Former Va. first lady sentenced to prison
Former Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell broke a two-year silence on her role in the federal corruption case that rocked Virginia and sent shockwaves across the nation. Fighting back tears, she read from a prepared statement during her sentencing hearing last Friday before U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer.
Churchgoers have little love for Love Rox runs
Once again, Richmond Multisports staged its Love Rox half-marathon, 10K and 5K runs through Downtown at the same time that churches were seeking to hold services. And once again, the event created friction and upset for worshippers, though apparently a bit less disruption than last year. Fewer streets seem to have been closed this year to make way for the hundreds of participants who turned out to run in the chill.
Tax increase will pass to consumers
Re “Rich must pay fair share,” Feb. 19-21 edition: After reading Earl O. Hutchinson’s Op/ Ed piece, I was compelled to write in response. The rich already pay an enormous percentage of their income in taxes, and he wants them to pay more?
Fight against police brutality
Re “Where do we go from here?” editorial, Feb. 19-21 edition: As to FBI Director James B. Comey’s former position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Richmond from 1996 to 2002 and his involvement in Project Exile, I find it incredulous that he can be of an objective mind to acknowledge any “hard facts” regarding people of color.
General Assembly needs to come into the light
Re “Wronged: Richmond police interactions pack sting, costs for 2 local men,” Feb. 19-21 edition: Having read Free Press staff writer Jeremy Lazarus’s articles, I found it necessary to respond and praise them.
Pastor gets the boot
Parson departs amid Richmond Christian Center’s move to survive
More than a year after filing for bankruptcy, the Richmond Christian Center is gaining a fresh shot at survival after seizing financial power from founding pastor Stephen A. Parson Sr. The pastor, who launched RCC in his living room more than 31 years ago, is no longer a member of the church’s ruling Board of Trustees and has been stripped of control of the church’s bank account.
For the orange and blue
Virginia State University appears to be headed on the right track with the addition of interim President Pamela V. Hammond. In just over 30 days at the helm, Dr. Hammond, a nurse educator from Whistler, Ala., has raised nearly a half-million dollars for the historically black institution in Ettrick. And the Virginia General Assembly is poised to shore up VSU’s student need-based financial aid with a $950,000 infusion written into the state budget for 2017.
On Prince Hall’s shoulders
Too often, some of us forget about the historical groups and social bridges that have helped to bring black America across troubled and perilous waters during the last two centuries. One group is known today as the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Masons. They have grown exponentially from their first lodge in Boston in 1787 to numerous masonic lodges throughout the United States. Without a lot of external fanfare or public boasting, this organization of skilled and talented “Brothers” have been consistent in contributing to the long protracted progress of black America. The living legacy of Prince Hall is still focused on the mission of providing leadership of high moral character, charitable assistance to those in need and steadfast support of freedom, justice, equality and empowerment for black Americans and all people.
50 years of economic futility
During the 50 years from 1963 to 2013, black people have been on a virtual economic treadmill. Our relative economic position has not changed. Our unemployment rate consistently has been twice as high as the white unemployment rate. It was 5 percent for white people and 10.9 percent for black people in 1963. Today, it’s 6.6 percent forwhite people and 12.6 percent for African-Americans. The typical white family had $134,200 in wealth in 2013, while black families had $11,000, which is lower than that of Hispanic families, at $13,700.
Social workers offer symposium on society issues
“Walk Into Your Season: Enhancing Knowledge & Cultural Awareness.” That’s the theme for a symposium presented by the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers.
Petersburg Chamber honors ‘Hometown Heroes’
The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce recognized six “Hometown Heroes” at its 134th annual dinner Feb. 18 at Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Just desserts
Maureen McDonnell should go to prison. Virginia’s former first lady has been convicted of eight counts of corruption for trading access to state officials in exchange for more than $177,000 in gifts and loans from a Virginia businessman. Last week she was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison. She should not argue special circumstances or seek legal loopholes to appeal her conviction to avoid serving time. If she were truly remorseful for putting her family and the citizens of Virginia through the shame and disgrace her actions have wrought, she would save the taxpayers the cost of an appeal.
VCU retires Burgess’ number; Graham hopes to be next
In its storied basketball history, Virginia Commonwealth University has retired the numbers of five players. Their jerseys now hang from the Siegel Center rafters. They are No. 3 Eric Maynor, No. 5 Calvin Duncan, No. 22 Gerald Henderson, No. 23 Kendrick Warren and, just this past Saturday, No. 20 Bradford Burgess. Sometime in the future, look for Treveon Graham’s No. 21 to be among the rafters display. The Rams’ foes probably wish the university would retire Graham’s jersey right now, preferably with Tre in it.
CIAA women’s competition stirred by problem
Virginia Union University’s women survived the play-in round of the CIAA Tournament’s basketball competition in Charlotte, N.C. Ashle Freeman scored 25 points and Lady Walker added 22 points as the Panthers defeated Saint Augustine’s 74-71. With the victory, the 8-17 Panthers advanced to Wednesday’s quarterfinals against Lincoln University, which Lincoln won 59-51. Women’s semifinals are 1 and 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. The final is at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, with live ASPIRE TV coverage.
Tuesday night’s loss tosses VUU from tourney
Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena has become the house of horrors for Virginia Union University’s basketball team. For the sixth straight year, the Panthers have failed to advance in the CIAA tournament — an event they dominated for decades. A 77-70 loss to Shaw University during Tuesday night’s play-in game ended VUU’s season with a 9-18 record. Shaw University, with a 12-15 record, advanced to meet Winston-Salem State University in Wednesday night’s quarterfinals.
VSU stands tall going into CIAA tournament
Virginia State University’s front line measures 6-foot-10, 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-8. The Trojans stand tall in the CIAA standings as well. Center Alphonso Leary, who is 6-foot-10, and 6-foot-8 forwards Tyrece Little and Elijah Moore complete one of the NCAA Division II’s tallest front courts. Trying to shoot inside against VSU is like trying to score in soccer against a net manned by three goalies. The Trojans led the CIAA in least points allowed (an average 64.6 per game) and lowest shooting percentage defense (38.6). After a long lull, VSU is the second seed in the CIAA Northern Division and has high hopes for this week’s CIAA tournament in Charlotte, N.C.
Eva Brinkley, 83, retired elementary teacher
Eva Burrell Brinkley was an educator and public servant. Whether she was teaching kindergartners during her 39 years with Richmond Public Schools, being involved in a bevy of community organizations or volunteering as an aide at the Virginia General Assembly for 19 years following he retirement, Mrs. Brinkley threw herself into everything headfirst. “She loved helping others,” said her sister, Charlotte B. Brown. “And she most especially loved working with younger children. They were her No. 1 passion.”
Personality: Clarence M. Dunnaville Jr.
Spotlight on Hill-Tucker Public Service Award winner
Clarence M. Dunnaville Jr. loves to converse about his more than six decades as an attorney and change agent involved in civil rights. He has stories about the many icons he has met and worked with during that time. “I was involved in so many things through the years,” the engaging 81-year-old Chester- field County resident says. “I was always moving on, trying to make things better.” Mr. Dunnaville is among a special cadre of African-American attorneys who waged important legal battles against discrimination and forever changed the nation’s landscape.
Political pilgrimage to Selma
Ninety-five members of Congress will make a civil rights pilgrimage to Alabama next week. The delegation of House members and senators will spend Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8, in Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma and Marion for the 50th anniversary of the historic voting rights marches in 1965. President Obama will join them March 7 in Selma to commemorate “Bloody Sunday,” when state troopers attacked marchers as they tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge on their way to Montgomery to demand voting rights for African-Americans.
UR chooses Ronald A. Crutcher as next president
For the first time in the 185-year history of the University of Richmond, the new head of the private liberal arts college that borders Richmond and Henrico County will be an African-American. Dr. Ronald Andrew Crutcher has been named as the 10th president of the university. The announcement was made Monday at the institution founded in 1830.
