Tuesday, June 30
Dr. Reavis to retire as seminary president
Fifteen years ago, Dr. Ralph Reavis Sr. went to Lynchburg to save his alma mater, Virginia University of Lynchburg. Now the former Richmond pastor is preparing to step down as president of the historically black Baptist college and seminary that he believes has been restored to full health — with more than 10 times the enrollment than when he started. “When I got here, there were only 32 students on campus,” Dr. Reavis said. Today, more than 400 students are taking courses on the campus, online or in a satellite program on the Northern Neck in Eastern Virginia.
Dr. David Wilkes named dean of U.Va. medical school
Dr. David S. Wilkes has been named the dean of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He is the first African-American to be appointed to the post.
Dr. Marsha Rappley to head VCU health operations
Dr. Marsha D. Rappley will be the new medical leader for Virginia Commonwealth University, a major health center in the state.
VCU Health System may move into Jackson Ward office building
A Jackson Ward office building soon may provide expansion space for the VCU Health System.
VSU working on accreditation issues
Virginia State University is hustling to correct the issues that led the school to be placed on warning by its accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges.
City names North Side park for the late Walter Gaines Jr.
Walter Gaines Jr. was the unofficial “mayor” of the Providence Park community on North Side for nearly 45 years. A gregarious man known for his positive attitude, Mr. Gaines worked to improve public safety and promote neighborliness. Among other things, he helped bring a Boys & Girls Club to the community to improve resources for young people as president of the Providence Park Civic Association. He helped start the association in the late 1960s and led it until his death.
Saturday, June 27
Why Morrissey has black community support
RE “Morrissey should ‘stay out of the public eye” letter to the editor, June 4-6 edition: A Richmond newcomer questioned black political support for Joe Morrissey. The gentleman asked, “Why does Joe Morrissey seem to have such support in the black community?”
Police incidents a ‘great awakening’
Re “Survivor: U.Va. honor student talks arrest, future,” June 18-20 edition: It’s interesting that around the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and equal opportunity legislation, some of our federal representatives began calling for an end to the protection that these acts afforded minorities. The inference was that in two and a half generations, we had surpassed the need for those protections.
Stay strong’ Martese
Re “Survivor: U.Va. honor student talks arrest, future,” June 18-20 edition: Thanks, Free Press, for the very informative story on Martese Johnson. It gave a different version of this young man. He seems to be a very brilliant young man, with a good head on his shoulders. Free Press writer Joey Matthews should be given kudos for compiling this in-depth story.
Mouthing off is unacceptable behavior
Re “Bad cop registry” editorial, June 11-13 edition: Your editorial about the situation in McKinney, Texas, stated that “the officer’s unwarranted actions were pitted against children — unthreatening innocents who, according to the video, were doing nothing more than mouthing off.”
Examine racism from within
The recent violence perpetrated upon Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina was sickening. It seems as though our country is constantly regressing instead of progressing. Acts such as these continue to pour salt on the gaping gash of racial tension. Individually, we must ask ourselves if we are the ones “buying the salt” to pour on the wound. Indeed, this particular act was racially motivated. But all of us must bear in mind that evil is colorblind.
We must ‘lift our voices against all injustices’
What should we do in response to the Charleston massacre? We should let this tragic, traumatic massacre serve this generation of Africans as the generation that lived through the tragic lynching and execution of Emmett Till in Money, Miss., and the four little girls in Birmingham, Ala., were served by those events. Those brutal killings were among a series of tragic events that inspired a generation and nation to action.
Every person is made in God’s image
I pray for help for the people’s pain at the historic Emanuel AME Church of Charleston, S.C., and especially for the families of the victims and for the deeply wounded souls of the people of Charleston and America.
The buoyancy of hope
The Rev. Clementa Pinckney and his fellow congregants of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., gathered as usual in the historic edifice June 17 for their Wednesday evening Bible study. They came, as always, to refresh their religious faith, to testify and bear witness to the importance of living a life of righteousness and to extend to all, including the stranger in their midst, their welcome and their trust.
Freedom from a long-lost cause
Could this, at last, be the end of the Civil War? Or, as some fans of Southern heritage call it, the War Between the States? Or the War of Northern Aggression?
First steps
From the horrific massacre last week in a South Carolina church, the nation is witnessing a historic sea change in attitude regarding the chief symbol of racial hatred that has helped divide this country for so long — the Confederate flag. The flag was used on Civil War battlefields during the bloody four-year fight to keep black people enslaved.
Mo’ne rocks Richmond, MJBL
Baseball teen celebrity Mo’ne Davis didn’t disappoint with her pitching arm, her bat or glam image when she played last Saturday in Metro Richmond.
Players with Virginia ties may be picked in NBA draft
Three athletes with state and local ties could figure into the NBA’s annual draft June 25 in Brooklyn, N.Y. The best bet to hear his name called is Justin Anderson from Montross in Virginia’s Northern Neck, by way of the University of Virginia.
Average-sized players make big splash in NBA
History tells us that big men rule the NBA. But that history book may be in the process of being rewritten. The Golden State Warriors dominated the world’s toughest league this season with a different recipe than many other teams.
Bigger Huguenot moves to new sports conference
Starting with the 2015-16 school year, Richmond’s five comprehensive high schools no longer will compete in the same athletic conference.
50-year reunion
Student civil rights workers recall efforts
The Charleston, S.C., church shooting is an ugly reminder that “racist violence is not a ghost,” said Bruce Smith 71, of Woodbridge, a volunteer lobbyist for AARP.
Alumnus Rayvon Owen to sing Saturday with Richmond Boys Choir
The renowned Richmond Boys Choir is performing its season finale concert Saturday, June 27, at Virginia Union University — and they have a special guest.
Maggie Ingram, ‘Gospel Queen of Richmond,’ dies at 84
Evangelist Maggie Ingram — known as the “Gospel Queen of Richmond” — brought audiences to their feet in praise and worship at churches, festivals, auditoriums and other places for more than six decades.
Personality: Frances T. Hayes
Spotlight on host chapter president of Club Dejouir’s 60th conclave
Frances T. Hayes served two terms as president of the Richmond Chapter of Club Dejouir Inc. in the 1970s. Now, four decades later, she has embarked on her third term as president of the nonprofit women’s social and civic organization.
Friday, June 26
Shooting survivor carries own message of forgiveness
A Henrico County man who survived being shot eight times in 2004 — and later forgave the shooter — said he was moved to tears as family members of the nine victims of the Charleston, S.C., church massacre appeared last Friday in a Charleston courtroom and told Dylann Roof, the racist gunman, they forgave him.
Handling Ramadan and diabetes
Muslims around the world marked the start of Ramadan last week. The month of intense prayer includes dawn until sunset fasting and nightly feasts.
Pope weighs in on weapons, climate
People who manufacture weapons or invest in weapons industries are hypocrites if they call themselves Christians, Pope Francis said earlier this week.
McAuliffe expands rights restoration
Eric Branch still owes the state government more than $9,000 in court costs and fees from a 1988 felony conviction that sent him to prison for nearly five years.
The people, price, promise
When race, politics, history and religion meet at the social intersection that we all negotiate at different periods in life, changes can pull you down a road that you never thought was possible.
Forums deliver security tips to church leaders
Richmond area faith leaders and congregation members are on heightened alert following the mass killing of nine worshippers at a historic Charleston, S.C., church last week and a frightening incident that followed at a church in South Richmond.
Richmonders show unity, seek healing at area vigils
More than 200 people from Richmond and beyond packed the sanctuary floor and balcony last Friday evening at Third Street Bethel AME Church in Downtown at a unity rally to honor the South Carolina shooting victims.
School Board votes 4-2 to back Bedden’s ‘leveling’ plan
Are arts and music programs and foreign language classes now an endangered species in some Richmond Public Schools? That’s what some School Board members, students, parents and supporters fear in the wake of Monday night’s 4-2 vote by the board to back Superintendent Dana T. Bedden’s “leveling” plan.
Portrait of civil rights giant in Governor’s Mansion
Oliver W. Hill used the law to battle segregation and to promote justice and equality in Virginia in schools, in the workplace, the courthouse and a host of other areas.
We shall overcome
Charleston church massacre spurs removal of racist symbols
Charleston church massacre spurs removal of racist symbols
Wednesday, June 24
4th time the charm?
New city finance chief #4 under mayor’s tenure
As the former Suffolk city manager, Selena Cuffee-Glenn went through five people before she found the right person to serve as chief financial officer.
Company to add 1,173 new employees to Henrico headquarters
Good news for area job seekers: A fast growing, Richmond area insurance company plans to add nearly 1,200 new jobs, Gov. Terry McAuliffe has announced.
David M. Hicks to be sworn in June 30
David M. Hicks will soon don the robes of his new office — a judge of the Richmond General District Court. After nearly seven years as Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ top policy adviser, Mr. Hicks is to be sworn in as a judge on Tuesday, June 30, it has been announced.
Board asks to throw out schools lawsuit
The Richmond School Board is seeking to dispel a legal cloud hanging over the collective heads of its nine members.
Housing group acquires Church Hill property for project
A former church social services center known as Citadel of Hope is to be the centerpiece for a new affordable housing development in Church Hill.
What’s in a name?
School Board entertains names for new middle school
Southside Middle School. Benjamin Banneker Middle School. Barack Obama Middle School. Those are just a few of the suggested names for a “new” middle school in Richmond.
Friday, June 19
Personality: Lynn Gary Atkins Jr.
Spotlight on artistic director of One Voice Chorus
Dr. Lynn Gary Atkins Jr. is artistic director of Richmond’s One Voice Chorus, the interracial singing group that has been making beautiful music for more than a decade.
Celebrating Father’s Day
What is your fondest memory of your father?
On Sunday, June 21, we celebrate Father’s Dayand all the love, lessons and gifts they give to their families and children.In honor of this special day, the Free Press asked people: What is your fondest memory of your father?
Mo’ne Davis to play Saturday in Henrico
Mo’ne Davis, the 14-year-old female pitching sensation selected as the Associated Press 2014 Female Athlete of the Year, will be testing her fastball Saturday against a team of Richmond area standouts.
ROC changes name, hires new pastor
The Richmond Outreach Center on South Side is undergoing a makeover as it tries to move beyond the scandal-plagued “Pastor G” era.
We need to teach our children
I did not find your editorial that compared bikers to black hoodlums to be a very helpful analysis.
Reflecting on Juneteenth
One hundred and fifty years ago, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, bearing news that would fulfill the Emancipation Proclamation’s promise of freedom. As word broke that the Civil War had finally ended, people began to celebrate the end of slavery in the South.
Black Press
188 years of excellence
In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, it is important to emphasize both the historical and contemporary mission, value and success of the Black Press in America. For the past 188 years black Americans have labored diligently and responsibly to publish and distribute black-owned newspapers in the interests of millions of black Americans and others who cry out for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment.
Forgive student loan debt
By the time you read this, millions of college students will have graduated and be looking for jobs. Many will be going on to grad school and millions suddenly will be faced with paying off college loans or contemplating obtaining a loan for graduate studies. Neither option is attractive.
The Dolezal debate
The curious story of Rachel Dolezal has transfixed the nation, as though we are passing by a mirror and looking at ourselves. In a sense, we are. We are peering into the racial reflection of the nation and discovering what truths and lies are beneath the surface.
Urban League group hosting panel discussion
The Urban League of Greater Richmond and its Young Professionals auxiliary are hosting a panel discussion on criminal justice reform.
Va. historical marker dedication at Pocahontas Island
Petersburg’s Pocahontas Island, a thriving free black community before the Civil War, will be commemorated with a state historical marker.
Hillary Clinton speaking at Jefferson-Jackson Dinner
When Hillary Clinton spoke at the Democratic Party of Virginia’s annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Richmond in February 2008, most of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus supported her opponent — Barack Obama — who also spoke at the event.
Richmond practice schedule announced for Washington NFL team
For a third straight year, Richmond will serve as the preseason training site for Washington’s NFL team. The Jay Gruden-coached pros will hold public practice sessions at the Bon Secours Training Center, 2401 W. Leigh St., July 30 through Aug. 16.
In 2015: MEAC football champs head to Celebration Bowl, not NCAA playoffs
Going to the Celebration Bowl — and not the NCAA playoffs — is now the top postseason goal of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football programs. The inaugural Celebration Bowl, set for Dec. 19, will pit the MEAC champion against the kingpin from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
VUU to play 7 N.C. schools this football season
Virginia Union University’s 2015 football schedule could be billed as the Panthers versus North Carolina. VUU has seven games against teams from North Carolina universities, including its first five opponents.
Armstrong softball team thrives despite lack of field, resources
The Armstrong High girls’ softball team didn’t win the official Conference 26 championship. But the Wildcats did claim the unofficial Richmond city title.
Should LeBron James be the MVP?
Perhaps the NBA needs to change the name of its championship Finals MVP award to “MVP of the Winning Team.”
Jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman, 85, dies
Ornette Coleman, a self-taught alto saxophone player who polarized the jazz world with his unconventional “free jazz” before coming to be regarded as an avant garde genius, died Thursday, June 11, 2015, in New York, according to his publicist. He was 85.
Catholic bishops call for the root causes of racism to be addressed
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops kicked off a gathering in St. Louis of approximately 250 of the nation’s bishops by referring to Ferguson, Mo., where an unarmed black teenager was killed last August by a white police officer.
Historic church in Detroit placed on National Register
A Detroit Baptist church with a history of civil rights activism has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ebenezer Baptist showing movie for Alzheimer’s awareness
Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jackson Ward is hosting an event to draw awareness to Alzheimer’s disease.
Erica Campbell, Richard Smallwood in concert at Saint Paul’s Baptist
Saint Paul’s Baptist Church will be filled with the music of Grammy Award-winning gospel artists next weekend. Singer Erica Campbell is headlining a gospel concert 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the church, 4247 Creighton Road.
RRHA youth feeding locations announced
Children in the city’s public housing communities will have access to a free and nutritious breakfast and lunch this summer.
Federal appeals court orders Va. congressional district lines redrawn
For the second time, a three-judge panel has found the General Assembly illegally packed black voters into a single congressional district — diminishing their influence and ability to elect a candidate of their choice in adjacent districts. And for the second time, that ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court as the Republican-dominated legislature seeks to maintain GOP control of the state’s congressional delegation.
VSU placed on warning by accrediting agency
Virginia State University, which has been tussling with the state auditor over its financial reporting, now has taken a slap from the regional group that accredits the historic Petersburg area school. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools announced last week that VSU has been placed on warning, a sanction imposed for failing to provide evidence it was in compliance with all of the group’s standards.
Special election July 21 for 74th House District
Voters in the 74th House of Delegates District will be going to the polls twice. First, there will be a special election to fill the district’s vacant House of Delegates seat Tuesday, July 21.
Protests erupt over teacher cuts, reassignments
Teachers, students, parents and supporters mobilized via social media when they learned Richmond Public Schools officials began instituting cost-cutting changes affecting the jobs of some of their most beloved teachers. “Please help!” read one urgent Facebook post.
Tuesday, June 16
Richmond Jazz Festival returns to Maymont Aug. 8-9
Richmond once again is hosting some of the top jazz, neo-soul and rhythm and blues artists at the 6th Annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont.
Friday, June 12
Personality: Miasia Keana Scruggs
Spotlight on Metro Boys & Girls Clubs 2015 Youth of the Year
When Miasia K. Scruggs joined the Fairfield Court Club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond as an elementary school student, she had no idea it would be a life-changing move.
Woman power
Female candidates claim victory in Tuesday’s primary elections
Female political power was on display in Tuesday’s primary elections in the Richmond area. In separate Democratic and Republican party contests, women repeatedly emerged as the candidates of choice among the voters who went to the polls, leaving male rivals in the dust.
VUU announces 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees
Five former athletes, a coach and the longtime “Voice of the Panthers” are headed for the Virginia Union University Athletic Hall of Fame.
Rayvon to sing in city this weekend
Spread the word: American Idol heartthrob Rayvon Owen is coming to Richmond this weekend.
Trial starts June 15 for former ROC pastor
Google the name Geronimo Aguilar and you’ll find articles that chronicle the rise and fall of the former Richmond Outreach Center pastor once affectionately known as “Pastor G.” An article in late 2001 asked if he was the “next great hope for Richmond’s inner city.” By May 2013, the picture turned bleak with his arrest in Texas on charges that he sexually abused an 11-year-old girl and her 13-year-old sister in the mid-1990s in Tarrant County.
Charity no substitute for justice
In his speech the night before his murder, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. repeated the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan who stopped and helped the desperate traveler who had been beaten, robbed and left half dead as he journeyed along the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. The Good Samaritan is traditionally considered a model of charity for his willingness to treat a stranger as a neighbor and friend. Dr. King agreed that we all are called to follow his example and serve those around us who need help. But he reminded us that true compassion — true justice — requires attacking the forces that leave others in need in the first place.
The black-on-black murder myth
Conservative blogs, websites, newspapers and pundits are at it again, screaming that young black males are killing each other with abandon in city after city. They repeatedly toss out the supposedly raging murder violence in Baltimore, Chicago and New York City as proof that black- on-black carnage has mounted to national epidemic levels. It makes no difference that murder rates have drastically plunged in most big cities during the past two decades, and that Chicago and Baltimore are glaring aberrations to the consistent steady national decline in murders.
Primary lesson
Primary lesson With Tuesday’s primary elections now in the rear view mirror, we reflect on the lesson we can take into the Nov. 3 general election.
Bad cop registry
Out of control.That’s how the police chief of McKinney, Texas, described the abhorrent actions of former police Cpl. Eric Casebolt in responding to a call at an end-of-school pool party in a suburban Dallas neighborhood.
Stephanie T. Rochon, 50, local TV news anchor
Stephanie Therese Rochon knew no strangers, whether she was anchoring the evening news at WTVR CBS6, worshipping at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Henrico County or out in the community. “She was just a very happy person,” her husband, Jeffery D. Moten, said.
Serena wins 20th major trophy at French Open
Nothing, absolutely nothing, could stop Serena Williams from winning her 20th grand slam singles title. She joyously bounced around in delight as she hoisted the glistening French Open trophy last Saturday.
VIA Heritage Committee to meet June 20
An organization wants to preserve the history of the Virginia Interscholastic Association, including possibly setting up a VIA Hall of Fame.
Leroux shines on U.S. women’s soccer team
Talent plus controversy equals Sydney Leroux. The 25-year-old striker figures heavily into the main plot — and subplot — for this year’s Women’s World Cup soccer tournament.
Area players helped teams to NBA Finals
Area fans have no local favorite playing in this year’s Cleveland — Golden State NBA Finals. But that hasn’t always been the case.
Tomorrow’s Promise scholars named by RRHA
Ten college-bound students are being awarded Tomorrow’s Promise scholarships from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
3 ministers to be elevated to bishop by Temple of Judah network
Three Pentecostal ministers will be elevated to bishops next week at a ceremony that also will launch a new network of churches to be based at the Temple of Judah in Church Hill.
Jazz program to benefit All Souls Presbyterian
Jazz will seek to “Raise the Roof” at All Souls Presbyterian Church in North Side.
2 Richmond gospel icons to perform at Petersburg’s Gillfield Baptist Church for Father’s Day service
Two longtime Richmond gospel artists are scheduled to perform at the Father’s Day service 11 a.m. Sunday, June 21, at historic Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg.
Texas cop resigns over pool party debacle
A white policeman seen in a cellphone video tossing a 14-year-old, bathing suit-clad black girl to the ground and burying his knees in her back resigned Tuesday from the McKinney police force.
Plans shelved to turn Highland Park school into apartments
A $10 million proposal to convert the former St. Elizabeth Catholic School on North Side into 92 affordable apartments for the elderly and disabled has been sidelined, at least for the time being.
Free meals available for children this summer
Children will be able to get a nutritious breakfast and lunch this summer at no charge at sites in Richmond and Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties.
Warren found not guilty in document case
Not guilty. That’s the legal status of Deidre Warren, the mother of former Delegate Joseph D. Morrissey’s 19-year-old girlfriend, Myrna Pride.
Samuels’ departure signals City Council change
Charles R. Samuels has served notice he will not seek re-election to City Council in November 2016. His public announcement last week that he will not seek another four-year term representing the 2nd District appears to be a harbinger of change in the city’s governing body.
VSU rejects critical state audit
Virginia State University has politely, but firmly rejected many of the findings in a scathing state audit and ignored others in stoutly defending its financial practices.
Thursday, June 11
Tuesday, June 9
First 100 days
Police chief reflects on good, bad, ugly
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham marked his 100th day in office last Sunday. It was not the kind of day he had hoped for or envisioned.
Youth Jazz Guild students receive scholarships
Six students from the Richmond Youth Jazz Guild collectively have been awarded $381,000 in college scholarships, according to Ashby Anderson, guild founder and artistic director.
State vital records now online
Millions of individual records of births, deaths, marriages and divorces in Virginia in the past 100 years are now available online, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced this week.
Baker Elementary conversion plan on track
The Richmond School Board has cleared the way for the old Baker Elementary School in Gilpin Court to be converted into 55 new apartments for the elderly and disabled.
Friday, June 5
Primary elections Tuesday, June 9
Next week, Richmond voters will go to the polls. Primary elections will be held in two area Senate and two area House of Delegates districts on Tuesday, June 9, to determine who will carry the Democratic banner into the general election in November.
Baseball’s Jalen Rudolph of TJ conference player of the year
If Richmond Public Schools was to name an All-Round Athlete of the Year, Jalen Rudolph would deserve serious consideration.
‘Equity and Excellence’ needed
All across the country, people are gathering to observe an annual academic rite of passage — graduation. In a scene that will be played out countless times during this season of celebration, family and friends will dutifully take their seats in auditoriums and at sports fields around the nation and proudly look on as their loved ones walk across stages to receive their diplomas or degrees and, finally, turn the tassel on their graduation caps.
Richmond high school graduations start Tuesday
Break out the caps and gowns. It’s graduation time in Richmond.
Lettie Coleman Madison, 105, developed social work department at VUU
For more than a century — 105 years to be exact — Lettie Coleman Madison used her vast reservoir of talents and experiences to help transform the lives of others. The daughter of a sharecropper and granddaughter of freed slaves, she left no stone unturned while seeking to help others. She was a lifelong advocate for human rights as a social worker, college professor, author, philanthropist, church member and, later, as a retiree.
Process that boots judges under review
Justice Cleo E. Powell of Va. Supreme Court to head panel
Justice Cleo E. Powell of Va. Supreme Court to head panel
Investment in students pays dividends
Last fall, the alumni of Virginia Union University kicked off the “Invest in a Student” campaign and raffle, the first of its kind for the alumni of VUU. Tickets were sold to alumni and friends around the state and all over the country. The grand prize was a 2015 Series 3 BMW and the winning ticket was drawn during VUU’s 3rd Annual Scholarship Gala and Masquerade Ball on April 24.
Morrissey should ‘stay out of the public eye’
Why does Joe Morrissey seem to have such support in the black community?
Job elimination strikes a chord
Mayor Dwight C. Jones and most of Richmond City Council continue to budget in shortsighted ways.
Changing the face of currency
Let’s do this. Put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. It’s time for the face of this nation’s currency to catch up with the great changes this country has undergone since the end of the Jim Crow era. Putting the no-nonsense image of Ms. Tubman, a black woman who served her people as a conductor of the Underground Railroad — and served her country as a Union Army spy during the Civil War — would be a powerful reflection of that change.
Time to fish
There is an old saying that if you give someone a fish, he or she can eat for a day. But if you teach people to fish, they can feed themselves for a lifetime.
Lighting the way
Today, we light a candle for Raymond H. Boone, the late founder, editor and publisher of the Richmond Free Press.
Dogwood Dell blossoms with Festival of the Arts
Richmond’s free summer Festival of the Arts at Dogwood Dell will launch its new season Sunday, June 7, with a Renaissance-style fair and a production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Local track stars make website’s all-time Top 10
With spring track and field in full gear, let’s call a timeout to reflect on some blasts from the past. Numerous area athletes have popped up on an impressive, recently released list of Virginia’s all-time, outdoor high school track and field performers.
Cleveland, Golden State gear up for NBA Finals
The spotlight couldn’t get any brighter or the stakes any higher. Professional basketball’s annual main event is about to tip off. This year’s NBA Finals, with the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Golden State Warriors, features two piping hot teams and a pair of the world’s premier individual talents.
Prince George player among area’s top scorers
If you missed seeing Ariel Stephenson play basketball for Prince George High School, you’ll have a chance to spot her in upcoming seasons at Wake Forest University.
VUU, VSU athletes named to CIAA All-Academic team
Athletes at Virginia Union and Virginia State universities have been named to the CIAA’s All-Academic team. VUU tennis player Anthony Michael and VSU basketball star Tiffanie Adair were first team picks.
More changes at VCU after Smart
Virginia Commonwealth University basketball players and recruits continue to scatter after the departure of former Coach Shaka Smart. Terry Larrier has transferred to the University of Connecticut, where he will sit out the 2015-16 season and then have three seasons of eligibility for the Huskies.
VCU, U.Va. in NCAA baseball Super Regional competition
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rams have taken care of baseball business in Dallas. Now, feeling the wind at their back, it’s on to South Florida.
Charges dismissed against VCU’s Alie-Cox
A misdemeanor assault charge against Virginia Commonwealth University basketball center Mo Alie-Cox has been dismissed after his accuser admitted her claim against him was false and based on mistaken identity. She also apologized in a letter presented in court.
Former Globetrotter Marques Haynes dies at 89
Marques Haynes’ dribbling skills wowed fans in more than 100 countries. He was a showstopper, a player who helped make the Harlem Globetrotters beloved ambassadors of basketball around the world.
Respect for Life Academy sets June 19 graduation
Seven students from the Respect for Life Academy, accompanied by school director Zatima Brown and other faculty, walked from their classes to a Downtown credit union Monday.
Personality: Lamar Antoine Greene
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools’ highest achieving student
Lamar Antoine Greene draws his inspiration to be a classroom standout from his mother, Kimberly Greene, who is a dental assistant. “I am motivated to study because I have seen how hard my mother works to provide for me and it has made me so humble and independent,” he says. “I want to make a decent living for myself while utilizing my skills and talents to help others.” The goal-driven young man says he set his focus on being the top student in his class academically at Richmond Community High School on North Side “since my freshman year.”
WWI soldiers receive long overdue honors
President Obama on Tuesday awarded posthumous Medals of Honor to two soldiers from World War I, one an African-American and the other a Jew, who arguably were denied the honor earlier because of discrimination. The medals, the United States’ highest military honor for valor, went to Pvt. Henry Johnson, of Albany, N.Y., and Sgt. William Shemin of Bayonne, N.J., 97 years after they saved comrades on French battlefields.
VSU hit in state auditor’s draft report
Virginia State University is facing unexpected financial challenges as a result of sloppy management during the tenure of former President Keith T. Miller, according to a draft of a state audit of the school’s spending during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2014.
City DPW head quits over Harvard dispute
Since he arrived in 2011, James A. Jackson has pushed for change in the Richmond Department of Public Works. Instead of top-down leadership, he has spearheaded a team approach, worked to replaced outdated equipment and sought to address the backlog of citizen complaints about services.
Have your say in new name for Thompson Middle
Thompson-Elkhardt Middle School. Or Elkhardt-Thompson Middle School.
Stephanie Rochon dies
WTVR CBS6 news anchor Stephanie Rochon died in Richmond on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, after a battle with cancer.
ABA president-elect challenges ODBA for the future
The president-elect of the American Bar Association praised the trailblazing accomplishments of the historic Old Dominion Bar Association at its 75th anniversary commemorative gala banquet Saturday night at a Henrico County conference center. “Those individuals who founded the Old Dominion Bar Association are the giants that have led us to where we are today,” Paulette Brown told the audience of 150 people that included state and federal lawmakers, judges and attorneys. “We stand on their shoulders. They opened doors for us and let us know that we are capable of doing great things,” she added.
Legal freedom fighters
At 75, ODBA’s struggle for justice continues
When black lawyers from across Virginia gathered in Richmond last week to mark the 75th anniversary of the Old Dominion Bar Association, far more than nostalgia was on their minds.
