Richmond Free Press July 1-3, 2021 edition

Richmond Free Press © 2021 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 30 NO. 27

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

RPS offers plan to boost student literacy

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Nearly half of all Richmond students cannot read proficiently when they enter high school, leading to high dropout rates and a host of other ills, Richmond Public Schools acknowledges.

RPS officials are proposing to go all in to make reading fundamental for every student.

The plan of action: Spend a major chunk of the $123 million that will come to RPS from the American Rescue Plan to attack and overcome literacy shortcomings, which are regarded as a key cause of the school-to-prison pipeline and the city’s high rate of poverty.

The plan, which appears to have support from a majority of the nine-member School Board, was released Monday. It was released during another marathon eight-hour board meeting during which the members approved plans for a new approach to science education that pushes projects and hands-on learning.

Dr. Epp The board also took an initial step toward the goal of replacing George Wythe High School within three years by calling a community meeting to be held 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 13.

Behind the new literacy action plan is a recognition that “Richmond faces a literacy crisis,” according to Dr. Tracy Epp, RPS’ chief academic officer.

She noted 66 percent of students in kindergarten through second grade fall below minimum thresholds for sound and word recognition on a standard screening test.

Meanwhile, she continued, data show only 56 percent of students in kindergarten through the eighth grade rated proficient on state Standards of Learning reading tests, while only 52 percent of eighth-grade students rated proficient in writing on the state SOL test.

That means 45 to 48 percent of city students leave eighth grade without proficiency in readPlease turn to A4

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Fourth of July fireworks A2

JULY 1-3, 2021

Cosby freed After spending 3 years behind bars for drugging and assaulting a woman in 2004, entertainer Bill Cosby was released from prison on a legal technicality, drawing mixture of public praise and criticism Free Press wire, staff report

Rachel Wisniewski/Reuters/TPX images of the day

Bill Cosby flashes a victory sign Wednesday outside his home in Elkins Park, Penn., after the state’s highest court overturned his sexual assault conviction and ordered him released from prison immediately.

PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania’s highest court threw out Bill Cosby’s sexual assault conviction and released him from prison Wednesday in a stunning reversal of fortune for the comedian once known as “America’s Dad.” The court ruled that the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor’s agreement not to charge Mr. Cosby.

Mr. Cosby, 83, flashed the V-for-victory sign to a helicopter overhead as he trudged into his suburban Philadelphia home after serving nearly three years of a three- to 10-year sentence for drugging and violating Temple University sports administrator Andrea Constand in 2004.

The former “Cosby Show” star — the first celebrity tried and convicted in the #MeToo era — had no immediate comment.

“The Pennsylvania high court got it right,” said veteran Richmond defense attorney David P. Baugh. “This is not about guilt or innocence. You just cannot use testimony that a defendant provides after being granted immunity to convict a defendant.

I have won cases on that very point.”

Now in his 46th year as a practicing lawyer, Mr. Baugh said that the initial prosecutor “might have been excessive” in providing such a sweeping immunity deal to Mr. Cosby in exchange for disclosing his sexual misconduct, but once that happened, the “second prosecutor had no business trying to bring a case.

The case was dead at that point or should have been.”

Mr. Baugh said the lower court judge is most responsible for allowing the case to go forward when the immunity deal was known. But he said that just because people put on black robes does not mean they know anything about the law. He noted a longtime legal joke involves the question of what to call a lawyer with an I.Q. of 50. The joke’s answer: “ ‘Your honor.’ That judge had the legal I.Q. of an orange,” Mr. Baugh said.

Mr. Cosby was arrested in 2015, when a district attorney armed with newly unsealed evidence — the comic’s damaging deposition in a lawsuit brought by Ms. Constand — filed charges against him just days before the 12-year statute of limitations was about to run out.

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Fulton family receives unexpected blessing of mortgage payoff

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Travis L. and Latarsha F. Woods and their three children stand outside their home in Richmond’s Fulton neighborhood.

It began as a casual conversation.

Then it quickly turned into what Travis L. and Latarsha F. Woods can only call “a blessing from God.” It happened as the Richmond couple talked with another member between Sunday services at their Chesterfield County church, Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries.

When the person asked, “What do you believe in God for?” Mr. Woods responded without hesitation, “To pay off our house.”

“How much do you owe?” was the rejoinder.

“More than $150,000,” Mr. Woods said.

“I’m paying it off,” said the person, whose identity is being concealed to ensure requested anonymity.

The Woodses were nearly knocked off their feet by the prospect of such a generous gift. For them, it was literally the answer to their long-standing hopes for financial freedom, particularly from the monthly bill that kept them strapped—the mortgage payment on the Fulton home they have owned since 2007.

“We both were overwhelmed,” Mrs. Woods said. “It was such a Please turn to A4

Free Press honored with top awards in NNPA contest The Richmond Free Press has received national recognition for its commitment to the local community with the Carl Murphy Award for community service presented by the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

The NNPA Fund Messenger Awards 2021 were announced virtually on June 24 and recCity erupts ognize excellence in reporting, photography, advertising, website and other categories by the more than 200 newspapers owned by African-Americans across the United States.

Judging was based on the best work completed during the 2020 calendar year.

Thousands of protesters The Free Press also won first place for hit the streets layout and design among broadsheet newspapers, with judging based on use of headlines, Henrico, Chesterfield able to reopen under Phase Two of COVID-19 plan copy, photos and graphics and overall layout and design quality.

The Free Press received second place recognition for the Ida B. Wells Award in social and criminal justice for a front page story by freelance writer Brian Palmer on demonstrators taking the first steps to tear down racist Confederate statues in Richmond in June 2020.

The Free Press also won third place recognition for the Emory O. Jackson Award in health for freelancer Nichole M. Christian’s November 2020 front city A4 and A5

Richmond Free Press

VOL. 29 NO. 24

© 2020 Paradigm Communications,

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Inc. All rights reserved.

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Photo coverage of protests in the

JUNE 4-6, 2020

www.richmondfreepress.com

of peaceful Richmond Police scattered hundreds for removal under Lee on Monday evening when statues are headed of Confederate Gen. Robert E. was to go into effect. The Confederate the Monument Avenue statue 30 minutes before the 8 p.m. curfew Tear gas clouds the air around and shooting pepper spray about protesters by releasing tear gas plans announced Wednesday.

Death of George Floyd in Minneapolis prompts plans for reform by Mayor Stoney and Gov. Northam, including removal of Confederate statues on Monument Avenue

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The statues of Confederate traitors are headed for removal from Monument Avenue — ending their long reign as white supremacist icons of Richmond that extends back to 1890.

The removals now in the works appear to be the first of the reforms to grow out of the seething unrest over racism and police brutality that has led to days of protests in Richmond and other cities.

The Free Press learned that Gov. Ralph S. Northam is to announce Thursday that the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee will removed from its pedestal — now filled with spray-painted tags — and placed in safekeeping.

Separately, Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced Wednesday they apologized to the will join 9th District City Tuesday outside City Hall where to a protester that he with Mayor Levar M. Stoney on Mayor Stoney gives a fist-bump Michael J. Jones knee at a joint press conference on Monday night at the Lee statue.

4, carries a sign Councilman Police Chief Will Smith takes a pepper spray on a peaceful crowd Monument Avenue. Nasiah Morris, on and crowd for police using tear gas the State Capitol to the Lee statue Bottom. The youngster, after walking with the throng from the 17th Street Market in Shockoe Tye. in the crowd Tuesday evening march from Brown’s Island to Morris, and 15-year-old brother, Sunday’s peaceful grassroots the rally with her mother, Toya with a powerful message during across from the Capitol, attended kneeling at 9th and Grace streets

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Business owners sweep up after vandalism

Copeland Jr.

By Ronald E. Carrington and George

stores is One of Richmond’s oldest family jewelry vandalism last recovering from late-night looting and to local protests weekend by rogue elements attached of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.& Co. Waller Surveillance cameras showed that damage last Jewelers at 19 E. Broad St. suffered front window Friday and Saturday when the shop’s and merchanand inside jewelry cases were broken Jr., owner of the dise was stolen, said Richard Waller in the family for 120-year-old business that has been four generations. busy WednesMr. Waller and his son, David, were claims. day morning taking inventory for insurance

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

killing of 46-year-old A white Minneapolis police officer’s for nearly 9 minutes was George Floyd by kneeling on his neck the final straw.

Mr. Floyd has flowed Outrage over the death May 25 of cities across the country through the streets of Richmond and and around the world.

Huge throngs have turned out for nightly protests and marches — some of which on Broad by violence, looting marred Please turn to A6 have been stands outside his family’s business

by Richard Waller Jr. night. and battles with police — triggered was vandalized Friday and Saturday of the Street that fury over the Memorial Day slaying for club security guard who was arrested allegedly passing a phony $20 bill.

It hasn’t mattered that the officer, Derek did Mr. Floyd Chauvin, and three fellow officers who immediately fired and that not intervene to save Mr. Floyd were three The murder.

Mr. Chauvin is charged with second-degree aiding and abetting with other officers were charged Wednesday

By George Copeland Jr. Free COVID-19 testing second-degree murder. police chiefs, by the Richmond and will be able to open It hasn’t mattered that, almost universally,condemned the Free testing for COVID-19 continues Restaurants in Henrico and Chesterfield Smith, Henrico health districts. along with gyms, museums, including Richmond Police Chief Will the viral cell phone Friday for limited indoor dining, The latest testing events are: actions of the four officers after viewing on Mr. Floyd, whose zoos, botanical gardens and sports facilities as most of the state reopening guidevideo that showed Officer Chauvin kneeling ADDRESS LOCATION enters Phase Two of Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s DATE/TIME last words included, “I can’t breathe.” not seen since the 1968 lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. of the state’s reopening 9000 Three Chopt There has been an outpouring of fury Tuckahoe The governor announced the progression Road, in Western Thursday, June 4 Martin Luther King Jr. led Richmond assassination of civil rights icon Dr. Middle School and during a news conference Tuesday, in which he said to 1 p.m.

Henrico peace” a.m. no 10 justice, “No of of Cries under Phase One because to upheaval in 100 cities. during the last week in and Northern Virginia will remain on the Eastern Shore, Hotchkiss Field 701 E. Brookland “Black Lives Matter” have been heard their delayed schedule. Accomack County because of its still cities around the world.

Friday, June 12 Community phase first cities in all 50 states and at least 20 the Park Blvd. to moved yet responded. The diver- he said, has not 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Center But it was not just black people who white and Latino people high infection rate from the coronavirus. of up to 50 people, sity of protesters was noticeable, with Two reopening will allow gatherings of the weather.

Phase regardless participants. held of be will percent 50 percentage events at Both dining making up a large and Henrico COVID-19 Malachai Johnson. with restaurants able to operate indoor in gyms and fitness To register, call the Richmond “It’s all of our fight,” said Army Reservist 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday At least 6,000 capacity, and indoor classes and workouts Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from like zoos, museums, places However, some people did not go unscathed.

Public capacity. propercent of 30 at days centers the first six through Friday. people were reported arrested during both sites while test facilities also will be allowed to Walk-up testing will be done at killed and dozens of police botanical gardens and sports Northam said. tests, at least six people have been supplies last. reopen with certain restrictions, Gov. at least one death. reportedly have been injured, with to A6 Please turn to A6

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Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

Carried away by music Victor McKenzie Jr. of Richmond has fun with his daughter, Lily Rae McKenzie, before they settle into their socially distanced pod last week at Friday Cheers on Brown’s Island on the James River in Downtown. The family was among the large group of concertgoers kicking back June 25 and enjoying the music of Butcher Brown with the Charles Owens Trio. The riverfront concert series produced by Venture Richmond Events has been hugely popular this season featuring local bands. The show on Friday, July 2, with the returning group Art of Noise RVA, is sold out.

Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

In this courtroom sketch, Hennepin County, Minn., District Judge Peter Cahill presides over the June 25 sentencing hearing for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty in April of murder in the death of George Floyd in May 2020.

Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22½ years in murder of George Floyd Free Press wire report

MINNEAPOLIS Not enough.

That was the sentiment of the late George Floyd’s family members after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced late last week to 22½ years in prison for the murder of Mr. Floyd in May 2020.

The punishment, announced June 25 by Minnesota Judge Peter Cahill, fell short of the 30 years requested by prosecutors, but is one of the longest prison terms ever imposed on a U.S. police officer in the killing of a Black person.

Still, the Floyd family and others were disappointed.

“Just because it’s the most time doesn’t mean it’s enough time,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis protest leader.

Mr. Floyd, who was in police custody and put face down in the street with his hands cuffed behind his back, was killed May 25, 2020, when Mr. Chauvin kept his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for more than 9 minutes. The scene, including Mr. Floyd’s dying gasps, were caught on cellphone video by a young bystander and led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the United Please turn to A4

Free COVID-19 testing and vaccines COVID-19 testing is available at various drug stores, clinics and urgent care centers throughout the area for people with and without health insurance. Several offer tests with no outof-pocket costs.

A list of area COVID-19 testing sites is online at https:// www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/richmond-and-henricoarea-covid-19-testing-sites/ The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/.

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Richmond Free Press

A2 July 1-3, 2021

Local News

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Area Independence Day celebrations to feature fireworks Want fireworks with your Independence Day celebration?

A number of events around Richmond will feature fireworks on this 245th anniversary of the United States declaring independence from British rule.

Here are several: Saturday, July 3 Independence Weekend Celebration & Dueling Fireworks: The Richmond Flying Squirrels will cap off a six-game series against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies with two fireworks displays at The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., on Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. both days for pre-game performances by the Bop Cats on Saturday and Joe the Spy on Sunday. Game time: 6:05 p.m. both days, with fireworks after the game.

Details: squirrelsbaseball.com/tickets or (804) 359-3866.

Sunday, July 4 Fourth of July Fireworks from Byrd Park: Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community facilities is hosting a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The show can be viewed from Fountain Lake, Shields Lake, Swan Lake and in front of the Carillon. But no seating allowed at Dogwood Dell. No entertainment, food vendors or shuttle buses will be available. Free.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/rvaparksandrec or (804) 646-5733.

Red, White and Lights Celebration at Crump Park: Henrico County will host its annual Red, White and Lights community celebration of Independence Day at 5 p.m., at the Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road. The free event will feature family entertainment, including a performance of patriotic and America-themed music with guest conductor Antoine T. Clark and a laser light show finale. Roving entertainment by juggler Jonathan Austin, Miss Sherri the Clown and Uncle Sam on Stilts. Food trucks will be on site. People are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to watch the performance. Gates open at 4 p.m., with event to run until 8:30 p.m.

Details: henrico.us/rec or henrico.us/calendar/red-white-andlights-2021.

Chesterfield County Fairgrounds: Chesterfield County is hosting its annual Fourth of July Celebration presented by the county Department of Parks and Recreation and the Virginia Credit Union at the county fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road.

Gates open at 5 p.m., with musical entertainment by The Deloreans starting at 6:15 p.m. Fireworks start at dark. Food vendors will be on site. Event ends at 10 p.m. Free. No glass, alcohol, firearms, pets, tents, canopies or personal fireworks are allowed.

All bags and coolers are subject to search. Traffic must enter parking area via Krause Road.

Details: https://www.chesterfield.gov/4441/Fourth-of-JulyCelebration or (804) 748-1992 or (804) 748-1623.

Virginia Museum of History & Culture: As part of its reopening beginning July 1, the museum will host a citizenship ceremony at 10:30 a.m., with 30 candidates becoming new U.S. citizens on the museum’s front terrace, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Judge Roger L. Gregory, chief judge of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, will officiate. The ceremony will be livestreamed, while a number of guests will be able to observe from the museum’s front lawn. Timed admission to the museum will be available at the ceremony’s conclusion. Visitors can browse the new “Partners in History” exhibition, a collaboration between the VMHC and the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

Details: www.virginiahistory.org or (804) 340-1800.

Fourth of July closing schedule In observance of the Fourth of July holiday on Sunday, July 4, please note the following: Federal offices: Closed Monday, July 5.

State offices: Closed Monday, July 5.

Local government offices: Closed Monday, July 5.

City and state courts: Closed Monday, July 5.

Post offices: Closed Monday, July 5.

Public libraries: Closed Monday, July 5.

Trash pickup: No trash pickup Monday, July 5; service resumes on one-day delay for remainder of week. Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, regular service.

Department of Motor Vehicles: Customer service centers closed Monday, July 5.

GRTC: Buses will run on a Sunday schedule on Sunday, July 4, and a weekday schedule on Monday, July 5.

ABC stores: Open noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 4; regular hours Monday, July 5.

Banks and credit unions: Most are closed Monday, July 5.

Retail stores and malls: Varies; call establishment to inquire.

Richmond Free Press offices: Closed Monday, July 5.

This is one of two 160-foot banners now covering the sides of Richmond City Hall that promote city youths and their ambitions for bright futures. This one features Ta’Dreama McBride, with the second to carry the image of Clyde Walker, both city high school students and leaders in RISE for Youth.

The art project, called “Freedom Constellations,” is being officially unveiled and celebrated at noon Thursday, July 1, with a program on the plaza of the city Social Services Building at 9th and Marshall streets across from City Hall. Speakers are to include Roscoe Burnems, the city’s poet laureate; Dr. Ram Bhagat, Richmond Public Schools’ manager of school culture and climate strategy; Lerone Joseph, manager of the Mayor’s Youth Academy; and youth leaders with RISE for Youth. There also will be a demonstration of the augmented reality option that is part of the project. The project is the result of a partnership between the nonprofit Performing Statistics, the city and RISE for Youth.

Artist Mark Strandquist of Performing Statistics is credited with developing this multimedia installation to showcase young people, which Mayor Levar M. Stoney embraced. The banners will remain up until Nov. 30, according to the city.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Medicaid adds dental coverage Free Press staff report

Adults with Medicaid just became eligible for teeth cleaning and other dental services.

As of July 1, the government health insurance program added dental coverage to its health offerings – fueled by a $35 million appropriation from the Virginia General Assembly that Gov. Ralph S. Northam approved.

The addition of dental coverage is among the improvements in health coverage being ushered in this week that will affect the most people.

Another change will extend health coverage to any pregnant woman with an income up to 205 percent of the poverty line through Virginia’s insurance for children, FAMIS or Family Access to Medical Insurance Security program. That means health coverage for single women making $25,000 or less per year and about $53,000 for women with a family of four.

On the dental front, the new policy makes an estimated 750,000 people eligible for dental services, according to the announcement Monday by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, which runs the Medicaid program.

Along with cleanings, the new coverage also extends to diagnostic treatment, such as X-rays and exams, extractions, oral surgery and dentures and other prosthodontic services.

Previously, Medicaid offered compre-

hensive dental coverage only for children and pregnant women, DMAS noted.

For adults on Medicaid who could not pay the costs themselves, their option has been to go to hospitals for help when an infected tooth became a serious health matter.

The big question in this policy change is whether there will be enough dentists. Virginia currently has about 5,400 practicing dentists, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, but DMAS indicates that only about 2,000 accept Medicaid, which offers low reimbursement.

The Virginia Dental Association, a trade group for dentists, has joined the state in urging people insured under Medicaid to take advantage of the new dental coverage and is encouraging VDA members to accept Medicaid patients to help improve access.

“The new adult Medicaid benefit is an important step for connecting underserved Virginians with critical preventative, restorative and surgical dental care,” stated Dr. Frank P. Iuorno Jr., VDA president. “No person should have to go weeks or months in pain waiting for treatment.

“We’ve been working to educate our member dentists about how to participate and look forward to providing quality care to new patients this year,” he stated.

The VDA also plans to push for increases in reimbursement for dentists providing service, he indicated.

Dr. Daniel Cary, state secretary of Health and Human Resources, said the new expansion to include dental benefits will help improve health overall. Current statistics show that preventable tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease among children and youths ages 5 to 17 and a widespread problem among those older.

The new benefit provides a dental safety net that was largely restricted to urban and suburban areas where most dentists practice. State data indicate that residents of at least 67 of the state’s 133 localities have no free or low-cost dental options.

Both the VDA and Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry have long offered programs to assist people without dental insurance.

For example, since 2000, the VDA Foundation has operated Mission of Mercy clinics in the state that have served about 6,500 people a year.

“Helping more people in Virginia access dental services is especially important given the national reports pointing to the pandemic’s negative impact on oral health,” Dr. Iuorno stated.

New studies, based on reports from dentists nationally, indicate that the pandemic has led to an increase in cavities and gum disease, in jaw clenching and teeth grinding and in chipped and cracked teeth – increasing overall demand for dental services, he noted, and making this new coverage even more essential.

Church’s tax-exempt status restored

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Community Church of God in Christ is once again being recognized by the city as an active, functioning church, according to 2nd District City Councilwoman Katherine Jordan.

In an email Monday to the Free Press, Ms. Jordan stated that the city Assessor of Real Estate’s Office had confirmed that the church’s tax-exempt status has been restored on the sanctuary it has occupied for 45 years at 1801 Park Ave. As a result, the church no longer faces a property tax bill of $46,128 that the city Department of Finance issued after the Assessor’s Office revoked that status on June 6 on a claim the building had been vacant for three years.

The church has been in operation for 112 years, Dr. David N. Wright Sr., the historic Black church’s pastor for 37 years, told the Free Press he had heard from Ms. Jordan’s office and felt some relief.

However, he said he still has not received any confirmation, notice or infor-

mation from the city assessor, Richie N. McKeithen, or Deputy Assessor Melvin Bloomfield.

Steve Skinner, a spokesman for Richmond City Council, which appoints the assessor, sent a separate email Monday to the Free Press also stating that the church is once again tax-exempt.

“Our understanding is that the entity that owned the real estate/building had not responded to or returned the real estate review forms that were Dr. Wright sent to them last year by the Richmond Office of the Assessor of Real Estate regarding nonprofit/church use exemption verification, which had been in question for the past three years,” Mr. Skinner wrote.

Mr. Skinner stated the issue was resolved after the church “contacted, spoke with, followed up and submitted the information to the Assessor’s Office.”

Mr. McKeithen and Mr. Bloomfield

were not available for comment.

Dr. Wright remains puzzled that anyone would suggest that Community Church had ceased operations or that the church needed to justify itself to city officials, given that the state and federal constitutions support freedom of worship and essentially bar taxation of sanctuaries and other places of worship.

“Our church was born in 1909 and has been a center of faith ever since,” Dr. Wright said. “That includes the past three years.

“We were open during the pandemic and held nightly revivals for 157 days,” Dr. Wright continued. “What evidence would the assessor have relied on to even question the church’s existence? I have not been told. It appears the assessor did it on a whim.

“This tax situation created enormous and unnecessary stress for me and the congregation that we did not deserve, all because someone in a city office decided to take an action without doing any investigation. It is shameful. If it is truly over for us, I can only hope that no other faith community has to go through this kind of experience.”

Black Voters Matter brings ‘Freedom Ride for Voting Rights’ to Richmond

By George Copeland Jr.

Black Voters Matter brought its “Freedom Ride for Voting Rights” bus caravan to Monroe Park last week, continuing the civil rights efforts of the first Freedom Riders 60 years ago and to push voting access and equity locally and nationally.

Richmond was the seventh stop on an eight-state tour that began in mid-June in Atlanta and ended with a rally in Washington, D.C., last Saturday.

The sounds of speeches and music filled the air as the buses and food trucks lined a perimeter of Monroe Park on June 25.

“Virginia is very similar to some of the other states that

we’ve been in,” said Cliff Albright, who co-founded Black Voters Matter in 2016 with LaTosha Brown. He said the organization will seek to address the gap in voter enthusiasm and outreach among cities and counties in Virginia.

“You’ve got to pull in those parts of the states that oftentimes don’t get a lot of attention, and that’s one of our specialties,” Mr. Albright said. “It’s one of our core beliefs that Black voters matter everywhere.”

The organization has connected with a number of grassroots organizations in the Commonwealth, such as the Richmond Crusade for Voters, to plan how to expand their work in the state. This would include not just advancing vot-

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

LaTosha Brown, front left, and Cliff Albright, co-founders of the Black Voters Matter Freedom Ride for Voting Rights, lead a short rally into Richmond’s Monroe Park from the caravan of buses that stopped in Richmond last Friday enroute to Washington.

ing rights, but educating the public, providing resources and pushing legislators to support a more progressive vision for Virginia’s future.

Virginia’s newest laws to expand voter access, which range from early voting on Sundays to removing requirements for witness signatures

and maintaining ballot dropboxes initially set up during the pandemic, go into effect Thursday, July 1.

On the national level, efforts to protect and expand voting rights have stalled in Congress, with Republican senators and a few Democrats halting progress. Black Voters Matter and other advocates are working to get the bills passed in the face of efforts in multiple states to restrict or obstruct voter access.

Mr. Albright and Ms. Brown criticized these measures in states including Georgia and Texas as negatively impacting people of color the most.

“Quite frankly, it is voter suppression dressed up in a Jim Crow outfit. That is what we are seeing,” Ms. Brown said.

“We need a national standard so that no matter where you live in this country, you have open access to the ballot.”

Mr. Albright expressed optimism that the organization’s efforts would be a success, pointing to the recent lawsuit launched by the U.S. Justice Department against the state of Georgia’s new voter suppression law.

For now, however, Black Voters Matter continues to lay the groundwork in Virginia and across the United States to enhance voter access.

“We never stop building because our goal is not centered around an election cycle,” Ms. Brown said. “Our goal is to build power, and that takes consistent, concerted effort over time.”

Richmond Free Press

July 1-3, 2021 A3

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During the pandemic, the life expectancy gap between Black men and white men has widened.

Black men have Lost 3 Years of their life expectancy compared to just eight tenths of a year for a white man.

LIVE Your Life. LET US Fight Your Cancer.

SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS, NATIONAL VITAL STATISTICS SYSTEM, MORTALITY DATA

40 Enterprise Parkway, Hampton VA 23666 (757) 251-6800 hamptonu.edu FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Bill Thomas, Associate Vice-President Hampton University Office of Governmental Relations 757-727-5310 bill.thomas@hamptonu.edu

Richmond Free Press

A4 July 1-3, 2021

News

Bill Cosby released from prison on a legal technicality Continued from A1

But the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said Wednesday that District Attorney Kevin Steele, who made the decision to arrest Mr. Cosby, was obligated to stand by his predecessor’s promise not to charge Mr. Cosby, though there was no evidence that agreement was ever put in writing.

Justice David Wecht, writing for the majority in the 4-3 ruling, said Mr. Cosby had relied on the previous district attorney’s decision not to charge him when the comedian gave his potentially incriminating testimony in Ms. Constand’s civil case.

The court called Mr. Cosby’s subsequent arrest “an affront to fundamental fairness, particularly when it results in a criminal prosecution that was forgone for more than a decade.” It said justice and “fair play and decency” require that the district attorney’s office stand by the decision of the previous prosecutor.

The justices said that overturning the conviction and barring any further prosecution “is the only remedy that comports with society’s reasonable expectations of its elected prosecutors and our criminal justice system.”

As Mr. Cosby was promptly set free from the state prison in suburban Montgomery County, Penn., and driven home, his appeals lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, said he should never have been charged.

“District attorneys can’t change it up simply because of their political motivation,” she said,

adding that Mr. Cosby remains in excellent health, apart from being legally blind.

In a statement, Mr. Steele said Mr. Cosby went free “on a procedural issue that is irrelevant to the facts of the crime.” He commended Ms. Constand for coming forward and added, “My hope is that this decision will not dampen the reporting of sexual assaults by victims.”

Ms. Constand and her lawyer did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

“FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted — a miscarriage of justice is corrected!” “Cosby Show” co-star Phylicia Rashad tweeted.

“I am furious to hear this news,” actor Amber Tamblyn, a founder of Time’s Up, an advocacy group for victims of sexual assault, said on Twitter. “I personally know women who this man drugged and raped while unconscious. Shame on the court and this decision.”

Peter Goldberger, a suburban Philadelphia lawyer with an expertise in criminal appeals, said prosecutors could ask the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for re-argument or reconsideration, but it would be a very long shot.

“I can’t imagine that with such a lengthy opinion, with a thoughtful concurring opinion and a thoughtful dissenting opinion, that you could honestly say they made a simple mistake that would change their minds if they point it out to them,” Mr. Goldberger said.

Even though Mr. Cosby was charged only with the assault on Ms. Constand, the judge at his trial allowed five other accusers to testify

Free Press tops in awards Continued from A1

page profile of Jade Jones, a nurse in VCU Medical Center’s respiratory intensive care unit working on the front lines helping patients with COVID-19.

The Carl Murphy Award, named for the fiery editor and civil rights activist who served as president and chief editor of the Afro-American Newspaper Co. from 1918 to 1967, honors the Free Press for its breadth of articles, photo packages and editorials in service to its readers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The entry included a range of articles about the pain and triumph of people, families and businesses during the pandemic; the weekly front page feature informing readers of the latest free COVID19 testing sites — and now vaccination sites — in the Richmond area; locations and times where parents of Richmond’s 24,000 public schools students could pick up free

breakfast and lunch for their children; instructions on how to make your own COVID-19 mask, how to boost your immune system and on accessing physical and mental health care through new telehealth efforts; and photo packages of families and school valedictorians on their front porches talking about the lessons learned during the pandemic.

“The Richmond Free Press news team has once again been hailed as one of the best newspapers in the United States by the National Newspaper Publishers Association,” stated Free Press Publisher Jean Patterson Boone. “I applaud the hard work and talent that the NNPA judges recognized. The Richmond community is exceedingly fortunate to experience their work each week.”

The 2021 NNPA Fund John Russwurm Pinnacle Award for the Best of the Best in the Black Press went to the St. Louis American and Publisher Donald Suggs.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Continued from A1 The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Thursday, July 1, 8 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. — GRTC, 301 E. Belt Blvd.; 2 to 3 p.m. — Gilpin Resource Center, 436 Calhoun St., Moderna.

• Friday, July 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Henrico West Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer; 1 to 3 p.m. — Charm School’s Study Hall South Side, 4930 Forest Hill Ave., Suite D; 5 to 7 p.m. — Dalia’s Dulceria, 7310 Staples Mill Road, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Wednesday, July 7, 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Lafayette Gardens Apartments, 2219 Ruffin Road, Pfizer; 2 to 3 p.m. — Whitcomb Court Resource Center, 2106 Deforrest St., Moderna; and 3 to 6 p.m. — George Wythe High School, 4314 Crutchfield St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

Children ages 12 to 15 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Appointments are not required, but individuals can schedule an appointment online at vax.rchd.com or by calling (804) 205-3501.

VaccineFinder.org and vaccines.gov also allow people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine.

More than 4.3 million people are fully vaccinated in Virginia, or 50.7 percent of the population, while 58.9 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

This milestone comes as Gov. Ralph S. Northam lifts the State of Emergency Declaration in Virginia beginning July 1. It also comes as health officials across the nation are seeing a rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases from the Delta variant.

Health officials have urged greater caution moving forward.

“It’s basically doubling every week,” Dr. Danny T.K. Avula, Virginia’s vaccine coordinator, said about the number of cases from the Delta variant during a news conference on Tuesday.

He said he anticipates another surge of the virus in late summer or early fall due to the highly transmissible Delta variant.

“We are in a great place now,” Dr. Avula said. “We’re seeing some of the lowest rates of COVID than we have at any point during the pandemic, but this is not over.”

Late last week, officials at the World Health Organization encouraged people who are fully vaccinated to keep wearing masks and following safety protocols, while officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines in May stating that that fully vaccinated people could stop using masks and social distancing. The CDC clarified this point on Wednesday, stating that people should follow the guidance of their local health departments.

State officials reported 680,340 cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday, along with 30,458 hospitalizations and 11,415 deaths. Virginia’s seven-day positivity rate is 1.6 percent. Last week, it was 1.5 percent.

According to state data, African-Americans comprised 22.4 percent of cases statewide and 25.1 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 16.1 percent of cases and 6.5 percent of deaths.

Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 17,139 826 272 Henrico County 25,803 1,113 635 Chesterfield County 28,284 1,029 452 Hanover County 8,260 293 166

that they, too, were similarly victimized by Mr. Cosby in the 1980s. Prosecutors called them as witnesses to establish a pattern of behavior on Mr. Cosby’s part.

Mr. Cosby’s lawyers had argued on appeal that the use of the five additional accusers was improper. But the Pennsylvania high court did not weigh in on the question, saying it was moot, given the finding that Mr. Cosby should not have been prosecuted in the first place.

In New York, the judge at last year’s trial of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose case helped sparked the #MeToo movement in 2017, let four other accusers testify. Mr. Weinstein was convicted and sentenced to 23 years in prison.

In sentencing Mr. Cosby, the trial judge had ruled him a sexually violent predator who could not be safely allowed out in public and needed to report to authorities for the rest of his life.

In May, Mr. Cosby was denied parole after refusing to participate in sex offender programs behind bars. He said he would resist the treatment programs and refuse to acknowledge wrongdoing even if it meant serving the full 10 years.

The groundbreaking Black actor grew up in public housing in Philadelphia and made a fortune estimated at $400 million during his 50 years in the entertainment industry that included the TV shows “I Spy,” “The Cosby Show” and “Fat Albert,” along with comedy albums and a multitude of television commercials.

The suburban Philadelphia prosecutor who originally looked into Ms. Constand’s allegations,

Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor, considered the case flawed because Ms. Constand waited a year to come forward and stayed in contact with Mr. Cosby afterward. Mr. Castor declined to prosecute and instead encouraged Ms. Constand to sue for damages.

Questioned under oath as part of that lawsuit, Mr. Cosby said he used to offer Quaaludes to women he wanted to have sex with. He eventually settled with Ms. Constand for $3.4 million.

Portions of the deposition later became public at the request of The Associated Press and spelled Mr. Cosby’s downfall, opening the floodgates on accusations from other women and destroying the comic’s good guy reputation and career. More than 60 women came forward to say Mr. Cosby violated them.

The AP does not typically identify sexual assault victims without their permission, which Ms. Constand has granted.

Mr. Cosby, in the deposition, acknowledged giving Quaaludes to a 19-year-old woman before having sex with her at a Las Vegas hotel in 1976.

Mr. Cosby called the encounter consensual.

On Wednesday, the woman, Therese Serignese, now 64, said the court ruling “takes my breath away.”

“I just think it’s a miscarriage of justice. This is about procedure. It’s not about the truth of the women,” Ms. Serignese said, adding she took solace in the fact that Mr. Cosby served nearly three years behind bars. “That’s as good as it gets in America” for sex crime victims, she said.

RPS offers plan to boost student literacy Continued from A1

ing and writing.

Dr. Epp noted that the data show the proficiency gap is even greater for students with disabilities and for whom English is a second language, with up to 70 percent of both groups of students rating as not proficient on state SOL reading and writing tests and only 30 percent or so rating proficient.

“We must do whatever it takes,” she stated in the plan, “to ensure that all RPS students receive the fundamental right of literacy” to ensure they can realize their full potential.

The plan calls for splitting the $123 million over three school years, with $58 million to be used to maintain educational investments that initially received funding from last year’s CARES Act. The remaining $65 million would be poured into the literacy action plan, enabling RPS to hire a “literacy czar” to guide the plan and 20 more reading specialists and staff to offer extended day literacy intervention for students who need extra support.

Principals and teachers also would gain more training and backing to help make literacy “come alive in every classroom,” Dr. Epp stated.

The plan also calls for installing book vending machines in every school and sending the Lit Limo stocked with books

every weekend into neighborhoods.

In addition, the proposal would allow RPS to beef up its staff to engage parents and the community in waging an all out campaign to promote literacy and to join with public and nonprofit groups to provide literacy enriched after-school programming.

The effort to gain approval for a special School Board meeting with the community on George Wythe’s replacement occupied a major share of the board’s time.

According to board members Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, and Jonathan Young, 4th District, the purpose of the meeting is to get community feedback to help the board make decisions on the programming to be included in the new building and the size and square footage.

Mr. Young said that based on school enrollment data and projections, RPS does not appear to need a building with a capacity for 2,000 students, but instead could reduce the space to serve 1,500 students.

That could eliminate up to 40,000 square feet from the new building, he said, potentially saving between $12 million and $24 million that could go to other school building needs.

Four members of the board who want the city to take the lead on building a new George Wythe and oppose the fivemember majority’s decision to take on the project initially opposed the community meeting.

But that changed when Mr. Young said the board should welcome Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s decision to advertise for a design firm for the new George Wythe rather than waiting for the School Board to do so.

Board member Nicole Jones, 9th District, amended a motion made by Ms. Gibson to hold the meeting to include acceptance of the city’s design team, which most of the board approved.

Mr. Young said that the board should accept the winner of the city competition as the board’s design team and provide support.

If the board is to keep the project moving, members also would need to select a prototype to be used in creating the blueprints for the new building, Mr. Young indicated.

Mayor Stoney’s administration already notified the board that if it again takes charge of the project, the new building could not open until January 2025 under its revised timeline.

Mr. Young remains cautiously optimistic that a new school can be opened for the start of the 2024-25 school year if the designs can be completed by July 2022 and released for contractor bids.

RPS already is moving to hire its inhouse project management team.

He said an award in November 2022 suggests the building could be ready for use in 18 to 20 months.

Fulton family receives unexpected blessing Continued from A1

huge blessing.”

And it was real.

Mr. Woods said the individual explained that business had been remarkably good during the pandemic, so much so that they had paid off their home. The person also vowed to help others do the same.

As the couple recounted, the person said that while in prayer, the couple’s faces kept flashing. The person took that to be confirmation from God that the Woodses were to be the first to benefit, the couple said.

On Tuesday, June 1, just after Memorial Day, the person was as good as their word.

The couple collected a cashier’s check, took it their lender, Virginia Housing, and paid off the mortgage.

Mr. Woods ran a joyful lap around the agency’s parking lot after he presented the check to his surprised loan officer, who, just a few days earlier, was involved in restructuring the Woodses’ mortgage to assist them in keeping up with payments.

At the time, they were several months in arrears.

The couple still must cover the cost of the homeowners’ insurance premium and the real estate taxes, but those are far smaller costs.

By owning their home free and clear, the couple can plan for the future for themselves and their three children, Destiny Grace, 12; Trinity Faith, 7; and Serenity Joy, 4.

Devout Christians, the Woodses have been married for 17 years. They joined Mt. Gilead 10 years ago and believe they

will live the prosperous and blessed lives that co-pastors, Bishop Daniel Robertson Jr. and his wife, Elena Robertson, preach about.

They both are active in the church and serve as ministry volunteers to assist people who come forward at services to accept Christ. They also have operated their own nonprofit, Youth Impact, which has held yearly conferences and sought to make a positive impact on teens by linking them to positive programs and which is now joining the fight against human trafficking.

But Mr. Woods said the family has faced difficult financial challenges, particularly after he lost his job in 2014 when Mrs. Woods was seven months pregnant with their second child.

Instead of becoming depressed, he said he prayed and God gave him a vision to go back to school and earn his master’s degree in human services.

So he did. He earned his graduate degree from Liberty University while he continued to seek steady work. He said his wife was steadfast in encouraging him.

He said it still took three years to land a permanent position, leaving the family’s finances devastated. He said the struggle continued even after he secured a position as a program manager with a City Hall job training and placement program.

Even though working, he said the couple frequently fell behind on the house payment, with foreclosure notices adding to the financial stress.

Mrs. Woods, who took charge of raising and home-schooling the children, did everything she could to help out. Before

the pandemic, she worked as a pre-school teacher and behavioral specialist for Richmond Public Schools. She also led an after-school program for RPS called Anoint the Runway that offered dance and modeling instruction for girls.

She recently published an illustrated children’s book, “The Melanin Is Poppin’ on My Beautiful Brown Skin,” which is now available on Amazon. She said she wrote it initially as a poem in response to a question from one of her children. The book is designed to boost self-esteem and confidence.

Mrs. Woods said she joined with illustrator Kayla Eaglin to create the book after realizing that her words could offer encouragement to children worldwide who are raising questions about skin color.

She also markets women’s clothing and cosmetics through her online store, L. Woods Boutique Worldwide.

But the money coming in was never enough, the couple said.

The couple remain grateful that when they fell behind on their house payments, Virginia Housing continued to be more interested in helping them get back on track rather than seeking to take the property.

“We’ve been truly blessed,” Mr. Woods said.

Both believe their latest blessing stems from their efforts to follow God’s word.

“We have devoted our lives to being faithful and to trying to please God,” Mr. Woods said, “and we know this is God’s way of saying that he is pleased. This could not have happened without God doing it.

With God, all things are possible.”

Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22½ years Continued from A1

States in generations.

At last week’s sentencing, Mr. Chauvin broke his yearlong silence and offered condolences to the Floyd family and expressed hope they eventually have “some

peace of mind.”

With good behavior, Mr. Chauvin, 45, could get out on parole after serving twothirds of his sentence, or about 15 years.

Judge Cahill went beyond the 12 ½-year sentence prescribed under state guidelines, citing Mr. Chauvin’s “abuse of a position

of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty” shown to Mr. Floyd.

Floyd family attorney Ben Crump said the family had gotten “some measure of accountability” but is hoping Mr. Chauvin gets the maximum sentence at his upcoming federal civil rights trial.

Richmond Free Press

July 1-3, 2021 A5

Local News

Mr. Price

Mr. Robinson

Mr. Gilpin

Mr. Jackson

Mrs. Brooks

Mrs. Walker

Mr. Mitchell

Mrs. Bowser

Mr. Hill

Rev. Browne

14 African-Americans connected to Jackson Ward to be recognized with honorary street signs

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Honorary brown street signs soon will go up in Jackson Ward to call attention to 14 deceased Black men and women who made a lasting imprint on Richmond and often on the nation.

They range from newspaperman and banker John Mitchell Jr. to modern-day culture promoter Lorna Pinckney.

On Monday, Richmond City Council took time to celebrate the individuals and recognize the ambitious effort to keep their memories alive for new generations before unanimously approving the project.

The approval came on a night when the council also assented to City Hall teaming with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to apply for a federal grant to jump start the redevelopment of the Gilpin Court public housing community.

Gilpin Court is in the northern portion of Jackson Ward that was split off when the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, now part of Interstate 95, was constructed through the Black section of the city.

City Councilmembers Katherine Jordan, 2nd District, and Ann-Frances Lambert, 3rd District, spearheaded the honorary street sign initiative that began during the administration of Mayor Dwight C. Jones to spotlight Black individuals who had made a difference in the city.

The two council members joined to carry out a proposal advanced earlier this year by The JXN Project, the creation of sisters Enjoli Moon and Dr. Sesha Joi Pritchett-Moon.

The sisters launched the project to showcase significant individuals who made a difference in Jackson Ward, which was once the financial, business and social center of Richmond’s Black

community.

Passage is expected to lead to a festive, multifaceted unveiling ceremony once the signs have been installed.

The signs will Mr. Eggleston honor: Rosa Dixon Bowser, the first Black teacher hired in Richmond after public schools were launched and whose 47-year career included founding the first statewide organization to represent Black educators; Lucy Goode Brooks, founder of an orphanage for Black children that still operates today as the Friends Association for Children; and the Rev. William Washington Browne, who founded a fraternal order and chartered the first Black financial institution in the United States.

Also, Neverett Alexander Eggleston Sr., who owned a once prominent Jackson Ward hotel named for him that became a center of NAACP organizing and housed touring Black performers during segregation; Charles Sydney Gilpin, the first Black actor to rise to stardom in dramatic roles on Broadway in New York; Lillie Ann Estes, an outspoken community activist and organizer who fought for policies to uplift the poor in Gilpin Court and citywide; and Oliver White Hill Sr., an attorney who played a key role in the legal attack on segregation in Virginia and the nation.

Also, Giles Beecher Jackson, the first Black attorney to represent a client before the Supreme Court of Virginia and a promoter of Black business advancement who organized the first exhibit on Black progress at the Jamestown tricentennial in 1907; Mr. Mitchell, who fought lynching and segregation and promoted Black civil

Ms. Estes

Ms. Pinckney

rights for 45 years as editor of the Richmond Planet, represented Jackson Ward on City Council, founded

a bank and led a yearlong boycott of segregated street cars in Richmond in 1904 that bankrupted the company; and Ms. Pinckney, poet, artist and creative force best known for founding and leading the long-running Tuesday Verses that provided an open microphone for poets.

Also, Alfred Douglas “A.D.” Price Sr., a blacksmith who opened one of the first Black funeral homes in Virginia and built it into one of the largest establishments of its kind in the

country; Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a tap dancing great who became a movie star and earned national entertainment acclaim; Abraham Preston Skipwith, the first Black person to own a home in Jackson Ward; and Maggie Lena Walker, who rose to leadership of a Black fraternal group and used her position to fight for Black and women’s rights and become the first Black woman to charter and serve as president of a bank in the United States.

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

Bojangles statue commemoration Members of the Astoria Beneficial Club honor the legacy of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson during its annual commemoration held last Saturday at the statue of Mr. Robinson at Leigh and Adams streets in Jackson Ward. The men’s club put the statue in pkace in 1973 to recognize Mr. Robinson, a Richmond native who rose to international acclaim as a tap dancer and entertainer, because of his impact on his hometown.

In 1933, Mr. Robinson purchased a traffic light for $1,400 to be placed at the intersection where his statue now stands after witnessing the danger faced by African-American children trying to cross the busy street. During his lifetime, Mr. Robinson worked for racial equality and civil rights, including more equitable treatment of Black soldiers during World War II and more diverse police departments.

Slot machine-style ‘skill games’ end July 1, taking away some people’s ‘joy’

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

James E. Henson is not going to wear black.

But he will join in mourning the loss of the socalled “gray machines” that are on the way out of convenience stores, truck stops and a host of other retail establishments with Virginia ABC licenses to sell beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Effective Thursday, July 1, the slot machinestyle games will no longer be legal to operate in Virginia, and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Department and its board is promising to crack down on any licensed establishment that does not get rid of them.

The machines, known as “gray machines” for skirting the state’s still viable anti-gambling laws, began popping up about three years ago.

And despite a huge state tax, the machines have helped numerous small retail outlets financially weather the pandemic.

Various companies put thousands of the “skill” games in convenience stores in the state.

The machines were modified to require an extra press of the button to operate. That apparently was enough to prevent the ABC from initially deeming them illegal.

Like many, Mr. Henson, 62, is upset.

He cannot understand why the return compared to results from playstate is pulling the plug on these ing the Virginia Lottery or buying machines at the same time elected scratch tickets. leaders enthusiastically have given the While Rosie’s Gaming Emporium green light to sports betting, casino in South Richmond also offers legal gambling, horse race wagering as well slot machines, Mr. Henson said he as a state-run lottery. was put off by the crowds and lines “Why is everything else legal and there and preferred the neighborhood something like this—that was popular places that involved gatherings of small Mr. Henson with ordinary Joes—is not,” he said numbers of congenial people. echoing comments heard widely from patrons In 2020, the General Assembly was poised who played the machines. “The people who play to outlaw the machines, but bent to Gov. Ralph aren’t bothering anyone. Why is this so bad?” S. Northam’s suggestion to allow them for The owner and operator of a Downtown printing one year. The governor also won support for business, Mr. Henson said he enjoyed being able imposing a hefty $1,200-a-month tax on each to go to different locations in Richmond to try his machine to raise money to cover expenses luck at what he called his “part-time job.” related to COVID-19.

Also the longtime leader of a basketball The tax raised $150 million in the 2020-21 fiscal ministry that has been shut down during the year, the state reported. But that was not enough pandemic like many indoor programs, Mr. to halt the death sentence for the machines.

Henson said he found playing the machines a Both the governor and state legislature, great stress reliever. with little explanation, refused to approve any Playing, he said, also enabled him to meet extension for their continued use, even though and make friends with people “I never would gambling has become a favorite way for the have had a connection with otherwise.” state to raise new tax revenue.

He said the machines, on which he said he The decision to force removal of the mawas a frequent winner, also provided a better chines is a big deal primarily for independent

convenience stores. As sales of gasoline, candy, crackers and other items have sagged as people stayed home since the March 2020 start of the pandemic in the state, some stores found the returns from the machines, even with the tax, enough to keep their doors open.

Several operators said the loss of the machines would force them into bankruptcy because their regular operations do not generate enough revenue.

“Hundreds of convenience store employees are going to lose their jobs and a lot of us will go out of business. These machines were a life preserver for our businesses, and now we have to sink or swim without them,” said one owner, who requested anonymity.

The prohibition already has drawn a longshot lawsuit and a cry of discrimination from Asian-American store operators, though legal experts believe there is little likelihood of any legal challenge having much success.

State leaders, who heard such arguments while considering whether to extend the legality of the machines, have been adamant that these machines are to go.

“Just when we had something we could enjoy,” Mr. Henson said, “poof, it’s gone.”

Get tickets at VirginiaHistory.org/Tickets

Partners in History JULY 1ST 2021 THROUGH JANUARY 3RD 2022 In partnership with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Oliver W. Hill’s Desk during his 22-year career with the Richmond firm of Hill, Tucker & Marsh

Richmond Free Press

Gladiola in The Fan

Editorial Page

A6

July 1-3, 2021

Fourth of July “If we can liken life … to a furnace, then freedom is the fire which burns away illusion.

Any honest examination of the national life proves how far we are from the standard of human freedom with which we began.

The recovery of this standard demands of everyone who loves this country to take a hard look at himself, for the greatest achievements must begin somewhere, and they always begin with the person.”

— James Baldwin, 1959

Happy Fourth of July

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Reimagining Monument Avenue In the summer of 2020, a group of citizens began a dialogue about the future of Monument Avenue.

As Jerome Legions, president of the Carver Area Civic Improvement League, has so eloquently said, “Not just its aesthetic future, but its philosophical one as well.”

As the year unfolded, it became clear that the focus should be not on what is next, but rather who is asking the question?

This group, Reimagining Monument Avenue, has continued to engage the community in that conversation with the goal of building a broad coalition of residents, activists, business and civic leaders, protesters, community organizers, institutions — everyone willing — to add perspective, lend their voice or simply listen.

The future of Monument

Avenue and its placement into the broader historic context of Richmond, the Commonwealth and the country’s history will come. Before we enter that discussion, this collective seeks to make the past understood—to

Burt Pinnock find common ground in truth and fact.

The process envisioned is like planting a garden. Before we decide what will be planted, the soil needs to be analyzed.

Recognizing how the depletion

Julie Weissend happened in the first place is essential. And this is bigger than Monument Avenue; every neighborhood in the city should be included when it comes to this process of knowing and discussing the facts of our shared history.

We are at an epic inflection point; “cross-pollination” and supplementation can and should inform what happens next.

The goal is to invigorate, so that when Monument Avenue is reimagined, it ultimately

yields something imp­ortant that resonates with everyone across our community.

On May 29, a couple dozen people came out to the Branch Museum, located at the corner of Monument and Davis avenues.

It was the first time after many Zoom meetings that we were together in person. We came to listen to people such as Ana Edwards taking us back to 1730, to Sarah Driggs expanding on the history of the creation of Monument Avenue, and to Michael Larkin, aka “The Chicken Man,” sharing his experiences from last summer, in addition to many others. We came together to listen to one another.

The strength of this group is bolstered only by the diversity of voices it envelops and the opportunities for inclusion it provides. This is about more than the Avenue; it’s about our city.

We want to look at the community in aggregate—not just Monument Avenue.

To that end, we simply ask that you join us in the conversation. As co-facilitators leading that effort, we ask you to consider sharing your voice and your time with us.

We will be holding public

Black people and psychological warfare In his must-read 1926 book, “The Miseducation of the Negro,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson stated, “Starting out after the Civil War, opponents of freedom and social justice decided to work out a program which would enslave the Negro’s mind, in as much as the freedom of the body had to be conceded.”

That is psychological warfare.

It is distressing to have to admit that descendants of those opponents of freedom and justice cited by Dr. Woodson have had a great deal of success in enslaving the minds of way too many Black folks today. This factor continues to make it very difficult for us to promote and protect our vital individual and group interests in this country.

Examples of their successful psychological warfare are reflected in Black folks who use Black as an epithet; who

believe in white standards of beauty and attractiveness; who consistently use the “N-word” when talking about our people; who only have images of a white Jesus in their churches and homes; who relish being the only Black person in an otherwise all white organization, school or neighborhood; who only have white art in

A. Peter Bailey their homes or apartments; who are dyed or bewigged blondes; who believe that an all-Black school or other institution is inherently inferior; who believe that striving for academic excellence is trying to be “white;” who use the word “classical” only for European music; who smile with gratitude when a white person tells him or her “you are different from other Black people;” who wreak havoc in Black neighborhoods; who say that a Black person has “good” or “bad” hair; who believes that a Black person romantically involved with or married to a white person has

enhanced his or her social status; who believe that a degree from Harvard, Yale, Princeton or any other overwhelmingly white college or university automatically makes them superior to Black folks with degrees from historically black colleges and universities; whose buffoonish professional names carry on the demeaning tradition of Stepin Fetchit, Mantan Moreland and Scatman Crothers; and those who have built lucrative careers in the academic, journalistic, political and cultural arenas by, to the delight of white supremacists, consistently attacking other Black folks.

Black folks guilty of the above are basically allies of those who falsely believe they are superior to us.

Anyone wanting to know what can be done about this must read the writings of Brother Malcolm X, Dr. C. Delores Tucker and Dr. Frances Cress Welsing.

The writer is an author, teacher and can be reached at alfonzop.bailey@gmail. com.

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.

forums throughout the city in the coming months. But in the meantime, we encourage you to learn more about our mission and who’s involved at reimaginingmonumentavenue.org.

This is your city. Make your voice heard.

The writers are co-facilitators of Reimagining Monument Avenue.

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Richmond Free Press

July 1-3, 2021 A7

Commentaries

Thank you to Richmond’s hospitals and health care providers The last few weeks have seen positive news for the Richmond community in our battle against COVID-19. Cases have started to decline, roughly 54 percent of Richmond’s adult population has received at least one dose of the COVID19 vaccine and Virginia is on the way toward a return to pre-pandemic normalcy with Gov. Ralph S. Northam lifting the State of Emergency Declaration on June 30. This is all excellent news for both the health of Richmonders as well as our local economy.

As we look forward to brighter days, I want to take a moment to thank our local hospitals, medical professionals, local clinics and the Richmond City Health District for everything they’ve done during the last year to help our city recover.

As many of you know, earlier this year, COVID-19 became personal for me as I became one of more than 85,000 Central Virginians infected with the virus. I was lucky that I could recover in the comfort of my own home, but I was constantly thinking of my fellow Richmond residents who fell more seriously ill and were admitted to local hospitals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a good reminder of the critical role played by Richmond’s health care infrastructure, from large hospital systems to our local network of Federally

Qualified Healthcare Centers and state public health facilities.

Throughout the pandemic, local systems like HCA Virginia, VCU Health and Bon Secours have aided thousands of our neighbors who had to be hospitalized for COVID-19.

VCU Health supported mass vaccination clinics to get vaccinations out quickly to those at the highest risk. HCA Healthcare didn’t lay

Mayor Levar M. Stoney off any employees and provided pandemic pay to ensure all of its employees weathered the pandemic with some financial security. In partnership with the Richmond City Health District, Bon Secours held vaccine clinics using its mobile health clinic, Care-A-Van, at the Sacred Heart Center to provide hundreds of doses in the early days of vaccine distribution to our Latino and African-American communities in South Richmond.

A strong health care system is vital to our city’s economy, regardless of whether we are in the middle of a pandemic

Continue to say their names The Black experience in America has always been a story of struggle.

From the plantation to the project block, from Emmett Till to Ahmaud Arbery, and from Tulsa, Okla., to Minneapolis, Minn., we have constantly fought for equality and fair treatment under the law, only to have those same laws be used against us.

The past year has been particularly challenging, with the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others becoming indelibly etched into our collective memory and millions of people taking to the streets to protest these crimes against

Rev. Reginald Bachus the Black community. As we celebrate the federal recognition of Juneteenth, we must look back on all the events of the past year with clear eyes to examine both the tragedies and triumphs our community has witnessed.

There have been moments of hope that the system is finally edging toward equality, like the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for murdering Mr. Floyd by kneeling on his neck for more than 9 minutes while Mr. Floyd called out, “I can’t breathe.”

Mr. Chauvin’s conviction and sentencing marks one of the few times in the painful history of Black people in America when law enforcement was held accountable for the wanton acts of violence they perpetrate against our community.

But for every conviction like Mr. Chauvin’s, there is a long, tragic history of innocent Black men and women being murdered, their deaths generating little more than a passing mention on the local news and their killers going unpunished. From Medgar Evers to Breonna Taylor, our country’s history is filled with these injustices that the powers that be try to sweep under the rug.

Mr. Floyd’s death, which was captured in brutal clarity on a bystander’s cellphone, along with those of Mr. Arbery, Ms. Taylor and so many more, challenged the status quo of racial injustice like never before. Millions of Americans of every race, color and creed stood up, spoke out and made Black Lives Matter the largest social movement in the country’s history.

“Say Their Names” became a rallying cry for

millions of Americans across the country tired of police brutality and racial injustice. From Minneapolis to Manhattan, Atlanta to Los Angeles, we took to the streets of America’s biggest cities and smallest towns under a blazing summer sun to voice our anger. All races, colors and creeds marched on Washington to let leaders know that it was time to stop fanning the flames of racism and to declare that we would remember who was guilty.

We will continue to organize. We will continue to march. We will continue to “say their names” until there is justice for every Black and Brown person in America who has experienced systemic racism, police brutality and political indifference.

While our voices were heard at the marches and demonstrations seen on television sets and computer screens across the world. Our voices also were heard through our online activism — which for many was the only way to speak out during the COVID-19 pandemic — as we demanded politicians take notice and take action at both the state and local levels.

A new report released earlier this year by The 400 Foundation, The BLK+Cross and Marathon Strategies reveals how our new era of digital demonstrations and online organization is driving real change on social justice issues. The analysis found that states with the most online conversations about social justice in 2020 also saw the most legislative action on police reform. In fact, the four places most mentioned in social justice conversations — Minnesota, Georgia, New York, and Washington, D.C. — saw 110 police reform measures introduced.

Overall, our report found that the names of Mr. Arbery, Ms. Taylor and Mr. Floyd were shared online nearly 50 million times from last June to September — making it clear that saying the names of the victims of racial injustice was essential for political action.

In the coming weeks and months, we must say their names again as we remember their lives and the injustices they suffered. We must say their names during public demonstrations in city streets. We must say them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and throughout the digital universe.

And we must keep saying them until we achieve justice for them, their families and the countless Black lives lost to racial violence.

The writer, a former associate pastor at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, is president of The 400 Foundation.

GRTC NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Thursday, July 8, 2021 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The purpose of this meeting is to update the public on planned service updates scheduled to take effect Sunday, September 12, 2021. The following will be discussed: Route 20: Route 77:

*57& KDV SODQQHG WR UH URXWH RII RI $OWDPRQW $YH LQ 6FRWW·V $GGLWLRQ WR Arthur Ashe Boulevard both north and south, connecting with Broad St. GRTC will be going on detour off of Grove Ave. between Robinson Ave and Harrison Ave, operating on Main (westbound) and Cary (eastbound).

Route 111: GRTC has planned a one-mile extension on the Route 1 corridor (southbound).

To protect the safety of meeting attendees, this meeting will be conducted through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with City of RichmondOrdinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to inperson participation by the public. Necessary GRTC Administrative Staff will assemble electronically for this meeting and will participate by videoconference via RingCentral.

To join the meeting on RingCentral, please clickhttps://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/1448561131 or dial in (470)869-2200, Meeting ID: 144 856 1131. Video and audio of the meeting will also be streamed live online at the following YouTube web address: https://youtu.

EH ;] JF5\$1 0 7KH PHHWLQJ SUHVHQWDWLRQ PDWHULDOV DUH DFFHVVLEOH RQ *57&·V website at http://ridegrtc.com/news-initiatives/news-updates/.

After the meeting, please send any questions or public comments to: Email planningcomment@ridegrtc.com Phone: (804) 358-4782 Mail: Planning Division, GRTC Transit System, 301 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond VA 23224

YOU CAN STILL FILE

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OTHER LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED: Divorce, Separation, Custody, Support, Home Buy or Sell

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or otherwise. Our hospitals, along with the RCHD and our network of FQHCs such as the Daily Planet and Capital Area Health Network, see hundreds of thousands of patients a year and provide thousands of jobs that help keep our economy strong.

This holiday, we should all take a moment to say thank you and support our health care workers who are still staffing the front lines. Because this pandemic is not over, we still have work to do to keep everyone safe, and that means getting vaccinated as soon as you can. I feel grateful to be fully vaccinated. The science is clear: The vaccine is effective and also will allow us to eat at our favorite restaurants, have the chance to hug our loved ones and worship with our fellow churchgoers with confidence.

With the help of our doctors, nurses, medical centers, hospitals and entire health system, Richmond is recovering faster and more fully. It will take a strong economy and a healthy and confident public. But with our medical professionals supporting us, and more and more individuals receiving the vaccine, we will emerge from this pandemic resilient and stronger than before.

The writer is mayor of the City of Richmond.

SICKLE CELL ASSOCIATION OF RICHMOND - OSCAR would like to ask you to donate BLOOD to help sickle cell patients who need regular transfusions.

They need specific blood types that match their own to minimize the risks of repeated transfusions.

African American blood donations are best for these patients.

24-7. Talk to an attorney for free

and get legal restrictions, fees, costs and payment terms.

Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr., Esq. McCollum At Law, P.C.

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

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

Please call the RED CROSS at 800-733-2767 or go to www.redcrossblood.org and make an appointment to donate.

PUBLIC NOTICE WILLINGNESS TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING US-60 Downtown Expressway Gateway Pedestrian Improvements Project City of Richmond, Virginia VDOT Project No. 0060-127-002; UPC 111702 The City of Richmond has completed the 30 percent design for the US-60 Downtown Expressway Gateway Pedestrian Improvements Project.

The project will provide improvements to the pedestrian infrastructure around Kanawha Plaza (South 9th Street, East Canal Street, South 7th Street, and East Byrd Street) in the vicinity of the downtown expressway. The proposed improvements will provide safer pedestrian access to the Plaza.

Elements of the project include: increased pedestrian accessibility, adding and widening sidewalk, reconstruction of intersection geometry, enhanced pedestrian crossings by reducing the length of the crossing and clearly marked crosswalks, installation of pedestrian signals, planting street trees, and installation of a new traffic signal at South 7th and East Byrd Streets.

To review the project information, visit the project webpage: rva.gov/public-works/construction-projects-road-improvements or make an appointment to visit the Department of Public Works by calling 804-646-2467. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions.

Comments can be mailed to Ms. Yongping Wang, Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW), 900 East Broad Street, 6th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. If your concerns cannot be satisfied, the City of Richmond is willing to hold a Public Hearing. Send your request with the subject, “US-60 Downtown Expressway Gateway Improvements” to Yongping.Wang@richmondgov.com or mail to the DPW address.

Requests for a public hearing must be received by July 19, 2021. If it is deemed necessary to hold a public hearing, the notice of the date, time and place of the hearing will be posted on the project webpage.

The City of Richmond will arrange for reasonable accommodations for non-English speaking persons or those persons with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments when notified by July 19, 2021. Please send notifications to Yongping.Wang@Richmondgov.com or to the DPW mailing address listed above.

Richmond Free Press

A8 July 1-3, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU to induct 8 people, 1 team into Athletic Hall of Fame

Virginia Union University’s rich athletic tradition will be celebrated Oct. 1 with its Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The Class of 2021 features eight individuals and one team—the 1973 CIAA championship football team.

They will be inducted on the evening prior to the VUU versus Shaw University football game at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. The inductees also will be honored during the football game.

Here are the honorees: •1973 Panthers football team: Under Coach Willard Bailey and defensive coordinator Jesse Chavis, the 1973 Panthers posted a 9-1 record and won their first conference title in 50 years.

The lone loss was to South Carolina State University. The 1973 Panthers shut out six of their last seven opponents, including a streak of putting four straight “doughnuts” on the opposing scoreboard.

•Willard Coker: From Winston-Salem, N.C., he brought glory to VUU as a basketball player, assistant coach and head coach. He was recruited to VUU by Coach Robert Moore and played under Coach Moore and Coach Dave Robbins.

He was a key coming off the bench for VUU’s first NCAA Division II title in 1980. He also served as an assistant coach under Robbins for 23 seasons, helping the Panthers to two more NCAA crowns, 10 CIAA championships and 19 NCAA playoff berths. In his three seasons as head coach, the Panthers went 55-25.

•Melvin Edison: The speedster left a lasting impression on the Panthers’ indoor and outdoor track and field history. From 2006 to 2010, Edison excelled in the hurdles and sprints, earning multiple CIAA and NCAA honors. He accumulated three NCAA All-American awards

and was an eight-time, All-CIAA performer.

He was named VUU Athlete of the Year in 2008 and 2010.

•Tracie Harris Haygood: The Lady Panther was a superstar on the basketball court and in the classroom. She scored 1,122 points in basketball while compiling the highest cumulative GPA between 1989 and 1993.

Her numerous honors included Most Versatile Female, Most Outstanding Player and recipient

of the Jesse Chavis Outstanding Sports Leadership Award in 1993.

•Alvin Hunter: He was a big name in Panthers golf as both a player and coach. He played for VUU from 1969 to 1972 and served as coach from 1982 to 1996.

Hunter garnered All-CIAA honors three seasons and helped the Panthers win the 1969 and 1971 CIAA golf titles. The 1971 squad was VUU’s last to win the CIAA champion-

ship until 2019.

•Ralph “Pete” Hunter: The Atlantic City, N.J., native is among the last Panthers to take their game from Hovey Field to the NFL. Hunter enjoyed a six-season NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns and the Seattle Seahawks.

Playing under Coach Willard Bailey at VUU, Hunter helped the Panthers to the CIAA championship in 2001. As a senior, he led the CIAA with 11 interceptions, while also blocking six kicks and recording 50 tackles.

•Jacqie McWilliams: Now in her ninth season as CIAA Commissioner, McWilliams was the first VUU volleyball coach in 1994 and also served as an assistant men’s basketball coach under Coach Dave Robbins.

She started her career in coaching, compliance and administration at VUU. She is the CIAA’s first female commissioner and the first appointed African-American commissioner representing NCAA Division I, II and III. •Dr. S. Dallas Simmons: The late Dr. Simmons served as VUU president from 1985 to 1999. He is credited with outstanding fiscal management and building the university’s endowment. During his 14-year tenure, he initiated VUU’s criminal justice program, restored several campus facilities and built a new library. During his presidency, VUU won its second NCAA basketball title in 1992.

•Rob Timmons: He was a rare two-sport athlete in football and golf, playing from 1986 to 1991. As the Panthers’ place kicker, Timmons accounted for 234 points on field goals (21) and extra points. That places him third on VUU’s all-time scoring chart.

He made the All-CIAA Rookie team in 1988 and was All-CIAA in 1989 and 1991.

Biles to lead diverse U.S. women’s gymnastics team to Tokyo Olympics Reuters

ST. LOUIS Simone Biles’ Olympic encore is finally here.

The reigning world and Olympic gymnastics champion locked up her spot to Tokyo by easily winning the U.S. Olympic Trials on Sunday night. The 24-year-old’s two-day total of 118.098 earned her one of two automatic spots on the plane to the Summer Olympics in Japan next month, where she will try to become the first female gymnast in more than 50 years to win consecutive all-around Olympic gold medals.

Sunisa Lee, 18, a Hmong American, also grabbed the other automatic bid with a 115.832 while posting the top scores on beam and uneven bars and actually putting up a higher all-around score than Biles on the night.

Jordan Chiles, 20, a Black gymnast who hasn’t fallen in 24 routines in 2021, something even Biles can’t say, also earned a spot on Team USA and will be heading to Tokyo two years after it appeared her elite career might be in jeopardy.

Grace McCallum, 18, rounds out the four-woman team after coming in fourth during the trials.

MyKayla Skinner, an alternate in 2016, will go as a specialist.

The 24-year-old will be a threat to medal on vault.

Kayla DiCello, Kara Eaker and Leanne Wong, all of whom are Asian American, and Emma Malabuyo, who is Filipino American; will serve as the alternates.

Biles’ teammates will have a front row spot to what promises to be one of the biggest spectacles in the Olympic games.

Biles will arrive in Tokyo as the face of her sport, the U.S. delegation and perhaps the Olympic movement. By simple accounting, Biles already is one of the all-time greats. She has become more than just a gymnastics star since her big win at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Her 25 world championship medals, 19 of which are gold, are more than any other male or female gymnast.

She performs gravity-defying skills that no other gymnast can come close to executing — and all pulled off with jaw-dropping power and grace.

Her consistent excellence — her last second place finish in a meet came more than nine years ago — combined with her charisma and her possibility-pushing routines have thrust her into the company of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, athletes whose dominance on the world stage have made them Olympic icons.

Even Biles appears to have come to terms with her status as the GOAT—Greatest Of All Time—as she competed at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships with a sequined goat stenciled onto her leotard.

She has been accorded the ultimate honor of having an element named after her—not just one but four—one on vault, one on balance beam and two on floor exercise.

Biles was so far ahead of the pack at the recent U.S. Gymnastics Championships that she did not even need to pull out her show stoppers like the Yurchenko double-pike vault—which she is the only woman to land in competition—to secure a record seventh all-around title.

Sports fans around the globe stop to watch when she does her thing.

And after a difficult time grappling with the postponement of the Tokyo Games to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Biles appears better than ever.

Well, most of the time.

Biles was spectacular at the trials last Friday in St. Louis. Not so much — at least by her remarkable standards — in front of a crowd of well over 20,000 inside The Dome at America’s Center that roared every time she stepped on the podium.

She nearly stalled out on her uneven bar routine and her balance beam set was a battle from the second

she began her wolf turn early in her set. Biles reached down to grab the 4-inch slab of wood at one point and shortly thereafter hopped off in disgust. She drilled her “double-double” dismount — the one named after her — before trudging to her seat in tears. Her floor routine included a big hop out of bounds after her “triple-double” opening pass. Not that anyone noticed. She walked off to a standing ovation even as she gave Coach Laurent Landi a somewhat exhausted-looking smile.

She has three weeks to fume and perfect in her bid to make history.

Biles earned five medals – four of them gold—in Rio de Janeiro.

She could do the same in Tokyo.

She needs three to move past Shannon Miller as the most decorated U.S. gymnast, while four would give her a combined 34 world and Olympic medals that would surpass the record of 33 held by Russia’s Vitaly Scherbo.

Lee also has a chance to come home with a fistful of hardware, too.

The Minnesota native is a wonder on the uneven bars, one of a handful of gymnasts on the planet who can out-Biles Biles on the event. Her series of intricate connections — all done with a fluidity and grace that makes it look effortless — are among the most difficult in the sport. Lee

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

Members of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastic Team and alternates celebrate Sunday after the women’s U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials in St. Louis.

dealt with an Achilles injury that led her to a sluggish start to the 2021 competition season.

Jade Carey, 21, of Phoenix also has an Olympic berth locked up after earning a nominative post based on her World Cup performances.

Carey will compete as an individual, meaning she will not be a part of the team competition.

The Olympic stage is set for Biles, but whether she will use it for more than winning medals is uncertain.

Biles has spoken out about sexual abuse and supported the Black Lives Matter movement. And when the

world’s media get their opportunity in Tokyo, questions about the trauma inflicted on hundreds of young gymnasts, including Biles, by former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar will be inevitable.

“I don’t know how any athlete prepares themselves to talk about something so heavy. However, it is the situation we are in now,” Laurie Hernandez, Biles’ teammate in Rio told Reuters.

“It is quite the job to multitask and to have to deal with these things and it makes things harder. However, it is who we are and we what we are trained to do.”

McLaughlin breaks world record during trials Among a galaxy of stars at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field championships, Sydney McLaughlin shined brightest.

The 21-year-old New Jersey native set the world record in the 400-meter hurdles with a dazzling 51.90. In so doing, she nipped reigning world champ Dalilah Muhammad, who took second in 52.42.

Muhammad held the previous record of 52.16.

McLaughlin and Muhammad will

be the clear favorites at the Tokyo Olympics starting July 23.

McLaughlin competed for the University of Kentucky before going pro in June 2018. She ran in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, placing fifth in her semifinal heat, which didn’t qualify her to move on to the finals.

Muhammad, 31, is from Queens, N.Y. She graduated from the University of Southern California and won the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Ben Wallace brings luck to the Detroit Pistons in draft lottery

Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace delivered much good fortune to the Detroit Pistons as a player. Now he has become something of a 6-foot-9 rabbit’s foot as a retiree.

The 46-year-old Wallace was chosen by the Pistons to be their in-person representative for the June 23 NBA Draft Lottery in Secaucus, N.J. With Wallace present, Lady Luck smiled on the Motor City franchise, with the Pistons winning the lottery and the right to the No. 1 overall pick in the July 29 NBA draft.

Detroit will almost surely select Cade Cunningham from Oklahoma State University with the prized pick.

“I figured that after all the work I put into (the Pistons’ success), nothing but good things were going to happen,” Wallace told the media.

In the talent grab, Detroit will select first, followed by the Houston Rockets, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic.

This will be the first time the Pistons have had the first

overall pick since tapping Bob Lanier out of St. Bonaventure in 1970.

The Michigan franchise appears to be on the upswing despite a 20-52 record this past season.

The Pistons had three, first round draft picks a year in Killian Hayes (seventh overall), Isaiah Stewart (16th) and Saddiq Bey (19th). The Pistons then acquired Jerami Grant through free agency last November and Grant earned the NBA Most Improved Player Award,

averaging 22.3 points.

Wallace, originally from Alabama, starred at Virginia Union University before going on to a standout NBA career that featured four Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2008.

In 2004, “Big Ben” helped the Pistons to the NBA title.

Detroit also reached the NBA Finals in 2005.

Later this year, Wallace will be formally inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

July 1-3, 2021 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Ngoma Hill

Spotlight on New Generation Beat Poet Laureate From Alexandria to Richmond to Vietnam and Harlem, Ngoma Hill has built an impressive artistic career. He is now being recognized for his work on another level.

Mr. Hill, also known as Cordell Hill and Ngoma Osayemi Ifatunmise, is set to receive a lifetime honor Sept.

5 as the New Generation Beat Poet Laureate.

The award, by the National Beat Poetry Foundation, is the latest honor for an artist whose work has been going strong for decades.

“I was elated,” Mr. Hill says of learning that he would receive the title. “I’m honored to be recognized.”

Mr. Hill, who previously served as New York State National Beat Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019, describes himself as a “modern day griot and multi-instrumentalist.”

Mr. Hill composed his first poem while serving as an infantryman in Vietnam, inspired by books sent to him by his friends. In the years since, he has expanded his art through the additional use of music and song.

Following the traditions of West African griots, Mr. Hill uses his skill with a wide variety of musical instruments to accentuate his poetry. From the violin and bamboo flute, to the yidaki and guitar, all allow him to encompass a wide genre of music with a focus on raising “social, political and spiritual consciousness” through commentary. His topics range from social and environmental justice to voting rights, nuclear disarmament and economic inequities.

“I seek to inspire the oppressed and those who struggle

for a better life and seek an introduction and understanding of alternative viewpoints,” Mr. Hill says.

During the span of five decades, Mr. Hill has presented his work in many venues and with talented collaborators, including as part of Amiri Baraka’s The Spirit House Movers and Players and Serious Bizness.

Mr. Hill’s work also has been shared in public and private schools, colleges and universities and at multiple social justice rallies, most notably the largest anti-nuclear rally in Central Park in June 1982. He has served as an artistic curator in the past, and has been initiated as Priest of Obatala and a Priest of Ifa. Mr. Hill sees poetry as a means to help those in difficult times by encouraging an approach to different perspectives and critical thinking. Mr. Hill himself strives to do the same, and sees his time in Richmond as one that has inspired him to expand his perspective when it comes to artistic expression.

With a poetic memoir to be published in the near future, Mr. Hill continues to look for new ways to push himself creatively and inspire positive growth and change in the world around him.

“The main inspiration behind my work is the human condition,” says Mr. Hill. “I write to raise social, political and spiritual consciousness.”

Meet a poet and crusader who inspires through his art, and this week’s Personality, Ngoma Hill: Top honor: Lifetime award for being the New Generation Beat Poet Laureate of the National Beat Poetry Foundation.

Date and place of birth: July

18 in Alexandria.

Where I live now: Harlem, N.Y. Occupation: Poet/musician/ artivist.

Education: Richmond’s Baker Elementary School, Benjamin Graves Junior High School, Maggie L. Walker High School and Virginia State College.

Family: I’m recently remarried. I have a daughter and three grandchildren who live in Texas.

Receiving lifetime honor from the National Beat Poetry Foundation means: I’m honored to be recognized.

How I learned I was selected: By email. I was elated. I was New York State National Beat Poet Laureate USA 2017 to 2019.

National Beat Poetry Foundation is: A Connecticut-based, not-for-profit organization, which includes festivals, the National Beat Poetry Festival,

the International Beat Poetry Festival and Kerouac Cafe. While the foundation continues to preserve the writings of the “Beat Generation,” it strives to keep evolving to create a new “Beat Generation” of poets, writers, artists and musicians. The NBPF supports the mission by hosting, collaborating and fostering joint partnerships for Beatthemed poetry readings, workshops, plays, radio shows and much more across the United States and worldwide.

My poetry is inspired by: Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Askia Muhammad Toure, Louis Reyes Rivera and The Last Poets.

Poetry is: From an African perspective, a cultural, spiritual and political way of expression.

First poem written and why: I wrote my first poem while I was an infantryman in Vietnam.

My friends, some who went to Virginia Union University, sent me books that fed my consciousness. My first poem was an expression of my development as an artist.

The main inspiration behind my literary work: Is the human condition. I write to raise social, political and spiritual consciousness.

Themes covered in my poetry: I am a modern day griot and multi-instrumentalist who practices his art through the use of poetry, song and music.

My work is specifically crafted to raise social, political and spiritual consciousness through social critique and commentary using these artistic mediums.

I create and use music that invokes the richness of our

history as a reference point.

I accomplish this through the use of slave, work freedom, jazz, blues, traditional African spiritual and folk songs. My obsession and love of music has led me to play several instruments — violin, bamboo flute, yidaki (erroneously called the didgeridoo), guitar and assorted percussion instruments that, in West African griot tradition, provide an engaging platform for my original poems. I continue faithfully in this tradition by addressing a myriad of topics that include social and environmental justice, women’s rights, peace and nuclear disarmament, prisoners’ rights, voting rights and economic inequities. I connect the dots to show how these entities are connected.

How poetry can help people during difficult times: By engendering different perspectives while invoking the critical thought process.

Who I seek to inspire with my poetry: The oppressed and those who struggle for a better life and seek an introduction and understanding of alternative viewpoints.

How growing up in Richmond inspired me: To seek out and explore different artistic expressions.

Where Richmonders will be able to engage with my work and me: Ngoma Hill and Ngoma Not Your Average String Thing on Facebook, baba_ngoma on Instagram.

Also on YouTube.

How I start the day: I practice Ifa. I start the day in prayer and getting guidance and direction from spiritual beings that surround me.

A perfect day for me is: Any day I wake up.

CONNECTED TO WHAT IGNITES OUR PASSIONS. CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS. From our community to the world at large, we’re proud to be your choice for insightful programming in arts and culture, history, science, news and education. As Virginia’s home for public media, we’re here to educate, entertain and inspire. VPM.org

Quote that I am inspired by: “Sometimes it takes a long time to sound like yourself.”

— Miles Davis.

My friends describe me as: I don’t know. I’ve never really asked them.

At the top of my “to-do” list: Make each day count.

Best late-night snack: Popcorn.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: To always strive to be better, better, best.

Person who influenced me the most: Herman A. Hill, my father. He influenced me the most based by his work ethic. He was also one of the plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit in Virginia. I was also inspired by Joseph Kennedy, the band director at Maggie L. Walker High School. I also took private violin lessons from him. He was my introduction to jazz violin.

Favorite poet and why: Sorry, I don’t have just one.

Book that influenced me the most: “Black Bourgeoisie” by E. Franklin Frazier. It exposed me to class consciousness based on skin color. I read it when I was in high school. It was pretty advanced reading at the time.Also “The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L’Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution” by C.L.R. James. It’s the history of the Haitian Revolution and opened me to the idea that we can win.

What I’m reading now: “Murder Incorporated — Empire/Genocide/Manifest Destiny: Dreaming of Empire” by Mumia Abu-Jamal and Stephen Vittoria.

Next goal: I’m working on a book that should be published in the near future. The title: “I Didn’t Come Here to Tap Dance — A Poetic Memoir.”

Richmond Free Press

B2 July 1-3, 2021

Happenings Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Winston of Richmond are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter,

Lauren Northington Winston, to

Ronald “Tim” Timmons, Jr,

son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Timmons of Richmond.

Lauren attended Henrico High School and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University.

She is a Population Health Strategy Lead at Humana.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Above from left, Neil Parmeswar, Grant Ottinger, Hindu priest Gananathamritananda Swamiji and Dominique Gay participate in a fire ceremony at Quietude, a former plantation in Hanover County, to heal the spirit wounds remaining from slavery and to bring peace and harmony to the site for the future. Left, Kevin Davis drums as Queen Shakila, a Ghanaian woman from Richmond, conducts a traditional African ritual honoring the Black ancestors who were enslaved on the property and releasing the memory of suffering from the land.

Hindu group holds healing ceremony at Hanover County plantation before selling

By Cassandra Wallace

A Hindu group that had hoped to build a temple on a former plantation in Hanover County held a ceremony last week to honor and bless the enslaved who had worked there and to heal the land that they now are selling.

Dominique Gay, who lives at Quietude plantation with her partner and Hindu priest, Gananathamritananda Swamiji, said the group has put the property up for sale after five years of dealing with obstacles and opposition in the county.

“It is because of discrimination and ignorance of the Hindu faith that we were not able to obtain a permit to have public prayer on this land,” Ms. Gay told the Free Press. “Neighbors have been very vocal in their opposition to us. They have told us that we have no legal rights in this county because we practice a ‘false religion.’ ” Quietude Farm, as it is now called, is on the market for $400,000, according to Realtor.com. It is situated on 14 acres off McClellan Road in Eastern Hanover County.

The main house, a two-story Colonial Georgian-style home with an English basement, was built around 1817, according to Ms. Gay, and was passed down through the Wade family to Confederate Capt. James Dudley Wade. Written accounts and archaeological finds suggest that both Confederate and Union encampments existed on the property during the Seven Days Battle in June 1962 and the Battle of Cold Harbor in June 1864.

Ms. Gay said evidence suggests that at least two AfricanAmerican women were enslaved at Quietude, although records indicate an earlier owner from the late 1700s, James Geddy, had at least four enslaved laborers.

“We suspect that the enslaved workers may have slept in the loft above the old kitchen and that no dedicated slave quarters ever existed on the property,” Ms. Gay said, despite the remaining presence of several outbuildings.

Since purchasing the property in February 2016, the group has undertaken many repair and renovation projects to try to restore and preserve Quietude’s history. On a website dedicated to the farm, the group also talked about Quietude’s “great potential to serve our needs for a space to live, to farm for our herbal tea business and to provide a home base for the online teachings we provide.”

In addition to holding public prayer on the site, the group wrote on its website about plans to open the grounds and gardens for tours to raise money for its nonprofit operation.

Apparently, none of that materialized. And last week, a small group of people participated in a healing ritual, a mixture of Hindu Vedic tradition followed by a drummer and pouring libations to the ancestors in the African and Hindu traditions, as the group prepares to move.

The prayers are offered, Ms. Gay explained, to help release

Ronald attended Richmond Community High School and is a graduate of Howard University and Virginia Union University.

He is employed by Cristo Rey Richmond High School in Business Development.

An April wedding is planned at Saint Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.

Hanover County, said the group never submitted an application for a permit to build a temple on the property. He said Hanover officials recently gave the “go ahead” for a Buddhist temple to be built in the county.

DIAMONDS • WATCHES JEWELRY • REPAIRS 19 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, VA 23219 (804) 648-1044

WWW.WALLERJEWELRY.COM

Hindu priest Gananathamritananda Swamiji, left, prepares Dominique Gay for a healing ceremony at Quietude, a former plantation off McClellan Road in Hanover County.

The ceremony combined Hindu Vedic rituals, led by the priest, and African traditions.

the energy of pain and suffering tied to the land because of those who were kept in bondage there and to increase harmony, prosperity, fulfillment and happiness.

The fire ceremony, called “yajnam” helps to purify the atmosphere and open channels for souls caught between realms to move toward the light, Ms. Gay said. The ritual removes negative energies and brings about “higher spiritual vibrations” of love, light, peace, health and prosperity for all.

During the ceremony, a continuous stream of clarified butter and milk was poured into the fire. Bags called “purnahuti,” meaning final offering in

Sanskrit, and filled with herbs, grains, parched rice, flowers, fruit and coconut, were placed in bundles tied with white fabric and decorated with flower garlands. They were put into the fire, sending smoke and blessings into the air.

After the fire ritual, more prayers were offered to the ancestors as libations were poured to purify and bless the grounds. Ms. Gay said several thousand flower bulbs were planted nearby as a memorial to the enslaved at Quietude.

Prayers also were offered for the peace and harmony of future generations.

Contacted later, David P. Maloney, director of planning for

NOVEMBER THEATRE ARENSTEIN STAGE

By Bo Wilson

May 22–Sep 6

Tickets: www.VMFA.museum

JULY 9 - SEPTEMBER 12 STARRING

DESIRÉE ROOTS

as Ella Fitzgerald

Presented by

Generously supported by

SCOTT WICHMANN as Frank Sinatra DIRECTION BY

KATRINAH CAROL LEWIS

VIRGINIA REPERTORY THEATRE | 804-282-2620 | VIRGINIAREP.ORG

The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture, and the Sonic Impulse is organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibition program at VMFA is supported by the Julia Louise Reynolds Fund.

Caspera (detail), 2019, RaMell Ross (American, born 1982), inkjet print mounted on dibond. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, National Endowment for the Arts Fund for American Art. Image: © RaMell Ross

Richmond Free Press

July 1-3, 2021 B3

Happenings Juneteenth 2021: A Freedom Celebration It was a 25th Juneteenth celebration to remember last Sunday when hundreds of people gathered at the Elegba Folklore Society’s annual event held at the African Burial Ground in Shockoe Bottom. This year’s theme: Dancing with the Ancestors.

Dancers moved to the rhythms of African drums, young people participated in a Get Woke Youth Summit and people purchased books and other wares at the marketplace.

The event, while taking place in Richmond for the last quarter century, was the first celebrated after the establishment of a new national Juneteenth holiday – June 19.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Imani Bell pays homage to the ancestors at a stone altar on the site.

BMX Rumble in RVA About 40 pro BMX riders from across the nation showed off their skills last Saturday at Rumble in Richmond, a BMX dirt jump competition, sponsored by Richmond BMX and RADshare. The action took place at Gillies Creek Park in Fulton, where 14-year-old Marshall “Major” Ghrke of Antioch, Ill., above, appeared to ride the clouds. The event helped raised money for RADshare, a nonprofit organization that provides bikes and helmets to youngsters in Richmond.

On Saturday, youngsters also had a chance to win prizes in a kids’ contest and to ride with some of the pros.

Janine Bell, president and artistic director of the Elegba Folklore Society, second from right, leads the freedom celebration from the stage, while young Mala Joseph, below right, dances to the music. Below left, Shannon Renee browses through the books at the African Market.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Legacy Weekend A CELEBRATION OF THE RICHMOND 34 & THOSE FIGHTING FOR RACIAL EQUALITY

FRIDAY, JULY 16TH | 5:30 PM GATES

SATURDAY, JULY 17TH | 5 PM GATES

End Racism T-shirt Giveaway | First 1,000 Fans 15 & Older

Richmond 34 Legacy Jersey Auction | Postgame Fireworks

The “End Racism” mark is a collaboration design by Richmond-based artist Noah Scalin & The Cheats Movement.

Jersey auction proceeds will go toward the establishment of a Richmond 34 Legacy scholarship fund.

648,55(/6%$6(%$// &20

Richmond Free Press

B4 July 1-3, 2021

Obituaries/Faith News/Directory

Dr. Thelma Bland Watson, who was dedicated to advancing the needs of the elderly, dies at 70

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Dr. Watson is credited with helping to build up Senior Connections, one of 25 Dr. Thelma Bland Watson was 9 when such nonprofits in the state that receive she began providing assistance to her federal funding to provide in-home and maternal grandmother. That experience community-based services for people age turned Dr. Watson into a champion for 65 and older as well as the disabled and the elderly. their caregivers.

A former state commissioner of aging, On her watch, the agency grew to serve Dr. Watson remains best known for her 19 about 25,000 elderly people a year in the years as the leader of the Richmond-based Greater Richmond area with a variety of Senior Connections, the Capital programs that seek to empower Area Agency on Aging. them to live with dignity. The Her role as a key figure in programs range from nutritional programming and policymakeducation and personal finance to ing involving the elderly ended social engagement, counseling with her death Friday, June 25, and health care. The agency was 2021, in a Petersburg hospital. a key health resource during the She was 70. pandemic.

The funeral will be private, Dr. Watson always was seeksaid Walter H. Watson, her ing to raise additional funds to Dr. Watson husband of 24 years. support the agency’s work. She He said that even as her health failed, saw the need growing with the graying of she continued to make the daily commute the baby-boomer generation of post-World from Petersburg to Richmond.

War II that increased the number of elderly “She was sick longer than she knew, and with the rise in life spans. but she sought to persevere through the Among other things, she launched the adversity. She was that dedicated. Her work now popular Empty Plate Luncheon that outweighed her feeling bad,” he said. began with guests with checkbooks literally In elderly affairs, “I doubt if there is receiving empty plates to symbolize the anyone to match the content and quality need for financial help to meet the growing of service she provided to Richmonders demand for service. The luncheon, which and people across the country. She had now serves a meal and honors people for such a desire to help,” he said. their service to older adults, the disabled As executive director of Senior Connec- and caregivers, regularly raises about tions, Dr. Watson “was not only a vision- $150,000 for Senior Connections. ary and inspirational leader …, she also She also launched the No Wrong Door was a fierce advocate for seniors,” Senior online portal that allows people to get Connections stated in a memorial message information on services and connect with posted Monday on its website. public agencies, health care providers and “Dr. Watson led Senior Connections with nonprofit services. warmth and compassion for all people,” the Born into a farm family of six children message continued, “creating a culture that in Prince George County, she began her helped the senior community live happy, career in the field of elderly care and healthy and productive lives.” service following graduation from Virginia

State University.

Dr. Watson later earned a master’s in gerontology and a doctorate in public policy and administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also earned certifications from the Virginia Executive Institute and the National Long-Term Care Institute.

During her career, she served as deputy commissioner and commissioner of the Virginia Department of Aging during the administrations of Gov. Gerald L. Baliles, Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and Gov. George F. Allen.

Earlier in her career, she held management posts in the Crater District Area Agency on Aging and the Crater Planning District that serve the Petersburg area.

Before joining Senior Connections, Dr. Watson served five years in Washington, D.C., as executive director of field services for the National Committee on Social Security and Medicare.

Along with her leadership role at Senior Connections, Dr. Watson also was linked into multiple organizations involved with aging. Through the years, she served on a variety of boards and commissions.

At her death, she was a member of the advisory board for VCU’s Center on Aging, as well as the boards for the Virginia Legal Services Corp., the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Capital Area Workforce Investment, Bon Secours Community Hospital and a VSU committee on the humanities.

In addition to her husband, survivors include her daughter, Chrystal B. Barnwell; a brother, the Rev. Percy Everson; two sisters, Beverly E. Jones and Ruth E. Banker; and a grandson.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Senior Connections’ Empty Plate Luncheon, 24 E. Cary St., Richmond, Va. 23219..

Horace Alfonso “Bubba” Carter III wanted everyone in Richmond to learn to swim and to be safe doing it.

For more than a half-century, the Richmond native taught swimming and served as a lifeguard at city pools, according to the city Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

“He was a lifeguard legend,” stated Tamara Jenkins, the department’s spokeswoman.

Mr. Carter’s love of swimming and helping others learn to navigate the water is being remembered following his death Saturday, June 12, 2021. He

was 81. swimming instruction Family and as the manager of friends paid final the outdoor Blacktributes to Mr. Carter well and Battery Park at a graveside service pools and the indoor at Riverview Cempool at the Calhoun etery on Monday, Center in Gilpin June 21.

Court.

Mr. Carter began Mr. Carter also with the city’s pools served as swimming Mr. Carter in the early 1960s instructor at Virginia after graduating from Virginia Union University, Ms. Jenkins Commonwealth University with stated, noting that one of the a degree in recreational therapy. students he taught to swim, He started as a lifeguard at Brook Michael “Mike” Hodges, now Field pool, which, at the time, coaches the Richmond Racers, was the only city pool open a youth swim team based at to Black people, Ms. Jenkins the Swansboro Pool in South stated.

Side.

During his tenure with the Ms. Jenkins stated that Mr. department, Mr. Carter pushed

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

“Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, Services Are Cancelled, until further notice; but, please join us, by visiting BRBCOnline.org or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church).”

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Triumphant

Baptist Church

SURFSIDE, Fla. Numerous members of an Orthodox synagogue are among those missing after the collapse last week of a seaside condominium tower in Surfside, Fla. The town is home to a large Jewish community, where the families often crowd the sidewalks before sunset as they walk to services for the Sabbath.

Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar, founder of the Shul of Bal Harbour, said that his community is praying for miracles as rescue teams continue to search for survivors among the rubble of the 12-story Champlain Towers South.

“It definitely needs miracles … because the circumstances are very, very grim,” said Rabbi Lipskar, who is a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary to the area.

Rabbi Lipskar could not say exactly how many members of his congregation were missing. But he said many members of Surfside’s Jewish community were unaccounted for.

On Wednesday, the death toll had risen to 18, with nearly 150 people still missing.

The Shul is located about 1 mile north of the building that collapsed in the early morning of June 24.

Rabbi Lipskar said the Jewish Sabbath would provide his congregation with a “moment of respite” to take a “deep breath” and gather strength as bodies are recovered and identified.

Zion Baptist Church

2006 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA 23224 ZBCOFFICE@VERIZON.NET • (804) 859-1985 or (804) 232-2867 Church Office Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

You may join us on Facebook Live: Zion Baptist Church (South Richmond) For Sunday Services at 10:30 AM Bible Study, Wednesdays at 7 PM Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Listeners can call: (508) 924-3234 Support us Online through the Givelify App

Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Carter also served as a lifeguard at the Calhoun Center pool before it closed and at the Swansboro Pool before retiring from the department.

He later returned as a seasonal lifeguard and supply deliverer to the outdoor pools, she stated. His work with the department ended around 2010, she indicated.

Survivors include three sons, Horace Alfonso “Al” Carter IV, Ken D. Best and Robert W. “Bobby” Carter; and six grandchildren.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the City of Richmond Aquatics Program, 1209 Admiral St., Richmond, VA 23220.

All church ac�vi�es are canceled un�l further no�ce.

Follow us on Facebook for “A Word from Moore Street’s Pastor” and weekly Zoom worship info.

Drive-thru giving will be available the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. (Bowe Street side) You also may give through Givelify.

Be safe. Be blessed.

Riverview

Baptist Church Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service – 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org

#

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

“The Church With A Welcome”

Sharon Baptist Church 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Holy Communion and Dedication Service

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

B ac k Insid e

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

Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus All regular activities have been suspended until further notice.

Visit https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

“Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.”

C

e with Reverence elevanc R ing Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor bin m ❖ o

The doors of the church are open for worship!

No registration required.

Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays

Come worship with us!

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary.

Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

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

Join us on Sundays at 12 noon via Conference Call: 1(503)300-6860 Code:273149#

Free Press wire report

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

‘Lifeguard legend,’ city swim instructor Horace A. ‘Bubba’ Carter III dies at 81

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Jewish community prays for miracles after condo collapse

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

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

Antioch Baptist Church “Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”

1384 New Market Road, Richmond, Virginia 23231 | 804-222-8835

SERVICES

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M. A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

Richmond Free Press

July 1-3, 2021 B5

Legal Notices To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press

call

644-0496

Follow the Free Press on @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA

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, July 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-185 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Resort Casino Host Community Agreement between the City of Richmond and RVA Entertainment Holdings, LLC, for the purpose of facilitating the development of a resort casino project in the city of Richmond. ( CO M M I T T EE : Organizational Development, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 5:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2021-186 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Community Support Agreement among City of Richmond, Casino Owner, Casino Manager and Casino Developer between the City of Richmond, RVA Entertainment Holdings, L L C , R i c h m o n d VA Management, LLC, a n d R i c h m o n d VA Development, LLC, for the purpose of facilitating the fulfillment of certain negotiated community benefits in connection with the development of a resort casino project in the city of Richmond. ( CO M M I T T EE : Organizational Development, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 5:00 p.m.)

This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2021-181, adopted June 28, 2021.

This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public.

Less than a quorum of Richmond City Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

Video of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// r i c h m o n d v a . l e g i s t a r. com/Calendar.aspx. To watch the meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the July 26, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Citizen Participation Instructions” attached to the July 26, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/ office-city-clerk.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-190 To amend Ord. No. 20135-12, adopted February 11, 2013, which authorized the special use of the property known as 3600 Forest Hill Avenue for the purposes of permitting live entertainment and an outdoor dining area, to authorize an expansion of the outdoor dining area, upon certain terms and conditions.

The subject property is located in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the subject property as Community Mixed‑Use. Such areas are described as clusters o f m e d i u m ‑ d e n s i t y, walkable commercial and residential uses that provide neighborhood services to nearby residential communities and sometimes feature regional attractions.

Ordinance No. 2021-191 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2016-261, adopted Nov. 14, 2016, which authorized the special use of a portion of the property known as 1407 Cummings Drive for the purpose of a residential use with up to 40 units accessory to a vocational school and other permitted principal uses on the property, to authorize additional multifamily dwelling units and a nightclub use, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an M-1 Light Industrial District.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Industrial Mixed-Use. Primary uses are retail/ office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space.

Ordinance No. 2021-192 To authorize the special use of the property known as 205 West Brookland Park Boulevard for the purpose of art gallery, artist studio, outdoor entertainment, and outdoor retail uses, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is located in the UB – Urban Business District.

The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the subject property for Community Mixed‑Uses.

Primary Uses: Retail/office/ personal service, multifamily residential, cultural, and open space.

Ordinance No. 2021-193 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1624 Pollock Street for the purpose of up to six single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

The current zoning for the subject property is R-6 Single Family Attached Residential. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Residential. Primary uses are single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, and open space.

Ordinance No. 2021-194 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3800 Grove Avenue for the purpose of up to six single-family attached dwellings and a parking area, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 2020-225, adopted Nov. 9, 2020.

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 Residential. Primary uses are single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, and open space.

Ordinance No. 2021-195 To authorize the special use of the property known as 5005 Riverside Drive for the purpose of a short-term rental within an accessory structure to an existing single-family dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in an R-3 Single-Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Residential. Primary uses are single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, and open space.

Ordinance No. 2021-196 To authorize the special use of the property known as 5605 Grove Avenue for the purpose of an office use, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. Nos. 72-150157, adopted Jul. 24, 1972, 85-208-197, adopted Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Aug. 26, 1985, and 2009-200204,adopted N o v. 9 , 2 0 0 9 . T h e property is situated in an R-4 Single-Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Community Mixed-Use. Primary uses are retail/ office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space.

Ordinance No. 2021-197 To close, to public use and travel, an alley bounded by West 9 th Street, Bainbridge Street, West 10 th Street, and Porter Street, consisting of 1,025± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions.

The meetings will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2021-181, adopted June 28, 2021.

The meetings will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public.

Less than a quorum of Richmond City Planning Commission members and Richmond City Council will assemble in City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

The meetings will be streamed live online at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. a s p x . To w a t c h a meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the July 26, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Citizen Participation Instructions” attached to the July 26, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/ office-city-clerk.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JOCELYN LOWE Plaintiff v.

ADRIENNE AVERY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21001118-00 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 13th day of August, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

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

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Case No.: CL21002180-00 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 13th day of August, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 26th day of July, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MELICENT MILLER Plaintiff v.

BRANDON MILLER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21000136-00 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 4th day of August, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interest.

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

ALFONSO PAZ REYES, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002009-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 26th day of July, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD GABRIELLE CHAMBER TORRES, Plaintiff, v. Civil Action No. 21-1028 ELVIN TORRES, Defendant.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony with the Defendant on a no-fault basis; i.e. on the ground having lived apart continuously without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period of mare than a year, pursuant to VA Code Section 20-91 (A) (9).

No other relief is sought.

It appearing from an Affidavit of Plaintiff that he Defendant is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, but rather maintains as hos resident 733 Union Avenue, Apt. 3-C, Bronx, New York 104455, and further that the Defendant maintains an operational and functional email address on record with the Court; IT IS ORDERED THAT DEFENDANT APPEAR BEFORE THIS COURT WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER DUE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE AND PROTECT HIS INTERESTS HEREIN. An extract teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, CLERK Virginia: IN THE HENRICO CIRCUIT COURT Commonwealth of Virginia, in re isaac hakeem vosean wilson v.

Avery Wilson Case No.: CL21-3304 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce.

It is ordered that Avery Wilson appear at the abovenamed court and protect his/ her interests on or before July 26, 2021 at 9:00 AM.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JASON TYNDALL Plaintiff v.

ORQUIDEA TYNDALL, Defendant.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CHANTELL JOHNSON, Plaintiff v.

MOSES PRINGLE, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002011-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit

Continued on next column

Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MONTEE MITCHELL, Plaintiff v.

LEVON MITCHELL, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21001960-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 8th day of July, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

PROPERTY Notice of Intent to Acquire Property: The Valentine Museum hereby notifies intent to acquire title to the object listed below. There is no last known owner on record & these objects will become the property of the museum after 65 days if no person can prove ownership of the property, pursuant to Code of VA § § 55.1-2606.

FIC.002400 Poster: War Needs Money FIC.002414 Poster: Better Gasoline […]

FIC.002418 Poster: The Flag […]

FIC.002465 Poster: Dish it out […]

FIC.002477 Poster: Share the Deeds […]

FIC.031590 Poster: [Help Stop Fuel Waste] FIC.031600 Poster: [Get in the Scrap] FIC.031601 Poster: [America Needs Your Scrap Rubber] V.52.85.08-.23 Sixteen WWI posters, 1917-1918 V.68.1855.1-.3 Three WWI posters, 1914-1919 V.98.27 Poster: Shall we be more […]

V.98.46 Poster: Do with less […]

V.89.128.03-.05 &.07 Four WWI and WWII posters, 1917 & 1943

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB No. 210014727: Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Project (UPC 110880) Due Date: Wednesday, August 3, 2021/Time: 2:00 P.M. For all information pertaining to this IFB please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV).

NOTE: Bidders choosing to submit bids through hand-delivery should allow extra time for delivery of bids. Hand-delivered bids will be accepted only during the hours of 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday at the 9th Street entrance to City Hall at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Bidders choosing to handdeliver bids must sign in at the security desk on the 1 st Floor before delivering bids to the 11 th Floor, Suite 1104. Bids will not be accepted after the Due Date and Time listed above.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV). The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: RFP No. 210013745: Design Services for George Wythe High School Replacement Pre-Proposal Conference Call Meeting: Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. For all information pertaining to this RFP conference call, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.gov).

Due Date: Monday, August 2, 2021/Time: 2:00 P.M.

NOTE: Offerors, prospective offerors, and other persons are not invited to physically be present at the pre-proposal meeting for Request for Proposal No. 210013745 Design Services for George Wythe High School Replacement. The Department of Procurement Services will “broadcast” the pre-proposal meeting on a telephone conference call line so that offerors, prospective offerors, and other persons may listen to the pre-proposal meeting. The telephone conference line on the Department of Procurement Services number is 1 804-316-9457 and Participant Passcode: 281 890 723#. This change in procedure is intended to allow for greater participation.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA.gov), or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: RFP No. 210014779: Mary Munford Elementary School Pedestrian Improvements Project Pre-Proposal Conference Call Meeting: Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 2 P.M. For all information pertaining to this RFP conference call, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.gov).

Due Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2021/Time: 2:00 P.M.

NOTE: Offerors, prospective offerors, and other persons are not invited to physically be present at the pre-proposal meeting for Request for Proposal No. 210014779. Mary Munford Elementary School Pedestrian Improvement Project. The Department of Procurement Services will “broadcast” the pre-proposal meeting on a telephone conference call line so that offerors, prospective offerors, and other persons may listen to the pre-proposal meeting. The telephone conference line on the Department of Procurement Services number is 1 804-316-9457 and Participant Passcode: 342493394#. This change in procedure is intended to allow for greater participation.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA.gov), or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

Please visit website or contact museum for information on how to make a claim: The Valentine Museum Alicia Starliper, Collections Project Manager/Registrar 804-649-0711 ext. 205 Registrar@thevalentine.org http://www.thevalentine.org/ collections/undocumentedproperty

LICENSE JRG Markets LLC Trading as: The Stables Market 5001 Libbie Mill East Blvd Ste 135, Richmond, Henrico, Virginia 23230-2152 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On and Off Premises/Keg Permit license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Steven Gooch, Owner NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: RFP No. 210014781: Oak Grove Elementary School Pedestrian Improvements Project Pre-Proposal Conference Call Meeting: Friday, July 9, 2021 at 2 P.M. For all information pertaining to this RFP conference call, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.gov).

Due Date: Monday, July 19, 2021/Time: 2:00 P.M.

NOTE: Offerors, prospective offerors, and other persons are not invited to physically be present at the pre-proposal meeting for Request for Proposal No. 210014781. Oak Grove Elementary School Pedestrian Improvement Project. The Department of Procurement Services will “broadcast” the pre-proposal meeting on a telephone conference call line so that offerors, prospective offerors, and other persons may listen to the pre-proposal meeting. The telephone conference line on the Department of Procurement Services number is 1 804-316-9457 and Participant Passcode: 969194364#. This change in procedure is intended to allow for greater participation.

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA.gov), or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

2 % ! , % 3 4 ! 4 % s % 3 4

804.358.5543

AVAILABLE Downtown Richmond first floor office suite 5th and Franklin Streets 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, Virginia 23219

Bedros Bandazian

Associate Broker, Chairman

Raffi Bandazian

Principal Broker, GRI

Richmond Free Press

B6 July 1-3, 2021

Sports Plus Stories by Fred Jeter

Devin Booker and Trae Young take on superstar roles during NBA finals Devin Booker and Trae Young take on superstar roles during NBA finals The stage door has swung open, inviting a fresh set of NBA superstars to step into the spotlight.

The Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker and the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young would seem to have all the credentials for marquee billing—youth, talent, the “wow” factor.

Despite Booker having to play with a broken nose, both have been NBA playoff phenoms while pacing their teams to their conference finals.

Their ability to score 40-plus points per night for a couple of long-overdue franchises has placed them in the national conversation.

With many of the NBA’s established headliners now in their 30s, here’s a look at Booker and Young, who may wind up going head to head in the NBA Finals that begin Thursday, July 8.

Devin Booker, wearing the Phoenix Suns’ No. 1 jersey: The 24-year-old averaged 27.1 points in his first 14

playoff games this season with highs of 40 points against the Los Angeles Clippers and 47 points against the Los Angeles Lakers.

In addition to his scoring, the 6-foot-6, 210-pound shooting guard has averaged 6.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists during the Suns’ playoff run. He had 25 points on June 26 as Phoenix defeated the Clippers 84-80 to take a 3-1 lead in the series.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Melvin Booker and Veronica Gutierrez during the time his dad was playing in the Continental League.

Previously, Melvin Booker was the Big 12 Player of the Year for the University of Missouri.

Because Booker’s mother is of Puerto Rican and Mexican ancestry, he is eligible to play for the Puerto Rican and Mexican national teams at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in addition to Team USA. He was selected Monday for the U.S. Olympic Team.

Booker played one season at the University of Kentucky before becom-

ing the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. His career scoring average with the Suns is 23 points.

During the Suns’ Western Conference final against the Los Angeles Clippers, Booker suffered a broken

30-somethings

Pro basketball is a young man’s game. But some of the premier performers have left the “Big 3-0” in their rearview mirror.

Here are some of the NBA’s bigname elder statesmen and their ages: • Udonis Haslem, 41 • Dwyane Wade, 39 • Andre Iguodala, 37 • Carmelo Anthony, 37 • LeBron James, 36 • Paul Millsap, 36 • Marc Gasol, 36 • J.J. Redick, 36 • Dwight Howard, 35 • Steph Curry, 33 • Kevin Durant, 32 • Russell Westbrook, 32 • James Harden, 31 • Paul George, 31

nose in three places that required a protective plastic mask covering much of his face. His current annual salary is $29.47 million.

Trae Young, wearing the Atlanta Hawks’ No. 11 jersey: The 6-foot-2, 182-pound point guard averaged 29.8 points and 9.5 assists through 14 playoff games, with a 48-point explosion against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals.

Despite playing on a sprained ankle, Young tossed in 35 points in the Hawks’ 113-102 loss on June 27 to Milwaukee as the Bucks took a 2-1 series lead.

Like Booker, Young is the son of a basketball playing father. Young’s father, Rayford Young, starred at Texas Tech before playing professionally in Europe.

Young made the 2020 NBAAll-Star Team and was on the 2019 All-Rookie squad. Now in his third season in Atlanta, Young averaged 24.1 points for the regular season along with 8.9 assists.

Scoring comes naturally for the

Hawks’ sensation. As a senior at North Norman High School in Oklahoma, he averaged 42.6 points. In his one season at the University of Oklahoma, he averaged 27.4 points.

Young was the NBA’s fifth overall draft choice in 2018. His current salary is $6.572 million annually. *** As prolific as Booker and Young have been during these playoffs, they are far off the postseason record.

The top five, single season playoff scoring averages are held by Michael Jordan (43.67 points in 1986), Jerry West (40.64 in 1965), Elgin Baylor (38.62 in 1962 and 38.08 in 1961), and Hakeem Olajuwon (37.50 points in 1988).

Jordan is also the career leader for playoff scoring with a 33.45 norm.

Virginia native Allen Iverson comes next at 29.73.

Jordan, again, is atop the list for most points in a single playoff game.

Playing for Chicago, he had 63 points in a 1986 game. Baylor scored 61 points for the Lakers in a 1961 contest.

Kumar Rocker shakes up College World Series Kumar Rocker’s father and uncle used their strong arms to make tackles on the college and professional football fields.

Breaking from family tradition, the 21-year-old Rocker is utilizing his powerful right arm to carve a niche of his own on the baseball mound.

The intimidating 6-foot-5, 245-pound right-hander has helped vault Vanderbilt University in the finals of the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. Vanderbilt began this week set to play Mississippi State University in the best-of-three Kumar finals.

Rocker was the starting pitcher but did not get the decision in the Commodores’ 7-6, 12inning win over Arizona in its series opener on June 19. He came back June 26 with an overpowering performance in Vanderbilt’s 3-1 elimination game win over North Carolina State University.

In six innings, the junior struck out 11 Wolfpack hitters while walking only one.

Located in Nashville, Vanderbilt won the series in 2014 and 2019, when Rocker was a freshman, and lost to the University of Virginia in the 2015 finals.

The name Rocker is familiar among football enthusiasts.

Defensive lineman Tracy Rocker, Kumar’s dad, was the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy winner for Auburn University and played with the Washington Football Team from 1989 to 1990. He is now the defensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

David Rocker, Tracy’s brother and the younger

Rocker’s uncle, was a consensus All-American defensive lineman at Auburn and played with the Los Angeles Rams 1991 to 1994.

Rocker played football at North Oconee High School in Bogart, Ga., but settled on baseball for college.

As a Vanderbilt freshman in 2019, he drew national attention by firing a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts in a Super Regional win over Duke University. Later that season, he was named Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series.

Rocker The 2020 season was wiped out by the pandemic but the layoff didn’t affect Rocker. He returned stronger than ever for the Commodores as a junior.

Showing off a 97 mph fastball and a sharpbreaking slider, Rocker is 13-3 this season with a 2.46 earned run average. He had 155 strikeouts in just 106 innings heading to Omaha.

Rocker fanned 11 in seven innings in picking up the 2-0 win over East Carolina University in the Nashville Super Regional.

He was named All-Southeastern Conference and was also a finalist for the Dick Howser Award, which goes to the nation’s top college player.

Regardless of what happens this week at the World Series, Rocker is projected to be among the first 10 players selected in the July 11-13 Major League Baseball draft.

That would give Kumar bragging rights around the Rocker dinner table. Father Tracy was a third round NFL pick in 1989, while uncle David was a fourth round selection in 1991.

Akeel Morris

Gerald Perry

Albert Hall

John Rabb

Juan Eichelberger

Flying Squirrels pitcher Akeel Morris has major league experience The Richmond Flying Squirrels and fireworks may be the most tantalizing entertainment combo since popcorn and butter.

Richmonders will have the chance to enjoy plenty of both this week at The Diamond. Fireworks will follow games Thursday, July 1 (game starts at 6:35 p.m.), Saturday, July 3 (6:05 p.m.) and Sunday, July 4 (6:05 p.m.) against AA Northeast League rival Binghamton Rumble Ponies of New York, a New York Mets affiliate.  In most cases, Squirrels players are up-andcomers with the dream of someday playing in the big leagues.

Right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris, 28, falls into a different category. Morris, who joined Richmond on the recent road trip, has already pitched in the majors with the New York Mets (2015), the Atlanta Braves (2017) and Los Angeles Angels (2018).

Hailing from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, Morris got a June 19 start at Hartford, Conn., and got the win in a 14-5 Richmond victory.

Morris is likely to start at least one game on the

current home stand that concludes Sunday.  There were plenty of fireworks on the field in 1986 when the Richmond Braves won the International League Governor’s Cup. The 1986 champions were honored June 29 during the first game of the Binghamton series.

Manager Roy Majtyka’s Atlanta Braves farm hands went 80-60 during the regular season and defeated Rochester in the playoff finals at The Diamond.

Four African-Americans stood out for Richmond.

First baseman Gerald Perry (second in the International League in hitting), centerfielder Albert Hall (with a league-leading 72 stolen bases), catcher John Rabb (14 homers, 78 runs batted in) and fire-balling pitcher Juan Eichelberger (7-4 record, six saves) were among the hometown heroes.

All went on to MLB success.

The Braves were in Richmond from 1966 to 2008. The Flying Squirrels arrived in 2010 as the AA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

Employment Opportunities ASSISTANT TO THE VICE PRESIDENT Richmond, Virginia RICHMOND FREE PRESS

Automotive Technology Instructor/Program Head, #FO421

The Virginia Development Partnership Issue: Economic Thurs/Weekly (VEDP) is seeking an experienced Size: 2 col (2.625) x 5” administrative assistant to provide administrative and programmatic support to the International Trade division.

Assistant Coordinator/ Instructor for Healthcare Programs, #FA421

Reynolds Community College has an exciting opportunity available to join the college as an Automotive Technology Instructor/Program Head on the Goochland Campus. This position will be an integral member of the teaching faculty in the School of Business and Industrial Trades as the college enters into a new partnership with Toyota and the T-TEN Program.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/about-vedp. Review of applications will begin on July 12, 2021, and V Ì Õi Õ Ì Ì i « Ã Ì Ã w i`°

The Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA)’s primary mission is to provide quality workforce training solutions to the greater Richmond/Crater area. The Assistant Coordinator/ Instructor for Healthcare Programs will teach the NHA Clinical Medical Assistant, NHA Phlebotomy Technician, NHA EKG Technician, and AHA Healthcare Provider CPR programs. This position will facilitate instruction between Reynolds and John Tyler Community College sites, as well as employer and workforce partner’s locations within Central Virginia. The instructor will develop curriculum, perform quality controls checks of the certification curriculum, maintain lab equipment, ensure pickup of biohazardous waste and sharps containers and be available for employer meetings to act as the subject matter expert for the curriculum. The ability to teach in a healthcare laboratory, classroom, and online format is required.

Qualifications required: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology or a related field. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Master Automobile Technician certification; and Expert or higher Toyota/Lexus Technician Certification. A minimum of two (2) years of related and successful dealership/manufacturer experience.

Type of Appointment: Full-time twelve-month teaching faculty-ranked appointment. Salary Range: $45,965 - $86,450. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant.

Additional information is available on the college’s web site: www.reynolds.edu/jobs. Application reviews will begin July 26, 2021. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. AA/EOE/ADA

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination > ` >vwÀ >Ì Ûi >VÌ ° Ƃ«« V> ÌÃ ÀiµÕ À } more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804545-5634 or vedphr@vedp.org. TDD 1-800828-1120.

Follow the Free Press on

Type of Appointment: Full-time twelve-month professional faculty-ranked position with teaching responsibilities. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant. Salary range: $59,441 - $65,000.

@FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA

Additional information is available on the college’s web site: www.reynolds.edu/jobs. Application reviews will begin July 26, 2021. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. AA/EOE/ADA

RICHMOND FREE PRESS Thank youThurs/Weekly for your interest in applying Issue: forSize: opportunities The City 2 colwith (2.625) x 5”of Richmond.

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

EOE M/F/D/V