Richmond Free Press August 7-9, 2025 issue

Wilder sues VCU

Former Gov. alleging retaliation over Wilder School probe

By George Copeland Jr.

Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder filed a federal lawsuit last Friday accusing Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao and Chief Audit and Compliance Executive Suzanne Milton of retaliating against him by launching a baseless investigation into the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

The suit claims the investigation, conducted by the Husch Blackwell law firm and focused on allegations around the School’s work environment, violated Wilder’s legal and civil rights..

The probe began in March, the same month former Wilder School professor William Leighty said he was fired without explanation. Leighty said his dismissal came days after he declined to ask a suggested question during a virtual Q&A with Richmond Mayor Danny Avula hosted by the Wilder School.

“Feeling it would be rude to trap our esteemed guest with a ‘gotcha’ question I ignored it,” Leighty wrote in a social media post. “Multiple staff using multiple communication methods, began urging me to ‘ask the VCU question.’”

Leighty shared a text message attributing the question — which involved legal disputes between Richmond, VCU and the Virginia General Assembly over a failed redevelopment plan — to Wilder but requested it be asked anonymously.

The lawsuit includes a summary of June communications between Wilder and Milton. Wilder claims Milton refused to clarify the investigation’s scope or identify the sources of allegations while pressuring him to participate in an interview with Husch Blackwell attorneys.

Wilder’s suit also claims Rao directed “VCU officials and other high-ranking individuals” to not engage with him, and that the university’s actions are in response to his ongoing criticism of their operations and have damaged his public service record and reputation.

“Rao and Milton … initiated and sustained baseless investigations of Plaintiff’s conduct in retaliation for his protected speech and public criticism of VCU leadership,” Wilder’s suit reads.

When reached for a comment, a VCU spokesperson said the

After the fire, Fox Elem. rises from the ashes

By George Copeland Jr.

More than three years after a late-night fire devastated William Fox Elementary School and disrupted the Richmond Public Schools system, the building reopened to the community Wednesday evening. Opening on Hanover Avenue

A night out

Black History Museum loaning Confederate statues for national exhibition

Free Press staff report

The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia is sending several Confederate monument artifacts from Richmond to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles for a new exhibition exploring race, art and public memory.

Co-presented by MOCA’s Geffen Contemporary and The Brick nonprofit, the exhibit opening Oct. 23 at the Geffen Contemporary will feature artifacts from 15 decommissioned Confederate monuments and pair them with contemporary artworks to examine how public symbols and historical narratives evolve over time.

Artifacts from Richmond include the Vindicatrix sculpture and granite base from the Jefferson Davis Monument, the Matthew Fontaine Maury sculpture and globe from the Maury Monument, and granite slabs from other Confederate bases. The pieces will be displayed alongside works by artists such as Hank Willis Thomas, Bethany Collins and Nona Faustine.

The exhibition will include significant loans from BHMVA and other institutions and municipalities across the country, including Baltimore; Boston; Montgomery, Alabama; Pittsburgh; and New Orleans.

“BHMVA’s participation in monuments reflects our dedication to truth-telling and historical accountability,” said Shakia Gullette Warren, executive director of the Black History Museum. “Our

in 1911 and named for William F. Fox, the first RPS superintendent, Fox Elementary has been the focus of a $30 million project to undo the damage from the blaze and restore the historic building while retaining its identity.

In the days leading up to the reopening, excitement and pride spread throughout the RPS community. The celebration drew city and school officials, RPS families and invited guests to the school grounds.

“The Foxes are back on Hanover,” former RPS Board member Mariah White said during Tuesday’s Board meeting as she celebrated the reopening and the work done by officials. “Those who said schools can’t build schools, think again.”

Fox Elementary now features modernized classrooms, an updated “gymatorium,” an exterior brick walkway, and

other improvements aimed at enhancing the learning environment and meeting RPS guidelines adopted since the fire. While the Richmond Fire Department never found the cause of the blaze, a faulty alarm panel was noted among concerns found in an investigation after the fire. A sprinkler system is now installed in the building, which was constructed without one along with other updated systems. The reopening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the renovated building and a book drive to support the Richmond Education Foundation’s “Give 804” campaign. Efforts are also underway to restore or replace items lost in the fire, including artwork that once adorned the school’s walls. Fox Elementary’s return may

Youngkin supports National Guardsmen assisting with ICE deportations

By Jahd Khalil, Keyris Manzanares VPM

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday that he supports a U.S. Defense Department change that would permit National Guard units to aid in federal immigration enforcement. Nationwide, approximately 1,700 National Guardsmen will be taking over duties previously performed by active-duty Marines and Naval Reserve service members, the DOD announced last month.

The support from Virginia National Guard units will be commanded by the Commonwealth, and it includes case management, transportation

and logistics, and clerical work for processing of people at ICE detention facilities.

Youngkin confirmed this aspect of the request to VPM News, saying the VNG’s work would be limited to logistics, administration and processing roles. Virginia is already home to two ICE detention centers, one in the Town of Farmville and the other in Caroline County.

“I think there’s a great opportunity for them to bring their capabilities to the administrative side of this,” Youngkin said. “I do believe strongly that our — the role of the Virginia National Guard is not law enforcement. In

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

The newly renovated William Fox Elementary School in Richmond’s Fan District is shown Wednesday, Aug. 6. The historic school reopened more than three years after a 2022 fire severely damaged the building, prompting a $30 million restoration.

Wilder

Gov. Glenn Youngkin, flanked by then-House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah (left), and Attorney General Jason Miyares, speaks at a press conference on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond.

Photo by Regina H. Boone

The Jefferson Davis statue, erected in 1907 on Monument Avenue and pulled down by protesters on June 10, 2020, is shown as part of a temporary exhibit at The Valentine. The former Confederate leader appears splattered with pink paint, with a blackened face and a dent on the back of the head from the 2020 protest.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

A’Layla Hunter, 2, enjoys a carousel ride during the 42nd Annual National Night Out at Dorey Park on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The event, organized by Hope Givers USA and Speaking Spirit Ministries, drew an estimated 17,000 people. See more photos, A5.

Staggered start set to smooth transitions for Richmond students

Free Press staff report

Richmond Public Schools will implement a staggered start for the 2025-26 school year to help students transitioning into new grade levels.

Students in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 through 5, sixth grade and ninth grade will begin classes Monday, Aug. 18. All other secondary students in grades 7, 8, and 10 through 12 will start Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The district said the plan is designed to provide sixth and ninth graders with a dedicated day to adjust to middle and high school settings before the full student body arrives.

“This extra day gives our new middle and high school students the chance to get acclimated, meet their teachers, find their classrooms, and build connections in a more focused and welcoming setting,” said Latonya Waller, Middle School Principal Director.

Research indicates that staggered starts can ease student anxiety, support mental health and improve academic readiness by allowing educators to introduce expectations and routines in a structured way.

“By investing this time, we’re building stronger foundations for our students’ long-term success,” said Willie Bell, High School Principal Director. “This will set our students up for a great year from day one.”

Hanover County NAACP receives national recognition at Charlotte convention

Free Press staff report

The Hanover County branch of the NAACP has earned national recognition for its leadership in community outreach and communication.

The branch received this year’s Thalheimer Award in both the Programs and Publications categories during the 116th NAACP National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in July. The awards honor NAACP chapters whose work uplifts local communities and advances the organization’s mission of equality and justice.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our members and supporters,”

Hanover County NAACP President Patricia Hunter-Jordan said. “It motivates us to continue pushing for progress and to create lasting change in Hanover County.”

The branch was cited for its efforts in voter registration, educational workshops and public forums focused on racial justice and economic equity — programs that NAACP officials said contributed to increased awareness and engagement in the county.

John S. Finn Jr. joins Maggie Walker Community Land Trust board

Free Press staff report

The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust has appointed veteran real estate professional and civic leader John S. Finn Jr. to its board of trustees, it was announced in a statement from the group this week. Finn, co-founder and chief operating officer of United Real Estate Richmond, brings nearly five decades of experience in real estate, affordable housing and community development. A fifth-generation real estate professional, he is known for championing efforts to expand homeownership, support small businesses and preserve Black real estate heritage across the region.

His appointment supports the trust’s mission to provide affordable housing and build generational wealth, especially for families historically excluded from homeownership.

“Maggie Walker believed in using financial tools to empower families and neighborhoods,” Finn said. “I’ve always viewed her legacy as a blueprint for using real estate to build wealth and create lasting change. It’s an honor to serve a mission now so deeply rooted in her life’s work.”

Finn and his brother acquired the historic Robinson-Harris & Co. in 2018, Central Virginia’s oldest Black-owned business and one that once served Maggie L. Walker herself. The firm now operates as a subsidiary of United Real Estate Richmond, the largest Black-owned real estate brokerage in Virginia.

Named for Richmond trailblazer Maggie Lena Walker — the first Black woman in the U.S. to charter a bank — the land trust develops and preserves affordable housing through a community land trust model. Homes remain affordable not only for initial buyers but for future owners as well, creating long-term impact. To date, the organization has created or preserved more than 100 homes in Central Virginia.

“Mr. Finn’s deep commitment to equity and community-driven development makes him an ideal steward of Maggie Walker’s legacy,” said Dr. Mae Worthey-Thomas, the trust’s CEO. “His insight and contribution will strengthen our ability to protect affordability, promote homeownership and empower families across the Richmond region.”

Cityscape

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Concierge desk, color-coded signs debut at Richmond City Hall

Free Press staff report

Richmond officials have introduced a series of upgrades to improve the visitor experience on the first floor of City Hall.

The updates include new security screening equipment, the reopening of the Marshall Street entrance and the addition of a staffed concierge desk. City leaders say the changes are part of a larger effort to improve access and transparency between local government and the public.

“City Hall is the people’s building,” said Gail Johnson, the city’s director of General Services. “Richmonders should be able to walk through those doors and safely and conveniently find the services they’re looking for.”

Mayor Danny Avula said the upgrades are the first phase of a broader initiative to make City Hall more accessible and useful to residents.

“These changes are part one of a multistep effort to realize a vision of City Hall that is more accessible and more valuable to the residents we serve,” Avula said.

“When I envision a thriving City Hall, I see a building teeming with the work of city government, where citizens can walk through the doors to find the resources they need when they need them.”

Visitors entering from the Ninth Street side now pass through new Evolv weapons detectors positioned just outside the building. The devices are designed to improve screening accuracy and reduce wait times compared to traditional metal detectors.

Inside the building, new signs use colorcoded zones and icons to help direct visitors to different departments. Green signs mark areas for tax and utility payments. Orange indicates assessment services. Blue is used for the offices of the city treasurer, human resources and public utilities. Pink is designated for permits, inspections and zoning.

Printed maps outlining the updated layout will be available in English and Spanish at entry points and at the concierge desk.

The concierge station, located just inside the reopened Marshall Street entrance, is now staffed full time during regular business hours. The staff member is bilingual in English and Spanish and is available to help visitors locate services and offices. Additional improvements are planned for later this year, including more multilingual signage, public art displays and a consolidation of in-person permitting and planning services.

GMU board backs president with raise despite DOJ investigations

By George Copeland Jr.

George Mason University President

Gregory Washington will remain in his role as the school faces federal investigations and political infighting over its leadership and future.

At its meeting Friday, the GMU Board of Visitors unanimously approved a 1.5% salary increase for Washington following a closed-door performance review that lasted more than three hours, raising his annual pay to $823,452.

The board made its decision, GMU is facing multiple Department of Justice investigations alleging antisemitism and discrimination in admissions and hiring.

“Regardless of how one views the events unfolding at George Mason University, today’s display of unity by the Mason community is inspiring,” Washington said in a statement following the meeting. “It

is a reminder of how centrally important our university is to Northern Virginia’s families and econ -

The meeting came days after a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge ruled that people appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin but rejected by a Virginia Senate committee cannot serve on several colleges’ boards of visitors.

The lawsuit, filed by state Democrats, affected four GMU board members. Democratic leaders say their legal challenge pushes back against the influence of the Trump administration and state Republicans on Virginia colleges and have expressed support for GMU and Washington.

The weight of the situation was evident throughout the meeting, which was full of in-person guests as GMU officials reviewed agenda items and discussed the university’s status.

“Despite the commentary that you might hear, this institution is doing extraordinarily well,” Washington said during his annual president’s report, commending the contributions of GMU leadership, students, staff and faculty.

Board Rector Charles Stimson also noted the state of affairs, quoting Youngkin in criticizing the “petty politics” that resulted in the absence of the latest appointees. Stimson is the senior advisor to the president at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative policy institute.

Private discussions about Washington’s performance with Stimson and Vice Rector Michael Meese are planned.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Lightning struck the northside neighborhoods of Richmond, visible from the corner of Broad and Harrison Street on Saturday, July 19. The days ahead are expected to be hot and humid, with sunshine on Thursday followed by

chance of afternoon thunderstorms Friday and into the weekend.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

The reintroduced information concierge desk at Richmond City Hall as seen on Wednesday, Aug. 5. The upgrade is part of the city’s effort to improve “accessibility and transparency” between the government and the public, according to a press release.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Rock against injustice Dozens of protestors attend the “Rage Against the Regime” event, organized by 50501VA and Punks 4 Liberation on Saturday Aug. 2. It featured death metal, grindcore, indie rock and hardcore music, along with speakers opposing the Trump administration. Brick, bassist for the band Lay Waste, performs during the event.

Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Patricia Hunter-Jordan

Gregory Washington

John S. Finn Jr.

Former Gov. alleging retaliation over Wilder School probe

Continued from A1

university “would not discuss a legal matter.”

Black History Museum

loaning Confederate statues for national exhibition

Continued from A1

The lawsuit adds to ongoing tension between Wilder and VCU, including a 2022 federal suit he filed against university leaders over their handling of a former employee who allegedly sent threatening text messages. Wilder accused the university of failing to take appropriate action and alleged it engaged in discrimination and retaliation. He later voluntarily dismissed that suit without a public explanation. also

stewardship of these monuments is grounded in a commitment to ensure that objects once intended to glorify those who led the fight to enslave African Americans are repurposed in ways that foster critical reflection, healing and deeper public understanding of America’s past, present and future.”

Co-curated by MOCA senior curator Bennett Simpson, The Brick director Hamza Walker and artist Kara Walker, the exhibition brings together Confederate artifacts from across the United States for a national conversation about history and memory.

In 2022, the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia transferred ownership of 15 Confederate statues to the museum. Since then, the institution has led a community-driven process to determine the future of each monument.

The museum is collaborating with Monument Lab, a Philadelphia-based public art and history studio, on a long-term stewardship plan that will guide interpretation, display and public engagement. That plan is expected early next year.

Fox Elementary rises from ashes

“The

begins. “All our students in Richmond Public Schools should go to buildings like this, our teachers should teach in buildings like this, and that’s just not happening.”

Youngkin supports National Guardsmen assisting with ICE deportations

Continued from A1

case, it is actually to support the administrative side of things.”

Once the governor issues a directive, VNG members could undergo related training as early as later this month. The service members would be under Youngkin’s authority as the state executive, but he said the federal government would reimburse the Commonwealth’s related expenses. Immigrant advocacy groups said deputizing VNG for enforcement support would be the wrong course of action.

Monica Sarmiento, executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said immigrant communities feel “terrorized.”

“They feel frightened of the Trump administration, how families are being separated, and these tactics that are incredibly inhumane,” she said in an interview Tuesday. “The fact that Gov. Youngkin is deciding to go ahead and move

forward in these actions is deeply disappointing.”

The Virginia National Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Title 32, the federal law under which the National Guardsmen would operate, is typically used for natural disasters — but was also utilized for COVID-19 response.

Under Title 32, state governors have the authority to decide whether National Guard personnel participate in federal missions. Last week, Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott declined DOD’s request to activate National Guardsmen for immigration enforcement. The troops were previously classified under Title 10, which is led by the president as commander in chief.

In an emailed statement, Assistant U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told VPM News that the details were not finalized.

“This whole-of-government approach will greatly improve national security, public safety and DHS’s ability to fulfill its pledge to the

American people,” said McLaughlin, adding that the National Guard would be enabled “to supplement a wide range of immigration enforcement activity in the U.S. interior.”

Youngkin has made it clear that Virginia is not a sanctuary state by pushing local law enforcement agencies into cooperating with ICE through 287(g) agreements, which allow for them to take on immigration enforcement powers.

Most of the 30 state and local law enforcement agencies that have signed 287(g) agreements are sheriff’s departments in small counties. But the list also includes state agencies like Virginia State Police and range from the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Localities such as the City of Richmond as well as Fairfax and Arlington counties have made it known that they are not collaborating or coordinating with ICE to enforce federal immigration law. For example, Fairfax’s Trust Policy contains provisions preventing county

employees from voluntarily cooperating with ICE.

But even if localities refuse to cooperate, communities are still subject to federal immigration enforcement, as has been reported in local neighborhoods as well as outside courthouses in Chesterfield and Charlottesville.

Just last week, Richmond police issued a press release after an ICE raid took place in a predominantly Latino neighborhood: “RPD did not participate in the activity of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

RPD Chief Rick Edwards said in July that 911 calls from the same neighborhood had dropped by 33% in recent months.

Sarmiento said the public’s ability to feel safe goes beyond calling law enforcement.

“It’s also people not feeling safe enough to go and do their shopping, go to the grocery store, go take their kids to go buy some ice cream, and really be able to go ahead and enjoy their lives,” Sarmiento said.

Virginia Court of Appeals rules NAACP’s voting rights FOIA lawsuit against Youngkin isn’t over

By Charlotte Rene Woods

The Virginia Court of Appeals determined Tuesday that the Virginia NAACP’s yearslong challenge to Gov. Glenn Youngkin over access to records concerning his administration’s changes to voting rights restorations can move forward.

Because a previous ruling by a Richmond judge that sided with the governor never addressed the attorneys’ fees that had been part of the NAACP’s lawsuit, the appellate court has decided the case is not closed.

“We dismiss the premature appeal without prejudice and remand the matter to the trial court to consider the attorney fee issue,” the court’s judges wrote in a filing Tuesday.

The Mercury asked the civil rights group to comment on Tuesday’s ruling and their next steps concerning the case but did not hear back by press time.

Case background

The Virginia Conference of the NAACP had originally filed a Freedom of Information Act request to the governor’s office seeking further details about how it handles restoration of voting rights to people with felony convictions who have completed their sentences.

In Virginia, people with these convictions permanently lose their right to vote unless a governor pardons them or they petition a governor to restore the right. Previous governors — both Republican and Democratic — had worked to streamline the process and make it automatic upon completion of a prison sentence. The process quietly reverted to a petition-

based one under the Youngkin administration, with fewer petitions granted than previous governors and unclear criteria for what would yield a “yes” or “no” from his administration.

The lack of transparency in the restoration process is why Virginia’s NAACP filed its original records request. Acting in what former Youngkin spokeswoman Macaulay Porter called “good faith,” the administration had released a document to the organization that provided some insights. The document suggested that completion of probation or repayment of fines might be a factor in Youngkin’s approval. Further details were not disclosed. The tidbits of information Youngkin’s administration decided to share had tipped off the NAACP about the existence of a data-

base repository for restoration petitions, which their lawyers had argued should have been viewable to their client.

The district judge’s previous ruling supported Youngkin’s withholding under an exemption the state code dubs “working papers.” These are documents and materials prepared for a governor’s “deliberative use” that governors can withhold from Freedom of Information Act requests.

Several rejected applicants who spoke with the Mercury last year expressed frustration that they could not participate in the presidential and local elections that were happening and none of them knew why they’d been denied.

Some had also been part of a copy-and-paste rejection letter that was shared in a mass email that was inadvertently sent

without blind carbon copying and showed all the recipients’ email addresses, which was forwarded to the Mercury. This triggered a thread of conversations between ex-felons around the state who bonded over their frustrations and shared calls to action.

The issue appeared to impact would-be voters of varying political persuasions. One person on the thread said they identified as a Republican and wanted to be able to vote for Winsome Earle-Sears for governor this year, but their application was rejected.

Another person included on the email, Newport News resident Justin Brown, said in an interview last fall, “Once I started talking with everyone else and seeing that this is a pattern of this administration, I wanted to raise some alarm bells.”

Brown shared his insights with state lawmakers as they began work on an in-progress constitutional amendment to enshrine in the state’s constitution restoration of rights to those with completed sentences. It passed this year and must do so next year before appearing on statewide ballots for final approval or rejection by all voters.

In the meantime, Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones is celebrating the continuation of the once-defeated case and framing it as a victory over the governor and his opponent, current Attorney General Jason Miyares.

“This is an incredible victory for all Virginians, who are one step closer to gaining the transparency they deserve in our government’s critical decision-making processes that determine our fundamental civil rights,” Jones said in a statement.

Jones, who had also been legal counsel on the case before campaigning for his statewide bid, said he appreciates the NAACP’s efforts to “shed light on what our government is doing behind closed doors.”

As Youngkin prepares to vacate his role as Virginia’s governor, state lawmakers are in the process of advancing the bill that could allow restorations to occur as long as someone has completed their sentence.

The proposed constitutional amendment has advanced with bipartisan support, though not without reservation from some GOP lawmakers, and must pass through them again next year.

If voters statewide choose not to accept it, the next gover-

nor could continue to uphold Youngkin’s voter restoration process or make changes. Unlike her signatures expressing opposition to other advancing constitutional amendments, Earle-Sears has not indicated a position on the restoration of voting rights amendment. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has stated support for all three amendments and said she will prioritize restoring rights to eligible people as governor if the amendment fails. This story originally appeared at VirginiaMercury.com.

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Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury

Virginia NAACP President Cozy Bailey speaking to a crowd in front of the Shenandoah County Circuit Court on June 11, 2024.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Firefighters at William Fox Elementary School on Feb.12, 2022, the day after a 3-alarm fire.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

The library inside the renovated William F. Fox Elementary School on Hanover Avenue in Richmond’s Fan District. A book drive held during the reopening supported the Richmond Education Foundation’s “Give 804” campaign to help restock the shelves.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Third-floor common area and hallway outside the multipurpose room at the newly renovated William F. Fox Elementary School on Hanover Avenue in Richmond’s Fan District. The school reopens this week.

Thousands pack Dorey Park for National Night Out

Thousands gathered at Dorey Park on Tuesday, Aug. 5, for the 42nd Annual National Night Out, organized by Hope Givers USA and Speaking Spirit Ministries.

Billed by organizers as the largest National Night Out event in Virginia, the gathering

drew an estimated 17,000 people as part of the nationwide initiative to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community. Attendees enjoyed carnival rides, a petting zoo, entertainment, a public safety showcase and other activities.

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Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/ Richmond Free Press

Mariyah Martin, 6, poses for a photo with Spider-Punk during the event.

Ron Wright and his 8-year-old daughter, Jordan, learn about VCU’s LifeEvac helicopter and emergency response operations.

Zymeir Parker, 5, left, Tamika and James Wilson Jr. with their 5-year-old son, James Wilson III, center, and Jazmin Woodson with her 1-year-old daughter, Navy Woodson, right, interact with farm animals at the petting zoo.

A team of current and former firefighters prepares a hot air balloon shaped like Tiny the Fire Dog. The balloon honors retired Henrico Deputy Fire Chief R.C. “Tiny” Dawson and pays tribute to fallen emergency personnel.

Erin Carter and her daughter, Emree, learn about the bomb suit used by Henrico Police Department.

Shifting into school

This school year will mark the first time Richmond Public Schools implements a “staggered” start to the school year. When I heard about this, I thought about my first days of school after three months of summer vacation. If you had seen me or my peers struggling to get to the bus stop on a warm September morning, the word “stagger” might have come to mind. Our pace to the classrooms during that first week wasn’t much better — slow and heavy, like a prisoner on his final walk, weighed down by uncertainty and loss.

Modern teachers have referred to the time before school restarts as a “summer slide,” for some students whose academic skills and knowledge decline while they’re away from classroom instruction. Back when I was in school, that term didn’t exist, but I can relate. It took a while to let go of the freedom of lazy mornings, late nights and no homework but, eventually, we all adjusted. You can only hold onto summer for so long. After a few weeks, the routine of taking notes, paying attention in class and tackling homework “slides” into place.

This staggered start offers a chance for Richmond students to ease into the school year. Instead of everyone rushing back at once, the new system gives transition grades — like incoming kindergartners or freshmen — a softer landing. When you’re the new kid on the block, it helps to get your bearings early. Feeling comfortable in your surroundings can make you more receptive to learning. During that first week, knowing where the bathroom is can feel more important than finding the square root of anything.

“This extra day gives our new middle and high school students the chance to get acclimated, meet their teachers, find their classrooms, and build connections in a more focused and welcoming setting,” said Latonya Waller, Middle School Principal Director for RPS. “It’s a simple yet impactful change.”

Middle school has changed a lot since I wandered the halls of what is now Bell Creek Middle School with a Sony Walkman knockoff stashed in my backpack. I think the level of noise and distractions might have increased since then. The emotional turbulence today’s generation faces — especially with the prevalence of social media — makes going to school even harder. This new approach to the school year has the potential to help.

If all goes well, this year’s students may start out “staggering,” but they’ll find their footing — and be ready for whatever comes next.

A hero’s role

Richmond’s theater community lost one of its own last week in a tragic act of gun violence. Adam Turck, 35, was shot and killed after stepping in to help during a domestic dispute. His courage cost him his life. The shooter later died by suicide.

“This is a tragic story of gun violence against a person who was simply trying to de-escalate a disturbing argument,” said Police Chief Rick Edwards. “This is a heartbreaking reminder that we must, as a community, continue to combat gun violence in our society.”

Our city is no stranger to gun violence. Last year, there were 54 homicides, and we’re on pace to exceed that number in 2025.

For many reasons, Turck’s story has resonated — not just in Richmond, but beyond. His death is a reminder that we all have a role to play in ending the epidemic of gun violence. Whether through policy, prevention, education or just looking out for one another, the cost of doing nothing is too high.

In 2014, when Higher Heights for America and the Center for American Women in Politics released their first report on the status of Black women in American politics, the data confirmed what was already known: Black women were underrepresented at every level of government. But they were also organizing, running and winning, often without the institutional support their leadership deserved.

More than a decade later, the just-released 2025 Black Women in American Politics Report shows how far progress has come. The United States has seen a steady increase in the number of Black women running, winning and leading in elected representation. As of this year, eight of the 37 women leading America’s 100 largest cities are Black. That’s more than a third of all women mayors in major cities, clear evidence of not just progress but momentum.

Black women aren’t just running for office; they are building

power, transforming institutions and governing through some of the country’s most complex crises. In Charlotte, New Orleans and Los Angeles, Black women mayors have led their cities through natural disasters, public health emergencies and historic uprisings for racial justice — with calm, competence and community at the center of

Glynda C. Carr

their leadership.

This moment didn’t happen by accident. It is the result of more than a decade of intentional investment in a leadership pipeline designed by and for Black women.

Many of today’s Black women mayors previously served as city council members, council presidents or congressional representatives. They now stand poised for higher office, backed by a strong, purpose-built pipeline.

In Charlotte, Mayor Vi Lyles, a former City Council president, is seeking her third term after decisive re-election victories. In Jersey City, Council President Joyce Waterman is running to become the city’s first Black woman mayor. In Detroit, two

Black women, current Council President Mary Sheffield and former Council President Saunteel Jenkins, are vying to lead one of the country’s most iconic cities. In the nation’s capital and the birthplace of American democracy — Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia — Mayor Muriel Bowser and Mayor Cherelle Parker both began their political careers on city councils before rising to lead their cities. These women are more than candidates; they are crisis-tested leaders who govern at the intersection of policy and lived experience. They center equity, engage communities and address not just the symptoms but the root causes of systemic injustice. Yet despite this progress, the numbers still don’t match the need. Black women make up nearly 8% of the U.S. population but hold a disproportionately small share of elected offices at every level of government. They are leading in spite of the system, not because of it.

So the question must be asked: What more could Black women do if they were fully resourced? Fully supported? Fully believed in?

The stakes are high. The country is at a political crossroads

Trump drives wedges into his own movement

Remember when then-candidate Donald Trump said during an Iowa campaign rally in 2016 that he “could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK?”

I quickly put that aside as just another example of the New Yorker’s outlandish braggadocio, but like other political ob servers I have since been impressed by Trump’s seeming wall of invulnerability to scandal.

However, as the Jeffrey Epstein scandal boils up around our ears, I have begun to notice some cracks.

The difference is apparent as new questions about Trump’s relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while in jail awaiting trial on charges that he had sex-trafficked teenage girls.

Instead of calming the waters, demands from skeptical corners of the public have led to more curiosity, particularly from Trump’s most deeply committed MAGA (“Make America Great Again”) base of supporters.

The irony for Trump is the fervor of the conviction that Epstein’s crimes are the rotten core of the U.S. political power structure. It’s a belief that Trump and his surrogates promoted when they suggested that Epstein’s political associates were Democrats. It was one of a rich array of conspiracy theories that Trump has used to whip up his populist movement.

The MAGA faithful have clung to Trump throughout the many tribulations of his first term and interregnum: the impeachments, the failed insurrection at the Capitol,

the stolen documents investigation and the sexual assault lawsuit.

But that steadfast support seems to be weakening. For example, recent polling from CBS News and YouGov found nearly 90% of Americans — including 83% of Republicans — think the Department of Justice should release all the information it

has regarding the case against Epstein. That’s the opposite of what Trump, already busy with trade talks, warfare in the Middle East and other challenges, wants to talk about now.

After the Wall Street Journal report described a risqué drawing that Trump was said to have sent to Epstein decades ago, Trump sued the paper, its owner and reporters. Add to that the Journal’s report that Trump was informed that his name appeared in the Justice Department’s investigation of Epstein, and it should be no surprise that Americans on all sides of the political spectrum have questions.

You could even say that the Epstein scandal has led to one of the most unified moments in recent political history — unified, that is, against Trump’s handling of the mess.

The discontent shows up in the ranks of his own party, which has been a big source of strength. For example, a poll from Quinnipiac University found that only 40% of Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of the release of the files on Epstein, while more than a third of them (36%) disapprove.

Quite frankly, if I were advising Trump’s campaign, a highly unlikely possibility, I would make a recommendation to which I am confident he would not listen: Stop talking so much.

Sure, he can’t seem to help himself. Anyone who has been in a press pool covering Trump

will tell you that the man loves the sound of his own voice.

But this time, Trump’s critics in the media are not only coming from the center and left. Some of Trump’s usually loyal supporters have been outraged by the possibility that Team Trump is holding out on them or outright misleading them.

For example, many were disappointed after the Justice Department said Epstein did not leave behind a “client list,” contradicting a narrative that has been a mainstay on the right’s conspiracy theorists’ circuit.

Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested in February that the list was on her desk, although she later explained, unconvincingly to many, that she was referring to the overall case file.

Plus, she said DOJ staff were sifting through a “truckload” of previously withheld evidence. But the Justice Department ultimately decided not to disclose any more material on the case.

That has angered right-wing influencers and other commentators who had been encouraged by no less than the president himself.

In mid-July, influential Trumpistas such as Tucker Carlson, Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon were huffing and fuming over the lack of transparency, and some observers wondered whether anger over Epstein would divide the MAGA faithful.

Well, I wouldn’t bet on it. Democrats and others on the left still have a lot of work ahead to get their own acts — and activism — together.

But when I see Trump scurrying around to put out fires in his own MAGA movement, I can’t help but wonder how long he can reunite a movement that seems increasingly divided by the array of fears and paranoid notions of which he never seems to get enough.

The writer is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

where democracy demands bold leadership grounded in accountability, justice and vision. Black women are already doing this work, but they cannot do it alone. This is a call to action for political institutions, donors and voters: Invest in Black women — not just when they are breaking barriers or making history, but every day in between. Build and sustain the infrastructure that allows them not only to run but to win and govern effectively. Here’s the truth: The future of American leadership is being shaped in city halls across the country by Black women. If the course is kept, if support and belief continue, the next decade won’t just be defined by “firsts.” It will be defined by Black women shaping a democracy as powerful, inclusive and visionary as they are. The writer is the president and CEO of Higher Heights for America, an organization dedicated to expanding Black women’s political representation and leadership.

Black women are leading cities, shaping the future of democracy

Clarence Page

Federal cuts put Trump country communities in jeopardy

Republican lawmakers cannot have it both ways. They cannot continue to push for tax cuts for the wealthy and not have it catch up with them and the country. They cannot push for tax cuts for the wealthy and, when the time comes for the federal government to fulfill its rightful role, be unable or unwilling to do so. The governmental structure in the United States is simple: We have separate governments on three levels — local, state and federal. There are times when the local government must rely on the state, and times when both local and state governments must rely on the federal government as a last resort. The federal government is key because it has

the resources and expertise to provide oversight in areas where it is uniquely positioned to do so. When the federal government fails to provide support, localities and states bear the burden — a burden that can have a human

toll, placing lives at risk. We currently have a federal executive branch that promotes a domestic policy aimed at shifting the role of the federal government in specific areas, transferring much of its responsibility to local and state levels. We also have a Republican-led federal legislative branch that rubber-stamps that policy, knowing that constituents back home will bear burdens they are unequipped to handle. In other words, our Republican-led federal government is failing our

localities and states — including those within Trump Country.

Whenever the day comes when there are no longer droughts, heat waves, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes or wildfires, it will be the day the Federal Emergency Management Agency is no longer needed. FEMA’s main function is to coordinate the federal government’s response to disasters that overwhelm state and local resources. Based on 2024 data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, 27 weather and climate disasters each resulted in at least $1 billion in damage, following a record 28 disasters in 2023. These disasters caused at least 568 direct or indirect deaths, indicating not only intensifying events but also a greater reliance on FEMA in the future. An underfunded FEMA will only compound human suffering.

It is the magnitude of the human toll in emergencies that should never be forgotten. The toll must be acknowledged with sensitivity by true public servants, rather than downplayed or ignored by self-serving lawmakers. This means caring about how disasters affect people’s lives and choosing citizens’ welfare over billionaires’ greed.

In past years, as FEMA’s disaster fund has been depleted by major hurricanes and wildfires, some Republicans have insisted that any increase in FEMA funding be paired with spending cuts elsewhere. They argue that emergency expenditures should not contribute to the national debt. While Democrats and some Republicans have pushed to exempt disaster relief from budget trade-offs, key Republicans such as former Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma have insisted on

“offsets.” This insistence has sometimes resulted in delays or failures of disaster aid bills when offsets were not agreed upon. Republicans are correct that fiscal responsibility matters — but offsets should come from denying tax cuts to billionaires, not cutting essential programs.

Frustration is mounting at the local and state levels as the shift in responsibility becomes more apparent. Since early this year, the Trump administration has increased denials of FEMA aid requests, affecting Democratic and Republican regions alike. Arkansas, Kentucky and rural Maryland experienced denials despite severe disasters. In Westernport, Maryland, which overwhelmingly voted for Trump, residents were shocked when the administration denied the state’s $15.8 million FEMA request to repair flooddamaged infrastructure.

“We met the criteria,” West-

ernport Mayor Judy Hamilton said. “So we’re confused, and we don’t understand why we were not given the FEMA assistance.” Many believe the denial was politically motivated because Maryland is a Democratic-run state. Maryland’s application was denied while neighboring West Virginia, facing similar damage, was approved.

“Even though Maryland is a Democratic state, up here they’re not. They voted red. And I think that’s where the frustration for the residents is,” Hamilton said. “Now they feel like the president has turned his back on them.” Republican leaders at the local level must not be confused. This is what they voted for: a domestic policy that places local communities in Trump Country at risk. The writer is the founder of the faith-based organization TRB: The Reconciled Body.

David W. Marshall

Boxing showcase delivers message with impact

By Mekhi Wilson

The fifth annual Gloves Over Guns boxing event was held Saturday, Aug. 2, at Varina High School, bringing together amateur and elite-level fighters for an afternoon of competition with a deeper purpose — to help prevent youth gun violence.

Organized by In My Corner Inc., in partnership with Henrico County and the Varina High School athletic department, the event drew a crowd of supporters, including families, local officials and community advocates. Attendees were treated to boxing matches in several divisions, from youth as young as 9 to adult competitors, along with food trucks, vendors and access to community resources.

Firearms are the leading cause of death in children and youth ages 0 to 24 years of age in the U.S., according to a report from the National Institutes of Health.

“Youth gun violence is an epidemic in our communities,” said Elwood Patterson, founder of In My Corner and owner of East End Boxing Club in Sandston. “We’re helping youth find healthy coping skills. Gloves Over Guns gives youth an opportunity to learn conflict resolution inside the ring.”

The event hosted bouts in multiple divisions, ranging from a Pee Wee 9- to 10-year-old divi-

support

“We

Five teams claim titles during MJBL championships

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond

Free Press staff report

The Richmond region hosted the 34th annual Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL) championship from July 30 to Aug. 3, with five teams winning titles during a week of intense competition.

In the 19-under division, the Heritage Rebels of Greenville, North Carolina, won a 1-0 extra-innings thriller over Vision of Baltimore. Heritage coach Jeffrey Warren called the championship “everything baseball is meant to be,” praising both teams for a strong defensive battle.

Christian Chance, the Rebels’ star pitcher and a South Central High School graduate, threw a nine-inning shutout and earned the Ken Free Most Valuable Player Scholarship Award. Chance has committed to play at Lenoir Community College in Kinston, North Carolina, for the 2025-26 season. Vision’s head coach is Raoul Edwards.

In the 16-under division, Vision’s A team defeated Vision B, 11-6, to bring the championship back to Baltimore. Ricky Racks coached the winning team, while Kellen Wallace led Vision B.

The Greensboro Bison of North Carolina edged out Northern Virginia’s 2nd2Nunn squad 8-7 to win the 14-under title. Greensboro’s team is led by coach Juan Langford with assistants Andrew Johnson, DeOnte Bell and Samantha Wilkerson. 2nd2Nunn was coached by Matt Nelson and Winston Hylton.

In the 12-under division, Vision of Baltimore defeated 2nd2Nunn 11-3. Joe Laumann coached Vision, while Mike Taylor and Chris Nadeau coached 2nd2Nunn.

In the girls division, the Rocky Mount Raiders of North Carolina beat the Elite Nationals of Washington, D.C., 7-5 to claim the championship. Rocky Mount is coached by James West. The Elite Nationals coaches were Sheree Myers, Olivia Edwards, Tony Zanger and Harry Thomas.

Squirrels lose to Patriots 3-1 on Saturday

Free Press staff report

The Richmond Flying Squirrels were held to three hits and dropped a 3-1 decision to the Somerset Patriots on Saturday night at TD Bank Ballpark.

The Flying Squirrels (37-61-1, 16-15 second half) remain 1½ games behind in the second-half Southwest Division standings after losing three of five games this week to Somerset (53-47, 19-13). Somerset scored first in the bottom of the first inning. Richmond starter John Michael Bertrand (4-8) hit George Lombard with a pitch, then walked Jace Avina before Dylan Jasso’s RBI single made it 1-0. Bertrand retired the next three batters to end the inning.

Kaitlyn

Free Press staff report

Bertrand allowed one run on two hits over 4⅓ innings. He has a 2-1 record with a 0.82 ERA in four starts since July 1. Tyler Vogel made his Double-A debut in the fifth inning, recording the final two outs and his first Double-A strikeout. The Patriots extended their lead in the sixth inning. Brendan Jones singled and moved to third on a fielder’s choice and an error by Richmond’s Justin Wishkoski. Tomas Frick’s single scored Jones to make it 2-0. Max Burt added a run with a twoout single, pushing the lead to 3-0. Vogel allowed two unearned runs over 1⅓ innings. Manuel Mercedes pitched 2⅓ scoreless innings in relief. Richmond broke the shutout in the sev-

Virginia State University has hired Kaitlyn Scroggins as the eighth head coach of its volleyball program, Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes announced July 25.

“I am excited to welcome Kaitlyn to Virginia State University as the new head coach of our volleyball program,” Sykes said. “I believe she is the right person to lead this program in pursuit of its first-ever CIAA championship.”

Scroggins most recently served as an assistant coach at Florida A&M University during the 2024 season. Florida A&M won the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament, where they faced No. 1 seed Nebraska.

enth. Scott Bandura led off with a single and scored on Carter Howell’s double.

Somerset starter Trent Sellers (2-4) threw five scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out seven.

Former VCU pitcher Danny Watson pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings. Indigo Diaz earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth despite issuing a walk.

The series concludes Sunday with a 5:05 p.m. first pitch at TD Bank Ballpark. Left-hander Joe Whitman (3-7, 4.93) will start for Richmond.

The Flying Squirrels return home to The Diamond from Aug. 12-17 to face the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“It’s an incredible honor to be named the next head volleyball coach at Virginia State University,” Scroggins said. “As someone deeply passionate about HBCU culture and committed to the growth of HBCU volleyball, I’m excited to lead this program forward. VSU had an impressive season last year, and I’m eager to build on that momentum with energy, discipline and a standard of excellence.”

In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Scroggins coaches club volleyball with Prostyle Volleyball Academy, leading the 12U and 17U teams and assisting with the 13U and 14U squads. She helped improve the teams’ tournament winning percentage by 50% in one season.

for sister city baseball exchange

Free Press staff report

Richmond recently welcomed the Saitama City, Japan, delegation for the return of the longtime sister city baseball exchange program after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since its start in 1994, the exchange has brought together youth baseball players, coaches, families and officials from Richmond and Saitama for games, cultural activities and community events that promote friendship and understanding.

The weeklong visit featured several baseball games at Byrd Park, a tour of Richmond’s historic sites including a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s famous speech at St. John’s Church, and opportunities for cultural exchange between the two communities.

On Aug. 4, the Richmond City Council and Mayor Danny Avula hosted a ceremony at City Hall to honor more than 30 years of partnership between the cities. Richmond leaders, including Council President Cynthia I. Newbille and Councilmember Nicole Jones, joined members of the Richmond Sister Cities Commission and Saitama officials for the event.

According to organizers, participants reflected on the importance of the exchange in building lasting friendships and enriching cultural understanding. Hundreds of youths and families have taken part in the program over the decades, strengthening ties between Richmond and Saitama through sport and education.

Scroggins was a four-year player at Texas Southern University as a defensive specialist, recording 615 career digs and 104 assists. She spent her graduate year at Florida A&M, finishing fifth on the team with 127 digs. She qualified for the SWAC Tournament all five years of her collegiate career.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Texas Southern and a master’s degree in sport management from Florida A&M.

Last season, the Trojans finished 16-8 overall with a 13-3 record in conference play. They won the CIAA Northern Division title and reached the CIAA Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2019. VSU also handed Shaw University its first conference loss since 2022. The team returns 13 players, including all three All-Conference performers: Amaya Cooper, Anya McKinley and Gracie Darville.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Free Press

Ta’mya Kiefer (7) of the Rocky Mount Raiders softball team from North Carolina steps up to bat against the USZ Angels in the 18U division of the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League’s 34th annual championships on Sunday, Aug. 3.

Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Aiki Uchida, of Saitama Japan Little League and Andrew McKetta of Richmond Little League chat on the field Monday, Aug. 4 during interleague games held as part of the Richmond Little League Sister City Baseball

Above, Kamaal Brown, fighting out of the red corner, faces Elliot Axeiman in bout five of the elite male division during the 5th

Kevin Smith’s career experience guiding organizational growth informs his work on the board of NextUp RVA, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to out-of-school time programs. He also serves as the organization’s finance chair, helping to safeguard its financial health.

Smith’s goal is to ensure Richmond middle school students have access to quality after-school and summer programs. NextUp RVA, under the guidance of its board, equips and mobilizes a network of over 140 youth development organizations to deliver OST programs across the city, making a significant impact on the lives of the students.

“Supporting young people has always been my passion,” he said. “At NextUp, I have a hand in helping kids to have positive things to do out of school that can uplift their lives.

Chronic absenteeism is 52% less likely when students are enrolled in OST programming, according to research by the Afterschool Alliance, a national nonprofit organization. The organization’s study also found that school attendance improves, and significant gains are made in math and reading performance when students participate in OST.

Smith serves as chief of staff at Dominion Energy Services. Before entering the energy sector, he spent 24 years in public education, holding operational leadership roles with Henrico County and Baltimore City public schools.

Growing up in Franklin County alongside his six siblings, Smith enjoyed smalltown life. He was offered a football scholarship to the University of North Carolina, but

Personality: Kevin Smith

Spotlight on NextUp RVA board member and finance chair

chose instead to attend Virginia State University to carry on a family tradition. He went on to earn his bachelor’s in accounting and master’s in economics and finance from VSU.

“My mother didn’t explicitly tell me what to do,” Smith said. “But she made it clear that she wanted me to carry on the VSU legacy.”

Smith met his wife through a mutual friend who sensed they’d be a good match. Together, they raised their children while juggling demanding careers, long commutes and weekends packed with their son’s and daughter’s activities. Now empty-nesters, they’re embracing new freedoms — traveling, reconnecting and revisiting interests that once had to wait. Even so, Smith still finds joy in working, playing golf, going to church and giving back.

Where were you born?

Franklin, Va. It was a small town, and it was awesome.

Where do you live now?

Chesterfield.

Family?

I have a wife. We have a son and a daughter, both of whom are in college.

What is your professional background?

What is NextUp RVA?

We are an out-of-school intermediary for middle schools in Richmond. We work to expand access to quality after-school and summer programs for Richmond youth. We want to provide safe, high-quality opportunities for students to explore interests, express themselves, make friends and have fun.

Why was NextUp RVA founded?

NextUp was formed in 2013 as the Middle School Renaissance 2020. A group of community and business leaders collaborated with Richmond Public Schools to determine what it would take to help more RPS teens become more successful. Based on research and best practices, they embraced the outof-school time (OST) concept. What is your role as board member and finance committee chair for NextUp RVA?

chair the audit and finance committee. That means I work with the executive leadership team for the board, making sure finances are in order from a governance perspective. What is NextUp RVA’s mission?

To provide Richmond youth with a strong system of accessible and equitable OST and expanded-learning resources. We collaborate with OST and crosssector partners to build a thriving expanded learning system for Richmond youth. We work in-step with cross-sector partners to help meet youths’ academic, social, emotional and physical needs through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Who are some of NextUp RVA’s partners?

A host of agencies across the Richmond area. There are literally hundreds of small and large groups. You can find a list on our website, nextuprva.org.

Why and how did you become involved in NextUp RVA?

I spent 24 years in public education, and providing opportunities for children has always been my passion. When I was approached about working with the organization, I was very excited. It’s a great way to keep my foot in the door, supporting and uplifting young students.

How have you seen NextUp RVA make an impact?

Because these opportunities exist for Richmond youth, they aren’t in the streets with nothing to do. It reduces the chance that they’ll get into trouble.

How can local families and groups engage with NextUp RVA’s work?

gram, reach out to our offices to find out what’s available based on the youth’s location. We can let you know what’s available. We make the connections and make sure you have what you need. We also provide Information and training for smaller organizations that lack a back office for administration. For example, we help them with grant writing. I encourage everyone to reach out to find out what we can provide.

Does NextUp RVA have an upcoming event?

We have regular partnership events with the organizations we support. We host numerous events to promote engagement with volunteers and to help parents seeking activities for their children.

How do you start your day?

I’m an early riser, so I get up around 4:30 or 4:45 a.m., work out, meditate and then head to the office by 7 a.m.

Who is your dream dinner party guest?

Nelson Mandela, based on his story and what I’ve read.

It sparks discussion about his life and the sacrifices he made

Rachelle Ferrell, Sade and Kindred the Family Soul.

What is a quote that inspires you?

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Who has had the most influence in your life? My parents. My parents weren’t educated, but they made sure to give my six siblings and me a better life than they had.

What’s a book that has influenced you and why?

I like leadership books. Suze Orman and Michelle Singletary are two of my favorites because they write in plain speak about approaches to finance.

What are you currently reading?

“Courageous Conversations,” by Glenn E. Singleton.

What’s next for you?

Helping my daughter get through medical school. I made a commitment to pay for my children’s education for as long as they want to be in school.

Congratulations to our mother, Mrs. Rosa J. Gentry, who turned 103 years old on July 18, 2025.

She is a testament to strength and a living treasure. Her life is a beautiful tapestry woven with strength and wisdom.

You are an inspiration and a true blessing to our family and to the friends who love you. It’s a blessing to cherish every moment with such a remarkable woman.

I was in the Army ROTC during college, which led me to join the military. I did my time, but I realized it wasn’t for me. Since then, I’ve always worked in accounting, economics and finance, even when I worked for Henrico and Baltimore schools. In the ’90s, I started working with Henrico Public Schools, leaning into the technology advancements of that time. I translated that into my work with Baltimore County Public Schools. for others. What are the top three on your musical playlist?

I’ve been a board member for a few years, and now I

– With Love, Your Family

If you’re looking for a pro-

Musical about Virginia slave rebellion getting preview at Highland

Free Press staff report

Three Richmond artists will showcase their new musical about a Virginia slave rebellion at a behind-the-scenes preview event next week.

“Gabriel,” created by Richmond collaborators Jerold Solomon, Foster Solomon and Ron Klipp, tells the story of Gabriel’s Rebellion in 1800. The musical will run Sept. 26 through Nov. 9, at historic Hanover Tavern in Hanover County.

The free preview event is scheduled for 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 at Highland, President James Monroe’s historic home in Charlottesville. The event will feature performers, production team members and historical partners discussing the creation of the musical. Attendees will hear preview performances and receive discount tickets for the full production.

The story centers on Gabriel, an enslaved blacksmith from Henrico County

34th

Down Home Family Reunion celebrates

Free Press staff report

The 34th Down Home Family Reunion will bring a full day of music, dance, storytelling, food, shopping and cultural enrichment to downtown Richmond on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The event, organized by the Elegba Folklore Society, is scheduled from 4 to 11 p.m. at Abner Clay Park, 200 W. Clay St. in Jackson Ward.

The annual festival explores African American folklife by tracing heritage and traditions from West Africa to the Americas. It is designed to connect cultural practices of West African and African American communities and highlight their influence on the American South.

Headlining this year’s event is the iconic R&B group Blue Magic, known for hits such as “Sideshow” and “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely.” Also performing will be Nigerian musician Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa, who blend traditional Nigerian music with rock, pop and jazz in a style called “AfriJam.”

The Elegba Folklore Society’s performing company will present African dance, music and oral traditions, featuring an expanded djembe orchestra including strings.

Other performers include blues guitarist and vocalist Corey Harris, who merges African roots with American blues, and the Proverbs Reggae Band, known for socially conscious roots reggae music. Soul singer Rodney Stith will open the main stage with a set blending gospel and contemporary soul.

The festival also offers interactive folkloric demonstrations and cultural education sessions. Children and teens can enjoy activities at the Annie Tyler

Place, including crafts and talent showcases tied to the festival’s theme, “Bringing the World Home.”

Attendees can shop at the Juanita Ragland Heritage Market, featuring arts, handmade goods and imports and explore community resources at the Waverly Crawley Community Row. Food vendors will serve African-inspired dishes alongside Southern favorites.

Organizers advise visitors to use designated parking areas and shuttles and to avoid parking on residential streets with time restrictions. Coolers and animals are prohibited, but two tent villages will be

folk life

available for personal use, and a drop-off point will be set up at the park entrance.

The Zeke Allison Main Stage schedule begins at 4:15 p.m. with Stith, followed by the Proverbs Reggae Band at 5:15 p.m. Harris takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. The Elegba Folklore Society performs African dance and music at 7:30 p.m., followed by Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa’s West African AfriJam at 8:30 p.m.

The night closes with classic R&B from Blue Magic at 9:45 p.m. The event ends at 11 p.m.

For more information, visit efsinc.org or call (804) 644-3900.

WWW.WALLERJEWELRY.COM

Foster Solomon Ron Klipp who organized one of the most significant uprisings of enslaved people in American history. Born in 1776, Gabriel witnessed the contradiction between the Founding Fathers’ promises of liberty and the reality of more than 300,000 enslaved Black Virginians.

His rebellion plot included capturing then-Gov. James Monroe to negotiate an end to slavery. Gabriel was ultimately executed for his efforts.

“Gabriel’s story speaks to us so clearly across time,” said Sara Bon-Harper, High-

land’s executive director.

“He was a powerful leader who was committed to one of the nation’s founding ideals: freedom.”

The connection between Monroe’s home and Gabriel’s story runs deep. Monroe, who served as Virginia’s governor during the rebellion, was the intended target of Gabriel’s plan to force negotiations over slavery’s end.

ATLAS Partnership is producing the musical, which explores how Gabriel became “a powerful force for justice and social conscience,” according to promotional materials. The preview event will be held in Highland’s Event Barn lower level. Space is limited, and advance registration is required at highland.org/gabriel.

Shockoe shines for 804 Day

Richmonders gathered in Shockoe Bottom on Saturday, Aug. 2, to celebrate 804 Day. a block party–style festival featuring live music across multiple stages, local vendors, food, drinks and showcases of area nonprofits.

Jerold Solomon

Children’s

A new musical, “Gabriel,” about the 1800 Virginia slave rebellion led by the blacksmith Gabriel, will be previewed Aug. 10 at Highland, in Charlottesville. The production runs Sept. 26–Nov. 9 at Hanover Tavern.

Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press

Rock band Bucko performs on the WNRN stage. (From left) Brothers Alvin, 6, and Ashton, 3, Shelton draw with chalk as the music plays at 804 Day.

Aretha Franklin and the Apostle Paul agree: Sing!

Religion News Service

What would a conversation between Aretha Franklin and the Apostle Paul sound like?

The question may seem random, as the two figures are so different. One is the Queen of Soul, a Memphis native and Detroit icon of R&B and civil rights anthems. The other, Paul, is the foundational apostle whose ancient letters continue to shape Christian theology. But despite the millennia that separate their worlds, both understood the power of singing. Franklin channeled Paul not only through her gospel roots, but in her chart-topping secular anthems, where she fulfilled Paul’s mandate in his Letter to the Ephesians to “sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”

songs” offers a richer view of group singing than we in the Christian tradition often consider. He wrote it to unify Christian believers in Ephesus, a bustling Roman city where various cults and philosophies competed for allegiance. Paul was prescribing a way to build a distinct Christian identity. Singing together, drawing from a shared repertoire of psalms, new Christian hymns and spirit-inspired songs provided a common language and

inclusive model. As a church music director, I’ve seen firsthand how singing together transcends reservations and anxieties to become an active expression of community and togetherness.

As we approach the seventh anniversary of Franklin’s death at the age of 76 on Aug. 16, her commercial success overshadows the revolutionary spiritual message in her music. Franklin’s music was and is both a comprehensive spiritual practice and a tool for social change. It blurred the boundaries between the sacred and profane. Her powerful voice and her artistry translated Paul’s ancient wisdom into a contemporary language that extended beyond the confines of a church.

Paul’s directive to “sing psalms, hymns and spiritual

communal bond. Singing was a practical way for this new community to teach, encourage and strengthen faith.

Aretha Franklin embodied all these dimensions, allowing her music to cultivate spiritual experiences for listeners from every walk of life.

The power of singing often surprises us. Singing becomes an invocation, a summoning of the divine. But don’t mistake it for a passive request; singing is a provocation and a disruption. It’s among the most radical acts we can undertake. It shatters our routines and shakes us from our complacency. When we truly sing, something breaks in — a force that dismantles the mundane and the predictable, and by allowing us to encounter the divine, lets us discover ourselves.

Communal singing in Christian worship emphasizes liturgy and established musical forms, but Paul’s directive to sing “among yourselves” points to a more organic,

While vocal skill is valuable, having something to sing about is equally important. Franklin may have understood this principle implicitly. Her concerts were communal experiences, while her hits “Respect,” which won two Grammys, and her rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” became powerful political anthems. Her artistry brought diverse crowds together in the fight for civil rights, often more than her gospel hymns did.

Writing about “Respect” in her 1999 autobiography, Franklin said, “It was the need of a nation, the need of the average man and woman on the street, the businessman, the mother, the fireman, the teacher — everyone wanted respect.” Singing, as Franklin’s own words attest, transforms performance into a form of resistance; singing fostered solidarity and converted individual listeners into the movement that became, as Franklin affirmed, “one of the battle cries of the civil rights movement.”

Franklin, the daughter of the Rev. C.L. Franklin, a civil rights activist and friend of Martin Luther King Jr., was raised in the movement, and she would tour with King and fellow singer and activist Harry Belafonte. “Aretha has been a very socially conscious

artist, an inspiration, not just an entertainer,” Jesse Jackson told The Detroit Free Press in the days after her death. In this sense, her popular songs functioned as “spiritual songs” for a nation and their communal impact often eclipsed the reach of many church hymns.

Singing can also deepen our spiritual introspection, and Paul’s instruction to sing “in your hearts” highlights the introspective dimension of singing. In Pauline theology, the “heart” often signifies the core of one’s being — the seat of intellect, emotion and spiritual understanding. Singing “in the heart” suggests that true spiritual song begins not on the lips but shapes thoughts and emotions. This perspective resonates with contemplative traditions, which view singing as a way to cultivate inner stillness and align with the divine.

Franklin’s music exemplifies this interior transformation through raw emotion and sheer vocal prowess, inviting listeners into a space of introspection and conviction.

Paul’s call to sing “at all times and for everything” is about when and what to sing. Song can reach the full range of human experience, as we see in the lament psalms, which provide voice for emotions such as sorrow, doubt and anger. We can recognize the complexity of the human condition by embracing lament in singing with the intention of finding some sort of solace through the expression of song. Singing is certainly not reserved only for moments of joy.

Franklin tapped into this

mode as well. Her 1972 live album, “Amazing Grace,” became the top-selling live gospel album of all time, serving as a source of reassurance and recommitment for a nation reeling from the losses of leaders like King, Malcolm X and Bobby Kennedy, while still embroiled in war.

On her death in 2018, President Barack Obama noted Franklin’s ability to transform hardship into hope, saying in a statement, “In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade — our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human. And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance.”

Franklin’s influence defied other divides besides the sacred and the secular. As Reiland Rabaka explained, “African Americans have created music that essentially has one meaning within the Black community and perhaps a separate, qualitatively different meaning once it leaves the community.”

Indeed, African American musicians have a rich history of crafting music that addresses complex social and political issues, from slavery and Jim Crow to systemic racism and police brutality. Through their personal social activism and their art, these musicians have consistently inspired hope and unity while rallying people to action.

This tradition of resistance through song began during the

earliest days of slavery and has continued to the present day, as exemplified by performances like Kendrick Lamar’s at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. Music acts as both a provocateur — challenging people by sparking discussion — and an animateur — motivating people toward collective action.

This breaking of conventional boundaries is precisely where the Apostle Paul and Aretha Franklin meet. While Franklin doesn’t perfectly align with Paul’s mandate, her music reveals the enduring and adaptable wisdom within his call to sing. I believe Aretha demonstrates how spiritual songs can emerge even from secular corners of our culture. The writer is pastor of Sacramento’s St.

and

the

Jason D. Thompson

Andrews AME Church

teaches at

Black Honors College at Sacramento State University.

from the Defendant, Melissa Lynn Anderson, on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without any cohabitation for more than one year. Upon an Affidavit having been filed by Steven Anderson, the Defendant, that he has used due diligence to ascertain in what county or city such Defendant is residing, without success.

It is hereby ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before the 24th day of September, 2025 to protect her interest.

A COPY TESTE FRANK D. HARGROVEJR, CLERK I ASK FOR THIS: Martha A. Schick, Esq. VSB# 26089 Schick & Schick, P.C. 9512 Iron Bridge Road Suite 102 Chesterfield, Virginia 23832 Telephone: (804) 796-6670 Telefax: (804) 796-1899 Counsel for the Plaintiff

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SADREKA SHAND-BLACK, Plaintiff v. ROHAN BLACK, Defendant. Case No.: CL25002509-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 22nd day of September, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND 400 N 9th St., Richmond, Va. 23219 TRACY PATRICE LAWRENCE MCCREATH Plaintiff v. ROBERT ROY MCCREATH Defendant. Case No.: CL25-311BBC

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to be divorced.

It is ORDERED that Roger Roy McCreath appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before 8/18/25 at 9:00 AM. An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SONIA WALKER, Plaintiff v. JAMES WALKER, Defendant. Case No.: CL25002042-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 22nd day of August, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SUZAN LAMWAKA, Plaintiff v. DANIEL KUTOSI NAMOKOYI, Defendant. Case No.: CL25002044-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident of the Commonwealth of Virginia appear here on or before the 22nd day of August, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ISAAC AMOANI, Plaintiff v. TIFFANY WALKER, Defendant. Case No.: CL25001392-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 25th day of August, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO RHOGIE CANETE FABAY, Plaintiff, v. CHARMAINE CALICDAN PEDALGO, Defendant. Civil Law No.: CL25-4058 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without interruption and without cohabitation for a period of more than one year, since May 31, 2024.

And it appearing by Affidavit filed according to law that the above-named defendant, is not a resident of this state and that due diligence has been used by or in behalf of plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendant is, without effect. It is therefore ORDERED that the said Charmaine Calicdan Pedalgo do appear in the Clerk’s Office of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Henrico County, 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia 23273, on or before September 15, 2025 and do whatever necessary to protect their interest in this suit. A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr. VSB#32825 P.O. Box 4595 Richmond, Virginia 23220 Phone (804) 523-3900 Fax (804) 523-3901

CUSTODY

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO In the matter of the adoption of A’Shai-Shameen Christoppher Amado By LaTesha Monique McLee Case # CA 25-32 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the abovestyled suit is to waive the consent of Chanel Amado; birth mother of A’ShaiShameen Christopher Amado, waive the consent of Anthony McQueen, birth father of A’Shai-Shameen Christopher Amado to the adoption of A’ShaiShameen Christopher Amdado by LaTesha Monique McLee and approve a Final Order of Adoption. It is therefore ORDERED that Chanel Amado appear on or before October 10, 2025 at 9:35 a.m. at the Henrico Circuit Court and do what is necessary to protect her interest. And it appearing by affidavit filed herein that the whereabouts of Chanel Amado is unknown and due diligence has been used to attempt to locate Chanel Amado without effect, it is therefore ORDERED that this order be published once a week for four successive weeks in the Richmond Free Press, and that a copy of this order be posted at the front door of the courthouse wherein this court is held. I ask for this: Susan H. Brewer VSB #15889 Counsel for Petitioners 2224 Park Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220-2715 Telephone: (804) 359-0897 SusanBrewer97@gmail.com

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re LONDYN AISHA MITCHELL & ISAAC JOSIAH MITCHELL, RDSS, Plaintiff v. STEPHANIE MITCHELL, LIONEL MITCHELL Defendants File No. JJ091075-09-00, JJ091075-010-00, JJ091465-08-00, JJ091465-09-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Stephanie Mitchell (Mother) & Lionel Mitchell (Father) of Londyn Aisha Mitchell, child DOB 11/21/2011 & Isaac Josiah Mitchell, child DOB 08/26/2015. “TPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Stephanie Mitchell (Mother) & Lionel Mitchell (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 09/30/25 at 2:40 P.M., COURTROOM #5 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re VERONICA KATHRYN ROSS RDSS, Plaintiff v. RICHARD COMPTON JR. UNKNOWN FATHER, Defendant File No. JJ105039-03-00,

JJ105039-04-00

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the

parental rights (“TPR”) of the Richard Compton Jr. (Putative Father) & Unknown Father (Father) of Veronica Kathryn Ross, child DOB 01/11/2025. “TPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation: adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Richard Compton Jr. (Putative Father) & Unknown Father (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 10/29/25 at 11:00 A.M., COURTROOM #5

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DAVINE LIGHTFOOT, RDSS, Plaintiff v. JAMES FARRONE, UNKNOWN FATHER, Defendant File No. JJ103499-07-00, JJ103499-08-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the James Farrone (Putative Father) & Unknown Father (Father) of Davine Lightfoot, child DOB 01/19/2024 “TPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant James Farrone (Putative Father) & Unknown Father (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 11/05/2025 at 2:20 P.M., COURTROOM #5

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DAVINE LIGHTFOOT RDSS, Plaintiff v. ANGALIQUE LIGHTFOOT, TOMMY LIGHTFOOT JR., Defendant File No. JJ103499-05-00, JJ103499-06-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Angaligue Lightfoot (Mother), Tommy Lightfoot Jr. (Putative Father) of Davine Lightfoot, child DOB 01/19/2024. “TPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation: adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Angalique Lightfoot (Mother) & Tommy Lightfoot Jr (Putative Father) to appear at the

HIRING