The need for unity, by A. Peter Bailey
As we continue in Black History Month, those who consider themselves Malcolm-ites and those who consider themselves Martin-ites have too often talked the talk but not walked the walk when honoring the legacies of the two great warriors in the war against white supremacy.
The heroes within us, by Oscar H. Blayton
Each February in schools across the nation, pictures of well-known Black historical figures are mounted on bulletin boards in commemoration of Black History Month.
Kamras, the schools and COVID-19
Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras got what he wanted this week when the Richmond School Board voted to extend his contract for four years.
Equity
We have grave concerns about the state’s COVID-19 vaccine efforts and how those disproportionately impacted by the potentially fatal virus seem to be last on the list to receive inoculation against it.
Black History Month events calendar this week
A variety of events are planned in and around Richmond for Black History Month.
Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks dies
Leon Spinks, who won Olympic gold and then shocked the boxing world by beating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title in only his eighth pro fight, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. He was 67.
NSU opts out of football until fall
Norfolk State University, which was scheduled to play its first football game of the season next week, has now decided to opt out of its winter-spring football season because of health concerns linked to the pandemic.
Local connection to Kansas City Chiefs
There is a local connection between the Richmond area and last Sunday’s Super Bowl.
2 HBCU athletes on rosters for Super Bowl teams
Much has changed during the last 54 years regarding HBCU participation on Super Bowl Sunday.
Tom Brady, G.O.A.T. quarterback, takes Tampa Bay to champions’ circle
You can call them the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or the “Tompa” Bay Bucs or “Brady’s Bunch,” or the golden oldies, but be sure to also call them Super Bowl LV champions.
Presidents’ Day holiday closings
In observance of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 15, please note the following:
Landlord must sell properties, undergo housing training in HOME settlement
Richmond area landlord Teresa Vetter has agreed to sell her properties and give up leasing apartments for five years to end a lawsuit accusing her of discrimination against families with children and people with disabilities.
Randy Wilson new HomeAgain executive director
Randy Wilson has spent the past 10 years leading the Hope, Unity and Freedom Center in providing supportive services to people with mental, emotional or behavioral challenges.
Advocates frustrated by Democrats’ efforts on police reform
Virginia has made headlines in recent months for criminal justice reform measures but advocates say more needs to be done. They are disappointed lawmakers in both chambers of the General Assembly recently killed proposals to roll back qualified immunity protections for police officers.
Vytal Studios to relocate its headquarters
Richmond has snagged an Austin, Texas, developer of cutting-edge educational and training films and materials that expects to create 155 jobs when it opens its new home in South Side.
Salvation Army delays move to new headquarters
The Salvation Army Central Virginia is keeping its headquarters and shelter at 2 W. Grace St. and has no immediate plans to move to North Side.
REAL LIFE program expanding
A Richmond-based nonprofit that provides services for the homeless, recovering addicts and former inmates returning to the community from jail and prison is expanding its housing operations.
Churches, apartment complex are latest sites for COVID-19 vaccinations
A chance to avoid further danger and tragedy. A message from a trusted pastor or fellow church member. An opportunity to keep themselves, their friends and their families safe. These reasons and others compelled seniors to get vaccinated against COVID-19 last Friday and Saturday during events held by the Richmond and Henrico health districts.
Contract approval expected for GRTC drivers
Ending a stalemate, GRTC and its union have reached an agreement that will boost pay for drivers of regular and Pulse buses by 12.5 percent over three years. The contract also will upgrade pay for other blue collar employees and improve benefits.
