Friday, August 28
He’s helping released jail inmates get services
Devon Simmons said he gets deep satisfaction from helping inmates leaving local jails gain a new lease on life. “Instead of warehousing them, we need to provide them with more services to give them a better chance to succeed after they are released,” he said.
McDonnell remains free while high court considers his case
Bob McDonnell’s date with prison has been delayed again.
Promoter David ‘Big Daddy’ Cooper, 81, first to bring Jackson 5 to Richmond
David Junior “Big Daddy” Cooper had multiple careers in Richmond — from concert promoter to private investigator to truck driver and concrete layer. His multifaceted life is being remembered following his death Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at a Richmond hospital. He was 81. During his heyday as a promoter, Mr. Cooper was the first to bring The Jackson 5 to Richmond, creating a memorable show in 1971.
Football debut for Huguenot’s stadium
In the final scene of the “Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy says over and over, “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” On Richmond’s South Side, Huguenot High’s Falcons would like to add an “amen” to that notion. After three years of “have bus, will travel,” Huguenot has a sparkling new on-campus stadium with synthetic turf to call home sweet home.
Lecture: Role of black church in fight against apartheid
Black churches played an important but overlooked role in the battle to free Nelson Mandela from prison and overturn the harsh regime of apartheid in South Africa, according to Dr. Columba A. Nnorom, a Virginia Union University adjunct professor.
Black churches do better weathering decline in number of Christian faithful
At Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, the pews start to fill more than half an hour before the service begins. Ushers guide people of all ages to their seats. Some stand and wave their hands in the air as the large, robed choir begins to sing.
Juvenile justice system focus of Art 180 exhibit for First Friday
Youths from the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center are using artistic expression to voice their perspectives on the juvenile justice system and suggest ways to reform it.
Trump not qualified to be president
It seems to me the Republican Party has turned out to be one big circus, with Donald Trump being the head ringmaster. Why is that? It seems that the other candidates have just faded to the back. Don’t get me wrong; I’m enjoying the clown show that the Republican Party is becoming.
Julian Bond: He inspired us
He was a revolutionary. Those who knew him before his death Saturday, Aug. 15, also describe Julian Bond as a civil rights icon, a pioneer, a poet and a national treasure.
Correcting the record
Re “Tabloid-style drama grips Richmond school officials,” Aug. 20-22 edition:
Police critic needs to answer 4 questions
Re “Post-Ferguson progress, issues,” Aug. 13-15 edition:
Big win for health workers
Almost unnoticed, more than 2 million workers in the burgeoning home health care industry finally have gained wage protection.
Carson comic relief no more
on immigration, women and anything else that came to his mind, had the franchise on spouting ridiculous inanities. Dr. Carson hasn’t exactly reformed his ways and become the model of civility in expression: Witness his blast of the Iran treaty deal as anti-Semitic. He’s also prompted more than a few eyes to roll with his inference that Planned Parenthood is a nefarious conspiracy to reduce the black population.
At-risk mothers
Remember Shanesha Taylor? She’s the Arizona mother who was arrested for leaving her children in the car while she went to a job interview.
‘Anchor babies’
Donald Trump is such a refreshing Republican candidate for president. His bluster and egomania are exposing the thinking of so many people who simmer with deep-seated hatred and bigotry. Now, with his thoughtless ranting and raving, he has become their champion to speak openly the words that are in their hearts but they dare not speak.
‘Straight’ No.1 for second week
“Straight Outta Compton” continues to connect with movie audiences. It is the No. 1 movie in North America for the second week.
WE CARE Festival
Above, cousins Ahkira Haskins, 5, and Ja’niyah Buckner, 6, pick up book bags filled with school supplies at the 9th Annual WE CARE Festival on North Side. Right, Santia Nance of RVA HoOp LOvers shows off her hula hoop skills at the event. Below, Kimber Green and Monay Williams perform on the program with a troupe from Anointed Vessels Mime Ministries of the Fresh Anointing Cathedral.
3-day music festival this weekend in Virginia Beach
The sounds of jazz and funk will fill the air to the backdrop of waves crashing onto the Virginia Beach shore at the third annual Virginia Beach Africana 2015. The fun-filled festival begins Friday, Aug. 28, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 30.
Thursday, August 27
He's still the fastest: Bolt does it again
Bolt does it again Usain Bolt still is the world’s fastest human. The 29-year-old Jamaican kept that title by nipping 33-year-old American Justin Gatlin in the 100 meters Sunday in the World Championships in Beijing, China.
Wow! What a week for Jackie Bradley
If Baseball Hall of Fame credentials could be based on just a week instead of a career, Jackie Bradley Jr. might already be preparing his Cooperstown acceptance speech. The 25-year-old Boston Red Sox outfielder with Richmond-Petersburg area ties was almost other worldly in hitting during the week of Aug. 9 through 15.
Serena wins tuneup for U.S. Open
Serena Williams got ready for the U.S. Open with a victory Sunday at the Western & Southern Open Tournament in Cincinnati.
Louis Stokes, 90, Ohio’s first black congressman
Louis Stokes served 15 consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives during which he investigated the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Personality: Donald R. Raspberry
Spotlight on president of the Metro Richmond Tennis Club
Donald Ray Raspberry loves playing tennis. “It’s fun, it’s exciting and it teaches you a lot of great life lessons,” says the 65-year-old North Side resident. He also has a passion for teaching children the game.
Bike races hit bumps on the way to big start
The city’s grand plan to showcase itself to the world for the 2015 UCI Road World Championships is hitting some speed bumps.
‘Doing God’s work’ at The Healing Place
Al Jackson drank alcohol, snorted cocaine and smoked crack cocaine for 24 years. “I was suicidal, I was lost and I had no hope,” he recalls of those dark days.
2 fundraisers split by race
Segregation appears to be rearing its head in an unlikely place — in two fundraisers a trio of progressive women’s groups are hosting for female Democrats seeking office in Central Virginia. Intentionally or not, the first fundraiser, to be held this weekend, will feature four white candidates and the other, set for next month, will be for three African-American candidates.
Sources: Upset GRTC drivers slow bus service
GRTC drivers, angry over a delay in receiving a pay raise, began an unsanctioned work action this week. According to sources, drivers have been refusing to work overtime while some have called in sick or failed to show up. The result is that buses have been parked rather than going out on routes, creating disruption for riders trying to get to work, make other appointments or return home.
‘Why is this happening?’
Newborn baby taken from mother in hospital
Newborn baby taken from mother in hospital
Tuesday, August 25
Highland Park women offer children ‘safe haven’
The sounds of happy children fill the air behind the two-story home of Lena Robinson and Loretta Wallace in Highland Park. Sixteen neighborhood children — ages 6 to 10 — alternately are playing board games and basketball and reading in the backyard of the home at 2000 Fourth Ave.
VUU housing problems resolved
Virginia Union University has resolved the housing problems that troubled the private institution last week just before classes started.
Richmonder returns to lead former Consolidated Bank
Darryl R. “Rick” Winston is once again leading the former Consolidated Bank. The 60-year-old Richmond native has been named regional president of the Consolidated Division of West Virginia-based Premier Bank.
VSU ending dual-enrollment program
Virginia State University is junking most of its dual-enrollment program that allowed hundreds of high school students to gain college credits from the four-year institution near Petersburg. Beginning this fall, VSU no longer will partner with high schools to offer college algebra, biology, technology and other science courses.
Schools to stay open during bike races
Richmond Public Schools is not going to shut down during the international bike races that will engulf much of the city next month. Assistant Superintendent Tommy Kranz told the School Board on Monday night that he is anticipating “business as usual” during the upcoming 2015 UCI Road World Championships, scheduled to run from Saturday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 27.
City’s ambassador of compassion is back
Alicia Rasin said Tuesday she is back after six months out of the limelight. Richmond’s volunteer “ambassador of compassion” said she plans to be more visible after spending six months “getting some rest.”
Thursday, August 20
VUU starts season with quarterback options
Last year, Virginia Union University led the CIAA in passing. This year, the Panthers hope to be No. 1 in passing again. But the team also wants to rank first in a more significant category — wins.
Loss of a legend
Julian Bond, warrior in the struggle for equality, dies at 75
Through the relentless struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, Julian Bond always kept his sense of humor. His steady demeanor helped him persist despite the inevitable difficulties involved, his wife recalled. Mr. Bond “never took his eyes off the prize — and that was always racial equality,” his wife, Pamela Horowitz, said Sunday. “He always ... in that hard struggle kept a sense of humor, and I think that’s what allowed him to do that work for so long — his whole life really,” his wife added.
Why pay state lawmakers for work not done?
Gov. Terry McAuliffe says that last Monday’s special session of the General Assembly will cost $40,000. Most of that, I presume, is the per diem compensation and expenses going to General Assembly members for the day’s “work.”
Va. Legislative Black Caucus on ‘wrong side of history’
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) states, in part, that its mission is to “improve the economic, educational, political and social conditions of African-Americans and other underrepresented groups in the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Given this pointed self-description, the VLBC clearly appears to have betrayed its own mission in its decision to deny a Virginia Supreme Court judgeship to state Appeals Court Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr., an African-American.
The Donald’s trump card
The fate of the Republican Party’s presidential sweepstakes at the moment is being controlled by two political Frankensteins – both of them of the GOP’s own creation.
Bond’s legacy, spirit live on
There is an African proverb that says, “The spirit of a freedom warrior will never die in the enduring life of the village, yet that valued spirit will be passed on to future generations.” Julian Bond was a freedom fighter. He was a gallant leader-warrior for freedom, justice and equality. And his spirit will never die. The National Newspaper Publishers Association family pauses to mourn the passing of civil rights leader Julian Bond. But we also know that it is important to highlight those lasting lessons from Mr. Bond’s legacy that apply to today’s struggle for freedom.
Lest we forget
Did you know the first documented Africans in Virginia arrived on a British privateer? Strangers in a strange land, they came ashore after sailors on the ship traded their “20 and odd” captives for food. That was in August 1619.
Julian Bond and Black Lives Matter
We were saddened to learn of the untimely death of Julian Bond.
Alston debacle
We note with disgust the Virginia Senate’s handling — or mishandling — of Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s interim appointment of Justice Jane Marum Roush to the Virginia Supreme Court and the GOP’s insistence on their own selection, Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr., an African-American.
Alston out
Surprise move blocks African-American judge from Va. Supreme Court
Surprise move blocks African-American judge from Va. Supreme Court
Vision to return Gilpin Court to beacon of black enterprise
The decrepit four-story building at 900 St. James St. has been vacant for decades. However, plans are afoot to transform this former beacon of black enterprise into a centerpiece of new development in Gilpin Court, an underserved, untapped section of the city that lies just north of Downtown, split off by the interstate highways that carve their way through the city.
Personality: Ke’Aja Jefferson
Spotlight on first place winner at 2015 Technology Student National Conference
Give Ke’Aja Jefferson an A-plus for determination. The rising Richmond Community High School senior, who has earned an amazing 4.7 GPA, excels in several areas. Her latest achievement: She finished first in the Transportation Modeling Contest at the 2015 Technology Student Association National Conference held June 28 through July 2 at The Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas.
Rogers C. Wright, 98, founder of the Wright Family Singers
Rogers C. Wright loved to sing, play the guitar and harmonica and perform in front of audiences. That’s why he and his singing wife, Alcie Taylor, formed the Jubilee Duet gospel group after they were married in 1941. As the couple welcomed three daughters — Sandra, Brenda and Gayle — into the fold, they founded the Wright Family Singers in 1945.
Cleo Hill Sr., 77, CIAA star, first-round NBA pick, dies
Cleo Hill Sr., one of the CIAA’s all-time basketball greats, has died. He was 77. Following a lengthy illness, Mr. Hill died Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at his home in Orange, N.J.
VSU Gospel Chorale wins $10,000 in national competition
The highly acclaimed Virginia State University Gospel Chorale continues to win accolades. The latest honor: The choir, under the direction of Richmonder Perry Evans II, claimed first place in the 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards Gospel Choir Competition.
Million Man March organizing committee for commemoration hosts prayer luncheon
A prayer luncheon 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at the Baptist General Convention building, 1214 W. Graham Road on North Side, will discuss plans for participation in the 20th anniversary commemoration of the Million Man March.
Rapper Lecrae leads Dove Award nominations
Christian rapper Lecrae, whose album “Anomaly” has topped the charts, leads the pack of nominees for the 46th Annual Dove Awards with seven nominations, including artist of the year.
REVIEW: Straight Outta Vulgarity, Misogyny
If hearing profane language spoken every other word and seeing young bare-chested women being used as groupie sex kittens is what you want in a movie, then “Straight Outta Compton” is your kind of movie.
Fan Appreciation Day attracts 7,130 people
But numbers show interest in Washington camp declining
The Washington professional football team’s training camp in Richmond appears to be losing public interest as fast as a slow-footed quarterback loses ground behind a porous offensive line. The camp averaged about 5,800 fans each day, compared to more than 11,000 each day last summer. And Saturday’s Fan Appreciation Day attracted just 7,130 fans, down from last year’s 20,477.
We CARE Festival Saturday at Hotchkiss Community Center
There’s something for everyone at the 9th Annual We CARE Festival. The community-oriented event will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Hotchkiss Community Center, 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd. on North Side.
Straight Outta Compton’ box office hit rakes in $60.2M over weekend debut
“Straight Outta Compton,” the N.W.A. biopic produced by Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, blew away industry expectations over the weekend with a $60.2 million debut.
LeBron James making college possible for city kids
LeBron James is giving kids from Akron — ones with challenging backgrounds like his — the chance to go to college for free.
Simone Biles rolls to third straight gymnastics title
Simone Biles’ friends are running out of words to describe her almost as quickly as Biles is running out of competition. At the moment, there is none.
Late Richmond Braves slugger set record in Mexican League
Former Richmond Braves infielder Mike Hessman drew national publicity recently by becoming the all-time, home run king for minor league baseball.
35-and-over basketball league begins Sept. 22
So you’re getting older, but still feel like you can play a little basketball?
VUU bowling team adds 2 local women
Virginia Union University women’s bowling Coach James Washington has added two local athletes to his roster.
VCU enrolls record freshman class
A record 4,050 freshmen started classes this week at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a remarkable 51 percent being African-American, Asian, Latino and other minority students, the school has reported.
Lumpkin’s Jail site to get new life
After years of neglect by the city, the site at Lumpkin’s Jail is headed toward a multimillion-dollar makeover. The jail site was a holding pen for enslaved people in Shockoe Bottom that later served as the launching ground for Virginia Union University.
Tabloid-style drama grips Richmond school officials
David Hudson has long been considered one of the best elementary school principals in Richmond. He has received praise from parents and plaudits from teachers and enjoyed the regard of students during his 11-year career at Linwood Holton Elementary School.
Mobile home residents file lawsuit against Richmond
Current and former residents of two South Side mobile home parks have accused the City of Richmond of waging a deliberate campaign to force them from their homes through an aggressive code enforcement campaign. Now they are fighting back.
Tuesday, August 18
Danville removes Confederate flag from city museum
A rebel flag no longer flies from a historic city-owned mansion in this southern Virginia city that briefly served as the third and final capitol of the Confederacy.
City health district offers back-to-school shots, physicals
The Richmond City Health District is offering vaccinations and physicals for students returning to school from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at its clinic at 400 E. Cary St. in Downtown, it has announced.
17th Street market makeover underway
It has taken at least five years of planning and discussions, but the makeover for the old farmers’ market in Shockoe Bottom is underway at last.
Friday, August 14
Black lawmakers angered over Va. Supreme Court predicament
African-American members of the Virginia General Assembly are seething at Republican leaders for putting them in a predicament over a judicial selection to the Virginia Supreme Court.
Virginian inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Virginia is known as the “birthplace of presidents.” It’s also a cradle of NFL pass-rushing, quarterback-crunching defensive Hall of Famers. With the induction of Charles Haley on Aug. 8 into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Virginia can claim five of the most ferocious defenders in gridiron history. And all embarked on their Hall of Fame journeys to Canton, Ohio, from within 115 miles of Richmond City Stadium.
Embraced by Wings enfolds young people in spirit of service
LinGina Moe has a heart to help others. “Growing up, I saw a lot of things and a lot of people in need,” said Ms. Moe, a 36-year-old native of New York City who now lives in Chesterfield County. “I decided I wanted to make a difference any way I could.” That’s why she says she founded the all-volunteer, community-helping organization Embraced by Wings Youth Outreach Ministry in 2008.
Delfonics to perform Saturday at Down Home Family Reunion
The Delfonics will headline the 25th Annual Down Home Family Reunion Saturday, Aug. 15, in Abner Clay Park at Leigh Street and Brook Road in Jackson Ward.
Invest in engaged learning for better student performance
American students need to hit the books. The latest international data show the United States ranks 24th among 34 developed countries in math and science achievement, including well below countries such as Slovenia, Vietnam and the Czech Republic.
Homeless veterans need support
We applaud Gov. Terry McAuliffe in his call to end the homelessness of our country’s veterans who sleep on Virginia’s streets.
What’s wrong with Trump?
Donald Trump is a gateway drug to amnesia. He causes one to forget that racism was responsible for World War II. The Germans, the Japanese and the Italians all thought of themselves as being superior human beings.
More than ‘Cecil’ hunted
For more than a century, African tour operators (usually white people) have helped their European and American clients bag what they term “The Big Five.” This refers to the five most dangerous and difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot — the African elephant, black rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard. But history reveals there was a sixth prey not mentioned in the literature and the folklore of the Great White Hunters. That dangerous inhabitant of the African continent was the African himself.
Post-Ferguson progress, issues
One year ago, on Aug. 9, 2014, a white Ferguson, Mo., police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager. The shooting and law enforcement response, including the deployment of military equipment against largely peaceful protesters and a blue wall of silence around the details of the shooting itself, left the world wondering whether they were watching events unfold in America or under some authoritarian regime.
Thursday, August 13
Reggae singer’s lawsuit continued until 2016
Legendary Jamaican reggae singer Frederick “Toots” Hibbert is going to have to wait longer to find out if he will be awarded millions of dollars for the injuries he suffered when a drunken Henrico County man threw a liquor bottle that hit him in the head during a May 2013 outdoor festival in Richmond.
Student performance of ‘#BlackLivesMatter’ Aug.15
Young people participating in ART 180’s summer program will perform an original play they wrote called “#BlackLivesMatter.”
Choir Day Music Fest at Shalom Baptist Fellowship Aug.16
Shalom Baptist Fellowship Church on South Side is holding a Choir Day Music Fest 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the church, 1708 Harwood St.
Petersburg church hosts health, back-to-school program
Greater Faith AME Zion Church in Petersburg is hosting an Outdoor Health Awareness Expo and Back-to-School Youth Explosion.
Sharon Baptist back on the market
Sharon Baptist Church in Jackson Ward once again is looking for a buyer. The church’s historic sanctuary at 22 E. Leigh St. is listed for sale for $850,000, according Keller Williams Realty, which is marketing the property.
Jackie Robinson West Little League barred
The Jackie Robinson West (JRW) Little League will not be playing any postseason baseball this summer. The South Side Chicago youth team has been placed on probation by Little League International pending the resignation of two administrators, Treasurer Bill Haley and his mother, League President Annie Haley.
Michael Sam makes Canadian football league debut
Michael Sam became the first openly gay player to appear in a Canadian Football League game Friday night, playing sparingly for the Montreal Alouettes in a 26-23 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks.
Former Henrico High player named to MEAC All-Preseason team
Coaches around the MEAC are taking a “wait and see” attitude toward Connell Maynor and Latrell Scott. Coach Maynor is entering his second season as football coach at Hampton University.
Former UR player Justin Rogers hopes to secure Washington’s No. 25 jersey
Justin Rogers wants his face on the nickel. No, not the five-cent piece jingling in your pocket, but the Washington defensive backfield type of nickel. The nickel back — a fifth defensive back — has become almost as popular a term as “hail Mary” and “sack dance” in NFL lingo.
James E. Winston, 80, music promoter
James Edward Winston was a welcoming presence in Richmond for decades as a promoter, entertainer and doorman. As a promoter from the late 1950s through the 1980s, Mr. Winston brought top acts to Richmond, such as Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Stylistics, to perform at the old Sahara Club on North Side. As an entertainer, Mr. Winston wooed audiences with his soulful renditions of love ballads.
Personality: Brenda W. Johnson
Spotlight on president of Top Lady Clubbers
Brenda W. Johnson says the golf bug first bit her when a sorority sister from Delta Sigma Theta invited her to take up the sport when she lived in Michigan. “She says, ‘Let’s learn how to play golf,’ ” Mrs. Johnson recalls. “I looked at her as if she was crazy. But we moved ahead anyway and started lessons. We both had very young families at the time, so we didn’t play often.”
Full appeals court rebuffs McDonnell’s request
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell is a big step closer to reporting to prison. Tuesday, as legal experts anticipated, the 15 judges of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order rejecting the former Virginia governor’s request to reconsider his conviction on 11 corruption charges.
City cleanup for cycling race starts this weekend
Help us make Richmond shine. That’s the message City Hall is pushing as the city prepares to welcome thousands of visitors to the world road racing championships next month.
VUU working to find housing for student overflow
Virginia Union University is overflowing with students ahead of the start of the fall semester on Thursday, Aug. 13 — and has run out of housing on its campus.
Free school supplies for RPS teachers
Free school supplies will be available to Richmond Public Schools teachers when classes begin, thanks to a nonprofit called HandsOn Greater Richmond (HOGR).
City readying community for September bike races
Hundreds of bike riders will pedal at break-neck speeds along Richmond area streets past cheering spectators during the upcoming UCI Road World Championships. Elite bicyclists from around the world are scheduled to compete in 12 races over nine days from Saturday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 27. Courses will range from 14 miles to 160 miles and will wind through Richmond and Henrico and Hanover counties.
Battle over congressional lines starts next week
The battle over the map of Virginia’s congressional districts is about to get underway. Next week, the Republican-dominated General Assembly will return for a special session that Gov. Terry McAuliffe called with the goal of making changes to the 2012-approved map to satisfy a federal court.
Chief Durham: ‘This is not Ferguson’
“This is not Ferguson.” That was the assessment of Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham on Aug. 6, a day after Keshawn D. Hargrove, 20, was shot and killed by a Richmond Police officer in the alley beside DJ Market and Deli at Cary and Meadow streets in the West End.
Tale of the tests
Richmond SOL scores rise, but still below state average
The good news: More students in Richmond Public Schools passed state Standards of Learning tests in reading, history and math in spring 2015 compared with the previous year. That’s in line with the state trend of rising pass rates.
Tuesday, August 11
Former School Board member mounts campaign to oust principal
How much influence should parents and the community wield in deciding who should run a public school? That question is at the heart of a dispute over the leadership of Blackwell Elementary School on South Side.
2 top basketball standouts commit to UR
Imagine winning the lottery, then two days later winning it again. That’s about how University of Richmond basketball Coach Chris Mooney felt after landing two highly acclaimed rising seniors from the 804 area code.
Former NBA star Rick Mahorn to be inducted into Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame
Former Hampton University basketball sensation Rick Mahorn has been selected for the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame.
VIA group holds organizing session in Chesapeake
The Virginia Interscholastic Heritage Association will hold its next organizational meeting Saturday, Aug. 15, in Chesapeake.
‘Dialogue’ pages create feedback for School Board
Richmond Public Schools wants to make it easier for parents, students, teachers and the public to ask School Board members questions, make suggestions, express concerns or compliment their work — and get responses in a timely manner.
Double-dipping still a practice in city schools
Double-dipping is still in vogue in Richmond Public Schools, even though the practice of paying retirees extra money to fill vacancies has been loudly criticized.
Delays still plague Bon Secours’ East End expansion
Bon Secours Virginia CEO Peter J. Bernard is scheduled to retire Aug. 31 after leading the health care giant for the past seven years.
Friday, August 7
6th Annual Richmond Jazz Festival this weekend at Maymont
Thousands of music lovers will gather in Maymont Park this weekend to enjoy the soulful sounds of jazz, neo-soul and rhythm and blues from dozens of artists.
Bland family files lawsuit against Texas officials
The family of an African-American woman found dead in a Texas jail three days after a confrontation with a white state trooper filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against the officer and other officials, saying it was a last resort after being unable to get enough information about the case.
Rev. Shearin named pastor at Great Hope Baptist
Great Hope Baptist Church in the East End has a new pastor. He is the Rev. Melvin F. Shearin II.
First fans rewarded for camping out at camp
TreVon Cannon, Keshaun Smoot, Marquis Richardson and Daryl Johnson hold a unique record in Washington football training camp lore. The former Highland Springs High School classmates, athletes and longtime friends have been the first fans inside the D.C. training camp each of its first three years in Richmond. How have they done it?
Another black justice?
Political power play may lead to third African-American on Va. Supreme Court
Virginia is on its way to having a record three African-American judges on the state’s highest court — courtesy of the frayed relationship between Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Republican leaders who control the General Assembly. In a slap at Gov. McAuliffe for apparently ignoring them, top GOP legislators announced this week that House and Senate Republicans would take the virtually unprecedented step of rejecting the person the governor had appointed to the Virginia Supreme Court, in this case an experienced white female judge.
New life possible for St. Paul’s?
I recently passed by St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville and saw the auction sign — 135-plus acres and 31 buildings for auction. This was depressing.
Room for children’s hospital, ballpark on same site
Re “Building for Children,” July 30-Aug. 1 edition:
Pike statue in D.C. must go
The Confederacy was not the result of a North-South split, but was the creation of an Anglo Masonic conspiracy born on the heels of an American Revolution. It was designed to kill the new American Republic and the ideas of the Declaration of Independence from their infancy. It was treason.
Voting Rights Act is fundamental
The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy.
Mobilizing for ‘Justice’ march
When Minister Louis Farrakhan issues a sacred clarion call for a national and international mobilization for justice, freedom and equality, millions of people across America and throughout the world respond with responsive enthusiasm and energy. Such was the case in response to the minister’s call for the Million Man March in Washington, 20 years ago. I believe that history will be made once again on Oct. 10 in Washington.
Real need for Voting Rights Act
Aug. 6 marks the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the 1965 Voting Rights Act into law. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the organization co-founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will hold a Call to Action Rally at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Martin Luther King Memorial on the National Mall.
GOP debate
Get the popcorn and drinks ready. The first Republican presidential primary debate will be broadcast 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6.
Stormwater trouble
Stormwater trouble A year ago, Mayor Dwight C. Jones told the Free Press he would work with Richmond Public Schools to resolve its then unpaid $1.1 million bill for stormwater control.
Henrico church hosts Friday night ‘Spiritual Renewal’ series in August
Anointed New Life Baptist Church in Henrico County is hosting a monthlong series of Friday night services in August called “A Community Spiritual Renewal.”
Richmond pastor to talk about ‘Black Suffering’ at weeklong conference in South Africa
The Rev. James H. Harris, pastor of Second Baptist Church in the West End, is scheduled to speak at a weeklong conference on black theology in Johannesburg, South Africa, this month, the church has announced.
Another South Side church files bankruptcy
Serious financial troubles have hit another church in Richmond. Following in the footsteps of the Richmond Christian Center, Southside Baptist Ministries has filed for bankruptcy in a bid to ward off foreclosure.
Richmond teams play, place in MJBL annual tournament
Three teams representing the Richmond Metropolitan Junior Baseball League faced stiff competition in the 25th Annual Inner City Classic from July 28 through Aug. 2 in Orlando, Fla. They also faced hurdles to get to the tournament that annually attracts dozens of teams and hundreds of youths from across the country.
$87.6M
Wilson inks contract extension with Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has millions of reasons to be wearing one of the biggest smiles in the team’s training camp this week in Renton, Wash.
‘Pot Roast’ beefs up Washington’s defense
Terrance Knighton came to a crossroads as a 270-pound nose tackle and tight end at Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y. Knighton’s coach, Bill Chaplick, suggested these options for his future: He could pass up second helpings of mashed potatoes and gravy, slim down to 250 pounds and concentrate on being a tight end.
Benefit golf tournament set for Aug. 29
The Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. is organizing its first “Advocacy Golf Tournament.”
Personality: Rita H. Willis
Spotlight on founder of New Shoes For Back To School
Rita Hayes Willis reflects back to when she was a child eagerly leaving for her first day of school each year. She was properly outfitted from head to toe. “There is something about a new pair of shoes for the first day of school,” she recalls.
Church Hill roundabout opens
The $1.1 million Church Hill traffic circle is now open at 25th Street, Nine Mile Road, Fairmount Avenue and S Street. The landscaped circle or roundabout opened Wednesday after several months of construction.
GRTC workers strike deal on new contract
GRTC bus drivers and mechanics have approved a new contract that will boost their pay $1.10 an hour over the three-year life of the agreement, or an average of 2.2 percent. Both the transit company’s management and the union representing about 285 hourly workers are hailing the agreement that followed 10 months of quiet, but tough negotiations.
Ticket in N.C. leads to license suspension in Va.
Horace G. Dodd has a warning for Richmond motorists heading South: Do not get a traffic ticket in North Carolina. The 68-year-old South Side resident found out the hard way that North Carolina has turned traffic tickets into a major source of revenue.
Confederate flag removed from Va. license plates
Virginia no longer has to issue license plates that bear the Confederate battle flag, a federal judge has ruled.
City cop shot, man killed in gunfight Wednesday
A Richmond Police officer was wounded and an armed man was killed during a gunfight Wednesday evening near South Meadow and West Cary streets in the West End, police reported.
Family discord mars memorial service for Bobbi Kristina
Bobbi Kristina Brown was buried early Monday afternoon next to her iconic mother, Whitney Houston, at a cemetery in New Jersey.
50th anniversary: Obama to call for restoration of 1965 Voting Rights Act
With the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, congressional Democrats are commemorating the landmark law with events across the country — from the steps of the U.S. Capitol to the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama.
‘Golden Girl’ returns an Olympic hero in bocce
Mary Davis is Richmond’s newest “Golden Girl.” At 72, she proves it’s never too late to shine athletically.
Wednesday, August 5
Confidentiality breach: Teacher’s file contains personal info on others
If you teach or have taught for Richmond Public Schools, your colleagues may have access to your personal information. The disclosure that the RPS Human Resources Department is failing to guard confidential records came from a former teacher who found her personnel file contained information it should not have, including Social Security numbers of other teachers.
Plans moving ahead for Church Hill North
Richmond is moving ahead with plans to raze the former Armstrong High School building and fill the 22-acre site in the East End with 300 apartments and new homes.
Former governor appeals conviction to full 4th Circuit
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell remains free on bond after filing a request for the entire 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond to review and throw out his conviction. At least eight of the court’s 15 judges must agree to hear his case. Such a review by the full court is considered rare.
