Prince William Dem Flips to GOP, August Moon, Baldwin Wins by 2 Votes, HD19 Lawsuit, Richmond Casino Vote
➡️ CUSTIS SWITCHED TO GOP IN SCHOOL BOARD RACE. Jaylen Custis, a 19-year-old candidate for School Board in the Woodbridge District in Prince William County announced on July 25 he had switched parties and gained the Prince William County Republican Committee endorsement for School Board. The news was first reported first by Ameelia Breeden at Potomac Local News.
Curtis raised a few eyebrows in April when the Prince William Times reported that the then-18-year-old attended a Moms for Liberty meeting. After that, the Prince William County Democrats did not include Custis on the party’s endorsement fliers and he was informed he could not seek their nomination. Custis will now be running against Democrat Loree Williams. Williams has held a seat on the School Board since 2013. As a member of Generation Z, Custis He will be one of the youngest candidates on the ballot in Virginia on Election Day Nov. 7, 2023.
“‘I was speaking to every group that asked me because I wanted to learn what was on people’s minds about the schools’ said Custis regarding the Moms for Liberty appearance. “When Americans quit listening and respecting different points of view, especially about our children and our schools, then something is deeply wrong,” Custis said.
“Loree had ten years to fix our schools and Shantell would just go along with the Unions. We need new energy, and new thinking, and I’m the right person because I attended three different schools in the District and have a different and unique knowledge base,” said Custis in a statement. “One thing is certain; what we have been doing is not working,” he added.
➡️ AUGUST MOON (August 7, 1937 - July 12, 2023). August Moon, a vibrant and intriguing figure in Richmond who was involved in both politics and entertainment died on July 12 at 85. Moon was singer, producer and R&B artist who also radio and TV talk shows on city politics, succumbed to ill health that had plagued him for years early Wednesday, July 12, 2023 his family said. He was 85.
“My dad was bold and powerful, and even at his weakest, there hasn't been a day in my life when that energy wasn't watching over me. He's been a constant, and I'm forever grateful for his love, protection, and care. So, while I'm in the midst of a deep sadness and pain like I've never known, I can find peace in knowing that his warrior spirit is keeping close tabs on not only me, but our entire family and all he loved, from his ancestral perch,” his daughter Enjoli Moon wrote on Facebook about her father.
Named Alexander Randolph when he was born into a poor Richmond family in 1937, Mr. Moon would go on to perform and record under a variety of stage names. He ultimately landed on the stage name August Moon. His funeral is Saturday, July 29, viewing (11 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and Service (12 to 2 p.m.) at Saint Paul's Baptist Church South (700 E. Belt Blvd), Interment (3 to 3:30 p.m.) at Maury Street Cemetery (2700 Maury Street). For more info, visit www.mimmsfuneralhome.com.
Obituary: MOON, August, born on August 7, 1937, joined the ancestors on July 12, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie Price and Gladys Randolph Crawley; siblings, Gerlean Anderson (David) and Ulysses Randolph; daughter, Daisy Foxx; and great-nephew, Lundon Anderson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Dr. Michon Johnson Moon, who is mother to his two youngest daughters, Enjoli Jaudon Moon and Dr. Sesha Joi Moon (Janice); as well as his grandson and additional caregiver, Jonah Hodari. He is also survived by his devoted children, Cheryle Randolph-Sharpe (Tim), Lorenzo Buttram-Hubbard, Alfonso Smith (Carolyn), Sidell Britten Cook (Antonio), Rochelle Britton Allen (Franklin), and Tiffany Diamond; as well as Tiwanda Randolph and Ryan Selvester whom he loved as bonus children. He also leaves a legacy of loving grand and great- grandchildren. He was one of five siblings and is survived by Raymond Randolph and Viola Sturdivant (Robert); as well as his sister-in-law, Grace Randolph.
He too is survived by a host of nieces and nephews to include, Cassaundra Anderson James (Tyrone), David Anderson III, Rae Barney, Sheldon Hearn, Anjanette Randolph Pearson, Ulysses Randolph Jr., Nicolle Parsons-Pollard (Donald), and Eric Parsons who affectionately knew him as "Uncle Red."
Moon, born Alexander Randolph in Blackwell was a fierce advocate for social justice. He remained committed to his community in the Southside and was nicknamed the "Mayor of Hull Street". As a Christian, he understood the importance of service through his membership in the U.S. Navy, Crusade for Voters, Hull Street Merchants Association, Rainbow Coalition, United Struggle Movement, and Stop The Violence Campaign. He also enjoyed success as an entrepreneur and entertainer - releasing albums as "Mr. Wiggles," operating record labels such as Sound of Soul, Urban Beat and Golden Triangle, owning venues such as Soul on Ice, Taste of Honey, and Mr. Wiggles Restaurant, and producing hits such as "Seven Minutes of Funk" with The Whole Darn Family. He also hosted a TV show called "Tell It Like It Is".
As a lover of hats, he wore many, as expressed through his many monikers, which also included "Little Red," "Dickie Diamond" and "Mouth of the South." He lived his life fully and his family finds peace in knowing that his rest was well-earned. He will be remembered as a loving and committed son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, uncle, friend, mentor, dog lover of his adored poodle, "Fluffy" and grandpup, "Benji" - and so much more.
➡️ NIKKI BALDWIN WINS BY TWO VOTES. Republican Nikki Baldiwin will take on incumbent State Senator Jeremy McPike after winning in a primary by only two votes. Both Democrat at Republican primaries for State Senate seat SD29 were close. Senator McPike won over Del. Elizabeth Guzman on June 20 by only 57 votes.
➡️ CANDIDATE IN HD19 SUES DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Makya Little, who was a Democratic candidate for House of Delegates against Rozia Henson and Natalie Shorter in HD19, is suing the head of the Virginia Board of Elections, and the Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, Susan Swecker. Little is joined in her lawsuit by Steven Jacobs, Ruby Martinez and Andrea Salgado, all of who are voters in House District 19. Little lost to Rozia Henson, who is now the unopposed Democratic nominee for HD19, by less than 60 votes.
Their lawsuit is below:
Little, Jacobs, Martinez and Salgado are alleging a series of improprieties related to the June 20, 2023 primary election.
➡️ ANOTHER VOTE ON A CASINO IN RICHMOND? After the public rejected the idea of a casino in Richmond back in November 2021, casino supporters are back again. Yesterday, a circuit court and the Virginia Lottery “approved another chance for residents to vote for a casino in the city this November,” reported WRIC. Millions are being made from new casinos in Portsmouth and Bristol. Where that money is going remains a question few elected officials have had answers for.
“A Richmond City Circuit Court judge has signed a court order allowing the city’s top election official to add the citywide referendum for a casino project on the Nov. 7 ballot, according to a tweet Tuesday from Richmond’s Elections Office,” reported WRIC. If there is a second vote it would be a big win for Alfred Liggins and TVOne.
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Now I know who NOT to vote for