Tuesday, December 29
Energy industry vital to climate change, economic opportunities
Under the leadership of President Obama, the United States has taken unprecedented action to begin addressing climate change one of the biggest issues facing our time. Through advancements in new technologies, environmental initiatives and cleaner energy resources, our country already has greatly reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Friday, December 25
Pray for haters and their victims
At this time of year and throughout the year to come, I ask that before opening Christmas presents, all people take a few minutes to pray for the following:
Maggie Walker’s honor would be impaired by tree
I write to support that the City of Richmond provide a cleared palette at the corner of Broad and Adams streets on which a stately statue can stand in full honor and glory to the iconic image of Maggie Lena Walker.
Energy industry vital to climate change, economic opportunities
Under the leadership of President Obama, the United States has taken unprecedented action to begin addressing climate change — one of the biggest issues facing our time. Through advancements in new technologies, environmental initiatives and cleaner energy resources, our country already has greatly reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Vision, not division
Leaders provide vision. They help people understand where they are, how they got there and what they must do to go forward. They help calm nerves and strengthen courage. They are steady in times of trouble, inspiring in times of demoralization.
Church must boot Parson to clear bankruptcy
The future of an embattled South Side church may hinge on whether it can completely cut ties with its founding pastor. As part of a financial plan clearing the way for the once giant Richmond Christian Center to emerge from bankruptcy, the church had to agree to one stipulation — that Pastor Steven A. Parson Sr. “have no contact” with the worship center he founded in his living room more than 32 years ago.
Emancipation Day service Jan. 1 at Fifth Baptist Church
The Rev. Elmore E. Warren Jr., a Richmond native and pastor of Whitestone Baptist Church in Baltimore, is scheduled to preach at the annual community service in Richmond to mark the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The commemoration that also features spirited singing and dramatic presentations will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St., in the West End.
Temple of Judah to hold service at jail Dec. 25
Men and women at the Richmond Justice Center once again will benefit from the work of the Temple of Judah. Bishop Melvin Williams Jr. and the temple’s congregation are continuing a long tradition of providing Christmas cheer to those spending the holidays behind bars at the facility.
Benefit gospel concert Jan. 10 at Va. Union
Capital City Lodge #107 of the 26th Masonic District is presenting its annual gospel concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, in Coburn Hall at Virginia Union University.
Seminary president lends voice to national letter
Count Union Presbyterian Seminary President Brian K. Blount is among those calling for an end to anti-Islamic rhetoric and religious intolerance toward the Muslim community.
VSU Coach Lonnie Blow scores 100th CIAA victory
Basketball Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. arrived at Virginia State University with a reputation for success, and he hasn’t disappointed. The veteran coach picked up his 100th CIAA victory Dec. 15 when the Trojans defeated his former school, St. Augustine’s University, 86-63, in Raleigh, N.C.
Aggies win Celebration Bowl in Atlanta
There is plenty to celebrate, starting with the feats of North Carolina A&T State University’s Tarik Cohen, following last Saturday’s inaugural Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl. The Aggies’ explosive 5-foot-6 junior ran and ran and didn’t slow down until the Aggies had a 41-34 victory over Alcorn State University at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Petersburg cousins joined by blood, love of football
When the next Prosise family reunion rolls around, football is likely to be the hot topic. Burly Prosise athletes figure heavily into the college gridiron reports as nearby as Ettrick and as far away as South Bend, Ind. Ray Prosise Jr. is a powerful, 6-foot, 280-pound junior defensive lineman and electrical engineering major at Virginia State University.
Faulkner wins top pro bowl prize
Gary Faulkner Jr. is the winner of the Professional Bowlers Association’s World Championship. Faulkner, 25, of Memphis, Tenn., won the tournament Thursday, Dec. 17, to become just the second African-American to win a title in the PBA’s 57-year history.
Cherished Holiday Memories
Christmas. It’s a time for family, sharing good food, holiday fun and heartfelt blessings. From the smell of dinner cooking for a family feast, to the glow of lights on a decorated Christmas tree, the season is rich with ingredients for wonderful memories that linger long after the holiday is gone. Six area residents shared with the Free Press their cherished memories of Christmases past. We hope their reflections will bring special joy and happy recollections of your own during this season.
Harvey to host again despite big blunder
The Miss Universe pageant was going great until the host, popular comedian Steve Harvey, made a big mistake. He already had announced Miss Colombia as the winner last Sunday, and she already was wearing the crown. And then he reread his cue card and had to return to the stage to announce on live television that Miss Philippines actually was the winner.
Personality: Keith W. Hicks
Spotlight on the 2015 Astorian of the Year
“To inspire men to a higher moral, intellectual, civic and social standing” through activities that build a better community and promote racial equality.
Officer’s jobs program puts men on right side of law
Jeffrey Perry served 18 years in prison for his role in an armed robbery. Shaun Moore served two separate stints behind bars — seven months for possession of drugs with intent to distribute and, later, four months for failure to pay child support.
Holiday closings
In observance of Christmas, please note the following:
Coffee shop reopens on Brookland Park Blvd.
The Streetcar Café on North Side is back in business under new management. The coffee shop at 10 E. Brookland Park Blvd. turned on the lights and began serving patrons again Dec. 14, two weeks after the previous operators departed.
Thursday, December 24
Va. NAACP elections on hold in wake of national investigation
In a surprise move, the national NAACP has put the Oct. 31 election results for the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP on hold as it investigates claims of irregularities in the vote. Among other things, the national office is seeking to determine whether youth delegates were wrongly denied ballots in the vote for officers.
New street sign unveiled to honor Alicia C. Rasin
Mayor Dwight C. Jones and others gathered Monday in Church Hill to unveil an honorary street sign in Church Hill for Alicia C. Rasin, a longtime advocate for families of homicide victims in the city. Ms. Rasin, who was known as the city’s “Ambassador of Compassion,” died in October. Ms. Rasin’s sisters, Patricia Rasin Smith and Albertina Rasin Walker, attended the ceremony, along with City Council member Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District.-
Strange fruit?
Critic: Oak evokes lynching image at Walker statue site
The fight over the tree in the planned Maggie L. Walker plaza isn’t over. Gary L. Flowers, a Richmond native and national political and civil rights operative living in Jackson Ward, has jumped into the fray with a petition drive opposing the live oak that now dominates the gateway into Jackson Ward where the monument to the great lady is to stand.
Friday, December 18
City election officials called on the carpet
The Virginia Department of Elections has a software upgrade that could have prevented voters in precincts split into two or more election districts from receiving the wrong ballots, the Free Press has learned. The finding comes at the same time the state Board of Elections, which oversees the department, has asked City of Richmond election officials to appear Jan. 8 before the state board to explain a series of problems that cropped up during the Nov. 3 election.
‘A Mad Hatter’s Party’
Colorful, creatively decorated hats fill the banquet room at a Downtown hotel for The Mad Hatter’s Party. The event, held Dec. 6, was organized by the Richmond Chapter of The Links, which invited other Richmond area Links chapters to join in the Fifth Annual Friendship Tea.
Women should not serve in combat roles
In another epic fail of the Obama administration, it was announced that women now will be given combat duty, as well as included in the draft, should one be reinstituted.
Why let anyone come to your country?
There’s a right way to enter the kingdom door. The thorns fall among the plants, choking them.
Black children overwhelmingly hurt by not modernizing schools
Ten years ago, I developed a plan for then Mayor L. Douglas Wilder to modernize Richmond’s public schools. At the time, City Council President Bill Pantele got it enacted into law.
The biggest threats are the lawmakers
Too many lawmakers do not want to listen to concerns of their constituents. Rather, they want to tell us what our concerns should be. Listening to us might cause them to have to hear about problems they have caused by bad laws they have passed.
Eloquence and arrogance
On the same day that President Obama gave a stirring and historically grounded commemoration regarding the 150th anniversary of the passage of the 13th Amendment that “abolished” slavery, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia chose to disregard tenets of equality and opportunity from the bench during the Fisher v. University of Texas hearing when he suggested that African-American students would benefit more if they went to “lesser track” schools. His verbatim comments:
The politics of courage
If Donald Trump can thrive politically by throwing meat to the American id, what else is possible? How about the opposite? Mr. Trump’s most recent attempt to reclaim poll supremacy — his call for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our representatives can figure out what’s going on” — is not simply reckless and dangerous, but also starkly clarifying. America’s bully billionaire is channeling old-time American racism, as mean and ugly and self-righteous as it has ever been. Jim Crow is still with us. “The only good Indian is a dead Indian” is still with us. Americans — at least a certain percentage of them — like their racism straight up, untampered with code language, unmodified by counter-values. Come on! An enemy’s an enemy. A scapegoat’s a scapegoat. Don’t we have the freedom in this country to dehumanize and persecute whomever we want?
New leaf in the new year
In two weeks, we will celebrate a new year. In four weeks, the Virginia General Assembly will start its 2016 legislative session. Their actions will determine whether the state springs forward with progress and uplift for all, or will be mired in a bog of callous self-interests and regressive politics.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at Altria Theater Dec. 26
The main stage will reverberate with the sounds of African music, dance and spoken word. The African Market will offer African-inspired cuisine, thought-provoking books, finely handcrafted and imported items, colorful clothing, jewelry and more.
Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’ grosses $2.1M in 10 days
Director Spike Lee hopes his latest film “Chi-Raq,” an adaptation of ancient Greek play “Lysistrata” looking at Chicago’s gun violence, will help make a difference in tackling the problem. Based on Aristophanes’ play in which the titular character rouses women to stop the Peloponnesian War by going on a sex strike, the movie sees Lysistrata try to persuade rival gangs to lay down their guns by using the same technique.
2016 NAACP Image Awards nominees announced
“Empire” leads the television nominees for the 2016 NAACP Image Awards. The scintillating drama is up for 12 trophies at the ceremony honoring diversity in the arts, including acting nominations for Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett and Grace Gealey.
Serena Williams named Sportsperson of the Year
Serena Williams, who held all four of tennis’ grand slam titles for the second time in her career and won 53 of 56 matches in 2015, was named Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated magazine Monday.
Springers bring home the crown
Instead of Highland Springs High School, perhaps it should be Highlight Springs. Forget the slow but sure approach. Coach Loren Johnson’s Springers were fast and sure in sprinting to the State Division 5 football title last Saturday at the University of Virginia’s Scott Stadium in Charlottesville.
VUU’s Shawheem Dowdy wins coveted Lanier Award
Willie Lanier starred for Morgan State University. But until now, no athlete from a historically black college or university had won the Touchdown Club of Richmond’s Lanier Award. The drought ended Dec. 9 when Virginia Union University quarterback Shawheem Dowdy won the Lanier Award. The trophy was presented to Dowdy by Lanier, a Richmond native, at a Henrico County hotel. The Lanier Award, dating to 2004, goes to Virginia’s top performer in the NCAA Division II or III or the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Miguel Ojeda new manager of Flying Squirrels
For the second straight season, the parent San Francisco Giants have turned to a Latino to manage the Class AA Richmond Flying Squirrels.
John Marshall’s ‘Baby-faced Bomber’ morphs into ‘J-Rock’
It seems fitting Jeremy Carter-Sheppard goes by two surnames. That’s because he’s about twice as hard to guard as most teenagers. John Marshall High School’s hyphenated hero can wow you in so many ways. John Marshall Coach Ty White was asked if his senior star was most effective popping from outside, driving to the basket or dishing to teammates. Coach White’s quick reply: “All of the above.”
Golden State’s winning streak halted by Milwaukee
No one is contesting the Golden State Warriors’ status as the NBA’s best team last year and thus far this season. But are the Warriors the best of all time? Led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Oakland franchise is on pace to achieve the top winning record since the NBA was founded in 1946.
Faith leaders, elected officials call for calm, respect for Muslims
Imam Ammar Amonette said he and the 2,000 members of his congregation at the Islamic Center of Virginia in Bon Air have seen the ugly face of hate in the wake of the recent terror attacks by Muslim extremists in San Bernadino, Calif., and Paris.
Charles A. Brown, 73, former Virginia Power official
Charles A. Brown woke up every morning with the same purpose in mind. “He wanted to help as many young people as he could,” said Pauline Brown, his wife of 48 years. “He was an exceptional man, very loving and caring. He would give you the shirt off his back,” she added.
Claudelia S. Barnes, 81, former med tech, teacher
Claudelia S. Barnes was born and raised in Richmond at a time when Jim Crow laws oppressed African-Americans and the Ku Klux Klan fomented a reign of terror. “The Ku Klux Klan burned a cross in her parents’ front yard when she was a teenager,” recalled Mrs. Barnes’ daughter, Dawn C. Cobb.
Personality: Altamese R. Johnson
Spotlight on winner of AARP Virginia’s Shaw Advocacy Award
Altamese R. Johnson first met the late Elvira B. Shaw in the early 1990s, when the two attended an AARP meeting with Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott of Newport News. The two became fast friends, advocating for issues important to AARP, whose stated mission is “leading positive social change and delivering value to people age 50 and over through information, advocacy and service,” according to the organization.
Mistrial in Freddie Gray’s death
A mistrial was declared Wednesday in the case of a Baltimore police officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old whose death while in police custody sparked riots last April.
NAACP vows to continue marches in Richmond man’s death
Black leaders marched in Virginia last Saturday to protest the death of an 46-year-old Richmond man who died in police custody after officers shocked him repeatedly with stun guns, and they vowed to continue marching until they believe that justice has been served.
New VSU president shares vision, receives support at official introduction
Brimming with confidence and eager to get started, the new president of Virginia State University is promising to first listen to students, faculty and staff and then roll out a “strategic vision that will be bold and purposefully challenging.” Among other things, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah wants VSU to be known for providing “a quality education,” to invest in specialty academic areas that would make the university more attractive while continuing to be “an opportunity university” for students who might not be admitted elsewhere.
State looks to expand youth voter participation
Thanks to a little-known law, many 17-year-olds in Virginia can have a voice in which Democratic or Republican candidate is selected to represent their party in the 2016 presidential election. The state law allows 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the Nov. 8, 2016, election to register in advance and vote in the state’s 2016 presidential primaries on March 1.
Recount confirms Roscoe Cooper as School Board winner
It’s official. The Rev. Roscoe D. Cooper III is confirmed as the winner of the Fairfield District seat on the Henrico School Board — by 42 votes.
City Council greenlights Maggie Walker statue at triangle
Forget Monument Avenue and Abner Clay Park. The future statue of Richmond’s great lady, Maggie L. Walker, will stand at the intersection of Brook Road and Broad and Adams streets, the gateway to historic Jackson Ward where Mrs. Walker lived and won acclaim for her entrepreneurial spirit. Richmond City Council voted 6-1, with two abstentions, Monday night to reconfirm that decision for the third time in 15 years, clearing the way for the project.
Friday, December 11
‘Tickling the senses’ with food and music, jazz flutist arranges recipes for romance
To her devoted fans, the lilting, insistent melodies of smooth jazz flutist Sherry Winston are inextricably linked to romance. Love is the theme of each of her six CDs, embedded in such titles as “Do It For Love,” “Love Madness” and “Life Is Love & Love Is You.”
Voter supression or simple snafu?
City man given wrong ballot in Nov. election
Edward A. Adams went to the polls Nov. 3 eager to cast his ballot for Dan Gecker, the Democrat who ultimately lost in the hotly contested race in the 10th Senate District. But the 59-year-old postal worker wound up casting a ballot for unchallenged incumbent Sen. A. Donald McEachin in the 9th Senate District — even though Mr. Adams’ residence at 612 W. Franklin actually is listed on the poll books as being in the 10th Senate District.
No Trump card here
Re “Playing the ‘Trump’ card,” Dec. 3-5 edition: I saw on national television how Richmond Pastor Stephen A. Parson Sr. was touting how he and many others were endorsing Donald Trump.
‘This is not a time for fear-mongering’
At a time when we, as a country, are mourning the victims of terror and war, some public figures are using the tragedy in Paris to promote a dangerous politics of fear. This is not a time for fear-mongering against Muslims and refugees. This is a time that we, as a community, should unite around our core values of democracy and inclusion.
AIDS: Getting to zero
“Three decades into this crisis, let us set our sights on achieving the “three zeros” — zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. On this World AIDS Day, let us pledge to work together to realize this vision for all of the world’s people.” — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, United Nations, World AIDS Day 2010
Wiping away the stain
Despite racist vitriol characterizing African-Americans as “dirty,” most of us were reared in an environment where “cleanliness was next to godliness.” Many, if not most, of us know the virtues of keeping our minds, bodies and belongings clean. With the hectic pace of our world, these lessons still guide our behaviors.
Ballot box red flag
We are disturbed by the revelation this week that voters in seven precincts in the City of Richmond may have received the wrong ballot when they went to cast ballots in November’s state Senate elections.
Three words: Trump must go
When His Ridiculousness Donald J. Trump called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on,” the mayor of St. Petersburg, Fla., answered with a ban of his own.
Church backs away from Parson
“You all are a bunch of black idiots over there supporting someone who doesn’t care anything about black people,” one angry caller said in a voicemail message left for the Richmond Christian Center last week. Another caller chimed in: “If Donald Trump wasn’t running for president, he would have nothing to do with you a-holes.” A third anonymous caller said, “Your pastor is an ignoramus. I doubt if he has any degrees at all.”
Former ROC property to become residential school for adults
The North Side building and property that once served as home to the Richmond Outreach Center’s School of Urban Ministry has a new owner.
SCLC Empowerment Conference sends message of collective change
Educate yourselves about issues of importance to the African-American community. Engage both individually and collectively with legislators in the General Assembly via emails, letters and phone calls. And go to the State Capitol in person to voice your concerns.
Falwell urges students to pack pistols
Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. has urged students to carry concealed weapons on campus to counter any possible armed attack, saying that “we could end those Muslims before they walk in.” “Let’s teach them a lesson if they ever show up here,” Mr. Falwell told students at the private Christian school Dec. 4. His remarks make him the first president of a Virginia college or university to urge students to arm themselves and put him among the first in the country to do so.
Personality: Dr. Karen A. Faison
Spotlight on Virginia Nurses Association Nancy Vance Award winner
Dr. Karen Faison says she gains deep satisfaction as a professor in the Virginia State University Department of Nursing when “the light comes on” for her students “when information is mastered for patient-centered care.”
Highland Springs hoping for state football crown Saturday
Oozing with momentum, Highland Springs High School has won 13 straight football games and needs just one more victory to claim its first state title since 1961.
VSU reigns over VUU
In the longtime backyard basketball rivalry between Virginia Union and Virginia State universities, two thoughts emerge: Virginia Union owns the past.
Melvin Johnson brings heart, big numbers to Rams
Melvin Johnson obviously enjoys big cities, big name basketball opponents and national TV cameras. VCU is hoping his sharpshooting trend continues next Tuesday when the Rams travel to Atlanta to play ACC member Georgia Tech in a 9 p.m. tipoff on ESPN2. The Rams are 5-3 after a 76-71 loss Sunday at Atlanta’s Philips Arena to another ACC school, Florida State University, on ESPNU.
Protests continue after Chicago mayor’s apology
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, under heavy criticism for his handling of a 2014 police shooting that resulted in the death of a black teen, gave an emotional apology Wednesday, hours before angry demonstrators closed city streets while demanding his resignation.
Dr. Bedden gets 2-year extension
The Richmond School Board presented Superintendent Dana T. Bedden with an early Christmas gift Monday when six of its nine members voted to extend his contract by two years — through June 30, 2019. The extension comes midway through Dr. Bedden’s initial 3½-year contract that began Jan. 13, 2014, and was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2017.
School Board election recount set for Dec. 10
The Rev. Roscoe D. Cooper III is expected to learn this week whether his 43-vote victory will stand for the Fairfield District seat on the Henrico County School Board. The Henrico Circuit Court has ordered a recount Thursday, Dec. 10, to formally settle the race, according to county election officials.
Library board tables decision on armed guards at branches
The board of the Richmond Public Library is not ready to approve armed guards at its branches. The issue of deploying guards with guns was discussed at the board meeting last week after two disturbing incidents at the North Avenue Branch recently shook up staff and patrons.
Accreditation sanction lifted from NSU; extended at VSU
Eddie N. Moore Jr. is wreathed in smiles, while Dr. Pamela V. Hammond is frowning. That’s how the interim presidents of Norfolk State and Virginia State universities, respectively, are greeting the latest word from the accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACS) based in Decatur, Ga.
CBC head backs America’s College Promise Act
“Some people believe HBCUs are no longer needed and are irrelevant. They are under assault.” That was the sobering message U.S. Rep. George Kenneth “G. K.” Butterfield, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, delivered on the state of historically black colleges and universities.
NAACP march to protest death of Linwood Lambert
The Halifax/South Boston Branch NAACP is holding a “Day of Courage 4 Justice in Virginia March” on Saturday, Dec. 12, in South Boston, located about 100 miles southwest of Richmond.
New president named at VSU
Dr. Makola M. Abdullah to face financial, academic challenges
Dr. Makola M. Abdullah to face financial, academic challenges
Tuesday, December 8
New Byrd Park site proposed for Richmond police memorial
A new location is to be announced Thursday for Richmond’s memorial statue to city police officers killed in the line of duty. The location: The intersection of Blanton Avenue and Trafford Road, according to Glenwood Burley, the retired police officer leading the relocation effort.
Dance, Warner to speak at fall commencements
State Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance of Petersburg and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner will be the featured speakers at fall commencements at area universities.
Feds to investigate advocate’s complaint against Chesterfield school system
The U.S. Office of Civil Rights has opened an investigation into whether Chesterfield County Public Schools retaliated against special needs advocate Kandise Lucas for her work on behalf of students with disabilities.
NAACP official convicted of drunk driving
A state NAACP officer has been convicted of driving while intoxicated. LaSalle J. McCoy Jr., who serves as state NAACP secretary and president of the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP, was found guilty in Chesterfield County District Court at a hearing two days before Thanksgiving.
Saturday, December 5
Coffee shop business grinds to a halt
A combination coffee and bike shop was supposed to be a first step in breathing fresh life into a neighborhood business strip in North Side. But four months after the ceremonial, high-profile ribbon-cutting, only the nonprofit bike shop remains in operation at 10 E. Brookland Park Blvd. — and just a few days a week.
S.C. church to donate $1.5M to massacre survivors, victims’ families
The South Carolina church where the pastor and eight parishioners were shot and killed in a racially motivated attack earlier this year is sharing about half of the money donated to it with survivors of the attack and the families of those killed.
Pope Francis spreads message of love, peace in Africa
Pope Francis wrapped up his six-day trip to Africa in the war-torn Central Africa Republic on Monday by warning that religious conflicts are spawning civil war, terrorism and suffering throughout the continent.
‘Tough times for many’ in early U.S. history
As a new resident of Virginia coming from the North, I am amazed at how the “PC” revisionists are defaming 200 years of history and tradition with bands of the Confederate flag. Their total lack of knowledge and perspective is incredible.
Feeling endangered by police
If black cops were killing white men and boys at the rate white cops are continuing to kill black men, boys and Americans of color in general in these United States, there would be a mighty roar emanating from the belly of this country. Yet, there is ominous silence.
Urge legislative support of Virginia Coastal Protection Act
The Clean Power Plan issued this summer by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides considerable flexibility to Virginia and other states to decide how to cut carbon pollution from coal- and gas-fired power plants to help reduce global warming.
Problems with welcoming others with ‘open arms’
Re: Editorial “Let us express our gratitude by welcoming others,” President Obama’s 2015 Thanksgiving Proclamation, Nov. 25-28 edition: I read President Obama’s poignant message. We are a country that is about 98 percent immigrant. I believe all children should be taken care of.
Tips from rags to riches life
Omar Periu is truly a rags to riches story. He came to America at age 7 with his parents who were escaping Fidel Castro's regime. They came with nothing but the clothes on their backs. He has built an amazing business that has generated millions of dollars and also has been inspiring corporations and individuals for more than 20 years. He specializes in sales, negotiations and wealth building.
A ‘kill-and-cover-up’ police culture?
When public officials refuse to release a video that shows alleged misconduct by a police officer, you should only expect the worst. That’s particularly true in Chicago, where one “bad apple” too often has signaled a bushel of coverups and other problems underneath.
Drop a dime on a cop
The City of Chicago, situated on the windswept shores of Lake Michigan, is part of Cook County, Ill. Many of the locals call it “Crook County” because of its long and notorious history of corruption. A report last year by the University of Illinois, Chicago campus, listed about 150 county politicians and employees who had been convicted in recent years for wrongdoing.
Holiday events to light up Downtown
Richmond is getting into the holiday season with a host of events to bring cheer to families and individuals, including a holiday parade, Christmas tree lightings and an open house at the Executive Mansion. The festivities begin Thursday, Dec. 3, when Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Virginia’s First Family participate in the state’s official tree lighting ceremony from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on the South Portico of the State Capitol.
60 years after Rosa Parks’ arrest launched modern civil rights era, ‘our work isn’t finished’
MONTGOMERY, ALA. While Rosa Parks became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated Alabama bus, the 60th anniversary of her arrest also highlighted lesser-known pioneers of the bus boycott she sparked. Mrs. Parks made history by taking a stand alongside other desegregation pioneers like Claudette Colvin, a black teenager arrested nine months earlier in Montgomery, Ala., for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, said Fred D. Gray, a lawyer who represented both women.
Santa with Soul visits Dec. 5 at Black History Museum
Santa with Soul is making his annual visit to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward to ask wide-eyed children their holiday wishes and to spread good cheer.
Holiday dance production Dec. 6 at the Altria Theater
The Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is presenting “Home for the Holidays — The Night Before” at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St.
How to get a letter from Santa
Do you want to provide a child with a letter from Santa Claus? Here’s how the U.S. Postal Service will help you get it done, complete with a North Pole postmark.
Personality: James A. McCain
Spotlight on Richmond Firefighter of the Year
James A. McCain says being a firefighter with the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is a dream come true. “I wanted to become a physical therapist when I graduated from Hampton University in 2003,” he recalls. “But I had a dream one day that I was a firefighter. It was so vivid and so real,” he adds. “I took that as a calling that I was supposed to become a firefighter.”
‘Battle of I-95 South
VUU Panthers versus VSU Trojans at Ashe Center on Sunday
Tavon Mealy has become the prince of the paint at Virginia Union University. Despite being vertically challenged at a more guard-like 6-foot-3, the undersized big man has a knack for ruling the painted boards in the shadow of the backboard.
Friday, December 4
VUU’s Joe Taylor to be inducted into MEAC Hall of Fame
Virginia Union University Athletic Director Joe Taylor soon will add another feather to his cap. The highly successful former football coach will be inducted into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame on March 10.
Dave Roberts first black manager for L.A. Dodgers
Richmond’s legion of NBA fans will again have local favorites to follow on both sides of the country this season. Former Virginia Commonwealth University marksman Troy Daniels, who holds the Atlantic 10 record for the most three-pointers in a season, is beginning his fourth NBA season and his second with the Charlotte Hornets.
Local favorites hitting NBA boards this season
Richmond’s legion of NBA fans will again have local favorites to follow on both sides of the country this season. Former Virginia Commonwealth University marksman Troy Daniels, who holds the Atlantic 10 record for the most three-pointers in a season, is beginning his fourth NBA season and his second with the Charlotte Hornets. Meanwhile, former Hanover High School/Benedictine/University of North Carolina standout Ed Davis will commence his fifth NBA season overall and first season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Police chief out amid protests of teen’s murder in Chicago
Chicago’s police chief was ousted on Tuesday following days of unrest over video footage showing the police shooting of a black teenager and the subsequent filing of murder charges against a white police officer in the young man’s death. The white officer, Jason Van Dyke, was charged Nov. 24 with first-degree murder in the killing of Laquan McDonald, 17, who was shot 16 times. The video of the killing was released on the day the former officer was charged.
Two faces of Ben
Ayauna King-Baker loved Ben Carson’s “Gifted Hands” memoir so much that she made her daughter, Shaliya, read it. So when Dr. Carson showed up in town to sign copies of his new book, Mrs. King-Baker dragged the giggly 13-year-old along to the bookstore so they could both meet him.
Black History Museum project becomes a career changer
For Rickey Young and Teimon Phillips, the new Black History Museum and Cultural Center in Richmond’s Jackson Ward will always be a special place. Both men got their first experience in the construction field in working to transform the long vacant but historic Leigh Street Armory into the museum’s new home.
Mayor saves tree at planned Walker monument site
Yes, Richmond, that iconic Downtown tree is going to survive. That’s the word from Mayor Dwight C. Jones. He disclosed Wednesday that he is committed to saving the green-leafed live oak tree that dominates the triangular site earmarked for a proposed statue of renowned Richmonder Maggie L. Walker, the first African-American woman in the nation to establish and operate a bank.
Petersburg learns on free speech lesson
Linwood Christian and others in Petersburg no longer will be barred from addressing the Petersburg City Council because they owe taxes, fines or fees to the city.
SCLC chapter hosts legislative forum
The Richmond Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is hosting a forum to discuss legislative issues prior to the start of the General Assembly in January.
AG starts initiative to boost diversity in police departments
Attorney General Mark R. Herring is seeking to help police departments across Virginia recruit more minority applicants and build police departments. The goal of the initiative: To reflect the cultural and racial makeup of the communities they serve. Mr. Herring said the initiative would begin in Danville and Martinsville with the aim of creating model programs that other law enforcement agencies could use.
Martin honored with Raven Award
George Keith Martin has gained praise for his accomplishments as the first African-American rector at the University of Virginia, the managing partner at the Richmond office of McGuireWoods law firm in Downtown and his longtime community involvement and service on numerous boards and commissions.
Playing the ‘Trump’ card
Richmond pastor of church in bankruptcy endorses billionaire despite controversial remarks
