Richmond Free Press June 24-26 , 2021 edition

Olympics bound A10

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

VOL. 30 NO. 26

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

The dope on marijuana

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Potheads, rejoice.

Smoking a joint will be legal in Virginia beginning next Thursday, July 1.

That’s as long as you are 21 or older and smoke the marijuana in your home or another private place.

The new law also will allow adults to grow up to four marijuana plants in their homes, although advocates note there will be no legal way to purchase the seeds needed to produce the plants.

And for that matter, there will be no legal way to purchase marijuana — other than having a doctor’s prescription and being registered to buy it from one of the five licensed dispensaries in the state.

Legitimate retail outlets serving the public are at least two-and-a-half years away from opening, and it still will be illegal to transport marijuana into the state to sell after Thursday.

“You can possess it, but there will be no legal way to buy the product, seeds or cuttings,” said state Sen. Ryan T. McDougle, a Hanover Republican who supports personal use but opposed the new law because of that paradox.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

COGIC church gets whopping tax bill after city revokes tax-exempt status

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

By Ronald E. Carrington

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues.

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Wednesday, June 30: 9 to 11 a.m., Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., drive-thru testing; 2 to 4 p.m., Richmond City Health

Please turn to A4

Here’s what’s legal and what’s not in Virginia beginning Thursday, July 1

Please turn to A4

RPS’ first full graduation since COVID-19 brings smiles, cheers and joy at The Diamond

Free COVID-19 testing and vaccines

JUNE 24-26, 2021

Like Sen. McDougle, many people are coming to realize that Virginia is ushering in a sea change in its marijuana laws that will go only so far.

“We still have plenty of work to do to get this right,” said Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, which strongly supported legalization of small amounts of marijuana.

With VLBC support, Virginia already has become the first Southern state to decriminalize marijuana. Now the Commonwealth will make history as the first state in the South to legalize individual possession of the drug up to an ounce in public and to maintain a civil fine for those possessing up to a pound.

Virginia will join 17 other states that have made marijuana legal for personal use, even though the federal government still lists it as a Schedule 1 drug alongside heroin and cocaine.

Along with allowing marijuana for personal use, the new law will require convictions for possession and other offenses involving marijuana to be sealed, with the door opened to expungement of such criminal records.

Unbridled joy

Huguenot High School’s graduation Monday was a day to remember — the first Richmond Public Schools graduates to walk across a stage and receive their diplomas in a traditional, big group ceremony since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

Hundreds of parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and friends filled the seats on the promenade and upper deck of The Diamond baseball stadium before 9 a.m., the official start time of the commencement that was held outdoors to minimize the risk to health and safety.

Even with the morning temperature already hitting 80 degrees on its way to 95, the excitement from the crowd was palpable. Seated behind home plate and down the first base line, families cheered as the senior class of Falcons — about 173 strong in green robes and gold stoles — marched into the stadium from right field and down the first base line to take their seats.

The wild roar of applause, screams, whistles and yelling out students’ names was deafening but visibly appreciated not only by the students, but the officials sitting on the stage set up over

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Meet board chair for Virginia Pride B1

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Kym Idella Jeter waves to family and friends in the stands as she walks out with Huguenot High School’s new graduates at the end of Monday morning’s ceremony at The Diamond on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

Huguenot’s was the first of eight Richmond high school commencements over three days at the ballpark.

home plate – RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras, School Board Chairwoman Cheryl L. Burke, board Vice Chairman Jonathan M. Young and Huguenot Principal Robert Gilstrap.

This, the first of eight Richmond high school graduations over three days, was laced with the exuberance of the last game of the World Series and the home team just hitting the winning run.

The city’s metaphorical coaches, starting with Mayor Levar M. Stoney

via video, urged the graduating team to take their skills out into the world to make it a better place.

“You have resilience,” Mayor Stoney told the Class of 2021. “You have an invaluable skill in your back pocket.”

He told the graduates more challenges and adversity lie ahead in life that they will have to handle.

“Life will bring you good and bad

A Richmond church that has been in operation for 112 years has been hit with a surprise $46,128 property tax bill from City Hall after its tax-exempt status was revoked.

According to documents provided to the Free Press, city real estate Assessor Richie N. McKeithen changed the status of the Community Church of God in Christ sanctuary in The Fan to taxable after ruling that the building at 1801 Park Ave. had not been used for three years and no longer qualified for the religious exemption.

“That is news to me,” said Dr. David N. Wright Sr., who has been pastor of the historic church for 37 years and has led the largely Black congregation’s Sunday and weekday services and other programming and managed the church’s affairs.

Dr. Wright “This church has remained in continuous operation since it was founded. We were even open during the pandemic. Our building was a gathering place for those involved in the racial justice protests,” said Dr. Wright.

He said he is deeply concerned that the assessor took the action without any apparent investigation.

The church, he said, is prepared to fight the tax bill if need be, but he hopes that city officials will “come to their senses and restore the tax exemption for which our church fully qualifies.”

Neither Mr. McKeithen nor his deputy, Melvin Bloomfield, who notified the church about the loss of its tax status in a June Please turn to A4

Please turn to A4

Virginia hopes to remove time capsule along with Lee statue Free Press wire, staff report

If a court clears the way, the state of Virginia expects to remove not just a soaring statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Richmond’s historic Monument Avenue, but also a little-known piece of history tucked inside the massive sculpture’s base: A 134-year-old time capsule.

Historical records and recent imaging tests suggest the presence of the time capsule, which some have speculated might contain a rare, valuable and historically significant photo of

deceased President Abraham Lincoln.

“Anyone who has an interest in Civil War history or Richmond history would be very intrigued by this item,” said Dale Brumfield, a local historian and author who has conducted extensive research on the aged copper receptacle and rumored photo.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s office shared details of the time capsule removal project and the state’s plans to replace it with a new one with The Associated Press ahead of a formal Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

Juneteenth fun Gabrielle Holmes, left, and Serenity Johnson dance to the sounds of gospel at “Juneteenth: Sounds of Freedom Celebration” held last Saturday evening on the lawn at Virginia Union University. The 2-year-olds were enjoying the event with family. It was one of several area commemorations of the new national holiday. Please see more photos, A6.

A2 June 24-26, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

A new historic marker honoring Richmond business and civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker sits in front of the historic St. Luke Building that has stood in the 900 block of St. James Street in Gilpin Court since 1903.

Now a 12-unit apartment building with first-floor commercial space, the building began life as the national headquarters of the United Order of St. Luke, a Black fraternal and insurance group led by Mrs. Walker from 1899 until her death in 1934. Making bold moves, she pushed the fraternal order into developing the headquarters and taking other entrepreneurial action, including opening a bank.

As the order’s grand secretary, Mrs. Walker became the first Black woman to charter and serve as president of an American bank. The marker also cites her leadership in the 1904 boycott of segregated street cars in Richmond and her roles with the NAACP and the National Association of Colored Women.

The marker is a product of Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s inaugural 2020 Black History Month contest that sought proposals for new history markers to increase diversity in the statewide educational program.

Proposed by local students, the tribute to Mrs. Walker was among the first 10 to be selected by contest judges from 300 entries to the historic marker program run by the state Department of Historic Resources.

City rejects painting contractor’s claims of non-payment

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Hall is pushing back against claims from a Richmond contractor who has alleged that he has not been paid nearly $200,000 for painting work he did on the new River City Middle School last year.

Responding to an article on William Bullock’s allegations that was published in the Free Press June 3-5 edition, Robert Stone, the city engineering manager who led the internal city team that oversaw the school’s construction, vigorously denied that Mr. Bullock has been cheated.

“The city’s project team has reviewed the change requests submitted by Mr. Bullock and have had discussions with Howard Shockey & Sons,” the construction manager at-risk on the school, Mr. Stone stated in written comments the city provided to the Free Press.

“Some of Mr. Bullock’s requests were rejected as being within the scope of (his) original bid. Other requests were returned Mr. Bullock due to excessive pricing and lack of documentation,” Mr. Stone stated.

The city did not respond to requests for comment on Mr. Bullock’s claims prior to the article’s publication.

Among the rejected items is Mr. Bullock’s claim that he is due about $120,000 for painting the ceilings in the school’s cafeteria, main gymnasium and an auxiliary gym.

He told the Free Press that the specifications he was provided and from which he made his original bid of $540,000 did not include painting those ceilings. He said that was additional work for which he has not been compensated.

He confirmed that he began painting the school in March, including those three large ceilings. He said he was told to paint them or be replaced.

However, Mr. Stone responded that “the scope sheet submitted by Mr. Bullock clearly stated the scope of work included painting all exposed ceilings and the auxiliary gym ceiling.”

Mr. Stone also stated that Mr. Bullock “did not make any claims for excess work until a couple of months later.”

Mr. Bullock said that he might have made such an acknowledgement, but at the time “it was uncertain” whether the scope included the ceilings in the cafeteria, the main gym and the auxiliary gym. He said he began making his claims after reviewing the specifications.

He maintains the ceilings were not part of the scope of work he bid on, and that he faces a significant loss if he must absorb that cost. He said he was verbally promised additional payment for that work and relied on that assurance.

Mr. Bullock also has claimed that he did not receive $47,000 from his original contract, which he believes was part of the money the city initially withheld from Shockey to ensure the work was completed.

Mr. Stone stated that the city withheld 5 percent of the River City Middle School contract from general contractor Shockey as allowed by state law, or about $2.8 million of the $57 million construction contract. He stated that virtually all of the money, $2.79 million, was paid to Shockey in February.

He noted that if Mr. Bullock has not been paid his share, he would need to seek redress from Shockey.

Mr. Bullock also said he is due about $30,000 to repaint walls that were smeared with drywall coating. But Mr. Stone stated that also is an issue between Mr. Bullock and Shockey.

Mr. Stone noted that city construction contracts require general contractors to post a payment bond, and that subcontractors can make claims to the bond’s insurer “for legitimate cases of non-payment.”

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

City Hall to be draped in 16-story art project ‘Freedom Constellations’

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Huge, dramatic banners soon will cover two sides of City Hall.

The banners will feature two Richmond teens in triumphant poses and include positive statements.

Set to be installed at the end of this month, the 16-story banners are the product of a partnership between the city and a cultural nonprofit called Performing Statistics led by multimedia artist Mark Strandquist.

He dreamed up the idea for the unique work he dubbed “Freedom Constellations.”

Mayor Levar M. Stoney embraced it and secured the funding to make it reality. He said the finished product would be “a beacon shining brightly from City Hall” in support of a future “where every young person feels unlimited potential, unimpeded by the burdens of systematic racism and poverty.”

The banners will feature Richmond Public Schools students Ta’Dreama McBride and Clyde Walker, Mr. Strandquist said.

The banner featuring a portrait of

Ta’Dreama in a dance pose will rise on the Marshall Street side of City Hall and include the words in red, “We DREAM of a WORLD where All youth are FREE.” The banner of Clyde will hang on the 9th Street side of City Hall. He will be featured with his arm raised and the words in red: “We can LOVE ourselves. We can share our Future. We are FREE.” The students are serving as spokespersons for city teens involved with a nonprofit called RISE for Youth.

After the installation is complete, Mr. Strandquist said that visitors will be able to stand at 9th and Marshall streets and aim smartphones at the portraits to gain access to the full presentation. That will include augmented reality animation and an audio of youths expressing their ideas for investments that they say will keep the community safe, healthy and free, he said.

The audio also will include young people reciting a co-written poem that includes the words, “In a world without youth prisons. I walk down the streets and… I hear happiness in the community, and I feel safe…”

Mr. Strandquist said, “Covering the sides of City Hall with interactive portraits of youth fighting to make Richmond a better place is exactly the kind of monumental public art that Richmond needs in this moment.”

He said the teens being featured represent “a multitude of powerful and visionary youth in the city.”

To build a better future, he said, “we have to imagine it, illustrate it and design it, and youth need to be part of that process. These young leaders have given us a huge gift; they’ve shared a beautiful blueprint for a Richmond where all youths have support.

“I hope,” he continued, “we all use this as an opportunity to listen, learn and find more ways to involve youth in efforts to make the world and future a better place.”

Ta’Dreama said she hopes the project inspires people “to make a change in the community and the world.”

Six city departments joined with Venture Richmond and Richmond Region Tourism to cover the cost of the project, officials said.

Secure health info profiles can help first responders in emergencies Free Press staff report

Richmond residents can create a digital health profile that paramedics and other emergency personnel can access after a health emergency strikes, the city Department of Emergency Communications has announced.

This new online offering is the first outgrowth of the new Marcus Alert System, named for 24-year-old biology teacher Marcus-David Peters, who was shot and killed by a Richmond Police officer in 2018 as he was experiencing what has been described as a mental health crisis and charged the officer.

The personal health information can be posted securely online

at www.emergencyprofile.org with only the department and first responders having access, stated Stephen Willoughby, director of the department.

Information provided voluntarily by an individual could range from blood type to pre-existing conditions, allergies, mental health issues, emergency contacts and other pertinent information, Mr. Willoughby stated.

By having that information, the department’s staff and first responders can be more informed about existing health issues that could affect treatment, he noted. To help maintain privacy, he stated that the information would be linked to a personal phone number.

He urged “community members to create their free emergency

health profile, ensuring they are able to share critical data with the 911 system.”

Richmond, like other Virginia localities, is required to create and offer this kind of voluntary database under the new alert system that Gov. Ralph S. Northam signed into law in December.

City Hall officials said the new health profile database is one of several initiatives city staff and the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority will be launching this year to comply with the new law.

Rather than creating its own database, Richmond tapped into a program that emergency technology company RapidSOS created in partnership with the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross and Direct Relief, a nonprofit agency.

Community members call for School Board to work with city on new George Wythe

By Ronald E. Carrington

The George Wythe High School community has a clear and strong message for the Richmond School Board: George Wythe can’t wait; build a new high school now.

Students, parents, community members and leaders met in the grandstand at George Wythe athletic field last Friday to call for the School Board to accept Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s desire to collaborate with the city in building a new George Wythe High School as soon as possible.

The newly formed Richmond Community Coalition, a group of organizations and citizens, put together the meeting in response to the School Board’s decision in April to seize control of school construction projects without collaboration with the city.

The coalition was formed to promote community engagement, to look out for the best interests of RPS students south of the James River and to hold School Board members accountable for their actions.

“Nothing could be more urgent than giving our children the education they deserve,” James E. “J.J.” Minor III, president of the Richmond Branch NAACP, told the community members. “The students and school community of George Wythe High School have already had to wait far too long to move into a new building.”

In Mr. Minor’s estimation, what is happening between the School Board and the city is just another hurdle in a years-long battle to replace the 61-year-old building. He said the process has been ongoing since 2002.

Mayor Stoney received loud cheers and applause on Wednesday morning when he spoke in person at George Wythe’s graduation ceremony at The Diamond.

He lauded the Class of 2021 for its resilience during the pandemic and said he would be remiss if he didn’t mention their resilience in attending school “for three years in one of the worst facilities in Central Virginia.”

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Jeremiah Armstead, 15, a rising junior at George Wythe High School, tells people at a community meeting last Friday that he often is too embarrassed to say where he attends high school because of its reputation of being old, decrepit and forgotten. He said he hopes the School Board will work with the city to build a new school before he graduates.

“Let’s work together to make sure your brothers and sisters won’t have to endure the same thing at an old George Wythe.

Let’s give them a new George Wythe,” he said to cheers.

After the board voted 5-4 in April to take control of school construction, RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras provided the board with a timeline showing that their taking charge would push the opening of a new school from 2024 to 2027.

Mayor Stoney offered a compromise on June 15, by ordering the city to move forward with a request for proposal for designs for a new building. The RFP was issued on June 16, with Aug. 2 as the deadline to respond.

According to the mayor, the procurement action does not deny the School Board’s ability to build their own schools. The city is

simply getting the process started by initiating the procurement process and identifying potential design services firms.

The City of Richmond has committed $100 million to build a new George Wythe High School, with its targeted opening date of the fall of 2024.

“We can’t legally build a George Wythe alone,” the mayor said earlier this month. “We can’t legally do that. But I can get the process started, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

Mr. Stoney also extended an olive branch by inviting the School Board to join the city in getting a new high school built as soon as possible With that in mind, community advocates at last Friday’s meeting called for the School Board to do the right thing for students by compromising and working with the city.

Brenda Parson, a longtime South Richmond resident, said she is worried that school reopening in the fall would be a major distraction for RPS officials and would take away from the time to do an effective job on building a new school.

“We have a superintendent who should be concerned with the education of our children, getting the curriculum and classes together as well as hiring teachers, principals and other support professionals—not building schools,” she told the crowd.

The meeting organizers invited school and city officials to attend. Only School Board member Dawn C. Page, 8th District, and 5th District City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch attended.

Ms. Lynch said the city received no response from RPS policymakers to its request to meet with the School Board on the issue.

Ms. Page thanked people for attending the outdoor meeting, saying the turnout “shows the importance of this pressing issue.

We, as a community, must move forward working in collaboration with the city.

“This impacts, not only George Wythe, but Woodville Elementary and all of the other schools in need of new construction as part of the district’s facilities plan,” she said.

Richmond Free Press

June 24-26, 2021 A3

Making a lasting impact in Richmond At Bank of America, we have long been committed to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities where we work and live. Recognizing the urgency of the moment, we’ve expanded our longstanding efforts to drive progress by committing an additional $1.25 billion over five years to create opportunity for people and communities of color.

By partnering with organizations here in Richmond, we’re continuing to align our resources to help drive sustainable progress locally. Our investments and partnerships will help address critical issues and long-term gaps including: • connecting workers to new skills and enhanced job readiness • expanding affordable housing options for more people • ramping up lending and support to local small businesses • increasing access to healthcare and addressing food insecurity

Working together We’re collaborating with a variety of organizations to help our community move forward. They include: Metropolitan Business League Sacred Heart Center, Inc. American Heart Association Better Housing Coalition, Inc.

We know there’s so much more work to be done. My teammates and I remain committed to the job ahead. Together with our local partners, we can make a real difference. What would you like the power to do?®

Victor Branch President, Bank of America Richmond

Go to bankofamerica.com/community to learn more about the work we are doing with our incredible partners.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

© 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Richmond Free Press

A4 June 24-26, 2021

News

What’s legal, what’s not in Virginia beginning Thursday, July 1 Continued from A1

Still, Alexandria state Sen. Adam Ebbin, one of the lead sponsors of legalization, said people need to understand Virginia has only made so many changes. For example, smoking or possessing pot on school property still will be illegal. So will smoking pot on sidewalks or other public places.

“People still need to be careful — Virginia is not an official open marijuana market,” he said.

That’s not unusual, said Jenna Michelle Pedini, executive director of Virginia operations for NORML, the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws, which has spent 50 years building public support for legalizing marijuana.

Under the new law, people can legally share marijuana, but cannot sell it or the seeds.

“The primary objective of legalization is to reduce criminalization,” Ms. Pedini said.

She said that most states that legalized marijuana started out by allowing individual use and then building the legal marketplace, but she is advocating for speeding up legal sales.

That may not happen before Jan. 1, 2024, the envisioned date for starting state-sanctioned

growing and wholesale and retail operations.

As Sen. Ebbin and Alexandria Delegate Charniele Herring, another leader in pushing legalization, have noted, much of the legal structure and apparatus for growing, marketing and distributing remains incomplete and is subject to a second vote of approval in the 2022 General Assembly session.

Virginia is still trying to set up the new cannabis control agency that will be in charge of licensing and regulation of growing, manufacturing and distribution.

As a result, the goal of having entrepreneurs from the Black and Brown communities that were most damaged by drug enforcement laws become owners and operators of marijuanarelated businesses remains just a hope.

So does the goal of having taxes generated from legal marijuana sales rolled into a fund to be invested in those communities to help compensate for the damage from arrests.

For now, there are no taxes to collect.

And to the dismay of groups like RISE for Youth, juveniles still will be treated as delinquents if caught with marijuana. They face $25 civil fines, assignment to drug treatment programs and potential loss of driving privileges if caught with the drug. And adults

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Continued from A1

Department, 400 E. Cary St. in Downtown, walkup and curbside testing; 4 to 6 p.m., Western Henrico Health Department, 8600 Dixon Powers Dr., drive-thru testing.

Appointments are not necessary, but can be made by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.ly/RHHDCOVID. Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

COVID-19 testing also 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 out-of-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 COVID-19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Thursday, June 24, noon to 1:30 p.m. – Metropolitan Church Food Pantry, 2501 Park Ave., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Friday, June 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Henrico West Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer; 3 to 5 p.m. – Creighton Family Transition Coaches, 1111 N. 25th St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; 4 to 6 p.m. – Bryant’s Cider Event, 2114 E. Main St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Monday, June 28, 1 to 3 p.m. – Coventry GardensApartments, 201 Newbridge Circle, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Tuesday, June 29, 1 to 3 p.m. – Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, 2001 Maywill St., Suite 202, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; 2 to 3 p.m. – Mosby Recreation Center, 1543 Coalter St., Moderna; 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Oakwood Arts, 3511 P St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Wednesday, June 30, 4:30 to 6 p.m. – Neighborhood Resource Center, 1519 Williamsburg Road, Moderna; 3 to 6 p.m. – George Wythe High School, 4314 Crutchfield St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• 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.

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.

On Friday, June 25, the Richmond and Henrico health districts are hosting “Street to Street,” a series of vaccination events stretching along 25th Street in Richmond’s East End. A full day of COVID-19 vaccine appointments, outreach, and education will be featured.

People can get vaccinated from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Patrick Henry Park, 25th and Broad streets; 1 to 3 p.m., East End Library, 1200 N. 25th St.; 1 to 5 p.m., Hope Pharmacy, 1330 N. 25th St.; 3 to 4 p.m., door-to-door vaccinations for businesses along 25th Street; and 3 to 5 p.m., Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s Family Transition Coach office, 1111 N. 25th St. On Saturday, June 26, vaccinations will be offered during a Day of Action from 1 to 4 p.m. at Richmond Public Library branches at North Ave., 2901 North Ave.; East End, 1200 N. 25th St.; and Hull Street, 1400 Hull St. in South Side.

The two days of events are aimed at eliminating COVID-19 vaccination disparities, officials said.

Other special vaccine events: • Thursday, June 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Walmart, 12000 Iron Bridge Road.

• Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Walmart, 5001 Nine Mile Road.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam said Monday that 70 percent of Virginia’s adult population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, reaching the goal sought by the White House by July 4.

Federal officials conceded Tuesday that the goal of 70 percent partial vaccination for all adults likely will not be reached nationwide by July 4. Virginia is the 16th state to reach the target.

According to state health data, 4.2 million people have been fully vaccinated in Virginia as of Wednesday, or about 49.6 percent of the state’s total population, while 58 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

State officials reported 679,137 cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday, along with 30,346 hospitalizations and 11,368 deaths. Virginia’s seven-day positivity rate is 1.5 percent. Last week, it was 1.6 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 16.2 percent of cases and 6.5 percent of deaths.

Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 17,153 827 270 Henrico County 25,698 1,107 633 Chesterfield County 28,255 1,023 449 Hanover County 8,235 290 166

who provide marijuana to juveniles could face criminal charges.

NORML was among the first to note that the law the General Assembly passed this year allows people to possess marijuana seeds but does not allow any legal way to purchase them.

Ms. Pedini notes that plenty of internet websites offer marijuana seeds for sale. She said Virginians cannot legally purchase them despite claims that they bypass state laws by selling the seeds as adult novelty items.

Fixing that problem, though, “will be a top priority in the next session,” she said.

To help people understand the do’s and don’ts of the new law, Virginia NORML offers responses to frequently asked questions on its website, www.vanorml.org.

The state also offers online advice and guidance for those with questions at cannabis. virginia.gov.

What the new law will do is end the war on Black Virginians, whom the watchdog Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found were nearly four times more likely to be arrested and convicted of marijuana offenses than white offenders, despite largely equal marijuana use among both groups.

Even after decriminalization, Black people

were more likely to be hit with court summons and fines than their white counterparts.

Legalization means an “end to disparate enforcement, which is going to make a huge change in the lives of thousands of Virginians,” said Alena Yarmosky, Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s spokeswoman.

Even though it is illegal, marijuana is widely available.

According to New Frontier Data’s U.S. Cannabis Report, Virginia had the fourth-largest illicit market last year, encompassing about $1.8 billion, or 3 percent of an estimated $60 billion in total illicit sales nationwide.

Ms. Pedini is an advocate for opening the marijuana dispensaries as retail sales operations for adults. But advocates for Black inclusion, such as the Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia, see that as virtually ensuring that the five state licensed dispensaries will gain a huge advantage, making it harder for new retailers to be successful.

The dispensaries are vertically integrated— that is they grow, manufacture and distribute marijuana. And giving them approval for retail sales would make a mockery of the equity agenda that is supposed to be part of legalization, according to the coalition.

Church gets tax bill after city revokes tax-exempt status Continued from A1

6 letter, could immediately be reached for comment.

Dr. Wright said Mr. Bloomfield later told him that the revocation of the church’s exemption was based on a complaint from a neighboring property owner, whom Dr. Wright considers hostile to the church.

The pastor said the complaint may have stemmed from a for sale sign that currently sits in front of the building.

“We were just exploring our options,” Dr. Wright said.

The city values the property at $3.8 million.

Dr. Wright said the church received offers for far less and is no longer interested in selling. But he said none of that is relevant to determining “whether the

church continued to operate at the location.

We did. The sale sign has nothing to do with whether worship has been going on.

It’s nonsense to think otherwise.”

He said Mr. McKeithen or Mr. Bloomfield could have checked.

Dr. Wright said he never received any information prior to June 6 that the church’s tax-exempt status was at risk.

According to the church’s history, Community was the first Richmond affiliate of the Church of God in Christ denomination when it was founded in 1909.

Before moving to its current location 45 years ago, the church spent nearly four decades in the Randolph community in the near West End and 25 years in the Fulton community.

The church bought the former home of Reveille United Methodist Church in

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Community Church of God in Christ has occupied its current sanctuary at 1801 Park Ave. since 1976.

1976, city records state, while Dr. Wright’s grandfather, Bishop David C. Love, was pastor.

Dr. Wright said Community Church of God in Christ is the mother of virtually all of the COGIC churches in the Richmond area.

“In the past century, at least 40 churches have been started by former members, including 18 that have been founded during my tenure,” he said. “We shouldn’t have to justify our existence.”

Joy at Virginia hopes to remove time graduation capsule along with Lee statue Continued from A1

luck, success and failure,” Mayor Stoney continued. “But the measure of your success will not be measured by the number of times you fall, but by the number of times you get up.”

That kind of resilience was a theme throughout the program.

Mrs. Burke talked about the historical nature of the time culminating in this week’s series of commencements.

“You are historians,” she told the class to the applause of the crowd. “You have survived a pandemic and still you rise,” she said.

Huguenot’s valedictorian Te’Vonya Jeter, who earned a 4.6 GPA and is headed to Howard University in the fall, spoke about the unique academic journey she and her classmates have taken during the past 16 months.

“We survived,” she said in her speech to classmates, noting that she and many others in the class had wanted to drop out.

“We finished high school during a worldwide pandemic.

“There were endless deadlines, weird schedules, cameras and on-media microphones and heavy workloads,” she said.

“Now it’s time for us to survive adulthood.”

She said the story of the Class of 2021 is one that should be remembered.

After the graduates individually strutted across the stage to receive their diplomas, families punctuated the moment with heartfelt applause.

A casual observer could see perspiration from the hot sun and droplets of pride on the brows of the assembled parents.

Israel Torres, who came to Richmond from Mexico seven years ago, spoke with pride about the accomplishments of his son, graduate Israel Torres Castellanos, especially during a year of virtual learning.

“My son is going to Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering to become a mechanical engineer,” Mr. Torres said. “That makes me happy.”

He also said he was grateful that graduation could be done in person at The Diamond.

Continued from A1

announcement on Tuesday calling for the time capsule’s contents to be replaced with items reflecting Virginia’s diversity.

“It’s time to say to the world this is today’s Virginia, not yesterday’s,” Gov. Northam stated.

“And one day, when future generations look back at this moment, they will be able to learn about the inclusive, welcoming Commonwealth that we are building together. I encourage Virginians to be part of this unique effort to tell our shared story.”

Anyone interested in providing an item can submit a description of their artifact, including its size, shape and material and an explanation of its suitability through the online page governor. virginia.gov/timecapsule. Applications can be submitted through Tuesday, July 20.

The new capsule is to be located on the roundabout at Monument and Allen avenues on which the pedestal and statue stand.

The statue removal work is contingent on the resolution of two still-pending lawsuits seeking to keep the monument in place.

The bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Lee was one of five enormous Confederate tributes along Monument Avenue and the only one that belonged to the state. Like many other cities across the South, Richmond removed the figures on its monuments last summer amid nationwide protests against racial injustice and criticism that the statues are symbols of white supremacy that should not occupy public places.

A newspaper article from 1887 suggests that what is inside the Lee monument capsule is mostly memorabilia, including a U.S. silver dollar and a collection of Confederate buttons.

One line from that article has generated buzz, however: A “picture of Lincoln lying in his coffin.” The newspaper identified the donor of that item as “Miss Pattie Leake,” who was a school principal from a prominent local family, according to Mr. Brumfield.

Harold Holzer, a historian and Lincoln scholar, said he believes it’s highly doubtful that the picture is an actual photograph of President Lincoln in his coffin because the only known photo of President Lincoln in death was taken by photographer Jeremiah Gurney in City Hall in New York on April 24, 1865.

More likely, Mr. Holzer said, it could be a popular Currier & Ives lithographic print of President Lincoln lying in state in New York or a sketch done by an artist who may have witnessed President Lincoln’s body during a two-week tour before his burial in Springfield, Ill. Mr. Brumfield, who wrote about the time capsule and possible Lincoln photo in a 2017 article for Richmond magazine, said he believes the image was included as a reflection of Richmond’s role as the capital of the Confederacy during most of the Civil War. “I think it just gives a big middle finger to Lincoln, the Union and what it stood for,” Mr. Brumfield said.

He said he found another newspaper article from the same time period that described a cornerstone-laying ceremony on Oct. 27, 1887, attended by about 25,000 people. The article said 60 donated artifacts, including the Lincoln picture, were sealed in the copper box and placed inside the cornerstone.

What kind of shape might the contents of the time capsule be in?

“We have no idea,” said Julie Langan, director of the state Department of Historic Resources.

Even if the capsule hasn’t sustained water damage, Ms. Langan said paper products from the time would have had a high acid content and would be expected to be extremely fragile.

Plans call for law enforcement to take immediate possession of the time capsule and bring it to the state’s conservation lab, where it will be opened in the presence of expert staff ready to triage the objects as needed.

The Lee statue, which weighs an estimated 12 tons and stands 21 feet tall on a pedestal nearly twice that height, became the epicenter of racial justice protests last summer after the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Gov. Northam announced then that he intended to remove the monument, but he has been fighting in court ever since.

For the time being, the governor plans to leave in place the statue’s enormous pedestal, now covered with anti-police and anti-racism graffiti. Some racial justice advocates see it as a symbol of the protest movement that erupted after Mr. Floyd’s killing and don’t want it moved.

Richmond officials, meanwhile, are advancing plans to remove the pedestals and other remnants of the four city-owned statues on Monument Avenue tributes and at least temporarily pave over or re-landscape the sites. Gov. Northam tapped the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to lead a community-driven redesign process for the whole of Monument Avenue, but that process is expected to be a long one and is not yet underway.

The General Assembly provided $1 million to allow the VMFA to lead the planning, in partnership with the city, and also provided at least $9 million more to carry out the plan.

Without waiting for the plan, Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration has sought approval from the city Planning Commission — which controls monuments — to dismantle the existing pedestals from which Confederate statues that have been removed.

The commission on Monday approved the city’s plan to remove the statue, pedestal and remains of Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill from its location at Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road but held off action on the pedestals on Monument Avenue and Libbie Hill.

Ahead of the Planning Commission meeting, Gov. Northam and others urged the commission to halt the rush to dismantle and to wait for the museum’s plan to be developed.

Richmond Free Press

June 24-26, 2021 A5

Fireworks safety: Reduce your risk of burns.

With July 4th just around the corner, many of us are eager to celebrate – and what better way to celebrate than with fireworks! Fireworks are beautiful, but they can cause serious burn and eye injuries. Attend free, public fireworks displays to prevent fireworks-related injuries.

How common are fireworks injuries?

36%

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: • On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.

• Fireworks were involved with an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during 2019.

• Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 36 percent of the estimated fireworks-related injuries.

What parts of the body are injured the most due to fireworks-related burns?

How can we prevent fireworks-related injuries?

?

What makes VCU Health’s Evans-Haynes Burn Center unique?

• • • • • •

Hands and fingers: 30% Legs: 23% Head, face and ears: 16% Eyes: 15% Arms: 10% Trunk and other: 6%

It’s important to follow certain safety tips when using fireworks: • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents sometimes don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Our Evans-Haynes Burn Center is the oldest civilian burn center in the country.

• Today, VCU Medical Center is the only comprehensive Level I adult, pediatric and burn trauma center in the region. What that means is we’ve gone through a vigorous external review process to say that we have the right resources to take care of any burn patient, with any burn related problem, at any age.

• We can take care of any burn, from stabilization in the emergency department to reconstruction – all under one roof.

We care about the health and safety of our communities. To learn more, visit vcuhealth.org. © 2021 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: VCU Health; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Richmond Free Press

A6 June 24-26, 2021

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Juneteenth 2021 Juneteenth 2021: A time for reflection, celebration and action.

Thousands of people turned out for area events last weekend marking Juneteenth’s first national holiday. From a remembrance ceremony at historic Woodland Cemetery, to music and dancing in Byrd Park to fireworks at Dorey Park in Henrico, the historic nature of Juneteenth was embraced by the Metro Richmond community.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

People participate in a community drum circle led by Ram Bhagat of Drums No Guns at Saturday’s Juneteenth Freedom Day at the 17th Street Market in Shockoe Bottom. Left, Kiran Bhagat leads a yoga class Saturday at the Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration at the 17th Street Market, featuring drumming, dancing and meditation.

Members of the Elegba Folklore Society pour libation honoring the ancestors during a performance last Friday at Dogwood Dell in Byrd Park as part of the city’s 64th Annual Festival of Arts.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

People of all ages enjoyed live music, including the sounds of Plunky Branch, food, games and activities for youngsters, historical interpreters and a car club expo at Juneteenth at Dorey Park in Eastern Henrico County. Four-year-old Milaya Woodly glides down a giant slide. The celebration was capped off by a dazzling fireworks display after dark.

Regina H. Boone/ Richmond Free Press

Congressman A. Donald McEachin offers keynote remarks at Woodland Cemetery on Saturday to honor those who were once enslaved. The commemoration,“A Juneteenth Moment of Remembrance at Woodland Cemetery,” was sponsored by the Woodland Restoration Foundation and Henrico County. It drew other state and local politicians, family members of those buried in the historic cemetery, volunteers who work to keep up the grounds and community members.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Barbara Payton of Barb’s Blooms stands among the festive flowers in her booth at the RVA Black Farmers Market on Saturday at 1700 Blair St. in the city’s West End. Vendors and shoppers alike were in a celebratory mood recognizing Juneteenth. The market’s advertising stated: “We continue to celebrate community, culture and freedom on this day!”

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

More than 1,000 people relaxed on the lawn of Virginia Union University, enjoying the sounds of local gospel groups at“Juneteenth: Sounds of Freedom Celebration” on Saturday evening. Highlights included performances by the Grammy Awardwinning Hezekiah Walker, above, and the VUU Choir, led by David Bratton. The event was sponsored by the new Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at VUU. Below, Marcus Orr of Ashland joins in with his tambourine.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, left, and Mayor Levar M. Stoney embrace in a show of unity after the senator’s remarks and introduction of the mayor during the “Love and Legacy Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration” at the Landing at Fountain Lake in Byrd Park. The event, organized by Sherri Robinson of ShowLove LLC, featured music, dance, entertainment, children’s activities and information about community resources. Right, Claudia Clarke raises her fist in a show of support and solidarity with the messages delivered by local leaders.

Richmond Free Press

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June 24-26, 2021 A7

Richmond Free Press

Zinnias and Bojangles in Jackson Ward

Editorial Page

A8

June 24-26, 2021

The NCAA, Justice Kavanaugh and studentathletes We were quite interested in the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion this week regarding the NCAA and student-athletes and what compensation students can expect for providing their talent to a college or university.

The nation’s highest court unanimously ruled Monday that the NCAA illegally restricted the education-based benefits that could be given to student-athletes as compensation.

The ruling allows colleges to go beyond the scholarships for tuition, room and board and textbooks when an athlete is NCAA-eligible and pay for additional educationrelated expenses, including laptops, paid internships, study abroad or future graduate school education. But the court ruling doesn’t go so far as to say students should be paid salaries or compensated for use of their name, image or likeness despite new laws that take effect next week in several states that allow endorsement deals for student-athletes.

However, according to court watchers and legal experts, the ruling opens the door for that and more in the future.

We never expected to be in full agreement with conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whose nomination to the high court we vigorously opposed. Surprisingly, however, he wrote a separate and blistering concurring opinion in the case, taking the NCAA to task over using but not paying student-athletes.

This long has been a sore spot for the Free Press, which has seen through the years how many colleges and universities recruit talented African-American athletes, exploit their skills on the football field and basketball court and bounce them after four or five years without a degree, in some cases, or without the education and tools necessary for a stable career after college. Colleges and universities make millions off these young people and show them the door with little support for their futures.

Justice Kavanaugh, reportedly a big sports fan who coaches his daughters’ basketball teams, hit that point hard in his opinion released Monday.

He wrote: “The bottom line is that the NCAA and its member colleges are suppressing the pay of student-athletes who collectively generate billions of dollars in revenues for colleges every year. Those enormous sums of money flow to seemingly everyone except the student-athletes.

College presidents, athletic directors, coaches, conference commissioners and NCAA executives take in six- and seven-figure salaries. Colleges build lavish new facilities.

But the student athletes who generate the revenues, many of whom are African-American and from lower-income backgrounds, end up with little or nothing.”

He wrote that while the NCAA and its member colleges and universities maintain important traditions with a variety of sporting competitions that have become part of America’s fabric, “those traditions alone cannot justify the NCAA’s decision to build a massive money-raising enterprise on the backs of student athletes who are not fairly compensated.”

He continued: “Nowhere else in America can businesses get away with agreeing not to pay their workers a fair market rate … and under ordinary principles of antitrust law, it is not evident why college sports should be any different. The NCAA is not above the law.”

NCAA officials balked at Justice Kavanaugh’s opinion.

Taking it further, the state of Virginia and many people living in the Commonwealth have been making out like bandits on the backs of professional and amateur athletes alike since Jan. 1, when sports betting was legalized in the state.

According to the Virginia Lottery’s sportsbook report, bettors in Virginia wagered a record $304 million in March – think NCAA Tournament and March Madness – with the state collecting tax revenue of $1.18 million.

Seven online sportsbooks are up and running in Virginia.

In April, $236 million was wagered with more than $1 million in taxes going to the state.

Virginia has been blessed with many gifted AfricanAmerican athletes — current and past—who have made their mark here and at colleges and universities elsewhere.

We believe it is time for these athletes to come together, weigh in on their experiences and make recommendations to the NCAA and the nation. We urge them to use their collective voices and their depth and breadth of knowledge from firsthand experience to help the NCAA chart an equitable path going forward.

Additionally, Congress currently is considering legislation that would allow college athletes to enter into endorsement deals and be compensated for use of their likeness. The federal move is in response to a bevy of new state laws taking effect July 1 in Texas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and New Mexico that will allow student-athletes to engage in endorsement deals.

Congress needs to hear from our Virginia athletes about this. It may change the future—and fortunes—of the many young aspiring male and female athletes now in the pipeline.

Rebirth of a nation

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Some of my “vintage” or “experienced” readers may remember or actually saw the movie, “Birth of a Nation.” Not the 2016 Nate Parker version, I refer to the 1915 silent film, originally called “The Clansman” by D.W. Griffith. In short, it glorified the Ku Klux Klan and denigrated civil and human rights for formerly enslaved people using the “Black man, white woman” paradigm.

Although praised at its release, the original “Birth of a Nation” is now understood as a gross misrepresentation of reality and historical revisionism at its worst. What it did was give cover and justification for the racist social constructs of the antebellum South and the general acceptance of the theory and practice of white racial superiority in the nation.

Across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., a mere 31 miles as the crow flies, lies Loudoun County, Va. Loudoun is the fastest growing county in Virginia and is listed as the wealthiest county in the United States. By most measures, including the newness of hous-

ing and commercial structures, supporting infrastructure and the quality of schools, Loudoun is a desirable place to live and raise a family.

One could reasonably believe that, given the academic and technical skills necessary to command the salaries necessary for the designation of wealthiest county in the nation, Loudoun is a well-educated and enlightened community. Since, by my definition, education is an ongoing

Dr. E. Faye Williams endeavor and enlightenment is the willingness to explore the full dimensions of the truth, calling Loudoun well-educated and enlightened is an arguable proposition.

Sadly, Loudoun, like many other social arenas, is embroiled in a controversy related to the teaching of “Critical Race Theory” in the Loudoun County Public Schools. The interim superintendent of schools asserts that CRT is not being taught, yet there is vigorous opposition to that type of instruction in the schools.

Opponents of CRT assert that it is anti-American and that it teaches students that America is racist, American culture is

inherently bad and that America’s entire system must be radically altered to make it better.

Listening to a local D.C. radio news station, I heard a person identified as a Loudoun public schools history teacher claim that CRT imposed feelings of guilt on white students and a sense of inferiority upon African-American students.

It is open to argument, but my assessment of that teacher and others who protest against CRT is that “their” misunderstanding of historical truths and personal feelings of guilt inspire their opposition. My reality informs me that just as America has made great accomplishments and led innovation to the benefit of the world, it has a history of violence, brutality and ruthlessness that has been encoded in its genetic profile.

To reject the truth of CRT (America’s racism) is to ignore and deny: • The dispossession of Native America lands and the “Indian Wars” which eradicated generations of native people.

• The establishment of “Indian Schools,” which had the expressed purpose of destroying Native American language and culture.

• The brutal, 200-plus year enslavement of Africans kidnapped

from their homeland.

• The denial of full participation in the American lifestyle (Jim Crow laws).

• he innumerable rapes, lynchings and murders of people of color.

• The “documented” systemic exclusion of people of color from educational, employment and housing opportunities.

• The duplicitous pattern of policing in communities of color.

• A myriad of other racially inspired physical and emotional indignities and assaults.

To those who oppose CRT, I will not allow your embarrassment or guilt to erase the truths of our collective histories.

I will not sit quietly while you ignore our past and continue with your opportunistic patterns of discrimination. My voice will ring loudly! As for your guilt: Get over it!

The writer is president of the National Congress of Black Women.

Richmond Free Press 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone (804) 644-0496 FAX (804) 643-7519 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 27709 Richmond, VA 23261 ______________

3 urgent steps to defend democracy The far right attack on voting rights is fierce. And the unwillingness of some U.S. Senate Democrats to challenge rules that allow a Republican minority to block voting rights bills is making some question whether we can turn back the tide of voter suppression. ​A s t h e Black Voters Matter Freedom Ride Bus Tour makes its way through Southern cities including Nashville, Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh and Richmond ,with the final stop in Washington, D.C., we must redouble our efforts on three fronts on what we know will be a long road ahead to defend democracy from the cynics and the skeptics.

Yes, a long road. Democracy in the United States has always been a work in progress. It is always under attack. It always must be defended and strengthened.

When the Constitution was written and ratified, “We, the people” didn’t apply to most of the people. After a bloody civil war, the Constitution was amended so dramatically that historian Eric Foner has called it “the second founding.” But without the political will to enforce those amendments, Reconstruction gave way to the brutality of Jim Crow, voter suppression and legally enforced segregation.

It took decades of struggle to defeat Jim Crow through U.S. Supreme Court rulings and the passage of civil rights and voting rights laws.

Like the post-Civil War amendments, the victories of the Civil Rights Movement changed

history. But they didn’t change human nature. They didn’t bring an end to the struggle for justice and equality. Racism and discrimination took new forms and were institutionalized in new ways.

The flood of voter suppression laws being passed this year builds on an earlier wave of voter

Ben Jealous suppression that came after the Supreme Court’s conservatives did away with key provisions of the federal Voting Rights Act. And all of those laws are part of an even broader attack on genuine democracy that includes extreme racial and partisan redistricting and laws and court rulings that have allowed a flood of big money to overwhelm our election system.

This corruption of our democracy harms us in concrete ways.

It keeps power in the hands of those who resist efforts to address the systemic inequities in our society and economy.

We have proven that we can win when we fight strategically and make progress whenever we have the opportunity. Right now, with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House, and Democrats holding majority power in the House and Senate, we have an opportunity we cannot afford to waste.

There are three urgently important steps Congress must take this year to defend voting rights and strengthen democracy. The late Rep. John Lewis, for decades the conscience of the Congress, had his heart and hands in all three of them.

The first is to pass the For the

People Act. It would overturn new state voter suppression laws and eliminate the worst abuses of redistricting and big money in our elections. Rep. Lewis authored its voting rights provisions. It is urgently important to pass the For the People Act now to prevent massive voter suppression in the 2022 and 2024 elections.

The second is to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would protect against future voting rights abuses by restoring its enforcement mechanisms.

The third is to grant statehood to the District of Columbia and give its 700,000 residents full voting rights and voting representation in Congress. The District of Columbia has a higher percentage of Black residents than any other state, which makes their disenfranchisement a fundamental civil rights violation and a betrayal of basic democratic principles.

Rep. Lewis was a champion of D.C. statehood. He saw the disenfranchisement of D.C. citizens as a moral wrong.

The For the People Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and D.C. statehood are a pro-democracy trinity. To keep faith with the voters who put them in power, especially Black voters, President Biden and congressional Democrats must seize the moment to turn back attacks on voting and democracy. To honor the voting rights legacy of Rep. Lewis, we must all continue to make our voices heard and make “good trouble” on behalf of voting rights and democracy.

The writer, a former national president and CEO of the NAACP, is president of People for the American Way in Washington.

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Richmond Free Press

June 24-26, 2021 A9

Letter to the Editor/Commentary

Hold the Juneteenth celebrations

It took two years after the Emancipation Proclamation for Black people in Texas to find out that they had been proclaimed free.

Juneteenth has now, in regards to that history, been validated as a national holiday.

Presently, voting rights legislation, which is the rightful privilege of the free, now has on its doorstep Republican conservatives who are trying to concoct legislation to target and leverage upon Black people laws that would impair our right to vote and to discourage our voting in the future.

Hold the celebration for a moment because if these legislators pass their version of voter legislation, it will effectively void the strength of our citizenship by amputating Black legs and hands to ensure that we never even get to the polls to guess “How many jelly beans are there in the jar?” or “What side of the horse grows the most hair?”

These legislators are “crowing for jim” but the past does not exist for resurrection.

It exists in order that we do not recreate the very same mistakes that have retarded our past and therefore our present. This pushback will be met with equal and energetic reprisals.

These conservative Republicans have taken this country into the deep waters and have attempted to drown us in stupidity and selfishness in order to fill their coffers and control the governmental corruption that has as its catalyst the former emperor without any clothes or morals. We honestly do not need another snake oil salesman.

Juneteenth as a holiday is representative of a carrot to our people. It is a celebration of a memory of more than 100 years ago and, albeit important, it is not the 14-carat diamond ring that would wed us as Black people to the future of this country.

DR. GREGORY E. DOUGLAS Sacramento, Calif.

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‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste’ As a boy growing up Black in America, I remember that there were a few TV advertisements that spoke directly to me. The most memorable was the United Negro College Fund. The words rang in my head like the bells of truth. The heavy, articulate voice would say, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

We were encouraged to study hard and think freely.

Not to waste time, not to waste life, but to build a better tomorrow from our experiences and those of our ancestors. We were taught that a strong mind is a valuable thing not to be lost or squandered in some frivolous act or activity.

We were taught that every mind is a gift from God to be revered and protected.

As I poetically try to write what I think, I do not speak for Black and Brown Americans; I only speak for me, though many of us who reside in this country will tend to agree. The flag that waves for justice and freedom is not the flag we see.

This justice system has never been just, and her freedoms have never been free. If you think that we believe this system that continues to oppress us has changed her spots, renounced her ways and now opens her arms to caress us, you have lost your mind.

If you think we believe that a new president, a new party, a new Black chief of a guncarrying cult of authoritarians who regularly kill us are now there to protect and defend us, you have lost your mind.

If you think that most Black and Brown people are ready

to trust police, prosecutors or judges who do not live in our communities and are not accountable to us, our neighbors, or our peers, you have lost your mind.

We are trapped in a system of fears conceived to oppress us, designed to distress us and, no matter what we do or say, they are most inclined to ar-

Venson Jordan rest us. The law enforcement system America loves to protect is culturally programmed to defend itself. It does not protect my community, my family or my health.

Today, when the growing source of public eyes records the knees on our neck, the guns at our back, the hands on our throat, the demeaning words, the Nazi looks, the entitlement, the gloat, they parenthetically capture a calculated approach designed to tactically intimidate the Black and Brown communities with impunity and hide themselves from civil suits with

qualified immunity.

Now that the eyes of the world can truly see America policing Black people like me, they realize that the prosecutors and judges — those gods of what is just — provide police a presumption of innocence they rarely provide to us.

We can never be safe in this country while the homicide of our people is justifiable. Sure, the government can make new laws. It can add new Black and Brown faces, but the problem remains the same. Our people are continually terrorized by the police and all Americans wear the shame.

It seems that when America is serious, she is the best at everything and can do anything— except stop police from killing innocent unarmed Black and Brown people. UntilAmerica can do that, that flag can wave for justice and freedom, but it does not wave for people like me.

Our minds are a terrible thing to waste.

The writer is an author, speaker and screenwriter who lives in Rhode Island.

­

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CARES ACT UTILITY RELIEF PAST DUE UTILITY BILLS?

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is now accepting NEW applications from customers that have fallen behind on their water, wastewater and gas utility bills as a result of an economic hardship due to COVID-19. Previous recipients are eligible to reapply for a different service period.

Customers are encouraged to submit applications NOW as they will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

DPU eligible customers will: • Have an active residential or commercial utility service (excluding stormwater).

• Have experienced/been impacted by an economic hardship due to COVID-19.

• Have fallen behind on their City water, wastewater or natural gas utility bill for services after March 1, 2020.

More information including eligibility criteria and application is available at: www.rva.gov/public-utilities

FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS!

PUBLIC NOTICE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT TO THE 2019-2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN In accordance with City’s citizen participation requirements for federal funds, a 30-day public comment period for the amendment to 2019 Annual Action Plan (City FY 2020) will begin on June 21, 2021, and will be extended to end on July 23, 2021. By this notice the City of Richmond announces the availability of the Amended 2019 Annual Action Plan budget, is ready for public review and comment.

On Monday, July 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. the Richmond City Council will hold a virtual public hearing on an amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan and FY 2019-2020 budget for CARES Act funding related to the COIVID-19 pandemic for Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 (CDBG-CV). The funds are a result of the CARES Act passed by Congress and signed by the President in March 2020 to address the Corona Virus Pandemic. These funds were allocated to the City from the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to address the City of Richmond’s SULRULWLHV DV D UHVXOW RI WKH &29,' SDQGHPLF WKDW KDYH EHHQ LGHQWL¿HG LQ WKH Annual Action Plan. Citizens and other interested persons are invited to give their views regarding the use of CDBG-CV funds for the proposed Annual Action Plan. The City will arrange for reasonable accommodations for non-English speaking persons or WKRVH SHUVRQV ZLWK YLVXDO KHDULQJ RU PRELOLW\ LPSDLUPHQWV ZKHQ QRWL¿HG $Q\RQH ZLVKLQJ WR VSHDN DW WKH SXEOLF KHDULQJ SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH 2I¿FH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN E\ 10:00 am July 26, 2021 at 804-646-7955.

The following project budget amendments is the result of reprograming HUD CDBGCV surplus funds. No additional funds were received from HUD for this amendment.

The propose activities are outlined below: Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG-CV): $600,000

and

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Cool Lane Apartments (Virginia Supportive Housing) – Add a new activity in the amount of $600,000 for the rehabilitation of 1900 Cool Lane to provide 86 Permanent Supportive Housing units to persons who have been impacted

by COVID-19.

2.

CDBG-CV Surplus (HCD) – Decrease by $600,000 from $1,516,802 to $916,802 to fund an eligible COVID-19 activity. This is money that was not appropriated to a project from an earlier tranche.

Copies of the amended 2019 Annual Action Plan are available for public review online on the Department of Housing and Community Developments website located at www.richmondgov.com. Citizens can also request a hard copy or electronic copy via e-mail or US Mail. To request a copy, contact Daniel Mouer at daniel.mouer@richmondgov.com or by mail at the City of Richmond, Department of Housing & Community Development, 1500 E Main Street, Suite 400, Richmond VA 23219-3571. The City of Richmond does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission of, or access to, or treatment in its federally assisted programs or activities. Virginia Relay Center - TDD Users - 1-800-828-1120.

Citizens and interested persons are invited to give their views regarding the use of CDBG-CV funds for the proposed Annual Action Plan. The City will arrange for reasonable accommodations for non-English speaking persons or those persons with YLVXDO KHDULQJ RU PRELOLW\ LPSDLUPHQWV ZKHQ QRWL¿HG ZLWKLQ ¿YH EXVLQHVV GD\V of the close of the public comment period. Submit comments and views in writing to: Daniel Mouer, Housing and Community Development Administrator, Housing and Community Development, 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 232193571 or by e-mail to daniel.mouer@richmondgov.com.

Richmond Free Press

A10 June 24-26, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

NBA playoffs now down to Final Four The NBA Final Four consists of four franchises long overdue for a champagne celebration.

The Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks have been on the outside looking in for decades.

The Suns and Clippers have never been NBA champions. Milwaukee hasn’t prevailed since 1971, while the Hawks have been searching for the right answer since 1958.

That leaves many of the game’s top players on the sidelines. No LeBron

James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant. No Lakers, Celtics or Warriors.

It’s time for change. On the upswing, a long wait will come to an end for one of the NBA’s “have nots.”

Details about the final four teams are below.

Last four standing Western Conference finals (Best of seven games) Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers (Phoenix took a 2-0 lead June 22 with a last second 104 -103 win.)

Eastern Conference Finals (Best of seven games) Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks

Phoenix Suns

Los Angeles Clippers

Milwaukee Bucks

Atlanta Hawks

Founded: 1968 How they got here: The Suns went 52-20 in the regular season (best in NBA); in the playoffs, the Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-2 and the Denver Nuggets 4-0.

Coach: Monty Williams (native of Fredericksburg, Va.) Leading scorer (playoffs): Devin Booker (27.9) Leading rebounder: Deandre Ayton (10.6) Leader in assists: Chris Paul (8.7) NBA titles: None (won NBA Western Conference in 1976 and 1993) Home court: Phoenix Suns Arena Fun fact: The Suns have had two NBA MVPs — Steve Nash (2005-06) and Charles Barkley (1993).

Founded: 1970 as the Buffalo Braves; team moved to San Diego and became the Clippers in 1978; moved to Los Angeles in 1984.

How they got here: 47-25 in regular season; in the playoffs, defeated Dallas 4-3 and Utah 4-2.

Coach: Tyronn Lue Leading scorer: Kawhi Leonard (30.4) Leading rebounder: Paul George (9.2) Leader in assists: George (5.3) NBA titles: None, also no Conference titles Home court: Staples Center Fun fact: The Clippers have had two NBA Rookies of the Year — Terry Cummings (1983) and Blake Griffin (2011).

Founded: 1968 How they got here: The Bucks went 46-26 in the regular season; in the playoffs, defeated Miami 4-0 and Brooklyn 4-3.

Coach: Mike Budenholzer Leading scorer: Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.8) Leading rebounder: Antetokounmpo (13.6) Leader in assists: Jrue Holiday (7.5) NBA titles: 1971; Conference title in 1974 Home court: Fiserv Forum Fun fact: The Bucks’ 7-foot Brook Lopez and his brother, Robin, are the only twins to ever be picked in the first round of the same NBA draft (2008). Robin is now with Washington.

Founded: 1946 How they got here: The Hawks were 41-31 in the regular season; in the playoffs, defeated New York Knicks 4-1 and Philadelphia 4-3.

Coach: Nate McMillan (interim) Leading scorer: Trae Young (29.1) Leading rebounder: Clint Capela (11.6) Leader in assists: Young (10.4) NBA titles: 1958 (when franchise was located in St. Louis) Home court: State Farm Arena Fun fact: The Hawks’ all-time scorer is Dominique Wilkins with 23,297 points; next is Bob Pettit with 20,880 points.

Coach Willard Bailey inducted into Black College Football Hall of Fame

Sha’Carri Richardson blazes new trail to Tokyo Olympics

Free Press wire report

EUGENE, Ore. Whether watching from Jamaica, Japan or the United States, it was hard to miss that shock of flowing, orange hair that came streaking across the finish line first in Eugene, Ore., last Saturday night.

It belongs to Sha’Carri Richardson. And after the eyeopening show she put on at the Olympic trials — blowing away the field in the 100-meter semis in a wind-aided 10.64 seconds, then again in the final in 10.86 — she figures to grab her fair share of attention next month in Tokyo at the Summer Olympic Games.

With her performance, the 21-year-old out of Louisiana

State University picked up a spot in the Olympics and a national title while also setting up a possible showdown with the Jamaican world champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is well-known for her colorful hairstyles, too.

“It’s loud and encouraging and, honestly, dangerous,” Richardson said when asked why she chose the color orange for her big night. “Knowing I’m coming to one of the biggest meets there is, if you’re going to go out there and be the best, you need to look the best.”

In addition to the long, orange hair, Richardson had the long lashes and nails to match it.

Richardson said crossing the finish line first was only the second-best feeling of the

night. The best came afterward, when she climbed halfway up the stands at Hayward Field and shared a long hug with her grandmother, Betty Harp, who’s also known in the family as “Big Momma.”

“To be able to have her here at the biggest meet in my life, and to cross the finish line and run up the steps to hug her knowing I’m an Olympian, actually that’s probably better than winning the race,” Richardson said.

But that performance — it was pretty special, too. It was only after winning that Richardson said her biological mother had died a week before the race. She said she is grateful for the backing and support she gets from her family and her coach.

Aggies bound for the Olympics North Carolina A&T State University will be well represented at the upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo—and it won’t be just the United States scripted on their uniforms.

Randolph Ross Jr. is headed to Tokyo in the open 400 meters and perhaps in the 4x400 relay.

Ross finished third in the 400 with a time of 44.74 seconds during last weekend’s Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. He will join world champion Michael Norman and three-time world champion silver medalist Michael Cherry on the United States’ 400-meter team at the Olympics.

Aggies teammate Trevor Stewart placed fourth in the 400 meters with a time of 44.90. While he did not earn a spot on the 400-meter team, he won a spot as a member of the 4x400 relay team headed to Tokyo.

Earlier this month, Ross won the NCAA national men’s outdoor title in the 400 meters and was on the Aggies’4x400 NCAA championship team with Stewart, Akeem Sirleaf and Daniel Stokes.

Erin E. Mizelle/N.C. A&T Athletics Communications

Randolph Ross Jr., center, takes victory lap with his new Olympic teammates Michael Norman, left, and Michael Cherry. They were the top three finishers in the 400 meters during last week’s Olympic trials in Eugene, Ore.

Sirleaf and Stokes also will be going to the Olympics to compete in the 400, but Sirleaf will be competing as a member

of Liberia’s team, while Stokes will represent Mexico.

The Olympics will be July 23 through Aug. 8.

An over-the-limit tailwind in the semis prevented the 10.64 from becoming official and leaving Richardson only 0.01 behind Fraser-Pryce’s top time of 2021. The world record of 10.49 was set by Florence Griffith Joyner in 1988.

“Sha’Carri is such a firecracker,” said Richardson’s training partner, Justin Gatlin.

“She’s capable of running 10.6.

I’ve seen her at practice, and she’s capable of running 10.5, actually. She can definitely shock the world.”

In the final, Richardson overcame a slow start to pass her training partner Javianne Oliver, a 60-meter indoor specialist who started in the lane next to her. Richardson beat Oliver by three body lengths and 0.13 seconds. Teahna Daniels finished third.

“It’s surreal to put together a full race,” Oliver said. “The 60, I had it. The last 40, I didn’t.

I’ve been working on putting those two together and it came together today.”

While Richardson’s blazing speed made her close to a sure thing in the women’s 100, the men’s sprint is nowhere near as settled.

Richardson will be a firsttimer at the Olympics, poised to square off with Fraser-Pryce, who has six Olympic medals, including the gold in the 100 in both 2008 and 2012. Jamaica’s Olympic qualifying is next weekend, though nobody’s doubting Fraser-Pryce — aka “The Pocket Rocket” — will skate through.

So, it could be a showdown between a 34-year-old mom and a 21-year-old up-and-comer from Dallas.

Asked about being so good, so young, Richardson sounded ready to take on the world.

“If you’ve been doing this for a long time and I step on the scene, I respect you for what you’ve done for the sport,” Richardson said. “But at the end of the day, when we get on the line, you have to do it against me.”

It was a long climb, but Willard Bailey has reached the apex of college football coaching.

The former coach at four Virginia colleges was formally inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame last Saturday in Atlanta.

“This is the highest award a coach can get, and I share it with players and coaches and family,” he told the Free Press.

“I’m so happy for so many people. I had a mighty ground crew as my support.”

The Suffolk native was the lone coach inducted in the Hall of Fame Class of 2021. He is enshrined now in the Hall of Fame along with players Coy Bacon (Jackson State), Greg Coleman (Florida A&M), Jimmie Giles and Roynell Young (Alcorn State) and Winston Hill (Texas Southern).

Coach Bailey posted an overall record of 238-169-7 at Virginia Union University during two stints, Norfolk State University, the former St. Paul’s College and Virginia University of Lynchburg.

He went 157-73-6 at VUU while winning six CIAA titles and guiding the Panthers to the NCAA Division II playoffs on five occasions.

After leaving VUU the first time, Coach Bailey posted a record of 52-40-1 at his alma mater, NSU, adding another CIAA crown and another NCAA bid.

With very limited resources, he was 21-37 at St. Paul’s in Lawrenceville and 8-19 at the independent Lynchburg school.

Coach Bailey came to VUU in 1966 as an assistant under Coach Thomas “Tricky Tom” Harris.

“Dr. Wendell Russell (then academic Coach Bailey dean at VUU) heard about me while I was coaching at Essex County High in Tappahannock. He found out about me through my old statistics teacher at Norfolk State.

“Dr. Russell asked me to come to Virginia Union even though I didn’t have much more than a driver’s license,” Coach Bailey recalled.

He became head coach in 1971 and in his third season, 1973, he directed the team to their first CIAA crown in decades.

He returned to VUU a second time from 1995 to 2003.

While at VUU, he sent at least six players to the NFL— Herb Scott, Anthony Leonard, Malcolm Barnwell, Carl Bland, Pete Harris and James Atkins.

At Norfolk State, he helped get quarterback Willie Gillus to the NFL. While at St. Paul’s, he helped develop defensive back Greg Toler, who became the Tigers’ only athlete to ever reach the NFL. “It’s not just the NFL players,” Coach Bailey said. “I’m just as proud of all the husbands and fathers and, yes, now grandfathers I helped in life.”

As for his own age, Coach Bailey says with a chuckle: “I’ll admit to 59.”

In any interview, Coach Bailey is quick to deflect the attention to his former players and assistant coaches and even to sportswriters and sponsors. One he holds especially dear to his heart is the late Jesse Chavis, who served as his defensive coordinator during his first stint at VUU. “Very few—very few—could score on us,” he said.

“Coach Chavis was cut from the Denver Broncos due to an injury. Denver’s loss was Virginia Union’s gain.”

Coach Bailey is not forgotten by his legion of friends on the Lombardy Street campus.

Each year, VUU celebrates his legacy with the Willard Bailey Classic, a fall football matchup. This year’s event will be Saturday, Sept. 18, against one of Coach Bailey’s former schools, Virginia-Lynchburg.

The Willard Bailey Classic always draws a huge congregation of former VUU players, coaches and fans.

Coach Bailey welcomes them all to share the view from the mountaintop.

June 24-26, 2021 B1

Section

B

Virginia Pride has emerged in the decades since its founding in the 1970s as a major force bringing awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community to Richmond and around the state, as well as promoting diversity and unity among the local LGBTIA+ community.

Now in 2021, Marquis D. Mapp is looking to lead the nonprofit in further growth as the president of the VA Pride Board of Directors.

A native of Portsmouth, Mr. Mapp was elected board president in May. His work is only one aspect of an organization that has grown in scope and ambition over the decades, refocusing to accommodate a changing and expanding community.

Representation is important for Mr. Mapp. “Our board has been instrumental in gaining the much-needed recognition from city officials,” he says, “and ensuring that our voices are at the table when decisions are being made, especially when members of our community are being disproportionately impacted.”

The organization is looking for volunteers, but he says people who want to help aren’t always able to help monetarily, but are eager to lend their time. So to succeed, he says, a slight restructuring of the board is necessary to ensure the board has “members who not only are representative of our extremely diverse LGBTQIA+ community,” but who also “meet the needs of the board.”

Marketing is a major concern, with a particular focus on maintaining the organization’s social media presence and keeping their website updated for those who rely on it for information and much more.

“I aim to give the committee and our community a clear line of communication so that we may continue to elevate our LGBTQIA+ family and friends,” Mr. Mapp says. “I accepted this position because I want the community to know, as well as see, that folks who look like me can belong in these spaces and that we,

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: Marquis D. Mapp Spotlight on board chair of Virginia Pride as a board, are being extremely intentional with our membership and leadership.”

Mr. Mapp seems confident that VA Pride can meet whatever challenges lie ahead. The nonprofit has adjusted to the demands of the pandemic, from hosting its annual PrideFest virtually to organizing a Black Lives Matter march during Pride month last summer.

VA Pride recently merged with Diversity Richmond, adding a new dimension to its outreach and advocacy efforts.

Throughout all these changes, Mr. Mapp sees VA Pride’s work in the community as more vital than ever and is intent on doing his part to help the nonprofit reach its goals.

“We aim to continue to strive to meet the needs of an ever-changing community,” Mr. Mapp says.

“My role is to help us maintain that focus and that vision.

“Representation matters. Visibility matters. We matter.”

Meet an advocate and leader for LGBTQIA+ progress and this week’s Personality, Marquis D. Mapp: Pronouns: He/Him, They/ Them.

No. 1 volunteer position: Chair, Virginia Pride Board of Directors.

Date and place of birth: March 27 in Portsmouth.

Where I live now: Lakeside.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Longwood University.

Occupation: Human services.

VA Pride mission: Our mission is to be a vehicle for LGBTQIA+ awareness, networking and education to reach the broader commonwealth community.

Through various methods, we seek to provide unique events designed to instill pride, celebrate

unity and embrace diversity in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

We strive to improve the lives of LGBT Virginians by creating visibility and promoting full human and civil rights through advocacy, education, networking and celebrations that center on equity and inclusion.

When and why VA Pride was founded: Virginia Pride was started by a group of loyal and active community members in the mid-1970s. The goal was to bring awareness of the community and to promote diversity while enabling unity among the Richmond LGBT community members. The organization struggled to gain momentum and mostly achieved a sense of presence by hosting the annual Pride celebration in Richmond.

Lessons learned by VA Pride during the pandemic: That virtual isn’t so bad! Like so many other groups, we were saddened by the prospect of not having our

annual Pridefest but were able to be creative and share a virtual Pride that thousands tuned into. There is definitely something to be said for having an option where people at home, or even those far away, can tune in and have access to the great work this board produces.

Services provided: In addition to Pridefest, we support dozens of community-based organizations through sponsorship and promotion. Organizations like Stonewall Sport-Richmond, Black Pride RVAand Safe Space Market RVA are just a few.

VA Pride partners with: Recently, VA Pride merged with Diversity Richmond, which has been a long supporter of the work we do at VA Pride. So now, VA Pride functions as a program of Diversity Richmond, which allows for one full-time staff person who focuses 24/7 on all things VA Pride but also has additional resources to tap into as needed. We also partner with a variety of local and corporate sponsors. We are extremely excited that our friends at the Virginia Lottery have become the presenting sponsor for our 2021 Pridefest.

LGBTQIA+ community and Richmond: Richmond definitely has come a long way. The Human Rights Campaign has a metric to score cities on their level of inclusiveness as well as acceptance of LGBTQ+ community members in terms of policies, initiatives, law enforcement and services.

In 2020, Richmond scored a 100, which is a perfect score! Just a few years before, Richmond scored significantly lower — in the 60s. But through the dedicated work of amazing community or-

ganizations, including VA Pride, we challenged city officials to do better and more.

Black Lives Matter and VA Pride: VA Pride is committed to the missions and values of Black Lives Matter because Black Lives Matter. Period. Last summer, we helped facilitate a march during Pride month that focused on our BIPOC + LGBTQ family and friends. It was incredible having the support of so many community members and exercising our right to stand in solidarity with the Black community.

Who benefits from VA Pride: Everyone. Though we center our support and events on LGBTQIA+ individuals, we seek to create space for everyone who believes in equity and inclusion. Our allies are extremely important in the fight for equality and we appreciate their support and love.

VA Pride’s upcoming events: • Thursday, June 24, Starr Hill Sunset Concert Series featuring Rachel Leyco. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Starr Hill. There’s a Facebook event with more details. $1 of every Love Wheat beer sold goes to VA Pride.

• Saturday, June 26, Pride in the Market! Drag show and Dance Party at 17th Street Market. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://diversity-richmond. square.site/ • Sunday, June 27, Drag Show at Starr Hill with Michelle Devereaux Livigne and a cast of local divas from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Wednesday, June 30: VA Pride, Stonewall Sports and Black Pride RVA close out Pride Month with a happy hour hosted by Common House. Drink specials, free entry and tours of Common House. RSVP required at https:// goingson.commonhouse.com/ pridehappyhourch2 • Thursday, July 1, 6-8 p.m., Happy Hour with VA Pride,

Stonewall Sports and Black Pride RVA at Kabana Rooftop. Drink specials and music.

• Thursday, July 8, 8 p.m., VA Pride and Diversity Richmond present Pride Movie Night at The Diamond. Bring a blanket and sit in the outfield and enjoy a fabulous queer-themed movie on the giant Flying Squirrels scoreboard.

• Sunday, July 11, 3-8 p.m., Sunday Tea Dance at Sonora Rooftop with DJ Amy Alderman.

Tickets, $5 in advance; $10 at the door, with proceeds benefitting VA Pride and Black Pride RVA. Ticket link coming soon.

Ways to be involved with VA Pride: We are updating our website soon and there will be a direct link for those who would like to volunteer. In the meantime, please feel free to email me at marquis.mapp@vapride.org How I start the day: A glass of water and pets for my pup.

Three words that best describe me: Motivated. Reliable. Advocate.

Best late-night snack: Tacos.

How I unwind: Being around my friends and playing a good board game or off on an adventure traveling abroad.

What I have learned about myself during the pandemic: That wearing heels makes me feel strong and powerful.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love traveling alone in random countries meeting new people.

Quote that I am most inspired by: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At the top of my “to-do” list: Laundry. It’s the devil.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Respect.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Ethical Slut” by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy.

What I’m reading now: “The Obelisk Gate” by N.K. Jemisin, the second volume of the “Broken Earth” series.

Next goal: Get back to Europe,

THE RESIDENT COMPANIES OF ALTRIA THEATER AND DOMINION ENERGY CENTER LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU BACK FOR THE 2021-2022 SEASON!

OUR RESIDENT COMPANIES

Please visit the organizations' websites over the summer for up-to-date season announcements.

You can also visit the venue websites for event information or check out the CultureWorks calendar for arts and culture events around the region.

THE HEART OF THE arts RPAALLIANCE.COM

B2 June 24-26, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Happenings Community Outreach Day Saturday, June 26, at Hotchkiss Field Call it a party with a purpose.

From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 26, three organizations are hosting a Community Outreach Day at Hotchkiss Field Community Center, 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd.

The event, featuring free meals and free Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, is being staged by Project Restore, Empowering Youth for Positive Change and the Capital Area Health Network.

The organizations want to spread the word about their resources

Judge Roger Gregory to speak June 30 in virtual session on African-American women and equal access to education

Judge Roger Gregory, chief decision in Brown v. Board judge of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Education that determined of Appeals, and Beth Hopkins, separate and unequal schools retired professor at Wake Forest are unconstitutional.

University School of Judge Gregory Law, will speak at will speak about 7 p.m. Wednesday, current attempts to June 30, on “Africanchange the law durAmerican Women: ing the program’s The Road to Brown question-and-answer & Beyond.” segment.

The virtual proThe program is gram is the kickoff of free for students, the Marshall Scholar Judge Gregory teachers and John Series sponsored by the Rich- Marshall Center members, and mond-based John Marshall $10 for others.

Center for Constitutional History Registration and tickets: & Civics. https://secure.lglforms.com/ Ms. Hopkins, one of the form_engine/s/yPCYxHWs first Black students to integrate A5HOU70E7qq83g?t=1618 Petersburg High School in 1964 245140 and to live on campus at Wake Details: johnmarshallcenter.

Forest University, will talk org or (804) 775-0861 about the history of race and educational access through case law and the key role of women in the education of Black children through history.

Among the women she will talk about are educator Mary McLeod Bethune; activist Ruth Harvey Charity and attorney Frankie Freeman, both of Danville; and Barbara Johns of Farmville, the 16-year-old who led a student walkout to protest the dilapidated conditions at the all-Black Moton High School in Prince Edward County in 1951.

The walkout led to a lawsuit, Davis v. Prince Edward County, which became part of the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court

to help families with housing counseling, opioid addiction services and services to help youths and promote community.

A variety of activities will be featured, including a bounce

house and kids activities, music, health screenings, giveaways and resource information.

Details: info@projectrestoreva.com or (804) 965-3315.

Elegba Folklore Society hosts Juneteenth 2021, A Freedom Celebration on June 27 For 25 years, the Elegba Folklore Society under the artistic direction of Janine Bell, has been observing Juneteenth.

This year will be no different.

The organization is hosting Juneteenth 2021,AFreedom Celebration from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 27, at the African Burial

Ground, 1540 E. Broad St. This year’s theme: Dancing with the Ancestors.

The Get Woke Youth Summit starts at 1 p.m., with the stage and grounds fully open at 2 p.m.

Dr. Gerald Horne, the Moores Professor of History and African American Studies at the University of Houston, will give

a virtual talk on the structures and effects of socio-political and economic white supremacy with strategies for liberation.

Butcher Brown will provide music, with performances by Elegba Folklore Society’s Af-

rican dancers, drummers and singers. Atlanta-based rapper Sa-Roc will emcee.

Tickets are $5; children under 12, free.

Details and tickets: www. efsinc.org or (804) 644-3800.

The Annual Commemoration of the

Bill “Bojangles”Robinson 4tatue will be held by 5he Astoria Beneficial Club on

June 2 , 20 , 10:00 A.M.

at Adams and Leigh Streets in Richmond, Virginia

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

VMFA movies on the lawn Moviegoers arrive at the museum last Friday to view another art form ­— Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ showing of the 2012 film, “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” It was the first in an outdoor film series sponsored at the VMFA and inspired by its current exhibit, “The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture and the Sonic Impulse.” Valerie Cassel Oliver, the Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at VMFA and curator of the exhibit, welcomed the crowd to the screening, which began shortly after 9 p.m. The next film, “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” will be shown on the museum’s Pauley Center south lawn at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 23. Details and tickets: www.vmfa.museum.

This ceremony honors entertainer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson for his gift of a traffic light for the safety of the students at Armstrong High School. Mr. Robinson saw a great need in the community. With personal funds purchased the traffic light for $1,400, after he saw two children almost hit by a car while trying to cross the street at Leigh and Adams on their way to Armstrong High School. This traffic light provided safe passage for students, and the community who used this busy intersection. It was the first traffic light north of Broad St. where mostly African-Americans lived.

The Astoria Beneficial Club was instrumental in the erection of the statue in 1973, and has held this memorial service annually on the fourth Saturday in June.

5 ne 2 rking u J a y be b Valet P ason. i r c s Sub et FREE ntire Se g E and for the

We’re back!

ANNOUNCING OUR 2021/2022 SIGNATURE SEASON: Ella and Her Fella Frank

BY BO WILSON

JUL 9 - SEP 12, 2021

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Richmond Free Press

June 24-26, 2021 B3

Faith News/Directory

History marker to be placed at Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A historic but forgotten Black cemetery in Richmond will soon be recognized with a state history marker.

The Virginia Board of Historic Resources on June 17 approved the creation of a marker to call attention to what is now called the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground, located at 5th and Hospital streets in North Side.

An estimated 22,000 people — some enslaved, some free — were buried between 1816 and 1879 at this city-owned cemetery that ranks as one of the largest municipal cemeteries for Black people in the United States.

The new marker is among a series of Black history markers the board approved at last Thursday’s meeting, including new markers for the oldest Black churches in Richmond’s South Side, First Baptist Church of South Richmond and its predecessor, the African Church of Manchester that dates to 1821.

As for the cemetery, the state Department of Historic Resources plans to work with the city on a specific site for the marker and a time and date for an unveiling ceremony.

Through time, the city sold the forgotten cemetery for a variety of uses, including a now-defunct repair shop that was built on top of hundreds of graves. The bones of those buried in the cemetery often were discovered after excavations and storms, with people puzzled about how they got there.

“This is another step in bringing attention to this sacred ground,” said Lenora McQueen, a Texas educator who has led the fight to prevent further damage to a burial ground where up to five of her ancestors are buried.

During the past three years, Ms. McQueen blocked the city’s sale of the property for unpaid taxes and led an effort that pushed the city into repurchasing a portion of the cemetery.

She has been engaged with scholars in securing historic designation for the property and ensuring the cemetery will be taken into account as efforts continue to bring higher-speed rail to the Downtown train station.

Ms. McQueen also was instrumental in getting the property listed on Preservation Virginia’s most recent list of endangered historic properties and in ensuring the state Department of Historic Resources considered the cemetery for a history marker.

Witches celebrate the summer solstice with cakes, mead — and salsa Religion News Service

To Lidia Pradas, the summer solstice “always recharges my energy and makes me want to start new projects,” she shared on her popular Instagram account, Wiccan Tips.

Usually, Ms. Pradas celebrates by watching bonfires burn and people jump the fires where she lives in Zaragoza, Spain, she told Religion News Service in an email.

This year, with those gatherings canceled by the continuing pandemic, the Wiccan witch said she’ll probably enjoy the sunrise from her rooftop with some tea and cherry cake. Dandelion tea is her favorite — she picks the flowers and dries them herself, brews them with lavender and dried peach and sweetens the drink with honey.

She has shared recipes for cherry sun cake and for lavender and orange iced tea on Instagram in collaboration with another popular account, Wiccan Cuisine.

“I always feel that this day has a buzzing energy attached to it,” Ms. Pradas said.

The sabbats — the eight major holidays celebrated by Wiccans, witches and other

pagans — are tied to the seasons, and their celebrations, like any holiday, often spotlight seasonal foods.

The summer solstice, celebrated this year on June 20 in the Northern Hemisphere, is no different.

“It’s one of my favorite holidays because it’s like pure celebration,” said Deborah Blake, an eclectic witch and leader of the Blue Moon Circle in upstate New York.

Also known as Litha or Midsummer, the summer solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year. It’s a celebration “of the sun, of fire, and of the bounty of the land,” Ms. Blake explained in her book, Ms. Prados “Midsummer: Rituals, Recipes and Lore for Litha.”

It’s a day when some pagans believe the veil between this world and the faerie world is thinnest — think Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” she said.

It’s also a good celebration to share with friends who aren’t “witchy,” she noted. The first day of summer was and is celebrated by people all over the world as a time to take a break during the easy days between planting and harvest.

“After we’ve survived this last year, we definitely all deserve some sort of a feast,” Ms. Blake said.

Many pagans celebrate the summer solstice alone or in groups by being outside and building bonfires, according to the author.

Sometimes — like last

year, when her circle was too fried by the pandemic to focus on ritual and simply thrilled to be together safely — “we actually have a ritual where we don’t celebrate anything more formal than joy,” she said.

The fact that many in the United States have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has loosened guidance for gatherings and mask-wearing are likely to add an “extra layer of meaning” to this year’s celebrations, she said.

But, Ms. Blake said, “We basically say the ritual is just an excuse for the feast. The spiritual stuff is great, but who brought dessert?”

Ms. Blake For any sabbat, featured foods should use ingredients in season wherever people are celebrating, she said. At the summer solstice, that might be tomatoes, strawberries or peaches.

She likes to make a colorful salsa or a salad with sunflower seeds and fresh herbs, which are traditionally collected at the summer solstice — anything bright and full of energy, just like the day.

Many people also drink mead, or honey wine, as part of their celebration because bees, associated with sweetness and abundance, are a symbol of the sabbat.

And if there’s a bonfire, there’d better be s’mores, she said, laughing.

Even if you take the pagan Wheel of the Year out of the equation, “food is just the most natural thing in the world, so of course it’s incorporated in virtually every celebration we have,” said Gwion Raven, a kitchen witch and author of “The Magick of Food: Rituals, Offerings & Why We Eat Together.”

To Mr. Raven, a spicy berry salsa — which he serves alongside boar tacos to celebrate

Bacchus, the Roman god of agriculture and wine — screams summer solstice. It combines the cool refreshment of seasonal fruit like blueberries and raspberries with the heat of a jalapeño.

“Throw it on tacos or whatever else you want to eat with it, and know that in that very dish you’re holding the height of summer and the recognition of the dark winter that is to come,” he said.

For pagans, celebrating with a meal is as spiritual as it is natural.

Some, like Mr. Raven, practice kitchen witchery, the daily spiritual practice of making magick in the kitchen, a place where the four elements — fire, water, earth and air — come together. An Instapot becomes a cauldron and a wooden spoon, a wand, he said.

“You’re cooking something that will have an impact on the way somebody moves through the world — super magickal,” he said.

For many pagans, spirituality is tied to nature, and eating local seasonal foods connects them to the earth and with a specific time and place, according to the author.

Many rituals also end with a meal, he said, partly because it’s grounding after the hungry-making work of magick. But there’s also magick in community, in gathering together with others and socializing.

Plus, Mr. Raven said, “The real key to all ritual, to all food celebrations, is that we’re saying this moment at this time of year is sacred and holy because it connects us to something — the height of summer, our power, the fullness of life, all those wonderful things that we connect with summer — and these foods remind me of that.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar, others encourage U.S. to rebuild refugee resettlement Religion News Service

with the U.S. government to do resettlement work.

The panel was held to call attention to World Refugee Day, which was Sunday, June 20.

The speakers also pointed out the work ahead of refugee resettlement agencies as they rebuild programs decimated by four years of cuts, capped by a pandemic. Former President Trump dropped the refugee ceiling — the maximum number of refugees allowed into the country — to historic lows each year he was in office.

President Biden has raised

of welcome” and vowing to “do everything in our power to reach Congresswoman Ilhan Omar President Biden’s stated goal of Minnesota thanked Lutheran of resettling 125,000 refugees Immigration and Refugee Serin 2022,” she cautioned that vice during an online event “we cannot ignore the Trump June 17, in the name of “all administration’s efforts to disthe refugees you have settled mantle the entire resettlement and the millions around the infrastructure.” world who have benefited from With federal funding folyour work.” lowing each refugee who is Rep. Omar knows, she said, resettled, those cuts forced because she is one of those more than 100 local resettlerefugees. ment sites to either suspend “After fleeing my home services or shut down entirely, country of Somalia, I lived in Ms. Vignarajah said. a refugee camp in Kenya for “A system that took 40 years to build was devastated in just four years,” she said.

LIRS also celebrated the contributions of former refugees.

Ms. Vignarajah pointed to the work of Rep. Omar and U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, another Democrat, who shared in a prerecorded message that his parents had fled Nazi Germany to come to the United States.

Video screengrab Dr. Lubab Al-Quraishi, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar addresses a virtual panel June 17 ahead a former Iraqi refugee who of World Refugee Day hosted by Lutheran Immigration and had been a pathologist in Refugee Service.

Baghdad, explained that four years before seeking hope the refugee ceiling from 15,000 thanks to an executive order by and opportunity in the United to 62,500 for the remainder New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy States. And it was thanks to of the 2021 fiscal year, which that licensed foreign-trained the support of LIRS that I and ends in October. In May alone, health care workers to help my family found a home in the his administration tripled the fight COVID-19 in his state, United States,” the Democratic rate of resettlement this year, she spent the past year leading lawmaker said. according to Krish O’Mara a team that tested nursing home Rep. Omar is just one of Vignarajah, LIRS president and residents for coronavirus. the lawmakers, religious lead- chief executive officer.

“Me and my husband — ers and former refugees who But, as of this week, the he’s a physician, as well — we stressed the importance of United States still has resettled decided to join in the battle on restoring the United States’ only 4,000 refugees this fiscal the front line to inspire others long-standing commitment to year, Ms. Vignarajah added. that although we are refugees, resettling refugees during a While acknowledging the we are now part of this comvirtual panel hosted by LIRS, “moral and strategic imperative munity, and trying to pass a one of nine agencies contracted to continue our nation’s legacy message that immigrants and

refugees are a vital part for the American economy and the American society,” Dr. AlQuraishi said.

Caring for others is at the heart of all the Abrahamic faiths, said the Rev. Emmanuel Jackson, a former Liberian refugee who now leads Living Word Lutheran Church, in Katy, Texas.

Rev. Jackson recalled the help he received from Catholic Social Services and from a local church when he arrived in Hastings, Neb. The church helped him get college scholarships and grants, and one congregant drove him to doctor’s appoint-

ments and to get a library card, even encouraging him to go into ministry.

“It makes all of us better when we open our hearts to the greatest ideas of faith and the greatest call, which is a call to be compassionate, because at some point, someone was compassionate to us,” he said.

Rep. Omar encouraged those tuning in to the panel to continue to advocate for refugees and asylum-seekers like those who had shared their stories.

She also voiced her support for proposed legislation such as the Lady Liberty Act and

the GRACE Act, or Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act, which would set a minimum number of refugees the United States must resettle every year.

“I know that we can still achieve that American dream I dreamed about as a young refugee girl,” Rep. Omar said.

“And I will keep fighting until America once again fulfills its obligation to accept refugees and puts these hateful policies into the dustbin of history where they belong.”

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Richmond Free Press

B4 June 24-26, 2021

Obituaries/Faith News/Directory

RPS career educator and principal Fred A. Cooper dies at 91

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Fred Adolphus Cooper sought to inspire students to learn during his nearly 60-year career as an educator that included service as principal of Richmond’s former Armstrong-Kennedy High School complex and later as co-owner of a student tutorial business in Chicago.

Mr. Cooper, 91, died on Monday, May 24, 2021, in Bethesda, Md., where he and his wife, Dr. Esther G. Cooper, now deceased, had moved five years ago to be closer to their children.

Mr. Cooper’s role in empowering students was celebrated during a service Saturday, June 12, at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel in North Side.

“Education was never just a job for Fred,” his family wrote in his obituary. “Empowering minds was his calling and passion.”

He found that calling in joining the faculty of Armstrong High School in 1955 after earning his undergraduate degree in history at Virginia

Union University and serving in the both Armstrong and Kennedy high Army during the Korean War. schools during the time they were As a teacher, he “always expected combined as a complex. He retired the best from his students and sought from RPS in 1984. to inspire them to do and be greater,” He met and married Dr. Esther G. his family stated, citing his ability to Davis in 1977. After he left RPS, the reach students with his trademark mix couple started a personnel recruiting of kindness and discipline. firm, Esther Cooper & Associates.

In addition to his teaching duties, Relocating to Chicago in 1990, the he also served as the athletic director couple began operating a Sylvan Learnat Armstrong. ing Center and consulting with Chicago Mr. Cooper After earning a master’s degree from Public Schools. Six years later, they began Hampton University, Mr. Cooper sought admin- the Gregg Tutorial Service to provide learning asistrative posts within Richmond Public Schools. sistance to students. They operated the service until He served in several positions, including assistant 2014, when they closed it and fully retired. principal of Chandler Middle School, principal of Mr. Cooper rose to educational success from Bowler Elementary School, curriculum specialist humble beginnings. in history, chairman of the History Department at He was born in the Eastern Shore fishing vilJohn Marshall High School, principal of Maggie lage of Willis Wharf during the Great Depression.

L. Walker High School.

After a flood, his family moved to NorthumHe then was tapped to serve as principal for berland County in the Northern Neck, where

Eva Davis Brinkley, Armstrong High guidance director, dies at 91

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

following her death Tuesday, June 8, 2021. She was 91.

Eva Davis Brinkley went Family and friends celebratabove and beyond for Rich- ed her life during a service Frimond students at Armstrong day, June 18, at Scott’s Funeral High School.

Home Chapel in North Side. Dr. Mrs. Brinkley beAdam Bond, pastor gan as a health and of Ebenezer Baptist physical education Church, officiated, teacher at the school and the assistant pasbut spent most of tor, the Rev. Brenda B. her 40-year career Summerset, delivered as a member of the the eulogy. school’s Guidance Born in HenderDepartment, includson, N.C., Mrs. Brining serving 24 years kley began her career as director. at Armstrong in 1952 Mrs. Brinkley Often called after earning her un“Mom B” by studergraduate degree at Howard dents, she helped create class University. schedules for each student and Concerned that students were was deeply involved in their not being prepared for life after planning for their futures after high school, she earned a masgraduation. ter’s degree in guidance at New In a show of devotion, Mrs. York University and switched Brinkley donned other hats be- from teaching to guidance in fore school began and after the 1963 at the school. She took school day ended. She served at over as director in 1968 and various points as coach of the remained in that role until she girls basketball team and as the retired in 1992. adult sponsor of the majorettes, Armstrong also was the place cheerleaders and Girls Athletic where she met her husband, the Association. late France “Jelly” Brinkley Sr., She also created and led the a social studies teacher who went Gentlemen, Athletes and Schol- on to chair the Social Studies ars, or GAS, program for boys Department before his death. and the Outstanding Intelligent The couple had two children.

Ladies, or OIL, program for girls Both before and after she to boost student self-esteem and retired from Armstrong, Mrs. self-confidence.

Brinkley maintained a busy Her contributions to educa- schedule of activities that earned tion are being remembered her recognition in 2006 as one

Riverview

Moore Street Missionary

Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM

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

Baptist Church 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

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Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

Baptist Church

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.

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

The Associated Press

JERUSALEM Naftali Bennett, who was sworn in June 13 as Israel’s new prime minister, embodies many of the contradictions that define the 73-year-old nation.

He’s a religious Jew who made millions in the mostly secular hi-tech sector; a champion of the settlement movement who lives in a Tel Aviv suburb; and a former ally of Benjamin Netanyahu who has partnered with centrist and left-wing parties to end Mr. Netanyahu’s 12-year rule.

Mr. Bennett’s ultranationalist Yamina party won just seven seats in the 120-member Knesset in March elections — the fourth such vote in two years. But by refusing to commit to Mr. Netanyahu or his opponents, Mr. Bennett positioned himself as kingmaker. Even after one member of his religious nationalist party abandoned him to protest the new coalition deal, he won with the crown.

(Here’s a look at Israel’s new leader, just days before President Biden hosts Israel’s new president, Reuven Rivlin, at the White House on June 28. The role of president is largely ceremonial, with the greater authority resting with the prime minister, Mr. Bennett.

President Rivlin’s visit to Washington comes shortly before he is due to end his seven-year term in July.)

Mr. Bennett has long positioned himself to the right of Mr. Netanyahu. But he will be severely constrained by his unwieldy coalition, which has only a narrow majority in parliament and includes parties from the right, left and center.

He is opposed to Palestinian independence and strongly supports Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians and much of the international community see as a major obstacle to peace.

Mr. Bennett fiercely criticized Mr. Netan-

“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

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.

Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel’s new prime minister?

of “Richmond’s Magnificent Moms,” 25 of whom were honored by Style Weekly, Bon Secours and the Children’s Museum of Richmond.

“She was never too busy to visit the sick or lend a hand to those in need,” her family wrote of her.

Among other things, she was a former vice chair of the Richmond Youth Services Commission, was a longtime board member of the now defunct Richmond Gold Bowl Sponsors and also served on the boards of the Panthers 100 Club and Youth Emergency Services, her family said.

She also was a member of the Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for more than 50 years, earning recognition as a Golden Soror. She served on numerous committees of the Richmond graduate chapter and sang in the chapter’s Chorale.

Mrs. Brinkley also was active in Ebenezer Baptist Church. She served on a church committee focused on gaining recognition of the 165-year-old Jackson Ward church as a historic site and creating a history museum in the church. She also served on the Christian Education Committee, belonged to the Gleaners Sunday School Class, sang in the Women’s Choir and was a member of the Seasoned Spices Forever Young group.

Survivors include her children, France M. Brinkley Jr. and Evette B. Hobson; and two granddaughters.

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Sunday, June 27, 2021 • 10:00 a.m.

Women’s Day

Theme: “Total Praise, Cause This Is No Ordinary Worship”

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Denise Avent, Co-Pastor Rising Star Baptist Church, Emporia, Virginia

Drive-In Service in our Parking Lot

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 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

“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”

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

Pastor Kevin Cook

C

he excelled at the segregated Julian Rosenwald High School that served Black youths.

While at Virginia Union, he met his first wife, Florence Janie Neal, the longtime director of the Virginia Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Program at Virginia Commonwealth University who became a national leader in focusing attention on sickle cell disease research and treatment and for whom VCU has created an endowed professorship in her honor.

Mr. Cooper’s survivors include his children, Charmaine Cooper-Jamison, the Rev. Lawrence N. Cooper; a stepson, Richard G. Davis; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship in Sickle Cell Research Fund/ MCV Foundation, P.O. Box 980234, Richmond, Va. 23298, or the William S. Cooper Scholarship Fund/VCU School of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 843042, Richmond, Va. 23284-3042.

e with Reverence elevanc R ing Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor bin m ❖ o Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic All regular activities have been suspended until further notice.

Please join us on

Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays-Bible Study

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

Ariel Schalit/Associated Press

Israel’s new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett raises his hand during a Knesset session June 13 in Jerusalem. Israel’s parliament has voted in favor of a new coalition government, formally ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s historic 12-year rule.

yahu after the former prime minister agreed to slow settlement construction under pressure from then-President Obama, who tried and failed to revive the peace process early in his first term.

Mr. Bennett briefly served as head of the West Bank settler’s council, Yesha, before entering the Knesset in 2013. He later served as Cabinet minister of diaspora affairs, education and defense in various Netanyahu-led governments.

“He’s a right wing leader, a security hardliner, but at the same time very pragmatic,” said Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, who has known Mr. Bennett for decades and served with him in the military.

He expects Mr. Bennett to engage with other factions to find a “common denominator” as he seeks support and legitimacy as a national leader.

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

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

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us!

Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary.

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

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

Richmond Free Press

June 24-26, 2021 B5

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Tuesday, July 6, 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. 2021-150 To amend the official zoning map for the purpose of rezoning certain properties in t h e G r e a t e r S c o t t ’s Addition neighborhood, in order to implement the adopted Richmond 300 Master Plan, and to amend the official zoning map for the purpose of designating certain street blocks as “priority streets” and certain street blocks as “street-oriented commercial streets” in the Greater Scott’s Addition neighborhood.

Ordinance No. 2021-151 To amend the official zoning map for the purpose of rezoning certain properties in the Science Museum, Allison Street, and VCU&VUU Pulse BRT Station Areas, in order to implement the adopted Richmond 300 Master Plan and Pulse Corridor Plan, and to amend the official zoning map for the purpose of designating certain street blocks as “priority streets” and certain street blocks as “street-oriented commercial streets” in the Science Museum, Allison Street, and Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Union University Pulse BRT Station Areas.

Ordinance No. 2021-182 To authorize a Creighton Court Redevelopment Preliminary Community Unit Plan permitting the development of a residential community of up to 700 dwelling units on approximately 38 acres of land located at 3070 Nine Mile Road, 3100 Nine Mile Road, 2101A Creighton Road and portions of adjacent unimproved public rights-of-way in Tate Street and Tuxedo Boulevard, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in an R-53 Multifamily Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary uses are single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi-family and open space. Secondary uses are large multi-family, r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government.

Residential density is not specified for this land use designation.

Ordinance No. 2021-183 To authorize the special use of the property known as 412 West Franklin Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling and a dwelling unit within an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for this property is RO‑3 Residential Office.

The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Downtown Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/ office/personal service, multi‑family residential, cultural, institutional, government, and open space. Residential density is not specified for this land use designation.

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. 2020-232, adopted December 14, 2020. 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: Continued on next column

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 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 Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

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

EUGENE LEE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-2394 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2832 Dunn Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-0906/012, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner/s of record, Eugene Lee.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, E U G E N E L EE , u p o n information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that E U G E N E L EE , u p o n information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before AUGUST 12, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

BidS REQUEST FOR BIDS For Easement, Franchise, Right and Privilege To Use a Portion of 201 Hioaks Road and To Authorize The Acquisition of a Portion of 6850 Atmore Drive In the City of Richmond Continued on next column

Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

The City of Richmond is seeking bids for the easement, franchise, right and privilege to use a portion of certain property located at 201 Hioaks Road for the construction, operation, and maintenance of certain access and utility facilities in accordance with a certain Deed of Easements, for a duration of 40 years, subject further to all retained rights of the City of Richmond; and to declare that a public necessity exists for and authorize the acquisition of a public access easement over and across a portion of certain property located at 6850 Atmore Drive in accordance with such Deed of Easements.

All bids for the easement hereby offered to be granted must be submitted in writing to the City Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 28, 2021. Bids will be presented to the presiding officer of the Council of the City of Richmond on Monday, June 28, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in open session and then will be presented by the presiding officer to the Council and be dealt with and acted upon in the mode prescribed by law.

The City of Richmond expressly reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

The successful bidder shall reimburse the City for all costs incurred in connection with the advertisement of this ordinance in accordance with section 15.2-2101 of the Code of Virginia and shall post the bond required by the ordinance.

A copy of the full text of the ordinance is on file in the City Clerk’s office, and the full text of the ordinance and Deed of Easements to be executed is available at: https://richmondva.legistar. com/LegislationDetail. aspx?ID=4985941&GUID=6 B16865B-03ED-4559-99638959E3EFFA56 Please address any questions or bids to: Candice D. Reid, City Clerk City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 646-7955 COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA construction bid

ITB #21-2182-6JOK Church Road Safety Improvements Due: June 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/puchasing/ solicitations/

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB No. 210014936: Annual Transportation Operations & Maintenance Contract For all information pertaining to this IFB please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV).

Due Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2021/Time: 2:00 P.M.

NOTE: Bidders choosing to submit bids through hand-delivery should allow extra time for delivery of bids. Due to COVID-19, hand-delivered bids will be accepted only during the hours of 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday at the 9th Street entrance to City Hall at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23221. Bidders choosing to hand-deliver bids must call Corliss Spurlock at 804-646-5804 when arriving at City Hall, and Corliss Spurlock will meet the bidder at the 9th Street entrance of City Hall to collect the submittal. 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 ZLWK WUDIÀF VLJQDO H[SHULHQFH WR SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKH SURFXUHPHQW SURFHVV

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.

NOTICE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AND PARTICIPATION PlanRVA and Crater PDC announce opportunity for public comment ĂŶĚ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƟŽŶ ƌĞŐĂƌĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ZŝĐŚŵŽŶĚͲ ƌĂƚĞƌ ,ĂnjĂƌĚ DŝƟŐĂƟŽŶ WůĂŶ hƉĚĂƚĞ͘ WĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƟŶŐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ͗ ŚĂƌůĞƐ ŝƚLJ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ ŚĞƐƚĞƌĮĞůĚ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ ŝŶǁŝĚĚŝĞ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ 'ŽŽĐŚůĂŶĚ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ 'ƌĞĞŶƐǀŝůůĞ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ ,ĂŶŽǀĞƌ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ ,ĞŶƌŝĐŽ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ EĞǁ <ĞŶƚ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ WŽǁŚĂƚĂŶ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ WƌŝŶĐĞ 'ĞŽƌŐĞ ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ ^ƵƐƐĞdž ŽƵŶƚLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ƚŽǁŶƐ ŽĨ ƐŚůĂŶĚ͕ ůĂƌĞŵŽŶƚ͕ :ĂƌƌĂƩ͕ DĐ<ĞŶŶĞLJ͕ ^ƚŽŶLJ ƌĞĞŬ͕ tĂŬĞĮĞůĚ͕ tĂǀĞƌůLJ͕ ĂŶĚ ^ƵƌƌLJ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĐŝƟĞƐ ŽĨ ŽůŽŶŝĂů ,ĞŝŐŚƚƐ͕ ŵƉŽƌŝĂ͕ ,ŽƉĞǁĞůů͕ WĞƚĞƌƐďƵƌŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ZŝĐŚŵŽŶĚ͘ ǀŝƌƚƵĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŚĞůĚ ĨƌŽŵ ϱWD ʹ ϲWD ŽŶ DŽŶĚĂLJ͕ :ƵŶĞ Ϯϴ͕ ϮϬϮϭ͘ dŚĞ ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ǁŝůů ƌĞǀŝĞǁ ƉƌĞůŝŵŝŶĂƌLJ ƌĞƐƵůƚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ,ĂnjĂƌĚ /ĚĞŶƟĮĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ZŝƐŬ ƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ ĐŽŶĚƵĐƚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ZŝĐŚŵŽŶĚͲ ƌĂƚĞƌ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ͘ &ŝŶĚ ŽƵƚ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ŚĂnjĂƌĚƐ ƉŽƐĞ ƚŚĞ ďŝŐŐĞƐƚ ƚŚƌĞĂƚ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ŶĞŝŐŚďŽƌŚŽŽĚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ĨĞĞĚďĂĐŬ͕ ƐŽ ƚŚĞ ĮŶĂů ŚĂnjĂƌĚ ŵŝƟŐĂƟŽŶ ƉůĂŶ ĂĐƟŽŶƐ ƌĞŇĞĐƚ LJŽƵƌ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶƐ͘

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB No. 210015267 HSIP Pedestrian Improvements at Signalized Intersections Phase 1B (UPC 116746) Due Date: Thursday, July 15th, 2021 @ 2:00 P.M. Receipt Location: 900 East Broad Street, 1st Floor, Richmond, VA 23219

ŽŵŵĞŶƚƐ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ƐĞŶƚ ŝŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ƚŽ ůĞŝŐŚ͘ŵŽƌŐĂŶ͘ĐŚĂƉŵĂŶΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

Questions regarding IFB shall be submitted no later than Tuesday, June 30th, 2021 @ 4:00 P.M.

WƌĞͲƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ Žƌ ƚŚĞ ŵĞĞƟŶŐ ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͘ dŽ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌ ŐŽ ƚŽ͗ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬ​ͬƵƐϬϮǁĞď͘njŽŽŵ͘ƵƐͬŵĞĞƟŶŐͬƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌͬƚ hŬĐĞϲƐƌnjŬƵ,ĚtƵKϲϬŚ DW ͺ ,sƉ,ysϳŽϱϱt ĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĨŽƵŶĚ ŚĞƌĞ͗ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬ​ͬƉůĂŶƌǀĂ͘ŽƌŐͬ D Z' E zͲD E ' D EdͲ,KD ͬd, Ͳ >>/ E ͬ, Z ͲD/d/' d/KEͬ

Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RichmondGov.com), or at 11th Floor of City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Phone (804) 646-5799 or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

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Richmond Free Press

B6 June 24-26, 2021

Sports Plus Stories by Fred Jeter

Complexion of U.S. soccer team changes With 15 players of color on a 23-man roster, the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team is diverse like never before.

Now Americans are hoping the team will win like never before.

The United States, despite its size, wealth and world dominance in many sports — most notably women’s soccer—has never won the FIFA World Cup. The best finish was a tie for third in 1930. The Americans didn’t even qualify for the global event in 2018, a major embarrassment. It previously failed to qualify for every World Cup from 1954 to 1986.

Over the decades, the U.S. team has eight wins, six draws and 19 losses in World Cup play while being out-goaled 62-37.

There are positive signs this go-round might be different when looking ahead to the qualifying rounds for the 2022 World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

With the dual themes “Diversity, equity, inclusiveness and belonging” and “One Nation, One Team,” the Americans are 6-1 so far in international competition.

The most significant victory was a 3-2 overtime decision over Mexico on June 6 in the Nations League final in Denver. The United States followed that up with a 4-0 rout of Costa Rica in a “friendly” match played in Utah.

Next up is the CONCACAF Gold Cup with games July 11, 15 and 18 in Kansas City. Then comes the World Cup qualifying, with 13 games from Sept. 2 to March 30, 2022.

This marks the first time the U.S. team has been made up mostly of racial minorities. Of the 11 starters in the victory over Mexico, seven were non-white.

Here’s the list: • DeAndre Yedlin, 27, defense, from Seattle, Wash.

• Kellyn Acosta, 25, midfield, Plano, Texas.

• Zackary Steffen, 26, goalie, Coatesville, Pa. • Sergino Dest, 20, defense, The Netherlands Weston McKennie, 22, midfield, Little Elm, Texas Mark McKenzie, 22, defense, Bronx, N.Y., and • John Brooks, 28, defense, Berlin, Germany.

Other players of color are Tyler Adams, Reggie Cannon, Sebastian Lletget, Yunus Musah, David Ochoa, Antonee Robinson, Jordan Siebatcheu and Tim Weah.

The U.S. team’s complexion has changed gradually on the soccer pitch. But it took some 60 years — from 1930 to 1990 — to happen.

U.S. Men’s Soccer Team

The first African-Americans to represent the United States in FIFA World Cup play were Desmond Armstrong and Jimmy Black at the 1990 event in Italy.

Armstrong is from Washington, D.C., and Black, now deceased, was from Milwaukee.

The current edition is doing all it can to reach out to all Americans.

Disturbingly, there were ugly anti-gay chants and plastic bottle throwing from the crowd during the spirited match against Mexico, resulting in numerous ejections.

In a sign of inclusiveness, the Americans wore Rainbow Pride jerseys in the friendly against Costa Rica.

It’s one way the U.S. squad is asking all Americans to hop aboard and enjoy the hoped- for ride to Qatar. “One Nation, One Team.”

Good news and bad news for the Rams After a decade of playing professional basketball overseas, Brandon Rozzell has come home.

The former Highland Springs High School and Virginia Commonwealth University standout guard has been named director of student-athlete development for the Rams.

It is not a coaching position. He will handle off-the-court developments under Coach Mike Rhoades.

In 2007, Rozzell led Coach George Lancaster’s Highland Springs Springers to the State AAA title at the Siegel Center.

From 2007 to 2011, Rozzell mostly came off the bench for Coach Shaka Smart.

The highlight was helping the Rams to the 2011 Final Four.

For his career, Rozzell scored 972 points while hitting 193 of 510 shots — 38 percent — from behind the arc. He made

four of six 3-pointers in VCU’s memorable win over Kansas in the Region final.

Rozzell has played professionally in numerous nations, including Denmark, Sweden, Cyprus and Brandon Rozzell Costa Rica. He was MVP of the Danish League in 2016.  On a negative note, returning VCU point guard Ace Baldwin has undergone surgery for an Achilles heel injury and will be sidelined indefinitely.

From Baltimore, Baldwin averaged 6.7 points and 3.2 rebounds as a freshman while leading the Rams with 114 assists.

He played 28.4 minutes per game for the 19-7 team that qualified for the NCAAs. He

made the Atlantic-10 All-Freshman team.

Coach Rhoades still has options if Baldwin is unable to return for the season’s start in November. Transfer student Marcus Tsohonis Ace Baldwin from the University of Washington and incoming freshman Jayden Nunn will be asked to help.

Also, rising senior KeShawn Curry is capable of filling in at multiple positions.

Brendan Medley-Bacon, the 7-foot-1 transfer from Coppin State University, has since transferred to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. MedleyBacon played sparingly for VCU during 2020-21.

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Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities GRANTS MANAGER INCENTIVES Richmond, Virginia

The V irginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced Grants Manager to oversee implementation of the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program, as well as grants offered through the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF) and the Collaborative Economic Development Act of GO Virginia.

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

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

EOE M/F/D/V

BUSINESS MANAGER

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/about-vedp.

Richmond, Virginia

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 µÕ> wi` ` Û `Õ> Ã Ü Ì ` Ã>L Ì ið Ì Ã 6 *½Ã intent that its employment and personnel « V ià > ` «À>VÌ Vià V v À Ì > >«« V>L i federal, state, and local laws and regulations Ài}>À` } ` ÃVÀ >Ì > ` >vwÀ >Ì Ûi action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced economic development professional to successfully promote Virginia to targeted corporate executives and consultants as the preferred location for new and expanding business facilities. This position is part of the Lead Generation Team in the Business Investment Division. This team is tasked with identifying new prospective investment opportunities, both domestically and globally.

All candidates must apply through our website: https://www.vedp.org/about-vedp. Application deadline: Open Until Filled 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 µÕ> wi` ` Û `Õ> Ã Ü Ì ` Ã>L Ì ið Ì Ã 6 *½Ã intent that its employment and personnel « V ià > ` «À>VÌ Vià V v À Ì > >«« V>L i federal, state, and local laws and regulations Ài}>À` } ` ÃVÀ >Ì > ` >vwÀ >Ì Ûi action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120.

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call 644-0496

GRANTS MANAGER – INTERNATIONAL TRADE Richmond, Virginia

The V irginia Economic Development Partnership is seeking an experienced grants manager to manage the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant and other grants that provide international trade assistance to Virginia businesses.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/about-vedp.

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 µÕ> wi` ` Û `Õ> Ã Ü Ì ` Ã>L Ì ið Ì Ã 6 *½Ã intent that its employment and personnel « V ià > ` «À>VÌ Vià V v À Ì > >«« V>L i federal, state, and local laws and regulations Ài}>À` } ` ÃVÀ >Ì > ` >vwÀ >Ì Ûi action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp.org. TDD 1- 800-828-1120

PROGRAM MANAGER – INTERNATIONAL TRADE Richmond, Virginia

The V irginia Economic Development Partnership is seeking an experienced program manager to manage and coordinate four programs that provide international trade assistance to Virginia businesses.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/about-vedp.

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

GIS Cartographic Technician Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking a GIS Cartographic Technician to join the Research Division’s GIS Team which acts as the technology hub of the division. This position will create and maintain standard and customized cartographic products in support of the VEDP mission.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/about-vedp.

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 µÕ> wi` ` Û `Õ> Ã Ü Ì ` Ã>L Ì ið Ì Ã 6 *½Ã intent that its employment and personnel « V ià > ` «À>VÌ Vià V v À Ì > >«« V>L i federal, state, and local laws and regulations Ài}>À` } ` ÃVÀ >Ì > ` >vwÀ >Ì Ûi action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@vedp.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120

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

804.358.5543 Bedros Bandazian

Associate Broker, Chairman

Raffi Bandazian

Principal Broker, GRI

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