Love Stories
Walks along the waterfront
My husband and I met when we were students at Hampton Institute, now University. I was a freshman and he was a sophomore. We met at the on-campus Grill restaurant one Sunday evening after a Vesper service.
Love Stories
Finding true love on a summer night
We met in August 1948 at a 10-cent dance. I went to the dance with a girlfriend who was hoping to find her true love. I deceived my parents into thinking I would be visiting my girlfriend for a few hours.
Love Stories
Breakfast together is still a real treat
Sonya is fond of saying, “We had our divorce before we were married.” She and I met 30 years ago when we were students at Amherst College. And, in addition to the intriguing proposition that I was a freshman while she was a sophomore, we endured in our early years the typical drama of young couples — you know, the stuff of which epic literature, operas and reality television series are made.
Seven Pines pastor elected head of Henrico Ministers Conference
The Rev. Duane Hardy is the newly elected president of the Henrico Ministers Conference, it has been announced. The 44-year-old pastor at Seven Pines Baptist Church in Sandston will lead the organization that represents more than 35 African- American churches, said the Rev. Zynora D. Manson, associate pastor at Seven Pines.
Serena wins 19th major title
Reuters MELBOURNE An ill Serena Williams gave Maria Sharapova another serving of grand slam heartbreak Saturday, Jan. 31, to win the Australian Open and bolster her claims to be the all-time greatest player with her 19th major title. Though wheezing, coughing and forced off court by illness during a rain break, Serena’s serve stayed in the rudest of health and her athleticism astonished in a nerve-shredding 6-3 7-6(5) victory under the lights of Rod Laver Arena.
Weber ends VCU career with rough injury
If Virginia Commonwealth University is to persevere and achieve its basketball goals this season, it must do so minus catalyst Briante Weber. The dynamic senior point guard was scheduled to undergo knee surgery following a college career-ending injury during the Rams’ stunning 64-55 home loss last Saturday to the University of Richmond. Weber, once described as the “epitome of Havoc” by VCU coach Shaka Smart, tore the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and meniscus in his right knee with a little more than 3 minutes left in the game.
City eyeing sale of parking operations to raise millions
City Hall has been considering using its parking operations as a way to raise $150 million for school construction, street paving, sidewalk development and other unaddressed capital needs. Norman D. Butts, the city’s top financial officer, confirmed that there have been discussions about awarding a long-term conces- sion to an undisclosed private group willing to pay big bucks for a 30- to 40-year concession to operate the city’s 20 parking lots and garages.
Natural gas getting cheaper in Richmond
Heating and cooking with natural gas just got a little cheaper in Richmond. Effective with February’s bills, the cost of the fuel is being lowered again, saving the average residential customer about $6 a month, the city Department of Public Utilities just announced. It’s more good news for consumers who also are enjoying cheaper gasoline prices to fuel their vehicles.
RRHA leadership changes under cloak of silence
Adrienne E. Goolsby was described as a “proven leader ... with a remarkable track record” when she was lured from Chicago in 2012 to take over as the chief executive officer of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. But less than three years into her tenure, the 45-year-old Atlanta native is out and a retired Richmond development expert, T.K. Somanath, 69, has been installed temporarily as RRHA’s top official as the search for Ms. Goolsby’s successor begins.
A new top cop in town
The Richmond Police Department has stayed free of public accusations of police brutality as “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations grow locally and across the nation to protest atrocities by white police officers in the black community. The nearly 740-officer force has garnered mostly praise for its community policing efforts to gain closer ties with neighborhoods in the city it serves.
Free organ and choral concert Sunday
River Road Church, Baptist, will commemorate Black History Month with an organ and choral concert. Organist Rasaan Hakiem Bourke of New York City will perform, along with The One Voice Chorus Ensemble of Richmond at the church at 8000 River Road.
AIDS Awareness Day program Saturday
Soul-searching songs, dramatic readings and powerful storytelling will fill 31st Street Baptist Church this weekend. The event: “The 2nd Annual United Voices: Raising Awareness Through Song & Word” community gathering. It is designed to commemorate the 15th National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day.
Rest in peace, Ernie Banks
Ernie Banks, Mr. Cub, died at 83. Mr. Banks became the Cubs’ first black player on Sept. 17, 1953, six years after Jackie Robinson broke the modern day color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977. Mr. Banks played 19 seasons with the Chicago Cubs. He is considered by many to be the greatest power-hitting shortstop of the 20th century. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award from President Obama in 2013.
No taxing college savings plans
Just last week, we found out that the Obama administration plans to pay for “free” community college by taxing money set aside in 529 college savings plans.
President Johnson doesn’t deserve credit for Selma
Joseph Califano’s statement that Selma was President Lyndon B. Johnson’s idea is patently false. Although the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Com- mittee had come to Alabama earlier to organize to obtain the right to vote, the Alabama Right to Vote movement began for me the day the four little girls were killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham.
Not re-appointing Judge Jamison sets precedent
Judge Birdie Jamison has been a judge on Richmond’s General District Court for more than 23 years. She has had no allegations of any unethical actions and no allegations of illegalities. And, certainly, no one can question Judge Jamison’s competence or integrity.
No hooray for Hollywood
“Diversity is basically a description of independence. Diversity is what moves the ball for me, and I thought ‘give people a chance that have different points of view. Let the audience decide whether they like it or not. But give those voices a chance to be seen and heard.’” – Robert Redford, actor, director, and co-founder of Sundance Film Festival.
Let’s keep making black history
The best way to celebrate Black History Month is to make more black history. Black History Month is now celebrated around the world. We are grateful for the visionary leadership of noted historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson for being the founder of what was known as Negro History Week in 1926 that, 44 years later, evolved into Black His- tory Month. It is also important to note that this year marks
A true winner
One of the closest things we have to a hero is Russell Wilson. The 26-year-old Seattle Seahawks quarterback, who grew up in Richmond and learned well the lessons of his athletic attorney father and educator grandfather, has been a source of pride and inspiration for people well beyond his hometown. In the exciting AFC championship game Jan. 18, as well as last Sunday’s heart-stopping Super Bowl XLIX, his team was down several points in the fourth quarter with barely enough time left on the clock to breathe, and what did Wilson do?
School success
Carver Elementary teamwork fosters rewards for students
“We take an all-hands-on-deck approach to educating our children.” That’s how George Washington Carver Elementary School Principal Kiwana Yates enthusiastically describes the full community involvement approach she and her staff utilize.
