Urban Views Weekly June 24, 2015

June 24, 2015 Scholar of the Week – Darryl Cook

2015 RAASF Scholars

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VOL. 8, ISSUE 25

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The numbers are in: Americans gave an estimated $358.38 billion to charity in 2014. That’s 7.1 percent over 2013 and the fifth year in a row that giving increased. Individuals – that’s you and me – continue to give an estimated 90% of all gifts. Here’s how it breaks out: individual gifts represented $258.51 billion (72% of the total). That’s you – your tithes and offerings at church, your online gifts, support for walkathons, the checks you write, stocks you transfer – every $25 gift and every $2.5 million gift. We also gave $28.13 billion through bequests – the money left to charities in your family members’ wills. Finally, those with the ability to give to foundations gave another $41.62 billion.

Giving USA 2015: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2014 breaks down last year’s giving, and the numbers are amazing. In 2014, the amount given to charity was the highest total in the 60 years that the report has been produced. Researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the report is published by Giving USA Foundation.

Here are a few more details: Foundation giving totaled $53.97 billion (8.2 percent higher than 2013), and corporate giving was $17.77 billion (up 13.7 percent from 2013). There were some large gifts – individual gifts ranging from $200 million to one of almost $2 billion given by technology entrepreneurs.

Where did the money go? Most went to religion ($114.90 billion), then education ($54.62 billion), human services ($42.10 billion) , health ($30.37 billion), arts/culture/humanities ($17.23 billion), environment/animals ($10.50 billion), public-society benefit ($26.29 billion), foundations ($41.62 billion), and international affairs ($15.10 billion).

Giving to human services continued to increase as did giving to education. Individuals increased their support of giving to civic and civil rights organizations, and to community and economic development.

Those who read this column regularly know how much we stress the case for support. Here’s how W. Keith Curtis, chair of the Giving USA Foundation ties the case to increased giving: “The growth can be attributed, in part, to the ways charities have been working smarter during daunting times. Nonprofits increasingly are making sure they have strong cases for support, communicate frequently with donors, and provide proof of the impact charitable gifts make.”

Related to this, the report notes that donors are “more and more” interested in knowing the strategies nonprofits use and the impact their dollars make. Nonprofits are being asked “more and more” to be accountable for what they do with donations. The good news: many organizations are collecting more data and becoming more transparent.

Here’s what we know: your gift makes a difference. Together our gifts change lives and communities. The nonprofits we support require our support. Let’s keep giving.

More information at http://bit.ly/GivingUSA2015

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

FUNdraising Good Times

Giving USA – who gives the most? – Individuals!

Civic Beat

Cover: Chelsea Crawford, Miah Hardy, Jasmine Cousins, Christian Lawrence, Lamar Greene | Cover photo: --Rick Lasch

3 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | June 24, 2015

Scholar of the Week

Though it is not what defines him, football is a big part of Darryl Cook’s identity. All four years of high school, Darryl has started on the varsity football team. While in high school some of his accomplishments as a football player include making the all-conference team for two years, the all-state team for one year, and the all-metro team. He also was a member of the track team for two years where he made the all-district team, all-region team, and the all-state team both years. This year, he finished 2nd in the state of Virginia in the 300 meter dash and finished with a national qualifying time in the 55m dash. “With that being said, I like to believe that I have earned the right to call myself a student-athlete,” he stated in an essay.

Not only has Darryl excelled athletically, he has also made achievements academically. Ranked number 10 in his graduating class, Darryl graduated with a 3.9 GPA. Before graduating, he even scored a 1740 on his SAT. “In my opinion, my biggest accomplishment in my academic career was ending my junior year with a 4.6 GPA,” Darryl stated. Though football, working out and taking care of his younger siblings consume his time, he has also been able to volunteer while in high school. As a member of the Leaders Club at the Northside YMCA, he was able to volunteer with rallies, awareness walks and food drives. He is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honor Society. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music and visiting art museums.

With his success in high school sports, Darryl will go on to play football

for Norfolk State University this fall. Though he aspires to play football professionally, if that does not happen he wants to become a financial advisor or financial planner. He will major in finance and minor in math. “One lesson I will take from high school will probably be to study hard,” Darryl said.

Darryl names numerous people in his family as influences for him to succeed in life. This includes his dad, both grandfathers, and his

grandmother. “My dad is my best friend in a way, we talk about anything,” he said. One grandfather raised his children while working hard at a rail yard in North Carolina to make sure they had everything. His other grandfather is always happy and loves what he does. “Seeing him happy in what he really loves has helped me to just stay focused on what I want,” Darryl said. In regards to his grandmother, the older he has gotten the more he has been able to understand the lessons that she taught him and how she always looks out for him. He said these four are his biggest inspirations.

As the middle child of seven, Darryl has an older brother in the Navy, a sister who is a lawyer and another brother who is a business owner. “If I continue on the right path just as the role models ahead of me, it is almost certain that I will achieve success and plenty of it,” Darryl said. “I believe that my athletic and academic competitive mindset and willingness to not settle for anything less than the absolute best, will help me be successful in life.”

By Janeal Downs

Darryl Cook of John Marshall High School

GPA: 3.9

College of Interest: Norfolk State University

Major Community Service: Leaders Club, National Honor Society

Strong Interests: Football, Finance, Math

Favorite Activities: Listening to music, going to the art museum

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The 2014-15 school year has officially come to a close for Richmond Public Schools (RPS). More than 1,200 of our students received diplomas at graduation ceremonies all across Richmond. The newest group of RPS alumni will now transition to the next phase of their lives as they pursue their chosen paths as members of the workforce, as military personnel or as students at postsecondary educational institutions. While the Class of 2015 is moving on from our school district, RPS must prepare to educate its next class of students and future alums.

This past year has been one of growth and progress for our school district. As I reflect on the 2014-15 school year, I am reminded of this quote: “When a builder builds he clears the ground for his new foundations. Then he sees that the basic structure will support the whole.” For RPS to continue in its efforts to build a better school district, we must first ensure that our foundation can support the work we want to do.

A large part of that new foundation is people. I want to acknowledge the students, parents, families, teachers, staff and community stakeholders for their hard work, sacrifices and support throughout this past year. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I want to thank you for being part of the foundational work RPS is doing.

RPS’ new foundation is also built on a new vision for how we get things done. The members of the cabinet and leadership teams throughout RPS believe strongly in the strategic direction we’ve set for our school district. I’m proud to say that the 2014-15 school year provided evidence of positive results all across our district through a wide range of accomplishments that deserve acknowledgement and recognition.

Academics

• RPS developed and published its Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) with performance metrics based upon a research model focused on producing college and career ready students.

• For the first time, the district hosted PSAT/SAT Day, offering high school students the opportunity to take the exam during the school day.

• RPS also expanded student access to advanced academic programs such as International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes.

• RPS students improved their performance across a wide variety of metrics, including:

The number of students who participated in Dual Enrollment Programs (+236 students).

The average point increase in SAT score (+24 points).

The number of students who received CTE (Career & Technical Educational) seals upon graduation (+77 students).

The percentage point increase in the number of students who matriculated to post-secondary institutions (+8%).

• The district saw significant increases in the number of schools showing improvement in SOL (Standards of Learning) Pass Rates for English/Reading (+15), Math (+19) and Science (+12).

• Four (4) of eight (8) RPS high schools ranked in the top third of schools nationwide by US News & World Report.

• Binford Middle received approval to offer the area’s first (and only the second in Virginia) Integrated Arts/College Board SpringBoard Middle School Program using digital devices beginning next school year.

Athletics

• The boys’ basketball team at George Wythe won the state championship, the second consecutive year an RPS high school captured the title.

• Teams also won Conference 26 championships in indoor track (boys and girls) and girls’ basketball.

Facilities and Maintenance

• Huguenot High School, the first high school built in Richmond in over 40 years, opened its doors. The new facility features a 1,000-seat auditorium; a 2,500-seat, three-court gymnasium; and a 2,500-seat football stadium that its students will be proud to attend for years to come.

• The school district also completed the most comprehensive facilities needs assessment in the past 15 years, which catalogued the need for maintenance, modernization, rezoning and new schools.

Operations

• Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, all RPS students were eligible to

Dr. Bedden reflects on the RPS 2014-2015 School Year

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Richmond Superintendent Dana Bedden chats in the school’s hallway with student Alvin Wyatt.

Bedden visits with Armstrong High School students Le’andrea Maisonet (left) and Brandon R. Smith.


The Richmond African American Scholarship Fund (RAASF) is a non-profit endowment fund founded in 2003 by the African American Forum (AAF), a network group created by and for African American professionals at Genworth Financial.

The goal of the RAASF is two-fold:

• First, to provide African American students in Richmond Public Schools with scholarships, resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities that are both relevant and rewarding

• Second, to promote the City of Richmond as a place for college graduates to aspire to return to work and lead in their communities

The Richmond African American Scholarship Fund recognizes that it is today’s young scholars that are poised to serve as our future leaders. Each year the RAASF hosts an Annual Scholarship Awards Reception with the theme “Our Scholars, Our Future,” honoring five college-bound graduating high school seniors from Richmond Public Schools. Five $2,000 scholarships are given to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, community involvement and leadership excellence. To date, the RAASF has awarded 65 scholarships totaling $130,000.

In addition to providing financial scholarships, the Richmond African American Scholarship Fund hosts a one-day Annual Student Development Workshop for all its scholars in January during the college winter break. At the development workshop, students are exposed to a variety of professional development training sessions that include topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, networking, business etiquette, managing a budget, and how to navigate corporate America. The workshop also features a career panel comprised of professionals in diverse fields who share their professional journey stories and provide insights to scholars on how to pursue their desired career path.

A unique attribute of RAASF is its commitment to remaining connected with its scholars throughout all of their college years. The relationship between scholar and the RAASF extends

long after the delivery of the financial scholarship award. RAASF mentors communicate with scholars on a consistent basis during each semester often providing insight and guidance to its scholars about matters that are important to them.

The RAASF ensures that each RAASF scholar currently enrolled in college receives a care package consisting of a variety of non-perishable healthy foods and comforting snacks. Affectionately referred to as the “Black Box” by the scholars, the care packages —sent during the fall and spring final exam periods—are designed to assist the students through the long nights of studying and preparing for final exams.

The RAASF is committed to its mission of “Helping students reach their full potential,” and continues to strive to meet its long-term strategic objective of funding a $500,000 endowment in order to self-fund current award levels in perpetuity. To make a tax-deductible donation, please make checks payable to: The Community Foundation and write RAASF in the memo section.

Mail Checks To: RAASF c/o The Community Foundation 7501 Boulders View Drive, Suite 110 Richmond, VA 23225

To donate online or for more information, visit the RAASF Website: www.raasf.org

Email: [email protected]

RAASF 2015 Annual Scholarship Awards

photos: -- Rick Lasch

Thomas McInerney, President and CEO of Genworth, Christian Lawrence, Lamar Greene, Jasmine Cousins, Miah Hardy, Chelsea Crawford

Family, teachers and school administrators gather in The Westin Richmond hotel for reception and awards ceremony.

Dr. Dana Bedden, Superintendent RPS and Michelle Tinkler, RAASF Awards Co-Chair

Jasmine CousinsJasmine Cousins is a 2015 advanced studies graduate of Richmond Community High School and is regarded by teachers,

guidance counselors, and peers as mature, kind, well-respected, organized, and focused. Jasmine pursued a rigorous course of study including honors and advanced placement courses, maintained a 4.7 GPA, and earned her rank as salutatorian.

Not only is Jasmine committed to giving her best in the classroom, she also devotes time to extracurricular and community service activities. She served as Vice President of the National Honor Society, and was an active

member of Partnership for the Future, Future Business Leaders of America, the Key Club, Sisters With An Intuition mentoring program, the Environmental Club, and the Richmond Community High School Book Club. Jasmine also volunteered more than 100 hours with the Chippenham

Hospital Volunteer Services Program.

Jasmine’s compassion for others spreads beyond her volunteerism with a local hospital. She has read books to children at the YMCA, supported programs that fed the homeless, and served as a facilitator for the Prejudice Awareness Summit which helps to promote awareness and acceptance of ethnic and cultural differences among middle-school students. Additionally, Jasmine worked at St. John’s Church Foundation the summers

preceding her junior and senior high school years.

Jasmine has a profound interest in writing and has aspirations to enter the literary industry. In 20 years, Jasmine envisions receiving the Michael L. Printz award, which is an award granted for the current year’s “best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit.”

Jasmine will attend the University of Richmond in the fall.

Chelsea Crawford Chelsea Crawford is a 2015 advanced studies graduate of Richmond Community High School and is regarded as an engaging, pleasant, humorous, and

well– respected teen among fellow students and staff at Richmond Community.

In addition to balancing a demanding course load and earning a 3.9 GPA, Chelsea devoted a great deal of time to school and community based activities. Chelsea served as a member of Future Business Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, the German Club, Podium Magazine, and Student Ambassadors. She also held

leadership positions such as President of her junior class and President of the Richmond Community Book Club. Additionally, Chelsea received numerous accolades including, but not limited to, the Counselor in Training Award from Mayor Dwight C. Jones, and the University of Richmond Math and

Science Investigators Award.

Chelsea also contributed over 150 combined service hours in support of Richmond Community’s school beautification program, both J.E.B Stuart and G.H. Reid Elementary School reading tutorial programs, Lucille Brown Middle School math tutorial program, the Richmond SPCA, the Richmond 10k run, and Bellemeade Community Center after-school activities for children. Chelsea’s demonstrated record of

community service exemplifies her aspiration to enrich the lives of others by doing what she loves to do best which is giving back. Chelsea believes that positive social and educational change is achieved by people like her, who decide to give back to the community to ensure that each generation has a fair and defined chance to achieve their goals.

Chelsea will attend James Madison University and plans to study biophysical chemistry.

Lamar GreeneLamar Greene is a self-motivated, goal-oriented 2015 advanced studies graduate of Richmond Community High School. Lamar

is the esteemed valedictorian of his graduating class earning a 4.9 GPA. He sets very high expectations for himself, uses good judgement, and is very committed to everything that he undertakes.

Lamar has proven himself to be a very well-rounded, mature student. While at Richmond Community, he not only excelled in the classroom but also in his extracurricular activities. Lamar served as the Honor Council

6 Urban Views Weekly | June 17, 2015

Congratulations 2015 RAASF Award Recipients

Co-Chair; Key Club Secretary and President for his junior and senior years, respectively; the Richmond Community High School Yearbook Editor in Chief; Future Business Leaders of America Treasurer and Parliamentarian for his sophomore and senior years, respectively; and was an active member of

Partnership for the Future.

As a result of his efforts, Lamar has received numerous accolades including the Harvard Prize Book Award, Partnership for the Future Model Student Award, and Boys and Girls Club Jr. Youth of the Year Award. He was also inducted into the National Honor Societyand the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Additionally, Lamar had the wonderful opportunity to serve as a United States

Senate Page in Washington D.C. in fall 2013. His contributions were impactful and he earned the Page School Citizenship Award, whichis an award given to two students in the Page class in recognition of being a productive and caring member of society. Lamar also received the Page School United States History Award which recognizes two students in the Page class that performed the best academically in United States history throughout the entire

Miah HardyMiah Hardy is a true academic and servant leader among her 2015 graduate peers from Richmond Community High School. She

has an excellent scholastic record graduating with a 4.6 GPA. This future teacher knows her calling and has laid the groundwork for her future career. Having successfully scored high marks on Advanced Placement English Language & Composition and US History, Miah is well equipped to educate our future leaders of tomorrow.

Miah stays active working with several children as both a mentor

and a tutor at two different elementary schools. She is very involved in her school and community, serving in a multitude of leadership positions and with countless time given to volunteer and help others. Miah has served as a longstanding Girl Scout, while being an officer for the past three

years. As a Girl Scout leader she served as a role model for the younger members. Her personality precedes her wherever she goes and she has a zest to learn as much aspossible.

In her school, she has also served as President, Vice President, Vice Mayor, and Secretary of several different organizations in which she belonged. Miah has been extremely active with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) where

she served as both secretary and president on the local and regional level. During her senior year, she was the Virginia Vice President representing the Capital Region. In these leadership roles, she had different responsibilities including, but not limited to, organizing workshops, reactivating inactive chapters, and networking with business owners around the area to obtain sponsorships.

Due to all of her hard work

Christian LawrenceChristian Lawrence is a 2015 advanced studies graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. She is an excellent student, an

athlete, and a leader who is highly regarded for her untiring efforts with motivating and helping others.

Christian successfully balanced her academic responsibilities, extra-curricular involvement, and community volunteerism while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Christianserved as Vice President of her senior class, Co-Captain of the Thomas Jefferson Vikings Girls’ Basketball Team, and an

active member of organizations including the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the Thomas Jefferson Vikings Marching Band, and Partnership for the Future. Additionally, Christian volunteeredover 208 combined service hours with the Boys and Girls Club and

the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts via its Museum Leaders in Training Program (VMFA MLiT).

While volunteering at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Christian was introduced to the work of artist Kehinde Wiley. Christian was intrigued by Kehinde’s choice of colors and how he used his art to depict young African American men as heroic men of distinction, royalty, and purpose; thereby elevating his

subject’s esteem. As a result of this experience, Christian began to conceptualize how to bridge her interests in visual art and working with children. She began to think about the lives of so many people… and how things might be different if they believed they could be great. Christian aspires to change the world by helping children recognize their potential at an early age. She wants to offer youth in her community an opportunity to articulate their

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Continued | P8 Greene Continued | P8 Hardy Continued | P8 Lawrence

Congratulations 2015 RAASF Award Recipients


The white woman at the center of the firestorm and debate over racial identity and identity politics seems like a distant and trivial distraction, in light of the massacre of 9 people in Charleston, South Carolina last week by a hate-filled racist and professed segregationist. The discourse and debate around the #RachelDolezal story is so much discordant “noise” at this point, and of very little consequence to many people except those directly affected by her deception(s), that it feels played out. Social media was ablaze with vitriol surrounding race, racial identity and the socio-political context in which we discuss race in America for days. When Dolezal proclaimed, without apology, that she “identified” as Black and with respect to the “Black Experience,” she has “gone there” as the mother of 2 Black sons. Many were outraged by her remarks. When I consider my experience as a Black woman in America, it is not an experience with which I have had the privilege to choose to go there or not to go there--- I have never, throughout my lifetime, been able to come and go in my experience as a Black woman or girl. It has always been my entire life and the whole of my experience and existence. Being a Black woman in America, goes beyond the color of my skin. It involves my lineage, historic legacy and a cultural continuum that is connected to a spiritual, familiar and ethnic origin. It is not an existence or experiences that I chose to pick up at a certain point in time and, intentionally, immerse myself within.

Performing “blackness” on the other hand, is a construction of identity that can be put on and taken off like a costume, and there are many who do it. Appropriating a culture that is not your own, more often than not, serves the appropriator in a much more advantageous way than it does those who belong to the particular group whose culture has been appropriated. The case of #RachelDolezal is no different. In appropriating a “black identity” Dolezal

certainly did some good work in her role as a social justice advocate and leader in the NAACP of Spokane, WA. However, it appears that she gained much more for herself than for others, while wearing her newly acquired identity of “blackness”. She gave herself the ability to disassociate from her whiteness, her white privilege and the historic legacy of white supremacy in America. Many whites grapple with the shame and guilt of that legacy and Rachel Dolezal did not have to struggle with that consciousness because she simply chose to assume a “black” identity instead. Ultimately, she may even gain more than just media notoriety through interviews, publication, and book deals. She may even profit immensely by selling her story to Hollywood. We shall see.

Can you choose to be Black? In Charleston, South Carolina last week, the 9 victims of that massacre knew without question, as they took their last breath, that they were Black, and the blackness of their skin was the reason that an individual filled with racist hatred pointed his gun at them and took their lives. They died, precisely, because they were Black without question. Remember them and the legacy they leave with us. Because, being Black in America has consequences…and it is not something you simply choose to identify with because it serves your personal agenda.

#CharlestonShootings #Remembertheirnames The Honorable Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Hurd, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Sharonda Singleton, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Ethel Lance, Mother Susie Jackson, Myra Thompson and Rev. Daniel Simmons.

In memory #IAMAME

Up Next Week: The Confederate Flag: a house divided

ViewPoints By Dr. T

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.Founder and Artistic DirectorThe Conciliation Project andAssociate ProfessorVirginia Commonwealth UniversityDrT@Margins2theCenter.comwww.theconciliationproject.org

Can you CHOOSE to be Black?

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semester.

In addition to all of his other activities, Lamar served as an intern at Health Diagnostics Laboratory during the summers preceding his junior and senior years. As of November 2014, he has worked as a merchandise associate at Marshalls department store.

Lamar will attend Emory University in the fall as a first generation college student. He plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in public health and subsequently a graduate degree in healthcare administration. Lamar aspires to promote disease prevention and improve the state of our healthcare system through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

academically and in the community, Miah has been recognized and honored by the VCU Alumni Association for the Monroe Scholars Book Award. This award is given to high school juniors who demonstrate engagement in service within the school and community, scholarship, and leadership. She was also recognized for Exceptional Performance in the Mayor’s Youth Academy. This award is given to students who are in the Mayor’s Youth Academy and demonstrate high performance in their placement area.

It comes as no surprise that with her expertise in mentoring, tutoring, and parents as teachers, Miah will align her college career to become an elementary school teacher while at Spelman College.

emotions through art and help them see their greatness through their own design.

Christian will attend James Madison University in the fall where she plans to pursue her interests in communications and art. She also aspires to study abroad and travel the world to learn about other cultures.

Lamar Greene Miah Hardy Christian Lawrence

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Richmond residents are urged to take precautions to prevent heat injury and illness during hot summer weather

We are fast approaching the long hot days of summer. The recent spell of hot and humid weather is an example of extreme heat that’ll be with us throughout the summer months. The Richmond City Health District is encouraging residents to prepare themselves and take steps to prevent heat-related illness and injury. While the elderly, people with health problems, and very young children are most vulnerable, heat can affect anyone. Our bodies are cooled primarily by losing heat through skin perspiration. Problems occur when we are unable to shed excess heat.

Here are some tips to help keep you cool and to avoid heat injury:

Stay in the coolest environment available. If you’re outdoors, try to stay in the shade. When indoors, use an air conditioner. If you don’t have air-conditioning, spend time in air-conditioned public places such as shopping malls and libraries; even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

· Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic); don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Check with your doctor if you are on restricted fluid intake.

· Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear a hat to protect your head

from the sun, and use sunscreen outdoors.

· Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours when it’s cooler. Cut down on exercise and strenu-ous activity.

· Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.

· People at greatest risk from high temperatures are infants and young chil-dren, people age 65 and older, people who are physically ill, especially with heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic respiratory problems.

· Check regularly on elderly, chroni-cally ill, or incapacitated persons.

Respond quickly to hot weather health emergencies: Even short periods of high

temperatures can cause serious health problems. Know the symptoms of heat disorders such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Be ready to give first aid treatment, or call for medical assistance.

For more information, visit the following websites:http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/warning.htmlhttp://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asphttp://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/heat-wave

Summer Heat Safety Tips 2015


TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly PollPresident Obama described the frequency of the type of gun violence seen in the killings of nine people at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina as unique to the United States among advanced countries. Efforts to enact tougher gun control measures have consistently failed in recent years, and recent polls have revealed that only half of Americans favor stricter gun laws. How about you? Do you favor the enactment of tougher gun laws in America? Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2 p.m. on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.

receive a breakfast and lunch meal daily free of charge under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.

• RPS approved uniform school-day schedules for elementary, middle and high schools throughout the school district, which will begin during the upcoming 2015-16 school year.

• Middle and high schools adjusted start times to better align with research surrounding best practices in education.

• RPS initiated the modernization of its bus fleet by introducing a $7 million plan to purchase 60 regular education and 18 special education buses. This will result in decreased fuel and maintenance expenses as well as improved operational efficiency for the district’s pupil transportation department.

Community and Corporate Partnerships

• Cigna increased its annual investment to $20,000 to sponsor the expansion of the “Blessings in a Backpack” program so 400 elementary students may receive easy-to-prepare food for weekends during the school year.

• Over 200 volunteers came together to build a new KaBOOM! playground at Redd Elementary in a single day.

• Students at John Marshall and Community High Schools took VCU’s Health Sciences Career Exploration course, a three-credit, college-level course that prepares high school students for college and health sciences careers through classroom instruction, experiential learning and a pairing program with VCU undergraduate students. The Health Sciences Career Exploration program is funded through a $120,000 grant from DuPont.

• The RPS Education Foundation and partners provided 44 scholarships worth over $62,000 to RPS students.

• Through its College Opportunity Fund, Altria presented $800,000 in scholarships to a cohort of 20 RPS Class of 2015 graduates. The company also committed to extend its scholarship program by up to $800,000 for another cohort next year.

Engagement and Outreach

• RPS established the FACE office (Family and Community Engagement) in an effort to provide increased levels of customer service to the families we serve each day.

• The district also created the “Leadership by Listening” engagement plan to foster open communication between RPS leaders and community stakeholders. As part of this engagement plan, the district launched several school and community surveys, including the Community Perspectives survey and a student survey.

As we proceed into the 2015-16 school year, I look forward to building on the positive results and strides we’ve made in the past year. I truly believe we are building something special here at Richmond Public Schools.

RPS graduates are the future of this growing city. I ask you to join me in reaffirming your commitment to helping us build a school district that our students, staff and community can be proud of and feel confident in now and for years to come. What we are building here in Richmond will take time but our labor will not be in vain.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Richmond Public Schools.

Sincerely, Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D.

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With so many cell phone manufacturers and providers, it may seem a daunting task to pick the one best suited to you and your needs. One aspect many customers get confused about is the data limits. Finding the right provider to explain what your plan would allow would be optimal. With the popularity of smart phones, the contracts have become more complicated than ever. Then you have to keep track of allotted minutes, restrictions, and data plans.

When choosing a cellular phone provider, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Plan your phone usage

Think about how you will use your phone. What kind of features will you need? Some users will only talk on the phone, while others want to text, stream video and browse the Internet. Still others use their phones as a video and still camera. If you plan on playing video games on your phone while waiting in a line, consider getting a bigger data plan.

Understanding your habits will help you save money, as you will not be paying for technology you’re not going to use. Keep an open mind about upgrades. What works for you today might change a year from now. Technology grows by leaps and bounds. Many people vowed never to use text messaging. Now they send and receive messages daily.

Once you have decided how you will use your phone, communicate it clearly to salespeople. Listen to their advice, but know that the final call is yours.

2. Consider local carriers

While most people will automatically consider big-name national phone carriers, take a good look at companies with a local touch. Maybe those employees work and live in your community. Churches and civic groups may have information about local companies. You might even ask friends and family about local carriers. When a company wants your money but won’t become involved in the community, it may reveal how they will treat you as a customer.

If you decide to go with a national carrier, choose a local branch with a reputation for

good customer service. You should feel welcome at this location. If they listen and understand your needs, and you receive quick service, it will make a huge difference when you need assistance.

3. Understand the contract

Contracts are certainly daunting, but you should still read the fine print of any contract. Understanding the agreement will save you trouble, money and embarrassment. Terms vary widely depending on the service provider, the plan chosen and even the model of phone. Take the time you need to read the agreement carefully. Ask questions if you don’t understand the terminology.

Make sure you know:

• The duration of the contract and the penalty for early termination

• What is considered “roaming,” – nationally and internationally – and how much it costs

• The limits for calls, text messages and data, and how much it costs to go over

• When you can upgrade your phone, and what discounts you can receive

• What happens if you break or lose your phone

Before signing anything, check the wording in the actual contract; you’ll be obligated to follow what’s on the paper, not what a salesperson tells you.

4. Make the most of your new phone

Make an effort to read the owner’s manual for your phone. Play with your new phone and explore its features. It’s fun to see what it can do.

Today’s phones have plenty of features to make your life easier. Even basic models have Internet connectivity. You can take pictures, send messages and even listen to music. It will make staying in touch with friends, family and co-workers much easier.

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Choosing a Cellular Phone Provider

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Urban Views Weekly June 24, 2015

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Transcript of Urban Views Weekly June 24, 2015