A piece of Cuba
I remember a line from Gil Scott-Heron in “The Bicentennial Blues,” where he was discussing the Nixon administration and this nation’s penchant for getting in on the economic action of other nations. He called Henry Kissinger the “International Godfather of Peace, a ‘piece’ of Viet Nam, a ‘piece’ of Laos, a ‘piece’ of Angola, a ‘piece’ of Cuba.” That line is fitting 40 years later as President Obama returns from Cuba accompanied by a dozen business executives.
Obamacare: Six years later
Today, after almost a century of trying; today, after over a year of debate; today, after all the votes have been tallied, health insurance reform becomes law in the United States of America. Today. It is fitting that Congress passed this historic legislation this week. For as we mark the turning of spring, we also mark a new season in America. In a few moments, when I sign this bill, all of the overheated rhetoric over reform will finally confront the reality of reform.” — President Obama at signing of Health Insurance Reform Bill, March 2010
Voting rights
When voters across the nation head to the polls in November to cast ballots, it will be the first presidential election in 50 years without the full protection of the federal Voting Rights Act. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to strike down critical provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that required 16 mostly Southern states — including Virginia — to get pre-clearance from the U.S. Justice Department before making any changes affecting voting because of their history of discrimination against African-Americans and other minorities.
Name suggestions pouring in for former Byrd Middle School
As Henrico schools officials launch the process to rename the former Harry F. Byrd Sr. Middle School, the names of several African-Americans who have notably served the community have emerged as possibilities. Among them:
Wilder to host mayoral candidate forum April 6 at VUU
L. Douglas Wilder, the former governor of Virginia and a former Richmond mayor, is hosting a forum for candidates seeking election as Richmond’s mayor.
Suit settled by reggae singer struck by bottle
Grammy Award-winning Jamaican reggae singer Frederick “Toots” Hibbert suffered head pains and memory loss and was diagnosed with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after a drunk spectator threw a liquor bottle that hit him in the head while he was performing with his band Toots and the Maytals at the 2013 Dominion Riverrock Festival in Downtown.
Lane named superintendent in Chesterfield
Dr. James F. Lane, head of Goochland County Public Schools, will be the next superintendent of the larger Chesterfield County school system.
Twins lend voices, expertise to healthy heart education
Fraternal twins Kimberly Ketter and Shaun Rivers share a deep faith and a desire to help others. And they aspire to live life to its fullest.
Judge Jenkins brings message of redemption to Garland Ave. Baptist Men’s Day
Richmond Circuit Court Chief Judge Clarence N. Jenkins Jr. encouraged his fellow congregation members to get “a spiritual tuneup” during a Men’s Day address Sunday at Garland Avenue Baptist Church on North Side. His remarks were delivered on Palm Sunday, which Christians annually celebrate in marking Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion at Calvary.
GOP: ‘Modern-day plantation owners’
The modern-day Republican Party is a very destructive force. They want to destroy Hillary Clinton’s chances for becoming president so that they can rule over this country Jim Crow-style.
‘Highland Park continues to blossom’
Highland Park, once a place of decay, continues to blossom. Residents, civic groups, police, schools churches, nonprofit organizations and area businesses are helping to make this community a great place to live, work and play. Here are some of the positive things that are complementing the work that has already been done: • 77 new senior apartments are being developed at Six Points, the crossroads where Brookland Park Boulevard, Meadowbridge Road, Dill Avenue and 2nd Avenue meet.
Women peace activists
Some words seem rarely mentioned in this highly toxic political season. We’ve heard about bombs and walls, but very little about peace. One is almost tempted, when some of the candidates are speaking, to burst into “Give peace a chance.” In this Women’s History Month, it makes sense to reflect on women and the peace movement and especially on the African-American women who have played a significant role in this movement.
Moving toward reason
As President Obama counts down his last month in office amid the raucous babble of the Republican presidential debate, people are beginning to realize how much we will miss his leadership. He has served with dignity and grace, increasingly rare attributes in American politics. His family has exhibited the values that Americans embrace. He has brought the economy back from the freefall he inherited.
Sharing the blessing
We commend Starbucks, the high-priced, addictive java joint, for listening to the suggestions of its employees and customers and coming up with a way to help the hungry while reducing food waste.
Remove the log
We followed with great interest President Obama’s trip this week to Cuba, scrutinizing closely his reception not only by the Cuban people, but by that nation’s leaders.
Family events to highlight Easter weekend
Two family-style festivals return this week- end to highlight the holiday season. Maymont once again will host Dominion Family Easter from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at the park off Hampton Street in the West End.
Entrepreneurs to pitch ideas at Aging 2.0 event
The Richmond chapter of Aging 2.0 is inviting entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas for start-up companies focused on improv- ing the lives of older adults at their Global Startup Search competition.
Southern Women’s Show celebrates 25 years in RVA April 15-17
Henrico County native and American Idol finalist Rayvon Owen is to perform at the 25th Annual Southern Women’s Show, which will be held Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17, at the Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., in Henrico County.
Stations of the Cross community walk on Good Friday Downtown
Several Richmond area churches are partnering in a Stations of the Cross community walk on Good Friday, March 25. At nine different stations throughout Downtown, participants will hear a retelling of a series of events at the end of Jesus’ life, according to a release.
Rev. Gilliam to be installed as Mount Oni’s eighth pastor
Chesterfield County native Marvin L. Gilliam Jr. will be installed as the new pastor at Mount Oni Baptist Church in Ruther Glen Sunday, April 10.
