Free legal services clinic for veterans on March 1
Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and the Virginia State Bar, has scheduled pro bono Veterans Legal Services Clinics across the state.
Va. officials propose commission on 400th anniversary of Africans in U.S.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott want to set up a federal panel to study the contributions and accomplishments of black people in America.
Smithsonian African-American history museum to open Sept. 24
Free Press wire reports The Smithsonian Institution will open the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Sept. 24 in Washington.
Area churches collecting water for Flint relief
The Baptist General Convention of Virginia’s Social Concerns Commission and Health Ministry has organized a “Fresh Water for Flint” drive to aid residents of the Michigan city in the ongoing water contamination crisis.
‘Speak Out’ to honor trailblazers in law enforcement Feb. 28
The Reconciliation Church of God in Christ’s Youth Department is hosting “Speak Out,” an event celebrating posthumously five African-American trailblazers in law enforcement.
At African-American churches
Fellowship with heaps of food
Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNewsToday.com After the Fourth Sunday of Advent Service in December, members and guests of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, a mostly African-American church on Chicago’s West Side, celebrated by hosting a special Advent brunch.
Personality: Sonny Strong
Spotlight on karate Grand Master
Grand Master Sonny Strong earned his first belt in karate 44 years ago. Today, the Richmond resident is still fit as a fiddle, getting his kicks in the sport by teaching karate classes at the Downtown YMCA.
Trojans ready with Kevin Williams
to Iverson, comparing a college player to an all-time NBA great. But they’re much the same in terms of size, speed, jumping ability, hand speed on defense and shooting.” Wearing the No. 3 jersey, the number Iverson wore during an illustrious NBA career, Williams stands out statistically in many categories. On top of that, he’s added a “wow” factor to VSU hoops. “I’ve had so many people ask me ‘Who’s No. 3?,’ ” said Coach Blow. “Some of his dunks are amazing for a player his size.” Coach Blow was coaching at St. Augustine’s University in 2012 when he began recruiting Williams at Louisburg College, a two-year program in North Carolina. When Coach Blow moved to Ettrick in 2013 as the Trojans’ coach, he continued to recruit the Junior College All-American. Williams agreed to join Coach Blow at VSU, but there were extenuating circumstances that slowed the process. Academically, he needed work and enrolled at Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson, N.C., for the 2013-14 season. Then last year, he transferred to VSU but did not play while continuing to spruce up his academic résumé. Not yet qualifying for a scholarship, he paid his own way.
Lady Panthers seeking first title since 1982
There is inspiring history associated with Virginia Union University women’s basketball. The problem is it’s mostly “ancient” history. First-year coach AnnMarie Gilbert, scintillating transfer Kiana Johnson and towering Lady Walker have helped freshen up the team’s résumé.
VSU Multipurpose Center opens to Trojans victories
You can call it Virginia State University or State of the Art University. VSU’s dazzling Multipurpose Center has emerged as the shining jewel of the CIAA. The grand opening last Saturday was a true celebration. The Trojans men’s and women’s basketball teams defeated Lincoln University and thousands of fans oohed and aahed at the new digs. “I’ve been to a lot of gyms, and what we have here is as nice as any I’ve seen in (the NCAA) Division II,” said VSU Coach Lonnie Blow.
VCU on the rise
Virginia Commonwealth University’s offensive efficiency is on the rise under first-year basketball Coach Will Wade. The Rams are shooting better and scoring more than during former Coach Shaka Smart’s sparkling six-year run (180-65 record, five NCAAs).
Armstrong-Walker Alumni Club to honor Coach Christian
The Armstrong-Maggie Walker Alumni Club will honor the late Bill Christian at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 3, at Send-A-Chef Restaurant, 1303 Hull Street, in South Side.
CIAA legend to be inducted into Hall of Fame
Abraham “Ham” Mitchell has wowed audiences at the CIAA Basketball Tournament for more than four decades with his dazzling attire, engaging personality and stylish strut. Known as “Mr. CIAA,” he has entertained thousands of appreciative fans with the dapper tailor-made suits he wears during games that often reflect the official colors of the teams playing at the time on the basketball court.
Walker statue to rise above Downtown plaza
The bronze statue of Richmond businesswoman Maggie L. Walker is to be the centerpiece of a 3,000-square-foot circular plaza made of granite. The preliminary design was unveiled last Saturday to an audience of about 100 people at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch in Downtown.
Cooper responds to Henrico school video apology
“We need not apologize for the video.” That’s the view of Henrico School Board member Rev. Roscoe Cooper III about the 4-minute video on racism that was shown to Glen Allen High School students Feb. 4 at two assemblies.
Petersburg roils with turmoil
There’s trouble in Petersburg. Petitions are being circulated to remove Petersburg Mayor W. Howard Myers. Separately, a majority of the Petersburg City Council has voted to begin talks to remove Petersburg City Manager William E. Johnson III and City Attorney Brian K. Telfair, although some are questioning whether the action came at a legal meeting. All of this comes as residents are venting over the way the city is being managed, over sky-high water bills and about property tax bills that are arriving close to the deadline for payment.
Super Tuesday
Virginians to vote in presidential primaries March 1
Now it is up to the voters. Next week, Virginians will help pick the Democratic and Republican nominees for president. The presidential primary elections for both parties are scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, in the Old Dominion, with polls open from 6 a.m to 7 p.m. in Richmond and across the state.
Trailer park on auction block
Rudd’s Trailer Park owner Ronnie Soffee said that he has scheduled an auction in March to sell the 9.2-acre South Side property that members of his family have owned and managed since 1936. The once bustling community at 2911 Jefferson Davis Highway has long served as a home to many of the city’s most vulnerable and those in poverty.
Creighton Court residents still dealing with heating issues
Tina Shaw and residents of four other apartments in Creighton Court have sufficient heat, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority reports. RRHA conducted heat tests of the apartment Ms. Shaw occupies and those of other residents in response to complaints Ms. Shaw lodged with the Free Press about radiators in her apartment not functioning.
Bond blocks eviction appeal
Janice Wiggins was eager to appeal to Richmond Circuit Court when a General District Court judge sided with her landlord and approved her eviction for nonpayment of December’s rent. Ms. Wiggins believed she could win her case if another judge heard it. She said she had presented a receipt, acknowledged by the landlord, that showed she had paid the rent and late fees before the Jan. 21 court hearing. She wanted a chance to prove Judge Barbara J. Gaden was in error when she ruled the payment was for January’s rent, rather than for the missing December rent.
