Richmond Free Press October 21-23, 2021 edition

Inside:A6,Election coverage A8, A10; Endorsements A12

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

VOL. 30 NO. 43

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Meet this week’s Personality B1

OCtobER 21-23, 2021

Crackdown

Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights goes after possible housing discrimination by filing 13 lawsuits against 29 area companies that allegedly refused to accept renters using federal housing vouchers

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Mr. Herring

Owners and operators of apartment complexes in Richmond and across the state commonly have rejected rental applications from people using federal governmentbacked Housing Choice Vouchers to pay.

No longer.

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring just sent a clear message to the real estate industry: End the rejection of potential tenants seeking to use the vouchers

to partially pay rent or prepare to pay a heavy price for housing discrimination.

He sent the message Monday in the form of 13 lawsuits that were filed against various companies operating apartment complexes in Richmond and Henrico and Chesterfield counties.

Collectively, the suits name 29 companies, 21 of which operate in Richmond.

Among the most surprising are companies associated with Margaret Freund, the developer who built new com-

plexes in the Fulton section of the East End with the strong support of City Council, and the companies associated with the condominiums developed in the former Miller & Rhoads department store in Downtown.

Mr. Herring’s beefed-up Office of Civil Rights filed the first ever enforcement action that he said shows that “housing discrimination based on income would not be tolerated.”

In the circuit court filings in each jurisdiction, the Please turn to A4

Top Dems energize Va. voters to turn out for McAuliffe Free Press wire, staff report

Ms. Abrams has become a leading national voice in the Democratic With the clock winding down Party since narrowly losing the 2018 to Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2, race for governor in Georgia. With Virginia’s Democratic gubernatoher appearances at three churches rial candidate Terry McAuliffe in Norfolk, Ms. Abrams is joinis calling in the national heavying other political heavyweights in Nov. 2 hitters to get voters to turn out to trying to ensure that a state trending the polls. increasingly Democratic in recent years On Thursday, Oct. 21, Vice President does not flip back to the Republican column Kamala Harris will campaign with Mr. McAu- on Nov. 2. liffe at an evening event in Prince William Mr. McAuliffe, who served as governor from County.

2014 to 2018 and a former Democratic National And this Saturday, Oct. 23, former President Committee chairman, visited separate churches Obama will help energize voters at an appearance and later led a rally with Ms. Abrams outside with Mr. McAuliffe on Virginia Commonwealth an early voting station.

University’s campus at the Compass Plaza outside “We gotta get everybody out to vote,” he James Branch Cabell Library. said.

In the last week, Mr. McAuliffe has been His Republican opponent, former business joined on the campaign trail by First Lady Jill executive Glenn Youngkin, also held a series of Biden, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and events last weekend, including a rally targeting Georgia voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams, Latino voters in the Washington suburbs. with Mayor Bottoms and Ms. Abrams speaking “I am the daughter of not one, but two pasto Black church congregations in Richmond and tors,” said Ms. Abrams, who like all attendees Norfolk to get “souls to the polls.” entering Second Calvary Baptist Church showed Ms. Abrams urged Black churchgoers to turn a card indicating that she was fully vaccinated out for Mr. McAuliffe, saying that what happens against the coronavirus. in the most watched race this year will “show The pastor, the Rev. Geoffrey Guns, wore a the world who we are” in future contests with Please turn to A4 even higher stakes.

Day E lecton

VOTE

Randy Singleton

Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams of Georgia campaigns with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe at a rally in Norfolk last Sunday. She is returning to the campaign trail on Sunday, Oct. 24, to stump in Charlottesville for Mr. McAuliffe with musician Dave Matthews and Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Study estimates slavery museum would cost up to $220M

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A hefty price tag would be attached to creating a national slavery museum on the site of the “Devil’s Half Aacre,” a once notorious slave jail that Richmonder Robert Lumpkin operated before the Civil War and that later became the birthplace of Virginia Union University.

A report from SmithGroup, a museum consultancy, estimates that the cost of developing a 100,000-squarefoot building that would feature the remains of Lumpkin’s Jail would run between $184 million and $220 million.

The SmithGroup provided the cost estimates in a report delivered to the city in late September detailing the feasibility of the project.

Contracted by the city, the SmithGroup has been involved since 2017 Please turn to A4

2016 File photo

The historic Winfree Cottage, which sits beside the Lumpkin’s Jail site on the Richmond Slave Trail in Shockoe Bottom, is said to be the last slave cottage in Richmond. The cottage was purchased or built in 1866 by David Winfree, a former slave owner, who deeded it to Emily Winfree, his former slave and the mother of five of his children.

Need a ride to the polls?

By George Copeland Jr.

Need a ride to the polls to vote? Local and national groups are again providing options.

The Richmond Branch NAACP is teaming with churches and other groups as part of the “Souls to the Polls” initiative to offer rides on Sunday, Oct. 24, and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Information: Project Give Back to the Community, (804) 201-7701, a central telephone number that several groups are using to connect with voters.

That includes Operation Stamp the Vote, an initiative of New Life Deliverance Tabernacle and the Commonwealth Consortium. Rides are being offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 10 a.m.

The operation requires riders to wear face masks.

The Radio One Poll Patrol also is providing free rides to

Gen. Colin Powell and his legacy in the struggle

By Corey Williams and Aaron Morrison The Associated Press

Kenneth Lambert/Associated Press

Secretary of State Colin Powell looks on as President George W. Bush addresses State Department employees at the Washington headquarters on Feb. 15, 2001.

DETROIT As an American leader, Gen. Colin Powell’s credentials were impeccable: He was national security adviser, chairman of the Joint Chiefs and secretary of state. But his legacy as the first Black person in those roles is murkier, with some African-Americans saying that his voice on their behalf could have been louder.

Gen. Powell, who died Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at age 84 of COVID-19 complications, spent 35 years in the Army and rose to political prominence under Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. His stature fueled persistent speculation that he would one day run for president as a member of the GOP. Through it all, Gen. Powell never seemed entirely comfortable talking about race, said Kevin Powell, a New York-based writer and rights activist who is not related to the late general.

“I think that’s why a lot of Black folks never saw him as a leader. There was never a sense that Colin Powell was one of us,” said Kevin Powell, who met Gen. Powell in the 1990s, when he was often discussed as a potential presidential Please turn to A4

Richmond voter sites between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through Thursday, Oct. 28. Contact: (804) 501-0415.

The Central Virginia Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute also will

provide transportation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 2. Call (804) 228-1744.

The Henrico Branch Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Wildcat spirit Brazile Wilkins, 4, hops along the path of Wildcat paws outside Armstrong High School in the East End. The spirited youngster was attending the Gloves Over Guns event at the school last Saturday with her aunts, Karla Vaughn, left, and Galanda Wright, who can be seen in the background. The youth anti-violence event, featuring youth boxing matches, drew dignitaries, special guests and community members who support the sport of boxing as an alternative to youngsters picking up guns. Please see more photos, B2.

Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines Free community testing for COVID-19 continues.

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Tuesday, Oct. 26, 9 to 11 a.m., Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd., drive-thru testing.

• Wednesday, Oct. 27, 9 to 11 a.m., Eastern Henrico Recreation Center Pavilion, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. 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

Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 October 21-23, 2021

Local News

Ms. Daniels-Fayson

$3.4M in federal rent relief has aided families in RRHA housing

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Virginia’s rent relief program is providing real relief to public housing tenants in Richmond who have fallen months behind in paying rent due to the pandemic.

The state program already has provided nearly $3.4 million in rental relief to 2,300 households, according to the public housing landlord, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

The average payment to bring rent current has run more than $1,400 per household, figures show.

The RRHA Board of Commissioners also has been notified that an additional $600,000 is being sought from the program on behalf of about 600 additional households.

The $4 million represents a significant share of the $10.5 million to $11 million RRHA reports collecting annually in tenant rents.

According to the internal RRHA report, that leaves only about 300 households that remain one month or more in arrears who have responded to pleas from RRHA’s staff, led by interim Chief Executive Officer Stacey Daniels-Fayson, to make payment arrangements.

The board was informed that staff is continuing to reach out to those families in a bid to prevent potential eviction down the road.

The improved outlook for tenants represents good news for board members and others concerned that families could face eviction. The new numbers represent a significant reduction from the 1,300 families that RRHA reported in September as being in arrears on rent.

The stream of rent relief money is flowing from the program operated by the state Department of Housing and Community Development, or DHCD. The payoffs of past due rent for so many families appears to have enabled RRHA to extend its twoyear-old moratorium on evictions until December.

The board was told renters who remain in arrears as of Dec. 1 would begin facing enforcement action. That includes 30-day notices that court action would be taken if past-due rent remained and no payment arrangements were created.

In its most recent notice that the eviction moratorium is being extended from Oct. 31 to Nov. 30, RRHA warned there will be no additional extensions and indicated that its requests to a Richmond General District Court judge for authority to evict would resume in January.

RRHA is just one of many landlords benefitting from the state program that seeks to reduce evictions of people whose finances were so disrupted by COVID-19 that they are in arrears on housing payments.

According to DHCD’s most recent data, $386 million has been provided in rent relief since the federally funded program launched in June 2020, three months after the pandemic began in Virginia. While huge, that amount is still less than half of the $1 billion the program has available from the infusion of funding from the federal CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan created under former President Trump and President

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape

Members of several Native American tribes in Virginia joined Mayor Levar M. Stoney, center, and other officials on Monday, Oct. 11, in recognizing Indigenous People’s Day. Slices of life and scenes It was the third annual recognition proclaimed by the City of Richmond. The day, now recognized around the country, replaces Columbus Day to acknowledge the contributions in Richmond and resilience of indigenous people who often were exploited, displaced and assimilated by early explorers and settlers. Following the ceremony at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Arthur Ashe Boulevard, the group paused for a photo. From left, City Councilman Michael Jones, 9th District; Dr. Sheila K. Wilson Elliott of the Nottoway Tribe; Chief Emeritus John Lightner of the Patawomeck Tribe; Mayor Stoney; Beverly “Barefoot” El of the Cheroenhaka Tribe; Shereen WaterLily of the Mattaponi Tribe; and museum President Jamie Bosket.

RRHA board begins process to redevelop Mosby Court South

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Dr. Basil I. Gooden is the new chairman of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s nine-member Board of Commissioners.

Dr. Gooden, a former secretary of agriculture and forestry for Virginia who holds a key rural development post with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was elected Tuesday night as the board also endorsed starting the process for redeveloping Mosby Court South in the East End. The board also gave a thumbs up to a plan to transfer the Calhoun Center in Gilpin Court to City Hall.

Dr. Gooden, who oversees state rural development programs, narrowly won the chairmanship with a 5-4 majority to succeed the interim chair Neil S. Kessler, who also competed for a full two-year term.

Mr. Kessler, a retired attorney who specialized in commercial real estate, moved up from vice chair to the top board post in April after Commissioner Veronica Blount resigned the chairmanship.

The commissioners also elected M. Barrett Hardiman, a professional lobbyist, as vice chairman. He, too, was elected on a 5-4 vote over Commissioner Patrice Shelton, a certified community health worker who founded and directs the Hillside Court Partnership.

During the meeting at the new Arm-

strong Renaissance development in the East End, the board put the Mosby Court South redevelopment on the front burner.

The board unanimously authorized RRHA interim Chief Dr. Gooden Executive Officer Stacey Daniels-Fayson to begin the process of negotiating a deal to redevelop Mosby Court South. The Mosby Court South initiative is the latest segment of RRHA’s holdings to become a target for redevelopment as the authority moves to privatize its apartment holdings.

One of four separate elements under the Mosby Court umbrella, the 12-acre, 106-unit section of public housing sits across from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and backs up to a fast redeveloping area of Church Hill that has seen a surge in housing prices. The idea of replacing the old apartments with new apartments and homes and creating more density in the area was first broached in 1995 by then-Mayor Leonidas B. Young II. The idea was rejected at the time, but gained traction in 2019 when an RRHA consultant, Urban Design Associates, identified the complex as ripe for redevelopment into a mix of 400 to 500 units

of low-income, affordable and market rate housing.

Ms. Daniels-Fayson has promised that RRHA will work with residents on creating a plan of redevelopment and has already identified a Connecticut affordable housing developer, The Richmond Group, as a potential partner.

This new initiative has begun even as several other projects move forward.

The old Baker School in Gilpin Court has been full remodeled and is the new home for the final 50 households that occupied the 200-unit Fay Towers. Most of the residents were previously relocated from the high-rise on 1st Street to new apartments in two other complexes.

RRHA also has begun relocating about 100 households in Creighton Court in preparation for the first phase of redevelopment of that complex that faces Nine Mile Road.

The city is preparing to provide more than $6 million in federal funds to help cover the cost of new infrastructure.

Separately, the board gave the green light to Ms. Daniels-Fayson to pursue the change of ownership of the decaying Calhoun Center to City Hall. Mayor Levar M. Stoney has proposed and City Council is poised to approve next week a city plan to invest $8 million to renovate the building and repair and reopen the pool that has been shut down for a number of years.

School Board voices support for collective bargaining; opts for committee

By Ronald E. Carrington and Jeremy M. Lazarus

Eight members of the Richmond School Board vocally expressed support Monday night for authorizing collective bargaining of a new contract between Superintendent Jason Kamras and his staff and a union that secures majority support from teachers and other employees.

That puts the board on track to become the first governmental entity in Central Virginia to sanction bargaining with a union since a new state law authorizing such bargaining went into effect May 1. Strikes, however, still would be barred.

However, after hearing cautionary words from its legal counsel, a majority of the School Board pulled back from approving a resolution three members had advanced outlining the process for selecting an exclusive bargaining agent for employees and for creating a contract and breaking an impasse over terms.

Instead, by a 5-4 vote, the board approved setting up a committee to review the proposal that three had advanced and potentially amend or rewrite it to make it more of a School Board document. The committee is to offer its recommendations by early December.

The vote came during a meeting at which the board also cleared the way for the administration to begin advertising again for a company to provide food services for students.

On the collective bargaining front, board

member Liz B. Doerr, 1st District, resolution. That should be concerning proposed the review committee. to the board.”

Joining her to support creation of the As Ms. Gibson has confirmed, committee were board Chair Cheryl L. Ms. Lilly also noted that the resoluBurke, 7th District; Dawn C. Page, 8th tion was written by attorneys from District; and Nicole Jones, 9th District. the REA and the Virginia Education The fifth vote came from Dr. Shonda Association. The terms, Ms. Lilly Harris-Muhammed, 6th District; one of said, would benefit them but might the three members who had advanced not be in the best interests of RPS. Ms. Lilly the initial resolution.

She said the board should want a Those casting no votes included Vice Chair document that also would “ensure and protect Jonathan M. Young, 4th District, the lone the district’s right.” opponent of any collective bargaining agreeMs. Lilly indicated that the board also should ment; Mariah L. White, 2nd District; Kenya J. strive to be impartial as to the bargaining agent Gibson, 3rd District; and Stephanie M. Rizzi, that might be chosen, given that other union 5th District. organizations might want to compete to become Ms. Gibson and Ms. Rizzi were the other the exclusive bargaining agent. two members who had presented the initial She also expressed concern that the resoluresolution. tion would make it difficult for employees to The committee is to consist of three board get rid of the exclusive bargaining agent once members, legal counsel, representatives of the the initial selection is made.

Richmond Education Association or its state According to the resolution, employees seekparent and employees. ing to oust the chosen agent would have to wait The vote came after the Richmond Public at least one year after the selection to start the Schools attorney Jonnell P. Lilly said that board process, she pointed out. And once a contract is members had not had an opportunity to review in place, employees would have to wait for the the terms of the resolution or to make certain expiration of the contract that could extend up to that RPS is represented in the document. three years before seeking to change bargaining “It is interesting that the rights of the employees agents, Ms. Lilly noted. and the rights of the associations are listed, but While Ms. Gibson expressed dismay that the other resolutions, from other governing bodies, board “was just trying to kick this issue down the have included the rights of the employer,” Ms. road,” Ms. Page said that was not the case.

Lilly said. “That is not listed in the present “We are not against the resolution,” Ms. Page

Correction An article about the commemoration of the enslaved man Gabriel published in the Oct. 14-16 edition of the Free Press incorrectly stated that roughly 22,000 African-Americans are buried in the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground where Gabriel was executed and buried.

While that location served as the first and only municipal burial ground for enslaved and free Black people in Richmond from 1799 to 1816, no data is available on how many people were buried at that site.

The estimated 22,000 people referenced in the article actually were buried in the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground at 5th and Hospital streets, which was established in 1816. The City of Richmond recently reacquired 1.3 acres of the 31-acre Shockoe Hill site, which is still endangered by the planned high-speed rail service and proposed widening of Interstate 95.

The Free Press regrets the error.

said. “We just have to do it right.”

In noting his opposition, Mr. Young said teacher concerns about being overworked need to be addressed. He also said that he knows of no school district in the nation where unionization or collective bargaining had raised teacher morale, improved student performance or resulted in increased retention of employees.

During the meeting’s public comment period, at least 20 speakers urged the board to approve collective bargaining to help improve working conditions. They spoke of burnout from working extended hours and having to fill in for absent teachers because of a lack of substitutes.

The speakers, all of whom were REA members, also told the board they are concerned about safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As classes are being broken up, contact tracing becomes a challenge. Additionally, many schools and classrooms are above capacity, making it harder to socially distance, they said.

Mr. Kamras said there are 71 teacher vacancies, including 21 at the elementary level, 36 at the middle school level and 14 at the high school level.

He also reported that 305 students have tested positive for the virus. In addition, 44 staff members and eight volunteers have tested positive, suggesting that current policies are working well to limit spread, he said. Tracing efforts indicate that all contracted the virus from non-school contacts and brought it to their respective buildings.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 23 This Saturday, Oct. 23, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It’s a time to dispose of unused or expired medications—especially opioids—before they are misused, abused or accidentally ingested.

Authorities reported a major increase in opioid overdoses and deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several drop-off sites will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday around the Metro Richmond area, with teams from the state attorney general’s office, law enforcement agencies and community partners accepting

medications for proper disposal.

Drop-off sites include: • Richmond Sheriff’s Office, 1701 Fairfield Way. • Fairfield branch, Henrico County Public Library, 1401 N. Laburnum Ave. • Henrico Training Center, 7701 E. Parham Road, entrance on Shrader Road.

• Wegmans grocery store, 12200 Wegmans Blvd., Henrico.

• Virginia State Police Division 1 office, 9300 Brook Road, Glen Allen.

• University of Richmond Police Department, 490 Westhampton Way, Special

Programs Building.

• Wegmans grocery store, 12501 Stone Village Way, Midlothian.

• Defense Logistics Agency Police Department, DLA Clinic, 8000 Jefferson Davis Highway, Building 201.

• Ashland Police Department, 601 England St., visitor parking lot, Ashland.

• Mechanicsville Convenience Center, 7427 Verdi Lane, Mechanicsville.

• Walmart, 3500 S. Crater Road, Petersburg.

• CVS pharmacy, 2100 S. Crater Road, Petersburg.

Richmond Free Press

October 21-23, 2021 A3

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Richmond Free Press

A4 October 21-23, 2021

News

Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights goes after possible housing discrimination by filing 13 lawsuits against 29 area companies Continued from A1

Office of Civil Rights alleges the named companies refused to rent to people seeking to use the vouchers in violation of the state’s fair housing law.

The lawsuits result from a 2020 change in the state’s fair housing law spearheaded by Richmond Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne. The change bars discrimination on the basis of “the source of income,” which includes vouchers.

The lawsuits are based on evidence collected since July by the nonprofit Housing Rights Initiative. Someone called each of the companies as a would-be renter and asked if vouchers were accepted. According to the lawsuits, each company’s property manager, staff member or leasing agent responded that a voucher was not an acceptable form of payment.

As a result, these companies “ignored the law” and effectively removed the “choice” in “Housing Choice Voucher,” the suits allege.

The suits request that judges find the evidence supports the charge of discrimination, require each defendant to pay damages totaling between $70,000 to $100,000 along with attorneys’ fees and provide unspecified damages to rejected applicants.

The suits also request the judges bar each of the companies from continuing the practice.

Also known as Section 8 vouchers, the vouchers are federally backed government rental subsidies that seek to provide lowincome renters an alternative to public housing. The vouchers

are awarded to lower-income single parents, the disabled and elderly to enable them to rent in private complexes. The vouchers pay a fixed amount, with any remaining amount supplied by the renter. However, voucher holders can only spend up to 30 percent of their income on rent.

According to the Office of Civil Rights, 47,100 people across the state currently have vouchers, or about 20 percent of the 217,000 people who rely on federal rental subsidies, including public housing.

The issue of voucher acceptance has been around since the federal government created them in 1974 with the support of President Richard Nixon before he was forced from office.

A 2020 study conducted by Richmond-based fair housing watchdog Housing Opportunities Made Equal found that only 25 of the 139 apartment complexes contacted in the Richmond area accepted vouchers.

HOME also found that nearly half of the complexes accepting vouchers were required to do so because they were developed with federal low-income tax credits or other government subsidies.

Since the Bourne amendment to the state’s fair housing act went into effect on July 1, 2020, the Virginia Real Estate Board has published regulations that put the industry on notice that voucher rejection is no longer acceptable. In April, Mr. Herring highlighted those new regulations in marking National Fair Housing Month.

A landlord himself, Delegate Bourne welcomed the enforcement action.

While the bill moved through the legislature, Delegate Bourne

said he introduced the measure after receiving complaints from frustrated people with vouchers who repeatedly were being barred from applying for an apartment.

He also noted that his discussions with owners and landlords indicated that the rejection policy was based, in significant part, on racially tinged bias against vouchers holders, a majority of whom are Black or Latino.

Delegate Bourne said he introduced the legislation to ensure anyone seeking affordable housing did not face a barrier to renting “simply because of their income level.” He said it adds to efforts to “make this Commonwealth more equitable.”

Aaron Carr, founder and executive director of the Housing Rights Initiative, called the lawsuits significant in enabling his group to “shine a light on these pervasive and unlawful housing practices.”

The named defendants are Campus-Sydnor LLC; PMC Property Group Inc; Harrison Street Development LLC and 18th Street Management LLC; and FC Cameron Kinney LLC and Brookfield Properties Multifamily LLC. Also, Studio Row LLC and Fulton Hill Properties LLC; Shockoe Realty Ventures LLC and Gates Hudson and Associates Inc.; Miller and Rhoads Condominium Association Inc. and HRI Properties LLC and CB Richmond Associates LC and Rangewater Residential LLC; and Historic Broad Pioneers.

The Office of Civil Rights also filed two lawsuits against four companies in Henrico and two suits against another four companies in Chesterfield.

None of the companies have responded to the filings.

Top Dems energize Va. voters to turn out for McAuliffe Continued from A1

black T-shirt emblazoned with “VOTE” and told the congregation that what’s “coming up is a very important election.”

He repeated the phrase to louder applause and cries of “Amen.”

In November 2020, President Biden won Virginia by 10 percentage points over Donald Trump, but the McAuliffeYoungkin race appears to be coming down to the wire. To shore up a contest they hope will give them momentum heading into next year’s midterms, when the party’s narrow

control of Congress is at stake, national Democrats are turning out in force to stump for Mr. McAuliffe.

Mayor Bottoms visited three Black churches last Sunday – Cedar Street Baptist Church of God in the East End, Saint Paul’s Baptist Church on Creighton Road in Henrico, and Speaking Spirit Ministries on Ravenswood Road near Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Vice President Harris, in a video to be seen at 300 churches statewide for the next two-plus weeks, calls Mr. McAuliffe “the leader Virginia needs at this moment.”

Free COVID-19 testing Continued from A1

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-henrico-area-covid-19testing-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 or booster shot?

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walkup COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Community Vaccination Center, Richmond Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Thursday, Oct. 21, 9 to 10:45 a.m. – Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Friday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to noon – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson; 10 a.m. to noon – East End Library, 1200 N. 25th St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

• Tuesday, Oct. 26, 3 to 6 p.m. – Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. *Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Thursday, Oct. 28, 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Richmond Health District Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Friday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to noon – Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

Children ages 12 to 17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Appointments are required for booster shots by scheduling one online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling (877) VAX-IN-VA (1-877829-4682).

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

The Chesterfield County Health District is offering vaccines and booster shots at the following location: • Community Vaccination Center, Rockwood Shopping Center (in the former Big Lots store), 10161 Hull Street Road, Midlothian. The center is open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged by going to www.vaccines.gov or call (877) VAX-IN-VA. Those who are getting a booster shot should bring their vaccine card to confirm date and type of vaccine received.

The federal Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved COVID-19 booster shots for people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. They also approved mixing and matching of shots, allowing people to receive a different brand of vaccine booster than they initially received.

While the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to finalize the FDA recommendations in the next week or so, the announcement marks a big step toward expanding booster shots to tens of millions of Americans.

Additionally, federal authorities have given the green light to states to start reserving vaccine doses for children ages 5 to 11 to ensure enough is available ahead of expected full authorization.

The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday 1,822 new positive cases of COVID-19 around the state during a 24-hour period, bringing the cumulative total to 911,321 cases statewide.

There have been a total of 38,128 hospitalizations and 13,585 deaths. The state’s seven-day positivity rate was 6.8 percent. Last week, it was 7.6 percent.

Among the state’s population of children under age 12 who are not yet able to be vaccinated, roughly 166,000 cases, 1,140 hospitalizations and 15 deaths have been reported since the pandemic began.

On Wednesday, state health officials reported that 62.1 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 69 percent of the people have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Roughly 309,492 people have received booster shots or third doses of the vaccine.

State data also show that African-Americans comprised 22.6 percent of cases statewide and 24.9 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 14 percent of cases and 5.9 percent of deaths.

As of Wednesday, Richmond reported a total of 23,622 positive cases, 932 hospitalizations and 341 deaths; Henrico County, 33,969 cases, 1,241 hospitalizations and 707 deaths; Chesterfield County, 39,042 cases, 1,154 hospitalizations and 538 deaths; and Hanover County, 11,591 cases, 365 hospitalizations and 193 deaths.

Mr. Youngkin has largely shied away from outside Republican stalwarts, hoping to attract independents disillusioned by President Trump.

While Mr. Youngkin also has not campaigned personally with Mr. Trump, the former president phoned into a Virginia rally last week featuring Steve Bannon, a Richmond native and longtime Trump strategist. On Tuesday, a U.S. House of Representatives committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol unanimously approved holding Mr. Bannon in contempt of Congress after he defied a subpoena to appear before the panel.

Ms. Abrams told the Norfolk congregations that in Mr. McAuliffe’s first term as governor, he increased funding for education and ensured that tens of thousands of former felons and others who had been removed from voter rolls had their right to the ballot box restored.

“I know you get tired of

being called a bellwether state but I’m going to tell you — as someone from one of those newly purplish states — we’ve got to look to you for wisdom,” she said, referring to once reliably Republican Georgia backing President Biden and two Democratic senators last cycle.

During a subsequent stop, Ms. Abrams appealed to her audience: “What you say in 2021 will show the world who we are in 2022 and 2024 and beyond.”

At Faith Deliverance Christian Center, where congregants gathered in a gymnasium, Rev. Sharon Riley thanked Ms. Abrams for not being elected Georgia governor because “we now see that God had a plan” and that Ms. Abrams’ work since in defense of voting rights has made her one of the “most significant” people in the nation.

Ms. Abrams said when she first began running for office, she felt mixing politics and

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

First Lady Jill Biden claps during an evening rally Oct. 15 at Dorey Park in Henrico County, where Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe asked voters for their support and urged them to vote early.

church was bad. But, she said, her mother eventually reminded her that “politics is always in the church” and her father said that the Bible “is one of

the most intense political texts ever written.”

“Voting is an act of faith,” Ms. Abrams said. “I need you to do the job.”

Need a ride to the polls?

Continued from A1

NAACP generally is referring people to other resources, but will step in if there is no else. Contact the branch: (804) 4049713 or email, Henrico.NAACP@gmail.com All involved “are engaged, they are energized,” said James E. “J.J.” Minor III, president of the Richmond Branch NAACP. He hopes the initiative will encourage more people to vote.

Requests for rides also may be made to RideShare2Vote, a national organization that has mobilized in several states, including Virginia. However, rides are not available in all Virginia cities and counties. Check the organization’s website at www. rides2vote.com or call (888) 977-2250. Requests should be made at least two hours before pick-up time.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

During a “Souls to the Polls” event last Sunday outside the Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms pauses for an interview with a national television news program to talk about why she made the 500-mile trip to campaign for Terry McAuliffe. The City of Richmond and Hanover County had polling stations open last Sunday for early, in-person voting.

Study estimates slavery museum would cost up to $220M Continued from A1

in the complex planning involved with the physical development of a museum.

Among the reasons the museum would prove more costly, according to the report, is that the site is in a flood plain and would need to meet federal standards. In addition, the site has a high water table below ground that also would require extra protective measures for the building’s foundation.

Shockoe Bottom is so named because Shockoe Creek, which is now buried in an underground pipe, runs through it to the James River.

The now-defunct Richmond Slave Trail Commission has been envisioning creating such a museum in Shockoe Bottom, the place where Richmond was founded and which became a major hub of the

U.S. slave trade between 1820 or so to emancipation in 1865 after Union forces won the Civil War. Lumpkin’s Jail dates to around 1844.

The commission paid for professional archaeological digs in 2006 and 2008 that found the remains of Lumpkin’s Jail. Since then, creation of a museum at the site had been a key focus for the commission.

The museum idea gained traction during the tenures of former Mayor Dwight C. Jones and now under Mayor Levar M. Stoney.

Mayor Stoney created a community advisory group called the Shockoe Alliance to create a development plan for Shockoe Bottom that would, among other things, incorporate the proposals for the museum and memorial park focusing on the area’s slave history. Members of the Slave Trail Commission were included in the alliance

and ended the commission’s independent operation two years ago.

Seeking to build momentum, Mayor Stoney announced in late July 2020 plans to invest more than $38 million to help make the museum and memorial park initiative a reality in five years. He later gained City Council backing for the initiative.

As a result of state contributions, more than $50 million could be available for the development. Since 2015, three governors and the General Assembly have allocated a total of $20 million to support development of the proposed museum and the Richmond Slave Trail.

Still, such public funding would fall short. Supporters acknowledge that the prospects for the museum would require an increased infusion of public funds as well as a significant fundraising effort to raise private donations.

Gen. Colin Powell and his legacy in the struggle Continued from A1

candidate.

When he did talk about race, his words were measured, as in a 1994 commencement speech at Howard University: “Racism is a disease that you can help cure by standing up for your rights, and by your commitment to excellence and to performance, by being ready to take advantage of your rights and the opportunities that will come from those rights.”

In the years after President George W. Bush left office, Gen. Powell “was largely invisible in a lot of things that happened — Trayvon Martin, Ferguson, George Floyd,” said Kevin Powell, who also is Black. “It was clear that the party he was part of was moving right. I don’t recall him ever saying this party has become nothing

more than race mongers.”

Gen. Powell eventually became disenchanted with the GOP and endorsed Democrats for president, starting with President Obama. He also called former President Donald Trump a national disgrace and said he no longer considered himself a Republican following the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Gen. Powell’s dignity and composure should not be interpreted as any indication that he failed to understand the struggle of his people, according to Sam Riddle, an Army veteran and Detroit-based political activist.

“He personified a quiet inner strength that we knew he held on the battlefield for America and for Black Americans,” said Mr. Riddle, who also hosts a Detroit talk radio show. “The bullhorns we can use

can be simply quiet competency, integrity and perseverance.”

Many Black people look to highachieving African-Americans to act on their behalf, said Dr. Frederick W. Gooding, associate professor of humanities at Texas Christian University.

“Maybe they just disproportionately expect a Colin Powell to do more or be more than he needs to be. It might be one of those deals where he may not have spoken for every Black person, but at the same time it’s OK that he does not,” Dr. Gooding said.

Gen. Powell’s career and his long record of public service show his excellence, Dr. Gooding added.

“He may not have been that frontline cheerleader, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t affected by the struggle,” Dr. Gooding said.

Richmond Free Press

October 21-23, 2021 A5

Breast cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer among Black women.

Black women are 40% more likely than white women to die of breast cancer, but early detection and regular mammograms can help to reverse this trend.

Get regular mammograms • At 40, women at average risk should be screened yearly • Screening mammograms can detect cancer in people who have no other signs of the disease • Diagnostic mammograms are used to evaluate abnormalities, like a lump, pain, nipple discharge or change in breast size or shape

Get to know your breasts • Between the ages of 20-39, exams should occur every 3 years and then every year after • Routinely complete a self-exam — take note of any changes to your breast; lumps, changes in shape or skin texture should be reported to your doctor right away.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

With increased awareness comes increased detection, and more cases of breast cancer treated and cured. Remember, early detection is the key.

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; Centers for Disease Control; National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Richmond Free Press

A6 October 21-23, 2021

Election News

Va. Department of Elections launches ‘Vote With Confidence’ Concerned about the election?

The Virginia Department of Elections has launched a new website, “Vote With Confidence” that offers residents information on when and where they can vote; key dates and deadlines for voting; how Virginia’s election process is conducted; and facts about the checks and balances used to combat any voting irregularities and ensure the accuracy of election outcomes.

The website is at www.elections.virginia.

Where to vote Voters in the Metro Richmond area will be able to vote early in person this weekend, with polling places in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover open on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Additionally, polls will be open in Richmond and Chesterfield for voters this Sunday, Oct. 24.

As of Oct. 19, 480,974 of Virginia’s 5.9 million registered voters already have cast ballots in this Nov. 2 general election to choose the state’s top leadership for the next four years and representatives to Virginia’s 100-seat House of Delegates.

The last day for early, inperson voting in Virginia is Saturday, Oct. 30.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2, polls across Virginia will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here are the locations where people can vote early:

Richmond • Saturday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 24, noon to 5 p.m.

• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Locations • Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office, 2134 W. Laburnum Ave. • City Hall, 900 E. Broad St., on the Marshall Street side of the first floor lobby • Hickory Hill Community Center, 3000 E. Belt Blvd.

D e t a i l s : w w w. r va . g o v / elections/voting-polls or (804) 646-5950

Henrico County • Saturday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Locations • Henrico Western Government Center, 4305 E. Parham Road • Henrico Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road •Varina Public Library, 1875 New Market Road Details: https://henrico.us/ registrar/voter-registrationlocations-times/hours-ofoperation/ or (804) 501-4347

Chesterfield County • Saturday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 24, noon to 4 p.m. (Voting only at Chesterfield Voter Registrar’s Office, 9848 Lori Road.)

• Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Locations • C h e s t e r f i e l d Vo t e r Registrar’s Office, 9848 Lori Road • North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield • LaPrade Librar y, 9000 Hull Street Road, Nor th Chesterfield • Meadowdale Library, 4301 M e a d ow d a l e B l v d , N o r t h Chesterfield • Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4 5 0 1 R i ve r R o a d , S o u t h Chesterfield • Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Drive, Midlothian Details: www.chesterfield. gov/699/Absentee-Voting or (804) 748-1471

Hanover County • Saturday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location • Hanover Ear ly Voting Center, 7497 County Complex Road, Hanover Details: www.hanovercounty. gov/365/Voting or (804) 3656080

gov/voter-ed/ The site also includes a section called “Mythbusters,” offering facts versus fiction to address concerns voters may have on cybersecurity, voter fraud and other issues.

For example: “A record number of deceased voters cast ballots in 2020.”

That’s a myth, according to the website. The Virginia Department of Elections uses one of the “premier list maintenance programs in the country, including routine removal of deceased

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individuals” from voter rolls, according to the website. The site then offers a link to a report the public can access on voter roll maintenance efforts.

“While the voting process is something most Virginians pay attention to a few days every year, the system that ensures a trusted election outcome never stops,” said Christopher Piper, commission of the Virginia Department of Elections. “That is the job of more than 133 certified registrars and their staff who follow 470

pages of election law. They work year-round to ensure free, fair and transparent elections with the help of some 15,000 volunteers. They know how rigorous and meticulous our election process is.

“Now this website exists so the public can share that same confidence in casting their vote and in our election outcomes,” he stated.

Voters can use the new website or call the department at (800) 552-9745with any questions about the Nov. 2 election or the process.

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Richmond Free Press

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October 21-23, 2021 A7

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Richmond Free Press

A8 October 21-23, 2021

Election News

With legislative control at stake, House of Delegates races take on more urgency

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Can Democrats hold the Virginia House of Delegates after two years of control?

Will voters let them continue to implement a progressive agenda that is transforming health care, boosting pay for workers, making it easier to vote and ushering in criminal justice reform?

Those are the key questions voters will answer on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2, as they choose representatives to fill all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Now in the majority, Democrats are trying to hang on to their 55-seat stronghold in the lower chamber of the General Assembly while Republicans seek to flip six seats to regain majority control.

A record 90 seats are being contested, with 22 rated as highly competitive, according to the political website Ballotpedia, including one in Richmond and two in suburban Henrico County.

In 2019, Democrats won numerous close races in what was seen as a backlash against then-President Trump. In 2021, Democrats now must defend at least 15 seats that were won by close margins two years ago.

Delegate Adams

Mr. Earley

House District 68

Delegate Dawn M. Adams, Democrat (incumbent) Mark Earley Jr., Republican Delegate Dawn M. Adams, who was first elected to represent House District 68 in 2017, has a tough challenger in Republican Mark Earley Jr. She is the first Democrat in three decades elected to represent the district, which stretches from Richmond’s Museum District to the West End and south to the Willow Oaks area, west and south to parts of Henrico and Chesterfield counties.

A nurse practitioner who has championed health care and improved health care access in the General Assembly, Delegate Adams also is the first openly lesbian member of the General Assembly. She lives in The Fan and serves on the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee, as well as on the General Laws and Privileges and Elections committees. She also was appointed to the Cannabis Oversight Commission.

Delegate Adams has outlined priorities that include raising teacher pay in Virginia above the national average; expanding pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds; investing in wider broadband access to close the digital divide; promoting career readiness by building internships and apprenticeships into school curricula; combating maternal mortality rates among Black women; increasing funding for mental health and substance use disorder treatment; and raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2024.

Mr. Earley, a criminal defense attorney, is the son of former Virginia Attorney General Mark Earley Sr. He previously served in former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s administration working with the Prisoner and Juvenile Re-entry Council.

The Chesapeake native who lives in North Chesterfield is campaigning to improve public schools and teacher pay; eliminate the state tax on groceries; boost funding for police; make mental health and addiction top priorities; lower taxes; and expand education choices.

As a foster parent, Mr. Earley wants to reform the foster care system by ending the aging out of youths from help and providing more support between adoptive and biological families so children will have stable homes.

Campaign fundraising data on the Virginia Public Access website shows that as of Sept.

30, Delegates Adams has raised $492,348, while Mr. Earley has raised $283,240. – RONALD E. CARRINGTON

Although turnout is expected to be modest, the results are likely to be viewed as one of the first significant tests of party strength in the post-Trump era ahead of next year’s congressional elections.

The loss of the House in a state that has been trending Democratic blue in recent years would create political shockwaves, much as Republican losses in 2017 and 2019 did. In the past four years, Republicans suffered a net loss of 21 seats in Virginia, the most for any state legislative body in the country.

With the state Senate and governor’s office in Democratic hands, Democratic House candidates have built what seems like an impressive people-helping record, ranging from expanding voting protections and raising the minimum wage for the lowest paid workers to abolishing the death penalty and capping the cost of insulin and other life-saving medicines.

They also have legalized marijuana, protected women’s reproductive rights, boosted solar and wind power as energy sources, took steps to reform police and court sentencing practices, passed gun control and gun sale restriction laws and halted the suspension of drivers’ licenses for those who simply owe money to state courts.

Delegate Carr

Dr. Furey

House District 69

Delegate Betsy B. Carr, Democrat (incumbent) Dr. Sheila M. Furey, Republican Delegate Betsy B. Carr is looking to secure a seventh term in the House of Delegates in a district that is solidly Democratic.

House District 69 covers portions of Richmond largely south of the James River, although it also takes in some areas north of the river, including Maymont, Randolph, Oregon Hill and The Carillon. The district also stretches south into a portion of Chesterfield County.

Delegate Carr, who has represented the district since 2009, is facing Republican challenger Dr. Sheila M. Furey, a psychiatrist who has a private practice in the Richmond area.

Delegate Carr serves on the Appropriations, Transportation, General Laws and Rules committees and has supported health care expansion, women’s reproductive rights and gun control measures in the Commonwealth.

For the last 16 years, she has served as outreach director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Downtown and is a founder and former director of the Micah Initiative, which has partnered scores of faith groups with Richmond elementary schools for mentorship and tutoring for students.

Before her election to the House of Delegates, Delegate Carr served on the Richmond School Board from 2006 to 2009.

Dr. Furey is a native of Iowa. She has spent her career working with children and adults with mental illness, substance abuse and victims of trauma.

She moved to Virginia in 2000 with her husband and two children and set up a medical practice locally.

A breast cancer survivor, Dr. Furey is prolife and supported less government regulation surrounding COVID-19 restrictions. She pushed for the reopening of schools, saying the closure was denying children quality education and increasing anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors among children.

She believes taxes must be lowered to help businesses recover from COVID-19 closures and limitations and calls herself a champion for the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.

Dr. Furey also supports a review of sentencing laws and guidelines to allow offenders to continue to work as a form of rehabilitation and support for their families.

Delegate Carr has a huge fundraising advantage over Dr. Furey. Campaign finance reports show Delegate Carr has raised $362,003 as of Sept. 30, while Dr. Furey has raised $23,298.— CHIP LAUTERBACH

Delegate McQuinn

Republicans, who often opposed these initiatives, are hoping that more voters who agree with them will turn out for this election and hand the GOP a mandate to keep fighting against such reforms.

The GOP candidates have made the state’s economic recovery and parental control of education key elements of their campaigns, while disparaging Democratic advances and promoting the suspicion of the legitimacy of Virginia elections.

Typical of Republican candidates, attorney Tim Anderson, who is running for a House seat to represent Virginia Beach, claims Democrats have created a “toxic environment” with their agenda, particularly by raising the minimum wage.

Democratic House Speaker Elaine Filler-Corn, who is completing her first term as the first woman to lead the House of Delegates, said Republicans want to roll back many of those reforms and will get the chance to do so should supporters of progress fail to go to the polls.

Political analyst Stephen Farnsworth regards the Democrats’ recent success in elections as potentially transient.

“The key question,” he said, “is whether traditionally Republican areas in the suburbs revert back to being Republican now that Mr. Trump is no longer president.”

Mr. Vaught

House District 70

Delegate Bourne

Ms. Hunter

House District 71

Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, Democrat (incumbent) David B. Vaught, Independent

Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne, Democrat (incumbent) Nancye A. Hunter, Republican

Democratic Delegate Delores L. McQuinn is facing the first challenger for her seat representing House District 70 since 2009.

The challenge is from independent candidate David B. Vaught, owner of a security company who is a newcomer to politics.

The district include portions of Richmond’s Church Hill and East End and sections of Henrico and Chesterfield counties and all of Charles City County. The district is staunchly Democratic based on past election results.

Delegate McQuinn, 66, associate minister of New Bridge Baptist Church in Highland Springs, has a long history of public service. Before being elected to the House of Delegates, she served several years on the Richmond School Board and Richmond City Council.

In the House, she has taken on a leadership role as chair of the House Transportation Committee. She also serves on the powerful Appropriations Committee, as well as the Education and Rules committees.

She has worked on a range of issues, including repeal of the death penalty in Virginia, gun control and food insecurity. According to her campaign, she will continue to push for a progressive agenda in the General Assembly if re-elected.

Mr. Vaught, a native of Staunton, grew up in Chesterfield County. His campaign touts his election as a “new start and fresh beginning” for the district, which he said has lacked communication and adequate representation from Delegate McQuinn.

His campaign has focused on community safety, better access to essential services like grocery stores and the internet and improving public schools.

Campaign finance reports show Delegate McQuinn holding a sizeable advantage over Mr. Vaught in fundraising. As of Sept. 30, Delegate McQuinn has raised $126,139, while Mr. Vaught has raised $16,452. – GEORGE COPELAND JR.

Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne is seeking reelection to House District 71, which he has represented since 2017.

He is facing a challenge from Republican Nancye A. Hunter, a political novice.

The district contains parts of Richmond north and south of the James River, from North Side to Scott’s Addition and Fulton, to Manchester and the Commerce Road area.

Delegate Bourne, 45, is an attorney who previously served as a deputy attorney general for transportation, real estate and construction litigation for the state of Virginia.

Among his campaign priorities are criminal justice reform, ensuring affordable housing, improvements in education and safeguarding Virginia’s natural environment, with his campaign highlighting his previous work and legislation on these topics.

Delegate Bourne is vice chairman of the House Public Safety Committee and also serves on the Education, Labor and Commerce and Courts of Justice committees.

He served on the Richmond School Board for four years before winning a special election in 2017 to serve in the House of Delegates.

In the General Assembly, he has championed bills limiting long-term suspension for students to 45 days, protecting renters against landlords who mishandle eviction proceedings and expanding the list of people who may administer the drug to bring people back from an opioid overdose.

Ms. Hunter, 51, has presented herself as a concerned citizen who has pulled herself out of homelessness, waited tables and owned a business. She cites the events of the past year and the response from state and local governments as what inspired her run for the office.

Funding police officers and first responders, getting students back in schools with a quality education and lifting COVID-19 restrictions are among her major priorities. She also is campaigning on protecting gun rights and for Virginia to no longer tax military pensions. She also wants dollars from taxing marijuana to be used for drug addiction programs.

As of Sept. 30, Delegate Bourne has raised $230,422, according to campaign finance reports on the Virginia Public Access Project’s website.

No campaign finance reports were available for Ms. Hunter. – GEORGE COPELAND JR.

Richmond Free Press

October 21-23, 2021 A9

Election News

House of Delegates elections

Delegate Willett

Ms. Kastelberg

House District 73

Delegate Bagby

Delegate Robinson

Mr. Brooks

House District 74

Delegate Rodney T. Willett, Democrat (incumbent) Mary Margaret Kastelberg, Republican

Delegate Lamont Bagby, Democrat (incumbent) James L. “Jimmy” Brooks, Republican

Delegate Rodney T. Willett will be seeking a second term representing House District 73, running against the same opponent as in 2019 – Republican Mary Margaret Kastelberg.

The two fought a close race in 2019 for the open seat Democratic Delegate Debra Rodman vacated in order to run for the state Senate.

The race is proving to be another high-dollar contest.

The district contains five precincts in the northwestern portion of Richmond, with the majority of the district stretching into Western Henrico County. The seat was held by Republicans until 2017.

An attorney and technology consultant who was political newcomer during the 2019 election, Delegate Willett has campaigned on a re-election platform of improving health care access, providing universal pre-kindergarten for children, raising the minimum wage, moving toward renewable energy sources to protect the environment, supporting a woman’s right to choose an abortion, supporting sensible gun laws and lessening the red tape for businesses.

In the General Assembly, he serves on the House Finance Committee and the committees on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resource and Health, Welfare and Institutions.

A financial services adviser, Ms. Kastelberg, 58, has presented her campaign as resolving important issues in the community left unaddressed by legislators. Her website lists priorities that include consumer protection, rebuilding small businesses and working to “keep politics out of the classroom.”

Data on the Virginia Public Access Project’s website shows the race as highly contested and very expensive, with Delegate Willett raising $917,418 as of Sept. 30 and Ms. Kastelberg raising $557,028. – GEORGE COPELAND JR.

Delegate Lamont Bagby, who has represented House District 74 since 2015, is being challenged by political novice Republican James L. “Jimmy” Brooks.

The district include parts of Richmond and Henrico County. It runs from Virginia Center Commons in northeastern Henrico through parts of North Side and East Highland Park to Highland Springs and Elko Road.

Delegate Bagby, 44, is chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, a position that has been used to steer progressive legislation through the General Assembly since Democrats won control of both legislative chambers in 2017.

Delegate Bagby serves on the Education, Transportation, Labor and Commerce and Rules committees in the House. His campaign has focused on his commitment to social justice, equity in health care and education.

Mr. Brooks, an Army veteran, retired landscaper and cancer survivor, has campaigned as an advocate for the people. His priorities include pushing for lower drug prices by removing government restrictions; stepping up opioid addiction treatment; getting tougher on crime; cutting red tape and providing incentives to help businesses bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic; repairing roads, bridges and other infrastructure; and aiding veterans.

In terms of a campaign war chest, the differences are stark. As of Sept. 30, Delegate Bagby has raised $537,358 compared to Mr. Brooks, who has raised $5,060. – GEORGE COPELAND JR.

Ms. Gardner

House District 27

Delegate Roxann L. Robinson, Republican (incumbent) Debra D. Gardner, Democrat Only two precincts in Richmond are in House District 27.

They lie in the area of South Side near Chesterfield County, which comprises the lion’s share of the district.

Republican incumbent Delegate Roxann L. Robinson, a 65-year-old optometrist who has represented the district since 2010, is facing a challenge by Democrat Debra D. Gardner, a former state and city of Richmond employee who now has a consulting firm.

The district has long been a Republican stronghold, but Delegate Robinson won re-election in 2019 by less than 200 votes. It has been listed by the Virginia Public Access Project as one of the most competitive races this fall.

Delegate Robinson has used her time in the House of Delegates to push for education reform and was appointed by former Gov. Terry McAuliffe to consolidate and reorganize the Standards of Learning tests that all Virginia public school students take. She is a member of the House Education Committee.

Delegate Robinson also has signaled her support for tax reform, aiming to lower taxes for Virginians.

Ms. Gardner, a Chesterfield resident for more than 30 years, previously served as deputy director of the Virginia Department of Corrections and before that as executive director of the Virginia Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program.

Ms. Gardner also was a deputy chief administrative officer for the City of Richmond, overseeing social services, juvenile justice and parks and recreation, but was dismissed in a shakeup in early 2017 when Mayor Levar M. Stoney first took office.

She ran a close but unsuccessful race for the Clover Hill District on the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors in 2019.

Ms. Gardner currently works as a life coach and is the founder of D2G-Coaching, a consulting firm that focuses on executive training and social work.

Her key issues during the campaign are COVID-19 recovery, criminal justice reform and access to affordable health care.

As of Sept. 30, Ms. Gardner has outdistanced Delegate Robinson in fundraising, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Ms. Gardner has raised $753,313 while Delegate Robinson has raised $522,416. – CHIP LAUDERBACH

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Richmond Free Press

Election News

City voters will cast ballots for constitutional officers — commonwealth’s attorney, sheriff and treasurer Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin is unopposed in her bid for reelection to a four-year term.

She won a decisive victory over a Democratic primary challenger in June. And with Republicans not fielding a candidate in the general election, Mrs. McEachin is assured a win on Nov. 2.

The 65-year-old attorney who earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law served as Richmond’s deputy commonwealth’s attorney for 20 years.

She won a special election in November 2019 to finish the term of her predecessor, former Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring, who stepped down and is now in private practice.

She is the first woman and the first African-American woman elected to the position.

Earlier this year, she created a new Community Justice Reform Unit to focus on what she calls the “three Rs: reform, restore and rehabilitate.”

For the last year, she also has served on Mayor Levar

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M. Stoney’s Task reduce incarceration Force to Reimagine and recidivism.

Public Safety in the She is the wife wake of widespread of 4th District Condemands for public gressman A. Donald safety reform after McEachin. the murder of George According to Floyd in May 2020 the Virginia Pubat the hands of Minlic Access ProjMrs. McEachin neapolis Police. ect’s website, Mrs. Mrs. McEachin McEachin’s camplans to create more programs paign has raised $89,889 from protecting and supporting crime Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, and had victims; address the therapeutic $13,822 on hand as of Sept. needs of mental health and/or 30. – RONALD E. CARsubstance abuse issues; and RINGTON

Crusade endorses candidates

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Richmond Crusade for Voters is marking its 65th anniversary by urging voters to support the ONE Casino + Resort and the Democratic ticket in the Nov. 2 election.

The area’s oldest and largest Black political group voted Oct. 15 to throw its support behind the casino that Maryland-based Black media company Urban One is proposing to develop in an industrial area off Commerce Road in South Side.

The group also voted to support former Gov. Terry McAuliffe for a second term as Virginia’s chief executive, Delegate Hala Ayala for lieutenant governor and Attorney General Mark R. Herring in his bid for a third term.

The Crusade stated that its selection of the three Democrats for the top offices was based on expectations that they “will create good-paying jobs, make health care more affordable, protect voting rights and invest in public education and public safety.”

The Crusade also voted to support the re-election bids of several Democratic delegates to the General Assembly, including Dawn Adams, 68th District; Betsy B. Carr, 69th District; Delores L. McQuinn, 70th District; Jeffrey M. Bourne, 71st District; and Lamont Bagby, 74th District.

The organization also voted to back Democratic incumbents seeking new terms as city constitutional officers: Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin; Sheriff Antionette V. Irving; and Treasurer Nichole Richardson Armstead.

Richmond Sheriff Sheriff Antionette V. Irving, who has held office since January 2018, is running for re-election against Michael R. Dickinson.

During her time in office, Sheriff Irving has focused on restorative justice and equipping residents of Sheriff Irving the Richmond City Justice Center with resources needed to prepare them for successful re-entry into society.

During the pandemic, she also tightly managed the jail’s COVID-19 response, receiving praise from the Richmond Health District.

In June, she won a close Democratic primary race against a challenger who claimed her lack of leadership was contributing to deputies leaving the department, resulting in a staff shortage and creating unsafe conditions and morale in the jail.

She acknowledged a high number of vacancies at the time, saying they were due to the pandemic, retirements and higher pay available in neighboring jurisdictions.

Sheriff Irving earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Shaw University; a

master’s in administration from Central Michigan University; and a Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in criminal justice from North Central University.

Mr. Dickinson, the owner and chief executive ofMr. Dickinson ficer of BlackCat Events, is a perennial candidate, having run in the past for Congress, Richmond City Council and the House of Delegates. In his most recent attempt, he ran as a Republican in the June primary for a House of Delegates seat and lost.

Since then, the Richmond Republican Party chairman filed a formal complaint with the Richmond commonwealth’s attorney against Mr. Dickinson for allegedly submitting petitions to run for sheriff by asking registered voters for their signature for a candidate other than himself.

Mr. Dickinson has denied the allegations.

Mr. Dickinson earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2002 and a Ph.D. in public policy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007. – RONALD E. CARRINGTON

Richmond Treasurer Richmond Treasurer Nichole Richardson Armstead, a Democrat, is facing a re-election challenge from longtime political outsider and independent candidate L. Shirley Harvey.

The two ran in a threeMs. Armstead way contest in November 2017 for the office, with Ms. Armstead, a political newcomer at the time, securing victory.

During her tenure, Ms. Armstead, has sought to expand the role of the treasurer’s office beyond the duties of collecting overdue state taxes, selling hunting and fishing licenses, paying city jurors, notarizing documents and helping people fill out tax forms.

Through the Financial Navigators service, her office has helped residents connect with local nonprofits providing rent assistance, food assistance and utilities. She has sought to help boost Richmonders’ financial literacy, but some of the initiatives were put on hold because of the pandemic.

Ms. Armstead came to the job with a Paid Political Advertisement

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The daughter of former Ms. Harvey City Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson, Ms. Armstead has a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Ms. Harvey served a term on City Council from 1994 to 1996. Since then, she has run for and lost elections for mayor, the House of Delegates and again for City Council. She also ran unsuccessfully for city treasurer in 2013 and again in 2017.

She has criticized the treasurer’s post in the past, but also has said in previous contests that the General Assembly should give the office financial authority to serve as a check and balance on the city’s Finance Department, which she described in overwhelmingly negative terms.

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October 21-23, 2021 A11

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Richmond Free Press

Signs of autumn in the West End

Editorial Page

A12

October 21-23, 2021

Win with ONE Casino Like most cities, Richmond loves big shiny new projects because they symbolize progress.

Through the years, such projects locally have captured the public’s attention and support. Among them, the proposed $1.2 billion Richmond Coliseum and Downtown development project; the Washington Football Team training camp; and now a Richmond casino.

While we like big shiny projects, too, the Free Press signals our support if, only after careful examination, the project makes sense.

Urban One’s planned $565 million ONE Casino + Resort makes sense. And we urge Richmond voters to vote ‘yes’ on the casino question on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Why? Unlike the proposed Coliseum project, which we scrutinized and rejected, Urban One’s casino plan doesn’t put taxpayer money at risk. No taxpayer money will be on the line as the Black-owned media giant works to open by late 2024 this 100-acre luxury facility that will feature 100,000 square feet of gaming space; a 250-room, 4-star hotel with 15 restaurants and bars; a 3,000-seat theater that will have live performances; a television and radio studio, where entertainers can be interviewed and programs can be produced; a soundstage to lure film and other productions from the current mecca in Atlanta to Richmond; and a 20-acre greenspace with a festival space for events, an arboretum and bike and fitness trails.

So who will pay for all of this?

Private investors.

Unlike the proposed Coliseum and Downtown development project—which the Free Press rejected because of its likely drain on Richmond taxpayers and city coffers—Richmond taxpayers aren’t being asked to pay for the ONE Casino + Resort project over the next 30 years with a portion of their real estate tax dollars.

Instead, ONE Casino + Resort would rely totally on private investment. The list of well-heeled investors, a veritable Who’s Who in Black Richmond available on the project’s website, are the ones who will — and can afford to—bear the financial risk.

Richmond taxpayers wouldn’t be left holding the bag.

And if Urban One’s projections are correct — and we hope they are — the casino-resort project stands to attract visitors from up and down the East Coast and would pump $500 million in tax revenue into the city over the first 10 years. That money could be used for education, vital police, fire and social services and other essential needs in the city.

We have been disappointed before with bright, shiny projects such as the Washington Football Team training facility that didn’t meet the expectations or touted financial projections of developers and Richmond taxpayers were left picking up a multimillion-dollar tab.

We don’t believe that would happen with ONE Casino + Resort because, in part, of the business acumen and experience of Alfred C. Liggins III, CEO of Urban One, who is spearheading the project, and his mother, Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Urban One. They have a proven record, building their highly successful media empire from the ground up. Urban One also has a 7 percent stake in the MGM National Harbor casino resort in Maryland and, as such, has experts lined up to make Richmond’s ONE Casino + Resort a success.

Above all, we like this project because it is Black-owned and because of the opportunity it affords both people and a South Side community that have long been mired in neglect.

This project offers job growth and potential in an area of the city that can use a boost as it raises the economy and fortunes of the city overall.

According to Mr. Liggins, the project will spur 3,000 construction jobs and create an additional 1,500 permanent jobs with an average salary of $55,000 once the casino is built.

We like this project, too, because Mr. Liggins and Ms. Hughes have made an expressed commitment to having 50 percent of the construction and operational workforce to be diverse, reflecting the unique character of Richmond. They also have committed to having 40 percent of their suppliers be minority-owned businesses and emerging, small businesses.

These commitments are essential in a city where nearly 50 percent of the residents are African-American.

Additionally, 60 percent of the project’s workforce, Mr. Liggins said, would be Richmond area residents. That would be a big plus for Richmond area families.

We believe it is important for a Richmond casino to get in the game early before the Virginia market is saturated. More and more communities in Virginia are getting into the gamingentertainment business.

We believe some of the arguments made by opponents of the casino smack of paternalism and condescension, as critics claim they are trying to protect those who can least afford to lose money at the gaming tables and slots.

People — all people — rich or poor have the freedom right now to spend what they want—and can—at gambling emporiums in Richmond, New Kent County and Hampton.

They also can drive – or take a bus trip—two hours north to Maryland to the MGM National Harbor or other casinos in Dover, Del., and in and around Baltimore.

We question whether some of the criticism is fueled by the jealously of traditional white interests who aren’t running this show, and therefore may not personally benefit from the casino as they would have with the proposed Coliseum project.

While some critics say the casino-resort would not be located near a big shopping area or near areas like Downtown or the museum district with plenty of other attractions and restaurants, we believe the planned site along heavily traveled Interstate 95 will attract tourists and visitors from along the East Coast to stop, stay and spend money at the gaming tables, or to take in a concert or to enjoy a weekend resort getaway.

We remind our readers that many people thought Walt Disney was crazy when he said he was going to build an amusement park in the middle of a Florida swamp. His vision and imagination, like ONE Casino + Resort’s creators, were much bigger than many people could fathom.

But like Orlando, Fla., South Side Richmond will change if the casino is approved by voters and built there. And like Disney’s Magic Kingdom, ONE Casino + Resort will be a big boost and draw for the city, which can certainly stand to benefit from a successful shiny project in the coming years.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Free Press endorsements House District 68

House District 69

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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 ______________

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Protect and promote Black economic and political independence In an August 1992 column, I noted the need for Black folks to focus more on achieving economic and political independence.

In regards to politics, I wrote: “One of the best things I have read recently is that onequarter of Black people who were asked their political affiliation described themselves as Independent. … Declaring ourselves politically independent is an important first step. The next one is to organize a political party that looks to further our interests and those of other groups with whom we have formed mutually beneficial relationships. There is nothing sacred about a two-party system.”

In dealing with economics, I included a quote given to author

and historian Lerone Bennett Jr. in a 1976 interview with legendary businessman Earl B. Dickerson.

Mr. Dickerson stated, “As more and more Blacks move into the middle class, they have a responsibility to the Black community. If Blacks go into

A. Peter Bailey the white community to get knowledge and then stay there, they are only pushing further away from the possibilities of Blacks ever becoming economically sufficient. I call upon these young Black men and women to get the experience, to get the foundation and, before they are too old, to move into the Black community to help Blacks achieve economic equality. The economic insufficiency of the Black community can never be improved to any substantial extent merely by employing a few middle class Blacks. … We’ve got to improve the

purchasing power of the total community.”

Twenty-nine years after that column, we, as a people, have yet to achieve the kind of economic and political independence that will enable us to better promote and protect our vital interests in this country.

Economically, we still give the overwhelming majority of our dollars to members of other racial, ethnic or religious groups, despite being exploited by all of them.

Politically, the overwhelming majority of us still believe that the only way to do that is to be either a Democrat or a Republican, despite the fact that both parties, through the years, have exploited us.

The billion dollar question is when will we begin to more effectively promote and protect our economic and political interests?

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

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The Free Press welcomes letters The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you.

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Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s).

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Richmond Free Press

October 21-23, 2021 A13

Letters to the Editor

Rev. Sharpton endorses Richmond casino Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 teaches us that there is a time for everything, and that God is the ultimate authority on everything under the sun. God has created stages which we call seasons for the various cycles of all life. And while humans have learned to master many aspects of life, the one area that God retains total control of is time. Only in God’s infinite mercy can we experience the best time to achieve certain undertakings when and if we are able to recognize those best times.

Recognizing what is the best time is one of the keys that successful people identify as their game changer. Harriet Tubman sadly admitted that she could have freed a thousand more slaves, but they had been brainwashed into believing that the time was not right.

And unfortunately, when we take a candid look at the postponement of the full development and utilization of our $1.6 trillion dollar purchasing power for the elimination of social problems that have continued to plague our people and communities, far too many of us still think that this is just not the best time.

That thinking is so very wrong, so very outdated and so very counterproductive that it must change, or we will continue to

finance our own demise and, at some point, we will have run out of time. The best time is always going to be whenever we make up our minds that change is what we are requiring to take place.

The entertainment industry — and its many allied industries — is the No. 1 source of individual wealth in the United States.

As you are reading, there are absolutely no Black-built and Black-owned gaming resort enterprises in this entire country.

But the time is right for Richmond, Va., to change the future of an entire industry that has historically regarded us merely as customers.

The opportunity of ONE Casino + Resort is being headed by Urban One Inc., a publicly held corporation that I have observed from a front row seat for nearly its entire 40 years of operation.

As founder of the civil rights organization the National Action Network, I fully endorse the ONE Casino + Resort project.

Originally founded by a woman visionary, Cathy Hughes, and operated for more than 25 years by her Wharton MBA son, Alfred Liggins III, the company has matured into the largest and most credible Black-owned media company in this country.

The referendum on the back of the Nov. 2 ballot in Rich-

‘Transition by the Slave Trail Commission was not because of dysfunction’ Re “Defunct: Richmond Slave Trail Commission, formed in 1998 by City Council to advocate for educating people about the enslaved and the city’s long and sordid history with slavery, no longer exists,” Free Press Oct. 14-16 edition: In response to the article, “Defunct,” I would like to start by saying Delegate Delores McQuinn, Rev. Ben Campbell and I sat with Free Press staff writer Jeremy Lazarus for one hour and a half and all he could write was unpleasantries about the history of the Slave Trail Commission.

The transition by the commission was not because of dysfunction but our efforts to fulfill its original mission of building a museum, and under the current structure, that was unlikely. We looked at the model used by the Maymont Foundation to establish a foundation while maintaining a relationship with the city, which was essential. A foundation is in place and working toward the stabilization of it so as to attract the quality of leaders needed to build a $200 million museum to honor our history and ancestors that died building this country. Mr. Lazarus was informed of this, but made no mention of it in the article.

Former City Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin was the founding chair of the Slave Trail Commission, which started out as the Unity Commission, from 1994 until his legal troubles caused him to resign from City Council and the commission. Look at what the commission did from 1994 until 2000 when Mr. El-Amin was the chair and before Delegate McQuinn took

over: Absolutely nothing. Check the records.

Under Mr. El-Amin’s watch, the end goal was a museum, but now he says that it is a pipe dream. This is the voice that is being used to slam and discredit the commission.

Under Delegate McQuinn’s leadership, the commission has placed markers to tell our story along the trail where tens of thousands of people have walked; had a Reconciliation Statue erected, where five African ambassadors attended; completed an archaeological dig on the Lumpkin’s Jail site, that the Smithsonian said was one of the most significant digs in America; brought in consultants for an inclusive engagement with the community to be sure their voices were a part of the process; and, as the article stated, worked with the Smith Group, one of the leading designers of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington. In addition, we have raised nearly $30 million toward its development.

Could some things have been done differently? Yes. Has the commission lost sight of its goal? No. The proposed demise of a commission is worthy of headlines, but the truth of the situation is dismissed. Our ancestors are rolling over in their graves and I feel that Ray Boone, the late publisher and editor of the Free Press, is one of them.

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

REAPPORTIONMENT OF HENRICO ELECTION DISTRICTS

The 2020 Census figures are in, and Henrico County will be redrawing the local election district lines this year!

County staff will host two public information sessions for interested residents:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.

Eastern Henrico Recreation Center 1440 North Laburnum Avenue

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.

Administration Building (Board Room) at the Government Center 4301 E. Parham Road

Henrico County representatives from the Planning Department, County Attorney’s Office, and Voter Registration will be on hand to present information, answer questions, and hear your input. All Henrico residents are welcome and encouraged to attend!

For more information and for ways to participate virtually visit www.henrico.us/reapp2021 or call 501-4427

Let's Build

TOGETHER Join Breeden Construction

Saturday, October 23, 2021 11:00 am - 3:00 pm The Fulton Neighborhood A neighborhood celebration for the residents of Fulton

FREE FOOD! GIVEAWAYS! AND MORE! Residents will enjoy FREE food from Reggie’s Grill.

Enter our raffle for your chance to win gift cards and a TV! View photos of the renovations to your new home!

Talk with subcontractors about available joE openings.

Your neighborhood celebration is organized in partnership with Michaels Development

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J&G Workforce Development, LLC

Richmond, VA 23226

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mond will give Urban One, as well as 60 local businessmen and businesswomen, the right time to change the entertainment industry. The deal that the City of Richmond structured with Urban One is historic in its requirements. There is absolutely no government money and there are no incentives from Richmond in the agreement. Yet Richmond will receive a half billion dollars for schools, roads and more, which means no tax increase.

There will be 3,000 construction jobs to build the complex and 1,500 permanent jobs to operate it, with employee profit sharing, which is unheard of in gaming. And $16 million will go to nonprofits and community organizations. There will be a safe green area for family outings and 200 live shows a year in a 3,000-seat theater. WHEW! It has taken a long time to move this referendum from the back of the bus to the back of the Nov. 2 ballot, so don’t wait: Go vote ‘Yes’ now for ONE Casino + Resort because the time is right.

REV. AL SHARPTON New York The writer is founder of the National Action Network.

‘Slave Trail Commission became a sham’ Re “Defunct: Richmond Slave Trail Commission, formed in 1998 by City Council to advocate for educating people about the enslaved and the city’s long and sordid history with slavery, no longer exists,” Free Press Oct. 14-16 edition: The title of the recent article about the Slave Trail Commission said it all in one word: “Defunct.”

The commission had long become defunct, legally and morally. Over an extended period of time, three people — Delegate Delores McQuinn, Richmond City Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille and the Rev. Ben Campbell — worked to hijack an important public body.

As is clear from City of Richmond records, the Slave Trail Commission was not a properly constituted public body and it failed to follow state and local provisions relating to the conduct of public business.

The Slave Trail Commission was created in 1998 as a representative body with 17 members. It ended with the three people holding power and not letting go. Through the years, members walked away from the commission with dis-

gust and they weren’t replaced. Members even died and were not replaced. It did not matter to the three people. It served a purpose.

In background reading, I came across a quote from Rev. Campbell saying that the irregularities and failures of the Slave Trail Commission were due to “dysfunction.” If so, it was wellorchestrated dysfunction. It appears to have been a calculated way for the three people to get outsized influence in the planning and financing of a major city undertaking, such as the Lumpkin’s Jail/Slave Trail site and Devil’s Half Acre project.

I can imagine that people may say now that Delegate McQuinn, Councilwoman Newbille and Rev. Campbell are good people who were just trying to do good work.

Maybe we should thank them for their service? No. Under their control, the Slave Trail Commission became a sham. What they did was shameless.

MIKE SARAHAN Richmond

Could You Imagine Your Day Without Water?

Did you know...

• 2 million Americans live without access to drinking water and wastewater services every day.

•The average American uses 17.2 gallons of water every time they shower.

• 1/5 of the US economy would grind to a halt without reliable water infrastructure.

• To learn more about where your drinking water comes from and where your wastewater goes visit our website at rva.gov/public-utilities.

CARES ACT UTILITY RELIEF

LAST CHANCE! DEADLINE OCT. 29 LAST CHANCE for City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities customers that have fallen behind on their water, wastewater and gas utility bills as a result of an economic hardship due to COVID-19 to receive relief.

Take advantage of this opportunity to avoid late fees and other collection activity that will resume on November 1. Previous recipients are eligible to reapply for a different service period.

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!

For other utility assistance programs, call 804-646-4646

Richmond Free Press

A14 October 21-23, 2021

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Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU defeats Chowan; next up, Bowie State Virginia Union University finally has a bold-letter victory.

Now it needs to add another and another and another.

Fully awakened after a slumbering start to the season, the Panthers have no time to celebrate their rousing 38-31 victory last Saturday at Chowan University.

On deck is a pivotal match against perennial CIAA Northern Division heavyweight Bowie State University. Kickoff in that matchup is set for 1 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 23, at Hovey Stadium.

This Saturday’s tug-o-war for the top rung in the CIAA Northern Division also will serve as the annual Lucille Brown Community Youth Bowl and Military Appreciation Day. At least offensively, the Panthers hit their stride, and then some, against Chowan, racking up 552 yards total offense with 363 rushing.

Freshman headliner Jada Byers dipped, darted and dashed for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Rodney McKay added 127 yards on the ground, featuring an oh-my-gosh 98-yard touchdown dash for the ages.

McKay’s 98-yard masterpiece in cleats tied an 81-year-old

Games Saturday, Oct. 23 Bowie State University at Virginia Union University, 1 p.m. kickoff Lincoln University at Virginia State University, 2 p.m. kickoff Chowan University at Elizabeth City State University, 1:30 p.m. kickoff

Northern Division standings

CIAA Overall

Bowie State University

4-0

6-1

Virginia Union University

3-1

4-3

Virginia State University

2-2

2-4

Chowan University

2-2

5-2

Elizabeth City State University 2-2

2-5

Lincoln University

1-6

1-3

Bowie State is led by quarterback Ja’rome Johnson who has passed for 1,393 yards and 17 touchdowns while connecting on 59 percent of his aerials.

A transfer from the University of Virginia at Wise, Johnson was CIAA Offensive Player of the Year in 2019.

VUU’s quarterback situation is more dicey.

Graduate student Khalid Morris has enjoyed a Courtesy of VUU Athletic Department Virginia Union University wide receiver Larry Hackey goes high for a reception solid season, but gave way to E’Mond Caldwell for much of the second half against Chowan. during last Saturday’s game against Chowan University in Murfreesboro, N.C. Caldwell, also a graduate student, hit eight VUU record for longest touchdown sprint in VUU lore. In 1940, of 14 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, and ran four times Fred “Cannonball” Cooper went 98 yards for 6 points against for 26 yards.

North Carolina A&T State University.

VUU’s defensive leaders against Chowan were safety Marquis Byers, the hard-to-wrap-up 5-foot-7, 171-pound newcomer Hamilton, with seven tackles, and Xzavier Hines, aka “The X with the shifty hips, wasn’t to be upstaged. The game marked Factor,” with three tackles and three quarterback hurries. the New Jersey native’s second 200-yard-plus explosion in just The relentless Hines, among others, kept Chowan quarterback his seventh game wearing the maroon and steel. Earlier, Byers Bryce Witt on the run most of the afternoon. rolled for 210 yards against Virginia University of Lynchburg.

Should VUU upset Bowie State and follow up with victories Shifting into Week 8, Byers leads the CIAA in rushing with against Elizabeth City State University on Oct. 30 and Virginia 654 yards, seven touchdowns and 5.8 yards per carry average. State University on Nov. 6, the Panthers would likely claim Defeating Chowan, a team that’s usually at the middle of the Northern Division title and travel to Salem for the CIAA the pack, is one thing. Nudging Bowie State off its customary championship on Nov. 13. pedestal will require more elbow grease.

The Panthers, despite some close calls, have yet to earn a VUU Coach Alvin Parker designed the ideal game plan against trip to Salem, site of the CIAA championship game since 2016.

Chowan and will need more of the same against the invading That’s generally because big, bad barking Bowie State is standBowie State Bulldogs. ing in the way.

VSU looking to Saturday’s homecoming; boost in win column Virginia State University’s returning alumni and friends could be in store for some offensive fireworks this Saturday, Oct. 23, at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick.

The Trojans will celebrate homecoming with a 2 p.m. game against CIAA opponent Lincoln University.

Coach Reggie Barlow’s offense, now led

by North Carolina Central University transfer quarterback Chauncey Caldwell, has been on fire as of late.

Despite an agonizing 51-44 loss at CIAA powerhouse Bowie State University last Saturday, the Trojans amassed 21 first downs, 505 yards total offense and 366 yards rushing. And that doesn’t even count Andre Jackson’s 93-yard touchdown kickoff return.

After trailing 21-0, the Trojans figured out the Bowie State defense and attacked and attacked.

VSU running back Darius Hagans rambled for 199 yards on 22 carries. And Caldwell, in what amounted to his VSU coming out party, threw for four touchdowns, including a pair to Marquez Phillips.

Upton Bailey, the exciting freshman from Petersburg, raced 80 yards with a 74-yard

touchdown. The previous week, Bailey went 58 yards, with a 28-yard touchdown, on only four totes.

Caldwell also tossed touchdown aerials to Tylin Oden and Roy Jackson III. A native of Durham, N.C., Caldwell started eight games for his hometown school, North Carolina Central University, throwing 19 touchdown passes for the Eagles. He played two full seasons at Central before announcing he would transfer after the opening game of his junior year.

Previously, Coach Barlow had rotated Mark Wright, Jordan Davis and D’Vonte Waller at quarterback.

Slow out of the blocks, VSU scored 7, 7 and 14 points in its first three games. Since then, the point totals have been 33, 35 and 44.

Will Adams sparked the Trojans’ defense with seven tackles plus an interception. The Trojans likely have been eliminated from the CIAA Northern Division race, but still hope for a winning season and the chance to finish with a flurry.

Following the homecoming game against Lincoln, VSU will finish with a home date against Chowan University and a trip to Richmond to

Courtesy of VSU Athletic Department

The Virginia State University defense scrambles to keep the Bowie State University ball carrier from making much headway in last Saturday’s game. VSU ultimately lost to the perennial powerhouse 51-44.

meet Virginia Union University on Nov. 6.

Lincoln comes to Ettrick 1-6 overall but feeling good about last Saturday’s 17-14 homecoming win over Elizabeth City State University.

Based on history, VSU is a prohibitive favorite to add the Lincoln Lions to the win column.

Since 2011, VSU is 9-0 against Lincoln with a 36-point average winning margin.

Confluence of circumstances causes John Marshall to cancel rest of football season Problems were popping up all over.

If it wasn’t one thing, it was something else. Everything piled up on the John Marshall High School football program, leading to the cancelation of the season.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make,” said John Marshall Activities Director Daynelle Smith.

Smith cited “low participation numbers (low enrollment), lack of resources, inconsistency and injuries” as contributing factors leading to the abrupt end of the season with five games left on the schedule.

“After weighing the pros and cons with head Coach Willie Gillus

III and the administration, we felt it was the best decision to protect the safety of our student-athletes,” Smith said.

The decision to cancel the remainder of the season was made after the team’s four lopsided losses: 54-0 to Douglas Freeman High School, 37-0 to Thomas Jefferson High School, 62-6 to Petersburg High School and 68-0 to Armstrong High School.

Facing a demanding schedule of opponents from Western Henrico and Hanover counties, there was no soft landing spot in sight.

Coach Gillus’ varsity was down to 30 athletes on the roster, but only 16 juniors and seniors and only four offensive linemen. There was never a

junior varsity team. Many had never played football before this season.

John Marshall also lost six players for the season to injury and four turned in their uniforms for personal reasons.

Smith insists it’s only a speed bump and not a dead end for John Marshall Justices football.

“We will use the remainder of the season to rebuild our program through strength and conditioning, nutrition, tutoring, 7-on-7’s, attending camps and other important factors,” Smith said.

The name Willie Gillus III might ring a bell with college football fans.

Willie Gillus Jr. was a record-setting quarterback at Norfolk State Univer-

sity and later served as the Spartans’ head coach.

Gillus Jr. also was the offensive coordinator at Virginia Union University before getting the head job at NSU in 2003. Gillus Jr. played in 1987 with the NFL Green Bay Packers.

John Marshall hasn’t always been down on its luck. In 2019, the Justices were 6-5 under Coach Phillip Sims, with victories over Bluestone, Mills Godwin, Armstrong, Tunstall, J.R. Tucker and Glen Allen high schools.

Coach Sims, the former University of Alabama and University of Virginia quarterback, left John Marshall to become coach at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County.

Richmond Public Schools football scoreboard Last week’s games Thomas Jefferson 28, J.R. Tucker 8 Patrick Henry 22, Armstrong 6 Friday, Oct. 22, games Thomas Jefferson at Glen Allen, 7 p.m.

Atlee at Armstrong, 7 p.m.

Monacan at Huguenot, 7 p.m.

George Wythe at Midlothian, 7 p.m.

October 21-23, 2021 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Monica L. Darden Spotlight on honorary chair of the AKA Sorority’s 15th Annual Sauté and Sizzle Things are getting a bit spicy as Monica L. Darden nears the end of the first year of her term as president of the Rho Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Ms. Darden also is the honorary chair of the sorority’s annual Sauté and Sizzle, a fundraiser with a salsa flair this year to benefit the sorority’s scholarship and community programs.

The event will be held virtually this year because of the pandemic at 7:08 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, but it promises to be lively, Ms. Darden says.

As viewers watch and enjoy from home, professional chefs Jean Lorestil, Tye Hall and Big Herm (yes, of Big Herm’s Kitchen) will have a cook-off, with the winner decided by the guests based on their presentation. The chefs are all based in Richmond.

There’s no word yet on the dishes they will prepare, Ms. Darden says. It will be a surprise.

The evening will be hosted by actress Rashan Ali, who starred in the romantic comedy “Three Can Play That Game” and sprang to popularity on the talk show “Sister Circle,” and comedian Winston Hodges.

Viewers also can enjoy salsa dance lessons by instructors Joycelyn and Greg Harris.

The evening also will feature a raffle of two in-home private dinners and an in-home private brunch prepared by local chefs.

The raffle tickets can be purchased from any member

of the AKA’s Rho Eta Omega Chapter, while the tickets for the benefit are $40; $45 for a “Guac & Salsa Box” that includes party favors.

“The committee has done a phenomenal job and an exciting night is planned,” Ms. Darden says.

Her role, she says, is to make sure everything comes together.

“I just make sure that we’re doing the right thing,” Ms. Darden says, “making sure that we meet our mark, having a great event, putting on something that’s very worthwhile, and then we raise funds to put back into the community.”

Already this year, the busy members of Rho Eta Omega held a walk to raise money for breast cancer survivors, something that personally impacts chapter members. The chapter also will be recognizing the contributions of caregivers in an upcoming event, Ms. Darden says.

Helping others is at the core of the sorority’s mission.

“I believe in our mission of service to all mankind,” Ms. Darden says. “I believe in volunteering and giving back.”

The North Carolina native joined Rho Eta Omega Chapter in 1988, after meeting and connecting with some members when she first moved to Chesterfield County. She became active in the chapter and served previously as vice president. Her term as president is two years.

Outside of her work with Rho Eta Omega, Ms. Darden

15th Annual Sauté and Sizzle.

Date and place of birth: Sept. 30 in Winston-Salem, N.C. Where I live now: Chesterfield County.

Education: Bachelor’s in accounting, Elizabeth City State University.

Family: Husband, T.R. Darden, and three children ranging in age from 15 to 19.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is: The first Black Greek sorority; a 113-year old sisterhood!

We were founded Jan. 15, 1908.

is looking to further her education with another degree and possibly even starting another career.

For now, though, her focus is squarely on Rho Eta Omega. She hopes to use her time as president to make a difference.

“I would just want to leave our community in a better position,” she says.

Meet a leader with flair and spice and this week’s Personality, Monica L. Darden: Occupation: Financial operations director, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

No. 1 volunteer position: President, Rho Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and honorary chair of the

Number of AKA chapters: 1,026 chapters worldwide and approximately 300,000 members.

Mission of AKA: Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

Upcoming event: 15th Annual Sauté & Sizzle on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 7:08 p.m., a benefit for our scholarship and community programs. Guests will experience this year’s event virtually, but with a chef cookoff, salsa lesson, comedian and a DJ, there will be enough fun

for the entire family.

with family and friends.

Who’s cooking this year: This year we have three professional chefs who will wow guests with their culinary prowess. The winner will be decided by guests based on presentation.

What I am learning about myself during the pandemic: I am OK in the still of quiet.

Who came up with the idea for Sauté & Sizzle: The idea originally was suggested by former chapter President Sadá Hill and member Karen Hicks.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love football, especially college football.

Quote that I am inspired by: What God has for me, is for me!

What makes this year’s event different: This year, we have added a salsa flair to the mix.

Actress Rashan Ali will host the night along with comedian Winston Hodges. Salsa instructors Joycelyn and Greg Harris will share salsa tips and will get the crowd moving.

My friends describe me as: Funny, enthusiastic, analytical, hard-working, competitive, fun and always ready to grab something to eat!

Planning committee’s biggest challenge: Being innovative and keeping our guests engaged and excited to return each year.

But like always, the committee has done a phenomenal job and an exciting night is planned.

Best late-night snack: Nectarine and golden kiwi.

How readers can participate: Tickets are $40 to view the program or $45 for the “Guac & Salsa Box,” which includes favors. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/ REO2021SS or by emailing reo-fundraising@outlook.com.

In addition, we are raffling two in-home private dinners and an in-home private brunch prepared by local chefs. Raffle tickets can be purchased from any member of Rho Eta Omega Chapter.

A perfect day for me: A cup of tea, sitting on the porch enjoying the morning sun and time

At the top of my “to-do” list: Ensure all three of my children graduate from college.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Never stop learning and be independent.

Person who influenced me the most: My mother. She always has an idea, always pursues it with passion and, of course, makes sure you know you are never too old to pursue and accomplish a goal.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman.

What I’m reading now: “Feeding the Soul” by Tabitha Brown.

Next goal: I am interested in getting another degree soon to possibly start a second career.

I’m currently considering which of my interests I will pursue.

VALENTINA PELEGGI, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Classical Masterworks

CELLO VIRTUOSITY THIS SATURDAY @ 8pm THIS SUNDAY @ 3pm Chia-Hsuan Lin, Conductor Sterling Elliott, Cello MELISSA DUNPHY: Overdrive HAYDN: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D PROKOFIEV: Symphony No. 1 “Classical” STRAVINSKY: Pulcinella Suite TICKETS START AT $10

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Concerts are held at Dominion Energy Center, Carpenter Theatre O R D E R

T I C K E T S

N O W

F O R : Pops—Thanksgiving Weekend!

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR! Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021

Pre-concert festival @ 10am | Concert @ 11am

The Richmond Symphony puts the “Howl” in Halloween. Family-friendly favorites featuring movie hits: Black Panther, Pixar’s Coco, and from John Williams, Superman and Harry Potter. Kid’s - come in costume (and parents, too)!

LET IT SNOW!

Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 @ 8pm It’s Richmond’s favorite holiday musical tradition – now on Thanksgiving Weekend!

Celebrate the season with family and friends with your Richmond Symphony at the Carpenter Theatre. Carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites – even a visit from Santa!

TICKETS START AT $10

TICKETS FOR KIDS ONLY $10

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Richmond Free Press

B2 October 21-23, 2021

Happenings

Photos by Sandra Sellars/ Richmond Free Press

Gloves up, guns down

9/11 touring exhibit gives insight into terrorist attacks, pays tribute to fallen A free traveling exhibit paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks will be on display in Richmond through Monday, Oct. 25.

The 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit, created by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, includes artifacts such as steel beams from the World Trade Center twin towers in New York that were downed in the attacks, documentary videos and recordings of first responder radio transmissions.

Interactive guided tours will be conducted by firefighters from the New York Fire Department providing firsthand accounts of the day and its aftermath.

The aim is to further educate people across the country about the events of that tragic day in which 2,996 people were killed and thousands of others were injured in the coordinated attacks by terrorists hijacking commercial airliners and crashing them into the two towers at the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. A fourth plane intended for a target in Washington crashed in Shanksville, Penn., after passengers revolted against the terrorists.

More than 340 members of the New York Fire Department lost their lives in the rescue efforts.

The 1,100-square-foot exhibit, set up inside a high-tech, 83-foot tractor-trailer, will be open in the parking lot outside

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Days and times for the free exhibit are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, and Friday, Oct. 22; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

It was a thrilla, not in Manila, but at the Armstrong High School gymnasium last Saturday when youngsters took to the boxing ring for a series of matches for the 3rd Annual Gloves Over Guns event sponsored by the East End Boxing Club. Youngsters and young adults who train with the club were divided into various weight groups for the matches to show off their training in the sport. The club’s training program helps youths develop skills to manage their anxiety and anger and build healthy coping skills and self-awareness as alternatives to turning to gun violence.

Above left, Cameron Muse, left, and Kae’son Bracey square off in the 75-pound weight class for the short bout. Samuel Ojo, left, connects with Elham Naseri in the ring, where, above right, the two go head-to-head and toe-to-toe. Sportsmanship ruled the day,

however, with Samuel, the declared victor, placing the second-place medal around the neck of Elham before he was presented with his championship belt.

Trainers and other adult professionals were visible Saturday as they worked with the youths. Below left, Zion Allen, 14, gets his hands taped by his trainer, Andrew Council, and Samuel Ojo, sitting in his corner, is given water by his trainer, below center, between rounds.

Still, victory was a thrill, below right, for Devin Mejias-Johnson, who proudly holds up his championship belt after winning his match against Aayden Edwards in the 60pound weight class.

The event also featured entertainment between matches, with Richmond rapper Young Prince Charles among the performers.

Explore the Arlington neighborhood that’s been called “The World in a Zip Code”

Monday, Oct. 25.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of Mr. Siller, a firefighter with Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Squad 1 who died on Sept.

11, 2001. More than 500,000 visitors in nearly 50 states and Canada have toured the exhibit since its creation in 2013.

Columbia Pike THROUGH THE LENS OF COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Through January 8, 2022 800 East Broad Street | Richmond, Virginia 23219 www.lva.virginia.gov | 804.692.3500

FreePressCPAd2.indd 1

10/14/21 9:25 AM

Richmond Free Press

October 21-23, 2021 B3

Happenings Wanda Gill gives back to alma mater with $10,000 gift to VUU Alumni Association

By Ronald E. Carrington

Courtesy of the VUUNAA

Virginia Union University alumna Wanda E. Gill, left, and An’Jou White, president of the VUU National Alumni Association, pause for a photo at a homecoming event earlier this month.

Homecoming is always a big time for alumni to get together, have fun, reminisce and support their alma mater.

But the Virginia Union University National Alumni Association wasn’t prepared for the donation presented by Wanda E. Gill, Class of 1987, at the Alumni Awards Breakfast Oct. 8 at the VUU Living and Learning Center.

Mrs. Gill surprised the association with a $10,000 check in memory of her late husband, Charles A. Gill Sr., who died in August at age 63.

Mr. Gill became an instant millionaire just before Christmas 1993 when he won half of a $90 million Powerball jackpot. He used his winnings to help better the Richmond community, including building the Charles and Wanda Gill Community Center in the East End to give youngsters living in the Fairfield Court public housing community where Mr. Gill grew up an indoor recreation center.

He also regularly contributed to youth-serving charities,

built a dream home for his family in Powhatan County, started a limousine company and became owner of the Richmond Rhythm, a professional International Basketball League team.

While the limo company and the sports league no longer exist, the Gill family generosity goes on. Mrs. Gill’s donation will be earmarked to help students in financial need with housing, officials said.

“I was overwhelmed with the generosity of Mrs. Gill and thankful for the honor of the donation,” An’Jou White, president of the VUUNAA, told the Free Press this week about Mrs. Gill’s amazing gift and kindness.

Ms. White said, too, that it was the first donation during her first 100 days in office.

She said she will be conferring with Mrs. Gill on criteria to be used for the student housing scholarships. The target date is to start providing assistance to students in the spring.

Ms. White said that Ms. Gill is still mourning her husband and did not want to talk directly to the media.

Poet Claudia Rankine talks about CRT and microaggressions at UR forum

By Kathryn I. Kimmel

Acclaimed poet and author Claudia Rankine emphasized the importance of critical race theory and the impact of microaggressions in her recent keynote address to the Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum on Faith, Ethics & Global Society at the University of Richmond.

“The suppression of critical race theory is the suppression of information around this country that shows its true investment in white nationalism,” Ms. Rankine told an audience of nearly 200 people at the forum held Sept. 29 at the Modlin Center’s Camp Concert Hall on campus.

Ms. Rankine’s address, “The Making of Citizen: What It Means to Be an American Citizen in ‘Post-racial’ Society,” touched on many themes included in her 2014 book, “Citizen: An American Lyric.” The award-winning book features a collection of essays, lyrical poems and visual artwork that collectively created a portrait of race relations in the United States.

“It sadly stays relevant,” Ms. Rankine said about her book, which spotlights racial aggressions big and small, intentional and unintentional.

Ms. Rankine read from several poems from “Citizen,” noting many were inspired by her own experiences. As she

spoke, images were projected on a screen. One, a photograph, showed a Ku Klux Klan parade in Washington in 1926. Ms. Rankine criticized American school systems for not teaching about the photograph, along with other iconic historical images.

“The move against critical race theory is really a move for the suppression of images like this, which is American history,” Ms. Rankine said.

Ms. Rankine She also talked about the effects that microaggressions—thinly veiled, everyday interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups—can have on people of color. She said the accumulation of microaggressions takes a serious and harmful toll on a person.

“There is a difference between an utterance and a gunshot.

A bullet kills quickly; the other does so over a lifetime,” Ms. Rankine said.

Kevon Thompson, a junior at UR, said Ms. Rankine’s talk “put into words experiences that I’ve had but didn’t know how to describe myself. It didn’t feel like new information,

but I think this will help me become more self-aware of future interactions that I have.”

In a question-and-answer session following the address, junior Alexis Cobbs asked Ms. Rankine how the UR community, now in the middle of a “racial reckoning,” can make the campus a better place for future students.

When things are important to community members, Ms. Rankine responded, those individuals must persist. She said that there is no place for cynicism in the current conversation.

“I don’t know how to end what doesn’t have an ending,” she said about the irony of giving her book a conclusion while the racial aggressions it analyzes are ongoing.

Magnolia Kaylee, a UR senior, said Ms. Rankine’s talk “had a large impact on me because I’m writing my thesis about identity and agency. I was struck by the idea that our identities have such a serious impact on how people perceive us.”

Ms. Rankine, winner of a MacArthur “genius grant” in 2016, is the recipient of the Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry and the Poets & Writers’ Jackson Poetry Prize, among others awards.

The annual Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum “attracts extraordinary speakers who address the large themes of faith, ethics and global society,” said Dr. Craig Kocher, university chaplain.

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Richmond Free Press

B4 October 21-23, 2021

Faith News/Obituary/Directory

Gang demands $17M ransom for 17 missionaries kidnapped in Haiti The Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti A gang that kidnapped 17 members of a U.S.-based missionary group has demanded a $17 million ransom for them, according to Haiti’s justice minister, as quoted by the Wall Street Journal.

Justice Minister Liszt Quitel said the gang was demanding $1 million per person. Mr. Quitel did not immediately return messages for comment, but he confirmed the figure to the New York Times. The Journal said he identified the ages of the abducted children as 8 months and 3, 6, 14 and 15 years.

A wave of kidnappings prompted a protest strike that shuttered businesses, schools and public transportation in a new blow to Haiti’s anemic economy, and unions and other groups vowed to continue the shutdown on Tuesday.

FBI agents and other U.S. officials are helping Haitian authorities hunt for the 12 adults and five children linked to the Christian Aid Ministries in Ohio who were kidnapped last Saturday during a trip to visit an orphanage.

It is the largest reported kidnapping of its kind in recent years.

Haitian gangs are growing more brazen and abductions are spiking as the country tries to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Southern Haiti on Aug. 14 and killed more than 2,200 people.

“We are calling on authorities to take action,” said Jean-Louis Abaki, a moto taxi driver who joined the strike Monday to decry killings and kidnappings in the hemisphere’s poorest nation.

With the usually chaotic streets of Haiti’s capital quiet and largely empty on Monday, Mr. Abaki said that if Prime Minister Ariel Henry and National Police Chief Léon Charles want to stay in power, “they have to give the population a chance at security.”

Haitian police told The Associated Press that the abduction of the 16 Americans and one Canadian was carried out by the 400 Mawozo gang, a group with a long record of killings, kidnappings and extortion. In April, a man who claimed to be the gang’s leader told a radio station that it was responsible for abducting five priests, two nuns and three relatives of one of the priests that month. They were later released.

At least 328 kidnappings were reported to Haiti’s National Police in the first eight months of 2021, compared with a total of 234 for all of 2020, said a report last month by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti.

Gangs have been accused of kidnapping schoolchildren, doctors, police officers, bus passengers and others as they grow more powerful and demand ransoms ranging from a couple hundred dollars to millions of dollars.

Ned Price, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said U.S. officials have been in constant contact with Haiti’s National Police, the missionary group and the victims’ relatives.

“This is something that we have treated with the utmost priority since Saturday,” Mr. Price said, adding that officials are doing “all we can to seek a quick resolution to this.”

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the rise in gang violence has affected relief efforts in Haiti. He said the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator reported that “violence, looting, road blockades and the persistent presence of armed gangs all pose obstacles to humanitarian access. The situation is further complicated by very serious fuel shortages and the reduced supply of goods.”

Mr. Dujarric said that Haiti’s government should redouble efforts to reform and strengthen the police department to address public safety and that all crimes must be investigated.

Christian Aid Ministries said the kidnapped group included

Retired pediatrician Dr. Cynthia Charity succumbs at 73

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

time, he was earning his medical degree at nearby Meharry Medical College. They married in 1967.

She and her husband were parents of a growing son when she enrolled in medical school in New York.

Along with juggling Dr. Charity demands at home, Dr. Charity completed the difficult course work at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in May 1976, winning recognition for accomplishing the feat as a married mother.

She also gave birth to a daughter, Anne, in 1976, and a second daughter, Renee, in 1978, while completing her pediatric residency at the Medical College of Virginia.

Her family said she delighted in seeing her pediatric patients grow up under her

Dr. Cynthia Anne McClennon Charity sought to keep a generation of Richmond children healthy.

Her work as a caring pediatrician for 26 years is being remembered following her death Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. She was 73.

Dr. Charity was the wife of Dr. Renard A. Charity Sr., an obstetrician and gynecologist who looked after women’s health and delivered their babies. In 1980, they began operating their medical practices in the same building, starting out at 1500 Semmes Ave. in South Side, and then operating offices at 700 W. Grace St. and in the Manchester Medical Building they developed at 101 Cowardin Ave. Dr. Charity met her future husband while completing her undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., where she was among the first AfricanAmerican students in the mid-1960s. At the

care. She retired in 2006.

Later, she and her husband rarely could go to the store or run an errand without hearing the call, “Dr. Charity! Dr. Charity!” from former patients, her family noted.

Along with her medical practice, Dr. Charity was a member of Gilfield Baptist Church in Charles City County and also was involved in civic endeavors as a member of various boards and organizations, her family said.

Her family said she enjoyed traveling with her husband, but was happiest engaging in creative pursuits, such as sewing a garment, crocheting or cross-stitching elaborate patterns and beautifully decorating her home for every holiday.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Dr. Charity; her son, Renard Charity Jr. of Needham, Mass.; her two daughters, Dr. Anne Charity Hudley of Stanford, Calif., and Renée Charity Price of Princeton, N.J.; and five grandchildren.

The family held a private memorial service.

“The Church With A Welcome”

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

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

1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402

Sharon Baptist Church

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

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

Back Inside

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Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, 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.

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.

Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# In person Sunday Service also on FACEBOOK and YouTube 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org

#

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

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

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Worship With Us This Week!

Parking Lot Worship Oct. 24, 2021 @ 9:30 A.M.

W

Parking Lot or Virtual

Join us online at mmbcrva.org or Facebook.com/mmbcrva

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

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

*Faith Formation/ Church School (Sat. @ 9:00 AM) Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9164 9805 /Passcode: 2901 *Bible Study (Wed. @ 7:00 PM) Zoom Meeting ID: 983 8639 0975/ Password: 012563 *Give Via: http://mmbcrva.org/give Or through Givelify

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church in g

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

Baptist Church

Come worship with us!

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

bin om

Baptist Church

Riverview

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

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

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Moore Street Missionary

*Faith Formation/ Church School (Sat. @ 9:00 AM) Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9164 9805 /Passcode: 2901 *Bible Study (Wed. @ 7:00 PM) Zoom Meeting ID: 983 8639 0975/ Password: 012563

8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

six women, six men and five children. A sign on the door at the organization’s headquarters in Berlin, Ohio, said it was closed due to the kidnapping situation.

Among those kidnapped were four children and one of their parents from a Michigan family, their pastor told The Detroit News. The youngest from the family is under 10, said minister Ron Marks, who declined to identify them. They arrived in Haiti earlier this month, he said.

News of the kidnappings spread swiftly in and around Holmes County, Ohio, hub of one of the nation’s largest populations of Amish and conservative Mennonites, said Marcus Yoder, executive director of the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center in nearby Millersburg, Ohio.

Christian Aid Ministries is supported by conservative Mennonite, Amish and related groups in the Anabaptist tradition.

The organization was founded in the early 1980s and began working in Haiti later that decade, said Steven Nolt, professor of history and Anabaptist studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. The group has year-round mission staff in Haiti and several countries, he said, and it ships religious, school and medical supplies throughout the world.

Conservative Anabaptists, while disagreeing over technology and other issues, share traditions such as modest, plain clothing, separation from mainstream society, closely disciplined congregations and a belief in nonresistance to violence.

The Amish and Mennonite communities in Holmes County have a close connection with missionary organizations serving Haiti.

Every September at the Ohio Haiti Benefit Auction, handmade furniture, quilts, firewood and tools are sold, and barbecue chicken and Haitian beans and rice are dished up. The event typically brings in about $600,000 that is split between 18 missionary groups, said Aaron Miller, one of the organizers.

ance with Reverence Relev

Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor ❖

The doors of the church are open for worship!

No registration required.

Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays

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

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

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

SERVICES

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

Thursday Facebook Live Check in With Pastor DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

8:00 P.M. Via http://Facebook.com/mmbcrva

Sunday Morning Virtual Worship 10:30 A.M. Via http://Facebook.com/mmbcrva Or http://mmbcrva.org/live

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Richmond Free Press

October 21-23, 2021 B5

Legal Notices Continued from previous column

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call

644-0496

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-235 To amend and reordain City Code § 26-355, concerning the levy of tax on real estate, to establish a tax rate of $1.20 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2022, pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3321(b), and increasing such rate from the Rolled Back Tax Rate of $1.071 as computed in accordance with Va. Code § 58.13321(a). (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, October 21, 2021, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2021-261 As Amended To authorize the special use of the property known as 105 South Laurel Street for the purpose of up to three singlefamily attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2021-272 To amend and reordain City Code § 2-1105, concerning the Aging and Disabilities Advisory Board, for the purpose of increasing the membership of such Board from nine to 11 members.

Ordinance No. 2021-273 To authorize the special use of the property known as 419 Brook Road for the purpose of a (i) mixeduse building containing uses permitted in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District on the ground floor and one dwelling unit on the second floor or (ii) two-family dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in both the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District and the B-1 Neighborhood Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary Uses: Single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units) and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+ units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural and government.

The density of the proposed development is approximately 49 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-274 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1108 North 28th Street for the purpose of up to three single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings (10+units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government.

The density of the proposed development is approximately 16 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-275 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1301 North 32nd Street for the purpose of a mixeduse building containing up to two dwelling units and commercial space, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for this property is R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential.

The City’s Richmond 300 Continued on next column

Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed Use. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings (10+units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government.

The density of the proposed development is approximately 26 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-276 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3026 North Avenue for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District.

The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Residential.

Primary Uses: Singlefamily homes, accessory dwelling units and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multifamily buildings (3-10 units), institutional and cultural uses. Secondary uses may be found along major streets and the portion of North Avenue that the property abuts is designated as a major street. The density of the proposed development is approximately 15 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-277 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3401 Patterson Avenue for the purpose of a restaurant, tea room, café, delicatessen, ice cream parlor, or similar food service establishment, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal of Ord. No. 90-142-117, adopted May 14, 1990.

The current zoning for the subject property is R-48 Multifamily Residential. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates this property as Neighborhood Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+units), retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural, and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-278 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 6900 Patterson Avenue and 6904 Patterson Avenue for the purpose of (i) up to seven single-family attached dwellings; (ii) either one single family detached dwelling or offices, including business, professional and administrative offices, medical and dental offices and clinics, and studios of writers, designers and artists engaged in the graphic arts; and (iii) one common area, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for the subject property is R-4 SingleFamily Residential.

The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates this property as Community MixedUse. Primary Uses: Retail/office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Single-family houses, institutional, and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 17 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-279 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3422 R Street for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in an R-5 Single-Family Zoning District. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed Use. Primary Uses: Single family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government.

The density of the proposed development is approximately 15 units per acre.

Continued from previous column

dwelling units and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings (3-10 units), institutional and cultural uses. The density of the proposed development is approximately 19 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-281 To rezone the properties known as 1903 Chamberlayne Parkway and 1900 Roane Street from the M-1 Light Industrial District to the B-7 Mixed-Use Business District. The property is situated in the M-1 Light Industrial District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Industrial Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/ office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Institutional and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-282 To rezone the property known as 925 East 4th Street from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the B-7 Mixed-Use Business District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use of the subject property as Destination Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Institutional and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-283 To rezone the property known as 2723 East Cary Street from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the B-5 Central Business District. The property is situated in the M-2 Heavy Industrial District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Corridor Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/ office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space.

Secondary Uses: Singlefamily houses, institutional and government uses.

Ordinance No. 2021-284 To close, to public use and travel, an alley bounded

by West Leigh Street, North Belvidere Street, West Duval Street, and Brook Road, consisting of 2,370± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2021-285 To amend City Code §§ 16-51, concerning the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, 1652, concerning definitions for the Affordable Housing Tr u s t F u n d , 1 6 - 5 3 , concerning the purpose of the Affordable Housing Tr u s t F u n d , 1 6 - 8 0 , concerning the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board, 16-81, concerning the composition, appointment, and terms of office for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board, 16-82, concerning the prohibition on award of grants or loans where Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board members are involved, 16-83, concerning the duties of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board, 16-84, concerning the conduct of affairs for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board, 16112, concerning program administration for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, 16-113, concerning the general administration of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and 16-114, concerning regulations for the administration of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, for the purpose of modifying the operations and administration of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Ordinance No. 2021-286 To amend and reordain City Code § 26-355, concerning the levy of tax on real estate, to establish a tax rate of $1.135 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2022, pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3321(b), and increasing such rate from the Rolled Back Tax Rate of $1.071 as computed in accordance with Va. Code § 58.13321(a). (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, October 21, 2021, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2021-280 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3310 RichmondHenrico Turnpike for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-5 SingleFamily Zoning District.

The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Residential.

Primary Uses: Singlefamily homes, accessory

Ordinance No. 2021-287 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept $4,000,000.00 from the United States Department of Health and Human Services and to appropriate the funds received to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services by $4,000,000.00 for the purpose of funding the City’s program to advance health literacy and enhance equitable

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Continued from previous column

community outcomes in accordance with the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community Responses to COVID-19 initiative.

Ordinance No. 2021-288 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $257,856.59 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to various departments and other agencies by $257,856.59 for the purpose of providing those departments and other agencies with reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for eligible costs incurred as part of the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ordinance No. 2021-289 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $67,727.27 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services called the 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Special Fund and by increasing revenues and the amount appropriated to the new Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (APG) Special Fund by $67,727.27, for the purpose of funding incident management training, equipment, and supplies to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards.

Ordinance No. 2021-290 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $15,240.00 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Shared Mobility Special Fund by $15,240.00 for the purpose of funding the City’s commuter assistance mobility marketing project.

Ordinance No. 2021-292 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $75,000.00 from The Washington Football Charitable Foundation, Inc. and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ Community Center Enhancements (FY21) Hotchkiss project in the Culture and Recreation category by $75,000.00 for the purpose of funding the renovation of outdoor facilities and amenities at Hotchkiss Field Community Center located at 701 East Brookland Park Boulevard.

Ordinance No. 2021-293 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Project Agreement for Use of Commonwealth Transportation Funds Fiscal Year 2022 between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of receiving grant funds in the amount of $15,240.00 to fund the City’s commuter assistance mobility marketing project.

Ordinance No. 2021-294 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease between the City of Richmond as lessor and the Greater Richmond Transit Co. as lessee for the purpose of leasing to the Greater Richmond Transit Co. a certain portion of the City-owned property located at 808 East Clay Street.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the November 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-295 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2200 Carrington Street and 2202 Carrington Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building containing up to nine dwelling units and commercial uses, upon certain terms and conditions. The properties are situated in an R-63 Multifamily Urban Residential District. Richmond 300 recommends a future land use of “Neighborhood Mixed‑Use” for the property. The primary uses recommended for Neighborhood Mixed‑Use are single‑family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi‑family buildings (typically 3‑10 units) and open space. Secondary uses include large multi‑family buildings (10+ units), retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-296 To authorize the special use of the property known as 4120 Dorset Road for the purpose of a day nursery for up to 12 children, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in a R-3 Single-Family Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan recommends a future land use of “Residential” for the property. The primary uses envisioned for Residential are single family houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space.

Secondary uses are duplexes and small multi‑family buildings (typically 3‑10 units), institutional, and cultural.

Ordinance No. 2021-297 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2100 Edwards Avenue for the purpose of up to three single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-5 Single-Family Residential D i s t r i c t . T h e C i t y ’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Residential.

Primary Uses: Singlefamily houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), institutional, and cultural. Secondary uses may be found along major streets. (p. 54) The density of the proposal is approximately 11 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-298 To authorize the special use of the property known as 513 North 28th Street for the purpose of a day nursery in a singlefamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in a R-8 Urban Residential District. The Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use of the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+units), retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural, and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-299 To authorize the special use of the property known as 111 B North Lombardy Street for the purpose of restaurant and retail uses and other uses permitted in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in a R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. Richmond 300 recommends a future land use of “Neighborhood Mixed‑Use” for the property. The primary uses recommended for Neighborhood Mixed‑Use are single‑family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi‑family buildings (typically 3‑10 units) and open space. Secondary uses include large multi‑family buildings (10+ units), retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-300 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1823 Rose Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Avenue, for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.

The current zoning for the subject property is R-6 Single Family Attached Residential. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Residential.

Primary uses include single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space.

Secondary uses include Duplexes and small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), institutional, and cultural. Secondary uses may be found along major streets. (p. 54) Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the November 8, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER OLUWAGBEMISOLA OSIYOYE, Plaintiff v.

MICHAEL SMITH, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003418-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 13th day of January, 2022 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 GREGORY CARTER, Plaintiff v.

TRACY CANNON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003308-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 29th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

JUSTYN AMADOR, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003334-00 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 1st day of December, 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

Continued from previous column

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 19th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

DJIGUIBA BAH, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003216-00 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 19th day of November, 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 BABATUNDE ODUFOYE, Plaintiff v.

CHALEI DAVIS-ODUFOYE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002556-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 19th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

ROBERTA ROBINSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002197-00 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 5th day of November, 2021 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JACQUELINE BROWN, Plaintiff v.

THOMAS BROWN, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL21002307-00

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER PATRICIA HARRIS, Plaintiff v.

TYRONE HARRIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003129-00 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 5th day of November, 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

Continued on next column

Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re AR’RYANNA LASHAE CARTER RDSS v.

MARCUS SHELTON, UNKNOWN FATHER & RAVEN CARTER Case No. J-97927-06,07 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Marcus Shelton (Father), Unknown (Father),& Raven Carter (Mother) of Ar’ryanna Lashae Carter, child DOB: 6/15/2015, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: Visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support and that:

It is ORDERED that the defendants, Marcus Shelton (Father), Unknown Father (Father),& Raven Carter (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 12/10/2021, at 10:20 AM, Courtroom #1 (BEL) VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re ALIJAH DEVON CARTER RDSS v.

SHAQUILLE BAILEY, UNKNOWN FATHER & RAVEN CARTER Case No. J-98485-05,06,08 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Shaquille Bailey (Father), Unknown (Father),& Raven Carter (Mother) of Alijah Devon Carter, child DOB: 8/16/2012, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: Visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support and that:

It is ORDERED that the defendants, Shaquille Bailey (Father), Unknown Father (Father),& Raven Carter (Mother), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 12/10/2021, at 10:20 AM, Courtroom #1 (BEL) VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DOMINIQUE RASHAD ALLEN & KA’SHAWN JOYNN PLEASANTS RDSS v.

UNKNOWN FATHER Case No. J-93391-11-00, J-94683-10-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown (Father), of Dominique Rashad Allen, child DOB: 1/21/2015 & Ka’shawn Joynn Pleasants, child DOB: 1/16/2017 “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: Visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support and that:

It is ORDERED that the defendants Unknown Father (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 12/7/2021, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #2 MCG

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

LARRY W. INGE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-3120 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2502 Courtland Street, Tax Map Number S009-0224/010, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Larry W. Inge and Cindy E. Inge.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, LARRY W. INGE and CINDY E. INGE, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action, 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 Continued on next page

Richmond Free Press

B6 October 21-23, 2021

Sports Plus

Chicago Sky wins first WNBA championship Free Press wire report

VCU to meet VSU Nov. 1 at the Siegel Center

By Fred Jeter

A hoops rivalry that began more than a half century ago will be renewed Monday, Nov. 1, when Virginia Commonwealth University hosts Virginia State University in an exhibition game.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at a likely jam-packed Siegel Center on the VCU campus.

VCU, 19-7 a season ago, will be trying to replace guard Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland, the NBA Denver Nuggets’ top draft choice this year, and three injured Rams—Ace Baldwin, who is expected back in January, and Jamir Watkins and Jarren McAllister, who are out for the season with knee injuries.

VSU opted out the entire 2020-21 season because of COVID-19.

The CIAA Trojans were 19-9 in 2019-20.

Two seasons ago, VCU routed VSU 90-53 in a similar NCAA Division I versus Division II preseason warmup.

The VCU-VSU matchup goes way back. The Rams and Trojans began playing Feb. 4, 1970, in a contest VCU won in overtime 9692 at the former Franklin Street Gymnasium. The game was played before a sold-out crowd with many standing in the end zones.

In the tense final minutes, some young VSU fans strongly objected to a call and rushed the floor, heading toward the official.

In a blink, VSU Coach Harold Deane, in his first season with the Trojans, quickly and forcefully intervened and disaster was avoided.

VCU will open its official season under Coach Mike Rhoades Nov. 9 at “The Stu” against the Saint Peter’s University Peacocks of Jersey City, N.J. VSU Coach Lonnie Blow’s Trojans will open Nov. 12-13 at its Multi-Purpose Center against Mansfield University and Shippensburg University, both of Pennsylvania.

SWAC and Pac-12 ink agreement

By Fred Jeter

The historically Black Southwestern Athletic Conference, or SWAC, and the Pacific-12 Conference, or Pac-12, have shaken hands on a historic scheduling agreement.

Starting with the 2022-23 basketball season, the conferences will play home-and-home games in a fouryear arrangement.

“It kind of evens the playing field,” said SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland.

Previous interaction between the conferences always involved the SWAC school traveling to the Pac-12 campus for a financial guarantee.

Under the new deal, no money will change hands, but the final scores may be more favorable to SWAC affiliates.

In 2022-23, Southern University of Louisiana will travel to the University of Arizona, Florida A&M University will travel to the University of Oregon and Alabama State University will travel to the University of Southern California.

Also that season, the University of Washington will play at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, the University of Colorado will play at Grambling State University in Louisiana, and Arizona State University will play at Texas Southern University.

SWAC schools have gone 0-12 against Pac-12 opponents the past two seasons, with every game at the Pac-12 site. The change figures to enhance SWAC’s poor attendance. The conference ranks 29th of 32 Division I conferences in tickets sold, with an average of only about 1,600 per contest.

The SWAC is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., while the Pac-12 operates out of San Francisco.

The SWAC and the MEAC, or Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, are the only historically Black NCAA Division I conferences. A similar arrangement between MEAC and the ACC, or Atlantic Coast Conference, would be another step in leveling the playing field.

The Pac-12 has 15 NCAA championships, tying the ACC for first in that category.

CHICAGO Candace Parker returned home to bring Chicago a championship. She did just that, leading the Chicago Sky to the franchise’s first WNBA title.

Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Parker added 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, with Chicago beating the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 on Sunday in Game 4.

“This one is so sweet,” a champagnesoaked Parker said. “To do it with this group. I love this group, I love this team.

And to do it here at home, it was just supposed to be.”

The Phoenix players declined to come to the postgame press conference. The door to their locker room was broken and a person familiar with the incident said at least one of the team’s players was responsible. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

Courtney Vandersloot added 10 points and 15 assists for the Sky, who won the series 3-1, rallying from a 72-65 deficit with 4:42 left.

Vandersloot later scored in the lane to seal the victory and set off the celebration.

As the final buzzer sounded, Parker sprinted to the corner of the court and hugged her family with tears in her eyes.

Chicago Coach James Wade became the third Black male coach to win a WNBA championship, joining Michael Cooper who did it with the Los Angeles Sparks and Corey Gaines, who did it with the Phoenix Mercury.

The Sky drew a sold-out crowd Sunday despite the Chicago Bears hosting the rival Green Bay Packers just down the street

Paul Beaty/Associated Press

The Chicago Sky’s Diamond DeShields, left, and Lexie Brown celebrate with the championship trophy Sunday after defeating the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals in Chicago.

at Soldier Field. Chance the Rapper was once again in attendance to support his hometown team.

The victory was a full-circle moment for Parker, who triumphantly returned home to Chicago this season after spending 13 years with the Los Angeles Sparks. She has been continually called the Sky’s missing piece throughout the playoffs, a label she proved accurate many times during Chicago’s stunning run, winning the title as a sixth seed.

“It feels amazing. My high school coach is here,” Parker said. “I know Pat’s (Summitt) watching. Got the whole city here. We got the whole city here. We are champions for life now.”

Brittney Griner was a focal point of Phoenix’s offense early on. The seven-

time All-Star finished the game with 28 points, 18 of which came in the first half.

Griner and guard Skylar Diggins-Smith helped lead a 9-0 run to finish the second quarter and give Phoenix a 44-37 edge at halftime.

Yet, Quigley’s fourth-quarter outburst ultimately undid any attempts Phoenix could make to stave off elimination.

“It wasn’t our night,” Phoenix Coach Sandy Brondello said. “Allie made some really big shots for them. We left her open, and she made them. It would be nice to be going back to a Game 5 now, but it’s not going to happen this year.”

Chicago’s Kahleah Copper, who had been a force in the first four games of the finals, earned MVP honors of the championship.

Henrico recognizes Highland Springs football pioneer Ronald White

By Fred Jeter

When Ronald White first went out for football at Highland Springs High School in 1966, he readily discovered he looked different from everyone else.

With high hopes but with a small stature, the sophomore became the Springers’ first Black football player. He was assigned No. 28 and nicknamed “Whizzer White.”

“I just wanted to play organized football for the first time,” White, now 71, said in a phone interview from his home in Odenton, Md. “Plus, it was much closer to home than taking the bus all the way to Virginia Randolph.”

For his pioneering efforts in shoulder pads, White recently was recognized by the Henrico County Board of Supervisors with a resolution commending his service to the athletic program at Highland Springs.

Some history: Prior to full racial integration of Henrico’s public school system, Virginia Randolph, located on Mountain Road in Glen Allen, served as the high school for Black students in the county.

White lived off Nine Mile Road, near New Bridge Baptist Church, a mere 1.6 miles from all-white Highland Springs High School. By contrast, it is 16.5 miles from New Bridge Baptist Church to what is now the Virginia Randolph Education Center on Mountain Road.

“On the other side of the county, a half hour bus ride to and from every day” said White, explaining his decision to stay closer to home.

Plus, he sent out a feeler to his friends at Virginia Randolph about playing football there and was told, “Dude, you’re too small,” he recalled with a laugh.

White had gone to segregated Fair Oaks Elementary and, until ninth grade, to Fairfield Middle School, which had just

This 1966 photo of the Highland Springs High School football team shows Ronald White, the team’s first Black player, No. 28, sitting on the front row.

Ronald White, right, holds the resolution he received recently from the Henrico County Board of Supervisors acknowledging his pioneering role as the first Black player on the Highland Springs High School football team. With him is the Rev. Joe Ellison, the team’s chaplain.

begun enrolling Black students.

On the first day of the fall semester, White signed up for Highland Springs varsity football under head Coach Lindy Hill.

It was a culture shock beyond being the only Black player.

“I’d never worn a helmet or shoulder pads; never heard of wrapping ankles or a playbook or wearing cleats,” he said. “It was the first time I’d ever played organized football.”

He estimates he was 5-foot-8 and 140 pounds and admits to having only average speed.

White played little on the varsity team in 1966 but did receive some game time with the Springers’ junior varsity team.

As a junior, he was a backup defensive back.

“I just wasn’t good enough,” he said, declining to accuse anyone of prejudice. He felt the full support of his white teammates and especially the kindness of assistant Coach Buster Lammay.

“It wasn’t paradise, but I have no complaints,” White said.

White’s historic significance of being Highland Springs High’s first Black football player was made public by Springer alumni Joe Ellison and Phillip Kirby in their efforts to publish Springer Spirit Volumes I and II. Team photos dating back to the 1950s are displayed in the books. They couldn’t help doing a double take at the 1966 team photo showing White sitting on the far right of the front row.

White never scored a touchdown, sacked a quarterback or led the Springers to victory.

Still, No. 28, “Whizzer White,” holds a place in Springers lore. No one can ever do what he did again.

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

Continued from previous column

LARRY W. INGE, CINDY E. INGE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 18, 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

be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

LICENSE GWBG RLLP Trading as: BRUN 203 N. Lombardy St. Richmond, VA 23220-3529 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer on Premises/ Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must Continued on next column

The Lion’s Den RVA, LLC Trading as: The Lion’s Den RVA, LLC 700 Dawn Street, Richmond, VA 23222-4618 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer on and off Premises/ Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

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

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