We have been experiencing nova flight for many years before the pandemic accelerated it. It's doesn't have to be the hardcore. It could be as simple as a voting base large enough to vote for an outsider proposing mistakes Richmond made before.

Richmond is riddled with the legacy of racism. Part of the city get ignored while others are playgrounds for county folk... Because the county people contribute more to the city's tax base. This leads to placating county interests instead of helping the city and the ones who need it.

I also am truly saddened that you experienced the ignorance of racism in the suburbs here. We have our ignorant too. Looking at you Chesterfield....