VCU’s 2022 ‘Common Book’ further exposes Richmond’s racist past, by Chip Jones
Parking in front of a massive stone clubhouse, I was ready to enjoy an evening visit with a book club in the suburbs.
Biden’s student loan plan needs more reforms, by Marc H. Morial
“By forgiving up to $20,000 in burdensome student loan debt, President Biden is giving working and middle class families the financial breathing room the desperately need. Buying a home, founding a business, starting a family, and so much more will now be a financial possibility for millions more Americans. But we cannot stop there. The Congressional Black Caucus remains committed to achieving additional reforms to ensure current, and future borrowers are not subjected to this cycle of burdensome debt.” – Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Joyce Beatty
Teacher shortage is a symptom, by Julianne Malveaux
The teacher shortage is a symptom of a greater challenge.
After much labor, city workers can bargain for better wages
Labor Day has mostly marked the end of summer in Richmond, a day off for most best known for pool parties and retail shopping sales. But this year, the national holiday celebrating worker contributions to American progress will have new meaning, particularly among City Hall and School Board employees, when it arrives Monday, Sept. 5.
Like Black families, HBCUs are financially short-changed
As college students settle into campus life, many Black Americans remember the multigenerational sacrifices that have established higher education as a bridge to a better life.
VUU and MBL receive Sports Illustrated funds
Virginia Union University, Hampton University and the Metropolitan Business League are among several Virginia-based minority organizations to receive $175,000 from Sports Illustrated Sportsbook. The funds are part of an agreement with Virtual Entertainment Partners in exchange for a partnership and access into Virginia’s sports betting market. The following universities and organizations received:
$1.3M federal grant assists first-generation students, students with disabilities
Virginia Commonwealth University plans to aid the academic path of underrepre- sented undergraduates, courtesy of a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. VCU is one of three Virginia universities to receive the McNair grant, named for the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University graduate and the second African-American to fly in space.
Summer internships key to jump-starting careers
Internships for college students can be pivotal in steering and developing a young person’s career.
City rejects South Side church bid for abandoned school
A church that has competed to buy the long vacant Oak Grove Elementary School property in South Side has been eliminated from contention — leaving an apartment developer as the only bidder with an offer still under review.
Va. Executive Mansion open to public again
After being closed for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Mansion, located in Capitol Square in Downtown, will reopen to the public Sept. 2.
City packs heat with little impact
Gun buyback nets 126 broken weapons, 227 handguns, 117 rifles and shotguns
City Hall touted Richmond’s first gun buyback program as an “overwhelming success” despite evidence that the event is unlikely to have any impact on violence or gun ownership.
Labor Day holiday closings 2022
In observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 5, please note the following:
City Council to weigh ranked-choice voting
Next week, City Council will likely decide whether to test a simple change in voting that would ensure a majority of voters elects every member of the governing body in the 2024 elections.
Dr. Tinina Cade retires after 35 years at University of Richmond
Longtime educator praised for building an infrastructure of support for students
As a new semester begins at the University of Richmond, there is one familiar face that students, faculty and staff will not see on campus this year.
Boushall Middle teacher is Region 1 Teacher of the Year
When Henrico County native Kiara Thompson began her college career, teaching was not what she had in mind.
Sistine Chapel frescoes come to Richmond
Most people know about the remarkable paintings that Michelangelo created on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, even if they have never been to Rome. Now Richmond area residents can get a close-up view of his famous frescoes that still fill the ceiling of the chapel that is located within the Apostolic Palace, the pope’s official residence in Vatican City, the independent Catholic enclave inside Italy’s capital city.
World premiere musical ‘Gabriel’ portrays the statewide insurrection led by a slave
Finally, the long-awaited world premiere of a musical focusing on Gabriel and the slave rebellion he almost pulled off in Richmond 222 years ago is set to go at the Firehouse Theatre next week.
Petersburg’s pioneering educator and mayor, Dr. Florence Saunders Farley, dies at 94
Dr. Florence Saunders Farley, a trailblazing psychologist who also served as Petersburg’s first Black female mayor, has died.
Serena wins again at U.S. Open, beating No. 2 seed Kontaveit
Serena Williams eliminated No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-2 in the U.S. Open’s second round Wednesday night to ensure that the 23-time Grand Slam champion will play at least one more singles match at what she’s hinted will be the last tournament of her illustrious career.
