Friday, January 30
VCU and the SATs
We applaud the move this week by Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao to eliminate SAT scores as a criteria for admission. In a major policy change announced Tuesday, Dr. Rao said applicants with a GPA of 3.3 or higher no longer will be required to submit scores from the test that he called “fundamentally flawed.”
Scales unbalanced
On Jan. 19, the Virginia General Assembly scrubbed from the state judiciary the name of Judge Birdie Hairston Jamison, who was up for reappointment to the Richmond General District Court. Judge Jamison, 57, is chief judge of the city’s busy traffic court, having served on the bench for more than 23 years. She is the longest serving traffic court judge in the state. k
The real Obama re-emerges
President Barack Obama knocked it out of the park during the State of the Union address. He was strong, progressive, firm and relaxed. He was almost cocky as he offered a few jokes, smugly announced that he would have no more elections, and just generally exuded confidence. Instead of the kumbaya thing, he laid out his priorities to a Republican Congress that likely will block much of what he proposed, especially when it comes to raising taxes on the wealthy to support his free community college program.
White savior not required
The fierce and aligned — if not coordinated — campaign to smear the motion picture “Selma” by suggesting it inaccurately portrays the role of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the fight for African-Americans’ civil rights is par for the course. Critics of the movie that focuses on the campaign for voting rights waged in Selma, Ala., suggest that President Johnson was a champion for civil rights and is principally responsible for securing voting rights for African- Americans.
Sign up for affordable health care by Feb. 15
Too many in our city lack health insurance. However, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affords us the opportunity to do something about it. Residents can now take advantage of an open enrollment period for health care plans available under the ACA.
State legislature oblivious to plight of working poor
On Jan. 19, while the rest of the nation was giving recognition to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Virginia Senate’s Commerce and Labor Committee voted down one of several measures that would have increased the state’s minimum wage.
Wake up and change the world
Wake Up Everybody” was a song by R&B group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes in 1975. It could be the theme song for today’s African- Americans. The lyrics, written by Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, who also pinned and performed “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” are so poignant that I won’t fully repeat them here. Like my grandson says, “Google them, Papa.” YouTube has several renditions.
Someday we’ll get to the point where we are all Americans
Re “A new moniker?” Dec. 24-27 edition: The writer suggests that it would be more accurate to say American Africans rather than African-Americans. I couldn’t disagree more.
‘Isn’t She Lovely’ art to open at Pine Camp
Photographs, paintings, quilts, sculptures, masks and other works of art will focus on themes of African-American female beauty. They will be showcased at the “Isn’t She Lovely” art exhibition, hosted by the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.
Rosenwald schools focus of new exhibit
“African-American Schools during the Segregated Era” is now on view at historic Trinity Church in Chesterfield County. Open to the public, the exhibit focuses on six of the 10 schools that were built in the county with the support of the Rosenwald Fund, according to the organizer, the nonprofit Chesterfield County Historical Society.
Paintings by local artists on view beginning Feb. 6
It’s called “Congruent Images.” The exhibit of paintings by veteran Richmond area artists P. Muzi Branch and William “Blue” Johnson will be presented by the Elegba Folklore Society at its cultural center, 101 E. Broad St. in Downtown.
Holton to guest direct VCU jazz benefit concert
State Secretary of Education Anne Holton will serve as guest director at a Virginia Commonwealth University jazz event to raise money for legal services for low-income communities, the school has announced. Ms. Holton is to guest direct the VCU Jazz Orchestra I at the inaugural Jazz 4 Justice concert Friday, Jan. 30, according to a university news release.
Personality: Todd B. Waldo
Spotlight on president of Robinson Theater Community Arts Center
Todd B. Waldo recalls eagerly watching the restoration of the Robinson Theater at 29th and Q streets in Church Hill in 2008. “I live two blocks from there,” he says. “I still remember the first time I walked by and saw the marquee lights turned on. I was proud of the work. And seeing ‘Robinson’ shining brightly at the front of the building gave me hope.” The newly renovated facility reopened in February 2009 as the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center under the leadership of Executive Director Betsy Hart.
On the cusp of Black History Month, area ministers reflect on community issues
Like many others, the Rev. Emory Berry of Fourth Baptist Church in the East End is on a reflective journey as the nation commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and nears the start of Black History Month. The self-examination comes amid an ongoing “national conversation” on searing social issues such as law enforcement’s fractured relationship with African-Americans, a widening economic gap and disparities in jobs and educational opportunities in communities of color.
Essie L. Miller, 63, RRHA commissioner
Essie LaDean Miller, a former commissioner of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, sought to make life better for residents of Fairfield Court and other public housing communities Ms. Miller was an outspoken voice for residents until her death Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. She was 63.
Evelyn S. Fraser succumbs at 97
Evelyn Swann Fraser was known for her kind, loving, generous spirit and her devotion to her family and friends. When her sister, Lillian, fell ill at an early age, she cared for her until her death at age 38.
James L. Hawkins, 95, retired educator
James L. Hawkins had a treasured saying he loved to pass along to his stu- dents during more than two decades as an educator. “Use your mind, but use your hands as well,” his son, Darryl Hawkins, recalled of his father’s adherence to a strong work ethic in and outside of the classroom.
Gloria Cephas Venter, 79, retired teacher
Whether she was teaching a classroom of students or spending time with her four grandchildren, Gloria Cephas Venter loved to dote on youngsters. “What really stood out was Mom’s dedication to young minds,” said her daughter, Julie V. Edmonds. “Mom had a way of making every child feel important and worthy. She really made a difference in a lot of lives.”
Petersburg vice mayor Carl ‘Mike’ Ross, 63
Carl “Mike” Ross loved serving others. It was in his DNA. For two decades, he dedicated his life to public service in Petersburg. He was on the Petersburg City Council for the past 11 years and had been appointed the city’s vice mayor in early January. Before that, he was on the Petersburg School Board from 1995 to 2001. He served as board chair from 1998 to 2001.
Baseball pioneer Ernie Banks dies at 83
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, the pioneering and famously affable slugger hailed by the team as “the greatest Cub in franchise history,” died Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at age 83, the club announced.
HBCU athletes with Super Bowl past
Athletes from historically black colleges don’t figure to make much noise in this year’s Super Bowl, but that wasn’t the case in the event’s early years.
Richmond’s Russell Wilson heads to Super Bowl
The Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson is listed at 5-foot-11, quite short by NFL quarterback standards. But Richmond’s link to Sunday’s Super Bowl may be up to 6-foot now, maybe even 6-foot-1, if you don’t press the measuring stick too hard atop his noggin.
VCU to drop SAT requirement
Virginia Commonwealth University is joining a growing national trend and no longer will require applicants to submit Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. The change will apply to applicants with a high school GPA of 3.3 or higher. VCU President Michael Rao delivered the news in his State of the University address Tuesday to students, faculty and staff in the University Student Commons.
McDonnell skirts jail with appeal
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell will remain free on bond while he appeals his conviction on corruption charges. In a win for the one-time Republican star, he will not have to report to prison in two weeks to start his two-year sentence. That’s the result of Monday’s order from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The order approved the request from Mr. McDonnell’s legal team for him to remain free while his jury conviction is challenged. The two-page order also took a slap at U.S.JudgeJamesR.Spencer,whopresided
Did Miss Jamaica’s hair cut short her chance?
Halle Berry won an Academy Award for her dramatic role in the 2002 movie “Monster’s Ball” with a beautiful, short hairstyle. So why, an astonished audience at Sunday’s Miss Universe Pageant protested, didn’t their overwhelming favorite win? Their favorite: Short-haired beauty Miss Jamaica, 22-year-old Kaci Fennell.
U.S. surgeon general checks health, pulse of Richmond
The surgeon general of the United States learned Tuesday that affording health care is as much of a struggle as maintaining good health for some Richmond residents. Dr. Vivek Murthy, who at 37 is one of the youngest surgeon generals in the nation’s history and the first of Indian- American descent, met with community leaders, health care workers and residents in Richmond at The Daily Planet, a health center on West Grace Street that serves the homeless and low-income people and families.
Thursday, January 29
Documents surface in Morrissey case
Information has begun to surface that appears to bolster Delegate Joseph D. Morris- sey’s claim that the new felony charges against him “are absolutely false.” Take the court document that the Henrico County grand jury has charged the scandal-tainted legislator with forging — the key element of the four counts
#BlackLivesMatter: It’s not your parents’ revolution
Black lives matter to Evandra Catherine. And that means more than fixing a broken criminal justice system. “Black Lives Matter doesn’t only focus on police brutality. Black lives also matter in systematic things like housing, education, looking for jobs, wages,” said Ms. Catherine, referring to the Black Lives Matter movement, a grassroots network of organizations and community leaders working to improve the lives of black people on all fronts.
New bankruptcy trustee to decide RCC’s fate
Pastor Stephen A. Parson Sr. is still leading Sunday services at the Richmond Christian Center on South Side and will be able to do so at least through the month of February.
Varsity athlete achieves Eagle Scout
Barry Griffin Jr., a senior at Richmond Community High School, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. It is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Fewer than 10 percent of all scouts in the nation have reached that rank in recent years.
Burrs named to Venture Richmond post
For the past four years, Stacy L. Burrs has led efforts to transform the historic Leigh Street Armory in Jackson Ward into the new home of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Wednesday, January 28
Plans call for using smartphones to boost health in city
Smartphones could change the delivery of health information in Richmond — particularly to low-income residents. Mobile phones are now seen as a key to helping people set up and get reminders about appointments with doctors, navigate the health care system and learn about preventive care options now available through the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare.
Hammond moving quickly to shore up VSU
Dr. Pamela V. Hammond radiates energy and optimism in her new role as interim president of Virginia State University. “Every day there is something new to celebrate” she tells anyone who will listen.
Methodists offer college scholarships to students at Michael Brown’s school
Students at a Missouri high school will be offered scholarships to three historically black colleges in honor of Michael Brown, who graduated from the high school just days before he was fatally shot by a Ferguson police officer.
Friday, January 23
Add Leroy Sledge to list of local NFLers
Re “Lanier, Wilson among favorite NFLers with local start,” Jan. 8-10 edi- tion: I truly enjoyed the article and seeing all the great talent that got their start right here in Richmond.
Protect Dr. King’s fair housing legacy
Just a week after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act with broad bipartisan support.
King holiday is a good time for reflection
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday is a wonderful time to stop and reflect on the leadership that has guided us to a moment full of diversity.
Herman L. Carter, 80, retired principal
Herman Leonard Carter used a firm, but loving hand to guide students for more than three decades as a Richmond area educator.
Longtime John Marshall coach Frank Threatts Jr., 78, dies
Though he stood just 5-foot-5, Frank Threatts Jr. cast a powerful shadow over area high school basketball for the better part of a half century.
Personality: Simeon Saunders Booker Jr.
Spotlight on award-winning journalist whose work was pivotal to civil rights
Trailblazing journalist Simeon S. Booker Jr. recalls the many death threats and acts of intimidation he endured covering pivotal events during the Civil Rights Movement as a journalist for Jet and Ebony magazines.
‘Keep working, marching, advocating,’ pastor tells Citywide Mass Meeting audience
Soul-stirring songs, dramatic presentations and moving messages filled Cedar Street Baptist Church of God on Monday. The occasion: The annual Citywide Mass Meeting to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thursday, January 22
General Assembly ousts Jamison, welcomes McClenney
Birdie Hairston Jamison has just a bit more than 10 months to preside over the Richmond Traffic Court.
Call to action issued at Community Leaders Breakfast
“It’s not time for us to be silent!” Gov. Terry McAuliffe thundered. “It’s time to fire it up!” With smiling Baptist minister and Mayor Dwight C. Jones seated nearby at the 37th Annual Community Leaders Breakfast to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gov. McAuliffe sounded every bit the mission-driven evangelist as he called for the com- munity to rally around his agenda for more jobs, a commitment to early childhood education and full restoration of rights for nonviolent ex-offenders.
Church receives national urban farm status
Feeding the hungry in the East End
Nearly 100 community members walked by tables loaded with baskets full of collard greens, kale, lettuce, turnip greens, purple sweet potatoes, carrots, radishes, leeks and other fresh produce.
2015 Strong Men and Women honorees
The 2015 Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honorees include trailblazers and achievers in the Armed Forces, education, music, sports and science.
VUU looking for a miracle
Virginia Union University basketball coach Tony Sheals says he is looking for “one shining moment” to reverse his squad’s downward spiral.
Kearse helps VSU to 64-45 victory in Freedom Classic
It is fitting Lamar Kearse wears blue and orange jersey No. 3 for the Virginia State University’s Trojans.
Morrissey busted on new charges
The situation has gone from bad to worse for scandal-tarred Delegate Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey.
Tuesday, January 20
Memorial service set for Kent A.P. Smith
A memorial service for Kent A.P. Smith will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Dr. Allix B. James Chapel of Coburn Hall at Virginia Union University.
Center on Va.’s role in religious freedom opens Friday
The constitutional right in the United States to freedom of religion, speech and the press all began with the Virginia Gen- eral Assembly’s passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786.
Thornton, Nelson to lead Henrico Board of Supervisors
The Henrico Board of Supervisors made history Tuesday night when it elected two African-Americans to the county’s top elective leadership posts.
Personality: Reginald D. Ford
Spotlight on new head of Richmond Crusade for Voters
Reginald D. (for Darnell) Ford revs himself up for the day by going on a 10-mile run after waking at 5 a.m.
Petersburg man holds memories from Selma march
As people across the nation flocked to the movies to watch “Selma,” 80-year-old Petersburg native Herbert V. Coulton Sr. already knew the story — because he was there.
Mother of Bishop Glenn succumbs at 77
New Deliverance Evangelistic Church Bishop Gerald O. Glenn credits his mother, Joan P. Andrews, for providing the guidance he needed as a young man to follow his call to ministry.
New VSU football coach has Trojan roots
Byron Douglas Thweatt says becoming the head football coach at Virginia State University is “like coming home.”
West, Anderson among YWCA’s 2015 Outstanding Women
Marilyn H. West has broken through cultural, geographic and gender barriers in her 23 years of management consulting. Judy C. Anderson has advocated for fair housing opportunities and the recognition of civil rights victories during her 40 years of service to the community. The two are among eight women selected as the YWCA of Richmond’s 2015 Outstanding Women Awards honorees.
Joe locks up win, gets cold shoulder
Delegate Morrissey back in General Assembly
Joseph D. “Fighting Joe” Morrissey is back in the General Assembly.
Wythe junior Maliek White is spark plug for Bulldogs
Maliek White’s goals are twofold — returning Richmond’s George Wythe High School to past glory and adding his own name to the school’s glowing list of career standouts.
