Education advocate files U.S. Department of Education complaint against Richmond Public Schools
Special education advocate Kandise Lucas is taking action after learning that Richmond has been ignoring a federal law that requires public schools to serve physically and mentally disabled children who are home-schooled, enrolled in private school or enrolled in the school system.
The cost of electricity is going up
Surging demand and a jump in the price of natural gas is about to impact electric bills in Virginia.
No November vote voids Urban One’s casino contract
The casino-resort contract that a Maryland-based Black media company had to develop in South Richmond if voters were to approve it is no more.
Local authority’s outreach helps equity fund address health disparities
For the last two months, Jacquetta Gosier has worked to bridge the gap of mental health access for Richmond communities in need.
Tre. Charles brings his gospel, neo-soul sound to RVA East End Festival
Tre. Charles considers music as an emotional outlet — almost a cathartic release. His recently released debut single “Stressin” evokes the isolation many have felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the album he is working on has male vulnerability, especially Black male vulnerability, as one of its themes.
VCU apology fails to heal wounds inflicted by MCV doctors who removed a Black man’s heart
More than 50 years after a deceased Black man became an organ donor without his consent or the knowledge of his family, Virginia Commonwealth University’s role in the treatment of Bruce Tucker continues to be reassessed and scrutinized by leaders inside and outside the university.
‘Fifth Little Girl’ of 1963 Klan bombing reunites with nurse
On Sept. 15, Birmingham commemorated the explosion that proved to be a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement
When an initially blinded, and nearly lifeless, 12-year-old girl found in the rubble of a church bombing was wheeled onto the 10th floor of University Hospital in Birmingham nearly 60 years ago, one of the first people to tend to the child was Rosetta “Rose” Hughes, a nurse.
Jermoine Royster’s ‘flying fists, fancy footwork’ take on pro boxing
In searching for a nickname for Jermoine Royster, “The Bully” fits like a glove. A boxing glove that is.
Personality: Jamal Brooks
Spotlight on the VA Pride’s Scholarship Committee chairman
Jamal Brooks was 17 years old when his education came to a sudden stop.
2022 could be a political watershed for Massachusetts women
Just 20 years ago, Massachusetts voters had yet to elect a woman as governor, attorney general, U.S. senator or mayor of its largest city. This year, Democratic women won five of six statewide primary contests.
Mayor’s revised police review board proposal gains support
Richmond appears to be moving closer to establishing an advisory Civilian Review Board to make recommendations in cases of alleged police misconduct that result in residents being killed, injured or suffering unwarranted physical or verbal abuse.
How Richmond Ballet’s Garret McNally found his footing
Garret McNally has been dancing since age 3 when his mother put him into dance as an outlet for his energy.
Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis dies at 87
Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, whose music entertained fans over a more than 60-year career that began with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and made him one of the country’s most successful jazz musicians, has died. He was 87.
Culinary historian Michael W. Twitty is LVA’s literary awards speaker
James Beard award-winning author and cu- linary historian Michael W. Twitty will be the featured speaker during the Library of Virginia’s 25th Annual Literary Awards Celebration on Oct. 15.
VMHC announces second grant cycle for history projects
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture will begin accepting applications Oct. 1 from state historical organizations for its second annual Commonwealth History Fund grant cycle. VMHC will again award approximately $400,000 to meet its pledge to distribute some $2 million over five years from the fund.
VCU professor’s documentary sheds light on Central State’s darkness
A new Richmond-made documentary will premiere this weekend with a view of the good, the bad and the ugly of mental health treatment for Black people in Virginia.
Boxing legend Earnie Shavers dies at 78
Earnie Shavers, among the hardest punch- ers in heavyweight boxing history, died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at the home of one of his daughters in Virginia. He was 78. Known as the “Black Destroyer,” Mr. Shavers posted a career record of 74-14-1 between 1969 and 1995. His worksheet included 68 knockouts with 23 coming in the first round. The Alabama native won 44 of his first 47 bouts via knockout. Twice he fought for the world title, los- ing to Muhammad Ali in 1977 and Larry Holmes in 1979. Mr. Shavers left an indelible impression on Ali. “Earnie hit me so hard, it shocked my kinfolk back in Africa,” Ali said. Along the way, Mr. Shavers scored ring victories over three former world champs, Jimmy Ellis, Ken Norton and Vincente Rondon. Mr. Shavers’ immense power came up in the 1980s when late-night TV host David Letterman interviewed boxing champ George Foreman. Letterman asked Foreman about Mr. Shavers. Foreman replied: “I never fought Earnie Shavers. Thank goodness.”
VCU’s Vimael Machin is a hit with Oakland A's
VCU has a stake in the action as Major League Baseball rolls into Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15.


