Oliver Singleton, president of the MBL, dies
For more than 13 years, Oliver Rodney “Rod” Hunt Singleton played a critical role in providing more opportunities to minority-owned businesses as the president and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Business League in Jackson Ward.
Unsold food is ‘a godsend’
Boxes of tomatoes, peppers and other fruits and vegetables fill four tables in the basement social hall at Zion Baptist Church on South Side, creating the look of a small grocery store. “This is a pretty small load,” said John Thombs, who had brought the cornucopia to the church at 2006 Decatur St., where his wife, Betty, set it up with a few helpers.
Petersburg works to filter water meter debacle
Petersburg failed to upgrade its billing system so it could accept and use the data collected from the new digital water meters, despite Mayor W. Howard Myers and the Petersburg City Council making that a condition in approving the switch to the new meters.
Free Press wins big
The Richmond Free Press continues its 24-year tradition of award-winning excellence. The newspaper was recognized with 10 awards — including five first-place awards and runner-up for the Journalistic Integrity and Community Service Award — at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.
Verizon strike could impact local service
Members of Henrico County-based Local 2201 of the Communications Workers of America walked off the job early Wednesday in a strike against Verizon.
Candidate forum draws 12 seeking to become mayor
Richmond City Council President Michelle R. Mosby pledged “to renew a sense of trust in government.” Jack Berry, former director of Downtown booster group Venture Richmond, said, “I will make sure that the first dollar goes to the schools, not the last dollar.”
Transgender law tweaked in N.C. after backlash
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory slightly altered a new state law denounced as discriminatory with an executive order Tuesday, but the Republican stood firm on a controversial provision restricting transgender bathroom access. The governor’s order expands protections against discrimination for state employees to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Gov. McCrory also asked lawmakers to restore the right to sue in state court for discrimination, an option taken away by the measure passed last month.
Marching for dollars
City Council takes first steps to give more to RPS
Before dozens of students, parents and teachers began pleading, berating and challenging Richmond City Council to beef up funding for city schools, the nine members of the governing body had already taken the first step. In a 9-0 vote Monday night, in front of a packed council chamber of school supporters, the council approved an ordinance requiring the city administration to give to the schools real estate tax money collected from surplus property previously owned by the school system.
Henrico names new police chief
Henrico County’s choice of a new police chief reflects the growing influence of the Latino community in the Richmond area. The choice is Maj. Humberto “Hum” Cardounel Jr.
Council to CAO: Create plan to aid businesses impacted by BRT
Restaurants and other businesses along Broad Street could receive financial help to survive the expected 15 months of construction of the GRTC’s Bus Rapid Transit system.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects conservative challenge in voting rights case
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the method all states use to draw their legislative districts, rejecting a conservative challenge that could have given more clout to white, rural voters.
‘Friendly fire’ an excuse to explain away black man’s death
I find it troubling that another young black man has been shot and killed by the police and so little attention has been given to it by the news media. In Maryland, a plain clothes black police officer was killed March 13 by what was reported to be “friendly fire.”
High court needs a black woman
Scholars often opine that women in decision-making positions of authority would make more positive change in the future of the nation than men. With complete optimism, I believe that a genuine black woman in a decision-making position of authority would bring even more positive outcomes to our future.
Demand economic justice
This year’s presidential primaries have highlighted the importance of people of color to the Democratic Party coalition. Hillary Clinton’s lead in the party’s nomination race comes almost entirely from her strength among African-American and Latino voters. When people of color favor one candidate by large margins, they make the difference.
Ready or not
People turned out by the hundreds at Virginia Union University on Wednesday night to get an initial glimpse of the 12 announced candidates who want to become Richmond’s next mayor. It was the first forum for the candidates, hosted by L. Douglas Wilder, Richmond’s former mayor and a former Virginia governor.
Stealing the show
The 17th Annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K is this weekend. Even though participants may be running in cold and rainy conditions along a route laden with statues of vanquished icons of the Confederacy, the event typically provides a fun, healthy and wholesome experience for runners, walkers and observers alike.
Protection paramount
We join the Greater Richmond community in mourning the death of Trooper Chad P. Dermyer of the Virginia State Police. The 37-year-old husband and father of two was fatally shot last week during a training exercise at the busy Greyhound bus station on the Boulevard.
NFL quarterback Russell Wilson gets hometown welcome
Seattle Seahawks All-Pro quarterback Russell Wilson scored a touchdown with a hometown crowd of 4,500 people at the Richmond Forum, where he was the special guest and speaker Saturday night at the Altria Theatre.
TEDxRVA slated for April 8 at Carpenter Theatre
Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah, African dance scholar Dr. Elgie Gaynell Sherrod, special needs advocate Pam Mines, human rights advocate Jonathan Dau, musician Gull, and advocate Sheila Battle are among 20 presenters at the 4th Annual TEDxRVA 2016 event Friday, April 8, at the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Arts Center, 600 E. Grace St., in Downtown.
YWCA hosts public series for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The YWCA of Richmond is presenting several events as a part of its April recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Three lunch discussions are scheduled. The first is “Responding to Survivors: The Importance of Language” from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the YWCA of Richmond, 6 N. 5th St., Downtown.
