Thursday, February 26
Former Va. first lady sentenced to prison
Former Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell broke a two-year silence on her role in the federal corruption case that rocked Virginia and sent shockwaves across the nation. Fighting back tears, she read from a prepared statement during her sentencing hearing last Friday before U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer.
Churchgoers have little love for Love Rox runs
Once again, Richmond Multisports staged its Love Rox half-marathon, 10K and 5K runs through Downtown at the same time that churches were seeking to hold services. And once again, the event created friction and upset for worshippers, though apparently a bit less disruption than last year. Fewer streets seem to have been closed this year to make way for the hundreds of participants who turned out to run in the chill.
Tax increase will pass to consumers
Re “Rich must pay fair share,” Feb. 19-21 edition: After reading Earl O. Hutchinson’s Op/ Ed piece, I was compelled to write in response. The rich already pay an enormous percentage of their income in taxes, and he wants them to pay more?
Fight against police brutality
Re “Where do we go from here?” editorial, Feb. 19-21 edition: As to FBI Director James B. Comey’s former position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Richmond from 1996 to 2002 and his involvement in Project Exile, I find it incredulous that he can be of an objective mind to acknowledge any “hard facts” regarding people of color.
General Assembly needs to come into the light
Re “Wronged: Richmond police interactions pack sting, costs for 2 local men,” Feb. 19-21 edition: Having read Free Press staff writer Jeremy Lazarus’s articles, I found it necessary to respond and praise them.
Pastor gets the boot
Parson departs amid Richmond Christian Center’s move to survive
More than a year after filing for bankruptcy, the Richmond Christian Center is gaining a fresh shot at survival after seizing financial power from founding pastor Stephen A. Parson Sr. The pastor, who launched RCC in his living room more than 31 years ago, is no longer a member of the church’s ruling Board of Trustees and has been stripped of control of the church’s bank account.
For the orange and blue
Virginia State University appears to be headed on the right track with the addition of interim President Pamela V. Hammond. In just over 30 days at the helm, Dr. Hammond, a nurse educator from Whistler, Ala., has raised nearly a half-million dollars for the historically black institution in Ettrick. And the Virginia General Assembly is poised to shore up VSU’s student need-based financial aid with a $950,000 infusion written into the state budget for 2017.
On Prince Hall’s shoulders
Too often, some of us forget about the historical groups and social bridges that have helped to bring black America across troubled and perilous waters during the last two centuries. One group is known today as the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Masons. They have grown exponentially from their first lodge in Boston in 1787 to numerous masonic lodges throughout the United States. Without a lot of external fanfare or public boasting, this organization of skilled and talented “Brothers” have been consistent in contributing to the long protracted progress of black America. The living legacy of Prince Hall is still focused on the mission of providing leadership of high moral character, charitable assistance to those in need and steadfast support of freedom, justice, equality and empowerment for black Americans and all people.
50 years of economic futility
During the 50 years from 1963 to 2013, black people have been on a virtual economic treadmill. Our relative economic position has not changed. Our unemployment rate consistently has been twice as high as the white unemployment rate. It was 5 percent for white people and 10.9 percent for black people in 1963. Today, it’s 6.6 percent forwhite people and 12.6 percent for African-Americans. The typical white family had $134,200 in wealth in 2013, while black families had $11,000, which is lower than that of Hispanic families, at $13,700.
Social workers offer symposium on society issues
“Walk Into Your Season: Enhancing Knowledge & Cultural Awareness.” That’s the theme for a symposium presented by the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers.
Petersburg Chamber honors ‘Hometown Heroes’
The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce recognized six “Hometown Heroes” at its 134th annual dinner Feb. 18 at Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Just desserts
Maureen McDonnell should go to prison. Virginia’s former first lady has been convicted of eight counts of corruption for trading access to state officials in exchange for more than $177,000 in gifts and loans from a Virginia businessman. Last week she was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison. She should not argue special circumstances or seek legal loopholes to appeal her conviction to avoid serving time. If she were truly remorseful for putting her family and the citizens of Virginia through the shame and disgrace her actions have wrought, she would save the taxpayers the cost of an appeal.
VCU retires Burgess’ number; Graham hopes to be next
In its storied basketball history, Virginia Commonwealth University has retired the numbers of five players. Their jerseys now hang from the Siegel Center rafters. They are No. 3 Eric Maynor, No. 5 Calvin Duncan, No. 22 Gerald Henderson, No. 23 Kendrick Warren and, just this past Saturday, No. 20 Bradford Burgess. Sometime in the future, look for Treveon Graham’s No. 21 to be among the rafters display. The Rams’ foes probably wish the university would retire Graham’s jersey right now, preferably with Tre in it.
CIAA women’s competition stirred by problem
Virginia Union University’s women survived the play-in round of the CIAA Tournament’s basketball competition in Charlotte, N.C. Ashle Freeman scored 25 points and Lady Walker added 22 points as the Panthers defeated Saint Augustine’s 74-71. With the victory, the 8-17 Panthers advanced to Wednesday’s quarterfinals against Lincoln University, which Lincoln won 59-51. Women’s semifinals are 1 and 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. The final is at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, with live ASPIRE TV coverage.
Tuesday night’s loss tosses VUU from tourney
Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena has become the house of horrors for Virginia Union University’s basketball team. For the sixth straight year, the Panthers have failed to advance in the CIAA tournament — an event they dominated for decades. A 77-70 loss to Shaw University during Tuesday night’s play-in game ended VUU’s season with a 9-18 record. Shaw University, with a 12-15 record, advanced to meet Winston-Salem State University in Wednesday night’s quarterfinals.
VSU stands tall going into CIAA tournament
Virginia State University’s front line measures 6-foot-10, 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-8. The Trojans stand tall in the CIAA standings as well. Center Alphonso Leary, who is 6-foot-10, and 6-foot-8 forwards Tyrece Little and Elijah Moore complete one of the NCAA Division II’s tallest front courts. Trying to shoot inside against VSU is like trying to score in soccer against a net manned by three goalies. The Trojans led the CIAA in least points allowed (an average 64.6 per game) and lowest shooting percentage defense (38.6). After a long lull, VSU is the second seed in the CIAA Northern Division and has high hopes for this week’s CIAA tournament in Charlotte, N.C.
Eva Brinkley, 83, retired elementary teacher
Eva Burrell Brinkley was an educator and public servant. Whether she was teaching kindergartners during her 39 years with Richmond Public Schools, being involved in a bevy of community organizations or volunteering as an aide at the Virginia General Assembly for 19 years following he retirement, Mrs. Brinkley threw herself into everything headfirst. “She loved helping others,” said her sister, Charlotte B. Brown. “And she most especially loved working with younger children. They were her No. 1 passion.”
Personality: Clarence M. Dunnaville Jr.
Spotlight on Hill-Tucker Public Service Award winner
Clarence M. Dunnaville Jr. loves to converse about his more than six decades as an attorney and change agent involved in civil rights. He has stories about the many icons he has met and worked with during that time. “I was involved in so many things through the years,” the engaging 81-year-old Chester- field County resident says. “I was always moving on, trying to make things better.” Mr. Dunnaville is among a special cadre of African-American attorneys who waged important legal battles against discrimination and forever changed the nation’s landscape.
Political pilgrimage to Selma
Ninety-five members of Congress will make a civil rights pilgrimage to Alabama next week. The delegation of House members and senators will spend Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8, in Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma and Marion for the 50th anniversary of the historic voting rights marches in 1965. President Obama will join them March 7 in Selma to commemorate “Bloody Sunday,” when state troopers attacked marchers as they tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge on their way to Montgomery to demand voting rights for African-Americans.
UR chooses Ronald A. Crutcher as next president
For the first time in the 185-year history of the University of Richmond, the new head of the private liberal arts college that borders Richmond and Henrico County will be an African-American. Dr. Ronald Andrew Crutcher has been named as the 10th president of the university. The announcement was made Monday at the institution founded in 1830.
No Justice for Trayvon
WASHINGTON The Justice Department says George Zimmerman will not face federal civil rights charges in the 2012 shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The department announced its decision Tuesday, saying there was not enough evidence to bring federal civil rights charges, which would have required proof that the killing was motivated by racial animosity. “This young man’s premature death necessitates that we continue the dialogue and be unafraid of confronting the issues and tensions his passing brought to the surface,” Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement. “We, as a nation, must take concrete steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.”
Mayor to propose $35M to fix schools
Mayor Dwight C. Jones will propose spending $35 million to pay for major fixes for Richmond’s decaying school buildings when he delivers his two-year budget plan to City Council. While the mayor is keeping mum, Norman Butts, the city’s chief financial officer, disclosed at a City Council committee meeting Mayor Jones’ plan to address school maintenance in the budget he is scheduled to present Friday, March 13. Mr. Butts, who is involved in the budget preparation process, described the impending proposal as “a high priority” for the mayor.
Grassroots effort mounts to keep Bedden
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden interviewed Wednesday for the superintendent’s job in snow-covered Boston and prepared to meet Thursday with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. The Boston School Committee is expected to name its top choice for the job early next week, according to reports. Meanwhile, a growing number of Dr. Bedden’s supporters in Richmond are continuing their efforts to convince him to stay and lead the aggressive RPS turnaround effort he began after becoming the struggling school district’s superintendent in January 2014.
Tuesday, February 24
Bon Secours expansion delayed again
Promises. That’s all East End residents have heard from Bon Secours and city officials so far on Bon Secours’ $8.5 million contractual obligation to expand Richmond Community Hospital at 1500 N. 28th St. Bon Secours is required to further the hospital’s reach into the neighboring East Richmond community by adding at least 25,000 square feet of medical space. It’s part of the highly publicized agreement Bon Secours reached with Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the city in 2012 that made Bon Secours a partner in developing the Richmond training facility for Washington’s professional football team.
Mo Alie-Cox: VCU’s big man in paint, on court
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mo Alie-Cox is a 3-D basketball performer. He stands out for his defense, dunks and dreadlocks. The imposing 6-foot-6, 255-pound sophomore from Northern Virginia is a prime reason the Rams began the week tied for first atop the Atlantic 10 Conference standings. Answering to “Mo-nan the Barbarian,” Alie- Cox sparkled in each VCU win over George Washington University, including the Rams’ 79-66 win Feb. 14 in the nation’s capital.
Elkhardt school to close for good
Elkhardt Middle School may be converted to apartments or offices one day. But the building is finished providing classroom space for public school students. The end came Feb. 12 when the final bell sounded dismissal. With help from 50 volunteers, teachers packed up the next day, beginning the move of students to Clark Springs Elementary School to finish the year. Clark Springs will open as the new Elkhardt as soon as the snow emergency passes. Leaky steam pipes have allowed health-threatening mold to infest the Elkhardt building. But the cost of making the building usable again is too great,space use.
Friday, February 20
Hicks to be interviewed Monday for judgeship
Also to be interviewed Monday, Judge Hairston has the backing of the Richmond delegation and is expected to have no trouble winning General Assembly votes to gain the seat that Circuit Court Judge Melvin R. Hughes is vacating after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Threatt takes to rim to win NBA slam-dunk contest
Following some career setbacks, Jarvis Threatt is on basketball’s comeback trail. Last Sunday, that travel itinerary led him to Brooklyn, N.Y., site of the NBA’s Developmental League (D- League) Slam-Dunk Contest and All- Star Game. Showing there’s plenty of bounce left in his sneakers, the 6-foot-2 guard from Henrico County’s Highland Springs High School and the University of Delaware won the dunking derby in jaw-dropping fashion.
Power of questions
Sometimes the right questions can be influential. We started asking questions when we learned that Mayor Dwight C. Jones was planning to hold an invitation-only reception to honor the five Richmonders who formed the first African-American majority on City Council.
Thursday, February 19
The evolution of Malcolm X
“You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds it.” ~ Malcolm X, Letter from Mecca, April 1964 Perhaps no American civil rights leader has generated as many divergent opinions as Malcolm X. As we near the 50th anniversary of his assassination on Feb. 21, 1965, our nation will scrutinize his life, his work and his lasting impact on our country and our continuous struggle to address racial inequality and its heinous consequences.
Wronged
Retired factory worker Leonard Mc Millian had his home invaded by a police squad and spent more than an hour in handcuffs when police responded to calls about crimes at his home that proved bogus. Actor and songwriter Jerome Arrington spent a miserable seven weeks in jail after Richmond police arrested him for a street robbery he did not commit. Both men are African-American. Neither has received an apology for their ordeals, which appear to be relatively rare in a city where officers respond daily to dozens of calls. Still, their stories suggest that things can go dismayingly wrong even when police and prosecutors believe they are going by the book.
Clean air, but at what price
On the surface, accepting the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan sounds like a great idea — reduced carbon emissions and pollution, ideally leading to cleaner air. Yes, this is a great idea. But at what cost? This is just another example of the federal government get- ting involved in state matters and proposing regulations that create catastrophic consequences. I’ve learned that Virginia is held to a higher clean air/carbon standard than our neighbors (Virginia is required to reduce almost twice as much carbon emission as West Virginia and Kentucky), and it will cost us billions to shut down the power stations that have been operating fine for decades.
Lent offers time to reflect on health
Wednesday, Feb. 18, marked the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter when many Christians abstain from animal foods in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert before launching his ministry. But meat-free Lent is much more than a symbol of religious devotion to Christ. It helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation and animal abuse. Dozens of medical reports have linked consumption of animal products with elevated risk of heart failure, stroke, cancer and other killer diseases. A 2007 U.N. report named meat production as the largest source of greenhouse gases and water pollution. Undercover investigations have documented farm animals being beaten, caged, crowded, deprived, mutilated and shocked.
Where do we go from here?
FBI Director James B. Comey took a giant step for law enforcement last week in acknowledging “hard truths” about racial bias infiltrating police agencies across the nation. The bias isn’t new, said Mr. Comey, a descendant of Irish immigrants to America, who talked about how law enforcement’s biased views of the Irish a century ago are part of the lexicon today for the vehicles police use to transport prisoners, “paddy wagons.”
Bagby portrays ‘Godfather of Soul’
James Brown, “The Godfather of Soul,” is coming to Unity of Richmond Church in the West End. Well, at least Joseph Bagby, who impersonates the late iconic performer, will perform 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the church at 800 Blanton Ave.
‘Saviours’ Day’ broadcast live this Sunday
Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan is to deliver a keynote address via satellite to a global audience Sunday, Feb. 22. The occasion: Saviours’ Day 2015.
Church to host forum on police-community issues
Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church in Jackson Ward is host- ing a forum to raise awareness of incidents of police brutality nationwide and to discuss ways the community, Richmond Police and other law enforcement agencies can work together to prevent future incidents, the church’s pastor, the Rev. Reuben J. Boyd Jr., has announced.
Female beauty focus of Pine Camp art exhibit
Above, Darryl Wingo, center, discusses his photograph, “Naturally Free,” with art enthusiasts, from left, Patricia Burrell, Arnetha Carter, Michelle Crump and Fay Logan. Artist Unicia Buster, right, chats about her quilt, “Field of Afros,” with LaTika
Valentine gala benefits scholarships
Alga and Earlene Evans, left, join other couples in dancing to a love song at the 16th Annual Valentine Gala of the Virginia Area Chapter of Pi Lambda Theta. The highlight of the educational honor society’s dinner-dance Saturday night in Downtown: The presentation of college scholarships to future teachers.
2-day conference to raise awareness, uplift community
It’s called “R.I.S.E. Up Weekend 2015, Awakening Your Inner Giant.” And it’s scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28, in room 1201 in the Monroe Campus Academic Learning Commons at Virginia Commonwealth University, 1000 Floyd Ave. The theme of the two-day conference, designed in conjunction with Black History Month, is based on the African proverb: “If you want to go far, go together. If you want to go fast, go alone.”
Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Randolph, 90, granddaughter of Maggie L. Walker
Elizabeth “Beth” Walker Mickens Randolph loved spending time with her trailblazing grandmother, Maggie L. Walker, the first black female founder and president of a bank in America. Mrs. Walker chartered the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Jackson Ward in 1903. “My mother grew up one block from her grandmother,” said Mrs. Randolph’s son, Johnny Mickens III, of the family’s neighboring homes in Jackson Ward.
McEva R. Bowser, former Richmond School Board member
Those who knew her best describe McEva Roach Bowser as kind and gentle. “But she was also demanding,” said her younger sister, Martha R. Lancaster. “She always demanded that we do the right thing, whatever we were doing.” Mrs. Bowser shared that uncompromising passion as a wife, mother, educator, Richmond School Board member and community servant.
Personality: Mary Alice Nesbitt
Mary Alice Nesbitt purposefully walks from the kitchen to the fellowship hall, then back to the kitchen at Centenary United Methodist Church in Downtown. The 84-year-old North Side resident is on a love-driven mission to help feed the city’s hungry. She has volunteered for the past 30 years to help prepare and serve meals at the Grace Street church led by the Rev. Matt Bates.
Barksdale a ‘first’ as NBA All-Star
The 1951 and 1952 All-Star games were all white, although the league had admitted four African-Americans in 1950 — Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, Sweetwater Clifton and Hank DeZone. Another Barksdale “first:” He was the first African-American to play basketball against the University of Kentucky in Lexington. In 1948, Barksdale played for the AAU Phillips 66ers in an outdoor exhibition in Lexington against Coach Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats. Rupp, coach of the 1948 Olympic team, was so impressed with Barksdale that he selected him for the U.S. team. Later in life, Barksdale became a popular disc jockey and was the first African- American to host a TV show in the San Francisco Bay area on KRON-TV with Sepia Review. Don Barksdale died in 1993 at age 69.
VSU to go all the way in CIAA tournament?
Flip a coin. That may be as good a way as any to predict the winner for the 70th CIAA men’s basketball tournament that commences Feb. 24 in Charlotte, N.C. There is no clear dominant team this winter and Time Warner Cable Arena has proven to be an equal opportunity venue since the tournament set up shop there in 2006.
3 VUU legends to be inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame
Three Virginia Union University luminaries will be inducted into the CIAA John B. McLen- don Jr. Hall of Fame. They are Dr. Allix B. James, president emeritus of VUU; James Battle, former VUU athletic director; and former Panthers basketball star Ben Wallace. They will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with six others during the CIAA Tournament in Charlotte during a ceremony 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Former Va. first lady learns her fate Friday
Will Maureen G. McDonnell be the first former first lady of Virginia to be sentenced to prison? U.S. District Court Judge James R. Spencer will determine that Friday, Feb. 20, when Mrs. McDonnell appears before him for sentencing in the federal corruption case that has gained the national spotlight.
Historic City Council celebration at Hippodrome
African-Americans took control of the levers of city political power almost 38 years ago and changed Richmond. It was 1977, and for the first time in the city’s history, five of the nine members of City Council were African-Americans. And as a result, the new majority was able to elect one member, Henry L. Marsh III, as Richmond’s first African-American mayor since the city’s founding in 1782.
Dr. Bedden leaving?
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden may be on his way out. The Free Press has learned that he is competing for a higher paying superintendent’s job in a larger school district outside of Virginia.
Rare book, diary related to ‘12 Years’ author on display
When officials at the Earl Gregg Swem Library at The College of William & Mary purchased a 1902 diary from an unknown author in 2009 for their special collections unit, they had no idea they had made an historical connection. William & Mary student Lauren Wallace was assigned to research the diary in 2012 and her work eventually led to the discovery that the diary was written by Florence Barber.
Tuesday, February 17
NAACP Image Award has Richmond connection
Hundreds of African-American students are becoming doctors, nurses, dentists and medical researchers, thanks to university alliances Dr. Louis W. Sullivan created in Richmond and elsewhere. That is just one of the achievements of the pioneering 81-year-old physician, educator and health advocate whose autobiography, “Breaking Ground: My Life in Medicine,” was just named the winner of the 2015 NAACP Image Award for nonfiction.
Atlanta Hawks score with 3 Virginia standouts
If you’re searching for reasons to get pumped up about the soaring Atlanta Hawks, here are three: • Assistant Coach Kenny Atkinson, a former University of Richmond star. • Guard-forward Kent Bazemore, an ex-Old Dominion University standout. • Forward Mike Scott, a former University of Virginia Wahoo. With these links to the state and area, the Hawks have been the NBA’s surprise franchise this winter, posting a 42-9 record that featured a 19-game winning streak through Feb. 7.
Former L.C. Bird football star is college team catalyst
When Nassau County, N.Y., Community College needed big yardage this past football season, they gave the ball to Yahkee Johnson. “Yahkee was our catalyst. That’s who we went to in crunch time,” said Nassau Coach Joe Osovet. “He’s not only a dynamic performer, but also a great person.” Johnson was a ringleader this past fall in Nassau’s undefeated football season.
Petersburg city attorney gets lesson in First Amendment
Citizens no longer will be barred from addressing Petersburg City Council solely because they owe money to the city. City Attorney Brian Telfair notified the ACLU of Virginia that the prohibition would be lifted, the constitutional watchdog group announced Tuesday. Mr. Telfair issued the response after the Richmond-based group demanded an end to the practice that he previously had deemed legal. “This prohibition violates the First Amendment and must be rescinded immediately,” Rebecca K. Glenburg, legal director of the Virginia ACLU, wrote to Mr. Telfair in a letter issued Feb. 5.
Richmond jail diversion showing results
The figures reflect the stepped-up efforts by the courts, prosecutors, police, government officials and community service providers to use less costly approaches to justice than jail. The impact on the population at the new Richmond Justice Center is evident. On Monday, Jan. 26, Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. reported holding 1,126 inmates, or 240 fewer than the 1,366 people who were being held in the old City Jail on the same day in 2014.
Fundraising growing at VSU
A $200,000 check shows Dr. Pamela V. Hammond is keeping her promise to rev up fundraising at Virginia State University. The university’s interim president received the contribution from the foundation of Thompson Hospitality Inc., which offers food service and catering at VSU’s Gateway Center.
Petersburg council to revisit jail closure plan
Will the Petersburg City Jail close as Mayor W. Howard Myers has announced? Stay tuned. Mayor Myers is facing a Petersburg City Council revolt over his announcement last week that the jail closing is a done deal and that arrestees would be housed outside the city at Riverside Regional Jail beginning March 1.
Thursday, February 12
Personality: Maj. Daniel T. Fox III
Maj. Daniel Tré Fox III seeks to open musical doors to students as others did for him when he was a student in Richmond Public Schools. The 33-year-old vocal instructor at Franklin Military Academy in Church Hill sees the power of music as a bridge to uplift and mold young men and women.
VUU Panthers win game ahead of CIAA tourney
They’re toes are wiggling. After losing 10 games in succession in December and January, Virginia Union University’s basketball Panthers are showing evidence of recovery.
VUU’s Jones is burning up the track, aiming for Olympics
In years to come, law breakers will need to be in tiptop shape if they try to flee on foot from C’evon Jones. Pronounced “Say-Von,” C’evon is a junior criminal justice major and aspiring policewoman at Virginia Union University. She’s also among the fastest women in America.
JeQuan Lewis brings it for VCU in Weber’s absence
When the credits roll for Virginia Commonwealth University basketball, JeQuan Lewis is no longer among the supporting cast. The Tennessean with the distinctive fade haircut has popped up as a leading man for coach Shaka Smart’s short-handed but still Atlantic 10-leading Rams.
Bucks to retire NBA great Bobby Dandridge’s number
Bob Dandridge’s No. 10 jersey soon will be hanging from the rafters at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
City Council seeks regional efforts on new ballpark
Mayor Dwight C. Jones keeps saying that he might one day return with a revamped proposal to build a new ballpark in Shockoe Bottom. However, his prospects of gaining the six City Council votes he would need to move such a proposal forward — particularly after his initial plan to build a ballpark in Shockoe Bottom went nowhere — are growing increasingly dim.
Morrissey trial set for April 28
Delegate Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey hoped for a speedier trial. Now he must wait two months to fight new grand jury indictments — including a charge that he forged a document that he presented as evidence in the case that landed him in jail.
Elkhardt’s closing signals harsh reality for mayor, City Council
Elkhardt Middle School is a fresh reminder of the increasingly shabby and dilapidated condition of most of Richmond’s school buildings — a condition that the mayor’s office and City Council have yet to seriously address despite repeated reports and warnings in recent years. Set to be shut down this Thursday night, with students, teachers and staff moving 10 miles north across the James River into the vacant Clark Springs Elementary building, Elkhardt on South Side reflects the stark reality the city is facing — the need to provide big money to keep Richmond’s school buildings usable, a reality that no longer can be papered over with rosy talk about bike races, baseball stadiums and football training camps.
A home of her own
Agencies help homeless woman with new start
Joanne H. Murray greeted the visitor to her apartment with a warm smile. She sat on a small couch in the modest one-bedroom dwelling on the city’s North Side.
Equal rights for women should be in constitution
For the third time in four years, the Virginia Senate has voted to ratify the long overdue Equal Rights Amendment. If ratified by the House of Delegates, Virginia would become the 36th out of the 38 states needed to ratify this important economic and civil rights constitutional amendment for women.
All movements are connected
As we celebrate Black History Month, we have the opportunity to reflect on our culture, our history, our triumphs and all the mountains we still have yet to climb. From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we have learned that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” In Richmond, several organizations and individuals are carrying the torch toward an equal and just society. We realize that all movements are connected as they all are symptoms of deeply engrained societal issues such as racism, classism, sexism and corporatism.
Real realities of poverty
The racial differential in the poverty rate is staggering. About 12 percent of the people in the United States, one in eight people are poor. Depending on race and ethnicity, however, poverty is experienced differently. Fewer than one in 10 white people are poor; more than one in four African- Americans and Latinos are poor. Differences in occupation, income, employment and education are considered the main reasons for poverty, with current and past discrimination playing a role in educational, employment and occupational attainment. We see the discrimination when we consider that African-American women with a doctoral degree have median earnings of about $1,000 a week, compared to about $1,200 a week for black men and white women, and $1,600 a week for white men. White men earn 60 percent more than African-American women, and a third more than black men and white women.
Each generation offers something
Whether it is in an inner-city neighborhood across America, the Caribbean, in Europe or in a sprawling mass of people in an African or Brazilian urban area, millions of black youths throughout the world are crying out for a better quality of life. They should always have a better life than their parents. I always try to keep my eyes and ears open to see and hear what our youths are saying and doing. The axiom that the future is in the hands of the young is certainly true today. I admire and support young people who stand up and speak out for freedom and equal justice.
Enhancing all lives
We applaud the Richmond Police Department brass and Chief-to-be Alfred Durham for initiating and carrying out a confab with more than 150 people in response to the #BlackLivesMatter protests across the city. We also applaud the scores of Richmond area young people who are actively committed to ensuring social justice is given more than lip service by public servants — accountable to the people — who hold elected and appointed offices.
Christians are no exception
It has been exasperating to read and listen to the attacks against President Obama for the comments he made during last week’s National Prayer Breakfast. In case you missed the speech, or the resulting dust-up, here are the comments that drew the ire of his critics: “And lest we get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ. In our home country, slavery and Jim Crow all too often was justified in the name of Christ.”
Reuben V. Burrell, 95, Hampton University photographer
Reuben V. Burrell captured the history and essence of Hampton University during more than 65 years of service as the university’s staff photographer. He was affectionately known as “One-Shot Burrell” for skills developed during the 1940s wartime when film, flashbulbs and photographic resources were hard to get.
Donald G. Hatcher, 75, social justice advocate
Donald G. Hatcher would step to the podium to address the mayor, members of Richmond City Council, the School Board or officials at other city meetings and one could sense the representatives’ trepidation. They knew, more often than not, that Mr. Hatcher, the quick- witted, sharp-tongued social activist, was about to give them an earful.
Church headed by controversial pastor burns
Tampa firefighters battled a blaze at a church led by controversial pastor Dr. Henry J. Lyons, former head of the 7.5 million-member National Baptist Convention.
Ugandan children’s choir to give free concert
The internationally acclaimed Watoto Children’s Choir of Uganda is scheduled to perform at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County, it has been announced. The free concert will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the church at 4247 Creighton Road, accord- ing to Dr. Lance D. Watson, pastor of St. Paul’s.
Richmond Outreach Center sheds properties
The Richmond Outreach Center continues to try and shed high-priced properties in the wake of the sex scandal involving its former senior pastor, Geronimo “Pastor G” Aguilar. The South Side church has had its former School of Urban Ministry at 3000 Chamberlayne Ave. on North Side for sale since October.
Richmond Unitarian church starts pledge to end racism
The Birmingham Pledge to end racism is painted on the wall of the city’s police headquarters in Birmingham, Ala. “I will discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity ...” the pledge on the wall reads. A painting of four white and black boys with their arms around each other accompanies the pledge, which first circulated around Birmingham about two decades ago.
Sophomore Taya Robinson drawing collegiate interest
Now there are two good reasons to visit Huguenot High School — to eyeball the sparkling new school and to observe the Falcons’ sophomore basketball star. Few glow brighter with a basketball in her hands than Taya Robinson, a 5-foot-10 tower of talent who has drawn nationwide recruiting attention.
Residents spar over views on local policing
Richmond residents clashed Tuesday at a community forum on whether they believe the city has a policing problem. Several older residents viewed the Richmond Police Department as a benevolent force. They questioned whether a local discussion about police misconduct and brutality is necessary, even as young people have taken to the streets to protest discriminatory police practices across the country. “This is 2015,” said longtime Richmond resident Carrie Cox at the community gathering dubbed the “Peeps and Police Community Conversations,” held at the Richmond Police Training Academy. “We have the best department in the world.”
Love Stories
Follow your heart
I was the 28-year-old executive director of the Virginia United Negro College Fund, scouting locations in Richmond for the annual Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon.
Love Stories
Walks along the waterfront
My husband and I met when we were students at Hampton Institute, now University. I was a freshman and he was a sophomore. We met at the on-campus Grill restaurant one Sunday evening after a Vesper service.
Love Stories
Finding true love on a summer night
We met in August 1948 at a 10-cent dance. I went to the dance with a girlfriend who was hoping to find her true love. I deceived my parents into thinking I would be visiting my girlfriend for a few hours.
Love Stories
Breakfast together is still a real treat
Sonya is fond of saying, “We had our divorce before we were married.” She and I met 30 years ago when we were students at Amherst College. And, in addition to the intriguing proposition that I was a freshman while she was a sophomore, we endured in our early years the typical drama of young couples — you know, the stuff of which epic literature, operas and reality television series are made.
Tuesday, February 10
Seven Pines pastor elected head of Henrico Ministers Conference
The Rev. Duane Hardy is the newly elected president of the Henrico Ministers Conference, it has been announced. The 44-year-old pastor at Seven Pines Baptist Church in Sandston will lead the organization that represents more than 35 African- American churches, said the Rev. Zynora D. Manson, associate pastor at Seven Pines.
Serena wins 19th major title
Reuters MELBOURNE An ill Serena Williams gave Maria Sharapova another serving of grand slam heartbreak Saturday, Jan. 31, to win the Australian Open and bolster her claims to be the all-time greatest player with her 19th major title. Though wheezing, coughing and forced off court by illness during a rain break, Serena’s serve stayed in the rudest of health and her athleticism astonished in a nerve-shredding 6-3 7-6(5) victory under the lights of Rod Laver Arena.
Weber ends VCU career with rough injury
If Virginia Commonwealth University is to persevere and achieve its basketball goals this season, it must do so minus catalyst Briante Weber. The dynamic senior point guard was scheduled to undergo knee surgery following a college career-ending injury during the Rams’ stunning 64-55 home loss last Saturday to the University of Richmond. Weber, once described as the “epitome of Havoc” by VCU coach Shaka Smart, tore the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and meniscus in his right knee with a little more than 3 minutes left in the game.
City eyeing sale of parking operations to raise millions
City Hall has been considering using its parking operations as a way to raise $150 million for school construction, street paving, sidewalk development and other unaddressed capital needs. Norman D. Butts, the city’s top financial officer, confirmed that there have been discussions about awarding a long-term conces- sion to an undisclosed private group willing to pay big bucks for a 30- to 40-year concession to operate the city’s 20 parking lots and garages.
Natural gas getting cheaper in Richmond
Heating and cooking with natural gas just got a little cheaper in Richmond. Effective with February’s bills, the cost of the fuel is being lowered again, saving the average residential customer about $6 a month, the city Department of Public Utilities just announced. It’s more good news for consumers who also are enjoying cheaper gasoline prices to fuel their vehicles.
RRHA leadership changes under cloak of silence
Adrienne E. Goolsby was described as a “proven leader ... with a remarkable track record” when she was lured from Chicago in 2012 to take over as the chief executive officer of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. But less than three years into her tenure, the 45-year-old Atlanta native is out and a retired Richmond development expert, T.K. Somanath, 69, has been installed temporarily as RRHA’s top official as the search for Ms. Goolsby’s successor begins.
Friday, February 6
A new top cop in town
The Richmond Police Department has stayed free of public accusations of police brutality as “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations grow locally and across the nation to protest atrocities by white police officers in the black community. The nearly 740-officer force has garnered mostly praise for its community policing efforts to gain closer ties with neighborhoods in the city it serves.
Free organ and choral concert Sunday
River Road Church, Baptist, will commemorate Black History Month with an organ and choral concert. Organist Rasaan Hakiem Bourke of New York City will perform, along with The One Voice Chorus Ensemble of Richmond at the church at 8000 River Road.
AIDS Awareness Day program Saturday
Soul-searching songs, dramatic readings and powerful storytelling will fill 31st Street Baptist Church this weekend. The event: “The 2nd Annual United Voices: Raising Awareness Through Song & Word” community gathering. It is designed to commemorate the 15th National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day.
Rest in peace, Ernie Banks
Ernie Banks, Mr. Cub, died at 83. Mr. Banks became the Cubs’ first black player on Sept. 17, 1953, six years after Jackie Robinson broke the modern day color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977. Mr. Banks played 19 seasons with the Chicago Cubs. He is considered by many to be the greatest power-hitting shortstop of the 20th century. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award from President Obama in 2013.
No taxing college savings plans
Just last week, we found out that the Obama administration plans to pay for “free” community college by taxing money set aside in 529 college savings plans.
President Johnson doesn’t deserve credit for Selma
Joseph Califano’s statement that Selma was President Lyndon B. Johnson’s idea is patently false. Although the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Com- mittee had come to Alabama earlier to organize to obtain the right to vote, the Alabama Right to Vote movement began for me the day the four little girls were killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham.
Not re-appointing Judge Jamison sets precedent
Judge Birdie Jamison has been a judge on Richmond’s General District Court for more than 23 years. She has had no allegations of any unethical actions and no allegations of illegalities. And, certainly, no one can question Judge Jamison’s competence or integrity.
No hooray for Hollywood
“Diversity is basically a description of independence. Diversity is what moves the ball for me, and I thought ‘give people a chance that have different points of view. Let the audience decide whether they like it or not. But give those voices a chance to be seen and heard.’” – Robert Redford, actor, director, and co-founder of Sundance Film Festival.
Let’s keep making black history
The best way to celebrate Black History Month is to make more black history. Black History Month is now celebrated around the world. We are grateful for the visionary leadership of noted historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson for being the founder of what was known as Negro History Week in 1926 that, 44 years later, evolved into Black His- tory Month. It is also important to note that this year marks
A true winner
One of the closest things we have to a hero is Russell Wilson. The 26-year-old Seattle Seahawks quarterback, who grew up in Richmond and learned well the lessons of his athletic attorney father and educator grandfather, has been a source of pride and inspiration for people well beyond his hometown. In the exciting AFC championship game Jan. 18, as well as last Sunday’s heart-stopping Super Bowl XLIX, his team was down several points in the fourth quarter with barely enough time left on the clock to breathe, and what did Wilson do?
School success
Carver Elementary teamwork fosters rewards for students
“We take an all-hands-on-deck approach to educating our children.” That’s how George Washington Carver Elementary School Principal Kiwana Yates enthusiastically describes the full community involvement approach she and her staff utilize.
Your voice, your vote
Next Tuesday is “Cross-over Day” at the Virginia General Assembly. That means it’s halftime for the 2015 legislative session. By the end of the day Tuesday, the Senate and the House of Delegates must finish any action on bills that were introduced by each chamber’s members, with the exception of the budget bill. Then on Wednesday, the chambers swap. The House considers bills that originated in the Senate, while the Senate considers bills that were introduced in the House.
Bobby Brown maintains constant bedside vigil over Bobbi Kristina
ATLANTA The daughter of late pop star Whitney Houston and singer Bobby Brown was placed in a coma to stop brain swelling after she was found facedown and unresponsive in a bathtub in her Georgia home last weekend, family friend and gospel singer Kim Burrell told “Access Hollywood.”
NASCAR inducts Danville’s Wendell Scott into Hall of Fame
Wendell Scott, the Danville native who got his start in auto racing by running moonshine in the 1940s, has been inducted posthumously into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The trailblazing stock car racer was the first African-American to break into the previously all-white world of NASCAR when a part-time steward granted him a NASCAR license at a race in 1953 at the old Richmond Speedway.
Bernard L. Jones Sr., 94, community advocate
Bernard L. Jones Sr. loved Richmond and did all he could to enhance it. “He really liked seeing the community become better in every way,” his daughter, Dr. Badiyyah Waajid, said. That’s the reason he joined the Astoria Beneficial Club Inc. in 1962 and remained a member for 53 years, she said. “He liked their mission,” his daughter said.
Charlie Sifford, golf trailblazer, dies at 92
Charlie Sifford, who broke the color barrier in golf as the first African-American PGA Tour member, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at age 92, the PGA of America announced. Considered the Jackie Robinson of professional golf, Mr. Sifford endured death threats, racial taunts and other harassment as he paved the way for Tiger Woods and other African- American golfers in becoming the first African- American player in a PGA tournament in 1952 at the Phoenix Open.
Personality: Rosa A. Jiggetts
Spotlight on mission to proclaim ‘Be Kind Wednesdays’
Rosa Annie Jiggetts is always ready to help. Her idea of a perfect day is one in which she can do at least one good deed. For the past 30 years, the 65-year-old Richmond native has run the Helpline out of her Providence Park home on North Side, with the assistance of her sister, Lydia.
Butler gives Patriots a super win
Malcolm Butler ranks among the most unlikely heroes in Super Bowl history. In 2010, Butler had been suspended from college and was working part time at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen chicken restaurant in his hometown of Vicksburg, Miss. From that humble point, he has become the toast of New England and Patriots fans everywhere. Butler’s end zone interception of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s pass with 20 seconds left enabled the Patriots to defeat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Ariz. Butler’s first NFL interception may become the most talked-about pick in NFL annals, turning what looked like a probable loss for the Patriots into a jaw-dropping victory.
Wilson resilient after heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl
Less than 36 inches separated former Richmonder Russell Wilson and his Seattle Seahawks teammates from their second consecutiveSuper Bowl title and talk of a dynasty. Anticipation was high that Seahawks coach Pete Carroll would call on bulldozing running back Marshawn Lynch to plow the ball into the end zone on second-and-goal with 26 seconds to play and one timeout left in Super Bowl XLIX. Already, in this game against the New England Patriots, Lynch had logged a total of 102 yards for the game, including an earlier touchdown.
State Dems hit with voting rights suit
Did the Democratic Party of Virginia violate the U.S. Constitution and the federal Voting Rights Act in choosing its nominee to compete in a recent special election for a House of Delegates seat? Yes, say three African-Americans, who are taking their case to federal court.
Mayor touts anti-poverty efforts in city address
Mayor Dwight C. Jones spoke of “a tale of two cities” in his State of the City address. “Right now, one part of town is vibrant, prosperous and forward-looking,” he told an attentive audience of about 300 people Jan. 29 in the auditorium at Huguenot High School on South Side. “And then when you cross the Martin Luther King Bridge, you find another Richmond — one that has largely been ignored, overlooked and shunned.
Wednesday, February 4
VSU spring enrollment brings optimism
Enrollment at Virginia State University has dropped less than initially projected — good news for the school and a relief to Dr. Pamela V. Hammond, the interim president. The latest figures indicate nearly 4,500 students are en- rolled and validated as meet- ing their financial obligations. That’s about 130 students fewer than projected for the spring semester in the university’s budget. Earlier this month, Dr. Hammond and VSU’s board of visitors were advised that fewer than 4,250 students might be enrolled this semester. Dr. Hammond told the Free Press last week the higher enrollment means she will not have to consider additional personnel actions to balance the budget. After taking office Jan. 1, she ordered a freeze on hiring and other spending to stabilize finances and those freezes are still in place. She said the freezes should keep spending in line with revenue through the rest of the fiscal year.
Richmond schools seek money to fulfill needs
Lucille M. Brown Middle School is facing a serious communications problem. The South Side school has not had a working intercom system since December.
