Williams: The state’s police traffic stop study states the obvious. Let’s act on its data. – Richmond Times-Dispatch

A report that says police stops in Virginia disproportionately involve Black and Hispanic drivers draws a conclusion that sounds suspiciously like, Move along, nothing to see here.

That report from the state Department of Criminal Justice Services also says Black and Hispanic drivers in Virginia are more likely to be searched and arrested than their white counterparts.

It charted the percentage of law enforcement agencies with high, moderate or no driver overrepresentation in traffic stops by driver race and ethnicity, based on the number of times each group was stopped relative to the larger driving population.

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Among 152 local agencies in cities and counties in Virginia, more than 30% had a high overrepresentation in stops of Black drivers, compared with 20% for Hispanic drivers, nearly 12% for Asian drivers and nearly 8% for American Indian drivers.

Less than 1% of those agencies had a high overrepresentation in stops of white drivers.

At the other end of the spectrum, nearly 90% of those agencies had no overrepresentation in stops of white drivers.

House Minority Leader Del. Don Scott, Jr., D-Portsmouth

This is a historical and empirical truth, House Minority Leader Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, said in Tuesdays The Times-Dispatch. The data today validates the lived experiences of Black and brown Virginians.

But the report seems intent on downplaying the larger significance of its numbers, our history and the lived experiences of Black and Hispanic people at least absent more information.

The data at hand does not allow us to determine or measure specific reasons for these disparities. Most importantly for this study, it does not allow us to determine the extent to which these disparities may be due to bias-based profiling or due to other factors that can vary depending on race or ethnicity, it states.

Scott said that conclusion typifies the downplaying of systemic racism by the administration of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

"In a toxic political landscape already populated by Clarence Thomas and Herschel Walker, Black folks hardly need Ye trolling us," writes The Times-Dispatch columnist Michael Paul Williams.

It doesnt fit in with his messaging, Scott said. He called the conclusion in line with race is not an issue why some of these things are happening; its some other explanation.

In Carroll County in Southwest Virginia, where 1% of the driving age residents are Black, 1 out of 5 drivers stopped were Black.

In Hanover County, less than 10% of the driving-age population is Black, but more than 30% of the traffic stops were of Black drivers.

Yes, people from other places drive through Hanover County, but also people of other races.

Robert Barnette, president of the state NAACP, spoke during a news conference outside the Virginia Capitol in Richmond on Sept. 16, 2021.

Yet the disparities persist.

Yes, small sample sizes such as those in Carroll can skew a survey. But when theyre consistent with a plethora of other information statistical, anecdotal and visual sometimes, you simply need to concede the point and start addressing the problem in a meaningful way.

The pitfalls of driving while Black are not exactly new information for a group whose elders, for generations, have had the talk with their youth about how to behave when pulled over by police. It also tracks with traffic stop information in other states.

Absent systemic racism or personal bias, I guess were left to conclude that white drivers in Virginia are simply much more proficient drivers than the rest of us. Or that Black and Hispanic drivers are auditioning for the next installment of the Fast and Furious movie franchise.

Scott isnt alone in calling for more action in the aftermath of the report.

Longstanding racial inequality in Virginias police practices have led to serious, ongoing harms for Black drivers that range from invasive questioning to even tragic violence, said Ashna Khanna, policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia.

Now, we have data echoing the disparities that community members have been reporting for years, Khanna said. We urge Virginias leaders, including police and lawmakers, to take this data seriously and to pass policy limiting unnecessary interactions between the public and the police.

The first step is to acknowledge the problem, said Robert Barnette, president of the Virginia State Conference NAACP.

Weve been trying to work with police departments to recognize this is a problem. And again, the statistics bear this out that its a problem, he said.

Or as Scott said: We know what the issues are. These issues are as old as 1619. He added of Youngkin: He has some information. He has an opportunity to do something about it, as opposed to pretending it doesnt exist.

This inequity, in our internet age, has manifested itself in very public ways.

The video of the Dec. 5, 2020 traffic stop in Windsor went viral after U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario, who is Black and Hispanic, had weapons drawn on him and was pepper-sprayed by police officers.

Then-Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring sued the town of Windsor, alleging that its law enforcement engaged in discriminatory policing practices, a lawsuit continued under Herrings successor, Jason Miyares.

Weve seen public policy decisions mandated in Virginia based on far less substantial ground.

Weve got the data on traffic stops. Lets act on it.

Organist Eddie Weaver at the Miller & Rhoads Tea Room

Lunches in the Miller & Rhoads Tea Room with Eddie Weaver at the organ have been so popular that he cut his own record.

The recently closed Venice Restaurant at the Corner of W. Cary and Thompson streets in Richmond. The Venice had operated since 1958; the owners recently decided to retire.

The new Julian's - Julian's, an Italian restaurant that has been operating for 40 years, has moved to larger quarters on West Broad Street. The restaurant left 2529 W. Broad St. and is leasing space in the former Automobile Club of Virginia headquarters, a block to the west. The restaurant has about 50 percent more space, with seating for about 200 people on the main floor. In addition, a wine cellar has been installed in the basement, private dining areas have been set up, and office space is available on the upper floor. The vacated property may become part of a redevelopment project involving the William Byrd Motor Hotel.

Miller & Rhoads Corner Shop, T-D Mag. Camera Quiz.

Byram's Restaurant, 3215 West Broad Street.

March 16, 1967 ( Staff photo - Netherwood ) Collector's Corner is between the Tea Room and Ladies Room on Miller & Rhoads 5th Floor

Charles Wood on ladder. Jimmy Aldred climbing down. Talley Neon takes down Julian's Restaurant sign

Little remains besides the brick walls at the Capri Restaurant (right) and a chiropractor's office. July 4, 1983.

A Julian's Restaurant menu from the early 1950's.

In January 1975, shoppers passed by the clock at Miller & Rhoads in downtown Richmond. The distinct timepiece with four faces was installed in the department store in the mid-1920s; it can be seen today at the Valentine Richmond History Center.

The new Kelly's Jet System restaurant which is due to open in mid-August on the northwest corner of Fifth and Broad sts. is shown above.

Where's the engine? The caboose traveling on the bed of a truck along West Broad Street yesterday wasn't part of a new rail line in Richmond, but part of a remodeling project at the old Clover Room restaurant. Owner John Dankos plans to open the new restaurant, Stanley Stegmeyer's Hodgepodge, on July 1. Part of the decor will include two cabooses, each of which will seat 16 persons. May 3, 1978

This January 1952 image shows the intersection of West Broad and Lombardy streets, home to a White Tower restaurant and a Firestone automotive service center. White Tower restaurants were a rival of White Castle eateries. The Firestone site is now home to a Dollar Tree store. Lombardy & Broad St.

This January 1952 image shows the intersection of West Broad and Lombardy streets, home to a White Tower restaurant and a Firestone automotive service center. White Tower restaurants were a rival of White Castle eateries. The Firestone site is now home to a Dollar Tree store. Lombardy & Broad St.

A view of the water at Chesdin Restaurant, 629 River Road, Matoaca.

A dish from the the Chesdin Restaurant, 629 River Road, Matoaca.

In the small kitchen of Jumpin J's Java, owner Je Depew (right) creates unique entrees with chef Gene Smith (center) and Chris Pierson. Sept. 25, 2004

At Jumpin J's Java, owner Je Depew (left) shares a laugh with customers Denise Lawus and Melvin Carter. Sept. 25, 2004

Je Depew, outside her cafe' and restaurant, Jumpin J's Java, at 2306 Jefferson Avenue (corner of Jefferson and Leigh streets) in Church Hill.

Exterior of Six Burner Restaurant on Grace Street in 2010.

Roasted Red Pepper appetizer at Six Burner Restaurant. Roasted Red Peppers, local goat cheese, roasted garlic and shallots seved with grilled bread.

One of the many seating areas at the Mexico Restaurant in Mechanicsville on May 17, 2004.

The Upper East Side Restaurant Jazz Lounge and Sports Bar allocated at 7103 Brook Road March 30, 2004.

The Upper East Side Restaurant Jazz Lounge and Sports Bar allocated at 7103 Brook Road on March 30, 2004. Grilled mushroom melt burger, (left) Upper East Side hot wings, and grilled chicken wrap.

Kobe Japanese Steaks & Sushi. March 24, 2004

Ancho chile strip (front plate), Coconut jumbo shrimp (back plate), creme brule cheesecake (right plate) and Firebirds 2000 Napa Valley Red are some of the items on the Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill. Photo taken Monday, March 1, 2004,

Bookbinder's Grill in Alverser Plaza in Midlothian in 2004.

Bella Arte on Bellevue Ave. in 2004.

Sushi from the Young Bin Restaurant in Chippenham Square Shopping Center February 24, 2004.

Shrimp and Scallop Scampi with linguine at Portabella's Restaurant & Pizzaria

Paxton Campbell, owner of The Oak Leaf sandwich shop on West Franklin, holds a picture of his grandmother Pearl Campbell, who had a restaurant called The Oak Leaf at 307 North Boulevard in the 1920's.

The "Plato Gordo" at Rio Grande Cafe at Stony Point Fashion Park.

George Porcella, general manager of Pasta Luna restaurant in Richmond, VA, holds a menu as he talks about how the mad-cow scare has affected their business Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003.

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Ashland . December 22 , 2003

Valentino's Italian Pizza and Restaurant, December 2, 2003.

Interior of Valentino's Italian Pizza and Restaurant. Photo taken Dec. 2, 2003

Coctel De Camaron, (Shrimp Cocktail) at Los Rios Mexican Restaurant on Tuckernuck Road, November 12, 2003.

Satoru Sato, head chef at Hana Zushi Japanese Restaurant, prepares a variety of sushi delicacies February 18, 2004

Anthony Clark, a host at Croaker's Spot in Jackson Ward, waits to greet guests as they enter the restaurant on December 19, 2003.

The Edible Garden, 12506 River Road, Goochland County. Phot o taken June 17, 2005

Harold Thomas III, 14, works at Harold's Kitchen every day after school. The restaurant has been in the family since 1971, when the first Harrold, Harrold III's grandfather, opened it.

La Casita's home made sauces - Red, (Medium) White, (Hot) and Green, (Very hot) compliment the restaurant's Shrimp Quesadilla, served with guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.9/6/05-

Diners munch under the festive lights strung over the dining room at La Casita Restaurant in Richmond Tuesday.9/6/05

Joe and Camilia Trak (center) with their children John and Mona, with some of the items on their extensive Greek-Italian menu, including Greek and Italian wines. Trak's Greek and Italian Ristorante

Visitors to Trick Dog Cafe in Irvington, Virginia, can rub this trick dog statue for good luck. Photo taken Wednesday, July 19, 2005.

Smoked Salmon in a crepe with flower petals with chives, cr me frais, microgreens accompanied by caper berries, chopped white onions, parsley and quail eggs. 1 North Belmont Restaurant on North Belmont Road in the fan. May 13, 2005.

Chef Matthew Tlusty with two Rock fish at Limani Fish Grill on W. Cary St.July 14, 2005

Isabel and Mehmet Akpinar, owners of Zorba's Restaurant June 1, 2005.

Homard en Poche, Rock Lobster Tail & Oyster Mushroom Duxelle baked in a Beggars Pouch. 1 North Belmont Restaurant on North Belmont Road in the fan. May 13, 2005.

Smoked Salmon in a crepe with flower petals with chives, cr me frais, microgreens accompanied by caper berries, chopped white onions, parsley and quail eggs. 1 North Belmont Restaurant on North Belmont Road in the fan. 5/13/05

Thyme crusted rack of veal served with asparagus flan and prosciutto wrapped asparagus is one of the entrees served at Bistro R, on W. Broad St.

Bryn Purser (foreground) and Adam Schumm (background) working in their restaurant, Zuppa, at 104 N. 18th St. in Shockoe Bottom in 2005

Bottoms Up staff prepares for dinner customers beneath a reminder of Tropical Storm Gaston's flood damage on August 11 , 2005

Brasilian Cafe owner Rogel Venson and employee Isabel Gonzalez inside the restaurant on April 14, 2005.

Contractor W. Samuel West, West Builders LLC, (right) was instrumental in rebuilding many flood-damaged restaurants in Shockoe Bottom including the River City Diner in which this photo was taken.

Mr. Bojangles restaurant is located at 550 E. Marshall Street.

A wooden casket containing a dummy corpse is brought into O'Toole's Restaurant as part of a "wake" that harks back to a centuries-old papal dispensation that allowed Irishmen normally abstaining from drink during Lent to drink in the event of a wake for the dead. The ritual with the dummy corpse is a tradition of many years at the restaurant/bar on Forest Hill Ave.

Wingstop Restaurant featured a variety of wings for every palate. From left: Lemon Pepper, original hot wings, and a mild variety. They are served here with fresh-cut seasoned fries.

Darryl and Pramvdee U. McGuire owners of Thai Country Resturant on Staples Mill Rd. .

A list of restaurants supposedly available at the Sixth Street Marketplace, but alas, several are closed down and one whole block of restaurants listed has been demolished.

Rod Bennett (right) a partner in the Martini Kitchen & Bubble Bar venture, said that the 1911 West Main Street restaurant will boast 85 martinis on the menu. It will also offer certified black angus beef, duck, and lobster.

Lois McCarn of Richmond (center) eats lunch with her daughter Carolyn Barker of Richmond in Brio Tuscan Grille at Stony Point Fashion Park

Little Europa Strogonoff (stroganoff) at Little Europa Restaurant and Gourmet Deli in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center on 11/5/03. Flambe version.

From left, Thomas Haskins, Andrew Williams, and Fred Middleton preparing food in the kitchen of the Positive Vibe Cafe in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center.

Chef Peter Caserta is opening a second Pasta Luna restaurant in addition to the West End location. The new location is in the Commonwealth Center at 288 and Hull Streets.

Chicken Biryahi, adorned with egg, is available at Curry House restaurant on West Broad Street. Photo taken October 7, 2003.

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Williams: The state's police traffic stop study states the obvious. Let's act on its data. - Richmond Times-Dispatch