual meeting, company officials said. The change is not expected to face substantial opposition, they said.

“Dominion above all else is an energy company, and the new name reflects that,” stated Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer, in announcing the change.

“Our company and our employees are proud of the work we have done in delivering energy for 119 years,” he continued.

“Dominion Energy builds upon this equity, updates our company’s look and unifies the company’s brand across all of our lines of business and throughout the 18 states where we do business,” he stated.

The name change — including replacement of signs and logos on company facilities and vehicles — is to begin by April and is expected to take months to complete.

As a result of the change, the company also plans to rename some internal units, including Dominion Virginia Power.

The company’s new principal operating units — Power Delivery Group, Power Generation Group and Gas Infrastructure Group — will replace Dominion Virginia Power, Dominion Generation and Dominion Energy, officials said.

Trash collection will continue through Friday The Richmond Department of Public Works has announced it will make trash pickups through Friday this week to make up for interrupted service in some parts of the city.

Collections are usually completed on a Monday-throughThursday schedule, but service was disrupted this week when the Solid Waste Division engaged in a mass hiring of 50 employees.

The workers had been temporary employees supplied by outside companies, but now are being upgraded to provisional city employees with the likelihood of becoming full-time city workers. The process of moving them into city employment reduced the number of refuse collectors this week.

Clement Britt

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Richmond Fire Capt. Robert Maass leads members of Engine Co. No. 13 and Mayor Levar Stoney, second from right, in ceremoniously pushing their new truck into the station Saturday, although the vehicle actually was being driven slowly in reverse. Location: 411 Commerce Road.

The new truck was put into service during the “housing ceremony.” It is one of nine the city Fire Department has ordered since 2012 under a replacement program initiated under former Mayor Dwight C. Jones. This is the first new truck to arrive since April 2016. The city’s goal is to replace over time the trucks that the city’s 19 engine companies deploy to reduce the cost of keeping outdated equipment in service.

Petersburg City Council approves legal expenses for officials facing recall

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Petersburg Mayor Samuel Parham and Councilman W. Howard Myers no longer have to worry about paying their legal bills as they battle an effort by voters in their wards to have a Petersburg judge remove them from office.

By a 5-2 vote, Petersburg’s governing body agreed to cover the fees and expenses of the attorney the mayor and Mr. Myers have hired to handle their defense, James E. “Jim” Coleman of the Sands Anderson law firm.

The voters are represented by Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney William Davenport.

Before the vote, Petersburg City Attorney Joseph D. Preston told the council he had no role in the hiring of Mr. Coleman.

The Free Press incorrectly reported in its Jan. 26-28 edition that Mr. Preston recused himself and then hired Mr. Coleman.

Instead, the two men had the option to use the city attorney or to hire their own attorney to handle the case that calls for them to be removed for “neglect, misuse of office and incompetence in the performance” of their duties. They hired Mr. Coleman.

Had the Petersburg City Council not voted to use taxpayer funds, Mayor Parham and Mr. Myers would have had to pay Mr. Coleman. State law leaves it to the discretion of the court hearing a removal case to decide whether a locality must pay for the defense should the elected official or officials prevail.

Over the protests of observers, Mayor Parham, 3rd Ward, and Mr. Myers, 5th Ward, cast votes for using city funds to pay Mr. Coleman. Vice Mayor John A. Hart, 7th Ward, Darrin Hill, 2nd Ward, and Charles Cuthbert, 4th Ward, also approved using city funds to pay for their defense.

Treska Wilson-Smith, 1st Ward, and Annette Smith-Lee, 6th Ward, opposed the motion and the suspension of council rules that allowed the vote.

Both are concerned about the cost the city might have to bear, which is still undetermined.

The vote came on the same night City Council approved budget amendments recommended by city consultants that finally ensure a balanced budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year and that eliminate in April the proposed pay cuts for city police officers, firefighters and emergency medi-

cal personnel.

The decision to pay the legal bills came a day after Petersburg Circuit Court Judge Joseph M. Teefey Jr. rejected a motion from the two officials to dismiss the citizen petitions seeking their removal from office.

The judge during a hearing Monday then gave both sides time to sort out some procedural issues before setting the case for trial.

Judge Teefey told attorneys for Mayor Parham, Mr. Myers and voters who petitioned for their removal to return Thursday, Feb. 16, to resolve procedural issues.

That, he said, would give Mayor Parham and Mr. Myers time to decide if they want to be tried together or separately and to determine if they want a jury trial or to allow him to hear the evidence and render the decision.

He also wants the attorneys to provide a list of witnesses, to tell him who would need to be subject to pretrial interviews or depositions and to let him know how many days the trial or trials might take to better schedule them.

Judge Teefey indicated he would then set one or more trial dates.

Dr. Kinney retiring as dean of VUU’s School of Theology

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

After 27 years, Dr. John W. Kinney is preparing to step down as senior vice president and dean of Virginia Union University’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology.

He said his “head and his heart” have told him this is the right time for him to give up the leadership post at the seminary. He also had the example of his wife, Quentina Kinney, who retired a few years ago as a city schoolteacher.

He officially retires June 30 from the post he has held since 1990, he told the Free Press at a special tribute program by Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia honoring him last Friday.

His retirement as dean will come about two months after he celebrates his 70th birthday in April. He and his wife have seven children and 12 grandchildren.

He said he notified VUU officials to provide the board enough time to find his successor.

However, Dr. Kinney said he won’t be leaving the school. He plans to remain on the faculty as a professor of theology, continuing to teach as he has done before and during his tenure as the school’s leader.

Among other places he has taught during his career are Chicago Theological Seminary and the College of William & Mary.

He also plans to continue his role as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in the Hanover County community of Beaverdam, where he has been the spiritual leader for 38 years.

A native of Wheeling, W.Va., Dr. Kinney earned a master’s of divinity from VUU. He is leaving the graduate theology school far stronger than he found it, with alumni found in churches across the area, the state and the nation.

Credit: Rev. Barbara Miller

Dr. and Mrs. Kinney

“When I arrived, there were barely 100 students,” and the only offering was a master’s of divinitya , said Dr. Kinney, who earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall University and his doctorate in a joint program between Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary in New York.

Today, the school enrolls more than 400 students a year from across the country and has expanded its offerings during his tenure to include a master’s in Christian education and doctorate of ministry, he noted.

On his watch, the school also has worked with the Baptist Theological Seminary and Union Presbyterian Seminary to develop the Richmond Theological Consortium that allows students at each school to register for electives at the other campuses.

He also has been involved with Virginia Commonwealth University on a unique graduate program that provides a dual master’s in social work and ministry.

The program involves studies at VCU and at VUU’s seminary or the Baptist

Theological Seminary in order to equip students for ministries in which clinical and administrative skills in social work are considered critical.

He also is proud that VUU’s seminary has expanded its continuing education program to provide creative ways to accommodate students who cannot be fulltime students, he said.

For example, he said students from cities like Baton Rouge and Chicago come to the campus to study in weeklong blocks that better suit their schedules. Others who enroll are able to take courses at a pace that accommodates their lives and families.

He said one reason the seminary has remained strong while others have struggled has been the stress placed on practical theology, meaning the seminary seeks to train ministers to make a difference in people’s lives.

“We seek to help our students understand faith and worship as it affects everyday life,” he said.

He also has helped bring national recognition to the seminary with his affiliations and service outside the school, including serving as a consultant to the American Baptist Convention, the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the Baptist General Convention of Virginia and the U.S. Navy and Army Chaplain Corps.

While the private, Baptist-affiliated VUU has been training people for the ministry since its inception in 1865, the graduate school dates to 1942 as the school began separating its undergraduate programs from its ministerial training.

Later named for a former dean and VUU president, VUU’s seminary has been accredited by the Association of Theological Schools since 1971.

The school currently lists 23 faculty and staff, including Dr. Kinney, on its website.

Richmond Free Press

February 9-11, 2017

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Mayor Stoney stops short of designating Richmond a ‘sanctuary city’ Continued from A1

He also reminded residents about the Office of Multicultural Affairs and that “it is tasked to work with anyone in the community who may have concerns about their treatment,” even though its main role has been to work with Spanish-speaking residents.

He said these policies reflect the understanding that “America is a nation of immigrants, unless you are Native American” and that the country is stronger for its diversity.

Mayor Stoney said Richmond’s policies do not prevent authorities from arresting and convicting those who commit crimes — citizen or not — although Richmond Police years ago found that their ability to solve crimes improved when they did not make the immigration status of the people they talked with an issue and limited such questions to those who are arrested and in custody.

Nor did the mayor call on Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. to change his policy of notifying ICE, as state law requires, about the immigration status of people who are jailed or giving ICE five days notice before their scheduled release to give ICE agents time to pick them up.

City figures show that ICE issued detention orders on about 40 Richmond prisoners last year, but only picked up 10, with

the rest returned to the community.

However, Mayor Stoney does oppose the action of President Trump to bar mostly Muslim immigrants from seven nations, as well as other anti-immigrant policies Republican members of the Virginia General Assembly are promoting in legislation.

“They peddle fear. They are ill-informed and their misguided efforts to protect us arguably make us less safe. Some of the proposals are unconstitutional, and others are just un-American,” he said. “That is not the country we are, and it is not the city we will be.”

However, Trump supporter Bishop Leon Benjamin of New Life Harvest Church led a group of like-minded pastors in criticizing Mayor Stoney’s approach, saying that the policy of keeping police from inquiring about the immigration status of people they approach makes Richmond a “sanctuary city” even if the label is rejected.

The minister said that kind of policy makes “Richmond less safe.”

The mayor has said he would not support any change that puts city police officers in the position of doubling as immigration officers.

Meanwhile, a group of pro-immigration activists who have labeled themselves ICE Out of Richmond are pressing the mayor to take a more defiant approach.

Along with holding rallies, they also have posted an online petition urging people to “tell Mayor Levar Stoney to defy Trump, Defend Richmond and Expand Sanctuary.”

The petition requests that the mayor and Richmond City Council approve “policies to stop targeting us for imprisonment, risk of removal and state violence at the hands of police and aggressive immigration agents.”

For them, Mayor Stoney’s directive is symbolic and “does not actually create change or ensure sanctuary for those who might be affected by policies” advanced by President Trump or others who agree with him.

Jim Nolan, Mayor Stoney’s press secretary, said the administration “welcomes community input and looks forward to working” with those on both sides of the issue “to find ways in which we can make Richmond a safer and more welcoming place.”

However, Mr. Nolan said the city has no plans to adopt the “sanctuary city” label because immigration opponents often derisively use that term to undermine community policing policies.

“In fact, community policing policies are about providing public safety services to the community,” he said. “We will do everything we can within the law to protect all of our residents and keep our city safe.”

Bourne sworn in Historic aviator inspires others Continued from A1

Continued from A1

while Libertarian candidate and schoolteacher John W. Barclay received 273 votes or nearly 7 percent. Independent candidate Regie D. Ford, a SunTrust mortgage specialist and past president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters, received 127 votes, or 3 percent.

Mr. Bourne immediately resigned his seat on the School Board.

He has represented the 3rd Council District in North Side on the board since 2012 and easily won re-election in November over several challengers.

The School Board already is making plans to appoint a replacement and allow voters to elect Mr. Bourne’s successor in November.

The newest member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus also immediately resigned as a deputy attorney general for transportation, real estate and construction litigation in the office of Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring, who supported Mr. Bourne’s bid for the seat.

Mr. Bourne’s arrival in the House means the chamber is once again at full strength with 100 members.

That means the 66 Republicans will have more difficulty in overriding Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s vetoes of legislation. When there were 99 in the House, the GOP members, if they voted as a bloc, met the requirement of having the twothirds of the House needed to override. With 100 members, it takes 67 members in the House to overturn a veto.

That’s when Mr. Irving knew he was hooked.

Putting football aside, he went to college with the goal of becoming a pilot.

Six years after meeting the man who continues to be his mentor today, Mr. Irving became the youngest person and first African-American to fly solo around the world. He was 24.

What adds to his record-breaking, 97day flight through trying weather conditions ranging from sandstorms to monsoons is the fact that Mr. Irving had the plane built using $300,000 in donated parts.

His dream to fly around the world was built from the ground up.

He named the plane “Inspiration,” which is what Mr. Irving does today as he speaks to audiences around the globe.

Now 33, Mr. Irving talked with more than 600 youngsters Wednesday afternoon at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. He talked about his experiences, his strong belief in hands-on learning and

using aviation as a platform for teaching lessons in STEM. “Exposure to the possibilities of where students can go is key, but people conform to and explore what they are told,” he said.

“Starting out, I imagined the world through (Capt. Robinson’s) words when he spoke of his travels.”

His visit was sponsored by the Science Museum in partnership with the Steward School. Students from the school, as well as youngsters from Richmond Prepatory Christian Academy, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, Divas with A Purpose, Gentlemen of Valor and Youth Life Foundation of Richmond, were able to interact with him during the program.

Mr. Irving was a student at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., when he made his flight. He went on to earn a bachelor’s in aeronautical science from Florida Memorial University, a historically black institution in Miami Gardens, Fla. In 2012, he received the National Geographic Emerging Explorer Award and started a mentorship program, Experience

Aviation. Through the nonprofit, he has raised more than $1.3 million in scholarships to support students with an interest in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, programs and careers.

Mr. Irving also has a website, “The Flying Classroom,” which is an online tool for students and teachers alike. Through the website, youngsters and adults can follow him as he travels around the world and covers topics such as how Nike is using recycled bottles to make uniforms, and how an artist on the Indonesian island of Bali uses art to create artificial reefs to help restore coral colonies.

“I knew that setting out on my journey around the world was risky and there were people who told me I couldn’t do it,” he said. “But I decided to do it anyway, and that’s what I want students to take away from my story — that they determine how far they can go, that it’s up to them to decide their own success.”

To visit Mr. Irving’s websites, go to www.flyingclassroom.com and www. experienceaviation.org.

DeVos, Sessions Students could give Trump lessons confirmed Continued from A1

be called to order.”

A senate vote of 49-43 along party lines sustained Sen. McConnell’s decision to silence Sen. Warren, who was ordered to be seated and to stop speaking. She immediately requested permission to leave the Senate floor and then stood outside the Senate chambers to record herself reading the letter in its entirety.

The video went viral on Facebook, receiving more than 8.8 million views by early Wednesday evening. News outlets and Sen. Warren’s supporters also posted links to the letter in its entirety.

In her 1986 letter to the Judiciary Committee chairman, then South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond, Mrs. King, widow of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., expressed her “sincere opposition to the confirmation [of Mr. Sessions] as a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama.”

Sen. Warren In her nine-page statement, Mrs. King wrote that “Mr. Sessions has used the awesome power of his office to chill the free exercise of the vote by black citizens in the district he now seeks to serve as a federal judge.”

Sen. McConnell drew criticism for being sexist, because he did not attempt to shut down Sens. Tom Udall of New Mexico, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Bernie Sanders of Vermont when they read from Mrs. King’s letter after Sen. Warren did.

In a post on Twitter, Sen. Sanders said an apology was in order.

“When I read the same letter as @SenWarren, no one prevented me from speaking. Sen. McConnell owes Sen. Warren an apology. #LetLizSpeak,” Sen. Sanders tweeted.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine lent his voice to the Sessions’ opposition. In his floor speech, he shared the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, the interracial couple who fought for the right to be married and live as an interracial couple in Virginia.

He recalled that they were referred to the ACLU for representation by then U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy and their lawsuit ultimately led to a Supreme Court ruling overturning laws banning interracial marriage.

Sen. Kaine said Mr. Kennedy demonstrated a commitment to helping the oppressed, especially in matters of civil rights and questioned, based on his record, whether Mr. Sessions would do the same.

In a statement, Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia’s senior senator who also opposed Sen.Sessions, warned the incoming attorney general that his actions and decisions would be scrutinized.

“The attorney general is charged with impartially and independently enforcing our nation’s laws and protecting the civil rights of all Americans,” Sen. Warner stated. “These are solemn responsibilities and I will hold Sen. Sessions accountable for executing them faithfully.”

The Republican-dominated Senate is now moving to consider more of President Trump’s cabinet choices. Next up: U.S. Rep. Tom Price of Georgia, a physician nominated for secretary of health and human services, and Wall Street banker Steve Mnuchin, who is the nominee for Treasury secretary.

done an amazing job and is being recognized more and more, I noticed,” the new Republican president declared last week in his first Black History Month event.

What President Trump failed to notice, Ms. Norrell and countless other African-Americans across the country quickly took to Facebook to point out — the facts: Mr. Douglass is dead. He has been for 122 years.

“It’s just so pitiful; it really is,’’ said the 65-year-old Ms. Norrell, a librarian at Fox Elementary School.

Ms. Norrell, also a proud student of African-American history and Richmond’s in particular — she was formerly married to Maggie L. Walker’s great-grandson — said she had no alternative but to share the truth and her direct connection to it.

She took to Facebook, writing a detailed post just after the president’s puzzling comments.

“Black History fact: …

Douglass died in 1895,” she wrote.

“My grandfather’s first wife was Douglass’s granddaughter Anna,” she continued. “She and their child died during an influenza epidemic. Douglass was the most famous runaway slave of his time because he wrote a book detailing the horror of slavery. He published the North Star newspaper read

by Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain and thousands of other people in America and Europe.

Douglass also worked tirelessly to get women the right to vote.

If you don’t know, ask any first or second grade student at Fox School.”

Along with her words, Ms. Norrell posted a treasured piece of proof: A family photo from the 1890s of her late grandfather, Charles Satchell Morris, with Mr. Douglass.

“Every student at this school has heard the story of my connection, not because it’s my story, but because history

is important,” she Ms. Norrell reads it told a reporter. “It’s aloud each year to important to all of first-, second- and our lives.” third-graders.

If President “As a librarian, Trump had been I can choose books a student at Fox, that I want to read Ms. Norrell said, he aloud. I try to make would have known sure they’re relevant the life story of in some way,” she Frederick Douglass said.

Ms. Norrell through books such Another selection as “Rosetta, Rosetta, Sit By that she’d recommend to the Me!” a historical novel by president: “The Golden Rule,” a Linda Walvoord. The book is children’s picture book by Ilene based on Mr. Douglass’ oldest Cooper, which tells the story of daughter and her struggles as a a grandfather explaining to his student in a segregated school. grandson the importance of “do

unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Of that choice, Ms. Norrell said, “I thought it was a reminder everyone could use because of all the things that have occurred so far this year.”

Fortunately, Ms. Norrell said, none of her students have asked about President Trump’s great disconnect with the facts of Mr. Douglass’ life.

“It really is too pitiful to believe,” she said. “He’s the president of the United States of America. He should know the history. He should know the facts.”

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Richmond Free Press

February 9-11, 2017

A5

News

Murder of

Emmett Till based on lies

By Hillel Italie AP National Writer

Mamie Till Mobley/Associated Press

NEW YORK This undated family photo shows Emmett Till with his mother, Mamie Till Mobley, in Chicago before his lynching in 1955 in Money, Miss., for supposedly making sexual The woman at the center of the trial of Emmett Till’s alleged advances toward Carolyn Donham, left, in a 1955 photo. She now admits her lies led to killers has acknowledged that she falsely testified he made physithe brutal murder of the 14-year-old. cal and verbal threats, according to a new book.

Historian Timothy B. Tyson told The Associated Press that Carolyn Donham broke her long public silence in an interview Mr. Tyson said he and Ms. local store, Bryant’s, for refreshments. At Bryant’s, some of the with him in 2008. His book, “The Blood of Emmett Till,” was Donham had two conversations, kids stayed on the porch, watching a game of checkers, while published Jan. 31. both lasting two to three hours, the others filed inside to buy bubblegum and sodas.

“She told me that ‘Nothing that boy did could ever justify and that he planned at the time Then Carolyn Bryant, the 21-year-old wife of proprietor Roy what happened to him,’” said Mr. Tyson, a Duke University to place the material in the Bryant, was behind the counter.

Gene Herrick/Associated Press research scholar whose previous books include “Blood Done archives at the University of Accounts of what happened next differ.

Sign My Name” and “Radio Free Dixie.”

North Carolina. Asked why he waited so long to publicize his She claimed Emmett bragged about dating white women up Emmett Till was just 14 years old when he was tortured and findings, he responded that historians think in different terms North. She said he grabbed her and asked her, “How about a killed in 1955 in Mississippi after allegedly whistling at a white than journalists. date, baby?” woman, Ms. Donham. His murder became national news and “I’m more interested in what speaks to the ages than in what Simeon Wright, Emmett’s cousin, heard none of this. But was a galvanizing event in the Civil Rights Movement. It also is the latest media thing,” he said. there is no doubt about what he heard when they left the store, has been the subject of numerous books and movies.

He added that he wasn’t sure whether Ms. Donham knew he told the AP in 2005.

During the trial, Ms. Donham said that he had grabbed her, about the book. He said he had fallen out of touch with the Standing on the front porch, Emmett let out a wolf whistle. and, in profane terms, bragged about his history with white family and that when he last spoke with Marsha Bryant, a few Carolyn Donham’s whereabouts have long been a mystery, women. The jury was not present when she testified. years ago, she said Ms. Donham was in poor health. but North Carolina voter rolls list a Carolyn Holloway Donham.

Ms. Donham’s then-husband, Roy Bryant, and his half-brother, Emmett was a fun-loving teenager from Chicago visiting the Holloway is her maiden name.

J.W. Milam, were acquitted by the all-white jury. Both men, Mississippi Delta and helping out on his great-uncle Mose Wright’s The address is for a green, split-level home in Raleigh at who later told Look magazine they murdered Emmett, have farm. On Aug. 24, 1955, Emmet and some other kids drove to a the mouth of a neat cul-de-sac just two turns off a busy foursince died. Mr. Milam’s widow, Juanita Milam, lane thoroughfare. The well-tended house has would later tell the FBI she believed that Ms. burnt-orange shutters and a front-facing brick Donham had fabricated her story. Juanita Milam chimney decorated with a large metal sunburst. died in 2014.

Orange flags emblazed with the word “Google” The Justice Department re-examined the case a dot the lawn. decade ago, but no one was indicted as a murderer A woman, who appeared to be of late middle or an accomplice. age, and a small barking dog appeared at the front Last month, the maker of a documentary on door. When a reporter asked if this was the Bryant Emmett said he had long been sure that Ms. Donfamily home, the woman replied, “Yes.” ham’s story was false.

When asked if Carolyn Donham was at home, “His mother had mentioned that Emmett had the woman replied, “She’s not available.” a speech impediment and that the things Bryant At first, she refused to accept a business card, but claimed he was saying he could not have said easrelented after hearing about Mr. Tyson’s book. ily,” said Keith Beauchamp, whose “The Untold The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation has Story of Emmett Till” came out in 2005. shared news reports about the book on InstaMr. Tyson said that he spoke with Ms. Donham gram and asked if Ms. Donham would have after her daughter-in-law, Marsha Bryant, contacted the “decency and courage” to speak with Mr. him. Marsha Bryant had read “Blood Done Sign Till’s relatives.

My Name,” about a racist murder during his childCharles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press AP National Writer Allen Breed contributed to hood in Oxford, N.C., and invited Mr. Tyson to This 2015 photo shows Emmett Till’s grave marker in Alsip, Ill., on the 60th this report from North Carolina. meet with her and Ms. Donham. anniversary of his killing.

Pastor delivers ‘fake news’ at White House Black History Month meeting Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from the Afro American newspaper

Charlottesville votes to remove Lee statue Free Press staff, wire reports

CHARLOTTESVILLE A divided Charlottesville City Council voted this week to move a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from the city’s Downtown and to rename Lee Square where it stands.

The 3-2 vote Monday to move the statue from its central place to McIntire Park capped a nearly yearlong debate over the propriety of keeping a symbol of slavery and rebellion in the heart of the city.

Councilman Bob Fenwick, who cast the deciding third vote, said that it was time to relocate the statue of a general who led “an armed force to preserve the economic lifeblood of the Confederacy, and that was the enslavement of human beings.”

While calls for removing or dismantling such statues have been heard in Virginia communities from Norfolk to Richmond, Charlottesville is one of the few places in the state to actually approve the idea.

One reason is a state law that appears to ban localities form removing or destroying such war memorials.

Last September, Alexandria’s City Council took the lead in voting to seek permission of the General Assembly to move a statue of a Confederate soldier from its historic Old Town,

though it is not clear legislation on that subject was introduced or advanced.

Alexandria’s council also voted to seek to rename Jefferson Davis Highway within city limits and to work with neighboring Arlington County on finding a new name for the highway.

Earlier, Danville stoked controversy by removing a Confederate flag from a prominent city building.

In Charlottesville, the council decision was not a complete defeat for Confederate sympathizers.

The council took no action on moving a separate statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, also in Downtown.

A study committee last year projected that moving the Lee statue would cost between $300,000 and $400,000.

The city’s mayor, Mike Signer, and Councilwoman Kathy Galvin opposed the move.

Like the councilwoman, Mayor Signer said his vote did not show support for the statue, but rather a preference for doing more to put the statue in context at its current site.

He also pointed to the uncertainty surrounding the costs, logistics and legality of moving the statue.

Following the votes, the council asked the city administration to provide information on those issues and to provide options for new names for the square in the coming months.

The Rev. Darrell Scott, pastor of the New Spirit Revival Center in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, a speaker at the Republican National Convention and a member of the Trump Transition Team Executive Committee, falsely stated certain facts that curiously suggested that some of the top gang leaders he had a relationship with in Chicago were supporters of President Trump.

Rev. Scott made his statements apparently in an attempt to impress President Trump and others at a White House Black History Month meeting Feb. 1. The meeting was convened

by President Trump and included some of his African-American supporters.

During the course of the meeting, Rev. Scott told President Trump: “I was recently contacted by some of the top gang thugs in Chicago for a sit-down. They reached out to me because they associated me with you. They respect you, they believe in what you’re doing and they want to have a sit-down about lowering that body count.”

Rev. Scott went on to say: “These are guys straight from the streets, no politicians. Straight street guys and they’re going to commit that if they lower that body count, we’ll come in and we’re going to do some social programs.”

President Trump, who had threatened on Twitter to “send in the feds” to Chicago, responded, “If they’re not going to solve the problem — and what you’re doing is the right thing — then, we’re going to solve the problem for them because we’re going to have to do something about Chicago.”

In the end, the president seemed to show his approval of the sit-down.

Shortly after the White House meeting, however, Rev. Scott began to retreat from his statements, which apparently caught the attention of numerous news outlets and people in Chicago and elsewhere.

Rev. Scott told WGN News, while laughing, “I misspoke ... I only had three hours sleep at the time. I meant to say former street thugs ...

Former.”

But it doesn’t appear that any of Rev. Scott’s White House statements were true.

People who have worked for years to reduce violence and crime in Chicago said they have

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

Donald Trump and Pastor Darrell Scott

never heard of or seen Rev. Scott.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, a Roman Catholic priest at Saint Sabina Church, a well-known and respected combatant of the city’s crime problems, was one of the first to blast Rev. Scott for his statements.

“I guess the first thing is, where’s he been and who is he? Where’s he been while we’ve been fighting this thing for years? Where has this pastor been and why hasn’t anybody heard about him?” Rev. Pfleger told WGN News.

“It’s very surprising to me, as somebody who works with brothers in the street all the time, that they reached out to Akron, Ohio …

If you care about this, how come you haven’t done anything about this until now and you’re sitting at breakfast with Donald Trump? How much money is involved?”

There were 51 murders in Chicago in January, one more than during the same month a year ago.

The city had 299 shooting victims last month, eight more than in January 2016.

At a different point during the meeting, President Trump noted that “Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, I noticed.” The remark caused many on Twitter to ask if the president even knew who the famed abolitionist and orator was.

Richmond Free Press

A6 February 9-11, 2017

Local News

2017 Strong Men & Women honored

Seven high achievers were honored at the 2017 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History program Feb. 1 at a Downtown hotel.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe, center, celebrates with the honorees during the annual event that Dominion Resources and the Library of Virginia co-sponsor to honor African-American standouts.

From left, the honorees are: Capt. William E. “Bill” Bailey of Accomack, a decorated military pilot; Virginia Court of Appeals Judge Mary Janipher Bennett Malveaux of Henrico County, the court’s first African-American female member; Dr. Margaret Ellen Mayo Tolbert of Suffolk, influential biochemist and author; and Charles Johnson III, who accepted the award on behalf of his late grandfather, sociologist Charles Spurgeon Johnson of Bristol, the first African-American president of Fisk University.

Also, Optician David Lambert, representing his late father, Dr. Benjamin J. Lambert III of Richmond, a former state senator and optometrist who played a major role in civic affairs; Jeffrey Moten, who honored the memory of his late wife, Stephanie Therese Rochon-Moten of Richmond, award-winning television reporter and news anchor; and Zakia Al-Amin, who stood in for her grandfather, pioneering Virginia pharmacist Leonard “Doc” Muse of Arlington, who owned and operated Green Valley Pharmacy for 65 years.

Clinton Strane

GOP lawmakers to meet with HBCU presidents Jesse J. Holland Associated Press

WASHINGTON Republicans are planning to meet with leaders of historically black colleges and universities in the nation’s capital to discuss ways to help the schools survive in challenging times.

The meeting, spearheaded by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina, will bring leaders from the nation’s 100plus HBCUs to the Library of Congress on Tuesday, Feb. 28, to meet with Republican officials and supporters and discuss ways for the colleges and universities to work with the federal government and corporations.

President Trump said during his campaign that he wanted to ensure funding for HBCUs, which have been pushing for more high-level attention from leaders in Washington.

There were more than 231,000 students enrolled in HBCUs in 2014, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Almost 80 percent of the students were African-American.

Total enrollment at Sen. Scott Rep. Walker HBCUs declined from 326,614 to 294,316 between “The reality is that if you 2010 and 2014, according to don’t have Republican support, the latest information available you may not have federal support from the National Center for at all,” said Mr. Taylor, whose Education Statistics. The per- organization works to support centage of African-American HBCUs and their students. college students attending an Rep. Walker said he also HBCUs also dropped from 18 believes that it is important for percent of the overall total in both sides to talk.

1976 to 8 percent in 2014.

“I believe it is as important as Johnny Taylor, president of ever to have Republicans engage the Thurgood Marshall College with HBCU,” said Rep. Walker, Fund, said because Republicans who noted his wife is a graduate of are in charge of the White House Winston-Salem State University, and Congress, HBCUs cannot af- an HBCU. “Our goal is to bring ford not to have discussions with bipartisan support to HBCUs the GOP about their future. and create an open dialogue to

Athletes may be impacted

by Muslim travel ban

Free Press wire, staff reports

President Trump’s ban on visitors from seven predominantly Muslim nations could have a wide impact on international sports if the ban is ultimately upheld by the courts, according to Jere Longman, a sports writer for The New York Times.

Thon Major League Soccer has two American-born players with familial ties to two of the nations facing bans. Steve Beitashour of Toronto has played for Iran’s national team, and Justin Meram of Columbus has played for Iraq.

Four-time Olympic gold medal winner Mo Farah, born in Somalia, also was expected to fall under President Trump’s order barring citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen from entering the United States for the next 90 days.

President Trump has called his ban an effort to defend the United States from “radical Islamic terrorism.”

Although British with a British passport, Mr. Farah is a Muslim and would not receive priority now approved for Christians. Mr. Farah is training in Ethiopia right now.

Mr. Farah, who lives and trains in Portland with the Nike Oregon Project, posted on Facebook: “On 1st January this year, Her Majesty the Queen made me a Knight of the Realm. On 27th January, President Donald Trump seems to have made me an alien.” … “I’ll have to tell my children that Daddy might not be able to come home,” he said.

This week, Mr. Farah received an exemption to the ban from Jared Kushner, senior adviser and son-in-law to President Trump. The exemption also will apply to other Brits, according to Flotrack.org.

Abdi Abdirahman, a four-time Olympian for the United States, was born in Somalia.

He finished third in the 2016 New York City Marathon, a race that regularly attracts runners from around the globe.

The athletes currently are free to travel based on a temporary ruling by U.S. District Court Judge James Robart in Washington State, whose suspension of the ban was upheld by a federal appeals court on Sunday, Feb. 5. But the suspension of the ban is now before a federal appeals court, which is expected to rule this week. But that ruling will be subject to the U. S. Supreme Court if the appeals continue.

Other athletes awaiting clarification are NBA players Thon Maker and Luol Deng, both born in Sudan.

Mr. Deng, a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, has lived in the United States for 17 years. His family fled to Egypt when he was 5 to escape the Sudanese civil war. Mr. Deng came to the United States when he was 14 and Maker attended high school in New Jersey, and he later became a British citizen.

The 7-foot-1, 19-year-old Mr. Maker was born in Wau, Sudan, now part of the independent South Sudan, which is not on the banned countries list.

Mr. Maker travels with an Australian passport.

He played his sophomore high school season at Carlisle School in Martinsville, Va., and competed in events at Trinity Episcopal School in South Richmond and Virginia State University.

He played his junior and senior seasons at Athlete Institute Basketball Academy in Orangeville, Canada. Bypassing college, he was the Milwaukee Bucks’ first pick and 10th overall in last year’s NBA draft.

Two American basketball players have been detained in Dubai. Former U.S. collegians Joseph Jones and J.P. Prince now play for Islamic Azad University Tehran of the professional Iran Super League.

Iran has imposed a ban on Americans entering the nation in response to the U.S. ban on Muslim nations. Mr. Jones and Mr. Prince were on a team-funded break in Dubai at the time.

Mr. Jones played at Texas A&M University from 2004 to 2008, while Mr. Prince played at the University of Arizona and the University of Tennessee between 2005 and 2010.

Christina Kelley, one of the few women allowed into a wrestling arena in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution said she was frustrated

by President Trump’s decision.

“I don’t think our current president has any clue what the State Department and what sports diplomats and cultural exchanges do for our country and for the safety of our people around the world,” she said.

A World Cup archery event is scheduled for Las Vegas on Friday, Feb. 10.

Iran, one of the seven countries listed on the ban, brought one archer, Zahra Nemati, to last year’s Olympics. The status of Iran’s archery team for the World Cup is not known.

The U.S. wrestling team travels to Iran next month for a World Cup event, and the head of the federation said plans are still in place for that trip.

address issues they face.”

Sen. Scott said HBCUs have brought great value to the world.

“For decades, our nation’s HBCUs have graduated amazing and talented individuals who have gone on to achieve remarkable accomplishments,” Sen. Scott said. “From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison and famed writer Langston Hughes, we have seen how HBCU grads have shaped the direction of our country.”

One of these schools was front and center for President Trump’s inauguration.

Talladega College raised more than $670,000 on a GoFundMe page to offset the cost of the school band’s trip to the nation’s capital to march in the inaugural parade, after several other schools declined to participate. The college’s president also received an invitation to the White House afterward, said Talladega College spokesman Greg Wilson.

He said money not used for the trip would be earmarked for new band equipment, school needs and college scholarships.

The school’s band received a great welcome in Washington, and the reaction to their performance has been positive, Mr. Wilson said. But he added that not everyone was happy with the college’s decision to participate.

“There were some individuals, and not just alumni, who are still upset that Talladega College made the decision to march in the parade,” he said.

President Trump got 8 percent of the African-American vote in the Nov. 8 election.

Trespassing charge dismissed against TJ student

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Stephanie Priddy, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, is no longer facing a charge of trespassing at the school.

The 18-year-old student was advised that the charge was dropped when she appeared Monday in Richmond General District Court.

She was not given any explanation.

Judge David M. Hicks told her the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office decided not to prosecute and dismissed the case.

The school’s principal, Darin A. Thompson, had Stephanie arrested Dec. 9 when she came to school after being banned from the property. School officials canceled her enrollment for allegedly missing classes. She was advised to enroll at Huguenot High School.

However, she has not attended any school since the arrest because her records remain at Thomas Jefferson and have not been transferred to Huguenot.

Her mother, Michelle Priddy, calls the school’s attendance records inaccurate. She said she has evidence to show that her daughter either was in school at times when she was listed as absent or was away on permitted doctor appointments.

Stephanie and her advocate, Kandise Lucas, said they plan to file an appeal to the state Department of Education seeking Stephanie’s readmission to Thomas Jefferson. The appeal is permitted because Stephanie is diagnosed with autism and has an individualized education plan.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lucas has charged Marshall Andrews, an assistant principal at Thomas Jefferson High School, with assault based on his alleged actions toward her during hearings involving Stephanie.

Ms. Lucas said the Richmond Magistrate’s Office confirmed that the warrant was served on Mr. Andrews on Feb. 3.

He was not immediately available for comment. No trial date has been set on that complaint.

The Richmond Branch NAACP Will Hold Its Monthly Meeting On Tuesday, February 14, 2017 7P.M Military Retirees Club 2270 Sledd Street Richmond, Virginia 23222

Upcoming Free Health Seminars We’ll be offering the following free health seminars at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Kelly Education Center, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue.

Registration is recommended. Free parking available.

Thursday, February 9, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

An Affair of the Heart: Understanding Women’s Heart Disease Tuesday, February 21, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

A-fib and the New Treatment of Arrhythmias Tuesday, February 28, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

Heart Valve Disease: How It Presents and What To Do About It Register online at vcuhealth.org/events or call (804) 828-2357 for more information.

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Richmond Free Press

February 9-11, 2017

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THEY OPENED DOORS. Margaret Ellen Mayo Tolbert SUFFOLK SCIENTIST, EDUCATOR & AUTHOR

Despite losing both parents as a child in Suffolk County, she found the strength to forge a trail-blazing career in biochemistry, becoming the first woman and the first African American to be named director of a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory.

Real pioneering leaders don’t just open doors of opportunity for themselves. They hold them open for others, especially the young people coming behind them.

Dominion and the Library of Virginia are proud to honor 2017’s Strong Men & Women in Virginia History. From health care to the law, from science and aviation to the news media, they succeeded in their chosen fields of endeavor — and worked to ensure those doors remain open to all.

William E. Bailey ACCOMAC AVIATION PIONEER & PHILANTHROPIST

Born in Accomack County, he was a combat pilot in Vietnam, when few African Americans served as Army aviators. After retiring as a colonel, he flew for Continental Airlines and helped establish the Bailey Family Endowment, providing more than $150,000 in financial aid to Virginia State University students.

Leonard “Doc” Muse ARLINGTON PHARMACIST & COMMUNITY LEADER

Charles Spurgeon Johnson *

BRISTOL SOCIOLOGIST & COLLEGE PRESIDENT

After being deeply affected by his experience in the 1919 Chicago race riots, the Bristol native pioneered research on race relations, worked for the National Urban League, and was chosen to be Fisk University’s first African-American president.

Benjamin J. Lambert III *

One of very few African-American pharmacists in 1948, he was surprised by how poorly drugstores treated African Americans. As a result, he opened his own pharmacy in Arlington County, providing trusted medical advice and credit to those who couldn’t afford needed medicines.

RICHMOND OPTOMETRIST & LEGISLATOR

Mary Janipher Bennett Malveaux

Overcoming Virginia’s segregated schools, he grew up to study optometry and opened his own practice in Richmond. He won election to the state legislature and became known for building coalitions across party lines to serve all Virginians.

HENRICO JUDGE OF THE VIRGINIA COURT OF APPEALS

As a young lawyer she gained a reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor and became the first African-American woman to serve as a judge in Henrico County’s General District Court. She later was named the second AfricanAmerican woman to sit on the Virginia Court of Appeals.

Stephanie T. Rochon-Moten *

RICHMOND TV NEWS ANCHOR & CANCER AWARENESS ADVOCATE

The evening news co-anchor for WTVR Channel 6 in Richmond produced the award-winning “Buddy Check 6” reports on breast cancer awareness.

She focused especially on reaching lowincome women and African Americans, who are disproportionally affected by the disease.

The Strong Men & Women in Virginia History program is sponsored by Dominion and the Library of Virginia to honor the contributions of influential African-American leaders.

The program also helps prepare future leaders by sponsoring an annual student writing contest with awards to students and their schools. To learn more about the program, its honorees, and available resource materials, visit lva.virginia.gov/smw. * honored posthumously SM&W 2017 ad FreePress.indd 1

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Richmond Free Press

Rail trusses in the East End

Editorial Page

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February 9-11, 2017

What’s at stake Our spirits are heavy with the Trump victories this week that put Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama and Betsy DeVos in the critical roles of U.S. attorney general and U.S. secretary of education, respectively.

The fight for civil rights, voting rights, gay rights, immigration and equity in education just got tougher, but we knew what was coming and are ready for the battles ahead.

We are heartened by the courageous efforts of Congressional lawmakers to stand tall against the flurry of loathsome executive orders President Trump has handed down and the ill-chosen cabinet nominees he has sent to the U.S. Senate.

The chaos created by all, including the Muslim immigration ban, throws into question who we really are as a nation and what we are willing to swallow for the sake of a new president.

While we await the ruling expected later this week from the federal appeals court on the order affecting Muslims and refugees entering the United States, we cheered the backbone shown earlier this week by Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine who broke with the party line to vote their conscience and against Ms. DeVos. Because no other Republicans had the guts to join the wall of Democrats in opposing her nomination, Vice President Mike Pence, a Trump shill, broke the Senate’s 50-50 tie to hand Ms. DeVos the nomination.

It was abundantly clear from Ms. DeVos’ confirmation hearings that she has not a scintilla of knowledge or understanding of education, much less public education and the system that she is charged with overseeing.

We have no expectation that she will go to bat for our children or take action to address many of the problems that plague our education system, including the lack of resources for inner-city schools, the school-to-prison pipeline system of discipline, the disparate placement of children of color in special education classes and the lack of opportunity that awaits too many who do complete high school.

What we can expect for the next four years is a secretary of education ready to do all she can to deconstruct a system of public education that while not perfect, is charged under law with providing equal education to all children, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or disability. We must ensure that whatever notions Ms. DeVos sends down the pike from Washington — or that emanate from her like-minded minions in state legislatures and the hinterlands — don’t strip taxpayer funds from our already underfunded public schools to go to private or parochial education.

We also point out that another woman, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, was shut down by the Senate majority leader when she took a stand against the nomination of Sen. Sessions by trying to get into the Senate record the words of the late Coretta Scott King, who had opposed Sen. Sessions’ nomination to a federal judgeship in the 1980s.

We know Sen. Sessions’ vile record on civil rights and opposition to federal voting rights. But to be clear: Just like some Democrats voted for Mr. Trump for president, others are welcoming his nominees and executive orders. For example, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia voted to confirm Sen. Sessions.

As in the 1960s, the fight will return to the courthouses across the nation, which brings us to a serious and significant point: The nomination of federal Appeals Court Judge Neil Gorsuch of Colorado for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Judge Gorsuch has served on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver for more than a decade, leaving a trail of decisions that provide a telling picture of extremely conservative views that put corporations and their needs over the rights of individuals.

In what became the noted Hobby Lobby case, he determined that the religious freedom of businesses trumps the right of women to have birth control covered by health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. There are other decisions equally as egregious.

We urge our readers to check his record. If Judge Gorsuch is elevated to the highest court in the land, his decisions will impact everyday people in ways we cannot yet tell. If he is confirmed by the Senate before President Trump’s Muslim ban is settled, then he may hold the deciding vote on that critical issue.

We urge our readers to remain engaged, to call, email and message members of the Senate to block Judge Gorsuch’s nomination. Continue to speak out on the host of issues that will confront us at a fast and furious pace.

Our country, our education system and our rights are at stake.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Making our own black history “There are (Black people) who are willing to worship the pyramids of 4,000 years ago but will not build pyramids in the present so their children may see what they left behind as well. We have a leadership who rallies the people to look at past glories but leave their children neglected ...”

- Dr. Amos N . Wi l s o n in “Afrikan Centered Consciousness Versus the New World Order: Garveyism in the Age of Globalism.”

It’s Black History Month, the time of year when we celebrate our history.

Consider this: Let’s make history in addition to just celebrating it this year. Having used Amos Wilson’s quote many times in my attempt to get us to move from being passive to being active, I draw upon his wisdom once again in hope that we will change our behavior when it comes to Black History Month, by making some history of our own.

History has shown us what our ancestors have done, but we must take their victories to

a higher level by building upon what they have done.

This first feature of “Making Black History” is centered on a call being put forth by the One Million Conscious and Consci-

James Clingman entious Black Contributors and Voters. Imagine the impact of millions of black voters going to their respective boards of elections and changing their registration designation to “No Party Affiliation,” or NPA. The original NPA idea came from Amefika Geuka, co-convener of OMCCBCV, who recently discussed a mass movement by black voters to declare our independence of both dominant political parties. We decided to launch the effort this month during Black History Month. We want at least 1 million black voters in the next 90 days to register as “NPA,” thereby serving notice on all politicians that black folks no longer will be their puppets and will no longer be ignored.

Changing our designation to NPA will strengthen us collectively and give us the power to leverage our votes for our own best interests — our “permanent interests”— as a viable, resolute

and independent voting bloc.

It will let politicians know that we are serious about quid pro quo.

I understand that many black people who are died-in-the-wool Democrats or Republicans will never register as NPA, but this is not about waiting for or even trying to coax all black voters to comply with this very sensible and simple strategy. A critical mass of black voters willing to close ranks around former Congressman Bill Clay’s famous assertion: “We have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, just permanent interests,” will give us the leverage we must have, nationally and locally, to determine the outcomes of various elections and gain reciprocity from those whom we support.

So this is my first recommendation on how we make black history this month instead of just celebrating it and being told what our history is via commercials, sales and folks who know very little or no black history.

A case in point is the recent tweet by Vice President Mike Pence, who wrote, “As Black History Month begins we remember when President Lincoln submitted the 13th Amendment, ending slavery to the states.”

Say what!?

The obstructionist game

“I don’t remember us treating their nominees this way.”

This is what an apoplectic GOP Sen. Orin Hatch of Utah raged at his Democratic colleagues when they had the temerity to boycott confirmation hearings on two Trump appointees.

Sen. Hatch, of course, had to feign righteous anger, indignation and disgust at what he branded the Democrat’s obstructionism in refusing to show up for a possible vote on the nominations. That’s tantamount to a bank robber railing with indignation at their bank account being plundered by an identity thief.

Sen. Hatch knows full well how the obstruction game is played. The moment that former President Obama set his toe in the White House in January 2009, Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell openly and loudly boasted that he would make him a one-term president. The GOP’s far more telling aim, though, was to make his presidency a failed presidency. To do that, the GOP wielded the one formidable weapon that it had. That was the power to say no to any and everything that President Obama proposed. That especially included his appointees.

If the GOP screeched loud and long enough and muddied the

stream with much misinformation and disinformation about a top Obama pick, it might get the nominee canned.

The near textbook example of that was the GOP’s fullthroated assault on the nomi-

Earl O. Hutchinson nation of U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.

Ms. Rice was lambasted from pillar to post as too weak, too conciliatory and too dovish on the issues of military defense and terrorism. President Obama withdrew her name. Many of his other nominees fared no better. The GOP-controlled Senate in 2015 confirmed fewer of President Obama’s picks for all positions than it did for any other president in the previous 30 years.

This was child’s play, however, compared to the GOP’s massive “just say no” to President Obama’s judicial picks.

Here are some embarrassing numbers. In 2008, President George W. Bush’s last year in office, the Democratic Senate majority confirmed 23 federal district court and four appeals court judges.

Sen. Hatch and the GOP radically changed the game with President Obama. He got the grand total of one federal circuit judge confirmed in 2015 and 2016, and a paltry number of district courts judges. The GOP

stopped President Obama’s judicial nominees by using every parliamentary trick at its disposal. The numbers result: President Bush got more than 90 percent of his judges confirmed while President Obama checked in with less than 50 percent.

The GOP’s flagrant and outrageous obstructionism to President Obama’s nominees had a dire unintended consequence that has come back to bite the Democrats in the backside with the GOP in the Senate driver’s seat.

The tactic forced a plainly frustrated then-Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to go nuclear with the filibuster tactic. He scrapped its use by a Senate minority on any nomination other than a Supreme Court nomination.

If the 60-vote rule were in effect now, the Democrats would have enormous leverage in having their say over some of President Trump’s more odious nominees to cabinet posts. But the GOP’s obstruction gall may even turn that rule inside out.

President Trump demands that the GOP leaders go nuclear on the 60-vote confirmation rule for a Supreme Court judge to get his Scalia-clone pick, Judge Neil Gorsuch, through. If that happens, the slender wisp of an opposition tool to slow down President Trump and the GOP would be blown away in the wind.

The writer is a political analyst 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.

He suggests we celebrate Black History Month by acknowledging a white man — someone who did not end slavery by “submitting the 13th Amendment.” I wrote to Vice President Pence and suggested to him, that in keeping with his “Lincoln freed the slaves” theme, that he should make history by calling for the “exception” clause to be removed from the 13th Amendment. Then slavery in all forms and under all circumstances, especially for those “duly convicted of crimes,” would be eliminated.

Don’t you just hate condescension?

We don’t need fanfare or hoopla to change our registration to NPA. Just do it. Get to your respective voter registration boards and change to “NPA,” and let’s stop accepting someone else’s interpretation of black history. Let’s make our own.

The writer is founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce.

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Richmond Free Press

February 9-11, 2017

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Letters to the Editor

Name Frederick Douglass Free Press ‘Personality’ of the week Would the Richmond Free Press please name Frederick Douglass as its next “Personality” of the week after having been named Abolitionist of the Year 2017 by President Donald Trump?

I, for one, would like to know what he has being doing with his time since 1895.

After this latest honor, where is his current residence? What does his family think of this latest honor?

Here are some of Mr. Douglass’ possible answers as the Personality: When people first meet me, they probably think: I look a little ghostly.

‘Keep your eyes on the prize’ In these trying times of change and challenge, my thoughts shifted to the awardwinning documentary, “Keep Your Eyes On The Prize.” The documentary was about the challenges and success of the Civil Rights Movement. The prize was not the struggles they endured nor the protest marches, but the end goal of changing laws and hearts, which in many cases was accomplished.

During these times of chal-

lenge, what is the prize that our eyes are focused on?

President Trump may not have been our choice for president and he may not have won the popular vote, but he was elected under a system that is in operation, flawed or not. He is doing the things that he said he would do if elected. Those actions are captivating all of our attention and driving our emotions, but they should not be a surprise. The U.S. Senate

President Obama deserves a lot of credit

I cannot help but reflect on the insulting treatment President Obama received during his eight years.

He came into office when the country was losing jobs. The banks were making all kinds of reckless and illegal decisions, and the auto industry was falling apart. He cleaned up all this mess and got the Affordable Care Act passed. Currently, there are more people with health insurance who never had it before.

Today, efforts are being pushed to repeal the Affordable Care Act with no obvious plan to replace it. Will these people be so mean-spirited and show no compassion for people who are less fortunate that they will do something like that?

Please believe that just because there are no checks and balances among the three branches of government now and that the goals may be to undermine President Obama’s legacy, you will not hurt him. President Obama got a lot done even though some people wanted to make him a one-term president and did not give him any support for his ideas, including his environmental legacy, his fight to get money for infrastructure, which still is so desperately needed, and many more things that he tried to get through Congress.

Time and time again, President Obama called upon Congress to offer their ideas to make his suggestions better. But there were no takers, only criticism that he was not a good leader.

I am so happy the Obamas have left the people of the country with so many positive memories of class, dignity and human kindness. “When others go low, we go high.”

LULA DIVERS Chesterfield County

and House of Representatives are pushing an agenda that will put this country back 50 years.

Instead of being so distracted by our president, our focus should be on the lawmakers.

During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the plan was to apply pressure where it could be most effective. The Republican agenda that is flying high under the radar is not good for most Americans and we need to be addressing those issues that are impacting everyone, Democrats and Republicans, the low-wealth and middle class communities alike.

We need the support of more than just those who voted against President Trump to defeat this agenda. If we are issue-focused, people will be able to see clearly how things will impact them and their wellbeing. We need to be focused on holding our local, state and nationally elected officials accountable for the votes that they cast.

Because politicians count votes, we demand that they serve the people and not tow the party line. They know a 10 percent vote swing in any election can remove them from office.

Many things can lead us to take a stand, but strategy wins the battle.

As I paraphrase The Last Poets, wake up, people, or we are all through.

REV. SYLVESTER L. TURNER Richmond The writer is pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church.

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Mail to: P.O. Box 4595, Richmond, VA 23220 422 E. Franklin St., Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23219 (Franklin & 5th Sts.) We are a federally designated Debt Relief Agency under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and we help people file for bankruptcy.

Web Address: McCollumatLaw.com E-mail: rudy@mccollumatlaw.com

Invitation for Public Comment February 6-21, 2017 Amendment to plan2040 Who and What:

The Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RRTPO) is considering an amendment to plan2040 which is the long-range transportation plan for the Richmond region.

Proposed Amendment:

plan2040 is proposed to be amended to align the timebands in the revenue projections and allocation guidelines to the timebands in the constrained project list. The document is available for review in the RRPDC office and on the website: www.richmondregional.org.

Comment:

Your comments and questions are welcome as an important part of the transportation planning process. Submit comments in writing by February 21, 2017, 4:30 p.m., to the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization care of the RRPDC, by fax, mail or e-mail (MPOPublicComment@richmondregional.org). Visit the website or contact the office by phone for additional information.

Richmond Regional Planning District Commission 9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 200 Richmond, VA 23235 Phone: (804) 323-2033 Fax: (804) 323-2025 MPOPublicComment@richmondregional.org www.richmondregional.org

The one thing I can’t stand: Racist idiots masquerading as president.

Best late-night snack: A Donald Whopper from Trump Tower.

Person who influenced me the most: Donald Trump. This fascist monster would cause anyone to want to rise from the dead to do something about our current state of affairs.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Art of the Dirtily Done Deal of 2017.”

What I’m reading now: “A Ghost of a

Chance: How to Survive Donald Trump.”

My next goal: To run for president in 2020 after America, in hindsight, realizes the mistake it made in 2016.

Start running Frederick Douglass for President ads. The ghost of Frederick Douglass in the White House would be so much better than the horrible reality that is Donald Trump!

NAOMI GAYLE SAUNDERS Richmond

Invitation for Public Comment February 6 — March 24 FY18 — FY21 Transportation Improvement Program

Who

and What: The Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RRTPO) wants your comments on the draft Fiscal Year 2018—2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is the list of RRTPO transportation priorities and anticipated funding in the Richmond region for the next four years.

Learn More:

Attend an open house March 16, 2:00 — 6:00 p.m., to review the draft list of projects in the FY18—FY21 TIP, and ask about the projects.

Read:

The TIP is available for review at GRTC Transit System, RideFinders, and in the following local government offices: Ashland, Chesterfield, Charles City, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, and Richmond. The TIP is also available for review at the RRPDC office and on the website: www.richmondregional.org.

Comment:

Your comments and questions are welcome as an important part of the transportation planning process. Submit any comments in writing by March 24, 4:30 p.m., to the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization care of the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission by fax, mail or e-mail (MPOPublicComment@richmondregional.org). For further information, visit the website or contact the office by phone. For special accommodations, call the RRPDC three days prior to the meeting. Individuals with a hearing impairment call the Virginia Relay Center at 1-800-828-1120.

Richmond Regional Planning District Commission 9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 200 Richmond, VA 23235 Phone: (804) 323-2033 Fax: (804) 323-2025 MPOPublicComment@richmondregional.org www.richmondregional.org

This notice satisfies the Program of Projects requirements of the Urbanized Area Formula Program of the Federal Transit Administration.

PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

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Virginia 2017

General Assembly A message from Senator Jennifer McClellan The 2017 General Assembly Session is now halfway over as the House and Senate considered hundreds of bills on Monday and Tuesday covering a wide variety of topics such as immigration, voting rights, school discipline, student loans, Airbnb, the regulation of property carriers, charter and virtual schools, and public procurement.

Most disappointing, the Senate passed a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment that effectively undoes the progress made under Governor McAuliffe, in removing barriers to restoration of rights for convicted felons who have served their time and completed all post-sentence supervision.

The Constitution of Virginia grants the Governor the sole authority to restore the rights of individuals who have been convicted of a felony. The single largest stumbling block for many has been requirements imposed to pay in full any restitution, fines, costs, and fees assessed as a result of a conviction. In recognition of this impediment, Governor McAuliffe established a historic policy last April that any felon who has completed his or her sentence and supervised release (including supervised probation or parole) is eligible to have his or her rights restored. House and Senate Republicans successfully challenged the Governor’s original order granting blanket restoration of rights to over 200,000 individuals when the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled he had to restore rights one at a time. Undeterred, the Governor began restoring rights one by one to any individual who completed their sentence and postsentence supervision, regardless of the crime committed, and regardless of any outstanding restitution, fines, costs, and fees. Unable to stop him, Senator Tommy Norment introduced SJ 223 to undo his actions.

SJ 223 enshrines in the Virginia Constitution requirements that anyone convicted of a violent felony (as defined by the General Assembly at some future date) cannot have his or her rights restored until at least five years after completion of his or her sentence and post-sentence supervision and payment in full of any restitution, fines, costs, and fees. While the amendment purports to grant automatic restoration for persons convicted of non-violent felonies upon completion of any sentence or postsentence supervision, it authorizes the General Assembly to impose any additional criteria it wishes at any time.

Virginia is only one of a handful of states that requires felons to apply to have their rights restored after completion of a sentence. The late Senator Yvonne Miller tried for many years to add a legislative path to restoration to the Constitution to supplement the Governor’s power. Under the guise of creating a permanent process for restoration of rights for non-violent felons, SJ 223 undoes all the progress made under the past three Governors to make it easier for low-income individuals to have their rights restored.

As a Commonwealth full of people who believe in redemption and second chances, we should strive to provide a clear path for those who have served their time to be productive members of society once again. In a government by, of, and for the people, voting is a sacred right that should be restored as quickly and easily as possible.

To sign up for email updates or learn how you can follow me on social media, visit www.jennifermcclellan.com. If you would like to share your views on any issue, or would like assistance with a state government matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at district09@senate.virginia.gov or (804) 698-7509.

Paid for and authorized by Jennifer McClellan.

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Richmond Free Press

February 9-11, 2017

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Brady does it again

Singer-songwriter Lady Gaga makes a bold entrance suspended on wires from the rafters of NRG Stadium during her musical halftime performance at Super Bowl 51. Below, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy among the confetti and the roaring crowd after beating the Atlanta Falcons in a historic overtime victory in last Sunday’s Super Bowl 51.

REUTERS/Robert Seale

New England comeback beats Atlanta in first OT Super Bowl Lady Gaga plunged from the lofty roof of Houston’s NRG Stadium at halftime to a platform far, far below.

Later that night, you had the feeling Tom Brady of the New England Patriots could have performed the same act — only with no bungee cord.

Hyperbole aside, Brady can’t fly like a bird or even tap dance on water, but today, Brady ranks as the all-time crowned king of Super Bowl quarterbacks.

The 39-year-old, former sixth round draft choice now has one for the thumb — meaning championship bling — following New England’s riveting 34-28 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons in last Sunday’s Super Bowl 51.

After guiding the Pats to an improbable comeback of Grimms’ Fairy Tales proportions, Brady has a fifth Super Bowl ring, passing Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana who have four each on the victorious quarterback list.

Brady’s fourth Most Valuable Player award earns him yet another record on football’s grandest stage.

“We’re taking this sucker back, (meaning the Vince Lombardi Trophy) back to Boston,” Brady told the media after a postgame, on-field smooch from wife and model Gisele Bündchen.

The Patriots rallied from 21-0 and 28-3 deficits, running off 31 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and overtime.

“We all brought each other back,” Brady told the press. “We never thought we were out of it. It was a tough battle.”

Playing catchup throughout, Brady completed 42 of 62 aerials for 466 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, resulting in a pick-six for the Atlanta Falcons’ Robert Alford.

VUU beats VSU at Barco-Stevens Hall

Virginia Union University has its engine revved and a full tank of gas. The Panthers look like a team that’s going places.

Coach Jay Butler’s squad began the week atop the CIAA basketball standings following a rousing 90-71 rout of Virginia State University last Saturday before a feel-good, overflow crowd at VUU’s Barco-Stevens Hall.

The victory lifts VUU to 19-5 overall and 11-1 in the CIAA, and avenges the Panthers’ 74-59 loss to the Trojans on Jan. 15.

Its winning streak snapped at 12, defending CIAA champion VSU falls to 18-4, and 10-2 in the CIAA, under Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. “They just outplayed us,” said Coach Blow. “We didn’t defend well enough. We gave up too many points in the first half, too many in the second half.”

Asked about “bright spots,” Coach Blow replied: “None.”

To his credit, Coach Blow made no mention of VUU’s enormous home court advantage at Barco-Stevens Hall. It was the first time the Panthers had hosted VSU on campus since 1985. Doors were locked more than an hour before tipoff as fans arrived early.

Barco-Stevens Hall, which opened in 1947, seats 2,500 people, but most seats beyond the sixth row have an obstructed view.

Then there are all the retired numbers and championship banners dangling from the roof, reminders of past glory.

It was like VSU was taking on all the current Panthers, plus the ghosts of the likes of Jackie Jackson, Mike Davis, Charles Oakley, Terry Davis, Ben Wallace, Luqman Jaaber, etc.

While VSU spun its tires, VUU was off to the races.

VUU featured a lengthy list of standouts, starting with 6-foot-4 junior Jimmy Paige.

The Virginia Beach native kicked sand in the Trojans’ faces to the tune of 20 points and 10 rebounds, while hitting four of five shots from beyond the arc.

CIAA Standings (Northern Division through Feb. 5) Virginia Union University Virginia State University Chowan University Bowie State University Lincoln University Elizabeth City State Univ.

CIAA

Overall

11-1 10-2 8-4 6-6 5-7 1-11

19-5 18-4 15-6 9-13 7-15 1-19

Note: Shaw University leads the CIAA’s Southern Division with a 7-5 CIAA and 11-11 overall record.

Games on Saturday, Feb. 11 Virginia Union University plays Lincoln University in Pennsylvania Tipoff: 4 p.m.

Virginia State University plays Elizabeth City State University at home Tipoff: 7:30 p.m.

CIAA leading scorer Ray Anderson started slowly but finished with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Intimidating John Mitchell, the 6-foot-9 senior center from Harlem, N.Y., had nine points, six rebounds and three blocked shots. “Big Bad John” was three of four from the floor against VSU and is 82-135 (61 percent) on the season.

Then there was Armstrong High School alumnus Tavon Mealy racking up 10 points and nine rebounds, and his backup, Devin Moore, adding nine points and five rebounds.

Known as the “Beef Brothers,” Mealy is 6-foot-3, 250 pounds; Moore 6-foot-5, 260 pounds.

Moore transferred to VUU from Hagerstown Community College in Maryland and is surprisingly quick and nimble for a man his size. He says he patterns his game after NBA great Charles Barkley.

Moore was a football and basketball standout at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Md. He turned down a football scholarship from North Carolina State University to pursue hoops.

“This was a great team effort,” said Moore. “Even the guys that didn’t play much were factors. They brought so much energy.”

Also sparkling in a relief role was Kory Cooley, who had nine points and a gamehigh seven assists.

“We’ve got players coming off the bench that would be full-time starters just about anywhere else,” said Cooley.

In a rare starting role, Marcus Hoosier, who grew up in the long shadows of VSU in Petersburg, had eight points and six assists and zero turnovers in 22 minutes.

More reserve firepower was provided by 6-foot-5 DeAndre Thomas, who had four points and three assists.

VUU is primed for a No. 1 seed at the CIAA Tournament in Charlotte, N.C., Feb. 22 through 25, although the regular season finale at Chowan University looms as a danger spot.

Long overdue for success in Charlotte, the Panthers haven’t reached a title game since 2009 under Coach Willard Coker, and lost their first-round game six straight times from 2010 through 2015.

VSU has been less than full strength since star senior guard Kevin Williams was sidelined. Williams, in street clothes at the VUU game, has missed six straight games with what Coach Blow described as a “leg injury suffered in practice.”

“He’ll be back, but I’m not sure when,” the coach said. “The others guys just need to pick it up. This is all about the team.”

Without Williams, VSU shot 23-for-70 (33 percent) against VUU, including an anemic 5 of 28 (18 percent) beyond the arc.

A third meeting between VUU and VSU is likely in Charlotte, either in the CIAA semifinals or final.

If so, VUU will rejoice at finally playing past the Thursday quarterfinals in Charlotte.

VSU will rejoice that if another match is inevitable, it will be at spacious Time Warner Arena and not at haunting BarcoStevens Hall.

The Super Bowl is the lone event that uses Roman numerals to document its history.

Considering how Brady has become so synonymous with success in the grand finale, he might have won the right to change his jersey number from 12 to XII. Few around New England would disagree.

With five Super Bowl titles, New England ties the Dallas Cowboys — and trails only the Pittsburgh Steelers (six Super Bowl wins) for championships in the 51-year history of the event.

Brady wasn’t alone in the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. Sharing honors was running back/receiver James White, who teammates call “Sweet Feet.”

White had 14 catches for 110 yards and another 29 yards on six carries. The 5-foot-9, former fourth round draft pick scored three touchdowns, including the game ender on a 2-yard plunge four minutes into overtime.

A native Floridian, White was a teammate of Richmonder Russell Wilson in 2011 at the University of Wisconsin.

The first Super Bowl, on Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Jan. 15, 1967, saw the Green Bay Packers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10.

A total of 19 different franchises have won at least once.

Atlanta, formed as an NFL expansion team in 1966, isn’t one of them.

Champagne celebrations have been hard to find around “Hotlanta.” The NBA Atlanta Hawks have never won an NBA title and the Atlanta Braves have just one World Series victory.

The Atlanta Thrashers never won an NHL title before folding in 2011. And the Atlanta Dream, formed in 2007, is still looking for its first WNBA championship.

On the other hand, Coach Bill Belichick’s Pats have brought football’s top prize back to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015 and now this year.

Now as a five-time champ and his team’s lead performer, Brady has tied Derek Jeter, who paced the New York Yankees to five World Series triumphs.

Only Michael Jordan, with six NBA titles, stands between Brady and the top of the heap of all-time, team sports icons in his lifetime.

History will show that in Houston in 2017, Brady rallied his team to a stunning comeback victory.

Even more incredibly, perhaps, he upstaged diva supreme Lady Gaga in the process.

FRI • MAR 10 • 7PM

HarlemGlobetrotters.com

February 9-11, 2017 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: James E. ‘J.J.’ Minor III Spotlight on president of Richmond Branch NAACP When James E. “J.J.” Minor III, the newly installed president of the Richmond Branch NAACP, was pulled over while driving more than 15 years ago, he never imagined he’d be in fear for his own life.

Mr. Minor, whose hair was in twists, was driving through his Church Hill community when he was stopped by a white, male police officer. When asked for his license and registration, the situation took a turn for the worse.

“As I proceeded to reach for my registration, he hit me in the chest with his hand and stuck a gun to my head,” Mr. Minor says.

“I am haunted by that traumatizing incident. It’s an experience I will never forget.”

He went before Richmond City Council to report what happened and filed a formal complaint with the Richmond Police Department.

“But nothing ever happened,” he says.

That experience is just one that propels Mr. Minor’s activism within the Richmond community.

The rights of citizens when interacting with law enforcement, criminal justice reform, education and voting rights are just a few of the issues he wants to address during his tenure as president of the local civil rights organization.

“Building trust between the police and the community is important,” Mr. Minor says, noting that he has worked on several collaborative efforts with Richmond Police in the East End since his encounter.

He says the Richmond NAACP’s focus is in alignment with the state chapter’s agenda for the 2017 legislative session, with education being the new civil rights issue in Virginia.

“It is imperative that every child have access to quality, equitable and excellent education,” he says. “There must be quality education for every child in public schools on the elementary and secondary levels, and affordable education and training for those who are seeking higher education opportunities, armed services or skill training for employment or entrepreneurship.

“Every child must have a clear pathway to success in reaching their maximum potential.”

Mr. Minor was introduced to the NAACP by his mother, state Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, who represents a portion of Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield in the Virginia House of Delegates. His mother, he says, joined when she was a youth and is a life member. She used to take him to meetings when he was a youngster.

As an adult, he has been active with the NAACP for many years, serving on the Richmond chapter’s executive committee before being elected to the top position last year. He was installed as president in mid-December for a two-year term. He is working on his life membership.

He recognizes that many of today’s youths are disconnected from the organization. The keys to attracting young people are educating them about the NAACP’s history and its relevance in their lives. That’s one of the motivations behind his “Membership 1,000” initiative, an aggressive effort to increase the number of chapter members.

“We’re in the capital of the Confederacy,” he said. “We have to educate people about why we exist and get back to making a difference, fighting the good fight.”

Because African-American history is not a focus of public school curricula, Mr. Minor says it is essential to teach children that history to close the generation gap between NAACP members who lived through the Civil Rights Movement and younger people who are not fully aware of the trauma and triumph of that era.

“I believe people would want to participate with us more if they knew who they really are, that we are descendants of kings and queens.”

He remains dedicated to leading the chapter in tackling the issues on the NAACP’s state and local agendas, including an increase in the minimum wage, mandated use of body and dashboard cameras by law enforcement officers, and employment

and procurement opportunities for African-Americans at state colleges and universities.

Because the NAACP is nonpartisan, he is careful to keep his work as an officer with the Richmond Democratic Committee separate.

“It takes teamwork to make a dream work, and together we can do it,” he says.

Meet civil rights advocate and this week’s Personality, James E. “J.J.” Minor III: Community involvement: President of the Richmond Branch NAACP. Other community leadership positions held: First AfricanAmerican appointed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to the Virginia Marine Resource Commission; chairman, Richmond City Democratic Committee; vice chairman, Greater Richmond Organizing Committee of Justice or Else; and former first vice president, Richmond Crusade for Voters.

Date and place of birth: Jan. 6 in Richmond.

Current residence: Richmond.

Education: Attended Virginia State University, studied music education; received mental health professional certification.

Family: Single.

Occupation: Community outreach coordinator, City of Richmond.

Why I want to serve as Richmond NAACP president: I strongly feel that I can make a major contribution to the oldest civil rights organization in the United States. It is an honor and privilege to take on the responsibility of infusing new energy into this prestigious organization and assisting in elevating the NAACP’s status in Richmond.

No. 1 priority of my presidency: Increasing the membership by 1,000 and re-engaging members to be active in our new fight for civil rights.

Position before election: Served on the executive committee of the Richmond Branch NAACP. Richmond Branch NAACP’s No. 1 challenge: Promoting its relevancy in 2017 to a generation that did not grow up during the civil rights era.

How I plan to meet it: I envision bringing in 1,000 new members who are willing to be active in the fight for equality. The same issues our forefathers dealt with are the same we are dealing with today, just differently. We need people who are willing to fight and who will not stop until we have equality and justice for all people of color.

NAACP then versus now: Founded in 1909 by a multiracial group of progressive thinkers, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. Given the political landscape in our nation, this nonpartisan organization

must continue to protect the civil rights and voting rights of all people.

NAACP and youths are: If the NAACP is to survive and carry out its objectives, we must be deliberate in introducing the NAACP to our youths at an early age. Our young people must be made aware of the NAACP’s fearless leadership and realize the importance of the mission to eradicate discriminatory policies and practices.

Youths must understand that the “Black Lives Matter” movement stands on the shoulders of organizations like the NAACP, who, beginning in 1909 and thereafter, showed the world that people of color do matter. As we face the rhetoric on the national landscape, the rise of white supremacy, biases and prejudices, it’s more important than ever to prepare the present generation for future leadership.

How NAACP plans to increase membership: I have started the initiative “Membership 1,000.”

This includes creating recruitment groups to solicit and recruit new members through churches, civic associations, colleges, social media, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Also, I will request and encourage members to consider sponsoring young people.

How NAACP plans to increase youth membership: We will be diligently operating the Young Adult and Youth Works Committee of the NAACP to enhance the membership of youths and young adults. This will take place by soliciting memberships through various youth organizations, colleges and sponsorships.

Key to improving race relations: The only pathway to improving race relations is a balanced and shared history of those who built Virginia, including constant dialogue about Virginia history and the contributions of enslaved Africans and African-Americans. Those in power must be intentional in showing appreciation for those who have come before us and their contributions.

Economic justice is: Making sure that minorities are at the table and provided fair chances and tools for educational opportunities and skilled and quality job placement.

How I start the day: With prayer.

Best late-night snack: Popcorn.

How I unwind: Fishing and cooking.

When I look in the mirror, I see: The reflection of a people who survived, persevered and were resilient in a struggle to obtain equality and justice for themselves; people who looked like me. They were determined to survive through hell and tormented circumstances so that I might realize my dreams of equal rights and opportunities.

Biggest chance I ever took: I am a Patti LaBelle fanatic. At 16, I attended a Patti LaBelle concert and walked up to the stage with a teddy bear and roses for Ms. LaBelle. She asked me to join her on the stage to sing and dance with her, gave me the microphone and I sang for her. It’s an experience I will never forget.

We have established a friendship and she will call me on the stage when she’s performing.

What makes me tick: Having social interactions with positive people and being around peers who challenge me in some way to improve myself.

The best thing my parents ever taught me was: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

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Live each day as if it’s your last because tomorrow is never promised.

If I had more time, I would: Make more time for myself.

I’ve spent many years helping others and not helping myself.

Sometimes you need to make a living before you can make a difference.

The book that influenced me the most: “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” by Alex Haley.

The book I’m reading now: “Grace” by Natashia Deón.

Next goal: To strengthen the Richmond Branch NAACP.

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Black and Bold: RVA’s Unsung Black LGBTQ Community HIV/AIDS IN THE AFRIC AN-AMERIC AN COMMUNITY Tuesday, February 7, 2017 (National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day) 7:00 P.M. The Black History Museum 122 West Leigh Street Richmond, VA

STATE OF BLACK LGBTQ AMERIC A LECTURE & DIALOGUE WITH DR. RAVI K. PERRY

BLACK TRANS 101 DISCUSSION Tuesday, February 21, 2017 7:00 P.M. Diversity Richmond 1407 Sherwood Avenue

LOVE IS LOVE, GOD IS LOVE DIALOGUE ON RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY, EMBRACING BLACK LGBTQ BELIEVERS Sunday, February 19, 2017 3:00 P.M. Diversity Richmond 1407 Sherwood Avenue

POWERFUL S.I.S.T.A.: CELEBRATING LGBTQ WOMEN OF COLOR

Wednesday, February 15, 2017 7:00 P.M. The Black History Museum 122 West Leigh Street Richmond, VA

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 7:00 P.M. Diversity Richmond 1407 Sherwood Avenue

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Rodney Lofton, Program Coordinator at Diversity Richmond: rodney.lofton@diversityrichmond.org

Celebrate Black History Month VMFA presents an Artist Talk with Leroy Henderson Thu, Feb 16 | 6:30– 7:30 pm Richmond native and acclaimed photographer Leroy Henderson discusses his life and work documenting protest culture from the 1960s through today.

TICKETS: $8 (VMFA members $5)

African American Read-In

Thu, Feb 23 | 5–7 pm | FREE Community leaders read literature related to African and African American works in the galleries.

IMAGE Photo courtesy of LeRoy Henderson

VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 200 N. Boulevard | Richmond | 804.340.1405 | www.VMFA.museum VMFA-BHM-RFP-5.418x5.25_FIN.indd 1

1/31/17 1:46 PM

“In Our Words”

An exploration of what African-Americans and Africans in the diaspora experience in the US, South Africa, and Europe Directed By

Cameron Harris, MFA

Show Times – Bowtie Cinemas 1301 N Boulevard Richmond, VA 23230

Saturday, February 11th, 18th, and 25th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

To view trailer, go to https://www.facebook.com/INOURWORDS1/

Richmond Free Press

B2 February 9-11, 2017

Happenings Free showing of documentary ‘Liberty & Slavery’ Feb. 16 A public showing of the documentary “Liberty & Slavery” will be presented 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Virginia Historical Society, it has been announced.

The screening is part of VHS’ 4th Annual Created Equal Film Series in honor of the Rev. Grady W. Powell.

The documentary focuses on how Thomas Jefferson and other founding fathers who created the country and wrote the Constitution reconciled the ideals of liberty and freedom with slavery.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker Troy Thomas, a Suffolk native and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.

The program, co-sponsored by St. John’s Church Foundation, is open to the public without charge or need for reservations, the historical society stated.

Location: Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard.

Information: wobrochta@vahistorical.org or (804) 342-9651.

Author Bert Ashe to speak at Chesterfield County library Bert Ashe, author of “Twisted: My Dreadlock Chronicles” and a finalist for the Library of Virginia’s annual literary award for nonfiction, will discuss his book 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the LaPrade Branch of the Chesterfield County Public Library, 9000 Hull Street Road in Chesterfield.

As part of the process in embracing dreadlocks, Dr. Ashe will discuss his personal and historical journey and the questions locks raise about identity.

Dr. Ashe is an associate professor of English at the University of Richmond, and also authored “From Within the Frame: Storytelling in African-American Fiction.”

A book sale and signing will be held after his talk.

The event is part of the Chesterfield Public Library’s Black History Month events. For more information or to register to attend: www.library.chesterfield. gov or (804) 751-2275.

Dr. Ashe

‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ event set for April 8

The Petersburg Sheriff’s Office and the Petersburg Task Force on Domestic Violence want to bring attention to the causes, effects and remediation to men’s sexualized violence against women.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” an event that is part of the International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence, will be held 8 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Cameron Field in Petersburg.

The event invites male participants to walk a mile in women’s shoes to demonstrate support for domestic violence victims and to raise money to provide services for victims and their families.

This is the second year the Petersburg agen-

cies have sponsored the event.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic assaults account for 15 percent of all violent crime.

Individuals and teams are encouraged to participate.

Registration is $10, with all proceeds to benefit the support, advocacy and education efforts of James House, an organization helping people affected by sexual and domestic violence and stalking.

To register, visit www.thejameshouse.org, or call the Petersburg Sheriff’s Office at (804) 733-2369.

Entertainers, artists, activists honored with 2017 Trumpet Awards Free Press wire reports

ATLANTA Iconic crooner Peabo Bryson and New Edition, the band of young men that took the country by storm in the 1980s and 1990s, are among the winners of the 2017 Trumpet Awards, which recognize the accomplishments of African-Americans and others who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others.

Mr. Bryson, a Grammy Award-winning singer known for such duets as “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” with Roberta Flack, “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle, received the Legend Trumpet.

Along with the award, he was showered with a musical serenade from Ms. Belle, The Chicago Kids and Kenny Lattimore.

New Edition, which produced such hits as “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man,” received the Lifetime Achievement Trumpet and a musical tribute from R&B bands Jagged Edge, Silk and The Transitions.

Original members Ricky Bell, Ron DeVoe and Mike Bivins accepted the award,

along with Johnny Gill, who replaced Bobby Brown. Mr. Brown and Ralph Tresvant, another of the group’s first five, did not attend.

Writer and actor Deon Cole and actress Nicole Ari Parker served as co-hosts of the taped 25th anniversary show Jan. 25 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The honorees included the award’s creator and leader of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Xerona Clayton, who

Local director adds ‘punch’ to Richmond film festival

By Holly Rodriguez

“The Last Punch,” a feature film by Emmy Award-winning director and Richmond native Jesse Vaughan, will open the Richmond International Film Festival at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Byrd Theater in Carytown.

Muhammad Ali’s life story has been told through more than a dozen documentaries and films, but this film tells the late boxing champion’s story from a different perspective, Mr. Vaughan said.

“The film is seen through the eyes of street hustler and first-time promoter James Cornelius,” Mr. Vaughan said.

Viewers follow Mr. Cornelius’ challenges in promoting Mr. Ali’s final boxing match on Dec. 11, 1981, against Jamaican native Trevor Berbick in Nassau, Bahamas.

The point of view is not the only unique element of the film.

“This film offers an insider’s view of the fight (promotion) game,” Mr. Vaughan said. “And we get to look at Muhammad Ali on a more human level as we record what he went through at the end of his career.”

Mr. Vaughan said he expects the film to be released later this year.

“The Last Punch” is among scores of cutting-edge films and musical groups that will be featured at this year’s Richmond International Festival that runs through March 5 at venues across the city.

Panels featuring industry experts, red carpet award shows and entertainment mixers are part of the lineup.

Mr. Vaughan will conduct a workshop for aspiring directors from 5 to 6:30 p.m. before the

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond native and director Jesse Vaughan, who has won 28 Emmy Awards for his work, displays the poster from his latest project, “The Last Punch,” which will premiere Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Byrd Theater in Carytown as part of the Richmond International Film Festival.

film’s premiere.

Mr. Vaughan has won 28 Emmy Awards for his work.

“Making movies is like painting a picture on the screen through the directing lighting, wardrobe, makeup and hair,” he said. “It is a beautiful medium because it encompasses all aspects of art.”

He said even with a career spanning more than 30 years, he continues to learn. “The Last Punch” was no different, he said.

“Going inside the intricacies

of Muhammad Ali’s life helped me realize that heroism is not always a result of what you accomplish in life, but how you respond to adversity in a positive way,” he said.

“The film is ultimately about perseverance and overcoming obstacles, and we all have to do that in life. But the question is how do we respond to obstacles that contribute to our self-growth?”

Details on the festival and tickets: www.rvafilmfestival. com.

received the Gold Trumpet Award from actor Louis Gossett Jr. Other award winners include: Author, fashion designer and TV show host Wendy Williams, Entertainment Trumpet; former NBA great Dikembe Mutombo, Humanitarian Trumpet; civil rights activist Martin Luther King III, son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Impact Trumpet; and fashion writer Gabi Gregg, Trailblazer Trumpet for her pioneering blog.

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Free and open to the public Liberty and Slavery: The Paradox of America’s Founding Fathers is a documentary that asks how the authors of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were able to reconcile their ideals of liberty and freedom with the institution of slavery. The filmmaker, Suffolk native and VCU graduate Troy Thomas, will participate in a discussion following the film.

The 2017 Created Equal Film Series is presented by the Bon Secours Health Care Foundation.

This screening is cosponsored with the St. John’s Church Foundation.

The Created Equal Film Series is hosted by the VHS in partnership with the Richmond Peace Education Center and supported in part

by Diversity Richmond’s VHS Guy Kinman Research Award.

VHS_CreatedEqual_FREEPRESS_5.418x10.5_Feb2017.indd 1

Virginia Historical Society 428 North Boulevard Richmond, Virginia 23220 www.vahistorical.org FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

1/31/17 12:17 PM

Richmond Free Press

February 9-11, 2017

B3

Happenings

Love Stories The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.

Reggie Gordon and Rashida Gray

However, as the evening progressed, Our love story began in April 2010 Married something beautiful and unexpected hapwith our first date. It took a month to pened as we sat across from each other. schedule the date because of our active As we talked and laughed and shared lives. And it was top secret. thoughts about life, we both realized that We both were aware that meeting for year we were made for each other. a private dinner date was against the We discovered we both were born in rule, yet we spent the evening sharing a candlelit meal at a small restaurant on the September and shared a love of Indian food, corner of Floyd Avenue and Robinson Street beaches, yoga, dancing, public radio and family togetherness. anyway.

The first date led to many more special, We were members of the Dinner Club, a group of people who gathered each month at romantic dates and travel adventures. Our reladifferent restaurants around Richmond to enjoy tionship was uncomplicated and easy. Our souls good food and great company. We enjoyed the recognized each other. Our hearts connected.

We got married on April 25, 2015, surease of the social network of the Dinner Club.

However, the club had one rule — members rounded by family, friends and members of the Dinner Club. could not date one another.

Although it rained the entire wedding day, Within the first 10 minutes of that illegal first date, Rashida announced that she did not Reggie asked the limo driver to make a stop at want to get married again; she was very busy Floyd and Robinson so as a married couple we with life and her children. Reggie replied that could take a photo kissing under an umbrella at he did not want to get married again. He was the place where our love affair began.

Reggie Gordon is director of the Office also very busy and liked the rhythm of his life of Community Wealth Building, City of as a bachelor.

Although attracted to each other, we both Richmond.

Dr. Rashida Gray is a psychiatrist with Bon wanted to make it clear from the outset that neither Secours Richmond. was interested in a serious relationship.

1

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Ben and Annie Campbell He says it started with “Blue, blue, there when we fell in love, but that isn’t Married stuck with you.” true. It wasn’t love at first sight. It was But she knew that couldn’t be right. friendship at first sight — deep, meanShe only said those words to her family. ingful friendship. Friendship led the way It was a playful game with those she and love took over. years trusted. She would never say that to a We can’t point to the moment, but we stranger. learned something about falling in love.

But when he told her later she’d pressed a We fell in love with each other. crumpled church bulletin into his hands as she She moved to Richmond and fell in love with said it and kept on walking, she knew it must the city that he had long loved. She fell in love be true. That is how the game is played. But he with his vision of justice. He fell in love with wasn’t family. her vision of public education.

She says it started with lightning frogs. On a We have fallen in love with each other many summer night she stood with a group on a porch. times in the last 28 years. It turns out that is how He was there. She saw lights blinking over the marriage works. pond and heard a deep croaking.

There have been many summers of lightning “What is that sound?” she asked the group. frogs.

He was the one who answered.

And it turns out she was right when she “Oh, those are lightning frogs. Those lights are pressed that crumpled church bulletin into his their eyes. They light up when they croak.” hands on that summer day so long ago.

She was amazed. She’d never heard of these “Blue, blue, stuck with you.” lightning frogs.

The Rev. Ben Campbell is founder and former The rest of the group laughed, and she knew pastoral director of Richmond Hill. she’d been had.

Annie Campbell is a third-grade teacher at There are lots of people who say they were Fox Elementary School in Richmond.

28

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Hamilton and Taekia Glass I found love on the 12th floor of a — we’d talk and listen to music. We’d Married high-rise office building in Jersey City, educate and debate each other on our N.J. respective music heroes. I was a die-hard The first time I saw him, I entered Immortal Technique/Talib Kweli fan; he through the back door of the office with was a Madlib/J Dilla fan. years my prospective employer. I noticed first In the end, we found love in the lyrics that he was a black male in an architecture of Amel Larrieux. firm, which was rare.

That’s how it all began — a job, a train The second thing I noticed was how nicely and music — but certainly not where it ends. dressed he was — perfectly matched shirt and We’re 10 years into our love story that we tie with nice pants and shoes. now share with our two beautiful daughters in The boss gave a quick introduction, and then Richmond. it was off to complete my interview. I remember We’ve grown from co-workers to friends, thinking that this man, who I’d seen only for to husband and wife, to mother and father, and a split second, could find a way to being much what I can only hope next will be grandma and more in my life. grandpa.

Lucky me, I was offered the job and hapI hope that our journey to this point is a pily accepted. glimpse as to how we’ll continue to grow in Almost immediately, we found ourselves spending time together, whether working on a the future.

Hamilton Glass is an artist and muralist. project, eating lunch or riding the train to and from work. The train rides were my favorite Taekia Glass is program director at ART 180.

8

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Ronald and Betty Crutcher A mutual friend from graduate school to ring the doorbell, I had to ask her to Married at Yale invited me to her home in Detroit. remind me what her name was. I’d forgotShe wanted me to meet her husband and ten her name! I was very nervous! son, and introduce me to two women She didn’t give up on me, and we because I was not dating anyone. continued the evening downtown. years I traveled from Springfield, Ohio, to Later she had somewhere to be, so Detroit. My friend Linda arranged for I drove her there, and we sat in the car me to meet the first woman over dinner, and and talked. she offered to cook. She knew Betty wasn’t I just knew this was the person I had to have fond of cooking, and she said I was too cheap as my life’s partner. I felt something in my to take her to a nice restaurant. heart. And I’m not that kind of person. I don’t My first encounter with Betty that evening make rash decisions. But there was something didn’t go so well. I walked over to her to shake about her. And she later told me that she had her hand and introduce myself. She said, “Not felt the same thing. now, I’m meditating.” That really put me off.

That evening, I told Linda I didn’t need to But then we sat down to dinner and I was meet the other woman. I had met the one. fascinated by how easy it was to talk with her.

We met on March 3, 1979. I proposed on And before you know it, I was telling her my June 3, and we married Nov. 24. We’ve been life story. together 37 years.

Fortunately, over dinner we connected and Dr. Ronald A. Crutcher is president of the decided to go downtown to the Renaissance University of Richmond.

Center. We stopped at my uncle’s house who Dr. Betty N. Crutcher holds a Ph.D. in lived nearby. And just as we were getting ready educational administration.

37

Richmond Free Press

B4 February 9-11, 2017

Faith News/Directory

LaVerne Byrd Smith, 89, longtime educator, church historian, dies Dr. LaVerne Charmayne Byrd Smith had a VSU and then spent seven years as an assispassion for education and writing. tant professor of education and director of the On the education front, she touched thousands University Reading Center at VUU. of students and educators as a schoolteacher, In 1974, she joined the Virginia Department university professor and reading specialist for of Education, becoming the state supervisor of the state Department of Education in a career reading and language development. She also that spanned 47 years. ran annual conferences on reading for 11 years She prided herself on being a “teacher of before she retired in 1991. teachers,” her family said.

She became a published As a writer, she penned writer at age 12 when she a column for a Richmond teamed with her sister, Elizanewspaper, authored books of beth, on a column called the poetry and led the creation of “Younger Set” for the Richa two-volume history of First mond Afro-American newsBaptist Church of South Richpaper. For six years, beginning mond, one of the Richmond in 1939, they wrote about the area’s oldest African-American birthdays, parties and activities churches. of the city’s African-American Dr. Smith died Friday, Jan. youths. After retiring as an 27, 2017, after battling illness. educator, she resumed writing She was 89. columns for the newspaper Final tributes were paid from 1993 to 1996. to her Friday, Feb. 3, at First She also served as historian Baptist, where she served for for First Baptist from 1991 to a decade as the church’s his2001 and led a committee in torian and years earlier sang writing and publishing “Travin the chorus and played the eling On” to tell the story of trombone in the Sunday School the church that was founded in Dr. Smith Orchestra.

1821 in Manchester, which was Dr. Smith grew up in Richmond and fol- later annexed by Richmond from Chesterfield lowed her two sisters, Elizabeth B. York and County.

Geraldine B. Story, into education after graduatHer greatest joy was writing poetry and ing from Virginia Union University. She later booklets, which she published, including “The earned a master’s degree from Virginia State Blessed Gentle Beast,” “Poetry for Growing: University and a doctorate from the University Kindergarten through Kollege,” “Poems of Inof Maryland. dignation: Revisiting 20th Century Civil Rights She taught elementary pupils in several city and Black Awareness Movements,” “Pokey the public schools for 20 years, then began helping Playful Whale,” “Virginia: This is Your Life train new teachers in 1964. She served three 1907-1970” and “School Desegregation Crisis years as an assistant professor of education at in Virginia.”

She also was active in civic affairs, including serving on the boards of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, the Urban League of Greater Richmond and the Richmond Branch NAACP. She also was a past president and longtime member of the Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and held officer positions in such groups as Phi Delta Kappa, an international association for professional educators, and the Virginia Council on Human Relations.

She also was a member of the Richmond Area Reading Council, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical

7

th

Pastora l for

Sunday, February 12, 2017 11:00a.m.

Theme: Honoring our Pastor’s Dedicated Service Guest Pastor:

Rev. Milton Bunting, Pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church Exmore, VA

Visit our website: www.newlightbaptistchurch.org Facebook: “New Light Baptist Church-Richmond, VA”

For more information, call the church at (804) 788-9027 or email us at info@newlightbaptistchurch.org

Broad Rock Baptist Church

1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

2300 Cool Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23223 804-795-5784 (Armstrong High School Auditorium)

Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday)

2017 Theme: The Year of Elevation (First Peter 5:6)



8775 Mount Olive Avenue Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 262-9614 Phone (804) 262-2397 Fax www.mobcva.org

8:00 a.m.

Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship

Tuesdays

Noon Day Bible Study

… and Listen to our Radio Broadcast Sundays at 10:15 a.m. on WCLM 1450 AM

Pastor and Founder

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

- Matthew 4:23

To empower people of God spiritually, mentally and emotionally for successful living.

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

4th Sunday Unified Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 (804) 276-0791 office (804)276-5272 fax www.ndec.net

1

Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

Come Join Us! Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye

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

Wednesdays

6:30 p.m.

Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study

w

Mount Olive Baptist Church

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Sundays

Anniversa ry Celebration

Rev. DR. veRnon J. HuRte 2000 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23223

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

Society, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia and the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

She also belonged to the Richmond Chapter of the Continentals Society.

Dr. Smith also sought to broaden her horizons with travel to Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and parts of the United States.

Among her awards was her selection in 1995 as a YWCA Woman of the Year, an award her two late sisters previously won.

Dr. Smith was the widow of Lewis “Jackrabbit” Smith, a former track star and coach who was inducted into sports halls of fame at VUU and Prairie View A&M University.

Feb. 12, 2017 10:30 A.M.

C

o

❖

❖

GospelFest 2017

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

February uary 19, 2017 @ 3:00 P.M. Featuring Featuring

Faith Community Baptist Church Singers, Voices of Angels ((Fairfield Baptist Church),)),, Anointed Wings of Worship ((Spring Church Church) Spring Creek Baptist Church Church),),), Church) Levitical Priests & our ur very own Youth & Young Adult Choir.

❖

MONDAY-FRIDAY Nutrition Center and Clothes Closet 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 7:00 P.M.

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

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

Mosby Baptist “Working ForMemorial You In This DifficultChurch Hour”

“A Caring Community Committed to Listening, Loving, Learning and Leaning While Launching into our Future.”

k

Riverview

Baptist Church 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

Third Sunday of Advent: “Love”

Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00 A.M.

fÑÜxtw à{x jÉÜw

2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Upcoming Events Richmond, Virginia 23220 th 109 Church Anniversary (804) 358-9177 Saved by Grace, Goodness and Greatness

To advertise Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis, Pastor Sunday, October 9, 2016 @ 2:30 P.M. your church events in the Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Founder (Dec. 19, 1938 - Dec. 9, 2006) This Week Richmond Joseph Jenkins, III. • Jason K. Jenkins • Maxine T. Jenkins Free Press Christian Education Sunday call 644-0496

Guest Minister: Rev. Zita Lee

Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

Sunday

SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Upcoming p g

k

everence

ing Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin

Join Us for Morning Worship!

ission & P

M ith

Conference THEME:

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church ance with Re ev

en h Annual Wom se t 9 urpo

8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service

Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m.

Attendance - 50 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Attendance - 100

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online!

Also, for your convenience.

Friday, April 21, 2017 and Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 9:00AM

In His Presence “Living For His Glory”

SCRIPTURE: For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.

(Acts 17:28a NIV)

Friday and Saturday, April 21-22, 2017 - 9:00 AM For more information and to Register go to: www.ndec.net or call 1-844-699-4054 Doubletree Hotel Reservations: 1-800-222-8733 or 804-379-3800 {Reference New Deliverance Evangelistic Church}

Savee th Date

d 21st FOUNDERS’ an Y RSAR VE NI AN CH UR CH Friday, March 3 at 7:30 PM Sunday, March 5 at 9:00 AM

Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

Wilson & Associates’ Funeral Service, Inc.

Monthly Obituary Column • January 2017

Brian V. Wilson Owner

Thank you to the following bereaved families for allowing us to serve you during the month of January 2017. You are still in our prayers and thoughts.

View full obituaries online at www.wilsonafs.com Aulion Simmons Laura M. Young Mazie J. Robinson Sylvester Houchens Maxine T. Waller Falesha Kaye Russell Janice C. Lugo

Celestine J. Anderson Antwan Lamont Brooks Michael Rozell Jamison Shareef Ramon Williams Nathaniel O. White, Jr. Clyde J. Johnson Thelma Terrell Brown

Anthony D. Fries Deborah Morris N. Lamont “Sabo” Sherrod Delores A. Minor Stanley E. Hill Edward S. Johnson

5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223 • 804-222-1720, Fax 804-222-1745 Remembering those we love ... Remembering those we serve.

Richmond Free Press

February 9-11, 2017

B5

Faith News/Directory

‘We are all refugees’ Richmond faith community calls for unity, action in face of Trump ban

By Leah Hobbs

“Many members of our community are shocked by recent “We are all refugees,” said the events,” said Dr. Abu QutubudPhotos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Rev. Wallace Adams-Riley of St. din of the Islamic Center of VirAbout 1,500 people gather in support of the Muslim community at last Sunday’s unity event Paul’s Episcopal Church. “We ginia. “By your support, we are at the Islamic Center of Virginia in Bon Air in response to President Trump’s executive order all have the blood of refugees reassured that the hateful rhetoric banning immigrants of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. flowing through our veins. The doesn’t represent the majority of story of the refugee is a part people in our nation.” neighbor as yourself,” she said. to our children and grandchil- First Amendment, he said. of our story — the American People pledged to stand to- “Your pain is my pain. Your joy dren?” he said.

The immigration ban is not story.” gether against division, bigotry is my joy. Your fate is my fate.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, who representative of Virginia or About 1,500 people from and fear. They pledged to stand We are all interconnected.” joined Sen. Tim Kaine and other America. America’s motto is the Richmond faith community together to uphold the ideals of She encouraged the crowd Democrats to co-sponsor a bill “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning came together last Sunday to religious freedom, support im- to go beyond words and take to rescind President Trump’s “from many one.” show support for their Musmigrants and refugees, celebrate action.

“That is what we are reflectban, assured the group that lim brothers and sisters diversity, commit to peace “Justice, equality and liberty Virginia is open to people of ing here today,” he said. in response to President and to take action.

Congressman A. Donald for all depends on all of us all faith backgrounds.

Trump’s executive order “If human rights are and our daily behavior. It is up “We welcome our immi- McEachin of Henrico, who that stopped the entry of denied any one of us, then to us to form a more perfect grants. We value your con- also opposes President Trump’s all refugees into the country all of us are in trouble. If we union, not by retreating into our tribution,” he said. “We are ban, said he is buoyed by the and banned nationals from have a future where some separate corners, but by coming going to stand up against hate, evidence of people supporting seven Muslim-majority are singled out, we are all in together boldly,” she said. anger, comments against our Muslims and refugees with procountries from entering the danger. It is our duty to stand Imam Amonette said those neighbor and turning our backs tests across the country, lawyers United States. together,” said Imam Ammar who disregard the Constitution on refugees, particularly of the working to help people enter While the order created Amonette of the Islamic can only do so by dividing Muslim faith.” the country and federal courts chaos at airports across the Center of Virginia. people, but it is a commitment Virginia helped pioneer overturning the ban. nation when people on arHe described how the to the Constitution, not religion, the ideals of religious free“We are going to reassert riving flights were denied Muslim community wel- culture or race, that makes dom with Thomas Jefferson’s our beliefs in classical liberal entry, the crowd gathered comes everyone who wishes people Americans.

Virginia Statute for Religious democracy that all men and at the Islamic Center of to live in peace and security.

“We have worked to make Freedom in 1786, which laid women are created equal,” Virginia in Bon Air was They do not support anyone an inclusive society. How can the foundation of the religion he said. “We will push back inspired to find strength who poses a danger. They we leave a nation full of fear clauses of the Constitution’s against this.” in diversity “Standing Topledge to work with law engether,” as the program was Imam Ammar Amonette of the Islamic forcement to make a strong called, Muslims, Christians, Center of Virginia, left, greets Jay community, he said.

Jews, Hindus and non- M. Ipson, co-founder of the Virginia Despite the differences religious people gathering in Holocaust Museum in Richmond in beliefs, there are comsolidarity with the Muslim during the rally. monalities among the faith community. to categorize and determine what communities.

“I cannot hide my face, speak- they are comfortable with, but “We can humbly agree to ing only when my rights are threat- things are not always as they disagree, but work for the comened,” said Dr. Archana Pathak, a appear. mon good of our community,” Hindu and faculty member at VirCharles Turner said he said the Rev. Janet Winslow of ginia Commonwealth University, doesn’t fit the category of a Bon Air Presbyterian Church. who was born in India and raised Muslim based on his appearance “In the midst of our diversity, in the United States. She described or speech. He is a white man, we find our unity.” how the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but has been practicing Islam for Rabbi Ahuva Zaches of which was born of the struggle of nine years. He challenged the Congregation Or Ami shared African-Americans, also has ben- crowd to “show up just as you similar sentiments.

Supporters listen as U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Congressman A. Donald McEachin of efitedAsian-Americans because it did today when someone else’s “The core message of our Henrico and Richmond area faith leaders call for support and solidarity for immigrants, broadly outlaws discrimination on lives are on the line.” faiths is the same — love your refugees, religious freedom and diversity. the basis of race, color, religion, President Trump’s executive sex or national origin. order, coupled with the Jan. 29 Mission Statement: People of God developing Disciples for Jesus Men’s Fellowship Ministry Ayesha Martinez, an African- attack on the Quebec Islamic Christ through Preaching and Teaching of God’s Holy Word reaching Saturday presents American Muslim, said, “I was Cultural Centre in Quebec City, the people of the Church and the Community. born into a society that hates me, Canada, that left six dead and Feb. 18 if not for my religion, then for eight injured, has left the Muslim 2017 the color of my skin; and if not community fearful.

22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219 • 643-3825 2pm-4pm for the color of my skin, then for my gender.”

Ms. Martinez and other speakers shared personal testimonies that challenged those gathered to question their assumptions.

One speaker shared that it is an unrealistic assumption that refugees come to America as terrorists when, in fact, they are escaping their countries to seek shelter and safety.

Speakers shared how human beings have a natural tendency

Sharon Baptist Church

Koinonia

Black History Month

Christian Church

Celebrating the 8th Anniversary Of Our Beloved Pastor, Rev. Keith E. Edmonds, Sr. Sunday, February 12, 2017

11:00 a.m.

Rev. Michelle Edmonds Executive Pastor

Sunday, February 12, 2017 8:30 a.m. ... Sunday School 10:00 a.m... Morning Worship

Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

Rev. Keith E. Edmonds, Sr., Senior Pastor



3600 McRand St., Richmond, VA • (804) 231-0092



1408 W. eih Sree  ichmo a. 0 804 5840



 Church School Worship Service

8:45 a.m.

10 a.m.

 ile Su

1 p.m.

 e ercies iisr  a.m. ul ile Su :0 p.m. ie oore Sree o 

Quioccasin Baptist Church

Remembering

Our Founding Pastor

Join us for worship

Rev.John Jasper

10:45 AM Youth Sunday and the Maude L. Short Friendship Ministry’s 67th Anniversary 4:00 PM The E.L. Fleming Gospel Chorus 46th Anniversary Celebration Christ Kids And Christ Teens Worship Every Sunday Nursery During Church School and Worship

Rev. Dr. Yvonne , Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities Sundays: Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

Sunday, February 19, 2017 10:45 a.m.

(near Byrd Park)

St. Peter Baptist Church

Lively Hope Baptist Church Men’s Chorus Quioccasin Baptist Church Male Chorus

9011 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229 804 741-2313 (office), 804 741-1501 (fax) QBC@quioccasin.org (email) www.quoccasin.org Dr. Andrew M. Mosley, Jr. Pastor

Dr. Levy M. Armwood, Pastor  Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

(Under the Direction of Glenroy Bailey)

Refreshments Following Concert

8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wed. 7:45 p.m.

Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Music by:

 

$20

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Ms. Shirley T. Pegram

1813 EvErEtt strEEt riChmond, va 23224 (804) 231-5884 rEv. roBErt C. davis, pastor

by: Richmond Boys Choir Ebenezer Baptist Church Tickets Handbell Choir

Theme for 2016-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New

Speaker:

Union Baptist ChUrCh

G VA MUSIC

Sixth Baptist Church

Sunday School - 9:30AM Morning Worship – 11:00AM

Children and Youth Choir

A R T X E ANZA

“The People’s Church”

ALL ARE WELCOME!

February 12, 2017

1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 • Email: ebcoffice1@yahoo.com • web: richmondebenezer.com

from

Youth Sunday

THURSDAYS

1858

Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church

Black History Month

WEDNESDAYS 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study

Ebenezer Baptist Church

4:00 p.m.

Bishop Robert Williams

SPEL

G

thesharonbaptistchurch.com Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

2017Trailblazers: Jasper

Founder’s Day Speaker

Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson

President of the National Action Network

Dr. John Moeser Sgt. Carol Adams Mrs. Willie Dell

8 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11 A.M.

nt!

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays) Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10 A.M. Thursdays: Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M. (Children/Youth/Adults) 2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

us eet

M 14 West Duval Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 Phone: 804.648.7511 Web: www.smzbc.org

Rev. Tyrone E. Nelson, Pastor

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Richmond Free Press

B6 February 9-11, 2017

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities 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 21, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, February 27, 2017 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. 2017-011 To close to public travel and retain for public use as park property a portion of Spottswood Road, running from the south line of Shirley Lane to such portion’s southern terminus and consisting of 5,732± square feet; to close to public use and travel a public alley, running from the south line of Shirley Lane to such alley’s southern terminus and consisting of 3,070± square feet; and to accept the dedication for public use as park property of a portion of 1001 Spottswood Road, consisting of 11,025± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2017-012 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of Northumberland Avenue running from the south line of West Roberts Street to such portion’s southern terminus, consisting of 16,355± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2017-013 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1000 Westover Road, a portion of the property known as 1001 Spottswood Road, and a 20-foot public alley, for the purpose of office use and limited special events, upon certain terms and conditions. The Land Use Plan of the City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single-Family (Low Density) land use.

Primary uses in this category are single-family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre, with residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi-public uses.

Ordinance No. 2017-014 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1031 Fourqurean Lane, 1031 Fourqurean Lane Rear, 1101 Fourqurean Lane, and 1111 Fourqurean Lane for the purpose of multifamily dwellings with up to 80 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The Master Plan recommends SingleFamily Residential (Low Density) land uses at up to 7 units per acre for the subject property.

Ordinance No. 2017-015 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1600 West Main Street and 1608 West Main Street for the purpose of authorizing a distillery and the retail sales, wholesale, and distribution of liquor, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends Community Commercial land use for the subject property. Primary uses in this category “include office, retail, personal service and other commercial and service uses, intended to provide the shopping and service needs of residents of a number of nearby neighborhoods or a section of the City” (p. 134).

No residential densities are specified for this land use category.

Ordinance No. 2017-016 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1729 Porter Street for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. While such a use is permitted in the R-53 district, the subject property does not meet the minimum lot area or minimum lot width requirements for a twofamily detached dwelling in the R-53 district.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan speaks of Land Use policies and strategies within the Old South Planning District.

It states, “Development of single-family residential housing on Porter Street, west of Cowardin Avenue.” (p. 271) However the plan also states that, “The Swansboro neighborhood in the vicinity of 22nd and Street between Bainbridge Street and Semmes Avenue abuts an industrial area, which in many instances forms an indistinct line between the neighborhood and the industrial uses. Although this proximity would normally be discouraged phasing out of either use is not expected. A more distinct line between

Continued from previous column

the otherwise incompatible uses should be recognized in the location generally shown on the Land Use Plan map.

Buffers between these uses should be provided as opportunities arise.” (p. 278) In general the plan shows that it is in keeping with this recommendation by increasing the density of this area, it acts as a buffer between the industrial uses and the single-family uses.

Ordinance No. 2017-017 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3407 Chamberlayne Avenue for the purpose of the installation of two solar panel structures within the front yard, upon certain terms and conditions. The single-family use of the property would continue. The Master Plan recommends Multi-Family (Medium Density) land uses at up to 20 units per acre for the subject property.

Ordinance No. 2017-018 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 82-7-16, adopted Feb. 8, 1982, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2007-98-69, adopted Apr. 9, 2007, which authorized the special use of the property known as 301 West Franklin Street for the purpose of a motel, together with accessory off-street parking, to authorize the installation of two canopy signs, upon certain terms and conditions. The Richmond Master Plan designates this property as Downtown Urban Center Area. Characterizations of this district include a higher density, mixed use development, typically arranged on a fin-grained street network with wide sidewalks, regular tree planting, and minimal setbacks. Typically this land use category depicts apartments with no more than four stories in height.

In addition, buildings are set back from the street behind a narrow yard.

Parking is located onstreet, or at the rear of the lot. (p. 3.25).

Ordinance No. 2017-019 To amend and reordain City Code §§ 30-440.1 and 30-440.2, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses and principal uses permitted by conditional use permit in the B-4 Central Business District; 30-442.1 and 30-442.1:1, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses and principal uses permitted by conditional use permit in the B-5 Central Business District; 30-710.1, concerning the number of off-street parking spaces required for particular uses; and 30-1045.6, concerning specific conditions applicable to conditional use permits for particular uses, for the purpose of eliminating parking areas and parking lots as a principal permitted use of property in the downtown area.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov.com; the Main City Library located at 101 East Franklin Street; 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.

Jean V. Capel City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND TIA THOMAS DELANO, Plaintiff v.

JOSHUA WADE DELANO, Defendant.

Case Number: CL17-288-6 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

This Day came the Plaintiff on his motion and Affidavit for an Order of Publication; and was argued by counsel.

The object of this suit is to obtain a decree for divorce from the bond of matrimony.

It appearing from the Affidavit that the Defendant is a nonVirginia resident, whose last known address is located at 2543 Strong Road, Orange, Texas; it is ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this court before the 3rd day of March, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., and do what is necessary to protect her interest herein.

A Copy, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: Janipher W. Robinson Robinson and Greene 2415 Westwood Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23230 (804) 321-1728 (voice) (804) 321-0679 (facsimile) VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SAMANTHA SALCEDO, Plaintiff v.

CHRISTOPHER SALCEDO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17000208-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

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 31st day of March, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

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 28th day of February, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

D. Rodriguez’s whereabouts are unknown.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Johansel D. Rodriguez appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interests on or before March 20, 2017at 10:00 A.M.

a response to this action; that THERESA F. MASSENBURG, As Former Member/Manager and Possible Trustee in Liquidation, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that NEXT CALL, LLC, a/k/a NEXT CALL A VIRGINIA LLC, A Purged Virginia Limited liability Company, THERESA F. MASSENBURG, As Former Member/Manager and Possible Trustee in Liquidation, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 24, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO TARA HOGGES, Plaintiff v.

JAVONE HOGGES, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16-3126-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from Javone Hogges on the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart for a period exceeding one year.

It appearing by affidavit that the Defendant’s last known address is not known, the Defendant’s present whereabouts are unknown, and diligence has been used by or on behalf of the Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the Defendant is without effect, it is ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before February 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. and protect her interest herein.

A Copy, Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk Lambert & Associates LLC Linda Y. Lambert, Esquire 321 North 23rd St. Richmond, Virginia 23223 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND ANGELO ANTOIN BATTLE, Plaintiff v.

KACO MARIE ELLIS BATTLE, Defendant.

Civil Action No.: 15-1055-008 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 having lived separate and apart continuously without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period of more than one year, pursuant to section 20-91(A)(9) of the Code of Virginia.

It is ORDERED that KACO MARIE ELLIS BATTLE, appear at the above-named court and protect her interests on or before the 9th day of March, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.

A Copy, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DAJUAN BRIAN WILLIAMS, Plaintiff v.

MECHELLE WILLIAMS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16002473-00 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 7th day of March, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD ABERASH A. WALELIGN, Plaintiff v.

BELETE DERESH, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16-3534 ORDER OF PUBLICATION December 27, 2016

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce.

WHEREFORE, an affidavit having been filed by the Plaintiff that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Belete Deresh, it is ORDERED that Belete Deresh appear before this Court on March 17, 2017, at 8:30 a.m., to protect his interests herein.

An Extract, Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk Mary Ashby Brown, Esquire (VSB #74718) Friedman Law Firm, P.C. 9401 Courthouse Road, Suite A Chesterfield, VA 23832 (804) 717-1969 (telephone) (804) 748-4161 (telecopier) mabrown@friedmanlawva.com Counsel for the Plaintiff/Wife VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LOUISE DAVIS, Plaintiff v.

ROBERT DAVIS, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL170000018-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JESSICA CERNA, Plaintiff v.

JOSE CERNA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16003524-00 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 28th day of February, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lilah m rodriguez, Juvenile Madeline v. Johansel D. Rodriguez Case No. JJ076177-02-00,03-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Determine custody and visitation of Lilah Michelle Rodriguez (DOB: 8/13/10), whose Mother is Madeline Lugo and whose Father is Johansel D. Rodriguez, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3. Johansel

PROPERTY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

Case No.: CL16-5550 NEXT CALL, LLC, a/k/a NEXT CALL A VIRGINIA LLC, A Purged Virginia Limited liability Company, et al., Defendants.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 522 Chimborazo Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, TaxMap# E000-0883/002, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, NEXT CALL, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, NEXT CALL, LLC, a/k/a NEXT CALL A VIRGINIA LLC, A Purged Virginia Limited liability Company has not been located and has not filed Continued on next column

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #VTC 17-058 The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has issued a Request for Proposal #VTC 17-058 to enter into an agreement with a qualified publisher for the publication of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s annual Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide (VTG), annual Virginia Golf Directory (VGD) and the online display advertising program. Sealed proposals are due not later than 4 p.m. EDT on March 16, 2017. A MANDATORY pre-proposal conference/ teleconference will be held at 10 a.m. EST, February 23, 2017, and requires pre-registration by 4 p.m. EST, February 21, 2017. Proposals will only be accepted from those Offerors represented at conference/teleconference.

If you have not pre-registered by the preregistration deadline above, you will not be able to attend, and therefore, will not be able to submit a proposal. In order not to miss any important deadlines, please read, immediately, the announcement of the RFP for important details about eVA registration, small business certification, conference/teleconference pre-registration deadline, etc. The RFP announcement may be downloaded from the VTC website at http:// www.vatc.org/administration/RFPannouncement/.

Copies of the Request for Proposal #VTC 17-058 may be downloaded from the VTC website at http://www.vatc.org/uploadedFiles/ Administration/About/Administration_and_ Finance/Publications2018RFP.pdf. All inquiries regarding the RFP should be sent via email to PublicationsRFP2018@virginia.org or by contacting Ginny Griffin at (804) 545-5519.

Continued on next column

Commonwealth of Virginia Virginia Department of Transportation Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 500-BLW Exterior Renovations at the VDOT Central Highway Office Building located (1221 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219).

Documents are located at www.eva.virginia.gov and available from the individual indicated below.

Inquiries should be directed to: Brenda L. Williams at brenda.williams@vdot. virginia.gov, or (804)786-2777.

Proposals will be received in accordance with the information posted at www. eva.virginia.gov until 2:00 P.M. local time on March 17, 2017.

CarMax Auto Superstores Services, Inc.

in Richmond, VA Seeks Lead Software Developer to develop, implement, maintain, and support software solutions.

Requirements Bachelor’s degree + 5yrs exp.; To apply visit http://jobs.carmax.com, Req. ID 7343.

Digital Content DireCtor WWBT seeks Digital Content Director to oversee the station’s digital content operations online, on mobile and on social platforms. This position reports directly to the General Manager. The Digital Content Director will lead a digital content team and work in conjunction with the newsroom to ensure timely, comprehensive and engaging content is published to all digital, mobile and social platforms. The ideal applicant will have experience in a working newsroom, a strong passion and aptitude for writing and journalism, managing others, and an advanced understanding of social media functions and audiences. Apply on line at https://careers-raycommedia.icims.com. Drug Screen and MVR check required. EOE M/F/D/V

Communications Instructor (Position #FO190) (J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA) Master’s degree in speech, speech broadcasting, telecommunications, rhetoric, communication, communication studies, speech communication, or organizational communication; drama/theater arts; mass communications or related field. The selected candidate must be able to pass the college’s pre-employment security screening.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, ninemonth teaching faculty ranked appointment. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant. Salary range: $31,876-$102,279.

Approximate maximum hiring salary: $64,516.

Additional information is available at the College’s website: www.reynolds.edu.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin March 23, 2017, and will be accepted until the position is filled.

AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/ AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/ Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following positions: Administrative Project Analyst 03M00000060 Richmond Public Library Apply by 02/19/17 Communications Officer 87M00000023 Department of Emergency Communications Apply by 02/26/17 Contract Specialist – Procurement Services 84M00000023 Department of Procurement Apply by 02/19/17 Director of Economic & Community Development 36M00000010 Department of Economic Development Open Until Filled Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities 30M00000013 Department of Parks & Recreation Open Until Filled

Mortgage Banking

Post Closing sPeCialist

VHDA is seeking qualified applicants with experience in mortgage lending and closing/title requirements. Candidates will review mortgage loan documentation to ensure proper lien perfection, as well as insuring guarantees. Candidates must be fully versed in the requirements as set forth by FHA, VA, RD and Private Mortgage Insurance. Additionally, VHDA loan program knowledge is necessary. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential. Several years of mortgage loan experience is required.

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. Interested persons must submit a resume and cover letter stating salary requirements, online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE This position closes at midnight on Thursday, February 16, 2017.

Hiring range - $40,257 – 52,332 Background and credit checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

DRIVERS: Regional & OTR. ExcEllEnt Pay + RidER PRogRam.

Family Medical/Dental Benefits. great Hometime + Weekends.

CDL-A, 1 yr. EXP.

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RideRship suRveyoR

877-758-3905

Part-Time: 20 - 29 hours per week Pay Rate: $12.00 Closes: February 13, 2017

The Richmond Free Press is seeking a reliable and creative person for a part-time graphics position. Enthusiastic individual must be proficient in Macintosh Creative Suite Design software (Indesign and Photoshop) to produce accurate, high quality camera-ready advertisements and news page layouts for print production.

Duties will include weekly website maintenance. Meticulous attention to details.

Ability to be flexible and work under deadline cooperatively in a team environment is essential. Submit resumé and samples of work to address: Human Resources, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, Virginia 23261. No phone calls please.

GRTC Transit System in Richmond, Virginia seeks a motivated individual, at least 21 years of age, for a part-time Surveyor position to assist in route development and service delivery enhancements. This position is responsible for conducting bus surveys and the recording and reporting of ridership activity. The ideal candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. A valid driver’s license required. The successful candidate will have excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate with the public. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. The ability to perform basic math computations is required. Candidates may apply online at www. ridegrtc.com. A pre-employment drug screening will be required. GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

Executive Assistant III – Retirement 18M00000003 Retirement Apply by 02/19/17 HEM Surveillance Officer 15M00000204 Department of Justice Services Apply by 02/19/17 Maintenance Worker II 30M00000581 Department of Parks and Recreation Apply by 02/19/17 Power Line Technician I – (High Voltage Journeyman) – Street & Lights Unit 35M00000242 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 03/05/17 Power Line Technician II – Ops Division Street Lights Section 35M00000568 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 03/05/17 Power Line Technician Supervisor – Night Shift 35M00000573 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 03/05/17 Revenue Manager – Audit Unit 25M00000096 Department of Finance Apply by 02/19/17 Systems Developer – Primary Developer 20M00000027 Department of Information Technology Apply by 02/19/17 Utility Operations Supervisor – Wastewater Division 35M00000387 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 02/19/17 ****************** For an exciting career with the City of Richmond, visit our website for additional information and apply today! www.richmondgov.com EOE M/F/D/V

Richmond Free Press

February 9-11, 2017

B7

Sports Plus

International player making a difference for the Rams Considering its notable track record with global recruiting, the “U” in VCU might stand for “Universal.”

Egyptian native Ahmed HamdyMohamed is the current international athlete making a difference for the Rams.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound senior from Egypt’s port city of Alexandria has made his mark as a scorer, rebounder and inside defender coming off the bench for Virginia Commonwealth University Coach Will Wade.

In six games from Jan. 11 to Feb. 1, Hamdy-Mohamed averaged 10 points and seven rebounds while hitting 19 of 33 mostly power inside shots (58 percent) from the field.

Hamdy-Mohamed enjoyed doubledoubles against Davidson University (13 points, 10 rebounds) on Jan. 14 and LaSalle University (13 points and 11 rebounds) on Jan. 22.

He narrowly missed a third doubledouble with 12 points and eight rebounds in the Rams’ pivotal 73-68 victory Jan. 27 over the University of Dayton.

The Rams iminternational import. proved to 18-5 overall Promising freshman and a league-leading Marquell Fraser 8-2 in the Atlantic hails from Hamilton, 10 Conference folOntario. lowing VCU’s 88-77 Here is a review overtime win at St. of some international Bonaventure Uniathletes who left their versity on Saturday, mark on VCU: Feb. 4.

• Martin Henlan Hamdy-Mohamed (from England, 1987transferred to VCU 1990): The 6-foot-10 last year from Lee Brit was a two-year College, a two-year starter under Coach school in Baytown, Mike Pollio; set the Texas. He is among rebounding record at Ahmed Hamdy-Mohamed the few Egyptians the Hoosier Classic. playing NCAA Division I basketball.

• Yann Bonato (France, 1991): Another Egyptian of note is 7-foot Anas Never clicked with Coach Sonny Smith, Mahmoud, a leading shot blocker at but went on to play for France in the University of Louisville.

2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

The lone Egyptian to play in the • Konstantin Pepeliaev (Soviet NBA was Alaa Abdelnaby (1990-1994) Union, 1991-1993): Tallest ever Ram at following a collegiate career at Duke 7-foot-2; later coached girls basketball University. at Steward School.

Hamdy-Mohamed is the Rams’ first • Eugene Kissourine (Russia, Egyptian player, but far from its first 1992-1993): Averaged six points

Rematch Saturday, Feb. 11 Virginia Commonwealth University takes on Davidson College at the Siegel Center in Richmond. Tipoff: 8 p.m. Game to be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.

Davidson defeated the Rams 6963 on Jan. 14 in North Carolina.

and six rebounds as a junior but, mysteriously, didn’t return for his senior season.

• Sherman Hamilton (Canada, 1995-1997): Point guard on the Rams’ 1996 CAA championship squad; later played for Canada in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

• Patrick Kodjoe (Germany, 19972000): Played under Coach Smith; brother of VCU Hall of Fame tennis player Boris Kodjoe.

• Reggie Okosa (Nigeria, 19982000): Had two solid seasons as a Ram before transferring to LaSalle University.

• L.F. Likcholitov (Russia, 1998-

2002): The 6-foot-11 southpaw had a career total of 211 blocked shots. For the 2000-2001 season, Likcholitov was joined on the Rams roster by fellow Russians Alexander Shtam, Kontantin Nesterov and Denis Orlov.

• Nick George (England, 20022006): Tallied 1,546 career points and helped the Rams win the 2004 CAA title under Coach Jeff Capel III. • Wil Fameni (Cameroon, 20062008): After transferring from Arizona State, he was the Rams’ center on the team that upset Duke University in the 2007 NCAAs under Coach Anthony Grant.

• Franck Ndongo (Cameroon, 2006-2009): During his career with the Rams, he arranged for sister Christelle to come to Richmond; Christelle played at St. Catherine’s under ex-Ram great Edmund Sherod.

• Kirill Pishchalnikov (Russia, 2007-2010): Under Coach Shaka Smart, he helped the Rams to two CAA titles and played in the NCAAs against UCLA.

VUU’s Jayda Luckie moves into the limelight Jayda Luckie has evolved In 15 games as a Panthers’ from a part-time to primebackup, she averaged 8.3 time player at Virginia Union minutes and 3.4 points per University. game.

You may not have noticed her VUU went on to post a 28-3 a season ago. But you can’t help record, claim the CIAA and Atbut notice her this year. lantic Region titles, and advance The fleet 5-foot-9 junior to the NCAA quarterfinals. guard is one of several talented “I really didn’t mind not newcomers to the spotlight playing much last year,” Luckie who has helped pace VUU to said. “When I got here, the team an 18-1 record overall and 9-1 was already set.”

CIAA record.

VUU was especially “set” “Jayda has been a blessing,” in the back court with NCAA said Panthers Coach AnnMarie Player of the Year Kiana JohnGilbert. “She didn’t play a lot son averaging some 38 minutes Jayda Luckie last season but we always knew per game. there was a lot (of talent) in her.

Luckie’s year in waiting has been re“We’re excited about what she will do for warded. us the rest of this year, and looking ahead to When opportunity knocked, the criminal jusnext season.” tice major didn’t hesitate to turn on the power in Luckie, a military brat, grew up in Norfolk her distinctive No. 0 maroon and steel jersey. and starred at Maury High School, where she In about 25 minutes per game, she is averaging scored more than 1,000 points and led the Com- 13.8 points, while hitting 53 percent (91-187) modores to the Eastern District title. from the floor, third best in the CIAA. After a season and a half at NCAA Division She has posted totals of 28 points against I University of North Carolina-Greensboro, she Livingstone College, 26 against Roberts Westransferred to VUU last December. leyan College, 22 against Lincoln University,

Postseason promise for Lady Panthers

Lady Panthers Coach AnnMarie Gilbert says efforts are being made to bring the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional back to Barco-Stevens Hall in mid-March.

Playing in friendly surroundings on campus, VUU rolled to three straight victories a year ago in regional play.

The Division II Elite Eight will be March 21 through 24 at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio.

The Lady Panthers improved to 19-1 overall and 10-1 in the CIAA following a 6753 victory over visiting Johnson C. Smith University on Feb. 1. VUU is a clear favorite to repeat as CIAA champion Feb. 21 through 25 in Charlotte, N.C.

20 against Mount Olive College, 18 against St. Augustine’s University and 17 against Virginia State University.

“Jayda gets good shots,” said Coach Gilbert.

“She can put in on the floor and shoot the three (39 percent) if she needs to.”

Her aggressive style with the ball often leads

Employment Opportunities

to being fouled. Second-most fouled on the team behind Brittany Jackson, Luckie is hitting 73 percent (63-86) of her free throws.

Defensively, she uses her long arms and quickness to spearhead a relentless VUU press that forces an average of 20 turnovers.

Transfer players with Division I backgrounds have made a huge difference for the Panthers.

In addition to Luckie, VUU’s transfer list features: • Jackson (Georgia Tech): She leads the team with 17.9 points per game; a CIAA Player of the Year candidate.

• Alexis Johnson (Towson State University): Averages 10.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

• Rejoice Spivey (North Carolina A&T State University): She the assists leader with 93.

• Rachael Pecota (Northeastern University): Averages 5.7 points and 4.4 rebounds off the bench.

“There are some websites that have information about transfers,” said Coach Gilbert. “We look at that and do our research.

“It’s always something of a gamble to bring on a transfer. But in our case we’ve been lucky,” she said.

That can also be spelled “Luckie.”

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BUS CLEANER

Starting Wage: $10.97 per hour Closes: February12, 2017 GRTC seeks qualified candidates at least 21 years of age with a high school education to perform general cleaning duties, to include the interior and exterior of our buses. The position is part-time, 29 hours per week: Monday – Thursday 8:00AM to 2:30PM, Friday 8:00AM to 1:30PM. Candidates must pass a background check and pre-employment drug test. Those interested in the position may apply online at www.ridegrtc.com.

We can make a di That is, if we vote daily with our

We urge our readers to think in e to use the advertising columns o guide when making purchases a

GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

Credible corporations and gover place advertising in the columns are sending the message that the patronage and respect us as cust

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Body Shop Mechanic

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$18.64 per hour After 120 days: $19.74 per hour

Our family of more than 130,000 Fr

Open Until Filled GRTC Transit System seeks skilled candidates, at least 21 years of age, who have vehicle body repair aptitude and a strong work ethic. High school diploma required. Works hours vary Monday-Friday, 5:30AM-2:00PM and Monday Friday 7:00AM – 3:30PM. Qualified candidates must obtain a valid CDL Learner’s permit Class B with a P Endorsement and pass a background check and drug test prior to employment. GRTC offers excellent pay and outstanding benefits. Those interested can view a comprehensive job description and apply online at www.ridegrtc.com. GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

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Richmond Free Press

an equal opportunity/affirmative action university

B8 February 9-11, 2017

As a team, we play for the name on the front of our jersey, not the back. And the support we receive from donors, alumni and fans is critical to our success. The new practice facility made me not only a better player but also a better student. VCU is my shot, not just for basketball, but to open as many doors as I can for myself.

My name is Mo Alie-Cox.

Make your impact at campaign.vcu.edu.