September 28 30, 2017 issue

NSU president stepping down

Athletes fighting for rights B8

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Richmond Free Press © 2017 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 26 NO. 39

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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c e l e b rat ing our 2 5 t h A nniv e rsar y

September 28-30, 2017

War continues over statues

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Ayasha Sledge

Dr. Hakim Lucas, Virginia Union University’s new president, and Dr. Dorothy N. Eseonu, associate professor of organic chemistry, lead a procession of students from the Class of 2018 as they enter the Allix B. James Chapel at Coburn Hall for the Fall Convocation on Sept. 21.

New VUU president to students: Support one another

By Ronald E. Carrington

With bright sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows chronicling the 152year history of Virginia Union University, Dr. Hakim Lucas, the university’s new president, charged students “to support one another as the university’s next chapter unfolds.”

“No matter what we go through over the next

Obamacare survives — again Free Press staff, wire report

Good news: Millions of people will be able to keep their health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday abandoned their latest attempt to repeal and replace former President Obama’s signature legislation that has helped nearly 20 million people gain insurance coverage and health care since its inception in 2010.

The GOP’s seesaw plans for repeal have created an upheaval and caused major health insurers to pull out of the program, although in Please turn to A4

eight months, God will provide,” Dr. Lucas told more than 350 students, faculty, board of trustees members and supporters at the university’s Fall Convocation on Sept. 21 in the Allix B. James Chapel at Coburn Hall on the campus.

Using the Baptist oratory tradition of call and response, Dr. Lucas told the Class of 2018, “No matter what challenge you face, God will provide. No matter what we deal with,” he began, “God will provide,” the class finished in unison.

The 40-year-old Dr. Lucas, who earned a master’s of divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York and a doctorate in education from Fordham University, became VUU’s 13th president and chief executive officer on Please turn to A4

Robert E. Lee as the starting point. They plan to march to The war of words over City Hall and then to the AfriConfederate statues in Rich- can Burial Ground in Shockoe mond appears to be just getting Bottom. started.

The march is being held, acIn the weeks and months cording to a statement, to decry ahead, Richmond City Council the “utter disrespect for the lives is poised to consider a nonbind- of black people in Richmond,” ing resolution from exemplified by the 9th District Council“extremely weak man Michael J. Jones response by public that aims to put the officials to demands governing body on to take down the record as favoring Confederate statues removal. on Monument AvMore protests and enue.” demonstrations also Organizers said Mr. Jones are being planned the march also will to call attention to the bronze mark the 217th anniversary figures on Monument Avenue, of the execution of Gabriel, with statue opponents, who leader of Richmond’s largest see them as symbols of white slave rebellion. supremacy, and statue supportMeanwile, the Tennesseeers, who consider them icons based CSA II: The New Conof heritage, eager to express federate States of America, the their viewpoint. group that brought six people At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, to Richmond earlier this month an anti-statue coalition will hold for a disruptive rally in support a “March of Accountability” of the statues, has announced with the statue of Confederate plans on Facebook to return on

Sandra Sellers/Richmond Free Press

Engulfed in the rainbow Soren Vox enjoys a blizzard of confetti at VA PrideFest 2017 last Saturday at Brown’s Island in Downtown. The annual event is the largest celebration of the LGBTQ community in Virginia. Please see more photos, B2.

Saturday, Dec. 9. Once again, they plan to raise a ruckus in protest of calls to remove the Confederate statues.

They originally planned to come Saturday, Dec. 2, but changed the date after furious Richmonders complained on the group’s social media site that it was the date of the city’s annual Christmas Parade.

In mid-January, Virginia pro-Conferedates again are expected to hold a flag-waving at the Lee statue to mark the Jan. 19 birthday of their hero.

And that doesn’t count all the civic meetings, church sessions and other places where the statue issue will get an airing.

The action in Richmond is part of the debate sweeping the nation about retaining such symbols, ignited in part by a white supremacist’s slaughter of nine African-Americans during a June 2015 Bible study at an historic church in Charleston, S.C., and the bloody and deadly demonstration of neo-Nazis and white supremacists in Charlottesville in August.

In Virginia, the statues are now an issue for the candidates for governor, with Democrat Ralph Northam saying he believes that localities should decide whether they stay or go and Republican Ed Gillespie arguing that Confederate statues should stay, but be put in context.

One thing is certain: Whether the statues stay or go is dominating conversations about public policy.

Still, City Council is not rushing to make Richmond the next Baltimore or New Orleans, both which have taken down Confederate statues.

Councilman Jones is frustrated that other cities are moving far faster than Virginia’s state capital, once the capital of the failed Confederacy and one of the largest slave trading centers.

Please turn to A4

Voting systems in Va., 20 other states targeted by hackers in 2016

By Ronald E. Carrington

State and city officials sought to allay public fears this week after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that hackers targeted the voting systems in Virginia and 20 other states before the 2016 presidential election.

For many states, the notification by federal authorities last Friday was the first official con-

firmation that they were on the list. The notice came roughly a year after officials initially said states were targeted by hacking efforts possibly connected to Russia.

Virginia officials told the Free Press on Tuesday that while hackers may have tried to break into the state’s system, they were not able to change a person’s vote or alter election results.

“The hackers unsuccessfully scanned in the

state voting system trying to find potential holes and openings,” said Edgardo Cortés, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections.

“After the scanning, there was no further activity or an attempt to get into anything.”

He said throughout the year, the state elections agency “does routine scans of the systems — Please turn to A4

Remembering history

Member of ‘Little Rock Nine’ talks about his experience desegregating Central High School 60 years ago

By Milbert O. Brown Jr.

On Sept. 25, 1957, Ernest Gideon Green and eight other African-American teens were escorted by federal troops past an angry white mob and climbed the front steps to enter Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. The teens would forever become known as the “Little Rock Nine” for their courage in helping to tear down the walls of segregation in public schools in the United States.

In the 60 years since, generations of children — especially African-American students trapped in the snare of educational inequity — would follow the trail blazed by the nine beacons and be uplifted by the physical and emotional risks they took to illuminate pathways of opportunity.

Mr. Green, now 75 and a resident of Washington, D.C., reflected recently on his catapult into history and the Little Rock Nine’s pioneering efforts in one of America’s major civil rights confrontations.

After a year of fear at the overwhelmingly white school,

Mr. Green would become Central High School’s first AfricanAmerican graduate in 1958. Decades later, in 1999, President Bill Clinton, an Arkansas native, presented Mr. Green and the other Little Rock Nine members with the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

At a ceremony Monday in Little Rock marking the anniversary, Mr. Green and the seven other surviving members of the Little Rock Nine were honored at the school, where former President Clinton and historian Henry Louis “Skip” Gates Jr. spoke.

Next to the eight was an empty chair draped with a sash of gold and black, Central High School’s colors, in honor of Jefferson Thomas, who died in 2010.

“I feel like I’m visiting a religious shrine,” Dr. Gates said.

“This is a shrine and these are the saints,” he said, praising the nine for their courage in the face of angry mobs who opposed integration of the then all-white school.

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Milbert O. Brown Jr.

Ernest Green, one of the “Little Rock Nine” students who desegregated Central High School in Arkansas, is now 75 and lives in Washington, where he is a member of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church.

He sits in a pew once regularly occupied by noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

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Richmond Free Press

Local News

Crusade for Voters hosts 61st anniversary banquet A congressman and a candidate for statewide office will be the featured speakers at a banquet celebrating the Richmond Crusade for Voters’ 61st anniversary, it has been announced.

Speakers: U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin, D-4th, and Justin Fairfax, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.

Time and date: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.

Location: Fellowship Hall of Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar St. in Church Hill, according to Bernice Travers, president of the Crusade for Voters, the oldest and largest African-American political group in the Richmond area.

“Our speakers fit well with the theme of our banquet, ‘The Power of the Vote in These Critical Times,’ ” Ms. Travers said.

“Since 1956, the Crusade has sought to mobilize black voting power. And we continue to that effort because the struggle for equality continues.”

The event also will include the music of Debo Dabney and Glennroy Bailey.

Tickets are $50.

Details and tickets: Delores Murray, (804) 356-3240, or Ms. Travers, bernicetravers@yahoo.com.

City appointments Cityscape announced Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Christopher Frelke will take charge of the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced Mr. Frelke as the new director on Tuesday. He will take over of Oct. 30, the mayor said, with a starting salary of $135,000 a year.

“Our parks and recreation facilities play a vital role in our residents’ quality of life,” Mayor Stoney said. “I’m looking forward to the ideas and engagement Chris will bring to city government in this important role.”

The appointment follows the recent tradition of going outside the city to find a director rather than appointing veterans from within the ranks.

Mr. Frelke is an adjunct professor in organizational management at the University of Mount Olive, a small, private Christian college in Eastern North Carolina.

He previously spent 12 years at various posts in the Raleigh, N.C., Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, including assistant recreation superintendent, senior staff analyst and program director.

Separately, Mayor Stoney promoted the director of the Department of Public Utilities, Robert Steidel, to deputy chief administrative officer for operations, effective Saturday, Sept.

30.

Mr. Steidel, who has managed the utilities department since 2011, will maintain control of DPU and add the Department of Public Works and Richmond Animal Care and Control to his management portfolio, the mayor said.

“Bob’s experience and commitment to the city make him the right person for the job,” the mayor said.

Mr. Steidel is to receive a starting salary of $165,000, up from his current salary of about $143,000 a year.

Separately, Richmond City Council named three members to serve on the Educational Compact Task Force that the mayor has established with council and the School Board to focus on educational matters.

The council appointees are Vice President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, chair of the Finance and Economic Development Committee; Michael J. Jones, 9th District, chair of the Education and Human Services Committee; and Kristen N. Larson, 4th District, a former School Board member.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Work continues on the roughly $6 million in improvements to Monroe Park, the city’s oldest park nestled in the Monroe Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University on Belvidere Street.

The facelift started last November and is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Richmond School Board race tightens as candidate drops out

One of the five people seeking election to Richmond’s 3rd District School Board seat has dropped out.

Businessman Kevin A. Starlings confirmed to the Free Press that he has ended his campaign.

“I need to focus more on my family,” the 31-year-old said last Friday in explaining his decision to quit his second bid for the office. He declined to elaborate.

That leaves in the race Cindy Menz-Erb, a Richmond newcomer who was appointed to the seat earlier this year, convenience store owner Dorian Daniels, parent and public school advocate Kenya Gibson and educator Joann Henry.

A special election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7, to fill the remainder of the fouryear term of Jeff M. Bourne.

Mr. Starlings’ decision has come too late to remove his name from the ballot,

which is already printed, according to Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter.

She said her office would post a notice at the polls telling voters that Mr. Starlings has dropped out of the race once he formally notifies her office.

Mr. Starlings fell short last year against Delegate Bourne, who won re-election to the School Board and then gave up the seat to run for the 71st District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates to succeed Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan.

Delegate Bourne’s move led to the School Board’s appointment of Ms. Menz-Erb to temporarily fill the 3rd District seat.

Mr. Starlings, a co-partner in Jeremiah Entertainment that provides rental equipment for private and public events, had garnered attention with his community back-to-school and holiday programs.

He also won attention last year as a convicted felon seeking public office after his voting rights were restored. He was convicted of embezzlement in 2009 from his employer at the time, CarMax, and benefited from Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s efforts to restore felons’ rights to vote, run for office, serve on juries and become a notary.

Mr. Starlings also confirmed he is facing another charge of embezzlement in Henrico County. The case was certified to the grand jury July 6 after a hearing in Henrico General District Court, according to court records. The records also show that the grand jury indicted him Sept. 11, with a trial scheduled for Nov. 1.

Mr. Starlings said the charge is related to the earlier CarMax case, but he declined to discuss the matter further, citing the advice of his attorney.

Richmond graduation rate falls The percentage of Richmond students graduating in four years is dropping, while the dropout rate is going up, according to a new state report.

Of the 1,382 freshmen who started at city high schools in 2013, just 1,052 received diplomas after four years in 2017. That’s 76.6 percent, the state Department of Education reported Wednesday in releasing data about on-time graduation rates for the Class of 2017 for each of the state’s 132 school divisions.

The percentage of Richmond students graduating in four years appeared to be the lowest for any school division in Virginia and represented a nearly 4 percentage point retreat from last year when 80.5 percent of the Class of 2016, or 1,185 students received diplomas in four years. (The graduation rate has risen to 82 percent based on additional Class of 2016 members completing high school in five years.)

The report also stated that 249 Richmond students, or 18 percent of the Class of 2017, dropped out of school. That’s an increase from last year, when 242 students, or 17 percent of the Class of 2016, were recorded as dropouts.

“We are disappointed” with the drop in graduation and increase in dropouts,” said Interim Superintendent Thomas E. “Tommy” Kranz. “This data is not a reflection of the capabilities of our students and staff. We are committed” to reversing these trends.

The Richmond data, which confirms the recent reports showing a rise in schools denied accreditation and a drop in the number of students passing state standards of learning tests, stands in sharp contrast with the results statewide.

Overall, 91 percent of the estimated 92,000 Virginia students in the Class of 2017 received diplomas, with 52 percent or a majority of the graduates earning an advanced studies diploma and 36 percent receiving a standard diploma. The remainder received modified or special diplomas or a GED. By comparison, of those receiving diplomas in Richmond, 612 students, or 58 percent, received standard diplomas, indicating completion of the minimum requirements, while 34 percent graduated with advanced diplomas, which indicates completion of more rigorous classes.

Richmond’s double-digit dropout rate also is out of synch with the statewide results.

According to the report, 5,529 students from the Class of 2017 dropped out. That represents 5.8 percent of the 92,000 students who began their freshman year four years earlier. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Beatrice Downs is confronted Friday by a Capitol Police officer as she pickets in front of the Patrick Henry Building in Capitol Square. She is told her demonstration on the state sidewalk is not allowed.

Picketer seeks to challenge regulations in Capitol Square

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Beatrice Downs is learning that sidewalks are not created equal when it comes to public demonstrations.

The 69-year-old nurse found that out when she sought to picket outside the governor’s office in Capitol Square.

The Henrico County resident is convinced that state officials have made it more difficult for her to work or to find a place to live, “and I wanted to bring this to the attention of the governor.”

She wrote out her grievances on signs she tied around her neck and began walking on the brick sidewalk outside the Patrick Henry Building, just a stone’s throw from the State Capitol where the legislature meets.

But then a Capitol Police officer came out of the building, she said. He told her that she couldn’t picket there without a permit and that she could be arrested for trespassing if she did not leave.

He also told her she could picket as much as she wanted outside Capitol Square on city sidewalks, she recounted.

“I don’t want to do that. The governor wouldn’t see me then,” Ms. Downs said, in explaining why she wanted to carry the signs on the state sidewalk.

She left, but she is finding it difficult to understand why a state-owned sidewalk is different from a city-owned sidewalk when it comes to picketing.

“I have looked this up. Sidewalks are supposed to be public

forums. That’s what the courts have ruled. So why is a state sidewalk exempt? It doesn’t seem right,” she said.

Ms. Downs is asking the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia to represent her to challenge the state prohibition against her picketing.

ACLU officials are considering the request. For several years, the ACLU has been urging Gov. Terry McAuliffe to revise regulations governing demonstrations in Capitol Square that it describes as “riddled with constitutional problems.”

In a 2014 letter to Gov. McAuliffe, the ACLU wrote, “Capitol Square is a quintessential public forum. The vague and arbitrary restrictions on free speech undermines Virginians’ right to protest their government.”

The regulations require pre-approved permits for demonstrations and limit their location to the Bell Tower area near the Franklin Street entrance to Capitol Square.

The ACLU noted in its letter that the limits on the place where demonstrations can be held, and the ability of officials to deny permits based on the content of the speech, violate the First Amendment.

The letter cited one example where officials denied a permit because the event was to be held at noon, and the state regulation indicated that noon events “were to be avoided.”

Ms. Downs’ experience indicates a new regulation compatible with the U.S. Constitution has yet to be implemented, according to Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, ACLU or Virginia executive director.

Richmond Free Press

September 28-30, 2017

3 in 4 African-American adults are overweight or obese.

VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU offer surgical weight loss programs to help adults and adolescents manage their weight and live healthier lives.

Do you know your BMI? Your body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

How to calculate your BMI

BMI = 18.5 - 24.9

25 - 29.9

30 - 34.9

NORMAL

OVERWEIGHT

OBESE

35 - 39.9

>40

SEVERELY OBESE MORBIDLY OBESE

Example of BMI calculation

weight in lbs. (height in inches) 2

x 703

150 lbs. x 703 = 26.5 (63 inches x 63 inches)

Accreditation Bariatric Surgery Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for those with severe obesity and weight-related medical conditions.

Qualifications: • You have a BMI of more than 40.

• You are more than 100 pounds over your ideal body weight.

• You have a BMI over 35 and are suffering from severe medical side effects from your obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or others.

Surgery options: • Sleeve gastrectomy – Adults and adolescents • Gastric plication – Adolescents only • Gastric bypass – Adults only • Revision of previous weight loss surgery (LAP-BAND® or other)

VCU Health Surgical Weight Loss Center and the bariatric surgery program at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU are accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®).

The bariatric surgery program at CHoR is the only accredited adolescent bariatric surgery center in Virginia and one of only a few in the country.

To find out more or to make an appointment, call 804-827-0045 or email helpforobesity@vcuhealth.org. © 2017 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Source: NIDDK, NIH, Health Information, Weight Management.

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Richmond Free Press

September 28-30, 2017 A4

News

Officials launch ‘Respect Richmond’ anti-violence campaign

By Ronald E. Carrington

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney launched a new campaign Wednesday to reduce gun violence and homicides in Richmond.

“Respect Richmond,” a marketing and advertising campaign, will target “anti-violence and anti-retaliation messages to those at highest risk of committing gun violence or being a victim of gun violence,” Mr. Herring said.

The announcement was made outside of the Peter Paul Development Center in Church Hill, where the attorney general and the mayor were joined by Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham; Delegate Lamont Bagby, director of operations for the Church Hill center, whose district includes a part of Richmond; and Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring.

The “Respect Richmond” campaign includes a variety of ads and messages, including one showing an empty wheelchair. The tagline: “Sometimes gun violence takes your life. Sometimes it takes something else.”

Along with running on traditional media like billboards, the ads will be focused mainly on social media and gaming systems like PlayStation and Xbox. They will be targeted toward people

in specific neighborhoods where violence has occurred and where retaliation is most likely, officials said.

“We’re going to reach out directly to those who need to hear this message and to those who can help solve the problem,” the attorney general said. “We want to reach people where they are, and maybe in ways they aren’t expecting. We need to reach a person — before they reach for a weapon — with a simple and direct message.”

Chief Durham said the messages and graphics are bold by design to grab people’s attention.

“They remind us of the awful toll that is inflicted on our residents — from the fear instilled every time they hear gunshots outside of their windows to the agony of grieving a loved one who has been shot or murdered,” he said.

The Peter Paul Development Center sits

Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press

Mayor Levar M. Stoney, center, announces the joint, city-state anti-violence initiative Wednesday outside the Peter Paul Development Center in Church Hill. With him are, from left, Police Chief Alfred Durham, Attorney General Mark Herring, Delegate Lamont Bagby and Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring.

between Mosby Court and Creighton Court, public housing communities where gun violence and homicides have risen during the last year.

Richmond’s juvenile court is just down the hill from the center on Oliver Hill Way. Delegate Bagby called the campaign “a step in the right direction.”

“However, we can’t lose focus on all the other things we have to do, starting with breaking up pockets of poverty, supporting families, helping individuals find jobs and providing quality

education,” he said.

City Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille, who attended the event, lauded the campaign for targeting young people where they are.

“This new initiative provides us with an additional tool in our toolkit,” said Ms. Newbille, whose 7th District includes Fairfield and Creighton courts. “Our young people are using media of all kinds. And while this will not be the sole answer to escalating crime rates, this will be part of the solution.”

War continues over Confederate statues Continued from A1

But if he expected quick action on his resolution, he is not getting it.

The resolution must first get through the Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee led by veteran Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District — and there is no guarantee.

The resolution is on the agenda for the committee’s next scheduled meeting 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17. If the committee clears it, the resolution would go to the full council, possibly Monday, Nov. 13. However, the

committee could put off hearing the resolution. Mr. Jones would have little recourse because he does not serve on that committee.

The full council also could put off a hearing. At this point, the majority of City Council appears interested in waiting for a recommendation from the advisory commission that Mayor Levar M. Stoney created to review the statues and their context and whether they should be removed.

The calendar maintained by the City Clerk does not currently list any meetings for the Monument Avenue Commission through December.

A full-time minister, Mr. Jones firmly believes that city government finally must take a stand on what he regards as a moral issue.

“Is it morally right for these statues to stand?” Councilman Jones said before introducing the resolution this week.

“If this city had a majority Jewish population, would we allow an avenue lined with swastikas and monuments to Adolph Hitler? Of course not,” he said.

“So why are we allowing statues of men who fought to oppress AfricanAmericans and destroy the United

States? It makes no sense in this city,” in which African-Americans remain the largest population group.

Still, he has yet to have other council members embrace his point of view.

At the same time, he is only going so far, refusing to target Confederate statues in other parts of the city including Monroe Park and North Side.

And his resolution also is mild.

It expresses “the sense of the City Council that the General Assembly should grant the City Council the authority to cause the removal of the statues … on Monument Avenue so

that the City Council may take such action as may be necessary to cause those statues to be removed.”

His resolution, even if approved

by City Council, would go nowhere unless a member of Richmond’s General Assembly agreed to sponsor legislation to give it legal force. It also would require the Republicandominated legislature to pass such a measure.

In other words, if Las Vegas bookies were taking bets, they would likely be putting long odds on the prospect that the statues will disappear anytime soon.

New VUU president to students: Support one another Continued from A1

Sept. 1. For the last five years, he served as vice president for institutional advancement at Bethune-Cookman University in Florida.

In announcing his selection, VUU officials cited Dr. Lucas’ extensive fundraising experience and efforts in student retention.

Under his tenure at Bethune-Cookman, the endowment was increased by 53 percent.

He was lauded by his predecessor at VUU, Dr. Claude G. Perkins, who stepped down as president in June 2016, first taking a sabbatical before retiring. Dr. Joseph F. Johnson served as interim president until Dr. Lucas was named.

“I am delighted that we have a new young president to lead

Obamacare survives — again Continued from A1

Virginia, Anthem reversed its decision to pull out of the state marketplace and returned to offer coverage to those eligible.

The latest attempt to secure a Senate majority for repeal collapsed when three GOP members, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, came out against the Graham-Cassidy legislation, also dubbed Trumpcare because of President Trump’s support.

The GOP needed 51 votes to pass the repeal by Sept. 30.

However, after that date, 60 votes would be needed, based on Senate rules.

The Graham-Cassidy legislation, named after the two Senate authors, was pulled from the floor after it became clear it could not pass.

“We don’t have the votes,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, co-author of the bill that would have transferred Obamacare funds to individual states to craft their own health care programs.

“Am I disappointed? Absolutely.”

So was Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the other co-author.

The 48 Senate Democrats, including Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia, fought tooth and nail against dismantling Obamacare, calling such a move “a disaster” for Virginia and the nation. They expressed relief Tuesday that this fresh attempt failed. They also are hoping GOP senators now will work with Democrats to fix Obamacare’s shortcomings.

“We are willing — eager — to sit down and come up with bipartisan improvements,” said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat. “Let’s move on and try to make our system better.”

The latest failure to end Obamacare drew criticism from President Trump and boosted frustration within a party that pledged to end coverage for people who cannot get insurance through an employer.

“We were very disappointed by a couple of senators, Republican senators,” President Trump said at the White House.

“We were very disappointed that they would take the attitude that they did.”

“We still need to do something,” said Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming. “Health care is completely unaffordable.”

an institution like Virginia Union, which takes a tremendous amount of energy,” Dr. Perkins told the convocation audience.

“It requires developing friends all over the community — businesses, the alumni, friends of the university — and an expanded view so that we can get various support from foundations from around the country,” Dr. Perkins said.

Dr. Lucas embraces the challenge.

“I want my time with you to be a time when we can fulfill the promises of VUU in this generation,” Dr. Lucas told the gathering. “There are things that those before us — over 150 years ago — have envisioned for us. There are things that God has a purpose for us. And I simply want to join with you in fulfilling it.”

During the convocation, the university unveiled the official portrait of Dr. Perkins, which will hang in VUU’s Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center named in honor of the former president.

“Dr. Perkins … laid a great foundation for VUU’s continuing engagement,” Dr. Lucas said. “It’s all about academic excellence.

We are building an intellectual community that’s centered on innovation and creativity. VUU will empower entrepreneurship by revitalizing the black community by being an economic center.”

Dr. Lucas’ selection received high marks from students and

faculty members.

“I think President Lucas is just awesome,” said Dr. Gerard McShepard, chairman of the Department of Natural and Physical Sciences. “He’s a man that is creating an environment where our students can learn, grow, develop and thrive. We will continue to know our students by name, not by a number.”

He said he hopes Dr. Lucas will continue the infrastructure support for VUU’s new chemistry, physics and biology labs begun under Dr. Perkins.

Students said Dr. Lucas has been accessible and open to conversations with students and faculty.

“Our new and enthusiastic president is going to be very promising for the university,” said junior Maurice Neblett, a criminal justice major from Richmond. “I can’t wait to see the changes he plans to put in place.”

Rita Henderson talked about the university’s history, evolving from Lumpkin’s slave jail in Shockoe Bottom in 1865 to educating students who have gone on to make significant contributions locally and nationally.

“I’m hoping under Dr. Lucas that the school will evolve to the next level and continue that fine tradition, and that we will see more leaders that will grace the halls of VUU who go out and make their mark on the world.”

Voting systems in Va., 20 other states targeted by hackers in 2016 Continued from A1

the same things the bad guys do — to be able to find out if there are any potential holes so that they can be fixed.”

Virginia, he noted, was the first state to work with a National Guard cybersecurity group to do an assessment of the state’s voter system to determine where improvements can be made.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that is investigating Russian hacking in the 2016 election, said, “It’s unacceptable that it took almost a year after the election to notify states that their election systems were targeted.”

In a statement issued last Friday, he said he was “relieved” that the Homeland Security department finally acted upon requests and notified top election officials in the 21 affected states.

In addition to Virginia, the other states affected are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

“We have to do better in the future,” Sen. Warner stated. “Our elections are the bedrock of our democracy … While

I understand that DHS detects thousands of attempted cyber attacks daily, I expect the top election officials of each state to be made aware of all such attempted intrusions — successful or not — so that they can strengthen their defenses, just as any homeowner would expect the alarm company to inform them of all break-in attempts even if the burglar doesn’t actually get inside the house.”

Richmond Voter Registrar J. Kirk Showalter said no systems were hacked in the city.

“There are so many safeguards built into the city and state system that the potential for mischief to affect the outcome of the election is not great,” Ms. Showalter said.

“Hacker can’t access the City of Richmond’s machines through the internet because there is no wireless connection on the voting machines,” she said. “You need to physically lay your hands on it to hack it.

“The hacking that we know about in Virginia is about the voter registration database,” she continued. “Even if someone did get to that database, at worse, the only thing they could do is change someone’s voter registration.”

In early September, the state Department of Elections decertified touchscreen voting

machines used in 22 localities, saying they no longer can be used for elections in the state, including the upcoming gubernatorial election on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Richmond and surrounding counties do not use that type of equipment and were not affected by the decision.

Mr. Cortés told the state Board of Elections at the time that in a security review of the machines, Virginia’s IT agency concluded that “the potential for loss of vote is significant” with the touchscreen machines because of the lack of paper trail audits.

Ms. Showalter said her office is prepared for the Nov. 7 election. To ensure the integrity of the city’s machines, she said her office sends a thumb drive to the equipment vendor, who writes and installs a program that can tabulate the votes cast for each candidate. The thumb drive is shipped back to Ms. Showalter’s office, where a test vote is taken to ensure the tabulation coincides with the votes cast. If the outcome isn’t accurate, Ms. Showalter said, the vendor is called in to solve the problem.

She said for the November election, the city will have 76 voting machines using paper ballots that are scanned into a processor for counting. She said10 backup machines will be available in case of any problems.

Richmond Free Press

September 28-30, 2017

A5

Local News

NSU president stepping down

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

NORFOLK Eddie N. Moore Jr. is stepping down as president of Norfolk State University, a year after he was inaugurated as the university’s sixth president.

Rector Byron L. Cherry Sr. issued a letter Monday notifying staff, faculty and students that Mr. Moore is retiring from the post.

While Mr. Cherry, who chairs the NSU Board of Visitors, praised Mr. Moore for his “dedication and service,” the Free Press has learned that the board and Mr. Moore were no longer on the same page and that his unexpected departure appears to have resulted from policy disagreements.

Mr. Moore, 70, was not immediately available for comment.

Mr. Moore, who is paid about $300,000 a year, provided a letter to the board earlier this month disclosing his plan to

retire. The board held a special meeting Monday to formally accept his decision to step down.

The board and Mr. Moore are negotiating a “mutually agreeable transition date,” Mr. Cherry stated in the letter. Other sources have indicated that Mr. Moore is expected to leave on or before Dec. 21.

A former state treasurer, Mr. Moore arrived at NSU in 2013 following 17 years as president of Virginia State University Mr. Moore outside Petersburg and a stint as president of now-defunct Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, where he spent nearly a year trying to save the school from losing its accreditation.

In 2013, NSU brought Mr. Moore in as interim president

as the university “was going through challenging times,” Mr. Cherry stated.

When Mr. Moore arrived, the university’s accrediting agency had placed NSU on probation for violation of its standards and the state was pummeling the school for a backlog of unperformed annual audits, Mr. Cherry stated.

Mr. Cherry credited Mr. Moore with providing “the necessary leadership” to end the internal financial problems and to restore NSU to good standing with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

During Mr. Moore’s tenure, “the university has seen promising improvement in its enrollment and in its student retention and graduation rates,” Mr. Cherry stated.

He stated the board soon would name an interim president and would conduct a national search “to identify the right leader” to build on the school’s accomplishments and fulfill its potential.

Upcoming Free Health Seminars We’ll be offering the following free health seminars at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Kelly Education Center, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue. Registration is recommended. Free parking available.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

Caring for Heart Disease in Breast Cancer Patients Tuesday, October 17, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

Advance Directives Made Easy Thursday, October 26, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

Early Detection of Lung Cancer: Looking in All the Right Places Tuesday, November 7, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

The What and Why of Diabetes Photo by Ava Reaves

Coming home to history

Register online at vcuhealth.org/events or call (804) 628-0041 for more information.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine tours the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia Sept.

21 to view the exhibit about a legal case he was involved with as a civil rights lawyer in Richmond. The exhibit, “Redlining in Richmond: HOME v. Nationwide,” details the historic suit Housing Opportunities Made Equal Inc., or HOME, lodged against the insurance company for discriminatory practices, including denying insurance to homeowners in African-American neighborhoods. Sen. Kaine represented HOME in the successful suit.

Joining the tour is Heather Mullins Crislip, president and CEO of HOME. The exhibit is on display through Oct. 14 at the museum located in Jackson Ward.

City of Richmond City of Leaf Richmond City of Richmond 2017-2018 Collection Program 170928-FreePress.indd 1

9/20/17 4:43 PM

2017-2018 Leaf Collection Program 2017-2108 Leaf Collection Program Leaf Hotline: 804-646-LEAF (Active October 2)

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by November Option 2 Collection Schedule by1.Sector (please see All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 1 – 11.

the map)

Sector 1 | Wednesday Trash Collection Leaves must be bagged Sectorby 2 |November Thursday Trash1.

Collection Leaves must be bagged November All bagged leaves will bebypicked up16. between November 1 – 11.

All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 16 – 25.

• Available starting November 1 and will continue based upon available • week Available November 1 availability) and will continue base schedule (a one window starting will be provided based on • Rake leaves to front of property(a line schedule one week window will be provided based • Two ways to request vacuum service • Rake leaves to front of property line Call 646-LEAF or • Two ways to request vacuum service Go to www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/Leafcollection.aspx  Print and fillCall out the request form 646-LEAF or (attach with payment)

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Make check or money order payable to City of Richmond and mail to:  Print andWorks fill out the request form (attach Richmond Department of Public - LEAF 900 East Broad Street, Suite 704 Richmond, VA 23219order payable to City of Richmon Make check or money

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Works 900 East Broad Street, Suite 704 Richmond, VA 23219

Sector Thursday Collection Sector 32||Monday TrashTrash Collection Leaves bagged by 27. 16.

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25.

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Sector 4 | Tuesday Trash Collection Leaves must be bagged by3December 12. Trash Collection Sector | Monday All must bagged will be by picked up between December 12 – 30.

Leaves beleaves bagged November 27.

Note: Vacuum service may be delayed Dispose of loose leaves at the following locations: • East Richmond Road Convenience Center - 3800 East Richmond Road • Maury Street Landfill - 2900 Maury Street

All bagged leaves will be picked up between November 27 – December 9.

Sector 4 | Tuesday Trash Collection Leaves mustGeographic be bagged by December 12.

Information Systems All bagged leaves will be picked up between December 12 – 30.

City of Richmond, Virginia

Leaf Hotline | 804.646.LEAF

during incle

Do-it-Yourself Dispose of loose leaves at the following locations: • East Richmond Road Convenience Center - 3800 East • Maury Street Landfill - 2900 Maury Street

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Richmond Free Press

September 28-30, 2017 A6

News

Gloria Ray

Terrance Roberts

Melba Pattillo

Jefferson Thomas

Carlotta Walls

Thelma Mothershed

Minnijean Brown

Elizabeth Eckford

Ernest Green

Member of ‘Little Rock Nine’ talks about his experience Continued from A1

In an interview, Mr. Green said the ugliness of the city where he grew up remains just beneath the surface.

“If you scratched Little Rock deep enough, racism comes out,” he said.

Mr. Green hails from Little Rock’s central district and skipped a grade early on in his education.

“If you came to the first grade and you could read, they bounced you on to the next grade,” he said.

His mother was a schoolteacher and his father worked as a janitor at the post office.

Mr. Green was the oldest of three children, but had to become a man faster than he would have wanted at 13 when his father died. Because of his mother’s limited teaching income, Mr. Green took a job during the summer to help support the family.

“I worked at a Jewish country club because, in Little Rock, the other country clubs wouldn’t accept anybody that wasn’t a white Christian,” he said. “I handed out towels, mopped the floors and kept the place reasonably clean.”

A socially conscious student, Mr. Green said he was aware of the racial storm brewing across the nation.

“I remember the picture vividly in JET magazine of Emmett Till laying in a coffin.

Jackie Robinson breaking into baseball and the Montgomery bus boycott were all indications of what was going on and how black people were at the forefront of some of those changes,” he said.

On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court declared in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kan., case that the “separate but equal” policy of legalized segregation was unconstitutional in America’s public schools.

However, Little Rock’s city fathers attempted to take a moderate approach to the decision and drag their feet on desegregating schools. But they were pushed by Daisy Bates, president of the Arkansas NAACP, and the organization’s members. Mrs. Bates and her husband owned the black weekly newspaper, the Arkansas State Press.

The Board of Education then asked if any Negro students were interested in transferring from an all-black school with limited resources to the all-white Central High School. Nine students signed up. But when they tried to attend, they were confronted by angry white mobs.

It was intimidating, Mr. Green recalled.

“People would be hollering, using every use of the N-word they could figure out. Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus called in the Arkansas National Guard to keep us out, then they used the local police, who couldn’t keep the mob in order. Finally, President Eisenhower sent the troops in.”

After two weeks of the African-American students being barred from entry, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent units of the 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, to escort the students into the school. The president, a conservative and reluctant supporter of civil rights, became the first president since Reconstruction to use federal troops in support of civil rights.

Once inside, the Little Rock Nine faced challenges that would test their resolve.

“It was inside the school when we were really harassed,” Mr. Green said. “They would throw steamed wet towels our way, and at night we would get threatening phone calls.

“One of the conditions imposed on us was that we couldn’t do any extracurricular activities, which meant no sports or club memberships.”

Mr. Green credits his training as a Boy Scout

Michigan State University from an anonymous donor. Years later, he discovered the donor was John A. Hannah, president of the university and the first chairman of the Civil Rights Commission under the Eisenhower administration.

“I guess he thought that this was something he could do and I’m grateful that he did,” Mr. Green said. “Funny thing, in my role as student

Associated Press

This September 1957 photo shows the nine African-American students being escorted into Little Rock’s Central High School by troops from the Army’s 101st Airborne Division.

with giving him the awareness and endurance to deal with the daily confrontations at school. A year before attending Central High School, he had become an Eagle Scout through Troop #73 at Mount Zion Baptist Church. His neighbor, Louis Brunson, was the scoutmaster.

“Being an Eagle Scout helped me to navigate and realize the importance of what we were doing once we finally got into Central,” Mr. Green said. “It also gave me some perspective of how we (the Little Rock Nine) were viewed and our importance in terms of history.”

He said Mrs. Bates was helpful in getting them through the year.

“Daisy was a tough lady,” he recalled of the newspaperwoman. “She was willing to use the pen, as well as her connections around the state.”

In the spring of 1958, Mr. Green became the first African-American student to receive a diploma from Central High School. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attended the graduation, sitting with the Green family.

He fondly remembers Dr. King and Mrs. Bates visiting his home after the ceremony.

“As the family set the table with fried chicken, corn on the cob, lemonade and sweet potato pie, Dr. King expressed how proud he was that I had completed the year,” he said. “Dr. King and I didn’t talk too long because I was trying to get out with my buddies and celebrate.”

Mr. Green was awarded a scholarship to

leader, I picketed President Hannah’s home many times during the height of the early 1960s Civil Rights Movement,” he said with a laugh.

On campus, he served as NAACP chapter president and a member of the student government.

“We were in support of the students in the South, the lunch counter sit-ins and voter registra-

tion. The city of East Lansing (Michigan) had a restriction on selling homes to black folks, so we picketed in East Lansing as well,” he said.

In 1961, he and five other young AfricanAmerican men were founding members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Sigma Chapter at Michigan State.

“I saw Omega has a way to expose to the university that there were solid African-American males that could make a contribution,’’ Mr. Green said.

After graduation from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s in social science and a master’s in sociology, Mr. Green began his professional career. His first job was working for the A. Phillip Randolph Education Fund in New York City. His boss was Bayard Rustin, key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington.

Mr. Green said Mr. Rustin “was a great person to work with. We were preparing young brothers for the building trades as electricians, plumbers and steamfitters. My job was to help place applicants in an apprenticeship program and to get their union cards.”

Mr. Green later was appointed assistant secretary of labor by President Jimmy Carter.

In a later career change, he became a managing director at Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. “It was my relationships that I established with job training programs that allowed me to have a client base on the municipal and public finance side,” Mr. Green said.

In many ways, Mr. Green sees his life as having come full circle, from hurtling educational barriers in Little Rock to attending meetings at the White House.

The Little Rock Nine students, he said, “recognized the importance of being at Central, and the manner in which folks tried to keep us out underscored how important this was for us as black students. They worked so hard to keep us away (that) it confirmed to me that we were doing the right thing.”

On the grounds of the State Capitol in Little Rock, an inscription on a plaque about their courageous efforts mirrors Mr. Green’s sentiments about his experiences: “We wanted to widen options for ourselves, and later for our children.”

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Richmond Free Press

September 28-30, 2017

A7

Appreciation

Dick Gregory: What is seen and unseen

By Barbara Reynolds

The celebration of the life of Dick Gregory on Sept. 16 at the City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover, Md., was more than seven hours of eclectic diversity, from a serenade

by Native Americans to a musical tribute by Ayanna Gregory, Mr. Gregory’s daughter, and Stevie Wonder, to speakers MSNBC’s Lawrence O’ Donnell and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, to the fiery Rep. Maxine Waters, who vowed to help impeach that “thing” in the White House.

There were torrents of “hallelujah” and especially “as-salaam alaikum” as Nation of Islam head Minister Louis Farrakhan began a profoundly uplifting eulogy.

It was fascinating to see how a man born so far down in the cracks of society could rise so far: Jailed countless times in the fight for human rights; 13 books written; a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, movie roles, a celebrated humorist and global humanitarian. Mr. Gregory was born in 1932 in the slums of St. Louis. His mother, Lucille Gregory, had to put plastic on her feet to keep them from getting wet as she walked to work. When Mr. Gregory was 10, a white man knocked out two of his front teeth for touching a Ms. Reynolds white woman as he shined her shoes. The family was chronically evicted for the inability to pay their $18 monthly rent.

What kind of journalist would I have become if it had not been for Mr. Gregory becoming my mentor and coach for more than three decades as I tried to survive as a pioneering black woman journalist in white newsrooms? He was the one who pushed me to go out on a limb for unpopular people and for causes even if the limb broke off; how not to discount conspiracies just because it is safer to believe a lie rather than an unpopular truth; and how to expose the liars and the exploiters in high places, no matter who and where they were.

Should I state the obvious of how badly Mr. Gregory is still needed today?

Of course, following the Dick Gregory stylebook meant you wouldn’t have a job long. In some newsrooms, the reward for not toeing the company line, disbelieving that white is always right, and caring more for the masses at the bottom than the big shots at the top, means a swift kick out the door.

It was not unusual for Mr. Gregory to entice me to venture off to distant lands or to stick my nose into events that sounded and looked correct, but would turn out to be rotten to the core.

Mr. Gregory was a renowned health en-

Sandra Sellars

thusiast who developed weight loss products, such as the Bahamian Diet, that were popular in the states. In 1985, he developed a low-cost nutritional product to fight famine and took 50 truckloads of it to Ethiopia. I went with him and saw hundreds of people dying from starvation in resettlement camps in the desert. I held in my hands 5-year-olds so emaciated that they looked half their age, and women so exhausted that they collapsed as they walked. The products he delivered saved many lives.

I began to understand that hunger and homelessness in a world where people are dying from obesity is criminal. It is not because of a lack of resources, but a lack of will, and the failure to hold governments, such as that in Ethiopia, accountable. Mr. Gregory’s amazing success in Ethiopia did not get press in the United States.

But he told me his mission was saving lives, which was all that mattered.

Even amidst such tears, Mr. Gregory could bring humor. On the way home from Ethiopia, the plane stopped briefly in Rome and, much to the surprise of his friends, Mr. Gregory grabbed his bag and headed for the exit.

“Why are you getting off here?” I hollered at him. With a smile and a swagger, he answered, “Don’t forget I am an international n…er,” which left the rest of us laughing.

Mr. Gregory often was shunned and slammed as a “conspiracy nut.” In time, he usually would be proved right. We often would meet at some out-of-the-way place. He would pull out his big battered brown briefcase jammed with reports and facts counter to what the news bosses wanted to see.

One day in 1996, he called me. “Barbara, you know they murdered Ron Brown.” Mr. Brown was the first black U.S. secretary of commerce. On April 3, 1996, Mr. Brown died in a plane crash on a mountaintop in Croatia along with 34 others.

“C’mon Greg, don’t tell me that. I am in enough trouble on my job.” I knew news executives generally hated conspiracies. Besides, who would murder all those people to get at one man even though Mr. Brown had been threatening to expose others in

high places involved in illegal campaign funding rather than taking the fall himself?

Nevertheless, I met with Greg. He showed me some disturbing reports. First, the New York Times had reported that Mr. Brown’s body was so mangled it would be virtually impossible to identify. Yet, Greg had a picture that clearly showed Mr. Brown’s body intact at the crash site. TIME magazine had reported there had been a terrible storm that contributed to the crash, but later reports showed only drizzling rain. Several investigators at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where Mr. Brown’s body was carried for examination, reported a circular hole in his skull that some forensic experts said appeared to be from a gunshot. But the X-rays which could have cleared up the matter turned up missing. In addition, the manager of the airport where the plane crashed reportedly committed “suicide” before investigators could conduct an interview.

Whether or not Mr. Brown was murdered was never proven, and few if any news groups tried to get to the bottom of how he died. Mr. Gregory and Rep. Waters planted yellow crime scene tape banners around the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington to highlight the case and Mr. Gregory was arrested for refusing to leave. I also was able to write several columns about Mr. Brown for USA TODAY. Several school buildings were named after Mr. Brown and, for many, that appears to be enough.

When the establishment would not budge to find the truth behind the assassination of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Mr. Gregory wrote books to shame the system for their closed minds.

In “Callus On My Soul,” he told how “the brothers who shot Malcolm X were paid by the CIA,” who he said had rented the Audubon Ballroom where Malcolm X was murdered a week before.

In “Code Name Zorro: The Murder of Martin Luther King Jr.,” he wrote how on April 4, 1968, Dr. King was murdered in a conspiracy between the Memphis Police Department, the

Mafia and the CIA, which had a black man planted on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis at the time of the shooting.

The kinds of information Mr. Gregory unearthed hardly ever received major news coverage because his facts ran counter to the acceptable narratives of news operations. Those of us who insisted upon using Mr. Gregory’s truths rather than those of the major news institutions were viewed as untrustworthy and soon fell out of favor.

The Iran-Contra story, with my determination to ensure Greg received his just due, was the last straw that helped separate me from my job as a national reporter at a major Chicago newspaper.

In 1979, 66 hostages had been taken by Iranian revolutionaries who were threatening to kill them.

Greg made his way to Iran to pray and fast for the hostages’ release. The U.S. State Department and newsrooms were feverishly looking for an American who could talk to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. When the ayatollah learned that Greg was in Iran and had fasted for peace during his four month stay, losing 51 pounds, he invited him to meet. Greg said the ayatollah thanked Greg for coming and also prayed that the hostage crisis would end peacefully.

Greg called me from Tehran, giving me a firsthand report of this significant development. At one point, the bombing and shootings in the background sounded so real, I literally ducked under my desk, thinking the noise was from outside my window.

The Chicago Tribune ran the story for only one edition, but pulled it in later ones.

I was terribly upset by this because I knew if a white man had met with Ayatollah Khomeini in the midst of such a crisis, it would have been major news. Eventually, I wrote of his heroic venture in a cover story for Playboy magazine.

Shortly after that, I was forced to part company with the newspaper.

On page 199 of Mr. Gregory’s book, “Callus on My Soul,” he wrote, “There is no better writer than Barbara Reynolds … She understands the way this government works and the trickery that comes with it.”

Clearly my understanding of the workings of certain institutions and government came from my coach, Mr. Gregory. It has left me well-equipped to monitor and write about the Trump presidency and those to come — what is seen and unseen.

Thank you Mr. Gregory.

The writer, 75, is a longtime journalist who has written for the Cleveland Press, Ebony magazine, Chicago Today and the Chicago Tribune. She also has authored several books, including a biography of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and assisted with the autobiography published posthumously of Coretta Scott King. She is a Pentecostal minister in Washington.

Richmond Free Press

Red reeds and lily pads in Museum District

Editorial Page

A8

September 28-30, 2017

Who’s in charge?

It seems the Richmond School Board has been taken down the rabbit hole of secrecy yet again.

And Thomas E. “Tommy” Kranz, Richmond Public Schools’ interim superintendent, may have a starring role in the latest drama.

First, it was $8.3 million hidden in an “unassigned fund balance” for RPS. The fund’s existence was revealed during the height of budget negotiations with the city after the school system had asked for an additional $16 million from city coffers.

Former Superintendent Dana T. Bedden never mentioned the $8.3 million to members of the School Board or Mayor Levar M. Stoney until March, angering parents, teachers, advocates and School Board members who had gone to the mat seeking more money to fix broken-down buildings, give pay raises to teachers and buy basic supplies missing in classrooms.

Mr. Kranz, a certified public accountant, was RPS’ chief operating officer at the time and knew about the secret fund.

Now as interim superintendent, Mr. Kranz apparently hired consultant Dallas Dance to help out until a new superintendent is named. Dr. Dance was paid $25,000 for a two-month stint.

Dr. Dance, a 36-year-old Armstrong High School graduate and former superintendent of Baltimore County Schools in Maryland, earlier was said to be in the running to replace Dr. Bedden.

The problem: School Board members were never informed about Dr. Dance’s hiring.

Once again, Mr. Kranz kept the board in the dark, even as he spends money without School Board knowledge. He can spend up to $250,000 on consultants without board consent.

We ask: What exactly did Dr. Dance do to get paid $12,500 a month? What did he accomplish in two months for RPS and its 24,000 students? Was this a trial run so that Dr. Dance could perform well during upcoming interviews for superintendent?

Or was it job insurance for Mr. Kranz, building a cozy relationship with Dr. Dance early on so should Dr. Dance be selected as superintendent, he would keep Mr. Kranz on with RPS? As it turns out, Baltimore media reported early this week that Dr. Dance is being investigated by Maryland authorities for his relationship with an Illinois company, now defunct, that did business with the Baltimore County Schools while Dr. Dance was in charge. Dr. Dance had resigned from his post just days before Dr. Bedden and the Richmond School Board announced Dr. Bedden’s departure in late April.

What is Dr. Dance’s relationship with Mr. Kranz?

We don’t like the way this looks or smells.

In March, we questioned in this space what other secrets may be hidden by RPS that the School Board and the public don’t know about.

Now we know the latest.

Yet again we call for transparency and accountability on the part of Mr. Kranz and schools officials to disclose to the people of Richmond how our tax dollars are being spent, stashed or awarded.

And, again, we call for the School Board to get control, monitor the money and RPS employees before public trust in the school system continues to erode.

As elected officials, board members are accountable to the people. They, and Mr. Kranz, also are accountable to the parents whose children are entrusted to the schools each day.

Mr. Kranz’s pattern of secrecy raises red flags about how the schools are operating and for whom. Politics, deals, hidden money and spending shouldn’t factor in, especially for RPS top brass.

The children should be No. 1 in this equation.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Dick Gregory predicted chaos For those who knew comedian-activist Dick Gregory, it’s no secret that we were best friends for a very long time. More than a year before he died, he told me — as I am sure he told many others — that the 2016 election wasn’t going to go the way I thought it would.

It was obvious to him that I, like so many others, thought the November 2016 presidential election would be a piece of cake for Hillary Clinton to win a big victory. Mr. Gregory kept saying, “No, it isn’t going to happen that way, and the result is going to bring about chaos.”

Just as with most of his predictions, what he said would happen did happen. What’s worse is that we’ve experienced eight months of chaos and things don’t appear as though they will get better any time soon.

While he was with us, Mr. Gregory gave us much invaluable advice and information.

In his newest and final book, “Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies,” he has bequeathed us his counsel and guidance for our future survival.

For those who value his insight, as well as those who previously paid little attention to his advice, I recommend this

Dr. E. Faye Williams book as an important tool for navigating our futures. The book is Mr. Gregory’s instruction about the need for us to be kind to each other, about the need to rid ourselves of hate and jealousy, and about serving the people.

Mirroring the strongest of his own character traits, he encourages us to be honest in all that we do and to have the courage to do all that we should do. He also reminds us not to take “dirty money” because, if we do, the day will come when we will have to forsake the best interests of our people to pay for what we received.

So much of the chaos predicted

by Mr. Gregory has been caused

by 45 and the band of crooks who work for him. What stands out is the volume of unsettling news that surfaces daily. As Special Counsel Robert Mueller tightens the legal noose around the neck of Paul Manafort, 45’s former campaign chairman, one wonders when/if Mr. Manafort or other members of 45’s cabal of crooks will “come clean” and relieve the nation of the incessant anxiety of having to reconcile what can reasonably be called treason.

For those who argue the severity of the word treason, I can only refer to the record of emails exchanged between Mr. Manafort and one of his employees candidly discussing arrangements to convene a private briefing regarding 45’s campaign for a Russian billionaire with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Such a briefing violated the law and opened speculation that Mr. Manafort’s position was being leveraged to establish influence in the White House.

Rather than focusing national attention on the devastation and recovery from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, 45 attempts to divert and mire our attention in

Speak up for environmental justice Equity, understanding, morality and justice are at the foundation of any society. Unfortunately, here in the United States, society is being revisited by the more visible public manifestations of the systems of oppression that our country was built on.

From acts of domestic terrorism by the Ku Klux Klan and white supremacist groups to the elimination of federal policies that were created to protect our most vulnerable communities, the election of President Trump was an egregious display of the power of hate, particularly when it is harnessed to segregate and isolate communities.

As a young woman of color and aspiring environmental lawyer, I am proud to work for the Sierra Club during a time when this environmental organization is expanding its focus to draw parallels between the different faces of oppressive roots.

The Sierra Club traditionally has focused on preserving the wilderness and getting people to explore the outdoors. However, environmental racism is an important reality to address when fighting to preserve and protect our planet.

The fact that communities of color must defend against a myriad of threats hits close to home. My father grew up in a food desert and my mother’s childhood swimming hole was contaminated by a neighboring factory’s pollution.

Following the terror attack in Charlottesville, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune said in a statement that “hatred and racism have long played a disgraceful part of American history, but there can be no doubt that those who spew

white supremacy feel empowered right now when they see allies in the corridors of power. These bigots must be condemned, not coddled, and we are in solidarity with those elected officials, residents of Charlottesville and people all over this country who are speaking out for an America that pushes forward toward jus-

Ahlia Bethea tice, not sliding backward into hatred and fear.”

Now is the time when communities of color and their allies are standing up and continuing the work of our ancestors to speak out against this fear and this hatred. We are elevating our voices to speak for justice, including environmental justice.

People are speaking up and saying that it is not right that African-American and Latino babies are being rushed to the emergency room for asthma attacks at a higher rate than their white peers. It is not right that low-income communities of color are denied access to clean drinking water like we saw in Flint, Mich.

It is not right that indigenous communities are having their land stolen from them for the benefits of fossil fuel domination like we saw with the Dakota Access Pipeline, or the Union Hill community that was founded by freedmen in Buckingham County with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. It is not right that communities of color are on the front lines of climate destruction like those killed and scattered across the country by natural disasters like hurricanes Katrina and Harvey.

By examining President Trump’s budget, one can decipher what his administration values. He is putting his big polluter buddies over the interests of the people. These values don’t include our children’s

health or the protection of our environment. The president’s proposed budget reduces the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s resources by 31 percent.

The EPA’s environmental justice program is one of many aspects of the agency that the president is trying to eliminate.

One of the main tasks of the environmental justice program is to protect communities of color and low-income groups from exposure to pollution. The children and elderly whose health is severely impacted by toxic smog and carbon pollution on a daily basis can no longer afford our government to enable polluters.

These drastic budget cuts also will make it nearly impossible for the EPA to uphold precedent related to clean air and clean water laws. If this budget is approved, we will see an increase in pollution and reversals to the environmental protection progress that have been made over the last 50 years.

At the crux of environmental justice is the need to address and rectify where certain communities are disproportionately impacted by particular injustices.

With President Trump’s budget and corrupt EPA leadership, our communities are under attack.

With no support in the executive branch, it is up to the people to demand that U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine defend the budget of the EPA and to hold all of our elected officials accountable for their actions.

We must demand environmental justice and climate justice. We demand that there be a focus on sustained action beyond these flashpoint events to ensure that all communities have access to safety and the fundamentals of life — clean land, clean water and clean air.

The writer is an organizing apprentice with the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter.

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

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

the ridiculous claim that former President Obama and Mrs. Clinton, the former secretary of state, bare the blame for the continuing nuclear threat from North Korea. Rather than affirming scientific research proving human involvement in global warming and the growing intensity and impact of major storms, 45’s administration number among the deniers.

I once read a book that spoke of 1,000 people who made America great. The list did not include 45, but Dick Gregory’s name was there.

I will never forget his impact. He lived his life with honesty and character. He lived for the betterment of humanity and never stopped encouraging us to work to end the chaos in our lives. He fought the good fight. He kept the faith and finished his course.

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

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September 28-30, 2017

A9

Letters to the Editor

Too late to complain about Confederate flag being co-opted Many people do not know that the swastika is actually an ancient Sanskrit symbol denoting good luck and prosperity. It is sort of an ancient Indian-Asian four leaf clover. A lucky charm.

A rabbit’s foot.

It is unlikely anyone in the current civilized world can ever again look at the swastika and think of good luck and prosperity. It’s a symbol has become forever associated with the Nazis, death camps, World War II and the death of millions of Jews, Russians, Poles, French, Belgians, Dutch and minorities like homosexuals, gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the physically and mentally handicapped, dissenting clergy and Slavs.

Men, women, children, babies in arms, the elderly, the infirm and the disabled were starved, gassed, worked to death or shot before the eyes of their mothers in trenches, after being made to dig their death pits. It has been reputably reported that the Nazis were directly responsible for more than 50 million deaths.

The swastika has become the most recognized symbol of hate. Those two crooked lines have been co-opted, usurped, appropriated, assumed, commandeered, filched, hijacked, swiped, purloined and confiscated. Every time a swastika is shown, it will bring to mind hatred, murder and racism more than any other symbol. It is hard to imagine any other symbol so associated with malignancy and cold-blooded malice.

Creating a peaceful Richmond As a Hijabi Muslim and new resident of Richmond, I quickly learned that the city is quite welcoming. It was during a visit to the grocery store that I really felt welcomed, and then again when I went to Short Pump Mall. Small talk in a checkout line or elevator goes a long way to make people of different backgrounds feel welcomed.

I find it quite refreshing every time I encounter these experiences and hope that Richmond continues to welcome people of all backgrounds.

It is important for the city of Richmond to initiate dialogue and programs that intersect people with different backgrounds.

Interested groups should take part in organizing such events. For example, holding workshops and seminars presenting different faiths is a helpful tool for others to learn from practicing members of different faiths. Through this platform people can gain face-to-face interaction and conversation that helps dismantle negative stereotypes.

I also would urge local media outlets to use these events in showcasing a model example of creating peace within communities. Having this insight and personalized testimonials will inspire others to work toward creating peace.

One such example is The True Islam campaign that has brought the program Coffee, Cake and True Islam to several cities across the nation. It allows guests to ask questions they have about Islam while meeting and conversing with Muslims in their communities.

I look forward to inviting the local media to future CCTI events so that we can work together and create peaceful communities.

HINA LATIF Henrico County The writer is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and a professor of sociology at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Notice of Meeting of Stockholders Metropolitan Business Development Corporation The Board of Directors have called a meeting of the stockholders of the Metropolitan Business Development Corporation to be held at Club 533 located at 700 N 3rd Street, Richmond Virginia on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of dissolution of the corporation and disbursement of the assets of said corporation.

By order of Board of Directors.

Ellalee Flowers, Secretary

Many Americans argue the symbols of the Confederacy are history and not symbols of hatred and slavery. The Confederate flag, the statues of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Jefferson Davis and the streets named after lesser Southern generals represent and remind them of a glorious time in the past and their ancestors. They want to protest any comparison or similarity between the history of the old South and slavery, the

Commentary Klan, systematic voter suppression, Jim Crow and Reconstruction. They loudly and passionately protest the efforts of many to dismantle those symbols or to see them as Mr. Baugh testaments to the basest evil.

If you object to any association of the Confederate flag and the statues to hatred, where were you when the Ku Klux Klan and the Nazis claimed them as symbols of hatred? Were you a counterprotester as the Klan, under Confederate flags, shouted their hatred for Jews, African-Americans, Hispanics and any other minority?

Google images going back over a century is replete with hooded Klansmen parading down the nation’s thoroughfares

outfitted in sheets and surrounded by Confederate flags. These images can be found dating back to the 1910s and 1920s.

Most recently, Charlottesville and Richmond have seen the Confederate flag, always accompanied by the Nazi flag, supporting and protecting this racist ideal and statues of the old South.

Rarely have devotees of Southern history and culture demonstrated, complained, bemoaned or even objected to the Klan and Nazis embezzling or misappropriating their sacred historical and cultural icons and symbols.

If you are one of the people who, in 2017, protest and proclaim the Confederate flag as a symbol of history and not hatred, you blew it. That day is gone like the 10 cent Coca-Cola.

The hate groups and Nazis stole the rebel flag and the history and culture of the Civil War South for their hate-filled statements. They openly and notoriously took it as their trademark.

You sat by and let it happen. You supposed history buffs raised not one voice in objection. Your protestations now are too little, too late, as hollow as an old wooden bucket and as phony as a three dollar bill.

DAVID P. BAUGH The writer is a former federal prosecutor and longtime criminal defense attorney and legal expert.

ESPN anchor vs. Trump Perhaps it was not the proper forum for ESPN anchor Jemele Hill to air her opinion about President Trump. But the president himself has made a plethora of denouncements of people both here and abroad. Those include character assassinations of members of his own cabinet, and he still remains in his position, though only the Lord knows why.

Still, Ms. Hill is entitled to her opinion and is no less an American for expressing it. If questions are posed that are outside of the framework of her program, may they be addressed?

The honest answer is that politics is everywhere and, outside the framework or not, I hve yet to see the president risk an ulcer by keeping his mouth shut.

As we look at this, we should remember that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is still trying to cast aspersions on and penalize Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott without any credible evidence as of yet, even from those who have investigated this case. If found innocent of these charges, and taking into consideration the amount of damage this poses to the player’s image and therefore the amount of damage to his earning potential going forward, will Mr. Goodell then resign?

Questions have to be asked and answered so that power doesn’t find itself heavy-handedly corrupting absolutely.

GREGORY E. DOUGLAS Sacramento, Calif.

Take down all the statues

Regarding the brouhaha over the Confederate statues here and elsewhere, I have come up with a solution that should please both sides.

We take down all monuments and statues, no matter the person they honor or their race. Then we pass a law that no more statues can be erected.

KIRK HANCOCK Richmond

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Richmond Free Press

September 28-30, 2017

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VSU takes winning streak on the road

Hot will meet cold this week in Salisbury, N.C., as Virginia State University, one of the NCAA Division II’s hottest football programs takes on struggling CIAA football rival Livingstone College on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The Trojans improved to 3-0 overall — and 2-0 in the CIAA — following a jittery 33-27 overtime victory last Saturday over visiting Winston-Salem State University, the two-time defending CIAA champion.

Winston-Salem State (2-2).

VSU Coach Reggie Barlow’s momentum-fueled outfit now has seven consecutive wins dating to his 2016 maiden season in Ettrick.

Contrasting that, Livingstone College is 0-4 this season and has dropped seven in a row going back a year.

Kickoff is 6 p.m. at Alumni Memorial Stadium in Salisbury, N.C. The home team hopes for better results than a year ago, when VSU routed the Blue Bears 47-0 at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick.

Overcoming some gaffes by its special teams last Saturday, VSU leaned on its “Kecoughtan connection” and an overwhelming offensive performance to deny Winston-Salem State and avenge a road loss to the Rams last year.

Winston-Salem State is now 2-2 this season.

Trenton Cannon, a VSU senior from Hampton’s Kecoughtan High School, was the usual star — rushing for 144 yards and two touchdowns and snagging passes for 52 more yards.

Not so accustomed to the spotlight is Thomas Koufie, a former teammate of Cannon’s at Kecoughtan High in Hampton.

A double transfer from Foothills College in California and University of Louisiana at Monroe, the bullish, 225-pound Koufie rumbled 17 yards for the winning touchdown in overtime, igniting unrestrained celebration on the field and in the bleachers.

Cannon, who is on pace to become VSU’s all-time rusher, now has 2,860 yards in two-plus seasons. He is chasing the record of 3,575 set by George Leonard from 1976 through 1979.

Cannon set the Trojans’ single-season record in 2015, then broke his own mark a year ago.

VSU accumulated 587 yards total in offense, compared to 354 yards for WinstonSalem State, with quarterback Cordelral Cook passing for 131 yards and rushing for another 115.

Late in the first half, Cook showcased his speed, bolting for a 76-yard touchdown

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Virginia State University’s Joshua Harris, left, hauls in the ball during last Saturday’s game despite the defensive efforts of Winston-Salem State University safety Miguel Quinn.

run, a rare feat for a quarterback.

There was no shortage of late-game heroics or unusual circumstances. The game was delayed at least 15 minutes in the second half because of a power outage in two light towers.

On the brink, the Trojans tied the game at 37 with 40 seconds left on a Cannon 3-yard rush and Cook’s 2-point conversion.

VSU had trouble pulling away in part because of two missed extra points and two missed field goals by Cesar Alfaro.

VSU also had a bizarre touchdown on a deflected pass caught by tackle Jamonte Spriggs that was voided by penalty.

As a program, VSU is enjoying a fiveyear roll.

The Trojans are 37-10 since 2013 under coaches Latrell Scott, now head coach at Norfolk State University, Byron Thweatt, now assistant coach at FCS champion James Madison University, and Barlow, who came to VSU following a stint at Alabama State University.

VSU travels to Elizabeth City State University on Saturday, Oct. 7, and returns to Rogers Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 14, to celebrate homecoming against defending CIAA Northern Division champion Bowie State University, the last team to defeat the Trojans.

VUU’s Darius Taylor is the Panthers’ ‘main man’

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Virginia Union University’s Chazton McKenzie goes airborne to snag the ball for a Panthers touchdown to close the first half of last Saturday’s game against Fayetteville State University at VUU’s Hovey Field.

Until about a week before football season began, quarterback Darius Taylor wasn’t even listed on Virginia Union University’s 2017 roster.

Now he is arguably the Panthers’ main man for CIAA accolades despite a two-year absence from the gridiron.

According to VUU Coach Mark James, Taylor sat out the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons after “going home to work” in his native Washington, D.C. VUU’s colors, maroon and steel, look good on Taylor, listed as a 6-foot-5 junior.

Before embarking on a two-game road trip — Saturday, Sept. 30, at St. Augustine’s University in North Carolina and Saturday, Oct. 7, at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania —VUU squared its record at 2-2 with a riveting 47-40 win over Fayetteville State University last Saturday at Hovey Field.

Taylor’s initials are D.T., but TD — as in touchdown — might be more apropos.

The strong-arm newcomer torched the Broncos’ secondary for five touchdown passes, including the game-winning 16-yarder to Chazton McKenzie 32 seconds from the finish.

Overall, Taylor completed 24 of 45 passes for 383 passing yards in just his third outing as a Panther. His preferred targets were track star McKenzie (eight catches, 129 yards, two touchdowns) and freshman Gustavious Dames of Florida (seven

catches, 157 yards, two touchdowns).

The five scoring aerials was one shy of the VUU record of six shared by Lamar Little in 2007 and Carl Wright in 1991.

Just weeks ago, few people outside of VUU’s coaching office knew of Taylor. After starring at Washington’s Calvin Coolidge Senior High School, Taylor played the 2013 and 2014 seasons at Monroe Community College in the New York City area.

Taylor did not participate in football in 2015 or 2016, but missed the action and signed with VUU last spring. Although enrolled, he wasn’t added to the Panthers’ football roster until very late.

According to VUU sports publicist Jim Junot, Taylor was kept off the roster until all the official paperwork regarding his transfer and eligibility was in order.

He didn’t play in the team’s opening game at Long Island University-Post and made his CIAA debut in the second week against Newberry College of South Carolina.

In three outings since taking the field, Taylor has completed 45 of 86 passes for 686 yards, six touchdowns and one interception.

Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in Raleigh, N.C., for the game against St. Augustine’s at George Williams Complex.

The Falcons are 1-3, but coming off an eyebrow-raising 81-9 win over Lincoln University in which St. Augustine’s tallied

602 yards in total offense.

Before that, St. Augustine’s lost to Catawba College 49-0, Carson-Newman University 41-14 and Bowie State University 66-20.

VUU routed the Falcons 50-21 last year in Richmond. St. Augustine’s is led by Darryl “DJ” Johnson, a former Highland Springs High School star.

Johnson threw for a school-record six touchdown passes in the one-sided victory at Lincoln University, but has struggled in the Falcons’ other outings.

Information regarding VUU’s Tabyus Taylor, the former All-State performer from Hopewell High School, isn’t as uplifting.

After leading the team in rushing during the first two games, Taylor has missed the team’s past two outings with an ankle injury and isn’t expected back for at least another two weeks.

The Panthers return to Hovey Field on Saturday, Oct. 14, to face CIAA rival Chowan University in the annual Lucille M. Brown Community Youth Bowl.

If VUU is to earn its first CIAA title since 2001, it likely will need to improve on its rules violations. The Panthers were flagged for 15 penalties worth 115 yards against Fayetteville State.

Through four outings, VUU has surrendered 498 yards in penalties, compared to 234 infraction yards by its opponents.

Cleo Hill to be inducted into collegiate hall of fame The basketball life of the late Cleo Hill stands out for its dramatic rise, and also for its mysterious fall.

The Newark, N.J., native is remembered as being among the elite college players of his generation, albeit in the relative obscurity of Winston-Salem State University.

For his brilliance from 1957 to 1961 under Coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines, Hill will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame on Nov. 19 in Kansas City, Mo. The other reason Hill’s career merits careful study is how his promising NBA career abruptly faded, in part because of jealously by his teammates, but largely because of the color of his skin.

First some background on Hill at Winston-Salem State: Essentially, he was Earl

Monroe before Monroe.

The 6-foot-1 guard scored 2,488 points, leading the Rams to 1960 and 1961 CIAA championships. Hill was the best player in the CIAA and among the best nationally.

He was so good, in fact, the NBA St. Louis Hawks drafted Hill in the first round, and the eighth selection overall.

All systems were go until an October 1961, preseason game against Boston in Lexington, Ky. The teams were staying at the Phoenix Hotel.

Hill later referred to it as “the incident.”

Hours before the game, two famous Celtics players, Bill Russell and Sam Jones, both African-American, knocked on Hill’s hotel door. Russell and Jones had been denied service at the hotel restaurant and were proposing a boycott of the evening’s game.

Hill didn’t take to Boston in 1959 and the players’ word 1960. The Hawks had for it. He went to three white All-Star the restaurant to see players — Bob Petfor himself, and the tit, Cliff Hagan and bigoted results were Clyde Lovellette. the same.

They were in no The boycott was mood to share star on. status with an AfriMr. Hill Boston’s four can-American rookie African-American players — from an obscure school.

Russell, Jones, K.C. Jones and “They never said anything to Tom Sanders — sat out the me,” Hill said is a 2010 ESPN game, along with Hill and two documentary, “Black Magic.” other Hawks players who were “But they got paid for the points African-American, Si Green they scored. And here I was, and Woody Sauldsberry. taking their points.”

This infuriated Hawks’ Kerner, the Hawks’ owner owner Ben Kerner, and he never who sided with his establet go of the grudge. lished headliners, told Coach Still, it was hard holding Paul Seymour to freeze Hill Hill back. He was that good. out. When Coach Seymour In his official NBA debut, he refused, he was fired at midscored 26 points. It turned out season. to be the wrong thing to do.

Coach Seymour later said St. Louis had won the NBA that Hill had been “whitetitle in 1958 and was runner-up balled.”

Hill’s playing time diminished and he finished with a scoring average of 5 points.

The next season, he was cut in training camp and no other team offered him a job.

Hill suspects he was branded a malcontent by Kerner due to “the incident.”

Rarely has a first round draft choice faded so unceremoniously.

While Hill was at WinstonSalem State, the Rams secretly

played pick-up games against an all-white squad from nearby Wake Forest University. At the time, Wake players included Billy Packer, who later became famous as a television commentator.

“Cleo could do it all,” Packer told ESPN. “I don’t think there is any doubt that if you took race out of the equation, and personality out of the equation, he would have been a major, major star in the NBA.”

CIAA Stars Remembered Former CIAA players selected in the first round of the NBA draft: University), by Baltimore, 14th 1957: Sam Jones (North Carolina overall.

Central University), by Boston, eighth overall.

1985: Charles Oakley (Virginia Union University), by Cleveland, 1961: Cleo Hill (Winston-Salem State University), by St. Louis, ninth overall. eighth overall.

Note: Marvin Webster (Morgan State University) was drafted 1967: Earl Monroe (Winstonthird overall by Atlanta in 1975; Salem State University, by Morgan moved from the CIAA to Baltimore, second overall.

1969: Mike Davis (Virginia Union MEAC in 1970.

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Richmond Free Press

September 28-30, 2017

STAGE SCHEDULE 2017 (Subject to change)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

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FEATURED ARTISTS David Marion with Liberated Flow, creator of this year’s festival poster, Kelvin Henderson - Fruit of the Spirit, Abdul Badi - The Art of Abdul Badi, P. Muzi Branch - Black American Artist Alliance of Richmond and Reshada Pullen - Jireh.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 September 28-30, 2017

Happenings NASA names Hampton center for Katherine Johnson Free Press staff report

Katherine G. Johnson, the pioneering Virginia woman whose key role in America’s early space missions was portrayed in the Oscar-nominated film “Hidden Figures,” has received a new honor.

NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton dedicated a new building last Friday named for Mrs. Johnson.

The new Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility, a state-of-the-art lab for innovative research and development supporting NASA’s exploration missions, was opened with a ceremony attended by the 99-year-old Mrs. Johnson, her husband, retired Lt. Col. James Johnson, her two daughters, and a host of officials. Among them were “Hidden Figures” author Margot Lee Shetterly, Gov. Terry McAuliffe, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Langley Center Director David Bowles.

In remarks to the assembly, Gov. McAuliffe called Mrs. Johnson a trailblazer.

“Thank goodness for the movie and the book that actually came out and people got to understand what this woman meant to our country. I mean, she really broke down the barriers,” he said.

A brilliant mathematician, Mrs. Johnson defied racial and gender constraints and was involved with many of the greatest achievements in space. Her calculations — done by hand — delineated the trajectory needed to get astronauts into space. Her work influenced every major space program — from America’s first manned space flight by Alan Shepard in 1961 to Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon in 1969 all the way to the Space Shuttle program.

Mrs. Johnson worked at NASA Langley from 1953 until she retired in 1986. She and other women in her division were known as “human computers.” Her important role in the space program was brought to wide public attention by actress Taraji

Courtesy of NASA

Pioneering mathematician Katherine G. Johnson sits outside the building that now bears her name at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton.

P. Henson, who portrayed Mrs. Johnson in the film released in January.

Former President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2015.

Mrs. Johnson, who now uses a wheelchair, toured the $23 million, 37,000-square-foot facility before the ribbon cutting.

Former astronaut Mae Jemison celebrates silver anniversary of historic space flight Free Press wire, staff report

Twenty-five years ago, astronaut Mae Jemison was the first woman of color to travel into space.

The Alabama native who was raised in Chicago entered Stanford University at age 16, earning a degree in chemical engineering before going to Cornell University Medical School.

She worked as a medical officer in the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone before joining NASA and the space program in 1987.

On Sept. 12, 1992, Dr. Jemison lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida as a mission specialist aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Endeavour orbited Earth 127 times before landing on Dr. Jemison’s name into the history books.

“As it was occurring, there were a couple of things that were happening,” Dr. Jemison said during a recent interview. “There was a sense of personal accomplishment. But at Dr. Jemison the same time, there was the whole issue and whole attention around being the African-American woman astronaut, and even more so, being the first woman of color in the world to go into space.”

On Sept. 15, she hosted a party — 25 Strong! — to commemorate the silver anniversary of her historic flight. The bash, celebrating the possibility of interstellar space travel, was held at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, the new home of Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Special guests included space-related television stars Nichelle Nichols, known for her role as Lt. Uhura on the long-running “Star Trek,” and LeVar Burton of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

In June 1993, after her space flight, Dr. Jemison resigned in order to launch her own technology consulting group. She has launched initiatives to interest women and minorities in science and STEM fields. She’s also a principal in 100 Year Starship, a foundation engaged in advancing research, development and capabilities needed for humans to reach another star.

Dr. Yvonne Darlene Cagle, an astronaut, greeted her.

“She is the bar that I’m trying to scale. In comparison, space is easier because she did everything I’m trying to reach for, but she did it here in gravity,” Dr. Cagle said.

NASA officials said the new lab consolidates five data centers and more than 30 server rooms at Langley. It also will be used to boost the space agency’s efforts in modeling and simulation and studying challenges such as turbulence and the entry into another atmosphere, like that of Mars.

In her keynote address, Ms. Shetterly said the women laid the foundation for the new facility.

“We are living in a present that they willed into existence with their pencils, their slide rules, their mechanical calculating machines, and of course, their brilliant minds,” she said.

While people now know about Mrs. Johnson’s contributions to space travel and exploration, Ms. Shetterly continued, “without her past, full of diverging roads and choices that made all the difference, we would not be standing on the brink of this future,” she said.

Photos by Sandra Sellers/Richmond Free Press

24-carat makeover at The Diamond

Sandra Sellers/Richmond Free Press

All natural Shayola the Artisan prepares a chickpea salad at Happily Natural Day last Saturday at the 5th District Mini Farm on Bainbridge Street in South Side. The festival celebrating African-American culture and hair included presentations on growing food in the community garden. All the vegetables used in the chickpea salad were grown onsite.

The Diamond is no longer rough, thanks to the creativity and skills of local and national artists who gathered at the baseball stadium for the RVA Street Art Festival last weekend. During the three-day festival that ended Sunday, artists and community volunteers brightened The Diamond’s interior and exterior spaces with a variety of murals. Even the upper deck visible from the Boulevard received new modern art designs.

Top left, Shaylen Broughton paints an abstract of ruby reds and sapphire blues on a skybox wall. Top right, Noah Scailin creates a portrait of freedom fighter John Mitchell Jr., the late Richmond newspaper editor, civil rights advocate, businessman and politician who led a boycott of the city’s segregated trolley system in 1904.

Bottom left, artist Hamilton Glass gives the interior a montage of expressive faces and colorful flowers.

Photos by Sandra Sellers/Richmond Free Press

All out for VA PrideFest

The fun and fashions were plentiful last Saturday at VA PrideFest 2017 on Brown’s Island in Downtown. Thousands of LGBTQ people and supporters attended the event, which featured a variety of music, entertainment, food and activities. Above, Aja from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” performs before enthusiastic fans, while Millennium C. Snow, left, strikes a pose while performing during The Drag Show.

September 28-30, 2017 B3

Richmond Free Press

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Spotlight on board president of Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond Angela Cimmino found out three days after her son’s birth that he had Down syndrome.

“We were a bit shellshocked,” she recalls.

But just weeks later, she and her husband attended their first meeting of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond, and it “was like someone throwing us a lifeline,” she says.

“Folks were so welcoming.

Just seeing kids and adults with DS doing ‘normal stuff’ with their families — eating pizza, running around with siblings and friends. It gave us a sense that ‘It’s going to be OK.’ ” That was 15 years ago.

Her son, Neil, is thriving, is home-schooled and attends a variety of activities on a regular basis, Ms. Cimmino says.

Since then, Ms. Cimmino has been involved with the association, whose mission is to help individuals with Down syndrome and their families through support, education, community awareness and advocacy.

In January, the Powhatan County resident was elected president of the DSAGR’s volunteer board.

On Oct. 14, the organization will host its largest fundraiser of the year, the 11th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival. The family-oriented event will offer information about Down syndrome while highlighting performances and a fashion show featuring individuals with Down syndrome.

The event supports the programs and resources of DSAGR, which serves Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg and Central Virginia.

DSAGR’s small staff and dedicated volunteers provide a variety of fun and enrichment programs for all age groups.

Programs include education initiatives for ages 5 through 9; transition boot camp for teens and their parents; a summer employment academy for ages 16 through 21; adult employment skills development; a First Call program for new parents with a DS child who can call upon experienced parents; an education conference for parents and educators; and social programs for various age groups.

The association also serves as an information resource for individuals and families with a lending library of books, videos, DVDs, magazines and other materials.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition. About 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year.

“Parents with a DS child ask ourselves all the time, ‘What will the future be for our children?’ ” Ms. Cimmino says. “To me, sometimes you have to put the question aside and deal with today.

“Being in the organization and on the board is a great help in understanding challenges individuals and families face,” Ms. Cimmino says. “We provide programs and awareness to help families face those challenges every day.”

Ms. Cimmino says DSAGR has grown by leaps and bounds, not only in the number of families and geographic area served, but also in the quality of programs and services it offers.

“It’s my privilege,” she says, “to have an opportunity to give back to this organization that has provided so much support for our family over the years.”

Meet this week’s Personality and advocate for those with Down syndrome, Angela Cimmino: Occupation: Freelance medical writer.

Top volunteer position: Presi-

Want to go?

What: 11th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival When: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 Where: Acca Shrine Center, 1712 Bellevue Ave. Details: The fundraising event is designed to promote awareness and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome. The 5K Run/Advocacy Walk starts at 8:30 a.m., with the family festival starting at 9 a.m. with exhibits, a fashion show featuring individuals with Down syndrome, special group performances and live music by Betsy Lynne and the Boys. Special guest: Madeline Stuart, an international model from Brisbane, Australia.

Information and registration: www.dsagr.org

dent of the board, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond.

Date and place of birth: Jan. 24 in Queens, N.Y. Current residence: Powhatan County.

Education: Bachelor’s of science in pharmacy, St. John’s University, New York; doctor of pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Family: Husband, Ben Lent, and children, Madelyn Lent, 18, and Neil Lent, 15.

When DSAGR was established: 1983.

Number of volunteers: 2,700 volunteer hours from our families and community volunteers.

What is Down syndrome: Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. It usually causes delay in physical, intellectual and language development. There is wide variation in development in individuals with Down syndrome, with each individual having his/her own unique personality, capabilities and talents.

Some signs of Down syndrome: A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

How to deal with diagnosis: The most important thing to keep in mind is that a Down syndrome diagnosis is not as “life changing” as the fact that one has a new baby. And in most ways, that baby will be just like other infants, needing to be fed, held and, most of all, loved. The DSAGR First Call program offers parents new to our community a group of experienced parents to call upon whether they’ve received a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis.

We’ll be honest and do our best to describe the joys and challenges we’ve experienced along the way. We make hospital visits and provide a Welcome Kit that includes up-to-date resources about Down syndrome and resources available to new parents and their infants. Our services are free and confidential. Email firstcall@dsagr.org or call 804447-4713.

Biggest challenges for DSAGR: Effectively serving underserved areas and populations, particularly in the city of Richmond, and developing and maintaining funding streams to allow us to focus less effort on fundraising and even more effort on serving our families.

What needs to be done: Educating and empowering parents and individuals with DS are integral parts of DSAGR’s mission.

We believe that knowledge is power, and that parents and selfadvocates can only effectively advocate for the supports their children or they need to realize their potential if they are aware of what supports are available and how to access them. We also engage with the wider community to increase aware-

ness and appreciation of the value and abilities of individuals with DS. Issues that affect adolescents and adults with Down syndrome and their families include: Continued meaningful inclusion with their peers in all aspects of high school life; employment opportunities to develop job skills, particularly the social “soft skills” vital to successful employment in any job; opportunities for continued meaningful, gainful employment in adulthood; and viable, supported, independent living options.

Transition planning for families to prepare child for independent adult life includes: The process is really a series of decisions and transitions that take many years and require much effort, planning and time on the part of families.

The primary areas of focus are typically employment, living arrangements and leisure time.

Parents educating themselves regarding available opportunities, services, programs, etc., and how to access them is key.

Several of DSAGR’s services and programs can help in this regard.

How I start the day: In the words of Pete the Cat, “It’s all good.”

A quote that I am inspired by: “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

How I unwind: I’ve been practicing tai chi for about 12 years. It’s a centuries old Chinese martial art and a wonderful mind-body exercise.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: In addition to the traditional tai chi “hand form,” there’s a tai chi sword form. So, yeah, I have a sword — not a sharp one — and I practice with it.

Best late-night snack: Peanut butter.

Three words that best describe me: Family-oriented, introverted and intelligent.

Quality I most admire in another person: Attentive listener.

Greatest source of inspiration: My kids.

The book that influenced me the most: “The Book of Tao: Tao Te Ching” by Lao Tse. What I’m reading now: “The Great Courses: Your Best Brain”

by John J. Medina.

Next goal: For DSAGR to grow our outreach to underserved populations of families with loved ones with DS.

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B4 September 28-30, 2017

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

New Vanderbilt program ties racial justice to religion Religion News Service

Watching the civil rights protests on television as a child, Emilie M. Townes asked her mother, “Why do they hate us?”

Today, as dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, Dr. Townes is behind an effort to make that question a thing of the past with a new collaborative aimed at eradicating hate and promoting racial harmony.

“I have been trying to understand evil all my life,” Dr. Townes said in a statement announcing the collaborative. “We are, in many ways, imprisoned by the cultural production of evil, and I do not like it and think that none of us should accept it as the status quo for our lives.”

Called “Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative,” the program kicks off with a public discussion on Thursday, Sept. 28, in Nashville, Tenn., the home of Vanderbilt Divinity School.

It then continues with “summer intensives” designed to equip

James Hickman, retired city homicide detective, dies at 68 James E. Hickman Sr., a retired Richmond Police detective who later worked with the Richmond Public Schools Department of Safety and Security, was remembered as a kindhearted man who cared about the students and crime victims whose lives he touched.

During a funeral service Wednesday, Sept.

13, 2017, at Fifth Street Baptist Church, Mr. Hickman family, friends and former law enforcement colleagues told stories about Mr. Hickman’s thoughtful and generous nature that gave comfort to those hurt by crime or youths in need of direction.

Mr. Hickman died on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, at his Richmond area home. He was 68.

Friends recalled his wit, cheerful disposition and flair for dressing that started when he was young and continued through his days as a homicide detective. While in high school, he worked in the shoe repair department at the former Standard Drug Store at 1st and Marshall streets to earn money to “dress to impress.”

Shortly after graduation, he worked for Consolidated Bank and Trust before joining the Richmond Police Department. He started as a foot officer on patrol, later becoming a homicide detective.

He retired in the late 1990s after 27 years on the police force.

He returned to policing through the school system’s Safety and Security Department, where he reached the rank of lieutenant before retiring again in July 2016.

Mr. Hickman enjoyed fishing, traveling and informal cookoffs with his sister, the Rev. Linda Hickman-Pearson. He also was devoted to his wife of 27 years, Yolanda “Dolly” Bodrick Hickman, who died in February 2016.

In addition to his sister, survivors include two sons, James E. Hickman Jr. and Jerard E. Hickman; four daughters, Jade and Candace Hickman, Sara Donawa and Jasmyn Briggs; his mother, Virginia Hall Hickman; and three grandchildren.

Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

2017 Theme: The Year of Elevation (First Peter 5:6)



Sundays

8:00 a.m.

Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship

clergy and other religion professionals, laypeople, local business owners, community organizers and students to counter racism with faith and justice not just in their own communities, but together.

“Most of the people who are doing racial justice work are siloed in their own communities,” said Teresa Smallwood, a Baptist minister who will serve as associate direcRev. Smallwood tor of the project. “But the hour we live in requires all hands on deck.”

The goal is to create a “national hub” for racial justice. Faith, Rev. Smallwood said, is a vital spoke in that hub.

“This is really about the composite drawing of God, the idea that everyone is a witness and has something to offer to the way we project the idea of God to the world,” she said. “We want to be the kind of folk who can, through the faith language,

impact the world.”

The Vanderbilt program is one of several similar events blending faith and activism in response to such events and issues as the violent and deadly white supremacists rally in Charlottesville in August; police shootings of unarmed black citizens; immigration; and more: • The Society of Race, Ethnicity and Religion’s October conference is themed “Teaching From and For the Margins in These Troubled Times.”

• The Justice Conference of Women Religious, an organization of Catholic nuns, included several sessions on responding to racism and immigration reform in its 2017 meeting.

• The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism held a “Consultation on Conscience” that included discussions about incorporating diversity and racial justice in congregations and how congregations can engage in activism around racial issues.

Dr. Henderson to remain at 31st Street Baptist

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Dr. Morris G. Henderson will remain in the pulpit of Thirty-first Street Baptist Church.

The 61-year-old minister told the Free Press on Tuesday that the congregation adopted the recommendation of the church’s joint board of deacons and trustees to accept his request to rescind his resignation.

The congregational meeting Monday night capped months of debate over Dr. Henderson’s tenure at the church at 831 N. 31st St. in Church Hill.

He said concern about the public attention about his tenure was among the reasons that his request was accepted.

Dr. Henderson is the sixth pastor in the church’s 102-year Dr. Henderson history. He told the congregation in late May that he would retire in December. However, within two months, he sought to rescind the decision, which apparently needed approval of the

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

congregation.

Previously the minister of music, he has led the church since the 2007 death of Dr. Darrel Rollins.

In the wake of the vote, Dr. Henderson said he hopes this will bring “an end to the bickering” among members.

“We are a loving and compassionate congregation,” he said, with a long tradition of community service that he wants to ensure continues.

Now that the debate about his tenure is over, he said his goal “is to move the church forward.”

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Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcoffice1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wed. 6:45 p.m.

Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

“Using What Your Mama Gave You”



 nstruon   Gates uthor ouourner oar omeian  mooth an the Wor itness ane aem raise aners

 

Guest eaer r ison Giseohnson hurh hoo  am All programs are free and open to the public

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

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

4th Sunday Unified Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus  Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor

Tuesdays

Noon Day Bible Study

8775 Mount Olive Avenue Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 262-9614 Phone (804) 262-2397 Fax www.mobcva.org

3200 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23223 (804) 226-1176

Wednesdays

Serving Richmond since 1887 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

WedneSday 12:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Bible Study



6:30 p.m.

Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study

All ARe Welcome

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

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

SERVICES

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M.

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

Worship Opportunities

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays): Church School Morning Worship

8:30 A.M. 10 A.M.

“Keep It Moving!”

Isaiah 43:18-19

(Fall Colors)

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

8 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11 A.M.

October 9-11, 2017 7:00 PM – Nightly

Sunday, October 8 “Saints, Proclaim What God Has Done For You”

St. Peter Baptist Church Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

Youth Revival

Theme:

A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

Sundays:

ecom Hom2017 ing

Thursday:

Sunday School – 9:30 AM Morning Worship – 11 AM Guest Speaker: Rev. Ricardo Haynes Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church

Music by: The Mass Choir

The Combined Ushers Serving Dinner After Morning Worship Pearl S. Glover Fellowship Hall

Union Baptist ChUrCh 1813 EvErEtt strEEt riChmond, va 23224 (804) 231-5884 rEv. roBErt C. davis, pastor

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

Remember...

At New Deliverance, You Are Home!

See you there and bring a friend.

Tuesday, October 10th Rev. Christopher L. Moore, Pastor New Kingdom Christian Ministries, Richmond, VA Wednesday, October 11th Rev. Michael LW. Moore, Pastor Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Richmond, VA Dinner Following Service

Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV)

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

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2016-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Wednesday Services

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

Home - Coming

Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M.

Sunday, October 1, 2017 10:45 AM – Worship Services Rethinking Series

(Children/Youth/Adults)

Message #17 Seeking God And Finding Happiness

Family Day Emphasis Sunday

Proverbs 146:5

Sunday, October 1, 2017

8 a.m. & 11 a.m. Services Music rendered by the Male Chorus

2:00 PM - Mini Concert “The Gospel Truth” 2:30 PM – Dr. Price Davis and Mosby Memorial Baptist Church

Join us as we emphasize the family structure and the importance of God within.

2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

Monday, October 9th Rev. F. Wayne Henley, Pastor Cedar Grove Baptist Church Providence Forge, VA

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

Christ Kids And Christ Teens Worship Every Sunday Nursery During Church School and Worship

, Pastor

Twitter sixthbaptistrva Facebook sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park)

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

Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m.

Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m. Prayer

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online!

Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.”

Visit www.ndec.net.

Tune in on sunday morning to wTvr - channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

THE NEw DElivEraNcE cHrisTiaN acaDEmy (NDca)

ENROLL NOW!!!

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 4th Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program.

Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old.

For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

September 28-30, 2017

B5

Faith News/Directory

Family catches breath, gains financial stability through church’s HARP program

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sheila L. Powell and her 9-year-old daughter, KeNyah, are benefiting from a pilot program that New Kingdom Christian Ministries has launched to aid single-parent families gain stability and self-sufficiency.

Ms. Powell, 49, and her daughter are now living in a home the church is providing rent-free for a year through its nonprofit Hope and Restoration Program, or HARP. Church members also have helped provide furnishings.

The renovated three-bedroom, one-bath bungalow the Powells now call home is at 3210 Dill Ave., next to the church.

Their only obligation is to cover the cost of utilities.

“It means normalcy,” said Ms. Powell. “It’s a chance to catch my breath and secure some financial stability.”

She and her daughter have not had a permanent address for the last 18 months. Despite working full time at an outpatient medical center in Downtown, Ms. Powell has struggled to pay for housing and food and to cover other bills on less than $30,000 a year.

In the months since she had to give up her apartment, she and her daughter have bounced from shelters to motels and hotels to living with her two grown daughters and back again.

Ms. Powell said she went through a bout of homelessness earlier in life and said it is always wearing.

She now feels like she has won the lottery, although she knows her current residence is just temporary.

“So many people are facing the same problems,” she said. “I just wish there were more homes like this one.”

New Kingdom’s pastor, the Rev. Christopher L. “Chris” Moore, said HARP carries out of the vision of the church’s founding pastor, Leonidas B. Young II, who died in 2016. The church calls itself “God’s hospital.”

Rev. Moore said the house is property the church acquired when it bought the sanctuary at 3200 Dill Ave. nine years ago.

Initially, the church rented the house for below market rates, he said.

But following Rev. Young’s death, “the decision was made to carry out the idea of providing the house rent-free” to a single-parent household struggling with housing, particularly after it was found that previous renters had not left the property in good shape.

The church created HARP, a nonprofit, with New Kingdom’s executive minister, the Rev. Algernon C. Wills, serving as board chair and Rev. Moore’s wife and the church’s first lady, Shawniece J. Moore, serving as executive director.

Rev. Wills said volunteer contractors and church members renovated the house while Mrs. Moore led the search for the first tenant.

Mrs. Moore said the church received at least 100 applications and went through the heart-rending process of winnowing down the list. Membership in the church was not a requirement.

Applicants were required to submit an essay and also interviewed.

She said Ms. Powell was selected based on her essay and the face-to-face interview.

As part of the assistance, Ms. Powell is required to meet with a financial counselor to help her gain more control over her money.

Mrs. Moore said New Kingdom is searching for grants and other assistance to expand the program to help other single-parent families gain self-sufficiency through rent-free housing.

“We received applications from single mothers and single fathers,” she said. “We wish we could have helped them all.

And maybe one day, we will be able to.”

Sharon Baptist Church moves to county

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sharon Baptist Church has quietly cut ties with Jackson Ward after 127 years and relocated to a former grocery store in Henrico County to gain the extra space it has sought.

The 600-member church, led by the Rev. Paul A. Coles, now holds services in the space once occupied by a Save-A-Lot discount grocery store in the Raceway Plaza shopping center at 500 E. Laburnum Ave. Rev. Coles was not immediately available for comment, but county records show that Sharon Baptist purchased the location on May 3 for $1.75 million.

Built in 1971, the building was originally a Safeway supermarket, records show.

After Safeway’s departure, the 111,348-square-foot building was remodeled in 1999 to provide room for multiple small businesses.

Along with services, the church is now the landlord for the businesses that also occupy space in the shopping center and whose rent is helping Sharon Baptist pay the mortgage.

Buying the building was less expensive than building a new church, based on current construction costs for commercial space that can run $100 to $150 per square foot. A new building of that size typically would cost more than $10 mil-

Jeremy Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Sheila L. Powell and her daughter, KeNyah, 9, at their Dill Avenue home owned by New Kingdom Christian Ministries where they will live for free for a year through the church’s new HARP program.

Zion Baptist Church 2006 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA 23224 ZBCOFFICE@VERIZON.NET • 804-859-1985 Office Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

Homecoming Sunday, October 1, 2017 Morning Worship, 10 AM (Dinner after worship) Parade of Stars (Youth Worship Service), 3 PM

Fall Revival

Monday, Oct. 2nd thru Wednesday, Oct. 4th Prayer and Praise, 7 PM Nightly (Service at 7:30 PM)

(Psalm 85:6)

Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Richmond

“Rekindle Our Fire”

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

This is a view of Sharon Baptist Church’s new home in Henrico County. A single car sits in front of the new sanctuary at Raceway Plaza, 500 E. Laburnum Ave. In May, the church purchased the property near the Richmond Raceway Complex.

lion to build.

Sharon Baptist Church’s former sanctuary at 22 E. Leigh St. is still for sale, according to Sandy Appelman of Keller Williams Realty. “There’s been a lot of interest,” Mr. Appelman said Monday, but no commitment to purchase.

He said the sanctuary that dates to 1904 is no longer being used although the church maintains its offices in an

adjacent building that is to be included in any sale.

Initially, the property was offered for $850,000 when it went on the market in 2015.

Mr. Appelman said the asking price now is $650,000.

Sharon Baptist’s acquisition of the retail plaza follows in the footsteps of other churches that have turned commercial space into sanctuaries. That includes the Richmond Christian Center,

which occupies a former auto dealership and which also is leasing parts of its campus to other churches and small businesses.

Second Baptist Church of South Side years ago moved from Newtown South to a former grocery store on Broad Rock Road, and Village of Faith Ministries operates one of its two churches in a shopping center it owns in Chesterfield County.

Guest Preacher: Dr. Roscoe Cooper III, Pastor

“The Church With A Welcome”

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

sunday, OcTOber 1, 2017 8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship and Holy Communion

Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study

Thursdays 1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

o

everence e with e evanc R g in Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin ❖

SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. ❖

Salisbury, Maryland

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Riverview

Baptist Church

❖

MONDAY-FRIDAY Nutrition Center and Clothes Closet 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00 A.M.

Wilson & Associates’ Funeral Service, Inc.

Monthly Obituary Column • August 2017

Thank you to the following bereaved families for allowing us to serve you during the month of August 2017. You are still in our prayers and thoughts.

View full obituaries online at www.wilsonafs.com Catherine Deloris Rowlett Mills

Celyon Carroll Faucette

Evelyn Joyce Davis

Clifton White, Jr.

James Lamont Harris

Donovan Malik Taylor

Lois Bacotes Allen

Irma A. Hoban

Wallace J. Ogburn

Robert Wayne Sexton, Sr.

Silas B. Paige

Julius “JJ” Davis

Helen Maxine Cousins

Essie Mae Taylor

Chanell D. Glasgow

Dolores Fowler-Williams

Laura Frances Beard

Minister Robert E. Williams, Jr.

Charles Morris

Gloria Darlene Anderson

Lorenzo Butler

5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223 • 804-222-1720, Fax 804-222-1745 Remembering those we love ... Remembering those we serve.

Tuesday, October 3 ~ Thursday, October 5

Brian V. Wilson Owner

Tuesday, Oct. 3rd • 7 PM

Wednesday, Oct. 4th • 7 PM

Thursday, Oct. 5th • 7 PM

Dr. R. Neal Siler and First Shiloh Baptist Church

Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green Pres., Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond & Vicinity, Executive Minister, First Baptist Church

Rev. Phillip E. Knight, Sr. and the Rock Hill Church

Richmond Free Press

B6 September 28-30, 2017

Legal Notices Virginia: In the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, John Marshall Courts Building IN RE: PETITION OF REFERENDUM TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND REGARDING THE DUTY OF THE MAYOR AND THE COUNCIL ON SCHOOL MODERNIZATION PLAN Case No. CL17-2041 EXTRACT OF AN ORDER It is, therefore, ADJUDGED, ORDERED, and DECREED that at the general election to be held on November 7, 2017, a Tuesday that is at least sixty days following the entry of this order; the election officials of the City of Richmond shall open the polls and take the sense of the qualified voters of the City of Richmond on the following question to be printed on the ballot: PROPOSITION A Shall the Charter of the City of Richmond be amended as follows: Section 6.15 -Fulfilling the Promise of Equal Educational Opportunities. (a) Preamble “Education is the great equalizer” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wisely taught us. In their historic Brown v. Board of Education decisions, the U.S. Supreme Court said “education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments.” They concluded the opportunity for an education “is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.” The Justices further indicated the “physical condition of the school plant” could deny this fundamental right.

In 1970, Virginians by public referendum adopted a new state constitution to ensure equality of educational opportunity.

Yet national and Virginia studies show the average public school facility has been allowed to age into obsolescence. Thus while Richmond’s facilities are collectively more obsolete, our situation is not unique. Respected experts have long warned that students spending their public school lifetimes in such facilities suffer significant and permanent educational detriment.

Dr. King famously observed a right delayed is a right denied. We, the people, have therefore chosen to lead. We believe our success can set a needed example for the nation. (b) Duty of the Mayor Not later than six months after this section becomes law, the Mayor shall formally present to the City Council a fully-funded plan to modernize the city’s K-12 educational infrastructure consistent with national standards or inform City Council such a plan is not feasible. In fulfilling the duties herein, the Mayor shall consult with the School Board, City Council, consider cost savings available in state or federal law and further provide an opportunity for public participation. (c) No New or Increased Taxes The fully-funded plan required in subsection (b) cannot be based on the passage of new or increased taxes for that purpose. (d) Duty of the School Board Nothing herein shall alter powers previously given to the School Board. (e) Duty of the City Council Once the Mayor has complied with subsection (b), the City Council shall have 90 days to take such action as it deems appropriate.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2017-129 As Amended To authorize the special use of the property known as 1704 Arlington Road for the purpose of [an] illuminated [canopy with] canopy signage, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2017-189 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept grant funds in the amount of $5,000.00 from Optima Health Group, Inc., and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities by $5,000.00 for the purpose of providing interactive health lessons focusing on nutrition, chronic diseases, and physical fitness.

Ordinance No. 2017-190 To amend Ord. No. 2017036, adopted May 15, 2017, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by transferring $325,167.00 from the Fire-Fire Operations program and appropriating $17,464.00 to the Fire-Office Of The Fire Chief program, $188,423.00 to the FireFire Prevention program, $61,079.00 to the FireFire Training program, and $58,201.00 to the Fire-Logistics program, for the purpose of ensuring appropriations for pay adjustments properly reflect the assignments of personnel within the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Ordinance No. 2017-191 To amend Ord. No. 2017036, adopted May 15, 2017, which adopted the Fiscal Year 20172018 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by transferring $2,681,334.00 from the Police-Administration program and appropriating $18,683.00 to the PoliceChief of Police program, $839,037.00 to the PoliceSupport Service program, $62,693.00 to the PoliceOffice Of Professional Responsibility program, and $1,760,921.00 to the Police-Area I and Area II program, for the purpose of ensuring appropriations for pay adjustments properly reflect the assignments of personnel within the Department of Police.

Ordinance No. 2017-192 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $15,053.00 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20172018 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Justice Services by $15,053.00 for the purpose of funding salary increases for grantfunded employees of the City’s community corrections program.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

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

Jean V. Capel City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2017-169 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 80-260-81-41, adopted Mar. 9, 1981, as previously amended

by Ord. Nos. 81-152-138, adopted August 24, 1981, 84-110-83, adopted May 29, 1984, 89-318-295, adopted Nov. 13, 1989, 2006-26-52, adopted Feb. 27, 2006, 2006-260-263, adopted Oct. 23, 2006, and 2012-163-164, adopted Oct. 8, 2012, concerning the Beaufont Oaks Community Unit Plan, to amend the permitted uses to include a church use. The subject property is located at 6900 West Carnation Street and is a component of the approved Beaufont Oaks Community Unit Plan. The underlying zoning of the subject property is R-3 (Single-Family Residential) district. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for General Office Use. Primary uses in this category are professional, business and administrative offices and medical and dental clinics.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

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

Jean V. Capel City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, October 2, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2017-177 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2016-232, adopted Oct. 10, 2016, which closed, to public use and travel, a portion of an alley and a turnaround bounded

by Brookland Parkway, Brook Road, Sherwood Avenue, I-95/I-64, and Robin Hood Road, consisting of 6,557± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions, and authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to accept a dedication of property, consisting of 443± square feet, for a new turnaround for right-of-way purposes in the block bounded

by Brookland Parkway, Brook Road, Sherwood Avenue, I-95/I-64, and Robin Hood Road, to modify the ordinance’s indemnification provisions in recognition that the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority is a state institution.

Ordinance No. 2017-178 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of East Cary Street, located on the east side of Pear Street between its intersection with East Main Street and its intersection with East Dock Street, consisting of 1,973± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2017-179 To conditionally rezone the property known as 5720 Bliley Road from the R-3 Single-Family Residential District to the R-6C Single-Family Attached Residential District (Conditional), upon certain proffered conditions.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the land use category for the subject property as Single‑Family Low Density. Primary uses for this category are single‑family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre…and include residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses. The density of the parcel if developed as proposed would be approximately 6 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2017-180 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 3801 Seminary Avenue (and alternatively as 1010 West Laburnum Avenue), 3800 Chamberlayne Avenue, and 3802 ½ Chamberlayne Avenue for the purpose of a vocational school accessory to a church, upon certain terms and conditions.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends single family low density land use for 1010 West Laburnum Avenue. This category includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semipublic uses. The Master Plan recommends multi-family medium density land use for 3800 Chamberlayne Avenue and 3802 1/2 Chamberlayne Avenue, a category which also includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semipublic.

Ordinance No. 2017-181 To authorize the special use of the property known as 211 West 11th Street for the purpose of a dwelling unit to be constructed within an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Downtown Plan designates the subject property as being within a General Urban Area, which is “characterized by medium‑density, mixed‑use development a l o n g m e d i u m‑ s i z e d blocks [and includes] single‑family homes, sideyard houses, rowhouses, and small multi‑family buildings, such as duplexes, triplexes, and quads” (p. 3.23). No residential density is specified for this land use designation.

Ordinance No. 2017-182 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2911 Ellwood Avenue and 2917 Ellwood Avenue for the purpose of permitting five singlefamily attached dwellings and one single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s current Master Plan designates a future Continued on next column

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land use category for the subject property as Single-Family (medium density). Primary uses are single-family and two-family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. The density of the parcel if developed as proposed would be approximately 13 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2017-183 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 3000 East Franklin, 3004 East Franklin, and 3006 East Franklin Street for the purpose of three singlefamily attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s current Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Public & Open Space.

Primary uses in this category include publiclyowned and operated parks, recreation areas, open spaces, schools, libraries, cemeteries and other government and public service facilities.

No residential density is specified for this land use category.

Ordinance No. 2017-184 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3005 East Franklin Street for the purpose of allowing one or more multifamily dwellings containing a total of no more than 12 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s current Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single Family Residential at medium densities.

Primary uses for this category are single and two-family detached and attached dwellings at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. The density of the parcel if developed as proposed would be approximately 23 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2017-185 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 305 Plazaview Road and 309 Plazaview Road for the purpose of permitting two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single Family (Low density) land use. Primary uses for this category single-family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre.

The proposed density would be approximately 5 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2017-186 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3200 Utah Place for the purpose of a day nursery for up to 12 children, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends Single-Family Low Density land use for the subject property.

This category includes single-family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre and residential support uses such as churches, parks, and recreational facilities.

Ordinance No. 2017-187 To amend Ord. No. 2014226-207, adopted Nov. 10, 2014, which authorized the special use of the property known as 707 East Main Street for two signs, to permit instead the installation of one new roof sign, upon certain terms and conditions. The Pulse Corridor Plan, a component of the City of Richmond’s Master Plan, designates the property for Downtown Mixed‑Use land use, which features high‑density development with office buildings, apartments, and a mix of complementary uses, including regional destinations.

Ordinance No. 2017-188 To amend Ord. No. 2003374-336, adopted Dec. 8, 2003, which authorized the special use of the property known as 718720 Cleveland Street, to authorize a retail space for the sale of juices and bakery items with a walk up window, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends single‑family medium density land use for the property.

This category includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semipublic uses.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov.com; the Main City Library located at 101 East Franklin Street; and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Jean V. Capel City Clerk

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Divorce

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

the26th day of October, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

Brian Matthew Dimantova III v.

Brian Dimantova II Case No. CL17-2472 The object of this is to notify Brian Matthew Dimantova II of the name change hearing.

It is ORDERED that Brian Matthew Dimantova II appear at the above named court and protect his interests on or before October 6, 2017 at 9am.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BOBBY SMITH., Plaintiff v.

GLENDA SMITH, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17002324-00 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 3rd day of November, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

SHANTORIA HILL, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17002325-00 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 3rd day of November, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

CARSON MARTIN, III, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17001131-00 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 27th day of October, 2017 and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BRYANT WILLIAMS, SR., Plaintiff v.

CATHY WILLIAMS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17001194-00 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 27th day of October, 2017 and protect her interests.

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

MARGARETHA GULLINS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17001515-00 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 27th day of October, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER RAYMOND MCCAULEY, III, Plaintiff v.

LISA MCCAULEY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17002199-00 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 27th day of October, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

JAMARRA BROWN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15003189-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 27th day of October, 2017 and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO MARGARET J. JACOBSON, Plaintiff v.

TED W. JACOBSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17-1760 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce.

WHEREFORE, an affidavit having been filed by the Plaintiff, Margaret J. Jacobson, that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the Defendant, Ted W. Jacobson, it is ORDERED that Ted W. Jacobson appear before this Court on October 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. and protect his interests herein.

An Extract, Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk Mary Ashby Brown, Esq. Friedman Law Firm PC 9401 Courthouse Road Chesterfield, VA 23832 (804) 717-1969 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DAMIEN DUGGER, Plaintiff v.

PREZSHEA BAKER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17001476-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 26th day of October, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

CHANETTELLE LUNDY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17002221-00 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 Continued on next column

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jhony W Ramirez cruz, Mirna elizabeth ramirez cruz v. wilfredo lazo trejo Case No. JJ092677-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to:

(1) Determine custody of Jhony Wilfredo Ramirez Cruz (DOB: 7/21/01), whose mother is Mirna Elizabeth Ramizez Cruz, and whose father is Wilfredo Lazo Trejo (whereabouts unknown), pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3.

(2) To make factual findings that would permit Jhony Wilfredo Ramirez Cruz to apply for special immigrant juvenile status with the United States.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Wilfredo Lazo Trejo appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 15, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re FELIx J Parada castro reina de la paz romero v. jose simon parado vasquez & esther castro romero Case No. JJ092678-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to:

(1) Determine custody of Felix J Parada Castro (DOB: 7/5/01), whose mother is Esther Castro Romero, and whose father is Jose Simon Parada Vasquez, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1241A3.

(2) To make factual findings that would permit Felix J. Parada Castro to apply for special immigrant juvenile status with the United States.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Jose Simon Parada Vasquez appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 15, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Asley m dieguezjurado, lilia angelines jurado espina v. carlos faustino dieguez posada Case No. JJ092082-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Determine custody of Asley Maritza Elizabeth Dieguez-Jurado (DOB: 2/28/01), whose mother is Lilia Angelines Jurado Espina and whose father is Carlos Faustino Dieguez Posada, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3. Father’s last known address was in Jutiapa, Dept of Jutiapa, Guatemala.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Carlos Faustino Dieguez Posada appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 06, 2017 at 12:00 P.M.

virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re JONATHAN ALVARENGA-GARAY File No. JJ094740-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Seek custody of Jonathan Abraham Alvarenga Garay.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Ana Nicolasa Garay Molina, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before 12/07/2017, at 10:20 AM

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

IRENE E. WINFREE aka IRENE WINFREE CARR, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3870 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1210 North 35th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0001273/037, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, IRENE E. WINFREE.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, IRENE E. WINFREE aka IRENE WINFREE CARR, who according to information and belief died on January 25, 1982, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that GWENDY C. SMITH, who according to information and belief, died on August 30, 2007, who may have an ownership interest in said property, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that IRENE E. WINFREE aka IRENE WINFREE CARR, who according to information and belief died on January 25, 1982, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, GWENDY C. SMITH, who according to information and belief, died on August 30, 2007, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

Order of Publication Henrico County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, In re Ashley Beacham (Name change minor)

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

DANE TYLER, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3701 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1307 Minefee, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S007-1134/056, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, DANE TYLER.

An Affidavit having been filed that MCCLELLAN J. BAGBY, Registered Agent for MOTIV8S, INCORPORATED, an entity which may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that MCCLELLAN J. BAGBY, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that ROBERT B. MCENTEE, JR., Trustee for GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC, Successor by Merger to GMAC MORTGAGE C O R P O R AT I O N D B A DITECH.COM, an entity which may be the holder of a Deed of Trust recorded October 14, 2011, at Instrument Number 11-21248, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally

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virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Evelyn rose grau, Children’s Home Society of Virginia v.

Legal Father, John Grau and UNKNOWN BIRTH FATHER File No. J-094672-01-00 AMENDED OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Pursuant to VA Code § 16.1-277.01, Children’s Home Society of Virginia is requesting that the Court terminate the residual parental rights of the legal birth father, John Grau, whose whereabouts are unknown, and of any unknown birth father whose identity and whereabouts are unknown, and transfer custody of the infant, Evelyn Rose Grau, d/o/b 05/28/2017 to the Children’s Home Society of Virginia with the right to place the infant for adoption.

It is ORDERED that the Legal father and any Unknown Birth Father, appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before 11/16/2017, at 9:20 AM, Court Room #4

Richmond Free Press

B7 September 28-30, 2017

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located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that MCCLELLAN J. BAGBY, Registered Agent for MOTIV8S, INCORPORATED, MCCLELLAN J. BAGBY, ROBERT B. MCENTEE, JR., Trustee for GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC, Successor by Merger to GMAC MORTGAGE C O R P O R AT I O N D B A DITECH.COM, an entity which may be the holder of a Deed of Trust recorded October 14, 2011, at Instrument Number 11-21248, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that 2327 GROVE AVENUE, LLC, a defunct Virginia entity, JOHN C. BRAYLEY, who according to information and belief died on March 5, 2015, who may be the holder of a certain Note secured by a Deed of Trust with respect to said property, recorded October 28, 2005 at Instrument Number 05-37734, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, James Michael Golden, Registered Agent for GOLDEN’S CHIMNEY LINING, INC., and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Lillie Virginia Wiley.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, LILLIE VIRGINIA WILEY, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that LILLIE VIRGINIA WILEY and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 19. 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

A. ROSS, DECEASED, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 19. 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

Case No.: CL17-3685 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1428 Oakwood Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0001271/018, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Alberta Blakenly, Mary L. Johnson, Tom Malcolm Quarles, Robert Quarles and Charles Quarles, Jr. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ALBERTA B L A K E N LY, M A RY L .

JOHNSON, TOM MALCOLM QUARLES, ROBERT QUARLES, CHARLES QUARLES, JR., have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that A L B E R TA B L A K E N LY, MARY L. JOHNSON, TOM MALCOLM QUARLES, ROBERT QUARLES, CHARLES QUARLES, JR., and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

Vi r g i n i a C o r p o r a t i o n , A-MASS, INC., James B. Newsome, Registered Agent, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that WILLIE D. JONES, DECEASED, CATHERINE JONES, DECEASED, aka Katherine E. Jones aka Katherine E.J. Neblett, GEORGE W. NEBLETT, DECEASED, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

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

TERENCE A. JONES, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3695 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2300 Hildreth Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0120331/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, TERENCE A. JONES and TERI M. JONES.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, TERENCE A. JONES and TERI M. JONES, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known addresses, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that COLCHESTER HUNT TITLE & ESCROW, INC., A Purged Virginia Entity, Trustee of a certain Note secured by a Credit Line Deed of Trust, with respect to said property, recorded April 22, 1988, at Deed Book 162, page 2240, or its successor/s in title, whose names are unknown, have not been located and have not field a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that TERENCE A. JONES, TERI M. JONES, COLCHESTER HUNT TITLE & ESCROW, INC., A Purged Virginia Entity, Trustee of a certain Note secured by a Credit Line Deed of Trust, with respect to said property, recorded April 22, 1988, at Deed Book 162, page 2240, or its successor/s in title, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

2327 GROVE AVENUE, LLC, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3384 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2327 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number W000-1039/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, 2327 GROVE AVENUE, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, 2327 GROVE AVENUE, LLC, a defunct Virginia entity, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that JOHN C. BRAYLEY, who according to information and belief died on March 5, 2015, who may be the holder of a certain Note secured by a Deed of Trust with respect to said property, recorded October 28, 2005 at Instrument Number 05-37734, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that James Michael Golden, Registered Agent for GOLDEN’S CHIMNEY LINING, INC., which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, Continued on next column

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

HELENA POINDEXTER WITHERS, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3895 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4 East Bacon Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000228/016, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, HELENA POINDEXTER WITHERS.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner HELENA POINDEXTER WITHERS, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that KERI B. CHRISTENSEN, JAMES L. WITHERS, SPRATLEY W. FRAZIER, who may have an ownership interest in said property, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that HELENA POINDEXTER WITHERS, KERI B. CHRISTENSEN, JAMES L. WITHERS, SPRATLEY W. FRAZIER, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

LANGSTON N. DEBERRY, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-4078 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 962 Pink Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0425/016, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Langston N. Deberry.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, LANGSTON N. DEBERRY, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that LANGSTON N. DEBERRY and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 19. 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

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

VIRGINIA MILES, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-4200 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2115 Ford Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map/GPIN# E000-0598/024, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Virginia MIles.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, VIRGINIA MILES has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that VIRGINIA MILES and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

CLAUDE VINCENT LEWIS, SR., et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3621 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2920 Garland Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000889/009, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, CLAUDE VINCENT LEWIS, SR.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, CLAUDE VINCENT LEWIS, SR., who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that CLAUDE VINCENT LEWIS, SR., and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

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

B & J PAVING, INC., et al., Case No.: CL17-3605 Defendants.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3516 Belt Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number C009-0692/022, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, B & J PAVING, INC.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, B & J PAVING, INC., A Terminated Virginia Corporation, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that B & J PAVING, INC., A Terminated Virginia Corporation, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before NOVEMBER 24, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

ROBERT L. SNOW, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3127 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2708 Selden Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E012-0292/009, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Marilyn B. Snow.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ROBERT L. SNOW, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that ROBERT L. SNOW and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 19. 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

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

LILLIE VIRGINIA WILEY, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-4080 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 964 Pink Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0425/015,

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

ERIC L. BURRELL, et al.

Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3619 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3121 Cliff Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N000-1044/025, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, ERIC L. BURRELL.

An Affidavit having been filed that that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with

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

PERCY R. WILSON, et al.

Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3385 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 701 3rd Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000419/009, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Percy R. Wilson and Sylvia A. Ross.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, PERCY R. WILSON, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, SYLVIA A. ROSS, DECEASED, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that PERCY R. WILSON, SYLVIA

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

JAMES WILLIAM SANFORD, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3259 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2216 Royall Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0071581/002, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, James William Sanford.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JAMES WILLIAM SANFORD, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his/her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that JAMES WILLIAM SANFORD and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 19. 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

CHURCH HILL PROPERTIES, LC, A purged Virginia Entity, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-2549 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3214 2nd Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0001070/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Church Hill Properties LC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, CHURCH HILL PROPERTIES, LC, A purged Virginia Entity, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that WALTER L. HOOKER, P.C., A Terminated Virginia Entity, Substitute Trustee, of a certain Note secured by a Deed of Trust, with respect to said property, recorded June 22, 2006, in Instrument Number 06-20975, or its successor/s in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that ROSTORMEL FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC, A Delaware Limited Liability Company for which the Authority to Transact Business in the Commonwealth of Virginia has been Cancelled, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that CHURCH HILL PROPERTIES, LC, A purged Virginia Entity, WALTER L. HOOKER, P.C., A Terminated Virginia Entity, Substitute Trustee, of a certain Note secured by a Deed of Trust, with respect to said property, recorded June 22, 2006, in Instrument Number 06-20975, or its successor/s in title, ROSTORMEL FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC, A Delaware Limited Liability Company for which the Authority to Transact Business in the Commonwealth of Virginia has been Cancelled, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 19. 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

ALBERTA BLAKENLY, et al., Defendants.

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

A-MASS, INC., A Purged Virginia Corporation, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3262 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2110 aka 2112 Redd Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0665/033, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, A-MASS, INC.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, A-MASS, INC, A Purged Virginia Corporation, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, that A-MASS, INC., James B. Newsome, Registered Agent, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that A-MASS, INC, A Purged Continued on next column

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

IRVING R. WINFREE, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-3994 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3505 Garland Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0160159/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Irving R. Winfree.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, IRVING R. WINFREE, has not been located and/or has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that IRVING R. WINFREE and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before OCTOBER 19. 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

WILLIE D. JONES, DECEASED, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-2854 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2922 P Street Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000569/020, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Willie D. Jones and Catherine Jones.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, WILLIE D. JONES, DECEASED and CATHERINE JONES, DECEASED, aka Katherine E. Jones aka Katherine E.J. Neblett, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that GEORGE W. NEBLETT, DECEASED, Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING LONNIE TURNAGE, CHARLES WYNN, SR., JONNELL LILLY, ERNESTINE TOWNES, KEVETTE ELLIOTT TRUSTEES OF ST. JOHN’S UNITED HOLY CHURCH, Plaintiff v.

KENYA BURRELL, TRACEY BURRELL GALLOWAY, JAMES BURRELL, MARVA BURRELL, SHANEISE WILLIAMS, UNKNOWN HEIRS Defendants Case Number CL17-4042-3 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object and purpose of this suit is to permit Plaintiff, Lonnie Turnage, Charles Wynn, Sr., Jonnell Lilly, Ernestine Townes, and Kevette Elliott, Trustees of St. John’s United Holy Church, to purchase the remaining interests outstanding of the real property described as 1517 North 28th Street, Richmond, Virginia, of which Plaintiff currently owns the majority interests.

An affidavit having been made and signed that due diligence has been used by or on behalf of Plaintiff to ascertain in what city or county and at what addresses the Defendants, Kenya Burrell, Tracey Burrell Galloway, James Burrell, Marva Burrell, Shaneise Williams and any Unknown Heirs dwell and the identity of any Unknown Heirs, if any, without effect, it is hereby ORDERED that Kenya Burrell, Tracey Burrell, Galloway, James Burrell, Marva Burrell, Shaneise Williams and any Unknown Heirs appear on the return date of October 30, 2017 at 9:00 AM and do whatever is necessary to protect their interest in said land.

An Extract, Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Kevette B. Elliott, Esq. The Elliott Law Office 5012 Monument Ave, Ste 201 Richmond, VA 23230 804-355-4688 phone 804-355-5355 fax attykbe@gmail.com

NOTICE OF INVITATION TO BID Sealed, lump-sum bids are invited for: Demolition & Site Clearing of homes at 1307, 1313, and 1321 N 27th St. in the Church Hill neighborhood. This is a HUD funded project; Section 3 businesses and/or businesses that employ Section 3 residents are encouraged to respond. Contact Phil Cunningham, Richmond Affordable Housing, an affiliate of Better Housing Coaltion, at (804) 644-0546 x 135 to obtain Bidding Documents and Specifications.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: University Leased Aircraft Maintenance and Repair To view a copy of RFP # HH091917 go to Procurement Services Site: http://www.procurement. virginia.edu/main/publicpostings/RFP.html, or email pur-rfp@virginia.edu

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: Course Evaluation Software To view a copy of RFP # LP091917 go to Procurement Services Site: http://www.procurement. virginia.edu/main/ publicpostings/RFP.html, or email pur-rfp@virginia.edu

To advertise in the

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: Chauffeured Ground Transportation Services To view a copy of RFP # KC092217 go to Procurement Services Site: http://www.procurement. virginia.edu/main/ publicpostings/RFP.html, or email pur-rfp@virginia.edu

Richmond Free Press call 644-0496

Richmond Free Press

B8 September 28-30, 2017

Sports Plus Stories by Fred Jeter Players with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills take a knee during the playing of the national anthem before last Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos in New York. Right, Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith, center, and bronze medalist John Carlos raise their fist with the symbolic “Black Power” sign during their medal ceremony at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City after winning in the 200-meter track event. Like Mr. Smith and Mr. Carlos, Peter Norman, the silver medalist from Australia, wears a badge showing support for the Olympic Project for Human Rights.

Trump creates firestorm over athletes’ taking a knee Jeffrey T. Barnes/Associated Press

President Trump seems to have too little to do.

Amid the damage from two hurricanes, a verbal feud with a nuclear North Korea and a host of other issues ranging from health care to tax reform, the president has triggered a spat with athletes in the nation’s most popular pro sports leagues, the NFL and the NBA. And he’s not getting much respect — at least from the athletes he spent the weekend savaging — for triggering a fresh debate over race, justice and free speech.

The spat began last Friday at a political rally in Alabama, where the president raged to an overwhelming white conservative crowd that any NFL player taking a knee in protest during the national anthem was an S.O.B. who should be fired.

“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now ... He is fired,’ ” President Trump said at the rally for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Luther Strange of Alabama.

By Sunday, President Trump doubled down, saying through Twitter, “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast.”

In a second tweet, he wrote that the “league should back” fans who are upset about the protests.

The president’s remarks touched off protests by dozens of NFL players, coaches and even some owners at games on Sunday and Monday, along with criticism from many corners of the sports world.

There were scenes of players kneeling with arms locked on the field and of teams staying in locker rooms during the playing of national anthem. The reaction also included an array of disapproving comments, including from NFL owners who know President Trump and had generously supported his 2016 presidential campaign.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell rejected the president’s remarks as “divisive” and showing “an unfortunate lack of re-

spect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players.”

“The childishness, the gratuitous fearmongering and race baiting has become so consistent that we almost expect it, the bar has been lowered so far,” Gregg Popovich, head coach of the San Antonio Spurs basketball team, told reporters in summing up a widespread view.

Colin The president piled on by rescinding Kaepernick the customary White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors, the NBA champions, after their top star, Steph Curry, said he would not attend.

President Trump’s action drew scorn from the likes of LeBron James, regarded as the world’s best basketball player. Hitting back at the president’s slew of comments on pro athletes from the NFL and NBA, Mr. James said, “The people run the country, not one individual, and damn sure not him.”

Mr. James, a player for the Cleveland Cavaliers who has visited the White House in the past after winning an NBA championship, also told reporters that “going to the White House was a great honor until” President Trump took office.

A new poll suggests President Trump and his caustic scolding of athletes — many of whom are African-American — does not sit will with a majority of Americans, including sports fans.

The poll found 57 percent of adults, including sports fans who watch NFL games, do not support the president’s call for protesting players to be fired.

Several political analysts suggested President Trump’s latest actions were designed as a diversion. He has a record of targeting racial and cultural divisions to distract from his policy agenda or from problems he’d prefer the news media not cover.

His weekend tweets drew attention away from a flagging effort

by Senate Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, which would have hurt millions of people.

Whatever the reason, the president spurred a renewal of interest

File photo/Associated Press

in athletes’ protests, which New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker described as “a noble tradition” involving such notable figures as the late boxing great Muhammad Ali, who opposed the draft during the Vietnam War. It also called up remembrances of Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos who raised their fists in the day’s black power salute as the national anthem was played Muhammad during their medal ceremony at the 1968 Ali Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

The latest burst of protests goes back to 2016, when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick stirred a national debate after refusing to stand during pre-game renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Instead, Mr. Kaepernick dropped to one knee to protest against police violence against African-Americans.

Mr. Kaepernick, who is now a free agent, has not been signed to a team this season.

Benjamin T. Jealous, former president of the national NAACP and now running for governor of Maryland as a Democrat, said the president’s attacks had forced a more forthright reckoning of the rights of athletes to speak their minds.

“He ultimately challenged each of us to stand up and be very clear about what our flag stands for and what we believe,” Mr. Jealous said.

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. said President Trump effectively challenged athletes of all races to protest.

“They should all kneel, not against the flag, but against the interference by Mr. Trump with their First Amendment rights,” Rev. Jackson said, urging players not to underestimate their power.

Admired athletes like Mr. Curry and Mr. James can take on the president through their vast audience of followers on personal social media sites. Unlike sports media figures of the past, they can communicate with hundreds of thousands of people directly, bypassing team owners and the media.

Stanton slugging it all the way to the bank

Giancarlo Stanton is Major League with the Paris (France) Saint-Germain Baseball’s top slugger. He also claims club of Europe’s Ligue 1. Neymar’s No. 1 status going to the bank. contract runs 2017 to 2022.

The Miami Marlins’ mountainThe list of top long-term salaries is ous right fielder had 57 home runs dominated by baseball players, largely through Saturday, Sept. 23, and was because of their lengthier careers. The bidding to be just the sixth man in physical grind on a baseball player history to enter the exclusive club of isn’t quite as arduous as in football, players with 60 or more home runs basketball or hockey.

Giancarlo in a single season.

The top salary among basketball Stanton The season ends Sunday, Oct. 1. players is James Harden’s $228 milIf you’re more into dollar signs than statistics lion agreement with the NBA Houston Rockets from the diamond, Stanton is in the fourth year for 2017 to 2023. Harden’s salary is eighth of a head-spinning, record contract awarding overall. him $325 million over 13 seasons — 2014 Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck through 2027. is No. 1 in total salary among football players, It is the most ever guaranteed any athlete in but just 43rd overall. Luck is working on a a team sport, breaking the mark of $275 million $139.1 million deal for 2016 through 2022.

— the salary awarded by the New York Yankees At 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, Stanton looks to Alex Rodriguez for 2008 through 2017. Ro- like he could play football and basketball, and driguez retired during the 2016 season. he did at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Among active athletes, the next highest paid Oaks, Calif. He passed on numerous baseball athlete behind Stanton is Brazilian soccer sensa- scholarships and football offers from the likes of tion Neymar, who signed a $270 million pact UCLA and the University of Southern California

to pursue pro baseball.

In 2007, he was the Marlins’ second round pick. He made his big league debut in Miami in 2010.

Born in Panorama City, Calif., his full name is Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton. He went by Mike and Mikey earlier in his career before asking to be called Giancarlo. He considers himself “Afro Puerto Rican American” and Irish. The Puerto Rican comes from his mother’s side of the family.

Clearly he is among the top attractions in the game and is well compensated for his entertainment value. Broken down, the right-handed powerhouse makes about $154,000 per game and some $31,000 per time at bat.

Few fans dare to leave their seats to buy popcorn when Stanton is headed to the plate.

There is always the expectation that something other worldly is about to happen. At age 27, he is a four-time, National League All-Star with 265 career homers entering this week.

With good health, which is never a certainty, he eventually could challenge Barry Bonds’

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GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

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

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

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Homer heaven Here is the short list of sluggers with at least 60 home runs in a single Major League Baseball season: 73 – Barry Bonds, San Francisco, 2001 70 – Mark McGwire, St. Louis, 1998 66 – Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs, 1998 65 – Mark McGwire, St. Louis, 1999 64 – Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs, 2001 63 – Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs, 1999 61 – Roger Maris, New York Yankees, 1961 60 – Babe Ruth, New York Yankees, 1927

career home run record of 762 set between 1986 and 2001. That would require Stanton to average around 50 per season for the next 10 years, a far-fetched goal for the masses, but realistic for someone of Stanton’s rare talents.

Stanton’s home runs take off more like dimpled golf balls than stitched horsehides. Of the 20 fastest exit speeds recorded this year, he owns eight of them.

His fastest exit speed has been 118.7 mph. His 56th homer on Sept. 19 against the New York Mets was clocked at 116.7 mph leaving the bat.

Stanton averages a home run about every 10 official at-bats, not counting walks.

New York Yankees rookie Aaron Judge — the American League home run leader with 48 — is the other headliner dominating the exit speed statistics.

Stanton’s prodigious home run totals — and distances they travel — have not been stained by any links to performance enhancing drugs.

Between hot dogs and beers, the legendary Babe Ruth stroked 60 homers for the Yankees in 1927. The Babe’s mark held until another Yankee, Roger Maris, belted 61 homers in 1961, the same year the season was lengthened from 154 to 162 games.

All other 60-plus home runs were bunched together by three men — Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa — between 1998 and 2001, generally known as baseball’s “steroid era.” As a result of suspicions, all three have so far been passed over for Hall of Fame entry.

Official drug testing did not begin until spring training in 2003. Until then, muscle-building drugs were frowned upon but not technically banned.

No one has brought forward any evidence linking Stanton to steroids. All he’s guilty of is swatting balls out of sight, and banging on the door of the 60-plus club.