Gonzalez hired as new PRS COO
Alana Gonzalez has as a tough road ahead as a new member of Richmond Public Schools’ executive team.
Electronic system allows voters to sign petitions for candidates to get on Democratic primary ballot
Signing a statewide candidate’s petition to get on the June 8 Democratic primary ballot just got extremely easy for registered voters.
Record number of Black candidates enter statewide races
A record 11 Black candidates are competing for the Democratic or Republican nomination for statewide office.
Calls for investigation into historic Black cemeteries’ operation
Halt the transfer of public money to the Richmond-based Enrichmond Foundation until an investigation can be conducted into the foundation’s ownership and operation of two historic Black cemeteries on the city’s eastern border with Henrico County.
Mayor Stoney unveils $770.23M proposed city budget for 2021-22
Full funding for Richmond Public Schools. Enhanced pay for City Hall employees, including police officers and firefighters. No new taxes but an average hike of $5.70 month in the cost of utility services. Those are among the highlights of the $770.23 million general fund budget that Mayor Levar M. Stoney presented to City Council last Friday for fiscal 2021-22 that is now under review.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview stirs racial introspection among Brits
Explosive allegations by Meghan Markle, the duchess of Sussex, that she faced racist attitudes from both the royal palace and the media in the United Kingdom have sent ripples of shock around the world. But they came as no surprise to many Black Britons.
A-10 Tournament win would send VCU Rams to NCAAs
Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball Rams aren’t dancing yet. But they can hear the band warming up.
Forget Black protestants; white evangelicals least likely to get COVID-19 vaccine
Since before the COVID-19 vaccines hit the market, it has been predicted that Black Americans would choose to be vaccinated at dramatically lower rates than white Americans due to a historic mistrust of the health system. Media stories defined the causes for “vaccine hesitancy” while physicians worried about how to overcome it.
Personality: Taylor R. Scott
Spotlight on founder of RVA Community Fridge
For the last four months, Taylor RaShon Scott has been working to help meet the Richmond community’s need for food during the pandemic.
Low enrollment putting RPS tech programs in jeopardy
Richmond Public Schools’ traditional technical programs are on the verge of extinction due to low enrollment.
Newly approved $1.9 trillion stimulus package to give boost to families, local economy
Percy Bell jumped for joy after learning Wednesday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the new stimulus package that provides a new round of direct payments to individuals and families. “I hoped and hoped, and now $1,400 is coming. I could sure use it,” said the Richmond fast food restaurant employee, who is among millions expected to receive the payments. “I’m broke, and this is really going to help.”
Take them down
The UR Black Student Coalition is demanding the University of Richmond remove names of racists from two buildings on West End campus
The University of Richmond is facing accusations of supporting white supremacy as the result of its plan to keep a building named for its slave-holding first president and another named for a newspaperman who championed segregation and Black oppression.
Richmond casino to create jobs, bring $ to city, consultants say
Two thousand new jobs and at least $31 mil- lion in new revenue for City Hall coffers.
Civil rights activist Vernon Jordan dies at 85
Vernon Jordan, who rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become a champion of civil rights before reinventing himself as a Washington insider and corporate influencer, has died at the age of 85.
Deathbed letter by former NYPD officer tells of conspiracy to kill Malcolm X
Almost 56 years to the day of the Feb. 21, 1965 assassination of Malcolm X, the slain leader’s daughters and noted civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump are shining a light on those whom they believe are responsible for the heartless murder.
Kudos to Free Press sports writer and artist Fred Jeter
Re “The art of sport,” Free Press Feb. 25-27 edition:
Thank you, Dominion Energy workers
A big thank you to the Dominion Energy employees who worked day and night to get us power following the last two ice storms. Even though it was cold and the weather was bad, you could still see them restoring power to the various neighborhoods.
Marijuana legalization legislation falls short of equity and fairness
Along with many other individuals, groups and organizations across Virginia, the Cannabis Equity Coalition of Virginia, or CECVA, is disheartened with the details within the legalization of marijuana bill that was approved by the General Assembly.
Black women’s organizations matter, by Julianne Malveaux
March is Women’s History Month. It is the perfect time to lift Black women’s organizations that make such an essential difference in our lives.
