Friday, October 30
VUU hopes for NCAA bid despite takedown
Here is the good news/bad news update on Virginia Union University football. Unsettling news is that by losing 23-19 last Saturday at Bowie State University, VUU is now a long shot to win the CIAA Northern Division title and advance to the CIAA title game.
City is canvas for Arts in the Alley
Chris and Jeanine Guidry are changing the face of Richmond’s alleys and streets one mural at a time. During the past two weekends, the husband-and-wife team completed their 100th project through Arts in the Alley, a nonprofit Ms. Guidry co-founded eight years ago to clean and decorate neglected alleys as a way to better the city. Aided by a dozen volunteers, they added three colorful murals to building walls in the retail corridor of Barton Heights at North Avenue and Brookland Park Boulevard. The largest, a mural about hope, now fills a wall outside Dream Academy, a nonprofit high school at 2 E. Brookland Park Blvd.
Election Tuesday
Candidates in final swing
Now it’s time for the voters to speak. Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day.
CBS 6 shows ‘callous attitude’ toward President Obama
WTVR-TV, CBS 6 in Richmond continuously refuses to broadcast speeches when President Obama is on air. This, I feel, is disrespectful and should be brought to the attention of our community.
Armstrong music teacher ‘one of the brightest stars’
Re “Armstrong High music teacher fired,” Oct. 22-24 edition: Armstrong teacher Willie D. “Will” Griffin seems to have separated himself from the box that teachers are expected to live in
Free Press endorsements for 2015 Virginia elections
Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day. All 140 seats in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates are up for election, along with important local contests for board of supervisors and school board, among others, in Henrico and Chesterfield counties. The city of Richmond has no local elections.
A conversation with Joy-Ann Reid
Clinton has work to do to win black voters
As a national correspondent for MSNBC, Joy-Ann Reid has a commanding front row seat from which to observe the battle for the White House. Her savvy insights into the twists and turns of the campaign are on display in “Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons and the Racial Divide,” Ms. Reid’s newly published book.
VUU lecture on interracial cooperation in HBCU origins
What role did interracial cooperation play in the founding of historically black colleges and universities following the Civil War?
Fourth Baptist’s pastor leads by faith activism
Dr. Emory Berry Jr. calls himself a “walking miracle.” The 38-year-old is celebrating his fifth anniversary as pastor at Fourth Baptist Church in Richmond. When his mother was pregnant with him, doctors at a Miami hospital urged her to terminate her pregnancy because of health complications, he said. Instead, he said, his mother had faith that God would allow her to deliver the child safely and that he would make a difference in the world.
Public safety forum for churches on Oct. 30
The Richmond Police Department is hosting a safety and awareness forum for congregation leaders from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
City Park Church to hold first service Nov. 1
The Rev. Joe Ellison is returning to his ministerial roots. For 16 years, he drew praise and won community honors for ministering to people in the Essex Village Apartments and surrounding neighborhoods in Eastern Henrico County through his church and day care.
VSU beats Lincoln, but loses out on title
Kavon Bellamy is aiming toward a fast finish this football season at Virginia State University. Slowed by a nagging ankle injury much of the fall, the junior from Hampton High School is finally at full speed, which means, “Tacklers beware!”
Ram fever starts with 2K Classic
If dunks were donuts, Justin Tillman would be rich in sweet treats today. The 6-foot-7 Virginia Commonwealth University sophomore displayed his expertise with basketball’s high percentage shot before 5,223 fans during VCU’s Black & Gold Game Oct. 24 at the Siegel Center.
Few black coaches at top tier teams
On NCAA football’s top tier — Bowl Championship Subdivision (BCS) — statistics show a dramatic disparity. African-Americans comprise 53 percent of athletes but only 11 percent of head coaches, according to a 2014 report of The Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sport.
Personality: Dr. Kenneth S. Kendler
Spotlight on winner of National Academy of Medicine prize
Dr. Kenneth S. Kendler says three things “get me up in the morning to come in to work.” “The first is my intense curiosity about how the mind and brain of human beings work,” says the director at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics.
Deputy fired for slamming S.C. student
A white deputy who violently slammed a black female high school student to the floor and dragged her during a classroom arrest was fired Wednesday. Officer Ben Fields, 34, a senior deputy with the Richland County, S.C., Sheriff’s Department is also the focus of a federal civil rights probe.
Crusade co-founder to be honored Nov. 1
The Richmond Crusade for Voters is teaming up with two other groups to host a celebration of Dr. William Ferguson Reid, one of the area’s legendary political activists.
Former Richmond city manager being considered for VSU interim president
Robert C. Bobb, a Washington-based consultant who once ran Richmond’s government as city manager, is being considered for a new post — interim president of Virginia State University. Mr. Bobb, 70, is the choice of Harry Black, rector of the VSU Board of Visitors, to replace Dr. Pamela V. Hammond, who will step down as interim president at the end of December.
Better, but still bad
Only 17 of 45 city schools get full accreditation
Only 17 of 45 city schools get full accreditation
Student apologizes for playing racist song
The neatly attired African-American teenager somberly stepped to the podium at the Henrico County School Board meeting last week at New Bridge School in East Henrico.
One year after saying ‘I do,’ couple enjoys wedded bliss
“It’s like we’re experiencing love all over again,” said Shamika Fauntleroy.
Tuesday, October 27
Causey to lead Virginia State Bar
Doris Henderson Causey is about to make Virginia legal history. Ms. Causey, 45, will become president-elect in June of the Virginia State Bar’s Executive Council. She will be the first African-American and first legal aid lawyer to fill the top elective post for the VSB, the arm of the state Supreme Court that regulates lawyers.
NSU scores with SACS, state audit
Norfolk State University is finally getting some good news. Interim President Eddie N. Moore Jr. this week indicated that NSU is on its way to having its accrediting agency remove the school from probation and restore it to unqualified accreditation.
Marsh courthouse dedication on hold
Nine months ago, Mayor Dwight C. Jones won City Council approval to officially rename the Manchester Courthouse for Richmond’s first African-American mayor, Henry L. Marsh III, and his late brother, Harold M. Marsh Sr. However, a date for the ceremony to officially rename the building has yet to be announced.
City Council approves zoning change to spur North Side development
Richmond is rolling out the welcome mat for developers, investors and businesses willing to consider projects in centerpiece commercial districts in majority African-American areas of North Side.
City opens emergency cold weather shelter
Men and women again will be able to spend cold nights inside the city’s former Public Safety Building in coming months. For the third consecutive year, the City of Richmond will use a portion of the building at 501 N. 9th St. as its emergency overflow shelter, according to Tammy D. Hawley, a spokesperson for Mayor Dwight C. Jones.
Richmond Ambulance Authority wins top U.S. award
The Richmond Ambulance Authority has earned national recognition for its innovations in pre-hospital care and community outreach.
Friday, October 23
Preaching for better bus service
Dr. John W. Kinney leads the call from 200 Richmond area pastors for expanding public bus service to increase access to jobs and services for low-income residents. “Metropolitan Richmond must be linked together with a comprehensive public transportation system,” Dr. Kinney, dean of Virginia Union University’s school of theology, tells members of the Metro Richmond Clergy Convocation. The group pledged at the Oct. 15 event to carry that message to officials in Richmond and adjacent counties. Location: The Downtown overlook at Taylors Hill Park, 22nd and Grace streets, in the East End.
Homecoming highlights ...
The high-stepping marching band and the crowning of Mr. Virginia Union, Jason Smart-El, and Miss Virginia Union, Khadijah Harvin, were among the highlights of last weekend’s homecoming festivities at Virginia Union University. Thousands of alumni, students, community members and others joined in the festive occasion.
Personality: Marie Drexler Kolendo
Spotlight on new CEO of Greater Richmond Alzheimer’s Association
Marie Drexler Kolendo knows first hand the devastating toll that Alzheimer’s disease takes on afflicted individuals and their loved ones.
Racist song played at school by black student, sources say
Who was responsible for playing the racist, demeaning song laced with the n-word over the public address system last Friday at predominantly white Glen Allen High School in Henrico County during warm-ups for the homecoming football game against predominantly black John Marshall High School of Richmond?
Opinion does not belong in headline
Re: “Right and wrong,” Oct. 15-17 edition:
Embracing our own
Damien Durr is a brilliant young man who grew up in Ohio in a family of teachers where education was always stressed. No one, including Damien, ever thought he wouldn’t finish high school.
Jim Webb’s ‘culture’ war
Former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, feeling disrespected at CNN’s Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas, says he’s dropping out to consider running as an independent. That’s his right, but I wonder whether anyone will notice. It is well known that Mr. Webb, a decorated Vietnam combat veteran, former secretary of the Navy under President Ronald Reagan and author of numerous books, has two flaws for an aspiring politician: He doesn’t care much for campaigning and he really hates asking people for money.
Insidious racism
We were quite disturbed by news that a song loaded with racist lyrics and sentiment was piped over a public address system at Glen Allen High School as players from the largely white Henrico school and from the largely black John Marshall High School in Richmond were warming up for a homecoming football game.
Bye, bye Jim
The Internet and airwaves are atwitter with the latest news that Vice President Joe Biden will not be getting into the presidential race. His decision was the right one for this time, particularly with Republicans still riding a roller coaster with their zany field of candidates led by Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson. We also bid adieu to Jim Webb from the Democratic presidential nominating process, a process that he had great difficultly maneuvering both politically and financially.
Hampton U. professor wins Miss Virginia USA
Desiree Williams is sporting a new crown — Miss Virginia USA. An assistant professor at Hampton University, Dr. Williams, 26, won her latest state title at the Oct. 11 pageant in Charlottesville.
Miss Harris, Mr. Blackwell marry
Geneva Harris of Richmond became the wife of Nelson Blackwell of Dinwiddie on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Hanover Black Heritage Society program set for Oct. 24
The Hanover County Black Heritage Society is hosting a ceremony to honor the initial inductees for its Wall of Honor from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Henry Clay Inn, 114 N. Railroad Ave., in Ashland.
VUU homecoming victory sets up fight against the Bulldogs
Virginia Union University has become both the irresistible force and the immovable object of CIAA football. Under second-year Coach Mark James, the Panthers have showcased the league’s most powerful offense — 422 yards per game — and also the stiffest defense, with a scant 149 average yield.
VSU homecoming a heartbreaker
Virginia State University’s Trojans are down but not necessarily out. Following a heartbreaking 22-19 homecoming loss Oct. 17 to Bowie State University before 7,300 fans, VSU still has an outside chance of “three-peating” as the CIAA Northern Division champion. But for that to happen, the Trojans, now 1-1 in the division, will need to go on a winning streak — and get some outside help.
VCU hoops opens with exhibition game
The Will Wade era of Virginia Commonwealth University basketball is on the launching pad, preparing for a long-awaited take off.
WNBA champs
Minnesota Lynx party like it’s 1999 — with Prince
What better time to party than after winning the WNBA title for a third time in five years. And who better to party with than Prince. The Minnesota Lynx and the megastar singer-songwriter partied like it was 1999 after the Lynx won the WNBA championship crown Oct. 14 over the Indiana Fever.
Community turns out to mourn Alicia Rasin
God chose Alicia Rasin to serve the city’s poor, forgotten and downtrodden. That was the message the Rev. Leonidas Young II passionately delivered to hundreds of people who attended the funeral service Saturday for Ms. Rasin at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.
$3M civil suit filed against ABC agents
How much is Martese Johnson’s pain, suffering and bleeding worth? Mr. Johnson, now a fourth-year honors student at the University of Virginia, was slammed onto the pavement outside a Charlottesville pub last March by three agents from the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control who suspected him of trying to use a fake ID to enter.
Protest over teacher transfers
Dozens of angry teachers, parents and students protested Richmond Public Schools’ plan to move 10 teachers from four elementary schools into classrooms at other schools in the district. Teachers held signs proclaiming “Save Our Teachers,” “Our Students Deserve Better” and “Teacher Power!” Their protest mounted at Monday’s meeting of the Richmond School Board is against the school administration’s process known as “leveling,” which Superintendent Dana T. Bedden explained is to provide more equitable teacher-student ratios in schools across the district.
Gov. uses powers for gun control
Gun-toting Virginians, except for law enforcement and military personnel, are to be banned from state office buildings — even if they have concealed weapons permits. Separately, judges are to be encouraged to force people involved in domestic violence to surrender guns they own if they are subject to protective orders.
Crusade for Voters announces endorsements
Democrat Daniel Gecker has secured the endorsement of the Richmond Crusade for Voters in the hotly contested four-way race in the 10th Senate District, which includes a big chunk of the city. The Crusade announced Wednesday that it’s throwing its support behind Mr. Gecker, a member of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, in the Nov. 3 general election.
Chesterfield NAACP president acquitted; Lucas arrested for stalking
The president of the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP has been found not guilty of assaulting an NAACP member and advocate for special needs children. LaSalle J. McCoy Jr., who also serves as secretary of the state NAACP, was acquitted last week at a hearing in Chesterfield General District Court.
Armstrong High music teacher fired
Willie D. “Will” Griffin has won plaudits during his eight years as a music teacher at Armstrong High School. Best known for his work with the school’s choir, Mr. Griffin was named Armstrong’s Teacher of the Year in 2013 — the same year he took eight choir members to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall, a first for the school system.
Hammond to VSU: Bye
Interim president out of consideration for top job
Virginia State University soon may have a new president, but it won’t be Dr. Pamela V. Hammond, VSU’s interim president. Dr. Hammond unexpectedly has pulled her name from consideration for the university’s top job — notifying the head of VSU’s board of visitors that she no longer is interested and would be leaving when her current contract expires Dec. 31. In a four-page letter to VSU Rector Harry Black dated Oct. 14, Dr. Hammond provided the required 60-day notice that she did not want the board to “renew my current contract” and was “formally withdrawing my name for further consideration as a candidate for the presidency.”
Wednesday, October 21
Buyer beware
Consumers may flip wig over falsely labeled hair
Unsuspecting women are being ripped off when it comes to buying wigs. They are being induced to pay higher prices for cheaper wigs that are falsely labeled as being a more expensive product. So says Mary J. Harris, a retired Richmond factory worker.
Tuesday, October 20
Historic Eggleston Hotel site to get new life
Development soon could be underway on 31-unit apartment project in Jackson Ward. The proposed Eggleston Plaza, which has been planned for five years, is at the site of the former Eggleston Hotel at 2nd and Leigh streets.
State NAACP annual convention to start Oct. 30 in Richmond
National NAACP President and CEO Cornell W. Brooks, Gov. Terry McAuliffe, and celebrated political commentator Roland S. Martin will address civil rights activists from around Virginia at the 80th Annual Convention of the Virginia State Conference NAACP in Richmond.
Leaf collection scaled back for residents
Soon after taking office in 2009, Mayor Dwight C. Jones reversed the action of his predecessor, L. Douglas Wilder, who reduced the vacuuming of leaves to once a year to save $300,000. Mayor Jones restored the traditional two cycle collection of leaves in city neighborhoods.
Friday, October 16
RRHA residents in ‘buy or move’ spot
Charlene C. Harris hoped to live out her years at 1600 Colorado Ave., the single-family brick cottage that she and her family have called home for 47 years. But now the retired 68-year-old state employee is being told she must either purchase the two-bedroom home from her landlord, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, or face moving. “It’s a terrible situation,” she said. “RRHA has told me I have to put up $500 to begin the process and to get a mortgage by December. Otherwise, I would have to accept relocation.”
‘Ambassador of Compassion’ dies at 62
Even in the final few days before she succumbed to heart failure, Alicia C. Rasin found the time and energy to assist others in need.
Justice Or Else
Million Man March 20th Anniversary draws throngs calling for justice, equity
Twenty years ago, 1.2 million African-American men assembled in a blanket of humanity that spread across the National Mall from the U.S. Capitol to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to attend the first Million Man March. There, they declared “their right to justice to atone for their failure as men and to accept responsibility as the family’s head.”
Panthers roaring back
There was a time when Virginia Union University dominated CIAA football and ranked among the most successful programs in NCAA Division II.
American people treated like road kill
The Republicans have the gall to call themselves road kill. Under the Republicans, the American people have been repeatedly run down and run over by these hit-and-run politicians.
Support needed for caregivers
A debilitating disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, takes a devastating toll on the people who suffer from it as they lose their ability to walk, dress, write, speak, swallow and breathe. But the disease, as well as brain injury and other conditions that render someone unable to care for themselves, also wreaks havoc on the sufferers’ families.
Potential is not power
Have you ever heard someone say, “Black people have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with?” How about this one? “Black folks have all of the potential in the world to become, to achieve, to affect and to change.” Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Alabama’s Jim Crow far from subtle
In Alabama, 50 years after Selma, voting rights are once more under assault. Even as Alabama finally took down its Confederate flags this year, it has raised new obstacles to voting. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder to gut the Voting Rights Act, supported by the five conservative justices alone, opened the floodgates to legislation in more than 21 states erecting new obstacles to make voting more difficult. These obstacles have included limiting the days for early voting, eliminating Sunday voting, requiring various forms of ID, shutting down voting sites and more. Alabama — the home of Selma and the Bloody Sunday police riot that spurred the passage of the original federal Voting Rights Act 50 years ago — is one of the leaders in the new forms of voter suppression.
Gun control for cops
Last week, we used this space to advocate for tougher gun control laws and increased data collection to protect the safety and health of the people.
Round 1
Tuesday night’s Democratic debate offered an interesting opening look at the five candidates vying to win voter support to become the nation’s next chief executive. As expected, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont posted the strongest showings, with former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee trailing.
Music by the river
An estimated 200,000 people gathered under mostly sunny autumn skies last weekend to enjoy crowd-pleasing music and dances performed by more than 40 artists at the 11th Annual Richmond Folk Festival.
Virginia Randolph school to mark 100th anniversary on Saturday
The Academy at Virginia Randolph will celebrate its centennial Saturday, Oct. 17, marking a century since the Henrico County school was dedicated in honor of Ms. Randolph, the pioneering African-American educator.
VUU and VSU homecomings this weekend
It’s time for joyful reunions, parties, tailgating and football as Virginia Union University and Virginia State University celebrate their homecomings this weekend.
Casting call Oct.17 for play
A casting call will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Thirty-First Street Baptist Church, 823 N. 31st St., for the play, “Abolitionists Museum.”
VSU’s new power player: Cannon
The most appreciated gifts are often those you never saw coming. Trenton Cannon has been Virginia State University’s surprise package this football season. A sophomore transfer from Shepherd University in West Virginia, Cannon didn’t create so much as a ripple in the Trojans’ preseason prospective.
VUU men win cross-country meet
Virginia Union University’s Franck Charles remains undefeated this season after winning the Panther Classic cross-country meet last weekend at Richmond’s Bryan Park.
Petersburg to host memorial for hometown basketball legend Moses Malone
Petersburg is planning a tribute service for its most celebrated hometown sports hero, the late basketball great Moses Malone. The memorial program will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Petersburg High School’s gymnasium, 3101 Johnson Road. Mr. Malone, 60, died Sept. 13 of heart failure in Norfolk. His funeral was held Sept. 19 in Houston, where he lived at the time of his death.
Gilbert L. Carter succumbs at 70
NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier recalls Gilbert Lino Carter as “a wonderful human being.” Robert Rooks says Mr. Carter was “a fun-loving guy, who also was serious, … someone dedicated to community service.” The three men were childhood friends growing up in Richmond and star players on the Maggie Walker High School football team that won the state championship in 1962 under Coach Cannonball Cooper. They also played together at Morgan State University under Coach Earl Banks, where they won the Orange Blossom Classic, the unofficial “black college football championship game,” over Florida A&M in 1965. Mr. Carter and Mr. Lanier were college roommates for three years. Mr. Rooks recalls that Mr. Carter “had a rifle for an arm” as the heady quarterback for both high school and college teams. Mr. Carter went on to earn a law degree, taught law and worked in city and state positions in Richmond for more than 25 years.
Robert Moore, former VUU coach, dies
Former Virginia Union University basketball Coach Robert D. Moore died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, at his home in Charlotte, N.C.
Geronimo Aguilar gets 40 years
Forty years. That’s how much time former Richmond Outreach Center Pastor Geronimo “Pastor G” Aguilar will serve in a Texas prison for sexually assaulting two sisters — ages 11 and 13 — while he lived in their family’s home in Fort Worth and served as a youth pastor at their church in the mid-1990s.
‘War Room’ bridges racial divide
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is 11 o’clock on Sunday morning.” That truism also largely is the case for U.S. audiences that attend Christian-themed films. While Bishop T.D. Jakes’ series of films based on his “Woman Thou Art Loosed” novels and other Afro-centric Christian movies have been popular with African-American audiences, few white people of faith have supported them. Similarly, the compelling faith-based films from brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, who are white, and Christian movies with mostly white casts have largely attracted white audiences.
Personality: Maria Fatima Crenshaw
Spotlight on AKA Sorority’s 9th Annual Sauté and Sizzle benefitk
Maria Fatima Crenshaw loves to cook. On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being tops, the Richmond resident rates herself a nine in preparing scrumptious dishes. Among her favorites, she loves to serve fried chicken and pastelillos, also known as Spanish meat pies.
Crusade for Voters hosts candidates forum Oct. 18
Need to know more about the people who want to represent you in the General Assembly? The Richmond Crusade for Voters wants to help you be better prepared for the Nov. 3 election.
Absentee ballots can be requested online through new state portal
Virginians now can go online to apply for an absentee ballot. That’s possible after the Virginia Department of Elections launched its new online “citizens portal” Wednesday, according to a release from Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s office.
City selects sculptor for Maggie Walker statue
More than 16 years after it was first proposed, a bronze statue is to be created of a Richmond great, Maggie L. Walker, the first African-American woman in the nation to found and operate a bank.
Right and wrong
S.C. family gets $6.5M in police shooting death / Reports conclude fatal shooting of 12-year-old justified
Thursday, October 15
New park named for city police lieutenant
A new city park is being named for the late Richmond Police Lt. Ozell Johnson, a pioneer in community policing in the city. City Council voted unanimously Sept. 28 to designate city-owned property at 241 E. Ladies Mile Road in the Providence Park neighborhood in North Side as a park and name it for Lt. Johnson. “As a lifelong city resident, I’m very excited about this honor being bestowed on my late father,” said Richmond Police Maj. Odetta Johnson.
Public supports police statue move to The Carillon
The votes are in: The public wants a 28-year-old tribute statue to fallen Richmond police officers moved to The Carillon area of Byrd Park.
Councilman takes new job
Fifth District City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto has a new day job. He is now the executive director of the Capital Region Land Conservancy, a 10-year-old nonprofit that seeks to protect natural and historic resources in Metropolitan Richmond.
Friday, October 9
Black history museum taps new director
Jazz nights and poetry readings as well as interactive and traditional exhibits are among the plans that Tasha Chambers has for the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia when it moves into its new home early next year. “This new museum has so much history to celebrate,” said Ms. Chambers, who was introduced as the museum’s new director last week.
Savings vs. service
City’s 2014 audit shows millions sent to rainy day fund despite critical needs
Is Mayor Dwight C. Jones saving too much money while starving City Hall of the monetary resources needed to provide services to Richmond residents?
No denying meaning of Confederate flag
I am baffled over the continued debate on whether the Confederate flag represents hatred or heritage. The rebel flag was flapping in the breeze when Confederate fighting men ran wagons over wounded black soldiers during the Battle of Poison Spring in Quachita County, Ark. in April 1864. And it has motivated others, such as the coward who gunned down nine black church members in Charleston, S.C., in June.
Putting power behind the demand:
20th anniversary of Million Man March
This October will mark the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March, which was the largest public gathering in the history of America and the largest gathering of black men in world history.
Gun insanity
Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Or as “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert said, “Insanity is changing nothing and then pretending that something will change.”
Richmond Folk Festival returns to riverfront
There’s something for just about everyone at this weekend’s 11th Annual Richmond Folk Festival. An array of more than 40 performers representing a cross-section of music and dance is scheduled to entertain tens of thousands of people on six stages along the banks of the James River in Downtown.
‘La Vida’ exhibit opens Oct. 9 at Pine Camp
The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will host an art exhibit, “La Vida,” through Nov. 20 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
U.Va.’s historic Final Four team to attend Ridley forum benefit Oct. 10 in Richmond
The Virginia State University Alumni Theatre Ensemble is performing “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” to raise funds for the university’s Tuition Assistance and Scholarship Fund for students.
VSU Alumni Theatre Ensemble to put on play to benefit students
The Virginia State University Alumni Theatre Ensemble is performing “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” to raise funds for the university’s Tuition Assistance and Scholarship Fund for students. The performance will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in VSU’s L. Douglas Wilder Building Auditorium, 1 Hayden Drive, in Ettrick.
Triumph Awards honor entertainers, others making positive impact
John Legend and Tyrese Gibson were among those honored for their positive impact on the community at the Triumph Awards.
Field of dreams
Armstrong High’s coach wants decent baseball field for team
Armstrong High School’s baseball program has a passionate coach, a covey of eager athletes and an East End pipeline suggesting more talent is on the way. What it doesn’t have is a decent field to play on.
Ingram family carries on musical tradition
The Rev. Almeta Ingram-Miller said there was never any doubt that the renowned Ingramettes family gospel group would continue to perform after mother and founder Maggie Ingram died last June.
Million Man March anniversary gathering in D.C. on Saturday
Richmond area residents will travel by buses, trains and automobiles to the nation’s capital Saturday to participate in the 20th anniversary commemoration of the Million Man March.
Festival of Praise tour stops in city Oct. 23
It’s billed as “the gospel music tour of the year.” And it’s coming to Richmond.
Mountain of Blessings starts Chesterfield satellite service Nov. 1
Henrico-based Mountain of Blessings Christian Center is making a fresh go at expanding south of the James River nine months after its bid to buy the Richmond Christian Center on the city’s South Side was rebuffed.
VSU clobbers St. Augustine’s; Elizabeth City State next
Virginia State University finds itself in an uncomfortable spot in the CIAA standings — looking up. In 2013 and 2014, the Trojans were undefeated in the CIAA Northern Division en route to consecutive titles. This fall under first-year Coach Byron Thweatt, every game the rest of the way figures to be a must-win game, starting with the Saturday, Oct. 10, trip to Elizabeth City State University.
VUU beats Shaw; now headed for tough stuff
The lightweight portion of Virginia Union University’s football schedule is in the rear-view mirror. Up ahead, Coach Mark James’ Panthers hope to prove their merit against the CIAA’s more successful outfits. At the midway point of the season, VUU is 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the CIAA after routing Shaw University 22-13 last Saturday in Durham, N.C.
Coach Butler optimistic about VUU’s hoop dreams
Virginia Union University will have plenty of new faces on the floor and on the bench for the upcoming basketball season. The Panthers will open Saturday, Nov. 14, at Shepherd, W.Va., with a new head coach, Jay Butler, three fresh assistant coaches and at least 10 first-year players.
Marcus Clarke named to CIAA administration
Marcus Clarke, a familiar face to Richmonders, is the latest addition to the CIAA’s administrative family. The versatile Clarke has been named the CIAA’s senior associate commissioner for championships and events. He will wear many hats.
Personality: Bessida C. White
Spotlight on Virginia chair of Genealogical Society’s conference
Bessida C. White says she began researching her family genealogy in 1984.
‘A great oak has fallen’
Hundreds of mourners gathered last Saturday to celebrate the life of Dr. Allix B. James, president emeritus of Virginia Union University, who died Sept. 26 at age 92.
VUU gets training edge
College and NFL football share some common ground on Richmond’s North Side. Virginia Union University has been given the green light to practice once a week at the Bon Secours Training Center. The Leigh Street facility opened three years ago as the preseason training camp for the NFL Washington franchise. It’s the latest effort to open the partially city-funded facility to the community for other uses.
Lecture on “Obama Effect” at VUU’s Wilder Library
What kind of impact has President Obama had on politics since his historic election in 2008? One surprise: He may have affected Republicans most, paving the way for more African-Americans like Dr. Ben Carson and other minority candidates to run for office under the GOP banner, according to political scientist Dr. Columba Ahamefule Nnorom.
Groundbreaking Oct. 14 on initial Fay Towers replacement
The pace is finally picking up on efforts to replace the 200-unit Fay Towers in Gilpin Court and move current residents to new apartments.
City Council expected to approve purchase of Conrad Center
City Hall is moving forward with a two-year-old plan to purchase the shuttered Conrad Center, once the area’s largest soup kitchen for the homeless and working poor.
Troubles escalate for NAACP official
The president of the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP is facing more legal trouble. LaSalle J. McCoy Jr. was sent to jail Tuesday based on a finding he was in violation of the terms of his release on a previous charge of driving while intoxicated.
Community forum generates ideas for Lumpkin’s Jail site
Build a full-scale replica of Lumpkin’s Jail at its former site in Shockoe Bottom. Construct a wax museum at the site. Develop an interactive space for children there. Provide a place for reflection where people can gather for discussions and private meditations. Those were among the suggestions from about 30 people who attended a “Richmond Speaks” meeting Sept. 29 at Franklin Military Academy to generate ideas on how the city should transform the former Lumpkin’s Jail into a heritage and learning center.
Rollout for unlimited bus passes slated for Nov. 15
Tens of thousands of people came to the world bike races last week, but only a few appear to have purchased a $35 pass for unlimited rides on GRTC buses. The Greater Richmond Transit Co. could not provide sales numbers this week, but reported that passes were used 1,500 times between Sept. 19 and Sept. 28 when the races were underway.
Friday, October 2
‘Empire’ crumbles black image
The return of the hit television series “Empire” was highly anticipated and watched by millions of viewers. It’s the saga of a black family’s quest for dominion of the music industry, a position fueled in large part by illegal activities in the family’s past.
‘Richmond … you rock’
Thanks go out to Mayor Dwight C. Jones, police officials from various localities and volunteers from around the world, officials from various localities and the different agencies that showcased Richmond as a world-class city.
Parental involvement key to student success
Re Letter to the Editor “Invest in our children, our schools,” Sept. 24-26 edition:
Wanted: Another political party
Donald Trump’s messages have made it clear that what is needed is a viable third political party to compete with and against the current GOP primitive economic illiteracy and plutocrat philosophy.
New breed of bigots
Among the many windswept cliffs that stand guard on the shores of the island of Okinawa, one is known for its particularly gruesome history.
A message of mercy
The recent visit of Pope Francis to the United States has rekindled our national conversation on how we will protect and care for our marginalized, provide access to our disenfranchised communities and promote justice for all.
A life well lived
A life well lived By what yardstick do we measure the value of a life?
Stellar cast leads Sunday production at Altria Theater
Make no mistake about it — Je’Caryous Johnson is trying to reach you. The award-winning writer, director and producer’s latest play, “Things Your Man Won’t Do,” features a potent cast of familiar faces whose characters delicately weave drama, humor and the salaciousness of a love triangle against a backstory with a much stronger social message.
Historical marker unveiling for former Jackson Ward hotel
Miller’s/Eggleston Hotel, the former Jackson Ward hotel that once welcomed such noted celebrities as Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Redd Foxx is being honored with a state historical marker.
Pope Francis draws crowds, gives hope during historic visit
Pope Francis dove into some of the United States’ thorniest political debates during his historic six-day visit by urging the world’s wealthiest nation to welcome immigrants, end homelessness and do more to address climate change. Sometimes his political messages were blunt, like when he pleaded before the U.S. Congress for Americans to end “hostility” toward immigrants. Other times, they were more subtle, like the climate-conscious pope’s decision to ride around in a tiny Fiat rather than a gas-guzzling SUV.
Personality: Dr. Charles L. Shannon III
Spotlight on state chair for anniversary of Million Man March
Dr. Charles L. Shannon III sees himself as a man on a divine mission
UCI bike races
Richmond claims big win by the numbers
In the afterglow of the UCI Road World Championships, Richmond’s success-failure rating reads like a tale of two cities.
Tennisbums to go to nationals
The Richmond Tennisbums will carry the Virginia banner into national doubles competition for tennis players age 65 and over.
Maliek White commits to Providence College
Maliek White, who has led a spirited basketball revival at Richmond’s George Wythe High School, has verbally com- mitted to playing at Providence College of the Big East Conference.
VUU runs over J.C. Smith 31-3
Virginia Union University is about to make the first of what it hopes will be two trips this fall to Durham County Memorial Stadium in North Carolina. The Panthers, now 3-1 following a 31-3 rout of Johnson C. Smith University last Saturday at Hovey Field, face CIAA foe Shaw University this Saturday in Durham, N.C.
VSU looking to bounce back from Fayetteville State loss
Virginia State University is hopeful of better weather and better health as it tries to rebound from its first CIAA loss in three seasons. After winning 17 straight conference games, the injury-plagued Trojans lost 33-20 on Sept. 26 in the rain and wind to visiting Fayetteville State University.
NSU’s Scott defeats his alma mater, HU, to win Battle of the Bay
For probably the first time in his life, Coach Latrell Scott wanted his alma mater, Hampton University, to lose a football game. It’s easy seeing why.
Granderson may play grand role in MLB playoffs
Curtis Granderson provides everything expected of a leadoff man — and much more. “Let’s Get It Started” by the Black Eyed Peas could be his walk-up-to-the-plate music, if it isn’t already. “The Grandy Man” bats first in the lineup for the revitalized New York Mets, who have won the National League East title and likely will face Los Angeles in the divisional series Friday, Oct. 9.
Free flu shots available
Get your flu shot now. That’s the message from officials at the Richmond City Health District.
Herring: Training key to curb police bias, killings in the state
Better training. That’s the way to begin improving relationships between police officers and the residents they serve, particularly people of color, according to Attorney General Mark R. Herring. At a time when officer actions resulting in African-American deaths and injuries regularly make headlines, Mr. Herring announced he is taking action to upgrade training to head off such incidents in Virginia.
Graduation rate in city inches up
Richmond awarded diplomas to 1,156 students in June, or 81.4 percent of the 1,421 students in the Class of 2015, new data from the Virginia Department of Education shows. The good news: That is Richmond’s best showing since the state began reporting systematic graduation results for each class in 2008.
