Richmond Free Press October 29-31, 2020 edition

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Richmond Free Press © 2020 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 29 NO. 45

Need a ride to the polls?

By Ronald E. Carrington

With early voting ending Saturday, Oct. 31, several local organizations are increasing get-out-the-vote efforts to get people to the polls.

Voters also can cast their ballots on Election Day, next Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and any voter in line by 7 p.m. will be able to vote.

Long lines of voters were visible last Saturday in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover, and the turnout is expected to be heavy again on Saturday, as well as Nov. 3.

Already, 286,847 people have voted in person or by mail in Metro Richmond, according to data on the Virginia Public Access Project website. That includes 36,599 early in-person voters in Richmond and 57,676 in Henrico County.

The Henrico Minsters Conference, the Henrico Branch Please turn to A4

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October 29-31, 2020

Bring it down Judge rules that Gov. Northam has authority to take down towering statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant’s ruling allows the six-story statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee to remain in place on Monument Avenue until the lawsuit over its removal is heard on appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.

Virginia is finally washing its hands of Robert E. Lee, 150 years after his death.

Long venerated as a symbol of white supremacy, the giant six-story statue of the slaverydefending Confederate general on horseback on Monument Avenue — whose giant stone pedestal has been artfully and colorfully transformed in recent months into a symbol of protest against racism — appears to be on its way out.

Reflecting the sea change in public values, a Richmond Circuit Court judge ruled this week that Gov. Ralph S. Northam has the authority to remove the towering monument that has stood for 130 years at the intersection of Monument and Allen avenues in the near West End. Judge W. Reilly Marchant, who spent three months blockPlease turn to A4

Black contractor braved threats in removing Confederate statues

By Sarah Rankin Associated Press

Devon Henry paced in nervous anticipation because this was a project like nothing he’d ever done. He wore the usual hard hat — and a bulletproof vest.

An accomplished Black businessman, Mr. Henry took on a job the city says others were unwilling to do: Lead contractor for the now-completed removal of 14 pieces of Confederate statuary that dotted Virginia’s capital city. There was angry opposition and fear for the safety of all involved.

But on July 1 when a crane finally plucked the equestrian statue of Gen. Stonewall Jackson off the enormous pedestal where it had towered over this former capital of the Confederacy for more than a century, church bells chimed, thunder clapped and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Mr. Henry’s brother grabbed him, and they jumped up and down. He saw others crying in the pouring rain.

“You did it, man,” said Rodney Henry.

Success came at some cost. Mr. Henry faced death threats, questions about the prices he charged, allegations of cronyism over past political donations to the city’s mayor and an inquiry by a special prosecutor. But he has no regrets.

“I feel a great deal of conviction in what we did and how

it was done,” Mr. Henry, 43, told The Associated Press in the only interview he has given.

As recently as a few years ago, the removal of Richmond’s Confederate monuments seemed nearly impossible, even as other tributes to rebel leaders around the United States started falling.

It was a particularly charged issue in a Mr. Henry historic city that had served as the capital of the Confederacy and played a central role in the Civil War. And the statues, especially along historic Monument Avenue, were breathtaking in size and valued for their artistic quality, drawing visitors like Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower.

The tide turned after the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, which ignited a wave of Confederate monument removals. Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney and City Council committed to removing the statues, something the Democrat-led General Assembly had authorized earlier in the year by giving localities control over their statues beginning July 1.

Mayor Stoney, who is Black and also has faced backlash for his role in the monument removals, including racist and threatening voicemails, said in a debate in early October that “what we

VMI superintendent resigns after probe ordered of ‘ongoing structural racism’ Free Press wire, staff report

LEXINGTON The superintendent of Virginia Military Institute resigned Monday, a week after Gov. Ralph S. Northam and other state officials ordered an investigation into what they characterized as a culture of “ongoing structural racism” at the college.

The VMI Board of Visitors accepted 80-year-old retired Army Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III’s resignation “with deep regret,” board President John William “Bill” Boland said in a statement.

“Gen. Peay has served VMI as superintendent exceptionally well for more than 17 years. Gen. Peay is a great American, patriot and hero. He has profoundly changed our school for the better in all respects,” the statement said.

VMI, founded in 1839, was the first state-supported military college in the nation. Officials at the school have said they Gen. Peay will cooperate with an investigation, but denied the allegation that the institution has systemic racial problems.

The first Black cadets enrolled at VMI in 1968; the first women, in 1997, after a U.S. Supreme Court decision forced the school to open to women. About 6 percent of VMI’s 1,700 cadets are Black, according to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Gov. Northam, a 1981 VMI graduate, and other top Democratic elected officials sent a letter to the public university’s board a week ago announcing an investigation into its culture, policies, practices and equity in disciplinary procedures. That decision Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

First-time voter Four-month-old Greyson White gets his first taste of voting as he accompanies his parents, Kindal and George White, when they cast ballots last Saturday at the Eastern Henrico Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road. The deadline for early, in-person voting is Saturday, Oct. 31. For details about early voting locations in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover, please see A2.

did was legal, it was appropriate and it was right.”

Mr. Henry “put his life on the line, put his family’s lives on the line, he put his business on the line. And we removed those monuments,” Mayor Stoney said.

The man who oversaw the statue removals is a Virginia native with an easy laugh and warm smile, the son of a single mother who had him at 16 and worked her way up from a crew member at McDonald’s to the operator of five stores. He, his college sweetheart and their two children live in suburban Richmond.

Records show his Newport News-based Team Henry Enterprises has won more than $100 million in federal contracts during the past decade. The company has handled projects ranging from Please turn to A4

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

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:

Date

Location

Friday, Oct. 30, 1 to 3 p.m.

Eastern Henrico Health Department 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., Eastern Henrico

Monday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to noon

Eastern Henrico Health Department 1400 N. Laburnum Ave., Eastern Henrico

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2 to 4 p.m.

Second Baptist Church of South Richmond 3300 Broad Rock Blvd., South Side

Thursday, Nov. 5, 9 to 11 a.m.

4th Avenue RRHA Senior Building 1611 4th Ave., Highland Park

Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered.

Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered.

Drive-thru testing.

Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Testing will be offered while test supplies last.

Village of Faith Ministries and Capital Area Health Network are offering free COVID-19 testing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Southside Community Center, 6255 Old Warwick Road.

Register online at cahealthnet.org or call (804) 409-5230.

The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering free COVID-19 testing at the following locations: • Cornerstone Church, 10551 Chalkley Road, 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.

• Faith and Family Center, 7900 Walmsley Blvd., 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; and 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, Nov. 12 and Nov. 19.

• Chesterfield Fairgrounds at Vietnam Veterans Building, 10300 Courthouse Road, noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 6.

Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms.

The testing is free, and no reservations are necessary.

Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) 3188207.

The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday a total of 176,754 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, along with 12,384 hospitalizations and 3,616 deaths.

The number of new coronavirus cases has exceeded 1,000 daily for the last several days, leading to an increase in the state’s seven-day positivity rate from 4.9 percent last week to 6 percent, officials said.

Of particular note is Southwest Virginia, where positivity rates have reached as high as 9 percent in some areas, Gov. Ralph S. Northam said Wednesday.

According to the data, African-Americans comprised 24.4 percent of cases and 27.5 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 27.5 percent of the cases and 9.3 percent of deaths.

Locally, as of Wednesday, 5,355 cases and 77 deaths were reported in Richmond; 6,342 cases and 232 deaths were reported in Henrico; and 7,111 cases and 113 deaths were reported in Chesterfield.

A2

Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

Local News

Deadline for in-person early voting Saturday, Oct.31 Voting information The presidential election, as well as contests for U.S. Senate, Congress, Richmond City Council and Richmond School Board, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls open on Election Day 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. As long as a voter is in line by 7 p.m., the voter will be able to vote.

• Early in-person voting: Through Saturday, Oct. 31.

Contact: Virginia Department of Elections, www.elections. virginia.gov or (800) 552-9745, for details on Election Day voting, early in-person voting, voting by mail and acceptable forms of ID to vote.

Richmond Early in-person voting:

Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office, 2134 W. Laburnum Ave. — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

City Hall, 900 E. Broad St. in Downtown and Hickory Hill Community Center, 3000 E. Belt Blvd. in South Side — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 30.

All three locations open for early voting 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31.

Drop box locations for mail-in ballots: Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office, first floor lobby; City Hall lobby; Southside Social S e r v i c e s C e n t e r l o b b y, Southside Plaza, 4100 Hull Street Road; or at the voter’s polling place on Nov. 3.

Details: (804) 646-5950 or www.richmondgov.com/ registrar/ Henrico County Early in-person voting

Henrico Western Government Center, Voter Registrar’s Office, Administration Building Annex Room 105, 4305 E. Parham Road – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Henrico Eastern Government Center, Room 100, 3820 Nine Mile Road – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Both locations open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

Drop box locations for mail-in ballots: *Henrico Western Government Center, Administration Building Annex Room 105; and Henrico Eastern Government Center, Room 100.

Details: (804) 501-4347 or henrico.us/registrar/

Chesterfield County Early in-person voting

C h e s t e r f i e l d Vo t e r Registrar’s Office, 9848 Lori Road – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Four satellite locations open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Friday. They are Meadowdale Library, 4301 Meadowdale Blvd.; L a P r a d e L i b r a r y, 9 0 0 0 Hull Street Road; North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road; and Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4501 River Road.

All five locations open for early voting 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31.

Drop box locations for mail-in ballots: C h e s t e r f i e l d Vo t e r Registrar’s Office and the four library satellite locations.

Details: (804) 748-1471 or www.chesterfield.gov/ Registrar Hanover County Early in-person voting

Hanover County Government Complex, Wickham Building, 7497 County Complex Road – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31.

Drop box location for mailin ballots: 24-hour drop box that is under surveillance is available on the northeast side of the Wickham Building at the Hanover County Government Complex.

Details: (804) 365-6080 or www.hanovercounty. gov/365/voting

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Roll to the polls Members of the Henrico Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority line up last Saturday near Highland Springs High School for a “Caravan to the Polls,” a get-out-the-vote event sponsored by the alumnae chapter. Voters met in their vehicles at varying neighborhood rallying points in Eastern Henrico County where they joined the Delta caravan to the early voting sites in the county.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Artistic designs decorate a tunnel portion of the Canal Walk in Downtown. This section near Virginia and 14th streets is part of the James River and Kanawha Canal that dates to 1785. George Washington envisioned and surveyed the canal that tracks the James River and enabled goods to flow into and out of the city. In the 1990s, Richmond began improvements to the canal system, including the separate Haxall Canal, that had long been in disrepair. The result: A 1.25-mile walk that is open 24/7. The Canal Walk connects from around Brown’s Island to the west to Shockoe Bottom and the Virginia Capital Trail to the east.

Construction of new city schools didn’t meet deadline, goal for minority participation

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond has built three new school buildings, but can teachers and students use them if the School Board decides to restart in-person learning?

Yes, for Henry L. Marsh III and Cardinal elementary schools, which just gained the required temporary occupancy permits allowing them to be used, but no for the new River City Middle School, which has not yet passed inspection.

None of the occupancy permits had been granted nearly eight weeks ago when Mayor Levar M. Stoney held a news conference on Sept. 3 to ceremoniously turn over the keys to the three new school buildings to Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras.

City Hall officials confirmed this week that work on all three buildings was still being finished at the time.

The delayed finish, though, appears to vindicate critics who warned two years ago that the construction method the city employed might not produce the best results and likely would raise costs.

At this point, the three construction projects have not met the mayor’s stated goal of having at least 40 percent of the site and construction work done by Black- and minority-owned businesses subcontractors.

And state data suggests the collective construction cost for the three buildings has run at least $16 million above the average other Virginia jurisdictions paid for school building construction during the same period.

Most evident is the missed deadline for having the buildings ready for use. Under the signed contracts issued by the city, the construction of all three buildings was to be completed Aug. 17 so each building could be furnished and computer systems set up before classes began Sept. 8.

In a statement the city’s Capital Projects team issued through the city press secretary’s office, the team, which did not identify its members, stated that the rush to complete the buildings eased after the School Board voted July 14 to keep buildings closed during the start of the 2020-21 academic year and have students take online classes because of the pandemic.

According to the statement, the “physical construction of the three new schools was sufficiently complete, that had it not been for the RPS decision to utilize virtual learning due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, the three schools would have been ready and available” for the start of classes.

That would have required at least a temporary certificate of occupancy.

City Hall on Wednesday provided copies of the temporary occupancy certificates for Cardinal and Marsh elementary schools.

The temporary certificate for Cardinal Elementary, 1745 Catalina Drive, built by S.B. Ballard Construction Co. to replace E.S.H. Greene Elementary, was issued Oct. 23, one day after city records show the building failed a final inspection.

The certificate for Marsh Elementary, 813 N. 28th St., which was built to replace George Mason Elementary and constructed

by Branch Builds Inc., was issued on Tuesday.

The Capital Projects team stated that River City Middle, 6300

Hull Street Road, built by Howard Shockey & Sons Inc., is “undergoing special inspections, and we are monitoring its progress toward” securing a temporary certificate of occupancy.

City records show River City Middle failed its latest final inspection Tuesday.

Two years ago, the Virginia Contractor Procurement Alliance warned Mayor Stoney and then-City Council President Chris A. Hilbert that the city would regret hiring contractors through a non-competitive process rather than using the traditional method of seeking sealed bids and awarding the contract to the qualified bidder who offered the lowest price. Mayor Stoney responded that the city would move forward without sealed bids.

Reports issued to Richmond Public Schools show the three schools cost a total of $146 million, including construction.

Matthew Benka, a spokesman for the contractor alliance, said that state data on school construction costs for the 2018-20 period show Richmond spent well above average in construction costs for the three new schools. With City Council approval, the city raised the sales tax on prepared meals 1.5 percent to repay the money borrowed to build the schools.

For Cardinal Elementary, Richmond paid $311.44 per square foot, or $32.80 more per square foot that the state average of $278.64; Chesterfield paid $255.27 per square foot, Mr. Benka said.

Richmond would have saved $3.9 million on construction if its construction costs had equaled the state average, and $6.67 million if the city could have built for the same cost per square foot as Chesterfield, he said.

Similar data for Marsh Elementary show the school’s construction cost is $6.8 million higher than the state average, and $9.1 million higher than Chesterfield paid for a similar school, Mr. Benka said.

Richmond could have saved $5.6 million on the cost of construction for River City Middle if the city had paid the state average, and $4.65 million if the city had been able to construct the school at the same square foot price as Chesterfield for a new middle school.

The Capital Projects team previously said the city got the best value for its money and that the total cost of development of the buildings is comparable to spending by other localities.

As to the employment of Black-owned and minority-owned companies, current city records show that 24 percent of the work on the middle school went to such companies, while such companies gained 15.2 percent of the work on Cardinal Elementary and 8.4 percent of the work on Marsh Elementary.

According to the Capital Project team’s statement, “All three contractors undertook extensive subcontractor outreach efforts in conjunction with the city’s Office of Minority Business Development.

“Based on the city’s experience with previous new school construction projects, a legitimate 40 percent (goal) was a challenge, especially given the robust level of construction activity in the Richmond area in the spring of 2019” when work on the school buildings began.

The team indicated they expect two of the projects to achieve participation percentages in the high 20s and the third to be in the low 20s.”

RPS expands mental health services for students through ChildSavers

By Ronald E. Carrington

Above, Billie-Jeanne Buster is ready to roll to the polls in her decorated car while, below, Chandra Hurst, president of the chapter, ties down balloons for the spirited, civic-minded caravan. The sorority chapter is hosting a similar event Saturday, Oct. 31, to rally voters in New Kent and Charles City counties.

Richmond Public Schools has expanded the ChildSavers program to Thomas C. Boushall Middle, George W. Carver Elementary and J.H. Blackwell Elementary schools, offering more students access to mental health services.

The expansion brings to 10 the number of city schools in which ChildSavers therapists are located and available to help students.

During the pandemic while RPS has moved to virtual learning, therapy sessions are held via Zoom. Teachers, staff and parents can refer students to the service and therapists are currently accepting new clients.

“Providing mental health services at school breaks down barriers and allows more students to access trauma-informed therapy,” L. Robert Bolling, president and chief executive officer of ChildSavers, said in a statement. “The program is also an important opportunity to bring mental health resources to students of color, specifically Black youths.

“This is important work and we’re proud of our ongoing collaboration with Richmond Public Schools.”

RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras said in a recent interview that the school-based therapy program has been very helpful in getting students to understand why they have the various emotions they have and how to manage them.

“It’s not trying to change students’ emotions. (Students) have (their) emotions for real and important reasons,” Mr. Kamras said.

“It’s important for them to be able to identify when (they) have those emotions — anger, fear or sadness — and how teachers can respond to them effectively. That’s the key.”

ChildSavers’ expansion to the three schools is being funded through the federal CARES Act, according to the RPS administration, $500,000 from a $3 million allocation.

The program’s partnership with RPS began during the 2017-18 school year and was started at schools in the East End because that was one of the areas where students were dealing with significant trauma in their lives, program officials said.

About 91 percent of the RPS students served by ChildSavers are African-American, officials said.

“The program focuses on trauma healing and building resistance,” Mr. Bolling told the Free Press.

ChildSavers also has mental health services and therapists connected with Martin Luther King Jr. Middle and Pre-School, and with Fairfield Court, Woodville, Henry L. Marsh III, OverbySheppard and Oak Grove-Bellemeade elementary schools.

“The program is also an important opportunity to bring mental health resources to students of color, specifically Black youth,” Mr. Bolling said. “Black Americans are more likely to be exposed to factors that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition, such as homelessness and exposure to violence.”

More information about ChildSavers is available at www. childsavers.org or (804) 644-9590. For crisis or immediate help, contact (804) 305-2430 or https://childsavers.org/immediateresponse/.

Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

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Richmond Free Press

A4 October 29-31, 2020

News

Judge rules that Gov. Northam has authority to take down towering statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue Continued from A1

ing the statue’s removal, astonished supporters of the monument and its 21-foot-tall metal statue of the Confederate leader.

In a 13-page decision issued on Tuesday, Judge Marchant ruled that Virginia’s public policy has changed and no longer supports keeping the statue.

It is the last large Confederate icon on city streets. The City of Richmond already has removed virtually all of the statues and icons it owned and displayed and most are being put up for sale.

Despite his ruling, Judge Marchant continued to bar the governor from taking action. The judge ordered the statue to remain untouched to give three property owners, who sued the governor in a bid to stop removal, time to appeal his ruling to the state Supreme Court, which will have the final word.

Still, Gov. Northam and Attorney General Mark R. Herring hailed the ruling as a victory nearly five months after the governor declared that “Richmond is no longer the capital of the Confederacy” and announced that the state-owned Lee statue would be taken down.

“The Lee Monument was built to celebrate the Confederacy and uphold white supremacy,” Gov. Northam noted in a celebratory statement. “This victory moves Virginia forward in

removing this relic of the past — one that was erected for all the wrong reasons.”

Mr. Herring, whose legal team led by state Solicitor General Toby J. Heytens provided the convincing arguments, stated, “The Lee statue does not represent who we have become as Virginians, and it sends the wrong message to the rest of the world that we continue to venerate an individual who fought to maintain the enslavement of human beings.”

While Judge Marchant heard hours of testimony and argument last week as he weighed the fate of the statue, his decision was grounded in just 14 words.

Those words: “Notwithstanding the provisions of Acts of Assembly, 1889 Chapter 24, which is hereby repealed.”

Those words are found in the revamped state budget that passed the state Senate and House of Delegates on Oct. 16 and are attached to language instructing the state Department of General Services to remove the Lee statue.

Those words eliminated what Judge Marchant had previously declared was the state’s policy toward the statue — an 1889 joint resolution of the legislature “requesting and authorizing the governor to accept the gift of the Lee Monument from the Lee Monument Association” and including a “guarantee” that the monument would be held “sacred to the monumental purpose to which it had been devoted” in perpetuity.

Describing the General Assembly as “the sole author of public policy” based on state Supreme Court precedent, Judge Marchant found that the approval of those 14 words “clearly indicate” the General Assembly and the commonwealth want to remove that statue. He found, as a result, that restrictive covenants contained in deeds barring any change to the statue are now void.

Judge Marchant did not address Mr. Heytens’ arguments that the state cannot be forced to present a message that the state no longer agrees with.

But the judge did reject arguments from Patrick M. McSweeney, who led the plaintiffs’ legal team, that the legislature’s action was unconstitutional. In Mr. McSweeney’s view, the judge got it wrong, and he already has said his clients want to appeal.

Judge Marchant noted that the General Assembly’s passage of the 14 words granted the governor authority to act. He said before that passage, he was prepared to rule against the governor.

But that statement of public policy, he wrote, changed the situation.

“In sum, the court finds on balance the commonwealth has carried its burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that enforcement of the restrictive covenants in the deeds of 1887 and 1890 would be a violation of the current public policy of the commonwealth. The court, therefore, holds that, at this time, the restrictive covenants are unenforceable.”

Black contractor braved threats in removing Confederate statues Continued from A1

invasive species removal to crane services for the U.S. Army to general construction. Team Henry was the general contractor on the recently completed Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at the University of Virginia.

Mr. Henry serves on several boards, including those of a bank and a health system foundation, and is a member of the board of visitors at his alma mater, Norfolk State University, where he endowed a scholarship.

Mr. Henry said the city’s Department of Public Works asked him in mid-June if he would be interested in the statue project.

A contractor who turned the city down gave them his name, he said.

Mr. Henry huddled with his family to make sure everyone was on board. His son and daughter “started Googling” and “there was most definitely a level of concern” when they read about what happened in Charlottesville, where plans to remove a Robert E. Lee statue sparked a deadly white supremacist rally in 2017, and in New Orleans, where a contractor’s car was firebombed.

Ultimately, they all agreed to take the job. This was an opportunity to be a part of history.

For safety, Mr. Henry said, he sought to conceal his company’s identity, creating a shell entity, NAH LLC, through which the $1.8 million contract was funneled.

Mayor Stoney’s administration initially declined to say who was behind the company, but the arrangement eventually came to light through public records requests and reporting by local news outlets. One blog ran a story headlined, “The Gory Details of Levar Stoney’s Statue Contract.” It also was reported that Mr. Henry had donated a total of $4,000 to Mayor Stoney and his political action committee.

Since his name and company became public, Mr. Henry said he has received death threats. He has added extra cameras to both his home and office security systems, gotten a concealed carry permit, taken defensive shooting classes and now carries a weapon wherever he goes.

He said he also has faced business repercussions. Some subcontractors have declined to work with him, he said, or doubled their prices.

An ongoing inquiry by a special prosecutor into the contract was initiated after Richmond City Councilwoman Kimberly B. “Kim” Gray, who formerly opposed removing the monuments and is running against Mayor Stoney in the November mayoral election, raised concerns about the deal.

Some of the mayor’s critics have questioned whether the price tag for the project, which included the removal of both large figures and smaller plaques, was reasonable. The statues are gone, but their enormous pedestals remain in place.

Some U.S. cities have paid more, like New Orleans, where it cost more than $2.1 million to remove four monuments. Others, like Baltimore, have paid far less. That city paid under $20,000 for four statues, according to one newspaper report.

Gray still questions cost of taking statues down

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

After more than 100 years, the statue of Confederate Stonewall Jackson on Monument Avenue came down to the cheers of throngs of people July 1 shortly after Mayor Stoney’s emergency order for the racist symbols to be removed.

Andrew Baxter, a nationally known conservator of outdoor sculpture who has worked on projects at the White House and the National Gallery of Art and has conducted extensive restoration work in the past on several of Richmond’s largest Confederate monuments, was critical of the mayor’s handling of the situation.

Mayor Stoney acted without the City Council’s formal sign-off and before completing procedural steps in the new law.

Still, Mr. Baxter said the amount the city paid seemed reasonable.

Mr. Henry said the safety considerations of the job were a consideration in setting the price.

“It’s not a situation where you’re just putting in a crane on the street and you’re putting an air conditioner on top of a unit,” he said.

There was trouble finding subcontractors. Even a company he worked with on the U.Va. memorial gave him a resounding, “Hell no!” when asked to participate, Mr. Henry said. A representative of another company suggested he should go take down a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. Truckers involved didn’t want their vehicle logos showing. Workers ended up traveling into Richmond from Wisconsin and Connecticut.

Mr. Henry negotiated the security plans, eventually working with the Richmond Sheriff’s Department because he said the police department was not willing to participate.

A police department spokesman declined to comment.

He also hired private security.

In the end, the project went on without incident.

In an interview a block away from the pedestal that once held Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart’s statue, Mr. Henry mused about his participation in two very different projects reflecting this moment in the story of race and America.

He helped build the U.Va. memorial, two nested granite rings,

Need a ride to the polls?

Continued from A1

NAACP and other voting rights advocates are sponsoring MOTORVOTE! to provide voters with transportation to the polls. The effort will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and all day until the polls close on Election Day. The idea, according to Terrell Pollard, Henrico NAACP vice president, is to have a few centralized locations for people to meet and drive to the polls to show solidarity. On Oct. 24, he and volunteers drove a number of residents in a van and four cars to vote at the Eastern Henrico Government Center on Nine Mile Road.

Rev. Marcus C. Martin, pastor of New Bridge Baptist Church and vice president of the Henrico Ministers Conference, encouraged voters to take advantage of the help during the COVID-19 pandemic to get to the polls to vote early.

“Our church will take people to the polls using social distancing and will provide protective gear for their safety,” Rev. Martin said. “We have had some steady numbers going to the polls. We are trying to keep those numbers up even during the weekdays.”

He said the long lines to vote

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

last weekend at the county’s Eastern and Western government centers moved swiftly.

“I stood in a line of about 50 people. It took me about 20 minutes to vote,” Rev. Martin said.

To schedule a ride, email www.tinyurl.com/motorvote, or call (804) 833-1405 or (804) 404-9713. Voters needing transportation also may email p1wisecrawley@gmail. com or contact.henrico.naacp@ gmail.com.

The Central Virginia Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute also is providing trans-

portation to polls in Henrico and Chesterfield.

Kirk Jones, president of the organization forAfrican-American trade unionists, said rides can be scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day by calling (804) 228-1744.

According to the Virginia Public Access Project data, 1.3 million Virginians have voted early in person, while another 821,000 have already voted by mail.

There are 5.9 million registered voters in the commonwealth.

one with a timeline of the history of slavery at the school — a tribute to the enslaved people who built and maintained one of the country’s most prestigious public universities but had long gone unrecognized.

And he helped remove the Richmond statues, which he called tools of oppression against Black Americans.

“To be a Black man in the middle to do it, it felt pretty good,” he said.

VMI superintendent resigns after probe ordered of ‘ongoing structural racism’ Continued from A1

Marques Lewis, 38, of Richmond pauses to put on his “I VOTED” sticker Wednesday after casting his ballot at the Richmond Voter Registrar’s Office at 2134 W. Laburnum Ave. Mr. Lewis, a barber at Express Yourself Braid and Beauty Barbershop in South Side, said his mother “has been preaching to me to exercise my right to vote since I was 18.”

City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, who is challenging Mayor Levar M. Stoney for the city’s top elected job, said this week that the Associated Press interview with contractor Devon Henry has not changed her view that an investigation is needed into the $1.8 million contract he received to remove the city’s Confederate statues from Monument Avenue and other public property in early July.

Ms. Gray said her focus is on the mayor’s actions, not those of Mr. Henry.

“No one is contesting the motives or integrity of Mr. Henry, and I appreciate his fears about working in the city during that time,” Ms. Gray stated in Ms. Gray response to a Free Press request for comment on the published interview.

“The real questions are whether Mayor Stoney followed the law when he awarded Mr. Henry a secretly negotiated $1.8 million contract and whether the costs involved were fair and competitive. Did the mayor protect the city and its taxpayers?” she stated in spelling out what has become a lynchpin of her campaign.

As to the legality, she stated the courts would decide, noting that a Richmond Circuit Court judge has appointed a special prosecutor to handle the investigation, which the Free Press has been told is going through the grand jury process. For now, there is no further information available on that process.

Mayor Stoney declined to respond to a Free Press request for comment because of the legal review. He previously has said, “What we did on July 1 was appropriate, it was legal and it was right.”

Insiders have told the Free Press that the mayor believes Mr. Henry provided a reasonably accurate account as outlined by the Associated Press.

came on the heels of a Washington Post article that described Black cadets and alumni facing “relentless racism.”

The Roanoke Times also reported months ago on Black alumni speaking out about racism at the school.

In addition to Gov. Northam, co-signers of the letter included Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, Attorney General Mark Herring and top Democratic legislative leaders.

Mr. Boland responded to the officials last week, saying that the school welcomed a review.

“However, systemic racism does not exist here and a fair and independent review will find that to be true,” Mr. Boland wrote in the letter.

But that was refuted by Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy of Prince William County, a Black 2003 VMI graduate who recently announced her candidacy for governor in 2021.

In a statement released last week, Delegate Carroll Foy said, “The experiences that Black students continue to face at VMI — some of which I, myself, experienced — are egregious.

And the daily occurrences of racism that Black Americans

face should not be dismissed.”

She also released a sevenpoint diversity and inclusion plan that she said VMI should adopt to root out racism.

“Now is the time to come together to reimagine the future of the institute, which has a valuable role to play in shaping leaders equipped to handle 21st century challenges,” Delegate Carroll Foy stated to the Free Press in response to Gen. Peay’s resignation.

Mr. Boland’s statement Monday said the board would “immediately” turn its attention to the search for a new superintendent.

Brig. Gen. Robert Moreschi, formerly the deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty, will serve as the interim superintendent.

A school spokesman said Gen. Peay was not granting interview requests.

His resignation letter, which was posted online, said Gov. Northam’s chief of staff “conveyed” last Friday that the governor and certain legislative leaders had lost confidence in his leadership and wanted his resignation.

“Change is overdue at VMI, and the Board of Visitors bears a deep responsibility to embrace it,” Gov. Northam’s spokes-

woman, Alena Yarmosky, said in a statement. “Diversity is a fundamental commitment.”

Ms. Yarmosky said Gov. Northam “wishes General Peay well and is grateful for his decades of public service.”

Several Republican lawmakers criticized Gov. Northam, who has publicly wrestled with racism in his past, for forcing Gen. Peay out before an investigation.

“I am deeply disappointed that Gen. Peay was not afforded the respect he deserved by the governor and the other elected officials who saw fit to demand his resignation only days after calling for an investigation of incidents alleged in the news media,” said Delegate Kirk Cox of Colonial Heights, the former speaker of the House of Delegates.

“The governor, in particular, should understand the importance of withholding judgment until the facts are in and should treat others with the same grace he once sought for himself,” he said, alluding to Gov. Northam’s refusal to resign from office in February 2019 after his 1984 medical school yearbook page was made public showing one person in blackface and another dressed in full Ku Klux Klan garb.

CHoR_FreePress_rainbow-emotions_v4.pdf

1

10/26/20

3:03 PM

Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

COVID-19 and kids A rainbow of emotions

As difficult as the changes are for adults, kids are dealing with their own feelings coupled with the emotions they pick up from their parents. As kids process what’s going on in their lives, it’s normal for the sadness they’re feeling to come out in ways that may look very different. Here’s a look at how some of these responses to sadness may appear:

Anger

Apathy

Boredom

Displaced frustration

Leave me alone!

It doesn’t matter anyway.

There’s nothing to do.

Rrrrrrr, this is so annoying!

Why do I have to do this now?

I’m just going to

I don’t feel like riding

Why is the computer

I’m not reading for

watch tv.

my bike.

so slow?

30 minutes. Fine, I’ll

Why are you always bugging me?

Don’t you have C

something else to do?

M

Y

This is my room.

CM

Knock before you enter.

MY

CY

CMY

Resistance

read one chapter I don’t want to do my

I’ve already watched

I don’t want a bagel.

school work.

šǑʅsěƪȇŀǐʅƞĻůNjƞɐ

Why can’t you ever

I’m not joining in the family phone call.

and then I’m done.

make pancakes for

You don’t make me

breakfast?

do all these chores

I have nothing to say.

any other time.

K

How to help your children cope with the pandemic This pandemic is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, so how can we help our children cope, especially when we're also feeling anxious? The key lies in acknowledging our own fears and concerns, while understanding how each individual child handles emotional challenges.

“Until parents acknowledge our own fears, disappointment or other negative emotions around our life these days, it’s difficult to empathize with or help our children,” says Dr. Bela Sood, child and adolescent psychiatrist. “Recognizing our emotions is the first step in being an effective parent and working to make the situation better.”

Take the time to process negative feelings in whatever ways work for you. This could include discussion with a trusted confidante, meditation, exercise, outside time, phone calls with friends or anything else that proves helpful. The combination will look different for everyone.

Being in touch with your own feelings will make you better attuned to recognizing emotional disharmony in your child and also chart a course to better help your child. Taking a good look at a child’s actions, or reactions, to understand the underlying meaning and more importantly the feeling behind them is central to mindful parenting. Anxiety can manifest as anger or even physical problems.

“If these reactions are very different from a child’s baseline personality, I would sit down with them and acknowledge how everything has changed recently. Acknowledge that these reactions are to be expected and are very confusing. Talk to them about ways you can be most helpful to them and come up with a plan to do it together,” adds Dr. Sood.

Parenting is hard. Parenting during a pandemic can feel especially challenging as you balance changes in work, home and school. You’ve got this – and we’re here to help!

View more mental health and covid-19 tips at chrichmond.org/covid-19

A5

A6 October 29-31, 2020

Richmond Free Press

Local News

RE-ELECT

Paid Political Advertisement

Paid Political Advertisement

Urban Design Associates

More than 100 new single-family homes and townhouses are planned for a mixed-income subdivision to be built on 40 acres once occupied by the Virginia National Guard at Dove Street and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike.

New single-family homes, townhouses to be developed in Highland Grove

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

It has taken seven years, but a long-awaited mixed-income subdivision is being launched in the Highland Grove community in North Side.

The projected $35 million development promises to bring a minimum of 122 new single-family homes and townhouses to the cleared 40-acre parcel where the headquarters of the Virginia National Guard once stood. At least half of the homes are to carry lower price tags as affordable.

The property abuts Dove Street and RichmondHenrico Turnpike and sits behind Overby-Sheppard Elementary School.

The nonprofit Better Housing Coalition is to announce the development 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Dove and Althea streets, although it could take a year or more before home construction starts by a team of nonprofits groups.

Sixth District Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, who has been pushing since 2013 to get the housing development off the ground, is to emcee the ceremonial start to a project that involves City Hall as well as the landowner, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Greta J. Harris, president and chief executive officer of the Better Housing Coalition, said that BHC has been tapped to serve as the master developer, “a first for us.�

Before any houses can be built, BHC would need to install streets, curbs, lighting, underground utilities and other infrastructure, Ms. Harris said.

Planning and installation of those necessities will take time, she said. Her hope is that the first homes

could be built by late 2021 or early 2022.

She said a final contract is being negotiated.

Once the deal is inked, she said that design work on the infrastructure can begin.

The city currently has about $4 million available to use for such work, but more may be needed.

BHC also will build homes and has assembled other nonprofits to participate in the development once the infrastructure is installed. Those groups include the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, project:Homes and Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity.

The planned housing community represents the second phase of redevelopment for an area long targeted for renewal.

The first phase, development of 128 mixedincome apartments, was completed in 2013, capping six years of effort stretching over the terms of two mayors, L. Douglas Wilder and Dwight C. Jones.

Laurel Street Residential, a Charlotte, N.C., firm, handled that development in partnership with RRHA. It replaced the old Dove Court public housing and the decaying Carrington Gardens apartments.

However, Laurel Street declined to undertake the second phase to build the new single-family homes and townhouses. Last year, RRHA secured city approval for the housing phase, laying the groundwork for the selection of the master developer. “This is good news for the community,� Ms. Robertson said. “It has taken a long time, but finally we have reached the starting gate.�

Black the

DEMOCRATIC ENDORSEMENTS Honorable Ralph Northam, Governor Commonwealth of Virginia Honorable Bobby C. Scoďż˝, Congressman 3rd District, U.S. House of Representaďż˝ves Honorable Delores McQuinn, Delegate, 70th District, Virginia House of Delegates Honorable Lamont Bagby, Delegate, 74th District Virginia House of Delegates Honorable Je Bourne, Delegate, 71st District Virginia House of Delegates Levar M. Stoney, Mayor, City of Richmond Dr. Dwight C. Jones, Fmr Mayor, City of Richmond Reverend F. Todd Gray, Pastor Fiďż˝h Street Bapďż˝st Church Bishop Dexter Cannon, Sr. Pastor Grayland Bapďż˝st Church Pastor Pierce A. Williams First Union Bapďż˝st Church Pastor Jerome C. Ross, PhD Providence Park Bapďż˝st Church Superintendent Larry C. Miles, Sr. Pastor The First Anoinďż˝ng Cathedral Church of God in Christ Pastor Chris Moore, Sr. New Kingdom Chrisďż˝an Ministries Superintendent Barry L. Winston , Pastor St. Mark Church of God in Christ Richmond Public Safety Associaďż˝on Reverend Dwayne E. Whitehead, Pastor FireďŹ ghters & Police New Canaan Internaďż˝onal Church Reverend Dr. Rodney D. Waller, Pastor First African Bapďż˝st Church Pastor Robert A. Winfree New Life Deliverance Tabernacle Reverend Dr. Louise Caine, Civic Leader Southern Highland Park Louise P. McQueen, Civic Leader Bellemeade Community

COUNCILWOMAN

ELLEN

ROBERTSON

A CHAMPION FOR BUILDING

EQUITY AND EQUALITY IN RICHMOND

Authorized and Paid for by Ellen F. Robertson for City Council

robertsonrva6.com (804) 508-4157

Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment To Be Voted on at the November 3, 2020, Election PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Article X. Taxation and Finance.

Section 6. Exempt Property BALLOT QUESTION Should an automobile or pickup truck that is owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard who has a one hundred percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability be free from state and local taxation?

EXPLANATION Present Law Generally, the Constitution of Virginia requires all property be taxed. However, there are certain types of property that the Constitution VSHFLÂżFDOO\ VD\V LV QRW VXEMHFW WR WD[DWLRQ Proposed Amendment

“Your vote matters.

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The motor vehicle would be exempt from taxation beginning on the date the veteran gets the motor vehicle or January 1, 2021, whichever is later. A veteran who claims this tax exemption would not get back any taxes paid on his motor vehicle prior to January 1, 2021.

Under this amendment, a motor vehicle that is owned by the spouse of a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard with a one hundred percent (100%) service-connected, permanent, and total disability could also be free from taxation.

The General Assembly is allowed to pass a law that places conditions or restrictions on this exemption.

A “yes� vote will mean the Constitution of Virginia will be amended to exempt one automobile or pickup truck that is owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard who has a one hundred percent (100%) service-connected, permanent, and total disability from state and local taxation.

A “no� vote will leave the Constitution of Virginia unchanged and automobiles and pickup trucks owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the United States armed forces or the Virginia National Guard who has a one hundred percent (100%) service-connected, permanent, DQG WRWDO GLVDELOLW\ ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR EH VXEMHFW WR VWDWH DQG ORFDO WD[HV FULL TEXT OF AMENDMENT [Proposed new language is underlined. Deleted old language is stricken.]

Amend Section 6 of Article X of the Constitution of Virginia as follows: ARTICLE X TAXATION AND FINANCE Section 6. Exempt property. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the following property and no other shall be exempt from taxation, State and local, including inheritance taxes: (1) Property owned directly or indirectly by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, and obligations of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof exempt by law.

(2) Real estate and personal property owned and exclusively occupied or used by churches or religious bodies for religious worship or for the residences of their ministers.

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Make A Plan To Vote!

Voting Early in Person - Last Day October 31st Remember, Voting Early in Person includes both Saturdays, October 24th & 31st!

Voting on Election Day - November 3rd Need to file a complaint? Call the Election Protection Hotline (866) Our-Vote (866-687-8683) Join Virginia State Conference Virtual 85th Annual Convention November 13-15, 2020 NAACP: �Let Justice Roll Down Like A River�

vscnaacp.org U (804) 321-5678

(8) One motor vehicle owned and used primarily by or for a veteran of the armed forces of the United States or the Virginia National Guard ZKR KDV EHHQ UDWHG E\ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 'HSDUWPHQW RI 9HWHUDQV $ŕľľDLUV RU LWV VXFFHVVRU DJHQF\ SXUVXDQW WR IHGHUDO ODZ ZLWK D RQH KXQGUHG percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability. For purposes of this subdivision, the term “motor vehicleâ€? shall include only automobiles and pickup trucks. Any such motor vehicle owned by a married person may qualify if either spouse is a veteran who is one hundred percent disabled pursuant to this subdivision. This exemption shall be applicable on the date the motor vehicle is acquired or the HŕľľHFWLYH GDWH RI WKLV VXEGLYLVLRQ ZKLFKHYHU LV ODWHU EXW VKDOO QRW EH DSSOLFDEOH IRU DQ\ SHULRG RI WLPH SULRU WR WKH HŕľľHFWLYH GDWH (b) The General Assembly may by general law authorize the governing body of any county, city, town, or regional government to provide for the exemption from local property taxation, or a portion thereof, within such restrictions and upon such conditions as may be prescribed, of real estate and personal property designed for continuous habitation owned by, and occupied as the sole dwelling of, persons not less than VL[W\ ÂżYH \HDUV RI DJH RU SHUVRQV SHUPDQHQWO\ DQG WRWDOO\ GLVDEOHG DV HVWDEOLVKHG E\ JHQHUDO ODZ $ ORFDO JRYHUQLQJ ERG\ PD\ EH DXWKRUL]HG WR HVWDEOLVK HLWKHU LQFRPH RU ÂżQDQFLDO ZRUWK OLPLWDWLRQV RU ERWK LQ RUGHU WR TXDOLI\ IRU VXFK UHOLHI (c) Except as to property of the Commonwealth, the General Assembly by general law may restrict or condition, in whole or in part, but not extend, any or all of the above exemptions.

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Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020 A7

Actions Speak Louder

Charlene Whitfield Senior Vice President of Power Delivery at Dominion Energy Virginia

Charlene Whitfield is Senior Vice President of Power Delivery at Dominion Energy Virginia.

Managing roughly 3,800 employees, she is responsible for all facets of the company’s regulated electric transmission, distribution, and customer solutions business that provides electricity to more than 2.7 million customers in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. >OP[ÄLSK QVPULK +VTPUPVU ,ULYN` PU HZ an Electric Distribution Service Representative and, since then, has held numerous management positions across the company, including her previous positions as Vice President of

Customer Service and Vice President of Distribution Operations for Dominion Energy Virginia.

Whitfield is a member of the boards of directors of the Dominion Energy Credit Union and the Greater Richmond Partnership, and a past member of the board of trustees for the Children’s Museum of Richmond.

She is also a proud graduate of Virginia Union University (VUU). She later earned the VUU Distinguished Alumna Award and currently serves as Dominion Energy’s executive sponsor for the university.

“Over the last several years, I’ve seen the company make significant strides toward a more diverse and inclusive culture. To continue the progress we’ve made, we must focus on building a diverse workforce. For that reason, I’m proud to serve as the executive sponsor for my alma mater, Virginia Union University, where I have an opportunity to give back, make a difference in the lives of students, and help build our workforce for the future.” – Charlene Whitfield

To learn more about how we’re working toward diversity and inclusion, go to dominionenergy.com/our-promise/employee-experience/diversity-and-inclusion.

A8

Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

Local News

4 state schools fail four or more SCHEV performance measures

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

SCHEV found.

The issues were noted in the SCHEV report resulting from a mandatory review of the performance of the 17 state-supported institutions of higher education, including the community college system, for the fiscal 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 fiscal years.

SCHEV requires institutions to meet 95 percent of performance projections on each of six measures.

Only six institutions did. Virginia Commonwealth University, which failed on two measures,

Smaller enrollments of in-state students and lower than projected graduation rates are among the main reasons that Virginia State and Norfolk State universities got failing grades on most of the performance measures set by the State Council of Higher Education, according to a report released Monday.

The two HBCUs, along with Christopher Newport and Longwood universities, must provide improvement plans to address the issues

Virginia Department of Education stepping up its monitoring after critical federal report complaints about the will be more on the services local school case as a result of the wake-up call from the Richmond and other local divisions provided U.S. Department of public school divisions will to their children, Education’s Office face more oversight of their failed to monitor of Special Education special education programs local programs and Programs. from the Virginia Department failed to responsibly enforce a federal law In a Sept. 21 memo, of Education.

Dr. Lane stated school Notification that VDOE governing special Dr. Lane divisions will be cited is stepping up its monitoring education.

Seeking to address those for noncompliance with the went out last month and follows a critical federal report issues, Dr. James F. Lane, Individuals with Disabilities issued June 23 that found the state superintendent of public Education Act when VDOE state education department instruction, has advised local receives reliable information failed to respond to parents’ school divisions that VDOE that identifies a problem, either through formal or informal The Central Virginia Chapter means. VDOE then will require A Philip Randolph Institute Will Be Providing a local school division to create a corrective action plan and show improvement within a year.

The state also plans to con

duct more audits to ensure that

local school divisions are not falsely reporting 100 percent

compliance with federal and

state requirements and are not improperly placing students

into special education.

School divisions also will

be placed on a schedule to conduct self-assessments of compliance with special education regulations and to provide plans for improvement where compliance is lacking.

VDOE plans to conduct random audits of school divisions that report 100 percent compliance to ensure school “All Souls To divisions are taking the selfThe Polls� assessments seriously.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

F REE

Rides

was among the remaining seven institutions that fell short in one or two areas.

VSU and NSU fell short on five of the measures, while CNU and Longwood missed four, SCHEV noted Monday.

Both VSU and NSU fell short of meeting the 95 percent target rate on SCHEV-approved projections of enrollment for in-state students.

During the two-year period, NSU averaged 92.3 percent of the SCHEV enrollment goal, but was just shy in the 2017-18 fiscal year. In 2018-19, NSU was five-percentage points below the target.

VSU hit or exceeded the enrollment goal in the 2017-18 fiscal year, but fell to 93.2 percent, or 2.7 percent short, in the 2018-19 fiscal year.

On graduation rates, NSU awarded an average of 83.7 percent of projected diplomas during the two-year period, far short of the 95 percent target. NSU also awarded an average of 76.2 percent of its projected degrees in the STEM-H areas involving science, technology, engineering, math and health.

During the two-year period, VSU awarded an average of 79.1 percent of the diplomas and 88.2 percent of STEM-H degrees SCHEV had projected, both short of the 95 percent goal.

SCHEV’s performance standards also measure enrollment of upper class students, the award of degrees to Black and other minority students and

the acceptance of transfer students from community colleges and other two-year institutions.

NSU and VSU both hit SCHEV’s 95 percent goal for sophomore, junior and senior enrollment, the one measure both passed.

Separately, Virginia State also is the only one of the 17 state-supported universities that failed to achieve certification on financial and administrative measures after state auditors dinged the school for mishandling two federal agriculture program grants since 2015.

VSU has agreed with SCHEV’s finding that VSU “has an anticipated material weakness in internal (financial) controls� related to its management of two National Institute of Food and Agricultural grants. VSU is responsible for repaying NIFA after spending the money on items for which it was not allowed to use the federal funds.

Internal documents the Free Press has reported indicated that VSU might have mishandled $12 million in NIFA grant funds, but the university has reported that NIFA might be due a collective $4 million.

VSU has been given a year to resolve the grants issue, but will face a SCHEV review in the summer of 2021 to determine whether it should maintain certification for extra state funding and benefits available to institutions that pass the finance and administrative review.

Building desks for RPS students

Photo by Ron Robertson

Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, center, assembles a desk with the help of Anita Sawyer, left, and Fatemia Gunter, two employees of Lowe’s home improvement store. Employees at the Sheila Lane store in South Side volunteered to put together 500 fold-up desks for Richmond Public Schools students who are learning at home during the pandemic. About 25 Lowe’s employees started the project last week, with 100 desks being produced each Tuesday. The desks will be given to students free of charge.

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Katherine is a proven community leader with experience getting results in the 2nd. • In the district—served as Fan neighborhood president and parks & trees chair, got grant money for Fox, Binford & TJ and will prioritize city schools and teacher pay. • In our city—officer on the Green City Commission, spearheaded the NetZero 2050 plan and will ďŹ ght for our small businesses. • In the state—served on the bipartisan, statewide leadership team that ratiďŹ ed the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia and will use her network to increase our state funding and recovery assistance.

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Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

D N O M H C I R THE S E S R O D N E S S E R P E FRE

LEVAR STONEY FOR MAYOR

“We believe Mayor Stoney has the drive and ability Richmond needs to move forward in the next four years.”

- 10/22/20

LEVAR STONEY IS ALSO ENDORSED BY THESE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS: Senator Mark Warner

Delegate Jeff Bourne

Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pam Northam

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Former Governor Terry McAuliffe and Former First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe Anne Holton, Former First Lady of Virginia, Former Secretary of Education

Henry L. Marsh, First Black Mayor of Richmond, Former Virginia State Senator Cynthia Newbille, City Council President Ellen Robertson, 6th District City Council Mike Jones, 9th District City Council

Delegate Lamont Bagby, Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus

Michelle Mosby, Former City Council President

VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3!

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A10 October 29-31, 2020

Richmond Free Press

★ ★ Election Coverage 2020 ★ ★ Will a winner prevail in mayor’s race or will there be a runoff?

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Will there be an outright winner or a runoff election?

That’s the question city voters will decide in Richmond’s mayoral contest on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 3.

Their decision will be disclosed when the ballots are counted after the polls close at 7 p.m. A projected 80,000 ballots will have been cast by early in-person and mail-in voters before the polls even open 6 a.m. next Tuesday.

Estimates suggest more than 130,000 people could participate in choosing the city’s next mayor — the most in decades — in large measure because the contest for U.S. president also is on the ballot.

In the race for the city’s chief executive post, incumbent Levar M. Stoney has emerged as the clear front-runner, according to two recent polls. He is being challenged by four candidates in his bid for a second four-year term: 2nd District Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, attorney and financial expert M. Justin Griffin, businesswoman Stacey V. McLean and domestic worker advocate Alexsis E. Rodgers.

Other indicators confirm Mayor Stoney’s front-runner status. He has outstripped his rivals in fundraising and in endorsements from elected officials, faith leaders and media outlets.

Still, the winner must get the most votes in at least five of the nine City Council districts, otherwise, a runoff election between the top two vote-getters will be held Dec. 15, according to Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter.

Based on polls reported on by the Richmond Free Press, Mayor Stoney leads in the popular vote and appears to be ahead in multiple districts.

However, the polls also indicated he has not secured 40 percent support, with his challengers splitting the “not Stoney” vote that seems to hold a majority. The polls suggest Mayor Stoney’s strongest support is in the 6th, 7th and 9th districts, with a potential to win several more districts, including the 5th and 8th.

The polls also indicate Ms. Gray and Ms. Rodgers are doing the best among the other candidates, with Mr. Griffin and Ms. McLean unlikely to win any of the districts.

Ms. Gray appears to lead in her home district, the 2nd, and the 1st, with a potential to win the 3rd and 4th districts, while Ms. Rodgers appears to be making her strongest showing in the 5th and 8th districts.

Experienced observers have indicated Ms. Rodgers must win at least one district for there to be any prospect of a runoff election. Otherwise, the expectation is that Mayor Stoney will be able to overcome his challengers in enough council districts to win re-election.

Contests for City Council seats being waged in all but 2 districts

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond City Council is guaranteed to have at least two new members sworn in next year, with a potential for additional newcomers depending on the outcome of the five contested races that voters will decide on Election Day. Of the nine members, only two from South Side are guaranteed re-election, Councilman Michael J. Jones of the 9th District and Councilwoman Kristen N. Larson of the neighboring 4th District. Both are unopposed in seeking their second, four-year terms.

Highlighting the council races are the contests to fill open seats in the 2nd and 3rd districts, both of which include large swaths of North Side.

In the 2nd District, urban and environmental planner Katherine L. Jordan and health care information technology specialist Tavarris J. Spinks are battling it out to replace first-term Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, who chose to

run for mayor instead of re-election.

In the 3rd District, barber Willie E. Hilliard, drone company owner Ann-Frances Lambert and community investment strategist Elaine T. Summerfield are facing off in a quest to replace 16-year veteran Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, the current council vice president, who decided to step down rather than seek a new term.

Meanwhile, four incumbents are battling to keep their seats.

In the 1st District, Councilman Andreas D. Addison is trying to overtake two challengers to secure a second term. His challengers are businessman Michael R. “Mike” Dickinson and public relations company partner and co-founder Michael C. “Mike” Gray.

In the 5th District, Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, who won a special election last year to replace Parker C. Agelasto, also is battling two challengers in a bid to win her first four-year term.

Her challengers are journalist and former

School Board member Mamie L. Taylor and business development specialist Jer’mykeal D. McCoy. In the 6th District, 17-year veteran Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson is seeking another four-year term, but must overcome a challenge from community organizer AllanCharles R. Chipman.

In the 7th District, 11-year council veteran and current Council President Cynthia I. Newbille is facing a challenge from museum educator Joseph S.H. Rogers.

In the 8th District, 18-year veteran Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell is trying to win a new term and prevent either of her challengers, mortgage consultant Regie D. Ford and analyst Amy C. Wentz, from inflicting a second defeat. Ms. Trammell, who was first elected to the council in 1998, spent years on the sidelines after losing in 2002 to Jacqueline M. Jackson, who held the seat for four years before Ms. Trammell defeated her in 2006.

Six contested races taking place for Richmond School Board

By Ronald E. Carrington

The Richmond School Board will change after Nov. 3, with three current board members deciding not to seek re-election. Four incumbents also are facing challengers.

The new School Board will be faced with decisions on whether Richmond Public Schools classrooms should reopen for in-person learning in February or continue with its current virtual learning because of the coronavirus.

The board also must grapple with ways to increase the RPS graduation rate, reduce the dropout rate and boost the number of schools earning accreditation. According to a recent Virginia Department of Education report, RPS had the lowest graduation rate at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year and produced more dropouts in the last four years than any other public school division in the state.

Also, only 20 of the 44 city schools are accredited based on the state’s standards. RPS’ strategic plan, Dreams4RPS, projects to have

all 44 schools accredited by 2023.

Those are just a few of the things a new School Board will tackle.

Two members of the current board, Liz B. Doerr of the 1st District and Cheryl L. Burke of the 7th District are unopposed in seeking another four-year term.

They will be joined on the board by Nicole Jones, deputy director of a nonprofit agency, who is running unopposed in the 9th District to fill the seat now held by board Chair Linda Owen, who is stepping down.

In the 2nd District, incumbent J. Scott Barlow is facing challenger Mariah L. White, a veteran Defense Department employee. In the 3rd District, incumbent Kenya J. Gibson is in a contested race against Sabrina J. Gross, an attorney who works for the state Department of Education. In the 4th District, incumbent Jonathan M. Young is being challenged by Deanna Fierro, a middle school math teacher in Henrico County; while 8th District incumbent Dawn C. Page is being opposed by Dana C. Sally-Allen, a support services specialist.

Four candidates are seeking election to the 5th District seat, held now by Dr. Patrick Sapini, who is not seeking another term. The candidates are Jenny A. Aghomo, an esthetician and former PTA president at John B. Cary Elementary and former member of the superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee; Decardra L. Jackson, STEM coordinator for Petersburg Public Schools; David F. Jones Sr., a contractor and coach who started a mentoring program for student-athletes; and Stephanie M. Rizzi, an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University who has been active with RPS. In the 6th District, three candidates are vying for the seat now held by Felicia Cosby who is stepping down. Those candidates are Shonda M. Harris-Muhammed, a longtime educator and former School Board member; Lynette R. Plummer, a Realtor and member of the mayor’s Education Compact Committee; and Timika S. Vincent, a respiratory therapist and PTA president at John B. Cary Elementary who created her own nonprofit.

Richmond Free Press

A11 October 29-31, 2020

★ ★ Election Coverage 2020 ★ ★

U.S. Senate and congressional races also on the ballot

By George Copeland Jr.

While the 2020 presidential election has dominated the headlines, the races for U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives also could prove important for the future of national politics.

Virginia’s senior senator, Democrat Mark R. Warner, is facing a challenge from Republican Daniel M. Gade, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who teaches at American University.

Sen. Warner, a former Virginia governor who was first elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2008, serves as vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he has been an integral part of the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

He continues to push for greater regulation of social media and tech companies to protect user data and combat disinformation.

Mr. Gade has presented his campaign as a new voice against establishment politicians, touting market-based solutions to climate change, strong national defense and quelling crime in local communities. His campaign also has promoted individual liberties and rights.

While Sen. Warner has maintained a sizable lead in fundraising and in the polls, he is not taking the race for granted. In 2014, Sen. Warner narrowly won re-election in a race against GOP candidate Ed Gillespie.

With Democrats looking to take control of the 100-member U.S. Senate with this election, they must hang onto the 45 seats they currently hold.

Democrats hold a majority of the seats in the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. A. Donald McEachin of Richmond, a Democrat who represents the 4th Congressional District, is being challenged by Republican

Leon Benjamin Sr., senior pastor of New Life Harvest Church in Richmond.

Rep. McEachin was first elected to Congress in November 2016, the same year court-ordered redistricting reshaped the district, giving it a profile that has favored Democrats. Rep. McEachin has campaigned on greater access to health care, ending gun violence and equity issues including access to broadband for rural residents in the district. He also has spotlighted his work on climate change and energy policy.

Rev. Benjamin, who serves as chairman of the Richmond Republican Party, has focused his campaign on promoting school choice, economic development and building Virginia’s science and technology industries. He is an outspoken supporter of President Trump and has served as an evangelical adviser to the White House.

By far the most contentious race is in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, where Democratic

Rep. Abigail A. Spanberger is facing GOP challenger Nick J. Freitas of Culpeper, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 2016.

Rep. Spanberger’s campaign has showcased her key accomplishments during her freshman two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives, including her support for lower prescription drug prices and expansion of broadband access in the district.

Her campaign priorities have focused on health care costs, preventing gun violence, creating more jobs and helping to bolster the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delegate Freitas has centered his campaign on limiting government influence on individual liberty and personal responsibility.

In 2018, he sought the Republican nomination to run for U.S. Senate against Democrat Tim Kaine, but lost the primary to ultraconservative Corey Stewart of Prince William County.

Voters are asked to decide on 2 state constitutional amendments

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Two state constitutional amendments are on every Virginia voter’s ballot along with candidates seeking office.

If approved, one amendment would change the way the state redraws political districts for Congress and the Virginia General Assembly and the other would provide an additional tax benefit for totally disabled veterans.

The least controversial and the easiest to understand is Amendment 2, the one involving veterans. Expected to pass overwhelmingly, that amendment would provide veterans rated 100 percent disabled an exemption from local personal property taxes for one vehicle.

Much more controversial and complex is Amendment 1, which proposes to overhaul the redistricting process that takes place every 10 years after the U.S. Census is completed. By order of the U.S. Supreme Court, the 2020 Census ended in early October, with the latest state numbers expected to be released in December.

Currently, the General Assembly’s majority party drafts the new maps for election districts for the 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, the 40-member state Senate and the 100-member House of Delegates.

If the amendment is defeated and

that system remains, Democrats would be in charge of redistricting because legislators from that party hold majorities in both the House and Senate. The governor, who under current practice would sign any redistricting legislation into law, also is a Democrat.

If the amendment passes, the current system would be eliminated, and the initial task of drawing new election district maps would fall to a 16-member commission, although the ballot language does not spell out the nuances involved.

The commission would be composed of two groups. One group would include eight legislators, four from the state Senate and four from the House of Delegates, with each political party appointing four. The commission’s other group would include eight citizens, with a panel of five retired judges choosing four recommended by Democrats in the legislature and four recommended by Republicans in the legislature.

The proposal calls for the commission to offer draft plans to the General Assembly next year within 45 days of receiving the census data.

The amendment would require the commission to create contiguous and compact districts that comply with the federal Voting Rights Act, the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection

provision and other laws.

The commission’s redistricting plan would go into effect for the 2021 elections if the General Assembly approves it. The governor would play no role.

However, the commission could deadlock if three citizens or three legislators veto the redistricting plan and no further agreement can be reached.

Either the Senate or House also could kill the new maps if a majority could not be mustered in one chamber.

If either the commission or one of the General Assembly chambers twice fail to pass the redistricting plan, the state Supreme Court then would be required to draft redistricting maps – likely through employing a special master or expert. The commission and the legislature would no longer be involved.

The ballot language does not explain the complexity; it just asks voters if they want a commission to handle redistricting.

Advocates, such as Brian Cannon of Fair Maps VA, an arm of the advocacy group that has led the fight for nonpartisan redistricting, call the creation of a commission a big step toward the goal of removing partisan politics and racial gerrymandering from the process and reducing the majority party’s ability to gerrymander

or create weirdly shaped districts in bid to keep themselves in power.

Research based on the experience of other states indicates that such commissions produce more competitive legislative races and fewer lawsuits challenging results than in cases where the legislature’s majority draws the maps.

The main support for the amendment is from Republicans, who lost control of the General Assembly in 2019 and also suffered stinging defeats in lawsuits that successfully overturned their 2010 congressional and state House redistricting plans for illegally packing Black people into a few districts.

Democrats are split, with the state party and the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP officially on record as opposing the amendment.

Opponents of the amendment such as Henrico Democratic Delegate Lamont Bagby, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, describe the commission system for redistricting almost as partisan as the legislature and claim the proposal would ignore the interests of Black people and other minorities.

“It empowers partisan leaders and enshrines this power into the Constitution,” Delegate Bagby has said.

He noted the amendment contains no explicit instructions about minority

inclusion and argued that means “it does absolutely nothing to end gerrymandering based on race or party.”

The state NAACP also noted in announcing its opposition that there would be more Black voices involved in shaping new maps if the legislature keeps control. Currently, there are 23 African-Americans in the General Assembly who would have a say — and a vote — on a redistricting plan, whereas a 16-member redistricting commission may have only one of two Black representatives.

However, some Black leaders claim the amendment ensures protection of Black interests. Philip Thompson of Loudoun County, a lieutenant governor candidate and former president of the Loudoun County NAACP, highlighted that point in denouncing arguments of members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

Mr. Cannon agrees, noting that both the federal Voting Rights Act and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection provision must be followed.

“For the first time in Virginia history, racial gerrymandering would be outlawed in the (state) Constitution,” Mr. Cannon said. “The party in power will gerrymander to keep that power,” he said. “This would be the first check ever, and that will produce better results.”

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MARK WARNER IS A LEADER WHO WILL FIGHT FOR US C Úº s ÚÄ Ú ö¬½½ º × Ĉ¤©æ¬Ä¤ £ËÚ r¬Ú¤¬Ä¬ ÄÞ æË © õ ÞÞ æË Ùê ½¬æü Ä ąËÚ ½ © ½æ© Ú .

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Richmond Free Press

A12 October 29-31, 2020

Local News

Students say protests motivating them to vote

By Hunter Britt Capital News Service

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

City welcomes new firefighters James H. Blackwell IV, 25, is pinned by his mother, Keala Blackwell, officially making him a member of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services during the department’s 100th Recruit School graduation ceremony Oct. 23. Mr. Blackwell, who was holding his 5-year-old daughter Ava Blackwell-James during the pinning, is one of 12 men to join the city department, which was founded in October 1858. This 100th recruit class was made up of “laterals,” individuals who already were certified by the state of Virginia in other jurisdictions to perform firefighter duties. They underwent six weeks of evaluation of their previously learned skills in such areas as structural firefighting, medical training and physical agility, along with training on city rules, regulations and procedures, to graduate during the ceremony held at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End.

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Democrat Donald McEachin is our champion in Congress.

DEMOCRAT DONALD MCEACHIN IS FIGHTING TO ENSURE WE ALL HAVE THE CHANCE TO SUCCEED, The son of an Army veteran and a public school teacher,

Donald McEachin learned the lesson of public service at a young age. He’s fighting hard for our families, bringing his lifetime commitment to our ideals and a passion for doing what is right to Congress.

AS OUR CONGRESSMAN, DONALD MCEACHIN IS: Fighting for access to affordable health care for all Virginians.

Advocating for more investments in renewable energy to protect our air and water.

Working on passing coronavirus relief bills to ensure that Virginians and small businesses continue to receive financial relief, and to reallocate resources towards testing.

Standing up and fighting for equity in our criminal justice system.

DEMOCRAT

DONALD

McEachin FOR

CONGRESS

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Pictures without masks were taken pre covid.

working to deliver results on the issues that matter most to Virginia families.

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Voters are more divided now than they were in the 2016 election, according to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center.

Many young Virginians believe the passion could translate to the polls on Election Day. Rickia Sykes, a senior at Norfolk State University, said her political views have grown stronger since protests erupted across the nation and the globe in late May after the death of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, at the hands of Minneapolis Police, which was caught on video.

Ms. Sykes said that her political views line up with her faith.

She considers herself pro-life, believes in advocating for the working class and supports law enforcement.

“The protests have shown me we need to keep God first. But it has also shown me that good cops are important to help keep law and order,” Ms. Sykes said in a text message. “I do realize that there are bad cops. But in order to make a change, I believe we need to work together with the good cops.”

Ms. Sykes said now she researches politicians more thoroughly before deciding which candidate gets her vote.

She looks at voting records to see if they vote in a way that “will help us middle and lowerclass families.”

Erik Haugen, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University who considers himself a Libertarian, said his political views haven’t changed much since the protests started.

“I just see the stronger push for equality, and I think it’s a good step in our nation so long as it proceeds peacefully,” Mr. Haugen said.

VCU Capital News Service

The circle around the Lee statue on Richmond’s Monument Avenue is a focal point for demonstrators and has served as a place for people to leave tributes and signs expressing their sentiments about a range of issues.

Equality is at the center of issues that student voters are concerned about this election.

From racial injustice to prison reform to health care concerns, many students say they want to enact positive change.

Students have varying opinions on whether the importance of voting has become more significant in recent years.

Ms. Sykes said she has always found voting significant, but she believes the importance of it has grown for others.

Mr. Haugen said that while his political views haven’t changed, he believes voting has become more important, especially for the younger generations as tension grows in the United States and protests become more prominent.

Sarah Dowless, a junior at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, said voting has always been important, but the protests have made voting more prominent, “like people encouraging folks to vote and making information about voting accessible, especially among young people.”

She said the recent protests have reinforced her progressive beliefs.

“If anything, the protests have only amplified my concern about racial injustice in America and my concern about police brutality,” Ms. Dowless said. “It’s a fundamental issue about freedom and it calls into question the very principles on which this country was founded and continues to claim.”

The protests also influenced a host of legislation in the recent special session of the Virginia General Assembly that ended last week. State legislators passed numerous bills focused on police and criminal justice reform.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, voter turnout among 18- to 29-year-olds jumped 15.7 percent between 2014 and 2018. This was the largest percentage point increase for any age group.

Turnout is expected to be high this year as well, but there are no final numbers for age groups.

The number of people registered to vote in Virginia set a record this year at almost 5.9 million. During the last presidential election in 2016, Virginia had a little more than 5.5 million people on the voter rolls.

Richmond Free Press

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October 29-31, 2020 A13

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Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment To Be Voted on at the November 3, 2020, Election

BALLOT QUESTION

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT $UWLFOH ,, )UDQFKLVH DQG 2ŕľśFHUV Section 6. Apportionment.

Section 6-A. Virginia Redistricting Commission

Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to establish a redistricting commission, consisting of eight members of the General Assembly and eight citizens of the Commonwealth, that is responsible for drawing the congressional and state legislative districts that will be subsequently voted on, but not changed by, the General Assembly and enacted without the Governor’s involvement and to give the responsibility of drawing districts to the Supreme Court of Virginia if the redistricting commission fails to draw districts or the General Assembly fails to enact districts by certain deadlines?

EXPLANATION Current Law Under the current Constitution, the General Assembly and the Governor are responsible for drawing new election districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Senate, and the House of Delegates. These districts are required to be compact and contiguous, and to have populations that are equal to each other.

Proposed Law The proposed amendment would shift the responsibility of drawing these election districts from the General Assembly and the Governor to a bipartisan commission, made up of 16 persons, half being members of the General Assembly and half being citizens of the Commonwealth. This commission would draw the election districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Senate, and the House of Delegates and then submit the maps to the General Assembly for approval. If the commissioners are unable to agree on proposals for maps by a certain date, or if the General Assembly does not approve the submitted maps by a certain date, the commission is allotted additional time to draw new districts, but if maps are not then submitted or approved, the Supreme Court of Virginia becomes responsible for drawing these election districts.

7KH HLJKW OHJLVODWLYH FRPPLVVLRQHUV DUH DSSRLQWHG E\ WKH SROLWLFDO SDUW\ OHDGHUVKLS LQ WKH VWDWH 6HQDWH DQG WKH +RXVH RI 'HOHJDWHV ZLWK DQ HTXDO QXPEHU IURP HDFK KRXVH DQG IURP HDFK PDMRU SROLWLFDO SDUW\ 7KH HLJKW FLWL]HQ FRPPLVVLRQHUV DUH SLFNHG E\ D FRPPLWWHH RI ÂżYH UHWLUHG FLUFXLW FRXUW MXGJHV )RXU RI WKH UHWLUHG MXGJHV DUH VHOHFWHG E\ SDUW\ OHDGHUV LQ WKH 6HQDWH DQG WKH +RXVH IURP D OLVW FRPSLOHG E\ WKH &KLHI -XVWLFH RI WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW RI 9LUJLQLD 7KHVH IRXU MXGJHV SLFN WKH ÂżIWK MXGJH IURP WKH VDPH OLVW 7KLV VHOHFWLRQ FRPPLWWHH WKHQ chooses citizen commissioners from lists created by party leaders in the Senate and the House. Members and employees of Congress or the General Assembly cannot be citizen commissioners. Each party leader in each house gives the selection committee a list of at least 16 candidates, and the committee picks two from each list for a total of eight citizen commissioners.

For a plan to be submitted for the General Assembly’s approval, at least six of the eight citizen commissioners and at least six of the eight legislative commissioners must agree to it. Additionally, for plans for General Assembly districts to be submitted, at least three of the four Senators on the commission have to agree to the Senate districts plan and at least three of the four Delegates on the commission have to agree to the House of Delegates districts plan. The General Assembly cannot make any changes to these plans, and the Governor cannot veto any plan approved by the General Assembly.

The amendment also adds a requirement that districts provide, where practicable, opportunities for racial and ethnic communities to elect candidates of their choice.

A “yes� vote will make a bipartisan commission responsible for the initial drawing of election districts.

A “no� vote will leave the sole responsibility for drawing the districts with the General Assembly and the Governor.

FULL TEXT OF AMENDMENT [Proposed new language is underlined. Deleted old language is stricken.]

Amend Section 6 of Article II of the Constitution of Virginia and amend the Constitution of Virginia by adding in Article II a section numbered 6-A as follows: ARTICLE II FRANCHISE AND OFFICERS Section 6. Apportionment.

Members of the House of Representatives of the United States and members of the Senate and of the House of Delegates of the General Assembly shall be elected from electoral districts established by the General Assembly pursuant to Section 6-A of this Constitution. Every electoral district shall be composed of contiguous and compact territory and shall be so constituted as to give, as nearly as is practicable, representation in proportion to the population of the district. Every electoral district shall be drawn in accordance with the requirements of federal and state laws that address racial and ethnic fairness, including the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended, and judicial decisions interpreting such laws. Districts shall provide, where practicable, opportunities for racial and ethnic communities to elect candidates of their choice.

The General Assembly shall reapportion the Commonwealth shall be reapportioned into electoral districts in accordance with this section and Section 6-A in the year 2011 2021 and every ten years thereafter. $Q\ VXFK GHFHQQLDO UHDSSRUWLRQPHQW ODZ VKDOO WDNH HŕľľHFW LPPHGLDWHO\ DQG QRW EH VXEMHFW WR WKH OLPLWDWLRQV FRQWDLQHG LQ $UWLFOH ,9 6HFWLRQ RI WKLV &RQVWLWXWLRQ The districts delineated in the decennial reapportionment law shall be implemented for the November general election for the United States House of Representatives, Senate, or House of Delegates, respectively, that is held immediately prior to the expiration of the term being VHUYHG LQ WKH \HDU WKDW WKH UHDSSRUWLRQPHQW ODZ LV UHTXLUHG WR EH HQDFWHG $ PHPEHU LQ RŕľśFH DW WKH WLPH WKDW D GHFHQQLDO UHGLVWULFWLQJ ODZ LV HQDFWHG VKDOO FRPSOHWH KLV WHUP RI RŕľśFH DQG VKDOO FRQWLQXH WR UHSUHVHQW WKH GLVWULFW IURP ZKLFK KH ZDV HOHFWHG IRU WKH GXUDWLRQ RI VXFK WHUP RI RŕľśFH VR ORQJ DV KH GRHV QRW PRYH KLV UHVLGHQFH IURP WKH GLVWULFW IURP ZKLFK KH ZDV HOHFWHG $Q\ YDFDQF\ RFFXUULQJ GXULQJ VXFK WHUP VKDOO EH ÂżOOHG IURP WKH VDPH GLVWULFW WKDW HOHFWHG WKH PHPEHU ZKRVH YDFDQF\ LV EHLQJ ÂżOOHG Section 6-A. Virginia Redistricting Commission. (a) In the year 2020 and every ten years thereafter, the Virginia Redistricting Commission (the Commission) shall be convened for the purpose of establishing districts for the United States House of Representatives and for the Senate and the House of Delegates of the General Assembly pursuant to Article II, Section 6 of this Constitution. (b) The Commission shall consist of sixteen commissioners who shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.

(1) Eight commissioners shall be legislative members, four of whom shall be members of the Senate of Virginia and four of whom shall be members of the House of Delegates. These commissioners shall be appointed no later than December 1 of the year ending in zero and shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed.

(A) Two commissioners shall represent the political party having the highest number of members in the Senate of Virginia and shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia.

(B) Two commissioners shall represent the political party having the next highest number of members in the Senate of Virginia and shall be appointed by the leader of that political party.

(C) Two commissioners shall represent the political party having the highest number of members in the House of Delegates and shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates.

(D) Two commissioners shall represent the political party having the next highest number of members in the House of Delegates and shall be appointed by the leader of that political party.

(2) Eight commissioners shall be citizen members who shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of this subdivision and in the manner determined by the General Assembly by general law. $ 7KHUH VKDOO EH D 5HGLVWULFWLQJ &RPPLVVLRQ 6HOHFWLRQ &RPPLWWHH WKH &RPPLWWHH FRQVLVWLQJ RI ÂżYH UHWLUHG MXGJHV RI WKH FLUFXLW FRXUWV RI 9LUJLQLD %\ 1RYHPEHU RI WKH \HDU HQGLQJ LQ ]HUR WKH &KLHI -XVWLFH RI WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW RI 9LUJLQLD VKDOO FHUWLI\ WR WKH 6SHDNHU RI the House of Delegates, the leader in the House of Delegates of the political party having the next highest number of members in the House of Delegates, the President pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia, and the leader in the Senate of Virginia of the political party having the next highest number of members in the Senate a list of retired judges of the circuit courts of Virginia who are willing to serve on the Committee, and these members shall each select a judge from the list. The four judges selected to serve on the Committee shall select, by a PDMRULW\ YRWH D MXGJH IURP WKH OLVW SUHVFULEHG KHUHLQ WR VHUYH DV WKH ÂżIWK PHPEHU RI WKH &RPPLWWHH DQG WR VHUYH DV WKH FKDLUPDQ RI WKH &RPPLWWHH (B) By January 1 of the year ending in one, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, the leader in the House of Delegates of the political party having the next highest number of members in the House of Delegates, the President pro tempore of the Senate of Virginia, and the leader in the Senate of the political party having the next highest number of members in the Senate shall each submit to the Committee a list of at least sixteen citizen candidates for service on the Commission. Such citizen candidates shall meet the criteria established by the General Assembly by general law. The Committee shall select, by a majority vote, two citizen members from each list submitted. No member or employee of the Congress of the United States or of the General Assembly shall be eligible to serve as a citizen member. (c) By February 1 of the year ending in one, the Commission shall hold a public meeting at which it shall select a chairman from its membership. The chairman shall be a citizen member and shall be responsible for coordinating the work of the Commission. (d) The Commission shall submit to the General Assembly plans for districts for the Senate and the House of Delegates of the General Assembly no later than 45 days following the receipt of census data and shall submit to the General Assembly plans for districts for the 8QLWHG 6WDWHV +RXVH RI 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV QR ODWHU WKDQ GD\V IROORZLQJ WKH UHFHLSW RI FHQVXV GDWD RU E\ WKH ÂżUVW GD\ RI -XO\ RI WKDW \HDU ZKLFKHYHU RFFXUV ODWHU

7R EH VXEPLWWHG DV D SURSRVHG SODQ IRU GLVWULFWV IRU PHPEHUV RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV +RXVH RI 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV D SODQ VKDOO UHFHLYH DŕľśUPDWLYH YRWHV RI DW OHDVW VL[ RI WKH HLJKW OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV DQG VL[ RI WKH HLJKW FLWL]HQ PHPEHUV

7R EH VXEPLWWHG DV D SURSRVHG SODQ IRU GLVWULFWV IRU PHPEHUV RI WKH 6HQDWH D SODQ VKDOO UHFHLYH DŕľśUPDWLYH YRWHV RI DW OHDVW VL[ RI WKH HLJKW OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV LQFOXGLQJ DW OHDVW WKUHH RI WKH IRXU OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV ZKR DUH PHPEHUV RI WKH 6HQDWH DQG DW OHDVW VL[ RI WKH eight citizen members.

7R EH VXEPLWWHG DV D SURSRVHG SODQ IRU GLVWULFWV IRU PHPEHUV RI WKH +RXVH RI 'HOHJDWHV D SODQ VKDOO UHFHLYH DŕľśUPDWLYH YRWHV RI DW OHDVW VL[ RI WKH HLJKW OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV LQFOXGLQJ DW OHDVW WKUHH RI WKH IRXU OHJLVODWLYH PHPEHUV ZKR DUH PHPEHUV RI WKH +RXVH RI 'HOHgates, and at least six of the eight citizen members. (e) Plans for districts for the Senate and the House of Delegates shall be embodied in and voted on as a single bill. The vote on any bill embodying a plan for districts shall be taken in accordance with the provisions of Article IV, Section 11 of this Constitution, except that no amendments shall be permitted. Such bills shall not be subject to the provisions contained in Article V, Section 6 of this Constitution.

I :LWKLQ ¿IWHHQ GD\V RI UHFHLSW RI D SODQ IRU GLVWULFWV WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ VKDOO WDNH D YRWH RQ WKH ELOO HPERG\LQJ WKDW SODQ LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH SURYLVLRQV RI VXEVHFWLRQ H ,I WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ IDLOV WR DGRSW VXFK ELOO E\ WKLV GHDGOLQH WKH &RPPLVVLRQ VKDOO VXEPLW a new plan for districts to the General Assembly within fourteen days of the General Assembly’s failure to adopt the bill. The General Assembly shall take a vote on the bill embodying such plan within seven days of receipt of the plan. If the General Assembly fails to adopt such bill by this deadline, the districts shall be established by the Supreme Court of Virginia. (g) If the Commission fails to submit a plan for districts by the deadline set forth in subsection (d), the Commission shall have fourteen days following its initial failure to submit a plan to the General Assembly. If the Commission fails to submit a plan for districts to the General Assembly by this deadline, the districts shall be established by the Supreme Court of Virginia.

If the Commission submits a plan for districts within fourteen days following its initial failure to submit a plan, the General Assembly shall take a vote on the bill embodying such plan within seven days of its receipt. If the General Assembly fails to adopt such bill by this deadline, the districts shall be established by the Supreme Court of Virginia.

K $OO PHHWLQJV RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ VKDOO EH RSHQ WR WKH SXEOLF 3ULRU WR SURSRVLQJ DQ\ UHGLVWULFWLQJ SODQV DQG SULRU WR YRWLQJ RQ UHGLVWULFWLQJ SODQV WKH &RPPLVVLRQ VKDOO KROG DW OHDVW WKUHH SXEOLF KHDULQJV LQ GL྾HUHQW SDUWV RI WKH &RPPRQZHDOWK WR UHFHLYH DQG FRQVLGHU FRPments from the public. (i) All records and documents of the Commission, or any individual or group performing delegated functions of or advising the Commission, related to the Commission’s work, including internal communications and communications from outside parties, shall be considered public information.

Richmond Free Press Editorial Page

A14

October 29-31, 2020

Free Press Endorsements Tuesday, Nov. 3 Elections

President Joe Biden

●

Vice President Kamala Harris

Congress U.S. Senate ● Mark R. Warner* 4th Congressional District ● A. Donald McEachin*

Voter power Early in-person voting is taking place through Saturday, Oct. 31. On Election Day, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vote.

Questions?

Visit the Virginia department of Elections at www.vote.virginia.gov or call (800) 552-9745; Richmond Voter Registrar, www.richmondgov.com/ registrar or (804) 646-5950; or the registrar for your locality.

Mark R. Warner for U.S. Senate U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner has served the people of Virginia aptly and ably since first being elected to the Senate in November 2008. He has kept fidelity to our community since he was governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006.

He supports and will try to protect Sen. Warner the Affordable Care Act, which has allowed millions of Americans to have health insurance coverage even with pre-existing health conditions. And he supports the federal Justice and Police Act to ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants that have caused the deaths of people of color at the hands of police.

Earlier this year, Sen. Warner joined Sens. Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Chuck Schumer to introduce the Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act that would pump $17.9 billion into low-income and minority communities especially hard-hit by the COVID-19 crisis.

It would, in part, target people in need and provide for investment in Black banks and Black businesses to help minority communities recover from the pandemic.

On Monday night, he voted against the U.S. Supreme Court confirma-

tion of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who threatens to roll back many of the civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, voting rights and other justice safeguards that have been put in place in the last decades.

As vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Warner helped lead the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. He also has worked to investigate and set up protections against cybersecurity threats and ensure the integrity of future U.S. elections.

He has worked hard on veterans issues, including efforts to help prevent suicide among veterans and to support and grow university law school programs that provide legal assistance to veterans.

He also championed the Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law in early August, that brings billions of dollars in new federal investment in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and recreation areas to help address maintenance backlogs, create new jobs and stimulate local economies that rely on outdoor tourism. The measure also permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund that provides states and local communities with technical assistance and funding to help preserve and protect public lands.

We endorse his bid for re-election to another six-year term in the U.S. Senate.

A. Donald McEachin for Congress

7th Congressional District ● Abigail A. Spanberger*

We strongly endorse 4th District Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Richmond for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

When Rep. McEachin left the state Senate in January 2017 after being elected for the first time to represent the Richmond-Petersburg to Hampton Rep. McEachin Roads area in Congress, he did not go off to Washington and forget about the people and local issues.

During his two terms in office, he has been attentive to constituents by working on federal remedies to local problems.

For example, he put pressure on federal housing officials and worked with local authorities to overhaul the troubled former Essex Village apartment complex, the largest federally subsidized housing community in Henrico County. The complex changed ownership and management and has received an infusion of financial support for upgrades, giving residents quality affordable housing.

Rep. McEachin also has worked to address the disproportionately

Richmond Mayor ● Levar M. Stoney* Richmond City Council District 1 ● Andreas D. Addison* District 2 ● Tavarris J. Spinks District 3 ● No Endorsement

high rates of suspensions and expulsions for students of color and students with disabilities in public schools in Richmond and Petersburg.

He has pushed for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to investigate the disparities.

And he has led efforts to correct significant postal issues in the area, including the abrupt closure of a post office in the East End and erratic, inaccurate and inefficient mail delivery. Most recently, he toured the general mail facility in Sandston to ensure the facility could handle the anticipated flood of mailed ballots ahead of the November election.

He continues to work on broadband availability and access for the district’s rural communities and advocates for greater federal funding for K-12 and higher education, including for HBCUs and for a revolving fund that would help school districts like Richmond modernize and replace old and decrepit school buildings.

With COVID-19, he has championed greater access to health care and supports a public option, Medicare X, that would allow people under age 65 to buy into the current federally run health insurance system for seniors.

Rep. McEachin has worked hard for the district and we urge voters to re-elect him.

Abigail A. Spanberger for Congress

District 4 ● Kristen Nye Larson*

We endorse Rep. Abigail A. Spanberger of Henrico County for a second term in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 7th District.

She voted to impeach President Trump in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for unlawfully soliciting Ukrainian Rep. Spanberger authorities to influence the 2020 presidential election and working to obstruct the Congressional inquiry.

She said his actions violated his oath of office, endangered national security and betrayed the public trust.

We agree.

The former CIA officer sponsored legislation, which was approved

District 5 ● Stephanie A. Lynch* District 6 ● Ellen F. Robertson* District 7 ● Cynthia I. Newbille* District 8 ● Amy C. Wentz

and signed into law in March, that requires the president to develop a strategy to ensure the security of the 5G mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure.

She recently introduced legislation that would provide free COVID19 vaccines for seniors.

Rep. Spanberger regularly conducts listening tours in the district to hear constituents concerns on issues ranging from business and Richmond Free Press the economy to homelessness and 422 East Franklin Street discrimination. She has been strong Richmond, VA 23219 on farm and agriculture-related Telephone (804) 644-0496 issues and supports stronger gun FAX (804) 643-7519 laws, women’s reproductive health rights and LGBTQ rights.

Mailing Address: We support her.

P.O. Box 27709 Richmond, VA 23261

City Council choices

District 9 ● Michael J. Jones*

Richmond City Council has had a full plate during the last four years dealing with issues and proposals ranging from the $1.5 billion Navy Hill Development Corp. Coliseum and Downtown development plan to an increase in the city meals tax to fund the construction of three new schools.

The next City Council will be faced with even tougher issues as Richmond works to recover from the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, schools, health, housing and government operations, just to name a few.

The next City Council also must grapple with police reform, racial equity and the transformation of public spaces following the removal of Confederate statues along Monument Avenue and elsewhere in the city. These are all significant issues spotlighted by the recent months of protests in Richmond following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis.

We need a City Council comprised of rigorous and forward thinkers who, while they may disagree on the details, can come together and help navigate the city through the problems of COVID-19 with the compassion and equity that recognizes the value of all residents and works to lift those of all backgrounds.

To that end, we are endorsing six current City Council members who are seeking re-election: Andreas D. Addison, 1st District; Kristen Nye Larson, 4th District; Stephanie A. Lynch, 5th District; Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District; Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District; and Michael J. Jones, 9th District.

While we have not agreed with all of them on all things during the past four years, we believe they will continue to work hard to move the city forward, with consideration of and equity for all.

We were particularly impressed with Ms. Lynch

Richmond School Board District 1 ● Liz B. Doerr* District 2 ● J. Scott Barlow* District 3 ● Sabrina J. Gross District 4 ● Jonathan M. Young* District 5 ● Decardra L. Jackson District 6 ● Shonda M. Harris-Muhammed District 7 ● Cheryl L. Burke* District 8 ● Dawn C. Page*

and Dr. Jones going into the streets during the recent protests to see for themselves the conflict between demonstrators and police. It was unfortunate that their resulting resolution to ban the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and other non-lethal weapons to control crowds was rejected by a City Council subcommittee and not resurrected by the full council. We hope, however, they will continue their efforts in this important fight.

Ms. Lynch also has been a leader in city efforts to provide day care for families during the COVID-19 crisis. Assistance for families, students and businesses must continue to be a priority of the mayor and City Council if Richmond is to bounce back successfully from the pandemic.

After discussions and reviewing candidates’ records, we believe that Tavarris J. Spinks in the 2nd District and Amy C. Wentz in the 8th District would be the best additions to City Council to help tackle the current problems.

Mr. Spinks has a solid grasp on issues large and small within the district, and we believe his analytical skills and energy will add focus to the council.

Ms. Wentz, who has lived outside the district and returned home, will bring new ideas, new vision and fresh energy to the 8th District that has been served well by Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell in the past.

But we believe it is time for Councilwoman Trammell to step down and use her energies elsewhere for the good of the district.

We make no endorsement in the 3rd District. We recognize the strengths of each of the three candidates vying for the open seat and leave it to the voters to decide who can best represent them and their interests on City Council.

School Board choices

District 9 ● Nicole Jones Constitutional Amendments No. 1 Virginia Redistricting Commission

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

At stake: U.S. presidency and vice presidency, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Richmond mayor, Richmond City Council and Richmond School Board.

Your vote is your power.

No

No. 2 Yes Property tax exemption for disabled veterans *incumbents

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

We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.

Like four years ago, the Richmond School Board will experience some turnover this election with three open seats. And four incumbents are facing challengers.

That makes it a total of seven of the nine seats that could host a new repesentative.

That prospect is a bit disturbing because, in the past eight months marked by upheaval with COVID-19, some continuity would be better. Richmond Public Schools is going through one of the toughest times yet. The coronavirus forced the shutdown of schools in mid-March. Students, families, teachers and administrators have had to adjust to virtual learning since schools opened for the fall semester.

And with a new spike in coronavirus cases sweeping the nation and starting to show in Virginia, there is great uncertainty whether and when schools will reopen for in-person learning in 2021.

This puts an even greater need and burden for leadership on Richmond’s next School Board.

RPS has long struggled with the tough, chronic problems of student absenteeism and dropouts that have given the city some of the worst records among school districts in the state. We have a low student achievement rate, as measured by Standards of Learning tests, and a low graduation rate, with too many students not completing high school in four years.

The coronavirus only threatens to make Richmond’s education gaps wider, critical problems the next School Board must have the skills and abilities

to help our school system address.

We are endorsing five incumbents who we believe have the vision and tenacity to help RPS through this rocky time: Liz B. Doerr, 1st District; J. Scott Barlow, 2nd District; Jonathan M. Young, 4th District; Cheryl L. Burke, 7th District; and Dawn C. Page, 8th District. We believe Ms. Burke, Ms. Page and Mr. Young, in particular, work hard and are well qualified to help RPS through this troubling time.

We also endorse candidates Sabrina J. Gross, 3rd District; Decardra L. Jackson, 5th District; and Shonda M. Harris-Muhammed, 6th District, because we believe they have the knowledge and experience to help shape a positive direction for RPS, particularly during the next 12 months.

Ms. Gross, who holds a law degree, is a coordinator for complaints and special projects for the state Department of Education’s Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services. This also includes special education complaints. Dr. Jackson is the STEM coordinator with Petersburg Public Schools and a former assistant principal and director of assessment, literacy and research for RPS. Ms. Harris-Muhammed is an assistant principal with Franklin City Public Schools and a former member of the Richmond School Board.

We believe they know what’s needed in Richmond and how to help RPS get there.

Nicole Jones, who is unopposed for the open 9th District seat, also has our endorsement.

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Richmond Free Press

Letters to the Editor

October 29-31, 2020 A15

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Stoney ‘has a vision for our city’ Local government is tough. No leader is perfect. But Mayor Levar M. Stoney has led us through difficult times and managed government well with the resources available.

He has a vision for our city.

Working with school officials and with support from the electorate, he has moved opportunity

for Richmond’s young people forward. He continues to seek solid economic growth opportunities that will generate the jobs, housing and tax income, which our community needs.

During this COVID-19 crisis, Mayor Stoney has worked diligently with local and regional health leaders to provide needed

Gray ‘has articulated sound plans’ I love our iconic city. That is why I want the best person to lead it. That person is unquestionably Kim B. Gray.

I am asking all Richmonders to consider the following question: Are you better off now than you were four years ago?

When one considers three critical areas — the Richmond Public Schools graduation rate, city roads and infrastructure and clandestine back room deals — the answer is a resounding “No.” During the last four years, the high school dropout rate has skyrocketed to 23.2 percent, the worst in the state.

With regard to city taxes, Mayor Stoney led City Council to increase the restaurant meal tax rate by 25 percent – from 6 percent to 7.5 percent. He then followed it up by proposing an increase in the real estate tax to a whopping $1.29 per $100 of assessed value. By comparison, Chesterfield County’s real estate tax rate is 95 cents per $100 of assessed value, and Henrico County is 87 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Are Richmonders getting anything for these exorbitant taxes? Clearly, they are not.

Finally, consider the secret back room deals that have proliferated under a Stoney administration. Mayor Stoney spent $2 million dollars and two years of city staff time and effort on the $1.5 billion Navy Hill development boondoggle.

Had Ms. Gray and City Council not halted his project, Richmond would have been forced to divert $650 million of taxpayer money on a Coliseum replacement that would have bankrupted the city.

Ms. Gray is different and she has proven it. As a former member of the Richmond School Board and current member of City Council, Ms. Gray has made the right decisions time and time again. She opposed the restaurant meals tax, opposed Mayor Stoney’s real estate tax hike proposal and led the fight to stop the Coliseum debacle.

Ms. Gray has articulated sound plans to fix our schools and infrastructure, stop gentrification and halt the deplorable practice of spending city money on big shiny projects.

I humbly and respectfully request that you support the

honest and transparent mayoral candidacy of Kim Gray.

SEN. JOSEPH D. “Joe” Morrissey Richmond The writer represents the 16th District in the Virginia Senate.

equipment and services to all in the city, while demonstrating leadership to the community.

With this spring and summer’s historic reckoning with Richmond’s racist past and present, he has been a steady force for truth, for tolerance, for new justice initiatives and for the protection of peaceful

Are you turning 65?

Call your local licensed independent sales agent.

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protest—not the unlawful behavior of a few.

Mayor Stoney has proven himself an able public servant, one who learns on the job. And the next four years should be even better.

BEN RAGSDALE Richmond

JOHN W ZACHARY 788474 804-382-7684 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ZACHARYJW2@AOL.COM

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RICHMOND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING

GILLIES CREEK TRAIL PHASES II AND III

University Boulevard Canal Bridge Replacement at the Appomattox River City of Petersburg Notice of Willingness Find out about the proposed improvements to University Boulevard in the City of Petersburg. The project will replace the existing bridge over the canal adjacent to Campbell’s Bridge over the Appomattox River. Due to the sensitive, historical significance of the area, a precast concrete box culvert will be inserted between the existing stone abutments to preserve them. The bridge will be closed during construction and a detour will be in place. This is a State of Good Repair funded project.

Review the project information and National Environmental Policy Act documentation at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights, 23834-9002 804-524-6000, 1-800-367-7623,TTY/TDD 711.

Please call ahead to make arrangements for personnel to share more information or answer your questions.

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Thomas Kendrick, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002 or by email to thomas.kendrick@vdot.virginia.gov on or prior to November 12, 2020. If a written request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above.

State Project: 0036-123-297, P101, R201, C501, D609 Federal Project: Federally Eligible with Exception UPC: 111735

Available Online: November 5 - 19, 2020

We Need Your Feedback

The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently designing a shared-use trail along Gillies Creek, adjacent to Stony Run Road and Gillies Creek Park. The trail is intended to be located from Williamsburg Avenue to Jennie Scher Road. It is part of a larger trail network that is envisioned to connect the Virginia Capital Trail to a north side mixed-income redevelopment at Armstrong High School. The design will include safe pedestrian crossings at existing roadway intersections.

For more details or if you need assistance with alternative means to review and comment, contact Adel Edward at Adel.Edward@Richmondgov.com

Please go to: www.RVA.gov/public-works/construction-projects-road-improvements Click on the Gillies Creek tab to review the presentation and complete the survey with your feedback.

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Route 675 (Hardy Road) Curve Realignment Lunenburg County Notice of Willingness Find out about the proposed improvements to Route 675 (Hardy Road). The project will realign the curve located 0.3 miles south of the intersection of Route 40 (Lunenburg County Road) and Route 49 (Courthouse Road). Sight distance improvements are proposed. A detour will be required.

Project information and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation in the form of a Categorical Exclusion are available at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive, South Chesterfield VA 23834-9002, 804-5246000, 1-800-663-4188, TTY/TTD 711. Please call ahead to make arrangements for personnel to share more information or answer your questions.

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Mr. Thomas Kendrick, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, South Chesterfield, VA 23834-9002 or by email to thomas.kendrick@vdot.virginia.gov on or prior to November 4, 2020. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above.

State Project: 0675-055-731, P101, R201, C501 Federal Project: HSIP-055-4(033) UPC: 108886

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer.

Richmond Free Press

A16 October 29-31, 2020

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Stories by Fred Jeter

Liberty University undefeated with QB Malik Willis

Fueled by an abundance of Black talent, Liberty University is exploring new football frontiers.

No less than 65 African-Americans — out of about 110 players on the roster — have helped the upstart Liberty Flames to a 6-0 start and a shot at some national attention.

The Lynchburg university, led on attack by dual-threat quarterback Malik Willis, now awaits a high profile Nov. 7 date at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

A hard-earned victory over a prominent program such as Tech could propel the Flames into national rankings. The Hokies were ranked 19th nationally prior to an Oct. 24 loss at Wake Forest University.

Liberty Coach Hugh Freeze’s squad will get another crack at an ACC opponent on Nov. 21 when the team plays at North Carolina State University.

Demographics: According to The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, or TIDES, at the University of Central Florida, 49 percent of Division 1 FBS players are Black.

Virginia Tech, Liberty’s upcoming opponent on Saturday, Nov. 7, lists at least 76 Black players on its roster of around 110.

Liberty lists its enrollment as 70 percent white and 5 percent Black, with another 15 percent listed as “unknown.” The university is 59 percent women and 41 percent men.

Liberty leading man: Atlanta native Willis, who wears the No. 7 on his LU blue, white and red jersey, matched his jersey number in touchdowns in the Flames’ 56-35 win over Southern Mississippi University last Saturday.

Willis, a redshirt junior who transferred to Liberty from Auburn University, passed for six touchdowns

Malik Willis

and ran for another, accounting for 345 yards in the air and another 97 running.

Some history: The private Christian college was founded in 1971 with 154 students by Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer Towns as Lynchburg Baptist College. It was later Liberty Baptist College before becoming LU in 1985. It has 15,000 residential students. It’s most recent president, Jerry Falwell Jr., resigned amid a sex scandal in August.

Athletic progression: The Flames competed in the NAIA from 1973 to 1980, in NCAA Division II from 1981 to 1987 and NCAA Division I-AA from 1988 to 2001.

Competing in the 25,000-seat Williams Stadium with Astro Turf, the Flames joined the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision in 2019 as an independent.

Liberty Flames turn into bonfire (Season so far)

Liberty 30, Western Kentucky 24 Liberty 36, Florida International 34 Liberty 28, North Alabama 7 Liberty 40, Louisiana-Monroe, 7 Liberty 38, Syracuse 21 Liberty 56, Southern Mississippi 35 Next up Liberty at Virginia Tech on Nov. 7

In its first season in the FBS, the Flames were 8-5 and defeated Georgia Southern University in the Mortgage Cure Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Bumps in the road: While the football program has become predominantly Black on the field, there have been problems. Several players

transferred in the offseason for reasons described as “racial insensitivity.” Among those leaving was defensive back Kei’Trel Clark from Manchester High School in Chesterfield County.

Clark has relocated to the University of Louisville.

Follow the leader: The Flames’ basketball program, led by African-American Coach Ritchie McKay, beat LU football to celebrity status. NBA veteran Seth Curry played for Liberty one year before transferring to Duke University.

Competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference, Liberty basketball went 30-4 last winter, was at one point ranked in the Top 25 and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. The postseason was wiped out, however, by the pandemic.

NFL connections: The pro scouts know their way to Lynchburg.

At least seven former Flames have competed on football’s highest level.

Currently, Antonio Gandy-Golden is a wide receiver with the Washington Football Team. Gandy-Golden was a fourth round draft choice in 2020.

Looking ahead: LU, while always in the search for a conference affiliation, is absolutely committed to top-tier football. The Flames will host Virginia Tech in 2022 and travel to the University of Virginia in 2023.

Other “name” schools on upcoming slates are Mississippi, Arkansas, Wake Forest and South Carolina, Army, Syracuse, Connecticut and New Mexico State.

Support: LU takes a back seat to few colleges in terms of a built-in fan base. There are about 15,000 students on campus but another 90,000-plus online.

NSU to start football in February with slim schedule A MEAC championship and a berth in the NCAA playoffs are among the goals for Norfolk State University football team during a delayed season.

The 2020 season was postponed from a traditional fall start to a start in the spring of 2021 because of the COVID19 pandemic.

Coach Latrell Scott’s Spartans will compete in the MEAC Northern Division along with Delaware State, Morgan State and Howard universities.

The Spartans will play a six-game schedule with three home and three away contests.

The Southern Division will be composed of North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central, South Carolina State, Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman universities.

The MEAC championship game is set for April 17 at a site to be determined.

The MEAC champion will advance to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, or FCS, playoffs. In the past, the MEAC champion has traveled to the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta to play the SWAC champ. But the 2020 Celebration Bowl has been canceled because of the pandemic.

NSU Spartans spring schedule Feb. 20 Delaware State

University Feb. 27 at Howard University March 13 at Morgan State

University March 20 Howard March 27 at Delaware State April 10 Morgan State April 17 MEAC championship Game times to be announced

LaMelo Ball to be among top picks in NBA draft

Anthony Hamilton, left, congratulates his son, Lewis.

Lewis Hamilton claims all-time win record in Formula One racing Lewis Hamilton is the all-time leader of the pack for Formula One Grand Prix racing.

The 35-year-old Brit won his record 92nd career F1 race on Oct. 25 with a commanding performance at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Driving for the Mercedes team, Hamilton finished 25 seconds ahead of the runner-up.

The previous mark for F1 victories was 91, set by German Michael Schumacher from 1991 to 2012.

Hamilton has six Grand Prix season titles and is far ahead in points this year. A seventh season crown would tie Schumacher in that category.

In Portugal, Hamilton won the pole position for a 97th time, also an F1 record.

Raised as a Catholic, Hamilton is the son of a white British mother, Carmen Hamilton, and Black British father, Anthony Hamilton. Lewis self identifies as Black.

The open-wheel F1 series is dominated by white European drivers. The most prominent American to compete on the circuit was Mario Andretti, who won 12 races between 1968 and 1982.

LaMelo LaFrance Ball has a catchy name, a wealth of talent and a story like none other.

The trailblazing, 6-foot-7 basketball point guard doesn’t tend to follow the roads most traveled.

No wonder he has coined his own self-description as “One of One.” Having turned 19 in August, Ball figures to be among the top picks—perhaps even the No. 1 pick—in the Nov. 18 NBA draft.

There are so many unusual chapters in the teen’s young life that a storyteller hardly knows where to begin.

The Ball family: LaMelo is the youngest of LaVar and Tina Ball’s three gifted sons. His father, who is African-American, stands 6-foot-6 and played basketball at Washington State and Cal State-Los Angeles. His mother, who is Caucasian, is 6 feet tall and played basketball at Cal-State, where she met LaVar. The couple’s oldest son, 23-year-old Lonzo, 6-foot-6, starred one season at UCLA before being chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers as the second overall draft pick in 2017. He has since been traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

The couple’s middle son, LiAngelo, 21, who is 6-foot-5,played this past season for the Oklahoma Blue of the NBA’s Gatorade (Developmental) League.

Shoe business: In 2017, LaVar Ball unveiled his own sports gear company called “Big Baller Brand.” All the brothers have roles in their Facebook Watch reality show “Ball in the Family.”

Meanwhile LaVar, CEO of Big Baller Brand, has become a media celebrity

with his bold and flamboyant statements.

For example, he proclaimed Lonzo to be “better than Steph Curry” when Lonzo was still in high school. Also, he said he himself “could beat Michael Jordan in a game of one-on-one.” While his statements rankled some, the media ate it up.

LaVar also founded the Junior Basketball Association, in which his sons dabbled.

Long and winding road: LaMelo began his high school career at Chino Hills High School near Los Angeles, where he once scored 92 points in one game.

He played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Chino, but was homeschooled as a junior and did not play.

At that juncture in 2018, LaVar arranged for LaMelo to sign a professional contract with the Lithuanian team Prienai.

More recently in 2019-20, he suited up for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia, where he earned league Rookie of the Year honors.

What’s really confusing is that in November 2018, LaMelo returned to the United States to play high school ball for SPIRE Institute of Geneva, Ohio. That was between pro stops in Lithuania and Australia. SPIRE played a game that season at Virginia State University against Life Christian Academy in Chester. Ball’s reputation was used to promote the contest and sell tickets, but he did not play that night for undisclosed reasons.

College recruitment: Among the schools pursuing LaMelo Ball were Washington State; UCLA, where LiAngelo briefly attended; and the University of Virginia. By that time, he already had

an agent.

He was generally considered the No. 1 guard in the country, but there were so many red flags concerning his professional status that nothing materialized.

Also at that time, LaMelo had his own signature basketball sneaker, Melo Ball 1, manufactured by Big Baller Brand.

With that, LaMelo passed on the more traditional approach of college “one and done.” Why play simply for room, board and tuition when you can take good money to the bank?

Latest adventure: Earlier this month, LaMelo signed a multiyear shoe deal to represent Puma Basketball. No financial terms were disclosed. The “LaMelo signature model” is supposed to be revealed Nov. 18.

Not coincidentally, that’s the same day of the NBA draft, which is to be held via teleconference from the ESPN Studios in Bristol, Conn.

What’s next? With LaMelo specifically, and the Ball family in general, it’s best to predict something out of the ordinary on the horizon. You never know.

The Balls don’t follow road signs. They carve their own.

Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

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Richmond Free Press

B2 October 29-31, 2020

Happenings

Personality: Luise ‘Cheezi’ Farmer Spotlight on board chair of Diversity Richmond Being elected to lead a group in the midst of a pandemic would be a sizable burden for anyone. But for Luise “Cheezi” Farmer, board chair of Diversity Richmond, it’s a welcome opportunity to show her commitment to the cause and a sign of how much her role is valued.

“After being on the board for three years, it was a humbling experience to know that other members believed I was the right person to help lead the organization,” Ms. Farmer says.

Ms. Farmer, a retired UPS employee and owner and master barber of RVA Clippers, was elected in June to serve a twoyear term.

Diversity Richmond was founded as Gay Community Center of Richmond in 1999 to provide for support the groups that served the city’s LGBTQIA+ community and to educate the public. Since then, the organization has greatly expanded its efforts and means of ensuring its vision of an inclusive and equitable community comes to fruition.

The name changed to Diversity Richmond in 2015.

Diversity Richmond offers a number of programs and services, including a thrift store, emergency support systems, referrals and yearly grants to area nonprofits that strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community.

The group also partners with many local organizations and nonprofits, including Jewish Family Services, LGBT Cancer Resources and the Black History Museum.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, coronavirus community testing has taken place at Diversity Richmond. The organization also has held food drives, given stipends for purchases

at its thrift store for those in need and provided emergency financial support through collaboration with its community partners.

Ms. Farmer is more than aware of the significance of leading the organization not just during the pandemic, but also during a time of protests against police brutality and a re-energized push for racial equality.

As a result, Diversity Richmond has moved beyond its original mission through partnerships with nonprofits such as FeedMore and by deepening the group’s outreach to Richmond’s Latinx community. The group also is “committed to give to, work for and support efforts to eliminate structural racism and marginalization,” according to Ms. Farmer.

“Our community really knows how to come together to support one another,” says Ms. Farmer, extolling the volunteer support Diversity Richmond has received. “We are stronger together through difficult times.”

For now though, Ms. Farmer is focused on fulfilling her duties as board chair and working on the organization’s future plans.

Among them is to provide hot meals on Thanksgiving Day and a food drive some time in December.

Meet a generous, optimistic and hard-working activist and this week’s Personality, Luise “Cheezi” Farmer: No. 1 volunteer position: Board chair, Diversity Richmond.

Date and place of birth: Oct. 14 in Louisa.

Where I live now: Richmond.

Education: Worldwide School of Evangelism; Anderson Barber College; Evans-Smith

Training Institute at Virginia Union University. Certifications: Personnel administration, Christian counseling and nonprofit management.

Occupation: UPS, retired in October 2020; owner and master barber, RVA Clippers.

Family: Daughter, Nicole; and two grandchildren, Jayden and Jayla.

Diversity Richmond’s mission: Diversity Richmond envisions a community where LGBTQIA+ citizens are treated with respect and dignity and their unique gifts are championed and celebrated, thereby strengthening our community.

When and why Diversity Richmond was founded: It was founded as Gay Community Center of Richmond in 1999. GCCR was founded to provide support for the agencies and groups that served Central Virginia sexual and gender minority people and to educate the public about the many issues facing the LGBTQ

community. In 2004, GCCR purchased the current facility located on Sherwood Avenue, which has undergone extensive renovations through the years. In 2000, Jon Klein opened a Main Street thrift store called, Out of the Closet Thrift. The name was later changed to Diversity Thrift and is now one of Richmond’s best known and most popular thrift stores. In 2015, GCCR became Diversity Richmond.

Why Diversity Richmond is important in our community: It supports the LGBTQIA+ community financially, collaborates, convenes groups to effect social change and encourages acceptance.

When elected board chair: June 2020.

Length of term: Two years.

Why I accepted position: After being on the board for three years, it was a humbling experience to know that other members believed I was the right person to help lead the organization.

Significance of being board chair at this time: The relationship between the board chair and the executive director is critical for success, particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Number one goal or project as board chair: To create a junior board to raise monies and spread the message of Diversity Richmond.

Strategy for achieving goals: Name the problem, invite feedback and possible solutions then find consensus on what is the best decision for the organiza-

tion and the community.

How Diversity Richmond is helping during COVID-19: Holding food drives, giving stipends for those in need to shop at Diversity Thrift and providing emergency financial support with community partners.

How COVID-19 has caused Diversity Richmond to think beyond its original mission: Through partnerships with nonprofits such as FeedMore and deeper outreach to the Latinx community, along with keeping the safety of our employees a priority by strictly following CDC guidelines.

Lessons learned during this pandemic by Diversity Richmond: Our community really knows how to come together to support one another. We are stronger together through difficult times. Volunteer support has been amazing.

Services we provide: Various programs, emergency support, referrals and grants to area nonprofits.

Diversity Richmond partners with: A variety of organizations and nonprofits, including Jewish Family Services, LGBT Cancer Resources and the Black History Museum.

Black Lives Matter and Diversity Richmond: Diversity Richmond is committed to give to, work for and support efforts to eliminate structural racism and marginalization.

Who benefits from Diversity Richmond: Diversity Richmond has distributed more than $850,000 to area nonprofits, including Richmond Triangle Players, Health Brigade, NATIONZ, Equality Virginia and many more. Grants also are given out on an annual basis to support programs that

strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community Diversity Richmond’s upcoming events: Providing hot meals from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, and a food drive in December.

Ways to work with Diversity Richmond: Volunteer and donate either financially or by donating items to the thrift store.

How I start the day: Meditation and being grateful with a good cup of Cafe Mocha from Starbucks .

Three words that best describe me: Generous, optimistic and hard-working.

Best late-night snack: Goobers or Boston Baked Beans and Dr. Pepper.

How I unwind: Watching MSNBC. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Shop.

A quote that I am most inspired by: “Do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return and you will never be disappointed.” — Unknown At the top of my “to-do” list: Enjoy retirement.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Family is important.

Person who influenced me the most: My mother, the Rev. Ada Davis.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

What I’m reading now: The news on all platforms.

Next goal: To continue my work with Diversity Richmond and fulfill my duties as board chair to the best of my best abilities.

First Black student at R-MC shares honor with former college president

By Ronald E. Carrington

Randolph-Macon College has honored its first AfricanAmerican student and its 13th president by naming a new academic building after them — Payne Hall.

Haywood A. “HAP” Payne Jr., who graduated from R-MC in 1968, and former R-MC President C. Ladell Payne were honored during a virtual dedication Oct. 23 of the new $13.5 million, 30,000 squarefoot Payne Hall that houses labs, high-tech classrooms, a simulation center and offices for the college’s bachelor of science in nursing program.

Mr. Payne, who is said to have health issues, did not participate in the virtual cer-

emony; Dr. Payne provided video remarks.

When Mr. Payne entered the small, private liberal arts college in Ashland as a transfer student in 1966, he broke a 136-year-old color line at the school that was started in 1830.

The school also was all-male until 1971.

At the time, Mr. Payne, a 1964 graduate of Cathedral High School in Richmond, was a rising junior at Virginia Union University majoring in chemistry. He had the highest GPA in the chemistry department and was working during the summer of 1966 on a construction job in Washington.

That’s when he received a mysterious phone call from VUU President Thomas H.

Henderson, he recalled during a video interview in 2016 when he served as R-MC’s commencement speaker. He said he was worried because students didn’t get calls from the VUU president’s office.

To his surprise, he said, Dr. Henderson had an opportunity for him to attend RandolphMacon. It was a very delicate situation, he said, because of the racial climate at the time at Virginia schools and at schools throughout the South.

“Dr. Henderson said Randolph-Macon wanted someone who had a very good opportunity to succeed … and would not set back the process,” Mr. Payne said in the video.

He was struggling to pay for college at VUU, he said,

and R-MC offered a full scholarship. However, he said he didn’t think through some of the difficulties he would encounter at the all-white college.

He did indeed encounter difficulties — resistance from students and uncooperative professors not willing to teach him.

However, he also garnered allies, including his roommate Charlie Rippon, a football star at the college, who provided a shield of protection and inclusion. He and members of the football team escorted

Richmond EMT and new American Doll face to be grand marshal of 37th Annual Christmas Parade

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Photos courtesy of April O’Quinn

EMT April O’Quinn, grand marshal of the 2020 Richmond Christmas Parade, is one of the faces of a new line of American Girl dolls called“HeroesWith Heart,” a tribute to first responders.

A Richmond woman who spends her days saving lives will be the grand marshal of the 37th Annual Richmond Christmas Parade, it has been announced.

She is April O’Quinn, an emergency medical technician with the Richmond Ambulance Authority.

In announcing her selection Monday, Beth Karrer, parade director, described Ms. O’Quinn as an appropriate choice during the pandemic to help lift people’s spirits.

Ms. O’Quinn will lead the televised-only parade from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 5.

“Ms. O’Quinn has such an inspiring story and embodies what it means to be a hero as a front line worker,” Ms. Karrer stated. “We are so grateful to April and all of the Richmond Ambulance Authority crew for their work in the Richmond community.”

This is just the latest recognition for Ms. O’Quinn, who battled back from contracting the coronavirus in March and continues to work as an EMT. She was selected earlier this year to be one of the faces of a new line of “Heroes With Heart” dolls created by American Girl.

Ms. O’Quinn was tapped as one of the five winners after being nominated by her niece, Lacey O’Quinn of Texas. Lacey, who is 12, wrote the company’s judges about her aunt being a role model and inspiration through her willingness to return to the medical front lines after spending a month recuperating from the virus.

Payne Hall

Mr. Payne to classes and M r. P a y n e dined with the players at every meal.

“It was not about breaking the color barrier,” Mr. Payne said in Mr. Payne Dr. Payne the video. “I was thinking about going to Afrcan-American to serve on a great school. In my field of R-MC’s Board of Trustees, both chemistry, I would have access from 1988 to 2000 and again to equipment and facilities I from 2011 to at least 2016.

In 2011, he was awarded had only seen in books or read about,” Mr. Payne said. “This the Society of Alumni Distinguished Service Award and was was a great opportunity.”

After graduating and teach- awarded an honorary degree ing chemistry at John F. Ken- in 2016, when he spoke at the nedy High School in Richmond, R-MC commencement during Mr. Payne earned an MBA from the 50th anniversary of his the University of Pittsburgh in matriculation at the school.

Mr. Payne was a member of 1977, and completed post-graduate work in Carnegie-Mellon the board during the tenure of University’s Program for Senior the other honoree, Dr. Payne, who served as R-MC’s president Executives in 1994.

Mr. Payne’s success contin- from 1979 to 1997. During Dr. ued as he joined Gulf Oil Corp. Payne’s tenure, student enrollin 1970 as a systems analysis ment grew; the endowment was chemist and continued after increased eight-fold; several the company’s merger with new majors were introduced and the university restored Chevron in 1984.

He retired in 2010 as presi- many of its historic buildings, dent of Chevron Business according to the college.

For their contributions, Dr. and Real Estate Services, responsible for worldwide Payne and his wife, Jean, were office strategies and property awarded honorary degrees in dispositions, laboratory support 1998 and he was named an honorary alumnus in 2010 and business services.

He made contributions to by the college’s Society of his alma mater. He was the first Alumni.

Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

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Happenings Prince Harry says ignorance no excuse for unconscious bias Free Press wire report

LONDON Britain’s Prince Harry says it took him many years and the experience of living with his wife, Meghan Markle, to understand how his privileged upbringing shielded him from the reality of unconscious bias.

Prince Harry talked about racial inequality and social justice in a video discussion with Black

Prince Harry and Ms. Markle

Lives Matter activist Patrick Hutchinson as part of the GQ Heroes Conference, which is being broadcast this week.

“Unconscious bias, from my understanding, having had the upbringing and the education that I have, I had no idea what it was,” Prince Harry said. “I had no idea it existed and then, sad as it is to say, it took me many, many years to realize it, especially then living a day or a week in my wife’s shoes.”

Prince Harry was raised in the royal family and educated at the exclusive Eton before serving in the British Army. He married Ms. Markle, a Black American TV star, in 2018.

The couple stepped away from royal duties earlier this year, saying they wanted to become self-sufficient. In August, they moved to a multimilliondollar estate in California’s Santa Barbara County.

The prince described the social justice movement as a train that “has left the station” and said now is the time for everyone to do their part to make the world a better place.

“You can’t really point fingers, especially when it comes to unconscious bias,” Prince Harry said. “But once you realize or you feel a little bit uncomfortable, then the onus is on you to go out and educate yourself because ignorance is no longer an excuse.”

Mr. Hutchinson, a personal trainer, was thrust into the spotlight in June when he was photographed at a Black Lives Matter protest in London carrying an injured counterprotester to safety.

Prince Harry, speaking from his home in California, praised Mr. Hutchinson for his selflessness.

“You just came in, you did

Trunk or Treat canceled

The annual Halloween Trunk or Treat sponsored by the Richmond Sheriff’s Office is another casualty of the pandemic.

Richmond Sheriff Antionette V. Irving announced Monday that the event featuring candy and a costume contest has been canceled because of concerns about spreading COVID-19.

First held in 2018, the third annual edition was scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, outside the Richmond Justice Center.

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what was necessary and you saved a life,” Prince Harry said.

“And in doing so, you have

changed the narrative for those protests.”

Mr. Hutchinson said he at-

tended the protest to make sure the protesters didn’t do anything they would regret.

“So it wasn’t just us down there protecting the young Black protesters. It was us protecting

everybody. And as it turned out, somebody on the other side,” Mr. Hutchinson said.

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Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

VIRGINIA AND THE NINETEENTH AMENDMENT Voting is the lynchpin of a democracy, but who gets to vote has YdoYqk Z]]f `gldq [gfl]kl]\ af 9e]ja[Y& 9k Újkl Y\ghl]\$ l`] U.S. Constitution did not guarantee universal suffrage—various groups have fought for this right throughout our history. Women gained the right to vote only after a hard-fought battle that began in 1848.

In the late 1800s, the exponential growth of urbanization and industrialization across the nation was accompanied by a wave of social and political reform movements. Virginia women fought for voting rights so that they would have the power to enact positive changes in education, public health, labor rights, and other causes they supported.

Although earlier attempts to organize suffrage activists failed, a small group of civic-minded women formed the Equal Suffrage League (ESL) of Virginia in 1909. Lila Meade Valentine, as the Újkl hj]ka\]fl g^ l`] d]Y_m]$ ljYn]d]\ l`jgm_`gml l`] klYl] lg jYak] hmZda[ YoYj]f]kk Yf\ Zmad\ kmhhgjl ^gj oge]f k km^^jY_]& Gl`]j prominent participants included authors Ellen Glasgow and Mary Johnston, education activist Mary Munford, and artists Nora Houston and Adèle Clark. Antisuffragists formed a counter organization in )1)* lg j]^ml] l`] d]Y_m] k Yj_me]flk ^gj nglaf_ ja_`lk$ Zml Zq )1)1 the ESL counted 32,000 members across the state. It was also the largest suffrage organization in the South.

The issue of race complicated debates over suffrage in Virginia and across the nation. The ESL, like many suffrage organizations, did not admit black members out of fear of alienating white support. And antisuffrage groups also stoked fears about empowering black women with voting privileges. Ultimately abandoned by the ESL, black suffragists formed their own organizations and fought for voting rights within African American communities. The St. Luke Herald, of which Richmond banker and civic leader Maggie Walker was managing editor, kept the issue before its readers. Walker and other black suffragists dac] GjY :jgof Klgc]k Yf\ BYfa] Hgjl]j :Yjj]ll Ydkg khgc] YZgml the necessity of having the ballot to force those in power to respond to the concerns of African American women.

9^l]j q]Yjk g^ \]^]Yl af ]fY[laf_ Y klYl]oa\] oge]f k km^^jY_] amendment, some ESL members grew impatient and joined the more militant Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage dYl]j l`] FYlagfYd OgeYf k HYjlq$ FOH! o`a[` oYk hj]kkmjaf_ Congress and U.S. president Woodrow Wilson to enact a federal suffrage amendment. When the United States entered the First World War in 1917, mainstream suffragists redirected their attenlagf lg l`] oYj ]^^gjl$ Zml l`] FOH ha[c]l]\ af ^jgfl g^ l`] O`al] @gmk]& HYmdaf] 9\Yek$ hj]ka\]fl g^ l`] Fgj^gdc ZjYf[` g^ l`] FOH$ oYk Yegf_ Y fmeZ]j g^ l`]k] kg%[Ydd]\ Kad]fl K]flaf]dk arrested in 1917 and sent to federal prison in Lorton, Virginia.

The harsh treatment of these women in prison garnered public kmhhgjl ^gj km^^jY_] Yf\ hj]kkmj]\ Hj]ka\]fl Oadkgf lg \][dYj] support for a constitutional amendment.

Lila (Meade) Valentine (1865–1921), president of the Equal Suffrage League, championed causes of health and education reform.

Ironically, she never cast a ballot.

Too ill to go to the polls in 1920, she died without ever exercising the franchise. (VMHC 1983.80)

When Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment in June 1919, l`] =KD dgZZa]\ Naj_afaY k d]_akdYlgjk lg jYla^q l`] Ye]f\e]fl$ Zml l`] hgdala[aYfk \a\ fgl j]d]fl& Gf 9m_mkl )0$ )1*($ L]ff]kk]] became the necessary thirty-sixth state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment, making female suffrage the law of the land.

Virginia women soon exercised their right to vote in the November ]d][lagfk$ Zml Naj_afaY k ?]f]jYd 9kk]eZdq klmZZgjfdq j]^mk]\ lg ratify it until doing so symbolically in 1952.

L`ak q]Yj eYjck l`] []fl]ffaYd g^ l`] jYlaÚ[Ylagf g^ l`] Faf]l]]fl` 9e]f\e]fl& Alk jYlaÚ[Ylagf jY\a[Yddq j]\]Úf]\ l`] e]Yfaf_ of American democracy by banning gender-based restrictions on voting and heralded a new age of female participation in American civic life—a milestone that merits both celebration and [jala[Yd j]Û][lagf&

VIRGINIAHISTORY.ORG/2020

KH=;A9D =P@A:ALAGF

O] <]eYf\2 OgeYf k Suffrage in Virginia at the Library of Virginia through May 28, 2021, and online at edu.lva.virginia.gov/WeDemand

KH=;A9D =P@A:ALAGF

Agents of Change: Female Activism af Naj_afaY ^jge Oge]f k Km^^jY_] to Today at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture through November 1, 2020, and online at VirginiaHistory.org/AgentsofChange

The Virginia Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemoration is coordinated on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in partnership with the Library of Virginia. Funding was provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the VMHC and its members, and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.

STUDENT & TEACHER J=KGMJ;=K Live and recorded distance learning programs, lesson plans and more at VirginiaHistory.org/Suffrage

<G;ME=FL9JQ L`]k] L`af_k ;Yf :] <gf] Yl Naj_afaY HmZda[ E]\aY gj gf 9eYrgf Hjae] SuffrageFilm.com

Richmond Free Press

October 29-31, 2020

B5

Faith News/Directory

Pope makes D.C. archbishop first Black cardinal in U.S. Free Press wire report

a clear message â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the midst of shape the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;zero tolerour nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reckoning in sys- anceâ&#x20AC;? response to the sexual temic racism, as millions assert abuse scandal while serving as that Black Lives Matter,â&#x20AC;? said president of the U.S. Conference Johnny Zokovitch, executive of Catholic Bishops from 2001 director of Pax Christi USA, to 2004. a national Catholic peace and The churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts since justice organization based in 2004 have helped achieve a Washington, D.C. sharp reduction in child-sex â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s validation of the abuse cases. But some abuse archbishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opposition this continues to occur, and the past summer of churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s procePresident Trump dures for adusing the Saint dressing abuse John Paul II continue to incur Shrine for a phocriticism from to op when the those who feel presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s polithereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lack of cies are so radiconsistency and cally contrary transparency. to our faith and An outspothe teachings of ken civil rights the church,â&#x20AC;? Mr. advocate, ArchZokovitch said bishop Gregory in a statement. has addressed Archbishop Gregory The move the death of also was praised by the head George Floyd. of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Catholic In June, he blasted President community, Archbishop Jose Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to a Washington Gomez of Los Angeles, who shrine honoring Pope John is president of the U.S. Con- Paul II, a day after police and ference of Catholic Bishops, armed soldiers used tear gas a position once held by Arch- and rubber bullets to clear bishop Gregory. protesters so President Trump â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pope Francis is sending a could be photographed in front powerful message of hope and of a historic Washington church inclusion to the Church in the holding up a Bible.

United States. The naming of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;I find it baffling and repfirst African-American cardinal rehensible that any Catholic from the United States gives facility would allow itself to us an opportunity to pause and be so egregiously misused and offer thanks for the many gifts manipulated in a fashion that African-American Catholics violates our religious principles, have given the church,â&#x20AC;? Arch- which call us to defend the bishop Gomez said. rights of all people, even those Archbishop Gregory helped with whom we might disagree,â&#x20AC;?

WASHINGTON Washington D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory is now the first Black U.S. prelate to assume the rank of cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, a historic appointment that comes months after nationwide demonstrations against racial injustice.

Archbishop Gregoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ascension, announced Sunday by Pope Francis alongside that of 12 other newly named cardinals from several nations, elevates a leader who has drawn praise for his handling of the sexual abuse scandal that has roiled the church and publicly criticized President Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for hoisting a Bible at a Washington church after using authorities to clear demonstrators by tear gassing them in June.

Ordained in his native Chicago in 1973, Archbishop Gregory took over leadership of the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s archdiocese last year after serving as archbishop of Atlanta since 2005. He will turn 73 just days after the ceremony making his elevation official on Nov. 28. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With a very grateful and humble heart, I thank Pope Francis for this appointment which will allow me to work more closely with him in caring for Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church,â&#x20AC;? the archbishop said in a statement issued by the archdiocese.

Leading Catholic organizations cheered the choice and noted Pope Francis was sending

Archbishop Gregory said in a statement before President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.

During a June dialogue hosted by Georgetown University, he talked frankly about his own response to Mr. Floydâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s killing and emphasized the value of church involvement in pressing social issues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The church lives in society.

The church does not live behind the four doors of the structures where we worship,â&#x20AC;? he said at the time.

The Washington archdiocese has created an anti-racism initiative under Archbishop Gregoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership, offering focused prayer and listening sessions.

In addition to his work combating racial injustice and sexual abuse in the church, the archbishop has drawn notice for his more inclusive treatment of LGBTQ Catholics.

In 2014, while serving in Atlanta, he wrote a positive column about his conversations with a group of Catholic parents of LGBTQ children.

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, which represents LGBTQ Catholics, said his group is â&#x20AC;&#x153;very excitedâ&#x20AC;? to see Archbishop Gregoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elevation and connected it back to Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recently reported comments supporting civil unions for same-sex couples.

Archbishop Gregoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elevation, while trailblazing for Black Americans in the

Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obituary: In lieu of flowers, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;do not vote for Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Free Press wire report

ST. PAUL, Minn.

An obituary for a Minneapolis-area woman who died at age 93 included one specific request for her mourners: Do not vote for President Trump.

Georgia May Adkins of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., died of a stroke on Sept.

28, 2020, at United Hospital in St. Paul.

A pair of obituaries published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press included details of

2IVERVIEW

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"APTIST #HURCH

Baptist Church

Sunday School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:45 AM Sunday Services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 AM

1408 W. Leigh Street ¡ Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 358â&#x20AC;&#x201D;6403

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890#

10 a.m. Sunday, November 1, 2020 Zoom Worship Service https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88658471991

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Dr. Douglas Summers Co-Pastor Providence Bap�st Church Bal�more, MD

how she wanted to be cremated and then honored with an Oct. 16 church service under COVID-19 protocols. And she preferred that her friends and family not patronize a florist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In lieu of flowers, Georgia preferred that you do not vote for Trump,â&#x20AC;? her Oct. 11 obituary read.

The request made the rounds on social media, attracting admiration from some and condemnation from others, the Pioneer Press reported. On Facebook, a grandchild,

Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

St. Peter Baptist Church Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

â&#x20AC;&#x153;R��� Uďż˝ M��â&#x20AC;?

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Amber Westman, joined in on one of the conversations and said her grandmother was â&#x20AC;&#x153;fierce everyday and remains so through her legacy!â&#x20AC;?

Mrs. Adkins was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Thomas Adkins, and her first husband, Edward Donald Wille, as well as a sister, son, daughter and stepdaughter. She is survived by three daughters, a son, two stepdaughters, 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

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

Please join us on

Facebook or YouTube

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

Broad Rock Baptist Church 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 â&#x20AC;˘ 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org

â&#x20AC;&#x153;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).â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAKE IT HAPPENâ&#x20AC;?

Pastor Kevin Cook

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

SUNDAYS Morning Worship 10:00 AM Drive-In Service in our Parking Lot

See you there!

6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

We Embrace Diversity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Love For All!

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic NDEC Sunday services are suspended until further notice.

Come worship with us!

Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary.

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

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor

Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

SUNDAY

Triumphant

Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.â&#x20AC;?

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

For Sunday Services at 10:30 AM Bible Study, Wednesdays at 7 PM Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Listeners can call: (508) 924-3234 Support us Online through the Givelify App

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Church With A Welcomeâ&#x20AC;?

-OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

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Zion Baptist Church (South Richmond)

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

Guest Speaker: Dr. Earl L. Pendleton

e with Reverence elevanc R g in Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor bin â?&#x2013; om

You may join us on Facebook Live:

Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Place for Youâ&#x20AC;?

Tune in on YouTube or our church website.

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

2006 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA 23224 ZBCOFFICE@VERIZON.NET â&#x20AC;˘ (804) 859-1985 or (804) 232-2867 Church OďŹ&#x192;ce Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

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

Weekend 7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 8LIQI JSV 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV]

Sunday, November 1st 10:00 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emphasis Sunday

Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2006.

Other newly named cardinals include an Italian who is the long-time papal preacher at the Vatican, the Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa, a Franciscan friar; the Kigali, Rwanda, Archbishop Antoine Kambanda; the Capiz, Philippines, Archbishop Jose Feurte Advincula; and the Santiago, Chile, Archbishop Celestino Aos Braco.

Another Franciscan who was tapped is Friar Mauro Gambetti, in charge of the Sacred Convent in Assisi. The pope, when elected in 2013, chose St. Francis of Assisi as his namesake saint. Earlier this month, the pontiff journeyed to that hill town in Umbria to sign an encyclical, or important church teaching document, about brotherhood.

In a reflection of the popeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stress on helping those in need, Pope Francis also named the former director of the Rome Catholic charity Caritas, the Rev. Enrico Feroci, to be a cardinal.

Nine of the new cardinals are younger than 80, and thus eligible to elect the next pontiff in a secret conclave.

Zion Baptist Church

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FELLOWSHIP

Saturday, October 31st 10:00 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fellowship Zoom/Facebook Live Bible Study Facilitator: Rev. Timothy A. Parker

church, also follows a pattern of D.C.-area archbishops getting named to the rank of cardinal.

Five of the six prelates who previously held Archbishop Gregoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position were later named cardinals.

The archdiocese, though, has become embroiled in the abuse crisis since its previous two leaders â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Donald Wuerl and Theodore McCarrick â&#x20AC;&#x201D; were implicated in the church sex scandal.

In February 2019, Pope Francis defrocked former Archbishop McCarrick after a Vatican-backed investigation concluded he sexually abused minors and adults over his long career. It was the first time a cardinal had been dismissed from the priesthood for abuse.

Pope Francis reluctantly accepted former Archbishop Wuerlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resignation in October 2018 after he lost the trust of his priests and parishioners in the months following the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report. The report accused Archbishop Wuerl of helping to protect some child-molesting priests while he was bishop of

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

8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service

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Richmond Free Press

B6 October 29-31, 2020

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER IRONA MARSHALL-ULETT, Plaintiff v.

DONALD ULETT Defendant.

Case No.: CL20004283-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 10th day of December, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interest.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CRISTEN WILLIAMS, Plaintiff v.

DEVANTE JACKSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20001044-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 2nd day of December, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

BHUPINDER SINGH, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20004040-00 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 t h e d e fe n d a n t , w h o s e whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 23rd day of November, 2020 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, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER NAZHA ABOUZAKI, Plaintiff v.

OMAR HALABI, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20002929-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

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the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding six months, it is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 23rd day of November, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 5, 2021, 9:00 AM.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MICHAEL DANA BAYNE, Plaintiff v.

KATHRYN MARIE BAYNE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20003867-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony, from the Defendant, on the ground that the parties hereto have lived separate and apart continuously, without cohabitation and without interruption for more than one year.

And it appearing from an affidavit that the Defendant may not be a resident of the State of Virginia and the address of the Defendant is unknown, it is ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on November 13th, 2020, at 9:00 AM pursuant to this notice and protect her interest herein.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I Ask For This: Donald M. White, Esquire VSB# 17604 130 Thompson Street Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-1661

Custody VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND CA20-28 CORrECTED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to:

1. Terminate the parental rights of the birth mother, Jacqueline Cecilia Beatty, whose whereabouts are unknown, and to terminate parental rights of the unknown birth father of a Child Known As Olivia Lucille-Joelyn Beatty, who was born on June 3, 2014 to Jacqueline Cecilia Beatty in the City of Richmond, Virginia; and

2. To grant leave to Joseph Emanuel Beatty III to adopt Olivia Lucille-Joelyn Beatty, date of birth June 3, 2014 and

It is ORDERED that Jacqueline Cecilia Beatty and the unknown birth father of the Child Known As Olivia Lucille-Joelyn Beatty appear at the above-named Court and protct their interests on or before Dec. 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Christopher Malone, Esq. ThompsonMcMullan, P.C. Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 698-6231 Virginia: In the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court HENRICO County Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Rodriguez pinot, meydeli e Rosales, nolbia Pinot v. chaves, carlos rodriguez, Case No.: JJ106991-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole legal c u s t o d y o f M e y deli Elisua rodriguez pinot pursuant to code 16.1241 A3.

It is ordered that the defendant CHAVES, Carlos Continued on next column

Virginia: IN THE HANOVER CIRCUIT COURT Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Gates, Aurielle Kathleen Ann v Waite, aurielle kathleen, Case No.: CL29993132-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant minor name change.

It is ordered that trinity gates appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before November 30, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Virginia: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lemmy Yanira Garcia Molina, Case No.: JJ098623-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole and legal c u stody of L E M M Y YANIRA GARCIA MOLINA pursuant to code 16.1241A3.

It is ordered that the defendant EFRAIN GARCIA appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 25, 2021, 9:30 AM. Virginia: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Gladis osiris mendez Molina, Case No.: JJ098622-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole and legal custody of gladis osiris mendez molina pursuant to code 16.1241A3.

It is ordered that the defendant Wilmer osman mendez appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 25, 2021, 9:30 AM. Virginia: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re MARJURY NICOLL mendez Molina, Case No.: JJ098621-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole and legal custody of marjury nicoll mendez molina pursuant to code 16.1241A3.

It is ordered that the defendant Wilmer osman mendez appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 25, 2021, 9:30 AM. VIRGINIA: THE CITY OF RICHMOND CIRCUIT COURT Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KING JACKIE TUCKERSHELTON Case No. CJ19-4133 and 4134 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (â&#x20AC;&#x153;RPRâ&#x20AC;?) of Shamika Shelton, mother of King Jackie TuckerShelton, child DOB 4/6/2017, â&#x20AC;&#x153;TPRâ&#x20AC;? 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.

It is ORDERED that Shamika Shelton appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before November 20, 2020, at 9:00 AM An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Continued on next column

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PROPERTY

4114 Lynhaven Avenue S0090185013 City of Richmond v. Andy Roomy, et. al.

CL19-4729 1807 Maddox Street E0120253010 City of Richmond v. William G. Meekins, et. al.

CL19-6104 1813 Maury Street S0000234034 City of Richmond v. Floyd B. Tyler, et. al.

CL19-4514 3015 Midlothian Turnpike S0001347025 City of Richmond v.

Dorothy Flippen, et. al.

CL20-125 450 Milton Street N0001459017 City of Richmond v.

Harrison Smith, et. al.

CL20-122 1407 Minefee Street S0071234008 City of Richmond v.

Rudolph A. Crocker, et. al.

CL19-6078 1409 Nelson Street E0100106020 City of Richmond v.

Anthony P. Hicks, et. al.

CL19-4921 1306 Newell Road C0050475002 City of Richmond v. Ellis W. Jefferson., et. al.

CL19-1762 3598 Platinum Road C0090717020 City of Richmond v.

Dominion Land & Development, et. al.

CL20-2251 1807 Powell Road C0080217033 City of Richmond v. Kathy Branch, et. al.

CL20-254 3011 Q Street E0000628004 City of Richmond v. Richard S. Sully, et. al.

CL18-5837 3410 R Street E0001104041 City of Richmond v. Gabby Homes, LLC, et. al.

CL18-5708 2100 1/2 Redd Street E0000665040 City of Richmond v. Robert C. Sample, et. al.

CL19-4297 2616 Redwood Avenue E0120279018 City of Richmond v. George A. Coleman, Jr., et. al.

CL19-3341 3406 S Street E0000959013 City of Richmond v. Iula Robinson, et. al.

CL19-0044 812 Spring Street W0000167038 City of Richmond v. Erik Jacob Froehlich, et. al.

CL19-6139 2715 Terminal Avenue S0080521006 City of Richmond v. Antioch Church of Our Lord, et. al.

CL19-5655 2714 Toledo Avenue S0080844037 City of Richmond v. Tax Specialists, Inc., et. al.

CL20-258 2317 Warwick Avenue S0071629012 City of Richmond v. Patricia Mack, et. al.

CL19-4528 1446 Whitehead Road C0070553047 City of Richmond v. Simon Green, et. al.

CL20-140

of a bid shall not limit any powers vested in the City of Richmond. Additional terms may be announced at the time of sale. Individuals owing delinquent taxes to the City of Richmond, and defendants in pending delinquent tax cases, are not qualified to bid at this auction. Bidders must certify by affidavit that they do not own, directly or indirectly, any real estate with outstanding notices of violation for building, zoning or other local ordinances.

Q u e s t i o n s m ay b e directed to Gregor y A. Lukanuski at greg.lukanuski @richmondgov.com (804) 646-7949, or to Christie Hamlin at christie.hamlin@ richmondgov.com (804) 6466940.

901 North 2nd Street N0000069021 City of Richmond v.

Hawthorne Ventures, LLC, et. al.

CL18-5997 1002 North 2nd Street N0000085013 City of Richmond v. Wade O. Johnson, III, et. al.

CL19-5772 920 North 4th Street N0000070010 City of Richmond v. Charles Best, et. al.

CL20-60 3311 5th Avenue N0051186006 City of Richmond v. Agnes M. Simmons, et. al.

CL19-4100 209 East 15th Street S0000191003 City of Richmond v. Betty Hinton, et. al.

CL19-3886 211 East 15th Street S0000191004 City of Richmond v. Betty Hinton, et. al.

CL19-3887 1408 East 18th Street S0070983005 City of Richmond v. Robert E. Goode, Jr., et. al.

CL19-6191 10 East 19th Street S0000241027 City of Richmond v. Rapid Funding, LLC, et. al.

CL19-6192 1806 North 19th Street E0120282021 City of Richmond v. Peak Foundation, et. al.

CL20-901 1720 North 20th Street E0000934011 City of Richmond v. Willette Joyner-Holland, et. al.

CL19-5522 812 North 21st Street E0000327015 City of Richmond v. Ronald R. Seaborne, et.al.

CL20-941 1604 North 22nd Street E0000858011 City of Richmond v. Marvin Robinson, Sr., et. al.

CL19-4919 721 North 24th Street E0000333030 City of Richmond v. Ridge Point Real Estate, et.al.

CL19-3438 1808 North 24th Street E0001082015 City of Richmond v. Florene Moreland, et.al.

CL20-1778 1325 North 28th Street E0000623027 City of Richmond v. ABC Home Services, Inc., et.al.

CL20-998 1612 North 28th Street E0000864023 City of Richmond v. William B. Mitchell, et.al.

CL19-3797 1745 North 28th Street E0000951072 City of Richmond v. True Revelation Church of God, et.al.

CL19-5944 1747 North 28th Street E0000951073 City of Richmond v. True Revelation Church of God, et.al.

CL19-5538 2404 Alexander Avenue S0080885017 City of Richmond v. Leon A. Ford, et. al.

CL19-5807

4319 Angus Road C0090901044 City of Richmond v. Tyrome Cox, et. al.

CL19-5746 2 East Bacon Street N0000228015 City of Richmond v. John H. Lomax., et. al.

CL19-45 1407 Bryan Street E0000606016 City of Richmond v.

Nathaniel Porter, Jr., et. al.

CL19-5446 1415 Bryan Street E0000606020 City of Richmond v. Justin G. French, et. al.

CL19-6137 2016 Carver Street E0001237021 City of Richmond v.

Christopher Allen, et. al.

CL19-5025 2712 Cheatham Street S0080521012 City of Richmond v. Antioch Church of Our Lord, et. al.

CL19-5605 2307 Creighton Road E0000955013 City of Richmond v. Jerry J. Sullivan, et. al.

CL19-5945 2403 Dale Avenue S0090345019 City of Richmond v. George Rogers, et. al.

CL20-993 3113 Dill Avenue N0000997022 City of Richmond v. Barry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, et. al.

CL19-5932 3385 Dill Avenue N0051182049 City of Richmond v.

Claudette E. Greene, et. al.

CL19-6105 2010 Fairfax Avenue S0000547005 City of Richmond v. Percy L. Hancock, et. al.

CL20-126 3000 Fendall Avenue N0000971011 City of Richmond v. James G. Kennedy, et. al.

CL20-1831 3423 Frank Road S0080854029 City of Richmond v. Richard Woolridge, et. al.

CL20-484 2500 Gravel Hill Road C0040826026 City of Richmond v.

Hampton White, et. al.

CL19-643 2510 Gravel Hill Road Rear C0040826024 City of Richmond v. Myrtle G. White, et. al.

CL19-928 314 Green Acres Avenue C0060488020 City of Richmond v. June A. Mcelroy, et. al.

CL19-799 3606 Griffin Avenue N0160081016 City of Richmond v. Robert White, Jr., et. al.

CL20-1680 2720 Haden Avenue S0080772019 City of Richmond v. Robert Lee Terry, Sr., et. al.

CL19-3892 2916 Hanes Avenue N0000887003 City of Richmond v. Sharon E. Jackson, et. al.

CL19-5653 1741 Hopkins Road C0090249004 City of Richmond v. Rose L. Mayo, et. al.

CL19-5149 2008 Ingram Avenue S0000861006 City of Richmond v.

Michelle D. Bussell, et. al.

CL19-1355 2300 Ingram Avenue S0000865019 City of Richmond v. Leroy Hatcher, III, et. al.

CL18-5566 803 Jessamine Street E0000376011 City of Richmond v. Carlton S. Rogers, et. al.

CL19-1383 3205 Jeter Avenue N0001454023 City of Richmond v. Joshua E. White, Jr., et. al.

CL19-150 1101 Judson Road C0070261002 City of Richmond v. Berkley Square Ltd. Partnership, et. al.

CL20-963 2624 Lancelot Avenue S0090301013 City of Richmond v. Dorothy Lucille Flippen, et. al.

CL20-625

Continued on next column

Continued on next column

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SPECIAL COMMISSIONERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SALE OF REAL ESTATE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

 Pursuant to the terms of Orders of Sale entered in the Richmond Circuit Court, the undersigned Special Commissioner will offer the following real estate for sale at public auction at Motleys Asset Disposition Group, 3600 Deepwater Terminal Road, Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm, or as soon thereafter as may be effected. The sale is subject to the terms and conditions below and any other terms and conditions which may be announced on the day of auction. Announcements made on the day of the auction take precedence over any prior written or verbal terms of sale.

Continued on next column

TERMS OF SALE: All sales are subject to confirmation by the Richmond Circuit Court. The purchase price will include the winning bid plus 10% of the winning bid.

High bidders will pay at the time of the auction a deposit of at least 20% of the purchase price, or $5,000.00, whichever is greater. If the purchase price is under $5,000.00, high bidders will pay in full at the time of the auction. High bidders will pay the balance of the purchase price to the Special Commissioner, and deed recordation costs, by a date and in a form as stated in a settlement instruction letter. Time is of the essence.

If a high bidder defaults by not making these payments in full, on time, and in the required form, the Special Commissioner will retain the deposit, and may seek other remedies to include the cost of resale or any resulting deficiency. Settlement shall occur when the Richmond Circuit Court enters an Order of Confirmation. Conveyance shall be either by a special commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deed or a special warranty deed. Real estate taxes will be adjusted as of the date of entry for the Order of Confirmation.

Properties are sold â&#x20AC;&#x153;as isâ&#x20AC;? without any representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, subject to the rights of any person in possession, and to all easements, liens, covenants, defects, encumbrances, adverse claims, conditions and restrictions, whether filed or inchoate, to include any information a survey or inspection of a property may disclose. It is assumed that bidders will make a visual exterior inspection of a property within the limits of the law, determine the suitability of a property for their purposes, and otherwise perform due diligence prior to the auction.

T h e S p e c i a l Commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acceptance Continued on next column

Gregory A. Lukanuski Deputy City Attorney Special Commissioner 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia 23219

ABC License AYKA LLC Trading as: Market Place 3 4501 Nine Mile Rd, Richmond, Virginia 23223-4904 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

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.

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID Â ITB #20-2061-10EAR water reclamation facility digester boiler burner upgrade Due:Â November 19, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

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

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

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

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