MJBL celebrates 50th anniversary with games in Ga., Fla.
When his son was banned from Richmond area Little League baseball programs because of the color of his skin, physician William M.T. Forrester Sr. took action.
Lee Smith guest at Flying Squirrels charity event
Seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star relief pitcher Lee Smith will be among the star attractions at the Richmond Flying Squirrels Charity Hot Stove Banquet.
Pope Francis’ new book asks church to reach out to marginalized people
Pope Francis calls in his new book for Roman Catholic leaders to be compassionate shepherds to a “wounded humanity,” not lofty scholars quick to condemn and exclude people who don’t obey church teachings. The book, “The Name of God Is Mercy,” breaks no new ground but is a compelling restatement of the themes of Pope Francis’ papacy told in simple, breezy language in a freewheeling conversation with veteran Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli.
General Assembly to present resolution to A.M.E. church Jan. 19
“Virginia A.M.E. Day” will take place Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the Virginia General Assembly. There, a House and Senate Joint Resolution will be presented to Bishop William P. DeVeaux, presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that includes Virginia, North Carolina, Washington and Maryland.
In wake of terror attacks
Kaine: Will you hold on to your principles, faithfulness?
Religious leaders and community members of various faiths exchanged smiles, hugs and well wishes as they made new acquaintances Sunday at Congregation Beth Ahabah near Virginia Commonwealth University. Several hundred people gathered at an event designed to promote religious tolerance and nonviolence. Many wore the head coverings of their religions — Muslim women wearing hijabs, Sikh men in turbans and some Jewish men wearing kippahs. The occasion was the first “Standing Together” faith unity gathering organized by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
Spencers to be honored with lifetime achievement awards
Two veteran Richmond judges will be among the honorees at the 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Awards Program and Reception that Fifth Street Baptist Church will host during the holiday honoring Dr. King.
Monte Irvin, who helped integrate major league baseball, dies at 96
Monte Irvin, a trailblazing baseball star and the oldest surviving Negro Leagues player, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, of natural causes at a retirement community in Houston. He was 96. Had it not been for a contractual issue with the Negro Leagues’ Newark Eagles in New Jersey, Mr. Irvin — and not Jackie Robinson — might have been the first African-American to play in the modern big leagues. Eagles owner Effa Manley would not allow Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey to acquire Mr. Irvin without financial compensation.
Julia Melton Thornton, 91, longtime educator
Before she began teaching class each day at Virginia Union University in the Department of Education, Julia M. Thornton recited a saying to her students from Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, the late educator-philospher and former Morehouse College president.
Personality: Brandi M. Daniels
Spotlight on Health Equity Hero Award winner
Brandi M. Daniels serves on the front lines for the most vulnerable in the East End as the executive director of the East District Family Resource Center.
Obama cheered
President Obama took aim on Tuesday at Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump and accused critics of playing into the hands of the Islamic State in a speech meant to cement his legacy and set a positive tone for his final year in office. Delivering his last annual State of the Union speech to Congress as president, he called for leaders to “fix” U.S. politics and criticized candidates such as Mr. Trump for using anti-Muslim rhetoric that betrayed American values.
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday schedule
In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Monday, Jan. 18, please note the following:
Crusade for Voters to meet Jan.19
Delegate Sam Rasoul of Roanoke is scheduled to speak at the Richmond Crusade for Voters meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Mayoral hopeful hosts symposium
It had all the appearances of an event designed to promote her candidacy for the Richmond mayor’s job. But Richmond City Council President Michelle Mosby denied that to be the case this week during the Mayoral Symposium that featured three current and former female African-American mayors from across the nation.
City booted from Rep. Scott’s 3rd District in judicial order
Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott no longer will represent Richmond in the U.S. House of Representatives if the decision of a three-judge panel sticks.
Voter registrar explains plan to stop poll problems
Mistakes happen. That, Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter told the state Board of Elections, is the reason why some voters were given the wrong ballots and had trouble being checked in to vote during the Nov. 3 election. However, she said changes are being put in place to ensure that the problems that led to numerous complaints do not recur in upcoming elections.
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus outlines priorities
“We call ourselves ‘18 Strong,’ ” said Hampton Sen. Mamie Locke, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, that has 18 members in the General Assembly. “We see ourselves as 18 strong voices seeking to do what’s right, not just for constituents in our districts, but speaking for those who don’t see themselves as having voices,” she told the Free Press last week.
Henrico sheriff may take on Rep. Brat for GOP nomination
U.S. Rep. David A. “Dave” Brat, R-Henrico, could face a Republican challenger in his bid for a second two-year term representing the 7th District. Fresh from winning re-election, Henrico Sheriff Michael L. “Mike” Wade filed paperwork before Christmas with the Federal Election Commission setting up a campaign committee.
Richmond School Board elects new chairman
“I think we are at a critical time at our tenure and at a critical juncture in making progress in Richmond Public Schools. I felt compelled to continue the progress that we have made.” Jeffrey M. Bourne, 3rd District, told the Free Press on Tuesday that’s why he agreed to serve as chair of the Richmond School Board.
Help available to enroll in health plans
Sunday, Jan. 31, is the deadline for people to enroll in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act’s Federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Celebrate Healthcare will hold several Enrollfests, including three in the Greater Richmond area, to help people who want to enroll.
Author gives money to Albert Hill Middle
Best-selling author James Patterson has given a $3,000 grant to Richmond’s Albert Hill Middle School to support its school library. The grant is to help the school at 3400 Patterson Ave. increase the library’s collection, according to a release from Richmond Public Schools
