RICHMOND FREE PRESS 46 NOVEMBER 13-15, 2025 EDITION

Segal to lead Richmond Fire and Emergency Services with focus on reform

Free Press staff report

Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal has been appointed as the permanent head of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, city officials announced this week.

Segal, who has served as interim chief since January, officially takes over Nov. 29 as the department launches new initiatives aimed at strengthening operations, expanding leadership and reinforcing accountability.

“I am grateful to be able to continue in service to a community I have grown to love deeply,” Segal said in a statement. “I look forward to building on this department’s strong legacy and thank the mayor and our CAO for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility.”

Segal joined Richmond Fire and Emergency Services in 2020, overseeing the department’s North Division and serving as a shift commander. Before coming to Richmond,

Jones, Gardner to face off for Hashmi’s vacant Senate

By Graham Moomaw

For some Richmond-area voters, it’s already election season again.

State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi’s victory in the statewide race for lieutenant governor will create a vacancy in the Senate, and two Democratic delegates have announced campaigns to try to win a promotion to the General Assembly’s upper chamber.

Del. Michael Jones, a pastor and former member of the Richmond City Council, announced Nov. 6 that he will run for the 15th Senate District being vacated by Hashmi. He will be facing off against Del. Debra Gardner, a former social worker who also previously worked at Richmond City Hall, after she announced her own bid for the seat.

Jones, a former Council president, stepped away from the local govern-

ing body in late 2023 after winning a seat in the state legislature. His 77th District is split between the city and Chesterfield County.

“I am eager to continue to provide strong, progressive, compassionate, energetic leadership to Chesterfield County and Richmond in the state Senate,” Jones said in his announcement. “Election night, Virginians spoke overwhelmingly that they are tired and frustrated with President Trump and Republican policies.” In addition to several administrative roles in state government related to criminal justice, Gardner worked at City Hall under former Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones in a deputy role dealing with human services. She joined the House in 2024, rep-

School Board votes to alter bargaining rules

By George Copeland Jr.

After months of debate and public pushback, the Richmond School Board approved changes to the district’s collective bargaining resolution. The board voted 5-4 Tuesday following more than 40 minutes of public comment opposing the revisions.

RPS officials in favor of the revised resolution said the changes were made to ensure a more efficient and fiscally responsible process. They also stressed that the agreement is meant to be a middle ground between all sides in the collective bargaining process.

“I think that we have reached a point where both sides have made some fair compromises that make sense for our district and that puts the needs of our students first,” 5th District Representative Stephanie Rizzi said.

Rizzi, 1st District Representative Matthew Percival, 2nd District Representative Katie Ricard, 8th District Representative

Council backs rental program and

By George Copeland Jr.

Richmond City Council took major steps on housing Monday, approving a new rental inspection program and transferring $2 million to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support long-term affordable housing and neighborhood stability.

The money, drawn from the city’s Delinquent Tax Sales fund, will go toward housing initiatives aimed at improving quality, affordability and access

housing fund

for residents. “This investment represents the heart of what it means to build a thriving city,” Mayor Danny Avula said in a statement after the transfer’s approval. “Every dollar we put toward affordable housing is a commitment to stability, opportunity and equity for Richmond families.”

The vote followed public comments urging city officials to address housing challenges and provide solutions for residents.

Many comments came from members of the religious group Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities (RISC), who celebrated the transfer but called for more consistent support of the AHTF as residents continue to struggle.

“The need is urgent and growing,” RISC Co-President Marvin Gilliam said as dozens of RISC members sitting in Council Chambers held signs

Please turn to A4

City pauses utility disconnections, late fees due to federal shutdown

Free Press staff report

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is temporarily pausing disconnections of gas and water services for nonpayment and suspending late fees for November to help residents affected by the federal government shutdown, according to a city news release.

The pause comes as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is also on hold due to the shutdown. LIHEAP helps households cover heating costs, including natural gas, and its temporary halt has created uncertainty for many. Residents can submit LIHEAP applications to the Department of Social Services before the deadline on Friday, Nov. 14. Approvals will be processed once funding resumes.

The department also encouraged residents to explore other affordability programs, including PromisePay payment plans for overdue utility bills; MetroCare programs for water, heating and water conservation; the SeniorCare Program for residents 65 and older; and the Equal Monthly Payment Plan for gas bills.

“DPU recognizes that many of our customers are affected by this disruption and may be facing financial hardship,” said Scott Morris, senior director of public utilities. “Our goal is to provide support and stability for our community while federal funding processes are temporarily on hold.”

For more information, call (804) 646-4646 or visit rva.gov/ public-utilities/billing

Julianne Tripp Hillian / Richmond Free Press

Feagin Hardy, a community activist with Sunrise Movement Richmond, holds a sign with other activists at the Richmond Public Schools board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 11 in support of RPS workers and urging the board to reject proposed changes to the collective bargaining resolution.

Mike Jones

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Julianne Tripp Hillian / Richmond Free Press

Jeffrey Segal speaks to guests at the opening of the Richmond Fire Department’s newly constructed Fire Station 12.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/ Richmond Free Press Richmond City Council members Andrew S. Breton, 1st District, and Kenya J. Gibson, 3rd District, listen to public comments during the Nov. 10 City Council meeting on a proposed $2 million allocation to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Debra Gardner

Local influencer rallies support for Jamaica hometown

Free Press staff report

Shanisse Palmer, a Richmond-based family lifestyle influencer, is using her platform to aid her hometown in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa left it in ruins.

Lethe, a small village often overlooked, suffered extensive damage as homes were destroyed, roads washed away, and families displaced. Palmer, who has 58,400 followers on Instagram under the handle @mommiesjade, shared footage of the devastation to raise awareness.

“My hometown, Lethe, Jamaica, was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa. Families have lost their homes, their roads, and everything they’ve worked for,” Palmer said. “It’s a small village which means it will be one of the last places the government reaches. But we can reach them first. If you’re reading this, I’m asking from the bottom of my heart: please help however you can. Even $1 can feed a child, repair a roof, or bring light back to a family’s life.”

Palmer’s Richmond neighbors and online followers have pledged support. So far, $800 has been raised toward a $50,000 goal to fund critical rebuilding efforts in Lethe.

The Hurricane Melissa Rebuild Fund is focusing on three urgent areas: repairing homes, restoring the main road that connects families to food and work, and providing food and essential supplies, including clean water, diapers and baby formula. All donations are distributed through trusted community leaders and church members in Lethe.

Palmer continues to urge support, saying, “Even if you can’t donate, please share, like, or repost. Every act of kindness counts.” Donations can be made at givebutter.com/9Wt5nH

RMTA executive chosen to guide global transportation leaders

Free Press staff report

Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Joi Taylor Dean was elected president of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association for 2026.

Dean was introduced during IBTTA’s annual meeting and exhibition in Denver. She delivered her remarks under the theme “Driving What’s Next: Investment, Impact and Influence,” urging transportation leaders to invest in people, measure progress through impact and use their collective influence to shape smarter, more connected communities.

“It is an incredible honor to lead this global community of innovators and changemakers,” Dean said. “‘Driving What’s Next’ is more than a theme — it’s a shared commitment to invest in our people, deliver meaningful impact through innovation and use our collective influence to advance sustainable, connected communities.”

Under Dean’s leadership, the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority has focused on innovation and technology integration and is preparing to launch all-electronic tolling this winter.

“The RMTA board and leadership team are immensely proud of Joi’s achievements,” said Dean Lynch, chair of the RMTA board. “Her leadership embodies the forward-thinking and collaborative spirit that defines RMTA’s approach to innovation and public service.”

As IBTTA president, Dean will lead global discussions on technology, policy and workforce development as the tolling and transportation industry navigates a more sustainable future.

Chief of Chickahominy Tribe to speak at VCU about Native sovereignty

Free Press staff report

Stephen R. Adkins, chief of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, will speak at Virginia Commonwealth University about the journey of Virginia’s Native nations toward federal recognition and sovereignty.

The event, “On Native Ground: Virginia Native Nations, Sovereignty, and Persistence,” is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Room 303 of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. It is part of the VCU Provost Lecture Series and co-sponsored by the Humanities Research Center, VCU Libraries and the Office of the Provost. Adkins, a VCU alumnus with an undergraduate degree in business, will trace the history and political efforts that led to the 2018 federal recognition of six Virginia tribes, including the Chickahominy Nation. He will discuss how Virginia tribes have balanced federal recognition with cultural preservation, economic development and political sovereignty.

The presentation will include a discussion with Assistant Chief Wayne Adkins and tribal councilman Troy Adkins, both members of the Chickahominy Tribe, and will be moderated by Jessica Stewart, a VCU alum and Chickahominy citizen.

Cristina Stanciu, director of the Humanities Research Center, said the lecture marks the first time a chief of a federally recognized Virginia tribe has spoken at VCU.

The event is free to the public. Attendees can register at humanitiescenter.vcu.edu.

Cityscape

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

part

A recent

are empty, leaving about 44,000 missing trees. Environmental data analyst

reported that 403 bus stops have at least one vacant tree well and

neighborhoods where residents face higher heat exposure. Richmond Tree

included more than 30 free events. Activities featured volunteer plantings, tree

ing and biking tours and educational workshops.

Union Hill garden preserved for community use through land transfer

Free Press staff report

The JeffersonAvenue Community Garden in Union Hill has secured its future through a conservation easement and a transfer of ownership to Verdant Richmond.

Founded by neighbors in 2000 on roughly 0.116 acres at 2310 and 2312 Jefferson Ave., the garden has been in continuous operation since 2002. It began through an agreement with the then-owner, Richmond Affordable Housing, now known as the Better Housing Coalition (BHC), which allowed residents to install raised beds to grow fresh produce in an area long without grocery stores.

The garden also marked the start of Tricycle Gardens, a nonprofit that used community gardening to revitalize urban neighborhoods and address food access issues. Tricycle Gardens expanded to several sites across the city.

transferred ownership to Verdant Richmond, which now serves as the garden’s fiscal agent.

“Over 20 years ago, I contacted Bill Greenleaf to inquire if CRLC would protect this property under a perpetual conservation easement,” Moulds said. “We are now here! I am overjoyed that this land will be forever preserved as a community garden and greenspace for everyone to enjoy.”

Unlike many community gardens that faced eviction due to lack of ownership or formal leases, Jefferson Avenue Community Garden secured its tenure when BHC gifted the property to Tricycle Gardens in 2019. Uncertainty arose the following year when Tricycle Gardens ceased operations and transferred the property and its urban agriculture fellowship program to the Enrichmond Foundation, which dissolved abruptly in July 2022.

The Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) navigated the Enrichmond dissolution to purchase the property. Working with Stacey Moulds, the garden manager, CRLC recorded a conservation easement and

Free Press staff report

Two Henrico County teachers will soon take their lessons far beyond the classroom — one to Africa, the other to London and Quebec.

Amanda Drinnon, an English teacher at the Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage High School, and Ellen Jewell, a social studies teacher at Brookland Middle School, have been named recipients of the 2025 REB Award for Teaching Excellence. Each will receive a $15,000 grant to support travel and study projects that connect their subjects to real-world experiences.

The Community Foundation and the REB Foundation present the awards each year to recognize Richmond-area educators for creativity and dedication in teaching. Fifteen winners and 13 finalists were selected this year from nominations by students, parents and colleagues.

Drinnon plans to visit six African countries to study landscapes, cultures and wildlife as part of her approach to teaching global literature.

“I’m just so happy that I get to do all of these incredible things and bring them back to my school,” Drinnon said. “The ACE Center at Hermitage has a diverse population of students, and I want to make them feel included in our programs. I want to experience various cultures, and we’re going to come back here and embrace the cultures we have here at our school.”

Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, who represents the 7th District, said, “Green places, spaces and community gardens allow our urban community to breathe and where neighbors gather together, bodies and souls are holistically nourished.”

While 24 community gardens operate on city-owned land under the Richmond Grows Gardens initiative, Jefferson Avenue Community Garden predates many of these and was established on privately owned property.

Tricycle Gardens also operated a half-acre urban farm in Manchester for nearly a decade until the site was redeveloped.

“Whether operating a community garden, an urban agriculture site or a rural farm, those who grow the food we eat often do not own the land on which they work,” said Parker C. Agelasto, CRLC executive director. “It is therefore essential to the future viability of our agricultural sites that those entities that invest to improve soil health, maintain greenspace,and put food on the table have self-reliance and don’t face eviction when a landlord has different plans.”

Approximately one-third of all agricultural acreage in Virginia is leased. Between 2017 and 2022, Virginia lost more than 488,000 acres of farmland, with 10% of farms ceasing operation. In the Richmond region alone, 9,632 acres of farmland and 227 farms were lost. More than 80% of Virginia’s 39,000 farmers operate small farms generating less than $50,000 in annual sales. The conservation easement on the Jefferson Avenue site prohibits construction of dwellings and limits impervious surfaces. Deed restrictions require the property to be used solely as a community garden and owned by a nonprofit for public benefit.

“As an advocacy organization for the city’s greenspaces, it was appropriate for us to expand our vital role as a community partner to serve as a fiscal agent for 11 community gardens and five friends groups when Enrichmond dissolved,” said Lawrence Miller, president of Verdant Richmond. “We look forward to continuing to support the Jefferson Avenue Community Garden well into the future.”

Jewell will travel to London and Quebec to explore British and Canadian perspectives on the American Revolution and how those views continue to influence the United States’ relationships abroad.

“[I ]plan to bring what I discover in the U.K. and Canada back to my students because, so often, history is only taught from the perspective of the winner,” Jewell said.

A 30-year teaching veteran and teacher fellow at Brookland Middle, Jewell also mentors other educators.

Five other Henrico teachers were named finalists for the 2025 REB

each receiving

for Teaching

Award

Excellence,

$1,000: Nirali Jantrania of Deep Run High School, Sarahann Wicker of Holman Middle School, Lindsey Hurlburt of Douglas S. Freeman High School, Kristen Knarr Roberts of Tuckahoe Elementary School and Mary Dunaway of George

Henrico County Public Schools

Ellen Jewell, a social studies teacher at Brookland Middle School, is congratulated Nov. 6 by Ryan Young, Fairfield District representative on the Henrico County School Board, and HCPS Superintendent Amy Cashwell. Jewell is a 2025 recipient of the REB Award for Teaching Excellence.

Shanisse Palmer, a Richmond-based family lifestyle influencer, has launched a fundraiser to help her hometown of Lethe, Jamaica, rebuild homes, restore roads and provide essential supplies after Hurricane Melissa.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Aqiyla McMillan of RVA Rapid Transit, her daughter Kayden McMillan and her goddaughter

Kasey Collins planted trees Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the bus stop at Fairfield Avenue and Kane Street as

of Richmond Tree Week.

inventory found that 36% of the city’s tree wells

Melanie Del Pozo

227 have none. Many are in

Week, held Nov. 1-8,

giveaways, walk-

Joi Taylor Dean

Chief Adkins

Sports Zone

Xfinity Fan View

Live

Multiview

Watch

Paying tribute

School Board votes to alter bargaining rules

Emmett Jafari and Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez of the 9th District voted to approve the changes. The board had delayed a decision in October after sustained public criticism when the proposal was introduced in late September.

School employees, union members and residents opposed to the resolution were unconvinced by officials’ arguments, and the boardroom echoed with cries of “Shame!” as the crowd filed out after the vote.

The minutes leading up to the vote were heated, as members of the Richmond Education Association, Teamsters Local 322, Richmond For All, Sunrise Richmond and other individuals criticized the changes and their potential impact on organizing efforts.

“While we were able to talk and make some great progress, the resulting document still does not accurately reflect union voices,” REA President Andrea Bryant said, “especially considering that we never expected to get everything we asked for.”

They also criticized how meetings between union leaders and RPS officials were handled after the board’s deferral. Board members who voted against the changes echoed concerns about the meetings and the limited time and lack of consensus for those involved.

Not everyone was critical of the changes, as Teamsters Local 592 President James Smith voiced his support during public comments.

After the vote, 3rd District Representative Ali Faruk introduced a motion to create a workgroup of union, School Board and administration representatives to develop changes to the collective bargaining agreement, but it was rescinded following a brief board discussion.

A timeline for collective bargaining negotiations has not been determined, according to RPS Communications Director Alyssa Schwenk, but officials are “looking forward to beginning as quickly as possible.”

Virginia’s incoming administration could also affect negotiations. Public speakers opposed to the changes repeatedly cited bills expanding collective bargaining rights that were vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, saying they expect Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger to approve them, thus providing a reason to delay or reject the changes.

Segal to lead Richmond Fire and Emergency Services with focus on reform

he spent more than 30 years with the Baltimore City Fire Department, advancing through several leadership roles including assistant chief and interim chief.

Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald said Segal’s experience and leadership align with the city’s goals for ethical and effective service.

“Chief Segal not only has the trust and respect of his department and the community, his commitment to ethical leadership and best-in-class service delivery fully aligns with both Mayor Avula’s vision for Richmond and the city’s rich firefighting legacy,” Donald said.

As part of its restructuring, the department has created a new senior leadership position, Senior Business Officer, filled by City Organizational Strategist Jeff Gray. The role will oversee finances and administrative operations to ensure alignment with citywide standards. The department also recently hired an Internal Standards Officer to oversee compliance and fairness.

“This new civilian Senior Business Officer will provide us with subject matter expertise to bring RFD’s finance and operations in line with citywide standards and industry best practices,” Segal said.

In addition, the department is proposing three new policies designed to increase consistency and transparency: Fire Inspection Control Measures and Guidance, which standardizes inspection procedures across the city; Anti-Corruption Policy, emphasizing integrity and accountability; and Purchasing and Procurement Policy, ensuring responsible and streamlined spending.

These efforts build on existing practices such as internal audits, supervisory reviews of inspection reports and random accountability checks.

“Best-in-class service delivery is our citywide standard,” Donald said. “The combination of this new structure and enhanced policies will keep the Fire Department running smoothly and ensure the department meets the high administrative and ethical standards our residents expect.”

urging officials to “Follow the Law.” “This tool works when funded faithfully.”

RISC has long called for consistent funding of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and has at times criticized city officials for not adhering to the policy set when the fund was established. Questions also arose recently after money initially designated for the fund was used to help cover the city’s restitution payment to Marvin Grimm for wrongful imprisonment.

These concerns and others shared by other RISC members and residents were acknowledged by Council members.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do; we’ve had a lot of work to do,” 6th District Councilor Ellen Robertson said as she thanked residents and advocates present. “Promises have been made, and we expect promises to be kept.”

The Residential Rental Inspection Program drew strong support from residents and members of Richmond for All, New Virginia Majority and the Legal Aid Justice Center before it was approved.

City officials said additional amendments will be introduced in the coming months to refine the program, which would let tenants, residents and housing groups request that certain areas be designated as

Inspection Districts.

Council members and residents present also agreed on the need for anti-rent gouging measures, and a draft version of the city’s legislative agenda for the 2026 General Assembly session includes support for legislation letting localities establish “a program to limit abusive rent increases” among their policy positions.

Council members also approved $94

million in housing revenue bonds for the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority as well as higher fees for vehicles towed off private property.

Other agenda items, including the proposed sale of city-owned property at 8790 Strath Road and the creation of an online library for Freedom of Information Act requests, were postponed to meetings in December and early 2026.

Continued from A1

resenting the 76th District based entirely in Chesterfield.

“As your next state senator, I’ll keep fighting for everyone to have the opportunity for a better future,” Gardner said in her announcement. “I’m excited to work with Gov.-elect [Abigail] Spanberger to move Virginia forward and protect our narrow Senate majority.”

Gardner said she had the backing of

Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, the Senate’s president pro tempore and one of the body’s most senior and influential Democrats.

In a brief interview, Gardner said most of the Senate district is in Chesterfield and that a substantial portion overlaps with her current district. “I have worked and led out here in this area, and I have deep roots in the community,” she said.

As a former Council leader in Richmond,

Jones arguably has a higher profile in the area. But it’s unclear how his experience in city politics will translate into a Chesterfield-centric contest with Gardner.

When asked about the matchup, Jones said his church, Village of Faith Ministries, is in Chesterfield. “It will be a privilege to serve,” Jones said, “and a privilege that only the voters will give.”

This story originally appeared on TheRichmonder.org.

Rental

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Cathleen Wahl, a River City Middle School teacher, speaks during the Richmond Public Schools board meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 11 to stand in solidarity with RPS workers and urge the board to vote against proposed changes to the collective bargaining resolution.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Nearly 100 members of Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities attended the Richmond City Council meeting Monday, Nov. 10 in support of a $2 million allocation to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The group also urged the city to follow the law and ensure the funds are used for their intended purpose.

The ceremonies honored Virginians who have served and those currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Below left, Remmie Chew Jr., a Marine veteran who served 16 years, salutes. Below right, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw speaks at the ceremony, which also featured remarks from Chuck Zingler, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and musical performances by the Combined Northside High School Chorus from Roanoke.

Felix H. Shelton, 64, a Marine veteran, chants the Marine battle cry during the 69th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Kaine says protecting federal workers behind his vote to end shutdown

By Jahd Khalil VPM News

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told reporters Monday that Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger supports his decision to vote with Republicans on a deal to reopen the federal government after its longest shutdown in history.

The agreement, which passed a procedural hurdle in a 60-40 vote Sunday night, would fund the government through Jan. 30, including food assistance, in exchange for a guaranteed Senate vote on the continuation of health care subsidies set to expire Dec. 31. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has not committed to his chamber voting on extending the subsidies.

A State Corporation Com-

mission document released by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said some Virginians’ insurance premiums could double without the enhanced tax credits. Kaine said he decided to vote to reopen after getting a guarantee for no more reductions in force for federal workers.

“If I can get important programs like SNAP funded … and then I can protect them [federal workers] going forward again, that gets me to yes. But I didn’t have those protections until over the weekend, and once I got them, I thought this is good for Virginia,” Kaine said.

Kaine is one of seven Democrats and one independent — none of whom are up for reelection in 2026 — who voted with Republicans. Warner, a Democrat running for reelection next year,

said he appreciated that “the proposal includes important language preventing further mass layoffs of federal employees. … But I cannot support a deal that still leaves millions of Americans wondering how they are going to pay for their health care or whether they will be able to afford to get sick. We owe the American people more than a short-term fix,” Warner said in a statement Sunday.

keep their access to affordable health care,” said Rhena Hicks of Freedom Virginia, which advocates for lower costs through progressive policy.

“While we wait to see where the Senate deal will go, we hope that Virginia’s senators will listen to their own constituents and hold Republicans accountable to address the health care crisis in our country.”

Kaine dismissed the criticism Monday.

Kaine was criticized by some progressives and advocacy groups for voting to open the government without securing an extension of the health care subsidies.

“We believed the message to Congress was clear: Keep fighting to ensure Virginians

“I don’t need to court anybody’s approval, and I don’t need to fear anybody’s judgment. If people think I made the wrong call, then it’s a free country,” he said. “There’s no guarantee I’m right. But what I’m telling you is [that] what I’m hearing

from Virginians this morning, including our governor-elect, is, ‘Thank God you did this.’”

Throughout the shutdown, Kaine and Warner said federal workers told them they supported their decision to push back against President Donald Trump’s administration. When VPM News asked Kaine what changed, he said the intensity of protests from SNAP recipients and federal workers contributed to his decision to reconsider.

“The voices about the mistreatment were getting louder and louder and louder the longer this went on, and the voices from the SNAP recipients, who were Virginia’s most vulnerable people, were getting louder and louder and louder as it went on,” Kaine said.

In response to a question from CBS News’ Margaret Brennan

on Sunday, Spanberger said her wide victory last week should “absolutely not” be viewed as permission to continue refusing to fund the government.

“My priority is focusing on the needs — the devastation, frankly — that more than 300,000 Virginians are facing, and that’s just the federal employees. Government contractors, they will never get made whole. The entirety of Virginia’s economy is impacted by this shutdown,” she said, adding that “the government needs to open and it needs to open immediately.”

In a statement, Spanberger spokesperson Connor Joseph said Spanberger’s stance has been consistent and that she appreciates Kaine “fighting for protections for Virginia’s workforce and securing them as part of the negotiations.

Virginia Democrats plan to capitalize on 2025 ‘tsunami’

By Shaban Athuman VPM News

Virginia House Speaker Don Scott Jr., DPortsmouth, says Democrats would act with restraint next year while simultaneously claiming his chamber’s near-supermajority has a mandate to enact an agenda.

Democrats already have hundreds of pieces of legislation that could be reintroduced in the 2026 General Assembly session — the bills that Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed over the past four years, spanning the gamut from a commercial recreational marijuana market to paid family and medical leave to regulations for plastic bag taxes.

Scott’s majority in the House of Delegates will expand from 51 seats to 64, according to unofficial results. As he said to the media Wednesday, “We saw a little wave, but we didn’t see this doggone tsunami.”

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman, won by 14 percentage points. On Thursday, appearing with Youngkin, she said her mandate would look “consistent” with what she proposed on the campaign trail. (All election results are unofficial until certified by the state.)

“Specifically in policy priorities, in increasing housing supply, lowering costs in housing, in energy and ultimately in health care,” Spanberger said. “Obviously, there’s going to be some challenges along the way, with some of the impacts of some federal legislation on the state.”

Spanberger also made other promises on elec-

“I

tion night: having large energy consumers, like data centers, “pay their fair share”; investing in apprenticeship programs and job training; and cracking down on “predatory pharmaceutical practices and surprise billing.”

Heather Evans, chair of the political science department at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, said policy differences between Spanberger and Democratic legislators might be behind the paradoxical nature of claiming restraint and a mandate at the same time.

“The Democrats are realizing the one person at the top of the ticket, Spanberger, is considered

a moderate,” she said. “I think that Democrats are also seeing that as a winning strategy.”

Scott, Spanberger and the narrow Democratic majority in the Virginia Senate will have to contend with billions of dollars in new costs for the state if they want to preserve current levels of government services.

State agencies have forecast $3.2 billion in extra Medicaid costs due to actions coming out of Washington, alongside a potential $2 billion hit to state tax collections based on federal changes.

Additionally, uncertainty surrounds the level of federal funding for Virginia’s school systems,

and the progressive Commonwealth Institute has estimated that the state will need to pay up to $352 million due to changes in food assistance.

Jennifer Victor, a political science professor at George Mason University, said claims of mandates tend to be overstated but that the Democrats are in a good position to enact their agenda.

“Just having that robust single-party control will give them the capacity to try things that they wouldn’t have been able to go for otherwise,” Victor said. “It doesn’t mean there won’t be political opposition or that change will be fast and easy, but it certainly makes it more likely.”

Republicans exiting the House painted a bleak picture on social media.

“Yesterday, radical leftists claimed victory,” wrote outgoing Petersburg Del. Kim Taylor, speaking of a “tyrannical” agenda. “Under a Democrat-controlled majority, the 82nd District and our commonwealth will suffer greatly.” Taylor lost Tuesday to Kimberly Pope Adams, her 2023 opponent, by 7 percentage points.

“I guess now is as good a time as any to let the incoming government of Virginia know … I’m not handing over my guns,” wrote outgoing Del. Nick Freitas, R-Culpeper, who will be succeeded by Republican Karen Hamilton in January. Evans said that historically, those who lose elections typically say flattering things about their opponents, but the “more attack-style language” is new.

“We see that there has been an increase in that sort of language, not only during elections, but when they conclude,” she said.

Shaban AthumanVPM News

Virginia House Speaker Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, walks off the stage with his wife, Mellanda Colson Scott, and their daughter after delivering his victory speech Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Sen. Kaine

Richmond Free Press

Coleus in Carytown

Mail, war and courage of Black women

Veterans Day is meant to honor service and sacrifice, but it also offers a chance to reckon with the complexity of that service, especially for Black Americans whose contributions have often been ignored or minimized.

As a younger man, I chose to overlook the story of a relative who had performed a remarkable service during World War II. When I asked my Aunt Sadie Belcher about her work history, she mentioned sorting mail for the military overseas. She spoke of it with a quiet pride that was beyond what you’d expect from a typical mailroom job. I didn’t press for more details then, and I should have. Instead, I peppered her with questions about her time as a cafeteria worker at Donna Summer’s high school. At the time, discovering how the future Queen of Disco liked her sloppy joes seemed far more important to a music-loving adolescent.

Fortunately, I’ve all but shed that tendency to overlook the stories of those around me, in pursuit of musical footnotes and trivia. I never got the chance to hear about her service directly from my aunt. It wasn’t until years later that I learned who she really was and what she had done as a member of the 6888th, an all-female, mostly Black unit in the Women’s Army Corps sent overseas in 1945 to handle a backlog of undelivered mail for U.S. troops in Europe.

Mail wasn’t just a treat — it was a lifeline. Soldiers stationed far from home could go weeks without hearing from family or friends, and it could crush their spirits. Think about how some of us panic when a text from a girlfriend or boyfriend never shows up. Now imagine that anxiety with the added weight of bullets flying and bombs falling. If you’re like I was back then and unfamiliar with their story, this passage from the Army’s Women’s Foundation website tells about what they were up against and how they met the challenge:

“When the 6888th arrived in Birmingham, England, in February 1945, they found floor-to-ceiling stacks of undelivered letters and parcels stored in cold warehouses with poor lighting. Some of the packages had only partial addresses, and some were intended for different individuals who had the same name. The unit created and maintained a system of roughly seven million cards to track service members and used serial numbers to distinguish the soldiers who had the same name. When a piece of mail was only partially addressed, they researched to try to find the soldier it was meant for. The WACs worked round the clock, organized in three eight-hour shifts. Before the 6888th arrived in theater, one general officer estimated it would take six months to clear the backlog in Birmingham; the Six Triple Eight accomplished it in three months.”

The stories of that unit are surfacing now. Filmmaker Tyler Perry’s 2024 Netflix movie “The Six Triple Eight” finally gave visibility to the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Also, recent books, such as “No Better Time: A Novel of the Spirited Women of the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory Battalion” by Sheila Williams and “Six Triple Eight: The Remarkable Story of the 6888th Battalion and Their Untold Heroism in WWII” by Pat Breese, have provided other ways to engage with their story.

Service isn’t always met with gratitude, and recognition can take decades — or even centuries. Too many veterans return home to neglect, dwindling benefits and a society quick to celebrate medals while ignoring inequity. Honoring them means more than flags and parades; it means learning their histories, understanding their struggles and making sure the next generation has our support.

This month offers a chance to do that. On Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m., the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and the American Civil War Museum will host a discussion on Black military service. Experts will examine the lives and legacies of United States Colored Troops soldiers from Virginia. The event is free, but registration is required. It’s an opportunity to hear history in full and honor those too often overlooked.

For those opposing diversity, equity and inclusion, the recent elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City were discouraging. Democrats won big, and candidates representing racial, gender and religious diversity also prevailed.

be elected mayor of New York City and the youngest person in over a century to lead the nation’s largest city.

Our democracy is under attack, but it still allows every citizen the freedom of religion. Everyone is free to choose their own religion to worship and practice as they wish.

The voters in New Jersey elected Democrat Mikie Sherrill, making her the second woman to be elected governor of the state. We saw diversity run the table in Virginia with the election of the state’s first woman governor (Abigail Spanberger), the state’s first Muslim and Asian lieutenant governor (Ghazala Hashmi) and the state’s first Black person as attorney general (Jay Jones). The historic election results in Virginia were a sign of progress. The same can be said for 34-yearold Zohran Mamdani, who was elected mayor of New York City. In New York, Mamdani was a relatively unknown state Assembly member from Queens. Early in the democratic mayoral primary, Mamdani was at 1% in the polls until he gained online momentum which propelled him to an upset victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and mainstream Democratic politics. The democratic socialist became the first Muslim and South Asian to

‘Sandwich guy’ trial shows the Justice Department’s missteps Election

For decades, I have been hearing the old courtroom saying about how a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich if given the chance, but I never expected to see it happen.

What the saying conveys is that grand juries, which approve or reject charges to go to trial, only hear from one side, the prosecution, and only have to find prob able cause to believe a crime happened, which is a very low fence for any prosecutor to get over.

But leave it to the Justice Department of President Donald Trump to fail at that elementary first step and then to try to charge the ham sandwich on a lesser offense and finally to fail at trial to make even that charge stick. That’s what culminated last week in the trial not of a sandwich but rather of a man who threw one at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C.

According to the charging documents and video of the incident, Sean Charles Dunn, 37, came upon the group of federal agents, cursed at them and called them “fascist” before heaving the sandwich into the ballistic vest of CBPAgent Gregory Lairmore.

Dunn, like many residents of the nation’s capital, was upset by the surge of federal agents and National Guard soldiers into the

In a short period of time, Mamdani has proven to be a

true agent of change in his initial primary candidacy for mayor and then his subsequent victory in the general election. Many of the past and current differences in our nation are openly displayed by Mamdani’s rise to power. They are the differences between people of Jewish and Muslim faith, differences between the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic party, differences between the young guns and the old guard, and lastly the class differences between the working class and billionaires. In his victory speech, Mamdani spoke of a “new age.” As a result, he was able to turn out voters on a platform centered on addressing affordability. His message resonated not only with young voters, but all those who are struggling with the high cost of living in America’s largest city. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, a left-leaning Democrat who represents a Brooklyn-based

city to do the work that normally falls to beat cops.

After leading federal agents on a merry chase down the street, Dunn was apprehended and charged with something like assault by hoagie. A federal grand jury rejected a felony charge in August, so the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro had to

settle for a misdemeanor charge.

The case of the “sandwich guy” went viral and became a stunning example in many minds of how the Trump administration’s supposedly serious immigration crackdown, now in its third month, has run amok.

Dunn was fired from his job as a paralegal at the Justice Department, which is a tough break, although he did gain minor hero status among Americans fed up by the lawlessness and arrogance of the Trump administration in turning pleasant neighborhoods into scenes of a police state.

In the trial itself, it was revealed that Lairmore could barely feel the impact through his tactical vest and that the greatest injury he suffered was the smell of onions and mustard. And the ridicule of his CBP partners. The jury voted to acquit.

Like many Americans, I’m amused by the episode, but not because I don’t like cops or don’t care about law and order. Quite the opposite. I am appalled by the harm Trump and his Justice Department are doing to law and

district, said Mamdani won with a simple message of affordability for all.

“He gave us something to believe in,” Velazquez said at Mamdani’s election night party. She said his campaign threatens billionaires in power. Mamdani has the potential to become a powerful force as he listens and understands that in a city of mostly renters, people are struggling. Regardless of their political party affiliation, race or religion, many New Yorkers are economically stressed.

As Mamdani campaigned on promises to freeze rent increases for the city’s 1 million rent-regulated apartments, he ran a savvy social media campaign that featured videos of him speaking to working class voters who voted for Donald Trump on issues concerning the cost of living. He developed a campaign for recognizing the plight of those who are suffering and becoming their advocate and fighter.

In addition to freezing rent increases, Mamdani reiterated plans to hire thousands of new teachers, renegotiate city contracts, build more affordable housing and provide universal child care.

Jonathan Greenblatt, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) national director, said Mamdani has “associated with individuals who have a history of antisemitism, and demonstrated intense animosity toward the Jewish state.

order in this country.

Unfortunately, despite his administration’s promise to go after the “worst of the worst” offenders, Trump’s policies to tighten immigration enforcement appear to have done more to create disorder, divide families and frighten children than make any of us feel safer.

Some of the worst examples have come from, of all people, Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino, the official tasked with leading the Chicago crackdown.

He admitted last week to a very serious offense, lying about a rock-throwing incident used to justify deploying tear gas against protesters. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a sweeping injunction limiting the use of force during immigration arrests and protests.

For example, video showed him throwing a gas canister at protesters in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood without giving so much as a “look out below,” despite the judge’s earlier temporary restraining order limiting the use of force.

Stories like these remind me of how Trump recently suggested using our cities, which he specified as “Democrat-run cities,” to train our military troops. Train them to do what? Create disorder?

Americans see what Trump is doing, and they don’t like it. Trump may not want to believe it, but that’s what voters told him in last Tuesday’s elections.

The writer is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

“In this moment, we urge the Jewish community to help lower the temperature, listen generously, and take steps to promote healing,” the Reform Movement statement said. “We will hold the new mayor accountable to his commitments to protect Jewish communities and all New Yorkers, to confront antisemitism and every form of hate, and to safeguard civil rights and peaceful expression.” At a time when our nation is in need of local, state and federal leaders willing to stand up against the authoritarianism from the Trump administration, all Americans who still believe in democracy should want to see Mamdani succeed despite his faith and democratic socialist views. If Trump and Elon Musk endorsed Cuomo over Mamdani for mayor, then you have to support Mamdani.

The writer is founder of faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Bo

Clarence Page

David W. Marshall

Commentary/Letters to the Editor

Richmond’s Coliseum deserves a second chance

It’s been announced that the 54-year-old Richmond Coliseum will be demolished. After giving a thumbs-down to the Navy Hill development, Richmond City Council decided to move forward with what is now the City Center project. That vision is far from what I — and many others I’ve spoken with — believe would be a good use of the heart of downtown Richmond.

There’s actually proof that the Coliseum structure could be salvaged and upgraded. Two examples come to mind: Baltimore and Charlotte. Both have older arenas with smaller seating capacities than the Richmond Coliseum, yet both have been upgraded and are thriving. For years, the Baltimore arena has hosted the CIAA basketball tournament and remains a busy venue. Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte has a hockey team and, much like Richmond, benefits from a growing downtown population that frequents the facility for sporting and entertainment events.

Frankly, I’m not convinced there aren’t private developers eager to invest in upgrading the Richmond Coliseum and capi-

talize on a booming downtown population hungry for an arena experience. Pair that with an upgraded 6th Street Armory and development along 2nd Street that could become what Beale Street is to Memphis, Tennessee, and the potential is enormous. Our business and political leaders need to do better with central downtown Richmond. City Center development too often feels

like an exclusive office park, with limited appeal to the public, tourists and entertainment traffic that could truly provide an economic boost to the area.

STUART SPEARS Richmond

Election sends message to politicians

The people’s voices were heard loud and clear, by the electorate going to the ballot box and voting. We have seen enough divisive antics thrown our way. The only way we stop this type of thing is to put politicians in office that best represent our needs. It can definitely be said that some of these politicians elected were not concerned about representing the masses but only a privileged few. This is not the principle that America is supposed to be governed by. Everyone is created equal and that is how things

should be, but favoritism and divisiveness seem to be on some politicians’ agenda. Hopefully, we can begin to right some of the wrongs that have been thrown at us. It seems better days are now ahead for the masses and not just a few. Politicians, can you hear us now?

ERNEST PARKER JR.

Richmond

Voters decided Jones’ texts paled in comparison to threats against democracy

Lance Watson, senior pastor of a large Baptist congregation in Richmond, must have spoken for hundreds of thousands of Virginians Sunday when he mentioned the prospects of Jay Jones, then the Democratic attorney general candidate, in last week’s election.

others were injured, haven’t the standards for electability changed?

Voters calculated those factors when putting Jones over the top on Nov. 4, 52.73% to 46.87%, longtime Virginia political analyst Bob Holsworth told me.

ians received food stamps earlier this year. Two federal judges recently ruled the administration had to keep the food program running.

Those were some of the reasons people like Latangie Clay, 51, voted for Jones on Tuesday.

Jones, a former Virginia delegate, faced an October surprise when violent texts he wrote in 2022 surfaced. Those texts were aimed at the thenRepublican state speaker of the House of Delegates and his children.

(Full disclosure: I’ve known Jay Jones since he was a preteen, because our families attend the same church in Norfolk.)

“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander,” Watson said, two days before Jones easily defeated Jason Miyares, the Republican incumbent attorney general, in a race that had tightened because of the scandal. “Anytime I have to live with a president who has 32 felony convictions, I can forgive somebody who made a mistake on his text messages.”

Watson, of course, was referring to President Donald Trump, who was actually convicted of 34 felony counts of falsified business records in New York last year. Trump also fomented the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol after his 2020 electoral defeat — which should have disqualified him from ever holding elective office again.

That’s the backdrop voters in Virginia weighed when they cast ballots this year:

Should we reject someone who fantasized violence, even though his policies might be preferable over his opponent’s? Does character matter more than the good that Jones could do in office, especially as a check on a president who scoffs at the law and whose economic policies are wreaking havoc on families?

And if the highest office in the land is held by someone who incited a riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when several people died and

“There was a sense among a lot of Democrats, given what Trump has done and said, that this is no big deal,” said Holsworth, a managing partner at a public policy research firm and

a former dean at Virginia Commonwealth University. Jones sent the texts privately to Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, who lost her reelection bid last week.

“It’s nothing like what the president does and says every day and puts into action,” Holsworth added.

There were other factors that helped Jones and Democrats in Virginia:

Gubernatorial winner Abigail Spanberger trounced her Republican opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears, by more than 14 points. She had long coattails for the Democratic ticket, Holsworth noted, which also saw Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, DRichmond, win the lieutenant governor’s race.

Abortion rights and kitchen-table economics spurred Democrats to surge to at least 64 seats in the House, up from 51 of the 100 seats right now. Turnout was up sharply in several suburban swing areas.

Republican demonization of transgender students and athletes, especially by Earle-Sears, held little sway with voters. Good. She had no business targeting a small segment of the population for her political gain.

Miyares didn’t always join other state attorneys general to oppose the Trump administration even when Virginians were in the crosshairs. Examples included when more than two dozen states sued over the administration’s refusal to fund food stamps during the government shutdown. The states said the impending cuts were unnecessary and illegal. More than 866,000 Virgin-

“Sometimes people do make bad decisions,” she told me outside her polling place in Chesapeake. But Clay, who usually supports Democrats, said she researched Jones and his platform and decided he was the better choice.

Besides, I’m sure many Virginians feel Democrats are held to higher standards of conduct while Republicans like Trump can do or say anything they want, without penalty. (See: Misogynistic Access Hollywood comments that were released before the 2016 election.)

I’m also thinking of the calls in 2019 for then-Gov. Ralph Northam to resign for a blackface photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook. As I wrote previously: Why was resignation proportionate to his reputed offense?

“Had Northam done nothing showing his commitment to Blacks and the disadvantaged in the years since he entered elective office?” I said.

Holsworth told me it’s clear what’s acceptable in politics today has shifted a long way over the past few decades. He mentioned the 1985 “scandal” that harmed Republican Buster O’Brien in his longshot bid to become attorney general.

His campaign suggested O’Brien, a quarterback, played for the Washington Redskins when, in fact, he practiced with the team for only a few weeks. Oh, the horror!

This bit of resume boosting didn’t help O’Brien in his battle against eventual winner Mary Sue Terry, a Democrat. Nowadays, that 40-year-old episode seems … quaint.

The bottom line is this: The age of Trump has lowered the standards for would-be officeholders. Voters will choose their interests, even when a candidate has flaws.

And some flaws are worse than others.

This commentary originally appeared on VirginiaMercury.com.

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

November 10, 2025

City of Richmond, VA

Dept. of Housing & Community Development 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 300 Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-0361

These notices shall satisfy two separate, but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Richmond, VA.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about November 21, 2025 the City of Richmond will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, to undertake projects known as: Critical Home Repairs – Habitat for the purpose of rehabilitation of 15 single-family dwellings citywide, $297,000 CDBG funds. Critical Home Repair – project:HOMES (PH) for the purpose of rehabilitation of 43 single-family dwellings citywide, $618,750 CDBG funds. Comprehensive Home Repair – PH for the purpose of moderate rehabilitation of 10 single-family dwellings citywide, $600,033 HOME funds.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Richmond has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at Department of Housing and Community Development, City of Richmond, 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Wilken Fernandez, Senior Project Developer Manager, Department of Housing and Community Development, City of Richmond, 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond VA 23219 phone: 804-646-0361, facsimile: 804-646-6358, electronic mail: Wilken.fernandez@rva. gov . All comments received by November 20, 2025 will be considered by the City of Richmond prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Richmond certifies to HUD that Odie Donald II, Certifying Officer in his capacity as Chief Administrative Officer consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Richmond to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Richmond certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Richmond; (b) the City of Richmond has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76), Attention: Ronnie J. Legette, Sr., Director, Richmond Community Planning and Development Division. Potential Objectors should contact HUD at (804) 822-4881, to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer, Certifying Officer

Roger Chesley

Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury

Democratic Virginia Attorney General-elect

Quarter of Virginia inmates waiting for prison education programs, study finds

By Nathaniel Cline

Roughly one in four inmates in Virginia are waiting to enroll in prison education programs — a backlog that state officials say could hinder rehabilitation and reduce chances of success after release. Lawmakers this week heard a range of possible fixes aimed at expanding access and lowering recidivism rates.

Inmates housed at facilities operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections are permitted by state law to participate in educational and vocational programs, including a “functional literacy” program for inmates testing below the 12th-grade level, adult basic education, career and technical education, and postsecondary education. However, not all prisons are required to offer inmate education.

As of February, 5,671 inmates were on waiting lists for educational programs, highlighting the demand that far surpasses the department’s capacity, according to a report presented by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission at the direction of state lawmakers. About 40% of inmates require education to successfully reintegrate into society.

“We take this very seriously at the Department of Corrections,” said Chadwick Dotson, the agency’s director. “And again, the reason we do this is because every recidivism point we can drop, that’s one fewer victim, that’s one more father, mother raising their child. So it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Researchers found that inmates who participated in educational programs had better employment outcomes and quality of life after release than those who did not. But the demand continues to exceed the department’s capacity.

In addition to limited capacity, challenges include security staffing shortages — with vacancy rates over 20% at 16 of the 37 facilities — technology and infrastructure issues, and inconsistent programming when inmates transfer between facilities.

Recommendations included better management of waitlists, improvements to GED testing processes (which dropped by 35% between 2022 and 2025), and stronger links between career and technical education (CTE) programs and job opportunities. The discussion also emphasized the need for more funding and infrastructure upgrades to support education in prisons and jails.

Virginia currently allocates $36.8 million to adult basic education, CTE and postsecondary education programs, which make up 2% of the department’s $1.56 billion total budget.

Dotson told lawmakers that the agency is working to balance GED testing frequency, develop stronger employment connections, and improve technology and inmate transfers.

He said the department is introducing new tablets to enable distance learning, expanding broadband access in facilities, and exploring an offender management system used in other states to better track and minimize disruptive transfers during coursework.

Terri Erwin, director of the Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison — an initiative of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy — said one priority is expanding access to higher education for inmates following recent changes in Pell Grant eligibility. She said about 67% of people incarcerated in Virginia are academically eligible for college.

“We’d like to see a return of college programs to the prisons

because they have such a dramatically beneficial effect on reducing recidivism, but also increasing employability and wages and benefits for folks who ultimately return back to society,” Erwin said.

Lawmakers could introduce related legislation when they return to Richmond on Jan. 14 for the start of the General Assembly session. The study did not include juvenile detention centers. Meanwhile, several agencies are developing a strategic plan to expand educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. The effort stems from House Bill 2158, carried by Del. Betsy Carr, D-Richmond, which aimed to strengthen carceral education from basic literacy through postsecondary programs but was vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

“We’re really excited about it, to be able to sit around the table and kind of noodle and do the math over how we fix some of the things that were referred to today but, in fact, it really requires some very pragmatic sitting around the table and figuring stuff out,” Erwin said.

Erwin said participating agencies include the State Council of Higher Education, the Department of Corrections, Virginia’s Community College System, and her own organization.

The plan could take between 10 and 12 months to complete.

Still, she said, it’s a good time for lawmakers to act.

“We feel like it’s actually a very ripe time for legislators; there’s a lot of really good will towards expansion of educational opportunity, postsecondary and generally, to build that pipeline ... with the ABE and the GED, because that’s the ecosystem inside the prison,” Erwin said.

This story originally appeared on VirginiaMercury.com.

Virginians can now use smartphones for ID at airports, DMV and ABC stores

By Nathaniel Cline

After a lengthy development process, Virginians will now be able to use their smartphones at select locations to share their personal identification cards, the Department of Motor Vehicles announced on Wednesday morning.

With the debut of Virginia Mobile ID, Virginians may use it at Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints in airports, at select Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority stores and at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service centers.

The new digital ID tool comes as smartphones infiltrate nearly every aspect of modern life, with people using them to pay for services, access vital information and easily share their personal credentials, including state IDs and driver’s licenses.

“Most of us rely heavily on our phones, which is why Virginians should have access to a safe, secure form of mobile identification on the devices they use all the time,” Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III said in a statement.“The Virginia Mobile ID option protects your identity and privacy in the digital age, keeping you in control of what information you share.”

Over 250 TSA checkpoints nationwide, including several at airports in Virginia — Richmond (RIC), Rea -

gan Washington National, Washington-Dulles, Norfolk, Newport News/Williamsburg, and Roanoke — will accept Virginia’s Mobile ID, which is available at no cost in the Apple Store and Google Play.

Virginia State Police, all DMV customer service centers and nine Virginia ABC stores in the Richmond area will also accept the ID.

The agency is still working to expand the app to be used across the Commonwealth at retailers, restaurants and with local law enforcement agencies. Virginia expects to roll out the Mobile ID program with digital wallets in the coming months.

In 2017, the lawmakers passed legislation creating the standards for issuing, reviewing and displaying electronic credentials after the DMV conducted a yearlong pilot research program. One of the chief concerns with the application has been privacy.

DMV, which has touted the app as “secure,” said that, instead of users handing over a full ID — or even a phone — Virginians can choose exactly which information to share and authorize each request, such as confirming they’re over 21 without disclosing their name and address.

The agency said data is transmitted securely via encryption directly between a customer’s phone and electronic reader

devices and that user activity is never stored or tracked..

The agency is also the founding member of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ Digital Trust Service, a nationwide security protocol and intrastate clear-

inghouse for mobile ID. The agency said this ensures Virginia Mobile ID is one of the most secure digital credentials available.

“The commonwealth has long been a leader in innovation and Virginia Mobile ID is the latest example of how we’re modernizing services for residents,” Gerald Lackey, DMV commissioner, said in a statement. “Over the next few months, we’ll continue expanding mobile ID acceptance with partners, while adding new

Chadwick Dotson

Photo courtesy of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Terri Erwin Betsy Carr

VUU tops VSU to clinch spot in CIAA title game

Free Press staff report

Virginia Union University secured its place in the CIAA Championship Game with a 14-3 win over rival Virginia State University on Saturday afternoon at Hovey Field.

Senior running back Curtis Allen led the way for the Panthers, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. The performance lifted his season total to 2,098 yards, breaking Jada Byers’ school record for single-season rushing yards.

“It was an incredible day at Hovey Field,” said VUU Head Coach Alvin Parker. “I couldn’t be prouder of this program and how we came together as one. The defense set the tone and anchored us all game long, while the offense delivered big plays when we needed them most. Now, it’s on to the championship — time to lock in and prepare for the next challenge.”

After a scoreless first quarter, Allen broke through midway in the second with a 4-yard touchdown run to finish an 80-yard drive. He added another score on the next possession from two yards out, giving Union a 14-0 halftime lead.

Three local A-10 standouts named to Becky Hammon watch list

Free Press staff report

Three of the Richmond area’s top women’s basketball players are drawing national attention as the 2025-26 season tips off.

VCU’s Mary-Anna Asare and the University of Richmond’s Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom have been named to the 2026 Becky Hammon Player of the Year Award Preseason Watch List, announced by Her Hoops Stats.

The award, named for WNBA legend and Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon, honors the nation’s top mid-major women’s basketball player. Players from 26 conferences are eligible for the annual recognition.

Doogan, a senior forward, was last season’s Atlantic 10 Player of the Year after leading the Spiders to a second straight regular-season title. She averaged 17 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists, including a 30-point, 15-rebound performance in Richmond’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win over Georgia Tech. Asare, a senior guard, led VCU in scoring at 16 points per

First Tee – Greater Richmond honored for community outreach

Free Press staff report

First Tee – Greater Richmond has received the Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award, a national honor recognizing the chapter’s leadership in reaching underserved youth and promoting inclusion in golf.

The award is named for Barbara A. Douglas, the first African American chair of the USGA Women’s Committee, and William J. Powell, the only African American to design, build, own and operate a golf course. It recognizes chapters that reflect their legacy of access, diversity and community impact.

“This award celebrates the power of partnership,” said Chevonne Braxton, director of education and outreach. “Our mission-aligned community partners and dedicated staff

and coaches live our mission every day by welcoming every participant to our facilities and helping them build the confidence and character to excel on and off the golf course.”

Over the past two years, the chapter has expanded its community reach through partnerships and program growth, including work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, the Henrico Police Athletic League, Sportable and the YMCA of Greater Richmond. First Tee also partners with local schools, hosting field trips for Title I schools and working with Richmond, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Petersburg and Hopewell public schools.

Programs are held at Belmont, the Tattersall Youth Development Center at First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course, and the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range. Revenue from

the board — 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 50 steals — earning All-Conference First Team honors. She scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the Spiders’ NCAA round of 32 matchup against topseeded UCLA. The trio are among five Atlantic 10 players named to this year’s watch list. Their recognition comes as the Richmond region prepares to host the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship for a third straight year. The A-10 recently extended its partnership with the venue and Richmond Region Tourism through 2029. The 2026 tournament will be March 4-8 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. More information is available at atlantic10.com.

A First Tee participant shares a high-five with a younger student after a lesson on the golf course. The chapter recently received the Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award for its work expanding access to golf and character education for underserved youth.

buckets of balls and tee times helps fund youth programs, providing access to golf, life skills education and mentorship opportunities.

“This award is a testament to what can happen when we work together,” said Mike McCann, board chair. “By building au-

thentic partnerships and removing barriers to participation, we are helping young people learn life skills through the game of golf and encouraging them to see themselves as the leaders they can become.”

For more information, visit firstteerva.org

Virginia State’s defense kept Union quiet in the second half, holding the Panthers to 46 passing yards and forcing eight punts. The Trojans controlled possession for more than 33 minutes and finally got on the board late in the third quarter when freshman Joshua Campbell hit a 25-yard field goal to cap a 15-play, 74yard drive.

VUU’s defense held firm, limiting the Trojans to 245 total yards and forcing two interceptions, both by Jayden Earley. Lamumba Howard led Union with 15 tackles, while Ahmad Ross added 14 tackles and a sack. For Virginia State, Rahsaan Matthews Jr. threw for 145 yards and added 21 on the ground. Jaylen Pretlow led the team with 43 rushing yards and 51 receiving yards. Mehkhi Johnson paced the Trojan defense with 13 tackles, including two for loss and a sack. With the win, Virginia Union improves to 9-1 overall and 7-0 in the CIAA. The Panthers will face Johnson C. Smith University in the CIAA championship game in Durham, North Carolina, on Saturday, Nov. 15. Virginia State ends its season at 6-4 and 4-3 in conference

New book examines legacy of Negro Leagues founder Free Press staff report

More than a century after he organized the first Negro National League, Andrew “Rube” Foster’s influence on baseball and Black entrepreneurship is still felt. A new biography, “Game Changer: Rube Foster and the Birth of Black Baseball,” examines the life of the pitcher, manager and visionary who created opportunities for African American players during an era of segregation.

The book, by former Major League Baseball scout Michael E., chronicles Foster’s rise from player to league founder, detailing his leadership, innovation and commitment to building a sustainable business model for Black baseball teams. Foster gathered a handful of team owners in Kansas City and dared to create a league of their own, laying the foundation for what became known as the Negro Leagues. Foster’s impact went beyond the diamond. He encouraged Black entrepreneurship, shaped team operations and created a platform for athletes who were excluded from Major League Baseball. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006, recognized as one of the architects of the modern game.

Michael E. said the book aims to connect past, present and future generations to Foster’s enduring legacy. Proceeds from the publication will help fund a documentary on Foster’s life and support charitable initiatives. The book is available in paperback through Amazon and the author’s website, feoa.info.

“Every time a player steps onto the field from the sandlots to the major leagues, the spirit of Rube Foster is there,” Michael E. said. “His story is not just baseball history; it is American history.”

Police, firefighters duke it out for charity

Richmond City firefighters and police officers traded gloves for a good cause during River City Fight Night: Red Fight & Blue at River City Roll on Nov. 5. The

Haskins

Author Michael E.’s new book, “Game Changer: Rube Foster and the History of Black Baseball” chronicles the life and legacy of the founder of Negro League Baseball.

char-

ity boxing event raised funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, selected by the Fire Department, and the American Kidney Fund, chosen by the Police Department.

Above left, Keivon Henderson of the Richmond City Firefighters, fighting out of the red corner, goes glove to glove with Richmond Police’s Duane Peppel in the blue. Keivon Henderson of the Richmond City Firefighters shares a post-fight moment with Richmond Police’s Duane Peppel — and the announcer — after their bout. Henderson claimed the win for the firefighters in the charity showdown.

Mo’Reese Moore, representing Richmond firefighters, squares off against Patrick Ripley of Richmond police.

Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Rachel Ullstrom Maggie Doogan Mary-Anna Asare

Marland Buckner’s worldview is shaped by two contrasting influences — his white mother’s extended family in Canada and his father’s African American family in Los Angeles. Together, those experiences have profoundly informed his perspective and approach to his work.

Buckner was born in Los Angeles but raised in Saskatchewan, Canada. He describes his childhood as warm and caring. His mother’s family lived near the public housing unit he shared with her, and she demonstrated the work ethic she hoped to instill in him.

“It was an incredibly supportive environment,” Buckner said. “But there were high expectations to do the best that I can at whatever I chose to do.”

The high expectations he grew up with became the driving force behind Buckner’s career in public policy and business. He served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and as a senior policy adviser and chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. Buckner later moved into the private sector, working for Microsoft before founding his own consulting firm.

However, his childhood visits to L.A. would shape his identity and purpose. The contrast between life in Canada — where he says race wasn’t a factor — and the U.S. was striking. In L.A., his father’s family grounded him in what it means to be African American, giving him a lasting connection to the Black community.

“In Canada, biracial is different,” Buckner said. “There was no formal declaration of being Black or white. The perpetuation of colorism remains [in the U.S.].”

By establishing the Shockoe

Personality: Marland Buckner

Spotlight on the Shockoe Institute president and CEO

Institute, Buckner aims to highlight Richmond’s central role in the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on American life. The institute will be located in Shockoe Bottom, once the largest slave market in the U.S. north of New Orleans. The market fueled local economic growth and generated massive profits from the sale and export of enslaved people.

The facility will be in Main Street Station and will offer visitors a museum-like experience. The institute’s permanent exhibit, “Expanding Freedom,” will open next spring. The institute’s unique dimension lies in The Lab, which will serve as a think tank. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of how slavery worked in the agricultural South and the industrial North.

“I hope visitors will appreciate the scale and history and the enduring impact of slavery on our entire national life,” Buckner said. “We’re not a Black or white organization or museum, but we are a national organization because we’re telling a national story and Richmond’s place in that story.”

Buckner’s 30-year career in the public and private sectors is culminating in his leadership of the Shockoe Institute, where he aims to give visitors a deeper understanding of how slavery operated across the U.S.

“I want people to come to the Shockoe Institute to learn, reflect and act,” he said.

Where do you live?

The Fan.

What’s your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s in political science and history and a master’s in history from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada and doctoral studies at

the College of William & Mary.

What is the Shockoe Institute?

It’s a 12,000-square-foot educational facility. There will be a permanent exhibition, “Expanding Freedom,” where people can learn how slavery began, its trajectory and the depth, width and breadth of its impact. It goes beyond the superficial level of knowledge of how slavery worked and how it worked.

What is the Shockoe Institute’s mission?

The Shockoe Institute’s mission is to reveal the enduring impact of racial slavery on our shared American experience, inspiring both reflection and action.

How did you conceptualize the Shockoe Institute?

I began thinking about the concept during the Black Lives Matter movement, when statues were falling. I saw an opportunity to garner national philanthropy around Richmond’s role

in history, particularly the slave trade.

How is the Shockoe Institute funded?

I presented a proposal to the Mellon Foundation, which provided $11 million to build the facility, and we’ve used those funds for “Expanding Freedom.” I am actively seeking funding.

What organizations are partnering with the Shockoe Institute?

We are looking forward to partnering with national and local organizations in arts and culture, education, finance and public policy.

What kind of programs can we expect from the Shockoe Institute?

The program on Nov. 20 at the Institute for Contemporary Art is an example of the programming we’ll have. It’s called “Shockoe Institute Presents — Imagining Solidarity: Afro-Indigenous Future and Perspectives,” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. We will feature live musical performances and robust discussions, curated and hosted by Founding Artistic Director Leyla McCalla in partnership with the ICA at VCU.

What is “Shockoe Institute Presents?”

These are community conversations presented in a meaningful, solutions-oriented way.

We want to create programming that will help children understand their history and be invested in the American project, giving them the tools to activate their citizenship. Why is this project important?

Slavery was the trajectory of American power. We don’t have a deep enough understanding of that. We hope to give a better understanding of the importance of what happened in this place [Shockoe Bottom] and the growth of the U.S. — the way slavery deeply penetrated American life. I hope visitors will appreciate not only the scale and history, but the enduring impact of slavery on our entire national life.

Tell me about The Lab.

It’s a think tank with handson learning and public events addressing both historical documentation and contemporary societal issues. Each of us has a choice to make about the kinds of citizens we want to be and how we choose to behave as citizens. No matter where you land on the political spectrum, when you look to your left or right, that person is a fellow human being. If we recognize our shared humanity, then we will all have the opportunity and responsibility to work together to improve our civic life because we will see ourselves in each other. But if we consciously or unconsciously choose not to view each other as humans of

equal value, then our republic will flounder. We can’t continue to separate ourselves, creating a hierarchy of human value and the social construct that goes with it.

How do you start the day?

A pot of coffee and four newspapers.

What do you do in your downtime?

I work out as much as possible.

Who is your dream dinner party guest?

My great-great-great-grandmother, whose name is lost to history but from whom I might actually learn things we only think we know.

What is a quote that inspires you?

“To plan is human, to implement divine.”

Who has influenced you the most in your life?

My wife, Melody Barnes. What is a book that has influenced you?

“Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America’s Political Crisis,” by James Davison Hunter. What are you currently reading?

“The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi,” by Wright Thompson. What’s next?

Do absolutely everything necessary to ensure the Shockoe Institute’s permanent exhibit, “Expanding Freedom,” opens in April 2026.

• WATCHES JEWELRY • REPAIRS

Poet to discuss new book on Black Appalachian cooking

‘Gabriel’ musical extended after sellout performances

The musical “Gabriel,” produced by ATLAS Partnership, will continue its run following a series of sold-out performances. The production features more than two dozen original songs performed by 13 professional actors.

An official program of the Virginia 250 Commission, the musical tells the story of Gabriel’s Rebellion, one of the largest planned uprisings of enslaved people in American history. Gabriel, a blacksmith who became the leader of the movement, reportedly organized more than 1,000 followers across Virginia. Onstage, the rebels march under the rallying cry “Death or Liberty.”

The event is part of the Carole Weinstein Author Series, which brings both new and well-known authors to the library to highlight Virginia authors and subjects. A book signing will follow the talk, and copies will be available at the Virginia Shop.

The talk is free and seating in the library’s Lecture Hall is first come, first served. Limited free parking is available in the deck beneath the building. The talk runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Poet and author Crystal Wilkinson will discuss her new book, “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks,” Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Library of Virginia. The book blends memoir and cookbook, tracing the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians through nearly 40 recipes and stories spanning five generations. Wilkinson, a former Kentucky poet laureate and professor at the University of Kentucky, said the book reflects a family that has lived and worked in the mountains for more than a century.

The story explores the relationships that shaped Gabriel and others involved in the rebellion, including his childhood friend Thomas Prosser Jr., his love interest Nanny, and collaborators such as Gabriel’s brother Martin and Jack Ditcher. The play concludes with a meeting between Gabriel and Virginia’s governor, future U.S. President James Monroe.

“As a new organization, we knew it might take time for ‘Gabriel’ to build momentum, and it has done just that,” said Emily Cole-Jones, managing director of ATLAS Partnership. “With

performances selling out over the past two weeks, audiences asked for more opportunities to see the inspiring new musical. We want to share this incredible story with as many people as

possible, so we’ve added several more opportunities.”

Additional performances are scheduled for Nov. 13, 14 and 16. Tickets are $49 and available at GabrielTickets.com.

Neighborhood pride shines at Brookland Park Fest

Brookland Park Fest filled the boulevard with music, art and food as residents and visitors gathered Sunday, Nov. 9 for the annual community celebration. The free event, organized by the Brookland Park Business Association, showcased local businesses, artists and food vendors, along with musical performances, family activities and special events hosted by shops along Brookland Park Boulevard between Fendall and North avenues.

Courtesy of ATLAS Partnership.Photo by Aaron Sutten.

Jerold Solomon appears as Gabriel, the blacksmith and revolutionary leader at the center of the new musical “Gabriel.”

Frankie Akande and her twin daughters, Bella and Henri Robertson, 9, navigate the bustling festival street while enjoying ice cream.

Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

ShaMecca “Mecca” and LaTeshia “Teshia” LeSane, owners of the Harlym Blue’Z restaurant in Brookland Park, perform during the festival.

Neethi Jois (left) and sisters Riley and Evelyn Duong create painted magnets at the Hand Thrown pottery tent.

Crystal Wilkinson

T.D. Jakes launches weekly podcast exploring life, purpose and culture

Free Press staff report

Bishop T.D. Jakes is launching a new weekly podcast, “NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes,” aimed at helping listeners navigate life transitions and explore their purpose. The series, in partnership with iHeartMedia, premieres Friday, Nov. 14.

The podcast will feature conversations with high-profile guests including Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Jeezy, Mellody Hobson, Sarah Jakes Roberts. Each episode will explore the setbacks, revelations and life pivots that shaped the guests’ journeys and what came after.

I’ve spent my life speaking to people’s souls. Now, I want to sit with their stories,” Jakes said. “NXT Chapter is about mapping what comes next for us, for our communities and for the world we’re building together. America’s story is still being written, but too often we speak past one another instead of with one another. NXT Chapter invites us to pause, listen and begin drafting a future

rooted in clarity, compassion and shared purpose.”

Jakes, founder of The Potter’s House Church in Dallas, has long been known as a faith leader, , author and media innovator. The podcast comes less than a year after he revealed a near-fatal heart attack and will include reflections on his recovery and renewed perspective. He recently voluntarily dismissed a defamation lawsuit against a Pennsylvania pastor who had accused him of attempted sexual assault.

The podcast will be available on the iHeartRadio app and all platforms where podcasts are distributed.

First Baptist Church of Ashland to host Caregiver Expo

Free Press staff report

Thompson St.

Richmond educator, church leader recognized

The 1600 block of South Meadow Street. is now known as Dr. Joan Belle Christian Street, recognizing her lifelong service and impact on generations of students, families and neighbors.

A devoted lifelong member of Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, Christian’s dedication helped shape the church’s mission and community presence. She also served as a special education teacher in Richmond Public Schools for 29 years and held leadership roles with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women.

Caregivers, families and community members are invited to Hanover County’s fourth annual Caregiver Expo on Monday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ashland, 800

The free event, held each November for National Family Caregiver Appreciation Month, offers education, resources and connections to local organizations that support caregivers. Attendees can enjoy refreshments and visit more than 30

exhibitors providing caregiver services and support.

Presentations will cover topics including fall prevention, veterans’ benefits, caregiver wellness and nutrition. The event also features a “Moment of Gratitude” to honor caregivers and offers chances to win door prizes. The Caregiver Expo is presented by the Hanover Council on Aging, the Hanover Department of Community Resources and The SPAN Center. For more information, call Hanover Community Resources at (804) 365-4300 or email volunteer@ hanovercounty.gov.

T.D. Jakes

Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Joan Belle Christian looks on during the street renaming ceremony in Jackson Ward on Saturday, Nov. 8. The event honored her lifelong dedication to education and community advocacy as well as to mentoring young leaders across Richmond. Below, the 1600 block of South Meadow Street is now Dr. Joan Belle Christian Street, honoring her decades of service to Richmond’s schools and community.