Know your HIV status
I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past eight years. Here and around the world, over 18 million people are receiving the treatment and care they need — millions of infections have been prevented. What once seemed like an impossible dream, the dream of an AIDS-free generation, is within our grasp. But we know that there’s work to do to banish stigma, save lives and empower everyone to reach their potential…Today we remember those we’ve lost, and reflect on the extraordinary progress we’ve won. We give thanks to the heroes on the front lines of this fight and tomorrow we get back out there, because together, we can do this.” — President Obama’s video message for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 On June 5, 1981, the Centers for Disease Control published its weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report. The report, which described five cases of previously healthy, young gay men in Los Angeles infected with a rare lung infection, eventually would become recognized as the first official report on HIV/AIDS in the United States.
Bitter pill to swallow
When Donald Trump was running for president, he specifically targeted the white working class, telling them he would prevent their jobs from leaving the country, bring back manufacturing jobs and revive the oil and steel industries. He hasn’t taken office yet, but he already has celebrated the fact that Carrier, a heating and air conditioner manufacturer in Indianapolis, Ind., has agreed to keep jobs in the United States, even though the company had announced earlier that it would move jobs to Mexico.
Moving forward
We are relieved the investigation of Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ administration and the alleged use of city resources in the construction of the new Chesterfield sanctuary by the mayor’s church, First Baptist Church of South Richmond, has been completed.
Free and fair election?
That has been the chief U.S. rallying cry for decades regarding elections in countries around the globe, including South Africa, Venezuela, Palestine and even Iran.
Roland Martin to VSU grads: ‘Game time is on’
Roland S. Martin, host and managing editor of TV One’s “News One Now,” delivered part-speech, part-sermon Saturday to the 400 fall graduates of Virginia State University.
VCU grads: Beginning of another journey
“Go out and make your parents proud and your families proud,” Todd P. Haymore, Virginia’s secretary of commerce and trade, told Virginia Commonwealth University’s fall graduates.
‘Clara’s Christmas Gift’
Nearly 500 people attended The Dance Candle Academy of Performing and Sacred Arts performance, “Clara’s Christmas Gift,” last Saturday at Virginia Union University.
Operation Santa Claus provides Christmas cheer for area families
The holiday season is a time of celebration for many people. But for families struggling to make ends meet, a bountiful Christmas can be out of reach.
Community dinner, dialogue Dec. 20
Coming to the Table RVA, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping communities “heal from our country’s traumatic past of enslavement,” is hosting its monthly community dinner and dialogue 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, 3601 Seminary Ave., in North Side.
Black female entrepreneur, freedom fighter to be put on Canada’s $10 bill
Special to Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNewsToday.com Nine years before Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala., bus to a standing white person, a black Canadian woman, Viola Desmond, was dragged to jail by police for sitting in the whites-only section of a movie theater.
N.C. Central plays Grambling in Saturday’s Celebration Bowl
College football’s overall champion won’t be decided until Jan. 9 in Tampa with the University of Alabama, Clemson University, the University of Washington and Ohio State University the contenders. The crowning of an HBCU football champ comes much sooner.
JeQuan Lewis pushing VCU Rams to the win
Whether the distance is 15 feet or 21 feet, JeQuan Lewis is the player Virginia Commonwealth University wants taking the shots.
Tall men help John Marshall open season with wins
Surprisingly, the Richmond area’s tallest basketball team might represent a high school rather than a college. John Marshall High School’s front line just may have an inch or two over the likes of Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Richmond and Virginia Union University.
Aron Stewart’s retired number not really retired at UR
Insisting “I’ve been discriminated against for 42 years,” Aron Stewart remains bitter toward his alma mater, the University of Richmond.
Delta House property returned to church
The dreams have evaporated for turning a former Church Hill church sanctuary into the home of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Church collecting basic necessities for incarcerated people
A Church Hill congregation is seeking to dramatically expand its efforts to provide care packages of toiletries and underwear to people who are incarcerated, it has been announced.
As president of the Old Dominion Medical Society, Dr. Sonja Johns is looking to use the organization’s lobbying power to ensure that all Virginians have access to quality health care.
First Shiloh Baptist Church’s music and arts ministries are hosting “It’s All About the Baby,” a Christmas worship celebration, 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the church, 8150 Walnut Grove Road in Mechanicsville.
Personality: Dr. Sonja Johns
Spotlight on president of the Old Dominion Medical Society
As president of the Old Dominion Medical Society, Dr. Sonja Johns is looking to use the organization’s lobbying power to ensure that all Virginians have access to quality health care.
Council approves $1.7M for new police hires
During the next eight months, Richmond expects to add 75 new police officers to beef up its declining force. That includes two classes of recruits at the Training Academy and two additional classes of recruits to begin the six to seven months of training within two months, according to Police Chief Alfred Durham.
Petersburg meltdown averted with short-term loan
Petersburg’s once bleak financial situation is starting to brighten. Banking giant Wells Fargo provided a $6.5 million, short-term loan to the city last week that has eased the city’s financial crunch, enabled it to meet payroll through the end of the budget year on June 30 and ensured payment of current bills.
