Tuesday, April 28
VUU names Gilbert Lady Panthers coach
Throughout her married life, AnnMarie Gilbert has heard stories about basketball success at Virginia Union University. Now she is in position to create fond VUU memories of her own — as VUU’s eighth women’s basketball coach. Coach Gilbert succeeds Barvenia Wooten-Cherry, who resigned following a 48-85 record over five seasons.
Richmonder Aleem rising up national boxing ranks
Immanuwel Aleem may have been barely old enough to play a hand of poker — his favorite card game — at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in suburban Philadelphia on Saturday night. But the 21-year-old boxer’s fists had enough experience to floor his opponent in an eight-round bout by King’s Promotions.
Grace Street changing to two-way in Downtown
Traffic alert: Expect disruption on East Grace Street from 4th Street to 9th Street in Downtown for two months. The reason: Five blocks of Grace Street are being transformed from a one-way street to two-way, the Department of Public Works announced this week.
City registrar to seek $1.2M for new voting machines
Richmond is close to resolving its voting machine problem. Less than two weeks after the state banned the touch-screen machines Richmond and 29 other localities have used for 10 years, the city’s Electoral Board has selected replacement equipment.
Friday, April 24
Outrage over Dems Party rejection
Re “Morrissey strikes out in court,” April 16-18 edition: I am a single, African-American mother who never has been actively engaged in Democratic politics — until now. I also am an avid reader of the Richmond Free Press and give kudos to Jeremy Lazarus for his well-written story regarding the Democratic Party rejecting Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey’s petitions and not allowing him on the ballot for the June 9 primary. I am highly offended that the Democratic Party that champions inclusivity and expanding voters’ rights would reject Mr. Morrissey’s petitions to get on the ballot.
Indifference, injustice and neglect harm mental health services for children
Since 2011, we carefully have analyzed and documented the abuse of Medicaid-funded mental health services for poor children in Richmond Public Schools.
Nation of Islam moves mosque to Downtown
The Nation of Islam has quietly settled its Richmond mosque into a new home in Downtown. Forced to give up its large, steepled space on South Side, Muhammad Mosque No. 24 currently is operating out of leased space at 408 E. Main St.
NASCAR’s big bucks stop at raceway
Twice a year, Melvin Crawley Jr., owner of Crawley’s Funeral Home on Meadowbridge Road on North Side, opens his business parking lot and an adjoining property to NASCAR fans, where they park their vehicles for race weekends at Richmond International Raceway.
Help from high court
News this week of the traumatic death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray of Baltimore at the hands of police is both dismal and emotionally bruising. Mr. Gray, whose biggest crime in life was perhaps being a “joker,” as close friends reported, was nabbed by police after he looked them in the eye and ran. Sometime between being wrestled to the sidewalk, handcuffed and dragged into a police van and being taken unconscious by ambulance to a hospital 30 minutes later, his spinal column was nearly severed and his larynx crushed.
Fourth Baptist to host special Mother’s Day service
A guest minister will keynote Fourth Baptist Church’s annual Mother’s Day program Sunday, May 10, the church has announced.
NAACP branches to host forums at area churches
Concerned about the ever widening racial divide? Troubled about discrimination or other problems of social equity? Here’s your opportunity to sound off.
From R&B to gospel, Barky’s has changed with the times
When Barksdale “Barky” Haggins opened Barky’s Record Shop in 1956 in Downtown, some people were determined to see he didn’t stay in business for long. “White record distributors in Richmond wouldn’t sell me records to stock the store,” the affable entrepreneur recalls. Undeterred, Mr. Haggins traveled by car to Washington or New York City once a month with about $400 and purchased as many records as possible to sell in his store, located at the time at 407 N. 1st St. “Records cost about 59 cents back then and albums ranged from $1.98 to $3.98 for the most popular ones,” Mr. Haggins said.
Personality: Monica Brinkley Davis
Spotlight on first African-American president of Junior League of Richmond
Monica Brinkley Davis does not take lightly her role as a trailblazing officer of the Junior League of Richmond. The Henrico County resident is the first African-American president of the 89-year-old organization, whose mission is to train strong female leaders through community service and to strengthen communities.
Free Press wins 21 awards
The Richmond Free Press continues its 23-year tradition of award-winning excellence. The newspaper was recognized with 21 awards — including seven first place awards and a Best in Show Award — at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.
Thursday, April 23
VCU adjusting after Shaka Smart exit
Virginia Commonwealth University has a new basketball coaching staff and, so far, the roster of returning Rams has remained intact, albeit a scare. Here’s what has transpired since Coach Shaka Smart left VCU to become coach at the University of Texas, and Coach Will Wade, a former Smart assistant, was named his successor. Promising 6-foot-8 freshman Justin Tillman asked to be released for the purpose of transferring to another university, but has since changed his mind and remains a Ram. All three of Coach Smart’s high school recruits to VCU have asked for and been granted releases by VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin.
Lynch pawn in GOP game
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell said that a vote will finally come April 23 on Attorney General-nominee Loretta Lynch. It probably will happen this time.
Stand up to corporate polluters
As Earth Day is upon us, we have a perfect opportunity to reflect on the important issue of climate change and what it means to the faith community. As people of faith and as people sharing this planet, it is clearly our moral obligation to address this growing and potentially catastrophic problem. Climate change affects all of us, including our children, our children’s children, and especially those in the poorest and most vulnerable communities among us. If we are truly our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, we cannot ignore and leave them helpless to this public health threat.
Tough problem
What are we going to do about our public school buildings? This is the biggest single infrastructure problem on our plate — the elephant in the room, so to speak. The sad shape of our streets, our sidewalks and even our Coliseum pales in comparison.
Rev. Cook-Posley to speak at Women’s Day program
The Rev. Cheryl Cook-Posley will be the guest preacher at the Women’s Day service Sunday, April 26, at Second Baptist Church in the West End, the church has announced. The service is 10 a.m. at the church at 1400 Idlewood Ave. led by the Rev. James Henry Harris. Rev. Cook-Posley is the founder of Hamlets of Hope Ministries, an Ashburn, Va.-based nonprofit for ministerial practitioners and faith communities focused on transformational ministry.
Methodists to sell lemonade to combat malaria
United Methodists will set up lemonade stands in Richmond and other locations across the state Saturday, April 25. The reason: To raise money to help prevent malaria, a potentially fatal disease found mostly in Africa. Malaria is caused by a parasite and spread by mosquitoes. The event is being held on World Malaria Day.
VUU 150th celebration continues with speakers, gala
Virginia Union University is concluding its 150th anniversary celebration with noted speakers and a scholarship gala highlighting events during the next two weeks.
Carbonell brings the spice
Peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jacks … and “mixto,” a Cuban sandwich. Flying Squirrels vendors might consider expanding the fare at The Diamond for prized prospect Daniel Carbonell and the fans. The switch-hitting left fielder/lead-off hails from Camaguey, Cuba, and is among the latest to join U.S. pro ball from that Caribbean island’s fertile baseball turf.
Butler expected to be named VUU men’s basketball coach
Lester L. “Jay” Butler Jr. helped Virginia Union University win 107 basketball games as a play-making guard for the Panthers from 1992 to 1996. Now he’ll try to add to that victory total as head coach.
Short-term fix restores power to Fay Towers residents
Elderly and disabled residents of Fay Towers can once again turn on the lights and enjoy a hot shower in their units. A big generator is temporarily providing electricity to the 200 units in the 11-story high rise in Gilpin Court while permanent repairs are made. Squirrels are being blamed for knocking out power to most of the building Sunday. The pesky rodents chewed up a main line into the building, according to Carol Jones-Gilbert, acting chief operating officer for the building’s landlord, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Education battle cry: Put kids first!
“Put kids first!” A diverse gathering of educators, parents and students made that impassioned plea at a rally Saturday organized by the Virginia Education Association and the Virginia PTA.
Enough is enough
Freddie Gray’s spine nearly severed, larynx crushed while in police custody
What happened to Freddie Gray? People across the nation are demanding to know after the 25-year-old black man suffered a fatal spinal cord injury under mysterious circumstances after being arrested by Baltimore police and put into the back of a police van.
Tuesday, April 21
School Board weighs options to close schools
Richmond Public Schools is considering a seismic shift in how it attempts to solve overcrowding issues and meet other pressing demands related to its burgeoning student population. For the first time, Superintendent Dana T. Bedden and his leadership team are publicly admitting they could close up to six school buildings and move those students into existing schools even if no new buildings are constructed. Those findings are part of the thick new Richmond Public Schools Facilities Needs Report, which focuses on current and future building needs.
Huguenot senior hurdles to state champion
Huguenot High School senior Shaunté Harris has a passion for fashion. But if there’s one thing she relishes more than a sporty, chic look, it’s running the high hurdles — an event famous for its thrills — and also its spills. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see Harris wearing distressed denims to school, rather than a trendy shirtdress. “My legs aren’t the nicest,” she says with a wide smile. “I’ve taken plenty of spills, lots of hard falls. My legs have cuts and scratches. It kind of never stops.”
Lawsuit over disabled access to apartments ruled premature
A federal judge has thrown out a high-profile lawsuit seeking to force a new apartment complex going up in Church Hill to be altered to accommodate persons with disabilities. Senior U.S. Judge James R. Spencer ruled the suit was premature because the 151-unit Shockoe Valley View Apartments is still under construction in the 1900 block of Cedar Street.
Prison officials can be held liable for prisoner safety
Prison officials can be liable for damages if they ignore obvious risks to the health and safety of a prisoner who ends up being harmed, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled. On a 2-1 split, a panel of the court issued that decision in a Virginia case that could shake up the monitoring of prisoners in state facilities.
Friday, April 17
Armstrong alumnus returns as football coach
If at first you don’t succeed, McDaniel Anderson will be quick to tell you to “try, try again.” The 64-year-old native Richmonder never gave up in his quest to become a head football coach for a city high school. His perseverance finally has been rewarded.
Anniversary events at Riverview, Moore Street
Two Richmond churches — Riverview Baptist Church and Moore Street Mission- ary Baptist Church — are celebrating big anniversaries this weekend.
‘Created Equal’ film series begins April 23
A new edition of “Created Equal,” a documentary movie series focusing on civil rights and social justice, is ready to launch at the Virginia Historical Society, it has been announced.
City’s new CAO
In her seven years of managing the City of Suffolk, Selena Cuffee-Glenn has garnered serious attention for turning the once nearly bankrupt city into a job magnet with a triple A bond rating. Mayor Dwight C. Jones hopes that she will be equally successful in Richmond.
Bessie Jones, 86, political organizer
For more than 40 years, candidates for public office called on Bessie Mae Peyton Jones to seek her support. A fixture in the Randolph community with a long record of community service, Mrs. Jones was regarded as a key figure in organizing and mobilizing voters in the West End community.
Thursday, April 16
A war hero comes home
After 64 years, Cpl. Lindsey C. Lockett laid to rest with full military honors
Sixty-four years after Army Cpl. Lindsey Clayton Lockett died from insufferable conditions in a prisoner of war camp in North Korea, his remains were brought home and laid to rest in an emotional ceremony Saturday in Richmond, surrounded by tearful but proud family members.
Stop senseless police violence
In North Charleston, S.C., a video showed a police officer firing repeated shots at a fleeing unarmed black man, Walter Scott, who died from the incident. This is just the latest in a series of incidents where some police officers have taken their authority too far.
Praise for ‘When Freedom Came’
Thank you so very much for the three-part series by Elvatrice Belsches, “When Freedom Came.”
Binding up the nation’s wounds 150 years later
Good morning. I am honored to be here with you today, joined by two congressional colleagues – Congressman Hurt and Congressman Goodlatte. As governor and senator, I have worked with these colleagues and others to preserve our nation’s Civil War battlefields so that future generations can learn the great lessons of the War and how it shaped our nation. And there is no more sacred Civil War battlefield than the spot where we now meet. Other places were the sites of more momentous battles. But it is here, at Appomattox Court House, where the battles ended and a divided nation chose a path of unity, a choice that would profoundly change not only our own history, but the history of the world. We come to honor that choice and to acknowledge that the same choice lies before us now.
Video of police a game changer
Feidin Santana is a hero. He is the young Dominican immigrant who videotaped former North Charleston, S.C., police officer Michael Slager firing his gun eight times, killing an unarmed Walter Scott. Mr. Santana’s quick decision to videotape the unfolding action on his telephone led to the arrest of Mr. Slager for murder.
Keeping Congress’ promise to children
On April 11, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), providing schools with targeted federal dollars in order to offer equitable educational opportunities to all American children.
Presidential politics
The political horse race known as the presidential election started in earnest this week with the announcements that Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Marco Rubio had entered the track. Mrs. Clinton, a former U.S. senator and secretary of state, so far is the only Democrat to formally announce for her party’s nomination. A few others may be making their way to the starting gate.
We can do better
Tag as many schoolchildren as possible with criminal records. That appears to be Virginia’s new method to ensure that it can keep its expensive prisons full in the years to come. Across the state, schools are bringing police officers on their grounds and giving them license to arrest students for childish behavior that principals and teachers used to deal with.
Eddie Murphy to receive top humor prize
Eddie Murphy, famous for his standup routines, films and his early breakout on television’s “Saturday Night Live,” will be awarded the top U.S. prize for humor this year by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, officials announced last week.
Dress for Success’ fundraiser slated for Friday
Volunteer models will strut their stuff on a runway in dazzling outfits designed with donated clothes at the third annual “Dress for Success” fundraising fashion event. The evening of fashion fun begins 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 17.
Free oral cancer screenings
A day of free screenings for head, neck and mouth cancer will be offered to the public next weekend through VCU Dental Care.
Dr. Kinney to speak at Williamsburg NAACP life membership banquet
Dr. John W. Kinney, dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, will be the keynote speaker at the 36th Annual Life Membership Awards Banquet of the York-James City-Williamsburg NAACP. The event will be held Saturday, May 2, at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center, and will open with a silent auction and reception at 5 p.m.
Evangelist Creflo Dollar drops pitch for jet
The ministry of a prominent Georgia megachurch pastor and evangelist who teaches that God wants to bless the faithful with earthly riches has dropped a pitch for donations to buy a luxury jet valued at more than $65 million. The website of Creflo Dollar Ministries no longer features a message asking followers to “Sow your love gift of any amount” to help buy a Gulfstream G650 airplane. That message has disappeared.
Caregivers conference at Saint Paul’s April 25
A conference designed to give caregivers information and support will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County. Called “Preparing to Care: Partnering for the Best Life Possible,” the conference will be held at the church, 4247 Creighton Road. Cost: $30, which includes breakfast and lunch.
Save Our Girls webcast slated for April 18
The Nation of Islam is holding an event designed to uplift and empower African-American women. The event is called “Save Our Girls.”
R&B icon Percy Sledge dies at 74
Percy Sledge, the R&B legend whose song “When a Man Loves a Woman,” has become a “first-dance” anthem for newlyweds at wedding receptions, has died at his home in Baton Rouge, La. He was 74. William “Beau” Clark, coroner for East Baton Rouge Parish, confirmed that Mr. Sledge died about an hour after midnight on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, of natural causes in hospice care.
Personality: Arlette J. Teele
Spotlight on Queen of Purple Pumps Chapter of The Red Hat Society
Arlette J. Teele founded the Purple Pumps Chapter of the Red Hat Society with the goal of bringing women in the Richmond area together “to greet middle age with verve, humor and élan.” At chapter gatherings, members are colorfully attired in red hats and wear purple shoes, whether they are cowgirl boots, purple heels or purple flip flops as the occasion dictates.
VUU expects to name coaches next week
Virginia Union University is continuing its search for women’s and men’s basketball coaches. Panthers Athletic Director Joe Taylor said he hopes to announce the women’s coach by Tuesday, April 21, when VUU holds its Athletic Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. at the Henderson Center on campus.
Players of color in Flying Squirrels lineup
By gallantly breaking baseball’s color line, Jackie Robinson opened doors for talented young athletes not only in America, but everywhere. Since April 15, 1947, the date Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers, doors have swung open at baseball organizations from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles to include players of color. The diversity of talent was visible on April 15 in Richmond, where the Flying Squirrels celebrated Jackie Robinson Day-Education Day at The Diamond and took on the visiting team from Altoona, Pa. The Squirrels, the Eastern League farm club of the World Series champion San Francisco Giants, have no African-American players.
Spring football shows off offenses at VUU and VSU
Offense and optimism are the key words following Virginia Union and Virginia State universities’ spring football games. Under second-year Coach Mark James, VUU’s offense routed the defense 80-36 in the annual Maroon and White intrasquad game April 11 at Hovey Field. VUU’s Shawheem Dowdy, a 6-foot-4 sophomore transfer from Grambling State University, tossed six touchdowns passes. Kenneth Graham, VUU’s quarterback most of last season, is still rehabilitating from knee surgery and was held out of the game.
Lou Anderson honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Virginia Union University has honored former Virginia State University Coach Lou Anderson with VUU’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Morris Brown College emerges from bankruptcy
Morris Brown College is headed out of bankruptcy. A federal court has approved a plan enabling the 134-year- old historically black school to become largely debt-free and begin steps to regain is accreditation, according to Preston
Everett Ward named president of St. Augustine’s
Everett B. Ward has been named the 11th president of St. Augustine’s University. “The lifeblood of St. Augustine’s runs through my every vein,” said Dr. Ward, 56, an alumnus of the historically black institution in Raleigh, N.C. “I have a long affiliation here, having been born on the campus. My father attended St. Aug’s. We have been part of this institution for generations.”
Oklahoma deputy charged with manslaughter
A white reserve sheriff’s deputy in Oklahoma was charged with manslaughter Monday in the death of a black man who he fatally shot as he lay on the ground. Tulsa County, Okla., prosecutors filed a second-degree manslaughter charge against 73-year-old Robert Bates, a reserve deputy with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office.
Half of Ferguson City Council now black
Two black candidates were among three people elected to the Ferguson City Council on April 7, tripling African-American representation in the St. Louis suburb where poor race relations have been a focal point since the August shooting death of an 18-year-old black youth by a white police officer. The election means that half of the six-member city council in Ferguson, a town where two-thirds of the 21,000 residents are black, now will be African-American. The lone black incumbent councilman was not up for re-election. The mayor, who would break any tie votes, is white.
Morrissey strikes out in court
Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey is striking out on his own again to run as an independent in his bid to win a state Senate seat. On Tuesday, a Richmond judge rejected Mr. Morrissey’s request for court intervention to allow him to challenge his disqualification from the June 9 Democratic Party primary election in the 16th Senate District. that stretches from Richmond’s East End to Petersburg. Mr. Morrissey gave up his Henrico seat in the House of Delegates and moved into an apartment in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom with plans to challenge the 16th District’s current senator, Rosalyn R. Dance of Petersburg, for the party’s nomination.
$1.1M needed for new voting equipment
Richmond is hoping to borrow voting machines to use in the upcoming June 9 Democratic primaries. At the same time, the city voter registrar is seeking more than $1.1 million from the city government to buy new voting equipment to use in the November general election. The city is one of 30 localities facing an emergency situation involving voting machines. The upheaval is the result of Tuesday’s action by the state Board of Elections decertifying the WINVote touch-screen machines that the 30 localities have used in their elections for 10 years. The board’s action essentially bans the use of the WINVote machines in any future elections, including the June 9 primaries that will be held in Richmond and nine other localities.
Police chief to hold town hall meetings
Police chief to hold town hall meetings Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham is making a greater effort to hear from the public.
Teachers, police make impassioned plea for more $
Put more money into public education. Provide better pay for police officers. Advocates for both gave Richmond City Council members an earful at a public hearing Monday night as the governing body considers amendments to Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ two-year budget. Whether their appeals are successful remains to be seen, but the council may have little wiggle room. The budget plan council members are reviewing provides virtually no new revenue over the current year’s spending, limiting the governing body.
Jack Gravely new NAACP interim executive director
Jack Gravely last led the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP as executive director more than three decades ago. This week, Mr. Gravely began a second stint with the organization, this time as interim executive director. “I know this is a different era, but we still face some of the same issues along with some new ones, and I have the same passion to lead this organization to address them,” Mr. Gravely said Wednesday. He takes over from King Salim Khalfani, who was pushed out by the board in early 2014 after serving in the post for 15 years.
Tuesday, April 14
VUU’s Sheals reassigned
Virginia Union University is again searching for a head basketball coach. VUU Athletic Director Joe Taylor confirmed Wednesday that Tony Sheals, who was hired under a three-year contract, has been reassigned within the university following one season. Derek Thompson, a member of Sheals’ staff, has been named interim coach while VUU pursues a permanent replacement. Thompson is now handling day-to-day operations, Taylor says.
Black men still targets of police
Walter L. Scott shot 4 times in the back; cop charged with murder
Four bullets to the back and one in the ear. That’s the unimaginable pain an unarmed Walter L. Scott suffered as he was fatally gunned down by white police officer Michael T. Slager as he ran away following a routine traffic stop. The gruesome slaying was graphically recorded on the cellphone of a bystander Saturday morning in North Charleston, S.C. It is the latest in a string of highly publicized incidents across the nation — including Ferguson, Mo., New York City and Cleveland, Ohio — in which white police officers have killed unarmed black men. Each instance raises questions — and public consciousness — about disparate treatment by people of color by police and racial injustice in the United States. Mr. Slager was charged with murder Tuesday and fired from the police department after the video surfaced. He is being held without bond. If convicted, he could receive the death penalty or life in prison.
Natural gas price down again in city
Natural gas customers in Richmond are enjoying another plunge in the price of the fuel they use to heat their homes, cook and generate hot water. For the third time in eight months, the city is passing along savings to residents for the price it is paying to buy and bring the fuel to Richmond.
Fulton oral histories to be accessible on the Internet
Stone Brewery is unwittingly giving a helping hand to people who want to call attention to historic Fulton. The brewery’s decision to locate its East Coast home in Fulton is focusing public attention on the area and potentially raising interest in the once African-American community that was bulldozed into oblivion nearly 45 years ago in the name of urban renewal. That’s good news for those who are now engaged in posting on the Internet interviews with people who knew the area before the community was razed. The interviews with former residents are being digitized and soon will go online with help from the Valentine Richmond History Center and Virginia Commonwealth University’s library system, according to Spencer E. Jones III, chair of the Legacy Committee of Greater Fulton’s Future.
State to city: $31.2M available for jail
Up to $31.2 million. That’s how much money cash-strapped Richmond could soon gain from the state. The money would provide reimbursement for costs related to the construction of the new $134.6 million Richmond Justice Center, or city jail, in Shockoe Bottom.
11% tuition hike
NSU and U.Va. among state’s highest
Once again, the price tag to attend Virginia’s 15 state-supported colleges and universities is going up faster than inflation. In-state students can expect to pay at least 3 to 5 percent more in the fall, with a few schools going even higher. For example, Norfolk State University and the University of Virginia are posting a tuition-and-fees increase of 11 percent for incoming freshmen — among the largest tuition hikes in Virginia. U.Va. is imposing a $1,470 increase for new freshmen with the aim of raising money to reduce borrowing for students from lower-income families. The increase means new freshmen will pay $14,468 for the fall and spring semesters, not including room and board. Tuition for current students will rise only 3.9 percent from the current charge of $12,998.
Hicks touts improvement in city social services
Reports of child abuse and neglect in Richmond are being addressed more quickly. City children in foster care are spending less time in temporary homes. And applicants for Medicaid and food stamps are receiving faster service.
Friday, April 10
Comedy show to highlight anniversary
Fifth Street Baptist Church on North Side is presenting a comedy show this weekend as part of its 20th anniversary celebration for its pastor, the Rev. F. Todd Gray, the church has announced. “The Captain’s Comedy Hour” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Grace Center at 1302 Victor St. The center is adjacent to the church at 2800 Third Ave.
Thursday, April 9
When Freedom Came, Part 3
The Free Press presents a series chronicling the black experience during the liberation of Richmond in April 1865 and the end of the Civil War.
Flying Squirrels start season with fireworks at The Diamond
Play Ball!
“And the rocket’s red glare; the bombs bursting in air ...” Those are lyrics in “The Star Spangled Banner,” played before every Richmond Flying Squirrels game. The words also describe the postgame fireworks planned at The Diamond this season. The Flying Squirrels’ home opener Thursday, April 9, against the Bowie Baysox will conclude with “dueling fireworks,” pyrotechnics launched from two locations.
Rev. Graham ignores racism
Easter was last Sunday, but the Rev. Franklin Graham is still wiping egg off his face. In an unintentionally insensitive Facebook post on March 12, the hugely influential white evangelist ignored the existence of racial bias by law enforcement in the United States by suggesting the easy solution to police shootings is to teach our children to obey authority.
Tests cheat students out of education
Eleven Atlanta teachers have been convicted of altering student test scores on standardized tests. They are charged with racketeering and conspiracy. The much-celebrated superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, the late Beverly L. Hall, was among the indicted but was too ill to stand trial. She died March 2.
The game
We congratulate and offer wishes for much success to Coach Shaka Smart and his family, who have relocated to Austin, Texas, where he just became the new basketball coach for the University of Texas Longhorns. In the six years Coach Smart led the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams, he showed his players, the Richmond community and the entire nation that discipline and hard work, coupled with genuine caring, can bring great rewards.
The lion’s tale
The lion’s tale “Until the lion tells the story of the hunt, the tale will always glorify the hunter.” We evoke this African proverb in reflecting on last weekend’s wonderful events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the liberation of Richmond and its significance in bringing the Civil War to a close. We believe the events were planned with good intentions, and that they brought an overall feeling of uplift and joy while recalling this important period in our nation’s history.
Smart trades Rams horns for Texas Longhorns
When Shaka Smart was hired as Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball coach in 2009, he was a little known, much traveled assistant, with a name that puzzled people. Since then, his name and fame — and that of his signature game style, “Havoc” — spread. Last week, Smart traded his Rams horns for the Texas Longhorns. He leaves Richmond as one of the hottest commodities in the sport, practically a household name among hoops enthusiasts.
‘Havoc’ to continue under Will Wade
Among Shaka Smart’s first duties upon becoming Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball coach in 2009 was to hire Will Wade as an assistant. Smart referred to Wade as “my first hire.” After Smart’s resignation for the head coaching job at the University of Texas last week, among the first moves the VCU administration made was to hire Wade as head coach for the Rams.
Dean of nation’s black preachers dies
Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, widely considered the dean of the nation’s black preachers and “the poet laureate of American Protestantism,” died Sunday, April 5, 2015, after a ministerial career that spanned more than six decades. He was 96. “Dr. Taylor was a theological giant who will be greatly missed,” the Rev. Carroll Baltimore, past president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, said of the minister who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.
Petersburg church to honor gospel choir with concert
A historic Petersburg church is presenting a concert by Larry Bland and Promise to commemorate the 29th anniversary of its church gospel choir, it has announced. Gillfield Baptist Church will honor its choir with the free concert 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the church, 209 Perry St., according to the church’s pastor, Dr. George W.C. Lyons Jr.
Huge growth in Islam projected
Islam is projected to grow more than twice as fast as any other major religion over the next half century, with Muslims expected to outnumber Christians by 2070, according to projections released last week by the Pew Research Center. While Christianity will remain a dominant global religion, it will lose majority religious status in countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Australia.
VUU celebrates 150-year history with rededication April 9
Gov. Terry McAuliffe and other elected officials are scheduled to join Virginia Union University faculty, staff, students and community members on Thursday, April 9, at a series of rededication ceremonies at sites significant to the historically black institution’s history, university officials announced. The ceremonies are a part of VUU’s 150th anniversary celebration. The university, led by President Claude G. Per- kins, has held a yearlong series of events to commemorate its history.
Richmond celebrates 150 years of emancipation
In the midst of the city that once served as a merciless marketplace for hundreds of thousands of enslaved black people, a diverse audience of thousands gathered Saturday at the State Capitol to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the liberation of Richmond from the slave-holding Confederacy. The ceremony was marked by re-enactors in period dress and uniforms, uplifting music and speeches looking toward the future.
Personality: Christian P. Dundas
Spotlight on volunteer coordinator of Hoops for Health
Christian P. Dundas says he came up with the idea for a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Church Hill three years ago when he was playing recreational basketball. It was about the same time the NCAA Tournament, known as “March Madness,” was underway. “It dawned on me … why not our own version of March Madness at the club?” Mr. Dundas recalls thinking. He suggested the tournament for sixth- through eighth-graders at the club at 3701 R St., where he serves on the advisory council. Mr. Dundas says Dick Guthrie, also a member of the advisory council, suggested adding a community health festival to the tournament. Hugh Jones, the club’s executive director, rubber-stamped the idea and asked Mr. Dundas to organize the first event. The rest is history.
State may force city to replace voting machines
Richmond, Henrico County and 27 other localities might be forced to immediately buy new voting machines for use in upcoming elections. The reason: The state Board of Elections is considering banning the wireless touch-screen machines the city and the other localities successfully have used for 10 years.
Morrissey seeks to stop printing of primary ballot
Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey is not giving up on his bid to challenge Petersburg state Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance in the June 9 Democratic primary in the 16th Senate District. This week, he asked a Richmond court to block the state Board of Elections from printing primary ballots and to grant him an opportunity to prove the state Democratic Party wrongly disqualified him. As of Free Press deadline Wednesday, the Richmond Circuit Court had yet to set a hearing on his emergency request for an injunction.
Petersburg jail closure to cost taxpayers $
Instead of saving money, the closure of the Petersburg Jail will cost city taxpayers at least $1.2 million extra each year, a Free Press analysis has determined. Figures from Petersburg’s government confirm the newspaper’s finding that closing the jail is more expensive than keeping it open, belying claims from Mayor W. Howard Myers and three other council members who supported the jail’s shutdown. That extra cost is embedded in the proposed budget that Petersburg City Manager William E. Johnson III presented recently to the seven-member Petersburg City Council. His proposed budget also provides no raises for city employees and no increase in city contributions to the public schools.
VUU police chief: Report the ‘bad apples’
As news spread across the nation of white South Carolina police officer Michael T. Slager killing unarmed African-American Walter L. Scott in cold blood, Virginia Union University Police Chief Carlton Edwards was leading a public safety forum Tuesday between Richmond area law enforcement officials and about 40 students on the VUU campus.
Governor ‘bans the box’ for state job applications
A small change that Gov. Terry McAuliffe just made in the state’s job application form could have a big impact on thousands of job seekers like Genevieve Carter of Richmond. As a result of the governor’s executive order, Ms. Carter no longer will have to disclose she has been convicted of a crime in filling out an application for a state position.
Michigan woman now world’s oldest at 115
Detroit Free Press The front door flew open as a reporter approached a brick ranch house in suburban Detroit, Mich., and a voice called out, “C’mon in — I’ve got Time magazine on the phone.” The speaker stood last week over Jeralean Talley, a placid figure dressed in a pale pink nightgown. Mrs. Talley, a bright-eyed elderly woman in spectacles who, despite her profound hearing loss, was fully aware, relatives said, that she’d just been declared by gerontology experts to be the oldest person in the world.
Saturday, April 4
Police brutality : ‘I will not tolerate it’
Chief talks tough on expectations of officer conduct
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham minced no words about how he won’t tolerate brutality and excessive use of force by officers under his command. “I’m going to tell it like it is. If there is riffraff in my department and you’re wearing a gun and a badge, you’re gone,” he told an audience of about 50 people at a public forum Tuesday night at Richmond’s Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. “I will not tolerate it.” At this second “Peeps and Police Community Conversations” attended by mostly elderly and middle-aged adults, Chief Durham said that “several officers were disciplined” recently after they mishandled a situation inside a resident’s home. He did not elaborate.
Danville’s Claiborne among NCAA ‘pioneers’
In 1966, Duke University advanced to the NCAA basketball Final Four with an all-white roster. Waiting anxiously in the wings, however, was Claudius B. Claiborne, the Blue Devils’ first black athlete. From segregated John Langston High School in Danville, the 6-foot-3 Claiborne played on Duke’s freshman team in 1966, then moved to varsity for the 1966-67 season and became a three-year letterman under Coach Vic Bubas.
‘Shaka watch’: Is VCU coach staying or going?
Will Shaka Smart remain a Richmonder? Or will he be shopping for a Stetson and cowboy boots in the near future? Kidding aside, Smart was still very much the basketball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University at Free Press press time on Wednesday. It was widely reported that Smart — with a 163-56 record in six seasons at VCU — was in talks earlier this week with University of Texas Athletic Director Steve Patterson. Multiple reports indicate Texas is offering Smart a five-year deal worth $14 million in base salary with possible incentives.
Women swimmers make history
It was history pure and simple. Three African-American women swimmers swept the 100-yard freestyle event at the Women’s Division I NCAA Championship held March 19-21 in Greensboro, N.C. Freshman Simone Manuel of Stanford University set an NCAA, American, U.S. Open, Championship and Pool record when she clocked a time of 46.09 seconds, capturing the title.
Friday, April 3
Personality: Kimberley L. Martin
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit helping students buy textbooks
Kimberley L. Martin recalls how difficult it was for her to pay for textbooks when she attended college more than two decades ago. “I got student loans. And after I had finished paying for my room, board and tuition, I couldn’t always cover the cost of my textbooks,” says Mrs. Martin. “I had to scramble to figure out how to pay for them.” Mrs. Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in business information systems from Virginia State University in 1990 and a master’s degree in human resources from Central Michigan University in 1998.
Reality TV star: ‘I’m not the drama queen’
Reality TV is a breeding ground for drama and squabbles. But one star, Lisa Nicole Cloud of Bravo’s “Married to Medicine,” is focused on being positive. “I wanted to see a different portrayal of African-American women on TV,” said Ms. Cloud, an entrepreneur and cast member on the Atlanta-based reality show about the lives of women doctors and women married to doctors. Ms. Cloud talked with the Free Press during her recent trip to Richmond, where she was a keynote speaker at a business conference.
Faith led pastor through challenging times
Pastor Donald Coleman has a resurrection message he likes to share with young people who are mired in tough circumstances. “I tell them I once was where they are, and if I can overcome it with God’s help, they can, too,” said Pastor Coleman. He is the lead pastor at East End Fellowship, a multiethnic Christian congregation of about 100 people whose mission is spiritual empowerment and racial reconciliation in Church Hill. He also has served on the Richmond School Board since 2008 and is in his second term as board chairman.
Thursday, April 2
When Freedom Came, Part 2
The Free Press presents a series chronicling the black experience during the liberation of Richmond in April 1865 and the end of the Civil War.
VUU’s history linked to city’s emancipation
In 150 years, Virginia Union University has risen like a phoenix from the ruins of Lumpkin’s Jail — where hundreds of thousands of enslaved black people were bought and sold like cattle — to become an educational training ground for local, state, national and international leaders. “For Virginia Union, starting out at a place that had been used as a slave jail to become a place of enlightenment that has produced outstanding citizens in America, it’s been miraculous,” university President Claude G. Perkins proudly declared. Dr. Perkins made his remarks on the eve of the city’s sesquicentennial celebration this weekend of Richmond’s liberation by Union troops from a Confederate government built on keeping black people in bondage.
A clash of freedoms in Indiana
Neither side in the uproar over Indiana’s “religious freedom restoration” law has been totally candid about its benefits or its dangers. That often happens in politics, an arena in which it often seems that no statement is too good to be overstated. For example, defenders of the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed last week, are technically correct when they say the law is not a “license to discriminate” against gays and lesbians as critics claim.
Young, gifted, black and abused
In the course of one week, we witnessed the burden of being young, gifted and black. First, the Little League baseball phenom Mo’ne Davis was insulted by a white college baseball player who called the abundantly talented young girl a ‘slut’ in a tweet in response to news that Disney was planning to make a movie about her incredible rise to fame. The player, Joey Casselberry, quickly retracted the tweet in the face of a wave of criticism in cyberspace and was promptly dismissed by the Bloomsburg University team.
Hatred in disguise
Shame on the governors and legislatures of Indiana and Arkansas for supporting their states’ so-called “religious freedom” bills that essentially would allow business owners to refuse to serve people they dislike. Members of the gay and lesbian community — and people of conscience — have loudly fought against these measures as vehicles to legally discriminate against gay couples and individuals.
Time to share
When health-threatening mold was found in Elkhardt Middle School, Richmond Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden and his staff took action. They ultimately closed the building and moved the teachers, students and staff to the reopened Clark Springs Elementary School building in the West End for the rest of the school year. But some parents and teachers remain unconvinced that the health threat at the South Richmond school building was just discovered earlier this year. They think that the adults and children at the school might have been exposed far longer, possibly exacerbating health issues or creating ones that may manifest in the future.
Call to action
Do you believe black lives matter? Here’s one good way to show it: Turn out for the “Blue Coats Parade” on Saturday, April 4, to show support for the U.S. Colored Troops who led the Union army in liberating Richmond and emancipating people from slavery 150 years ago.
President Obama to host Pope Francis at White House
President Obama will welcome Pope Francis to the White House during the pontiff’s U.S. visit in September to “continue the dialogue … on their shared values and commitments on a wide range of issues,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest has announced.
Ministers host Maundy Thursday, Good Friday services
The Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity is presenting Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services leading up to Easter weekend. The Rev. Vernon J. Hurte, pastor of New Light Baptist Church, will preach at noon Thursday, April 2, for the Maundy Thursday service that will be held at New Light Baptist, 2000 E. Broad St.
Jackson Ward church to present Easter drama
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson Ward is presenting its Easter drama, “The Whip, The Hammer and The Cross,” this weekend, the church has announced. The production depicts parts of the life of Jesus and his crucifixion, according to the church’s pastor, the Rev. Tyrone Nelson.
Local music minister treasures experience at Stellar Awards
James Johnson did not win any Stellar Awards in Las Vegas last Saturday night, but he said it was an experience he will forever treasure. “I had an amazing time,” the minister of music at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God told the Free Press Monday after returning to Richmond. “The outpouring of phone calls, text messages and Facebook posts I received in support from everyone back home in Richmond made me feel like nothing less than a winner.”
Two new women’s groups chartered
Two national women’s organizations chartered local chapters in luncheon ceremonies last weekend. Above, 40 women were installed into the Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. The 33-year-old organization’s mission is to develop leaders and empower African-American women.
MBL honors business owners at awards gala
Software developer Keshau Rogers is the Metropolitan Business League’s Entrepreneur of the Year. The founder and CEO of Richmond-based Websmith Group, Ms. Rogers received the MBL’s top award March 26 at the group’s 24th annual awards dinner and reception at a Downtown hotel. A Lynchburg native, Ms. Rogers founded the company in 2004 after working 10 years in software development. Her company is at 318 W. Broad St. in Downtown and offers Internet software and mobile applications for information management.
Monument Avenue race freezes out African elite runners
The popular Monument Avenue 10K looks pretty much the same as it always has — except for the runners at the very front of the pack. Approximately 30,000 runners, joggers and walkers signed up for this year’s 16th edition of the annual event coordinated by Richmond Sports Backers.
Petersburg PACE program closing
Riverside Health System is closing its Petersburg PACE program designed to keep elderly people in their homes and avoid expensive nursing home care. Sixty-seven people served by the program will be affected, said Riverside spokesperson Caitlyn Worner. She said they are being encouraged to continue the program at one of two Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) locations in Richmond, with transportation provided. Individuals known as navigators are assigned to help them transition to care in Richmond this month.
Senate race may prove crucial in chamber control
Richmond will be in the center of the high-profile political fight to replace retiring Republican state Sen. John Watkins in the General Assembly. Both major political parties are expected to go all out to capture the 10th Senate District seat that appears to be the key to control of the closely divided state Senate where Republicans now hold sway. The GOP already has selected its candidate, Glen H. Sturtevant Jr., an attorney and a member of the Richmond School Board since 2013.
3 Dems knocked out of primary races
Three potential contenders for Richmond area seats in the General Assembly have been knocked out at the starting gate — at least temporarily. Former Delegate Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey and Dr. Derik E. Jones, son of Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, are among the disqualified. Both were blocked from challenging state Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance in a Democratic primary in the 16th Senate District that stretches from Richmond to Petersburg.
Judge throws out felony charges against Morrissey
Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey no longer has four felony charges hanging over his head. Judge Alfred D. Swersky threw out the indictments facing the former General Assembly member Wednesday at a hearing in Henrico County Circuit Court. Judge Swersky, who was appointed to hear the case, agreed with defense attorney Anthony Troy that a previous plea deal that resulted in Mr. Morrissey serving 90 days in jail included a grant of immunity that blocked prosecutors from bringing any new charges related to that case.
‘Bloody, but unbowed’
U.Va. student beaten by ABC agents; Gov. McAuliffe orders all agents retrained
The photo of Martese Johnson lying dazed, bloodied and bruised on the pavement is almost iconic. Blood streams like huge tears from the gash on his forehead and covers his face. His shirt is saturated with blood. The gruesome image of the University of Virginia honors student was captured in photographs and by video only seconds after he was slammed to the ground by state Alcoholic Beverage Control agents outside a Charlottesville bar last week on St. Patrick’s Day. The images, posted on the Internet, have gone viral — drawing fire from people across the nation as yet another example of unwarranted police brutality unleashed against a young black male.
When Freedom Came, Part 1
The Free Press presents a series chronicling the black experience during the liberation of Richmond in April 1865 and the end of the Civil War.
