Wednesday, November 25
Richmond school athletic programs need help
I feel profound sadness and dismay about the state of our athletic programs in Richmond. Having been born, raised, educated and employed here, I have witnessed our children being humiliated year after year with no end in sight. As Richmond’s mayor, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder tried to offer leadership in regards to Richmond Schools by contending that there were too many schools. He was right. Inaction has relegated our schools to second class status. This is not to suggest that athletics is the most important issue facing our schools. Absolutely not!
Court ruling sends wrong message
Re “Special needs advocate appeals conviction, faces another charge,” Nov. 19-21 edition:
Expand Medicaid in the commonwealth
Expanding Medicaid in Virginia should be the dominant issue in the Virginia General Assembly session that begins in January.
‘Where is our Christian humanity?’
Re editorial “Think globally,” Nov. 19-21 edition:
Go vegetarian for Thanksgiving
While President Obama is pardoning two turkeys for Thanksgiving, every one of us can exercise that same presidential power by choosing a nonviolent Thanksgiving observance that spares a turkey’s life.
The Muslim world isn’t silent
I received a call a few days after the Paris terrorist attacks from a relative. She was, quite understandably, deeply unsettled by the attack. She asked me why it was that the Muslim community was so silent about jihadist attacks. I told her that they were — and are — not silent at all. In fact, there were — immediate — statements of condemnation of these attacks from a wide range of organizations and religious leaders in the Arab and Muslim worlds, ranging from the Free Syrian Army to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, that denounced the heinous attacks. My relative then asked me why she and so many other people had not heard word one about this?
Let your spending reflect your values
The buildup began right after Halloween, when the newspapers got thicker, the advertising inserts longer and emails touting shopping bargains coming more frequently.
‘Let us express our gratitude by welcoming others’
President Obama’s 2015 Thanksgiving Proclamation.
“What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving?”
On this holiday of gratitude, the Free Press talked to people Downtown and they answered the question:
Community Thanksgiving Feast open to all for 10th year
Come one, come all and share Thanksgiving with us. That’s the heartfelt invitation to the community as The Giving Heart prepares to serve a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings in Downtown.
North Side man surprised to find his portrait in library exhibit
The Rev. Robert W. Oliver’s jaw dropped and his eyes lit up with delight when he walked into the Richmond Public Library’s Gellman Room in Downtown.
RVA On Ice opens with ceremony Nov. 25
RVA On Ice, the city’s outdoor ice skating rink, will kick off its sixth season with a opening ceremony and celebration featuring music, games, activities and prizes.
VUU Concert Choir singing songs of season on Dec. 3
The Virginia Union University Concert Choir will present its annual Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 in the Allix B. James Chapel at Coburn Hall on the campus.
Miss Fields, Mr. Witherspoon wed in sunrise ceremony
Yolanda Gail Fields and John Wesley Witherspoon are wed. The couple exchanged vows during a 7 a.m. ceremony Saturday, Sept. 26, at a private waterfront residence in Dunnsville. Pastor Gwendolyn G. Young of The Lord’s Healing Church in Chesterfield and the Rev. Robert Murray, pastor of First Baptist Church-Bute Street of Norfolk, officiated.
Congressional Black Caucus chairman to speak Dec. 3 at VUU
Congressman George Kenneth “G. K.” Butterfield, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, will address students at Virginia Union University at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.
Diva Bag Auction scheduled for Dec. 7
Black Girls Rock! Founder Beverly Bond is scheduled to participate in Girls For A Change’s 2015 Diva Bag Auction at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at the Trinity Family Life Center.
VUU playoff hopes end in first round
In a game pitting two highly explosive offenses against each other, Virginia Union University came up about a firecracker short. Penalties, turnovers and a failed golden opportunity on the 1-yard line were chief culprits in the season-ending loss. Competing in the NCAA Division II football playoffs for the first time since 1991, the Panthers fell 40-21 at cold, windy Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania during a first-round game for Super Region 1. Don’t be misled by the score.
Southside Ducks, Battery Park big winners in city rec league play
Sheyheim Harris ran over tacklers for five touchdowns and Kevin Gayles punched in four extra points to lead the undefeated Southside Ducks to victory last Saturday in the Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ Youth Tackle Football Championship.
Panthers b-ball hopes to come roaring back
There’s a common thread between one of Virginia Union University’s all-time basketball greats and its current leading man. Both A.J. English II and his protégé, Ray Anderson, hail from the hard courts of Wilmington, Del. The VUU faithful are hoping Anderson, hailed by some as the “Ray of Hope,” can usher the program back to the glory road. English recommended VUU to Anderson and arranged for a visit, recounted the 6-foot-3 junior guard Anderson. “That’s how I got here,” he said.
Former VUU football standout inducted into softball hall of fame
William “Dill” Dillon went from being one of Virginia Union University’s all-time football greats to achieving excellence in another sport — slow-pitch softball. Dillon was inducted Saturday, Nov. 21, into the Central Virginia Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Hall of Fame. The event was held at The Place at Innsbrook in Henrico County.
VCU Rams jostle the crowns of basketball royalty
Native New Yorker Melvin Johnson wasn’t about to get blinded by the lights on arguably college basketball’s brightest stage, Madison Square Garden.
Dr. Robert M. Screen, Hampton University’s longtime winning tennis coach, dies
Dr. Robert Martin Screen, who ushered Hampton University tennis into the national spotlight, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, in Hampton. In more than 40 years of coaching at HU, Dr. Screen led the Pirates to two NCAA Division II tennis championships, 22 straight CIAA titles and 11 consecutive MEAC crowns.
Remembering Leonard Lambert Sr.
Hundreds of people gathered to remember Leonard W. Lambert Sr. at a funeral service Tuesday at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.
Personality: Anne Shirelle Harris
Spotlight on Promising Practice in Character Education Award winner
Reading is important because it opens the door to limitless possibilities.
Armed guards in the Richmond Public Library?
Frightening incidents spark the possibility
Are armed security guards needed in Richmond’s public libraries? Two recent unsettling incidents at the North Avenue Branch have convinced Richmond City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert that having an unarmed security guard is not enough at that branch to ensure that people “have a sense of safety and are safe.” On Oct. 28, a man with a rifle slung over his shoulder and a long knife strapped to his leg walked into the library as little children were engaged in a storytelling program, setting off alarms among the staff.
Gospel programming moves to WLEE, 990 AM
“Rejoice 1540” AM, the longtime radio home of urban gospel music and preaching on WREJ in Richmond, permanently went off the air Nov. 6.
Women’s Empowerment Conference Dec.5
“Arise & Soar — Destiny Awaits You.” That’s the theme of a Women’s Empowerment Conference to be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Location: The Family Life Center at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St. in the West End.
Faith groups mobilize against opposition to Syrian refugees
Religious groups are pushing back against a wave of opposition toward Syrian refugees and are working to preserve the United States as a haven for those fleeing their war-torn nation.
Pope Francis embarks on African trip during Christian-Muslim tension
Pope Francis’ first trip to Africa will highlight the problems of building dialogue between Christianity and Islam as both religions grow fast on the continent and threaten to widen an already volatile fault line.
Chicago police officer charged with murder in death of black teen
A white Chicago policeman was charged Tuesday with murdering a black teenager, and authorities are hoping to stave off a fresh burst of the turmoil over race and police use of deadly force that has shaken the United States for more than a year. Officer Jason Van Dyke, 37, was denied bail at a hearing in Chicago’s main criminal courthouse hours after prosecutor Anita Alvarez announced charges of first-degree murder, or killing without lawful justification. If convicted, Officer Van Dyke could face 20 years to life in prison.
Hammond’s contract extended at vsu
Dr. Pamela V. Hammond has agreed to spend an extra month as interim president of Virginia State University. The VSU Board of Visitors last week approved a one-month extension of Dr. Hammond’s contract that will keep her in place through Jan. 31.
VCU historian: Records show KKK spread across the U.S. like measles
At a time when some presidential candidates are gaining support and headlines for bashing African-Americans, Mexican immigrants, Muslims and other groups, a historian in Richmond is using records of the Ku Klux Klan to show the public how easily bigotry can spread to every corner of the country.
AG’s office premieres documentary on rising heroin epidemic Dec. 2
The office of Attorney General Mark R. Herring is premiering a documentary it has produced, “Heroin, The Hardest Hit,” 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St., in Downtown.
Triple the blessings
From intensive care unit to loving arms of thankful mother
Keri’Co, Kali’Co and Koh’Co Harris spent their first Thanksgiving in the intensive care unit at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. The diminutive triplets were receiving life-nurturing aid from medical staff after their mother, Deidre Harris, delivered them two months prematurely by Cesarean section Oct. 21, 2013. She was 33 at the time and was suffering from health complications.
Friday, November 20
VCU now working on new children’s hospital
Virginia Commonwealth University plans to take the lead in developing a new inpatient children’s hospital in Richmond. After rebuffing a private group’s concept of an independent, freestanding hospital on the Boulevard, VCU is moving to create a plan for a dedicated hospital for children on its medical campus in Downtown.
City needs better rapid transit plan
The RVA Coalition for Smart Transit represents 11 neighborhood organizations and civic groups. We are Richmond voters, residents, taxpayers, business owners and bus riders from every demographic. We vigorously support improved public transit in Richmond, and that is precisely why we are so concerned about GRTC’s bus rapid transit as it is currently planned. The more we learn about this bus concept called “the Pulse,” the more it appears to be fundamentally flawed. According to GRTC’s own million dollar study, 47 percent of Richmonders have no bus service where they live. According to a Harvard University study, Richmond ranks 92nd out of 100 metropolitan areas in public transit service.
Hope for the ‘Cotton Curtain’
We won the Voting Rights Act of 1965 at Selma, combining the power of a principled mass movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a compassionate president who did the right thing despite the heavy political price. What was that cost? President Lyndon B. Johnson said it best at the time when he told his aides that we’d “just lost the South for a generation.”
Beyond T-shirts and hoodies
Recollections of my 1995 article on the business of college athletics danced in my head when I heard the news about the University of Missouri football team’s refusal to play until the president of that university, Tim Wolfe, resigned or was dismissed.
Think globally
The terrorist attacks in Paris last week that resulted in the deaths of 129 people and the wounding of several hundred more are the latest tragedy in a world becoming all too familiar with violence of this type and magnitude. Somehow, we divorce ourselves from the fatal incidents and suicide bombings occurring across the globe until they happen to people we connect with.
VUU heads to first round of NCAA playoffs
Virginia Union University has been given the chance to scratch a 24-year football itch. But before the Panthers say can “ahh,” there is much work to be done.
Kenyan, Ethiopian runners clinch top spots in marathon
Runners from Kenya and Ethiopia were first to the finish line last Saturday in the 38th Annual Anthem Richmond Marathon. More than 19,000 runners competed in the main event — the 26.2-mile marathon — along with its companion races, the half marathon and 8K.
VCU Rams take on Duke Blue Devils in NY
Here comes the rubber match. Virginia Commonwealth University and Duke University have met twice before in basketball, in 2007 and 2012, with each school winning once.
First Baptist Chesterfield project lacks black participation
First Baptist Church of South Richmond has poured nearly $6 million into buying land and developing its long-planned satellite sanctuary in Chesterfield County.
‘Faith and Public Safety’ forum Sunday
By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Sunday services will be unusual at St. Peter Baptist Church in Henrico County. The pastor, Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, is replacing the traditional 11 a.m. service on Nov. 22 with a two-hour forum titled “Faith and Public Safety,” it has been announced.
World religious leaders condemn Paris carnage
Pope Francis raised the specter of a World War III “in pieces,” Muslims issued statements of condemnation, while evangelical Christians in America debated whether to speak of a “war with Islam.” These were some of the responses last week by religious leaders around the world to the series of attacks Nov. 13 in Paris that left more than 120 people dead and hundreds of others wounded.
7 to be introduced at PROC Beautillion
Seven young men will be introduced to society at the 21st Annual PROC Beautillion on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Personality: Elijah Coles-Brown
Spotlight on youth orator, winner of NAACP Great Expectations Youth Award
Elijah Coles-Brown is a young man who has something to say and when he opens his mouth, he says it well.
Va. pioneer to receive Medal of Freedom
97-year-old NASA mathematician headed to White House for highest civilian honor
Former NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson could not have calculated her trajectory to the White House. The 97-year-old Newport News resident will be among 17 Americans receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — at the White House on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
RVA Reads gives a book a month to pre-schoolers
A city program is helping to put books into the hands of hundreds of Richmond’s youngest schoolchildren with the goal of exciting them about reading. Called RVA Reads, the program distributes a new book each month to 3- and 4-year-olds, according to Michael Wallace of the city’s press office.
Henrico School Board candidate seeks recount
Tara Adams has requested a recount in the Henrico County School Board race the PTA volunteer and financial services specialist appears to have lost by just 43 votes.
Voting opens Thursday for Brown Middle School to win STEM lab
Help Lucille Brown Middle School win a state-of the-art lab for STEM subjects, science, technology, engineering and math. That’s the appeal the Richmond school and its supporters are issuing to the community as the school competes for a $100,000 grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation to install a lab that would give Brown Middle students access to the latest learning tools and technologies.
Leonard W. Lambert, longtime Richmond lawyer, dies at 77
“My mother said it was important to be educated and give something back to the church and to the community.” Leonard W. Lambert Sr. told the Free Press those were the life lessons his mother, Mary Frances Warden Lambert, taught him and his six siblings long before her death in August 2014.
Locked out
Report: Fewer mortgages approved in predominately African-American, Latino areas
The greater the number of African-Americans and Latinos living in a Richmond neighborhood, the tougher it is for home buyers in the neighborhood to get a mortgage approved or for existing owners to get their home loans refinanced. That’s the rule of thumb that prevails among banks and online mortgage lenders, according to a new report from the Richmond-based fair housing watchdog group, Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia.
Friday, November 13
Coalition to City Council: Slow your roll on rapid transit
Slow down the rush to install bus rapid transit (BRT) in Richmond and take the time to ensure that the service will not become an expensive boondoggle.
Budget deal better than default
The House and Senate passed a bipartisan budget deal recently that addresses spending caps, the debt limit, Medicare premiums, Social Security Disability Insurance and many other items important to Virginians. This budget addressed issues that Congress desperately needed to tackle, and I’m happy to have voted in favor of the deal.
Study all the candidates
Not too far off from these so-called presidential debates will be the Republican and Democratic parties’ nominating conventions.
Testing failing our students
Across the country, parents have been in revolt against high-stakes standardized testing, with kids tested over and over again while creativ ity is cut out of classroom curricula. Parents — particularly in targeted urban schools from Chicago to Boston — also are marching against the forced closing of neighborhood schools, displacing kids and shutting down needed neighborhood centers. Now there is more and more evidence that the parents have it right — and the deep-pocket “reformers” are simply wrong.
Racial bias in jury selection
Illegal and unconstitutional jury selection procedures cast doubt on the integrity of the whole judicial process. They create the appearance of bias in the decision of individual cases, and they increase the risk of actual bias as well. – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Peters v. Kiff (1972)
On their shoulders
From the black soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War to the University of Missouri students and football players of color who learned this week the power of unity and strategic action, the fight by African-Americans for respect and equal treatment in this country has been a long one.
N.C. Moral Monday leader urges local NAACP to mobilize
“This is no time for foolishness,” said the Rev. William J. Barber II in an energizing message at the Richmond Branch NAACP’s Freedom Fund Awards Gala last Saturday.
Richmond Christian Center sending up a prayer for $
Thursday, Dec. 17. That’s the deadline for the bankrupt Richmond Christian Center to pay $200,000 in back taxes and overdue legal and accounting bills.
Student protests bring down Mizzou president, chancellor
The University of Missouri’s president stepped down Monday, and its chancellor moved aside, after protests by the school’s students and football team over alleged inaction against racial abuse on campus.
Panthers win 28-27 over Trojans; now looking for NCAA bid
Virginia Union University has rested its case — a powerful case for sure — in its effort to win a NCAA football playoff invitation.
Hoops season starts this weekend for VUU, VSU
Basketball season is about to start for Virginia Union University and Virginia State University. Both CIAA schools open this weekend with a pair of games against non-conference opponents. For VUU, the first test for new Coach Jay Butler will be 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, against Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va.
NBA takes bite out of Big Apple Classic
Virginia Union University’s basketball team will be staying in Richmond this year to take on CIAA rival Virginia State University, rather than heading to New York.
Pugh to be inducted in Black College Football Hall of Fame
Former Elizabeth City State University star Jethro Pugh, who died Jan. 7, has been named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
New play highlights renowned Richmond actor Charles Gilpin
The name of renowned actor Charles S. Gilpin has long faded in Richmond and elsewhere. Here in his birthplace, the only recognition for the 1920s Broadway star is the public housing community that is named for him — Gilpin Court, located just north of Downtown.
Black History Museum lighting up the night with ceremony Nov. 20
Lights will shine at the new Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The museum will hold an illumination ceremony 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the building at 122 W. Leigh St., museum Director Tasha Chambers has announced.
Fundraiser for group aiding domestic violence victims
The Carol Adams Foundation. will host is 4th Annual CAFI’s Purple Carpet Affair fundraiser from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at The Carillon in Byrd Park, 1300 Blanton Ave.
Petersburg cemetery gets historical marker
A state historical marker now commemorates the People’s Memorial Cemetery in Petersburg. The marker was unveiled last Sunday at the entrance of the 175-year-old African-American burial ground at 334 S. Crater Road.
Jackson Ward church hosts Social Justice Weekend
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson Ward is hosting a “Social Justice Weekend” Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15.
‘Abolitionists’ Museum’ play Saturday at East End church
Nat Turner, Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and John Brown and other 19th-century freedom fighters will be portrayed in the play “Abolitionists’ Museum” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Location: Thirty-first Street Baptist Church, 823 N. 31st St., in the East End.
Post Million Man March Anniversary
Nation of Islam, 100 Black Men to collaborate
The Nation of Islam will team up with 100 Black Men of America, an influential national black male organization dedicated to improving the quality of life within communities, to reinvigorate local organizing committees nationwide to move their agenda forward.
Denzel preaches gratitude at C.O.G.I.C. gathering
Hollywood star Denzel Washington, the son of a pastor, preached a sermon of gratefulness to hundreds of members of the Church of God in Christ at their annual Holy Congregation in downtown St. Louis.
James M. Fultz Jr., 66, first male president of National Medical Association Auxiliary
James M. Fultz Jr. showed a candid sense of humor when he spoke of his role as the husband of a prominent Richmond physician.
Personality: Christie W. Rasberry
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools 2016 Teacher of the Year
Christie W. Rasberry comes from a family of educators
GRTC unlimited fare passes start Sunday
GRTC passengers can begin using unlimited ride passes Sunday, Nov. 15, according to Carrie Rose Pace, the transit company spokesperson.
Allegations dismissed against Armstrong music teacher
The Richmond School Board is expected to decide Monday, Nov. 16, whether to reinstate or dismiss Willie D. “Will” Griffin, a popular music teacher and choir director at Armstrong High School.
38th Richmond Marathon to run on Saturday
Little could Greek courier Pheidippides have known he was kick-starting an activity that would endure for centuries. The sport now known as the marathon is said to stem from 490 B.C. when Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce the outnumbered Greek army had defeated the invading Persians.
New program helps youths with jobs
Billie Brown knows about youth unemployment. As the founder and owner of a temporary staffing agency that she began almost 16 years ago, she regularly sees young adults who cannot get work because they lack skills, have a felony record or never earned a high school diploma. Dismayed at how little was being done to help them, Ms. Brown and her company, Excel Management Services, have teamed with Saint Paul’s Baptist Church to try to make a dent in the problem.
Wednesday, November 11
City Council Finance Committee recommends hold on property tax rate
Take the money. That’s the recommendation of Richmond City Council’s Finance Committee chaired by Councilwoman Kathy C. Graziano, 4th District.
Richmond Public Schools hires new spokesperson
Kenita Bowers is the new chief spokesperson for Richmond Public Schools. Ms. Bowers will direct communications efforts for the city’s 45 schools that serve nearly 24,000 students. She began her duties last month, according to Richmond Public Schools officials.
VCU library expansion nearly complete
Virginia Commonwealth University has spent nearly $51 million to renovate and dramatically expand James Branch Cabell Library for student and public use.
Friday, November 6
Controlling our own story
In war, one of the first things the enemy does is destroy his adversary’s ability to communicate within its ranks. Chaos likely ensues if a fighting force cannot communicate internally. Individual soldiers end up doing their own thing, left to their own devices. They make decisions based on their individual situations and in their individual interests. This allows the enemy to come in and pick them off one by one, using false information and propaganda, instilling fear of being captured or killed, or by making the individual feel abandoned and left with no hope of victory.
Historical stereotypes feed unequal treatment
In 2011, Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, executive director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, published his book, “The Condemnation of Blackness.” I would suggest it as required reading for anyone interested in historical dynamics that have led to our contemporary position of asserting that Black Lives Matter.
Post-election download
The voters have spoken, and we congratulate the winners of Tuesday’s General Assembly elections and local contests in Metro Richmond.
Cirque du Soleil to bring new show to Richmond
Entertainment giant Cirque du Soleil is just days away from premiering its newest creation, “TORUK – The First Flight,” a groundbreaking visual spectacle inspired by James Cameron’s award-winning 2009 motion picture “AVATAR.” “TORUK” is coming to the Richmond Coliseum Nov. 27 through 29, and will enthrall and engage local audiences with its integration of art and technology.
Bishop Curry is first African-American leader of U.S. Episcopal Church
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, installed Sunday as the first African-American leader of the U.S. Episcopal Church, urged Episcopalians to evangelize by crossing divides of race, education and wealth.
Marker dedication Nov. 7 for First Baptist Centralia
First Baptist Church Centralia will dedicate a state historical marker this weekend celebrating the founding of the church in Chesterfield County 152 years ago.
Fire On Fridays begins this week at Saint Paul’s
Saint Paul’s Baptist Church will begin its annual Fire On Fridays worship services Nov. 6 at the church at 4247 Creighton Road in Henrico County.
Larry Bland and Promise to perform at benefit
Richmond gospel music icon Larry Bland and his quartet, Promise, are scheduled to perform a free concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.
Religion survey finds faith falling
Americans are becoming less religious, judging by such markers as church attendance, prayer and belief in God, and the trend is more pronounced among young adults, according to a poll released Tuesday.
‘Bobby Jones Gospel’ signing off the air
For more than 34 years, people have watched “Bobby Jones Gospel” on the BET network for their Sunday morning inspiration. The show, led by the 76-year-old Grammy Award winner, features stirring performances and in-depth interviews. It has served as a springboard to fame for some of today’s leading gospel artists, including Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Smokie Norful, Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin.
Personality: Zakia K. McKensey
Zakia K. McKensey says she is taking her life-saving message of HIV prevention, cancer awareness and a healthier lifestyle “to the streets.”
VUU, VSU clash on Saturday
Panthers eyeing tournament bids
All goals remain possible for Virginia Union University as it prepares for its final regular season football game Saturday against Virginia State University in Ettrick.
City high schools lose football games, but wins loom large for hoops season
In Hollywood, where movies are made and fantasy thrives, it is common for underdogs to overcome impossible odds to triumph and celebrate.
Simone Biles wins 3rd world championship
Simone Biles reigns as the queen of gymnastics. The 18-year-old American continued her dominance by winning her third straight world championship, beating Olympic champion and teammate Gabby Douglas last week at the gymnastic competition in Glasgow.
Dusty Baker named manager of Nationals
Johnnie B. “Dusty” Baker once hung his baseball cap in Richmond before becoming a successful big league player and manager.
City cheerleading, football competitions start Nov. 5
The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ youth tackle football playoffs and cheerleading competitions begin this week.
Cooper wins in squeaker
48 votes propel minister to Henrico School Board seat
48 votes propel minister to Henrico School Board seat
Republicans retain control of Va. Senate
For more than two hours after the polls closed Tuesday, Democrat Daniel H. Gecker held a commanding 3,000-vote lead and appeared to be headed for victory in the 10th Senate District that includes a chunk of Richmond’s West End and South Side.
Graying NAACP rallying to recover from obstacles
A session dedicated to the hot-button topic of police community relations at the 80th Annual Convention of the Virginia State Conference NAACP starkly illustrates the dilemma that confronts Linda Thomas, the newly elected president of the venerable civil rights organization.
Initiative to combat disproportionate school discipline
Elijah Coles-Brown, a diminutive but prodigiously precocious fifth-grader, was one of the stars at the Virginia NAACP convention last weekend in Richmond. At the tender age of 11, he already has embarked on a high-profile career as a motivational speaker.
Program aims to dismantle school-to-prison pipeline
One hundred and forty-nine students were arrested in Richmond Public Schools during the 2014-15 school year, according to Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham. Of those, 59 were arrested for disorderly conduct, offenses that included not sitting down in class or using profanity toward a teacher, he said.
Injuries plague S.C. student hurt by school officer
The 16-year-old African-American female student who was violently slammed, tossed and dragged across a classroom floor by a white school resource officer suffered multiple injuries during the incident, her attorney said.
Pilot program to provide free dinner for students
Beginning in March, Richmond Public Schools will provide free dinners to students at eights of its schools in underserved communities. Those students also will be given backpacks containing free meals to take home for the weekend and extended school breaks such as holidays and inclement weather closings.
City schools’ All-City Jazz concert Nov. 5
Richmond Public Schools is hosting its second annual All-City Jazz Concert at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace St. in Downtown.
Tuesday, November 3
From gridiron to president
Willard Bailey shaping minds at new college
Willard Bailey, the CIAA legendary college football coach, has a new role in higher education. He has jumped from the gridiron to college president.
Richmond NAACP sets Freedom Fund banquet Nov.
North Carolina NAACP President William Barber II was a chief architect of the recent “Journey for Justice” march to Washington that called for renewal of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, sustainable jobs with living wages, criminal justice reforms, education equity and access to health care for all.
RRHA eyes Jackson Place for Fay Towers residents
The city’s housing authority is promising a fresh attempt to redevelop a chunk of Jackson Ward that was cleared for urban renewal nearly 25 years ago, but continues to be vacant.
Challenge to House districts dismissed
A three-judge federal court panel has dismissed a constitutional challenge to 12 majority-black districts in the Virginia House of Delegates.
