Richmond Divine Nine members go to D.C.
About 85 members of several Richmond area fraternities and sororities attended last Saturday’s March on Washington in Washington, D.C., where they joined thousands of others to commemorate the historic event’s 60th anniversary.
Under the microscope
An experiment to fight pandemic-era learning loss launches in Richmond
After intense opposition and skepticism, two elementary schools opened 20 days early to help students make up for what they missed during the time of remote learning. The first question: Would kids show up in the middle of summer for extra schooling?
At March on Washington’s 60th anniversary, leaders seek energy of original movement for civil rights
Sixty years ago, Andrew Young and his staff had just emerged from an exhausting campaign against racial segregation in Birmingham, Ala. But they didn’t feel no ways tired, as the Black spiritual says. The foot soldiers were on a “freedom high,” Mr. Young recalls.
Personality: Joi Dean
Spotlight on Partnership for the Future board chair
Joi Dean believes she has been given much in her life and working with Partnership for the Future (PFF) is a way for her to give back.
WREJ Rejoice sold
‘The Gary Flowers Show’ host plans to ‘carefully consider options before me’
Jim Jacobs, the station’s current owner through Radio Richmond, LLC, confirmed that the $500,00 deal to sell WREJ 990 AM/101.3 FM to Relevant Radio is moving forward. An announcement on “The Gary Flowers Show” Monday morning made it official that the station’s current programming will cease effective Aug. 31.
August spells spirit of giving
Churches, corporations and RPD provide resources for schools, students
In the weeks and days leading up to Richmond area students entering a new school year, several churches, businesses and other organizations stepped up to provide backpacks, clothing, shoes, lunchboxes and even cash in an effort to ensure that children have the basics for learning.
John Marshall athletes heading to Africa
The boys and girls basketball teams at John Marshall High School depart for Luanda, Angola, in Africa on Friday, Aug. 24. They will return on Sept. 5.
Richmond man seeks parole after nearly four decades in prison
Since 2002, the Virginia Parole Board has approved the release of 69 people who were convicted of murder, including some serving two life sentences. Marvin M. Mundy, who already has served 36 years for his role in the 1988 murder of the night manager and a guest at a Henrico County hotel, is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be next.
Woody Foundation, Military Retirees at odds over admissions tax
For at least 10 years, Christopher J. Woody Sr. raised money for his charity, The Woody Foundation, by throwing at least 17 parties and events a year at the Military Retirees Club of Richmond in North Side, a large private space that permits alcohol.
VUU enrollment increases
Virginia Union University is experiencing a surge in freshmen enrollment to start the fall semester, joining other area universities in reporting an increase in first-time students.
Demands for better staffing, racial literacy course continue as VCU begins semester
Virginia Commonwealth University students moved into the residence halls last weekend amid ongoing calls for the university’s leadership to address issues regarding firings, hirings tuition increases and on-campus living conditions.
Women at the first March on Washington: A secretary, a future bishop and a marshal
In front of the crowds and the cameras, the speeches of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other men loomed large 60 years ago at the March on Washington. But the women, including those of faith, who played roles in its organization, its music and its news coverage were mostly left off the official program.
Richmond judge clears way for casino vote
Richmond voters will have a second chance to vote on hosting a $560 million casino in South Side. Judge W. Reilly Marchant cleared the way Wednesday by blocking a Richmond charity bingo group’s attempt to challenge the constitutionality of the order he signed July 25 to put the issue on the Nov. 7 general election ballot.
Back to school
Richmond area students are back in the classroom, a new experience for those of us who are used to public schools starting after labor Day.
Hurray for compromise
Good news. Virginia lawmakers are reportedly on the verge of a budget deal that would ensure increased funding for public schools and mental health services, while restoring a subsidy that will protect against a projected leap in health insurance premiums.
Georgia’s case against Donald Trump’s team shows the real crime — against voters, by Clarence Page
Are you the sort of aging baby boomer who can’t hear the opening notes of Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” without thinking of the Lone Ranger?
Racist attacks can’t hide lawlessness in Fulton County’s case against Trump, by Marc H. Morial
“With Trump, you don’t need to look for a dog whistle. It’s a bull horn when it comes to race. And I do think that’s deliberate. We’ve seen the — I mean, slanderous attacks that he has put out against Fani Willis, you know, alleged things I won’t even repeat. So, he’s not really hiding that he’s going to lean into that element, and this is, you know, taking place just outside of Atlanta. When you saw the courtroom, it was a lot of Black men and women who are serving in that courtroom ... It’s textbook Donald Trump but it comes as no surprise.” — Alyssa Farah, Former White House Director of Strategic Communications
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations increase
COVID-19 hospitalization rates have risen 77% in Virginia so far this month amid signs of a late summer wave sweeping the country, according to Axios. COVID diagnoses in Virginia emergency rooms have risen every week since the end of June, per data released by the Virginia Department of Health yesterday.
Football momentum building in the East End
Jeremy Pruitt teaches chemistry in the classroom and, as football coach, seems to have found the right formula at Armstrong High.
