Virginians continue to witness the chaos and confusion consuming Virginia’s top executives.

The Free Press hit the street to talk with a cross-section of area residents about their observations and reactions. An overwhelming number of Caucasians declined to be interviewed.

Douglas W. Rawlings, 59, chef and former Marine:

“I think the lieutenant governor, who is a great man, is doing what he needs to do to keep his job, and at the same time, he is doing a good job. I think they should let him go through the investigation process because you are innocent until proven guilty. The allegations have not been proven.

“Gov. Northam and Attorney General Herring did blackface when they were young. We all did things when we were young, but we don’t continue to do it. Maybe they grew up in a family where blackface was acceptable. Today, blackface is not acceptable. However, you live and learn. Hopefully, they now have wisdom.”

Sarah Joyner, 38, a licensed professional counselor:

“I don’t know the whole story and don’t want to make a knee-jerk reaction. I think people are quick to make judgments without knowing the whole story and everyone involved.

“I didn’t vote for any of them, but I do want to give them a fair hearing. I believe they are innocent until proven guilty.”

Vermeadia Holmes, 66, retired educator:

“The problems we have are deeper than symbols, statues and blackface. We must realize that these problems are institutionalized in this country, engineered and structuralized in Virginia; we are the beginning of the problem.

“Racism is not isolated. It is worldwide. However, we can make solutions that will work and have an impact on the state, the country and the world.”

Rosa Pemberton, 62, hospital security officer:

“I don’t think the three should resign. We (citizens) are missing a point. All of a sudden, all of this information is coming out about Gov. Northam, Lt. Gov. Fairfax and Attorney General Herring. Something is behind this politically.

“We all have done stupid stuff in the past. I feel they should be forgiven.”

Chrystal Lewis, 34, nurse:

“We all have a past and we have skeletons in our closets. We have all done things in the past. Gov. Northam should be forgiven.

“I also believe Lt. Gov. Fairfax is innocent until proven guilty.”

Willie Hilliard, 55, barber:

“Gov. Northam and Attorney General Herring should step down. If Gov. Northam had stayed with what he originally said (regarding the blackface) and stood on that, I may have been able to accept that a little bit. But for him to backtrack the next day is unacceptable.

“Because Attorney General Herring called for Mr. Northam to step down because of his blackface incident, (and then confessed to wearing blackface himself), the same applies to him.

“As far as Mr. Fairfax is concerned, accusations are accusations. I don’t see accusations as something that’s impeachable.

“Racism is 100 percent behind the situation because no one is being called to be impeached but the lieutenant governor.”

Kevin Starlings, 33, owner of Starlings Enterprises:

“What’s happening with Virginia’s top executives is an unfortunate situation. Initially, we asked for Gov. Northam to resign based on his past. Then the accusations against Lt. Gov. Fairfax came to light, which is a totally different situation. With Attorney General Herring, regardless of how long ago, it was a bad decision on his part to be in blackface.

“On the other hand, we all do believe in second chances. Mr. Northam had an opportunity to save himself, but unfortunately he didn’t do that in his press conferences. He really showed us how unaware he was about the issues going on when it comes to blackface. He also was corrected about his use of “indentured servants.” That was a reminder of how unaware he is regarding the cultural issues in Virginia. He doesn’t share the same understanding as African-Americans.

“The governor believes his is the way to move forward. I don’t believe that’s the case.

“I still stand with Lt. Gov. Fairfax. But (the second allegation against him) brings up a lot questions. For Mr. Fairfax to ask for a full investigation is the right way to go. I believe in due process as these are serious allegations. And at the same time, the women involved have the right to be heard.”

Interviews and photos by Ronald E. Carrington