Friday, July 31
National Night Out slated for Aug. 4
Residents of Richmond and surrounding counties will gather Tuesday, Aug. 4, with their neighbors and members of law enforcement to cook out, dance, socialize, host activities for youngsters and hold anti-crime rallies.
Richmond native, renowned conductor Paul Douglas Freeman dead at 79
Paul Douglas Freeman left segregated Richmond in 1953 to pursue his musical dreams. Now in his death more than six decades later, the trailblazer is recognized as one of the world’s preeminent conductors. During his career, the amazing maestro with the engaging persona conducted more than 100 orchestras in 30 countries. With more than 200 recordings to his credit, he also won numerous awards for his unique interpretations of the classical, romantic and modern repertoire.
Congratulations to students
Congratulations to all of the students with perfect attendance, high grade point averages and scholarships. Congratulations to the parents as well.
Question about mass shootings
Have you noticed that mass killings occur in churches, schools and gun-free military areas, but not at gun shows or police stations?
A lesson to learn
Re “Democrats suppressed, mistreated black people,” letter to the editor, July 23-25 edition: Mr. Urchie B. Ellis sorely needs a crash course in American history or he could simply borrow a fifth-grader’s history book. Mr. Ellis is being disingenuous and condescending to Free Press readers with, as he puts it, “Your readers …”
Time to remove ‘N’ word from vocabulary
I don’t believe we are being honest about the true meaning of the “N” word. Webster defines the “N” word as: A negro; in a vulgar derision or depreciation.
Working for change
In light of the conversations about police abuse, unwarranted stops and arrests and homicide cases involving black people and police officers, many black people get angry, maybe have a march and then go home to await the next incident. Amos Wilson said, “Until our behavior changes, the behavior of those who oppress and abuse us will not change.” In other words, the onus for change is on us.
Africa and Obama ‘On the Move’
President Obama continues to be strategic about how he represents his race, genealogy and his commitment to promote and sustain African freedom and empowerment. The president’s historic trip to Kenya and to Ethiopia is indicative of his distinctive characteristic of taking strategic moves that go far beyond the traditional limitations of American politics and global outreach. This was his fourth trip to Africa. As the first sitting American president to visit Kenya and Ethiopia, his timing could not have come at a better time.
Dodging a bullet
If you need evidence that voting is important, consider this: Ken Cuccinelli, Virginia’s former attorney general and the Republican loser of the 2013 gubernatorial election in the Commonwealth, appeared on CNN’s Sunday show, “State of the Union,” and explained during a panel discussion the resentment felt by many white Americans to the rallying cry “Black Lives Matter.”
Parker on par for record books
Golfer Addie Parker is adept at making pars, birdies, eagles and, yes, history. The 15-year-old daughter of Flotilla and Tracy Parker of Chesterfield County has blazed her name into the Richmond Golf Association (RGA) record books.
NFL team chaplain to speak Aug. 4
The Rev. Brett Fuller, chaplain of the Washington professional football team, is to speak Tuesday, Aug. 4, at a luncheon for Richmond area faith leaders during the team’s training camp in Richmond.
Officer charged in killing motorist
“He purposely killed him.” That’s how an Ohio prosecutor described a white police officer’s gruesome actions in gunning down an unarmed African-American motorist he pulled over for not having a front license plate.
Redemption through food: Renowned chef changed life cooking behind bars
At 19, Jeff Henderson was running a $35,000 a week cocaine operation in San Diego. Now 51, he has become a New York Times best-selling author and stars in a nationally syndicated television cooking show. He credits 10 years in prison as his “blessing in disguise.” That’s where he learned to cook and appreciate that he had a lot to offer in the outside world.
Joe Jackson suffers stroke
Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family of musical performers, suffered a stroke in Brazil on Sunday and is being treated in a Sao Paulo hospital.
Benefit golf tournament set for Monday
Fore! Golfers will tee off Monday, Aug. 3, in a tournament at Brickshire Golf Club in New Kent County in honor of the late Benjamin J. Lambert III, a former state senator and Richmond optometrist.
Former VSU sports info director dies at 68
Wallace Dooley Jr., who served as sports information director at Virginia State University and a number of historically black colleges, died Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at a hospice in Nashville, Tenn.
After 13-year hiatus, Coach Hopkins returns to Shaw
Coach Joel Hopkins led Shaw University to basketball glory once before. Now the CIAA school in Raleigh, N.C., is hopeful he can do it again.
Winston-Salem State predicted to win CIAA 2015 football season
CIAA football coaches are predicting the 2015 season will closely resemble 2014. In a Media Day vote of coaches last week in Durham, N.C., Winston-Salem State University was picked first overall with Virginia State University second, Virginia Union University third and Fayetteville State University fourth.
The ‘Queen’ takes crown at Pan Am Games
Queen Harrison wears the Pan-American crown as champion of the 100-meter hurdles.
Dr. George Cooper, former president of S.C. State University, dies at 68
Dr. George Cooper, who served as the 10th president of South Carolina State University from 2008 to 2012, died Sunday, July 19, 2015.
Personality: Shakera K. Vaughan
Spotlight on Richmond’s youth mayor
Unbeknownst to many Richmonders, another “mayor” has been serving in the city other than Mayor Dwight C. Jones.
Women’s empowerment workshop Aug. 8
Women United for Christ Ministry is sponsoring a women’s empowerment workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St.
St. Elizabeth’s Jazz & Food Festival this Saturday
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church is holding its 7th Annual Jazz & Food Festival from noon to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, on the grounds of the church at 2nd Avenue and Victor Street in Highland Park.
Center awaits end of bankruptcy
The 300-member Richmond Christian Center is poised to leave bankruptcy after nearly two years, with the finances of the South Side church restored.
Bobbi Kristina dies after 6 months in coma
An initial autopsy on Bobbi Kristina Brown on Monday found no significant injuries and no obvious underlying cause of death for the daughter of the late entertainer Whitney Houston and R&B singer Bobby Brown.
School supplies giveaways scheduled
Several groups are holding back-to-school giveaways for Richmond students. City Council President Michelle R. Mosby is organizing a back-to-school giveaway as part of a 9th District National Night Out event 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Southside Community Center and Sports Complex, 6255 Old Warwick Road. It’s the first public event to be held at the property that formerly served as the home to the Richmond Outreach Center. The city purchased the 17.7-acre property in August 2014 for $1.7 million.
Clarification
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden has received three pay boosts totaling $12,579 since taking the job a year and a half ago.
Gov. appoints Fairfax judge to state’s high court
The Northern Virginia judge who presided over one of the D.C. sniper trials was appointed Monday to the Virginia Supreme Court.
Baseball on the Boulevard? Mayor says ‘No’
Should baseball remain on the Boulevard? For Mayor Dwight C. Jones, the answer is a ringing “No,” not if Richmond wants a bigger return from the prime property that The Diamond baseball stadium occupies. It needs to go, he believes.
Designs for Broad St. rapid transit unveiled
Travelers along Broad Street will see a far different thoroughfare through the heart of the city in October 2017. That’s when the highly anticipated bus rapid transit known as “GRTC Pulse” is scheduled to whisk riders along a 7.6- mile route from Willow Lawn in the West End to Rocketts Landing in the East End.
Building for children
Independent group pushes hospital plan despite skeptics
Independent group pushes hospital plan despite skeptics
Tuesday, July 28
Dr. Bedden gets $12,579 raise
That’s the new salary for Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden. With the start of the 2015-16 fiscal year on July 1, he is eligible to receive another $23,758 — up to 10 percent of his salary — based on performance incentives and $28,500 in a deferred compensation plan.
Education advocate wants to withdraw Alford plea
There’s a new twist in the case of the Richmond area woman who advocates for children with learning disabilities. Kandise Lucas now wants to fight her conviction of trespassing at a Chesterfield County school where she went to help a family navigate the process of gaining an individualized learning plan for their special needs child.
Saturday, July 25
Drive-thru order comes with $4,500
The surprising story of Richmonder James “J.J.” Minor and the Bojangles’ fried chicken chain now is circulating everywhere the English language is read, thanks to the Internet and social media.
Friday, July 24
Church opens in former 12-step meeting place
A new church has opened at the former site of a popular 12-step meeting place for recovering alcoholics and addicts on South Side.
Ghanaian Fred Sekyere strikes for Richmond Kickers
Fred Owusu Sekyere is the Richmond Kickers’ diminutive dynamo.
Self-published author turns work into play
Raymond Goode is a self-made author. The 37-year-old Chesterfield County resident broke from the traditional publishing scene. He writes, then self-publishes and markets his books, selling them on street corners and in barber and beauty shops.
Family of woman found hanged in Texas jail calls for federal probe
Was Sandra Bland murdered? That’s what distraught family and friends of the 28-year-old woman are asking after she was discovered hanging by a plastic garbage bag in a Texas jail cell three days after she was arrested during a routine traffic stop that turned confrontational.
Confederate constitution tells story
A flag represents its country and that country’s Constitution. Those for whom we built Confederate monuments swore to uphold the Confederate Constitution.
Churches, pastors stance on same-sex marriage
For the most part, our pulpits were silent when the freedom of religion and conscience became a matter of state licensure in 1954 when churches were included in the Internal Revenue Code, section 501(c)(3), as mere nonprofit organizations.
Women after Cosby’s money
Re “Case against Bill Cosby continues to escalate,” July 16-18 edition: In Bill Cosby’s defense, I really don’t believe he raped all those women.
Democrats suppressed, mistreated black people
Re “Eye Opening,” editorial July 16-18 edition: Your editorial had much of interest to your readers, but you failed to tell the whole story.
Symbols of heritage or hate?
Some people flying the rebel flag are saying it’s for their heritage.
Breaking new ground in Ferguson
From the ashes of a Ferguson, Mo., convenience store burned in the unrest following Michael Brown’s death will rise the new Urban League Community Empowerment Center.
White racism costs white people, too
Although he forged a distinguished career as a 10-term Republican Congressman from the early 1950s to the early 1970s, and later as a judge on the Virginia Supreme Court, Richard H. Poff is but a minor footnote in American history. In October 1971, Mr. Poff informed President Nixon that he did not wish to be nominated for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Doing the dawdle
Sometimes it takes this city forever to get things done. Take the statue to the great lady of Richmond, Maggie L. Walker, who rose from poverty to become, among other things, the first African-American female to charter and run a bank in this country. Richmond just celebrated the 151st birthday of Mrs. Walker on July 15.
Mo’ne Davis wins ESPY Award
Mo’ne Davis continues to add to her already crowded trophy shelf. The teen sensation’s latest accolade?
NSU’s Alex Mauricio makes move to mound
It was almost like Alex Mauricio went to bed a shortstop and woke up a pitcher. Mauricio showed off a powerful right arm last spring by throwing out runners from his position as shortstop for Norfolk State University’s baseball team.
Treveon Graham kicks up Spurs in summer league championship
Former Virginia Commonwealth University star Treveon Graham is making a strong bid to earn a spot on the roster of the NBA powerhouse San Antonio Spurs or on their Development League team.
VUU coach brings on husband as assistant
First-year Virginia Union University women’s basketball coach AnnMarie Gilbert didn’t have to search far to find one of her assistant coaches.
Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr feasts
Since June 17, Muslims marking Ramadan observed the holy month of fasting in the Islamic calendar. Eid celebrations break the fast and begin the 10th month on the Islamic lunar calendar at the sight of the new moon.
Nation of Islam to mark its 85th anniversary Saturday
The Nation of Islam is commemorating its 85th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March at an event Saturday, July 25, at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Communion wine ban in prisons rejected
Can prisons ban inmates from drinking communion wine at religious services behind bars? The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says no.
Personality: Robin M. Brown
Spotlight on Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star
Robin M. Brown seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of children and others in the community. That’s why she joined the Richmond-based Order of the Eastern Star of Virginia at the behest of her mother-in-law, Erma R. Brown, in 1996. The fraternal organization is affiliated with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia Free and Accepted Masons.
Henrico Police hold meetings for faith leaders
The Henrico County Police Department is introducing a new initiative seeking to strengthen its ties with leaders of the faith community.
Billy Dee Williams to appear at Comic Con Richmond
Legendary Hollywood heartthrob Billy Dee Williams will join “Star Trek” icon William Shatner, aka Capt. James T. Kirk, and other celebrities at Wizard World Comic Con Richmond.
Dallas researcher driven to protest, educate public about white supremacists
Edward Sebesta calls it “a library of evil.” He houses the collection in a room on the second floor of his Dallas home.
Will parole return to Virginia?
Gov. appoints commission to consider possibility
Thirty-three elderly inmates from the state prison in Buckingham County have sent a petition to Gov. Terry McAuliffe urging him to consider reinstating parole in Virginia. In the petition, the inmates noted the abolition of parole has “not significantly prevented, reduced or deterred crime.” Instead, the requirement that convicts serve at least 85 percent of their time has ballooned the state prison population from around 18,000 in 1994 to more than 30,000 in 2014, they wrote.
Mayor Jones pushes regional effort for ballpark, children’s hospital
Mayor Dwight C. Jones is hoping to leave more of a legacy when his second term ends in less than 17 months. So he has come up with a new idea: To champion development of an independent, free-standing children’s hospital on North Boulevard in place of The Diamond, the home of the San Francisco Giant’s Double A affiliate the Flying Squirrels. Prospects for the hospital appear to be as much of a long shot as his failed plan to build a new stadium for the Squirrels in Shockoe Bottom.
Black vendors hoping for bigger score at NFL camp
The owners of Big Herm’s Kitchen and Croaker’s Spot — two popular local black-owned eateries — hope fans will bring a hardier appetite to the Washington professional football team’s training camp than they did to last year’s.
Bagby handily wins 74th House District seat
Lamont Bagby just jumped from the Henrico School Board into the General Assembly. The 38-year-old Democrat was sworn in this week to the House of Delegates after winning a smashing victory over challenger David M. Lambert, an independent candidate, in Tuesday’s special election for the 74th House District seat.
3 dead in 3 days
City inmate deaths raise questions about medical care
City inmate deaths raise questions about medical care
Tuesday, July 21
Election Tuesday for 74th District seat
Next week, voters in the House of Delegates 74th District will decide whether Lamont Bagby or David M. Lambert will represent them in the General Assembly.
GRTC fuel savings may reduce push to raise fares
Diesel fuel is a lot cheaper these days — and that’s good news for public transit companies such as GRTC. Richmond’s public transit company expects to save $1 million a year through 2018 as the result of a $1 per gallon decline in the fuel’s price.
City cooling shelters open during high heat
The City of Richmond provides cooling shelters on days when the heat index is anticipated to reach 95 degrees or higher. Shelter locations:
Free training class for voter registration
The League of Women Voters of Metro Richmond is sponsoring its third annual voter registration training class 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Location: Tuckahoe Library, 1901 Starling Drive, in Henrico County. The training is designed for community organizations and individuals seeking to conduct voter registration drives, according to organizers.
Metropolitan Business League sells Jackson Ward headquarters
The Richmond area’s largest African-American business group has waved goodbye to its former home in Jackson Ward. The Metropolitan Business League last month sold its longtime headquarters at 2nd and Marshall streets to a subsidiary of Washington-based Douglas Development, which has been buying up chunks of Downtown for more than 10 years.
Friday, July 17
Body cameras coming
Richmond police officers could be wearing body cameras as early as this fall. Chief Alfred Durham said Tuesday the nearly 740-officer force should have about 200 body cameras purchased and ready for use by officers “by October or November.”
Getting praise, worship on at Gospel Music Fest
At age 80, gospel music icon Dorothy Norwood still can spiritually move an audience. Known as “Gospel’s greatest storyteller,” she demonstrated her star power again Sunday evening as the headliner before an overflow audience at Dogwood Dell at the 6th Annual Gospel Music Fest.
Case against Bill Cosby continues to escalate
The latest in the Bill Cosby case has drawn attention to an unusual condition. A lawyer for one of the women who accused the comedian of sexual assault raised the possibility that he might have the little-known condition called somnophilia.
Serena wins Wimbledon
Serena Williams, up 5-1 after already winning a set during the finals at Wimbledon on Saturday, duly completed the job against Garbine Muguruza 6-4, 6-4 to claim her sixth Wimbledon title and her first since 2012. The accomplished athlete’s victory completed the “Serena Slam” — winning four straight majors — for the second time.
$5.9M settlement for Garner family in chokehold death
The family of Eric Garner, who died after a white police officer put him in a chokehold a year ago, renewed calls this week to criminally charge the police officer, a day after the family reached a $5.9 million settlement with New York City.
In Bible, there is ‘no gray area’
Re “God alone has the power to bind couples,” July 9-11 edition: The writer asked “any Christian to cite from New Testament Scripture any condemnation made by Jesus about same-sex anything.”
We must stop being brainwashed
The African-American community in this country is never going to be free until we stopped being brainwashed. Dark brown and brown complexioned women are the best looking women in the world. But they don’t get credit for being the best looking in their own race. This honor goes to the bronzed and ultralight complexioned.
Clarification on article
Re “Brush-off in Richmond pays dividends in Norfolk,” July 9-11 edition:
Like the swastika, Confederate flag stands for hate
I am getting sick and tired of hearing people complaining about taking down the Confederate flag at the South Carolina statehouse. What is it with these people always crying the blues over that flag and the fact the South lost the war 150 years ago?
Vanquishing the Confederate flag
A flag of any sort represents a country or a cause. Displaying the Confederate flag in the United States of America — whether it is the battle flag or another — is an issue of symbolism and statutory law. Last week, 150 years after using it within the Confederate States of America (a country) in armed rebellion against the United States for the cause of a Southern economy based on the forced labor of Africans, the government of South Carolina lowered the Confederate flag from its Capitol grounds.
A small step toward justice
On Tuesday, President Obama did something I thought he should have started in 2010 when he signed the Fair Sentencing Act — he commuted the sentences of 46 people in federal prison on drug offenses.
Eye opening
There is no question that the Confederate battle flag stands for white supremacy, intolerance and oppression. The Stars and Bars, as the flag is known, was birthed in the days when Virginia and other Southern states separated from the United States and created a country built on the perpetual right to buy and sell human beings into slavery. Our bloody Civil War secured our union and abolished human bondage while uplifting millions of people to the rights of citizenship. The Confederate flag then was reborn as the symbol of the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups whose missions are to ensure black people forever submit to third class status.
Crusade meeting to feature state cabinet secretary
Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney is scheduled to speak at the Richmond Crusade for Voters meeting Tuesday, July 21.
Housing workshop set for July 25
The Better Housing Coalition is offering a free workshop on renovation lending and historic tax credits from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25.
50 Cent out of dollars?
Rapper and actor 50 Cent filed for federal bankruptcy protection Monday, days after a jury ordered him to pay $5 million in an invasion-of-privacy lawsuit.
Players of color star in MLB All-Star game
Baseball, the American pastime, is becoming more and more international, with a growing concentration of players of color.
16-year old from Georgia sets world record
Candace Hill has grabbed world attention with her breathtaking speed. The 16-year-old Georgian set the world youth record (age 17 and under) for the 100-meter dash last month with a historic 10.98 seconds.
Former NSU hoopster headed to N.Y. Knicks
Former Norfolk State University basketball star Kyle O’Quinn is heading to his hometown of New York to continue his NBA career.
Raiders lose to Columbus in PIFL championship
History keeps repeating itself, which is unfortunate for the Richmond Raiders. For the third time in four seasons, the Raiders came up one game short of a championship in the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL).
Personality: Michael R. Pearson Sr.
Spotlight on creator of nonprofit Friends Helping Friends
Michael Ray Pearson Sr. is on speed dial to help others in need. For the past eight years, his Richmond-based nonprofit — Friends Helping Friends — has put on a free summer basketball camp at Armstrong High School in the East End for underprivileged children. His group also has hosted a similar camp in Petersburg that is directed by former Virginia State University women’s basketball Coach Leon Bey.
Mildred Fountain Weekes, 93, former teacher
Richmond native Mildred Elizabeth Fountain Weekes was a renaissance woman.
Vacation Bible School to go to Washington
New Life Deliverance Tabernacle on South Side is holding its Vacation Bible School from Tuesday, July 21, through Friday, July 24, the church has announced.
Gospel Explosion Aug.1 at South Side church
The Rev. Luther Barnes is headlining the “Gospel Explosion” concert at Second Baptist Church on South Side at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, the church has announced.
Jesus has left the building
This mural of Jesus on the side of the former Richmond Outreach Center at 6255 Old Warwick Road was photographed in 2005. Today, the building has been whitewashed, awaiting a new mural as workers transform the former South Side church property into a city park and community center. The city purchased the 17.7-acre property in August 2014 for $1.7 million.
Kind acts commemorate pastor’s 10th anniversary
“Don’t Go to Church, Be the Church.” That was the theme of a day of community service by members at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson Ward on July 5.
Thursday, July 16
President calls for criminal justice reforms at NAACP convention
“Mass incarceration makes our country worse off, and we need to do something about it,” President Obama told 3,000 cheering people at the 106th annual NAACP National Convention in Philadelphia this week.
City real estate reassessments swing wildly
Homeowners in the Museum District west of the Boulevard should be bracing for big increases in their real estate tax bills.
Federal appeals court upholds former governor’s conviction
When will former Gov. Bob McDonnell go to prison? That appears to be the only unanswered question in the case of the once powerful and now disgraced Virginia Republican.
Movement grows to eradicate Confederate symbols
A growing number of Virginians are enlisting in a grassroots movement spreading across the nation to remove from the public square the vestiges of the traitors who fought against the nation during the Civil War to preserve slavery. Less than a week after South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a bipartisan group of lawmakers and thousands of people of all ethnicities assembled July 10 to cheer the removal of the Confederate flag from the Statehouse grounds in Columbia, many Virginians are signaling they are fed up as well with Confederate symbols of hate and are saying “enough is enough.”
A mother’s grief
Catherine Uwasomba seeks clues, answers to her daughter’s disappearance, death
Catherine Uwasomba seeks clues, answers to her daughter’s disappearance, death
Tuesday, July 14
40 rooms added to veterans care center
A state-supported nursing home for veterans opened 40 new private rooms Wednesday at its location in South Side.
View online how tax dollars are spent
Want to know how the city is spending your tax dollars? Jump on your computer and go to this website — www.data.richmondgov.com.
City distributing new recycling cans
The big recycling push is on in Richmond. On Monday, the city Department of Public Works began distributing 95-gallon recycling cans. The new cans are bright green with blue tops.
Friday, July 10
Good Samaritan Ministries opens summer camp
Pastor Michael D. McClary has spent nearly 30 years helping alcoholics and drug users in Richmond follow the Christian road to recovery that transformed him from an addict to a minister. The 65-year-old minister has undertaken the effort as the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Good Samaritan Ministries on South Side.
Thursday, July 9
‘God alone has the power to bind couples’
Re “Go further,” July 2-4 edition: The Confederate flag must go from government grounds, but states need not ban any symbol, even the Confederate flag, from license plates. Such symbols are important identifiers, especially when such symbols have been definitively defined. Individuals should be permitted to self identify and express themselves.
Relocating rebel statues doesn’t change memory or attitude
Re: Letter to the editor “Free Press founder was right about Monument Avenue,” July 2-4 edition: I agree that Confederate flags should not adorn any government property, although I beg to differ with the opinion of the letter writer, Ben Ragsdale, and the opinion previously expressed by Free Press founder, the late Raymond H. Boone, about Monument Avenue.
Protest those who support neo-Confederates
The Sons of Confederate Veterans claims the Confederate flag is heritage. The United Daughters of the Confederacy makes similar claims. They claim not to be racist and to be against extremist groups.
Mobility in more ways than one
If you had to guess the single strongest factor in determining who escapes poverty, what do you think it would be? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is transportation.
Free Press exposé propelled fight against racist flag
It was mid-summer 1992. A black airman with the Virginia Air National Guard walked into the Richmond Free Press newsroom and asked to see a reporter.
Real innovation?
Last week, we published articles about two promising programs involving Richmond Public Schools. First, Mayor Dwight C. Jones shone a spotlight on the “Future Centers” that are to be opened at three of Richmond’s high schools.
A just outcome
Here’s good news: A big hotel in Charlotte, N.C., that ripped off people attending the 2015 CIAA basketball tournament in the spring is being forced to return its ill-gotten gains.
Federal recognition for Pamunkeys brings tribe closer to nationhood
Defeated in battles with the English invaders who took their land, the Pamunkey Indians have been on a reservation and under the thumb of Virginia’s government for more than 350 years — long before there was a state. Now the dwindling descendants of Pocahontas, Powhatan and other members of the tribe that met the first English settlers to Jamestown in 1607 are one step closer to gaining their independence — and separation from Virginia.
40 years later
Ashe’s shining win at Wimbledon
The late Arthur Ashe Jr.’s iconic tennis career reached a summit 40 years ago on the pristine grass of Centre Court at the All-England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London. The occasion was the 89th staging of the Wimbledon tennis championships. And on this Fourth of July weekend in 1975, the Richmonder — just a week from his 32nd birthday — stunned tempestuous, heavily favored defending champion Jimmy Connors in a tense final.
African-Americans need ‘psychological healing’
“We are all racists.” That’s the contention of Dr. Allen Lewis, a Henrico County resident and James Madison University professor. It’s also the provocative name of a book he has written with the subtitle, “The Truth About Cultural Bias.”
Shop for Success set for July 18
Dress for Success Central Virginia is holding its signature shopping event for the public Saturday, July 18, at its boutique in the basement of Boulevard United Methodist Church, 321 N. Boulevard, it has been announced. It is called “Shop for Success.”
Fundraiser set to send girls to Brazil
Twenty girls from the Richmond area have high hopes they’ll be able to travel to Brazil in August to participate in the “Essence of a Goddess” cultural study program.
Latin jazz festival at Dogwood Dell
Latin jazz is set to take over Byrd Park this Saturday, July 11.
Serena beats Venus, continues streak
The heavy hitting shook the ground and the volume would have raised the Centre Court roof had it been closed, as Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka traded blows like a couple of prizefighters at Wimbledon on Tuesday.
U.S. women win World Cup
The United States returned to the pinnacle of women’s soccer with a 5-2 crushing of Japan in Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final. It was the end of a riveting tournament that pushed the sport into new territory.
Va. Interscholastic Association heritage meeting July 18
The VIA Heritage Association will hold its next meeting noon Saturday, July 18, at First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Manassas, 10313 S. Grant Ave., in Manassas.
Fans drive Squirrels to 2nd place for attendance in Eastern League
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have four Eastern League all-stars, but the real stars of the team, as usual, are its fans. On July 4, a sellout crowd of 9,560 fans showed up for the Squirrels’ 7-3 win over Akron. Then on July 5, another 7,799 fans were present for the Squirrels’ 2-1 victory over the Rubber Ducks.
In the spirit
Thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses attend the first of the annual district conventions last Saturday at the Richmond Coliseum in Downtown. More than 20 people were baptized during the convention, which has the theme “Imitate Jesus!”
In some churches, guns are the answer to a prayer
The Sunday service was winding down, but before it ended, Bishop Ira Combs led the congregation of 300 at the Greater Bible Way Temple in prayer. The violence that killed nine people in a Charleston, S.C., church could not happen here, he reassured his flock.
Musical homegoing for Maggie Ingram
The Ingramettes delivered a powerful farewell to Mother Maggie Ingram at her homegoing service Thursday, July 2, at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.
Personality: Jenny J. Jones
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit Beds for Kids Inc.
More than 4,000 children in the Greater Richmond community sleep better at night, thanks to the efforts of Jenny J. Jones and a legion of other volunteers at Beds for Kids Inc.
After controversy, Dr. Bedden won’t teach at VSU this fall
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden will not be teaching a class at Virginia State University in the fall. In response to a Free Press query, RPS spokesperson Richard Davis said last Friday that Dr. Bedden has “decided against pursuing the opportunity to teach in an adjunct capacity at Virginia State University.”
City refuse collectors halt work, forcing talks on better pay
Richmond’s refuse collectors once again proved they can be a powerful force when they stand up for themselves. For about five hours Tuesday, the city’s 25 trash trucks stood still at the South Side depot as 70 refuse collectors pushed for better pay and aired other grievances — forcing city officials to scramble to soothe their concerns as calls began pouring in from residents whose trash was not picked up.
Washington NFL team shot down by federal court
Can the government ban trademark registration of the racist mascot name of Washington’s pro football team? Yes, a federal judge ruled Wednesday in throwing the team for a big loss in its efforts to defend and maintain the name. The decision is the biggest setback for the defiant team since the Richmond Free Press and other media outlets banned the use of the name. The Free Press took the action in October 2013, after deeming the name on a par with the “n” word for black people.
From slave to legislator
Virginia’s early black lawmakers honored
James Apostle Fields started life in Virginia as a slave in Hanover County. By his death in 1903, he had gone to Hampton University, earned a law degree at Howard University and been elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
Brush-off in city pays dividends in Norfolk
Training program helps public housing residents get construction jobs
Training program helps public housing residents get construction jobs
Tuesday, July 7
‘New America’ prevails in U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decisions
Old America largely conceded to New America in the latest round of major U.S. Supreme Court decisions. New America is the coalition that came to power with President Obama in 2008 and gave him the winning majority. It’s a coalition of groups marginalized for most of U.S. history: African-Americans, Latinos, religious minorities, young people, gays, single mothers, working women and Americans who claim no religious affiliation.
Free Press wins 3 national awards
The Richmond Free Press was recognized with three national awards at the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s annual convention in Detroit.
Friday, July 3
Former Richmond pastor faces life sentence
Geronimo Aguilar once walked into services at the packed former Richmond Outreach Center worship services like a rock star. He waved to excited congregation members as about a half-dozen muscular security team members surrounded him. Known as “Pastor G,” the pastor drew lofty praise from politicians, business leaders, educators, law enforcement, faith leaders and ordinary citizens alike for leading the South Side church’s 24/7 mission to help the downtrodden.
Origin of student civil rights group clarified
Re “Student civil rights workers recall efforts,” June 25-27 edition: We appreciate the Richmond Free Press devoting an article to the Civil Rights Movement and the 50th reunion of the Virginia Students’ Civil Rights Committee (VSCRC). There is one point that we would like to clarify about the origins of the VSCRC and its relationship to other groups active at that time.
Eradication of Confederate flag ‘should give every Southerner pause’
Re “We shall overcome,” June 25-27 edition: Given the recent vandalizing of a Virginia monument, I can’t help but be concerned for the future of the Commonwealth. The history of the Confederacy is everywhere and the attempts to erase it, as several Southern states have proposed to do, should give every Southerner pause.
Free Press founder was right about Monument Avenue
I remember when Raymond H. Boone, honoring iconic Richmonder and newspaperman John Mitchell Jr. three summers ago, said this about our community:
A cue from Frederick Douglass
As our nation prepares for its annual celebration of Independence Day, I re-read Frederick Douglass’ Fourth of July speech delivered 163 years ago in Rochester, N.Y. I look at it with a specific eye toward what we can learn from it in the wake of the recent tragedies of Charleston and North Charleston, S.C.; Cleveland; New York City; Ferguson, Mo; and Sanford, Fla. Frederick Douglass observed, “Oppression makes a wise man mad. With brave men there is always a remedy for oppression…The freedom gained is yours; and you, therefore, may properly celebrate this anniversary. The 4th of July is the first great fact in your nation’s history—the very ringbolt in the chain of your yet undeveloped destiny…Pride and patriotism, not less than gratitude, prompt you to celebrate and to hold it in perpetual remembrance.
Economic clout can create change
There’s a lesson to be learned from the Confederate flag quickly and unexpectedly falling into disfavor following the murder of nine Bible-studying African-Americans, including the pastor, at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C. The lesson is that the economic clout of African-Americans and their progressive allies can be used to pressure businesses to do the right thing, which in turn can keep the far right wing in check.
No going back
We are pleased with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling expanding the legal right of same-sex couples to marry nationwide. Virginia has allowed gay couples to marry since October, thanks to a ruling from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This new decision from the nation’s highest court, which was met with jubilation, eliminates the checkerboard approach to gay marriage that called into question the legal rights of gay couples just moving from state to state. The ruling also eliminates any guesswork about whether a same-sex partner can be covered under family health insurance or receive survivor’s benefits or a pension.
Nation’s victory
Pundits across the nation are hailing the past few days as “the best week ever” for President Obama. That’s in large measure because of landmark rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the federal Affordable Care Act and legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Fireworks schedule
This year’s July 4th holiday marks the 239th anniversary of America’s signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.
VCU’s Graham trying his luck in NBA Summer League
Treveon Graham hopes for a change in his basketball luck in the mecca for gambling, Las Vegas. After not getting picked in last week’s NBA Draft, the former Virginia Commonwealth University star has signed to play for San Antonio in the Samsung NBA Summer League at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.
Charles City native a first at state’s executive mansion
Kaci M. Easley is carrying on a proud family tradition of public service. Her late maternal grandmother, Iona W. Adkins, served as clerk of Charles City County Circuit Court from 1967 to 1988. She was the first African-American woman to be elected clerk of a court of record since Reconstruction. The Virginia House of Delegates honored her in a resolution shortly after her death in 2004.
2-day gospel music festival next weekend
Dozens of gospel artists from across the nation are scheduled to perform at The East Coast Gospel Music Summer Fest. It’s billed as “one of the biggest gospel music weekends on the East Coast.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses district conventions start July 3 at Coliseum
The annual district conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are coming to Richmond beginning this weekend, officials have announced.
New Episcopal Church leader has Richmond link
The first African-American to be elected as the U.S. Episcopal Church’s presiding bishop has ties to Richmond. The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, 62, bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, was elected the church’s 27th presiding bishop last Saturday at the denomination’s general conference in Salt Lake City.
Personality: Suzanne D. Hall
Spotlight on Thomas Jefferson Award winner from PRSA Richmond Chapter
Suzanne D. Hall proudly calls it a “pinnacle moment” — winning the Thomas Jefferson Award in Public Relations from the Richmond Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
9 inducted into Petersburg High Sports Hall of Fame
Petersburg High School has inducted its first Sports Hall of Fame class. The inaugural induction ceremony was held at a reception and banquet in mid-June at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg.
VSU football team includes area freshmen
Departed Virginia State University football Coach Latrell Scott, who is now at Norfolk State University, has left his successor with a tough act to follow.
Williams sisters advance at Wimbledon
LONDON Superstar sisters Serena and Venus Williams are one win away from facing off against each other in the Wimbledon tennis tournament in London.
De Grasse racing toward ‘world’s fastest man’ title
When the throne for “world’s fastest man” eventually has a vacancy, Andre De Grasse seems primed to fill the seat. Since 2008, the “world’s fastest” title has been held by Usaian Bolt of Jamaica, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in 100- and 200-meter races.
BET Awards brings out top stars
Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs took a tumble, Janet Jackson made an emotional appearance and the BET TV network paid tribute Sunday to campaigners across the United States demanding better police accountability after a troubled year. Combs fell through a hole in the stage at the BET Awards show during a 20th anniversary celebration of his Bad Boy record label that reunited hip-hop artists including Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans and 112 in a celebration joined by Pharrell Williams. Diddy quickly got up and carried on with the performance, appearing unhurt.
New Virginia laws effective July 1
Hundreds of new laws took effect Wednesday in Virginia. Here are a few highlights: Social media: Employers cannot ask employees or prospective employees for the username and passwords of their social media accounts.
Regional computer programming school proposed
Ten school districts, including Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico, are embarking on a bold educational experiment aimed at overhauling career training for area high school students, particularly those struggling in traditional classes. The first step: Creation of a regional school that would give students the skills to become computer programmers and open doors to careers in engineering, computer science and other technology fields, according to a grant application the alliance of schools submitted to the state Department of Education.
‘Future Centers’ to help students with life after high school
Students in at least three of the city’s five comprehensive high schools will have new centers in their buildings this fall designed to help connect them to college and career opportunities.
Scott co-leader of bipartisan effort to curb federal prison spending
From Virginia to California, states are pushing change to cut their ballooning prison costs that collectively approach $60 billion. Instead of automatically locking up people, 32 states have put in place reforms during the past five years that have reduced the numbers of people imprisoned without increasing crime rates. The efforts have saved at least $4 billion. That includes reserving prison cells for the most serous offenders and doing more to divert lower-level offenders to supervised support programs outside prison.
Go further
‘I don’t think God wants us to stop’ at removing the Confederate flag, President Obama tells mourners at Rev. Pinckney’s funeral in S.C.
‘I don’t think God wants us to stop’ at removing the Confederate flag, President Obama tells mourners at Rev. Pinckney’s funeral in S.C.
