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VOL. 62, NO. 25 APRIL 21, 2021

A MSA board member hands out meals to students observing Ramadan. Photo by Enza Marcy

VCU students observe Ramadan despite new dining, COVID-19 limits SAHARA SRIRAMAN Contributing Writer

Richmond community reacts to Derek Chauvin guilty verdict People gathered outside Marcus-David Peters Circle on Tuesday night, shortly after former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Photo by Enza Marcy IMAN MEKONEN Managing Editor KATHARINE DEROSA News Editor EMMA CARLSON Contributing Writer

ormer Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three charges for the murder of George Floyd in a verdict decided Tuesday afternoon. Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed in May after Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck in a video that lasted nine minutes and 29 seconds. Chauvin has been convicted of second- and third-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter. Floyd’s murder set off worldwide Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality last summer, including those in Richmond. Derrick Lopez, an active member of BLM RVA, attended the “Stand Up and Fight Back” protest in Monroe Park on April 14 that was met with a heavy police response. The protest was over the police killing of 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Although optimistic about the trial’s outcome, Lopez was conflicted on whether justice has been served.

“Of course it’s an amazing outcome, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Lopez said. Chauvin’s trial, which began on March 8, saw a number of witnesses, including bystanders and members of Floyd’s family. Chauvin exercised his Fifth Amendment right to not testify in the trial.

RVA organized the celebration. The grassy area surrounding the Robert E. Lee monument was named after VCU alumnus Marcus-David Peters by community members during protests over Floyd’s killing. In 2018, Peters was shot and killed by a Richmond police officer on Interstate 95. Peters’ family said he was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of his death. The officer who shot him, Michael Nyantakyi, was cleared of criminal charges, according to an article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. While the trial of Founder of BLM RVA Lawrence West Derek Chauvin has the talked to local attendees at the event, throwing a football and urging community support. attention of the entire “Right now, we are in a community space: nation at this moment, the Marcus-David Peters Circle,” West said. we must remind “That was a community space before they put the 10-foot fence up. Shine a light on ourselves that carceral community spaces, and bring light to the punishment is not and fact that peaceful protests are happening all will never be justice.” around you, and stop looking the other way, but get involved.” VCU Student BLM RVA has been at the circle every Government Association day since last May, West said. They gather The 12-person jury came to the unani- at the circle from 10 a.m. until sundown, mous decision on Tuesday. regardless of the fence that encloses the Richmonders gathered at Marcus-Da- monument. West said he’s grateful for the vid Peters Circle on April 20 in a celebra- community’s continued support. tory mood with loud music and free pizza over the verdict of former office Derek Chauvin’s trial. Local activist group BLM See DEREK CHAUVIN on page 3

Steaming samosas with a spicy filling, community prayers and close gatherings with loved ones are common elements observed during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The COVID-19 pandemic and limited on-campus dining hours have made it difficult for VCU students to observe the month normally. “I think it’s different for a lot of people; we all have different types of families or like different types of friends as well,” Fatima Malik, a junior political science major, said. “But, I think this year it’s been more boring and lonely.” Ramadan is the holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection observed by Muslims, lasting from midApril to mid-May this year. Muslims who observe fast every day for this month from sunrise to sunset. The meals eaten during the month are suhoor, eaten before fasting begins at dawn, and iftar, eaten after sunset to break the fast. Malik said this is the first time she’ll be spending the entirety of Ramadan on campus. She said it’ll be difficult not being surrounded by other people who are also fasting. Malik is living in her own apartment, praying and preparing her morning suhoor and evening iftar meals alone. However, she said during her freshman year, when she was required to have a meal plan, she did not find places on campus that were open for her suhoor meal, which is typically eaten around 3 a.m. She said she thinks VCU could be doing more to accommodate their Muslim students, like designating a place where students can go to start and break their fast. See RAMADAN on page 2

Richmond environmental groups seek to address greenery gaps in minority neighborhoods See TREES on page 7

Arbor Day RVA volunteers distributed free trees to Richmond residents last November. Photo courtesy of Daniel Klein

The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

national: A 15-year-old Black teenager was shot and killed in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday afternoon. international: Johnson & Johnson vaccine will resume rollout in Europe after a brief pause due to rare blood clots in six women. RAMADAN Continued from front page She said this year has been lonely because she’s unable to meet with friends or attend meetings with VCU’s Muslim Student Association due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s unable to do traditional activities like going to mosques to pray and restaurants to break her fasts. “I’m out of touch with a lot of other Muslims, like we don’t have shared experiences like that anymore,” Malik said. Malik said she would like professors to be more accommodating for students who are fasting because it can be draining. In her experience, professors haven’t made an effort to ease the workload with assignments, especially during finals week. “Professors are kind of asking for a lot, like I have four papers to do and it’s kind of hard to do all that while I’m fasting because my head’s just not there,” Malik said. Junior health, physical education and exercise sciences student Sameeha Khalil has observed Ramadan every year at VCU. She said she has difficulty as well keeping up with school during Ramadan because of her various responsibilities. “Fasting throughout the day can be hard to study while not being able to eat,” Khalil said. “Like, you can get tired easily or not be able to concentrate.” Khalil said that she’s not aware of any accommodations in general made by VCU for Ramadan. The university has a prayer room in the University Student Commons, which Khalil said she’s utilized in the past for taraweeh, nightly communal prayers performed after the last daily prayer, Isha.

If there wasn’t COVID, I’m pretty sure we would be more busy and there would be way more students coming.”

VCU students observe Ramadan despite new dining, COVID-19 limits VCU student Daioa Al-Kaaby works a table delivering meals from local Richmond restaurant Kokonut Grill to other VCU students during Ramadan. Student Ameenah Habib picks up her order from the tabling event. Photo by Enza Marcy

at students’ convenience.” Good Uncle, a food delivery service that drops high-quality food off to students who order on campus, is available at Market 810, AVO Kitchen and the P.O.D. Market. Hours of operation for all VCU dining Ismail Shahzada, MSA secretary locations are updated as they change, along with special resources for each location, Anna Obermiller, a VCU spokesperson, Obermiller said. No locations are currently said VCUDine extended hours for three open past 11 p.m. locations last week and will continue to Obermiller did not state whether VCUextend Shake Smart’s hours until May 5. Dine has made modifications to accommoShake Smart is located in Shafer Court date students observing Ramadan. Dining Center. Khalil said she’s been able to observe She said to-go meals are offered at all Ramadan thanks to the MSA, which proVCUDine locations that can be “heated vides iftar meals for students. Khalil said

she’s never broken her fast at any of VCU’s dining locations. Ismail Shahzada, secretary of MSA at VCU, said he is in charge of the group’s daily efforts to distribute iftar to Muslim students. He said all students observing get a daily email with a form where they can place their name to receive a prepackaged iftar from restaurants such as Noorani Kabab House and Kokonut Grill. The group is able to distribute just 20 meals every evening outside the commons using its own funding. “If there wasn’t COVID, I’m pretty sure we would be more busy and there would be way more students coming,” Shahzada said. Shahzada said because of the organization’s

VCU’s Muslim Student Association provides iftar meals for students who are fasting during the month of Ramadan. Students Muhammad Uzai and Syed Ali Qasim pick up their order from the tabling event. Photos by Enza Marcy

limited funding, it can provide students with only iftar and not suhoor. Sophomore biology student Yumna Rahman said she wishes VCU would set up a special meal plan for students observing Ramadan that provides them with meals around their schedules. She said she believes VCU doesn’t provide students with pre-fasting meals because they’re so early; this is especially difficult for freshmen with meal plans. If students have an exam scheduled while they’re fasting, Rahman said, VCU should allow them to take it earlier or later in the day when they’re not fasting and have more of an ability to concentrate. “That would be really great if VCU could actively enforce some kind of policy that makes it more accommodating,” Rahman said. “Right now, there’s really nothing they’re doing, it’s just we’re working around it ourselves.” She said she doesn’t think she’ll have time to do all her five daily prayers because of school. This year, though, has been easier for her to pray in her dorm. Rahman said she has learned to become more mindful of how she spends her time while observing Ramadan. Although she might feel inclined to take a nap because of how drained she feels from fasting, she has to keep up with classes. “I either have productive hours where I can get everything done or I have times in the day when I’m totally drained and it’s physically not possible to be productive then,” Rahman said.

Wed. April 21, 2021

DEREK CHAUVIN

A candle burns next to homemade signs around Marcus-David Peters Circle as a small crowd gathers in remembrance of George Floyd on April 20. Photo by Enza Marcy Continued from front page He urges all members of Richmond to speak up in the face of injustice — not just with head nods and waves — but with the energy of “a soccer mom.” West said that while Chauvin was convicted as an individual, the Minneapolis Police Department, as well as police departments across the nation, need to be held accountable. “The Minneapolis police disassociated themselves with Chauvin,” West said. “It was the conviction of an individual, not the police department.” Chauvin’s conviction allows the murder of Floyd to fall under the police’s “bad apple” excuse instead of creating police reform, West said. Other people at Tuesday’s event expressed feelings of hope regarding Chauvin’s verdict. Phuong Tran, a local resident, felt that today was “just the beginning.” She said elected officials need to be present in the community, and the community must hold those officials accountable. “They need to listen, and they need to

Richmond community reacts to Derek Chauvin guilty verdict

act. Because a lot of the time, I feel like it’s so performative,” Tran said. “There is a little calm and everyone celebrates, and then another person is going to die somewhere in America. It’s not OK. It’s not normal.” Local resident Megan Rickman-Blackwood also attended the event. She said BLM RVA has been bringing daily awareness to injustices faced by Black and brown people. Rickman-Blackwood said she has been protesting since the summer and met Floyd’s family when they visited Richmond in July. There was a hologram presentation designed by Kaleida Hologram Co. held at the circle in memory of Floyd, according to previous reporting from The Commonwealth Times. Blackwood said her heart went out to Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, when he testified during Chauvin’s trial. On Tuesday, she offered free hugs to anyone who needed one.

Honors College returns to residence hall one year after abrupt transformation EMMA CARLSON Contributing Writer

More than one year after workers removed student belongings from the Honors College to prepare the building for potential incoming COVID-19 patients, the building is returning to its regular use as a residence hall for incoming freshmen. Hospital beds placed in the dormitory were removed on April 7. VCU Residential Life and Housing confirmed the Honors College will return to a residence hall for the fall semester. The VCU Health System requested the Honors College as an additional space for low-acuity COVID-19 patients in case of unexpected surges within the VCU and Richmond communities, VCU Division of Student Affairs spokesperson Matt Lovisa said. Sophomore biology major Sri Chirumamilla was living in the Honors College when VCU shut down after spring break due to COVID-19 concerns. She said she was frustrated at how the university did not inform students of the building’s upcoming emergency use. “If we were told to move all of our stuff out, then I definitely would have,”

Chirumamilla said. “I wouldn’t have had a problem with that. The fact is that we weren’t informed this was happening.” Chirumamilla said she was dissatisfied with how VCU inventoried students’ items. She has friends who lost personal items, such as gifts and toiletries, and she was led to a corner in a warehouse to retrieve whichever fridge she thought was hers, she said. Some students living in the Honors College were first informed of the removal of their items through a Facebook video posted by a VCU employee, showing footage of students’ items being removed and inventoried, according to a previous article from The Commonwealth Times. VCU did not release an official statement until the next day on March 26. Sophomore psychology major Rohan Arora was also living in the Honors College during this time. “We saw a video that went viral showing that our belongings were being taken and then boxed and then labeled, but there was not any communication to the people who lived there,” Arora said. Lovisa said the Honors College was used briefly last August to house two VCU

“I wanted to come out and be in this space and also offer my love and support,” Blackwood said. VCU’s Student Government Association released a statement Tuesday night after the verdict was announced, acknowledging the disturbing events that occurred during Floyd’s murder. “While the trial of Derek Chauvin has the attention of the entire nation at this moment, we must remind ourselves that carceral punishment is not and will never be justice,” SGA stated. SGA stated that protesters are often arrested, peaceful or not. President Taylor Maloney was arrested by Richmond police over the summer for trespassing, along with 16 other individuals on July 27 near Monroe Park. “Justice too long delayed is justice denied, and if we have learned anything from our history, it is that freedom is never

voluntarily given by our oppressors,” the SGA release stated. Mayor Levar Stoney addressed Chauvin’s verdict in a statement, saying he stands with all Richmonders. “However you decide to express your feelings as a result of this decision, I ask that you do so peacefully, safely and with respect for your neighbors and all who call this city home,” Stoney stated. Gov. Ralph Northam stated in a Tuesday release that he prays the verdict can bring comfort to Floyd’s family and loved ones. “The life of George Floyd matters,” Northam stated. “He should still be alive today, and no courtroom decision can bring him back.” Northam said that although no courtroom decision can bring George Floyd back, the decision is an important step toward justice for the entire country. “May we honor his legacy by continuing on this march towards justice and meaningful change,” Northam stated. “We have a lot of work ahead.”

“It is disrespectful to the undergraduate people that are paying tuition,” Arora said. “It is disappointing.” Ne i t h e r A ro r a n o r Chirumamilla blamed VCU for ultimately not needing to use the Honors College as additional isolation space but would have liked more communication from the school before their belongings were removed. “A brief email wouldn’t have been hard,” Arora said. Lovisa stated in an email that it is the university’s responsibility to relay this information to students. “Our communication Workers use a forklift to remove hospital beds from the wasn’t as timely as it needed Honors College. Photo by Chris Muth to be,” Lovisa stated. “It is always our intention to prostudents for less than 48 hours, both testing vide the most accurate information and to negative for COVID-19. create a streamlined process for our students, Gladding Residence Center III, typi- parents and families. We are deeply sorry.” cally a freshman residence hall with suite Arora considers VCU’s actions disrestyle dorms, is the sole isolation unit on spectful toward students living on campus campus for students who test positive or who pay similar if not greater costs to those display symptoms of COVID-19. The hall living off campus in order to participate in will be the only isolation and quarantine campus life. space on campus as it allows for proper “VCU as a whole made the Honors Colsocial distancing in a safe environment, lege for that community feel, yet they don’t Lovisa said. treat their students like members of the Arora also has friends who lost person- community, and they aren’t effective comal belongings in the temporary Honors municators,” Arora said. College conversion.

The Commonwealth Times

Students contemplate housing options SELNA SHI Contributing Writer IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN: VCU students are looking for places to live next year. Olivia Carlton, a freshman living in Brandt Hall, is planning to live on campus in Ackell Hall next year. “COVID prevented many social interactions in the dorms this year,” Carlton said. “So I want to live on campus again for a more normal dorm experience and also to be around other VCU students.” The second wave for filling out the upper-

classman housing application opened April 5 and closes toward the end of June on a rolling basis. The first wave of applications that opened in February was for returning on-campus students. The second wave is open for transfers, returning students who missed the first wave and VCU students who want to live on campus next year. Students are required to fill out two housing options on the application. There is a $250 deposit fee, however, returning students who have previously lived on campus are able to waive the fee. On-campus options for upperclassmen in-

Proposed budget features new meal plan, increased dining prices VCU’s proposed budget for 2021-22 features a new dining plan with unlimited meal swipes and an increase in current meal plan prices. The proposed new meal plan features unlimited swipes, meaning a student would have unfettered access to Market 810 and other swipe exchanges. The plan would either cost $2,910 or $2,952 for the semester. VCU is unable to provide further details as nothing has been approved for the upcoming year, university spokesperson Anna Obermiller stated in an email. “An All-Access Plan could be popular for those who would like to eat beyond the typical 3 times a day and spread their meals out into smaller meals throughout the day,” Obermiller stated. The proposed budget is available on the Office of the President’s website. The Board of Visitors will vote on the budget on May 14 during its meeting. Anyone can provide feedback through the open comment portal. Freshman international studies major Gabrielle Dietrich has a gluten intolerance and finds it hard to eat on her current VCU meal plan. She said she currently has more than 100 swipes remaining with less than a month left in the semester. “The amount I have now is basically unlimited to me since I know I won’t use them,” Dietrich said. Dietrich said she believes some people would benefit from an all-access plan, particularly those who go to the dining hall multiple times a day, or for those who have larger appetites. Students who live on campus are required to purchase one of VCU’s recommended meal plans. The proposed increase in meal plan prices would increase the default dining plan for students, 200 swipes and $225

dining dollars, by $91 or $119. Swipes are currently valued at $10.05 according to VCUDine. The proposed price increase is equivalent to between nine and 11 swipes. Increasing the cost of dining plans is done to offset the program’s expenses, Obermiller stated. Freshman communication arts major Hannah Minnix is Dietrich’s roommate. The two are moving into an on-campus apartment next year. “The pricing of meal plans is probably why we won’t have a very high meal plan,” Minnix said. Minnix called the proposed increase in meal plan prices “ridiculous.” She pointed out how allergies limit people from eating at specific locations, such as Panda Express and Raising Cane’s. “You’re paying more to limit what you can eat,” Minnix said. The True Balance station at Avo Kitchen offers food free of the top eight allergens. Food there is available to all students and encouraged for those who are allergen-conscious. The University of Richmond, located about five miles west of VCU, requires residential students without kitchen access to purchase its unlimited swipe plan. The Spider Unlimited costs $3,700.00 per semester and the Spider Plus Unlimited costs $4,025.00 per semester. Meal plan holders can only use meal swipes and dining dollars on themselves, according to the university’s meal plan policies. VCU has not yet made decisions on the specific parameters an unlimited swipe plan would have, as students can currently swipe other students who have completed their entry pass into the dining hall. Students will receive a survey this week that will help determine dining locations for the next year. Decisions should be finalized in the coming months, Obermiller stated.

KATHARINE DEROSA News Editor

clude Ackell, Broad and Belvidere, Cary and Gladding Residence Center. Belvidere, Grace and Broad, West Grace South The Marshall Townhomes currently only and West Grace North. All upperclassman leases one and four-bedroom units, with prichousing options offer 12-month leases, except ing typically running between $525 to $735 Cary and Belvidere and West Grace South, per month, depending on the type of unit and which provide nine-month leases. Ackell, Cary the floor plan. and Belvidere, West Grace North, West Grace The off-campus website also provides reSouth, and Broad and Belvidere offer two to sources and information for first-time renters four-bedroom units. on signing leases, budgeting and putting down According to VCU’s 2021-22 upper- deposits. There is also a link on the website for classman housing rates website, the price for students who are seeking roommates. two-bedroom units range between $8,030 “Students planning to live off-campus and $10,537; for four bedrooms, the price is should take advantage of Off-Campus Student between $8,290 and $9,148; and for three bed- Services Leasing Workshops held Mondays rooms the price is $9,524. If a student wants at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays at 8 p.m,” Lovisa said. to live alone, Broad and Belvidere and West “These Zoom seminars teach first time renters Grace North offer one-bedroom units with the steps associated with leasing.” the price of $11,776. Hasenfus said he found his future roomVCU’s Student Affairs Director of Com- mates through meeting people in dorms, but munications Matthew Lovisa estimated there Carlton went random for her on-campus will be around 6,000 students living on cam- roommate selection. pus in the upcoming school year. Virtual tours Many students look for roommates on the of residence halls are available at housing.vcu. VCU off-campus Facebook group or on the edu/#virtualtour, Lovisa said. VCU subreddit. Unlike Carlton, Lucas Hasenfus, a freshSophia Bower, a freshman currently livman currently living in Brandt Hall, is moving ing in Brandt Hall, is planning on living in a into an off-campus apartment. five-bedroom, off-campus residence next year. “Living in the dorms is fun, but it also “I’m going to live with my current roomcomes with disadvantages like specific rules,” mate and suitemate next year and we also met Hasenfus said. “Living off campus will give these two girls through social media,” Bower me the feel of adulthood, responsibility and said. “We are currently still trying to find housfreedom.” ing though.” VCU has an off-campus website with recommended housing options close to Monroe Park campus, such as The Square, Marshall Park Townhomes and Pine Court Apartments. The Square is located above Panda Express on West Grace Street, Marshall Park Townhomes is behind the Broad and Belvidere Student apartments at Cary and Belvidere are located on-campus housing, and Pine just steps away from Monroe Park and VCU academic Court Apartments is behind buildings. Photo by Lily Doshi

Doors open Friday - Sunday. Minds open every day. Visit us Friday - Sunday from 10 - 6. Admission is always free. Everyone is welcome. Located at Broad + Belvidere | icavcu.org

Students wait for their food at Laurel & Grace Place, where meal plan options Raising Cane’s, Bento Sushi and Twisted Taco are located, on April 15. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore ICA Spring Ad_Commonnwealth Times_4.9x9_2021.indd 1

4/19/21 6:23 PM

Wed. April 21, 2021

Stat of the week

VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin expects a full capacity crowd for next season at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.

Coulaud brings new energy to men’s tennis KAITLYN FULMORE Contributing Writer

Coulaud partially attributes his success in tennis to his left-handedness. Only 10% of tennis players are left-handed, according EFORE EVERY MATCH AT THE CENTER OF to the United States Tennis Association, the huddle, Quentin Coulaud leads the making Coulaud an uncommon opponent. men’s tennis team with a cheer he wrote “I don’t think I would have reached this called “The Chant.” level if I wasn’t lefty. It gives me the advanAfter discovering the team had no set tage for some angles and some serves,” Coucheer before matches, Coulaud led the laud said. “I basically have a little advaneffort to create a new pregame tradition tage because it is not as common, so people for the Rams. are not used to it.” “I’m really used to cheering and screamAt six years old, Coulaud picked up ing for others,” Coulaud said. “It felt like I his first tennis racket. Both of his parneeded to bring something new, so I wrote ents played tennis and he tried to imitate that with some of my teammates. It just them, Coulaud said. happened naturally.” “I won one tournament when I was a “We bleed black, we bleed gold,” the kid,” Coulaud said. “I was like ‘this is fun, cheer goes. “We are the Rams. VCU. VCU.” I like to compete, I like to win, so let’s see Since transferring to VCU from Georgia where it goes.’” State this past fall, the fifth-year senior has The Saint-Brieuc, France, native probrought a new form of energy to the team. ceeded to play for different clubs in his “He is very electric,” coach Anthony home country before moving to the Rossi said. “That definitely helps us when United States to play Division I tennis we’re a little bit down at practice or even at Georgia State. in the matches — he’s always boosting During his four seasons at Georgia State, everyone around.” Coulaud moved from the No. 4 singles poCoulaud currently has an 8-6 record in sition to the No. 1 singles position, facing singles and a 8-8 record in doubles with his more challenging players each year. His partner, junior Charles Bertimon. freshman year, the team won the Sun Belt “He has a very strong character, but he’s Conference championship. Coulaud earned really fun,” Bertimon said. “I like the energy Sun Belt Player of the Week in March 2020 he puts on the court, I can use it as fuel.” before the season was cut short due to the Coulaud started the season strong, COVID-19 pandemic. going undefeated until playing against However, Coulaud said he wanted Arizona State on March 12. Coulaud something more challenging. After hearwas also named A-10 Performer of the ing about VCU’s tennis team from different Week on March 4. French players, including Bertimon, Coulaud

decided to look more into the program. Coulaud transferred in the fall, and started preparing for the upcoming spring season. “I met an unreal group of guys,” Coulaud said. “They all made me feel like I was family. I didn’t even have to adapt, they adapted to me.” Both Coulaud’s long tennis career and experience from Georgia State has helped the Rams, according to his teammates. “He has a lot of experience in college,” senior captain Inigo Torre Martin said. “He knows when you should push a little bit more, and when to take some risks. That’s something you learn throughout the years.” Coulaud plans on staying in Richmond next fall to help coach and mentor the VCU men’s tennis team.

Coulaud stats HOMETOWN

SAINT-BRIEUC, FRANCE HANDEDNESS

LEFT-HANDED SINGLES RECORD

8-6 8-8

DOUBLES RECORD

MARCH 4

A-10 MEN’S TENNIS PERFORMER OF THE WEEK

Senior Quentin Coulaud prepares to serve at the Thalhimer Tennis Center. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

Infographic by Jayce Nguyen Information compiled by Noah Fleischman

JOE DODSON Staff Writer Men’s soccer is looking to build success from a season of unexpected developments, that at one point saw 10 scholarship players out with injury. “Other guys stepped up and found a way to get the job done,” coach Dave Giffard said. “We were able to learn quite a bit about our group as we move forward.” VCU failed to qualify for the conference tournament after finishing second in the Atlantic 10 Central group. The Rams posted a 4-3-2 season record and a 3-2-1 conference record. The conference was split into three groups in an attempt to minimize travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament consisted of the top seeds from each of the three groups as well as Saint Louis, who earned the wild card slot due to having the best second-place record. The injuries presented a problem for the Rams as several key starters missed long stretches of games. Giffard said the injuries were expected due to the 15-month gap between competitive matches. “I don’t think it’s surprising that we had so many soft-tissue injuries during the course of the season,” Giffard said. “As I talk to other coaches around the country it’s a very constant theme.” Being away from the team’s facilities and strength coach during the offseason was a main reason for the injuries, senior goalkeeper Mario Sequeira said. Sequeira said many of the players did not have access to gyms at home over the summer.

Left: Sophomore midfielder Célio Pompeu dribbles against George Mason during the 2019 Atlantic 10 tournament at Sports Backers Stadium. Right: Senior midfielder Simon Fitch dribbles at Sports Backers Stadium. CT file photos

Men’s soccer optimistic after challenging season

“I think it was just unfortunate to not have that kind of access equally for everybody,” Sequeira said. “That took a toll of course with fitness levels.” Several new faces earned quality first team minutes while some players were out with injuries. Midseason injuries to starters on the offensive end landed freshman midfielder William Hitchcock a starting role to end the season. Hitchcock delivered a low-crossing ball to Manheim for his first collegiate assist in the Rams’ 2-0 win against George Mason on April 10. “He’s a gym rat,” Giffard said about Hitchcock. “He shows up, he brings his lunch pail, he does his job and he ends up being effective with the qualities that he has.”

“It would be nice to see the other side of the court not as a player, but as a coach,” Coulaud said. The team will compete in the upcoming Atlantic 10 tournament from April 29 to May 2 in Orlando, Florida. Coulaud wants to keep the team’s attitude up until then. In Florida, he will lead the team in the pregame chant one last time as a teammate. “To end out my college career like this,” Coulaud said, “I couldn’t ask for more.”

The season was supposed to start with preseason matches beginning on Jan. 26, but due to COVID-19-related issues with opponents, VCU did not start its season until Feb. 24 against North Carolina State. “We had games being canceled like basically every week because of COVID,” senior defender Ulrik Edvardsen said. “This team did a great job of just keeping its spirit up.” A four-year starter, Edvardsen earned his third consecutive All-Conference Second Team honor. Edvardsen anchored the Rams’ backline, holding three opposing teams scoreless and registered an assist during the Rams’ 3-2 win over Elon on March 7. Sophomore midfielder Célio Pompeu was the Rams’ leading scorer, making all three of his goals in a hat-trick effort

against Elon on March 7. After sustaining a hamstring injury 43 seconds into the Rams’ March 17 win over Davidson, the All-Conference Second Team honoree was forced to miss the remainder of the season. Freshman midfielder Tariq Moutaouakil made his debut replacing Pompeu in the Davidson game and scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute. “Usually it’s the older guys who carry a team, and I really think the freshmen did a great job coming into their first season taking on a lot of responsibility,” Edvardsen said. All-Conference Rookie Team selection and freshman midfielder Jonathan Kanagwa said he was grateful for veterans like senior defender Zeron Sewell and senior midfielder Oquin Robinson for integrating the new players into the team’s system. “The older guys helped us a lot,” Kanagwa said. “They helped us gain confidence.” Giffard played redshirt-freshman defender Ethan Manheim at center forward as a way to add size on offense. The 6-foot-5-inch, Chesterfield, Virginia, native earned Player of the Week honors on April 12 after scoring in the final two regular season games. With all eight seniors planning on returning next season, Giffard is hoping the team can use the difficult spring season as a stepping stone to success in the full fall schedule. Sequeira said he and the other seniors did not want to leave the program on a bad note. “I have so much love and so much passion for the VCU men’s soccer team,” Sequeira said. “I can’t leave on a challenging time like this.”

The Commonwealth Times

McCormick shines in freshman season, leads field hockey in goals NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor

or our sport, is how much work she does on the defensive side of the ball,” Bean Growing up, freshman midsaid. “Whether she has fielder Bridget McCormick turned the ball over herwatched her sister, Jaimself or a teammate passes it, ie, play field hockey in the she’s just relentless.” next town over. At the time, Bridget McCormick is there wasn’t a field hockey ahead of the curve from program in their hometown the “normal freshman” in of Haddonfield, New Jersey. the mental part of the Bridget McCormick saw game, Bean said. her older sister enjoy play“She’s locked in and not ing the sport, so she decided asked irrelevant questions to pick up a stick in third and retaining informagrade and joined the same tion,” Bean said. “I don’t league. The sport eventuget the same question from ally became a lifestyle in her 20 times.” the McCormick household Junior back Janne Wetas all four sisters began zel said she’s surprised and playing the sport. proud of Bridget McCorA little more than a mick’s strength on the field. decade later, Jaimie Mc“I had never seen her Cormick plays field hock- Freshman midfielder Bridget McCormick works her way down the field at play before, so I didn’t ey at Columbia while the Cary Street Field. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics know anything about her younger McCormick leads when she came in,” Wetthe Rams in goals scored with five after an corner shot, something she called one of zel said. “But I was actually not expecting undefeated regular season. Bridget Mc- the team’s “biggest strengths.” her to perform as well.” Cormick claimed the No. 1 seed in the “My job really is to get any ball that Bridget McCormick is a vocal leadAtlantic 10 tournament. comes off the posts,” she said. “I just had my er in practice and on the field, Wetzel Through the years of watching Jaim- stick down. I was lucky, it just went right to said. The first time she spoke up during ie McCormick play, Bridget McCormick the goal. That was a huge moment.” a defensive drill during a practice, it said she learned to keep playing, even after This season, Bridget McCormick has caught Wetzel off guard. a mistake on the field. learned a new position, screen, which she “I was like, ‘Oh, OK, this tiny, skinny “You’re gonna lose the ball, you’re gon- described as a defensive midfielder that ro- girl is speaking up and has a lot to say,’” na make mistakes, but it’s what you do tates with the defenders to fill in on the field. Wetzel said. “She was leading by example afterwards,” Bridget McCormick said. “I think that was very new for me,” she in that sense for the other freshmen to be “That’s what matters.” said. “I think I’ve improved a lot there be- more confident to speak up and don’t be She said she didn’t expect to lead cause I’d be comfortable filling new posi- afraid to say things.” the team in goals at the beginning of tions that I wasn’t used to playing before.” the season but credited the VCU team Coach Stacey Bean called Bridget Mc- Field hockey will host the Atlantic 10 tournaand coaching staff. Cormick “relentless” as an athlete, saying ment on Friday and Saturday at Cary Street Bridget McCormick logged her she doesn’t give up on plays in games. Field. The top-seeded Rams will square off first-career goal at Saint Louis in a two“I think what goes unnoticed, to those with No. 4 Richmond at 11 a.m. The game will goal performance on March 21 off of a who aren’t really familiar with our team be televised on ESPN+.

Hyland enters NBA draft, Rhoades adds 3 newcomers NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor After spending two years on Broad Street, sophomore guard Bones Hyland announced his intentions of entering the 2021 NBA draft, signing with an agent Saturday evening. “The past two years with Ram Nation have been the most exciting and rewarding time of my life,” Hyland wrote in a tweet. “The VCU experience will continue to be a part of who I am as a person and an athlete.” The Wilmington, Delaware, native was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year this season after averaging 19.5 points and 4.7 rebounds. Hyland is the first player to leave VCU with NCAA eligibility remaining for the NBA Draft since 2010, when Larry Sanders entered after his junior year. NEW ADDITIONS Coach Mike Rhoades was faced with three open scholarships after Corey Douglas’ graduation, Tre Clark’s mid-season departure and Hyland’s exit for the professional ranks last week. Junior forward Jimmy Nichols Jr. announced his commitment to the black and gold on Thursday, transferring from Providence. Nichols averaged 6.1 points and 2.4 rebounds with the Friars last season, playing in 16 games after appearing in just five in the prior season due to injury.

The Conway, South Carolina, native played AAU basketball for Team Garner Road and was teammates with sophomore forward Jarren McAllister in 2017. VCU recruited Nichols out of high school before he chose Providence. Rhoades also plucked sophomore guard Marcus Tsohonis from the NCAA transfer portal. Tsohonis announced his commitment in a tweet on Friday night. He averaged 10.4 points and 2.2 rebounds this past season at Washington. The Portland, Oregon, native logged five 20-plus point performances with the Huskies this season, including a season-high 29 points against Washington State on Feb. 15. Unlike Nichols and Tsohonis, guard Jayden Nunn committed to Rhoades and company out of high school on Sunday evening. Nunn originally committed to Iowa State in December but decommitted earlier this month, reopening his recruitment. He will join the Rams for the next season. The Flint, Michigan, native averaged 13.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in his junior season at Carman-Ainsworth High School. He transferred to Dream City Christian School, a school in Arizona that plays for a national schedule, during his senior year. The Rams’ recruiting class is complete: Nicholas Kern, Jalen DeLoach and Jayden Nunn signed from high school, while Jimmy Nichols Jr. and Marcus Tsohonis transferred to VCU.

Sophomore guard Bones Hyland shoots at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Photo by Megan Lee

GAME RESULTS

APRIL 15

NO. 41 MEN’S TENNIS - VS. WILLIAM & MARY WIN 6-1

APRIL 16 LACROSSE - VS. NO. 21 RICHMOND LOST 19-13 Abby Osmeyer: 3 goals

BASEBALL - VS. DAVIDSON WON 14-3 Tyler Locklear: 2-for-2, HR, 3 RBI

APRIL 17 BASEBALL - VS. DAVIDSON WIN 9-8 Steven Carpenter: 2-for-3, 2 RBI

WOMEN’S TENNIS - AT CHARLOTTE LOST 4-0

BASEBALL - VS. DAVIDSON WON 5-1 Brandon Henson: 2-for-2, 2 RBI

APRIL 18 NO. 41 MEN’S TENNIS - AT OLD DOMINION WIN 4-1

LACROSSE - AT GEORGE WASHINGTON LOST 14-9 Keriann McTavish: 3 goals

BASEBALL - VS. DAVIDSON WON 3-1 Hogan Brown: 2-for-2, RBI

APRIL 20 BASEBALL - VS. VIRGINIA WIN 5-3 Hunter Vay: 2-for-4, 2 RBI

Wed. April 21, 2021

On this day

In 2016, Prince, who released more than 30 albums and won seven Grammy Awards during his 40-year career, died at 57 from a drug overdose. TREES

Richmond environmental groups seek to address greenery gaps in minority neighborhoods

GRACE MCOMBER Contributing Writer

ICHMOND RESIDENTS WERE GIVEN the chance to bring home a new addition to their yards last fall in the form of a free Eastern redbud seedling, courtesy of the Richmond Tree Committee. “We ended up giving away about 8,000 trees in about three weeks, which is kind of a stupidly big number,” RTC chair Daniel Klein said. “I thought people liked trees, but people love trees.” Reforest Richmond, a campaign created by RTC, held the first “Arbor Day RVA” event last November with over 70 volunteers, Klein said. The event invited Richmond residents to bring home a new tree from 42 pickup sites throughout the city. This event, along with the group’s other initiatives, was created to increase the number of healthy trees in Richmond and address systemic disparities in tree density. Low tree density can lead to a number of adverse health and environmental effects, especially in low-income or minority communities. “It’s kind of the goal behind Reforest Richmond,” Klein said. “This is about a forest. It’s thinking ‘how do we get way more trees to healthfully, successfully grow and provide their benefits?’” Klein and Reforest Richmond are currently planning a second annual Arbor Day RVA this fall, with hopes to give away even more trees. Klein said the organization is looking to incorporate more community planting events and educational workshops that focus on tackling inequalities in tree distribution. “Community conversations and listening sessions will be a big part of this,” Klein said. “The conversation is designed to be a very

Tree density quick facts • The highest concentration of tree density in Richmond is located in Bon Air, a predominantly white neighborhood. In Richmond’s city center, less than 10% of land is covered by tree canopy, according to the Urban Forestry Collective. • A 2017 study of Richmond found temperature differences of up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit between shaded areas and more urbanized areas, according to the Science Museum of Virginia. • Throughout the U.S., people of color are nearly three times as likely to live in neighborhoods with less natural land than white Americans, according to National Geographic. Infographic by Ni Sang Information compiled by Grace McOmber

Groundwork RVA, Southside ReLeaf and Reforest Richmond volunteers plant trees at Swansboro Elementary School as a part of “Reforest RPS,” a community planting event for Richmond Public Schools, last November. Photo courtesy of Daniel Klein slow, forward conversation about ‘what’s the priority and how do we tackle it?’” Reforest Richmond is aiming to achieve a 60% urban canopy, or the collective amount of trees, in Richmond by 2037. This goal falls under the Richmond 300 master plan, a blueprint for the city’s growth adopted by the Richmond City Council in December.

There are a lot of lowincome folks, or people of color that have been historically disinvested in. We need to prioritize where we put our trees.” David Klein, Richmond Tree Committee chair “It’s not designed to be a quick organization,” Klein said. “It’s designed to build really long-term solutions. Building a canopy takes time.” According to Klein, RTC has five main goals — updating Richmond’s nearly 30-year-old tree ordinance, establishing a robust urban forestry commission, creating a tree inventory, employing an official urban forester for the city and conducting a new tree canopy assessment, which was last done in 2010. “Reforest Richmond is the citizen forestry side of all of this,” Klein said. “Just trying to get people to think about it, to prioritize it, create opportunities where people can get free trees or plant trees. And just make it fun and a way for people to participate in climate justice.” Increasing Richmond’s urban canopy has a number of benefits, Klein said. Trees are an effective method of reducing excess storm runoff by absorbing precipitation before it hits the ground, which can cause flash flooding, quicken erosion and allow for toxic chemicals to enter storm drains, Klein said. Dense urban canopies provide an ecosystem for wildlife to thrive and naturally

species that damage their health and weigh down their branches, increasing the risk of them falling down. “I’m all about planting trees, as long as they’re native trees, and certainly in areas that don’t have them,” Greenleaf said. “But we have to couple that with preserving our existing mature trees.” South Richmond is one area affected by low-density and low-quality tree canopy. Southside residents have higher rates of chronic illnesses, including double the rate of asthma, when compared to those living in the West End, a wealthier suburb, according to the 2018 Richmond 300 insights report. “Southside residents have a 20 years shorter life expectancy than people who live north of the river in the West End,” Sheri Shannon, co-founder of Southside ReLeaf, said. “Not everyone is able to access a green space within 10 minutes of walking. We have crumbling infrastructure, unsafe and unstable housing. It’s a combination of systemic failures.” Southside ReLeaf, which works to achieve environmental equity and sustainability in South Richmond, collaborated with Reforest Richmond to launch Arbor Day RVA last November. The organizations continue to work together under the common goal of expanding the urban canopy in the city. “It’s not just planting new trees, it’s being able to be intentional with our decisions and with allocating resources,” Shannon said. “So it’s an equity thing as well. You notice certain parts of the city have very well-maintained urban canopy compared to other parts of the city.” Shannon said incorporating historically marginalized communities into the decision making process for urban forestry is essential for the success of organizations like Southside ReLeaf. “We want to be able to help create the space where folks can actually show up and say ‘this is what I want to see in our neighborhood,’” Shannon said. “We want to pass the mic.”

increase air quality. They also protect against the urban heat island effect, which occurs when tree density is low, causing the sun’s heat to be absorbed by roads, buildings and other infrastructure. It is then reemitted, causing high temperature pockets to form, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. “It’s not hard to see that neighborhoods with more trees and more tree canopy have better air quality,” Klein said. “They’re capturing more emissions, just in the same way that they’re capturing and delaying more storm water.” The disparities in tree density and quality throughout the city, according to Klein, are a direct result of racist laws and ordinances that have created gaps in the quality and quantity of trees in minority neighborhoods. Tree density in formerly redlined neighborhoods is significantly lower than in other areas of Richmond, according to the 2018 Richmond 300 insight report. These areas subsequently have an increased vulnerability to urban heat, which can result in a 1-to7 degree Fahrenheit difference in temperature, according to the EPA. These include the Gilpin, Jackson Ward, Randolph, Oak Grove and Church Hill neighborhoods, among others, according to a 2020 New York Times report. Klein said there is a direct correlation between low tree canopy density and emergency calls for heat-related emergencies, such as heat strokes and asthma attacks. “There are a lot of low-income folks, or people of color that have been historically disinvested in,” Klein said. “We need to prioritize where we put our trees. We should put them everywhere, but we should start there.” Klein said trees in these areas are not properly maintained, leading to infrastructure and property damage, such as cracked sidewalks due to overgrown roots and falling branches. “Building canopy comes second to building back trust,” Klein said. “People have to trust the city to take care of this stuff and not neglect them.” Laura Greenleaf, a volunteer with the James River Park System and founder A Reforest Richmond volunteer sorts of the invasive plant task force, said ne- through Eastern redbud seedlings. Photo glected trees can fall victim to invasive courtesy of Daniel Klein

The Commonwealth Times

The PopUp Market, held every Saturday at The Diamond, provides a platform for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Lily Doshi

Outdoor market promotes community interaction, supports small businesses CLAIRE DARCY Contributing Writer BUSTLING ROWS OF TENTS LINE THE parking lot of a familiar Richmond baseball stadium as friends, families and dogs shop for trinkets from dozens of local small businesses from a variety of industries, such as baked goods, apparel, pet accessories and home decor. The PopUp Market, a new weekly outdoor event organized by River City Festivals, hosts dozens of local vendors and a handful of food trucks at The Diamond stadium on North Arthur Ashe Boulevard. The event aims to promote small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s designed to really help these businesses start to get back to work,” said Brian Sullivan, the CEO of River City Festivals. “Our goal is to continue to be able to support our neighbors here in Richmond, all the local businesses, the folks that really drive our local economy.” The open-air market began on April 10, and is held each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sullivan said the time and location was chosen with many factors in mind. He said the Diamond is a central location within Richmond, and that because most farmers markets are held on Sunday mornings, Saturday afternoons would not pose too much conflict. Sullivan said that after being repeatedly contacted by several businesses in search of event opportunities throughout 2020, he reached out to the Richmond Flying Squirrels to set up a collaboration. The market’s first iteration on April 10 hosted approximately 55 vendors, while the April 17 market hosted 71, Sullivan said. While there is space to accommodate more vendors, he said he will continue to host around 70 each week. “We wanted to make sure that we have enough vendors to make it an enjoyable experience for all the guests, but we also wanted to make sure that we didn’t have too many,” Sullivan said. “We want to make sure that all these local businesses are able to do well, so we didn’t want to dilute their potential.” Sullivan said that nearly 600 different vendors have applied to participate in the PopUp Market events through July. Threaded Roots Creations, a handmade apparel company, participated in the April

17 market. The company is co-owned by Justin Moore and Heather Houser through their online store and Etsy platform. Moore said they have traveled to various festival and market events throughout Virginia since the company’s launch in January. The company got its start because of the COVID-19 pandemic; Houser said she used time during stay-at-home orders to expand upon her crochet skills. “It was kind of a propelling force for us, actually,” Moore said. “I know a lot of businesses struggled, but this was a time for us to recollect and a lot of it spun just from hobbies that we picked up during the pandemic, so we decided to pursue those and grow with them.” Houser said their experience with the event went well, and they plan to return on a monthly basis. AR’s Hot Southern Honey, a spicy honey product brand founded by Ames Russell, offered samples of their lineup at the pop-up. While Russell primarily operates using a traditional wholesale and food service distribution model, he noted that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, his direct-to-consumer online sales have increased. With each purchase, he gives customers recipes that use his honey. “During the pandemic a lot more people are cooking at home and looking for ways to be more creative,” Russell said. “My hot honey is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to jazz up an otherwise ordinary meal.” While this area of his business flourished, Russell also cited difficulties in the face of the pandemic; his sales to restaurants suffered, and he was unable to participate in as many in-person events as he previously had. “I do these events, they’re revenue events for me, but more importantly they’re a marketing event. They’re an opportunity for me to introduce the concept of spicy honey to people who come out,” Russell said. “It’s an opportunity for me to create customers who then will go and support my retail customers.” After participating in the April 10 and 17 markets, he said he has plans to continue taking part in future PopUp Market events. “I’m just so happy to be back out in front of people, sharing with them what I love to do,” Russell said.

Best friends and VCU alumnae Erin Kennedy and Megan Reese visited the market on April 17 after seeing advertising on Facebook. They purchased apparel and beverages, and tasted samples of AR’s Hot Southern Honey during their visit. “It’s nice to be in a public setting again,” Kennedy said. “We used to go to markets, to these things all the time.” They said they were excited to be able to support local businesses and expressed plans to visit the market again on future weekends.

Future markets have been scheduled through July. Sullivan said he hopes to continue the PopUp Market through the end of summer and into the fall, and said he would like to see the event become a Richmond staple. A schedule of future PopUp Market events can be found on the River City Festivals website.

Mobile Yum Yum, a Caribbean food truck, was present at the April 17 event. Photo by Lily Doshi

Ames Russell, owner of AR’s Hot Southern Honey, offers a sample to a customer. Photo by Lily Doshi

Wed. April 21, 2021

‘Free Blockbuster’

EDITOR'S LIST OF FILMS TO WATCH

fosters local movie exchange DAYNA BALOUGH Contributing Writer From the candy-filled aisles to giant buckets of popcorn, renting movies at Blockbuster used to be the highlight of anyone’s weekend in the ’90s and early 2000s. Now, four “Free Blockbuster” locations in Richmond seek to reinvigorate that nostalgia through its “take a movie, leave a movie” concept. In 2018, California resident Brian Morrison said he noticed old abandoned newspaper stands were going to waste in Los Angeles. After repainting and repurposing them, Morrison stocked local boxes with DVD and VHS tapes, creating a system of free movie rentals and exchanges for the Los Feliz neighborhood. “The first box was started as a way to breathe new life into abandoned LA Times newspaper boxes here in California,” Morrison said in an email interview. “We have Little Free Libraries, why not little Free Blockbusters?” As the boxes became more popular and widespread, Morrison said he noticed a variety of media within each individual box. “VHS and DVD are the most common formats for home motion picture viewing but we have all kinds of media at Free Blockbuster,” Morrison said. “We’ve had vinyl records in our Los Angeles boxes, one box in Pennsylvania had a reel of 16mm film — I’m told Oakland has all kinds of things.” The thrill of discovering something new is what originally fueled Morrison’s idea, he said. As participation increased, it became the catalyst for the Free Blockbuster movement. “Feedback from each individual community has been overwhelmingly positive,” Morrison said. “People who see them online for the first time think it’s a great idea

and want to know how to get one in their area. Our answer is, ‘build one!’” After hearing about the Free Blockbuster concept last May, Richmond resident Nathan Ellis created the first Free Blockbuster stand on the East Coast, located at the corner of 27th and Marshall streets in Church Hill. “I had been laid off early in the pandemic,” Ellis said in an email interview. “I wanted to use my sudden amount of free time to create something fun and positive for the community at a time when just about everyone needed any reason at all to smile.” A “Free Blockbuster,” located at 400 S. Pine St., contains Old and unused news- donated DVDs and VHS tapes, encouraging people to paper stands are common give and borrow films within their community. Photo by where Ellis resides, and Kaitlyn Fulmore revitalizing each box can take up to a few days before it is opened “We have found that most people get to the public. Ellis said he tries to keep the really nostalgic for the tactile experience boxes as stocked with as much media vari- of browsing and handling physical media,” ety as possible, occasionally incorporating Ellis said. “There is an entire generation of snacks as well. people who are growing up without that “We like to occasionally stock our loca- tactile experience, and we hope that we can tions with boxes of movie theater candy bring some of that magic back.” and individual bags of microwave popcorn Jon Hawkins, another Richmond resident, too when we have a little extra money to recently contributed to a Free Blockbuster buy some,” Ellis said. “Nothing is better box and donated the “Alien” movie series. than picking out a movie and grabbing some Sour Patch Kids or Reese Pieces and popcorn to enhance your home viewing experience!” In a digital age with ample streaming I had been laid off service providers, Ellis highlighted the power of nostalgia when it came to media. early in the pandemic.

“Free Blockbuster” locations in Richmond

I wanted to use my sudden amount of free time to create something fun and positive for the community at a time when just about everyone needed any reason at all to smile.” Nathan Ellis, creator of Richmond’s first “Free Blockbuster”

3 4

4026 MacArthur Ave. in Northside

400 S. Pine St. in Oregon Hill

403 Strawberry St. in the Fan

2707 E. Marshall St. in Church Hill Infographic by Ni Sang Information compiled by Ebonique Little

“Free Blockbuster is great since you’re limited in selection. If you’re overwhelmed by endless options you have a limit,” Hawkins said in an Instagram direct message. “It feels more engaging when tangible for some odd reason. I’m more attentive under those circumstances.” Hawkins said the restaurants and stores near the Free Blockbuster box in Church Hill add to the experience. “There’s a record shop, pizza shop, barber, bakery, and burger place all right next to the box,” Hawkins said. “You can do a lot on the block and I’m usually dropping off and picking up food which is great.” With the one-year anniversary of Free Blockbuster’s presence in Richmond approaching next month, Ellis is looking forward to adding new locations around the city, and hosting a giveaway. “Meanwhile, we will continue to maintain the boxes and stock them when we can,” Ellis said. “It’s also up to YOU and the community too — Free Blockbuster is for everyone!”

“The State of Texas vs. Melissa” (2020) This heart-wrenching documentary explores the life of Melissa Lucio, the first Hispanic woman in Texas to be sentenced to death. In 2008, Lucio was convicted of killing her 2-year-old daughter, who died of blunt force head trauma. However, there is contention surrounding the child’s cause of death, and the film follows Lucio’s last appeal as her team uncovers new and potentially exonerating evidence.

Available on Hulu | 82% Rotten Tomatoes

“Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal” (2021)

Using recorded conversations obtained by the FBI, this documentary reenacts the fraudulent methods college counselor Rick Singer used to help wealthy parents get their children into premier universities. In 2019, this public scandal embroiled actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, who conspired to commit fraud and served 11-day and two-month prison sentences, respectively.

Available on Netflix | 88% Rotten Tomatoes

“Run” (2020)

In this psychological thriller, Sarah Paulson plays a controlling mother named Diane who has homeschooled and raised her teenage daughter Chloe in total isolation. Chloe, played by Kiera Allen, makes shocking discoveries that find her questioning who her mother really is. During its opening weekend last November, “Run” became Hulu’s most watched original film ever, according to Deadline.

Available on Hulu | 88% Rotten Tomatoes

“Farewell Amor” (2020)

An Angolan family has spent 17 years living apart since the father Walter, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, left the country to make a better life for his wife and daughter in America. Though the family is finally reunited and sharing a one-bedroom apartment in New York, they still feel worlds apart. This story about love and perseverance captures the family’s journey to reestablish a connection. Available on Hulu | 97% Rotten Tomatoes

“Villains” (2019)

Described as a black humor horror film, “Villains” follows two criminals who make a shocking discovery as they break into a suburban home — there is a little girl chained in the basement. The saga unfolds as the homeowners do anything to make sure their secret doesn’t get out. Available on Hulu | 85% Rotten Tomatoes

“Bad Trip” (2020)

In this laugh-out-loud movie, comedians Eric Andre and Lil Rel Howery play two best friends who are tired of their daily routine and decide to go on a road trip from Florida to New York City. Their scripted banter is intertwined with real-life pranks they play on people at different stops throughout the country. Available on Netflix | 75% Rotten Tomatoes

Have suggestions for our watchlist? Email spectrum@ commonwealthtimes.org

The Commonwealth Times

Quote of the week

“There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice.” — Montesquieu

TAGWA SHAMMET Opinions Editor

HE YEAR IS 1770. THE Colonies are near their breaking point with Great Britain. Intense policing by British soldiers has proven unbearable to colony citizens, especially those in Boston. British soldiers walk around with chips on their shoulders, entering any home they please simply because they wear the British flag. They are protected by their position of power. They are the police. Then, when an altercation breaks out between an American citizen and a British officer, the soldiers find no issue in opening fire on a crowd. The Boston Massacre — a tragedy we learn so much about in our school systems today. British soldiers are painted as malicious, power-hungry monsters who abuse their positions to assault the general public. American civilians are described as innocent victims who reap the abuse of their police. Later, we are informed that the American colonies grew tired of the disrespect and took arms against their oppressors. The Revolutionary War — a prized time in American history. Our founding fathers did what is preached to be oh-so American: They fought the power. So, when Americans take the streets in protest of this same abuse of power against Black Americans, why is it rioting, instead of an American fight against oppression? The trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who murdered George Floyd, has kept most of the nation on edge. Anxious to find out whether justice will be served, the world is watching Minneapolis. Yet, just 10 miles outside of where Chauvin’s trial was being held, another

the lack of free slave labor. In this Reconstruction era, these states took the teachings of slave patrols and began implementing them into their police stations. They enforced many forms of segregation and perpetuated the oppression of Black civilians. It became abundantly clear that policing was more racially charged than it was centered on justice. Police officers began arresting Black Americans and incarcerating them in an effort to re-elevate the economic status of the South. Since the 13th Amendment legalized slavery in the case of incarceration, Black peoIllustration by Lauren Johnson ple were shoved into prisons and effectively taken back to the days of slavery. You see, policing in this nation has never been about justice. Sure, it enforces what is right and punishes what is wrong; but, in this case, white is right and Black is wrong. Black life taken by those meant to protect The history of policing in the United and serve. States has always held a negative connoBut, are the police really meant to protect tation to the Black community because and serve? No. Not the Black community, at it was established in retaliation to the least. The idea of policing in the United States same community. stems from this nation’s undying distaste for Daunte Wright, Rayshard Brooks, Donits Black citizens. The institution of policing in ovon Lynch, Daniel Prude and every other this nation is just America’s continued attempt Black person dead at the hands of the police at fine-tuning white supremacy. are simply the proper execution of what the Before there were police officers, there police system is meant for. were slave patrols in the South. In 1704, the American history prides this nation on first formal slave patrol was created in the its earned freedom from Great Britain on Carolina colonies. These patrols weren’t cre- July 4, 1776. They celebrate their unshackated to protect the economic prosperity that ling from the British officers who endlessly came from slavery in the South. Slave patrols harassed them. They praise their ability to would capture any runaway slaves and help defeat their oppressive regime. What they prevent any slave revolts that were to ensue. don’t realize is that they have become what After the Civil War, Southern states they hated most. fell into an economic depression due to

AMERICAN POLICING: A history of racism and white supremacy Minneapolis police officer decided it was a great time to murder yet another unarmed Black man, Daunte Wright. The 20-yearold was shot dead during a traffic stop. Another day, another dead Black man at the hands of the American police. I sat there — nauseous as ever — as I forced myself to watch one more Black man lose his life right in front of my eyes. While I appreciate body camera footage that helps shed light on these murders, watching them is just an added form of Black trauma on an already messed-up community. I am 20 years old. Wright and I are the same age. His murder strikes so close to home because he was far too young. As I gear up for finals, Wright’s son lives on without his father. It’s sickening that, yet again, I’m here writing about yet another

WE MUST TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE ISHAAN NANDWANI, Contributing Writer

Five minutes. That’s how long it takes to get to my apartment at VCU from the 400 block of Gilmer Street, where two shooting deaths occurred on two consecutive days earlier this month. These shootings reflect a trend of an increased number of deaths due to gun violence in the Richmond area in April. Notably hard for our community was the death of 20-year-old VCU student Cody Woodson, who was killed on April 5 after

walking his girlfriend back to her car on Gilmer Street. Clarisse Liclic, Woodson’s girlfriend and a student at University of Richmond, posted on Instagram and highlighted the loss our community felt. “As news reports are filling in and being shared, I can’t help but think about how it shouldn’t have happened,” Liclic’s post read. “It shouldn’t have and it will never not be right. He was my person.” Another beautiful life was stolen. Another young man with limitless potential who was just getting started. Another VCU student, gone. It’s difficult to reconcile the

Illustration by Lauren Johnson

loss of a precious life due to the disease of gun violence that continues to threaten our community. I’m exhausted from hearing about cases like these. I thought we would do better after Sandy Hook, Orlando and Parkland. Yet here we are — even after all the marches, protests and dialogues, we still live in a nation where it’s easier to get a gun than cold medicine, according to a 2016 CNN article. Gun control on the federal level has been a hard-fought, intricate battle. But it’s especially difficult to reconcile death from gun violence when shootings happen so close to home. I know many people who live near Gilmer Street, and I often walk down that path. That could have been me. It could have been any of us. As college students, we’re supposed to feel safe and protected on our campus. But after these recent deaths, it’s hard to feel that way. I don’t feel safe walking in certain areas near campus anymore, and this is a sentiment echoed by many members of the student body. There are realities and dangers we must confront due to our campus being located in a city, but no student should have to feel as if taking a wrong turn dictates whether or not they live. There are concrete actions both students and the university must take

to increase campus safety ensure that these devastating incidents do not happen again. For one, students should carry pepper spray with them at all times — even guys. Additionally, if you have to walk outside of areas that are right by campus, such as those north of Broad Street, don’t go alone. This applies to everyone, even in broad daylight. Traveling in groups is always the safest choice. VCU must do better. While the university has increased its police force in the Carver neighborhood, there are further actions that can be taken to increase student safety. For example, RamSafe, which is available to all students for rides to nearby locations, needs to be a more seamless process. The wait times, especially at night, are often 30 minutes or longer, and I’ve personally witnessed many cases of friends choosing to walk rather than wait. While I understand that it may be difficult given the number of staff available, it’s essential that the school invests more into protecting the student body. These shootings have been devastating to our community, but most importantly, they can never happen again on our campus, or anywhere for that matter. It’s up to all of us to do our part and work collectively to end gun violence.

Wed. April 21, 2021

THE CT STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrew Ringle ringlea@commonwealthtimes.org

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ABOUT THE CT The Commonwealth Times is the award-winning independent student newspaper at VCU, since 1969. The CT staff maintains all editorial and operations discretion. There is absolutely no prior review by the public, university or VCU Student Media Center administration or staff. The Executive Editor writes and manages the Operations Budget.

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