
Authority of Virginia State Bar to discipline lawyers challenged
Veteran Richmond area attorney Rhetta M. Daniel is challenging the authority of the Virginia State Bar to consider misconduct charges against lawyers in a filing that, if upheld, could undermine decisions in hundreds of previous cases.

‘We all have something bad we have done’
I’d like to put my 2 cents worth in about the people put in office and in charge of running Virginia.

Background checks for elected officials
Where are we as Virginians and Americans that we can strip a man of his reputation, career, family and livelihood based on an accusation that has not been proven in a court of law?

Forgive and hold Gov. Northam accountable
In the current political challenges facing our Commonwealth, I was taken aback by comments and ideologies espoused by the Rev. Al Sharpton during a gathering at Virginia Union University. I vehemently disagree with Rev. Sharpton’s observations on forgiveness in this matter of Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s inappropriate actions of appearing in blackface.

Trump’s wall no national emergency
President Trump’s decision to declare a national emergency in order to fund his border wall triggers a crisis for our Constitution and our democracy. This is no longer about the shameless lies, exaggerations and slanders that the president has trotted out to justify his silly campaign promise to build a wall that he promised Mexico would pay for.

Blackface: An insulting mask of privilege
As a black student in overwhelmingly white schools in Louisiana, I faced my share of racial insults and slights. But one of the more memorable incidents was not even a deliberate slight directed at me. The offenders probably didn’t even think of me. But when a group of my classmates contemptuously affected exaggerated accents mocking black people as part of a school production, I walked out.

Today’s last word from Richard Wright
We thank Richmond Free Press reader Rosalyn A. Brackett for sharing the words of author Richard Wright published in his 1945 memoir, “Black Boy.”

Happy anniversary, Mr. Kamras
The honeymoon is over for Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras.

New online magazine to focus on people making contributions
B.K. Fulton, a creative media entrepreneur in Richmond, has launched an online entertainment and lifestyle magazine.

20 feature films vying for Africa’s ‘Golden Globes’
Twenty feature-length films by African filmmakers will compete for the “Yennanga” Gold Standard prize at the Pan-African Film and Television Festival held every other year in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Jussie Smollett attack staged?
Questions continue to swirl around “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett this week after reports surfaced Wednesday that Chicago Police classified Mr. Smollett as a suspect in a criminal investigation for allegedly filing a false report.

Ruth E. Carter poised for Oscar win Sunday
It’s a big week for Ruth E. Carter, who on Sunday could become the first African-American to win an Academy Award for costume design for her Afro-futuristic wardrobes in “Black Panther.”

NBA’s Harden ranks right up there with Wilt
James Harden is turning into a modern day Wilt Chamberlain on the basketball court. The Houston Rockets guard is running away with the NBA’s individual scoring championship, much like Chamberlain did more than a half century ago.

Nic Thomas is on fire for NSU
In his inaugural basketball season at Norfolk State University, Nic Thomas seemed content puttering along in the no-passing lane.

‘Bench Bunch’ keeps VCU on top in A-10
Virginia Commonwealth University’s leading basketball scorer doesn’t have a real name, just a nickname. Meet the “Bench Bunch.”

CIAA Tournament starts Feb. 25
Just two days after the CIAA’s regular basketball season ends, the “second season” will begin. The regular season ends Feb. 23, setting the stage for both men’s and women’s tournaments Feb. 25 to March 2 in Charlotte, N.C. A weeklong series of musical, educational and cultural events surround the tournament.

Jaaber looking to spring into Division I competition, boosting the family legacy
Of Chesterfield County’s 11 comprehensive public high schools, Carver College and Career Academy is by far the newest — it’s now in its fourth year — and the smallest with 254 students.

Powerhouse Elexis ‘Lexi’ Edwards a force on national gymnastics scene
When all was well, an abundance of physical power helped Elexis “Lexi” Edwards climb to the top peg of her sport. Unwavering willpower kept her from losing her grip when hard times struck.

Clifton D. Townes, retired city recreation district superintendent, dies at 79
Clifton David Townes helped create vibrant sports and educational programs for city youths during a storied career with the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

Personality: Shelia S. Fitzgerald
Spotlight on board president of Big Brothers Big Sisters
Shelia Scott Fitzgerald is president of the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, which serves Greater Richmond, the Tri-Cities, the Peninsula and Hampton Roads. The Richmond native became involved with BBBS nine years ago because its mission resonated with her.