Reflections on freedom for Juneteenth, by Robin Stone
The official recognition of the day the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom, known as Juneteenth, was a long time coming. It wasn’t until 2021 — nearly 160 years after slavery ended — that the president signed a proclamation making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Richmond Free Press founders receive City Hall honor and recognition
Black-owned weekly saluted for its ‘leadership, service, dedication and prominence in the community’
Jean P. Boone and the late Raymond H. Boone, founders and publishers of the Richmond Free Press newspaper, received recognition from City Council on Monday night to honor their journalistic contributions to the city.
Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges that he illegally kept classified documents
Trump became the first former president to face a judge on federal charges as he pleaded not guilty in a Miami courtroom Tuesday to dozens of felony counts accusing him of hoarding classified documents and refusing government demands to give them back.
Personality: Richard Allen Jackson Sr.
Spotlight on VHEF’s honorary co-chair for 12th Annual Jazz Inside Out
Richard Allen Jackson Sr., M.D. describes himself as compassionate, caring and supportive. The decision to be the honorary chair for the 12th Annual Jazz Inside Out, along with his wife, Eucharia “Ukay” Jackson, fits right in with those ideals.
Athlete, coach and educator Ethan M. Pitts Jr. dies at age 50
For the first time in at least 15 years, veteran Coach Ethan Matthew “Matt” Pitts Jr. was missing from the Richmond delegation to the Virginia Special Olympics summer games at the University of Richmond.
High 5!
Denver Nuggets win first NBA title over Miami Heat in Game 5
This is no joke. The Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, aka “The Joker,” are NBA champs for the first time since entering the league 47 years ago.
Library of Virginia, Virginia Folklife Program hosts ‘Celebration of Virginia Folklife’
The Library of Virginia and the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities will present a free two-day celebration featuring documentary screenings, live music and more to highlight Virginia’s diverse and evolving folklife heritage. “A Celebration of Virginia Folklife” will take place July 7 and 8 at the library as part of its yearlong 200th anniversary celebration.
13th Senate District primary candidates discuss their platforms
The issue of abortion and a woman’s right to choose has been front and center in the Virginia primary race in which Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey and Lashrecse Aird are vying to become the Democratic candidate for the state 13th Senate District.
79th House District candidates cite school funding, gun legislation and criminal justice reform as key issues
Three candidates have been knocking on thousands of doors and sending out mailers in pitching to represent the House of Delegates 7th District. Next Tuesday, June 20, voters will choose from Rae Cousins, Ann-Frances Lambert and Richard W. Walker as the Democratic nominee and the odds-on favorite to win in the November general election.
Frustration, sorrow mount in city after graduation shooting
“My nephew lost his life. He lost his life at his high school graduation. That shouldn’t be.”
Affordable housing efforts build momentum
Tall staircases rise from the ground at 7000 Carnation St. in South Side – the first major feature of the 218 new income-restricted apartments that will rise on the 5-acre site.
Juneteenth holiday closings
In observance of Juneteenth on Monday, June 19, please note the following:
No systemic racism?, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
I woke up a few days ago expecting, almost hoping, that my day would be sufficiently uneventful so as not to aggravate my spirit. Instead, while listening to “The View,” I heard Sen. Tim Scott proclaim, “There is no Systemic Racism in America.”
Political hypocrisy should come with a political price, by David W. Marshall
When serving as then-President Trump’s attorney in 2018, Rudy Giuliani was a guest on the Sunday morning show “Meet the Press.” During the interview with host Chuck Todd, Mr. Giuliani gave a contradictory and confusing comment that explains how supporters of the former president view the subject of truth.
RPS bus drivers choose new union
Richmond Public Schools now has a third union with which to bargain.
High blood pressure plagues many Black Americans
Combined with COVID, it’s catastrophic
Charles Thomas was unwell but he had no time for rest. He was on the cusp of a management promotion and a move to Florida to begin a new chapter that would alter his family’s financial future and break the cycle of generational poverty. Yet, as his family’s prospects improved, concerns about his health grew.
Juneteenth events
One of the few lasting changes from the moment of “racial reckoning” that America experienced after the murder of Minnesota resident George Floyd was the federal recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday in 2021.
Jeff Wilson receives local PRSA chapter’s highest honor
VHMC’s Taylor Fuqua receives ‘Rising Star’ award
Jeff Wilson, vice president of Workplace Culture, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and chief of staff at Padilla, recently received the 2023 Excellence in Public Relations Award from the Richmond chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Richmond).
New tool to help Chesterfield residents locate voting precincts
With the June 20 primary one week away, the Chesterfield County Registrar’s Office is making it easy for county residents to locate their respective representatives and voting precinct with the click of button.
No more ‘jo(e)king’ around
Voting has been underway for several weeks in what The Nation magazine called “the most important Democratic primary of 2023,” between former state representative Lashrecse Aird and the incumbent, a scandal-prone former lawyer named Joe Morrissey.
