Readers weigh in on Coliseum and Downtown development proposal
Re: “Thumbs down: City Council-appointed advisory commission rejects $1.5B Coliseum and Downtown redevelopment plan after 3-month review,” Free Press Dec. 26-28 edition:
Emancipation Proclamation still under attack, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Jan. 1 marked the anniversary of a new America. On Jan. 1, 1863, as the Civil War approached the end of its second year, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are and henceforward shall be free.”
The next debate, by Julianne Malveaux
Democrats started this presidential campaign season with more than 20 candidates. Eventually, it dropped to about a dozen, with, so far, only five of those “qualified” to appear on the next debate stage this month.
Trump, Iran and answers
Now that President Trump has pushed America to the brink of war in the Middle East, we want answers.
Opportunity time
The 2020 Virginia General Assembly session started on Wednesday with several historic markers of note.
Johnson Publishing artwork going on auction block
Bankrupt Johnson Publishing Co., the former owner of Ebony and JET magazines, will sell off art that once decorated the company’s Chicago headquarters. Among the art to be auctioned Jan. 30 at a New York gallery will be paintings, sculptures and other works from 75 African-American artists.
Local premiere of 'The Unity Ride' on Jan. 16
“The Unity Ride,” a new documentary from Richmond’s Soulidifly Productions about two cyclists traveling an old slave escape route on the Underground Railroad, is to premiere 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., it has been announced.
Golden Globes so white? Critics blast lack of diversity among winners
The 2020 Golden Globe Awards, presented Sunday by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, drew criticism this week for its lack of winners of color.
Ben Stanley steps up for Hampton Pirates
When Jermaine Marrow went down, Hampton University needed a volunteer to step up. Ben Stanley was the first to raise his hand.
VUU takes its game on the road
Keshon Tabb, a law-abiding citizen by nature, transforms into a pickpocket once he laces up his basketball sneakers.
Petersburg's Frank Mason III playing for call up to Bucks' active roster
Frank Mason III is dribbling down the comeback trail with the desired final destination only 88 miles away. The former Petersburg High School and University of Kansas basketball sensation is suiting up for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G-League.
Local athletes to share NFL playoff spotlight
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson isn’t the only local athlete making headlines in the NFL playoffs.
Faith leaders call for de-escalation after missile strike kills Iranian general
Concern about the growing tensions between the United States and Iran has been bubbling within the Vatican, as Pope Francis and other faith leaders urge global leaders to employ self-restraint and dialogue.
50 years after 'Black Manifesto,' religious groups again take up reparations
On a Sunday morning in May 1969, as clergy processed into the sanctuary of New York’s august Riverside Church, civil rights activist James Forman vaulted into the pulpit to demand $500 million in reparations for the mistreatment of African-Americans from white churches and synagogues.
Former Richmonder Beatrice O. Scott dies at 77
Former Richmonder Beatrice Odom Scott went off to Baltimore where she earned recognition for her roles in education, political and neighborhood affairs.
Personality: Dr. Rodney P. Gaines
Most college professors start their spring semesters re-energized from the holiday break with memories of family gatherings and stories of whirlwind vacations. Dr. Rodney Perry Gaines is heading back to Hampton University with something quite unique under his belt: The titles of Mr. Universe won in December during the American Natural Bodybuilding Federation’s Natural Universe Championship in Key West, Fla.
Rep. McEachin holds student essay contest
Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Richmond is sponsoring a Black History Month essay contest for middle and high school students living in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.
De-concentration of poverty to be topic of public discussion Jan. 16
“What does de-concentration of poverty look like? What impact will disbanding neighborhoods of concentrated poverty have on public safety?”
Richmond to lower natural gas prices
A yearlong sag in the wholesale price of natural gas will finally show up on the bills of residential and business customers in Richmond.
Federal appeals panel halts Dominion pipeline compressor station in Buckingham County
Dominion Energy has been blocked from building a key element of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in a historic African-American community in rural Buckingham County.
