The GOP’s acting-the-fool dynamic
Among the formal definitions for “acting the fool” is: One who is deficient in judgment, sense or understanding. Perhaps the dictionaries should add a new one: Today’s Republican Party. February was a great month for those who think the GOP has become a dustbin of ideological extremists with no commitment to actually getting things done in Washington, elected officials easily led into ethically questionable dealings, and office-holding crackpots with bizarre beliefs about some of the most important issues of the day.
To the quiet heroes
Our thoughts turn to Earl Lloyd, the Virginia native who, in October 1950, became the first African-American to play in the NBA. Mr. Lloyd died last week at age 86. Growing up in Alexandria, he played basketball in the run-down facilities of a segregated high school that had no gymnasium. Basketball was played in the auditorium. In college at West Virginia State, he played in the CIAA, helping his team to championships in 1948 and 1949.
Whipping up war, disrespect
If we needed further proof of the Republican disrespect shown to President Obama, the nation witnessed the latest insult Tuesday with the visit of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, where he addressed a joint session of Congress. His appearance was at the invitation of House Speaker John Boehner, a Republican who flouted protocol and decency by neither consulting nor informing the White House first.
Postage stamp to honor poet Maya Angelou
The U.S. Postal Service will honor Maya Angelou, the beloved late poet, author, educator and champion of equality, with a Forever Stamp. “Maya Angelou inspired our nation through a life of advocacy and through her many contributions to the written and spoken word,” said Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan. “Her wide-ranging achievements as a playwright, poet, memoirist, educator and advocate for justice and equality enhanced our culture.”
Royal fashion show at VSU
Virginia State University will host a Spring Fling “Royals” Fashion Show, a royalty-themed event, from 6 to 9 p.m. March 15 at Daniel Gymnasium on campus. Six local designers and 33 student models will show off clothing inspired by the prestige and glamour of kings and queens, said program coordinator Jairamie King. Trendy styles, ranging from graphic T-shirts and hoodies to floor- length gowns, will be showcased.
Virginia native Earl Lloyd integrated the NBA
Earl Lloyd, a Virginia native who was among the early stars of the annual CIAA tournament and the first African-American to play in the NBA, has died. Mr. Lloyd, 86, was living in Crossville, Tenn., with his wife, Charlita, at the time of his death Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015. Mr. Lloyd became the first African-American to play in an NBA game on Oct. 31, 1950, when he took the floor for the Washington Capitols.
Baptist Ministers’ Conference to host 4-day citywide revival
The Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity is hosting its annual citywide revival. The Metro Revival will be Monday, March 9, through Thursday, March 12, at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar St. in Church Hill.
Federal appeals court upholds ban on prison ‘religion’
Freedom of religion goes only so far in prison — particularly when safety and security are involved. That’s why a Virginia prison inmate has lost a federal court battle to force prison officials to recognize Nation of Gods and Earths as a religion rather than as a gang. In a decision released Feb. 27, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond rejected Infinite Allah’s suit to overturn prison barriers to NGE as a violation of the federal religious freedom law covering prisoners. Instead, the appeals court upheld a lower court decision that the Virginia prison ban on NGE represents the “least restrictive means of furthering” the compelling government interest in preventing the prison disruption that NGE could cause.
General Assembly ends with stronger ethics law
Virginia’s 2015 legislative session is over. Lawmakers adjourned last Friday after passing legislation at the last minute aimed at tightening the state’s ethics rules for public officials and curbing sexual assaults on Virginia’s college campuses. The ethics reform proposal puts a $100 cap on gifts lawmakers can accept — including meals, entertainment and travel — from lobbyists and their clients, or others seeking to do business with the state. Lawmakers were spurred to reform the state’s ethics rules following the conviction last year of former Gov. Bob McDonnell on federal corruption charges.
Personality: Dana A. Kuhn
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit that helps ill afford medications
Dr. Dana A. Kuhn understands the terrible toll expensive chronic illnesses can take on families and their loved ones. “While providing counseling for families, I observed their emotional, psychological and financial struggles,” the Midlothian resident says. “One family I counseled was forced to live off of one income because one parent had to become their child’s primary caretaker. “They had to sell their home and eventually divorced so their child, whose condition continued to worsen, could qualify for health care under Medicaid. Not only did they lose their child, they were financially ruined. No family should experience that.”
VCU Rams on the road at Davidson
Not so long ago, Virginia Commonwealth University basketball was sailing along smoothly. Now the Rams have hit choppy waters. Agonizing, back-to-back losses at the University of Richmond (67-63 in double overtime) and at home against the University of Dayton (59-55) have knocked the Rams out of the national poll and the Atlantic 10 Conference lead. VCU enters its Thursday, March 5, date at Davidson College in a must-win situation regarding the league’s regular season title and with a first-round A-10 Conference tournament bye in question. Only the top four institutions receive byes into the tournament quarterfinals.
Livingstone wins CIAA men’s championship
For decades, Livingstone College’s Blue Bears were little more than commoners in CIAA basketball. Today, they’re kings. In fact, the Blue Bears now have a second crown to wear atop their first one. The jump shooters from Salisbury, N.C., are back-to-back tournament champs after blitzing Winston-Salem State University 106-91 in last Saturday’s CIAA title game at Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena.
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.
