Richmond Free Press February 21-23, 2019 Edition

Richmond Free Press © 2019 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 28 NO. 8

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Jussie Smollett attack staged? B2 | Jaaber family legacy on court B6

February 21-23, 2019

Case closed on Richmond 34

Criminal records from the Feb. 22, 1960, arrests of 34 VUU students protesting racial segregation at a Downtown department store will be expunged Friday, 59 years later

By Reginald Stuart

The students from Virginia Union University walked enthusiastically with pride, determination, respect and self confidence.

Block by block down Lombardy Street to Broad Street they walked — young men dressed in shirts and ties and young ladies wearing dresses and heels.

Like Anderson “A.J.” Franklin, a young sociology student from Brooklyn, N.Y., and Elizabeth Johnson, a biology major from Richmond, the students enthusiastically headed to Thalhimer’s department store in Downtown to picket the store and head inside to sit-in in defiance of its whites-only lunch counter and dining room policy. As they marched, they had no idea they were helping write a new chapter in American history.

Within a few hours, Dr. Franklin, Ms. Johnson and 32 Ms. Johnson Rice of their classmates Dr. Franklin had been arrested by Richmond Police, booked, fingerprinted and released on trespassing charges. Unknown to Mr. Franklin and his cohorts, their bail had been posted by hundreds of people in the community who tossed in $1, $5, $10 and more.

Dr. Franklin recalled that the late Dr. Allix B. James, then vice president at VUU, put his house up as collateral to help raise bail money for the students, who became known as the Richmond 34.

On Friday, 59 years to the day since their historic protest on Feb. 22, 1960, the stage is set for finally closing this chapter from the past. With the help of the Richmond NAACP and local legal experts, officials plan to wipe the former students’ arrest records clean.

For sure the VUU students went to trial on misdemeanor trespassing charges brought by Richmond Police. The 34 were convicted by a Richmond court and each fined between $20 and $30, said Birdie H. Jamison, a former Richmond General District Court judge who is spearheading the record expungement effort as chair of the Richmond NAACP Legal Redress Committee.

Even after a round of appeals, their convictions were upheld in 1961 by the Virginia Supreme Court. But when their case Please turn to A4

Photo courtesy of Dr. Anderson J. Franklin

Richmond Police try to move Virginia Union University students out of The Richmond Room restaurant in Thalhimer’s department store in Downtown where they refused to leave, protesting the whites-only policy for service. Dr. A.J. Franklin is the student at center wearing the raincoat that is slightly open.

City’s financial forecast projects deficits — even without a new Coliseum

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Prospects that Mayor Levar M. Stoney will advance his grand plan to replace the now closed Richmond Coliseum to City Council appear to be dimming.

Since November, the plan has remained in limbo, and City Hall remains

mum on the plan’s future.

However, a new five-year financial forecast sent by the Stoney administration to City Council on Jan. 28 suggests that the city cannot afford to make construction of a new 17,500-seat arena its No. 1 priority.

That forecast projects that city operations expenditures would outstrip revenues

by $8 million to $15 million a year beginning July 1 through the 2023-24 fiscal year that will end June 30, 2024.

For example, the forecast suggests the city would take in $720.4 million in revenue in fiscal 2019-20, but face expenditures of Please turn to A4

Superintendent Jason Kamras reviews his first year on job

By Ronald E. Carrington

Clement Britt

Richmond Superintendent Jason Kamras finishes a recent day visiting 12 schools by watching a student work on a laptop at Barack Obama Elementary School.

When Jason Kamras placed his hand on his late grandfather’s Torah and was sworn in as Richmond’s new public schools superintendent on Feb. 1, 2018, he was not totally aware of the depth of challenges ahead of him.

The 2005 National Teacher of the Year, his wife, Miwa, and two young sons, Ezra, 8, and Akiva, 6, were excited to move to Richmond from Washington, where Mr. Kamras had been a star in that public school district and an education adviser to former President Barack Obama.

Since taking the helm of Richmond Public Schools, Mr. Kamras has been faced with major accreditation issues for the city’s 44 schools, poor student performance and a city government grappling with how to fund renovation or replacement for dilapidated, crumbling school buildings.

Over the course his first year in Richmond, Mr. Kamras has worked with the School Board and the community to produce Dreams4RPS, the school system’s 2018-2023 strategic plan; completed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Virginia Department of Education in an effort to have more schools

Who should investigate allegations against Fairfax?

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax continues to preside over the state Senate despite the continuing ferment over decades-old sexual assault claims two women have publicly leveled against him.

He has denied both accusations.

As the Virginia General Assembly heads toward adjournment this week, one big uncertainty remains over the role the legislature should play in dealing with the allegations.

The Republican majority in the House of Delegates appears to be seeking a public shaming Lt. Gov. of Mr. Fairfax in pushing a plan to hold a hearing to allow the two women to repeat their charges.

The Democratic minority in the House is rejecting that idea and, instead, urging a quieter approach of allowing authorities in Massachusetts and North Carolina, where the alleged assaults took place, to conduct probes.

The issue is bubbling as Mr. Fairfax becomes the central figure among a trio of top state officials whose reputations have been tarnished in recent weeks, but who have refused to leave office in the wake of uproars over past behavior.

That includes Gov. Ralph S. Northam and Attorney General Mark R. Herring, both Democrats, who have faced controversy over wearing blackface in the 1980s.

Gov. Northam has promised to promote racial reconciliation after withstanding a torrent of criticism following the Feb. 1 release of his page in a

1984 Virginia medical school yearbook containing a photo of two people, one in blackface and the other in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood.

The governor first apologized for the photo and then denied being one of the two people.

However, he acknowledged wearing blackface in 1984 to compete as pop star Michael Jackson in a dance competition in San Antonio, Texas, when he was serving in the Army Medical Corps.

Gov. Northam, who Wednesday evening bowed to a student government request not to attend a Thursday chapel event at Virginia Union University, remains the subject of public demonstrations calling for his Fairfax resignation, including one on Monday and one scheduled for this Saturday.

Mr. Herring, who publicly admitted to wearing blackface as a 19-year-old University of Virginia student to attend a party dressed like Please turn to A4

Ava Reaves

Creating his own fun Carter Powers, 4, puts his creative powers to use last Saturday during the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ ChinaFest: Year of the Earth Pig celebration for the lunar new year. Please see more photos, B3.

become accredited; engaged the community in helping to clean up deteriorated schools through RPS Shines!; and has hired new leadership to work with the community to narrow gaps in academic achievement and social justice that plagued previous administrations.

Although Mr. Kamras couldn’t give himself a grade for the first year, he said, “We (RPS) must confront all of our challenges and be honest about them. Name them and deal with them, and then you move on. That is what we have been trying to do.”

He said he also has plans to “kick off the discussion on rezoning and RPS’ complete inventory of facilities, whether it is closing or consolidating facilities,” as well as examining non-instructional facilities.

With some challenges behind him and others looming, the Free Press sat down with Mr. Kamras after a busy day of visiting schools to get his views on his first year in Richmond.

RFP: What are your major first year accomplishments?

Mr. Kamras: There are three big things I am excited about. First and foremost, our strategic plan, Dreams4RPS. It is not my plan. It is not the board’s plan. It is really our plan — the city’s plan, the community’s plan. We had more than 3,000 people participating in more than 170 meetings to debate the future of RPS. I am extremely proud we have this incredible map for the future, which truly reflects our children’s and our families’ dreams. The administration has a budget proposal for the strategic plan estimated at $150 million over five years. I shared that with the School Board

Please turn to A4

Va. NAACP facing takeover by national?

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Is the national NAACP about to take control of the Virginia State Conference of the civil rights group based on member complaints?

So far, the national office has declined to comment on any action concerning the Virginia NAACP that was authorized at the Feb. 16 national board meeting in New York.

The Rev. Kevin L. Chandler, state NAACP president, told the Free Press on Monday that “I have not heard anything” of the national taking a

Related story on A2 supervisory role or of any change in his status.

However, the Free Press has been told that Jonathan McKinney, the NAACP Mid-Atlantic

field director, held a conference call Feb. 2 with the state executive committee and disclosed that he was planning to recommend that the Virginia unit be placed under supervision based on allegations of mismanagement.

What that would mean is uncertain.

In response to a Free Press query Tuesday, Please turn to A4

A2 February 21-23, 2019

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Duncan chosen to lead RRHA

The board of the Richmond Redevelopment and HousingAuthority on Wednesday tapped Damon E. Duncan as the new chief executive officer as the agency continues to struggle to keep the heat on in a small portion of its nearly 4,000 public housing units.

Mr. Duncan, who is expected to begin work by April, has served for seven years as the chief executive officer of the housing authority in Elgin, Ill., a city of about 112,000 residents located 35 miles northwest of Chicago.

As of Feb. 15, RRHA reported that 15 apartments have no heat because of boiler-related issues, while 42 other units have only partial heat.

Space heaters have been distributed to affected families, RRHA stated, but RRHA officials did not provide any indication of when the heating issues that have persisted all winter would be resolved. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Judges continuing family tradition on local courts

Judge Randall G. Johnson Jr. is going to become a circuit court judge like his late father.

And Brice E. Lambert also is headed to the bench where he will continue a family tradition of judicial service.

Both are among the judges the General Assembly elected Feb. 14 to fill vacancies.

Judge Johnson, currently chief judge of the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court where he has served since 2012, will move to a seat on the Henrico Circuit Court on July 1.

His late father, Judge Randall G. Johnson, was a respected circuit court judge in Richmond before his death in August 2006.

Mr. Lambert was elected to the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and is to start on July 1 as well. He will serve in the same court in which his late father, Leonard W. Lambert Sr., made history in1973 with his appointment as a substitute judge.

At the time, Leonard Lambert was the first African-American judge in Richmond, though he spent most of his legal career representing clients in his private law practice before his death in November 2015.

His daughter, Linda Y. Lambert, is currently a substitute judge for the city’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

She and her brother have continued their father’s legal legacy through their practices at the Lambert & Associates law firm on North 23rd Street in Church Hill. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

SNAP benefits to be available March 1 All food stamp recipients in Richmond and across the state will receive March benefits on March 1, the state Department of Social Services has announced.

The move temporarily suspends the practice of staggering the release of SNAP benefits, the agency stated in a news release issued Tuesday.

Toni Blue Washington, who heads the state social services department’s benefit programs, stated that the goal is “to help close the gap for clients who have been stretching benefits since mid-January as a result of the early release of February benefits during the partial federal government shutdown.”

DSS understands “the challenges individuals and families have been facing, and wants to ensure relief for Virginians who rely” on food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Ms. Washington stated.

The staggered release of benefits will resume in April.

Details or questions: (855) 635-4370 or 211 or www.211virginia.org.

‘March on the Mansion’ slated for Saturday at Capitol Five state and national groups will host a public rally and march this weekend to continue to press Gov. Ralph S. Northam to resign in the wake of his blackface scandal.

The “March on the Mansion” will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, with a rally at the State Capitol followed by a march to the nearby Executive Mansion, where the governor lives, it has been announced.

The event will feature speeches from representatives of the five groups, including the Rev. William Avon Keen, president of the Virginia Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the Rev. Kevin L. Chandler, president of the Virginia State Conference NAACP. Other scheduled speakers are the Rev. Dean Nelson, chairman of the faith-based Douglass Leadership Institute in Greenbelt, Md.; Catherine Davis, founder and president of The Restoration Project, an Atlanta-based anti-abortion group; and Elaine Reddick, founder, chair and executive director of the Rebecca Project for Justice, a Marietta, Ga., -based group that fights sex trafficking and violence against women.

Details: Dee Dee Bass Wilbon, (703) 888-9421, or Andrew Shannon, (757) 877-0792 or (757) 218-8157.

VCU to host panel on blackface and racism Feb. 25

Blackface and racism will be the focus of a panel discussion at Virginia Commonwealth University from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 25, it has been announced.

Richmond area journalists and VCU faculty are to participate in the program, “Blackface, the Scandal and the Media: A Discussion About Racism in Virginia.”

Location: VCU’s University Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave. Dr. Clarence Thomas, VCU associate professor of broadcast journalism, will moderate the panel, which is to include Michael Paul Williams, a Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist; Samantha Willis, a freelance editor and writer who has contributed to the Richmond Free Press; Mechelle Hankerson, a reporter for the Virginia Mercury; and Jeff South, VCU associate professor of journalism.

The event is open to the public without charge.

The program is sponsored by the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture.

Details: Brian McNeill, (804) 827-0889 or bwmcneil@vcu.edu.

Black history program Feb. 28 at MLK Middle School

Students and staff of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School will host a public Black History Month program 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 28, it has been announced.

The program will include skits, poetry, dancing and a portrayal of current events, according to Kim Taylor, a teacher coordinating the event at the school, 1000 Mosby St. in the East End. Details: Ms. Taylor, (804) 615-2686 or kimsidant@aol.com.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Work is underway at 9th and Broad streets on a new 15-story office building for members of the General Assembly. The previous General Assembly Building, as it was called, was torn down last year, with only the historic 1912 façade saved for incorporation into the new building. The façade is being held in place with metal scaffolding. The new building is expected to be completed in 2021. About $300 million is being invested in the new construction and in the renovation of Old City Hall, seen in the background. For now, General Assembly members have offices in temporary quarters in the Pocahontas Building on Main Street.

School Board defers vote on cutting 49 jobs

By Ronald E. Carrington

The Richmond School Board postponed voting Tuesday night on Superintendent Jason Kamras’ proposed $300 million operating budget after the board became mired in confusion and chaos.

Mr. Kamras’ plan includes slashing $13 million from the budget, targeting for elimination about 49 of the roughly 250 jobs in the Richmond Public Schools’ central office. Officials have not released what specific jobs would be cut, which also led to claims by some board members Tuesday night of a lack transparency on the part of the schools administration.

The meeting was packed with RPS teachers, staff, parents and school system supporters who were unhappy with the planned cuts and the lack of transparency.

Seventeen speakers told the board more money is needed to beef up programs and instruction in Richmond schools, rather

than cuts. They called for more support for the MathScience Innovation Center, more thorough vetting of the impact of cutting any teachers’ jobs and reconsideration of extending the current school year by a week from June 12 to June 19 to meet the state required instructional days.

“Reorganization of departments and their critical functions should be discussed by the board in open session,” said Kevin Starlings, an RPS parent and chairman of the Operation Make a Difference Foundation.

“We want to know why these cuts are being made to save money while creating new positions with larger salaries when our students are low on resources,” he said.

School Board members Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, and Jonathan Young, 4th District, said specifics about which jobs will be cut should be discussed in open session, rather than in executive sessions that are closed to the public.

However, the board’s legal counsel said open

discussions about job cuts would violate the privacy laws and RPS’ personnel policy.

Ms. Gibson’s motion to open the discussions was shot down.

School Board member Felicia Cosby, 6th District, requested a delay on the budget vote to give the board a more detailed view of the school district’s needs.

“We have to think very carefully because these cuts could potentially have very longreaching and long-lasting implications,” Ms. Cosby said.

Unfortunately, there was confusion on the motion to postpone the vote when board member Cheryl L. Burke, who was participating in the meeting by phone from Dubai where it was 4 a.m. Wednesday, wanted to vote for budget approval, but instead, mistakenly voted to defer the vote.

The vote stood after a motion to rescind the deferral failed to pass.

The board will meet again on Monday, Feb. 25.

Authority of Virginia State Bar to discipline lawyers challenged

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Veteran Richmond area attorney Rhetta M. Daniel is challenging the authority of the Virginia State Bar to consider misconduct charges against lawyers in a filing that, if upheld, could undermine decisions in hundreds of previous cases.

Her attorney, Henry E. Howell III, issued the challenge in a memo filed with the State Bar ahead of a scheduled hearing Thursday on the 74-year-old lawyer’s alleged violations of rules governing attorneys.

Mr. Howell wrote that the General Assembly has never authorized the State Bar or its disciplinary board “to impose any penalties on a licensed attorney for professional misconduct and certainly not

license revocation. …

“The only authority that the General Assembly has granted to the Virginia State Bar is the authority to investigate and report attorney misconduct,” Mr. Howell wrote on behalf his Ms. Daniel, whose 42-yearcareer includes stints as a deputy commonwealth’s attorney in Henrico County and as one of the State Bar attorneys who handled discipline cases.

In response, lawyers for the State Bar argue that the disciplinary board has been granted its authority to hear and decide misconduct cases by the state Supreme Court. The bar’s lawyers also argue that Ms. Daniel’s filing should be dismissed as being submitted too late.

However, Mr. Howell notes that the

state’s highest court does not appear to have any legal authority to grant the State Bar and its disciplinary board such authority based on the current statutes.

His memo notes that the State Bar, to which all attorneys must belong to practice law in Virginia, is not a court or a corporation and has not received General Assembly recognition as a state agency.

He notes that the State Bar is only authorized to act as an administrative agency of the Virginia Supreme Court.

He argues that it is “a private entity, not a governmental entity” and thus lacks the power to “impose any penalties on a licensed attorney.”

The issue is considered likely to require a decision from the state Supreme Court.

National NAACP board suspends Henrico Branch president for 2 years

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Frank J. Thornton, former president of the Henrico Branch NAACP, has had his membership in the civil rights group suspended for two years.

The national NAACP imposed the suspension on Feb. 16 during its quarterly board meeting in New York.

Mr. Thornton, the son of a longtime member of the Henrico Board of Supervisors, claims the action violated basic due process because he was blocked from appearing at the meeting and defending himself.

The board acted on a recommendation from its membership committee, which met Feb. 15 to consider the one-year suspension and removal from office imposed on Mr. Thornton on Dec. 17 by national NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and then recommended the second year.

Mr. Thornton had appealed Mr. Johnson’s action, alleging that it violated the NAACP’s bylaws. He said the committee kept him from appearing by refusing to provide him with information on the time, date and location of the meeting.

“I never received any notice that the meeting was to be held, another form of disenfranchisement,” he said.

Mr. Thornton said he traveled to New York still hoping to appear, but learned after he arrived that the committee had already met and dealt with his case and that he would not be allowed to appear before

the full board, which rubber-stamped the committee’s recommendation.

Malik Russell, national NAACP spokesman, did not respond to a request for comment.

Mr. Thornton provided the Free Press with copies of several emails he had sent to the national staff seeking information on the membership committee meeting. He said he never received a response.

The suspension is based on a complaint signed by at least 20 members of the Henrico Branch and submitted last April to the national office alleging that Mr. Thornton, since taking office in January 2017, had withdrawn about $1,900 in branch funds in eight transactions that were not properly authorized as required by the bylaws.

Mr. Thornton, 49, an adjunct professor at Virginia Union University, has called the allegations false.

The Free Press obtained Mr. Thornton’s response to the complaint that included copies of receipts and justifications for all of the expenditures. They ranged from the rental of space for a branch event to the purchase of ink for a printer used to create programs and other items for the branch.

The evidence also included the January 2018 minutes of the Henrico Branch’s executive committee, which state that a vote was taken to authorize the most controversial payment, $1,000 to reimburse Mr. Thornton for his expenses for representing the branch at the NAACP’s 2017 national

convention in Baltimore.

Two key branch officers who were involved in orchestrating the complaint, secretary Tracey Johnston and treasurer Gale Jones, have declined to comment on instructions from the national office.

Mr. Thornton said he is weighing his options, but could drop the matter given the national NAACP’s decision to act without considering his evidence.

“I don’t want to spend a whole lot of energy on this. This whole process has been a kangaroo court that makes no plausible sense at all,” he said.

He said the record would show that he re-invigorated the Henrico Branch since his election in 2016 to the volunteer position.

Along with recruiting new members and increasing fundraising, he said the branch became more active in the areas of public education, student discipline and health policy under his tenure.

“I don’t need a title to continue doing what I have been doing for the citizens of this community,” he said. “Those who have interacted with me know what I have done.”

Since Mr. Thornton was suspended in December, Vice President Sharon Glover has been serving as acting president of the Henrico Branch.

While there has been no public announcement, the Free Press has been told the branch is to hold new elections for officers at its Tuesday, March 5, meeting.

Richmond Free Press

February 21-23, 2019

A3

Local News

No holiday for justice as protesters hold March of Reckoning

By Caitlin Morris and Rosemarie O’Connor Capital News Service

Banks and schools may have been closed Monday, but around 50 political activists descended on Bank Street and went to work protesting against Gov. Ralph S. Northam and other elected officials.

The “March of Reckoning” began in Monroe Park with friction and ended in a showdown at the State Capitol.

Protesters called for the resignations of Gov. Ralph S. Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and Attorney General Mark R. Herring, all Democrats, and Republican state Sen. Tommy Norment of James City County, the Senate majority leader.

Gov. Northam came under fire earlier this month after a photo surfaced of his 1984 medical school yearbook page that featured a man in blackface

and another in a KKK hood and robe. Gov. Northam apologized at first, without saying which person in the photo was him.

He then later denied that he was in the photo, but admitted that he wore blackface to compete as Michael Jackson in a dance contest in Texas later in 1984.

Mr. Herring was among the many officials who called for Gov. Northam’s resignation.

But days later, Mr. Herring revealed he had worn blackface to portray a rapper at a college party in 1980.

The revelations led many across the state to dig through college yearbooks, peering into the pasts of numerous government officials. It was found that Sen. Norment was an editor of Virginia Military Institute’s yearbook when it published numerous racist images and language.

As the blackface scandal erupted, two women accused Lt.

Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Protesters head down Franklin Street to the State Capitol during Monday’s March of Reckoning calling for the resignation of the state’s top three elected officials and a halt to Dominion Energy’s natural gas pipeline and compressor station in the historically African-American community of Union Hill in Buckingham County.

Gov. Fairfax of sexual assault in 2000 and 2004, while he was in college and law school. The

lieutenant governor has denied the allegations, saying that both sexual encounters were

Gore, Barber decry environmental racism in Va. Associated Press

UNION HILL Former Vice President Al Gore urged residents of a historic African-American community in Buckingham County on Tuesday to continue their fight against a plan to build a natural gas pipeline compressor station in their community.

Mr. Gore and social justice advocate the Rev. William J. Barber II met with residents of Union Hill, a rural community about 70 miles west of Richmond that was founded by emancipated slaves after the Civil War. The visit by Mr. Gore and Rev. Barber — part of an environmental justice tour — came weeks after a racial scandal rocked state government when both Gov. Ralph S. Northam and Attorney General Mark R. Herring acknowledged wearing blackface in the 1980s.

Mr. Gore told residents that the proposal to build the compressor station in the African-American community is a “vivid example of environmental racism.”

“This proposed pipeline is a reckless,

racist rip-off,” Mr. Gore said.

He said Gov. Northam should fulfill his promise for racial reconciliation by opposing the pipeline project.

“This is an ideal opportunity for him to say, ‘I’ve seen the light,’ ” Mr. Gore said.

During a raucous meeting before more than 700 people at Buckingham Middle School, Rev. Barber said Dominion Energy, the lead developer of the pipeline, is “practicing sin” by proposing to build the compressor station in Union Hill.

“I want to say tonight that any governor or legislator, Democrat or Republican ... that has chosen Dominion over this community is scandalous,” Rev. Barber said.

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline would run 600 miles and carry fracked natural gas from West Virginia into Virginia and North Carolina.

Opponents are concerned that exhaust from the 54,000-horsepower compressor station would hurt low-income and elderly residents living in Union Hill. Supporters say it will boost development.

Dominion Energy, Virginia’s most pow-

erful corporation, has said it chose Union Hill for the compressor station because the community had enough land for sale and it intersects with an existing pipeline.

With a current price tag of more than $7 billion, the pipeline recently has suffered significant legal setbacks, including a 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling throwing out a permit for the pipeline to cross two national forests, including parts of the Appalachian Trail. Dominion has suspended all project construction and said it plans to appeal the ruling.

Michelle Ford, a 47-year-old trainer and instructor for the state Department of Corrections who has lived in Union Hill her whole life, said she is not happy about the compressor station but she can see some economic benefits from the project, including job opportunities in the rural area.

“Nobody is saying, ‘Yes, we want it, hooray.’ What we’re saying is, ‘If it is going to come, what can Dominion do for the Union Hill community?’ ” Ms. T:11” Ford said.

consensual.

“Virginia’s on fire and the whole world is watching,” Rebecca Keel of Justice RVA said during Monday’s protest.

Demonstrators including Travis Williams reminded the crowd that accusations of racism against the state’s top officials do not stem from just the blackface confessions, but include such policies and actions as support for the natural gas pipeline and compressor station that Dominion Energy is building in Union Hill, a historically African-American community in Buckingham County. Mr. Williams said Gov. Northam was a “major enabler” of the project.

“We don’t need to just think about the projection of ridicule and bigotry onto people and communities,” Mr. Williams said. “We also need to think about … negation, erasure, dehumanization, devaluing.

That’s what’s been going on in Union Hill.”

Police had a visible presence in Monroe Park, where the rally started. A Monroe Park Conservatory volunteer stepped in and asked protesters to stop blocking bike paths.

Tension continued to grow as protesters marched through the Virginia Commonwealth University campus and down Franklin Street toward the Capitol.

Marchers carried banners and signs while chanting, “No blackface, no pipeline, Northam must resign.” At times, the crowd moved against the flow of traffic and shut down multiple streets as they crossed.

The group paused at the Dominion Energy building in Downtown and voiced disdain for the company’s political influence on Gov. Northam and state lawmakers. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Gov. Northam has received almost $200,000 in campaign contributions from

the energy giant.

“Not only are governments supporting businesses that are completely harmful to the environment and exacerbating climate change, but it’s also the case of environmental racism,” said Vincent Mangano, a VCU freshman. “The people who are seeing these effects are primarily poor people of color.”

Chants grew louder as the group reached Capitol Square, where Capitol Police closed and locked gates to the grounds.

Protesters and members of the media were locked out, although protesters tried multiple gates before entering an hour-long standoff with police. After laying down signs and ending the chanting, protesters tried to enter the grounds as “citizens” but were still denied access.

The Capitol is open to visitors seven days a week.

“We’re being denied access just as people,” said Ms. Keel.

“We’re not in protest, we’ve made that abundantly clear.

Actually, all the protesters have left. We’re being denied our right to come and enjoy the Capitol grounds. I’m feeling extremely disappointed in the Capitol Police.”

Police said they couldn’t allow anyone to enter without a valid permit from the Department of General Services, which provides management for Capitol Square.

During the standoff, one protester slid under the gate and onto the grounds and laid down on her back, facing the officers above her.

Some demonstrators said they received different answers from Capitol Police officers regarding entering the grounds, leading to confusion.

March organizers eventually dispersed after being denied entry.

“We’re going to sue you tomorrow,” Ms. Keel told Capitol Police as she left.

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Richmond Free Press

A4 February 21-23, 2019

News

59 years later: VUU student protesters records expunged Continued from A1

reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1963, the nation’s highest court remanded the case back to Virginia for a new hearing.

On Oct. 28, 1965, Ms. Jamison said, all of the charges against the Richmond 34 were dismissed.

“Imagine, five years. Five years,” Ms. Jamison said.

Only no one realized until last year that their criminal records from challenging segregation had never been expunged from the public record.

Each person must individually go through a detailed paperwork process, including providing authorities a hard copy of their original arrest record, in seeking to wipe a record clean.

“We knew the case had been dismissed,” said Dr. Franklin, who went on to earn advanced degrees and is now eyeing retirement from Boston College where he is a professor of counseling psychology in the Lynch School of

Education and Human Development.

But last year, Dr. Franklin’s application for the Global Entry program for expedited processing for re-entry into the United States after international travel was rejected by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He learned because he still had an arrest record on file from the Feb. 22, 1960, demonstration at Thalhimer’s. No resolution of the case had been filed.

Dr. Franklin and Ms. Johnson, now Elizabeth Johnson Rice, an educator for more than 30 years and founder of the BPOS Foundation, Be Part of the Solution, Ms. Jamison and a small entourage of city officials will be heading to Chief Judge Joi Jeter Taylor’s courtroom Friday in Richmond Circuit Court for a special hearing to have their records expunged.

Before that, the Richmond 34 will be honored in the Virginia General Assembly with a joint resolution presented by Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn in the House chamber, and they will talk with current VUU students during a

panel discussion at 11 a.m. Friday at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center at VUU. The panel discussion is open to the public.

“It’s going to be a celebration and inspiration,” Ms. Jamison said.

Nearly half a dozen of the Richmond 34 have died, Ms. Johnson Rice said. The university and others have lost touch with several others.

Still, five of the 34, Dr. Franklin and Mrs. Johnson Rice among them, are to receive the General Assembly resolution, letters and a city proclamation declaring Feb. 22 the Richmond 34 Day to salute their efforts to peacefully tear down Richmond’s racial barriers from public eating places.

Acting Richmond Police Chief William C. Smith is to be present at the expungement hearing, along with Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving and Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring. Richmond lawyer Devika E. Davis is representing the former students in court.

Ms. Jamison said the Richmond Branch NAACP will continue to work with the Richmond 34 members or their survivors who are not able to participate on Friday.

“You have to go do x, y and z to get this done,” said Ms. Jamison, “You have to attach the original paper work and be fingerprinted,” she said.

Still, Ms. Jamison said, the exercise has been worth it.

“Everybody has been very supportive of the group,” she said.

Dr. Franklin said the discovery of his misdemeanor arrest record and absence of any notation of its dismissal causes him some concern.

“Any one of us could have lost an opportunity because we had a record,” he said, adding he understands that some employers simply remove candidates from consideration when a background check notes the applicant has been arrested.

Now, that will all be in the past. Case closed.

City’s forecast shows deficits — even without new Coliseum Continued from A1

$735.5 million in that fiscal year, for a shortfall of $15.1 million The forecast is based on the assumption that City Hall would provide a 1 percent annual pay increase for city employees and boost spending on public schools by $5 million a year, while also dealing with expected increases in debt costs and projected increases in benefit costs for City Hall employees, including retirement and health insurance.

The forecast did not include any assumptions of revenue and expenses involving the Coliseum plan. A consultant has indicated a new Coliseum could shift more than $19 million in increased real estate taxes away from the general fund in the first four fiscal years, 2019-20 to 2022-23, if it

is approved.

If the forecast is accurate — and the city has undermined previous pessimistic five-year forecasts by finishing recent years with a 1 to 2 percent surplus of unspent dollars — it could make it difficult for City Council to approve a proposal that would strip away increases in real estate taxes from a major chunk of Downtown to repay Coliseum debt.

The new Coliseum plan that Mayor Stoney rolled out in November on behalf Dominion Energy’s top executive, Thomas F. “Tom” Farrell II, and Navy Hill Development, a group Mr. Farrell has assembled, calls for borrowing $350 million to build the new arena and to handle other public aspects of the project, such as redoing Leigh and Clay streets and renovating the vacant Blues Armory.

To repay that debt, the mayor indicated that the city would need to use increases in real estate taxes that would be generated in 80 blocks of Downtown, including a 10-block project area around the Coliseum and City Hall. That includes increases in real estate tax from existing buildings, as well as the taxes to be generated from new private development that Navy Hill Development is projecting for blocks near the Coliseum. Those new developments would include two hotels, two to three new office buildings, 25 new restaurants, new retail stores and nearly 3,000 new apartments.

According to projections from a Chicago-based consultant hired to review the Coliseum project, the city would shift $19 million in increased real estate taxes from the 80-block

area to debt repayment in just the first four years, 2020 to 2023.

Under the mayor’s proposal, the current real estate taxes from the 80block area would continue to flow into the general fund, but any increase in the amount of tax from rising property values or inflation would go into a special tax increment fund to be used to repay the Coliseum debt.

The debt, based on a 30-year repayment schedule, would cost more than $15 million a year at 4 percent interest rate, although the mayor’s plans calls for the debt to be paid off in 18 years by accelerating the repayment.

The consultant, Hunden & Associates, stated that the 80-block area generated $20.4 million in real estate taxes in 2018.

If the Coliseum plan were approved,

Hunden projects property tax increases in those 80 blocks each year for the special fund.

For example, in the 2022-23 fiscal year, Hunden projects that the 80 blocks would generate about $29 million in real estate taxes. Of that, about $10 million would need to be shifted into the special fund to repay the debt and would not be available for general fund purposes, such as paying for police and fire services, repaving streets and running parks and recreation programs.

The $10 million estimate includes projected real estate taxes that Dominion Energy would pay on the office tower that is being developed on Canal Street and possibly on a second office tower that the company is proposing to build after the first one is complete.

Superintendent Jason Kamras reviews his first year on job Continued from A1 and we shared the proposal with the public. That is why we are advocating for more money — first and foremost from the state, which has been shortchanging public schools for quite some time — as well as from the city.

Secondly, renaming J.E.B. Stuart to Obama Elementary is but a symbol that’s so powerful given the history of Richmond. It speaks to the kind of city we want to be in the future and the kind of schools division we want to be — inclusive where every child and every family is welcome. I doesn’t matter what your skin color or what language you speak at home or what faith you are. We are a school system that believes in every single child.

Third, we are beginning to see some movement on the equity front. I visited George Wythe High School and saw students in AP classes that were never offered before. The administration and board said every high school will have AP classes — calculus, Spanish, biology and literature. Now these things exist.

I have always said students will rise to the occasion if we give them the opportunity to do amazing things. You can’t expect greatness of students if you don’t ask for greatness. So many RPS children are facing so many challenges in their lives. We have to make sure that our schools are places where students can feel safe, loved and nurtured.

Dr. Ram Bhagat’s Restorative Practices pilot program created mindful spaces at Albert Hill Middle School. When I visited their restorative circles, it was beautiful. I asked students, ‘Why is this helpful?’ The children said, ‘Because we can share our feelings. We get to know each other better. It feels like a family.’

The entire world opens up for them when you create that kind of culture, and that’s why the work Ram Bhagat is doing is indispensable to the RPS mission as a system. For me, that is an equity issue and so I am really, really happy about that.

RFP: What is the plan for renaming other schools named after Confederates?

Mr. Kamras: The next three schools where we are considering name changes are the three we are

Who should investigate allegations against Fairfax?

Continued from A1

rapper Kurtis Blow, appears to be the forgotten man. Still expected to run for governor in 2021, Mr. Herring has been able to shift attention from himself back to policy after joining attorneys general from 15 other states in suing President Trump over issuing a national emergency declaration in a bid to use taxpayer funds to build a wall along the Mexican border.

While Mr. Herring’s and Gov. Northam’s past actions do not rise to the level of a criminal offense, the allegations dogging Lt. Gov. Fairfax do. The lieutenant governor has acknowledged having consensual relations with both women and has called for “a fair, impartial and non-political investigation” by the FBI or other authorities.

Meredith Watson, who claims Mr. Fairfax raped her in 2000 while they were students at Duke University, has sought to keep pressure on the General Assembly to hold a public hearing, although she has never filed a rape complaint with authorities in Durham, N.C. There is no statute of limitations for rape in that state.

Ms. Watson and her attorney reacted with sharp words after the Virginia House Democratic Caucus praised Mr. Fairfax’s accusers for being “courageous in coming forward to tell their stories” while also calling for the allegations to be probed by those with authority to bring an actual charge.

“Apparently, the Virginia House Democratic Caucus believes courageous victims of rape need to be heard — just not by them,” attorney Nancy Erika Smith wrote on behalf of her client. “Ms. Watson is counting on the General Assembly to do the right thing and hold hearings now.”

Ms. Watson, herself, wrote in a piece published Monday in the Washington Post that “I am frustrated by calls for an investigation rather than a public hearing into these matters.”

Dr. Vanessa Tyson, who has claimed that Mr. Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex in 2004 while both were attending the Democratic National Convention, also has expressed a willingness to testify, but has yet to file a complaint with Massachusetts authorities.

Mr. Fairfax has promised to cooperate fully with any investigation that authorities in the Boston area might undertake. He continues to assert that he has

“never sexually assaulted anyone ever.”

Democratic officials, including the 21member Virginia Legislative Black Caucus that has called for Mr. Fairfax to resign, are facing a backlash from people and groups who have called it a rush to judgment.

Instead, the cry has been for the embattled lieutenant governor to be considered innocent until proven guilty, with calls for him to receive due process in an appropriate forum where both sides can tell their stores and be cross-examined.

As a result, the caucus appears to be adopting a more cautious tone and halted any attempt to begin impeachment proceedings.

Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, said he hopes “that a full and fair investigation will be conducted so that the accusers and the lieutenant governor can be heard.”

He added that he is not convinced “that the General Assembly should or could take the lead.”

rebuilding — George Mason Elementary, E.S.H. Greene Elementary and the old Elkhardt Middle School site. After that, we will consider the next set of schools named after Confederate generals and others of that nature.

I am excited about the process because we have a lot of great local heroes, whether it’s Henry Marsh, Oliver Hill, Barbara Johns or so many other individuals that we can honor.

RFP: In October, you proposed a 10 cent increase in the city’s property tax rate to support RPS. Are you still behind that idea?

Mr. Kamras: I am agnostic about where the funding comes from for RPS. I believe in two things when it comes to funding and the 10 cent real estate tax increase is just one proposal. I know it is not popular. The second thing is, I put it out there to start a conversation. If there is another proposal that will help RPS to get revenue, I am all for it. I just want to make sure our students get everything that they deserve.

We can use the money we have much better and more efficiently, and that’s why I am making cuts to the central office.

I also think our schools need more and if you spend time in our buildings, you would see that. If you talk to students who have lost family members to gun violence and you know the trauma they are dealing with, you would know we need more counselors and more social workers. If you talk to our nurses, some have resigned because of low salaries.

I will do everything I can to stretch every dollar we have to be efficient, cut redundant programs and slash things that are not making a difference for our students. However, I can’t cut my way to greatness.

We are going to need additional resources and where it comes from, I defer to the public on that.

RFP: Characterize your relationship with Mayor Levar M. Stoney.

Mr. Kamras: When I was named superintendent, Mayor Stoney called me and said, “Welcome to the city” and told me he really wanted to be a partner.

I think we have developed a great relationship and I really appreciate his leadership.

Let’s just take the meals tax. That was a really big move and as a result, less than a year later, we are starting construction of three new schools.

The African proverb says, “When the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” I believe students win when adults get along. I want to do everything I can to collaborate with the mayor and City Council, the School Board and state lawmakers because, if we do that, students win.

RFP: How important is classroom technology

in bringing equity in academics?

Mr. Kamras: Technology is an equity issue because we have some schools with a lot of technology while other schools don’t. The playing field needs to be leveled. More importantly, we need to make sure we are equipping all of our teachers with training so they can use classroom technology as best as they can.

What often happens is you put a smart board in a room and you expect everything to be different and better. That’s nonsense. That’s not how it works. As with anything, you have to take the appropriate time to help people use the tool. Technology is just a tool.

RFP: RPS has a growing Latino population.

What are your plans for English as a second language support?

Mr. Kamras: We have started by adding more bilingual teachers, counselors and office staff. We need to do more. We have to do more than words to make sure that RPS has the support services to truly address their needs. We have a lot of families coming from Central America. Some students in high school coming from their homeland may only have a third- or fourth-grade education. They are coming to high school with a lack of education and don’t speak English. That is one of the reasons RPS has such a large dropout rate.

We have to make sure that we are completely thinking differently about how we are supporting these students and families. That’s why the “Equity and English Language Learners” are part of priority one in the strategic plan. We have to tear up the traditional way of doing high school for many of these children because it is just not working.

RFP: RPS has a majority of African-American students and few male teachers who look like them.

How are you addressing that?

Mr. Kamras: One of the key actions the strategic plan is to launch an effort directly aimed at recruiting more African-American male teachers into RPS. I am delighted Rodney Robinson, our Teacher of the Year from Virgie Binford Education Center has been talking a lot about this. Hopefully, he will be a spokesperson for this recruiting effort.

RFP: How long do you want to stay in Richmond?

Mr. Kamras: My contract is for three and a half years, but I hope that I am still in Richmond with RPS for a long time. RPS didn’t get where it was in a year or two or three, and it is going to take some time for us to achieve what we want to achieve. The strategic plan is a five-year plan, but that is not the end. There is more after that. I hope I can stay here for a really long time.

Va. NAACP facing takeover by national?

Continued from A1

Mr. McKinney wrote, “On this internal matter, there is nothing to report. When an official word comes from our executive office regarding the changes in the organization, it will be made public.”

What is known is that a complaint has been filed with the national office alleging state conference violations of the constitution and bylaws, which continue a drumbeat of complaints that insiders said have been sent to the national office against Virginia in recent years.

A copy of a complaint the Free Press obtained states that “it is with a tremendous amount of sadness that members of the Virginia State Conference must petition the national NAACP to act against its own leadership.

“However, the situation in Virginia is desperate. … The undersigned request that national NAACP not hesitate in taking control of this situation and restoring some level of order.”

One of the issues involves Rev. Chandler’s sudden reversal in November of the state NAACP’s opposition to a natural gas compressor being placed in the largely AfricanAmerican community of Union Hill in Buckingham Rev. Chandler County. The compressor plan is part of Dominion Energy’s development of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to bring fuel from West Virginia to Virginia and North Carolina.

The complaint alleges Rev. Chandler wrote a letter to Gov. Ralph S. Northam expressing that objections to the pipeline had been dropped. The complaint alleges that the reversal in position came after Dominion Energy donated $25,000 to the Virginia NAACP and that Rev. Chandler changed course without consulting the state board or others in the state NAACP who were

engaged with the issue.

Rev. Chandler quickly reversed himself after the letter became public, and issued a statement with the board that indicated the state NAACP’s continued opposition to the natural gas compressor station.

The other complaints focus on Rev. Chandler’s alleged efforts to give Linda Thomas of Bowling Green, a former state NAACP president, a larger paid role in the organization.

Allegedly, Rev. Chandler awarded a secret $10,000 contract to Ms. Thomas to handle planning for the 2018 state convention. The state board later approved the contract.

Rev. Chandler also sought to get the board to approve hiring Ms. Thomas as interim executive director in spring 2018, but did not win a majority.

The complaint also alleges that Rev. Chandler and two other officers have bypassed the treasurer, James Boyd of Portsmouth, by issuing NAACP checks without proper requisitions.

Richmond Free Press

February 21-23, 2019

VCU Health salutes the medical pioneers of Black History Month.

African-American doctors, nurses and researchers have been responsible for some of the most important breakthroughs in American medical history. At VCU Health, we recognize the pivotal contributions by African Americans to cancer research, vaccination, cardiology, blood transfusion, ophthalmology and countless other fields. These pioneers below—and many other unsung heroes—have helped save and improve millions of lives.

Jeniece Roane (1969 – present) Patricia Bath (1942 – present) •

The first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology (UCLA,1973)

•

Cofounded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness

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Invented the Laserphaco Probe in 1986, vastly improving treatments for cataract patients

•

Patented the Laserphaco Probe in 1988, making her the first female African-American doctor to hold a medical patent

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Associate Vice President of Operations and Associate Chief Nursing Officer Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

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More than 25 years of nursing experience, including roles at CHoR as Interim Vice President of Children’s Services and Director of Women’s and Children’s Nursing

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Serves on the board of several charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charities and Family Lifeline

Jane C. Wright (1919 – 2013)

Daniel Hale Williams (1856 –1931) •

Opened Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses—America’s first African-American owned, interracially-staffed hospital

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Performed one of the first open-heart surgeries

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Founded the National Medical Association, a professional association for African-American medical professionals

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Became a charter member of the American College of Surgeons in 1913

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Pioneer of chemotherapy and cancer research

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Administered some of the very first anti-cancer drug trials in the late 1940s and early 1950s

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Established a national network of treatment centers as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s President’s Commission on Heart Disease, Cancer and Stroke

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The first female president of the New York Cancer Society

To learn how to make your mark in medicine, visit vcuhealth.org/careers. © 2019 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: VCU Health; United States Department of Health and Human Services; Provident Foundation; Encyclopedia Britannica; Biography.com.

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Richmond Free Press

Pine cones in Byrd Park

Editorial Page

A6

February 21-23, 2019

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Happy anniversary, Mr. Kamras The honeymoon is over for Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras.

Mr. Kamras has been in the city for a year now and has had a chance to turn over all the rocks and discover the dozens of creepy-crawly issues within Richmond Public Schools that are now his to deal with. Chief among them are the plethora of dilapidated school buildings, low achievement and graduation rates among the system’s 24,000 students, the poor accreditation record of schools and the lack of money to do much about it all.

The superintendent earned high marks early on with his visits to all the city schools within his first 100 days, as well as his outreach to parents and the community. He has earned the trust of the community by adroitly handling the long-rumored cheating scandal at Carver Elementary School, rallying an array of community volunteers to support his effort to spiff up the schools last August before school’s start and working with Mayor Levar M. Stoney to support the city meals tax hike for new school construction.

He also scored well on pushing forward the name change for J.E.B. Stuart Elementary, which honored a Confederate traitor to our nation. The new name, Barack Obama Elementary, which came after much community discussion, is something all Richmonders can be proud of.

But now comes the hard work — cutting staff, making tough, money-driven decisions that will impact the lives of students and the direction of RPS for years to come.

Mr. Kamras’ next steps will truly tell the RPS community and the citywide community who Mr. Kamras is and just how willing he is to roll up his sleeves, get dirty and get things fixed.

Much is riding on his shoulders right now. And we, along with the public, are watching.

Today’s last word from Richard Wright We thank Richmond Free Press reader Rosalyn A. Brackett for sharing the words of author Richard Wright published in his 1945 memoir, “Black Boy.” As Ms. Brackett wrote, “This particular passage ... touched me at the core as I read it, and considering the events of our world today — particularly the racial disparities — I can see the self-draped cloak of righteousness being ripped from our backs as a country, exposing our fears and deeply buried misunderstandings.”

Indeed, recent revelations by our Virginia governor and attorney general, and the allegations against the lieutenant governor — and the aftermath of it all — make Mr. Wright’s words relevant 74 years after he penned them.

We also see lawmakers running from the facts of their own narrow-minded, prejudiced past, including Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment of James City County, who was managing editor of the 1968 Virginia Military Institute yearbook that was filled with racist blackface images and racial and ethnic slurs. In comments to the media, he took no responsibility for his actions, leaving a void in articulating a healing plan of action for today.

How, then, can Virginia and the nation ever purge itself of color hate, as Mr. Wright asks.

We welcome your thoughts on Mr. Wright’s passage: “For white America to understand the significance of the problem of the Negro will take a bigger and tougher America than any we have yet known. I feel that America’s past is too shallow, her national character too superficially optimistic, her very morality too suffused with color hate for her to accomplish so vast and complex a task. Culturally, the Negro represents a paradox: Though he is an organic part of the nation, he is excluded by the entire tide and direction of American culture. Frankly, it is felt to be right to exclude him, and it is felt to be wrong to admit him freely. Therefore if, within the confines of its present culture, the nation ever seeks to purge itself of its color hate, it will find itself at war with itself, convulsed by a spasm of emotional and moral confusion ... Our America is frightened of fact, of history, of processes, of necessity. It hugs the easy way of damning those whom it cannot understand, of excluding those who look different, and it salves its conscience with a self-draped cloak of righteousness.”

Blackface: An insulting mask of privilege “Blackface isn’t just another costume. It’s a mask of privilege, the kind of unchallenged power that comes through denying the experience of others.” – Justin Ellis As a black student in overwhelmingly white schools in Louisiana, I faced my share of racial insults and slights. But one of the more memorable incidents was not even a deliberate slight directed at me.

The offenders probably didn’t even think of me.

But when a group of my classmates contemptuously affected exaggerated accents mocking black people as part of a school production, I walked out.

Virginia Gov. Ralph S. Northam and the state’s attorney general, Mark R. Herring, are under fire for having worn blackface to parties in the 1980s, and Virginia state Sen. Tommy Norment, the Senate majority leader there, edited a college yearbook that featured blackface photos and racial slurs. NBC News anchor Megyn Kelly lost her job after defending blackface Halloween costumes. Fashion design house Gucci was forced to

apologize for marketing a sweater that resembles blackface.

Not by accident, the rise of the minstrel show coincided with the rise of the abolitionist movement. The portrayals were intended to dehumanize black people, to sabotage any nascent empathy for those held in bondage. The stock character Zip Coon made a mockery of free black people, with all his attempts at dignity undermined

Marc H. Morial by his foolish tastes and lack of education. The “coon” part of his name, which remains an all-toocommon racist slur, referred to his preference for raccoon meat over more sophisticated fare.

Other stock characters included the overly sexualized “Buck” and “Jezebel,” which simultaneously fueled a fear of black men seducing white women and justified the rape of women slaves. The sympathetic minstrel characters, the “good ones,” were portrayed as content with their place in society.

For white people in much of the country, the demeaning stereotypes of the minstrel shows were their only exposure to black life. The minstrel shows functioned to solidify the concept of white supremacy at a

time when support was waning for the inhumane institution of slavery. The stereotypes — lazy, hypersexual, violent and incapable of social grace — persist to this day and are at the root of the inherent bias that infects our institutions.

So prevalent were these characters, so powerful was their role in establishing racial hierarchy, that the name of one character, Jim Crow, became shorthand for the entire system of racist suppression and terrorism that followed the collapse of Reconstruction.

When white people darken their skin or otherwise distort their facial features to resemble black people, it’s not an “homage” as many have tried to claim. It’s an act that is almost always performed for laughs. It is mockery. Blackface is a white person exclaiming with derisive glee, “Look at me pretending to be black! Isn’t that hilarious?”

Whiteness, in 21st century America, conveys status and privilege as much as it ever did. The status and privilege of whiteness are at the heart of blackface. The cruel humor depends upon the chasm between privilege and disadvantage. It is a kind of flaunting of white privilege. It’s why you almost never see the reverse. Black people manage to get through

Trump’s wall no national emergency President Trump’s decision to declare a national emergency in order to fund his border wall triggers a crisis for our Constitution and our democracy. This is no longer about the shameless lies, exaggerations and slanders that the president has trotted out to justify his silly campaign promise to build a wall that he promised Mexico would pay for.

I t ’s n o longer about wasting billions of dollars, of shutting down much of the government for weeks or squandering the time and attention of the Congress and the American people for an inane campaign promise.

President Trump now poses a fundamental challenge to our democracy: Does Congress have the essential power of the purse that the Constitution gave it, or can a president at his whim declare a national emergency and spend what he wants on what he wills? This is the line between a constitutional republic and a presidential autocracy.

President Trump’s petulant response to not getting the money he wants puts that question before the Congress and the courts.

President Trump wants money for the wall. Congress — both the Republican Senate and the Democratic House — voted not to give him as much as he demanded. So the president declares a national emergency and uses money appropriated by the Congress for other purposes to fund his wall. Only there is no national emergency.

Congress and presidents have been debating and legislating

about our immigration policy and about border security for years.

Contrary to the president’s hysterical lies, arrests for illegal entry have declined. With the economy near full employment, there is no economic crisis sparked by undocumented workers. Contrary to the president’s claims, the wall won’t stem the flow of

Jesse L. Jackson Sr. illegal drugs into America, the vast bulk of which come through legal ports of entry.

Even the president in his White House Rose Garden news conference last week admitted that he didn’t need the money; he just wanted to build the wall faster.

All we have is a normal dispute between a president and a Congress about spending priorities.

President Trump is saying that since he can’t get what he wants, he’ll simply do it on his own. That effectively erases the congressional power of the purse, a foundation of a constitutional republic. If President Trump’s decision is upheld by the Congress and the courts, a chilling precedent will be set.

Most Americans agree with the Congress and don’t support wasting money on the wall. Declaring a national emergency to build it is even more unpopular.

When the White House invokes eminent domain to take over hundreds of miles of privately owned land on the border, public opposition will grow. But what will stand in the way of a willful president? Under the National Emergencies Act of 1976, passed

by Congress after Watergate to curb presidential abuse of national emergency declarations, the Congress can reject the president’s declaration.

The House, with its Democratic majority, surely will vote to reject. Republicans in the Senate will then have 15 days to decide whether they are prepared to back President Trump or stand up for our republic against the president, his Fox TV allies and the right-wing echo machine. If the Senate rolls over, or the president vetoes the rejection, the issue will end up in federal courts, many packed with right wing activist judges appointed

by President Trump.

Right wing judges normally are skeptical of exaggerated claims of executive power, worried that they will be used by liberal presidents to expand the public sphere. But increasingly, these judges have put partisanship over constitutional precedent and their own judicial philosophy. Most recently, for example, in Trump v. Hawaii, the right wing gang of five on the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to overrule the lower courts and to uphold the president’s Muslim travel ban, emphasizing the need to show “deference” to presidential authority in matters of immigration and national security.

If the Senate folds and the courts roll over, we will be well on our way to an elected autocracy. Many people treated President Trump’s posturing over the wall as a diversion, a low-rent, off-color vaudeville act used to rouse his audiences.

The racial and ethnic slurs that he spreads always made it more poisonous than that.

Now his declaration of a national emergency has turned it into a direct assault on our democracy. Now we will see who stands with the Constitution, and who does not.

The writer is founder and president of the national Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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.

costume parties dressed as white characters without lightening their skin or disguising their facial features.

Even though we are once again having a national dialogue about this hurtful practice, there are those who will continue to defend it, who refuse to understand why it is offensive and who insist it is their own intentions that matter and not the effect on others.

But it is the very definition of white privilege to decide for oneself what is and isn’t — or what should and shouldn’t be — offensive to black people. When you step on someone’s foot, even accidentally, you step off and apologize. You don’t stomp down harder and say, “But I didn’t do it on purpose, and I can’t feel it so it must not hurt.”

The fact that blackface gives offense, whether intended or not, is reason enough.

The writer is president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

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Richmond Free Press

February 21-23, 2019

A7

Letters to the Editor

Forgive and hold Gov. Northam accountable In the current political challenges facing our Commonwealth, I was taken aback by comments and ideologies espoused by the Rev. Al Sharpton during a gathering at Virginia Union University. I vehemently disagree with Rev. Sharpton’s observations on forgiveness in this matter of Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s inappropriate actions of appearing in blackface.

I am not certain where Rev. Sharpton derived his ill-advised theology but it appears to be in graphic contradiction to the teachings of Jesus in the Bible on the subject of forgiveness.

In the Bible, a woman caught in the act of adultery was not required to “pay for her sin.� In John 8:11, Jesus simply said to the woman, “Go and sin no more.�

I take further umbrage at Rev. Sharpton’s statement that “Forgiveness without a price is not forgiveness, it’s a pass.â€? It plays well as an inflammatory sound bite being used to agitate a supportive audience, but it seems to lack sound theological buttress.Â

In Matthew 6:15, Jesus said, “But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.�

Nothing here is mentioned about the person in trespass “paying a price� prior to being forgiven by those whom they have trespassed against. Lastly, in Matthew 6:12, again Jesus affirms the foundation for forgiveness when He taught, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.� Here again there is no mention of a transgressor having to “pay a price� for forgiveness.   So Rev. Sharpton has come and gone, having incited his audience. But what substantive impact did he have on helping Virginians solve this political quagmire we are facing?

As a “son of the segregated South,� I’m proud to be a descended from a race of people who have survived much more than seeing someone in blackface. Our people survived Alabama Gov. George Wallace, Georgia Gov. Lester Maddox, Birmingham,

Ala., Public Safety Commissioner Eugene “Bull� Connor, U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina and U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who was a recruiter for the Ku Klux Klan, and the list goes on.

To Rev. Sharpton and those who have precipitously called on Gov. Northam to resign because of his indiscretion, I leave you with the words of Jesus: “Ye without sin, cast the first stone.�  Let’s hold Gov. Northam accountable under a greater degree of scrutiny in the position that he was duly elected to serve. Let’s help him learn from this episode, just as many of us had to learn from some of our past undisclosed indiscretions. BISHOP GERALD O. GLENN North Chesterfield The writer is senior pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church.

Background checks for elected officials

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM West End Branch, Richmond Public Library 5420 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23226 Thursday, February 28, 2019 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM DMV Richmond Central 2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269 The purpose of these meetings is to solicit feedback from West End residents, businesses and riders about three bus routes serving this area (Routes 50 Broad St, 76 Patterson and 77 Grove). We welcome input about routing, schedules, stops and amenities. Information gathered at this meeting will help GRTC collaborate with the City of Richmond on meeting the needs of the communities we serve.

Please send any routing questions or comments to: Email planningcomment@ridegrtc. com Phone: (804) 358-4782 Mail: Planning Division, GRTC Transit System, 301 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond VA 23224 Meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. GRTC strives to provide reasonable accommodations and services for persons who require assistance to participate. For special assistance, call Carrie Rose Pace at 804-474-9354 or email carrie. rosepace@ridegrtc.com at least 72 hours prior to the public meeting. Si usted necesita servicios de tradución para participar, por favor mande un correo electrónico a: carrie. rosepace@ridegrtc.com. GRTC Transit System’s CARE and CARE Plus services provide origin-to-destination Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services to residents of the Richmond Region. To schedule a reservation, please call (804) 782-CARE (2273), email webcarecvan@ridegrtc.com, or fax (804) 474-9993.

Where are we as Virginians and Americans that we can strip a man of his reputation, career, family and livelihood based on an accusation that has not been proven in a court of law? Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has been accused of serious crimes and his name will be forever tarnished, regardless of the outcome. His accomplishments as a man and for the Commonwealth will be overshadowed by these proven or unproven acts of his youth. In a democracy and under the law, we are innocent until proven guilty. If guilt is proven in a court of law, then we serve whatever sentence is applied.

As citizens we are free to live and work — unless we are convicted or accused of a sex crime. Then we pay for it the rest of our lives.

Often police scare tactics and other inconsistent and discriminatory practices go under

the guise of public safety. One look at the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry and the Sexually Violent Predator’s Act enacted in Virginia will confirm these unjust practices. Few politicians will stand up to these oppressive and discriminatory practices for fear of appearing sympathetic to people accused and convicted of sex crimes.

It is time we practice what we stand for as citizens of Virginia and the United States and afford equitable justice for all!

GARNETT ROBINS-BAUGHMAN MARILYN MCCARTY JOSHLYN CHENAULT KRISTEN DARBY Washington The writers are with the Just Future Project, a part of nonprofit Nation Inside’s mission to end mass incarceration.

‘We all have something bad we have done’

I’d like to put my 2 cents worth in about the people put in office and in charge of running Virginia.

Background checks are done on people coming out of jail and looking for a job.

Background checks should be done on people before they are put in office. We need to make sure they are good to go.

We all have something bad we have done.

Maybe if these people would confess to things done in the past, they would be good with repenting before getting into office.

MARIE WOODFIN Richmond

Virginia 2019

General Assembly A message from Senator Jennifer McClellan

Black History 7E RECORD IT WEEKS A YEAR )N A FAIR MINDED

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In this last week of the 2019 General Assembly Session, amendments to the biennial budget adopted last year are in conference to resolve differences between the House and Senate. Here is an overview on where we stand on education funding, which has been a top priority for my constituents.

Teacher Pay: The Governor increased the state's share of an initially budgeted 3% raise to a 5% raise for teachers and school staff for the 2019-2020 school year. The Senate adopted this proposal and added language allowing school divisions to provide a partial increase between 3-5% and still receive the state match. The House includes similar language, but only funds half the year, leaving local school divisions to address the gap. Virginia’s teachers work hard every day, with extraordinary results, often in some of the most difficult situations; we need to pay them a salary that encourages them to stay and do the good work they are trained to do.

School Counselors: The Governor starts a three-year phase-in to the desired ratio of one school counselor for every 250 students. The House funds the first year of this increase, while the Senate only includes one-third of these funds for the state share of an additional 250 counselor positions. School counselors play a critical role not only in improving school safety and school climate, but in preparing students for college and workforce opportunities. At current caseload levels, counselors cannot effectively serve students and teachers are already overloaded with their primary duties to provide sufficient backup. Students are left unsupported by the very folks who are in the schools to help them. We must reduce these caseloads to the 1:250 best practice ratio.

At-Risk Add-On: The Governor included a $35 million increase in lottery revenues in Virginia's supplemental aid to school divisions with high concentrations of poverty to reduce the inequity of the state's school funding distribution. The House eliminated this proposal, instead shifting much of the funds into the Lottery Per Pupil Allocation (Lottery PPA); however, Lottery PPA funds are allocated based solely on enrollment. The Senate budget partially funds the Governor's proposal.

The at-risk add-on is crucial to providing targeted supports to the school divisions and students most in need. On average, most states offer a range of additional aid that can extend up to 29%; it is time for Virginia to begin to increase these supports for our own students.

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Plus: The Governor invests state funds to cover the costs of an expiring federal grant extending Virginia's state preschool program to serve an additional 13,000 four-year olds living in low-income households. The House eliminated the grant program while the Senate includes about threequarters of the funding. Making sure our very young students are ready to learn when they enter kindergarten is one of the smartest returns on investment we can make as a Commonwealth. We must make sure all Virginia children have high-quality preschool opportunities.

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We are scheduled to adjourn this Saturday, and I will provide an overview of the final budget amendments adopted by the General Assembly next week.

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Paid for and authorized by Jennifer McClellan.

Richmond Free Press

A8 February 21-23, 2019

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter Pictured from left, P.J. Byrd, Malik Crowfield, DeShawn Curry, Corey Douglas, Michael Gilmore, Mike’L Simms and Vince Williams.

‘Bench Bunch’ keeps VCU on top in A-10

Virginia Commonwealth University’s leading basketball scorer doesn’t have a real name, just a nickname.

Meet the “Bench Bunch.”

There are multiple reasons why Coach Mike Rhoades’Rams are 16-6 overall, with six straight wins and tied with Davidson University atop the Atlantic 10 Conference with a 10-2 mark.

VCU starts most games with Marcus Evans, De’Riante Jenkins, Marcus Santos-Silva, Sean Mobley and Issac Vann. The Rams’ top individual point maker is junior guard Evans at 13.4 points per game.

The starters rarely break a sweat before Coach Rhoades turns to his reserves, a seven-man posse featuring Corey Douglas, Mike’L Simms, Malik Crowfield, Vince Williams, P.J. Byrd, Michael Gilmore and DeShawn Curry.

They attack in waves, relentlessly.

Together, the “Bench Bunch” averages 22 points per game while logging an average of 67 minutes out of 200 total regulation minutes.

VCU’s bench has outscored the opposition’s bench 547 points to 375.

In terms of minutes, the Rams’ reserves have contributed 1,665 minutes compared with 1,467 for their foes.

The long bench enables VCU to play a more aggressive, in-yourface style of defense knowing that fresh legs are waiting. It also helps in spreading out fouls.

All NCAA Division I schools are allowed 13 scholarships. It’s just that VCU makes better use of its resources. Other schools would like to use that formula, but can’t because of a lack of talent or because of the coach’s lack

of confidence in his own recruits past the sixth or seventh man.

The VCU “Bench Bunch” has been on a tear as of late. In the Rams’ 80-61 victory Feb. 13 over the University of Richmond, VCU’s bench outscored UR 28-1, with a 65-44 advantage in minutes.

In VCU’s 69-68 win Feb. 16 at the University of Dayton, VCU’s reserves outscored the Flyers 20-2, while winning the minutes tally 65-30.

No wonder VCU is fresher toward the later stages of games than its adversaries.

Here’s a closer look at the “Bench Bunch:” Douglas (6-foot-9 junior from Louisville, Ky.): Averages 3.7 points, 4.1 rebounds; leads the team with 43 blocked shots.

Williams (6-foot-6 freshman, Ohio):Averages

Nic Thomas is on fire for NSU In his inaugural basketball season at Norfolk State University, Nic Thomas seemed content puttering along in the no-passing lane.

By sharp contrast, this year, Thomas seems to be racing on rocket fuel.

The 6-foot-2 junior guard has nearly doubled his scoring average and, not coincidentally, NSU has an eye on a longoverdue MEAC title.

It all started with a call from NSU Coach Robert Jones to Thomas’ cell phone in Arlington, Texas.

“Coach Jones called and offered me a scholarship,” Thomas said. “It was my chance to play Division I basketball.”

Thomas’ first season wearing green and gold might be described as OK. Starting in just five of 30 games, he averaged 8.5 points while shooting a lukewarm 32 percent from behind the arc.

With a year of on-the-job training, Thomas has improved this season to an average 15.0 points per game and 40 percent accuracy from the distance.

Not surprisingly, the Texan’s playing time has expanded from 20 minutes per game to 29 while starting 22 times.

“Confidence has a lot to do with it,” Thomas said. “Coach has given me the green light.”

When Thomas is hot, he’s hot. He has had five games scoring 20-plus points, with highs of 26 points against the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore and Florida A&M University.

In the Jan. 26 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore, Thomas found the bottom of the Joe Echols Center nets on seven of 11 bonus attempts.

Fouling Thomas isn’t the best of ideas. He’s also striking 80 percent (83 for 104) from the foul line.

The road from Thomas’ home near the Dallas Cowboys’AT&T Stadium to Norfolk is a crooked and unusual one. First, he drew acclaim playing for a home-school team based in Dallas.

Richmond Spartans Scoring 100-plus points in college basketball is rare now, but it was ordinary at Norfolk State University in the late 1960s.

With Richmonders Bobby Dandridge (Maggie Walker High School alumnus) and Charles Bonaparte (Armstrong High School alumnus) the pacesetters, NSU averaged 106 points in 1967-68 and 106.1 points in 1969-70.

NSU won the 1968 CIAA Tournament championship game with a 134-132 overtime victory over North Carolina A&T State University at Greensboro Coliseum.

At one juncture during 1968-69 season, NSU scored at least 100 points in 14 straight games. Included that year were 112-86 and 106-82 victories over Mike Davis-led Virginia Union University Rarely were NSU’s high scores in vain. The Spartans were 45-6 overall those two seasons, including 33-3 in the CIAA. Although Dandridge went on to enjoy the more significant NBA career, Bonaparte was chosen higher in the 1969 draft.

He was picked in the third round by the San Diego Rockets.

Dandridge went in the fourth round to the Milwaukee Bucks.

James Harden

Nic Thomas

“It was like being in college. I took most of my classes and tests online,” Thomas said. “It was good competition. In Texas, the home schools play some of the larger public and private schools.”

Thomas averaged nearly 30 points as a senior and was named MVP of the national home-school tournament in Springfield, Mo. From there, he played one season at Howard College, a two-year school in Big Spring, Texas, before transferring to Houston Baptist University.

His tenure at Houston Baptist ended before it really began with a strange knee injury. “I had an extra bone growing out of the back of my knee,” he explained. “I had to have it taken out. That ended my season.”

He was understandably disillusioned. After leaving Houston Baptist and essentially becoming a free agent, he received the welcomed call from Coach Jones.

This season, the NSU Spartans have been on the upswing.

The Spartans were 14-11 starting the week and atop the MEAC standings with a 9-1 conference record. The lone MEAC loss at Bethune-Cookman University on Feb. 9 took place when three players, including Thomas, were suspended for an altercation in NSU’s Feb. 2 victory over Howard University.

Last year, the Spartans were 14-19 overall and 11-5 in the MEAC. NSU has not won the MEAC Tournament since 2012.

That was the same year the Spartans, seeded 15th in the NCAA Tournament, stunned No. 2 Missouri in the tournament’s first round in what was a national coming out party for center Kyle O’Quinn, who is now with the New York Knicks.

“I remember watching that game on television from back home,” Thomas recalled.

For NSU to reach the NCAAs, it must first win the MEAC Tournament taking place March 11 through 16 at the Norfolk Scope.

If the Spartans are to perform similarly this year like it did during the 2012 March Madness, then Thomas won’t be on the couch anymore. He’ll be in the driver’s seat.

NBA’s Harden ranks right up there with Wilt James Harden is turning into a modern day Wilt Chamberlain on the basketball court.

The Houston Rockets guard is running away with the NBA’s individual scoring championship, much like Chamberlain did

more than a half century ago.

Through Feb. 17, the 6-foot-5 Harden was averaging 36.6 points per game. Behind him are Oklahoma City’s Paul George at 28.7 points, Golden State’s Steph Curry at 28.6 points and New Orleans’ Anthony Davis at 28.1 points.

If Harden is able to maintain his blistering pace, it will be the NBA’s highest scoring average since the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan averaged 37.1 during the 1986-87 season.

Chamberlain led the NBA in scoring seven times, including his hard-to-believe 50.4 average from 1961 to 1962 for the Philadelphia Warriors (later becoming the San Francisco/Golden State Warriors).

Four of the top seven scoring averages in NBA annals belong to the 7-foot-1 Chamberlain.

Matching Chamberlain’s numbers would be next to impossible.

But if anyone can, it may be Harden, the bearded, 29-year-old Los Angeles native and former Arizona State standout.

Harden’s current scoring is no fluke.

4.8 points and hitting .500 from the field.

Sims (6-foot-5 junior, Highland Springs):Averages 5.3 points, with 25 hits beyond the arc.

Crowfield (6-foot-4 junior, LaPlace, La.): Former starter has 17 3-pointers.

Gilmore (6-foot-10 senior, Jacksonville, Fla.): Averages 3.1 points, 2.7 rebounds; adds a long arm of defense.

Byrd (6-foot-1 freshman, Houston): His quickness enables the defense to maintain pressure throughout the game.

Curry (6-foot-4 freshman, Jacksonville, Fla.): Like Byrd, his defensive quickness and athleticism keep the defensive screws tight.

At season’s end, the A-10 Conference will dole out all kinds of individual awards. If the conference were to add an honor called best backups, the Rams’ “Bench Bunch” would be hard to top.

CIAA Tournament starts Feb. 25 Just two days after the CIAA statistical leaders: CIAA’s regular basketball Scoring: Amir Hinton, season ends, the “second Shaw University, 31.0 season” will begin.

Rebounds: Saiquan Jamison, The regular season Bowie State University, 11.1 ends Feb. 23, setting the Assists: Gus Rowland, Chowan University, 7.3 stage for both men’s and Steals: Gus Rowland, women’s tournaments Feb. Chowan University, 2.5 25 to March 2 in Charlotte, Assists/Turnover ratio: N.C. A weeklong series of C.J. Wiggins, musical, educational and Virginia State, Plus 3.1 cultural events surround Blocked shots: the tournament.

Tyjhai Byers, Elizabeth City Final tournament seedState University, 2.6 ing will not be determined Three-point percentage: until after games this SatDaVaughan Kelsie, Shaw University, .395 urday, Feb. 23.

Three-pointers per game: The CIAA has one of DaVaughan Kelsie, the longest-running tourShaw University, 2.9 naments in all of college Note: Rowland hails from Henrico High basketball. The first tour- School; Wiggins from Benedictine; nament was held in 1946, and Kelsie from Richmond’s Thomas with North Carolina Col- Jefferson High School. lege (now North Carolina Central University) defeating Virginia Union University in the final in Washington.

The VUU men’s and women’s teams both won last year’s CIAA Tournament. It marked the first title for the VUU men’s team since 2006. Virginia State last won the CIAA in 2016.

CIAA Tournament men’s and women’s champions advance to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional playoffs later in March.

Following preliminary rounds earlier in week, the CIAA men’s quarterfinals, semifinals and finals will be Feb. 28, March 1 and March 2. The women’s quarterfinals will be Feb. 27, semifinals March 1 and finals March 2.

CIAA Northern Division Standings

Overall CIAA Virginia State University 22-4 14-1 Bowie State University 16-10 12-3 Virginia Union University 16-10 11-4 Elizabeth City State University 12-14 8-7 Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 13-13 6-9 Chowan University 12-12 5-10 Upcoming dates End of regular season games on Saturday, Feb. 23 Virginia State University at Lincoln University; Virginia Union University at Chowan University; and Bowie State University at Elizabeth City State University.

Tipoff for all games at 4 p.m.

CIAA Tournament: Feb. 25 to March 2 in Charlotte, N.C.

Big time ballers

NBA’s Top 10 all time, single season scorers.

Average Player 50.4 Wilt Chamberlain 44.8 Wilt Chamberlain 38.4 Wilt Chamberlain 38.3 Elgin Baylor 37.6 Wilt Chamberlain 37.1 Michael Jordan 36.9 Wilt Chamberlain 35.6 Rick Barry 35.4 Kobe Bryant 35.0 Michael Jordan

Team Philadelphia Warriors San Francisco Warriors Philadelphia Warriors Los Angeles Lakers Philadelphia Warriors Chicago Bulls San Francisco Warriors San Francisco Warriors Los Angeles Lakers Chicago Bulls

Season 1961-62 1962-63 1960-61 1961-62 1959-60 1986-87 1963-64 1966-67 2005-06 1987-88

Since going to Houston from Oklahoma City prior to 2012-13, Harden has averaged 26.3, 26.9, 27.2, 26.6, 28.5 and 28.6 a year ago when he led the league. He was also league MVP last season.

He enjoyed one stretch earlier this season when he scored a “Wilt-like” 153 points in three games, a 51-point norm.

His high was 61 points in a Jan. 23 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. It tied (with the Lakers’ Harden is well compensated for Kobe Bryant) for the most points ever scored at the Garden by his basketball brilliance. His current a visiting player. annual salary is $30.57 million.

On Feb. 13, Harden scored 42 points in Houston’s loss By the NBA’s towering standards, Harden to Minnesota. It also marked the 31st straight game in is a bit on the smaller side compared to which he scored at least 30 points. others who have scored in the mid-30s Wilt Chamberlain Harden had another stretch when he averaged 41.2 per game. points over 20 games. It was the hottest 20-game stretch Among the Top 25 all time, single since Bryant in 2005-06. season scorers, only Harden, NateArchiAmong other things, Harden is known for his “stepbald and Allen Iverson are true guards. back jumper,” his “Euro step” (quick change of direction) Michael Jordan played some at guard and his relentless attack of the rim. but was primarily a small forward.

He leads the NBA in foul shots attempted (620) and All others on the Top 25 list were made (540) — about 87 percent accuracy. primarily forwards and centers. Others in Comparisons between Harden, a bachelor, and Chamthe Top 25 but not on the Top 10 list here berlain (who told of his love life in his book, “A View are Bob McAdoo, George Gervin, Bernard King from Above”) extend to romance. and Tracy McGrady.

Harden is a former significant other of celebrity Khloe Harden and Chamberlain share another common Kardashian. After their breakup in 2016, Harden began trait — their jersey number. Both sport No. 13. dating actress Karrueche Tran.

That’s considered an unlucky number by some, He is currently in a relationship with singer Ashanti. but it certainly hasn’t been for them.

February 21-23, 2019 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Shelia S. Fitzgerald Spotlight on board president of Big Brothers Big Sisters Shelia Scott Fitzgerald is president of the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, which serves Greater Richmond, the Tri-Cities, the Peninsula and Hampton Roads.

The Richmond native became involved with BBBS nine years ago because its mission resonated with her.

That mission: To provide children facing adversity with​ strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change lives.

During her tenure as board president, Ms. Fitzgerald wants to help raise BBBS’ profile to grow public awareness and promote what they are doing to the larger community.

“I don’t see enough exposure about BBBS in general. We need to get more press about our activities,” Ms. Fitzgerald says.

“We are looking for individuals who are ready to do something big. A person’s commitment of just one hour a week to be a role model to a young person in the community will help that youth realize their potential and achieve their best possible future.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters has school and community-based programs. The school based program, she explains, involves one-to-one lunch or after-school mentoring in a structured environment “to build caring school climates and to create consistent, meaningful interactions between Bigs and Littles,” as she calls the adult mentors and the young people they work with.

The community-based program is the more traditional one-to-one mentoring outside of school that “allows youths to ignite and harness their

potential by building a positive relationship with their Big and engaging with the world around them,” she says.

Typically, young people involved in the program show academic improvement and a boost in social skills after participating with a Big Brother or Big Sister for 12 months.

Last year, BBBS served 562 children, with the largest concentration living in the Greater Richmond area. Still, she says, 350 youngsters are on the wait list to be matched with an adult.

More than 70 percent on the wait list are boys, the majority of whom are African-American or Latino, Ms. Fitzgerald says.

“So there is an urgent need for men, especially men of color, to become defenders of potential by applying to become Big Brothers,” she says.

The organization tries to match Big Brothers and Big Sisters with young people who live within 15 minutes or 15 miles, Ms. Fitzgerald explains.

But if the adults don’t mind traveling a greater distance, then the organization can accommodate them.

In January, which was National Mentoring Month, the organization sponsored “30 Bigs in 30 Days,” in which the goal was to recruit 30 male mentors.

“Presently, we are working with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,” Ms. Fitzgerald says, noting the fraternity is encouraging its members to become Big Brothers. She says a large number of youngsters on the waiting list live in Richmond’s East End. In 2010, Ms. Fitzgerald became a “Big” with her first “Little,” Alyssa. Ms. Fitzgerald says she learned there were

certain things she should not take for granted about what her “Little” should know. “What was normal for my life was not necessarily normal for Alyssa or other children’s lives.

“The first time she came to my home and I put dishes in the dishwasher, Alyssa asked me what was that. She had never seen a dishwasher before that day. That shocked me because, not only did she not have a dishwasher, she had not been anywhere that a dishwasher was used.”

Similarly, she says she talked with her Little Sister about going to college, but was told that was an impossibility because the family had no money for college.

“Some of us Bigs have not walked in the shoes of our Littles,” Ms. Fitzgerald says.

“So we don’t always understand where they are coming from, and conversely, they have not walked

in our shoes either.”

While BBBS relies on grants, corporate donations and funding from United Way, Ms. Fitzgerald says increased support will help the nonprofit help more youngsters. Upcoming fundraisers include Bowl for Kids’ Sake on March 8 at AMF Bowling, 6540 W. Broad St., and March 9 at the Hopewell Bowling Center, 115 S. 15th St. in Hopewell.

And every Monday in March, Lemaire restaurant at The Jefferson in Downtown will donate a portion of its proceeds to BBBS. “Our youths are our future,” Ms. Fitzgerald says. “If we don’t invest in them, who will?”

Meet this week’s Personality and children’s advocate, Shelia Scott Fitzgerald: No. 1 volunteer position: President of the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Occupation: Retired senior financial analyst for Altria Client Services.

Date and place of birth: July 14 in Richmond.

Current residence: Henrico County.

Education: Armstrong High School; bachelor’s in accounting, Virginia Union University; and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Family: Two sons, Justin and Jeffrey, and grandson, Langston, 2.

Foremost mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters: To have a positive impact and connect with as many youths as possible to ensure that they know they

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have a purpose in life and that all they have to do is believe in themselves and their dreams.

When I became involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters: I became involved nine years ago after my sons completed college. I knew that I would always be involved with this organization because of the contribution and effect you can have on a youth. I had one little for six years until she moved out of the Richmond area. We remained in contact after she moved. I feel that I got just as much from our relationship as she did.

What Big Brothers Big Sisters means to me: It makes me feel like I am contributing to the community when I have a positive impact on a Little and see them reach their potential.

Operation Bigs is: A program that provides Bigs (mentors) to children of military families in the Hampton Roads area. Military kids and their families face unique challenges that may include separation and loss in addition to the stresses of military life. BBBS wants to support the children of those who defend our country.

How one can volunteer: Visit our website, www.bigbrobigsis. com, or call (804) 261-4940.

What motivated me to get involved in community service: Seeing kids not being giving the opportunity to succeed because they had no one telling them that anything is possible and being there to support and encourage them in their successes and pick them up in their failures.

How I start the day: With prayer to thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to see one more day and having

a positive attitude.

A perfect day for me is: Beautiful weather so that I can play outside with my grandson or a beautiful day at a beach on a Caribbean island.

If I had more time, I would: Mentor more than one child.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Plan parties and coordinate trips.

Kindergarten taught me: To work hard, always do my best and believe in myself.

A quote that I am inspired by: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13 and “Your decisions control your destiny.”

My friends describe me as: Determined and passionate about anything that I get involved with.

How I unwind: Relaxing in a Jacuzzi or hot tub with jazz music.

At the top of my to-do list is: Continue to be committed to BBBS and travel more.

The person who influenced me the most: My mother, Helen Scott, and my grandmother, Florence Walker.

Book that influenced me the most: “Sacred Pampering Principles: An African-American Women’s Guide to Self-Care and Inner Renewal” by Debrena Jackson Gandy and “A Woman’s True Purpose — Live Life Like You Matter” by Nicole NaBeach.

What I’m reading now: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.

Next goal: After I complete my term as board president, to be matched with another Little so that I can continue to influence the lives of our youths who are our future.

B2 February 21-23, 2019

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Jussie Smollett attack staged?

Free Press wire reports

CHICAGO Questions continue to swirl around “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett this week after reports surfaced Wednesday that Chicago Police classified Mr. Smollett as a suspect in a criminal investigation for allegedly filing a false report.

Chicago detectives presented evidence to a grand jury on Wednesday after investigating whether Mr. Smollett paid two brothers to stage an attack on the actor late last month.

According to media reports, Chicago Police picked up the brothers, ages 25 and 27, on Feb. 13 at O’Hare International Airport as they returned from Nigeria. Police described them as “suspects” in the assault, questioned them and searched their apartment.

Then, late Friday evening authorities released the two men without charges, saying they were no longer suspects.

Police said they gleaned new information from their interrogation of them.

Detectives are still following up on information the brothers provided while they were in custody, sources said, including reports that they were paid $3,500 by Mr. Smollett to stage the attack. Police would only say last Saturday that the trajectory of the investigation “shifted” after questioning the brothers.

Authorities also said they wanted to speak again to Mr. Smollett, but attorneys for the actor said there were no plans for him to meet with Chicago investigators.

Mr. Smollett reported on Jan. 29 that he was physically attacked by two men who yelled homophobic and racial slurs. He said they also yelled he was in “MAGA Country,” an apparent reference to President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan.

“Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with,” read a statement from his attorneys. “He has been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack.

Nothing is further from the truth.”

The statement said one of the brothers was Mr. Smollett’s personal trainer, the first time he has acknowledged knowing either of them. The two also reportedly worked with Mr. Smollett on “Empire.”

Mr. Smollett’s attorneys said through a spokesperson that they “will keep an active dialogue with Chicago police on his behalf.”

Investigators also have been given new details about the rope that Mr. Smollett said was made into a noose and placed around his neck during the alleged attack, sources said.

Detectives searched area retailers to find the source of the rope but the new information allowed them to narrow their search and find where it was sold, according to sources.

Detectives still need to verify their stories and the investigation was continuing.

Ruth E. Carter poised for Oscar win Sunday Free Press wire reports

LOS ANGELES It’s a big week for Ruth E. Carter, who on Sunday could become the first AfricanAmerican to win an Academy Award for costume design for her Afro-futuristic wardrobes in “Black Panther.”

Already this week, Ms. Carter has received a career achievement award Tuesday night at the 21st annual Costume Designers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif.

She talked about her early years with Spike Lee and her favorite “Black Panther” costumes during a recent interview with the Associated Press.

Where it all started Ms. Carter, 58, still possesses her sketches from her college days at Hampton University and during an internship with the Santa Fe Opera.

She spent countless hours drawing all sorts of characters, honing her craft in her dorm room and small studio in Los Angeles a few years after college. One sketch she keeps handy is of a unisex dancer sporting red and gray tights.

“I was so excited about the idea of costume design and how it intersects with art. I really wanted to draw the characters out. I spent a lot of time in my dorm room or once I came out to L.A. in my semi-studio at my drafting table,” said Ms. Carter, who graduated from Hampton in 1982.

In her early days, Ms. Carter delved into a script and drew characters before knowing the person who would play the role. She did that in her first-ever film, Spike Lee’s “School Daze.”

“My process at the beginning was to go head on into the script and draw out the characters and make them funny,” said Ms. Carter, speaking with sketches from a cross-section of her lifetime work laid out on a table.

Ms. Carter had numerous sketches including Chicken George from the television miniseries “Roots,” a zoot suit drawing of Malcolm X and a boxing promoter named Sultan from the “The Great White

Hype.”

“This is what I do, this is what I love,” she said.

Carter’s favorite costume Ms. Carter has created costumes of memorable characters from Denzel Washington’s Malcolm X in the film “Malcolm X,” Spike Lee’s Mookie in “Do the Right Thing” and Forest Whitaker’s Cecil Gaines in “The Butler.”

But she said her favorite costumes came from “Black Panther,” particularly the Dora Milaje, a team of women elite warriors who protected the kingdom of Wakanda. She said the layered wardrobes of the all-female special forces were “impactful” and “powerful.”

“I was very inspired when we did these illustrations,” said Ms. Carter, who worked with six illustrators on the superhero Marvel film. She typically works with one.

“You know, it’s quite imaginative. Because we had to work in so many different

Ms. Carter

positively “push the Afro future and African diaspora.”

“We considered ourselves positive role models in the film industry,” she said.

“There were always internships at 40 Acres and a Mule where we were teaching younger people who didn’t have an inroad to the film industry, exposing so many people to the industry including myself. Because of that, I give back as much as I can.”

And the winner is ...

If Ms. Carter wins an Oscar for best costume design, she would become the first African-American to win in the category. Despite “very stiff competition,” Ms. Carter believes she has a good chance going up against Mary Zophres, Alexandra Byrne and three-time Academy Award winner Sandy Powell, who is nominated for “The Favourite” and “Mary Poppins Returns.”

“I’m a contender,” said Ms. Carter, who already won for “Black Panther’s” costumes at the Critics’ Choice Awards last month and was recently honored at New York Fashion Week.

“The designers are extremely talented designers, but I’m glad that I’m giving them a run for their money,” she added.

“That’s how I feel. ... I feel empowered. I feel invigorated. I feel masterful.”

Ms. Carter called the guild honor on Tuesday night an “incredible achievement” for herself and others who desire to follow her footsteps.

“This award means so much to me,” she said. “I believe that I will stand on that stage and look out into the audience of young women and men that have careers in costume design that I helped foster. For that achievement, it means everything.”

ways and so fast, I’m really proud of these because we were able to create a look and a world in a short amount of time.”

The costumes have become so popular that people from different ethnicities — young and older — have worn Black Panther-themed costumes to theaters and at parties. Some people are even discussing dressing in Wakanda couture for an Oscar brunch.

Paying it forward Even though Ms. Carter paved her own way as a costume designer, she never had a problem uplifting others.

That’s the mindset she particularly had while working with Spike Lee. She said the mission at Mr. Lee’s production company, 40 Acres and a Mule, was to

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Scene from the film ‘Le Wazzou Polygame’ by filmmaker Oumarou Ganda, who was the winner for the Yennanga prize for best film at the Pan-African Film and Television Festival.

20 feature films vying for Africa’s ‘Golden Globes’ Trice Edney News Wire/ Global Information Network

Ganda’s 1970 film, “Le Wazzou Polygame,” deals with the issue of polygamy and forced marriage. The film is critical of Niger society Twenty feature-length films by African film- and those who hold power in Africa. It received makers will compete for the “Yennanga” Gold the first FESPACO grand prize in 1972.

Standard prize at the Pan-African Film and Mr. Ganda’s 1968 film, “Cabascabo,” deals Television Festival held every with Mr. Ganda’s service in the other year in Ouagadougou, French Expeditionary Corps in Burkina Faso.

Indochina. A young soldier sees This is the 50th anniversary his comrades die in battle for of the renowned festival known a cause completely foreign to as “FESPACO,” an event them. Among other prizes, the along the lines of the Golden film was recognized with a prize Globes that draws film industry at the 6th Moscow International professionals from around the Film Festival. world. The festival’s stated Mr. Ganda’s last film, aim is to “contribute to the “L’Exilé,” which was released expansion and development in 1980, was inspired by an of African cinema as a means African folk tale. The use of expression, education and of folk tales as inspiration awareness-raising.” is one of the filmmaker’s Stamp of Oumarou In addition to full-length significant contributions to Ganda films, the festival will screen African cinema. short films, feature-length documentaries, short Mr. Ganda completed several documentaries documentaries, series and school films. and was working on one at the time of his death Festival organizers who met in late January from a heart attack on Jan. 1, 1981. in Brussels, Belgium, announced that a statue FESPACO takes place from February 23 to of the first winner of the best film award, Ou- March 2. Additional information can be found marou Ganda of Niger, would be unveiled. Mr. in English and French at https://fespaco.bf/

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Richmond Free Press

February 21-23, 2019 B3

Happenings

Photos by Ava Reaves

Year of the Earth Pig It was a celebration of the lunar new year last Saturday at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ ChinaFest: Year of the Earth Pig. Scores of families participated in the festivities that featured an exploration of Chinese art and culture through dance, calligraphy, tea tasting and art activities. Children and young adult dancers from Yu Dance Arts, below, perform traditional Chinese dances with modern Western aesthetics. Above and left, performers from RYSE Lion Dance at VCU show off the Fut San style of lion dance that originated in ancient southern China. Youngsters could craft an Earth Pig with air-dry clay, decorate a Chinese folding fan, write their New Year’s wishes on a paper lantern, learn Chinese words and enjoy tai chi demonstrations and storytelling during the event.

New online magazine to focus on people making contributions

By Ronald E. Carrington

B.K. Fulton, a creative media entrepreneur in Richmond, has launched an online entertainment and lifestyle magazine.

SoulVision debuted in early February and “is designed to share success strategies, soul food if you will, to help people live their best life,” Mr. Fulton said in a recent interview. “My wife, Jackie, and I really enjoy a wonderful life and friends we network with do the same.”

Already, the magazine has had 4,000 views.

Mr. Fulton is founding chairman and chief executive officer of Soulidifly Productions, the magazine’s parent company. Formed in 2017, Soulidifly produced four feature-length films last year, “River Runs Red,” “1 Angry Black Man,”

“Love Dot Com” and “ATONE.” ing stories about superstars and people The company’s latest film, “Hell on who are making contributions. the Border,” set in 1875 and starring “When you look at the media Ron Perlman, Frank Grillo and Vernon world as a quilt, it has a lot of holes Davis, a tight end for the Washington in it, especially around success and NFL team, has been picked up by a the blueprint for success,” Mr. Fulton major studio, Mr. Fulton said. said.

T h e c o m p a n y ’s m o t t o i s “SoulVision has a lot of threads “B’MUSE: Meaningful, Uplifting — politics, civil rights, perspectives Stories that are Entertaining and on slavery, on boys in the hood and Beautifully Told.” domestic violence. We need to put Mr. Fulton He started the magazine, he said, some threads on love, hope and how because of the plethora of sadness and negativ- to live your best life. That’s what SoulVision ity in the news, on television and in the streets, is all about.” which may lead people to say, “I am going He hopes the magazine will appeal to all to just take care of mine and not look out for people by using a universal language, music. anyone else.”

“Music speaks to our souls because people He sees SoulVision as filling the gap by featur- can hear a good tune and appreciate it no matter

what the politics, ethnicity, gender or sexuality preference,” he said.

“Right now, we are giving the magazine away because we think it is very important that we get this information out to as many people as possible worldwide,” Mr. Fulton said. Subscriptions will come later, he said.

Mr. Fulton, who was born and educated in Virginia, has extensive executive leadership experience. He is a former vice president for Verizon and AOL and worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington. He currently serves on the boards of three companies launched in 2018.

“I spent my first 50 years doing what I was trained to do,” Mr. Fulton said. “Now I will spend the rest of my life doing what God made me to do.”

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Richmond Free Press

B4 February 21-23, 2019

Obituary/Faith Directory

Clifton D. Townes, retired city recreation Barky’s district superintendent, dies at 79

Clifton David other programs.

Townes helped creMr. Townes died ate vibrant sports Wednesday, Jan. 30, and educational pro2019. He was 79. grams for city youths Family and friends during a storied cacelebrated the Henrireer with the Richco County resident’s mond Department life at a memorial of Parks, Recreation service Tuesday, Feb. and Community Fa5, at Scott’s Funeral cilities.

Home Chapel in Mr. Townes He rose to suNorth Side. perintendent of recreation for Mr. Townes earned the rethe East End after managing spect of the city recreation staff recreation centers in the East End and North Side. He ensured Union Baptist Church a wide range of offerings, from 1813 Everett Street Richmond, Virginia 23224 fall football to winter basketball, 804-231-5884 spring baseball, summer swimReverend Robert C. Davis, Pastor ming, dance, arts and crafts and

Black History Month Celebration

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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

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Come out for Fellowship, Fun, Food, Trivia & Richmond History

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Followed by Q&A session

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

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

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Upcoming Events & Happenings

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February 2019 @ 10:30 Rev. Dr.17, Price London DavisA.M. Senior Pastor

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New Sermon Series Title: God’s Got It Under Control! (#6 of 7) Preaching The Seven Signs & Wonders Recorded in John

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He retired about 15 years ago.

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Lenten Season Mosby joins with the larger Christian Community Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis, Pastor Saturday Sunday in celebrating the Lenten season as a time of February 23, 2019 February 24, 2019 reflection, fasting & prayerful consecration. Join us 1:00 - 3:00 PM 10:00 AM Worship on the journey and follow along with our Lenten Bishop G. O. Glenn Calendar at www.mmbcrva.org REPAST TO FOLLOW EACH SERVICE

REV. JOY CARTER MINOR Preaching

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D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

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

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Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M.

Church804-233-8027 School: Sundays @ Office: | 9:00 Fax:A.M. 804-232-6085 Bible Study: On Summer Break 2200 Hull Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224

New Deliverance We Pray God’s Richest Blessings Evangelistic Church ,%7)3 s (),, s "2/7. for You & Your Family Spiritual Enrichment Series in The New Year!

Remember...

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Sunday Morning Worship

September 2, 2018 @ 10:30 A.M. “Offering Pre-Need Arrangements�

Communion Sunday

LECTURE PRESENTATION

Dr. James Henry Harris -“The Suffering of Black Folk�

Panel Response to Lecture Book Signing by Daniel S. Bond 1400 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 Telephone: (804) 353-7682 Fax: (804) 358-0698 sbcwestend@comcast.net www.SBCWestend.com Dr. James Henry Harris, Pastor

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) www.ndec.net

Wednesday Services

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

Noonday Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. (Bible Study)

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

Saturday

Second Baptist Church

At New Deliverance, You Are Home!

See you there and bring a friend.

8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

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

Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.�

Visit www.ndec.net.

ENROLL NOW!!!

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 5th Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program.

Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old.

For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

February 21-23, 2019 B5

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press

call

644-0496

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 4, 2019 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, March 11, 2019 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. 2019-030 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 91-324-301, adopted Oct. 28, 1991, which authorized the special use of the property known as 412 West Marshall Street for the purpose of converting an existing two-family dwelling into a three-family dwelling, to authorize a dwelling unit within an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is currently zoned R‑6 (Single Family Attached Residential).

The City of Richmond’s adopted Pulse Corridor Plan designates a land use category for the subject property as NMU (Neighborhood Mixed Use). Neighborhood Mixed-use areas are cohesive districts that provide a mix of uses, but with a larger amount of residential uses than other mixed-use districts. They are an urban, walkable environment with limited neighborhood-oriented uses incorporated along key commercial corridors and at corner sites.� No residential density is specified for this land use category.

Ordinance No. 2019-031 To authorize the special use of the property known as 521 Craigie Avenue for the purpose of a dwelling unit within an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in an R-5 Single-Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single-Family (Low Density). Primary uses for this category include single-family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre.

The proposed density of the development would be approximately 11 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2019-032 To authorize the special use of the property known as 815 North 22nd Street for the purpose of a building with commercial uses on the first floor and one dwelling unit, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for this property is R‑63 Multi-Family Urban Residential. The C i t y o f R i c h m o n d ’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Mixed Use Residential uses. Primary uses in this category include “office, personal service, general commercial and service uses and, in some cases, multi-family residential and dwelling units above ground floor commercial.�

No residential density is specified for this land use category.

Ordinance No. 2019-033 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2119 East Broad Street for the purpose of a dwelling unit within an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is located in the R-8 Urban Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single-Family MediumDensity. Primary uses for this category include â€œâ€Śsingle-family and twofamily dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. The density of the proposed development would be approximately 43 units per acre.

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.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 25, 2019 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 ordinance: Ordinance No. 2019-020 To erect all-way stop signs at the intersection of West 43rd Street and Stonewall Avenue. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, February 26, 2019, 12:00 p.m., Council Chamber) 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 and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO MICHAEL L. WINSTON Plaintiff, v.

VALERIE COLEY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18-5455 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from Valerie Coley 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 March 18, 2019 at 9 a.m. and protect her interest herein.

A Copy Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk Law Offices of Leonard W. Lambert & Associates 321 North 23rd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223 (804) 648-3325 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DERRICK WILLIAMS, SR., Plaintiff v.

LAVON STRONG, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19000289-00 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 29th day of March, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MICHAEL MITCHELL, Plaintiff v.

KENISHA COLEMAN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18003369-00 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 has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 22nd day of March, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

SHAUNA BUTLER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18001119-00 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

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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 11th day of March, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.�

IT IS ORDERED that HOWARD A. HARRIS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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

Bellemeade Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S008-0276/011, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, KCC Holdings, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, KCC HOLDINGS, LLC, an entity purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that LYON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC, an entity purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been 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 KCC HOLDINGS, LLC, an entity purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, LY O N FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC, an entity purged from the records o f t h e Vi r g i n i a S t a t e Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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

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

v.

ANGELA F. JACKSON, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5671 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2105 Halifax Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S000-0643/, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Angela F. Jackson.

An Affidavit having been filed that CHARLIE REYNOLDS, who may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been 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 CHARLIE REYNOLDS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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

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

JOHNNIE MERRIMAN, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5972 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 16 West 24th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000685/014, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Johnnie Merriman.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JOHNNIE MERRIMAN, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to the 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 JOHNNIE MERRIMAN, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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 CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

LERLEAN W. TAYLOR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL19-318 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 910 Parrish Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number W0200061/025 to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Lerlean W. Taylor.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, LERLEAN W. TAYLOR, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have 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 LERLEAN W. TAYLOR, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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 CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

LERLEAN W. TAYLOR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL19-319 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 908 ½ Parrish Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number W0200061/026 to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Lerlean W. Taylor.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, LERLEAN W. TAYLOR, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have 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 LERLEAN W. TAYLOR, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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 CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

KAY ARRINGTON, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5836 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1121 North 32nd Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000803/031, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Kay Arrington, Polly Anderson, Denise Arrington and Luther Arrington, Jr.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, KAY ARRINGTON and POLLY ANDERSON, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, DENISE ARRINGTON, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, LUTHER ARRINGTON, JR, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have 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 KAY ARRINGTON, POLLY ANDERSON, DENISE A R R I N G TO N , L U T H E R ARRINGTON, JR, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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 CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

MARK LEE BERNSTEIN, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6237 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3503 East Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0001116/002, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Mark Lee Bernstein.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MARK LEE BERNSTEIN, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his 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 MARK LEE BERNSTEIN, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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 CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

HOWARD A. HARRIS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL19-317 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 119 East 15th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000193/015, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Howard A. Harris.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HOWARD A. HARRIS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have 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

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

KCC HOLDINGS, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL19-59 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2100

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

NANCY ELLEN REID, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6031 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 7011 Old Westham Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number C004-0662/006, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Nancy Ellen Reid, and Susan R. Prenzel.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, NANCY ELLEN REID, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, SUSAN R. PRENZEL, 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 NANCY ELLEN REID, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, SUSAN R. PRENZEL, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 and do what

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

JUNIUS HAYES, III, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5259 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1613 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-1234/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Junius Hayes, III.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JUNIUS HAYES, III, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his 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 JUNIUS HAYES, III, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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 CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

DOUGLAS E. PLYMOUTH, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5838 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1112 North 26th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000519/007, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Douglas E. Plymouth, and John Stanley Abrams.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, DOUGLAS E. PLYMOUTH, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, JOHN STANLEY ABRAMS, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that GWENDOLYN PLYMOUTH, WILLIAM BEAVERS, and DORIS HOWARD, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that KIANA PLYMOUTH LEWIS, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that DELTA REALTY, LLC, not appearing as an active entity in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, 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 DOUGLAS E. PLYMOUTH, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, JOHN STANLEY ABRAMS, GWENDOLYN PLYMOUTH, W I L L I A M B E AV E R S , DORIS HOWARD, KIANA PLYMOUTH LEWIS, DELTA REALTY, LLC, not appearing as an active entity in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before MARCH 17, 2019 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 CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, Continued on next column

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BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION ITB # 19-1818-2JCK – Dorey Park Roadway Improvements – The Work consist of installation of Approx. 2,185 ft. of two lane roadway. Due 2:30 pm, February 27, 2019. Additional information available at: https://henrico.us/finance/ divisions/purchasing/.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Custodial Services for Athletic Events and Facilities The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: Custodial Services for Athletic Events and Facilities To view a copy of - RFP-UVA00005-FM022019 https://bids. sciquest.com/apps/Router/ PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=UVa, or email: pur-rfp@virginia.edu

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: Custodial Services for Athletic Events and Facilities To view a copy of RFP- RFP-UVA-00007-HH022019 Tennis and Basketball Court Resurfacing https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/ PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=UVa, or email pur-rfp@virginia.edu

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Richmond Free Press

B6 February 21-23, 2019

Sports Plus Stories by Fred Jeter

Jaaber looking to spring into Division I competition, boosting the family legacy Of Chesterfield County’s 11 comprehensive public high schools, Carver College and Career Academy is by far the newest — it’s now in its fourth year — and the smallest with 254 students.

Many longtime residents don’t even know where it’s located or anything about it.

Nonetheless, Mikael Jaaber, who answers to “Mick,” is dribbling overtime to lift Carver Academy and Wolverines basketball more into the public eye.

The whippet-quick, ultra-lean, 6-foot, 135-pound Jaaber has averaged 20 points while leading Carver Academy to an 18-5 record and the Tidewater District championship.

The Wolverines were the top seed in the Class 1, Region B playoffs opening this week. The team’s goal is no less than capturing the state Class 1 title next month at the Virginia Commonwealth University Siegel Center.

Jaaber is a third-year starting guard under no-nonsense Coach Reggie Simon, a former Hopewell High School standout whose day job is as a Hopewell probation officer.

Jaaber has both the name and the game for success. His father is Luqman Jaaber, one of the top 10 players ever to come out of Richmond. As a senior at Richmond’s George Wythe High School, Luqman Jaaber was named Times-Dispatch Player of the Year. He went on to lead Virginia Union University to the 2005 NCAA Division II championship and eventually became the Panthers’ head coach.

Mick’s uncle, Ibrahim Jaaber, is among the all-time greats at the University of Pennsylvania.

Luqman Jaaber now serves as Carver Academy’s junior varsity coach — the JV team went 17-1 this season — and as a varsity assistant under Coach Simon. He is also a popular clinician around the area.

Jaaber relishes his father’s legendary status, but insists they are not so much alike in style.

“Dad was pass-first guard. I’m more of a shooting guard, a scorer. I look for my shot more than him,” the younger Jaaber explained.

Here’s how Luqman Jaaber assesses his son: “He still has so much to learn. But he’s growing at a steady pace. He’s finally growing wings.”

The father and son have spent endless hours in the offseason drilling at the Ben Wallace Gym on North Side.

The efforts have paid off. As a more confident senior, Jaaber has flourished. In Carver Academy’s final regular season game, a 71-53 win over King & Queen Central High School, Jaaber had 18 points, five steals and three assists, a stat line his dad would be proud of.

Jaaber played his freshman season on the Chesterfield County’s Manchester High School junior varsity team before transferring to Carver Academy, which is located off state Route 10 between L.C. Bird and Thomas Dale high schools.

Jaaber likely will spend the next school year at a prep school.

That will give him more time to add some weight and strength and to sharpen his skills.

Eventually Jaaber hopes to play NCAA Division I college basketball. He’s quick to say Syracuse University is his preferred college team and former Syracuse star Carmelo Anthony is his all-time favorite player — besides his dad, of course.

“Love the Orange,” he said with a wide smile.

Carver Academy is much like other schools, but there are differences. For example, in addition to the regular curriculum, students can have majors. Students from all over the county can apply to attend, regardless of where they live within Chesterfield.

Jaaber’s specialty is carpentry construction. His projects included building a chicken coop at school going by blueprints.

Some history is needed. The academy is located in the same

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Mikael Jaaber smiles with his dad, former Virginia Union University basketball standout, Luqman Jaaber, who is an assistant coach for Carver Academy’s varsity team. Right, a young Mikael Jaaber looks up to his dad, Luqman Jaaber, in this 2004 photo.

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Carver Academy’s Mikael “Mick” Jaaber goes in for a basket during Monday’s regional playoff game against Appomattox Regional Governor’s School.

building that housed George Washington Carver High School, an all-black school from 1948 to 1970, during school segregation.

Carver Academy’s athletic rivals included Southside High School in Dinwiddie, Gandy High School in Ashland, Russell Grove High School in Amelia, East End High School in South Hill and Virginia Randolph School in Glen Allen.

Later, after full integration of state schools, the building became the home of Carver Middle School, then Phoenix Academy, followed by Chesterfield Community High.

Sports teams at Chesterfield Community were known as the Eagles. But Carver Academy has gone back to the original Carver High mascot, the Wolverines. The basketball team plays in the same gym used decades ago by Carver High School, one of the last schools to play in the former Virginia Interscholastic Association.

The gym has a first class wooden court, but has bleachers only on one side, with a seating capacity of about 200. There is some additional seating in the raised end zone that also serves as an assembly stage.

Carver High School produced many athletic standouts, most notably pitcher Jesse Jefferson, who went on to enjoy major league stardom. Old Carver’s last basketball teams featured AllState VIA Theophalis May, who was among the state’s premier players at the time.

VIA schools were split into three divisions based on enrollment. Carver was a perennial Division 2 power.

Now a half-century later, not much has changed. The young athletes at Carver Academy can play some ball, albeit in relative obscurity.

Powerhouse Elexis ‘Lexi’ Edwards a force on national gymnastics scene When all was well, an abundance of physical level of collegiate gymnastics. far away as Germany. power helped Elexis “Lexi” Edwards climb to “Lexi is the total package,” said Buckeyes Her top scores all flirt with 10.0 — gymthe top peg of her sport.

Coach Meredith Paulicivic. “She brings a wealth nastics’ version of perfection. Her bests are Unwavering willpower kept her from losing of talent and experience and we look forward 9.8 in vault, 9.55 on the bars, 9.7 on the beam her grip when hard times struck. to her making an immediate impact.” and 9.75 in the floor exercise. Her best ever Edwards, a 17-year-old senior at Monacan Despite being sidelined from competition for combined score was a 38.62 two years back at High School, recently signed a full gymnastics nearly a year, the muscular 5-foot-5 dynamo the Excalibur Cup in Virginia Beach. scholarship with Ohio State University. She is will take a glistening résumé to OSU. She was There is no shortage of role models. The currently ranked No. 22 in the nation. a three-time Junior Olympics national qualifier last two Olympic All-Around champions were It hasn’t always been all seashells and bal- and member of the U.S. Junior Team.

African-Americans Gabby Douglas in 2012 loons, however, for this Chesterfield County The daughter of Sonya and Ernest Edwards and Simone Biles in 2016. athlete.

— her dad is a former George Wythe High Closer to home, Chesterfield native Alex In March 2018, Edwards took a terrifying School athlete — Edwards has performed McMurtry went on to win the 2017 NCAA tumble on a vault and suffered a devastating throughout much of the United States and as All-Around gold medal for the University of knee injury. The accident required Florida. two surgeries. She missed months of Edwards’ goal is the same as practice at her home away from home, McMurtry’s, meaning a pursuit of Virginia International Gymnastics college stardom rather than chasing School in Midlothian. the Olympic dream.

Damage was extensive. Her kneecap “I made the decision that my main was dislocated and three ligaments goal was to win a Division I scholarwere torn, forcing her to take her foot ship,” Edwards said. off the accelerator.

Coach Long explains. “To have “I went from going 100 miles per gone after the Olympics might have hour down to zero miles per hour,” involved moving, or being homeshe said. schooled — it’s just so hard.

Now Edwards is kicking up a cloud “The U.S. is such a strong nation for of dust on the comeback trail. gymnastics,” Coach Long continued.

“I’d say I’m 80 percent,” she said, “But for most other countries, Lexi and getting stronger every day. would be a serious Olympic contender.

She trains about four hours per eveShe has competed against some of ning under the direction of VIGS coaches the top girls from other countries and Marshall Long and Laura Toro. done very well.”

Edwards made a verbal commitEdwards was still in kindergarten ment to Ohio State in 2016 after when she was introduced to gymnasuniversity recruiters spotted her at tics. It all started when she tagged along the Nastia Liukin Cup competition with her older sister, Erin Edwards. in Newark, N.J., where she finished Erin, nearly a head taller at 5-foot-10, sixth all-round. reached Level 8 and is now on a volFollowing what might have been a leyball scholarship at Carson-Newman career-ending injury, OSU maintained University in Jefferson City, Tenn. confidence in Edwards and she kept “Right away, from day one, you the faith in herself. could see Lexi was special,” said “I never considered quitting. I’d Coach Long. come too far,” she said.

Nothing has happened since to OSU, a Big 10 Conference school change anyone’s high opinion. Like Photos by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press located in Columbus, Ohio, can’t wait Left, Chesterfield County athlete Elexis ‘Lexi’ Edwards most champions, Edwards resides to add Edwards to its active roster. shows her gymnastic skills on the balance beam and, at the corner of perspiration and The Buckeyes compete on the highest above, on the uneven bars. inspiration.