
‘The Silent Support Syndrome’
There seems to be a reluctance by white moderates in Virginia — elected officials and otherwise — to challenge the public existence of Confederate statues in the Commonwealth. I refer to such as “The Silent Support Syndrome.” Following the American Civil War, Virginia was one of the last seven states to re-join the United States of America, along with Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas. Virginia was among the first states to erect statues to Confederate generals and soldiers in the 1890s.

The new Poor People’s Campaign
Recently, comedian Chris Rock made a good point when he said that U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has represented the state of Kentucky for more than 30 years and he’s one of the nation’s most powerful and richest senators.
Hurry, Mr. Mueller
The law is closing in on President Trump and he’s not happy.
Early mistake?
Richmond’s new schools superintendent, Jason Kamras, recently named five of the six top officials he is bringing in to be a part of his cabinet in running the city’s public school system.

Inaugural ‘I Have a Dream’ Festival Saturday
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney will be the grand marshal of the community “I Have a Dream” Parade at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, in Richmond’s East End, that also will feature music from the No BS Brass Band.

Defenders to honor local activists at anniversary banquet
Four community activists will be honored as the Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality marks its15th anniversary with a banquet from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 13, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike, it has been announced.

VUU 6th Annual Masquerade Ball and Scholarship Gala this Friday
Actress and singer Jo Marie Payton, known for her role as Harriette Winslow on the television sitcom “Family Matters” and as the voice of Suga Mama Pride on the Disney Channel’s “The Proud Family,” and comedian Micah “Bam-Bamm” White will co-host the 6th Annual Masquerade Ball and Scholarship Gala benefiting Virginia Union University.

‘The Spirit of Armstrong’ docudrama set for April 19
“The Spirit of Armstrong,” a docudrama about Armstrong High School and the need for equity in education, will be presented 6 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Armstrong High School Auditorium, 2300 Cool Lane.

From doughnuts to dancing, ‘The Bachelorette’ films in RVA hot spots
The Bachelorette is in town and looking for love — and Richmonders love to look for her. Fans of “The Bachelorette” have been in a frenzy since photos of the hit ABC reality show filming in Richmond surfaced on social media last weekend.

Jackie Robinson Day
Flying Squirrels to observe it April 15 at The Diamond
Every April 15, the immense historical significance of Jackie Robinson is celebrated at professional baseball stadiums across America.

‘Funville’ opens Friday the 13th
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have an antidote for any hints of Friday the 13th bad luck that might haunt the home opener.

Early players tried slipping past baseball’s color line
Long before Jackie Robinson broke into professional baseball under the bright lights of New York City, there were other men of color with unquestionable talent who tried doing the same.

VUU to have home field advantage next fall
Virginia Union University’s upcoming football season will be top heavy with home games.

Preston Beverly moves from No. 2 to No.1 as coach at Richard Bland College
Richard Bland College has chosen Preston Beverly to usher its basketball program into the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1.

Atlanta March on Monday marked route of MLK funeral 50 years ago
Relatives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led more than 1,000 people on a march Monday in downtown Atlanta, where large crowds gathered 50 years earlier for the slain civil rights leader’s funeral procession as a mule-drawn wagon pulled his casket through the streets.

Liberty president censors student newspaper over critics
Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. stifled an effort by the school’s newspaper to report on an event last weekend organized by his critics, said a student editor.

Mom uses stun gun to wake son for church
A Phoenix woman shocked her teenage son with a stun gun to wake him for church services on Easter, authorities said.

Bridal designer Amsale Aberra dies at 64
Bridal Fashion Week this time around will include a tribute to couture designer Amsale Aberra, who died of cancer just days before her scheduled show.

Personality: Camilla Tramuel
Spotlight on chair of 50th anniversary commemoration of historic New Kent school case
In the shadows of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a little known Virginia school desegregation case was instrumental in changing the lives and education of schoolchildren across the commonwealth as well as the country.

School Board moves on plan for 4 new schools
The Richmond School Board has started the process to replace four aging school buildings, three in South Side and one in Church Hill.