Reactions to Lt. Gov. Fairfax
“The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus takes all allegations of sexual assault or misconduct with the utmost seriousness. Given the recent allegations regarding Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, the VLBC will continue to assess this developing situation as more details become available.”
Statement of Dr. Vanessa Tyson
Released Wednesday, Feb. 6
On the night of Friday, February 1, 2019, I read multiple news accounts indicating that Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax would likely be elevated to Governor as an immediate result of a scandal involving Governor Ralph Northam.
Sen. Booker launches 2020 presidential bid
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker declared his bid for the presidency in 2020 with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a “common purpose.” Announcing his run on Friday, Feb. 1, the first day of Black History Month, the New Jersey Democrat is the second African-American candidate in a primary field that’s already historically diverse. He delivered his message of unity amid an era marked by bitter political division.
Free Press readers speak on Gov. Ralph S. Northam
Does Gov. Ralph S. Northam have no human decency? The blackface and the Ku Klux Klan outfit each alone speak of racism. Shown together, they speak clearly of racist intent. This was in 1984.
Lifting workers with wages
Nowhere in the country can a full-time worker earning the federal or state minimum wage afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent. One in nine U.S. workers are paid wages that can leave them in poverty, even when working full time.
Who really won the Super Bowl?
As far as I’m concerned, neither of the teams on the field won the Super Bowl. Something wonderful happened along the way, and we had a consciousness-raising event.
Surprised, no. Sickened, yes.
Is it white privilege, white hubris or just plain arrogance that keeps Gov. Ralph S. Northam in office well after most reasonable Virginians — and people across the nation — believe it is time for him to exit?
Beware of predatory tax refund loans, advances
Across the country, advertising — particularly on urban radio — tempts listeners with easy ways to get a loan against anticipated tax refunds. But just like other predatory lending products, what is advertised is not quite what consumers receive. Convenient tax-related loans almost always come with a price that takes a big bite out of consumers’ money.
Finding one’s self abroad
Born in Norfolk, and raised by a single mother, I felt a special responsibility to go to college but, at first, I failed at it — quite literally. But I turned my life around and see a pathway to success. Studying in London as a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow was instrumental in healing my wounds and making me whole again.
Gates produces 4-hour PBS documentary on Reconstruction
Historian Henry Louis “Skip” Gates can trace the roots of his upcoming PBS documentary about Reconstruction to his days in school, when he would hear about the end of slavery during the Civil War, then virtually nothing about race relations until the Civil Rights Movement in the middle of the 20th century.
Smollett back performing; talks about attack
“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was blunt, emotional and defiantly determined last Saturday night at a Southern California concert some urged him not to play, telling the crowd before singing a note that he had to go on with the show because he couldn’t let his attackers win.
Richmond Association of Black Social Workers host annual Black Family Ritual Feb. 9
The Richmond Association of Black Social Workers is hosting Umoja Karamu, its annual Black Family Ritual from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Six Points Innovation Center, 3001 Meadowbridge Road in Highland Park.
Exclusive Blacklist Wine and Jazz Weekend starts Feb. 7
The Exclusive Blacklist Wine and Jazz Weekend returns for a four-day celebration of African-Americans in winemaking.
Dynasty continues with Patriots’ 6th Super Bowl crown
No, the New England Patriots’ reign doesn’t really date to the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Ride and the American Revolution. But it may seem like it to their weary opponents.
Gilmore rolls back to Richmond to boost VCU
Everything about Michael Gilmore is big — his height (6-foot-10), his wingspan (7-foot) and his shooting range (well beyond the 3-point arc). His basketball journey has been long, too.
Bennett College meets fundraising goal
Bennett College, a historically black all-women’s college in North Carolina that was facing loss of accreditation and possible closure because of financial problems, has exceeded its $5 million fundraising goal.
VUU to take on VSU Saturday at Barco-Stevens Hall
Virginia Union University suffered a 88-73 basketball knockout on Jan. 19 in its last meeting with Virginia State University.
Blue chip freshman Deshawn Goodwyn helping raise George Wythe’s stock
When a special freshman arrives at Richmond’s George Wythe High School, basketball Coach Willard Coker isn’t shy about elevating him to the varsity — even into the starting lineup.
Pope Francis publicly acknowledges clergy’s sexual abuse of nuns
Pope Francis publicly acknowledged the scandal of priests and bishops sexually abusing nuns and vowed to do more to fight the problem, the latest sign that there is no end in sight to the Catholic Church’s abuse crisis — and that it now has a reckoning from the #MeToo movement.
John D. Williams, 90, longtime teacher and coach at Armstrong High School
John Davis “John D.” Williams, a former teacher, coach and athletic director at Armstrong High School, has died.
