Richmond Free Press A Paradigm Communications, Inc. Publication

2020 NNPA Messenger Awards -AUDIENCE CATEGORY COMMUNITY SERVICE Carl Murphy Award

When COVID-19 swept into Virginia and our capital city, Richmond, no one knew what to expect or how long schools, businesses, churches and even government would be shut down, much less the human toll the fatal virus would have on the people of our community. We, at the Richmond Free Press, a free weekly publication targeted to Richmond’s African-American community, also were impacted. Several of our staff members were hit early on with COVID-19-type symptoms. We shifted to work remotely, hoping our advertisers would stick with us through this novel event even as they faced uncertain futures. Our small staff went into high gear, putting together stories, photo packages, useful information and tips that included not only the critical pronouncements of local and state officials, but stories about the pandemic’s swift and sometimes tragic impact on people in our community. Since March, we have crafted stories, photo packages and editorials to be of service to our readers during a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted African-Americans and Latinos. Each week, our front page features a “Free COVID-19 testing” box, where people can quickly find information about free testing events in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield health districts. The box has evolved during the pandemic and includes statistics on the numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths, as well as, currently, phone numbers and websites to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine. We also have run the evolving lists of locations and times where parents of Richmond’s 24,000 public school children could pick up free breakfasts and lunches for their kids. Our staff has produced stories offering directions on how to make your own protective face mask; health tips to boost the immune system, including a recipe; and telehealth efforts to see a doctor or therapist for physical and emotional needs during the pandemic. Our photographers created on-going photo packages showing the shutdown’s impact on businesses; of people on their front porches as they stayed home; a tribute to Richmond’s high school valedictorians talking about lessons learned during the pandemic; and musicians playing porch concerts as people physically distanced in the street. We gave our readers a look at the pain and the triumph of life under COVID-19, of people sadly losing loved ones to the coronavirus; of finding out that a 1,200-person, citywide revival of Black churches was possibly a superspreader event in which at least six people died; of altered wedding plans and hosting a to-go Thanksgiving dinner for families from a back porch. Even as the city was rocked by racial justice demonstrations following the death of George Floyd, our staff continued COVID-19 coverage to inform, educate and uplift during the pandemic. Our entry, here, culminates with the rollout of the first vaccines in late December. We are heartened by the impact of our work. People continue to turn to the Free Press to find out where they can go for a free COVID-19 test; where they can pick up food for their children; what is happening with friends and neighbors; and to find answers to questions about stimulus checks, eviction assistance and other aid. And when some of our normal distribution points were shut down during the pandemic, people called to find out where they could continue to pick up the Free Press. Our staff is small, but we have a lot of heart. I hope you will join me in endorsing the Richmond Free Press for the NNPA Carl Murphy Community Service Award.

Jean P. Boone, Publisher Bonnie V. Winston, Managing Editor

Spotlight Lady Panthers on Oscar-winning on the prowl screenwriter B2 Friday A8

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Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 12 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com MARCH 12-14, 2020

Coronavirus hits Virginia, COVID-19 impacting people, events By Reginald Stuart Questions on coronavirus answered With the coronavirus How is coronavirus spread? sweeping the globe, ef- Similar to other cold viruses, including the flu, coronavirus forts to mitigate its surge is spread through droplets that spray out from sneezes, coughs and runny noses. When someone coughs, you and impact are being felt can inhale them, you can get them on your hands and then touch your mouth, your nose, your eyes. It is transmitted across the state. that way. It also may be able to live on surfaces for a certain From elected officials amount of time, such as doorknobs, cell phones, desks and kitchen counters. You should clean those surfaces, as well to private company ex- as your hands. ecutives, small business What are the symptoms? operators, schools and Similar to a cold or the flu, the symptoms can be mild. During the first two- to 14-day incubation period, you may universities, hospitals and see common things such as a fever, coughing or shortness clinics and individuals, of breath. If the symptoms worsen, such as a higher fever or trouble breathing, it could be a sign of something worse. people are bracing for Call your doctor or the local health department. what the World Health How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis is made through a test using a sample of sputum Organization officially or secretion, like a throat or nose swab. The test is sent to declared a pandemic on a lab where genetic material in the sample is analyzed to Wednesday. see if it matches this strain of coronavirus. Who is at risk? Richmond Public Anyone can get the coronavirus. Children don’t seem to be Schools, which serves getting a severe illness. At most risk are people age 60 and older and those with underlying medical conditions, such as more than 24,000 stu- diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease. dents from pre-K through Is there a vaccine? 12th grade, announced Not yet. Officials estimate there may be vaccine trials by mid-year, and perhaps a fully licensed and widely distributed that all school and di- vaccine by the end of the year or later. vision-sponsored field How can I protect myself? Wash hands with soap and water at least 20 seconds. trips, athletic events Use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol. and conferences have Avoid touching your face and eyes. Cough into a tissue or your elbow. been canceled, beginning Wipe down all surfaces. Wednesday. How should I prepare? “We will lift this ban Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press You may have to postpone travel plans and prepare to Gov. Ralph S. Northam offers the latest information on the coronavirus and its impact in the work or study from home. So have a two-week supply of once we feel confident state during a news conference Wednesday at the Patrick Henry Building. At the briefing, the things you need on hand at home, including food and any that the potential threat governor’s second in a week, he was surrounded by a bevy of state health, hospital and other prescription medications. officials, including Mayor Levar M. Stoney. to students and staff has abated,” stated RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras in his message. Cathy’s Camp to be shut down He also asked families to “prepare now for the by March 31, displacing homeless possibility of canceling By Jeremy M. Lazarus out a plan to shut down the camp by the school” if any students end of March. Complete closure and removal. The camp, which at one time housed or staff members are That’s what’s ahead for Cathy’s Camp, more than 100 people, has become a vis- confirmed with coro- the tent community that sprang up in recent ible symbol of the area’s affordable housing Coach Watts Mr. Anderson Ms. Burke navirus, also known as months adjacent to the city’s winter over- crisis that makes an outdoor field the only flow shelter and across the street from the option for some. COVID-19. Richmond Justice Center. The closure is aimed at forcing current University of Virginia Despite failing to identify new resources camp residents — and newcomers who are officials also announced or shelter space, a homeless task force of Please turn to A4 Foul Wednesday that on-cam- public and private service providers rolled pus classes have been Racial epithets aimed suspended “for the fore- seeable future,” with at Armstrong basketball students who are now on spring break to resume team spark investigations classes online beginning By Ronald E. Carrington March 19. Officials from Richmond Public Schools and the Richmond Officials said the uni- Branch NAACP are investigating allegations that the Armstrong versity will reassess the High School boys basketball team, cheerleaders and fans were taunted with racial epithets during the state playoffs in Northern situation on April 5, al- Virginia in late February. lowing any students re- “The team, cheerleaders and Armstrong fans were called … turning from spring break the N-word by Central High School’s teams and fans,” said James E. “J.J.” Minor III, president of the Richmond Branch to have passed the two- Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Between 50 to 80 people still live in Cathy’s Camp, a tent city for the homeless that NAACP and an Armstrong alumnus who talked with the coaches week incubation period sprang up last August adjacent to city’s winter overflow shelter and across the street following the Feb. 29 incidents. for coronavirus. from the Richmond Justice Center on Oliver Hill Way. Local nonprofits have found “Students in the stands wore T-shirts with the Confederate housing for only about seven of the camp residents in the last two weeks. Please turn to A4 Please turn to A4

General Assembly green-lights preference Bubbles for Pamunkey tribe in local casino at Byrd By Jeremy M. Lazarus Portsmouth, Danville and Bristol. Shaun Yerby lifts The compromise bill that was ap- his year-old son, The General Assembly, eager for proved grants the tribe preference in Christian Moultrie, a flood of green from casino gam- its bid to open a $700 million hotel- to catch bubbles bling, gave a Virginia Indian tribe casino resort in Norfolk. blown by the with a well-documented history and While Richmond can undertake youngster’s mother, Catrina Moultrie, continuing practice of racial bigotry, competition, the tribe’s plan for a and 7-year-old aunt, a leg up in two cities — Richmond $350 million hotel-casino in the capital Ja’niyah Jackson and Norfolk. city also would receive preference during an outing Chief Gray A majority of legislators, both as a minority-controlled operation, Wednesday at African-American and Caucasian, pushed for which other potential Richmond competitors, Fountain Lake in the Pamunkey Indian Tribe to have preference such as the Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, would Byrd Park. The need to match. sunny, 68-degree General Assembly wrap-up, A2 The Free Press reported on the tribe’s adop- day was a draw tion of white supremacist policies as a survival for people who in two of the five Virginia cities that were given mechanism in the Feb. 27-29 edition. The story headed outdoors. Temperatures are the green light for casino gambling. noted that the tribe in the 19th century banished expected to be in The legislation, approved in both the House members with relationships with African- the low 60s by the of Delegates and state Senate, clears the way weekend. for casinos to be built in Richmond, Norfolk, Please turn to A4 Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press A4 March 12-14, 2020 Richmond Free Press News COVID-19 Coronavirus hits Virginia, impacting people, events

Continued from A1 big picture assessments of the spread of the disease and advice a health alert, limiting access to the area based on fear some and guidance on steps to take. residents were suffering COVID-19 symptoms. Similar on-campus class closures have been reported at Vir- The governor said the state is in touch almost hourly with “People are being cautious about this virus because we don’t ginia Commonwealth University, Norfolk State University, Old local health authorities as testing expands and health reporting know how much it’s going to spread,” said Pam Cox, director Dominion University, Virginia Tech, James Madison University improves. The virus, which is airborne, strikes people regardless of around strategic communications at Virginia Union University. and The College of William & Mary as well as schools across race, creed, national origin, income level or religious belief. She, along with spokespersons for other area colleges and the nation, from Howard University in Washington to Harvard By midweek, about eight members of the U.S. House of universities, said the institution has set up a coronavirus task University in Massachusetts. Representatives, including Congressman Don Beyer of North- force to keep track of its students’ health and send out frequent Organizations everywhere are examining whether to continue ern Virginia, reported they had gone into voluntary isolation, medical alerts. She said the university consults with the Capital with planned conferences, concerts and other events. The day- or quarantine, based on their exposure to someone who has Area Health Network for medical guidance. long symposium marking the 30th anniversary of former Gov. contracted the virus. “You have to be vigilant and stay informed,” Ms. Cox said, L. Douglas Wilder’s inauguration, which was planned for March In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo placed a one-mile radius noting that about 100 VUU students are in study abroad programs. 26 at Virginia Union University, also has been postponed. around New Rochelle, N.Y., in suburban Westchester County on She did not say whether they have been recalled to campus. “Together we can get through this and we will,” Gov. Ralph S. Northam, a physician, said at a news conference Wednesday, where he was surrounded by state health experts. He also announced Virginia’s ninth confirmed case of coro- navirus; there have been no fatalities. Cathy’s Camp to be shut down Most of the cases, officials said, involve people who have recently returned from international travel. The cases have been reported in Northern Virginia, Spotsylvania and Virginia Beach, by March 31, displacing homeless with the latest reported Wednesday in Ashland, just north of Richmond. Continued from A1 vival space on frigid nights. People sleep nant woman and people who have been Nationally, officials on Wednesday reported more than 1,050 on thin mats on the floor with the lights discharged from hospitals and health care confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 35 deaths. The rapid spread still showing up daily — to find a less kept on in the women’s area. The lights facilities. She noted the arrival Monday of the virus across the globe has resulted in more than 121,500 visible space if they cannot be placed in and the noise make getting rest difficult, night of man on a walker who is still reported cases and 4,373 deaths. a shelter or find housing elsewhere, as several people have said. recovering from surgery. She also pointed Gov. Northam said the state has received 300 to 400 medical most cannot. When the center is not open because to another person whom MCV discharged kits for testing, and is expected to receive many more in the Nonprofits have found temporary or the temperature isn’t forecast to dip below and had transported to the camp as the coming days. Each kit can test 50 to 60 people, officials said. permanent space for only seven people 40 degrees, people sleep on the sidewalk only option for a place to stay. Gov. Northam said the state is making plans for state employees at Cathy’s Camp in the past two weeks. at the front door. “We’re still working on the housing to work remotely and officials have asked public school systems That’s only a fraction of the 50 to 80 Still, there is a prospect for a federal issue,” said Kelly King Horne, execu- to report attendance data to the state health department as a means people currently staying there. lawsuit if Cathy’s Camp residents relocate tive director of Homeward, a nonprofit of monitoring children’s health in local communities. Expected to be to be finalized Friday, to public property, such as the grassy that coordinates the regional public and Health officials urged people, including students, to stay home the plan already is being implemented, area outside the city Social Services private response to homelessness through if they feel sick to stem the possible spread of COVID-19. with notices posted on tents requesting building. the Greater Richmond Continuum of Gov. Northam and other officials said they are following that those living there be gone by Mon- A 2018 federal court ruling from Boise, Care. guidance from the Atlanta-based federal Centers for Disease day, March 30, and tents to come down Idaho, upheld in December by the U.S. Su- According to the city and Homeward, Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization for Tuesday, March 31. preme Court, barred authorities in western Richmond nonprofits house about 1,000 By Wednesday, April 1, Virginia Com- states from arresting homeless people who people, but still need 150 new shelter beds monwealth University is expected to post sleep on public property if no alternative and a way to create 300 more units of Racial epithets aimed one or more police officers at the site to housing is provided. transitional housing for longer-term stays, prevent any new tents from being set up on The city’s top human services official, for which there is no funding. the land, which is owned by the university Reginald E. Gordon, signaled his goal of The biggest problem, Ms. Horne said, at Armstrong basketball and considered environmentally contami- shutting down the camp in late December, is that there are no housing resources in nated and listed as a brownfield. when he ordered Blessing Warriors RVA the area for the most vulnerable, elderly team spark investigations It is not clear if people will be arrested to dismantle it. He did not enforce the poor people who are ill or disabled and if they refuse to leave the camp. Continued from A1 order. But as a member of the task force, need constant care. She and the partners in the complaints and issued a The decision to shut down the camp he now is making it clear that getting rid homeless services are at a loss as to how statement last week that said, complies with the demands of 6th District Stars and Bars, waved the of the camp remains a top priority. to house such individuals who cannot work in part, “We have had ongoing City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, (Confederate) flag and made “I don’t know what will happen when and require the help of others. talks with both schools as we who regards the camp as a blight on her shooting gestures with their the end of the month comes,” said Rhonda Ms. Sneed and others call short-term gather facts. As you can guess, district and wants other council members hands,” he said. Sneed, the co-founder and volunteer leader shelter beds a Band-aid solution because, we take very seriously player to find shelter space in their sections of “Racism is real.” of the 3,500-member Blessing Warriors after a few days, the people are back on the and fan safety at all our regular the city. The Armstrong team, com- RVA that started the camp last August street looking for somewhere to sleep. season and post-season games. The camp’s removal — along with posed of African-American after she found people sleeping in the field Fifth District Councilwoman Stephanie We are still in the process of dozens of residents who currently have no players, was taking on Central without blankets — and with no sign of A. Lynch, a former social worker who is reviewing all the information other place to go — would take place two High School of Woodstock, city or private social workers to assist. now engaged in housing issues for people gathered from the game.” weeks before the city officially ends the use an all-white team, during the “I am in no way in support of taking with mental illnesses, said Monday night Mr. Minor said Tuesday of the Annie Giles Community Resource state 3B semifinals held at the the tents down,” said Ms. Sneed, “unless more camps will be popping up around that he called the VHSL Center, the former Conrad Center, as the Shenandoah County school’s they have housing for everyone who is the city if the city doesn’t put up more and “advised them” that the winter overflow shelter. gymnasium. here now and all the new people who resources for housing. league’s sportsmanship com- Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administra- According to reports, Arm- keep coming.” She noted there are few federal or mittee investigating the inci- tion has rebuffed a request from nonprofits strong Coach Darryl Watts and While some people have left, “we still state resources. One of the biggest pools dents “should include diversity in the task force to allow the camp to Athletic Director Glenn Ander- have people arriving. I can’t stop them. of money, Medicaid, cannot be used for among its members.” remain open until the Giles Center closes son made a game official aware They just want a place to sleep,” said housing, she said. In a statement released on Monday, April 15. of a racial slur used against Ms. Sneed, a retired U.S. Postal Service Ms. Lynch said area hospitals could March 5, RPS Superintendent Ms. Robertson has criticized the city one of the players, sophomore employee and Air Force veteran who has consider getting involved as several have Jason Kamras said his office for opening the shelter at the Giles Center Taemon Doswell. However, the fed the homeless for at least four years. done in Pittsburgh and other communities. is taking the matter seriously this season, preventing it from being used official didn’t immediately stop Blessing Warriors RVA has provided The hospitals in those communities, she and has been in communication as a job training and resource center for the game. sleeping bags, blankets, food, clothing, said, have found it is cheaper to move with Shenandoah County Public residents who live in the communities The officials eventually rides to doctors’ appointments, laundry people into apartments and pay their Schools officials “to ensure that overlooking the jail and city Juvenile paused the game, benching help and other aid to the residents to help rent than having them take up beds at we have a complete and accurate Detention Center. both teams before conferring them get through the cold. the hospital because there is nowhere to account of the events so that it As a shelter, it has provided a bare sur- Ms. Sneed said that includes a preg- discharge them. with coaches from Armstrong can be addressed through the and Central high schools. The appropriate venues.” officials then issued a warning Richmond School Board Vice to the Central High Falcons Chair Cheryl L. Burke, who rep- before restarting the game. resents the 7th District in which General Assembly green-lights preference Despite being rattled by the in- Armstrong is located, met on cidents, the Armstrong Wildcats March 4 with the basketball team, took the high road and continued cheerleaders and coaches. for Pamunkey tribe in local casino playing, although they lost the “Armstrong’s team is upset Continued from A1 in the House and 27-12 in the Senate. Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico, who game to Central 47-37. and they want to know what Richmond Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, said before the vote, “I am not in support Calls by the Free Press to are we going to do about it Americans and has refused to re-admit a member of the Virginia Legislative Black of (the tribe’s) efforts.” Coach Watts and Mr. Anderson as adults,” said Ms. Burke, a families who were banished. Caucus, voted for the bill, while Demo- Petersburg Delegate Lashrecse Aird have not been returned. retired Richmond elementary The Free Press has since learned that cratic Sen. Ghazala Hashmi opposed the was among the 35 House members who The incidents have drawn school principal. Chief Robert Gray and the tribal council bill. Democratic Sen. Joseph D. Morrissey opposed the final casino bill. media attention locally and in She noted the Armstrong have ordered a longtime resident on the did not vote. Under the bill, residents of each of Northern Virginia, with RPS students had been respectful tribe’s reservation in King William County Richmond Delegates Dawn M. Adams the five cities would have to approve officials and the civil rights and followed all the rules and to undergo psychiatric evaluation or face joined two members of the VLBC, Jeff any proposed casino in a referendum. It organization now stepping in. expectations when confronted banishment. The resident and tribe mem- M. Bourne and Delores L. McQuinn, in is unclear at this point when Richmond Central High Principal with the situation. ber, John M. Collins, has been assaulted supporting the measure. would hold such a vote. Lori Swortzel confirmed to a “It’s time for the team to get for advocating a change in tribal policy Richmond Delegate Betsy Carr, who Separately, while embracing casinos, Shenandoah County newspaper some tender loving care by the to include Indian families with African- had opposed an earlier House version of the legislature also approved outlawing the that she saw the Confederate community,” Ms. Burke said. American ties. the bill, was among five delegates who thousands of gambling machines that have flag in that school’s student She also expressed a need to Richmond’s legislative delegation was did not vote on the bill. Also among that sprung up in convenience stores, truck stops section before the game. She pray for the Falcons. split over the casino bill, which passed 60-35 group was the chairman of the VLBC and other outlets. said she and Central’s athletic director, Justin Broughman, confiscated it, citing a school policy that doesn’t allow any- thing deemed “disruptive” to a with your school day or event. She also told the newspaper that school administrators were Vo t e dollars made aware of what she de- tremendous economic clout. Economic clout so great that scribed as a “gesture” made by We can make a difference. it determines whether most companies in the Richmond a Central High student that had That is, if we vote daily with our dollars. area make a profit — especially during these hard times. We urge our readers to think in economic terms and As customers and taxpayers, we should vote with our been directed at the Armstrong to use the advertising columns of the Free Press as a dollars — but only for those businesses and government cheerleaders during the game. guide when making purchases and/or voting. jurisdictions that respect rules of fair play from the board room to the checkout and service counters. Credible corporations and governmental entities that “We’ve talked to the refer- place ad ver tising in the columns of the Free Press They also should respect and ap preciate us and our ees, the Shenandoah Referee are sending the mes sage that they appreciate our hard-earned dollars — just as they do the readers of Association and the VHSL patronage and respect us as customers. other media. Let nobody fool you. Vote daily with your dollars to make a difference. (Virginia High School League) Our family of more than 130,000 Free Press readers holds Economic power is essential to freedom. in order to conduct our own investigation,” she told the newspaper. Richmond Free Press The People's Newspaper The VHSL is looking into Metro Richmond responds to, prepares for pandemic/Photos B2

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Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 13 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com MARCH 19-21, 2020 Life interrupted Coronavirus pandemic disrupts work, study and play as the number of cases rises throughout the state Coronavirus tips By George Copeland Jr. To protect yourself and others from coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recom- Coronavirus has been un- mends the following: covered in Virginia’s capital • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at city, adding to the anxiety and least 20 seconds especially after you have been in concern about the illness. a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing Four people in Richmond or sneezing. have tested positive for COVID- • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand 19, the latest development for sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover a pandemic that has resulted in all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until 77 infections and two deaths in they feel dry. the state and has seen local and • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with un- state officials take increasingly washed hands. measured steps to combat and • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. prevent the virus’ spread. • Put distance between yourself and other people if Mayor Levar M. Stoney COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people at higher risk of getting confirmed the virus’ arrival in sick, including older people and those with underlying Richmond during a news con- medical conditions. ference Wednesday at City Hall. • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical He said the people infected, care. two in their 20s and two in • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you their 30s, recently had traveled cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. outside the state. • Throw used tissues in the trash, then immediately wash Three of the infected had your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds traveled as part of a group trip or clean your hands with a hand sanitizer. to North Carolina with another • If you are sick, wear a face mask when you are person from Henrico County, around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) who also has been confirmed and before you enter a health care provider’s office. as infected. The three cases If you are not able to wear a face mask, then do your were discovered during the Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press best to cover your coughs and sneezes. People who investigation into the Henrico A man rides his bicycle through Jackson Ward on Tuesday wearing a medical mask as are caring for you should wear a face mask if they case, according to Dr. Danny an extra precaution during the continuing spread of COVID-19 in Virginia. enter your room. T.K. Avula, director of the Richmond and Henrico health with a person who has tested previous contacts. also has been hospitalized at ritory,” Mayor Stoney said. shift to continue service through districts. positive. Officials announced Tues- VCU Medical Center. “Now is the time to increase online resources in a bid The fourth person in Rich- All four people have self- day that a resident of West- Officials said he is one of our diligence and keep each to reduce the virus’ spread. mond testing positive for the quarantined at home, as the minster Canterbury in Henrico two people being treated at other accountable.” Concerts, festivals and most virus traveled to New York, Virginia Health Department County, a man in his 80s who VCU for the virus. Schools and libraries have where he came in contact works to trace their travels and had returned from a trip Florida, “We are in uncharted ter- been shut down, with a mass Please turn to A4 RPS centers Richmond schools closed until April 13 By Ronald E. Carrington said. Last week, Gov. Ralph S. Northam ordered all Virginia public open to families Richmond Public Schools will be closed for an additional schools closed for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16, in two weeks through spring break, reopening Monday, April 13, an effort to contain the spread of the virus. That would have By Ronald E. Carrington April 13, or longer. because of the coronavirus pandemic. reopened schools for one week before spring break was to start Chimborazo Elementary Superintendent Jason Kamras made the announcement at the on April 6. Kate Johnson had a difficult was one of 20 school-based Richmond School Board meeting Monday night, noting, “This is Under Mr. Kamras’ directive, schools will be closed for the time finding where to pick up food distribution centers opened an unprecedented time as we navigate the current situation.” next four weeks through the spring holiday. food at Chimborazo Elementary Monday by RPS to make sure The schools will be closed for students and staff. The super- All RPS employees – full time and part time – will continue School on Monday. families have what they need intendent, his senior staff, school principals, principal directors to be paid during this time, officials said Monday night. That There was no sign posted during this time of unsteadiness. and custodians will remain on the job, however. includes hourly workers as the School Board approved allocat- on the front door of the school On Tuesday, RPS officials an- Students were given learning activities packets when schools ing funding for the maximum possible hours for such workers on East Marshall Street in the nounced that an additional 15 closed on Friday, March 13. If they did not get the packets, of- during the school closing. East End. food distribution points would ficials said families can pick them up at the food distribution “The closing could be longer than after spring break,” Mr. Looking to pick up food and be opened in various commu- centers. Kamras said, acknowledging that “the extension will put addi- lesson plans for her three boys, nity centers. Additional learning activities for students at all levels also tional stress on families … in terms of child care, having food, Parker, a third-grader, Jonah, On Monday and Tuesday, are available on the RPS website under Learning at Home Re- as well as other day to day realities. However, it is important who’s in first grade, and her turnout for food was light. sources, www.rpstech.org/parents.html. preschooler, in this new age On those days, the breakfast Students will not be graded during the closure, officials Please turn to A4 of coronavirus, Ms. Johnson packages included cereal, milk, persisted until she found the juice, a pastry and a piece of right entry in the rear of the fruit, while lunch included a building. ham and cheese croissant, fruit Closing Cathy’s Camp in midst of emergency She picked up schoolwork and vegetable and hamburger and pre-packaged bags of or cheeseburger sliders. By Jeremy M. Lazarus removal around 7 p.m. breakfast and lunch for the boys “I think people are using what That’s far sooner than the March 31 deadline the city imposed before heading out. they have at home,” said Mark The tents started to come down Wednesday. for everyone to be out and the tents taken away. “I am going to be home and Cattie, coordinator at Blackwell At this point, only a small group of people remain in the Ms. Sneed is a co-founder of Blessing Warriors RVA, the I want (the boys) to continue Elementary School in South homeless community known as Cathy’s Camp beside the city’s all-volunteer group providing services to the homeless, and to read and work on their aca- Side. “Toward the weekend, cold weather shelter on Oliver Hill Way across from the Rich- helped launch the tent city — named for the late Cathy Davis, demics,” said Ms. Johnson, a we may see a peak of people mond Justice Center. the other co-founder — as a shelter for people who needed a part-time worker who said her coming in because our children “Maybe 20 to 25 people are left, and they should be moved” place to sleep. employer will continue paying really need these meals.” in the next day or two, Rhonda Sneed said Wednesday. She The urgency to shut down the camp has been fueled by the her for the next two weeks. returned to the camp and used her phone to broadcast the tent coronavirus emergency. Her husband, an employee at Please turn to A4 Without waiting for formal approval from City Council, Virginia Commonwealth Uni- Mayor Levar M. Stoney used his emergency authority to shift versity, was still waiting to hear $2.1 million in city funds to spur the move of the camp residents whether his department would to area hotels and motels. The measure was introduced Monday be closed down because of the and is expected to win approval Monday, March 23, when City pandemic. Council is scheduled to hold its regular meeting. She said she and her husband The spending is part of a series of steps that Mayor Stoney are telling their children to wash announced to help stem the pandemic and help residents during their hands more. the crisis, including dropping interest and penalties on late filing “What really concerns me of all city taxes; halting all disconnections of utility services; is our neighbors,” Ms. Johnson closing libraries and recreation centers; and eliminating any said. “A lot of them are over city-sponsored public meetings, except for City Council. 60 years old.” The funding has enabled Homeward, the regional homeless The week started a stress- coordinating group, and its partners to relocate about 17 people ful and chaotic time for many from Cathy’s Camp to the Massad House Hotel in Downtown, families as area schools and and with help from Blessing Warriors RVA, to place the majority some before- and after-school at the Rodeway Inn in Henrico County near the airport. programs shut down to help The relocations began Monday, although the process was prevent the spread of COVID- clearly uneven. Delivery of meals to those who were transferred 19. Parents across the city are to hotels did not begin until Tuesday. A few people walked back scrambling to get child care to the camp to get something to eat, including one man who as they adjust their work and Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press walked at least 5 miles from the motel on Williamsburg Road family schedules, making sure near the airport. their children are fed and keep- Improving on history Complaints about bedbugs at the Downtown hotel led some ing up with schoolwork. Tessneem Khalil, 7, right, helps uncover gravestones in the 104-year-old Woodland to return as well. What started out as a two- Cemetery in Henrico County. She is working with her mother, left, Rania Fetouh, As of Tuesday, 50 people had been relocated, with another week closure for Richmond and Kathleen Harrell, her teacher at Shady Grove Elementary School in Henrico 12 relocated Wednesday, with meal service up and running, ac- Public Schools suddenly ex- County. Ms. Harrell has volunteered consistently on Sunday afternoons with cording to Kelly King Horne, Homeward’s executive director. panded to become a four-week Dr. John W.J. “Bill” Slavin to improve the neglected burial ground best known “We plan to provide two weeks (stay in the hotels) and go from break, with more than 24,000 as the last resting place of Arthur Ashe Jr., the Richmond native who earned students out of classes until international renown in tennis and as a humanitarian. Please see story on B3. Please turn to A4 A4 March 19-21, 2020 Richmond Free Press News Coronavirus pandemic disrupts work, study and play as the number of cases rises throughout the state Continued from A1 more than 100 people tested during the course of four hours. “We can and will get through this difficult time, but we The VDH has plans for another pop-up location perhaps this must do so together,” Gov. Northam said during a briefing on sporting events across the country have been postponed or weekend, but further details were not available Wednesday as Tuesday. canceled. health officials were still working to get more test kits from Last Friday, leaders with the City of Richmond and Henrico, Restaurants that are open are being limited to 10 custom- private companies. People interested in being tested must Hanover, Chesterfield and Goochland counties declared local ers at a time or are offering only to-go service like Mama J’s call (804) 205-3501 to be screened for symptoms and to be states of emergency, a day after Gov. Northam’s own state of Kitchen in Jackson Ward, while malls and movie theaters are registered. emergency declaration, and hours before President Trump declared cutting hours, along with government agencies that offer critical “It’s the first time that we’re doing something like this. Our a national state of emergency. Officials also activated the Central services, such as the Department of Social Services. hope is that we can work out the kinks and then start to replicate Virginia All-Hazards Incident Management Team. Behind this dramatic effort and encouragement of people to this around the region,” Dr. Avula said. “There clearly is a need The local declarations allow city and county leaders to secure keep away from each other is the deep concern the contagious for more and more testing at the community level.” public contracts and services with less oversight from governing virus could overwhelm hospitals and the rest of the public health Bon Secours Health System also announced plans for regional bodies. Local officials also are planning to meet regularly to system. With a vaccine still months away, separation to allow sites devoted to testing for the virus, though no date has been share resources, information and new developments. the virus to run its course in those infected appears to be the given for when or where that will begin. The State Corporation Commission on Monday directed all only option. To mitigate chances of the virus spreading further, Mayor regulated utilities to suspend service disconnections for 60 days The real problem is that identifying those who have COVID- Stoney said Richmond will be collaborating with health officials after a petition from Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring 19 has proven nearly impossible. Testing is limited, and people to enforce the 10-person limit on public gatherings that Gov. was sent calling for the suspension. can spread the virus to others for two to 14 days before they Ralph S. Northam imposed on Tuesday. Comcast has responded to the virus’ presence in Virginia by start having symptoms, including dry cough, fever and difficulty An adoption of federal guidelines, the order affects restaurants, increasing the speed and access of its internet services, including breathing. Estimates from top health experts are that there are malls and other businesses serving the public and is one of many offering free internet service to low-income households. 50 people infected for every confirmed case. new measures by the state government to ensure public safety Despite these steps, there are still more areas of Virginia life According to the health experts, the number of people with and lower the chances of transmission or infection. left unaddressed in the wake of the pandemic. the virus can double every three days and quickly get out of Other measures already in place include a two week hiatus While Gov. Northam noted the failure of a paid sick leave control. for Virginia’s K-12 schools — with Richmond Public Schools bill to pass the General Assembly earlier this year, he said there While most people will shake off the effects quickly, an closing through April 13, though online resources are being are currently no plans for legislative action beyond the recon- estimated 15 percent of people who get the virus might need made available. vened session on April 22, despite calls from Republican and hospitalization and 5 percent could require intensive care and Most universities are shifting to online courses, with students Democratic legislators for a special session. ventilators. Hospitals do not have the beds or ventilators to being cleared from campuses. Some schools, including Virginia The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy on Tuesday handle the hundreds and potentially thousands of patients who Commonwealth University and University of Richmond, have called on the governor to use his emergency authority to institute would need such care. canceled or postponed upcoming graduation ceremonies. paid sick and employment protections. At Free Press deadline on Wednesday evening, the Virginia Dominion Energy and Richmond Public Utilities are pitching Meanwhile, there is an effort to have some of those locked Department of Health had confirmed 77 positive cases of the in to help people stay in their homes by ending disconnections up released from jail. Attorneys with the Richmond Public De- virus in the state, including two cases in Henrico, five in Ches- of electricity, water, sewer and gas service until the emergency fenders Office asked the judges of the city’s General District, terfield, and one in both Hanover and Goochland. The VDH is over. Juvenile and Domestic Relations and Circuit courts to order the also confirmed the deaths of two men in their 70s from the virus GRTC started providing free rides on every service, while the release from jail of the city’s non-violent offenders. The letter on Saturday and Monday, both of whom lived in James City Virginia Supreme Court Wednesday ordered lower courts to halt urged the action to reduce the chances of the coronavirus among County near Williamsburg. all eviction hearings that do not involve an emergency. those now held in custody. Currently, 1,278 people in Virginia have been tested for the To help workers being laid off, the Virginia Employment Officials stress that Virginians will have to practice caution, coronavirus by the state lab, officials said. This doesn’t include Commission has dropped the state’s one-week waiting period cleanliness and selflessness for themselves and each other to testing done by private health labs, meaning the number of tests, to apply for unemployment. Other arms of the government are slow the spread of coronavirus. and potential positive cases, are likely to rise in the coming making it easier for businesses and workers to access aid. In Health officials, meanwhile, are urging anyone 65 or older days and weeks. other cases, access is being limited to reduce public contact and to self-quarantine. To help speed the testing process and lighten the potential load possible spread of the virus. For example, the state Department “This is just the beginning,” Mayor Stoney said. “We on hospitals, the VDH established its first pop-up COVID-19 of Motor Vehicles has closed its offices and limited all service have to be vigilant, personally vigilant, in this combat versus testing site Wednesday afternoon in Henrico’s Dorey Park, with to online interactions. COVID-19.” Richmond schools closed until April 13 Continued from A1 Mr. Kamras said. During the meeting, the to let them know now so they board approved a $533,000 can plan for the future.” budget transfer for deep clean- Neighborhood RPS has opened 20 food ing supplies and services for RPS food distribution centers from 9:30 all schools because of COVID- a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday 19, as well as an additional food distribution through Friday at various $250,000 for nurses for special distribution schools where families can needs children through June centers pick up breakfast and lunch 30, the end of the current fis- centers for their children. cal year. Neighborhood-based food distribution centers are On Wednesday, an addi- The board also approved a Richmond Public Schools has 20 food distribution open 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday at 15 tional 15 sites in neighborhoods resolution by board member centers open for families to pick up breakfast and locations around Richmond. around Richmond also were James “Scott” Barlow, 2nd Dis- lunch for their children. The centers are open 9:30 East End opened for families to pick up trict, authorizing Mr. Kamras a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. • Fulton - Miss Girlee’s Parking Lot, 4809 Parker meals from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and board Chairwoman Linda • Armstrong High School, 2300 Cool Lane St., #1520 Monday through Friday. Owen, 9th District, to make • Binford Middle School, 1701 Floyd Ave. • Creighton Court - Management Office, 2101 Many of the school-based transfers of up to $1 million • Blackwell Elementary School, 300 E. 15th St. Creighton Road food distribution centers had without a vote of the entire • Boushall Middle School, 3400 Hopkins Road • Fairfield Court - Management Office, 2506 Phaup light turnout on Monday when board. Any transfers can be • Broad Rock Elementary School, 4615 Ferguson St. they first opened, as the word halted, however, if at least two Lane • Mosby Court - Management Office, 1543 Coalter was starting to filter out and board members object. • Carver Elementary School, 1110 W. Leigh St. St. parents were trying to find the The emergency resolution • Chimborazo Elementary School, 3000 E. Marshall • Whitcomb Court - Management Office, 2302 exact locations. For example, at can be removed by a majority St. Carmine St. Chimborazo Elementary, food vote of the board or when the • Fisher Elementary School, 3701 Garden Road West End could be picked up in the rear COVID-19 state of emergency • Francis Elementary School, 5146 Snead Road • Randolph - Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary of the school, while at Ginter is lifted by federal, state and • George Mason Elementary School, 813 N. 28th St. Park Elementary, the pickup city officials. St. • Maymont - Amelia St School Parking Lot, 1821 point was at the side entrance “I do hope people watching, • Ginter Park Elementary School, 3817 Chamber- Amelia St. and for others, the schools’ as we respond to this crisis layne Ave. front lobbies. locally, have a better under- • Greene Elementary School, 1745 Catalina Drive North Side Carver Elementary School standing as we go through this • Huguenot High School, 7945 Forest Hill Ave. • Bellevue/Pine Camp - Parking Lot, 4901 Old was added Wednesday as a process of the integral role • Lucille Brown Middle School, 6300 Jahnke Road Brook Road food distribution center, while RPS and other school divisions • Miles Jones Elementary School, 200 Beaufont • Battery Park - Gate Oaks Apartment Complex, Henderson Middle School play in our communities,” Mr. Hills Drive 2907 Chamberlayne Ave. was removed because of road Barlow said. • Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby • Gilpin Court - Management Office, 1000 St. construction. “We are not just an educa- St. John St., Richmond, VA 23220, Brookland Park Mr. Kamras said the admin- tional agency,” he said. “We • Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School, 2409 - Hotchkiss Field Community Center, 701 E. istration is working with partner supply nutritional and emo- Webber Ave. Brookland Park Blvd. agencies to deliver food to fami- tional support for our students • Reid Elementary School, 1301 Whitehead Road South Side lies that have difficulty getting to and are likely more in touch • Summer Hill Preschool, 2717 Alexander Ave. • Bellmeade - Recreation Center, 1800 Lynhaven the distribution centers because with the needs of families than • George Wythe High School, 4314 Crutchfield St. Ave. of a lack of transportation or other agencies.” • Hillside Court - Recreation Center, 1500 Harwood child care. St. “As we get into next week, • Chippenham & Hull St - Timbercreek Apartments, the administration will know if 2200 Chateau Dr. there may be any meal short- • Belt Blvd. & Hull St.- Southwood Leasing Office, ages. The district has alerted the Closing Cathy’s Camp in midst of emergency 1200 Southwood Pkwy. city and partners that additional Continued from A1 “We also had to arrange transportation,” Ms. support may be needed in get- Gray said. ting resources for our families,” there,” she said. Earlier that day as City Council met to af- It is not yet clear whether most of the camp’s firm Mayor Stoney’s March 13 declaration of residents will gain permanent housing. an emergency, Ms. Gray also led the council in Ms. Sneed said that she is cooperating because insisting that the Stoney administration open the RPS centers open to families the camp is “no longer safe” as a few newcom- overflow shelter at the Annie Giles Community ers continue to arrive. She said a man who had Resource Center so residents of the camp could Continued from A1 “My daughter had all of the homework as- been treated for pneumonia and discharged from wash up and use the bathrooms. signments and she is keeping up to date on her a hospital arrived on Tuesday night. “He could Ms. Sneed is not sentimental about the im- Linda Fleming, a mother of five pregnant with work,” Mr. Moseley said. hardly breathe,” she said. pending end of the camp. her sixth child, headed into Boushall Middle While normal routines are disrupted, the The Richmond Sheriff’s Department also “Everyone survived the winter,” said Ms. School with daughters, Radasia, 8, a third-grader, pandemic is pulling generations within families directed three homeless people who were dis- Sneed, who is now focused on keeping her and Raeeke Bucler, 12, a seventh-grader. together. charged by the Justice Center, as the city’s jail promise to the relocated residents to visit, to “Right now, I have to limit my working,” One grandmother of six, a retiree who did not is known, to Cathy’s Camp for housing. bring clothing and personal care items and said Ms. Fleming, adding that she is using sick want her name published, was leaving George Initially, the people moved from the camp ensure they have food. leave and vacation time to stay home with her Wythe High School with her arms filled with were among the healthier residents. City Coun- Some also are mentally ill, and Ms. Sneed children. “I don’t want my children to go to one food. Three of her grandchildren attend Richmond cilwoman Kim B. Gray and Ms. Sneed were said she will be there to ensure they take their babysitter after another because there is no one schools, she said, while three attend school in concerned that those making the relocation medication. to stay home with them. I don’t want them to Chesterfield County. selections left a man with stage 2 cancer and a She also said she would advocate for perma- risk getting the coronavirus.” Her concern, she said, centers on the unknown woman in a wheelchair in place. nent housing for them once the emergency ends Lesley Moseley, whose daughter attends – who is a carrier of the virus and who isn’t. On Monday, after finding rooms available so they don’t wind up returning to the streets Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, picked up “I am doing all I can for my family,” she at the Rodeway Inn, Ms. Gray and Ms. Sneed in a few weeks. food from George Mason Elementary in Church said. “There is no vaccine for the virus and received approval from Ms. Horne to send the “We need to make sure that doesn’t hap- Hill because it was closer to their home. that’s scary.” sickest to the motel along with two caretakers. pen,” she said. Richmond Free Press A rooster in Henrico Editorial Page A6 March 19-21, 2020

Unusual, extraordinary times This edition of the Richmond Free Press is a labor of commitment and care. Care for our extraordinary team members, care for our loyal and devoted readers and commitment to our advertisers who count on us to get their messages out to our readership. Every line of our news columns is selected to inform with news you can use and make you a Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press bit safer and smarter. Out with the status quo

As America muddles its way are a monolith. It recognizes that mony against Clarence Thomas, are systemic. Racism in America This week the coronavirus pan- through these perilous times, too we share a common history and plagiarism and other issues is very is organic. What do we get for our many in the African-American oppressor and we should have clear. I don’t write this to say that endorsements? An afro-diasporic demic presents major challenges. community appear to be more con- common issues and values. Joe Biden is the wrong choice. I weltanschauung is essential to fused than ever. We have traded our This rant of “anybody but write this to say that if your analysis developing the platform that serves Our newsroom was affected with interests in for “electability” and Trump” is a perfect example of is solely based on “electability” or as a baseline for any political “anybody but the dangers of binary politics, es- “anybody but Trump,” then your candidate that seeks the African- symptoms that demanded social Trump.” The pecially for the African-American analysis is shallow. In fact, it’s not American vote. Any candidate late NAACP even analysis; it’s reactionary. The seeking our support must commit distancing. Advertisers were not Board Chair Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III African-American community can to supporting a set of clear platform Julian Bond ill-afford reactionary politics. It’s planks and policy initiatives that sure of their plans, so many are not told us that we not about the politics of personality. support the community. The 1972 have no per- community. It’s about the politics of policy. Gary Declaration from the National represented in this edition. manent friends Please don’t get this twisted. “Anybody but Trump” ignores Black Political Convention is the and no perma- Yes, President Trump is disgust- the fact that as president, Mr. place to start. nent enemies, ingly ignorant, vile, gauche, racist Trump is a functionary of the Yes, President Trump needs to just permanent and an admitted sexual predator. U.S. government. His position on go, but so does the status quo. Small businesses, like the Free interests. Mal- However, following the simplistic Venezuela is the same as previous The writer is the producer-host colm X called them permanent narrative of “anybody but Trump” administrations. Both Democrat of the nationally broadcast call-in Press, need customers, readers and agendas. without an afro-diasporic welt- and Republican administrations talk radio program “Inside the By failing to develop, under- anschauung as the basis of your have had policies that included Issues with Leon” on SiriusXM advertisers to keep the faith. Non- stand and articulate our permanent analysis will not lead you to a U.S. interference in Central and satellite radio. interests/agendas, we fall victim to better alternative. South American countries. His profits that serve the homeless and the problem of binary politics, the We’ve been told by some in position on tax cuts and cuts to simplistic either-or scenario. Yes, leadership positions that “we social programs builds upon tax Richmond Free Press the food insecure need our support this is a two-party system, but know Joe (Biden) and Joe knows policy and social policy cuts from 422 East Franklin Street failing to have an afro-diasporic us,” “He is a public servant who previous administrations. Remem- Richmond, VA 23219 more than ever. weltanschauung, or world view, has always worked for the best of ber “ending welfare as we know Telephone (804) 644-0496 continuously leaves us with the who we are as a nation and we it” under President Clinton and FAX (804) 643-7519 simplistic and deadly choices of need that right now,” and “The President Obama’s failed “Grand the status quo: “Do you want lead answer to hatred and division is Bargain?” Mailing Address: Perseverance. in your drinking water or mercury? to reignite our spirit of common Again, I did not write this to P.O. Box 27709 Do you want arsenic with your purpose … He’ll restore honor say that Joe Biden is the wrong Richmond, VA 23261 ______grits, baby, or do you want mamma to the Oval Office and tackle our choice. I’m merely asking what to sprinkle a bit of strychnine on most pressing challenges.” do we get for our loyalty — more Founder them for you?” Yes, we know Joe. He has quite hope without substantive and sys- Raymond H. Boone Having an afro-diasporic welt- a long record. His record on busing, temic change? President – Publisher anschauung does not mean that we the crime bill, Anita Hill’s testi- The issues that plague America Jean P. Boone [email protected] Managing Editor March Madness to Miserable May? Bonnie V. Winston [email protected] Basketball fans were looking seriously. When informed of this that hospitals will be burdened if forward to March Madness, those pandemic, the president’s initial this virus gets worse. Yet No. 45 Vice President – New Business Development weeks when the best college teams reaction was a wholly vacuous addressed this matter with a pithy Raymond H. Boone Jr. face off against each other. Madness assurance that the virus was “just 11-minute speech that was full of [email protected] is replete this March, but it isn’t like the flu” and would go away outright lies and misinformation. on the basketball courts. “when it gets hot.” When No. 45 campaigned Vice President – The dangerous coronavirus, Instead, the repercussions from four years ago, he said he’d fix News Enhancement which can be the coronavirus are massive. The infrastructure, which is a bipartisan Jeremy M. Lazarus Monday marked the 193rd anniver- t r a n s m i t t e d stock market tanked during the issue. As soon as he entered the [email protected] by a cough, a week when No. 45 first dismissed Oval Office, the infrastructure plan Vice President – Production sary of the Black Press of America. touch or “di- was forgotten. A strong and resilient April A. Coleman rect contact,” Julianne Malveaux public health system should be part [email protected] It all began with Freedom’s Journal, is spreading all of our infrastructure. That sector has Staff Writers over the world. been ignored by an administration Fred Jeter, Frances Crutchfield guided by John B. Russwurm and It is madness the virus and then imposed travel that would rather feather the nests Hazel Trice Edney that the United restrictions, preventing some peo- of billionaires than ensure that Samuel F. Cornish. Its inaugural States, which ple from traveling to the United everyone who has been exposed to Photographers loves to brag States. the coronavirus can be tested. Sandra Sellars edition’s front page carried these about our world The spread of the coronavirus The National Society of Civil [email protected] superiority, comes up short when it reveals weaknesses in the armor Engineers issues a report card on Regina H. Boone words: comes to coronavirus testing. of the country, some describe our nation’s infrastructure every [email protected] Many who have been exposed as “the greatest country” in the two or three years. The most recent James Haskins, Rudolph Powell “We wish to plead our own cause. to the virus have not been tested world. The coronavirus has been report card from 2017, gives us a and Clinton A. Strane ______because test kits are in short supply. declared a pandemic, a world D+ grade on our infrastructure, Too long have others spoken for In reaction, March Madness has emergency. The United States is our highways and bridges, public Vice President – Administration Tracey L. Oliver been canceled, as has professional woefully unprepared to manage buildings and waterways and more. [email protected] us.” basketball and other sports. this emergency. The focus of this We get a D+ and yet some brag In New York and other loca- administration has been to slash about our “greatness.” Advertising Traffic Coordinator tions, public safety prohibits large the public sector and provide tax Once we were a world leader, Cynthia Downing gatherings, causing St. Patrick’s breaks for the wealthy. Public but now we are a laughingstock, [email protected] Typically, publishers convened by Day parades to be canceled. Broad- health — or any other kind — has especially when our country has [email protected] way has gone dark because of the not been a priority. Managing a abdicated from leadership, blaming Advertising Fax: (804) 643-5436 the trade organization for the black prohibition of groups of more than world pandemic is beyond the the pandemic on China and Europe. 500 people. capacity of the private sector. Anyone who understands global- National Advertising press – the National Newspaper Some colleges and universities Both Democratic presidential ization knows that our countries Representative NNPA have told students to stay home for candidates Joe Biden and Bernie are intertwined and there are no ______Publishers Association – meet at this spring break and offered online Sanders have given substantive borders strong enough to eliminate classes. Some K-12 schools are speeches on their approach to disease. Distribution Reed Marshall LLC time. This year, like nearly every closed for weeks because of the coronavirus. Unlike the president, Will March Madness turn into ______virus. And millions of workers have these Democrats are concerned with Adversity April and Miserable Richmond Free Press is published other regional or national organi- been told they should work from the children who get school lunch May? Will the Congress pass weekly by Paradigm Communications, home because of the virus. when schools are closed. They measures that will ameliorate the Inc. zation, NNPA members stayed in All of these factors contribute are concerned with the contingent effects of this virus on our health Copies of the Richmond Free Press to the volatile stock market. All workers who won’t get paid when and on our economy? (one copy per person) are free of charge at outlets in the Richmond area. Back place to pay attention to the public of the gains shareholders real- they don’t work, unlike government Candidates Mr. Biden and Sen. copies are available at the Free Press ized since 2016 have now been and other employees who will be Sanders have offered ideas to mini- office at $3 per copy. Bulk orders can they serve. wiped out. paid no matter what. mize the impact of the coronavirus. be made prior to any upcoming edition Much of this might have been Both Mr. Biden and Sen. Sand- Is anybody paying attention? at special rates. avoided, but for the fact that No.45 ers talked about the weakness in our The writer is an economist, A Publication of initially did not take this virus public health system and the ways author and educator. PARADIGM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Be assured: The Free Press cares 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 about YOU and Richmond. The Free Press welcomes letters Telephone (804) 644-0496 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 Follow the Free Press on 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: [email protected]. @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA B2 March 19-21, 2020 Richmond Free Press Happenings

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Above, shoppers practicing social distancing while waiting for Costco on Broad Street in Western Henrico to open last Saturday.

Left, a sign in a window of Richmond’s City Hall provides prevention tips. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to each declare emergencies. They also have asked all Virginians avoid congregating in groups of 10 or more.

Preparing for the CDC Coronavirus

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Shelves are bare in area grocery stores across the city and beyond Friday. “This is like a Christmas rush on steroids, yet at Christmas we are prepared for the crowds and long lines,” one shopper commented. Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press A motorist in Western Henrico wears a protective mask and gloves on Saturday.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School uses its electronic Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press sign to post health messages to the community. A customer stocks up on toilet paper at Costco, while below, others wait their turn at the Costco Saturday.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Carytown looks deserted Tuesday morning. This stretch of Cary Street between Belmont and Sheppard streets, is typically filled with cars. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and requirements for social distancing, this is the new normal for retail districts around the country and the world. Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press B2 March 26-28, 2020 Richmond Free Press Happenings Selma Online offers free civil rights lessons amid virus Free Press wire report “It’s perfect timing, unfortunately, because of RIO RANCHO, N.M. the crisis we are in,” Dr. Gates said last week. The first attempt of the historic march from “Not only is the timing optimal for teachers Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965 led to po- who are developing online lesson plans, but lice violence against peaceful African-American also for families.” demonstrators. The police beatings on what Dr. Gates said the website can be broken up became known as “Bloody Sunday” generated into quick lessons or over a semester. anger across the nation 55 years ago this month The idea for it followed the release of Ms. and prompted President Lyndon B. Johnson to DuVernay’s film. William Lewis Jr., co-chairman push the Voting Rights Act through Congress. of investment banking at New York City-based It was one of the most significant moments Lazard, and other black business leaders raised in U.S. history but remains almost absent from money so that 500,000 children in 33 cities could public schools’ social studies lessons. see the historical drama for free. A new online project by the Hutchins Center The film follows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for African and African American Research at portrayed by David Oyelowo, as he and other Harvard University and a coalition of founda- civil rights leaders push for voting rights in tions hopes to change that. Selma, Ala. Marches are soon met with violence The center this month unveiled Selma Online by police, which eventually leads to the passage — a free, online teaching platform that seeks of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. to transform how the Civil Rights Movement After the success of the fundraiser for kids is taught in middle and high schools across to see the movie, former Time Warner CEO AP Photo the country. The project uses footage from Ava Richard “Dick” Parsons reached out to Dr. Gates Harvard Professor Henery Louis Gates, Jr. at an awards ceremony on campus in October DuVernay’s 2014 movie “Selma’” and attempts about developing the website using “Selma” to 2019. Dr. Gates helped lead a new project launched in March 2020 by the Hutchins Center to show students how events in 1965 shaped teach the history of voting rights and the Civil for African and African American Research at Harvard and a coalition of foundations to voting rights. Rights Movement. bring online, interactive lessons about Selma and voting rights to students. Harvard scholar and documentary filmmaker “It was such a novel idea, I said ‘OK,’ ” Dr. Henry Louis “Skip” Gates Jr. helped create Dr. Gates said. suggestions in time for the 55th anniversary and Mexican American history into public high an interactive website with the Southern Poverty The Rockefeller Foundation soon awarded this month. schools around Albuquerque. Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance program and the project a grant. The website comes as educators in various Dr. Gates said he sees Selma Online as a test Left Field Labs. Its release comes as schools In 2019, organizers tested the website after states push for more lessons in ethnic studies run for similar projects around African-American across the United States have closed because of years of development with teachers and students amid demographic changes in public schools. history, including slavery. the coronavirus and many students are in need in schools in Chicago, Kansas, Kentucky, Ala- In New Mexico, for example, scholars and “You change the curriculum, you change of educational material at home. bama and California. Developers incorporated teachers are working on getting Chicano studies civic behavior,” Dr. Gates said. Netflix’s ‘Self Made’ tells story of America’s first female millionaire By Gary Gerard Hamilton do all of that without having the right to reach an impasse. And I am always prepared Associated Press vote or the right to own anything because to graciously walk away, especially now, NEW YORK of her gender and color.” understanding my value as an actress, as Madam C.J. Walker may be one of Mrs. Walker, whose maiden name was a producer and understanding what will be America’s most successful “pull yourself Sarah Breedlove, created and marketed hair required of me when I’m on set. up by your own bootstrap” stories, but products for African-American women in “So I was graciously bowing out and many people have never heard of her. the early 1900s. The four-part drama is LeBron and Maverick advocated for me. However, that’s changing, thanks to the based on the book “On Her Own Ground” And it’s terrible that they had to, but they recent release of a Netflix limited series by author and journalist A’Lelia Bundles, did. And that’s what we all need sometimes starring Octavia Spencer. Mrs. Walker’s great- in the negotiating process. But you also “Self Made: Inspired by the great granddaughter. have to be ready to say, ‘Thank you for Life of Madam C.J. Walker,” Kasi Lemmons, who thinking of me.’ ” which also stars Blair Under- directed the film Ms. Walker, who died in 1919 at age Netflix via AP wood, who attended Petersburg “Harriet,” and di- 51, was not only an extremely successful Actress Vera Farmiga portrays former prosecutor Linda High School in Petersburg, Va., rector-producer De- business woman, but a philanthropist as Fairstein in a scene from “When They See Us.” Tiffany Haddish, Bill Bellamy Mane Davis of the well. She gave generously to historically and Carmen Ejogo, tells the 2016 drama “Queen black colleges and universities and fought story of America’s first female Sugar,” both direct for anti-lynching laws. Former prosecutor millionaire at the turn of the two episodes. Ms. Bundles hopes that her great-great- 20th century. Her path to riches Although Ms. grandmother will serve as an inspiration to would be noteworthy in any era, Bundles said this has those who know about her and those who sues Netflix over but it’s particularly impressive been a project “50 are just learning of her, and that everyone given the discrimination and years in the making” will dig even deeper into her story. roadblocks African-Americans with many starts “What has been meaningful for me in Central Park 5 series Madam C.J. Walker and women had to endure at and stops, it almost these many years of telling her story is to Free Press wire report the time. failed this time as well. Ms. Spencer said find the other dimensions — that she was NEW YORK “I knew about her since I was a little she nearly walked away from the project not only a woman who was a pioneer of Within one week, former Manhattan prosecutor Linda Fairstein girl because my mother taught us about before basketball superstar LeBron James the modern hair care industry, but who has filed and lost a libel suit against Netflix and film director her. We were from humble beginnings and and his business partner, Maverick Carter, employed thousands of African-American Ava DuVernay over her portrayal in the streaming service’s Madam was from humble beginnings,” said intervened. Both are executive producers women and helped to create generational limited series about the Exonerated (formerly Central Park) Five Ms. Spencer. “She dictated her path in life, on the project, along with Ms. Spencer. wealth,” Ms. Bundles said “She created a case, which sent five African-American and Latino teenagers to and what an inspirational and aspirational “There were things that I felt that, in my hair care company, but she used her money prison for a crime they were later absolved of committing. story to use as an example for young people career, that I needed within my contract,” and her influence to make a difference in Ms. Fairstein claimed in the lawsuit, filed March 18 and who were from nothing. ... She was able to said the Oscar winner. “Sometimes you her community.” dismissed March 23 in federal court in Fort Myers, Fla., that the four-part series “When They See Us” defamed her by portraying her as a “racist, unethical villain.” “Most glaringly, the film series falsely portrays Ms. Fairstein Boosting the immune system as in charge of the investigation and prosecution of the case against the five, including the development of the prosecution’s theory of the case,” Ms. Fairstein’s lawyer, Andrew Miltenberg, to ward off coronavirus said in a statement. “In truth, and as detailed in the lawsuit, Ms. Fairstein was responsible for neither aspect of the case.” By Ronald E. Carrington can impact the body. • 3 celery stalks or bok choy Ms. Fairstein was the top Manhattan sex crimes prosecutor She recommends people stay • 3 carrots in 1989 when the five teenagers were charged with a vicious Medical experts say the hydrated by drinking alkaline • 1 cup spinach leaves attack on a jogger in Central Park. The convictions were coronavirus can particularly water, which she said reduces • Parsley overturned in 2002 after convicted murderer and serial rapist impact people age 60 and the mucus in the body that car- • 1 large onion or 2 cloves Matias Reyes confessed to committing the crime alone. DNA older, those with underlying ries bacteria and viruses. garlic linked him to it. medical conditions and whose “If you cannot purchase al- • 3 redskin potatoes Ms. Fairstein, who became a best-selling crime author after immune systems may be com- kaline water, use lemon water,” • ½ teaspoon of herbal retiring from the Manhattan district attorney’s office, observed promised. Dr. Freeman said. seasoning the teens’ interrogation but didn’t personally try the case. A major question, then, is Fresh, hot lemon water • 2 cups of water Ms. Fairstein was dropped by her publisher and resigned what can people do to boost each morning helps cleanse Cover with water in a soup from several boards she served on after “When They See Us,” their immune systems? the liver, she said. When the pot. Let cook until broth has a which dramatizes the events surrounding the trial, debuted The answer is simple, ac- liver is cleansed, the blood is rich flavor. Strain and drink. You last year. cording to Dr. Alice Freeman, healed, she said. may eat the ingredients. Netflix called Ms. Fairstein’s lawsuit “frivolous” and said a nutritionist and founder and She also recommends that This healing broth is rich Dr. Freeman in a statement, “We intend to vigorously defend ‘When They owner of Healthy Heart Plus families start gardens during the in beta carotene, potassium, See Us’ and Ava DuVernay and Attica Locke, the incredible in Henrico County. which is like having a natural pandemic, either in their yards sodium, iron and calcium. team behind the series.” “Go back to the basics.” blood transfusion. Greens re- or in pots or hydroponically. She recommends five oxygenate and strengthen our “Anything coming from a steps: blood.” seed will regrow itself with- About 1 in 12 • Eat well Green foods are the perfect out soil,” Dr. Freeman said. • Get extra rest natural boost to the immune “Sweet potato, onions, lettuce African Americans have • Relax and stay stress free system, she said. and vegetables will regrow • Take vitamins She cautioned people to themselves.” Sickle Cell Trait. • Use food as your medicine cut back on processed foods She also recommended The key, Dr. Freeman said, and to “stay away from highly oatmeal and one or two fruits When two people is eating green vegetables every enriched sugar – cakes, pies daily, as well as vitamins A, day – mustard or collard greens, and candy – because it will put B and C for children in their with Sickle Cell Trait string beans, green salads and your immune system to sleep developmental stages. have a child, there is a sea moss. for at least 48 hours.” Fresh fruits and vegetables 1 in 4 chance with each “The life of who we are is in Adequate sleep and rest have all the nutrients and miner- our blood,” Dr. Freeman said. bolster the body’s immune re- als our bodies need, she said. pregnancy, that the child “Everything green from the sponse to help fight off sickness. She offered this soup recipe: will have a painful life water or the earth has the same And exercise, napping and quiet Alkalizing and Healing threatening disease called essential nutrient, chlorophyll, time can help reduce stress that Soup: Sickle Cell Disease. Do you have Sickle Cell Trait? Have a Story Idea? Follow us on social media. Follow the Free Press on WRITE GET TESTED! For more information, call SICKLE CELL ASSOCIATION OF RICHMOND - OSCAR Richmond Free Press @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA [email protected] 804-321-3311 A6 April 2-4, 2020 Richmond Free Press Local News Pharmacist produces hand sanitizer to help people stay healthy By Ronald E. Carrington “It doesn’t have a gel consistency,” Dr. Brown said. Dr. Shantelle L. Brown, the pharmacist, She said it comes in a 2.7-ounce spray bottle owner and operator of HOPE Pharmacy inside or a container “where you can pour it out.” It The Market@25th, is making hand sanitizer to is to be used on body surfaces. combat coronavirus. It is sold in HOPE Pharmacy for $2 for The pharmacy began producing its own liquid pharmacy patrons and $2.50 for other shoppers. hand sanitizer after Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s The pharmacy provides it free to first responders, declaration of a state of emergency in Virginia including police and firefighters, as well as to and his updates about the need for personal employees of the grocery store at 25th Street protection products. and Fairmount Avenue in Church Hill. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has given Dr. Brown said while using soap and water pharmacists permission to compound hand is the best way to clean your hands, especially sanitizer. HOPE Pharmacy’s formula follows during the coronavirus pandemic, people should World Health Organization guidelines and ingre- use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press dients to produce a topical solution with a final available. Dr. Shantelle L. Brown, owner of HOPE Pharmacy, shows the hand sanitizer the concentration of at least 60 percent alcohol. It Producing the hand sanitizer, she said, is pharmacy is producing for free distribution to first responders. The sanitizer also is for contains isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, part of the essence of the pharmacy — “helping sale to the public at the Church Hill pharmacy. glycerin and purified water. others physically prosper every day.” Attention paid to psychological changes, impact of COVID-19 By George Copeland Jr. in Kansas in 1918, swept the world by the Centers for Disease Control and led to the reshaping of American and Prevention and fears about future As the number of cases and deaths society to weather the social and quarantines. Tips and Resources for Dealing from COVID-19 continues to rise in financial upset. She notes that the hoarding could with the Psychological Effects of Coronavirus Virginia and across the nation, more Like that flu outbreak, panic and potentially lead to shortages that will attention is being paid to the mental hoarding are key social behaviors that disproportionately hurt lower-income 1. Stay calm and psychological impact of both the can be seen in the public response to people who are unable to purchase 2. Listen to the experts virus and the measures being taken to the outbreak of the coronavirus and the those products like wealthier indi- 3. Be a good citizen and do your part to decrease the spread of the coronavirus. stop its spread. measures taken to contain it, according viduals. 4. Take control of your immediate environment. During a recent briefing announcing to Dr. Hamilton-Stubbs. She cites the She also noted the changes by 5. Limit your intake about the pandemic to a few trusted resources. further closures of schools, businesses empty store shelves as examples of governments and institutions in re- 6. Access information one or two times per day at designated times. and entertainment venues, Gov. Ralph “panic buying” acting to the pandemic as well. Dr. 7. Listen to infectious disease specialists and public health experts. S. Northam, a physician, also warned in the wake of Hamilton-Stubbs wrote that during 8. Take the coronavirus seriously. the public to expect instances of height- restrictions on the 1918 flu pandemic, governments ened anxiety, depression, alcoholism 9. Get young adults onboard. There is no guarantee that children and young businesses, gath- worked to tightly control what infor- adults will have asymptomatic infections or mild cases of illness. and domestic violence, largely as a erings and school mation was available to their citizens 10. Share the number for the National Disaster Stress hotline (800) 985-5990 consequence of the uncertainty. closures to pre- while trying to assign blame to other 11. Share the number for the National Suicide Prevention hotline (800) “The sooner we all take these nec- vent COVID-19 nations for their hardships. 273-8255 essary steps to slow the spread, the transmission. Along a similar vein, Gov. Northam 12. Manage stress — https://alison.com/course/stress-management- sooner we will all get through this,” “Panic occurs has expressed concern over how the techniques-for-coping-with-stress Gov. Northam said. “It will take time, Dr. Pamela when people feel federal government has handled the Hamilton-Stubbs 13. Influenza and coronavirus booklet from Dr. Hamilton-Stubbs, but we can and we will get through threatened,” Dr. pandemic, citing a lack of communica- combining information from the CDC, the World Health Organization this together.” Hamilton-Stubbs said in an email to tion from the federal government as and peer reviewed literature — www.drhamiltonstubbs.com/free Dr. Pamela Hamilton-Stubbs, the Free Press. “When people feel well as misinformation and mixed health committee chair for both the (a) loss of control of the environ- messages that have made tackling the Virginia State Conference NAACP and ment, (an) inability to obtain essential virus difficult for all states. medical care to business loans for wrote that governments need to be the Henrico County branch, said the products and do not see a path to How local, federal and global small businesses, coordination across transparent about the nature of the psychological effects that she dubbed resolution of the pandemic, fear and authorities respond to COVID-19 public and private sector work, and pandemic, providing accurate infor- “coronavirus anxiety” already are be- panic ensue.” could affect not just how people act, promoting information and practices mation to the public. ing felt and mirror those of previous The behaviors also are evident as but how they process the continuing that keep people healthy and safe. For the average person worrying contagions that disrupted societies. people store large quantities of hand restrictions. So far, Dr. Hamilton- Asked how authorities can best about coronavirus, Dr. Hamilton-Stubbs A particular focus for Dr. Hamilton- sanitizer, toilet paper and other prod- Stubbs wrote, that response has run respond specifically to these psycho- suggests to stay calm, stay informed and Stubbs is the flu pandemic that started ucts in response to recommendations the gamut from expanded access to logical effects, Dr. Hamilton-Stubbs encourage others to do the same.

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EVERLEIGHSHORTPUMP.COM A2 April 2-4, 2020 Richmond Free Press Local News City Hall to remain closed until April 13 Richmond City Hall, which has been shuttered to the public since mid-March, will remain closed to non-essential employees until at least Monday, April 13, it has been announced. Expectations are that the city’s municipal center will remain closed as long as Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s emergency order on coronavirus remains in place. One bright spot for residents is that parking at meters and other spaces with time limits will remain free during the time that City Hall is closed. However, illegal parking, such as blocking a driveway or parking in front of a fire hydrant, is still subject to ticketing, officials said. That apparently also includes parking on the street in spaces marked by a “No Parking” sign. Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, noted that police of- ficers wrote tickets last weekend for vehicles parked on streets in Byrd Park. Parking on certain streets in the park has been banned on weekend afternoons and evenings for more than two decades. Richmond Public Schools offers range of food pickup sites Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Improvements to Abner Clay Park continue to take shape. New trees have been planted and old Richmond Public Schools has updated its system of food concrete has been replaced in the park at Leigh Street and Brook Road in Jackson Ward. Richmond distribution for students and families to access meals. is investing $1.27 million in renovating the park. Centennial Contractor Enterprises began the work “Grab and Go” meals are being delivered by school bus to 43 Cityscape in October, with completion expected within 60 to 90 days, including installation of a multipurpose locations around the city on a schedule from Monday through Slices of life and scenes field for football and other sports. An anonymous donation of $200,000 enabled installation of a new Friday, according to RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras. The in Richmond children’s playground, according to a city official. The only question is whether the pandemic will buses will be at each location for 30 minutes, with volunteers have cleared up so children and families can start using the park when the work is finished. helping to hand out the meals. Spanish-speaking staff will be on hand for routes in South Side. RPS also has 10 school-based distribution sites open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for families to pick up food. For updates and additional information: www. Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club rvaschools.net/covid-19 The distribution locations: becomes temporary shelter for homeless By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Salvation Army this week turned its recently renovated Boys and Girls Club in Church Hill into a temporary 75-bed shelter for homeless people. The club has been closed in recent weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic. The move came as city and nonprofit officials scrambled to find additional space for unsheltered people, including 100 mostly African-American men and women who recently were moved into area hotels and motels for two weeks that are coming to an end. Many of them came from Cathy’s Camp, a tent encampment in Shockoe Valley that Ava Reaves the city recently razed. Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club at 3701 R St. Despite the relocation of up to 80 people, the encampment site continues to attract the Albert V. Norrell Annex in North Side city provided the funding that allowed the those who have no roof over their heads. and Clark Springs Elementary School in Greater Richmond Continuum of Care to Between seven and 12 people continue to the near West End, as potential sites to place the 100 people in hotels and help sleep on the concrete sidewalks and driveway house homeless people for 90 days, it has with meals,” according to Reginald M. of the adjacent Annie Giles Community been learned. Gordon, the city’s deputy chief administra- Resource Center on Oliver Hill Way. “I don’t think that would be an appropri- tive officer for human services. The center, which serves as the city’s ate use of those buildings,” 2nd District City Mayor Levar M. Stoney created a $2.1 winter overflow shelter, stays closed except Councilwoman Kim B. Gray said Tuesday. million fund that led to Cathy’s Camp when the temperature is forecast to drop “Not when we have plenty of other spaces, residents being relocated and the camp to 40 degrees, as was the case Tuesday such as the Richmond Coliseum and the demolished. night. The shelter then was open from Richmond Convention Center, that are “Now the work has pivoted to a hous- 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for those who needed a much closer to VCU’s medical facilities ing plan for each resident. Each resident place to stay that night. and are not in residential areas.” will be placed in a shelter space or other The conversion of the Boys and Girls In a series of text messages, Ms. Horne appropriate housing as soon as possible,” Club at 3701 R St. into a temporary home stated, “We are hoping to reduce” the Mr. Gordon stated. for those in need is providing relief for number of people temporarily housed in “Some of the residents have already other crowded, nonprofit shelters, allow- motels and hotels “as additional options been placed in housing or have gone back ing people considered at higher risk for come online.” home to family,” he continued. catching coronavirus to be moved from Among the options is permanent housing When it comes to the 100 people in other sites and freeing up some of their that is allowing five people to move from a hotels and motels and what happens when beds for newcomers. shelter into a home. But there is no expecta- most are scheduled to check out on Friday, The Salvation Army, which operates a tion that will happen for large numbers of April 3, Mr. Gordon offered assurances shelter in Downtown for 55 men, women people in shelters given the cost. they would be taken care of. He stated and families, stated in its announcement that Despite the temporary shelter in Church that the Greater Richmond Continuum of people relocated to the Church Hill club Hill, the space available is being outstripped Care would either extend the hotel stays would find clean bedding, showers, health by demand “from people still sleeping as they work out a housing plan or move care screenings and three daily meals. outside and folks calling the homeless them to another location. While that will help provide more room, crisis line,” as well as those still in hotels, Dr. Arlene Simmons, a volunteer who more is needed, officials said. Ms. Horne said. has been tasked by the Continuum of Care “We are still working to bring on more She stated that the goal is to provide to provide meals for 75 people who were shelter capacity and to connect people to up to 90 days of temporary housing at this relocated to the Rodeway Inn in Henrico housing when possible,” wrote Kelly King point, though she noted “we cannot guar- County, said she hopes that will be the Horne, executive director of Homeward, the antee the resources. We are working night case. She said hotel stays were extended regional coordinating and planning group and day to put resources in place.” through Thursday for most, but she has for the Greater Richmond Continuum of There are hopes, she stated, that the $2.2 not been advised on what will happen Care for homeless services. trillion federal stimulus bill might provide after that for those who remain. Among other options, Richmond Public more resources for the homeless. “I am hopeful it will all work out,” Schools has offered two vacant buildings, City Hall has stepped up as well. “The she said. Monthly food stamp benefit amounts increased More money for groceries is being rushed to families hard- In Richmond, 18,206 households with 34,511 people received pressed by job losses and other challenges. $4.4 million to pay for food, the department’s February report The Virginia Department of Social Services has announced showed. Across the state, 333,669 households with 679,702 that extra food stamp benefits are being rushed to recipients to people shared in $80 million in February. help keep food on the table for people in need. The department is projecting a surge in applications for food ben- On March 25, the department raised the average per person efits help given the massive layoffs the pandemic is causing. Corrections payment from $119 a month to $146 a month, the maximum The new benefit levels are $194 per month for a single A lawsuit filed by former Manhattan prosecutor Linda allowed under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, person; $355 a month for a household of two; $509 a month Fairstein against Netflix and film director Ava DuVernay over or SNAP, the announcement stated. for a household of three people; $646 a month for a household her portrayal in the streaming service’s series about the Central Recipients had extra money loaded to their SNAP Electronic of four people; $768 a month for a household of five people; Park Five case is still active. Benefit Transfer or EBT debit cards last Wednesday to reflect the $921 a month for a household of six people; $1,018 a month An article published in the March 26-28 edition of the Free higher amounts, the department stated. In April, recipients will for a household of seven people; $1,164 for a household of Press incorrectly stated that the case had been dismissed. receive their regular amounts and have the additional amount eight people; and $146 a month additional for each person in A separate defamation suit filed against Netflix and Ms. DuVer- added on the 16th. a larger household. nay last fall over the miniseries was dismissed on March 23. That suit, brought by John E. Reid and Associates, a police training firm, alleged the series falsely portrayed the “Reid Technique,” its widely used method for conducting interrogations. In that suit, ChildSavers offers 24-hour Immediate Response Hotline federal Judge Manish S. Shah found the series’ depiction was As the COVID-19 shutdown continues, abuse, trauma or a mental health crisis advantage of this free resource.” protected under the First Amendment. there may be unintended consequences of can call and talk with a clinician for free Clinicians also can refer a child to ongoing Additionally, a photograph supplied by the Associated Press domestic violence. and immediate over-the-phone support at mental health services through ChildSavers and published with the article contained misinformation. The Richmond area mental health counselors (804) 305-2420. or community partners, if needed. photograph showed actress Vera Farmiga, who portrayed prosecu- are prepared for a possible uptick in cases. “We know there is increased anxiety The Church Hill-based organization has tor Elizabeth Lederer in the series. Ms. Fairstein was portrayed ChildSavers, a trauma-informed mental and stress among families now that schools added telephone-based therapy sessions to in the series by actress Felicity Huffman. health and child development services are closed for the academic year,” said its in-person mental health therapy services • nonprofit, reminds Richmond residents that Kristin Lennox, supervisor of ChildSavers’ for children to help reduce the spread of Case Western Reserve University is located in Cleveland, Ohio. its “24/7 Immediate Response Hotline” Immediate Response Team. COVID-19. Next week, it will begin of- An article in the March 26-28 edition of the Free Press about is available for mental health and trauma “We want everyone to know our 24/7 fering video conferencing via Zoom. state Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver misidentified the crises involving children. hotline is available to anyone in the Details: ChildSavers.org or (804) 644- location of the school where he obtained his medical degree. Anyone experiencing or witnessing community and hope families will take 9590. Richmond Free Press April 2-4, 2020 B3 Faith News/Directory COVID-19 changes funeral traditions By Brian Palmer Funeral home workers should deceased in the time of COVID- follow their routine infection 19 take additional measures, he COVID-19 has taken thou- prevention and control precau- said, such as wearing two pairs sands of lives and upended busi- tions when handling a decedent of gloves and double gowns ness as usual around the world who died of COVID-19,” the and shoe covers. during the past few months. guidance stated. The African-American funer- Just as the pandemic is chang- The CDC also offers some al is social, said Mr. Jenkins, and ing daily life for millions, it is science-based reassurance to so, too, is the African- American rapidly changing how the living death care professionals and funeral home. He laments having lay their loved ones to rest. people attending funerals. to cancel the post-funeral repast, In Henrico County, Wilson “There is currently no known a staple of a traditional black & Associates’ Funeral Service risk associated with being in funeral. But he also misses the on Nine Mile Road held a walk- the same room at a funeral affectionate physical contact through viewing this week or visitation service with the that’s customary. for the late Rober​t W. Peay, body of someone who died of “The first thing we do when an emeritus faculty member COVID-19.” we meet a family — whether at Virginia Commonwealth Still, according to the CDC they’re a family we’ve served University’s School of Social guideline, “people should con- or a new family — we shake Work. Visitors came in ones sider not touching the body hands, we hug,” Mr. Jenkins and twos on Monday afternoon. of someone who has died of said. As one man exited, another COVID-19. Older people and But not anymore, he added. entered. He was a classmate people of all ages with severe “That’s just one of the mil- of Mr. Peay’s, he said. underlying health conditions lions of reasons why I’m pray-

Daryl V. Fraser, a colleague Brian Palmer are at higher risk of developing ing for this to be over.” of Mr. Peay, sat in the front row A sign on the door outside a viewing room reminds people to observe social distancing serious COVID-19 illness.” across from the casket inside the at Wilson & Associates’ Funeral Service in Henrico County. Handling the bodies of people chapel for a few minutes. with infectious diseases is noth- “He was a good man, a But Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s of stress.” at burials. As a result, more ing new for funeral directors. Zion Baptist family man. A father figure. Executive Order 53 has put an Other area funeral homes families are opting for crema- Disease transmission and control Church He had a profound impact on end to large visitations — and also are following the gover- tion, he said. and sterilization are mandatory 2006 Decatur Street who I am as a social worker,” to funerals as well. The direc- nor’s order. “It’s tough, and I really feel subjects in mortuary science Richmond, VA 23224 zbcoffi[email protected] said Mr. Fraser, who was alone tive prohibits gatherings of 10 “The traditional funeral for the families,” said Joseph school, which funeral service  until an older couple came in. or more people. has changed quite a bit,” said Jenkins III, vice president and providers must attend in order Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., The three remained at least “The governor’s order does Richard A. Lambert Sr., owner manager of Joseph Jenkins Jr. to obtain a ​l​icense ​in the Com- Pastor 6 feet apart during the view- not reference or create an excep- and president of Scott’s Funeral Funeral Home in the West End. monwealth. In fact, it’s against Sunday Service 10 a.m. ing as coronavirus protocol tion for funeral gatherings,” the Home in North Side. “It’s a “Some people are choosing to the Virginia law for a funeral demands. Virginia Department of Health frightening situation and we have have a memorial service at a director to refuse to accept the Church School 8:45 a.m. “We have what’s called a Professions, which regulates to treat this a little different.” later date.” body of person who has died of Wednesday Bible Study viewing and you have what’s embalmers and funeral homes, For families, “it’s hard to COVID-19 also has huge an infectious disease. 7p.m. called a visitation,” Brian V. noted in an electronic posting adjust to the fact that they have implications for how the pro- “Standard protocol is to treat Transportation Services Wilson, owner of the funeral for funeral directors. to have a limited number of fessionals who actually handle every case as if they have some- (804) 859-1985 home, explained. Mr. Wilson now limits the people at the funeral and they remains work. The Centers for thing, an infectious disease,” A standard viewing, he said, have to have a closed casket, Disease Control and Prevention “Reclaiming the Lost by number of people allowed in the Mr. Wilson said. But funeral Proclaiming the Gospel” is “coming in and going out.” funeral home’s viewing room to and they can’t even go to the issued guidelines for handling home workers who handle the People pay their respects at the four at a time. He also has set gravesite,” Mr. Lambert said. bodies of those who die from casket, linger for a few moments a 10-minute time limit. Many cemeteries, he noted, the virus. and then leave. “A lot of our families under- are bound by the governor’s “A funeral or visitation ser- At a visitation, family and stand. They’ve taken it pretty order as well and are limiting vice can be held for a person Triumphant friends sit, socialize and cel- good,” Mr. Wilson said. But the number of people allowed who has died of COVID-19. ebrate the life of the person for people who are “already Baptist Church who has passed away. grieving, this adds another layer 2003 Lamb Avenue Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor Good Shepherd Baptist Church (804) 321-7622 Church School - 9:30 a.m. 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Sunday School – 9:45 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Worship Service - 11:15 a.m. Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Via Conference Call Bible Study: Tuesday - 9 a.m. (515) 606-5187 Wednesday - 7 p.m. Pin 572890# Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus Prayer Services: Wednesday All regular activities have been "APTIST#HURCH Also2IVERVIEW Visit Us On Facebook (1st & 3rd ) 7 a.m. suspended until further notice. Sunday Service – 11:00 AM Every Wednesday 8 p.m. Visit https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc 2604 Idlewood Avenue Communion - 1st Sunday for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Broad Rock Baptist Church Pastor 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 St. Peter Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. $R+IRKLAND27ALTON 0ASTOR 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) Pastor Emeritus www.BRBCONLINE.org Worship Opportunities All Sunday services have been Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. Sundays: “The Church With A Welcome” suspended for the remainder of the Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. “Due to the Corona Virus: All services month. Join us for online streaming this Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m. Sunday at 10 AM. Visit our WEBSITE, look 4th atSunday Broad Unified Rock Worship Baptist Service Church ~ 9:30 a.m. 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 under “/NLINE3ERVICES,” and access the Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org are cancelled, until further notice.” “0ASTORS-ESSAGE.” Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor Bible Study Opportunities “MAKE IT HAPPEN” Thursdays: All Bible Study sessions have been suspended 3HARON"APTIST#HURCH for the remainder of the month. Pastor Kevin Cook years of Chris All tactivities,ing 151 meetings and servicestian S Tithing Opportunities ebra erv haveCel been suspended until otherwise notified.ice Download the Tithe.ly giving app for Apple and Android 7M\XL&ETXMWX'LYVGL devices. Your gift is safe/secure and goes directly to our church. 8LIQIJSV1SFMPM^MRK*SV1MRMWXV] -OUNTAIN2OADs'LEN!LLEN 6IRGINIA 6IJVIWLMRK8LI3PHERH)QIVKMRK8LI2I[ /FlCE  s&AX  sWWWSTPETERBAPTISTNET

A 21st Century Church We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Ebenezer 1858 Baptist Church With Ministry For Everyone Come worship with us! New Deliverance Sunday 216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Evangelistic Church Service will not be held Email: ebcoffi[email protected] • web: www.richmondebenezer.com 1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 in our sanctuary. (804) 276-0791 office (804)276-5272 fax www.ndec.net Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website omen With www.sixthbaptistchurch.org Ebenezer Baptist Church is suspending all regular activities Mission and and worship services indefinitely. W Twitter 400 South Addison Street ±4HE0EOPLE´S#HURCH² Purpose (WWMP) sixthbaptistrva Richmond, Va. 23220 Please check our website, (near Byrd Park) Conference Rev. Dr. Yvonne Facebook (804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 http://www.richmondebenezer.com sixthbaptistrva Jones Bibbs, Pastor www.sixthbaptistchurch.org May 29 - 30, 2020 or our Facebook page In His Presence: Restored, ReNewed, and Ready for Warfare “No Fear, No Limits and No Excuses” Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus Thirty-first Street Rev. Dr. Adam L. Bond, Pastor-Elect Holiday Inn Newport News - Hampton Bishop G. O. Glenn (757) 223-2110 Code – NDW Baptist Church D. Min., Pastor Upcoming Events Mother Marcietia S. Glenn Cutoff date for hotel reservations First Lady - April 28, 2020 King Room $125 | Double Room $142 e with Reverence • Hotel cut/off and Room block will end on April Dr.ele Alvinvanc Campbell, Interim Pastor g R SUNDAY 28, 2020 and Conference Registration price will inin ❖ 8:00 a.m. Sunday School increase after midnight on April 28, 2020. mb o SUNDA YS 9:30 a.m. Worship Service Visit our website at www.ndec.net C for costs, registration and other Church School 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES information Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Noonday Bible Study ❖ 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Tune in on Sunday Morning to WEDNESDA YS Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m. Bible Study Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. (Bible Study) 7:00 p.m. CHRISTIAN ❖ SATURDAY ACADEMY (NDCA) THIRD SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer NOW ENROLLING!!!

10:30 a.m. You can now view 6 weeks to 4th grade Children’s Church Sunday Morning Service Higher Achievement Before and After Care “AS IT HAPPENS” online! Also, for your convenience, For more information 823 North 31st Street 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 we now offer Please call Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org “full online giving.” (804) 276-4433 (804) 226-0150 Office Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor Visit www.ndec.net. Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

Looking for a welcoming place “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the to worship this week? bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…. I believe that unarmed truth and Stop by & see what God unconditional love will have the final word.” is up to at MMBC. —Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lenten Season MMBC Creative Arts Ministry Mosby joins with the larger Christian Community Presents in celebrating the Lenten season as a time of reflection, fasting & prayerful consecration. Join us That Christmas on the journey and follow along with our Lenten Dessert Theater Calendar at www.mmbcrva.org Saturday, December 21, 2019@ 4:00P.M. Photo coverage of community spirit amid the coronavirus pandemic B2

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Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 16 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com APRIL 9-11, 2020 City Council readies Hard hit again for lower revenue Preliminary figures show African-Americans and Latinos projections are being disproportionately hit by COVID-19 in Virginia By Jeremy M. Lazarus Ninth District Councilman By George Copeland Jr. Michael J. Jones, chair of City Council’s Finance and Economic It has been a week of recalculation and assessment, Development Committee, esti- as Virginians collectively and individually continue mates that projected Richmond to work to avoid the spread of COVID-19 amid new revenues in the new fiscal year that evidence that African-Americans and Latinos are will begin July 1 could shrink by being hard hit. $75 million to $100 million as a Information released by the Virginia Department of result of the coronavirus. Health on Wednesday confirmed 3,645 positive cases Councilwoman Ellen F. Robert- of COVID-19 in the state, with 615 hospitalizations son, 6th District, one of the longest and 75 deaths, including 32 at the Canterbury Reha- serving council members, said city bilitation and Health Care Center in Henrico County, budget analysts are running scenarios a center that once boasted of introducing a level of of potential losses from 10 percent post-hospitalization care. to 30 percent in revenue. Breakdowns of figures on deaths by race and eth- But so far, council members nic group have been hard to come by nationally. But remain as much in the dark as the several states and cities, including Illinois, Michigan, general public, said Councilwoman Louisiana, Connecticut and Las Vegas, have reported Kim B. Gray, 2nd District. that African-Americans and other minority groups have Hopes are high that next week, been disparately stricken by COVID-19. council members as well as city Congress and private organizations such as the residents can get a first glimpse NAACP have been pressing the U.S. Centers for of the projected impact the virus Disease Control and Prevention to release such de- is having now and could have on mographic information, but so far to no avail. the coming fiscal year. That could Virginia is among fewer than 12 states reporting happen Monday, April 13, when data on the race or ethnicity of those testing positive City Council is scheduled to hold and dying with the disease. its first session to review the $1.92 While the figures are incomplete, as of Monday, billion city budget plan for 2020- African-Americans accounted for 28 percent of Vir- 21 submitted by Mayor Levar M. ginia’s confirmed cases, while African-Americans Stoney on March 6. comprise 20 percent of the state’s population, according Ms. Gray, meanwhile, issued a to state Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver. letter calling on Mayor Stoney to Another 12 percent of the confirmed cases involve provide revised revenue estimates Latinos, Dr. Oliver reported, also higher for a group both for the current 2019-2020 that represents 9 percent of the state’s population. fiscal year and for the 2020-21 Of those who have died of COVID-19 in Virginia, 18.7 fiscal year — based on prospects are African-American and 0.04 percent are Latino. that Richmond, like other com- Dr. Oliver said the data likely underrepresents the munities, is heading into a virus- situation largely because of the difficulty in collect- driven recession that could create ing information on the race or ethnicity of those who Photo courtesy of Governor’s Office shortfalls in city revenue. are tested. Gov. Ralph S. Northam puts on a mask during a media briefing on Monday that was made by So far, Mayor Stoney and his inmates in the state Department of Corrections. The demonstration was to remind Virginians to Please turn to A4 cover their noses and mouths when they go out in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please turn to A4 COVID-related furloughs push unemployment claims to new highs By Jeremy M. Lazarus and Ronald E. Carrington unemployed who have lost jobs because of the business-killing ment benefits from workers who have lost their paychecks as coronavirus. The virus is creating widespread damage to a previ- public, private and nonprofit entities downsize or close. Phillip Patterson has worked in various positions at the Mar- ously robust economy in the Richmond area and beyond. While new data will be released Thursday, the impact of riott Hotel in Downtown for the past eight years – housekeeping, While hiring is still underway for health care workers, delivery social distancing and shelter-in-place directives can be seen in bellman, shuttle driver and maintenance engineer. drivers, grocery store employees, postal workers, sheriff’s deputies, the rise in the number of filings for unemployment. Elton G. Christian Jr., a veteran cook, has been serving up police officers and other government positions, others jobs are be- In Richmond, for example, 112 people filed for unemploy- savory barbecue, ribs and brisket at Pig and Brew, a restaurant ing swept away, including those of restaurant employees and other ment in the week ending March 14. But between March 14 and in South Side, for the past two years. service workers and those in the travel and tourism industry. March 28, more than 7,500 people filed for unemployment, the Both never expected to be laid off. Like state agencies across the country, the Virginia Employment VEC reported. That includes 3,070 people who filed between But suddenly, they have joined the growing legions of the Commission has been slammed with applications for unemploy- March 14 and March 21 and 4,504 people who filed between March 21 and March 28. The same surge in unemployment claims can be found in Chesterfield County, where 83 claims were filed in early March. But claims surged to 1,970 in the third week of March and 4,219 Faces of COVID-19 applications in the fourth and final week of March. Virginians of all walks of life have been impacted by Their passing impacts their families and the larger In Henrico County, unemployment claims jumped from 79 in early the coronavirus, the airborne respiratory illness that has communities in which they worked, volunteered, March to a total of 6,600 in the final two weeks of the month. stricken more than 3,600 people in the Commonwealth worshipped and lived. In a region that reported nearly 700,000 people employed in and resulted in 75 deaths as of Wednesday. Here are some of their stories. February, the loss of 21,000 jobs is not an immediate disaster. But it is the speed of the losses and the potential of a continuing Stories by Reginald Stuart surge that has many people concerned and has led the federal government to beef up and extend benefits an extra 13 weeks. Phillip DeBerry Sterling Matthews Robert N. Hobbs Sr. Statewide, the VEC reported that a record 112,497 people filed for unemployment in the final week of March. That’s the For Richmond native Phillip DeBerry, Richmond native Sterling Mat- Robert and Sue Hobbs had known largest number of initial claims in a week since records began taking command of the highways with thews was looking forward to turning each other since their high school days being kept. It also added to the record 46,277 people who filed a sense of skill and patience was a way 61 on April 13. He also was making in the late 1940s in Richmond, yet had for unemployment statewide in the third week of March. of living for nearly half a century. retirement plans with his wife of not seen each other for nearly half a Previously, initial weekly filings from more than 20,000 Mr. DeBerry 44 years, Alice century until they people were considered outsized. had been a Grey- Allen Matthews, met again at a com- Again, in a state where 4.3 million people were employed hound bus driver his high school bined 50th reunion in February, the numbers are more a harbinger of worsening since 1975, deliv- sweetheart. for Armstrong and business conditions in a broad swatch of the economy. ering thousands A federal con- Maggie L. Walker Nationally, as of March 28, more than 6.6 million people had of passengers to tract specialist at high schools. Please turn to A4 destinations along Fort Belvoir, his A year later in the East Coast from death on March 2013, they became New York City to 31has prompted husband and wife, Mr. DeBerry the Carolinas and Mr. Matthews Mrs. Matthews, a Mr. Hobbs melding the fami- countless points in between. He never state of Virginia employee, to revisit lies they had created during the years had a wreck, a negative encounter with their plans, she told the Free Press. in between. a passenger or got a traffic ticket, said “God will make sure I’m going to Mr. Hobbs, who had joined the Marines Shelia Abernathy, his companion for 45 be fine,” Mrs. Matthews hastened to in 1952 soon after finishing high school years until his death on March 28 from add in a tone of confidence. She said and was honorably discharged in July the coronavirus. she still has a son, family and friends 1973 as a master sergeant, didn’t like to “He never met a stranger,” Ms. Aber- to call on. “It may take me a while” talk much about his military service. nathy said. He was known to go the extra to make the transition to her new life, From what he did share, people around step when needed, without being asked. she said. could appreciate that he suffered with On more than one occasion, she said, Mrs. Matthews said her husband was physical and mental scars that needed he would have on the bus a young mother actively involved in Moore Street Mis- regular care. They were wounds dating with a child or two, with one or both sionary Baptist Church on Leigh Street. back to his flying on military helicopter of the children crying from apparent There, he served as a deacon, taught rescue missions that included some hunger. At a stop, he would offer the in the Sunday School and sang in the crashes. Many runs were into enemy Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press family food paid for out of his pocket G.G. Campbell Male Chorus. He was territory in which he unknowingly was to settle their stomachs and make the one of three members of Moore Street exposed to the toxic chemical Agent Zoom bus ride more endurable. That was his whose deaths have been attributed to Orange. That chemical would affect his Mansa Makamu, 7, pretends to zoom in a model 1960 Cadillac style, his character, she said. COVID-19. physical and mental health for the rest in his mother’s natural hair salon on 2nd Street in Jackson Ward. His mother, Ife Robinson, still comes to the shop Mr. DeBerry, who was 72, was an Outside of church, he won praise of his life, his medical records show. daily to consult with clients about natural hair care over the alumnus of Armstrong High School. over the years from the Alpha Phi Alpha Mr. Hobbs lived for years with spo- phone. She and others in the salon business generally are Please turn to A4 Please turn to A4 Please turn to A4 not seeing clients to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Please see more photos from businesses, B2. A4 April 9-11, 2020 Richmond Free Press News COVID-related furloughs push unemployment claims to new highs Continued from A1 $75,000 and $99,000, or couples with incomes between $150,000 and $198,000, the stimulus benefit will be reduced. filed initial unemployment claims, the highest number in one While Mr. Patterson and Mr. Christian wish to work, they month since figures began being reported. also have a cushion of support. In Virginia, benefits, while not taxable, have not been huge. Mr. Christian, 49, is married, and his wife, Audrey, is still Payments range from $60 to $378 a week depending on salary and receiving her monthly income. time on the job. The top payment goes to people who earned at least “We’ll get through this,” she said. $18,900 in a six-month period, which equals $3,150 a month. Mr. Patterson, 34, was among at least 47 people who were furloughed But based on recent action by Congress, people approved last week from the Marriott, including his girlfriend with whom he for unemployment automatically will receive a $600 boost in lives. He also is confident that both can weather the situation. their weekly payment through July 31, according to the Virginia In addition to his job at the hotel, Mr. Patterson makes side Poverty Law Center, adding a measure of relief for those who money as a concierge barber who travels to clients’ homes. He have lost their jobs. currently has 10 clients. His girlfriend also has a second job with There also is the prospect of additional income from a federal a behavioral health company. The two expect to receive $450 Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press stimulus check of $1,200 per adult, $2,400 per couple — with a week in unemployment benefits, with the amount growing as Like many businesses, Virginia Commonwealth an additional $500 for each child under 16 — that is to be dis- each qualifies for the extra $600 a week. University’s Institute for Contemporary Art is now closed tributed to people with incomes up to $75,000 per individual “I am not stressed,” Mr. Patterson said, noting that he doesn’t in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The impact and $150,000 per couple. For individuals with incomes between have children, a mortgage or several car payments each month of shutdowns at private companies has led to a spike in like many families. layoffs and a sudden surge in unemployment. “I always lived below my means so I’m prepared for the COVID-19 unemployment problem,” Mr. Patterson says. memberships or expensive cell phones you can downgrade – and Hit hard again In his view, this is a time for frugality. make a plan for yourself and your family,” he said. “We don’t “Evaluate expenses you don’t really need in your life – gym know when life is going to get better.” Continued from A1 No data on race or ethnicity is available for 54 percent of the City Council readies for lower revenue projections people who have tested positive in the state, Dr. Oliver said. He said the current pandemic has exposed problems in the way Continued from A1 cently furloughed 500 employees without advanced and which is to be approved by data on test specimens and death is reported. He said he and other pay as a cost-cutting measure, City Hall is City Council on Monday to provide relief top financial advisers and staff have offered state health officials are working to improve the reporting from still providing full pay to everyone on its from penalties and interest to businesses little guidance in the face of uncertainty health providers and private testing labs to have more complete payroll as is the school system and other that collect meals, lodging and amusement on how long the pandemic lockdown will data and to better track the impact on specific communities. arms of city government. taxes late. “We know that long-standing racial inequities in things like continue and whether there will be an No cutbacks have been announced in Currently, assessments of real estate are access to health care, education and economic opportunities extended recession. city spending, although that could be hap- underway for fiscal 2020-21. City Assessor lead to differences in underlying health conditions,” which puts There also is uncertainty about the pening internally. Riche McKeithen has not publicly issued amount of money the city might receive people at greater risk for contracting coronavirus, Gov. Ralph Before the coronavirus upheaval, City updated projections based on the virus’ S. Northam said during Wednesday’s briefing. “We need clear from the $1.5 billion in support the federal Hall was reporting one of its best financial impact, but council members are anticipat- data about what this means in Virginia.” government will be sending to the state years and offering an early projection of ing that real estate values, particularly for In response to the pace of infection in the state, the CDC has listed government to distribute to local govern- a $5.3 million surplus, in large measure apartments, retail and other commercial Virginia as a state with widespread community transmission. ments to shore up their finances. because of the continuing surge in prop- property, could take a significant hit. Information from the state Division of Consolidated Laboratory “Sure, we will have more to say and erty values. Behind the scenes, some are projecting Services, developed in partnership with the CDC and international more info and numbers in the coming days The general fund, the biggest element of that Richmond real estate values might and university partners, has helped affirm the CDC’s view that and weeks,” Jim Nolan, Mayor Stoney’s the budget, was projected to end the current fall from a projected 8 percent to 11 the virus was introduced into Virginia at multiple locations, rather press secretary wrote on March 27 in year with $761.9 million collected, and up percent increase in assessments to a 1.5 than originating at a single site or with a single source. response to a Free Press query. nearly $16 million from the adopted general percent increase, sheering millions from The CDC also issued new guidance urging everyone to wear “The disruption caused by this pandemic fund budget. And the growth had been ex- the mayor’s budget projections. some kind of nose and mouth covering, even if handmade, when is going to have a significant negative impact pected to continue in the upcoming fiscal Paul Goldman, an attorney and politi- outdoors. The guidance is the result of new findings from the on budgeted revenues and projections, not year, with Mayor Stoney projecting revenues cal strategist who is considering a run for National Academy of Science that infected people who appear only in Richmond but across the region, for fiscal 2020-21 at $782 million. mayor, has urged Mayor Stoney to dip into healthy can spread the virus even if they show no symptoms commonwealth, nation and world. But since mid-March, when Gov. the city’s reserves and create a $50 million and that such people can do so by just talking or breathing on “City Finance and Budget staffs are Northam declared a state of emergency, the fund to ensure the needs are met of “first someone else. Previously, it was thought the virus was transmitted currently reviewing and analyzing both the whole picture has changed. A substantial responders and those working in vital sup- through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. revenue and expenditure forecasts for the portion of the more than 800 city restaurants ply chains for services and goods.” Meanwhile, new projections from the University of Wash- current and upcoming fiscal years and will has shut down, while others are trying to In Mr. Goldman’s view, the virus is “ex- ington’s Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation suggest that provide revised projections as they become weather the slump in patrons with takeout posing the fiscal irresponsibility of Mayor Virginia could hit a peak number of coronavirus-related deaths available. The long-term fiscal impact, of and delivery orders. Stoney and his predecessor, Dr. Dwight around April 20, rather than between late May and early June course, will be determined by how long the The bottom line: An almost certain C. Jones, and City Council in enacting as other models have suggested. pandemic is expected to last,” he noted. reduction in the April, May and June bloated budgets larded with wasteful and If this prediction holds, Virginia would be one of four states Already the state is taking steps to deal collections of meals taxes and continued unnecessary expenditures, adding up to whose peaks are expected much sooner than anticipated, with with estimates that state revenue could fall by reductions even in a recovery. a very costly government apparatus the the state potentially seeing as many as 59 deaths reported on $1 billion in each of the next two years. The city also will see lower lodging tax col- people can’t afford.” Wednesday, April 22 — the date the General Assembly is to In the past week, Gov. Ralph S. Northam lections from hotels and motels that are seeing In the face of a coming recession, Mr. reconvene in Richmond. has imposed a hiring freeze to prevent state far fewer guests during the pandemic. Goldman said now is the time to change that In a statement, IHME Director Dr. Christopher Murray cited agencies from filling positions not designated The impact also is projected to hit revenue situation, and he urged the mayor and the social distancing as a key factor in Virginia’s predicted early as essential and ordered state agencies to from real estate taxes and personal property council to immediately institute significant spike and quick downward trajectory, with predictions estimating “eliminate discretionary spending, avoid taxes on cars. Councilwoman Reva M. Tram- cuts to payroll and expenses “to share the a single coronavirus-related death daily by June 1. new spending commitments and prepare for mell, 8th District, is proposing the city grant sacrifice of city residents who, on average” are

“If social distancing measures are relaxed or not implemented, budget cuts in the next two years.” amnesty on penalties and interest for late greatly suffering job and income losses. Like the governor, Mayor Stoney has the U.S. will see greater death tolls, the death peak will be later, payment, which would eliminate millions He also urged Mayor Stoney and the protected city employees and rejected the burden on hospitals will be much greater and the economic of dollars in anticipated city income. council to terminate proposed increases in layoffs or furloughs at this point. costs will continue to grow,” Dr. Murray said. That amnesty to benefit property owners utility rates and fees slated for July 1 in Unlike Chesterfield County, which re- Regardless of when the peak comes, the coronavirus already would mirror a proposal Mayor Stoney has order to provide relief to customers. has had a sizable impact on the political and economic future of the state, and officials will have a busy few weeks developing a path forward for Virginia. With an economic recession on the horizon, Gov. Northam Faces of COVID-19 has postponed a number of spending items in his proposed state budget, including raises for teachers and state workers and freezes cruited and hired as drivers. As he honed his to be there at the same time as singer on in-state college tuition. Phillip DeBerry skills as a driver of the huge 45-passenger James Brown, one of Mr. DeBerry’s Gov. Northam has until Saturday to amend, veto or sign most Continued from A1 Greyhounds, he was offered a job on the favorite entertainers. of the legislation approved during the 2020 General Assembly company’s driver training staff. “He managed to get tickets to see session, with legislators still on track to address any vetoes or He got his start driving in the early The opportunity was offered by Paul James Brown,” making the whole excur- amendments during their special session on April 22. years of integrated interstate bus travel. Wright, a fellow Richmonder who had sion worth it, she said. The House of Delegates is to meet outside the State Capi- In the 1960s and before, Greyhound and been a Greyhound driver longer and had “He loved music, loved travel, loved tol on the grounds, while the state Senate plans to convene at Trailways did not hire racial minorities as been promoted to manager and supervi- casinos and loved life,” she said. “He the Science Museum of Virginia — requiring a shuttle for the drivers and enforced rigid racially segre- sor of Greyhound’s driver instruction was too young,” she said, adding that exchange of bills. gated seating on the buses, in bus stations program, Ms. Abernathy said. his passing “came too soon.” The veto session is likely to be marked by efforts to revise the and their dining areas and restrooms. Mr. Wright, who had gone with Mr. In addition to Ms. Abernathy, Mr. current and upcoming 2020-22 budget to reflect an impending reces- By the time Mr. DeBerry came of age, DeBerry for a training class in New DeBerry is survived by two sons, Phil- sion resulting from the shutdown of businesses across the state. racial discrimination practices had been Jersey, also died of the coronavirus. lip and Daryl. Gov. Northam also recommended on Wednesday that local outlawed and African-Americans and other Ms. Abernathy recalled a trip to Las A memorial service is being planned and special elections set for May be postponed until November. minorities across the South were being re- Vegas the couple made. They happened for a date to be determined later. General Assembly members will have to take action on the pro- posal when they return to Richmond for the veto session. Gov. Northam also announced that he is using his executive Sterling Matthews to fish, Mrs. Matthews said. Their They gave him antibiotics and sent authority to move the congressional primary elections from son, Jammal, gave his dad an Alaskan him home. By Friday of that week, Tuesday, June 9, to Tuesday, June 23. Continued from A1 fishing trip a few years ago. The trip Mr. Matthews was not getting better. “We have wrestled with our options, and none of them are allowed visitors to icepack their catch He was hospitalized for more intense ideal or perfect,” Gov. Northam said. “Postponing these elections Fraternity for his work as a volunteer and ship it home, said Mrs. Matthews, care. On March 31, he succumbed to is the best way to protect democracy without endangering the mentor for boys and young men. The ticking off a list of seafood he caught, COVID-19. public health or violating the stay-at-home order.” fraternity championed a successful ef- producing enough to serve several In addition to his wife and son, Mr. In a new effort to stem the overloading of Virginia’s hospitals, fort to have President Obama award tasty meals. Matthews is survived by his parents, the governor has called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mr. Matthews the Presidential Volunteer Last month, with a cough annoying Sterling and Gloria Matthews; two sisters, to transform three convention centers in the state, including the Service Award in 2014. him, Mr. Matthews and his wife went Cynthia Folsom and Pamela Purcell; Greater Richmond Convention Center in Downtown, into temporary A gospel and rhythm and blues to an area hospital on a Monday, where a niece, Michell Lyons, and her two hospitals. When fully prepared, the facilities will be able to house music fan, Mr. Matthews also loved doctors determined he had pneumonia. children; and one granddaughter. 1,107 acute patients or 1,848 non-acute patients with COVID-19, freeing up space at existing hospitals, the governor said. Despite Gov. Northam and other governors issuing pleas to Robert N. Hobbs Sr. room on the second floor with others hill for Mr. Hobbs. Mrs. Hobbs and her the Federal Emergency Management Agency, states continue to diagnosed with dementia. family were unable to connect with the be forced compete for life-saving equipment from the federal Continued from A1 A highlight for Mr. Hobbs was frequent overwhelmed nursing station, despite stockpile, as well as against each other and private and nonprofit visits from his stepson Kevin Stubbs, attempts on both ends. radic, uncontrollable seizures followed by interest and sometimes with the federal government itself. owner of Not Just Junk Removal. Mr. On March 29, Mr. Hobbs, who had a growing number of ailments that left “That market is chaotic and difficult due to a lack of federal Stubbs gave his stepdad regular haircuts been moved to a hospital, died. He is him vulnerable and unable to combat the direction,” Gov. Northam said. “We continue to compete for and proudly slicked his nearly bald head one of the 32 Canterbury patients who progressive dementia that plagued him in the same supplies.” with scalp moisturizer. state officials have said succumbed to recent years. Documentation released Thursday by the U.S. House of Mr. Stubbs said his last visit to see the coronavirus. “He was a friendly, loving kind of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform showed Mr. Hobbs was on March 7 when his “We got a call (just hours before Mr. person,” said Mrs. Hobbs, who was his that FEMA has provided Virginia with very little of the PPE the stepfather began experiencing some Hobbs died) from Canterbury saying they third wife. state regularly orders, with some shipments ranging from less renewed respiratory problems. were doing their best,” his stepdaughter, His health history didn’t bother her. “I than 50 percent to 7.7 percent of what the state requested. As reports of the spread of COVID-19 RaJean Taylor, told the Free Press stuck with him of course,” she said. “I loved California Gov. Gavin Newsom is working on creating an al- began, the Henrico facility shut its doors In addition to his widow and two step- my husband and it was my duty.” liance of states to bid on equipment collectively. Gov. Northam to visitors on March 13, the family said. children, Mr. Hobbs is survived by three Her husband was in long-term care announced Virginia will spend $27 million to buy medical It stepped up health security measures sons, Robert Jr., Scott and David Hobbs, at Canterbury Rehabilitation & Health- equipment and supplies from a private provider. as health officials advised. and another stepson, Lamont Stubbs. care Center in Henrico County. He first “We have a responsibility to prepare, and we have prepared The facility also began setting up A burial at Quantico, the U.S. Marine entered in 2018 when it was known as for the worst,” Gov. Northam said. “The PPE, the ventilators, video chat opportunities for patients’ base in Northern Virginia, is set for a Lexington Court. He was assigned a our bed space—we are ramping all that up for a surge that we families, but things were going down- later date, the family said. expect in a few weeks.” A6 April 9-11, 2020 Richmond Free Press Local News Disinfecting your Allergies or the coronavirus? home and workspace What the symptoms tell you are critical By Jeremy M. Lazarus now as the spring allergy season moves diarrhea as is the case sometimes with Free Press staff report into high gear amid worries about the coronavirus. In the past, they often went unnoticed, but now janitors, Is it allergies or the coronavirus? spread of COVID-19. Allergy sufferers also generally do housekeepers and cleaning crews are front and center as the experts That’s a major question in Richmond, According to the foundation, sneezing not have shortness of breath unless their in cleaning and disinfecting amid the coronavirus pandemic. the nation’s capital for allergies based is a key difference in the two afflictions. allergies trigger asthma, while difficulty A survey of top firms turned up recommendations to help on pollen counts, number of allergy People with allergies sneeze a lot, the breathing is a common symptom of people reduce the threat of coronavirus making it into their specialists and purchases of allergy foundation noted on its chart of symptoms; COVID-19. homes, cars, offices and other spaces. medicine, according to the Asthma and those with the coronavirus do not. It is possible to have both allergies and That’s a huge need, said Kevin Behan, spokesman for Allergy Foundation. A runny or stuffy nose also is the coronavirus at the same time — the AdvantaClean. COVID-19 can stay viable for hours to days on The question is getting more attention common for allergy sufferers, but not worst of both worlds. paper, metal and other surfaces and can be picked up on a trip to the grocery, pharmacy, gas station or any other place. Following are some of the disinfecting tips shared by Mr. Behan and others. Bleach or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol are the best at killing germs, including the coronavirus. For bleach, a little bit goes a long way. Dilute using one-third cup bleach, or five tablespoons, per gallon of water, or four teaspoons per quart. When wiping, keep surfaces wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Alcohol also is highly effective, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and cleaning firms note. Isopropyl alcohol is recommended for use because it has a higher alcohol content than drinking liquor. Experts advise diluting 90 percent or higher isopropyl alcohol with one-third distilled water to get the best germ-killing results. Regularly disinfect potential hot spots, such as door knobs, desks, phones, computer mice, files, tables and other places that are used or touched regularly by one or more people. Alcohol is recommended for disinfecting keypads, screens and exterior portions of computers and cell phones, which often are overlooked as needing disinfectant. Experts urge care to avoid getting wet disinfectant inside the equipment. Apply disinfectant in one direction. Rubbing back and forth or in a circular motion can redeposit germs. Use a color-coded system of cleaning cloths, with one color for the kitchen, one for the bathroom, one for a home office, etc. That can keep you from using the same cloth to clean different areas and reduce the potential for spreading germs from one area to another. How to clean your cell phone Free Press wire report

You’re washing your hands countless times a day to try to ward off the coronavirus. You should also wash that extension of your hand and breeding ground for germs — your phone. Tests done by scientists show that the virus can live for two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cleaning all “high-touch” surfaces daily, including phones, keyboards and tablet computers. But cleaning your phone improperly can damage it. You want to avoid getting moisture inside it or scratching the surface. Don’t spray cleaners directly on the phone, don’t dunk it in cleaning solutions, don’t U.Va. enrolls first patient in spray it with compressed- air devices used to clean keyboards and avoid rubbing it with abrasive materials. Instead, start by turning off the phone and unplugging all COVID-19 medication study cables. Your phone shouldn’t be charging as you clean. By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent U.Va. is a part of this valuable study.” You can use Clorox wipes or wipes with 70 percent alcohol, Participants in the trial will be randomly assigned to either which you can get at the drugstore, to wipe down your phone. The University of Virginia Health System has joined a national receive remdesivir or a placebo intravenously for as long as 10 Apple, which has cautioned against using household cleaners clinical trial testing a potential COVID-19 medication. days, according to the release. Trial participants and their doctors on its phones, says to do that “gently.” AT&T has further “I enrolled the first patient on the clinical trial for remdesivir,” will not know whether patients are receiving the medication or recommended wringing out disinfectant wipes before using Dr. Taison Bell, an infectious disease expert who specializes a placebo. them on a phone. in critical care at the Charlottesville-based health system, told Patients will otherwise receive the current standard of care for You can also use soft cloths to clean the phone, like a NNPA Newswire in an email. their symptoms. U.Va. physicians will assess trial participants microfiber cleaning cloth or the cloths used to clean camera Hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 and significant each day for changes in their condition. lenses or your glasses. Google says you can dip the cloth in soap symptoms – including difficulty breathing, using supplemental oxygen Data from all hospitals participating in the trial and an and water, as long as you’re careful not to get moisture in the or needing a ventilator – can now choose to participate in the trial. estimated 440 participants worldwide will be combined and phone. AT&T says paper towels work, too. You can spray them The trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of remdesivir, analyzed about halfway through the trial’s enrollment period with disinfectant. Again, don’t spray the phone itself. an anti-viral drug that has been tested in humans with the Ebola to determine if changes should be made to the test. The trial Samsung, the world’s biggest phone manufacturer, says it’s virus. It has shown promise in animal studies against Middle East could stop if participants are not benefiting from remdesivir, or offering a free phone-sanitizing service involving UV light inside respiratory syndrome, or MERS, and severe acute respiratory the trial could be changed to add another medication or therapy U.S. Samsung stores and service centers. It will expand to other syndrome, or SARS, which both are caused by different types that could improve participants’ responses. countries in the next few weeks. of the coronavirus, U.Va. officials noted in a news release. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The phone-cleaning step is one of many measures public “Finding an effective treatment will be incredibly important in which is part of the National Institutes of Health, is funding health authorities are recommending to try to slow the spread our battle against COVID-19,” said Dr. K. Craig Kent, U.Va.’s the study. Gilead Sciences Inc., which developed remdesivir, is of the virus. executive vice president for health affairs. “I am pleased that supplying the medication for the study.

Local quilt guild makes face masks for VCU health workers Bandana No-Sew Face Covering Tutorial Materials By Ronald E. Carrington “There are a lot of people there that might service projects, answered the call. The • Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately have contracted COVID-19 and we want guild’s operation to make the masks is 20”x20”) Naima Wares-Akers and her legion our health care workers to be protected.” simple and uses social distancing in the • Coffee filter of Richmond area quilters are filling a Presently, seven active quilters with process. • Rubber bands (or hair ties) deep gap in keeping hospital employees the guild have produced about 100 masks, “The hospital provides the quilters • Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth) and other health care workers safe from with an additional lot of material coming with the fabric for the masks due to the the coronavirus. from Philip “Muzi” Branch, director of specifications needed to be effective The Kuumba Quilt Guild is in the cultural programs for VCU Health System in protecting people using them,” Ms. process of making cotton masks to cover and Arts in Health Care. Wares-Akers told the Free Press. the N95 respirators and surgical masks Just like other hospitals in the state The hospital’s “staff cuts the cotton used by VCU Medical Center staff. and around the country, the VCU Health fabric in rectangles and provides the “We know the hospital services a lot System is short on personal protection elastics. We then cut and sew the patterns,” of African-Americans,” said Ms. Wares- equipment, Mr. Branch said. she said. Akers, organizer of the guild’s project. “I was asked to find community The supply chain to the guild starts artists who would at Ife Robinson’s hair salon, Indigo, in be interested in Jackson Ward where the supplies are helping with that delivered. The fabric then is transported initiative,” he said. to Ms. Wares-Akers’ home, where she “Since we have picks it up at the fence outside her home. been re-using N95 Ms. Wares-Akers said she then calls masks, we asked each quilter, who picks up the material the community to – using social distancing – and takes it make masks to home to sew. The quilters are tasked with cover the N95s. making 10 masks each. This will keep Mr. Branch said he also reached out to them cleaner and the Sisters of the Yam, a group of fashion in service longer.” and craft designing students at Virginia Kuumba Commonwealth University. Naima Wares-Akers Quilt Guild, In total, the two groups have produced with a mission more than 350 masks. The masks made by members of the Kuumba Quilt Guild of supporting “What all of the groups are doing is a come in an array of colors and are designed to be worn National Center for Immunization the Richmond labor of love,” Mr. Branch said. “I would and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), over N95 respirators and surgical masks used by VCU Division of Viral Diseases Medical Center staff. community with say that the project is akin to art therapy.” Front porch portraits:

Life in the time of the coronavirus B2

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Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 17 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com APRIL 16-18, 2020 A bishop till the end New Deliverance’s Gerald O. Glenn Bishop Glenn died around 9 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2020, in a dies of COVID-19 local hospital. He was 66. His wife and the first lady of the church, Marcietia S. Glenn, 65, remains hospitalized with the virus. Her By Jeremy M. Lazarus condition has not been released, but the Glenns’ daughter, Mar-Gerie Crawley, posted on Facebook that her mother is recovering. Bishop Gerald Otis Glenn vowed to keep his Chesterfield Bishop Glenn’s death from COVID-19 drew attention from media County church open during the coronavirus pandemic “un- across the nation and overseas. Much of the coverage focused on his less I am in jail or in the hospital.” defiance, along with other church leaders, of the social distancing Just three weeks later, the respected leader of New recommendations by state, federal and world health officials prior Deliverance Evangelistic Church joined the list of to Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s March 23 executive order banning people who died from the coronavirus. gatherings of more than 10 people. On Easter Sunday, church Elder Bryan Nevers In his final, in-person church service on Sunday, March 22, announced “with an exceedingly sorrowful and Bishop Glenn declared, “I firmly believe that God is larger than heavy heart” that the prelate who founded the this dreaded virus. You can quote me on that.” church “had transitioned from labor to reward.” He repeated, “You can quote me on that” as more than 180 The announcement was made to members church members in attendance clapped in approval. who tuned in remotely to the closed church’s live video feed. Please turn to A4 COVID-19 testing to begin in high-risk areas of city By Jeremy M. Lazarus coughing or difficulty breathing. He said staff also is working with nursing homes The Richmond City Health District plans to ramp and other senior residential communities in a bid to up testing for coronavirus in neighborhoods that ap- reduce the virus’ spread to a group also considered pear to be the most at risk — low-income high risk. areas of the city that are home to many Dr. Avula made the announcement at a African-Americans. briefing Monday at which he and Mayor Dr. Danny Avula, director of the health Levar M. Stoney noted that a majority of district, announced Monday that testing people in Richmond testing positive for for COVID-19 will begin at the resource the virus are African-American. centers of the six largest public housing Based on the numbers as of Monday, communities — Creighton Court, Fairfield there are 164 confirmed cases and seven Steve Helber/Associated Press Court, Gilpin Court, Hillside Court, Mosby deaths in Richmond among a population Dr. James Wright, medical director for Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Court and Whitcomb Court — in addition Dr. Avula of nearly 230,000 people. Center, talks during a news conference last week. The health care center has to the Southwood Apartments and the Broad Rock However, of those infected, 62 percent, or 102 recorded 45 COVID-19 deaths at the facility. Community Center, both in South Side. people, are African-American; 24 percent, or 40 He said a schedule will be established for testing people, are Caucasian; and about 4 percent are of at one of those locations each day, with expectations mixed race or other ethnicities. He said race was not Nursing homes on front lines that 100 to 150 people could be tested daily. identified for the remaining 10 percent. Dr. Avula said the state’s testing capacity has According to the most recent federal data, Rich- expanded, enabling the health district to test people mond’s population is 47.8 percent African-American, battling the coronavirus who are asymptomatic as well as those who might By Ronald E. Carrington week the creation of a state task force on be showing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, Please turn to A4 nursing homes that will focus on boost- Nursing homes are hot spots for the ing testing, staffing, personal protective spreading coronavirus pandemic in Vir- equipment and cleaning supplies to contain ginia, with 60 of the state’s 108 outbreaks and stem the spread of the coronavirus in occurring in long-term care facilities, state long-term care facilities. Health Department numbers show. Dr. Laurie Forlano, an epidemiologist Roughly 10 percent of the state’s 6,500 and deputy commissioner of the Virginia cases of COVID-19 and at least 45 of the Department of Health, will direct the task state’s 195 deaths are from long-term care force. She noted at a briefing last week that facilities, according to the data. elderly people already are a vulnerable, But there is a lag in reporting, state of- high-risk population for the coronavirus. ficials said Wednesday. At least one facility, “Nursing homes present added dif- Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare ficulties of communal spaces that make Center in Henrico County, has reported social distancing a challenge. And staff Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press 45 deaths as of April 15. who work in multiple facilities increase Creighton Court Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced last the risk,” Dr. Forlano said. The state also is tracking data on the number of positive cases and deaths in Virginia’s long-term care facilities and City budget amendments reflect reduced revenue posting that data daily on the Virginia Health Department’s website, www.vdh. virginia.gov. However, the names of the anticipated from pandemic impact facilities where the outbreaks have occurred By Jeremy M. Lazarus And Richmond Public Schools would waters of the coronavirus recession. are not made public. see its contribution from the city shrink In a briefing for City Council whose members Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Richmond residents would not see by $10 million from the proposed in- mostly met remotely, city Budget Director Jay Center has seen one of the largest COVID- any hikes in utility rates that would have crease of $16 million. A. Brown said initial projections suggest that 19 outbreaks in the United States, even added $5.56 a month to the average bill Backed by what appears to be a city revenues in the new fiscal year that begins larger than the facility in Washington state beginning July 1. majority consensus of City Council, July 1 would shrink at least $38.5 million — or that drew the national spotlight early on Current city workers would not have Mayor Levar M. Stoney on Monday about 5 percent. as the pandemic spread. to worry about layoffs or furloughs for advanced large and small amendments The biggest element of the spending plan — the According to national reports, there now, but they would not see an increase to his budget proposal for the upcom- general fund that pays for city operations — origi- Mayor Stoney have been more than 4,300 COVID- in their pay either. ing 2020-21 fiscal year — including nally was projected to rise to $782.6 million, but related deaths in nursing homes across City departments would only be allowed to jettisoning an initiative to boost the pay of public is now anticipated to fall to $744.1 million. the country. fill positions deemed critical and would have to defenders and plans to hike funding to non-city The adjustments are similar to those being State health officials stepped in at eliminate all discretionary spending for items organizations and nonprofits. taken by surrounding counties amid the looming Canterbury to test residents and staff, and like magazines, training, travel and conference The goal: To enable the city to maintain a fi- attendance. nancial balance in steering through the uncharted Please turn to A4 Please turn to A4 Washington NFL team drops its $500,000 annual fee to train in Richmond By Jeremy M. Lazarus on April 2. not signed a new deal for the training camp have a say after authorizing the EDA to build The team also agreed to end collection of to continue in 2021 and beyond, nor has the a facility for the team. It is still up in the air whether the Wash- $161,768 still due from the city’s Economic team exercised an option to extend the contract, Under the agreement, which was signed as ington NFL football team will hold its annual Development Authority, which manages the according to Jim Nolan, Mayor Stoney’s press the $10 million training camp was being built summer training camp in Richmond or whether Richmond training center facility and the main secretary. and before the team held its first training camp there will even be a football season, given the building on Leigh Street that also houses some “The discussions are ongoing,” Mr. Nolan in the summer of 2013, the EDA agreed to make coronavirus pandemic. operations of the Bon Secours Health System. stated in response to a Free Press query. “This lat- an annual contribution to the team in the form But if the team comes to Richmond to train, it If the team is no longer insisting on a pay- est development … is an encouraging sign.” of in-kind services and cash to help defray won’t charge the city $500,000 for the privilege ment, it would remove a key roadblock to a new The agreement to pay the team for training some of the incremental expense of relocating of playing host. contract to continue the relationship between in Richmond was put in place in 2013 by for- the camp to Richmond. That fee is being dropped, Mayor Levar M. the team and the city after this year. mer Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the EDA, and Stoney and team officials jointly announced The Washington team and the city have has long rankled City Council, which did not Please turn to A4 A4 April 16-18, 2020 Richmond Free Press News Sweeping changes signed into law by Gov. Northam Free Press staff, wire report coronavirus pandemic, and with unemploy- “who have struggled, and continue to struggle, in the pursuit ment skyrocketing above levels from the of justice and equity.” Democratic Gov. Ralph S. Northam has signed sweeping changes Great Depression of the 1930s, businesses Gov. Northam also signed bills Saturday that begin the process into state law that will allow people to vote up to 45 days before had urged the governor to delay the wage of replacing Virginia’s statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee Election Day, remove jail time for possession of marijuana, impose increase to avoid increasing the financial in the U.S. Capitol and removes from the state law defunct laws new controls on gun sales and grant Richmond and other localities stress on employers. that once undergirded racial separation and white supremacy. authority to remove Confederate statues from public property. Meanwhile, Gov. Northam signed legisla- The bills he signed also provide for automatic voter registration The changes that become effective July 1 highlight the new tion creating a fine for those caught with small by people getting licenses and conducting other business with the power of Democratic majorities in the Virginia House of Delegates amounts of marijuana and turning Election state Department of Motor Vehicles and remove other obstacles Gov. Northam and state Senate that brought passage of long-sought progressive Day in November into a state holiday and to voting, including a requirement to have a photo ID. measures that previous Republican majorities had blocked. eliminating the Lee-Jackson Holiday honoring Confederates. New gun control laws the governor signed — and that the However, the governor called for a slow-down on one high- The governor’s signature on legislation also means Con- Virginia Citizens Defense League is preparing to challenge as profile measure — the first increase in the state’s minimum wage federate monuments could be eliminated from public property, unconstitutional — include one requiring all gun sellers, licensed in 11 years. Low-wage workers in Virginia might have to wait a prospect that Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, chair of the or not, to perform a background check on purchasers. Others another year to get a $2.25 an hour increase in pay, from $7.25 Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, welcomed. restore a sales limit of one handgun a month, authorize courts an hour to $9.50 an hour. Following the bill’s signing, Delegate Bagby wrote in a and police to remove guns from people deemed dangerous to Despite outrage from advocates and labor unions, Gov. Northam social media post that the action caps years of advocacy by themselves or others and require owners to report the theft or is calling for the General Assembly to postpone the approved caucus members and represents a victory for black Virginians loss of weapons to authorities within 48 hours. increase in Virginia’s minimum wage until to May 1, 2021, as a recession looms. The increase was to be effective Jan. 1. The House and Senate reconvene next Wednesday, April 22, to consider amendments and vetoes the governor has made to legisla- tion passed by the legislature earlier this year. COVID-19 testing to begin in city Amid a torrent of layoffs and furloughs because of the Continued from A1 have been conflicting projections of when access, the school system this week began the infections would peak in Virginia, distributing laptop computers to students 40.4 percent Caucasian and 6.7 percent from late April to mid-August, creating who need them. Latino. uncertainty. He said RPS received 12,000 requests A bishop “This follows a trend seen across the “What we know is that we haven’t yet for computers through a survey and will country,” Mayor Stoney said. “While the reached the apex and have not started going move to fill all of them, starting with high virus does not discriminate by race, creed downhill,” Mayor Stoney said. “Our best school students. He said distribution to or gender and knows no boundaries, this weapon is to stay home if you can, and to middle school and elementary students till the end highlights the disparity in health and health wear masks if you cannot and wash your would begin next week, with all distribu- care that has been ever present.” hands thoroughly and often.” tions following health guidelines. Continued from A1 He said the virus’ impact tends to be Meanwhile, with schools closed state- He noted that RPS also is serving greater in poorer communities where there He told the congregation and those listening from home that wide through the end of the academic year, 13,000 meals a day Monday through Friday are more underlying health conditions, “people are healed” in the sanctuary. He also pronounced himself Richmond Public Schools is stepping up its through 55 distribution sites across the city, such as diabetes and hypertension, that “essential” in explaining why he was violating safety protocols efforts to link students to online learning. thanks to staff and volunteers helping to make people more vulnerable to serious by allowing “way more than 10 people” into the service. RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras said reduce hunger. infections. “I am a preacher — I talk to God,” he said. that along with creating a robust package Details on RPS food pickup sites: Mayor Stoney said he did not know By the following week, he was showing signs of illness, his of educational programming and classes www.rvaschools.net, then click on “Meal when the emergency would end. There family said, and was back and forth to hospital emergency rooms. at RPS@home for parents and students to Distribution Sites.” He was not initially tested for COVID-19, his family said. According to media reports, Ms. Crawley said Bishop Glenn was not alarmed initially because he had diverticulitis, an intestinal inflammation that often caused fevers and infections. Nursing homes on the front lines He repeatedly was sent home from the emergency room until his condition led to him finally to be admitted, tested and Continued from A1 conditions during the pandemic. gatherings in common areas, including confirmed as sick from the coronavirus, along with Mrs. Glenn, “At the facility level, obviously there’s no partying. about a week before his death. found that 84 residents and 35 staff mem- going to be variation in practice,” Gov. “At 72, I don’t do any partying,” Ms. Tributes poured in, including from two former Virginia governors bers were positive for COVID-19. Northam responded. “However, our local Roane said with a chuckle. “All of the and current U.S. senators who have known him for years. According to media reports, Canter- health departments and COVID-19 task social areas where we would sit and talk “Bishop Glenn was my great friend for more than 20 years,” bury’s medical director, Dr. Jim Wright, force will continue to recommend that have been locked down and the chairs are Sen. Mark R. Warner wrote in a statement. “He was an extraor- said the facility’s staffers who have tested facilities keep families informed with now stacked up against the wall.” dinary spiritual and community leader, and we will miss him positive for coronavirus can work with timely, accurate information. We are She said she takes a walk almost every very much.” patients with the virus without fear, based contemplating how to empower elderly day. The facility’s weekly social programs, In 2002, Sen. Warner surprised Bishop Glenn by inviting on the assumption that people who have facilities with the right communications she said, have been shut down, along with him to deliver the invocation at his gubernatorial inauguration. tested positive may have immunity from tools and strategies.” the twice weekly transportation service. During his tenure as governor, Sen. Warner also tapped Bishop getting the virus a second time. Guardian Place, a senior facility on “We mainly call each other and stay Glenn to lead a task force focusing on initiatives to reduce crime Officials said that Canterbury has Hamilton Street in Richmond, confirmed in our apartments,” she said. Her son, she in minority communities. stepped up health security measures and that a resident tested positive for COVID- said, picks her up on occasion to take her “He was a friend and a pillar of Richmond’s faith commu- are closely following guidelines offered 19 and is currently on the campus. grocery shopping or will drop off what nity,” Sen. Tim Kaine stated on social media. “May all do as by the Centers for Disease Control and Vice President Maryanne Lee stated in she needs. Grocery stores, she added, much for so many.” Prevention, as well as state and local an email to the Free Press, “Upon notifica- also deliver. Bishop Glenn was elevated to a bishop in November 2006 health departments. tion, Guardian Place’s administration took Ms. Roane said she will follow the when he was inducted into the College of Bishops of the Church Dr. Danny Avula, director of the Rich- immediate actions, increasing disinfecting directions of the facility in order to stay of God in Christ with which his church is affiliated. mond and Henrico County health districts, of certain common areas, although the healthy. A former police officer in Portsmouth, Bishop Glenn was a said long-term care facilities receiving resident was not believed to have visited Gov. Northam underscored the sacrifice native of Kingsville, Texas, and came to Virginia around 1957 federal dollars for Medicare and Medicaid these areas. We remain in contact with the many people are making during this difficult after his mother married and moved to Petersburg. A barrel-chested have requirements for elderly people in Health Department and will continue to time of pandemic to keep from catching man with a powerful speaking voice who openly wore his faith their care during the pandemic, including abide by their directives. There is nothing the virus or spreading it to others. and was outspoken on various issues, he credited his late mother, restricting visitation, isolating patients more important than the health and safety “If we stop what we’re doing too soon, Joan P. Andrews, with encouraging him to become a minister. testing positive for the virus and screening of our residents and staff members.” it is clear that we will have a second peak,” “We loved to play church when I was growing up,” Bishop staff every day for COVID-19. Delores Roane, who moved into Guard- the governor said. “That could be worse Glenn said in a Free Press interview published in January On Monday, Gov. Northam was asked ian Place two months ago, said residents than what we’re dealing with right now. I 2015. “I would always end up as the preacher, and I would about any state policies regarding nursing were asked to wear a mask, not to go appreciate our citizens’ vigilance, persever- preach to one of my cousins and the other cousin would sing. home notifying families of their loved ones’ out unless necessary and have no large ance and obeying the guidelines.” My mother always encouraged me and told me I would make a good preacher.” A U.S. Army veteran, he launched his church in his living room in 1995 with his wife and 20 charter members. The church City budget amendments reflect reduced revenue quickly grew and held services at George Wythe High School for Continued from A1 budget amendments are based on a “best new wariness about being in crowded several years until the congregation secured land at 1701 Turner case scenario” but that the city should be places and a virus-induced rise in home- Road, where the sanctuary was built and opened in 1998. downturn, with Henrico County slashing presenting a budget reflecting “a worst cooked meals. At one point, the church reported 2,000 members, but re- $100 million and Chesterfield County cut- case scenario.” Ms. Williams acknowledged that na- cently reported about 750 members. So far, there has been no ting $50 million from anticipated revenues Others on council, including Vice Presi- tional fast food operations that promote announcement of a successor. for the next fiscal year. dent Chris A. Hilbert, disagreed. carryout service appear to be attracting Bishop Glenn had a wide-ranging career outside the church, Dr. Brown cited projected revenue Ms. Gray, for example, is forecasting a more customers, but she said the sit-down including serving nearly two years as director of the state Depart- declines of 5 percent to 15 percent on an far bigger drop in meal tax revenues than restaurants that put Richmond on the na- ment of Juvenile Justice under former Gov. Jim Gilmore. He quit array of taxes, including those imposed the city, based on her conversations with tional food map are starving if they are abruptly Dec. 1, 1999, amid conflicts with the board overseeing on real estate, vehicles, restaurants, hotel restaurant owners. managing to stay open. She said those the department that operates state prison centers for youths. rooms, concert tickets, business income, Dr. Brown said the city is projecting that operations are seeing 75 percent to 90 Bishop Glenn said at the time that he decided to quit because his plus other revenue reductions. revenues would shrink only $4.7 million percent reductions in business in providing hard work was not appreciated by the Gilmore administration. But he said there are still too many from the previously anticipated $47 million, delivery and carryout service. Four months later, he drew attention when he led a boycott of unknowns, including the amount the city which includes about $9 million to pay the Instead of considering the amount of tax county malls after the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors will receive in federal support, when cost of three new school buildings. to be gained, Ms. Williams said, the city declared April as Confederate History and Heritage Month. Joined the pandemic will end and how quickly That’s “unrealistic,” according to indus- ought to be offering help to this important by others, the protest appeared to reduce the number of shoppers Richmond might bounce back — likely try veteran Michelle Williams, co-owner sector of the city’s economy and waive col- and also brought the county unwelcome attention when white requiring at least monthly budget reviews of the 25-year-old Richmond Restaurant lection of meals taxes at least through June supremacist leader David Duke came to promote shopping. and adjustments. Group, which has closed all eight res- to allow the money to be used by restaurant The protest ended after the county offered conciliatory words Still some people, including at least taurants and furloughed more than 400 owners and operators to pay rent, bank loans and virtually ensured Bishop Glenn that the resolution fiasco two who might challenge Mayor Stoney employees. and cover other survival costs. would not be repeated. in the November election, believe City She projects that as many as 150 to So far, Mayor Stoney has proposed waiv- Ironically, Bishop Glenn said that just as he and Chesterfield Hall is too optimistic about how quickly 200 of the city’s more than 800 restau- ing penalties and interest on late payments officials reached their agreement, he was forced to resign as a a recovery will come after the pandemic rants will never reopen as result of the between April and June, far short of what volunteer chaplain for the Chesterfield County Police Depart- ends and that far deeper cuts in city spend- financial losses. Ms. Williams believes is needed. ment. He had been the first and only African-American pastor ing are needed. Those that do, and she is preparing for While her group currently has the among the dozen working with police to comfort relatives of Attorney and political strategist Paul her restaurant group to be among them, financial strength to keep the city’s tax accident and crime victims. Goldman, who is weighing a run, called will be fortunate to do 50 percent to 60 dollars separate, she said others are facing Bishop Glenn said he was told he had become too controversial the mayor’s revamped budget proposal “fis- percent of their pre-virus business in the the terrible choice of spending the meals because of the protest. He said he resigned as chaplain when he cally irresponsible” in continuing wasteful first year after the threat ends, she said. tax money to protect their restaurants was told he would have to take a 90-day leave of absence and spending. It will take time to reopen, she said, and or paying it to the city and going out of undergo a review of his fitness by a chaplain board. Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd she anticipates a drop in patron numbers, business. Final arrangements to celebrate Bishop Glenn’s life were District, an announced mayoral candi- in part due to the huge job losses that will “All of us need forgiveness on the pending at the Free Press’ deadline. date, said she believes Mayor Stoney’s make eating out a luxury for more people, taxes,” she said. Washington NFL team drops its $500,000 annual fee to train in Richmond Continued from A1 from. extension of the agreement were the resources on helping local businesses negotiate this relief for the city,” Last year, the council notified city to have to continue making a cash and residents respond to the COVID- Mayor Stoney stated. “We value the The EDA later indicated that the Mayor Stoney that it would not ap- contribution,” Mr. Nolan stated. 19 pandemic. investments and contributions the team made it a condition of coming prove any new contract between the The contract modification has The money saved by not paying team has made in our community to Richmond. There also were internal team and the city unless the payments been under discussion among the the team is being used by the EDA to and look forward to continuing our concerns that rejection of the payment were removed. At the time, Mayor parties for many months, according fund its small business loan program, work together this year and further would mean the city had invested in Stoney agreed with the council and to the announcement, and comes at the announcement stated. exploring ways to grow our part- a facility the team would walk away said that he “would not support an a time when the city is focusing its “We’re pleased we were able to nership.” B2 April 16-18, 2020 Richmond Free Press Happenings

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Ellie and Kwan Burke, and their children, twins Anoushea and brother Kofi, 9, who are holding 2-year-old Nico, are enjoying time together on the front steps of their home in The Fan. “Though it took about four weeks into self-quarantining to find, this time has allowed us all to determine our own rhythm to our days and our lives,” the Burkes said. “As a result, we’ve dropped much deeper into our relationships with one another and have felt a richness we’ve never experienced before.” Front porch portraits: Life in the time of the coronavirus The rise of COVID-19 has been isolating , over- Richmond Free Press photographers Sandra Sellars and whelming and quite devastating globally. Regina H. Boone are documenting this time by having Orders to stay at home to prevent the spread of the Richmonders step outside for a front porch or front yard virus are keeping people in the house, except to grocery photo, adhering to social distancing guidelines. shop, pick up food and/or medicine and go to medical They also asked people they photographed what they appointments. Children are out of school and non-essential see as the silver lining in all of this. Their thoughts workers are at home. and photographs we hope will bring joy.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Reginald “Bubba” Williams III, and his sister, Denise Williams, have shared a Cheri Gupton, stands outside her home in Chamberlayne Farms before heading home in Henrico County for the past six years. to work as an acute care nurse for DaVita Dialysis servicing various hospitals in “We do well together, but we are both missing our activity,” Ms. Williams said. “I the area. She has been working as a nurse for 11 years. am totally missing getting out.” She says she doesn’t know which hospital she will be assigned to from day But she knows staying in will help stop the transmission of the coronavirus, to day, but she has no doubt that she is needed. Most of her patients, she says, protecting her, her brother and others. tested positive for COVID-19. She said she used to go out a lot. But now, “No malls. No stores.” Her silver lining? And lately, she said, “My sleep habits aren’t good.” “Due to the somber reality that we may not always have our loved ones around, I find myself more intentional with calling them and letting them know how much I love them or just asking how they are doing.”

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Nitika and Joshua Achalam may be staying home, but they are staying busy. Antoinette Rogers is staying put at her North Side home with her 16½-year-old They are outside their home in Fulton with their chickens, Octavia Butler and Maltese mix dog, Toby. She takes him out for walks and fresh air. The adjunct Zora Neale Hurston. education professor at the University of Richmond teaches one weekly online Asked how their lives are different during the pandemic, Mrs. Achalam, class now from the comfort of home. executive director of Project Yoga Richmond and an herbal healer with True “I know I thrive in a face-to-face setting,” she said, while admitting that online Grit Botanica, said, “We’ve launched an online membership platform where teaching “takes a little more effort.” the community can remotely access yoga and mindfulness content from PYR The pandemic, she said, has brought a pause to most everyone’s life. ambassadors.” The silver lining? Mr. Achalam, a reggae artist and educator, said, “Shows are postponed. But “I think God gave us some time to step back, assess some things and take we’ll regroup and spend more time in the studio.” stock of our lives.” On April 4, he performed in “Couchella,” a digital music festival that helped raise money for the Makindu Children’s Center in Kenya. The money will help install hand-washing stations at the center to combat the spread of COVID-19. Asked about the silver lining, both say the crisis has caused them to slow down and concentrate on the health and well-being of themselves and family. A2 April 16-18, 2020 Richmond Free Press Local News GRTC subsidy in question By Jeremy M. Lazarus city’s current $16 million subsidy to GRTC by $7.9 million in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Instead of a route number, GRTC is now send- The Henrico County Board of Supervisors also ing a message on its bus displays urging people approved a 50 percent cut in its GRTC subsidy, to avoid riding unless the trip is necessary to get or $4.2 million, effective July 1. to work, a grocery store or to health care. Together, the cuts represent 22 percent of The purpose: To help prevent the spread of GRTC’s $54 million budget — and the loss of coronavirus by reducing the number of people the funding would damage the company’s abil- joy riding on buses now that fares have been ity to operate if the new money from the tax eliminated. The public transit system continues to operate as scheduled on most routes as the more than Cityscape 280 drivers “stand firm” and continue to report Slices of life and scenes in Richmond to work despite the health risk, said the Rev. Benjamin P. Campbell, president and chair of increases does not arrive to replace it. the GRTC board. And that new money might not be available. “We are very grateful for their dedication The coronavirus has upended plans for a quick and willingness to continue this service. Without July 1 launch of the Central Virginia Transpor- them, it would be impossible,” he said. tation Authority. However, there’s a question about continued Gov. Ralph S. Northam is now urging the General service after July 1. A flood of money was sup- Assembly to postpone the starting date for the new Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press posed to come in from an increase in the sales authority until at least Oct. 1. State lawmakers are economy returns to normal, another big if at this “I don’t think it is the policy of either gov- tax and the gas tax to help pay for transit and to decide the matter when the General Assembly point given the concern that the country is headed ernment to reduce public transit service,” Rev. road construction. The General Assembly autho- reconvenes Wednesday, April 22. for a deep recession as a result of the pandemic. Campbell said. rized Richmond and eight surrounding localities Rev. Campbell said it could take three to six Rev. Campbell remains optimistic that both He believes that Richmond and Henrico to raise those taxes and to create the Central months to organize the new authority’s board, the city and the county will take action to prevent County governments will see that conditions Virginia Transportation Authority to receive the gain approvals from the nine local governments harm to GRTC’s operations. He said city and have changed and address the potential funding money from the state and parcel it out. to raise the sales and gas taxes as allowed under county officials understood it would take time for shortfall GRTC could face if the subsidies are Of the projected $166 million yearly the new the legislation and for the new stream of revenue the new authority to begin operating and revenue not restored. tax hikes were to produce for transportation, an to begin being collected. collections to begin. He said there was an expec- He said he has communicated with members estimated $25 million was to go to GRTC. That means it could be July 1, 2021, before tation that GRTC would continue to get city and of City Council and believes efforts will be The prospect of new money for GRTC led GRTC sees any substantial income from the new county dollars until revenue from the increased made to address GRTC’s funding needs so that Mayor Levar M. Stoney to propose cutting the transportation authority. That also assumes that the taxes could be used to repay advances. service can be maintained. Registration is needed Telehealth grows during pandemic as safe way for some to receive to confer with health professionals federal stimulus money By Jeremy M. Lazarus If you didn’t file taxes in 2018 and 2019, you can still get a Richmonder Melissa Hanson survived $1,200 stimulus payment from the federal government. a vicious assault, but she still lives with The U.S. Department of the Treasury has launched a new online the physical damage, mental scars and tool that is accessible by computer or cell phone with internet ac- post-traumatic stress disorder. cess to allow people to register and receive the stimulus payment, Like many people needing mental it has been announced. health therapy, Ms. Hanson found the Go to IRS.gov and then following the prompts on coronavirus pandemic disrupted her ability to meet to sign up. with her caseworker three times a week Individuals who did not file a tax return because they made and to get help with errands such as gro- less than $12,200 in taxable income or wages in 2018 or 2019, or cery shopping. any couple that made less than $24,400 in income or wages before Suddenly, she was anxious about adjustments during those two years, should register to receive a going to the office stimulus check. for therapy, and she According to the IRS, registration is needed primarily by veter- found phone com- ans whose only income is a nontaxable payment in compensation munication wasn’t for a disability or a pension payment. Registration also is need for the same. survivors of veterans or those who received a nontaxable payment “I needed someone as a survivor of a veteran. to talk with face to Officials said it could take two to four months to receive a check face,” Ms. Hanson said. “Phone calls just for people who don’t have a bank account to list for direct deposit Ms. Price Jeremy M. Lazarus of the stimulus check. didn’t work for me.” Amie Pathmann, a clinical supervisor at Simple Intervention in Chester, uses a video Payments began going out Monday to people with direct deposit. She is grateful that Simple Intervention, connection to talk with a patient, enabling face-to-face communication from afar. People who filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019, and those the Chester-based private behavioral health receiving pensions from Social Security or Railroad Retirement, agency handling her case, found a solution would come to a physical location for Shatara Price, business manager for the automatically will receive stimulus payments. Automatic payments for her and the 40 other clients it serves. appointments. six-year-old Simple Intervention, said she also will go to people receiving survivor’s benefits or a disability Their solution: Distribute iPads and Now during the pandemic, Richmond proposed the telehealth approach as the check through Social Security. Amazon Fire Sticks to ensure clients have medical professionals are seeing patients via staff brainstormed ways to keep connected However, anyone who started getting benefits from Social Security two-way visual communication and can video calls and eliminating office visits. with clients while limiting contact. since Jan. 1 will need to register on the website, the IRS stated. continue to talk with their assigned mental On Monday, Dr. Michael Rao, president “We realized we needed to do something. Additionally, people who receive Social Security payments of health professional. of Virginia Commonwealth University, Many of our clients were no longer com- any kind, including SSI, should file if they have children in order “It’s made all the difference,” Ms. noted that 1,200 telehealth calls are com- fortable coming for in-patient treatment,” to qualify for a bigger check, the IRS noted. The stimulus provides Hanson said. “I don’t know what I would ing in daily now that most medical clinics Ms. Price said. “Now we can provide the an additional $500 for each child. Social Security recipients with do without it.” are closed. same level of service.” children who do not register will “have to wait to receive the ad- Amid the pandemic, video calling is “We’re seeing patients we might not Simple Intervention serves clients who ditional $500 per qualifying child,” officials stated. exploding on cell phones, via tablets and have been able to before,” he said. primarily are on Medicaid. Some need short- Details: www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus. computers and even on Smart TVs. Provid- Telehealth also could help reduce the term mental health services after a crisis that ers are reporting major increases in use by COVID-19 patient load. led to a brief hospitalization, Ms. Price said. families to stay connected, by faith groups For example, VCU Health has es- Others are patients like Ms. Hanson, who City voter registrar’s office to hold online services, by office workers to tablished a pilot program that allows need ongoing treatment and other assistance keep in touch and for people to order goods ambulance personnel in rural areas such that comes with the program, she said. may be moving to North Side and even participate in funerals — all while as the Northern Neck to have a video con- “We bought the equipment because many The headquarters for voting in Richmond soon could move out maintaining social distancing. nection with VCU physicians to discuss of our clients are low income and we knew of City Hall. Telehealth and telemedicine — the video whether transport is needed before rushing they couldn’t afford it,” Ms. Price said. “We Mayor Levar M. Stoney introduced legislation this week seeking connection of doctors or nurses at one site a patient who has COVID-19 symptoms were ready to go by March 26,” or four days City Council approval to move the offices of Voter Registrar Kirk with medical professionals or patients at to a hospital. before Gov. Ralph S. Northam issued the Showalter, her staff and the Richmond Electoral Board to 2134 W. another — has been around for years. But The use of video calling is relatively state stay at home order. Laburnum Ave. in North Side. that link is ramping up as private doctors, new in the mental health field, where the “As a result, our agency has not missed The building, to be leased from DAR Enterprises Inc. at an initial hospitals and other health providers use preference has been for direct interaction a beat in maintaining the relationships and cost of nearly $450,000 a year, would provide about 31,000 square it to connect with people who ordinarily between patient and professional. connections with clients,” Ms. Price said. feet of space. An additional 7,400 square feet of space would be leased after a remaining tenant in the building moves out by January 2022, officials said. The rent then would rise to $672,000 a year. RRHA shuts down food deliveries from Feed More When City Council will vote on the proposal is uncertain, but Free Press staff report need is concerned. fashion. RRHA is in “ongoing discus- to Ms. Showalter, who has been pleading for additional space for “The decision to sions with Feed More to determine the two years, it is needed. The Richmond Redevelopment and discontinue Feed safest and most efficient way to perform According to Ms. Showalter, the move will provide more space Housing Authority has cut off April food More’s food deliver- upcoming scheduled food deliveries,” for storing voting machines, room for people to register and vote deliveries from the area’s largest food ies in April was not she said, although she noted that no and additional space for her staff. bank, Feed More, to needy families in made lightly,” she link has been shown between Feed Ms. Showalter has been pushing for more space for the city vot- public housing communities. continued, “and was More’s deliveries and people getting ing operation with expectations that the General Assembly would The cutoff started last week after only made after it coronavirus. authorize early voting, which happened during the most recent RRHA found that food deliverers were was determined in Feed More CEO Doug Pick said deliv- Ms. Fountain legislative session. not wearing masks and other protective discussions with our eries of food to RRHA communities have That is expected to bring a flood of early voters to Ms. Showal- items or adhering to social distancing Feed More partners that the social dis- been going on for four years “to provide ter’s office, particularly ahead of the upcoming presidential election. guidelines — keeping a 6-foot distance tancing protocols could not be met and healthy food to those in need in the com- New legislation the governor signed last week allows early voting from other people. those delivering the food and breaking munities they serve.” up to 45 days before an election, either in person or by mailed-in “RRHA is taking every precaution for down the boxes did not have appropriate However, he stated that Feed More ballot. Ms. Showalter estimates at least one-quarter to one-third of the safety of our residents,” spokeswoman protective gear.” has accepted RRHA’s decision and “looks the city’s 160,000 registered voters could take advantage of the Angela Fountain stated. “This is our top Ms. Fountain expressed hope that forward to supporting RRHA when they early voting provision. – Jeremy M. Lazarus concern when food distribution to those in the deliveries could resume in some resume their distributions.” City Council raises percentage of vehicle taxes residents must pay By Jeremy M. Lazarus amount is up from 49 percent last year. totally disabled homeowners more time to apply payments of meals, amusement and lodging taxes Owners must pay the full tax of $3.70 per for a reduction or elimination of real estate taxes collected between April and June 30. As people struggle to pay their bills amid the pan- $100 of assessed value on any amount above on their property because of the pandemic. The To date, though, neither the mayor nor any demic, City Council has quietly approved a 1 percent $20,000. amount of tax residents would owe if approved member of City Council has introduced any increase in the tax that owners of vehicles garaged The state picks up a share of the vehicle tax is based on income and net worth. proposals to provide a similar waiver of pen- in Richmond must pay by Friday, June 5. for cars and trucks valued at less than $20,000, The March 31 deadline was extended to alties and interest for vehicle owners and real In an effort to protect city revenues, City but that amount has been capped for years at Thursday, April 30. estate owners who might pay after the upcoming Council passed the increase Monday night at a $16.7 million for Richmond. The council also took under consideration June deadlines. brief meeting in which most members partici- To meet the city’s goal of collecting more than Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s proposal to offer limited Concilwoman Reva M. Trammell, 8th District, pated electronically. $34 million in revenue from vehicle taxes, City amnesty to businesses that owe taxes to the city, has advocated for that kind of amnesty, but has Under the resolution that was approved, Council routinely has required vehicle owners although the proposal has a majority of support yet to gain a majority, according to Council- vehicle owners will be required to pay 50 per- to pay an increasing percentage of the tax; that and is expected to be approved quickly. woman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District. cent of the tax assessed this year on qualifying share has increased about 1 percent each year. As introduced Monday, the ordinance would “I think that is something we are going to vehicles valued between $1,000 to $20,000. That Separately, City Council gave elderly and allow a waiver of penalties and interest for late have to consider,” Ms. Gray said. Testing and protests A5, B2 Meet board president of Oakwood Arts B1

Free

Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 18 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com APRIL 23-25, 2020 Beating COVID-19 Delegate Delores McQuinn is on a mission to help others avoid Plasma from getting the coronavirus after she and her family were stricken recovered By Reginald Stuart patients may When Delores Jordan Mc- hold cure Quinn was a promising young- ster volunteering for voter reg- for others istration efforts in the Bungalow By Jeremy M. Lazarus City neighborhood of Eastern Henrico County, she would If you have recovered from always do her best to get the COVID-19, the antibodies word out — register and vote. you developed could help She did so well that, one year, save someone who is struggling to survive. she was chosen Miss NAACP That’s the message from of Henrico County. VCU Medical Center, which is Delegate McQuinn, who seeking donations of plasma now represents parts of Rich- from coronavirus survivors mond, Henrico and Chesterfield so those antibodies can be County in the Virginia House injected into current patients of Delegates, has conquered with the virus. many challenges since those VCU officials said this technique has been used days. They range from life- in past disease outbreaks, threatening Ku Klux Klan including the 1918 flu activities she remembers from pandemic, the pre-vaccine her childhood to surviving a treatment of measles and battle with cancer as a married more recently for Ebola, mother of two. SARS and the H1N1 flu. Just last month, the 65- The hospital is preparing year old Delegate Quinn, who this week to administer Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press convalescent plasma for also is associate minister of the first time to a COVID- New Bridge Baptist Church The McQuinn family is on the mend after Delegate Delores McQuinn, right, and her husband, Jonathan McQuinn, 63, and their daughter, Daytriel McQuinn-Nzassi, 37, were stricken with the coronavirus. They were in quarantine at the McQuinn family home 19-positive patient. VCU Please turn to A4 in Varina. Ms. McQuinn-Nzassi’s husband and young daughters, who also were in the house, didn’t contract the virus. officials noted that this is the only option as there is no treatment for the virus. If plasma with antibodies “proves to be effective State officials stay the course on the coronavirus in patients with COVID- 19, it could be used to By George Copeland to grow as testing capacity increases prevent the disease in with the growth of in-house testing exposed persons, shorten Keep on keeping on. at facilities across the state, including the severity of illness, reduce That’s the continuing message Virginia Commonwealth University and serious complications and even prevent death,” said Dr. from officials as Virginia dramatically the University of Virginia, and more Gonzalo Bearman, director increased its coronavirus testing capabil- private labs begin running tests. of VCU Health’s Infection ity, data collection and access to health Currently, the state lab is able to per- Prevention Program. information. form 300 tests a day, and will be able to “We can’t provide this Gov. Ralph S. Northam last week run 400 tests daily by next week thanks potentially life-saving extended state restrictions on non- to new equipment, officials said. treatment to those in need essential businesses and public gather- As of Wednesday, the number of without our community’s ings from April 23 to May 8, while the positive cases in the state had risen to help,” said Dr. Jeffrey stay-at-home order is still set to expire Donowitz, an infectious 9,630, resulting in 1,581 hospitaliza- disease specialist with on June 10. tions and 324 deaths, according to the VCU’s Children’s Hospital. Despite protests Wednesday and last Virginia Department of Health. “Donating plasma is a safe week by small numbers of people calling African-Americans still are dispro- and selfless way to give back for businesses to reopen, the governor portionately impacted by the pandemic, for the greater good of our has given no indication of when Virginia comprising 28 percent of the those community. You could save will begin easing restrictions. New testing positive for COVID-19 and 34 a life.” guidelines from the Centers for Disease percent of the deaths, Dr. M. Norman VCU officials are asking people to sign up through the and Control and Prevention recommend Oliver, the state health commissioner, Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press American Red Cross, which 14 consecutive days of declining cases reported Monday. With horns honking and passengers waving signs, a line of vehicles operates a confidential before starting to gradually phase out The update comes at the state health carrying protesters descend on Downtown near the State Capitol on registry. restrictions. department has expanded the breadth of Wednesday demanding that Gov. Ralph S. Northam lift the restrictions Details: Dr. Donowitz, In the commonwealth, there is poten- put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus and reopen Virginia’s (804) 828-1808 or Jeffrey. tial for the number of COVID-19 cases Please turn to A4 economy. Please see more photos, B2. [email protected].

General Assembly delays minimum wage hike until May 1 Free Press staff report labor leaders, Gov. Northam made the posted how the members present voted. recommendation to soften the impact Four Democrats reportedly joined Repub- Forget a Jan. 1 raise for the Virginia minimum on business owners, who reportedly are licans, who opposed any increase. wage. unable to bear the increased cost because In the Senate, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fair- The $2.25 hourly wage increase from $7.25 to they have been as hard hit by the coro- fax cast the deciding vote to support the $9.50 is set to happen on May 1, 2021. navirus pandemic as the workers who governor’s recommendation to push the By narrow margins, the House of Delegates and would benefit from the pay hike. wage increase to May after the members’ state Senate on Wednesday accepted the recom- The House voted 49-45 to delay the vote ended in a 20-20 tie. Former President Obama mendation of Gov. Ralph S. Northam to delay the increase, according to the Legislative In- If the delay recommendation had failed wage hike for four months. formation System. By Free Press deadline Lt. Gov. Fairfax in either chamber, the wage hike would Class of 2020 Despite howls from Democratic-supporting Wednesday evening, the House clerk’s office had not have become effective at the start of the new year. has hope in President Obama Backflips Free Press staff, wire report and Could Barack Obama deliver cartwheels a national graduation address to Montrell Mosley students? 6, left, keeps Stay tuned. the backflip and It might happen, though the cartwheel party 58-year-old former president going as Demario has not yet agreed, nor are any Otey, 9, and Aiden arrangements being made for Otey, 5, finish him to deliver an address online their rotations last or via broadcast to replace the Saturday in the 1700 thousands of graduation ceremo- block of Armstrong nies across the country that have Way in Church Hill North. been canceled because of the Please turn to A4 Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press A4 April 23-25, 2020 Richmond Free Press News Delegate McQuinn is on a mission to help others avoid getting the coronavirus after she and her family were stricken

Continued from A1 warm beverages and water to stay hydrated. The doctor also “This is a chilling disease.” prescribed total rest, Delegate McQuinn said. Recalling her early years of campaigning, Delegate McQuinn, in Highland Springs, survived a scary battle with the deadly As the virus went through the McQuinn household, Delegate a former member of the Richmond School Board and Richmond COVID-19. McQuinn and her husband experienced the same symptoms and City Council, said she has spoken with pastors about getting “In the past, there were target groups,” Delegate McQuinn followed the same path to recovery. It took from mid-March until involved with anti-COVID-19 appeals just as they did with voter said in a telephone interview this week with the Free Press, early April before they began to feel like themselves again. registration drives in the past. referring to battles over racial segregation and integration and Today, Delegate McQuinn has a new campaign: To get more She talked about riding in vehicles through neighborhoods and political contests between rivals. people to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously or risk losing using a bullhorn urging people to abide by appeals from health But with COVID-19, “everyone is a target,” she said. their lives as countless Virginians already have. officials and Gov. Northam to stay home if possible and adhere It attacks regardless of race, creed, color, ethnic origin, gender Following health leaders’ guidance may temporarily disrupt to the basics to mitigate the spread of the virus. She said she has or religious or political belief. most people’s daily routines for a while, she said. But not heeding shared thoughts with some peers about getting the broadcast and “I have not experienced anything like this COVID-19 in my their call will certainly put your life at risk, she added. cable services to air public service announcements. life,” she said. “We are dealing with a different arena now,” she said. “It’s Meanwhile, her recovery from COVID-19 has progressed In March, the McQuinn home became a quarantine and definitely a different world.” so well that she attended Wednesday’s reconvened session of recovery refuge as her daughter, Daytriel McQuinn-Nzassi, 37, She said she has been in countless phone and internet discus- the General Assembly to take up the governor’s changes and suspected she had COVID-19, which was soon confirmed. A few sions with neighbors, church members and political colleagues vetoes to legislation. days later, Delegate McQuinn found out she, too, contracted the about strategies to get people to heed the guidance from Gov. Delegate McQuinn said she understands the economic slide virus, quickly followed by her 63-year-old husband, Jonathan Ralph S. Northam, a physician, and state and local health officials the state has experienced with the coronavirus disruption means McQuinn. to keep 6 feet away from others, wash their hands frequently revenue will be far short of what was envisioned at the start of Delegate McQuinn initially called a doctor and asked about with soap in the warmest water possible and stay out of public the year. her daughter’s breathing. If it became labored and too difficult gathering places as much as possible. She said education aid, further expansion of Medicaid health for her to breathe, the doctor said, Delegate McQuinn should Delegate McQuinn said she plans to spread the health alert coverage and a long-awaited boost in the state’s minimum wage, immediately take her daughter to a hospital. Otherwise she could and awareness about COVID-19 to her congregation and politi- all issues important to her agenda and constituents, may have recover at home with Tylenol to keep her temperature down and cal constituents. to wait despite the passion for action. Because of the revenue “The disease can do permanent damage to our families and outlook with the pandemic, people are not likely to see any new communities,” she said, noting the warning is especially appropri- programs of substance “for years,” she said. ate for people of color and low-income people who suffer from Still, giving front line health care workers and others in the a disproportionate share of underlying diseases like diabetes, low-wage, but “essential” category a boost in hourly pay remains State officials cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity that make a front-burner item, she said. them more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus. “Delay does not mean denied,” Delegate Mc Quinn said, Weakening of the body’s immune system due to aging is a suggesting the legislature may take some action later this year. stay the course on challenge too, she said. At the other end of the life spectrum, “Right now, under the circumstances, I clearly understand,” she clustering in crowds and excessive recreation leaves people said, adding that she will be pushing the wage issue again. vulnerable to catching COVID-19 by association, she said, Meanwhile, the center of attention for her today is fighting the coronavirus echoing health officials. the spread of COVID-19. “We’ve got to get the message out,” Delegate McQuinn said. “There are going to be losses, great losses,” she said. Continued from A1 information on its COVID-19 website, offering more detailed demographic and geographic information about the cases in Virginia. Richmond Convention Center not needed “We understand the fear and anxiety that many people have around this pandemic,” Dr. Oliver said. “Giving high-quality accurate data in a timely fashion will help address this additional for auxiliary pandemic hospital public health need that we have in facing this pandemic.” By Jeremy M. Lazarus overnight stays, he said. a total of 1,213 people confirmed with the Data from the COVID-19 model developed by the Univer- The public is social distancing so well virus, but only 158 had to be hospitalized, sity of Virginia show that measures adopted by the state, such The plan to convert the Greater Rich- that the numbers needing hospitalization or 13 percent. as closures and social distancing, have help slow the spread of mond Convention Center into an emergency from the virus has not risen exponentially Of the confirmed cases, there were 97 the virus, lessening the stress placed on Virginia hospitals. The hospital for COVID-19 patients as once feared, Dr. Avula said. deaths, or 7.9 percent of the total. That’s model also shows a potential peak in positive cases between has been sidelined for now, Instead, the demand for hospital higher than average and is mostly due late April and early May. according to Dr. Danny Avula, beds appears to be flattening, he largely to the 45 deaths reported at Can- However, the model also projects a potential resurgence in director of the Richmond City added. terbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center cases in mid-July or August if the restrictions and stay-at-home and Henrico County Health Hospitals also gained more in Henrico. order are lifted too early. districts. leeway by following state orders Henrico also had the most confirmed In citing this prediction, Gov. Northam stressed the neces- At this point, the extra hospi- to cancel elective surgeries, cases of the virus — 621 — with 90 people sity of his recommendation to residents and officials to stay the tal space does not appear to be despite taking a major financial hospitalized and 77 deaths. course in addressing the coronavirus. needed, Dr. Avula said during a hit in doing so. In Richmond, the state health depart- “We need to be clear: Things are not going back exactly like news conference last Friday. Dr. Avula The numbers also speak of a ment reported that 246 people have been they were before,” Gov. Northam said. “Together, we will figure Existing hospitals have been low volume of cases. confirmed with the virus, 39 needed to be out how to build a new normal.” able to handle the number of people with On Tuesday, the Virginia Department hospitalized and 10 deaths. COVID-19 while continuing to serve other of Health reported that in the area’s three Chesterfield County had 346 confirmed patients with cancer, heart conditions, se- major jurisdictions, Richmond and Ches- cases, with 29 people hospitalized and Class of 2020 vere injuries and other conditions requiring terfield and Henrico counties, there were 10 deaths. has hope in President Obama Continued from A1 We stand coronavirus pandemic. The idea has started to gain traction, however, among high school and college students scheduled to graduate and their parents. for It all started with a Twitter message that 17-year-old Lincoln Debenham, a high school senior in California, posted April 14 ★ Equality under the handle Lincoln@Lincolnjackd. The message: “Hi@BarackObama! Like most high school/ college seniors, I’m saddened by the loss of milestone events, ★ Justice prom & graduation. In an unprecedented time, it would give us great comfort to hear your voice. We ask you to consider giving ★ Opportunity a national commencement address to the class of 2020.” Lincoln told Inside Edition that he did it because “I remem- bered what a great speaker he was and that message of hope ★ Freedom of expression he always delivered.” The idea has morphed into a viral plea that has spread across the country among Twitter users who have joined in asking the 44th president to take on the speaking role. Lincoln’s post has and we been liked by more than 200,000 Twitter users in the eight days since the post went up, and nearly 50,000 have retweeted the post, according to Twitter data. Lincoln said he has not received a response from Mr. fearlessly fight Obama. But CNN and People magazine both reported that the former president has gotten wind of the tidal wave of support. But while for reports came back that he “is flattered,” there was no further comment from his team. Still, Lincoln has his fingers crossed that the former presi- ★ Equality dent, author of “The Audacity of Hope” among other books, will do it. Some students are urging his wife, former First Lady Michelle ★ Justice Obama, to join him in delivering a metaphorical hug to the Class of 2020 graduates who are slated now to receive their diplomas ★ Opportunity and degrees in the mail. No word yet from Mrs. Obama. ★ Freedom of expression Have a Story Idea? WRITE Richmond Free Press [email protected] Richmond Free Press

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Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Dr. Erich Bruhn, a general surgeon from Winchester, and his wife, Kristin Leon Smith gets a nasal swab test for COVID-19 during Wednesday’s testing Bruhn, a nurse who works in her husband’s practice, wear masks as they event in South Side. The health districts are offering free testing for the walk among protesters on Broad Street in Downtown with their own message uninsured or underinsured in targeted neighborhoods. of safety against the virus. Timeout for COVID-19 There was an eruption of coronavirus- a vehicle parade along Broad Street near related activity on Wednesday as the the Science Museum and Capitol Square, Virginia General Assembly met in a recon- urging — with horns honking and wav- vened session to consider the governor’s ing signs — that Virginia reopen for vetoes and amendments to legislation. business and the coronavirus lockdown In an effort to stay safe and adhere to be eliminated. social distancing guidelines, the House Meanwhile, the Richmond and Henrico of Delegates met outdoors under tents, health districts held a walk-up COVID-19 while the Senate conducted its business testing event at Southwood Apartments in several miles away at cavernous space at South Richmond, as African-Americans Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Jarome Bell of Virginia Beach, a conservative who is running in the the Science Museum of Virginia. continue to be infected and die with the Republican primary for the 2nd District congressional seat, participates in the Protesters with Re-Open Virginia held virus in disproportionate numbers. Re-Open Virginia rally. He said it’s time for people to get back to work.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Police flank a protester walking along Broad Street near 8th Street. Many of Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press A woman walks with her sign as traffic on Broad Street comes to a standstill. the protesters had flags and Trump signs.

during an appearance at Brown’s Island in Downtown. Drum- mie’s percussion skills left a lasting impression. When The Noted reggae Wailers needed a replacement drummer, he got the call, and suddenly was having eye-opening experiences performing at venues across the country and in South and Central America, musician Europe, Australia and Asia. During the 16 years he played with The Wailers, Drummie said the group stayed incredibly busy, performing 200 days Drummie Zeb a year. He had other opportunities as well. He took part in Doctor Dread’s reggae album of Bob Dylan’s songs. And he was tapped to participate when Paul Simon recorded a reggae returns to his track and needed a drummer who could perform the music. In 2008, Kenny Chesney went to Jamaica to record his Richmond roots hit “Everybody Wants to Go To Heaven” with The Wailers. Mr. Chesney remembered Drummie Zeb when he wanted to By Jeremy M. Lazarus mix reggae beats into his country music. Drummie said he moved to Nashville and toured with Mr. Chesney in the band Inspired by the vibrations from the marching bands at the for several years, free at Mr. Chesney’s direction to play the Richmond Christmas Parade, 10-year-old Ernest Myron Wil- drums in reggae-style. liams begged his mother for a set of drums. She scrimped and With touring gigs now on hold because of the coronavirus, saved to provide one. Drummie is spending time at his home on Rogers Street. He’s Fifty years later, that small skinny kid, now known as engaged in what he calls long overdue improvements and also Drummie Zeb, has turned that initial drum set into a fabulous working on creating a reggae country album. He also is hav- music career that has taken him around the world. ing a chance to catch up with musical friends, such as Zydeco He has played and recorded with the likes of music legend tambourine player Shamatiyah Broady, and saxophone player Paul Simon, country music star Kenny Chesney and the world- James B. “Saxsmo” Gates Jr. renowned reggae group, The Wailers. Drummie said he would not have had such opportunities “Who would have thought that could happen to someone from if his mother, Irma Williams Corprew, now retired from her Fairfield Court?” Drummie Zeb said during an interview last longtime role as head cook at Armstrong High School, had week from his Church Hill home. “It is almost unbelievable.” not given him his start. Public housing and the East End of Richmond often get “I don’t know what would have happened to me if she had the most attention for crime and poverty, but to Drummie, too not gotten those drums,” he said. “After I joined The Wailers, little mention is made of the rich musical and cultural heritage I was able to buy her a house.” as well as the people, like himself, who exemplify that part He also credits Johnny Peyton, the late Richmond bandleader of the area’s story. who also taught music at John F. Kennedy High School. He wishes Richmond would offer the same public recog- “He took me under his wing,” Drummie said, and taught nition for composers, songwriters and performers who have him to read music. Mr. Peyton also appointed him drum captain left their mark on the musical world as that accorded to pro in the marching band. athletes who got their start in the city. Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press The father of six children, Drummie is proudly watching Known for his informal dress, dreadlocks and thousand-watt Drummie Zeb, an East End native who has made his three of his sons follow his reggae drumming path. They are smile, Drummie said he grew up aspiring to have the kind mark in the music scene, does what he does best at his Nekoro Williams, 27, who drums with Splendid Suns after of professional career enjoyed by his Richmond drumming home in Church Hill. playing with the People’s Blues of Richmond; Amani Wil- idols and mentors whom he thinks have been forgotten in liams, 25, a roots reggae drummer who plays with Burning their hometown. They include Jerome E. “Bigfoot” Brailey, a adopted after the start of his professional career. Fire; and Asanté Williams, who plays psychedelic reggae longtime performer with Parliament Funkadelic who is in the That career began when friend and guitarist Ras Mel Glover with Space Koi. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Elwood Henderson, who invited him in 1979 to Awareness Art Ensemble, a Richmond Drummie also has a grandson, Amani’s child, who is learn- performed with The Jimmy Castor Bunch. reggae group started by Jamaican transplant Olamina Ridley. The ing to play. As it turns out, Drummie achieved that goal as his résumé group proved wildly popular and was active for 13 years. For the future, Drummie said his goal is to spend more as a musician shows. After the group largely fell apart, Drummie Zeb created time in Richmond and work on recording projects, including Turned on by Bob Marley and his syncopated Jamaican his own group, Razor Posse, which allowed him keep playing one with Amani and Burning Fire. music, Drummie Zeb was born after he started teaching himself the music he loved full time. “I have plenty to keep me busy,” he said. “As long as I reggae beats. (Zeb is short for Zebulon, the middle name he In 1999, his group got a chance to open for The Wailers have my drums and my children, life is good.” Richmond Free Press Rose in the East End Editorial Page A6 April 23-25, 2020 COVID-19 testing in Richmond’s high-risk communities With data showing that COVID-19 is disproportionately in- fecting and killing African-Americans in Richmond and across the state, we were pleased to learn late last week that city health officials were going to step up efforts to provide testing inthe city’s largely black, high-poverty areas. However, even good intentions can go haywire. Officials with the Richmond and Henrico health districts may have gotten in their own way by setting up a walk-up testing process choked with obstacles and gatekeepers. In announcing the testing, officials have declined to make public the day, time and place of the testing. They are asking people to call and make an appointment – for days, times and places unknown—in order for the testing to be “orderly and efficient.” “Orderly and efficient?” This is both insulting and paternalistic, starting with the mind- set that our community cannot be orderly if we know when and Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press where testing will be held. We point out that other testing sites in the area — and elsewhere in the state — in majority white communities have announced what days and times they are open for testing. No artificial bar- Time to correct the disparities riers were put in place. We understand that local officials are targeting for testing the It’s no exaggeration to say out of 58,354 tested. In Del- disparities. African-Americans face. We have a responsibility communities at high-risk for the infection. But not disseminating that the COVID-19 pandemic egate Carroll Foy’s Prince typically live in urban areas and to advocate for all Virginians the information creates an obstacle to reaching the stated goal of has upended Virginians’ lives. William County, there are 867 closer to environmental hazard and must take care not to fall testing 100 to 150 people a day. We’re practicing new routines — confirmed cases, the second waste sites. Black families of- into economic, health care and On Tuesday, the first day of testing, which took place at a like social distancing, obsessive highest in the Prince William ten house many generations in political traps that leave minority subsidized apartment complex in Henrico County, only 22 people hand washing, preparing kids Health District. one dwelling, minimizing the communities behind. were tested. To put it mildly, this is a opportunities to practice social Delegate Carroll Foy rep- More and more communities across the country are providing scary time here in Virginia and distancing. We’re more likely to resents the 2nd District in the walk-up testing in the wake of the alarming statistics showing across the nation. live in food deserts, where the House of Delegates that includes communities of color have been hardest hit by COVID-19. This unprecedented crisis most readily available meal may parts of Prince William and Earlier this week, officials at Florida A&M University, an poses a danger to the liveli- come from a gas station instead Stafford counties. HBCU, announced they will have free, open walk-up testing at of the produce aisle. Black work- Dr. Jones Webb is assistant the university’s stadium from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for 14 straight ers are far more likely to work professor of emergency medicine Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy days aimed at residents of Tallahassee’s largely black southside front line, low-wage jobs. With at the University of Virginia. community. only 1 in 5 black people being Dr. Hilton-Buchholz is assis- “We want to make sure that those who are poor and underserved hood and well-being of nearly able to work from home, many tant professor of critical care at or live in this community are not denied access to the testing that everyone. COVID-19 does not others are facing furloughs and the University of Virginia. we all know, across the nation, is needed,” said Dr. Cynthia Harris, discriminate based on race, unemployment. These factors director of the FAMU Institute of Public Health. ethnicity, gender, age, education begin to describe why black Vir- There has been no indication that FAMU’s process has not or socioeconomic status. And ginians are vulnerable to health Richmond Free Press 422 East Franklin Street been “orderly and efficient,” so why doesn’t Richmond learn yet, all Virginians do not share issues, and why it’s difficult to Richmond, VA 23219 from this? the same risk of infection. The properly care for our families if Telephone (804) 644-0496 For weeks, we have heard Gov. Ralph S. Northam and state position of black and brown and when they get sick. FAX (804) 643-7519 and local officials express concern about the disparate numbers in communities to combat this Due to our nation’s continued the African-American community and note that testing is key. pandemic is weak, as evidenced need for food, transportation Mailing Address: A true concern over the plight of the African-American community by newly released mortality rates and child care, many lowwage P.O. Box 27709 requires an effective process to be successful. But it is difficult to showing that predominantly workers have found themselves Richmond, VA 23261 ______believe what authorities say when we see what they do. black counties across the United in front line roles, placing for a day of remote learning States have triple the infections themselves and their families at Founder and sewing masks — while and six times as many deaths as greater risk of exposure. When Raymond H. Boone grappling with difficult, new predominantly white counties. It we do contract the virus, we are President – Publisher economic realities and the is also likely that these numbers likely to face the same unequal Jean P. Boone Money vs. lives are worse than they appear. access we’ve faced for centuries, [email protected] In Virginia, a remarkable also complicated by lack of paid Managing Editor 34.3 percent of all cases and sick days. Access to testing and Bonnie V. Winston We hope Virginia officials won’t be swayed by the small, but [email protected] noisy group of protesters pushing for a reopening of businesses, hospitalizations did not include treatment, better jobs and higher schools and other public and private facilities in the midst of the a report of race or ethnicity. wages are not just health care or Vice President – New coronavirus pandemic. economic issues. They are social Business Development justice issues. Historically, and Raymond H. Boone Jr. They are a blindly selfish and unschooled lot who ignore social Dr. Leigh-Ann Jones Webb [email protected] distancing guidelines and refuse to wear masks when out in public now more than ever, they are despite the guidance of learned epidemiologists, scientists and medi- matters of life and death. Vice President – News Enhancement cal experts who continue to urge people to stay at home to protect Access to testing, among other The time is now to make factors, remains a barrier. To important changes. Private and Jeremy M. Lazarus the health and lives of themselves and others. [email protected] As so many families in Virginia, the nation and around the globe put it bluntly, black Virginians public labs should be required Vice President – Production have sadly learned, COVID-19 is a virus that must be taken seriously. are sick and dying at an alarm- to collect racial and ethnic ing rate. data on the coronavirus testing, April A. Coleman As of Wednesday, the coronavirus infection has taken the lives of [email protected] 178,845 people around the world, with more than 45,300 deaths in Disparities in black health cases and hospitalizations so we Staff Writers the United States and more than 826,200 confirmed cases. outcomes are nothing new. better understand how we can For example, black women are improve resources and care for Fred Jeter, Frances Crutchfield In Virginia where less than 1 percent of the population has been Hazel Trice Edney tested for the virus, we have experienced 9,630 positive cases of three times more likely to die in all Americans, including those COVID-19, 1,581 hospitalizations and 324 deaths, according to childbirth and postpartum than typically left voiceless. Health Photographers other women. And African- care providers should release Sandra Sellars state health department data. [email protected] State officials credit the quarantine that has blanketed the state Americans are more likely to guidance on racial bias in health constant fear of becoming sick live at younger ages with health and health care systems spe- Regina H. Boone since March 24 with slowing the spread of the virus. Gov. Ralph [email protected] during a time when health care issues that traditionally impact cifically related to treatment of S. Northam, a physician, issued the executive order closing schools James Haskins, Rudolph Powell statewide for the remainder of the academic year and all non-essential resources are limited. older people. What’s more, patients with COVID-19. and Clinton A. Strane businesses. He also banned gatherings of more than 10 people. In Virginia, the number of according to the Centers for Gov. Ralph S. Northam ______There is no question that the order has impacted the lives of all Disease Control and Prevention, should immediately sign the Vice President – Administration African-Americans are more minimum wage increase to Tracey L. Oliver people in ways big and small, but it has saved lives. The failure [email protected] of governors in South Dakota and Iowa to shut down businesses likely to die younger from all provide greater economic re- in those states has led to a dismal situation for workers and their causes. These unacceptable dif- lief for hard-working families Advertising Traffic Coordinator families at meatpacking plants. ferences shed light on both the in this time of crisis. Finally, Cynthia Downing [email protected] More than 700 workers at the Smithfield Foods pork process- state and federal leaders must continue expanding access to [email protected] ing plant in Sioux Falls, S.D., were infected with COVID-19 – the Dr. Ebony Hilton-Buchholz largest outbreak in that state – before officials from the Smithfield, health care and coordinating with Advertising Fax: (804) 643-5436 local governments to provide Va.-based company shut the plant down. Company CEO Kenneth National Advertising M. Sullivan, in an April 12 news release, lectured more about the conscious and unconscious bias personal protective equipment Representative that plagues America’s health for all front line workers. NNPA detrimental effect the plant’s closure would have on the nation’s ______meat supply, grocery stores and livestock farmers than on the health care systems. There’s much work to be Distribution and safety of the 3,700 people employed there. Whether it’s maternal mor- done, but this is the time to tality rates or COVID-19, there be bold and act to correct the Reed Marshall LLC “We have a stark choice as a nation: We are either going to ______are alarming inconsistencies in disparities that have plagued produce food or not, even in the face of COVID-19,” he said, as Richmond Free Press is published though pork products are essential food for the country. access, diagnosis and treatment. our systems for far too long. weekly by Paradigm Communications, Inc. In Iowa, coronavirus outbreaks at Tyson Foods pork plants and These prevent many black Vir- Hesitation in action will result ginians from getting the help in the tragic and ongoing loss Copies of the Richmond Free Press Tama beef plants have contributed to a major surge in cases in (one copy per person) are free of charge that state as hundreds of workers toiling in close proximity to one they need. of American lives. at outlets in the Richmond area. Back copies are available at the Free Press another have become sick and raised the state’s death toll. Other determinants of health The COVID-19 pandemic — environment, food acces- is a public health issue and a office at $3 per copy. Bulk orders can If the almighty dollar trumps health and human lives in the United be made prior to any upcoming edition States, the epicenter of capitalism, then this nation will continue to sibility, education and employ- social justice issue. The time is at special rates. be plagued by this pandemic. confirmed cases is rising each ment — also contribute to now to address the inequalities A Publication of We urge our readers — and all Virginians — to continue to heed day, totaling 9,630 individuals the problem and widen health that continue to stare us in the PARADIGM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. the advice of the scientists and medical experts who are not guided 422 East Franklin Street by the political whims of the know-nothing occupant of the White Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone (804) 644-0496 House and the misinformed who follow him. The Free Press welcomes letters The science, Gov. Northam has said, will dictate when the stay- The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you. at-home order should be lifted. Until that time comes, please stay We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, home, wear a mask when you go out for essential trips for food and typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone Follow the Free Press on medicine, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, and disinfect all frequently used surfaces. P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 Be safe. Be well. or e-mail: [email protected]. @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA Meet board chair Lady Panthers coach of Senior Connections B1 headed to Detroit A10

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Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 19 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com APRIL 30-MaY 2, 2020 Revival linked to COVID-19

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Deaths of 6 Metro Revival attendees City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille listens intently during a news conference Tuesday before the opening of an outdoor COVID-19 testing site near Creighton Court in may be connected to the coronavirus the East End. Behind her, medical personnel from the Richmond City Health District suit up to administer the tests. By Jeremy M. Lazarus been shared largely Dr. Avula stated that among African- only one of the deaths A three-night revival in American ministers has been confirmed early March that brought more who are members of as resulting from Dozens turn out for than 1,200 people from across the conference and COVID-19. the Richmond area to Cedar those who participat- “That may be the Street Baptist Church of God ed in the revival but case,” said one mem- free testing at city sites in Church Hill each evening not made public. ber of Cedar Street appears to have helped spread “There were church. “No one has By Ronald E. Carrington the coronavirus in the African- some small out- provided a cause of American community. breaks within the Dr. Avula death for most of Zohao Maziri took short, Concerns about a connection larger outbreaks among the those who have died, and their painfully slow steps Mon- revival choir and another group deaths might be from unrelated day as she fought the cool, Related stories inside; from Cedar Street Baptist,” Dr. reasons. We just don’t know, windy weather to get tested for COVID-19 at Hillside Court on Photo Feature on B2 Danny Avula, director of the but it has worried us.” Richmond City and Henrico Dr. Avula said the link be- Richmond’s South Side. County public health districts, tween the virus and the revival The 34-year-old Henrico between the virus and the 2020 stated April 24 in an email re- turned up after one sick Ches- County resident, a retail worker, Metro Revival sponsored by the sponse to a Free Press query. terfield County resident tested began showing symptoms six Baptist Ministers’ Conference “Multiple lab-confirmed positive. days earlier of the virus that has of Richmond & Vicinity from positive cases were identi- Public health investigators infected nearly 15,000 people March 9 through 11 have been fied from this church or from found the connection based on statewide and claimed the lives rife among participants and Ce- exposures at the revival,” Dr. interviews with people who of 522 others. dar Street church members. Avula stated. had come in contact with the Her pain was evident in her Those concerns have now While church members Chesterfield resident, Dr. Avula eyes that peered out just above been validated by a Richmond shared information with the said. The Virginia Department of the colorful mask she wore to Health District official and the Free Press about six participants Health, through its local offices, cover her nose and mouth. State release of information that had who have died since the revival, then worked with the organizer officials have urged people to of the revival to notify the pastors wear face masks in public to and others who attended. stop the spread of infection. The Cedar Street church Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press “I have body aches, difficult Racist memorabilia puts members who spoke with the At the Hillside Court testing site, participants received breathing and weakness, as well COVID-19 kits that containing a face mask, hand sanitizer, Trammell in the hot seat Please turn to A4 a reminder lapel button and condoms. Please turn to A4 By Reginald Stuart As a longtime member of Richmond Federal unemployment checks ease money City Council, Reva Trammell has come to be known as a reliable and outspoken advocate for the poor and elderly in the worries for newly laid off during pandemic city’s 8th District. She has a reputation By Jeremy M. Lazarus the money would come from to the pay for challenging her political peers to the rent and other bills. I tried looking for govern and enact policies that protect Just a few weeks ago, journalist-turned-bartender and server a job, but I didn’t find a lot of opportunity the least powerful. Lyndon German was feeling desperate. in this environment.” So she was stunned recently when In the past year, the 26-year-old Mechanicsville native has For the moment, however, the desperation Ms. Trammell a photo she posted on Facebook that seen his reporter jobs in Hopewell and Petersburg end as a result has disappeared now that unemployment included a “Mammy Jar” sitting atop of newsroom cutbacks, and now his restaurant job in a popular money is hitting both their bank accounts. her kitchen cabinet went viral, igniting a Twitter storm about local café has disappeared as a result of COVID-19. Across the country, millions of unem- the jar, its meaning and her racial insensitivity. “My roommate worked in a mall operation, and she also was ployed people are suddenly in better shape The “Mammy Jar,” an Aunt Jemima-like caricature, is a ce- laid off” after non-essential brick-and-mortar operations were financially thanks to Congress’ creation Mr. German ramic figure of an obese black woman wearing an apron, with forced to close, Mr. German said. “We worried about where of a $600-a-week unemployment benefit that will last through a kerchief on her head and her July 31. hands on her hips. Those payments are not just for ordinary workers but also The photo, enlarged to focus are going to members of the so-called “gig economy” who on the jar, was tweeted by RVA work as independent contractors in performing work not on a Dirt, and has drawn comments standard payroll. from scores of people, including The $600 a week is big jump from the typical unemployment Ms. Trammell’s City Council available in most states. In Virginia, the maximum payment is colleague, Dr. Michael Jones, less than $400 a week, with most people qualifying for about 9th District, who said she needed to account for the racist Please turn to A4 iconography in her home. Ms. Trammell issued a state- ment of apology. She declined a Free Press request for an Oprah to keynote interview. “The figurine was given to #Graduation 2020 me about 35 years ago and it has been on top of the kitchen Free Press wire report cabinet ever since,” her brief statement read. “I never thought Just when high school and college much about it, but I do now seniors across the country were start- realize that it is a hurtful item to ing to think all was lost for their many people,” she stated. “For graduation ceremonies canceled that reason, I have taken it down because of the coronavirus and discarded it. I apologize for pandemic, one of the richest the hurt I may have caused.” and most influential women in Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press the nation comes to the rescue: whom Ms. Trammell often Oprah Winfrey. publicly criticizes during City Working it out The 66-year-old media ty- Council meetings, also com- Virginia Union University running back, Andre Mack, 23, works out with his 5-year-old coon and global philanthro- mented on Twitter, saying: “I nephew, Ka’Reem Moore, on Tuesday in the 700 block of 30th Street in Church Hill. The pist is joining with Facebook was raised by a woman who youngster wants to play football like his uncle, a junior at VUU. The coaching and workout and Instagram to give the sessions also keep Mr. Mack in shape until the Panthers practice again in August, according Class of 2020 a star-studded, worked in the homes of white to Mr. Mack. Until then, Mr. Mack is finishing his college courses online and having Zoom Please turn to A4 meetings with his teammates. Please turn to A4 A4 April 30-May 2, 2020 Richmond Free Press News Federal unemployment checks ease money worries for newly laid off during pandemic

Continued from A1 sharp increase down the road in the pre- sign up for unemployment as computer mium for unemployment insurance he pays systems in states across the country were $250 a week or less based on their regular to help fund the state program. overwhelmed by the sudden surge in ap- earnings. Mr. Garrett said he had to lay off 13 plications — from a few thousand to tens With the state benefit added to the employees when the shop was shut down of thousands. federal payment, the total benefit is now because of the coronavirus precautions That was the case for the Virginia putting between $850 and $1,000 a week under the governor’s executive order. He Employment Commission, which took in into many families’ accounts — a raise for said many of his employees now “are 493,501 applications for unemployment many, although not for all workers hit by making more than they did when they benefits in the five weeks between March recent layoffs. were working.” 16 and April 18, with more than 100,00 Still that money is meaningful for the That’s the case for Elton Christian, who applications pouring in during at least one nearly 500,000 people who have filed for was laid off as a cook when the Hull Street seven-day period. Facebook photo unemployment in Virginia and the more restaurant where he worked closed. The department appears to have over- A “Mammy Jar” sits atop a kitchen cabinet in a photo City than 26 million who have filed across the His wife, Audrey Christian, said, “I’m come the glitches, with complaints about Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell posted of herself and a friend country, boosting unemployment to near definitely feeling better about our situ- signing up now easing as the number on her Facebook page. The ceramic figure was circled in the 17 percent of the workforce since mid- photo by someone who saw the post on social media. ation.” of filings has fallen to around 83,000 a March. That’s a record surge and huge Before the federal unemployment checks week. reversal after unemployment nationally began arriving, she said she was waking up Mr. German had no problems filing Racist memorabilia puts had fallen below 4 percent. in the middle of the night worried about for benefits. He said the money is “a The unemployment figures are even how she would cover health insurance relief,” even though he knows he’ll have Trammell in hot seat worse for African-Americans, whose oc- premiums that had become unaffordable to include the unemployment benefits cupations are among the hardest hit during with just one income. as income on next year’s tax return and Continued from A1 the pandemic and whose percentage of She struggled at first to get her husband the payments will come to an end weeks people. This image isn’t just ‘hurtful to many people.’ Call it unemployed people has long been double enrolled on the unemployment website. But from now. what it is — just plain racist against Black people. Now that that of the white population. with help from state Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” He is keeping his fingers crossed that you know better, do better.” Scott Garrett, co-owner of Lift Coffee Morrissey, the roadblock was lifted and the pandemic will end, the economy will Since its appearance after the Civil War in the mid-1800s, the Shop in Downtown that is now closed, now she said the unemployment checks, crank up and he can go back to work be- mammy has been used as a stereotype of the African-American has been impressed at the help the federal which amount to more than her husband’s cause August and September and the rest woman, according to arts and culture, history and sociology unemployment benefit is providing to his regular paychecks, have temporarily eased of the year are coming, he said, and he authorities. employees. But he, like other business her money worries. doesn’t want to start worrying again about The mammy character “served the political, social and eco- owners, expects that to yield a potentially She was not alone in facing glitches to where to find the rent money. nomic interests of mainstream white Americans” before the end of legalized racial segregation, according to studies of racist artifacts by the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University in Michigan. The mammy has been produced in cookie jar forms, as ashtrays, Wait continues for federal stimulus check toys, postcards and candles, among other things. Once discarded as unwanted, undesirable memorabilia of a bygone era, it is now Laverne Cousins, like millions of others, is still waiting from individuals, members of Congress and reporters that the considered by some to be a prized collectible like the black lawn for her $1,200 stimulus check. distribution is likely to start during the first week of May for jockeys rooted in the era when many jockeys were black men. The 31-year-old Richmond native is disabled and survives on those receiving some type of Social Security benefits. Ms. Trammell’s possession of the mammy cookie jar with its $803 a month she receives through Social Security’s disability Ms. Cousins could be among those who receive their racial history is not so unusual, said Dr. David Pilgrim, an applied and supplemental income programs and food stamps. checks early as she has a direct deposit bank account for her sociologist and creator of the Jim Crow museum who also serves as “I really need the money,” Ms. Cousins said. “Everything I monthly Social Security payments. chief diversity and inclusion officer at Ferris State University. get now is going to pay rent and utilities. There’s nothing left However, those who still get paper checks from Social “Hundreds of thousands of Americans have racist objects in their over. I haven’t been able to buy any clothes or shoes or anything Security may not receive the stimulus payment until July or homes” Dr. Pilgrim told the Free Press, noting that includes well- else. It’s just hard, and this check would be such a godsend.” August, the IRS has noted, because of the extra processing known personalities around the nation who own mammy figures. She may finally get her federal stimulus check in a week time required. “People collect for different reasons,” Dr. Pilgrim said. He of- or two. Those individuals will be in the same boat as people who fered a list of reasons why mammy figures are considered desirable, The IRS, which is distributing the money that Congress paid the IRS by check for taxes owed or get a paper refund ranging from their rising value in recent years to harvesting the approved in March, said it has taken time to interconnect check rather than using direct deposit. These individuals also objects to destroy them to gathering them for nostalgia’s sake. computer systems and upload files from Social Security to are still waiting. “For some people, mammy represents a non-offensive, almost automatically deliver checks to recipients even if they do not The IRS has largely completed issuing checks to people nostalgic reminder of the past,” said Dr. Pilgrim, an Alabama file taxes, like Ms. Cousins. who paid taxes in 2019 and/or 2020 and listed a direct deposit native who grew up in New York City’s Harlem, graduated from The tax agency has indicated in response to inquiries account on their tax forms. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS Jarvis Christian College in Texas and earned his Ph.D. at Ohio State University. “For me, it symbolizes the residue of enslave- ment and racial segregation.” He said he would not make any assertions about Ms. Tram- mell whom he does not know nor has he ever met, noting that he has read media reports about her having a Mammy Jar. “Good people do bad things, and some of the bad things they Dozens turn out for free testing at city sites do are racist,” he said. Continued from A1 proportionately stricken and killed by tested for the coronavirus. “The question is how humble we are … A person is judged COVID-19 in Virginia, public health of- At Hillside Court, Emmett Jafari brought by the totality of their work,” he said, not an act itself. “Good as a difficult time working, Ms. Maziri ficials responded by scheduling a series of his two grandchildren to get tested. His teen- people make mistakes,” he said. said. “I have been self-quarantining with free public testing events in low-income age grandson, he said, has mild headaches “The way I look at it is it’s an opportunity to have a deep, my husband, but he has no symptoms.” and predominately African-American and other COVID-19 symptoms. even painful, discussion about race.” The test completed, Ms. Maziri slowly communities in Richmond and Henrico “There is so much you don’t know about In her brief statement, Ms. Trammell did not suggest a need for shuffled her way out of the building in Hill- County that began last week. this” virus, Mr. Jafari said. “I wanted to more conversation about race in her majority black district. side Court, the wind attempting to topple In Richmond, where about 60 percent make sure I was safe than sorry.” “My track record is one of deeply respecting my African-Amer- her with every small step she took. of the 303 positive cases for the corona- Ivy Turnage, 56, and Donna Barnes, ican 8th District family and all others,” she stated. “I dearly love She said she was told to follow the virus and 13 of the 14 deaths have been 60, also wanted to make sure they are safe all of my citizens and I am dedicated to serving the fine citizens instruction sheet given to her by the city African-Americans, 69 people were tested from the virus. Ms. Turnage said she has of Richmond’s 8th District of all races and backgrounds. Health District and that her test results at the city Health District’s first event in headaches and has lost her sense of taste, “I pray that everyone stays safe during this Coronavirus would be back in three to five days. She Richmond held last week at Southwood but not her sense of smell. pandemic. Let’s move forward together.” said she didn’t know if she would be Apartments in South Richmond. Twelve of While Ms. Barnes said she was exposed hospitalized. them tested positive for the coronavirus, to the virus at an assisted living facility, Among the instructions on the sheet: officials said. where she works. • Stay home until you no longer have a On Monday, Ms. Maziri was one of “The only symptoms I had was being Revival linked fever without use of fever-reducing medica- 42 people tested at Hillside Court, where more tired than normal,” she said. “I just tion or other symptoms for three days. people of all ages, some using walkers want to make sure.” • Distance yourself from others while and canes, lined up in front of the testing They both said getting a test would to COVID-19 you are sick. As much as possible, stay in building before the 10 a.m. opening. calm their fears, even as they wait several a specific room away from other people On Tuesday, those numbers grew, with days for the results. Continued from A1 in your home. 115 people tested for the virus in a shopping Everyone tested was given a COVID-19 • Avoid sharing personal and household center parking lot near Creighton Court kit containing a mask, hand sanitizer, infor- Free Press on condition of anonymity said no such notice was items such as drinking cups and utensils; public housing complex in the East End. mation about the virus and condoms. given to them. All had taken part in the revival. use a separate bathroom, if available. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, Mayor Levar Health officials said the state lab, “All we know is that Cedar Street was closed and was being • Restrict activities outside your home, M. Stoney and City Council President Virginia Commonwealth University and disinfected,” another member of the church said. except for getting medical care. Cynthia I. Newbille arrived at that test the University of Virginia health systems The revival featured Dr. Lance D. Watson, pastor of The Saint • Do not go to work, school or public site early to see the operation and to provided the testing materials, while the Paul’s Baptist Church, and took place just before Gov. Ralph S. areas. Avoid using public transportation, urge people in high-risk communities to team that helped administer the nasal Northam declared a coronavirus-related state of emergency on March ride-sharing or taxis. get tested. swab tests were members of the Virginia 12 and urged everyone to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people. • Please monitor your symptoms. If “I hope we’re in the peak of it now, Medical Reserve Corps. Although Gov. Northam did not issue an official order until they worsen, call your health care provider/ with 800-plus new cases today,” Gov. Testing will continue from 10 a.m. to March 23 banning large gatherings, including church services, primary care doctor and tell them your Northam said. “I just hope those numbers 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Calhoun most churches in the area canceled Sunday services on March symptoms. If you do not have a primary start going down.” Center in the Gilpin Court public housing 15 and began holding them online after that. Only a small frac- care doctor, please contact an urgent care He attributed the increase, in part, to community. tion ignored the warnings that holding traditional services could center near you. the state’s growing testing capacity, which Walk-up testing is available, although spread the virus. • Seek prompt medical attention at a has reached about 4,000 per day. officials request that people call the health Based on the health district’s investigations, Dr. Avula stated local emergency room if your illness is Still, only about 1 percent of 8.5 million district’s hotline at (804) 205-3501 to make in a follow-up message that church services were not a major worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing, un- Virginians have been tested. According to an appointment. The testing is targeted to source of the spread. able to keep fluids down). the state Health Department’s data, 85,307 the uninsured and underinsured who are “Early on, church gatherings accounted for a few of our con- With African-Americans being dis- people in the Commonwealth have been showing symptoms of the virus. firmed cases, but most churches shut things down by the second (and definitely the third Sunday) in March,” he stated. “We are still getting our arms around the data, but I feel like our cases (in Richmond and Henrico) fall into a few large buckets,” he stated. Those large buckets include: Initially, travelers to other commu- Oprah to keynote #Graduation 2020 nities who got infected and then brought it back to the Richmond Continued from A1 More special guests also are expected. area; residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; “As students head toward graduation, it’s not the day they and people who have ongoing exposure through the workplace. multi-hour graduation event beginning 2 p.m. Friday, May 15, might have imagined — no processions, no diploma handoffs, He noted those findings are being backed up in the new test- with Ms. Winfrey delivering the commencement address. no parties,” Marne Levine, Facebook’s vice president of global ing being conducted in public housing and other low-income Called #Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate partnerships, business and corporate development, wrote in communities in Richmond and Henrico. the Class of 2020, it may not be the pomp and circumstance a blog post announcing the event. “But graduating is a tremen- He stated Monday that health district testing last week at the students in the Class of 2020 were expecting, but the sparkling dous achievement, and worth pausing to celebrate even in these Southwood Apartments in South Side indicates that the workplace details released Tuesday by organizers make it sound bigger circumstances.” may be a bigger contributor to the spread of the virus. He noted and better. The #Graduation2020 event will be broadcast on Facebook that of the 69 people tested at the affordable housing complex near Ms. Winfrey, who is known for her parties — everything Watch, with some segments posted to the @instagram account Southside Plaza, 12 people tested positive, or 17.4 percent. from her ritzy “Legends Ball” to her luxurious garden, birthday on Instagram, along with the social media accounts of the con- Across the state, about 15 percent of those tested are found and pajama parties — will be bringing some of her friends who tributors, according to the announcement. to be positive for the virus, he said. also will offer words of wisdom and inspiration to the Class of Before then, the platforms also will roll out graduation-themed Within Richmond, about 60 percent of those who have tested 2020. Among them will be champion gymnast Simone Biles, stickers, filters and effects, along with ways families and friends positive for COVID-19 and 93 percent of the people who have comedian-actress Awkwafina and actress Jennifer Garner. Miley can host private virtual celebrations using the new Facebook died are African-American. Cyrus and Lil Nas X will perform. Rooms feature. B2 May 14-16, 2020 Richmond Free Press Happenings ‘Architect of rock ‘n’ roll,’ Little Richard, dies at 87 Reuters

Little Richard, the self- proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” who built his groundbreak- ing sound with a boiling blend of boogie woogie, rhythm and blues and gospel, died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the age of 87. A Grammy Award winner and inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame whose electrify- ing 1950s hits such as “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” and flamboyant stage presence influenced legions of performers, succumbed to bone cancer. His bass guitarist, Charles Richmond Free Press/Ronald E. Carrington Glenn, told celebrity website Newlyweds Dr. Janet West and Rodney Jordan pause for a photo after exchanging TMZ that Little Richard had vows April 25 on the deck of their home in Colonial Heights. been sick for two months and that he died in Tullahoma, Tenn., surrounded by his brother, sister AP Photo/Ed Betz Pandemic can’t stop and son. Little Richard performs in August of 2004 at the Westbury “He was loved by his fam- Music Fair in Westbury, N.Y. nuptials for area newlyweds ily and adored by millions,” still were strictly segregated. and with bands. his family said in a statement Many white artists, such as Pat Little Richard first recorded released through their lawyer, Boone, had their own hit versions in the early 1950s and became By Ronald E. Carrington nial Heights home and witnessed by their Bill Sobel. of Little Richard’s songs, albeit a dominating force on the music blended family – her children, Alayna and Little Richard was among the considerably toned down and charts starting in 1956 with hits When the coronavirus pandemic threatened twins Jonathan and Jaylen, and his children, first inductees into the Rock and “safer” for the pop audience. such as “Tutti Frutti,” “Rip It to disrupt the wedding plans of Dr. Janet West Rodney II and Reese. Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 but “I’ve always thought that Up,” “Slippin’ and Slidin,’ ” and Rodney Jordan, love proved too strong – The overcast and sometimes drizzly sky missed the ceremony because rock ‘n’ roll brought the races and “Good Golly Miss Molly.” even during a time of social distancing and couldn’t dampen the joy. They streamed the he was recovering from an auto together,” Little Richard once All were infused with an ener- rules preventing no more than 10 people in ceremony for their extended families to see. accident. Rolling Stone maga- told an interviewer. “Although I getic rhythm bordering on the one place at one time. As the couple exchanged vows on the zine ranked him No. 8 on its was black, the fans didn’t care. I frenetic. Dr. West, a pediatrician whose practice, deck, Jaylen sang from just inside the house, list of 100 greatest entertainers used to feel good about that.” “Shining like a quasar, the RVA Baby, is located in South Richmond, while Jonathan played the guitar under a tree of all time and he received a James Brown, Otis Redding, most intensely radiant object in and Mr. Jordan, an IT specialist in security, in the yard. lifetime achievement Grammy Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, the cosmos, he seems to tap a had planned to elope on April 25, the an- With the help and network of their close in 1993. David Bowie and Rod Stewart mystical source of mental power niversary of their first date in 2012. friend, Dr. Paula Young- Perez, the sacred and “Little Richard bent gender, all cited Little Richard as an that is only accessible to great They were going to marry in Williamsburg, memorable ceremony all came together. upset segregationist fault lines influence. Jimi Hendrix, who preachers and shamans,” former with the bed and breakfast they had reserved “We got the flowers, a trellis for the deck and founded a tradition of rock played in Little Richard’s band Beatles star Paul McCartney making all of the wedding preparations. Dr. and bought a wedding dress by appointment dadaists devoted to the art of in the mid-1960s, said he wanted wrote in the preface to Little West and Mr. Jordan planned to invite family on Thursday,” Dr. West said. “Oh, the food self-creation,” a Rolling Stone to use his guitar the way Little Richard’s 1994 autobiography and friends. But that was before COVID-19 for the family reception was delivered to the critic said. “He went with the Richard used his voice. “The Life and Times of Little shut down most Virginia businesses. wrong house. It was crazy.” inspiration of the moment, “I am the innovator,” Little Richard.” “The inn’s owner called when the pandemic The afternoon ceremony was capped with be it divine or hormonal, and Richard would tell interviewers But Little Richard’s career hit, saying they had to shut down and couldn’t a celebratory drive-by of friends and well- caromed like a shiny, cracked and audiences. “I am the origina- took a turn in 1957 when he host the wedding,” Dr. West said. wishers. The pandemic was, for the day, an pinball between God, sex and tor. I am the emancipator. I am decided to abandon rock in the Mr. Jordan, learning about the cancellation afterthought. rock ‘n’ roll.” the architect of rock ‘n’ roll!” middle of a two-week tour of and understanding the risk, said they could The newlyweds have an optimistic mes- As a minister, Little Richard Little Richard’s sonic ex- Australia. either marry this year or next year on that sage for people trying to marry during the officiated at weddings for Bruce travagance was matched by Little Richard told a biog- special anniversary date. COVID-19 crisis. Springsteen, Demi Moore and his campy flamboyance. He rapher that he saw a fireball Love won out, and the couple went into “You can do it. It’s all about the person Bruce Willis, Cyndi Lauper and wore brightly colored suits, a shoot across the sky during an overdrive, with just a week to get their wed- you love and being one,” Dr. West and Mr. other celebrities. pencil-thin mustache, a care- outdoor performance in Sydney ding together. Jordan exclaimed almost in unison. He suffered a heart attack fully curled 6-inch pompadour, and took it as a sign from God It was held on the deck of their Colo- “Plus, COVID weddings are cheaper.” in 2013 and hip problems re- mascara, pancake makeup and to change his life. He said he quired him to use a wheelchair lipstick. later determined the fireball was at times. “Elvis may have been the the launch of Russia’s Sputnik In a post on Instagram last king of rock ‘n’ roll, but I am satellite. Andre Harrell, who founded Saturday, Little Richard’s guitar- the queen,” he proclaimed. A few months later, however, ist Kelvin Holly said, “Rest in Born Dec. 5, 1932 as Richard Little Richard was a student at peace, Richard. This one really Penniman to a poor family of 12 a Bible college in Alabama. For Uptown Records and launched stings. My thoughts and prayers children in Macon, Ga., Little a while, he played only gospel go out to all my bandmates and Richard grew up with religion music, but slipped back into many careers, dies at 59 fans all over the world. Richard as a guiding force in his family. rock ‘n’ roll, sharing a bill with truly was the king!” Free Press wire report “I didn’t want to sit there and be the one confin- His family attended Pentecostal, the young Beatles in Hamburg, At his peak in the late 1950s Baptist and African Methodist Germany, in 1962. ing Puff because the corporation was telling me and early 1960s, Little Richard NEW YORK Episcopal churches. His faith It was a pattern that persisted to do that. I’m not built that way,” Mr. Harrell shouted, moaned, screamed and Andre Harrell, the Uptown Records founder was so deeply ingrained that at for years, as Little Richard said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal trilled hits like “Good Golly who shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the times it would overwhelm his moved between rock ‘n’ roll, in 2014. “I told Puff he needs to go and create his Miss Molly” and “Lucille,” all late 1980s and 1990s with acts such as Mary J. rock career. alcohol, cocaine and heroin own opportunity: ‘You’re red-hot right now. I’m the while pounding the piano Blige and Heavy D and also launched the career His first performances were abuse and Christianity and really letting you go so you can get rich.’ ” like a mad man and punctuating of mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, died Thursday, as a child in his church choir gospel music. He would go on Diddy quickly launched Bad Boy Records, lyrics with an occasional shrill May 7, 2020. He was 59. and his earliest inspirations to become an ordained Seventh taking B.I.G. with him and “Whoooo!” Diddy’s REVOLT company were gospel singers, including Day Adventist minister and releasing his classic album Time magazine said he played confirmed Mr. Harrell’s death, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who let eventually worked both gospel “Ready to Die” in 1994. “songs that sounded like non- but no other details were im- a young Richard open her show and rock into his shows, along “And Biggie Smalls ended up sense ... but whose beat seemed mediately available. when she stopped in Macon. with a little preaching. becoming my favorite rapper,” to hint of unearthly pleasures Mr. Harrell was vice chairman A singer named Esquerita also “I talk about my life as a Mr. Harrell told WSJ. centered somewhere between at REVOLT. influenced Richard’s fashion and homosexual and a drug addict Mr. Harrell was born in Har- the gut and the gutter.” “Everyone in the REVOLT manic musical style. because I think it is right to tell lem on Sept. 26, 1960. He was The music drew in young family is devastated by the loss He first went on the road in people what God has done for part of the rap duo Dr. Jeckyll black and white fans at a time of our friend, mentor and Vice the late 1940s, performing in me,” Little Richard wrote in his & Mr. Hyde, releasing several when parts of the United States Chairman. Andre’s impact on songs before dropping their medicine shows and drag shows autobiography. Hip Hop, the culture and on Mr. Harrell debut album, “The Champagne all of us personally has been of Rap,” in 1985. immeasurable and profound. May he Rest In Mr. Harrell began working for Russell Sim- Grammy-winning singer Peace.” Roma Khanna, CEO of REVOLT Media mons at Def Jam in the 1980s, quickly becoming & TV, said in a statement. an executive and helping build the careers for Mr. Harrell launched his New York City- acts such as Run-DMC and LL Cool J. Betty Wright succumbs at 66 based label in 1986, eventually dominating the “So many can say they are successful because Free Press wire report and others. urban music scene with multiple hit songs and Andre Harrell gave them their start. He was so MIAMI With members of K.C. and platinum-selling albums. beloved because he made his living uplifting Betty Wright, the Grammy- the Sunshine Band, she co- He first found success in the late 1980s with others,” Mr. Simmons posted last Saturday on winning singer and songwriter wrote her 1975 proto-disco hit, debut albums from Heavy D & the Boyz, Al B. Instagram. “We celebrate him in his passing whose influential 1970s hits “Where Is the Love,” which Sure! and Guy, the R&B trio that also included because we were so blessed for his presence... included “Clean Up Woman” would win her a Grammy for megaproducer Teddy Riley, the leader of the He gave everything he had. God makes the best and “Where Is the Love,” is best R&B song. New Jack Swing movement. plans R.I.P @andreharrell.” dead at age 66. A career lull in the late 1970s In 1990, Diddy entered Mr. Harrell’s office. Mr. Harrell left to launch Uptown, where he Ms. Wright died at her home in and early 1980s prompted Ms. He received an internship at Uptown and quickly also had success with Soul for Real, Lost Boyz, Miami on Sunday, May 10, 2020, Wright to start her own label in rose through the ranks after finding success with Christopher Williams, Monifah and Father MC. several media outlets reported. Ms. Wright 1985, leading to a gold album, just-signed acts, including R&B group Jodeci Mr. Harrell’s talent even extended to television Steve Greenberg of S-Curve “Mother Wit,” in 1987 and the and Ms. Blige, who was dubbed the Queen and movies. He executive produced the hit 1990s Records told the New York Times always be identified with. comeback hit “No Pain (No of Hip-Hop Soul with the release of her 1992 TV police drama “New York Undercover,” which Ms. Wright had been diagnosed She started singing with the Gain).” debut, “What’s the 411?” ran for four seasons. He also produced the 1992 with cancer last fall. family gospel group, Echoes of She spent much of the rest of Uptown also released Notorious B.I.G.’s first Halle Berry comedy “Strictly Business” and Ms. Wright had her break- Joy, and released her solo debut her life as a producer and men- single, 1993’s “Party and Bull----,” which was 2003’s “Honey,” starring Jessica Alba. through with 1971’s “Clean Up album, “My First Time Around,” tor to younger artists, many of featured on a film soundtrack. “My heart is breaking and I can’t stop crying. Woman,” which combined ele- at age 15 in 1968. The album whom were singing her praises Diddy often credits Mr. Harrell with giv- He was an amazing friend and I will miss him ments of funk, soul and R&B. yielded a Top 40 hit, “Girls Can’t after her death. ing him the tools to find success in music and forever,” Mariah Carey tweeted. Recorded when Ms. Wright Do What the Guys Do.” “Thank you for being a master life, even saying Mr. Harrell was like a father Questlove of The Roots wrote an emotional post, was just 17, the song would be a After “Clean Up Woman,” teacher, a friend and one of the figure to him. calling Mr. Harrell’s death “a staggering loss.” Top 10 hit on both the Billboard written by Clarence Reid and greatest female soul singers in “Andre Harrell influenced me the most and “He gave you the best soundtracks of your R&B and pop charts, and its Willie Clarke and later sampled our industry,” Ledisi posted on I don’t know if that will ever change,” Diddy life man and you didn’t even know it. We never familiar grooves would be used by Afrika Bambaataa and Twitter. “You were so much more said in an interview with HipHollywood. gave him his flowers,” he continued. “He rede- and reused in the sampling era Mary J. Blige, she would have than your music. We were blessed In 1993, though, Mr. Harrell let Diddy go fined the party!” of future decades. her first hit she wrote herself to be around royalty.” from Uptown. Mr. Harrell said one of the reasons Mr. Harrell was president and CEO of Mo- The youngest of seven with “Baby Sitter,” a 1973 hit John Legend tweeted that Ms. he fired Diddy was because MCA Records, the town Records from 1995 to 1997. children, Ms. Wright was born that showed off her so-called Wright “was always so loving label’s distributor, didn’t want to release B.I.G.’s BET announced it is producing a three-part Bessie Regina Norris in 1953 in “whistle register” vocals, an and giving to younger artists. Al- debut album because of its raw and rough subject television series about Mr. Harrell and Uptown Miami, the city whose funk and ultrahigh singing style later ways engaged, always relevant. matter about street life. Records that will premiere sometime this year. soul sounds her music would employed by Mariah Carey She will be missed.” Front Porch Portraits of top scholars Meet Richmond’s B2 top valedictorian B3

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Mr. Floyd ‘I can’t breathe’ Minneapolis police officers fired after cell phone video shows one kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, who later died. In an eerily similar death to that of Eric Garner in New York in 2014 at the hands of police, a handcuffed Mr. Floyd begged to be released because he could not breathe.

Free Press wire report Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired in the wake of the brutal death City to open Friday Monday of George Floyd, a 46-year-old father and security guard, who died after being at a ‘slow handcuffed by police and put face down in the street, where a white police officer knelt on his and steady pace’ neck for several minutes. A graphic video, shot by one By Jeremy M. Lazarus of several horrified bystand- ers, has gone viral on social Even with the coronavirus still causing media and shows Mr. Floyd sickness and death, Richmond is finally set lying face down in the street, to reopen, though gingerly and in a limited gasping for air and groaning, fashion, under what the state terms Phase “I can’t breathe,” while the One. It will be far from business as usual. officer continues to kneel on Mayor Levar M. Stoney, whose request for a modified reopening was rejected by his neck. Mayor Stoney During the 10-minute video, Gov. Ralph S. Northam, flashed the green the crowd pleads with the of- light Wednesday for private businesses, public operations and ficer to stop. churches to reopen cautiously under state guidelines. “Bro, he’s not even f…… On Friday, May 29, most currently shuttered businesses — moving!” a bystander says. notably restaurants, retail stores, barbershops and beauty salons “Get off his neck!” — will be able to unlock their doors and serve customers again, At one point when one of though under restrictions that include encouraging customers to the bystanders moved toward wear face masks and limiting the number of patrons. the officer and Mr. Floyd, the Restaurants and breweries also can offer only outdoor seat- Eric Miller/Reuters ing, while personal grooming shops must offer appointment- officer pulled out a canister of A sea of protesters gather at the site in Minneapolis where a white police officer intentionally kneeled on the neck of George Floyd. Mr. Floyd later was pronounced dead only service. Movie theaters, concert halls, bowling alleys Please turn to A4 at a nearby hospital. and other entertainment and amusement venues will remain closed for now. Then on Monday, June 1, City Hall and other city buildings No mask, no social distancing COVID-19 testing will reopen, though with limited Free community testing for COVID-19 continues across access. the Richmond area, with new testing events scheduled by For example, at City Hall in earns Gov. Northam criticism the Richmond and Henrico County health districts. Downtown, only people with face Three events, each running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will coverings will be able to enter By George Copeland Jr. be held at the following locations: to pay bills, vote absentee and conduct other business solely on Gov. Ralph S. Northam DATE Location Address apologized Tuesday for not the first floor, officials said. Up- following his administration’s Monday, Saint Paul’s 700 E. Belt Blvd., per floors still will be off limits June 1 Baptist Church South Side own COVID-19 safety guide- to the public. All city employees, lines during his Memorial Day Tuesday, Diversity Richmond 1407 Sherwood including those who have been weekend visit to Virginia Beach June 2 Event Hall Ave., North Side working from home, will be issued face masks. where he posed for photos with 9000 Three Chopt Thursday, Tuckahoe Middle people along the oceanfront Road, Western Mayor Stoney said he felt able June 4 School without a face mask or social Henrico to move forward as a result of distancing. Gov. Northam’s order on Tues- He explained during a me- Appointments for testing are encouraged by calling the day requiring everyone entering Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 dia briefing in Richmond that public buildings, using public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday. transit or going into businesses he left his face mask in his Walk-up testing will be offered while test supplies last. vehicle, an oversight that he to wear masks or some kind of Facebook photo recognized reflects poorly on Please turn to A4 Gov. Northam poses for photos with beachgoers Saturday him at this time of “new habits at Virginia Beach. He, like many others, was not wearing a and routines,” particularly as face mask or socially distancing as he and health officials have called for to help curb COVID-19. Please turn to A4 Delegate Carroll Foy announces historic bid for governor Free Press staff, wire report Jefferson School of Law in health and economic crises San Diego. And she has been have exposed. Democratic state Delegate a foster parent and served as a “I’m running because the Jennifer Carroll Foy formally public defender. status quo in Virginia has left launched her bid for Virginia Known for her steely de- us with a deeply broken system governor Wednesday, using termination and confidence, where too many Virginians are email and social media to make she said her experience shows working too hard for too little,” an initial appeal to voters in the she understands the challenges Delegate Carroll Foy wrote in era of the people face and makes her her announcement. coronavi- the right person to correct the rus pan- problems the current public Please turn to A4 demic. T h e two-term

Courtesy of Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center law- William “Big T” Taylor salutes during a decorated m a k e r , car parade on May 14 at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans who rep- Care Center, where families of residents were able to Delegate r e s e n t s drive by and then park for curbside visits with their Carroll Foy P r i n c e loved ones at a safe distance during the pandemic. William and Stafford coun- Courtesy of the Taylor family More parades are expected in June. ties, said her background would position her to be “a champion for working people” if she is Parades and curbside visits bring elected the state’s 74th governor in 2021. joy to veterans’ home residents Delegate Carroll Foy, 38, By Ronald E. Carrington six years. The nursing home, located on the was raised by her grandparents campus of McGuire Veterans Administration in Petersburg, one of the state’s Retired Sgt. 1st Class William “Big T” Medical Center, has been closed to visitors poorest cities. She was one Taylor had not seen his family since early because of the coronavirus pandemic. of the first women to make it Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press March. So Mr. Taylor was more than surprised and through the tough discipline The 88-year-old former paratrooper, a happy when a series of family parades were and graduate from Virginia Artist-in-residence veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, has organized by the SBVCC staff to connect Military Institute. She went on Art captivates people of all ages, even 15-month-old been a resident at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans to earn a master’s degree from Ava Spurlock. The toddler helped her mother, LaRonda Care Center in South Side for more than Please turn to A4 Virginia State University and Malone, create colorful chalk sidewalk art last Saturday in her law degree from Thomas the 1000 block of 23rd Street in the East End. A4 May 28-30, 2020 Richmond Free Press News George Floyd:‘I can’t breathe’

Continued from A1 five minutes. When you hear someone calling for help, you are Floyd lying beside the rear wheel of a police vehicle, with an supposed to help.” officer pinning him to the street by pressing a knee into Mr. mace and pointed it at the group. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo told reporters Floyd’s neck, while another officer holds the onlookers back. After several minutes, ambulance workers arrived and loaded that the FBI has opened an inquiry at his request into the fatal Mr. Floyd can be heard repeatedly moaning and gasping while a seemingly unconscious Mr. Floyd onto a stretcher and took arrest, and the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which he pleads, “Please, I can’t breathe, please, man,” as bystanders him away. Mr. Floyd’s hands had been handcuffed behind his investigates most deaths that occur in police custody, also has gather around, growing increasingly agitated and shouting at back. launched a probe. The bureau will present its findings to Hen- police to let him up. After several minutes, Mr. Floyd gradually The death has unleashed a firestorm around the nation and nepin County prosecutors. grows quiet and ceases to move. in the Minnesota city of 429,600 people, of whom nearly 20 The case was eerily reminiscent of the 2014 killing of Eric Attorney Benjamin Crump, who has gained a national reputa- percent are African-American and another roughly 10 percent are Garner, an unarmed black man in New York, who died after tion for representing families in unlawful death cases such as Latino. Protesters, politicians, activists and Mr. Floyd’s family being put in a banned police chokehold. Mr. Garner’s dying Trayvon Martin in Florida and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., have called for the officers to be charged with murder. words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry for the Black has been retained by Mr. Floyd’s family. He said in a statement Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced the firing of the Lives Matter movement calling attention to a wave of African- that officers’ “abusive, excessive and inhumane use of force officers on Twitter on Tuesday, saying, “This is the right call.” Americans and other minorities who died at the hands of police cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for At a news briefing on Tuesday, the mayor said it was clear using unjustified lethal force. questioning about a nonviolent charge.” the death of Mr. Floyd in custody was unjustified and that race According to published reports and a police department ac- Hours after the officers’ dismissals were announced, thou- was a factor. count, the Minneapolis officers involved in Monday’s encounter sands of protesters filled the streets around the scene of the “Being black in America should not be a death sentence,” were responding to a report of a forgery in progress in which a deadly incident in a boisterous but peaceful rally. Many in the Mayor Frey said. “For five minutes we watched as a white po- convenience store had confronted a man about a “fake $20 bill.” crowd wore facial coverings to protect against the spread of lice officer pressed his knee into the neck of a black man. For Police found a man fitting the suspect’s description, Mr. Floyd, the coronavirus. in a car. After Mr. Floyd got out of the car, the police depart- But the gathering took an unruly turn around dusk Tuesday as ment said, there was a physical altercation between the officers police in riot gear fired tear gas and non-lethal bean-bag rounds and Mr. Floyd. Mr. Floyd was handcuffed, and he appeared to into the crowds, while protesters hurled water bottles and other be in medical distress, according to police. projectiles, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported. The unrest No mask, no social But Mayor Frey told the media Tuesday that as additional appeared to have dissipated after dark as rain fell. information was revealed, “it became clear that the original On the “Today Show” Wednesday morning, Mr. Floyd’s (police) statement was not accurate.” sister, Bridgett Floyd, said the officers should be charged with distancing earns Cell phone video taken by an onlooker Darnella Frazier does murder “because that’s exactly what they did. They murdered Northam criticism not show what precipitated the confrontation. It opens with Mr. my brother. He was crying for help.” Continued from A1 new state requirements for facial coverings in public buildings City to open Friday at a ‘slow and steady pace’ and other areas go into effect on Friday. The governor, a physician, regularly has stressed the impor- Continued from A1 people testing positive for coronavirus Richmond.” tance of wearing face coverings and keeping a 6-foot distance has flattened to about 23 percent of those Despite the damage that holdup might from others in public to stop the spread of COVID-19. covering. That order, which Mayor Stoney tested, based on the moving seven-day have caused to various businesses, he His continual refrain made his actions during the weekend at urged the governor to impose, is effective average. That is better than the numbers of said he put “public health and public the oceanfront stand out even more, as he posed with beachgo- statewide Friday. positive results going up, but not as good safety first.” ers for photographs. The opening of City Hall will bring an as having them go down, he said. “Now we begin the (reopening) journey The governor said Tuesday that the photos were the unplanned end to free parking at metered spaces in Meanwhile, the city has worked with the together,” the mayor said, but at a “slow result of “well-wishers” he encountered during his planned visit Downtown and other monitored parking health district to create quarantine rooms and steady pace,” which he said has been to the oceanfront to meet with Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby spaces within the city, officials noted, for people in need at area hotels. his mantra all along. Dyer, thank first responders and assess how that city’s beach and people who do not pay could be Still, “that does not mean we are out He still urged those who could to stay reopening plan, launched Friday, May 22, was going. ticketed. of the woods,” Mayor Stoney said at home, and those who go out to wear face Still, Gov. Northam was roundly criticized on social media City officials also said that Richmond Wednesday’s City Hall media briefing that masks. He also urged houses of worship for not practicing what he has preached. recreation centers and pools will remain also was livestreamed to the public. “The to stay closed and use virtual services for “Physician, heal thyself,” tweeted Delegate Todd Gilbert, a closed for the time being. So will the Rich- pandemic is not over by any means.” now, but if they had to meet, to limit the Page County Republican and minority leader in the House of mond Public Library system, which will, He said that as of Wednesday, 1,112 city number of participants. Delegates. for now, remain primarily a virtual opera- residents had tested positive for COVID-19, He also urged restaurants and breweries “If it’s safe for Ralph Northam to go to the beach and not tion providing internet and computer-based the majority with mild symptoms, though. to collect the names and phone numbers of wear a mask and not practice good social distancing, why is it access to books and other materials. Of those, nearly one-third are Latinos, Dr. diners in case someone later tests positive unsafe for thousands of Virginia small business owners to open However, officials said patrons will be Avula said, mirroring state data. In the for the coronavirus. That would make it their doors?” Jack Wilson, chairman of the Republican Party of able to use drop boxes to return books and city, the disease has killed 21 people, the easier for the health department to track Virginia, asked in a blistering statement issued Tuesday. other items beginning Wednesday, June 3, mayor said, with the data listing most as their contacts, he said. The governor’s “ ‘do as I say, not as I do’ attitude is a slap and will be able to have contactless pickups African-American. Mayor Stoney called on the state to as- in the face to thousands of out-of-work Virginians,” Mr. Wilson of reserved items at that time as well. Across the state, according to state sist the city and its health district to further stated. “If he can choose to ignore his own social distancing Library entry and programming will Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, expand testing and to assist in providing and mask recommendations, then Virginia can safely go back remain closed until at least Wednesday, the number of people testing positive for more personal protection equipment, in- to work. It’s time to reopen Virginia.” June 10, and possibly until later phases the virus topped 40,000 for the first time, cluding masks and hand sanitizer. Gov. Northam acknowledged the criticism on Tuesday. of reopening, officials said. with 1,281 of those dying. The data by race The city Fire Department already has “I take full responsibility for that,” he said. “People held me Despite continuing concern about and ethnicity show that African-Americans distributed 20,000 face masks and 20,000 accountable and I appreciate that. In the future, when I’m out COVID-19, Mayor Stoney believes the data comprise 14 percent of those infected, or bottles of hand sanitizer provided by the in the public, I will be better prepared.” and other indicators show enough progress about 5,643 cases. Latinos comprise 31 state, and the mayor said more would be Following up his apology, Gov. Northam touted the Virginia has been made to begin reopening. percent or 12,374 cases. needed. Beach reopening as a success that he believes could be a model “When I look at the picture in totality, Among the dead, 253 were African- “Quite frankly, we’re going to need more for the country. He said he is working with Norfolk, Hampton given the added tools at our disposal, the American or 20 percent; 106 were Latino support from the state if our businesses are and other waterfront localities to reopen their beaches this current trends in our local data, I believe or 8.3 percent, with the majority of those to reopen safely and sustainably and keep weekend if they have developed a plan similar to the one used that Richmond can cautiously move into infected and dying being white people. our residents safe,” Mayor Stoney said. by Virginia Beach. Phase One,” he said. The governor imposed the face mask The city is to receive $20 million on June Virginia has more than 39,300 cases of the coronavirus, and Among other things, he and Dr. Danny requirement in a heightened effort to reduce 1 to cover COVID-19-related expenses, more than 1,200 deaths, as of Tuesday, according to state health Avula, director of the Richmond City the spread of the disease as case numbers including purchases of masks and hand department data. Health District, noted area hospitals have statewide continue to grow, though he was sanitizer. According to officials, some of The Associated Press contributed to this article. plenty of capacity to deal with the small criticized for spending last Saturday in that money might be used to support small percentage of those with the coronavirus Virginia Beach without wearing a mask businesses hard hit by the disease. who become seriously ill. or practicing social distancing. The mayor said moving slowly is In addition, they noted that the number Richmond’s reopening is beginning best. Parades and curbside of people being tested has doubled from two weeks after most localities in the When “public health is on the line, 70 tests a day in April to the current level state, including neighboring Henrico, blindly pushing forward is not an option,” of 150 tests a day, with the health district Chesterfield and Hanover counties, started he said. “Decisions must be thoughtful, visits bring joy to veterans’ now adding more workers to trace indi- on May 15. and they must be based on our collective viduals who have had contact with those “I stand by my decision to seek a knowledge and our love for our city.” home residents who test positive. two-week delay,” Mayor Stoney said. “I George Copeland Jr. contributed to Continued from A1 Dr. Avula also noted the number of have been fighting for a safer and stronger this article. residents and their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic and lifting the spirits of everyone involved. The parades, which began May 10, allow each participating Delegate announces historic bid for governor family to decorate one car with signs and balloons and drive slowly around the Sitter & Barfoot entryway and then park for Continued from A1 of Richmond, who has a longer political who lives in Woodbridge, handily defeated curbside conversations with their loved one. résumé and deeper connections in the a Republican challenger and then easily Family members have to stay in their cars, with veterans In a separate interview, she said, “Folks party. Sen. McClellan, who has pushed won re-election in 2019. sitting in their wheelchairs at specially marked locations on the still can’t earn a decent paycheck, pay much of the same legislation as Delegate As an attorney who handles court- sidewalk. While there is no physical contact, the event enables off their student loan or get ahead. And Carroll Foy, also would make history if appointed cases, Delegate Carroll Foy said face-to-face conversations and family time using safe social so we need a governor who’s going to she won. her work has pretty much come to a grinding distancing guidelines. really speak to those challenges. And I Other potential Democratic contenders halt at a time when many legal proceed- Mr. Taylor’s wife, Alma, and two of his daughters, Hester understand them intimately because I’ve include Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, two-term ings are on hold because of the pandemic. Clark and Sharon McGlone, were over the moon with the op- lived them.” state Attorney General Mark R. Herring She said she and her husband are “barely portunity to visit with him. They participated in the parade and She plans to campaign on ensuring all and former Gov. Terry R. McAuliffe. getting by, like many Virginians.” wore colorful masks during the curbside visit, understanding the Virginians have quality, affordable health That is likely to mean a high-profile “I want to tell people that I see you,” importance of safety first. care; fixing what she calls the “broken primary contest to settle the Democratic she said. “We share the same struggles, “It was fun. It was timely. Sitter & Barfoot did a great job,” criminal justice system;” and providing nomination, and then a tough contest against and I’m willing to tackle those obstacles, Ms. Clark said. workers with fair wages and paid sick the Republican contender. Republican state and not just through empty promises, but Although they regularly FaceTime him via his iPad, the leave. Sen. Amanda Chase of Chesterfield County through smart policies and leadership.” in-person visit was more intimate and special, Mr. Taylor’s If she were to win next year’s contest, already has announced her bid, but others Separately, Paul Goldman, the leader of family said. she would become Virginia’s first woman are expected to seek the office. Richmond’s Put Schools First campaign, “My father, who is very gregarious and wants to get out governor, the first African-American fe- None of that has daunted Delegate has declared for lieutenant governor. using his electric wheelchair, was talking to us leading up to male governor in the United States and Carroll Foy, who will have to give up her Mr. Goldman, a former Democratic the day. The confinement has been very difficult for him,” Ms. the second woman elected to statewide House seat to run. Party leader and veteran political strategist Clark said. office in Virginia. The first was Mary Sue In a biographical video she released who shaped campaigns for Henry Howell, The parade and curbside visits was the idea of facility admin- Terry, who served eight years as attorney Wednesday, she recalled being discouraged L. Douglas Wilder and Mark R. Warner, istrator Kim Elliott after viewing a similar event on Facebook. general from 1986 to 1993. from running for the outset, especially when said, if elected in 2021, he would use According to Tina Parlett-Calhoun, Sitter & Barfoot’s director Delegate Carroll Foy, if elected, also people learned she was pregnant “not with the post be “an advocate for the people. of communications, the internal team loved the idea and wanted would be the first member of the House one, but with two babies,” twins who are I would be the first who did not see the to make the parades happen in a safe and fun way. of Delegates to jump to the governor’s now 2-year-olds. office as a stepping stone to the governor’s To date, Ms. Parlett-Calhoun said, nine parades have taken mansion possibly since Declaration of “I knocked on thousands of doors with office. I am not interested in running for place and are scheduled according to residents’ units and hallways Independence writer and slaveholder morning sickness and swollen ankles. In governor.” within the facility. More events are being planned, she said. Thomas Jefferson did it in 1779. order for there to be a trail, there has to Instead, he said, he would be an advocate “We asked families to register and RSVP so we would have However, she will face a crowded field be someone who’s willing to blaze it,” for important policies that could affect the an idea of how many family members would attend, she said for the Democratic Party nomination that she recounts. lives of ordinary people, including continu- in an email. “There is still a limit to one car, van or truckload is expected to include another female col- Part of a Democratic blue wave in 2017 ing his push for funding to renovate or (of family) for each resident. That way we could ensure social league from the Virginia Legislative Black that flipped 15 Republican-held seats in replace decaying public school buildings distancing and know how many families would attend.” Caucus, state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan the Virginia House, Delegate Carroll Foy, in Virginia. B2 May 28-30, 2020 Richmond Free Press Happenings Front Porch Portraits: Richmond high school valedictorians It hasn’t been easy for students across the Commonwealth since past four years and earned the top GPA in their class. schools shut down in March under executive order of the governor Free Press photographers Sandra Sellars and Regina H. to curb the spread of COVID-19. For high school seniors, it has Boone documented this special moment in their lives with been a little tougher, with missed proms, senior days and other photos on their front porch or in their front yard, adhering to special events that go along with finishing high school. social distancing guidelines. But the Class of 2020 has persevered. They also asked the scholars how their lives have changed dur- Here, we celebrate the valedictorians of Richmond Public ing the pandemic and what they view as the silver lining. Here are Schools’ eight high schools who have worked hard during the their thoughts as they graduate in the time of the coronavirus.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press AMIA GRAHAM, Thomas Jefferson High School, 4.9677 GPA. CAROLINE SCHNEIDER, Richmond Community High JANE RUGGLES, Open High School, 4.9483 GPA. Attending the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in the School, 4.8 GPA. Attending the College of William & Mary Attending the University of Virginia in Charlottesville fall, where she wants to earn a nursing degree. Daughter in Williamsburg in the fall. She is leaving her options open in the fall, where she plans to major in biology and of Tomeka Graham and Aaron Graham. “The pandemic has before deciding on a major. Daughter of Greg and Joanna environmental science. Daughter of Sandra Lambert and given me the opportunity to learn more about myself without Schneider. COVID-19 has exposed “how interconnected all Jeffrey Ruggles. “For me, the silver lining of this pandemic the added pressures of socialization,” she said. “I have been lives are,” she said when asked about the silver lining of has been the ability to spend time with my family before given time to focus on myself and figure out what I want this time. “We are dependent on each other in ways never going to college. I was very busy before the pandemic and plan how I will accomplish it. This pandemic has also before appreciated. To acknowledge this and to recognize and I have tried to be thankful for this time. I’ve also been taught me to value the little things in life and appreciate all the importance of people, no matter who they are, is to find happy to see how my school, classes and friends have of my blessings and the people in my life. Another silver hope.” stayed in touch although separated.” lining is that I get to spend a lot more time with my dog, Rocco.”

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press LAMAR TRUEHEART, George Wythe High Scho, 4.35 GPA. AUDRYA JIGGETTS, John Marshall High School, 4.2333 JANELLE SAMPLE, Huguenot High School, 4.58 GPA. Attending Christopher Newport University in Newport News GPA. Attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk in the Attending Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C., in the in the fall, where he wants to major in computer engineering. fall, where she wants to major in sports communication/ fall, where she wants to major in business administration. Son of Tonya Trueheart and Larry Trueheart Sr. He credits journalism. Daughter of Lakeisha Jones-Jiggetts and Daughter of Tonya Sample and Alfredo Sample. She his parents for helping him on this “remarkable journey.” He Derwin Jiggetts. She credits her parents for getting her credits her parents with getting her this far. How is her says COVID-19 “has been a difficult time for all of us. Due to where she is today. “I’ve worked on managing my time life different during the pandemic? “I’m learning new staying indoors, I have been gaming as one of my pastimes wisely and finding myself as an individual,” she said, when skills that will help me start my own business in the and took a new interest in baking,” he said. What does he see asked how life has changed during the pandemic. “I have future,” she said. As for the silver lining, “I’m spending as the silver lining? “This allows us to appreciate the little gained so many opportunities to display a message to the more time with my family. I am also focusing more on my things that we would normally take for granted.” Class of 2020 since I’m speaking at the virtual graduation.” future.”

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press DARIUS GRAY, Franklin Military Academy, 4.6129 GPA. Attending Old Dominion KAPRI ROBINSON, Armstrong High School, 3.875 GPA. Attending University of Mary University in Norfolk in the fall, where he plans to major in civil engineering. Son Washington in Fredericksburg in the fall, where she plans to major in historical of Terrance and Katrina Gray. The pandemic has allowed him to spend time with preservation. Daughter of Gwendolyn Robinson. She thanks her mother for her his family. That has been a silver lining, he says. “My family and I were very busy success. “My mother encouraged me to work hard and to be kind to others,” she people before this pandemic. Now, I get to spend quality time with them that I was said. How has life changed during the pandemic? “It makes me view the world not able to do during a regular day. Another silver lining for me is my appreciation differently,” she said. “It shows how even in light of something that affects everyone, for the variety of activities I was able to participate in this year like Senior Day, there’s still hope that we can make it out together. We’re learning more about each indoor track and spending time with my friends. I’m looking forward to going to other. I’ve learned so much more about my family during this than before when I college and embarking on new challenges.” had a busy schedule.” Meet board chair Beyoncé drops single of Feed More B1 on Juneteenth B2

Free

© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Free Richmond Free Press VOL. 29 NO. 27 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com JUNE 25-27, 2020 Under fire Calls grow for Interim Chief Blackwell to resign after word of his fatal 2002 officer-involved shooting By Jeremy M. Lazarus asked then-Chief Will Smith to resign and adding, “I know that he’s the man to get promoted his chief of staff, Maj. Blackwell, the job done.” Interim Richmond Police Chief William to be the city’s top cop until a permanent However, if Chief Blackwell was sup- V. “Jody” Blackwell is supposed to be the replacement is selected. posed to be out front making his presence right person to focus on “necessary public After meeting with disgruntled police felt, quite the opposite appears to be safety reform, healing and trust building officers upset over Chief Smith’s abrupt happening. within the community.” dismissal, the mayor doubled down on his Instead, he has avoided making any That is what Mayor Levar M. Stoney decision. He said Chief Blackwell has the public appearances — a sharp contrast said when he announced June 16 that he discipline and composure the job needs, for a city used to police chiefs who court the news media and are eager to be seen Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Ropes hang from the statue of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. and heard around the city. Stuart at the intersection of Monument Avenue and Chief Blackwell has rejected requests Lombardy Street as protesters tried to topple it Sunday for interviews and has not turned out for night. Police later arrested six people. major public events, including the June- teenth celebrations last week during his first days at the helm. City Council members call It is not clear whether he has been out at demonstrations with his officers or what for ban on police use of his role has been in ordering the firing of tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse protesters during several dem- tear gas, pepper spray as onstrations earlier this week that the police declared an “unlawful assembly.” demonstrations continue It also is not clear whether Chief By Jeremy M. Lazarus and George Copeland Jr. Blackwell has met with civic or business leaders, talked with members of City Ban the tear gas, pepper spray, flash bangs and rubber bullets Council or begun building community that Richmond Police and their law enforcement partners have connections to tackle the mayor’s plan used repeatedly to disperse protesters clamoring against police for police reform. brutality and racial injustice. At the same time, his ability to command That’s the cry from two Richmond City Council members Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press community respect and allegiance might who have witnessed the demonstrations and choked on the tear Interim Chief William “Jody” Blackwell refuses to answer any questions about have been undermined from the start as his fatal shooting of Jeramy O. Gilliam in 2002 during his introductory news gas, and believe its use by police conference last week at the Richmond Police Training Academy. Please turn to A4 needs to end. Photo feature on A8 Ninth District Councilman Michael J. Jones and 5th District Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch plan to introduce legislation next Wednesday at a special Home health workers often overlooked meeting the full council is expected to hold. There is no indication that a majority of City Council will support the legislation. in state COVID-19 protection efforts Both Dr. Jones and Ms. Lynch were persuaded to push for By Jeremy M. Lazarus a ban after attending protests last week and choked and gasped Ever since the COVID-19 Please turn to A4 emergency was declared in March, the state has pushed a well-publicized effort to get Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan masks, gowns and other protec- tive gear for doctors, nurses and other health care workers in announces her candidacy hospitals and nursing homes. But three months into the for governor pandemic, the state finally has By Jeremy M. Lazarus begun to focus on providing protection gear to a little- After 15 years in the General Assembly, Sen. Jennifer L. Mc- noticed group of front line Clellan wants to play a bigger role in shaping state policy. The Richmond lawmaker promised to offer leadership that Related story on A9 would allow Virginia to “boldly step into the future” in entering the race for governor. health workers — the aides Now in her second term in the General providing care to thousands of Assembly’s upper chamber, Sen. McClellan elderly and disabled people in announced on June 18 her bid for the state’s their homes. top elected office in 2021 and portrayed On Wednesday, 30,000 herself as the person to guide the state that masks were being assembled is at a “critical crossroads right now about in packages to be shipped to what direction we’re going to go.” personal care workers, ac- The main focus of her campaign, Sen. Sen. McClellan Chris Gordon/DMAS McClellan told the Free Press this week, will be on restoring faith cording to Christina Nuckols, From left, Mary Carter, Sharon Stone and Arqam Ahsan with the state Department of spokeswoman for the state De- Medical Assistance Services pack masks and other personal protection equipment for in government as a “positive force for change and for solving partment of Medical Assistance home health care workers who aid thousands of elderly and disabled Virginians with problems” in dealing with the health, economic and racial crises Services, which runs the state’s bathing, dressing, toileting and meals under the Medicaid program. Please turn to A4 Medicaid program. “Given the barriers that exist, this has been a unique process to secure and distribute personal protection equipment to our personal care workers. But we have worked hard to accomplish this important goal for these essential home and community- RPS students, families celebrate at ‘different’ based providers,” said Dr. Vanessa Walker Harris, deputy state secretary for health and human resources. graduation ceremonies The move is aimed at ending the neglect of often overlooked personal care and certified nursing assistants who almost daily By Ronald E. Carrington care for at least 20,000 people across the state. Thomasine Wilson, 60, of Richmond, executive committee There was no glitz and glamour or boisterous cheering chair of a local union for home health care workers, said the work typical at graduations, but students in the Class of 2020 at two Richmond high schools had the adoration and cheers of Please turn to A4 family Tuesday when they accepted their diplomas during ceremonies that practiced social distancing. In separate ceremonies at Armstrong and Richmond Com- Free COVID-19 testing munity high schools, groups of six or seven seniors were Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. ushered at 15-minute intervals to the back of the schools’ The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are auditoriums. At each school, they walked one by one to the offering testing 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 25, at the Eastern stage, received their diploma and had their photo taken, while Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. family was able to watch from the audience. Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and While staging for the commencement exercises at both Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. schools was the same, each had a unique ceremony filled Walk-up testing will be offered while test supplies last. with enthusiasm. The Chesterfield Health District is hosting free testing for At Armstrong High School in the East End, the atmosphere those who are uninsured or underinsured from 5 to 7 p.m. was festive outside the building on Cool Lane. A truck’s huge Wednesday, July 1, at Falling Creek Ironworks Park, 6407 speakers blasted R&B music from the parking lot, while a Jefferson Davis Highway. teacher with a bullhorn sitting in the open truck bed loudly Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press Testing is limited, with some walk-up testing available. congratulated each graduate and their family as they first A line of seniors and their families wait outside Armstrong People with COVID-19 symptoms should make an lined up in front of the building. High School on Tuesday for their turn to enter the building appointment for testing by calling the Chesterfield Health for the ceremony where diplomas were awarded one student Department at (804) 318-8207. Please turn to A4 at a time to curb the spread of COVID-19. A4 June 25-27, 2020 Richmond Free Press News City Council calls for ban on police use of tear gas, pepper spray Continued from A1 the night protest on June 15 was a reaction to close range. The Richmond Police Department restricting activity around the Lee statue. previous police assaults. reported 12 people were arrested on charges of “This action will serve only to escalate the for breath themselves when police fired tear gas “I believe the police could do better if they unlawful assembly. tensions between protesters and police and will to clear the demonstrators. were talking with people rather than attacking Earlier on Sunday night, police also issued do nothing to advance either free speech or The Richmond protests have been going on them,” she said. a declaration of unlawful assembly during a public safety,” the statement read. for 26 days. Initially sparked by the police kill- She also expressed disappointment that police protest at the J.E.B. Stuart Monument, where Local health professionals and legislators also ing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the local statements about what happened do not mir- protesters attempted to topple the statue. Six have expressed concerns about the actions of protests are now focusing on police violence ror the events. For example, she said a police people were arrested. Richmond Police. Five doctors associated with and racial injustices in Richmond. statement indicated that people were throwing The choice to assemble Monday night outside the VCU Health System released a letter Tuesday From what he witnessed, Dr. Jones said police are rocks and bottles at officers on June 15 before City Hall came after protesters opted to leave that was sent to the RPD calling for restrictions using tear gas to disperse “innocent civilians.” the tear gas and rubber bullets were fired, but their camping area around the Robert E. Lee on the use of tear gas. The letter echoed warnings “There are other ways to de-escalate a “I did not see any of that.” statue on Monument Avenue. Beginning Monday by other health officials nationally and globally crowd,” he said. The most recent use of the chemicals came night, the state closed the grounds around the that its usage risks an increase in the spread of Ms. Lynch said she saw police indiscriminately early Tuesday morning, when police dispersed Lee statue from sunset to sunrise and imposed the coronavirus. use tear gas on June 15 during the early morning a makeshift encampment protesters set up on additional restrictions at the popular site. “We are horrified to see the use of pepper and then later that night to disperse hundreds of Marshall Street in front of City Hall, blocking The area was renamed by demonstrators as spray and other chemical irritants against pro- loudly chanting protesters outside police headquar- the street. the Marcus-David Peters Circle in memory of the testers,” the letter reads. “Pepper spray causes ters on West Grace Street in Downtown. The camp was set up around 7 p.m. as a City 24-year-old biology teacher who was shot and de-masking, coughing and heavy breathing. The She said tear gas during the nighttime assault Council meeting was in session. Participants killed by a Richmond Police officer in 2018 when use of pepper spray is antithetical to the public was rained over a six-block area “far beyond were there to call for policy changes, includ- he appeared to be having a mental crisis. health guidance for avoiding COVID-19. where the protesters were.” At one point, she and ing creation of a civilian oversight board for On Tuesday, Gov. Ralph S. Northam addressed Meanwhile, multiple lawsuits, including a Dr. Jones had to duck when a canister whizzed police; removal of Confederate statues; creation the ongoing protests. He said while the hundreds class action suit, have been filed against the by their heads. of a mental health response team to respond to of demonstrations across the state had been over- Richmond Police Department growing out of She said the tear-gassing is not just impacting certain emergencies instead of police; dismissal whelmingly peaceful, it had become clear that the assaults on protesters. protesters, but also is wafting into apartments of charges against arrested protesters; and the Richmond needs a “different path forward.” Richmond attorney Thomas H. Roberts filed and homes and impacting people who are not release of the names of officers under investiga- “After three weeks, it is no longer clear the class action suit on behalf of five Richmond involved. tion for use of force. what the goals are or a path to achieve them,” protesters who attended a rally on June 1 at She also witnessed police fire a volley of rub- Police arrived at the encampment after mid- Gov. Northam said. “Clearly, Richmond needs the Lee statue. The five, among other peaceful ber bullets at protesters without provocation. night and, after issuing warnings to disperse a different path forward. These nightly conflicts protesters, are seeking damages after being tear- Ms. Lynch said police can use other non- from a declared “unlawful assembly,” moved cannot continue indefinitely.” gassed by Richmond Police nearly 30 minutes lethal equipment to disperse crowds that does in on the protesters who remained. Early Wednesday, police dispersed a gather- before a city curfew was to start. less damage. A task force of city and state police used ing on the grounds reportedly without incident Mayor Stoney and then-Police Chief Will She said use of the noxious chemicals and tear gas, flash bang grenades and rubber bullets or use of tear gas. Smith publicly apologized at a subsequent gas and rubber bullets have largely backfired, around 12:40 a.m., with videos on social media In a statement issued earlier this week, the meeting of about 1,500 people outside City creating more anger among protesters. She noted showing some officers firing at protesters at ACLU of Virginia slammed Gov. Northam for Hall the next day. Calls grow for Interim Richmond Police Chief William Blackwell to resign Continued from A1 the time that Mr. Gilliam pulled reforms in police training. Only and Petersburg native R&B “We had no doubt about reform are not derailed by the a gun instead. As he recounted, one officer, Sgt. David Melvin, singer Trey Songz, who just the integrity of Mr. Blackwell; focus on the new chief’s past. his face and name were blasted after knocking the gun away, ultimately faced trial, and he days after dining with Mayor now we question Mayor Levar “I welcome the call for re- on social media as an officer Officer Blackwell reported the was acquitted after juries twice Stoney and Councilman Jones Stoney’s integrity,” the letter form,” Mr. Dixon said. “What who killed a civilian. two men got into a wrestling deadlocked in earlier trials. in Richmond last weekend, reads. “Maybe it’s time for him is needed is a change from the At a moment when Rich- match as he sought to subdue Mr. Mayor Stoney has said he called for the mayor to resign as to step down!” warrior mentality in the police mond and other cities continued Gilliam, and he shot Mr. Gilliam knew about the Gilliam slay- a result of the appointment. Richmond For All, a mem- to a guardian mentality. The to be shaken by protests over po- twice in the back in self-defense ing when he appointed Chief Separately, the family of Mr. ber-driven political group, was calls for reform are sweeping lice violence and racial bigotry during the altercation. Blackwell. Gilliam also expressed surprise among a host of organizations the country and the world, and ignited by a police officer killing Richmond’s Common- So far, members of City and dismay that the man who that weighed in. The group Richmond needs to be part of George Floyd in Minneapolis, wealth’s Attorney at the time, Council have stayed mum killed their loved one is now tweeted that the appointment this movement.” the discovery of that skeleton former Judge David M. Hicks, about the new interim chief leading the Richmond Police of Chief Blackwell “reinforces Mr. Dixon, who did not in Chief Blackwell’s closet has took the case to the grand jury, and his personnel record. The Department. what the public already know: want to comment specifically come at the wrong time. which declined to indict the of- appointment was solely within In a letter that went public, Justice lies in the hands of the on Chief Blackwell’s past, said As recounted in 18-year- ficer for involuntary manslaugh- the mayor’s discretion, with the the family said they were told people not the police. Com- the mayor correctly spotlighted old news articles, then-Officer ter, keeping Chief Blackwell’s council having no formal say. in 2002 that Chief Blackwell munity oversight now.” the problem — that the police Blackwell fatally shot Jeramy life and career on track. However, since the Gilliam had left the city police depart- Meanwhile, John I. Dixon are being involved in too many O. Gilliam, in 2002 during a Since then, Chief Black- killing was unearthed, plenty ment, although that was not III, president of the Richmond areas, ranging from domestic burglary investigation in a neigh- well has risen through ranks of other people have expressed the case. Crusade for Voters and a former abuse to drug treatment to men- borhood near Byrd Park. and held various positions, dismay over Chief Blackwell’s They also raised questions Petersburg Police chief and for- tal health and homelessness. As reported, Officer Black- including successful leader- appointment, including mem- about Chief Blackwell’s version mer Richmond officer, is hoping “It is time for a change,” well confronted Mr. Gilliam on ship of the Fourth Precinct bers of the General Assembly of Mr. Gilliam’s slaying. that Mayor Stoney’s plans for Mr. Dixon said. Idlewood Avenue, three blocks that covers Downtown and from the burglary location, and portions of North Side that asked for his ID, although Mr. drew department praise for RPS students, families celebrate at ‘different’ graduation ceremonies Gilliam did not fit the descrip- crime reduction. tion of the suspect broadcast The Gilliam case was one of Continued from A1 through Armstrong’s hallways, where a time, with the families seated in rows far by police. five police killings of civilians in red carpet-style backdrop with the school’s apart as their students stood 6 feet apart Hallways leading to Armstrong’s audito- Officer Blackwell asserted at Richmond in 2002 that sparked logo was available for more family photos in the back. rium were lined with orange and blue bal- before they left the building. As their names were called, the gradu- loons — the school’s colors — and posters New graduate Jada Wiggins, 18, who ates marched and ascended the stage where Home health workers congratulating the Class of 2020. plans to attend J. Sargeant Reynolds Com- Principal Kenya Massenburg presented Inside the mood-lit auditorium, the munity College in nursing, said she thought them their diplomas. often overlooked classic commencement song “Pomp and commencement was cool, but added, “I After one group was finished and es- Circumstance” was playing softly in the would have liked to do this at the Altria corted out, another group entered. Continued from A1 background. Standing on the stage, in front Theater with the entire class.” Students’ reactions to the ceremony of a banner bearing the orange and blue As Dalqan Washington’s mother Margo varied. of bathing, grooming, serving light meals and helping people go Armstrong Wildcat logo, was School Board Richardson watched him with admiration, Ayonden Coleman, 18, who will be to the bathroom requires close physical proximity, rather than the Vice Chairwoman Cheryl Burke, a retired the 18-year-old Armstrong graduate said he attending Virginia Commonwealth Uni- 6 feet social distancing under general COVID-19 guidelines. Chimborazo Elementary School principal, was not really happy with the abbreviated versity, said, “I have a lot of memories “Many of us travel by bus, and we bring what we pick up into and Armstrong Principal Willie J. Bell Jr., ceremony brought on by the pandemic. with my class, and it makes me sad the home,” said Ms. Wilson, a longtime advocate for the workers. who were ready to award 156 diplomas at He said he preferred a regular gradu- because I can’t enjoy this full moment “We need the protection for our clients and for ourselves so we the ceremony starting at 11 a.m. ation, but his mother said she was glad with them. It is not the best, but I am don’t bring the virus home to our families.” Before each graduate walked down to Armstrong even had a ceremony. accepting of it.” Most of the workers serve people who receive care through the stage, his or her family was escorted At Richmond Community High School, But Jakayla Collins, 18, who is headed Medicaid. And despite the critical services they provide, the to an area 6 feet from the stage, where graduates and their parents lined up in front to North Carolina Central University to workers are among the most overlooked element in health care, they could view and capture the special of the school on Brookland Park Boulevard study physics and engineering on a full Ms. Wilson said. moment on cell phone when their teenager before the ceremony’s start at 8 a.m. scholarship, has another point of view. Currently, the state limits pay for the largely female workforce completed a 12-year educational journey to Many families of the school’s 46 gradu- “This was unexpected,” she said. “It to $8 an hour and lists them as contract workers, which makes begin the next phase toward the future. ates were holding balloons and signs. About was very difficult to process at first. But them ineligible for overtime. The state also bars clients from The graduate and their family then six or seven students and their families were we are still getting our diplomas. It’s just paying them extra. were escorted out of the auditorium and allowed to enter the auditorium one at a different.” Home care workers also are not eligible for paid sick leave or vacation pay, Ms. Wilson said. “If we don’t work, we don’t get paid,” she said, “and the pay is not a living wage, which is what we need. The time with any Sen. McClellan announces her candidacy for governor one client is limited to a certain number of hours, and often we Continued from A1 seat after former state Sen. A. Donald U.S. Constitution that have been critical to have to find multiple clients to work with in order to get close McEachin was elected to Congress. protecting African-American rights. to 40 hours a week.” that have upended business as usual. Both in the House and Senate, Sen. Mc- On criminal justice, Sen. McClellan has The pandemic has been devastating for home health care work- “We need to rebuild Virginia’s economy, Clellan built a reputation as a knowledgeable been a leader in pushing parole reform ers, Ms. Wilson said. “They face a difficult choice: Stay home restore health care and the social safety legislator who has worked to bring together and stopping the school-to-prison pipeline. without income and live, or go to work, get sick and die.” net and overcome the systematic inequi- progressive and establishment groups. She She also supports making the disciplinary “Our union has been pressing for the state to provide PPE ties that we have been dealing with,” she touts her record of working across the aisle history of police officers public and is for home care workers,” said David Broder, president of Service said. “I am ready to lead Virginia forward with Republicans to get legislation passed, supporting other police reforms that are Employees International Union’s Virginia 512 unit that includes through these crises,” said the 47-year-old even when Democrats were in the minority expected to dominate an upcoming special the home health care employees. Petersburg native who has long made in the General Assembly. session of the legislature in August. He said the state’s failure to prioritize PPE for home health Richmond her home and public service a Sen. McClellan was a leader in putting In her view, the time is ripe to consider care workers — a majority of whom are African-American — mainstay of her life. Virginia on the path to 100 percent clean how resources are allocated for public safety reflects many of the embedded wrongs that leave women and An attorney and married mother of two, energy by 2045 and providing stronger and to focus more “resources on prevention people of color at the bottom in such matters. Sen. McClellan said she is negotiating a protections for pregnant workers. and addressing underlying causes.” He said the SEIU has sought to fill in by buying masks for leave of absence from Verizon, where she She also was chief Senate sponsor on Like other Virginia Legislative Black members, but it falls short of what the state can do with the works as an assistant legal counsel. the ratification of the Equal Rights Amend- Caucus members, Sen. McClellan sup- federal funding it has received. Sen. McClellan hopes to become the ment, while Delegate Carroll Foy took the ports the removal of Confederate statues. “Our members are making $15,000 to $20,000 a year, with state’s first female and the nation’s first lead in the House. She noted conversations have begun on none of the perks that other health care workers enjoy,” he said. African-American woman governor. She Sen. McClellan led the effort to strengthen removing Confederate statues in Capitol “They even have to pay for their own transportation. They should is the second Democratic candidate to Obamacare by creating a state health care Square and in the State Capitol. have been a priority. But, once again, they were not.” officially announce her bid for the nomi- insurance exchange and in the expanding Meanwhile, Democratic competitors are Mr. Broder noted that without such home health care work- nation, although others are waiting in the Medicaid that has led to health coverage gathering. Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe is ers, the Medicaid program would be paying large sums to care wings to jump in. for more than 430,000 adults who were not weighing running to succeed Gov. Ralph for the clients in nursing homes and other institutions. “Our Prince William Delegate Jennifer Carroll previously covered. S. Northam. So are Lt. Gov. Fairfax and members are saving the state huge amounts of money, but there Foy, also an African-American, declared Sen. McClellan, who serves on the state Attorney General Mark R. Herring. has been little change in their conditions.” her candidacy in late May. Democratic steering committee, also has Still, Sen. McClellan, like Delegate Car- He said there was some movement in a recent session of the Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and former been engaged in racial justice issues as vice roll Foy, is undaunted. She said she has been General Assembly, which passed protections for domestic workers Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, the nation’s first chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Cau- flooded with expressions of support. and included home health care workers. The home health care elected African-American governor who cus and as chair of the Virginia Dr. Martin “This is not a time to sit on the side- workers also are eligible for the increase in the state’s minimum served from 1990 to 1994, remain the only Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission. lines,” she said. “Black women have been wage that is to be effective next year. African-Americans elected to statewide As chair of the King Commission, she is the backbone of our communities and our “Home care workers need and should get a living wage,” Mr. office in Virginia. now engaged in bringing a new statue honor- economy but have been relegated to the Broder said. “They provide incredibly important services that Sen. McClellan served 11 years in the ing emancipation and freedom to Brown’s shadows or the back over the past 400 years. enable people to stay in their homes and familiar surroundings. House of Delegates before winning a special Island and in marking the 150th anniversary But we’re going to keep pushing through to They deserve better.” election in January 2017 for the Senate of the 14th and 15th Amendments to the lead and keep striving for progress.” Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’ B2 Meet a talent that is undebatable B1

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Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 32 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com JULY 30-August 1, 2020 ‘Defunding police’ rejected Richmond City Council kills proposal to examine police funding in social, mental health and community services and move the money to other departments By Jeremy M. Lazarus consider complaints against police officers for use of No to reducing the Rich- excessive force. mond Police budget to That was the response assuage demonstrators’ de- of Richmond City Council mands to “defund police.” on Monday night amid Yes to the demand to the ongoing protests and develop a mental health demonstrations sparked alert system named for by the Minneapolis police Marcus-David Peters, the Dr. Jones Ms. Lynch killing of George Floyd 24-year-old high school biology teacher whom during his May 25 arrest for allegedly passing a Richmond Police officer fatally shot in 2018 a phony $20 bill. as Mr. Peters charged and threatened him while The largely peaceful wave of protests in experiencing what has been described as a Richmond were marked last weekend, however, mental crisis. by confrontations with police, window smashing, Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Yes to another demand for an independent A hologram of the late George Floyd shines Tuesday night at the Robert E. Lee civilian review board with subpoena power to Please turn to A4 statue on Monument Avenue, where hundreds of people joined Mr. Floyd’s family for the unveiling. The memorial project, sponsored by Change.org and the George Floyd Foundation, will be on display in Richmond through Aug. 6. George Floyd Hologram Memorial brings new light, tribute to Monument Avenue By Ronald E. Carrington brutality and racial injustice. Demonstrations have been held almost daily in Richmond Hundreds of people gathered at the Rob- since late May calling for police reform, ert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue on equity and justice for people of color and Tuesday night to hear the family of George an end to systemic racism and symbols of Floyd and their attorney Benjamin Crump oppression. speak and to witness the unveiling of a new On Tuesday night, people of all ages, races hologram in tribute to Mr. Floyd. and ethnicities gathered to see the hologram The death of Mr. Floyd, the 46-year-old in the area around the statue of Confederate unarmed, handcuffed Black man who was Gen. Robert E. Lee that has been renamed

killed May 25 when a Minneapolis policeman Marcus-David Peters Circle by protesters to Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press knelt on his neck for more than 8 minutes, Richmond Police stand guard on Grace Street near police headquarters as a inspired a global movement against police Please turn to A4 dump truck set ablaze by rioters burns behind them last Saturday. Police, others stymied by Confederate icons swept outside agitators at demonstrations from Virginia Capitol building By George O. Copeland Jr. The outburst that began last Saturday was the and Jeremy M. Lazarus first in 24 days after an unspoken truce went By Jeremy M. Lazarus the General Assembly’s continuing honor of into effect between police and demonstrators, those who sought to destroy the Union with Are “outside agitators” and white supremacists After 88 years, the statue of Confederate its open display of the items in the Old House infiltrating the Black Lives Matter protests against Photo coverage on A5 traitor Robert E. Lee is gone from the State Chamber. racial injustice and police brutality? Capitol. The eviction of the racist icons is part of the Such claims are re-emerging following a with police stopping the use of tear gas and Gone also are the busts of the eight slavery- larger effort to eliminate white supremacist Con- renewal of destructive activity in recent days protesters ending their damage to property. defending Confederate leaders and military of- federate symbolism from Richmond, the former that resulted in smashed windows, a burned city On both Saturday and Sunday nights, gather- ficers that were positioned with the Lee statue dump truck and at least 23 people arrested on in the Old House Chamber of the Capitol. Please turn to A4 a wide range of charges. Please turn to A4 In a surprise move, House of Delegates Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn ordered their removal, claiming authority under the state Constitution Free COVID-19 testing and House rules to get it done. Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. The removal drew cheers from the Virginia The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering Legislative Black Caucus and derision from testing at the following locations: Republican leaders in the General Assembly. House Clerk Suzette Denslow carried out the Date/Time Location Address order last week, beginning the removal July 23 Thursday, 9000 Three Chopt Tuckahoe and completing it on July 24. The Lee statue and July 30, Road in Western Middle School busts now are stored in an undisclosed location 9 to 11 a.m. Henrico County under House of Delegates control. Tuesday, Fairfield Middle 5121 Nine Mile Road “Generations of Virginians, Americans and Aug. 4, School in the East End visitors from around the world have been greeted 9 to 11 a.m. by these imposing symbols of treason and white Friday, Hotchkiss Field 701 E. Brookland supremacy for far too long,” Henrico Delegate La- Aug. 7, Community Park Blvd. mont Bagby, chair of the 23-member VLBC, stated 9 to 11 a.m. Center in North Side in an email issued on behalf of the group. “If we are going to continue building a more People are advised to bring an umbrella in case of inclement inclusive and just Commonwealth, we must weather or to use as shade from the sun while waiting in line. Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press acknowledge and denounce the darker parts Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico Taneisha Spell, 27, keeps her eyes closed to avoid seeing the nasal swab coming toward her during her test for the coronavirus. The of our nation’s history, not celebrate them,” he COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday continued. “A significant step is to ensure that Spell family, including 2-year-old Trinity Spell, participated in the through Friday. free COVID-19 testing conducted Tuesday morning by the Richmond these misguided symbols that honored a lost Walk-up testing will be offered while test supplies last. cause be relegated to space outside the people’s City Health District outside the Southwood Management Center With Virginia facing continuing spikes in COVID-19 cases, out- in South Side. The health district offers free testing weekly, with Capitol.” breaks and deaths, Gov. Ralph S. Northam issued an executive order results expected in five to seven days. Along with the life-sized Lee statue created Tuesday that tightens restrictions on businesses and gatherings in the in 1932, the items removed include busts of Hampton Roads, where the increases have been most pronounced. and 2,125 deaths. Officials also said Virginia has a 7.3 percent positivity Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Vice The order, which goes into effect at midnight on Friday, July 31, and rate, meaning that 7.3 percent of the COVID-19 tests done in the state President Alexander H. Stephens, Confederate impacts jurisdictions from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach, bars the public during the last seven days have come back positive for the virus. At the House Speaker Thomas Bocock, Confederate Navy selling and consumption of alcohol after 10 p.m., requires restaurants peak of the pandemic, the positivity rate was more than 20 percent. officer Matthew Fontaine Maury and Confederate to close at midnight, limits all indoor dining to 50 percent capacity and According to state health department data, African-Americans Gens. Joseph E. Johnston, Thomas J. “Stonewall” prohibits public and private gatherings of more than 50 people. made up 23.2 percent of cases and 25 percent of deaths for which Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee. The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday 87,993 ethnic and racial information is available, while Latinos made up 38.8 The removal came five months after the positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, along with 7,738 hospitalizations percent of the cases and 11.4 percent of the deaths. Free Press spotlighted in its Feb. 13-15 edition Winner with a She’s on the map B3 message A10

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Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 39 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2020 Say her name City of Louisville to pay the family of Breonna Taylor $12M to settle the wrongful death lawsuit filed after she was shot to death by police during a late-night raid of her home Free Press wire report “As significant as today is, it’s only the beginning of getting LOUISVILLE, Ky. full justice for Breonna.” Months after the police killing of Breonna Taylor thrust The lawsuit, filed by Ms. Palmer in April, accused police her name to the forefront of a national reckoning on race, the of using flawed information when they obtained a “no-knock” City of Louisville agreed to pay the Black woman’s family warrant to enter the 26-year-old woman’s apartment. Ms. Taylor $12 million and reform police practices as part of a settlement and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were roused from bed by announced Tuesday. police, and Mr. Walker said he fired once at the officers, think- But Ms. Taylor’s mother and others who have taken up her ing they were intruders. Investigators said police were returning cause said much more must fire when they shot Ms. Taylor several times. No drugs were be done to right the wrongs of found at her home. racial injustice in America. “Please continue to say her Please turn to A4 name,” Ms. Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, declared at an Federal appeals court emotional news conference on Tuesday, evoking the call that decision may impact police has become a national refrain for those outraged by the shooting and police violence. immunity from lawsuits Ms. Taylor’s death sparked By Jeremy M. Lazarus months of protests in Louisville When the Virginia Senate sidelined a bill last week that Ms. Taylor and calls nationwide for the of- would have stripped police officers in the state of immunity from ficers to be criminally charged. The Kentucky attorney general, lawsuits alleging brutality and violations of constitutional rights, Daniel Cameron, is investigating police actions in the March the result was to leave families to face arduous and expensive 13 fatal shooting. court fights to hold officers accountable. “I cannot begin to imagine Ms. Palmer’s pain, and I am deeply, A prime example of the difficulty can been seen in a case that deeply sorry for Breonna’s death,” said Louisville Mayor Greg is now seven years old and involves an attempt by relatives of Fischer in announcing the terms of the lawsuit settlement. a homeless African-American to hold five officers accountable Standing nearby as the mayor spoke, Ms. Palmer said the for his shooting death in 2013. Bryan Woolston/Reuters police reforms were not enough. In a case that is resonating in Virginia, a Richmond-based Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, weeps during “We must not lose focus on what the real job is, and with that federal appeals court has cleared the way for the family’s a news conference Tuesday announcing a $12 million civil being said, it’s time to move forward with the criminal charges, settlement between the estate of Breonna Taylor and the because she deserves that and much more,” Ms. Palmer said. Please turn to A4 City of Lousiville in Kentucky. Plans to use city schools for day care program break down By Jeremy M. Lazarus and Ronald E. Carrington desperate for a place to send their children so for a robust day care program, said she is being they can work. bombarded by calls from mothers seeking day Talks between City Hall and Richmond Public The school buildings would have added a care help so their children can take their virtual Schools over using five school buildings as day total of 500 spaces. classes with appropriate support. care sites have broken down. Mayor Levar M. Stoney acknowledged de- “More affluent parents can hire aides and That represents a blow to a planned, but mod- mands are running high. babysitters,” Ms. Lynch said. “But there are est expansion of a still limited, city-supported As the second week of the new school year plenty of families that cannot. And I see this day care initiative to provide supervised and winds down, Sarah Blackburn said she and artificial divide in educational opportunity hav- safe learning spaces for students to take virtual her husband have determined that “trying to ing a real impact on our high-risk, high-needs classes while their parents work. manage schooling (for their children) and also children that will be felt for years to come.” The city’s program, managed by the YMCA, keep up with our jobs is just not going to be Mayor Stoney, who has not opened the city’s currently offers slots for a total of 80 children possible.” recreation centers or other city buildings for at two churches. Those slots have long been Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, 5th filled, with extended waiting lists of parents Mr. Kamras District, who has led City Council in pushing Please turn to A4 Free COVID-19 testing Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. Need for socialization, enrichment leads The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: families to create education pods for children Date Location By Ronald E. Carrington Thursday, Robinson Theater Sept. 17, Community Arts Center Adam and T.Q. Evans thought the best 9 to 11 a.m 2903 Q St., East End way for their two young sons to learn dur- Tuesday, Neighborhood Resource Center ing the COVID-19 pandemic was through Sept. 22, in Greater Fulton an education pod. 4 to 6 p.m. 1519 Williamsburg Road, East End Their sons, Blaize, 8, and Ace, 5, are Rain date: Randolph Community Center on Sept. 24. enrolled at Barack Obama Elementary Thursday, Randolph Community Center School. Sept. 24, 1415 Grayland Avenue, West End But when Richmond Public Schools 9 to 11 a.m. Rain date: Broad Rock Community Center on Sept. 29. began the school year with virtual online Tuesday, learning, the Evans family wanted the Broad Rock Community Center Sept. 29, 4165 Ferguson Lane, South Side socialization and other educational benefits 4 to 6 p.m. a small group could provide. People are advised to bring an umbrella in case of inclement So they joined with a few other families weather or to use as shade from the sun while waiting in line. to create Northside Pod Life, two small Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and groups of youngsters – one for pre-kinder- Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to garten children and the other for elementary 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. school students – who learn together at the Walk-up testing will be offered while test supplies last. homes of the pod leaders. The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering The Evanses’ goal was to try to cre- free COVID-19 testing at the following locations: Walmsley Boulevard United Methodist Church, 2950 ate a strong and innovative educational environment for their sons and open it up Walmsley Blvd., 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17; Tuesday, Photo courtesy of the Evans Family Sept. 22; and Tuesday, Sept. 29. to other neighbors. Pod leader Adam Evans works with Sebastian Wisnoski during online Beulah United Methodist Church, 6930 Hopkins Road, The families involved put together job instruction with his Richmond Public Schools class at an education pod set 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, and Wednesday, Sept. 30. descriptions for the pod leaders, interviewed up in the Evans family’s North Side home. Other youngsters in the pod are, Cornerstone Church, 10551 Chalkley Road, 1 to 2 p.m. interested professionals, did background from left, Ace Evans, Blaize Evans and Bastian Van-Zandt. Thursday, Sept. 17, and Thursday, Sept. 24; and 5 to 6 p.m. checks and drew up agreements on how the Monday, Sept. 21, and Monday, Sept. 28. pods would be run and the health checks Wisnoski and Bastian Van-Zandt, both schedule. And it offers supplemental enrich- Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms, 6 and also students enrolled at Obama ment experiences to the youngsters. and it is free for those who are uninsured or underinsured. to be conducted each day for students Some appointments will be reserved for walk-ups, but and parents. Elementary. The students participate in lessons about appointments are recommended by contacting the Chesterfield Adam Evans, whose background and Mr. Evans said that during the summer, social justice and caring for their commu- County Health Department at (804) 318-8207. experience includes stints as an teacher in he happened to get “experience” logging nity, Black history, protecting the environ- The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday Charlottesville, dean of students at a charter into the RPS online learning platform and ment and horticulture and urban farming, a total of 136,359 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, along school in Detroit and a consultant for the how to use it. to name a few. They get hands-on lessons with 10,389 hospitalizations and 2,884 deaths. Officials reported Virginia Education Association, was the “That was foresight that made it easier with the chicken coup in the backyard and a 7 percent positivity rate statewide. logical person to lead the elementary pod, to navigate and understand the schedules three chickens that lay eggs daily. According to the data, African-Americans comprised 25.6 which meets Monday through Friday at the and teaching setup” that has helped him There’s also a trampoline that the percent of cases and 26.9 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 30.9 percent Evans family home on Barton Avenue. work with the four youngsters. youngsters play on during the break after of the cases and 10.3 percent of deaths. In addition to the Evanses’ sons, the According to Mr. Evans, the Northside pod includes two other boys, Sebastian Pod Life follows RPS’ virtual learning Please turn to A4 A4 September 17-19, 2020 Richmond Free Press News City of Louisville to pay the family of Breonna Taylor $12M to settle the wrongful death lawsuit filed after she was shot to death by police during a late-night raid of her home Continued from A1 “Justice delayed is justice denied. There was a better way to “When (police) kill us, we expect full justice. We expect justice handle this,” agreed Shameka Parrish-Wright, who has been part for the civil rights that you took from this human being. And Dissatisfaction with the settlement extended to “Injustice of the daily demonstrations where the city often faced peaceful then we expect full justice from the criminal justice system.” Square” in downtown Louisville, where demonstrators have protesters with force. “I’m hearing apologies now that should In the time since Ms. Taylor’s shooting, her death — along gathered daily for 113 days, demanding justice for Ms. Taylor. have happened early on.” with that of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police Some who listened to the announcement over a loudspeaker Ms. Palmer left the news conference with one of her attor- and the killing of others — has become a rallying cry for pro- near a memorial for Ms. Taylor said the price for a life seemed neys, Benjamin Crump, and met with protesters at the nearby testers seeking a reckoning on racial justice and police reform. low, the promised reforms too little and too late. park. She surveyed the original art of her daughter, prayed and High-profile celebrities including Oprah Winfrey and LeBron “It’s just not enough,” said Holly McGlawn, who noted how wiped away tears. James have called for the officers to be charged in Ms. Taylor’s much Ms. Taylor might have made had she lived. She was young, She had just two words to say: “Pressure applied,” a saying death. she could have worked for another 40 or 50 years, she said. her daughter often used as an emergency medical tech. Ms. Palmer’s lawsuit accuses three Louisville police officers “You can’t put a price on a Black woman being able to Mr. Crump said the $12 million payout is the largest such of blindly firing into Ms. Taylor’s apartment the night of the raid, sleep at night and know she’s not going to get murdered,” Ms. settlement given out for a Black woman killed by police. striking Ms. Taylor several times. One of the officers, Jonathan McGlawn said. The settlement “sets a precedent for Black people,” he said. Mattingly, went into the home after the door was broken down and was struck in the leg by the gunshot from Mr. Walker. The warrant was one of five issued in a wide-ranging investi- gation of a drug trafficking suspect who was a former boyfriend Federal appeals court decision may of Ms. Taylor’s. That man, Jamarcus Glover, was arrested at a different location about 10 miles away from Ms. Taylor’s apart- impact police immunity from lawsuits ment on the same evening. The settlement includes reforms on how warrants are handled Continued from A1 Before the shooting, the officers pinned The family of Mr. Jones is seeking $200 by police, Mayor Fischer said. Mr. Jones to the ground. Judge Floyd noted million in damages as a result of his death. Other reforms seek to build stronger community connections lawsuit to proceed against the officers in a jury could find that Mr. Jones was in The appeals court’s decision ensures the by establishing a housing credit program to encourage officers to Martinsburg, W.Va. custody at that point and that there was no case will go to trial. live in certain low-income areas in the city. Officers also will be Once again rejecting a lower court’s need for the officers to begin shooting. In its ruling, the appeals panel upheld encouraged to perform two paid hours of volunteer work every efforts to dismiss the suit on the grounds “Because it was clearly established (at the lower court’s determination that the two weeks in the communities where they serve. The city also the officers had qualified immunity that the time) that officers may not shoot a se- City of Martinsburg is immune from suit will track police use of force incidents and citizen complaints. barred the suit, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court cured or incapacitated person, the officers under the doctrine of sovereign immunity The city already has taken some other reform measures, of Appeals has ruled that the officers who are not entitled to qualified immunity,” and previous precedents. The bill the Vir- including passing a law named for Ms. Taylor that bans the fired 22 rounds into Wayne Jones ashe he stated in the June 9 opinion in which ginia Senate declined to hear would have use of the no-knock warrants. Police typically use them in drug lay prone and unresponsive can be brought Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory and Judge removed immunity for local and state cases over concern that evidence could be destroyed if they an- before a judge and jury to answer for their Stephanie Thacker joined. governments and private employers. nounce their arrival. actions in a civil trial. The officers were The case is important in the states and lo- This was the third time that the Rich- Mayor Fischer fired former Louisville Police Chief Steve cleared long ago of criminal culpability, calities within the 4th Circuit’s jurisdiction mond-based appeals court has considered Conrad in June and last week named Yvette Gentry, a former leaving only the civil suit seeking monetary as it sets parameters for when officers can aspects of the civil suit filed by his estate, deputy chief, as the new interim police chief. Chief Gentry is compensation. be sued in cases alleging excessive force. and the third time the appeals court has the first Black woman to lead the force of about 1,200 sworn Writing for the three-judge panel, Judge Along with West Virginia, the 4th Circuit’s rejected the lower federal court’s attempt officers. Henry F. Floyd wrote that Mr. Jones was territory includes Virginia, Maryland, North to throw the case out. The department also fired Brett Hankison, one of the three “clearly incapacitated” at the time the five Carolina and South Carolina. The Virginia Senate has not completely officers who fired shots in Ms. Taylor’s apartment that night. officers formed a circle and began firing. The case shows the kind of huge finan- ruled out legislation to limit police im- Mr. Hankison is appealing the dismissal. In the events that led to Mr. Jones’ death, cial risks that local taxpayers could face if munity and has set up a subcommittee to The largest settlement previously paid in a Louisville police a police officer noticed Mr. Jones walking qualified immunity is stripped away and write a narrower bill that could be heard misconduct case was $8.5 million in 2012, to a man who spent in the street rather than on a sidewalk and police officers are successfully sued for in the next regular legislative session that nine years in prison for a crime he did not commit, according sought to arrest him for the violation. violating constitutional rights. will begin in January. to news reports. Need for socialization, enrichment leads families to create education pods for children Continued from A1 morning classes. Planned are career development “porch chats” in which com- munity guests will come and speak with the children outside and share their life experiences. “Our goal is to really try to develop the whole child as much as possible,” said Mrs. Evans, who works from home. Mr. Evans was working as an assistant principal in Chester- field County before becoming the pod leader. Under the families’ agreement, he is paid $300 a week. His wife said the pod has both structured and open learn- ing. “We really like to let the students lead the learning and foster their curiosity,” Mrs. Evans said after the pod’s first week. “Social interaction is very important, which helps with a child’s social and emotional needs since there has been no personal, real-life interaction with their teachers and classmates since March,” Mr. Evans said. Florencia Fuensalida and John Van-Zandt are happy with their decision to enroll their son, Bastian, in the pod. Ms. Fuensalida said they felt it important for Bastian to be part of a pod rather than learn alone at home. The couple, who also have an infant daughter, both work from home. They said they realized their son wasn’t going to sit and work on a computer for a long period of time. He needed attention that they said would be tricky and hard to provide. They felt it was important for him to be part of a pod. So Ms. Fuensalida took part in the group’s development of the pod and helped to interview candidates. Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press “It is special for Bastian to be here with his peers,” Mr. Van- After a morning of online learning, Richmond Public Schools students in the Northside Pod Life’s elementary group Zandt said, noting the youngster was bored sitting in front of a use a mid-day recess to feed the chickens and gather eggs laid by hens in the backyard of pod leader Adam Evans. computer during the first two days of virtual instruction. The youngsters are, from left, Bastian Van-Zandt (back to camera), Sebastian Wisnoski, Blaize Evans (holding egg “As the days progressed, he felt it was so awesome to be basket) and Ace Evans with his dad and pod leader at the chicken coop. with his friends in the pod and have play time,” Mr. Van-Zandt said. “He is starting to adjust to the technological aspects of Educate RVA, which will provide additional support to families educational experiences and social opportunities to all children, school. He now also talks about Mr. Evans. He wants to show in Richmond. especially boys.” things to Mr. Evans.” “We want to disrupt the school to prison pipeline,” he said. For details on Northside Pod Life, email educate4RVA@ Mr. Evans said the next goal is create a nonprofit called “There are so many opportunities to provide learning, positive gmail.com. Plans to use city schools for day care program break down Continued from A1 with the private providers seeking to offer day Mayor Stoney’s administration would not sign Like Ms. Cosby, School Board member care during school hours, currently identified the draft memorandum of understanding. James “Scott” Barlow, 2nd District, did not like the day care program, announced two steps as the YMCA of Greater Richmond, the Peter Instead, on the advice of interim City At- the sudden change. He said he did not vote on Wednesday in a bid to get a more sizeable Paul Development Center and the Richmond torney Haskell C. Brown III, Mayor Stoney’s Aug. 31 to approve the deal because such issues program in place. Behavioral Health Authority. administration led by his senior policy adviser, where not ironed out. First, he announced the city would put up “We are not asking the school system to Eva Colen, told RPS officials just hours be- “I believe that the city should have some skin $1 million in federal CARES Act funds — assume any additional liability or to run the fore the School Board meeting that the deals in this process,” he said, describing the city’s one-third of the $3 million he has promised programs,” Mayor Stoney said. “We don’t need should be made between RPS and the nonprofit position as a fundamental change. for the program — to subsidize placement at to re-invent the wheel.” providers. Meanwhile, the School Board also is hearing neighborhood child care operations. However, School Board members consider Mr. Kamras asked board members if they are pleas to shorten the school day. Applications for interested providers who it a bait-and-switch after approving on Aug. 31 willing to enter into individual agreements with Teachers are expressing concern about having currently have extra space, adequate liability the city’s request to use the buildings for the these organizations to operate day care centers to be glued to a computer screen for long hours, insurance and a demonstrated approach to dealing day care program. at Huguenot High School, Martin Luther King including follow-up meetings and training. with COVID-19 are to be posted on the city’s The board, which has supported Superinten- Jr. Middle School and Linwood Holton, Miles Parents are finding it exhausting to motivate website on Friday, Sept. 18, he said. dent Jason Karmas’ plan for the city to use five Jones and Blackwell elementary schools. their children to stay online for long hours, the How long it will take the city to review and school buildings, expected the city to agree to School Board Chair Linda Owen, 9th District, board was told, and are worried about the eye award the funding remains a question. a memorandum of understanding that would put off any decision until the next meeting, after strain their children could experience in being Secondly, Mayor Stoney said he and several ensure the city undertakes all of the operating the board heard from its attorney, Jonnell P. online for so long. members on City Council plan to write the expenses, including being responsible for en- Lilly, who confirmed the city’s position. Board member Elizabeth Doerr, 1st District, Richmond School Board before its next meet- suring that child care regulations are followed She told the board Mr. Brown recommended reminded the Zoom viewers no school district ing on Monday, Sept. 21, urging that the board and dealing with any lawsuits if any child were that the city not sign an agreement “that would had extensive experience in virtual learning. follow the same model RPS adopted to allow injured or became sick. make them liable for following child care regula- At this point, Mr. Kamras does not support nonprofit providers like Next Up to use school “To quote Malcolm X, ‘We’ve been hood- tions because they are not the organizations in any reduction in class time and remains upbeat buildings for after-school programming. winked and bamboozled,’ ” School Board the building. The city sees itself as the facilitator about the number of students logging in daily and That model involves the school system member Felicia D. Cosby, 6th District, said after providing the grants for the child care providers learning. He said he would deliver a performance creating a memorandum of understanding the board was informed Monday night that the and linking them to RPS.” update to the board next Monday. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg remembered as an agent of change A4

Free

Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 40 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2020 ‘Wanton murder’ Breonna Taylor’s family attorney decries the decision of a Kentucky grand jury to absolve 2 white police officers in her shooting death, while charging a third with endangering Ms. Taylor’s neighbors

Free Press wire report

LOUISVILLE, Ky. Two white policemen who fired shots inside the apartment of Breonna Taylor, a Black emergency medical technician, will not be prosecuted for her death because their use of force was justified, while a third police officer was charged with endangering her neighbors, Kentucky’s attorney general announced on Wednesday. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced the Louisville grand jury’s decision at a news conference, as people broke into tears and protesters against racial injustice and police brutality assembled in the streets. Protests were largely peaceful. But about a dozen people were arrested in one confrontation between hundreds of demonstrators and dozens of heavily armed law enforcement officers in riot gear just outside downtown Louisville. Former Louisville Metro Police Detective Brett Hankison was indicted on three counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree, an offense that ranks at the lowest level of felony crime in Kentucky and carries a maximum sen- tence of up to five years in prison. Benjamin Crump, a civil rights lawyer rep- resenting the Taylor family, said it was “outra- geous and offensive” that none of the officers would be criminally charged with causing Ms. Taylor’s death. The FBI is still investigating potential viola- tions of federal law in the case. Ms. Taylor, 26, was killed in front of her boyfriend shortly past midnight on March 13 inside her Louisville apartment after Detective Hankison and his two colleagues forced their Lawrence Bryant/Reuters/TPX images of the day way into her home with a search warrant. A crying woman is comforted during demonstrations in Louisville, Ky., where protesters clashed with police following Wednesday’s announcement of the grand jury’s decision in the criminal case against police officers involved in the March fatal shooting of Please turn to A4 Breonna Taylor.

First day of early voting draws Free COVID-19 testing Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are hundreds to city registrar’s new office offering testing at the following locations: By George Copeland Jr. “We are here to voice our Date Location concern for the need for change Thursday, West Laburnum Avenue was Randolph Community Center in the administration,” Ms. Sept. 24, 1415 Grayland Ave., West End buzzing with activity last Friday Banks said. “This one is the 9 to 11 a.m Rain date: Broad Rock Community Center on Sept. 29. as roughly 700 people arrived most important election of my Tuesday, throughout the day at the Rich- lifetime.” Broad Rock Community Center Sept. 29, mond Voter Registrar’s Office 4165 Ferguson Lane, South Side The day marked the first time 4 to 6 p.m. to cast ballots on the first day Virginia voters have been able to Wednesday, of early voting in Virginia. vote early in an election, without Saint Paul’s Baptist Church Sept. 30, People regularly filed in and having to offer an excuse for an 4247 Creighton Road, Eastern Henrico out of the new headquarters for absentee ballot. It also served 10 a.m. to noon the city registrar that opened in as the culmination of months Friday, Eastern Henrico Health Department North Side in early September. of efforts by local and state Oct. 2, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave. parking lot Numerous campaign signs for officials and advocacy groups 1 to 4 p.m. Drive-thru testing. A limited number of tests are available. presidential and state and lo- Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press to ensure a safe and accessible cal candidates dotted the area U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton, former general election in the midst of Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 around the parking lot. state secretary of education, mark their ballots last Friday at the Richmond Voter Registrar’s office on West the coronavirus pandemic and p.m. Monday through Friday. Inside the building, voters Laburnum Avenue in North Side. They were among federal disruptions to the U.S. Walk-up testing will be offered while test supplies last. were greeted with floor markers roughly 700 voters who showed up for the first day of Postal Service that threatened The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering reminding of social distancing, early, in-person voting for the general election. to hamper the timely return of free COVID-19 testing at the following locations: an upbeat staff checking voters’ mailed-in ballots. Cornerstone Church, 10551 Chalkley Road, 1 to 2 p.m. IDs and distributing ballots from behind safety screens and voting Voting locations throughout Virginia saw lines of hundreds Thursday, Sept. 24, and 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28. booths that were immediately cleaned after each use to ensure Walmsley Boulevard United Methodist Church, 2950 health and safety for all. Please turn to A4 Walmsley Blvd., 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. Beulah United Methodist Church, 6930 Hopkins Road, 5 Special parking spots were set aside for curbside voting for to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. elderly and disabled voters who were aided by members of the Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 registrar’s staff. Richmond Free Press symptoms, and it is free for those who are uninsured or “Curbside — you can’t get any more convenient,” said Joyce underinsured. Banks, a retired teacher who had driven her 95-year-old father, founders win prestigious Some appointments will be reserved for walk-ups, but George A. Banks Sr., to the office so he could vote from the appointments are recommended by contacting the Chesterfield safety of her vehicle. County Health Department at (804) 318-8207. George Mason Award The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday By Jeremy M. Lazarus the Civil Rights Movement and a total of 142,590 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, along Black politics for The Wash- with 10,718 hospitalizations and 3,089 deaths. Officials reported The founders of the Rich- ington Post, TIME magazine a 5.5 percent positivity rate statewide. mond Free Press are being According to the data, African-Americans comprised 25.5 and TheRoot.com and has done percent of cases and 27 percent of deaths for which ethnic and honored with one of Virginia freelance work for the Rich- racial data is available, while Latinos made up 30.3 percent of journalism’s top awards. the cases and 10.1 percent of deaths. Founding publisher, the late Please turn to A4 Raymond H. Boone, and his wife, Jean Patterson Boone, who has served as publisher Drive-in homecoming worship since Mr. Boone’s death in June 2014, are the winners of the 2020 George Mason Award brings church members together for outstanding contributions to By Lyndon German the field, the Virginia Profes- sional Chapter of the Society For the past 27 Sundays, the of Professional Journalists an- Moore Street Missionary Baptist nounced Wednesday. Church congregation has held The SPJ chapter cited the worship service over Zoom and Boones for their leadership Bible study via conference calls. of the weekly newspaper they The church’s pastor, Dr. Alonza Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press launched on Dr. Martin Luther L. Lawrence, has delivered his King Jr.’s birthday in 1992 sermons to an empty sanctuary, Sound therapy and noted the publication has which were recorded for broad- Treasure Daily, 10, bundles up in the chilly outfield of The won numerous awards from cast on Zoom and Facebook. Diamond last Saturday and listens as her mother, Shanna the Virginia Press Association, However for homecoming Latia, conducts a sound therapy session during Project Yoga the National Newspaper Pub- Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press last Sunday, the congregation Gayle Clarke, a member of Moore Street Missionary Richmond’s Saturday Salutations. The nonprofit sponsoring lishers Association and other worked out a safe way for mem- organization is dedicated to making yoga accessible and Baptist Church, gets out of her car to listen to the sermon bers to meet in-person and hear organizations. delivered by church pastor Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence during affordable to Richmonders. The next Saturday Salutations Dr. Lawrence preach during the session is scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at In nominating the Boones, the church’s drive-in homecoming service last Sunday in The Diamond on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Jack White, who has covered the parking lot of Hovey Field at Virginia Union University. Please turn to A4 A4 September 24-26, 2020 Richmond Free Press News Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg remembered as an agent of change Free Press staff, wire report on the court. pay their respects. Preparations also were made that affected men as well as women. Justice Ginsburg had served on the court for her body to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol For example, Justice Ginsburg won U.S. Jennifer Carroll Foy remembers the moment for 27 years. She was only the second woman later this week. Supreme Court decisions that deemed unconsti- that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader and first Jewish female on the nation’s highest Justice Ginsburg is to be buried next to her tutional overwhelmingly male juries and struck Ginsburg changed her life. court. late husband, Martin D. Ginsburg, at Arlington down Social Security rules that barred men who Now a member of the Virginia General As- “Her record on racial justice issues was Cemetery on Tuesday, Sept. 29. lost their wives from receiving widower benefits sembly and a gubernatorial candidate, Delegate second to none,” wrote Kristen Clark, president Hailed as a “prophet for justice” and as a cultural on par with women who lost their husbands. Carroll Foy, then 14 and a student at Petersburg and executive director of the Lawyers’ Com- and legal icon, Justice Ginsburg used her time as a Known for her hard work and her expertise on High School, stated the moment came as she mittee for Civil Rights Under Law, pointing lawyer and judge to stem white male domination civil procedure, Justice Ginsburg first went on the watched Justice Ginsburg deliver the landmark to Justice Ginsburg’s powerful dissent in the and equalize conditions for both sexes. bench in 1980 when President Carter appointed 1996 opinion eliminating the males-only ad- Alabama case that struck down a key portion of Having experienced gender discrimination, her, with Senate approval, to the U.S. Court of missions policy at the state-supported Virginia the 1965 federal Voting Rights Act and largely the Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of a furrier and Appeals for the District of Columbia. Military Institute in Lexington. ended Justice Department oversight. garment factory worker was determined to Through the years, her dissents provided “I heard Justice Ginsburg’s assertions that Ms. Clark stated that Justice Ginsburg fore- usher in change. Long before President Clinton grounds for change. A prime example is the women are not inferior to men and that we can do told that the decision “would open the door to appointed her to the nation’s highest court in Ledbetter v. Goodyear case in which she wrote all the things they can if given the opportunity,” widespread voter suppression.” 1993, she already had become a towering figure a scathing rebuke after the court threw out a the Prince William County Democrat stated. Justice Ginsburg’s writing, Ms. Clark stated, in that area of the law. lawsuit in which a woman fought to obtain the “In response, I stood up and said, ‘Well, I’m inspired “countless women, lawyers and advo- A graduate of Cornell University and Colum- higher pay awarded to her male counterparts. going to VMI. I’m just as smart, just as strong, cates to resiliently fight for our country to live up bia University Law School, the young married Justice Ginsberg’s dissent in that case led just as capable as any man in this room,’ ” to the ideals enshrined in our Constitution.” mother and then-Rutgers University law school the Congress to pass a law requiring employers Delegate Carroll Foy recalled. As a member of the court, Justice Ginsburg professor won a huge U.S. Supreme Court vic- to provide equal pay for equal work, the Lilly She said she went through the rigors of the also took part in legalizing gay marriage, uphold- tory in 1971. That win enabled women to use Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. It was the first legislation program like any male recruit and credits VMI ing abortion rights and overturning government the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause President Obama signed into law after taking “for making me stronger.” rules that forced the mentally disabled to live to attack gender discrimination in state laws on office in 2009. “VMI taught me grit, perseverance and how in institutions instead of enabling hem to live a par with civil rights lawsuits that had used In an appreciation the Supreme Court issued, to be level headed and how to work alongside in community settings. that tactic to attack racial bigotry. Justice Ginsberg was cited as “slow, steady anyone to get the job done. And If I had gradu- Even as admirers mourned her loss, President The breakthrough she engineered and ar- and calculated” in her legal approach attacking ated high school before 1996, my opportunities Trump and the Republican-controlled Senate gued involved the 1971 case of Reed v. Reed specific areas of discrimination and violations would not have been the same,” she said. began pushing to name her replacement. Op- in which the U.S. Supreme Court cited gender of women’s rights, but leaving room for the To Delegate Carroll Foy, Justice Ginsburg ranks ponents have described the GOP move as a discrimination for the first time in striking down Congress, state legislators and local governments as “one of the greatest justices the Supreme Court clear and cynical reversal from four years ago an Idaho law favoring men to administer wills to usher in major social change. has ever had. She fought to ensure that women when the same senators blocked then-President and estates as unconstitutional. Though she was notably part of the court’s like me could have the same rights as others.” Obama from replacing the late Justice Antonin A year later, as the first female law profes- liberal wing, she made friends across the legal That view has echoed across the country fol- Scalia on the grounds that no appointment to sor at Columbia University Law School, she spectrum. lowing Justice Ginsburg’s death Friday, Sept. 18, the U.S. Supreme Court should be made during co-founded the Women’s Rights Project of the Archconservative Justice Clarence Thomas, 2020. Local, state and national tributes continue a presidential election year. American Civil Liberties Union and also became who regularly opposed Justice Ginsburg’s views, to pour in for Justice Ginsburg, a recognized The rush to replace Justice Ginsburg is its general counsel. wrote a heartfelt condolence: “As outstanding champion of civil and human rights. She was underway as her body lays in repose under By 1974 under her leadership, the project as she was as a judge, she was an even better 87 and succumbed to pancreatic cancer, which the portico at the top of the steps of the U.S. and other elements of the ACLU were involved colleague — unfailingly gracious, thoughtful she bravely fought while continuing her service Supreme Court for members of the public to in 300 lawsuits attacking gender discrimination and civil.” School Board moves ahead on day care plans By Ronald E. Carrington to settle the matter and not delay another The School Board heard from teachers, two weeks before taking further steps.” parents and students via letters and Zoom ‘Murder’ The Richmond School Board is mov- School Board Vice Chair Cheryl Burke, about students’ mental exhaustion caused Continued from A1 ing ahead with plans for five schools to 7th District, thanked Ms. Lilly for including by prolonged virtual learning, particularly open for day care for families that will be in the MOU the board’s most important for youngsters in elementary school. The two other officers, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Detective provided by three outside organizations. items. Those items included that priority With all classes starting at 9:15 a.m., Myles Cosgrove, were not charged because they were justified Superintendent Jason Kamras presented be given to the children whose parents Mr. Kamras proposed changes to include under Kentucky law in returning fire after Mr. Taylor’s boyfriend, a draft memorandum of understanding to are considered essential workers; that a shorter day for kindergarten through Kenneth Walker, shot at them, Mr. Cameron said. Sgt. Mattingly the School Board on Monday night that two-thirds of the day care slots be made second grade, with on-screen instruction was wounded in the thigh, Mr. Cameron said. would be used with three day care provid- available at no cost to families who qualify with teachers only in the morning followed “There is no doubt that this is a gut-wrenching, emotional ers — Peter Paul Development Center, the for Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition by small group and individual work in the case,” Mr. Cameron said at the news conference. Greater Richmond YMCA and Richmond Assistance Program or Temporary As- afternoon ending by 2:30 p.m. Mr. Cameron, a Republican and the state’s first Black attorney Behavioral Health Authority. sistance for Needy Families benefits; Under the proposal, grades 3 through 5 general, is a protégé of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mc- The MOU, drafted by RPS attorney that RPS arrange for breakfast and lunch would have a similar schedule, with two or Connell of Kentucky who has been tagged by some as the sena- Jonnell Lilly, outlines the terms, condi- distribution for the children; that the reg- more 10-minute morning breaks and a lunch tor’s heir apparent. His was also one of 20 names on President tions and responsibilities for the school istration process include diversity; and and recess period from 11:50 a.m. to 12:30 Trump’s list to fill a future U.S. Supreme Court vacancy. system as well as for the organizations. that the organizations be responsible for p.m. The day would end at 3:30 p.m. Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, called on Mr. Cameron to According to the draft, RPS will not as- daily coronavirus testing of children in the Middle school students’ six period release all evidence in the case so that the public could better sume any additional liabilities or run the program, as well as for all cleaning and schedule would be reduced to four, with understand the outcome of the investigation. day care programs that will have 100 slots any health liabilities. a 15-minute break in the morning and the “Everyone can and should be informed,” Gov. Beshear said. in each of five schools — Huguenot High, “We (RPS) have a lot of children needing afternoon. The day would end at 4 p.m. “Those feeling frustration, hurt—they deserve to know more.” Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School that support,” Ms. Burke said as she and High school students would also have Detective Hankison fired his weapon 10 times. Some of the bullets and Linwood Holton, Miles Jones and the board agreed to move forward. four periods — 90 minute each — split traveled through Ms. Taylor’s apartment into adjacent Apartment No. Blackwell elementary schools. In other matters, the RPS administration into on-screen and off-screen portions. 3, where a man, a pregnant woman and a child were at home. “If we can get consensus, the district, proposed a shorter virtual school day with The day would end at 4 p.m. There was “no conclusive” evidence that any of Detective within in the next two weeks, may be able less screen time in response to parents’ and RPS plans to send surveys about the Hankison’s bullets struck Ms. Taylor, Mr. Cameron said. The to get the child care centers up and running teachers’ concerns about children’s health proposed schedule change to families grand jury indicted him for wantonly placing the neighbors in in earnest,” Mr. Kamras said. “I would like with the online learning. later this week. danger, Mr. Cameron said. Protest organizers expressed frustration at the outcome, with some people weeping in the street. Hundreds of demonstrators wound their way out of downtown Louisville’s Jefferson Square Park, Drive-in worship brings members together dubbed by protesters as “Injustice Square,” and marched through Continued from A1 spend time together before we show the churches, but there’s nothing like being the streets chanting, “Out of the homes, into the streets!” recorded worship service and then spend at home.” In a suburban area at the edge of downtown, protesters threw COVID-19 pandemic – a drive-in church time together afterward. So we’ve not lost Mrs. Hickman-Fields said while she water bottles at police, who responded by firing pepper balls into service in the parking lot of Virginia Union the fellowship and we’ve had a consistent misses the sound of a full choir, she orga- the crowd. Pushing and shoving ensued between the two sides, and University’s Hovey Field. crowd to join us,” he said. nized a small ensemble to perform at the some demonstrators broke windows of businesses in the area. It was the first time in months that Dr. The congregation’s commitment to the homecoming celebration. The ensemble “If Brett Hankison’s behavior was wanton endangerment to Lawrence had an opportunity to deliver his church hasn’t wavered during the pan- also performs for the church’s recorded people in neighboring apartments, then it should have been wanton sermon in front of an audience, although demic as even lifelong members, includ- services. endangerment in Breonna Taylor’s apartment, too,” Mr. Crump instead of applause, his message was praised ing 78-year-old Gloria Coleman, adapted “Because we’re an ensemble, it doesn’t said. “In fact, it should have been ruled wanton murder!” by flashing lights and car horns. to meeting over the phone and computer feel different from the performance perspec- Still, it was good to preach in front of rather than in person. tive,” Mrs. Hickman-Fields said. “What’s a crowd again, he said. But for Ms. Coleman, Sunday’s drive-in really different for me is that we don’t “It felt so good, man! Oh, it felt so service was something special. have all the voices. We’ve struggled with Free Press wins award good,” Dr. Lawrence said at the conclusion “During the pandemic, it has really picking the songs that we can sing with Continued from A1 of the worship service. been a struggle not being in the building. just three or four voices. The fellowship About 40 cars and SUVs — some But the people are the church,” said Ms. is what we really miss.” mond Free Press, wrote: “For decades, the name Boone has been with just a single person and others with Coleman, who has been a member of On Sunday, attendees joined with the synonymous with the best traditions of the American press. … families — lined up in three rows facing the church since she was 8. “I am really ensemble in singing the hymns and the “Ray’s wife Jean was his partner and ally in (their) relentless Dr. Lawrence, who preached from a stage excited about us doing this because, even birthday chorus from their cars. Those crusade and, after his death, she became (the newspaper’s) unflinch- set up in front. With him on the stage were though we’re in our cars, we get to see who attended also received gift bags with ing leader. Now their children – Ray Boone Jr. and Regina Boone, three singers, two keyboardists, a drum- different people.” candy and other goodies to commemorate one of America’s best photojournalists – are helping to carry the mer and a bassist. All the musicians wore For the first time in about six months, the occasion. Others still had the option to torch as the Free Press pursues its mission of giving voice to the masks. The choir members pulled down Ms. Coleman and others were able to see participate by Zoom and Facebook live. voiceless. I can’t think of a family whose dedication and sacrifice their masks when they began singing. each other from their car windows. They “We still recognize that, in this day in better exemplify the values enshrined in the First Amendment.” During the pandemic, the Moore Street listened to Dr. Lawrence preach and to Mu- time, we will never be able to go back to The nomination also received support from SPJ member Frances congregation has adapted to worshipping at sic Coordinator Shalimar Hickman-Fields not using the technology,” Dr. Lawrence Broaddus-Crutchfield, a retired Richmond journalist who previously home together through a combination of pre- leading gospel hymns. The congregation said. “So our commitment has to be to freelanced for the Richmond Free Press, wrote that the late Mr. recorded services, Bible study conference also sang “Happy Birthday” together, a maintain the Zoom or streaming or whatever Boone was “a champion for truth, justice, accuracy and correct calls and Zoom get-togethers. According to third Sunday tradition to recognize those it is. We can’t shy away from it.” grammar. He forced journalism to do its job and do it well.” Dr. Lawrence, about 50 households tune in celebrating birthdays during the month. During the service, Dr. Lawrence Mrs. Boone was surprised and pleased by the award. for the online service every Sunday. “This is one of those lifetime congre- thanked the congregation members for their “I am humbled and delightfully grateful to learn that Ray and “The virtual thing is a little different, but gations,” Mrs. Hickman-Fields said when kindness and commitment to the church I have been selected to receive the prestigious George Mason it’s still a blessing,” he said. Worshipping asked when she became a member. “I’ve and asked members to anticipate similar Award,” Mrs. Boone said in a statement. via Zoom “allows us to see each other, to had the opportunity to work with other socially distanced events in the future. “As we know, Ray was the guiding force in creating the Free Press. I enthusiastically joined him in this venture and so did an incredibly talented and dedicated staff, many of whom have been a part of the Free Press team for more than 25 years. First day of early voting draws hundreds “I am also so fortunate to have two talented adult children Continued from A1 first days of early voting, painting a picture voting,” Sen. Kaine told a small group of who continue to contribute to the success of the Free Press from of a smooth electoral process for voters. reporters outside the building. “The greater when it was just an idea. of socially distanced citizens on the first In Richmond, the day also was an op- the participation, the more true we are to “This is an honor for all of us.” day, with voters weathering long wait times portunity for City Council candidates Allan- our small ‘d’ democratic principles. And Mr. Boone began his newspaper career as a reporter at the in Northern Virginia and rainy skies in Charles Chipman and Katherine Jordon I think the level of turnout this year is Suffolk News-Herald in the late 1950s. He later ran the now Virginia Beach to cast their ballots. to campaign and meet voters outside the going to be really helpful.” defunct Richmond Afro-American and Planet before moving According to Richmond Voter Registrar building, alongside local representatives for Despite being located past a narrow to Baltimore to serve as vice president of the Afro-American Kirk Showalter, only the first day saw any the top of the ballot presidential Democratic street nestled between a Richmond railyard Newspaper Group. He also taught journalism at Howard Uni- lines form to vote, as people waited for ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. and an intersection currently undergoing versity and served as a Pulitzer Prize juror. the office to open at 8 a.m. on Sept. 18. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and his wife, Anne heavy renovation, Ms. Showalter said voters He and his wife returned to Richmond to begin the Free Ms. Showalter said the first day of early Holton, former state secretary of education, apparently had no trouble finding the new Press 29 years ago. voting went very well, with around 650 who live in Richmond, arrived early last registrar’s office. This ease of access likely The Boones are the 55th recipients of the award that the Virginia to 700 voters daily since then. Friday to vote. was aided by community efforts by New SPJ chapter created in 1964 and named for the principal author of Election officials throughout Metro Rich- “I really like early voting and I have Life Deliverance Tabernacle, Victory Travel the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the model for the first 10 amend- mond also reported positive turnout for their long supported broadening the access to and others to get voters to the office. ments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. Meet local president of Jack and Jill InLight B2 of America B1

Free

Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 47 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com NOVEMber 12-14, 2020 COVID-19 survivor Rev. Morris R. Gant Jr. COVID-19 credits faith, prayers and medical care outbreak for getting him to the other side of pandemic Mayor, others quarantine By George Copeland Jr. A rash of new COVID-19 cases, outbreaks and quaran- tines have emerged following Forward the election, underlying the continuing threat of the virus locally, statewide and across the nation. Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced Monday on a so- cial media post that he and his staff have gone into quar- antine after a member of his by faith campaign team tested positive for COVID-19. By Jeremy M. Lazarus Rev. Gant was among the first people The campaign staffer, he infected as the virus entered Virginia in tweeted, had interacted with Tens of thousands of people across mid-March. His survival is being called the staff at the Richmond Voter Virginia and millions across the nation a miracle by his loved ones, as most Registrar’s office, where city have been infected with COVID-19 — people who went on ventilators in the Registrar Kirk Showalter an- and the data show the vast majority re- first months did not make it. nounced earlier Monday that covered without feeling much effect. While on the ventilator in a drug- three employees had tested So how bad can this virus be? induced coma, he suffered a host of positive for COVID-19 last Just ask the Rev. Morris R. Gant Jr., additional medical problems that were week after Election Day. 62, who is living proof of the agony potentially fatal — two strokes; blood City health officials said that those hit hardest can endure — if poisoning; and liver, heart and kidney Wednesday that number is now they live. damage that required around-the-clock nine, with three to five other The Richmond area resident and for- dialysis. He also contracted double people in the registrar’s office mer pastor of Guildfield Baptist Church pneumonia and had blood clots. experiencing symptoms and in Powhatan County is still recovering Even after Rev. Gant came off the Courtesy of Gant family getting tested for the virus. from the viral infection that left him ventilator, it took him an additional three The Rev. Morris R. Gant Jr. and his wife, Lynda, share a moment as he Also impacted is former hospitalized for 64 days. He spent 24 weeks before he could use a walker and continues his recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19. She mayoral candidate Alexsis E. days of those days unconscious, breath- never gave up hope that he would return home and led prayer circles in Rodgers, who also stated on efforts to aid his recovery while he was hospitalized. ing with the help of a ventilator. Please turn to A4 social media that she would be quarantining “after being in the registrar’s office and near Free COVID-19 testing individuals who have since President-elect Biden Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. tested positive.” The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering And three officers with the testing at the following locations: Richmond Police Department also are in quarantine awaiting calls for healing as Trump Date Location results of their COVID-19 tests Thursday, Stonewall Avenue RRHA Senior Building after possible exposure from Nov. 12, 1920 Stonewall Ave., South Side interacting with staff at the 9 to 11 a.m tries to block transition registrar’s office. Friday, Eastern Henrico Health Department Ms. Showalter said that By Jeremy M. Lazarus Nov. 13, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave. Eastern Henrico 90 percent of her staff is now 1 to 3 p.m. Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered. under quarantine until Nov. Democrat Joe Biden is call- Monday, Parham Road Baptist Church ing this “a time for healing” in 17, with only four out of 40 Nov. 16, 2101 N. Parham Road, Western Henrico workers reporting to the office claiming victory in the 2020 2 to 4 p.m. Drive-thru testing presidential election. this week. Tuesday, Eastern Henrico Health Department She said the Laburnum Av- “Folks, the people of this Nov. 17, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave. Eastern Henrico nation have spoken. They’ve 10 a.m. to noon Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered. enue building was deep cleaned on Nov. 6 and was cleaned delivered us a clear victory,” Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and Henrico the 77-year-old president-elect again this week. COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday City and state health officials said Saturday evening from through Friday. Wilmington, Del., as he stood Testing will be offered while test supplies last. are working with the office to with his running mate and fu- The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering free conduct contact tracing, and it COVID-19 testing at the following locations: does not appear that the public ture vice president, U.S. Sen. • Faith and Family Center, 7900 Walmsley Blvd., 4 to 5 p.m. Kamala Harris, who will be the is at risk. Thursday, Nov. 12 and Nov. 19. Ms. Showalter said that first woman, first Black and first • Chesterfield Health Department, Smith-Wagner Building Multi- South Asian to fill the nation’s Purpose Room, 9501 Lucy Corr Circle, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, because of her office’s reduced Nov. 14 and Nov. 21. capacity, it was uncertain second highest office. • Walmsley Boulevard United Methodist Church, 2950 Walmsley In the wake of the knock- whether she would be able to Blvd., 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 and Nov. 24. finish certifying hundreds of down, drag-out battle for the top • Second Baptist Church, 5100 W. Hundred Road, Chester, 10 office against President Trump, to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13 and Nov. 20; and 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. provisional ballots ahead of Mr. Biden urged Americans to Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press 16, Nov. 23 and Nov. 30. Tuesday’s reporting deadline Aiden Porter holds up a Biden-Harris campaign sign • St. Augustine Catholic Church, 4400 Beulah Road, 11 a.m. to to the state Department of come together. Saturday in celebration of the Democrats’ victory in the noon Wednesday, Nov. 18. “Let’s give each other a Elections. presidential election. The 4-year-old stood at the base Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms. She said her office had in- chance. It’s time to put away The testing is free, and no reservations are necessary. of the Lee statue on Monument Avenue, where he was formed state election officials the harsh rhetoric, lower tem- celebrating with his mother, Jasmine Howell. Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) 318-8207. The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday a total of the situation. perature, see each other again, of 196,506 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, along with 13,273 listen to each other again,” he with states yet to officially majority in the Electoral Col- “We will have all figures in hospitalizations and 3,741 deaths. before midnight online except said. “It’s a time to heal.” certify results, Mr. Biden, a lege needed to beat incumbent The number of new coronavirus cases has exceeded 1,000 daily That may be tough in a na- former senator and former vice President Trump. for the last week, officials said. the provisional ballots,” Ms. tion that appears to be engaged president, declared victory after Early analysis shows that According to Virginia data, African-Americans comprised 23.7 Showalter said Tuesday in an percent of cases and 27.2 percent of deaths for which ethnic and email. “I am hoping to finish the in a political civil war, cleaved multiple news organizations high numbers of Black and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 26.4 percent of the between the red Republicans on Saturday reported that he Latino voters went to the research of the provisional bal- cases and 9.2 percent of deaths. lots (Wednesday) for the board and blue Democrats. had won Pennsylvania and its polls, most notably in key Locally, as of Wednesday, 5,840 cases and 78 deaths were reported Though counts continue in 20 electoral votes, giving the in Richmond; 7,043 cases and 243 deaths were reported in Henrico; to review on Thursday.” some parts of the country and Democratic ticket the 270-vote Please turn to A4 and 7,849 cases and 120 deaths were reported in Chesterfield. Please turn to A4 2nd District surprise: Katherine L. Jordan declared winner of City Council seat after election night miscount By Jeremy M. Lazarus a review of more than 900 provisional ballots that she expected A bit surprised by the turnaround, Ms. Jordan said, “It ap- to be finished before Friday. But those votes, if accepted, are pears definitive that I have been selected to represent the 2nd Katherine L. Jordan is in, and not expected to change the results. District on City Council. Tavarris J. Spinks is out. Unofficial results last week showed Ms. Jordan, an urban “This was a hard-fought election against an opponent who Ms. Jordan A week after the Nov. 3 and environmental planner, losing by 26 votes to Mr. Spinks, ran a great race. I am honored and humbled by the outcome. election, newly posted certified an information technology specialist. I look forward to serving the people of this district to the best results show Ms. Jordan, 46, decisively won the 2nd District That changed late Tuesday when Ms. Showalter, who had of my ability.” City Council race. rejected making updates during the post-election canvass of Meanwhile, the official results confirm that Mayor Levar M. She will replace Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, who lost in results, finally posted official counts. Stoney was re-elected to a second term as were seven council her bid to unseat the mayor. Those changes showed Ms. Jordan won by 1,234 votes. incumbents and another newcomer, Ann-Frances Lambert, who Ms. Jordan’s unexpected victory — one of the substantial In the updated tally, Ms. Jordan received 7,195 votes, or won a three-way race in the 3rd District to replace outgoing corrections to results — was the only change in the outcomes 54.3 percent of the 14,186 cast early or on Election Day in the Councilman Chris A. Hilbert. the Free Press reported last week in Richmond’s local elections district, while Mr. Spinks received 5,961 votes or 45 percent, Ms. Jordan will add to female domination of City Council. based on unofficial results. with 103 write-in votes comprising the rest. In January, the newly elected governing body will include seven As of Wednesday, Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter, Election observers indicated that at least 1,000 votes first hampered by a coronavirus outbreak in her office, was completing reported for Mr. Spinks ended up being shifted to Ms. Jordan. Please turn to A4 A4 November 12-14, 2020 Richmond Free Press News Richmonders react to Biden-Harris victory By Ronald E. Carrington The Washington Park resident is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which Sen. Harris pledged while a student at People around Richmond celebrated with jubilation Saturday Howard University. Ms. Nichols said her daughter, Dr. Colita N. the election of Democrats Joe Biden as president and U.S. Sen. Fairfax, also an AKA and a member of Norfolk State University’s Kamala Harris as the first woman, first Black and first South faculty, was at Howard at the same time and was acquainted Asian vice president. with Sen. Harris. Brenda Nichols, a semi-retired music educator with Henrico “We (the AKAs) take such pride and joy that Sister Kamala County Public Schools and Virginia Union University, was elated has proven the fact that we can achieve all things,” Mrs. Nichols when she learned Saturday of the Biden-Harris victory. said. “We are grateful that she possesses the ability to be humble “I am so excited for America to see what Kamala Harris will and trained to do this work she is privileged to do for America Mrs. Nichols Mr. Dunbar Ms. Rodenburg expose to the world. What a great example she is for my five with incoming President Joseph Biden.” president, and Sen. Harris. female grandchildren, as well as other African-American women She said she has now witnessed two historic national elec- “If you persevere, the goal will happen,” Mrs. Nichols said of all complexions, colors and hues.” tions – the election of President Obama, the nation’s first Black of the historic elections. “We have to not just pray, but do works to make something happen.” Justin Dunbar, 34, who retired from the military and now works with Capital One, had goosebumps about the election’s President-elect Biden calls for healing outcome on Saturday. “It really matters to have a commander-in-chief with respect Continued from A1 outcome of the presidential race in places Mr. Biden and Democrats in a far weaker for American institutions, as well as for both political parties,” like Richmond, Atlanta, Detroit and Wash- position after he takes office Jan. 20. Mr. Dunbar said. “It is incredibly important for a president, battleground states, including Michigan, ington that strongly backed President-elect Notably, Republicans kept control of coming from one party, to represent everybody regardless of Arizona and Georgia, enabling Mr. Biden Biden, there were counter-demonstrations legislatures in Texas and other key states political party.” to overcome, albeit narrowly, a Republican in Trump country where people are holding that Democrats hoped to flip and the winners Mr. Dunbar, a South Side resident, is of Asian descent. He surge on Election Day. up “Stop the Fraud” signs and banners. now will be able to use new 2020 Census said he has a godson who is African-American. If the votes are confirmed and certified, Recounts are likely in several key states, data to retain power through gerrymander- He said as a member of the military, he worked with people the divisive President Trump, who has including Georgia, where a hand-count has ing and new voter suppression laws. of all races. He believes it’s important for youngsters to see undermined the office and turned lies and been ordered of every presidential ballot Even worse, Democrats gained a net of people in office who look like them. insults into badges of honor, would be the after President Trump failed to win. The just one new U.S. Senate seat, according “You don’t understand how important representation matters first sitting president to lose re-election final, official result of the election also will to results from around the country, not the until you see it,” he said, “like in the movies ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ since George H.W. Bush in 1992. take time as President Trump’s legal team three needed to gain control of the Senate, or ‘Black Panther.’ ” Still, President Trump has yet to con- files a wave of lawsuits seeking to make which votes on presidential nominees to Mr. Biden and Sen. Harris are signs of hope, he said. cede. On Wednesday, he was still declaring the outcome appear illegitimate — though the U.S. Supreme Court, all federal courts Charlotte Rodenburg, an adjunct professor in Virginia Com- himself the winner backed by a chorus of he has yet to find a judge to accept any and other top government positions. monwealth University’s Art Department, sat on the porch steps GOP sycophants echoing that theme. He of his team’s arguments. Democrats’ only chance to get to 50 of her North Richmond home, relief and happiness flooding also is blocking Mr. Biden from gaining It looks like Mr. Biden scored a big vic- Senate seats so that Sen. Harris could her face. A “Black Lives Matter” banner was attached to her resources or cooperation to begin the tory. According to national data, a record 150 break ties when she takes over in January porch railing. transition. And he has joined with the million people participated in the election, as vice president and presiding officer of She and her husband, Josh, have two daughters, Xena, 7, likes of Sen. Lindsay Graham of South with Mr. Biden leading in the popular vote. the Senate is to win both Georgia seats. and Zelda, 4. She was ecstatic that a woman will become vice Carolina and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas to Currently, he has about 77 million votes to Runoffs are to be held for both Georgia president in the new year. try to undermine the results with claims about 72 million for President Trump, a Senate seats on Jan. 5. “We are in unprecedented times and it was important to let of election fraud without any evidence — record for both winner and loser. While Mr. Biden narrowly won the the process unfold in a way we (Americans) have never seen even in states where Republicans control The total turnout also hit 66.3 percent of the state, the smart money is betting that before,” she said. the legislatures, such as Wisconsin and electorate, the highest level since 1908. Republicans will win both seats, giving “Mr. Biden is the total opposite of President Trump. Mr. Pennsylvania. But that still means 75 million registered the GOP a 51-49 margin. If that happens, Biden is for love and togetherness, as well as working across That message is being heard loud and voters did not cast ballots. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will the aisle. clear by Trump supporters who are dis- As various election watchers have noted, remain majority leader and could ensure “The silver lining is that we have discovered how much hate mayed their hero did not win. the projected Democratic landslide never that Mr. Biden faces the same gridlock he is still in America. And we can now start addressing some of While there was jubilation over the materialized and that is likely to leave created to thwart President Obama. this systemic racism in our country,” she said. COVID-19 survivor credits faith, prayers and medical care Continued from A1 infected, some shrug off the disease and some certification in clinical pastoral education. home,” he said he was told. get hammered. Rev. Gant’s wife, Lynda C. Gant, Since then, Rev. Gant has served primarily as Because testing was extremely limited, he go to the bathroom by himself. for example, never contracted the disease even a hospice chaplain, specializing in comforting was not yet diagnosed with the coronavirus. “I couldn’t wipe my booty or stand up next though she stayed close to her husband while the dying and helping their families during the At home, Rev. Gant said his condition con- to my bed,” he said, in recalling how even his he was infectious. process. In 2013, he added to his workload by tinued to deteriorate. “I couldn’t hold my head hands wouldn’t work. However, Rev. Gant’s cautionary tale shows becoming pastor of Guildfield Baptist and its up,” he said. “I constantly leaned over with my Rev. Gant credits his faith with seeing him the worst can happen and explains the emphasis 50-member congregation. head down. I had no energy, and I had a hard through, along with the power of his extended being put on wearing masks and keeping at least His COVID-19 story began in March within time breathing.” family’s prayers and the medical care he received 6 feet away from others. a week or two after the virus was first detected His wife, using a small medical device to measure at Bon Secours-St. Francis Medical Center Avoiding the disease is one of the best ways and Gov. Ralph S. Northam declared a state his blood oxygen level, persuaded him to go to a in Chesterfield County during a time when to prevent becoming one of the rapidly rising emergency on March 12. hospital when his oxygen level fell to 80 percent, physicians and nurses were just learning about statistics of people who are hit or hospitalized Rev. Gant is not sure when or where he came or 13 percentage points below normal. COVID-19 and best treatment practices. with COVID-19 — like Rev. Gant — or who into contact with the virus, although he believes Mrs. Gant drove him to the hospital. He said “It’s been an ordeal,” he said. Even now, he succumb to it. it might have happened when he visited a nursing a doctor saw him in the emergency room. must take steroids to improve his breathing as A big man who migrated to Virginia from home resident in Chesterfield County. “He asked if he could pray for me,” Rev. his lungs were scarred. his native Philadelphia, Rev. Gant is a former He said the nursing home was checking Gant said. “Those are the last words I heard His thinking and memory also have been af- Richmond Police officer who later worked for temperatures, but it was still very early in the before I woke up 24 days later.” fected by what is called “long haul syndrome,” that 16 years for United Parcel Service before turn- pandemic and masks were not such a big deal. Rev. Gant said he finally was able to walk can include lingering brain fog, fatigue, shortness ing to the ministry He said he started getting sick within a few to the bathroom on his own after about 40 days of breath and joint and chest pain. When he gets At 43, he began his career change when he days. When his temperature rose to 102.3, he in the hospital. He said he looked in the mirror tired — and he still tires more easily — he said entered the seminary at Virginia Union Uni- went to a nearby hospital. and saw a bearded figure with unkempt hair. “I he often cannot remember the name of everyday versity, where he earned a master’s degree in He said he returned home after a doctor told almost didn’t recognize myself, ” he said. items, such as a comb or kitchen utensils. theology. He then spent a year at Texas Health him there was little to be done. Rev. Gant would remain isolated from his It is still a mystery why some people are Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth to earn “You can be miserable here or miserable at family through his six-week stay at St. Francis, followed by another three weeks at the Sheltering Arms Institute Physical Rehabilitation Hospital. He was able to touch his wife’s hand and face COVID-19 outbreak quarantines mayor, others for the first time when he was discharged. Continued from A1 and rapid testing. positive cases in Virginia, While he was unconscious, his wife would Another 10 cases were 13,273 hospitalizations and make a video call to him daily, with the hospital Mayor Stoney said in his tweets that he and reported at seven Henrico 3,741 deaths reported by staff holding an electronic tablet close so he could his staff are in quarantine following guidance County schools since last the Virginia Department hear her voice. She also alerted the extended from the Richmond Health District and City of week. And Chesterfield of Health. family that organized prayer circles. Richmond employee protocol. County also is facing three “You should take precau- Mrs. Gant never wavered in her certainty he “My staff & I are well prepared to serve the more COVID-19-related tions around anyone who would recover. residents of Richmond from home. It’s the safe, deaths at Tyler’s Retreat at does not live in your own She said the palliative care doctor daily responsible thing to do while (Richmond City Iron Bridge, for a total of house,” Gov. Northam said. would “talk about the high probability that my Health District) traces possible exposures stem- 19 deaths at the retirement Mayor Stoney Ms. Rodgers “Yes, even if they are your husband would die and that I needed to make a ming from the Registrar’s Office. This should community. family.” decision on whether I wanted them to resuscitate serve as a sobering reminder that the pandemic The state Health Department reported on State officials said antigen tests are con- if something went wrong. is still very real,” the mayor wrote. Wednesday a cumulative total of 5,840 cases tinuing to be distributed statewide, along with “I politely told him that I believe in the “Just because it’s not in the headlines doesn’t and 78 deaths in Richmond; 7,043 cases and 700,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and 850,000 power of God, the power of prayer and that mean it’s no longer a threat. Please, monitor 243 deaths in Henrico County; and 7,849 cases masks that have been circulated throughout God was going to heal him and bring him yourself for symptoms and take advantage of and 120 deaths in Chesterfield County. Virginia so far. home,” she said. the resources offered by our Health District.” In a Tuesday media briefing, Gov. Ralph The state also has signed contracts with three Mrs. Gant said she also told the physician Similarly, the Henrico County Voter Reg- S. Northam and other state officials expressed companies to increase the amount of daily test- “that we are a praying family, that I have a istration and Elections Office and the Henrico concern over the continuing spread of the coro- ing by 7,000. village of saints that are praying for him. We Department of Public Works also reported an navirus throughout the state, where Southwest “Virginians, you have done an exceptional job bombarded God with specific prayers. Twenty- outbreak of COVID-19 on Tuesday. Seven em- Virginia is now being hit particularly hard with over the past eight months in responding to this crisis,” four days after he was admitted to the hospital, ployees have tested positive, one is awaiting test a positivity rate of 9 percent. Gov. Northam said. “And I know you’re tired. I’m he woke up,” she said. results and officials have begun contact tracing State figures posted Wednesday show 196,506 tired. The new normal is still ahead of us.” “He is a miracle. We experienced a miracle.” Katherine L. Jordan declared winner of City Council seat Continued from A1 In the 6th District, voters settled a three- to confirm that Ms. Trammell, an 18-year council veteran, won way race to replace outgoing incumbent a majority of the district’s votes. women and two men. board member Felicia Cosby by electing In a statement, Ms. Wentz said, “This has been an incredible Returning members will include current Council President their former representative, educator Shonda ride.” She noted wins in three of the district’s six precincts. Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, who is expected to face a Harris-Muhammed. Speaking with the Free Press, Ms. Wentz also called for an challenge for the council’s top leadership position; Andreas D. Returning School Board members include audit of the city’s election operation, citing both the errors in Addison, 1st District; Kristen N. Larson, 4th District; Stephanie Liz B. Doer, 1st District; Kenya J. Gibson, the unofficial results and expressing concern about the accuracy A. Lynch, 5th District; Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District; Reva M. 3rd District; Jonathan M. Young, 4th District; of some of the numbers in the official results. Trammell, 8th District; and Michael J. Jones, 9th District. Cheryl Burke, 7th District; and Dawn C. She called the initial miscounts and the potential problems Ms. Showalter The results in the contests for School Board seats also were Page, 8th District. she spotted in the final results “unacceptable.” undisturbed, portending a potential shake-up in board leadership The official results also corrected Richmond’s vote totals, Asked to comment, Ms. Showalter stated that she was aware and a change in the majority in control of policy decisions. boosting the numbers by about 8,000 people from preliminary of the erroneous totals reported in the 2nd and 8th districts. As previously reported five incumbents were re-elected, along with results. In all, about 112,000 voters participated, a 7.6 percent However, she stated her office’s long-standing policy has been to one former board member and three newcomers, including Mariah increase over the 104,000 voters who participated in 2016. keep preliminary results unchanged until the canvass is completed, L. White, who upset incumbent J. Scott Barlow in the 2nd District. In addition to the 2nd District, miscounts also turned up in rather than updating the preliminary results if mistakes are found Other newcomers include Stephanie M. Rizzi, who won a the 8th District City Council race, won by Ms. Trammell. At as the tapes of results from voting machines are checked. four-way race to succeed Dr. Patrick Sapini in the 5th District; least two precincts had faulty results, leading challenger Amy C. “No updates are made on a piecemeal basis so we can ensure and Nicole Jones, who was unopposed after incumbent Linda Wentz, who finished second, to initially refuse to concede. that every precinct is correctly reported and that the final results Owen did not see re-election in of the 9th District. Ms. Wentz conceded on Wednesday after new results appeared are correct and accurate,” Ms. Showalter stated. Meet chairman of Richmond Ethiopian Obama’s best-seller B2 Community Services B1

Free

Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 49 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com NOVEMber 25-28, 2020 ‘Nursing school doesn’t prepare you for this’ Working at ground zero

VCU Medical Center’s Jade Jones knows the joy and pain wrapped into caring for COVID-19 patients as a respiratory ICU nurse

By Nichole M. Christian

Jade Jones is living her life’s dream — in the midst of a deadly national nightmare. She is a nurse in the respiratory intensive care unit at VCU Medical Center. Her days are long and scary — 12-hour shifts that for much of the last year have placed her face to face with the consequences and casualties of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Ms. Jones has held hands with the dying, shed tears with the relatives of patients and some days found herself battling both tears and anger over the seemingly callous disregard of those who refuse to treat the crisis for what it is: A pandemic with no end or proven cure yet in sight. “I wish people could really get a picture of our days and Please turn to A4

Richmond family grateful Coach Willard Bailey reaches through Thanksgiving changes mountaintop — Black College By Ronald E. Carrington Football Hall of Fame

Thanksgiving 2020 will be very By Fred Jeter different for the Shaw family, like many others across the Common- An old sports writer phoned Coach wealth and the nation. Willard Bailey last week to interview Their North Side home will not the winningest football coach in be filled as usual with their three the CIAA about being selected for adult children, Raymond, David and the Black College Football Hall of Maya, and about 20 others, includ- Fame. ing family, friends and neighbors, Coach Bailey, who had an illustri- enjoying a scrumptious dinner ous coaching career at Virginia Union laced with lively conversations, University, Norfolk State University, telling stories and catching up on Saint Paul’s College and Virginia the lives of the younger generation University of Lynchburg, won seven and the elders. CIAA championships and took teams Listening to the warnings of to the NCAAs six times. experts, they are cutting back their He retired from coaching in 2013 holiday tradition — way back — with a stellar 238-169-7 record and sent because of COVID-19. seven of his players to the NFL. “We did not want to be respon- He is one of six giants in the sport sible for starting any type of COVID who will be inducted into the 2021 virus spread,” Linda Shaw said of Black College Football Hall of Fame her annual gathering. during a ceremony and Juneteenth They decided on an alternate celebration in Atlanta on June 19, approach to Thanksgiving dinner presented by the Atlanta Falcons. and sharing. Coach Bailey, who was a tenured “We are going to prepare and professor while he led football teams, Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press distribute ‘to-go plates’ — like Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press has served since 2015 as president Linda and Lionel “Pooh” Shaw are scaling back their restaurants — to be picked up at Coach Willard Bailey speaks at a celebration and chief executive officer of Cen- typical Thanksgiving plans to have family and friends a particular time from our back last Friday honoring him for his selection to tral International College, a private, receive “to-go” plates instead of sitting down together the 2021 Class of the Black College Football Please turn to A4 for dinner because of the coronavirus. Please turn to A4 Hall of Fame.

Free COVID-19 testing City Council receives Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: bids from 22 who want Date Location Confederate statues Tuesday, Eastern Henrico Health Department Dec. 1, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave. Eastern Henrico By Jeremy M. Lazarus 10 to noon Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered. Thusday, The Diamond To donate or not to donate? Dec. 3, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. That is the question Richmond City Council may face when 1 to 4 p.m. Drive-thru testing. it comes to disposing of most of the city-owned Confederate Friday, Eastern Henrico Health Department statues. Dec. 4, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave. Eastern Henrico “Donation preferred” is a common theme of the 22 bids that 1 to 3 p.m. Drive-thru testing only for those pre-registered. the City Council’s staff has received from 17 organizations and five private individuals who have expressed interest in removing Appointments are encouraged by calling the Richmond and and re-establishing them elsewhere, according to a compilation Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to prepared by Lawrence R. Anderson, council’s chief of staff. 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. No date has been set for a decision on the statues the council Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Testing will be offered while test supplies last. The Chesterfield County Health Department also is offering controls and for at least three and possibly four others, includ- free COVID-19 testing at the following location: ing the statue of Christopher Columbus from Byrd Park. The Helping hand Second Baptist Church, 5100 W. Hundred Road, Chester, Columbus statue’s fate would be subject to a recommendation Ronald Jackson, 12, was among the volunteers who helped 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30. from Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration. load cars, trucks and vans last Saturday with meals for Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms. The council’s list of Confederate items awaiting disposal veterans, seniors and families for Thanksgiving. The event The testing is free, and no reservations are necessary. includes six items from Monument Avenue — the metal statues at the Military Retirees Club in North Side was led by Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) of Jefferson Davis, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, Matthew Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, and was 318-8207. Fontaine Maury and J.E. B. Stuart, and two cannons; the Confed- one of several food giveaways and feeding programs set up around the holiday. The young man attended the event with Please turn to A4 Please turn to A4 his mother, Tanya Jackson. Please see other photos, B2. A4 November 25-28, 2020 Richmond Free Press Local News ‘Nursing school doesn’t prepare you for this’ Continued from A1 to fend off the virus, usually alone in rooms “I just had an epiphany that I never saw myself If she could, Ms. Jones would blast the same designed for two patients and equipped to combat as being the person who goes in the room for message around the city and the entire coun- the patients stuck in the hospital for God knows airborne disease. only a couple of minutes,” Ms. Jones said. try. “Just because you don’t think COVID can how long,” Ms. Jones said. Nothing about the work or patients’ suf- She took a year off after college to reflect, then send you to the hospital, you can end up sending Since March, the hospital has had on average fering is easy. Yet Ms. Jones insists, “I love jumped straight into an accelerated nursing pro- your mother, your grandmother, everyone you two dozen or more patients hospitalized with what I do.” gram at Virginia Commonwealth University. She love into the hospital. Patients come into the COVID-19 at any given time, said Laura Rossacher, “This is the whole reason I went into this graduated from the nursing program in 2018. hospital with multiple family members who’ve director of public affairs for VCU Health. field — to help,” Ms. Jones said. “Right now, “I saw myself being at the bedside with the just passed away from the virus. The careless- Each time a COVID-19 patient comes onto it’s really hard because it’s one of the toughest patient and being nurturing and caring. That’s ness has a cost for all of us.” the unit, Ms. Jones wishes the same wish. times we’ve ever known as a society. But it’s the part I love even now, having my three or So far, the coronavirus has not touched Ms. “I wish people could truly see the difference also an honor to be able to be with patients on four patients, being part of every part of their Jones or the lives of her family members, in- they could make just doing the basics — the their journeys. I’m grateful that I get to help care, getting to hear about their families and cluding her husband, Gavin, a Henrico County social distancing, the masks, the hand sanitizer, them feel less alone. I wouldn’t trade it.” their hopes once they’re able to go home.” police officer. She has, however, endured the the sacrifice of not seeing family this Thanks- Yet the data from the Virginia Department One of the enduring joys of her job, she says, loss of some aspects of her job, little things that giving. I really wish people would think of all of Health suggests there are plenty of reasons is listening to patients, who despite sometimes she took for granted yet loved the most. the Thanksgivings and Christmases to come if to fear coronavirus. State officials reported struggling to breathe, share stories about their “I miss touching patients with my bare hand,” we could just sacrifice now.” Tuesday there have been approximately 223,582 lives even as she stands at a safe distance and she says. “I don’t ever get to touch my patients For those who ask what it’s like to be on the cases, with 2,544 new cases in the preceding works to limit her time in their presence unless without gloves on. That’s a loss because there’s front lines helping patients battle the virus, Ms. 24 hours. Those figures, tracked and updated medically necessary. something really therapeutic about human touch, Jones offers one word — cruel. daily, included 14,212 hospitalizations and Ironically, it’s the days when Ms. Jones is especially if the patient is having a hard mo- “The deterioration is sometimes so rapid. One 3,979 total deaths. away from the sick that she is most afraid of ment or hard day.” minute, it’s just a cough, a headache, maybe a Cumulative numbers for Richmond: 6,446 the virus’ reach. Ms. Jones dreams also of the day when she slight fever. And the next thing you know, the cases; 501 hospitalizations; 81 deaths. In Henrico “At the hospital, I know we’re doing our can unmask. patient is on the highest amount of available County: 7,977 cases were reported, with 576 part. We know PPE works, and we sanitize our “There are times when you’re trying to oxygen. It’s terrifying because you just don’t hospitalizations and 244 deaths. The numbers hands all day. I can’t even count how much or explain to (patients) how to properly breathe, know who it’s going to happen to next.” in Chesterfield County, where Ms. Jones grew how often in a day,” said Ms. Jones, who works and you wish they could see your mouth and Despite all that she has witnessed on VCU’s up, were last reported at 8,827 cases, 479 hos- each shift in a face shield, nitro gloves and a your nose. There’s just so much of the human North 9 Progressive Care Unit — the fear on the pitalizations and 127 deaths. constantly changing supply of masks, from part of the job that they don’t get to experience faces of COVID-19 positive patients; the anxiety Ms. Jones, who turns 27 the day before the highly protective level 3 mask to the more anymore. I try to put my personality out there, and frustration in the voices of loved ones forced Thanksgiving, will celebrate her second year in typical airborne resistant mask. but I’m sure I look just like the nurse they had to say final goodbyes by phone or Zoom — Ms. the nursing profession in December. It’s a career “I’m scared when I go to the grocery store,” the night before in the same garb. I wish they Jones remains driven by the dream. she stumbled upon during her senior year as an she continues. “That’s truly the place where I could see my smile.” “Nursing school doesn’t prepare you for Old Dominion University biology major. At the feel the most fear because you see people not For the holidays, Ms. Jones is looking to old this,” Ms. Jones said. Her unit is effectively time, she thought medical school would be her doing their part.” traditions to help comfort patients in crisis. She VCU Medical Center’s ground zero, the first next stop after graduation. But a stint shadowing To balance some of the stress, Ms. Jones and a few co-workers on the unit have been and sometimes the last stop for patients trying doctors changed her plans. relies on a love of music, exploring nature in purchasing decorations and offering to put them places like Deep Run Park in Henrico County up in the rooms of patients who are interested with her dog, Rigby, and occasional FaceTime in a little holiday cheer. wine dates with girlfriends. Her time in the “We want to make it as festive as possible Coach Willard Bailey reaches top hospital has taught her to keep her gratitude for our patients while they’re stuck in isolation Continued from A1 simple and focused. “I’m super thankful just rooms.” to have my health, to be able to walk around Ms. Jones sighs, then adds, “I would hope Baptist-oriented school based Hall of Fame Class of 2021 freely outside, breathing.” somebody would do the same for me.” in Chester. Even with the announcement Coach Willard Bailey is one of six who will be inducted last week of this latest honor, into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in the Class the conversation with Coach of 2021. Richmond family grateful Bailey took a surprising turn. Joining Coach Bailey are players Coy Bacon (Jackson Instead of bragging on himself, State), Greg Coleman (Florida A&M), Jimmie Giles (Alcorn something he had every right to State), Winston Hill (Texas Southern) and Roynell Young through Thanksgiving changes (Alcorn State). do, Coach Bailey chose to turn Continued from A1 and local health experts are dispensing about the spotlight in just about every Mr. Bacon, who died in 2008, played in the NFL from 1967 to 1981 and was a three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman. the Thanksgiving holiday amid a steadily rising other direction, giving credit to patio while wearing a mask,” Ms. Shaw said Mr. Coleman, now 66, was a standout NFL punter from number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths others and to God. in a Free Press interview. “Families can tell 1977 to 1988. from COVID-19. He began the discussion us what they are grateful for then take their Mr. Giles, 66, was a four-time Pro Bowl tight end during Gov. Ralph S. Northam said last week it with his faith. dinners home.” an NFL career from 1977 to 1989. would be “an act of love” to keep people safe by “As coaches might say, I’ve In past years, Mrs. Shaw’s husband, Lionel Mr. Hill, who died in 2016, was a four-time Pro Bowl staying home for the Thanksgiving holiday. made it to the mountaintop,” “Pooh” Shaw, has been the master chef, with offensive tackle between 1963 and 1977. “Let’s not make this winter any worse than said Coach Bailey, referring to family and friends supporting his effort by also Mr. Young, 62, played defensive back for the Philadelphia it has to be,” said Gov. Northam, the nation’s his Hall of Fame tribute. “But preparing and bringing their favorites — seafood, Eagles from 1980 to 1988 and was a Pro Bowl pick in 1981. only governor who also is a doctor. it was God who guided me macaroni and cheese, candied yams, cranberry The induction ceremony will be coupled with a Juneteenth His comments came a few days after an- there. I could have never made sauce, potato salad, greens and many more veg- celebration on June 19 at the Black College Football Hall nouncing new statewide restrictions on gatherings it without God in my life.” etables, an array of desserts and much more. of Fame in Atlanta. This is the 12th induction class. and certain businesses to slow the pandemic’s From there, Coach Bailey That tradition will continue. spread. Among them, public and private in- shifted to his youth growing Mr. Shaw will cook and others will drop off person gatherings are now limited to 25 people, up in Suffolk. (defensive coordinator) Jesse food early to the Shaw home. The Thanksgiving down from a cap of 250. And everyone age 5 “I must thank my elementary, Chavis,” he insisted. “With Through the years meal then will be packed in to-go containers and older is required to wear a face covering junior high and high school Jesse, we always had a head Coach Willard Bailey’s and sent off with family and friends at their or a mask in indoor public spaces. teachers,” he said. “They were start because Jesse’s defense coaching file appointed pickup time. Alcohol sales also are prohibited at dining committed to making me and never gave up a point.” • Virginia Union University Because of Richmond’s ever-changing and drinking establishments after 10 p.m., with my fellow students the best Then there was Joe Taylor, 1971 to 1983 weather, the group nixed the idea of having din- all restaurants, food courts and dining establish- they could possibly be. who Coach Bailey took in as • Norfolk State University ner outside at the Shaw home, as some families ments required to close at midnight. “In many cases, we used a young assistant. Years later, 1984 to 1992 may try this holiday. With the typical Thanksgiving at the Shaw hand-me-down books from Coach Taylor succeeded Coach “We are supporting two businesses this year home being “a collection of all ages from dif- • VUU again 1995 to 2003 the white schools. My teachers Bailey as VUU coach and by purchasing pies from Michaela’s Quality ferent households,” as Mrs. Shaw described it, made the most with less.” enjoyed a historic career of • Saint Paul’s College Bake Shop on Brookland Park Boulevard in change was the only thing to do. Never to be forgotten is his own. Coach Taylor is the 2005 to 2010 the North Side and holiday greens from Chef “We can all sustain through a non-traditional Coach Bailey’s high school athletic director at VUU. • Virginia University of Ida Mamusu’s restaurant on Main Street in Thanksgiving this year,” Mrs. Shaw said. coach, Charles Snead. “Jesse Chavis, Joe Taylor, Lynchburg 2011 to 2013 Downtown,” Mrs. Shaw said. “Thanksgiving will come again in 2021 and “I didn’t want to go to Waverly Tillar, John Wright, Total record As for family and friends who typically join beyond.” college,” he recalled. “Coach so many. My assistants were 238-169-7 (157-73-6 in the Shaws from as far away as San Jose, Calif., Even if families aren’t together, it’s still a Snead made me. Without him, great. I’d go on, but I’m sure two stints at VUU) Atlanta and New York, there will be a Zoom time to be thankful, Mrs. Shaw said. I’d have never gone to college I’d miss someone,” Coach CIAA titles meeting to connect with them. “Be grateful that you have your health and and none of this would have Bailey said. Seven Stay home. That’s the advice national, state that you and yours are safe,” she said. happened.” Then there was the late car 1973, 1979, 1981, 1982, Then there was close buddy dealer Edwin Mugford, who 1983, 1984 and 2001 Raymond H. Boone Sr., the late graciously supplied Coach NCAA bids: Six Free Press founder and editor, Bailey and VUU with much- 22 bids for Confederate statues who Coach Bailey calls “my needed transportation. Continued from A1 after the new year. best friend.” “Ed would never let me old sportswriter. Scribes know He said he has not presented a recommen- “We were rivals in high pay. He’d give me the car and only too well that coaches are erate Soldiers and Sailors statue from Libby Hill dation on any of the items; the timing for any school. I went to Booker T. make it seem like I was doing more apt to heap praise on a Park in Church Hill; and a statue of newspaper action would be up to council, he said. It could Washington; Ray to East Suffolk. him a favor.” cockroach crawling across the publisher Joseph Bryan and a stone memorial happen in January, but it could be February, But we became friends for life. Another businessman Coach Thanksgiving table than a guy to Fitzhugh Lee from Monroe Park. March or even later, he said. “When Ray became sick, I’ll Bailey praised was Bunkie Trin- with a pad and pen. When the time comes, “we will need to make The council had 10 Confederate items on its never forget visiting him in the ite, the late trophy store owner. Coach Bailey won 238 sure we are not sending them to a place where list, but only nine are available at this point. hospital. We talked about old “Bunkie knew we were trying college games, but rather than they once again will have a prominent position,” One, the statue of Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill at times, about running around to run a program on nothing in boast of that, he elected to bring said 9th District Councilman Michael J. Jones, Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road, is part and laughed as loud as anyone ways of revenue. He made sure up a particular loss — a 21-20 who has been a leader in pushing for removal of of his grave and the council has been advised has ever laughed.” we had what we needed.” setback at North Dakota State in the statues. “We didn’t take them down so they that a court order would be needed to remove Coach Bailey then said Insisting on avoiding center the 1982 NCAA playoffs. could go up elsewhere in a similar place.” it, although none has been sought. his assistant coaches at VUU stage, Coach Bailey even went VUU lost in the strangest Dr. Jones, who would be just as happy to The bids under consideration include one were more like brothers than so far as to praise the sports- of ways — on an inadvertent leave the statues in storage where they are from a Los Angeles museum that wants them employees. writers who had followed his whistle — that voided what out of sight and mind, said close scrutiny of for up to two years for an exhibit, and another “Anytime you write anything distinguished career. would have been a long, game- the proposed relocation sites would be a top from a Connecticut art studio that proposes to about me, be sure to mention That was a first for one winning pick six by Dwayne priority for him. break them up and sell the pieces as a fundraiser Drew in the closing minutes. He said he agrees with other council members for Richmond Public Schools and charitable “An ‘inadvertent whistle?’ that it would be good if the auction to dispose of groups in the city. Who’s ever heard of that? I the statue could generate money to help defray Other bidders want to place them in battlefields Free COVID-19 testing considered that my champion- city spending, including the $1.8 million that or at historic homes with a connection to the Continued from A1 ship because, if we’d won there, Mayor Stoney authorized to remove them. Confederate icons, such as Gen. Stuart. I think we’d have gone all the Protesters pulled down four monuments, A few bidders, such as the Virginia and South The Virginia Department of Health reported on Tuesday a total of way,” Coach Bailey said. including the statues of Jefferson Davis and Carolina divisions of the Sons of Confederate 223,582 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, along with 14,212 “That’s OK. God didn’t hospitalizations and 3,979 deaths. Columbus. The two others, the statue of railroad Veterans, the Ratcliffe Foundation in Southwest The number of new coronavirus cases continues to spike in the want me to be the champion tycoon and Confederate Gen. Williams Carter Virginia and Belmead on the James, the site of a state, with 3,242 new cases reported Monday, one of the largest then. It wasn’t my time. But Wickham in Monroe Park and the Richmond former Black Catholic school, want them all. daily spikes so far, officials said. now it is.” Howitzers monument in a small park at Harrison Several private individuals are offering space According to Virginia data, African-Americans comprised 23 So now Coach Bailey has Street and Park Avenue, are not owned by the city. on their property as a relocation site to assist percent of cases and 26.3 percent of deaths for which ethnic and made it to the coaching moun- However, the administration is working behind the city. racial data is available, while Latinos made up 25 percent of the taintop. the scenes on the fate of those four as well. Other bidders are seeking specific statues. cases and 9.1 percent of deaths. But he makes this crystal For now, the council is not applying any For example, The Valentine is seeking the Locally, as of Tuesday, 6,446 cases and 81 deaths were reported clear: “This is a blessing, not pressure to its staff for a quick decision on the Jefferson Davis statue to add to its collection in Richmond; 7,977 cases and 244 deaths were reported in Henrico; just for me, but for so many statues it controls. of the works of artist and sculptor Edward and 8,827 cases and 127 deaths were reported in Chesterfield. who helped me get here.” Meanwhile, the United States has more than 12.5 million people Mr. Anderson said the bids are still being Valentine, a member of the family that started testing positive for the virus, with more than 3 million new cases The mountaintop would reviewed with the assistance of the city’s pro- the Richmond history museum and whose home in November alone. The number of deaths nationally has reached seem empty without Coach curement department, and he anticipates that remains a centerpiece of the museum property 258,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Bailey and friends. any council action on the statues will occur at 10th and Clay streets. Richmond Free Press December 10-12, 2020 A7 Local News Officials stress equitable access for Blacks, Latinos to COVID-19 vaccine 
 By George Copeland Jr. are at even higher risk in each officials said. one of those sections, so we want Dr. Oliver noted that federal  
 Virginia is preparing for its to make sure that we do this with officials have arrangements with first supply of COVID-19 vaccine an (equitable) focus.” CVS and Walgreens to send to arrive in the next week or so, Last Friday, state Attorney teams to nursing homes to pro- with 480,000 doses now expected General Mark R. Herring joined vide the vaccine. with the first wave. a coalition of 13 state attorneys State officials estimated And when the vaccine does general in advocating for funding 500,000 people will be vacci- arrive, state health officials and coverage protections from nated by the end of December. stress that equitable access for Congress to ensure vaccine ac- Asked during the webinar African-Americans, Latinos and cess comes at no cost for those about potential side effects, state other high-risk groups will be a on Medicare, Medicaid or for officials said they so far have priority for who will the uninsured. been limited to mild, flu-like get it first. “It is so impor- symptoms, muscle aches and a This information tant that every single low-grade fever. came from state of- Virginian and every Other questions put to officials ficials during a webi- single American has on the webinar were how groups nar Monday evening access to a COVID- like schoolteachers, veterans, hosted by Celebrate 19 vaccine once it inmates and the homeless would Healthcare, in which becomes available,” be prioritized under the state’s officials answered Mr. Herring stated. plan. Officials said these kinds community concerns Dr. Oliver “Unfortunately, we of assessments are being handled and debunked myths and assump- have seen this virus dispropor- by the state’s COVID-19 vac- tions about the vaccine. tionately devastate Black, Brown cine advisory and health equity Virginia’s vaccine plan, an- and lower-income communi- workgroups. nounced by Gov. Ralph S. ties, and we must make sure Health officials locally and 

Northam last week, prioritizes these individuals are able to nationwide are expecting a long front line health care workers get these potentially life-saving distribution and vaccination pe- first, followed by staff and resi- vaccines.” riod, with Dr. Oliver speculating dents at long-term care facilities, Virginia’s vaccine plan is reli- that Virginia wouldn’t be fully  critical workers and the medically ant on the U.S. Food and Drug vaccinated until the summer vulnerable with underlying health Administration’s authorization of of 2021. conditions before expanding emergency use of the vaccines Officials stressed that trans-  
 to other groups and finally the developed by Pfizer and Mod- parency and communication will general public. erna, both of which require two be a key in their interactions with And, according to the we- doses for full inoculation. That the public about the vaccine.
   binar speakers, which included decision from the FDA is set to The state health department is Gov. Northam, State Health come this month, with Virginia’s partnering with various groups              Commissioner Dr. M. Norman first shipment expected to include for an education campaign on      
 Oliver, state Chief Diversity more than 72,000 doses of the the COVID-19 vaccine. This Officer Dr. Janice Underwood Pfizer vaccine in mid-December, includes six, online community and 3rd District Congressman according to state Health Depart- conversations about the vac-               Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, special ment officials. cine through Thursday, Dec.         care is being taken to address Dr. Oliver said Monday that 17, each focused on a specific the unequal effect COVID-19 initial doses will be distributed demographic. A full listing of      has had on African-Americans directly to 25 hospitals around the the online events and registration and Latinos when it comes to state that are equipped to handle are available at https://redcap. the vaccine. the ultracold storage temperature link/qs2vye05.     “We want to make sure that needed for the vaccine. The hos- “We ask that you come with we take care of, even within pitals will provide vaccinations questions,” Dr. Underwood said.     those (priority) sectors, those who to health care workers, with “Be ready to push us and help are most vulnerable,” Dr. Oliver personnel who provide direct us learn. We want to learn and    said. “So among health care care to COVID-19 patients as a we also want to inform the com-    workers, among the medically key focus. Later doses will be munity that the vaccine is safe vulnerable, populations like the split between health care staff and that all the precautions have African-American community and long-term care facilities, been taken.” KWWSVUHGLVWULFWLQJGOVYLUJLQLDJRY

Virginia: Open With Care. ,3&!ȒǖǞ 0+ȉ13"/ǽ

Cases continue to rise at an alarming rate. We know it’s hard, but all of us must double-down ,+,2/"ƛ,/101,-/,1" 1,2/0")3"0Ǿ,2/#*&)&"0Ǿ+!,2/ ,**2+&1&"0#/,* ȒǖǞǽ Be diligent with the following:

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Wear a mask Stay 6 feet away Wash your Limit in public. from others. hands oft en. your circle.

More at vdh.virginia.gov, or call 2-1-1 for help with food, shelter or safety. Wilson up for Meet this week’s Man of the Year A8 charming Personality B1

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Free Richmond© 2020 Paradigm Communications, Free Inc. All rights reserved. Press VOL. 29 NO. 52 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA www.richmondfreepress.com DECEMber 17-19, 2020 Roll up your sleeve Va. officials introduce COVID-19 vaccine with initial inoculation of front line health workers By George Copeland Jr. Dr. Audrey Roberson misses her family. The nurse manager of VCU Health’s Medi- cal Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, Dr. Rob- erson was one of the first health workers at VCU Medical Center in Downtown to care for COVID-19 patients and has been on the front lines of the efforts to address the pandemic’s spread in Virginia. The work in the months since has left Dr. Roberson — out of necessity — distanced from her mother, an eight-year survivor of breast cancer, and other relatives for months, while having to face the stresses of a worsening health crisis. When the opportunity arose to be one of the first in Virginia to get a shot of the new COVID-19 vaccine, the choice was obvious for Dr. Roberson. On Wednesday, Dr. Roberson became the first VCU Health professional to receive a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She got it while participating in an online news conference show- ing the first vaccinations for front line workers at VCU Medical Center. The program is part of a state and national push to vaccinate as many people as possible before the winter season fully sets in. “I’m here for my family,” said Dr. Roberson, who was joined by Gov. Ralph S. Northam, a physician who has had the coronavirus, VCU officials and other health care workers. “I’m also here for my work family and to Kevin Morley/VCU University Relations let them know that we can do this, and that Dr. Audrey Roberson reacts after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday from nurse Veronica Nolden at VCU Health. Gov. Ralph S. help has arrived, and 2021 is on the horizon Northam applauds in the background. Dr. Roberson, a nurse manager of the medical respiratory intensive care unit, was the first front and we’re going to have a better year,” Dr. line medical worker at VCU Health to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Roberson said. After being inoculated by nurse Veronica Nolden, Dr. Roberson cheered, along with Gov. Northam and others. VSU, NSU receive multimillion $ bonanzas “Relief is finally here,” Dr. Roberson said. She, like others who have received the vac- Free Press staff report people-helping charities. their dreams of a world-class education.” cine, will get a second dose in three weeks. VSU President Makola M. Abdullah, in a VSU Rector Huron F. Winstead lauded Ms. VCU Health received its first shipment of Virginia State University just received a gift statement typical of the overjoyed recipients, Scott as “a shining example of how allies can 3,900 doses of the vaccine on Tuesday, after of $30 million, the largest private donation since enthused that “Ms. Scott’s generosity will touch leverage their wealth to create change.” the federal Food and Drug Administration gave its founding 138 years ago. the lives of students for years to come.” Ms. Scott, whose wealth has jumped by Pfizer a thumbs-up to begin distribution late Norfolk State University also received a “Thanks to her investment,” Dr. Abdullah $24 billion to $60 billion, according to Forbes last Friday. record-setting gift of $40 million. continued, “students who are living through the magazine, also sent huge checks this month to State health officials indicated the first ship- The two Virginia schools are benefiting from challenges of a pandemic, a social justice move- HBCUs ranging from Bowie State and Morgan the largesse of MacKenzie Scott, a published ment and reduced scholarship funding will have State universities in Maryland to Elizabeth City Please turn to A4 novelist who is the billionaire ex-wife of the additional resources as they continue to pursue Please turn to A4 world’s richest man, Amazon founder and chief executive Jeffrey P. “Jeff” Bezos. Free COVID-19 testing On Tuesday, Ms. Scott, already widely known Free community testing for COVID-19 for her philanthropy, announced she has awarded Hampton president to step continues. a total of $4.2 billion to 384 organizations, The Richmond and Henrico County health including 23 historically Black colleges and districts are offering testing at the following universities and the Thurgood Marshall Scholar- down after more than 40 years locations: ship and United Negro College funds. • Thursday, Dec. 17, 2 to 4 p.m., Second Free Press staff report academic degrees, including 12 doc- Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Her latest gifts represent a $2.5 billion in- crease from the $1.7 billion in charitable giving toral programs; increased the endow- Broad Rock Blvd., South Side. Drive-thru After more than four decades at she announced in July and has been distributing ment from $29 million to more than testing. the helm, Hampton University Presi- during the past four months. $300 million; put four satellites into • Friday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to noon, Regency dent William R. Harvey announced Square parking deck, 1420 N. Parham Road, She stated she accelerated her giving due to orbit through grants and arrangements Monday that he will step down in Western Henrico. Drive-thru testing. the “wrecking ball” of the coronavirus that has with NASA; built a weather antenna June 2022. • Monday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to noon, boosted billionaires like herself, a beneficiary to detect hurricanes and storms up A native of Brewton, Ala., Dr. Eastern Henrico Health Department, 1400 of the boom in online sales by global retailer to 2,000 miles away; and opened a N. Laburnum Ave., Eastern Henrico. Drive- Harvey, 79, came to Hampton in 1978 proton beam cancer treatment center Amazon. Dr. Harvey thru testing. when it was still called Hampton “I asked a team of advisers to help me accel- that was one of only a handful in the Appointments are encouraged by calling Institute and was “slowly losing ground,” the erate my 2020 giving through support to people nation when it opened in 2010. the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline university said in a news release. But under his suffering the economic effects of the crisis,” The campus and student enrollment also have at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. leadership, the institution experienced a “steady, Ms. Scott stated. “They took a data-driven ap- grown in the 43 years Dr. Harvey has been in Monday through Friday. four-decade plus climb of greatness.” proach to identifying organizations with strong Testing will be offered while test supplies During his tenure, Hampton added 92 new Please turn to A4 last. leadership teams and results.” The Chesterfield County Health Department She stated that she started with a list of nearly also is offering free COVID-19 testing at the 7,000 organizations and whittled it down to those following location: she felt had a “high potential for impact.” History in her hands Storie Nzassi, the 7-year-old • Second Baptist Church, 5100 W. Hundred The beneficiaries of her giving also include granddaughter of Delegate Delores Please turn to A4 food banks, nonprofit food delivery services, L. McQuinn of Richmond, holds United Way and YMCA chapters and other an enlarged copy of the cover of National Geographic Magazine’s January edition featuring a projection of George Floyd’s face State watchdog report finds significant on the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in Richmond. The Monument Avenue statue became a flaws in state’s special education efforts rallying point for protesters against By Jeremy M. Lazarus Black children — that leaves yearly in local, state and fed- police brutality and racial injustice many ill-prepared for life after eral funds. following Mr. Floyd’s death in May Every year, more than 2,300 school. State Sen. Janet Howell at the hands of a Minneapolis police special education Issued Monday, of Fairfax, vice chair of the officer. Images representing the students — 20 per- struggle for civil rights and equality the 132-page report commission, called the report in the United States were projected cent — are awarded from the watchdog “devastating” after listening to onto the monument by Richmond essentially worthless Joint Legislative Au- a summary that outlined ways artists Dustin Klein and Alex Criqui diplomas when they dit and Review Com- in which state and local school and photographed by Kris Graves graduate. mission buttresses divisions have yet to meet re- for the cover. The youngster was That is one of concerns from par- quirements to provide a “free, attending a news conference last the key findings of a ents and the federal appropriate public education” Friday with her grandmother at the new report showing government about a to disabled students. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where that, despite substan- Dr. Lane Virginia educational Dr. James E. Lane, the Gov. Ralph S. Northam proposed tial improvements, significant program that costs $2.6 billion state superintendent of public $11 million in state funds be used to transform Monument Avenue. Please flaws remain in the state’s a year. That’s about 15 percent instruction, pledged to imple- Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press see related story on A2. K-12 education program for of the $16 billion that is poured disabled students – particularly into the state’s public schools Please turn to A4 A4 December 17-19, 2020 Richmond Free Press News Virginia officials roll out new COVID-19 vaccine with initial inoculation of front line health workers Continued from A1 Announced by Gov. Northam last week, those changes include “Faith leaders are a trusted messenger,” said Dr. Janice Un- a stricter mask mandate, a limit on gatherings to 10 people and derwood, the state’s chief diversity officer. “It’s not only about ment to Virginia included 72,150 doses of the vaccine developed a stay-at-home order from midnight to 5 a.m. the message, it’s the messenger.” by Pfizer and BioNTech. The Bon Secours hospital system in It is unclear how much impact the new restrictions will have, Richmond and Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk were among the particularly as exceptions have been allowed to crowd limits for Free COVID-19 testing health systems to receive the vaccine on Monday. restaurants, religious institutions and other select gatherings. The small vials of vaccine must be stored in sub-freezing Close contact from gatherings in such places repeatedly have Continued from A1 temperatures and then thawed before injection. The Pfizer vac- been linked to outbreaks of the virus. Road, Chester, 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 and 28; and 10 cine also requires dilution before administration. Also unclear is how public perception of the vaccine could a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 18. Dr. David A. Lanning said VCU Health also expects to receive impact efforts to fully vaccinate people against the coronavirus. • Walmsley Boulevard United Methodist Church, 2950 more than 3,000 doses of the separate Moderna vaccine that also A recent study led by a VCU professor of around 800 people Walmsley Blvd., 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 22 and 29; has received emergency FDA approval, along with additional showed that more than 53 percent of respondents said they and 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Dec. 17 and 31. doses from Pfizer. This potentially will enable VCU Health to were unwilling to take a vaccine approved under emergency • St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 4400 Beulah Road, 10 vaccinate the majority of health care personnel and other high use authorization. a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 30. • Faith and Family Center, 7900 Walmsley Blvd., 4 to 5 p.m. priority workers by the end of December, he said. There also was notable skepticism among the elderly and “It is an exciting day … after 10 months of what I described Thursday, Dec. 17 and 31. among African-Americans about taking the vaccine regardless • Chesterfield Health Department, Smith-Wagner Building as a long, dark time,” Gov. Northam said Wednesday. “Finally, of whether it was approved under emergency authorization or Multi-Purpose Room, 9501 Lucy Corr Circle, 10 a.m. to noon now we have a vaccination that has been delivered as promised under regular FDA approval. Saturday, Dec. 19. to Virginia hospitals. And starting (Tuesday) and (Wednesday), Dr. Roberson, who is African-American, sought to ameliorate Testing is encouraged for those who have COVID-19 symptoms. we are starting to vaccinate.” some of the concerns on Wednesday. The testing is free, and no reservations are necessary. Front line health care professionals are among the first tier of Asked by the media about vaccine concerns expressed by Details: Chesterfield County Health Department at (804) Virginians set to receive the vaccine, as detailed by the state’s some in minority communities, Dr. Roberson said that she un- 318-8207. vaccine priority plan. Later phases will focus on essential work- derstands the lack of trust given the past horrific experimentation The state continues to report around 3,000 new COVID- ers, nursing home residents and staff and medically vulnerable on Black people. 19 cases daily, pushing the state’s seven-day positivity rate to 11.1 percent. adults in high-risk populations. However, she said she is confident that due diligence has been The program is expected to expand to the general public by The Virginia Department of Health reported on Wednesday done on all levels with the vaccine. She also asked the public a total of 292,240 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, April, according to officials from Walgreens, whose drugstores to trust those on the ground and in the state health administra- along with 16,353 hospitalizations and 4,508 deaths. will be a main outlet for the vaccines. tion to do their jobs as they “embrace this opportunity to really According to Virginia data, African-Americans comprised Given the months the process will take, health officials and move forward in 2021.” 21.9 percent of cases and 25.4 percent of deaths for which others have continued to stress the need to follow safety guidelines “I understand the apprehension, but we are here to support ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up when it comes to the virus, including wearing masks, regularly the communities,” Dr. Roberson said. “And we will not let 22.6 percent of the cases and 8.5 percent of deaths. washing hands and staying socially distanced. them down.” Locally, as of Wednesday, 7,845 cases and 86 deaths The COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Virginia the same day new Gaylene Kanoyton, an official with the state NAACP, and were reported in Richmond; 10,260 cases and 271 deaths restrictions and guidelines went into effect statewide in an attempt others also have spoken in support of the vaccination. were reported in Henrico; and 11,129 cases and 151 deaths to stem the surge in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. were reported in Chesterfield. During a Zoom conference on Tuesday, Gov. Northam and Nationally, data from Johns Hopkins University shows the other state officials tried to address concerns about the speed of United States passed a death toll from the virus of 300,000 the vaccine’s development and possible side effects. this week, with a nationwide total of 16.8 million confirmed State officials said they are working through social media cases. Data also shows at least 100,000 new cases daily in VSU, NSU receive and local community and faith leaders to keep the public in- the United States for the last six weeks. multimillion $ formed. bonanzas State watchdog report finds significant Continued from A1 flaws in state’s special education efforts State University in North Carolina and Clark Atlanta University Continued from A1 discovered that two large school divisions to fill the gaps, JLARC reported. in Georgia. imply that a student with this diploma In the 2019-20 school year, only 303 In her July announcement, gifts of tens of millions of dollars ment the recommendations that do not “can get into any program at a community teachers with a specialty in special edu- were sent to Hampton, Howard, Tuskegee and Xavier universi- require a change in state law or additional college, which is not the case.” cation graduated from Virginia’s colleges ties and Morehouse and Spelman colleges. resources. He also defended the Virginia For the 80 percent of disabled students and universities at a time when there were Other beneficiaries in this latest round include Alcorn State, Department of Education’s work, noting who are on track for recognized diplo- 1,200 vacant positions. Claflin, Delaware State, Dillard, Lincoln, North Carolina A&T, the department and its special education mas, the good news is that more disabled Even though that shortfall is common Prairie View A&M and Winston-Salem State universities as well staff have received the U.S. Department of students do graduate and receive them, knowledge, JLARC found that the VDOE as the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore and Tougaloo and Education’s highest rating for improvement JLARC reported. “does not know how many special education Voorhees colleges. outcomes for students with disabilities for Between 2008 and 2018, the percentage teachers there are in Virginia” because it Ms. Scott also donated to schools and educational organizations the last seven years. of disabled students earning recognized does not collect “basic information” that that serve Native Americans and Latinos, as well as community Rich in data and straight-forward in its diplomas climbed from 38 percent to 61 would help raise awareness and allow colleges and private schools. approach, the JLARC report is the second percent, the report stated. officials to begin to address the critical this year to call attention to problems in The bad news is that the graduation rate shortage. the state’s handling of special education. A for disabled students is still 30 percentage JLARC also found that the state collects few months ago, the U.S. Department of points below the state’s graduation rate of self-reported information from the 132 Hampton president Education sharply criticized the Virginia 91 percent for nondisabled students. school divisions on the services provided department for its failure monitor local Most concerning, JLARC found, is to disabled students, but almost never school divisions’ handling of parental com- that only 52 percent of Black disabled checks to determine if the “services are to step down after plaints. It also directed the state education students earn recognized diplomas, 13 actually provided.” agency to make changes. percentage points below their disabled Such failures of monitoring and The “applied studies diploma” appears peers of other races. oversight lead to inconsistent and often more than 40 years to be a prime example of the problems In addition, JLARC found transitional poorly prepared individualized educational Continued from A1 JLARC detailed in providing a blueprint planning for disabled students who will be programs, or IEPs, for disabled students, of reform, including 27 recommenda- leaving high school is haphazard at best and according to the report. charge, with the addition of 29 new buildings and an enrollment tions to the General Assembly and the is frequently not provided in local school “About one-third of a sample of IEPs of more than 4,000 students. Under his watch, Hampton became VDOE. divisions despite being required. reviewed by JLARC staff lacked a descrip- a university in 1985. The diploma was created by the General Among other findings: tion of the student’s academic or functional “The growth and development I have witnessed under Dr. Assembly as a way to show that disabled More students with disabilities are needs and one-quarter did not describe Harvey’s successful leadership have been, in a word, triumphant,” students had finished high school and passing state Standards of Learning tests either the effect of the disability on the stated Wesley Coleman, a Hampton alumnus and chairman of had met “certain requirements prescribed than was the case 10 years ago, but the student’s educational performance,” the the university’s Board of Trustees. by the Board of Education pursuant to achievement gap is still huge. In the 2018- report stated. “The significance of this president’s legendary contributions regulations.” 19 school year, state data show only 51 At the local level, officials often do to Hampton will be celebrated for generations,” he continued. But those requirements never have been percent of disabled students passed math not understand and are untrained in the An astute businessman and owner for 39 years of a PepsiCo established, JLARC found in its first review SOLs and only 43 percent passed reading development of IEPs. Bottling Company in Houghton, Mich., Dr. Harvey has said he of special education in 36 years. SOLs, well below the average for nondis- The report also raised concern about runs Hampton as a business for educational purposes. The result: The diploma is not accepted abled students. the enrollment of students in special In an interview Monday with HBCU Digest, Dr. Harvey by community colleges or state-supported The achievement level was even lower education, finding a wide variation in the credited teamwork, and being a “tough team leader,” for getting four-year colleges and universities. Stu- for Black disabled students, with only 35 percentage of students enrolled by division things done at Hampton. He noted that 17 people who worked dents who receive the diplomas still have percent passing math SOLS and only 27 that could not be “explained by differences in leadership positions under him at Hampton have gone on to to take and pass a high school equivalency percent passing reading SOLs. in the size of school divisions or by local become presidents of other institutions. GED test to enroll. For students with multiple disabilities, poverty rates.” He acknowledged in the interview that he has donated The report also found that parents often the results were even more dismal, the Overall, nearly 170,000 Virginia stu- $8.6 million through the years to Hampton and been a major are blindsided to learn — after their child report stated. dents have IEPs. That’s about 13 percent donor to his undergraduate alma mater, Talladega College in has entered high school — that this is One reason for that, the report found, of the nearly 1.3 million schoolchildren Alabama, which recently named its new African-American art the only diploma for which their student is that teachers oftenDon't are unprepared for enrolledMiss in Virginia’s public schools. museum in his honor. can qualify. disabled children. Even though 95 percent The report found that, in one division, He said he has worked in a “bipartisan way” to help boost the “Families are not sufficiently made of disabled students take regular classes, a student can be rejected for special edu- university, including meeting one on one in the White House Oval aware of the limitations of the applied general education teachers and school cation services while another child with Office “with every president since Jimmy Carter.” Sometimes, studies diploma,” JLARC determined. administrators rarelyDon't haveOne the training inWord theMiss same problem can be accepted in he said, his efforts weren’t understood by others. It also found that Black disabled stu- special education skills and end up sus- another division. The variance, accord- Still, he said, the university managed to bring in more than dents are more likely than white peers to pending and expelling disabled students at ing to JLARC, is due to insufficient state $45 million during the tough times of the pandemic, including be steered into that diploma track. twice the rateN of End nondisabled the inconvenience students. of emptyguidance newspaper and theboxes, state’s fighting use of vague and a $30 million gift announced in July from billionaire philan- According to the report, a search of the With trained thespecial weather education and hunting teachers down unclear back copies. terms in the eligibility criteria, thropist and author MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon VDOE website found “almost no informa- in short supply,N Also,schools support also relythe Freeon long- Press. We’releaving always each working school fordivision you. to make up tion available” on the diploma. It also was One Word founder Jeff Bezos. term substitutes or under-prepared teachers their own interpretations. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos visited Hampton University with Vice President Mike Pence in September, when she announced a $17.7 million award to the university to N End theVOLUNTEER inconvenience of emptySUBSCRIPTION newspaper boxes, fighting establish the Virginia Workforce Innovation and Entrepreneur- the weatherFor your convenience, and hunting the Richmonddown back Free copies.Press offers you the ship Center, a small business incubator at the university, to help Don’t Miss N opportunity to receive the Richmond Free Press in the mail. grow the state’s economy after the pandemic. Also, support the Free Press. We’re always working for you. 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