Day care options opening for student virtual instruction
More lower cost day care options are starting to emerge for Richmond Public Schools students to attend virtual classes and relieving parents who must work or who feel ill-equipped to double as teachers.
Struck by COVID-19, Gov. and Mrs. Northam are seeing state’s response system up close
As Gov. Ralph S. Northam and his wife, First Lady Pamela Northam, remain in isolation until early next week after testing positive on Sept. 24 for COVID-19, officials in seven different health districts in the state are working to connect with scores of people the couple may have had contact with in the days before their diagnoses.
More civic engagement is needed before Broad Street rezoning
On Monday, Sept. 28, the Richmond City Council tabled for 30 days a rezoning ordinance allowing 20-story and taller buildings on Broad Street between Belvidere Street and Arthur Ashe Boulevard. This delay benefits all of Richmond because it provides the opportunity to bring all parties into a citywide consideration of new zoning that creates growth everywhere.
COVID-19 gives urgency to understanding sickle cell disease, by Glenn Ellis
COVID-19 has made the need for awareness about sickle cell disease more urgent than ever.
Truth of Black-on-Black crime remains 28 years later, by A. Peter Bailey
In a 1992 column for the Richmond Free Press, I wrote, “Someone should tell young Black males who are killing each other with such deadly efficiency that they are being allowed to do so precisely because they are killing each other. The harsh reality is that there are many white people in this city who believe that it is cheaper to let them kill each other off than to educate them or to keep them in jail.”
An observation
We find a sad irony in the fact that excess and unclaimed money left from the sale of property seized from Richmonders — many of whom are Black — and sold by the city to pay delinquent taxes will be used to create a memorial to enslaved Black people who were considered property.
COVID-19 hits home
During the week the nation hit the grim milestone of 200,000 deaths from COVID-19, Gov. Ralph S. Northam and his wife, Pamela Northam, tested positive for the coronavirus.
Mayor introduces plan to boost affordable housing
For at least 25 years, City Hall has offered a tax abatement program that has spurred improvements and upgrades to at least 7,500 aging homes and apartment buildings in exchange for seven years of reduced real estate taxes.
Dec. 5 Christmas parade to go virtual
Richmond’s 37th Annual Christmas Parade will be virtual this year because of the coronavirus.
Tim Reid launches new network “LG/CY of a People”
Internationally known American actor, director, writer and filmmaker Tim Reid has launched a new streaming network called “LG|CY of a People” to tell stories about the diverse people and cultures within the African diaspora.
32nd Annual 2nd Street Festival goes virtual Oct. 3 and 4
The 32nd Annual 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward will have a twist this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of thousands of people flocking to the Downtown neighborhood to enjoy the history, music, food and art, events will take place virtually.
NFL Hall of Famer Gale Sayers dies at 77
Gale Sayers, remembered for his spectacular athleticism and inspiring friendship with an ailing teammate, died Sept. 23, 2020. He was 77.
NSU names women to major athletic posts
Norfolk State University football will have a strong female influence behind the scenes when the Spartans return to the gridiron this spring.
Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin form NASCAR team with driver Bubba Wallace
African-Americans may have greater success on the NASCAR circuit thanks to the high-profile pairing of Michael Jordan and Bubba Wallace.
Sixth Baptist Church to celebrate grand opening of community mission center Oct. 3
As the coronavirus pandemic presses on, a faith-based community in Richmond’s West End continues to find ways to support its congregation and those in need.
Adoption advocate and political campaign volunteer Annette ‘Nettie’ Gordon dies at 82
Annette White “Nettie” Gordon, who helped build an adoption program focused on Black children and volunteered in campaigns of Democratic candidates, has died.
New poll shows Mayor Stoney ahead in re-election bid
Less than 40 percent of Richmond’s voters support the re-election of Mayor Levar M. Stoney, but with just a month to go, he appears to be on track to win at least five council districts in again facing a splintered opposition, a new poll of Richmond voters indicates.
Mayor’s challengers go on the offense during candidates forum
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney was roundly criticized during a forum last week by four challengers seeking to unseat him for what they said is his administration’s lack of transparency.
City joining preservation effort for historic African-American cemetery
City Hall is finally joining an effort to recognize, preserve and protect a historic African-American cemetery that city government spent more than 120 years trying to erase.
