Tuesday, September 29
Turmoil, charges rock Chesterfield NAACP
The president of the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP is facing a charge of assault in the wake of a bizarre incident in which he sought to block a critic from attending a branch meeting, which usually is open to the public. LaSalle J. McCoy Jr. was arrested Saturday on a misdemeanor charge and released on his own recognizance in the case that has embarrassed both the branch and the state NAACP, Virginia’s oldest and largest civil rights group.
VEC ruling sets precedent
Richmond Public Schools and other employers who fail to follow their agency’s own drug policy cannot prevent alleged violators from collecting unemployment benefits, the Virginia Employment Commission has ruled.
Golf tournament to benefit scholarship program
A day of golf will help raise money to provide scholarships for deserving Richmond Public Schools students who live in the city’s public housing communities.
Free Press photographer honored with ‘Acts of Kindness’ award
“It’s not what you have, it’s what you give. And I have been blessed by doing that.” Rudolph “Rudy” Powell, a Richmond resident and part-time Free Press photographer, lives by that credo.
Friday, September 25
U.S. greets pope
Pope Francis urged the United States to help tackle climate change and touched on other divisive U.S. political issues such as immigration and economic inequality on his first visit to the world’s richest nation. In a speech Wednesday on the White House South Lawn, the Argentine pontiff — known as “The People’s Pope” — lauded President Obama’s efforts to reduce air pollution, months after Pope Francis made the environment one of his top issues by issuing a landmark encyclical letter to the church.
VUU Panthers plan to take Golden Bulls by the horns
Native Richmonder Kermit Blount would love to rain on Virginia Union University’s football parade Saturday at Hovey Field. At the same time, Mark James will do everything in his power to spoil Blount’s return to his hometown. Here’s the deal:
‘What about white-on-white crime?’
Regarding Megyn Kelly of Fox News and her ignorance challenging Professor Cornel West on black-on-black crime. I would like to tell her, and those who think like her, that there is no such thing. There is only American crime. People tend to kill those in communities in close proximity to them. White people don’t kill white people?
Invest in our children, our schools
When any city, town or neighborhood loses its talent and tax base, it becomes a poverty area. Large urban areas have seen this deterioration over the decades. During integration we called it “white flight” and we saw it in Newark, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Detroit.
Free Press fighting the good fight again
Re “No hero” editorial, Sept. 10-12 edition: Thank you for the editorial, “No hero,” in reference to Kim Davis, the clerk of Rowan, Ky., who refuses to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of her religious convictions. While some have compared to her to Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we found those connections insulting and based on total ignorance.
What happens after the bike races?
What is the City of Richmond going to do after the UCI Road World Championships is over? What’s next for the city? What if the bike races hadn’t come to Richmond? Would city officials have spent the money fixing up parts of the city? Where would that money have gone?
Black women hold primary power
Those advising political candidates hope to gain a winning advantage by spotting key, unexpected trends long before the actual voting. Admittedly, the Virginia Democratic presidential primary voting isn’t until March 1, 2016, with the field in limbo as front-runner Hillary Clinton and her main rival, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont waiting to learn whether Vice President Joe Biden will run.
Where are we in political arena?
Here is something to think about as we watch the political circus that is currently dominating the news: Black people are nowhere to be found in the real action, nowhere to be found in determining the candidates from which we will eventually choose to compete for the presidency, and nowhere to be found in the debate questions or answers. We are merely watching from the balcony, as we had to do in the 1950s in segregated theaters and churches.
Papal lessons
We join in the excitement surrounding Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. It is the pontiff’s first visit to this country. In addition to saying Mass in Washington and Philadelphia and visiting with cheering throngs of the faithful on this six-day visit, he is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Thursday and speak to the U.N. General Assembly on Friday in New York.
Bike hype
We’re now learning whether the international bike races are a winner for Richmond. Opinion is mixed. One thing is clear: Anyone who expected 450,000 people to flood into town to view 1,000 of the world’s top cyclists compete for medals misunderstood the size of this event from the get-go.
More than 12,000 flood Brown’s Island for race opening
Richmond native and American Idol finalist Rayvon Owen and the Richmond Symphony wowed more than 12,000 people Friday night on Brown’s Island as they opened the UCI Road World Championships with a dazzling show ushering in a resplendent riverside sunset. The Richmond Cycling Corps, a group of East End youngsters ages 12 to 17, then led a colorful procession of the 16 cyclists from Team USA, followed by 74 youngsters carrying the flags of the nations participating in this international bicycling race.
Protest launched over Confederate bike route
As a small plane flew overheard carrying a banner with a Confederate battle flag and the message “Confederate heros (sic) matter,” cyclists from the Chilean and Mexican national bike teams pedaled up Monument Avenue on Saturday and turned at the statue of Confederate president Jefferson Davis to head back Downtown to finish their training course.
Old school music review set for Sept. 25
A Motown tribute is coming to town. The Recapture the Memory Motown Revue & Musical Tribute Show will present old school tunes 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, 1000 N. Lombardy St.
History-making women to speak at Chimborazo Elementary
Powhatan native Lillian L. Lambert was the first African-American woman to graduate from the Harvard University Business School. The Rev. Sylvia V. Tucker, who lives in Disputanta, was the first female African-American hospital chaplain in Virginia. The women are scheduled to share their success stories Friday, Sept. 25, with students at Chimborazo Elementary School, 3000 E. Marshall St., in the East End.
Actress Viola Davis makes Emmy history
After 67 years, an African-American woman has won the honor for best lead actress in a drama series at the Emmy Awards. Viola Davis notched the historic win Sunday night before a mostly white audience at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards. She won for her role as a tough criminal defense lawyer in ABC’s drama series “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Ms. Jones, Col. Singleton say, ‘I do’
Sandra Jones and Col. Terence Singleton are newlyweds. The couple married Saturday, Sept. 19, at New Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg. The church’s pastor, the Rev. Robert A. Whitehead Sr., officiated, along with the Rev. Vernon J. Hurte, pastor of New Light Baptist Church in Richmond. A reception followed in Williamsburg.
VSU Trojans aim to corral Fayetteville State Broncos
If you went for a hot dog and soft drink during punt plays, you’d have missed the day’s most exciting action. Virginia State University’s two touchdowns came on punts in its 14-7 victory over Kentucky State University last Saturday at Rogers Stadium.
John Marshall High’s Reginald Revels has record day
There has been a major change in Reginald Revels’ after-school autumn itinerary. About this time a year ago, he headed to McDonald’s after classes for a part-time job flipping burgers. This year, he has traded in his apron and spatula for a helmet, shoulder pads and the No. 4 blue and white jersey for the John Marshall High School football team.
Sharpton on GOP: ‘They entertain you with foolishness’
“And let us not be weary in well doing!” the Rev. Al Sharpton said. “For in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not!” Moved by those stirring words, more than 1,000 worshippers rose to their feet, cheering and applauding Rev. Sharpton on Sunday during his sermon at the Men’s Day service at historic Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg. “If you give up, think of those ahead of you. If they had given up, where would we be?”
No eggs, bacon for The Breakfast Club
They call themselves “The Breakfast Club.” They arrive about 6 a.m. at Fifth Baptist Church in the West End every Tuesday and Friday. Deacon John Chavis opens the back door for them. On this particular morning, 13 members of the club arrive. And as they do twice a week, they play basketball in the church gymnasium.
Aguilar’s sentencing set for Oct. 12 in Texas
Former Richmond Outreach Center Pastor Geronimo “Pastor G” Aguilar is to be sentenced by a Texas judge Monday, Oct. 12, according to Samantha Jordan, a spokesperson in the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office. The ex-minister, who once was respected by Richmond area politicians, law enforcement, business leaders and residents, faces life in prison when he goes before Judge Louis Sturns.
Richmond Christian Center bankruptcy issue being resolved
The Richmond Christian Center has had to put off celebrating its emergence from bankruptcy after nearly two years under court supervision. The 300-member South Side church has been told some issues still need to be resolved before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court can approve RCC’s reorganization plan and allow it to leave bankruptcy court protection.
Personality: Debra Sue Sims Fleisher
Spotlight on chair of 2015 Active Aging Week
Debra Sue Sims Fleisher has had a passion for exercising ever since she was a child. “My mother says that, as a little girl, I would dance to the sound of the washing machine. And I do remember dancing with a doorknob as my partner,” she recalls.
Morrissey fails to withdraw officially
Two weeks ago, attorney Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey told the Free Press and other news outlets he was ending his campaign for the state Senate because of a health issue.
New city high-rise built with commitment to diversity
Gerald “Junior” Burr Jr. likely swells with pride every time he crosses the Manchester Bridge and sees the newest addition to the city’s skyline — the 19-story Gateway Plaza building that formally opened this week His company, Canterbury Enterprises Inc., played an important part in the two-year development of the glass-faced, high-rise structure that sits in the block bounded by 8th, 9th, Cary and Canal streets — the new home of the McGuireWoods law firm, its consulting arm and several other companies.
House blocked for female felons
City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson has been a champion of affordable housing during her 11 years on City Council. The 6th District representative, who previously led a nonprofit housing group in the Highland Park area, has been a staunch advocate for creation of lower-cost homes and apartments for working people and others.
Correction
The contract for former Richmond Public Schools spokes- person Felicia Cosby was not renewed by the system when it ended in June 2014.
Gov. reappoints Justice Roush in latest battle over high court
Can Justice Jane Marum Roush legally serve? That question now hangs over the latest addition to the Virginia Supreme Court. Yes, says Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who just extended Justice Roush’s term on the state’s highest court until at least mid-February.
VSU enrollment figures down
In an update, Virginia State University has released its fall enrollment figures. On Sept. 10, officials stated 4,632 validated undergraduate and graduate students, or students who had fully paid their bills, are enrolled.
Relocate police statue? Richmonders can vote
The public is being asked to vote on where to move a Richmond statue paying tribute to city police officers killed in the line of duty. For 28 years, the statue of an officer carrying a child has stood in a landscaped area on North 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum.
Special needs advocate gets new hearing
Special needs advocate gets new hearing Kandise Lucas, a veteran advocate for special needs children, is going to be able to fight her arrest on trespassing at a Chesterfield County school.
Richmond contractor on Congressional Black Caucus re-entry panel
A Richmond contractor is headed to Washington to talk up his plan for helping released convicts rebuild their lives by getting involved in the building trades. Kenneth Williams, 66, has been invited to talk about the Adult Alternative Program that he is developing to train ex-convicts to renovate houses and qualify for Class C contractor licenses.
State hospital group lays groundwork for more money
Virginians face the possibility of losing access to health care as some hospitals and health care providers face cuts or closure due to financial strains. And health care workers are worried they may lose their jobs if health care and medical facilities are forced to cut back on services or close.
Friday, September 18
Al Sharpton to speak Sunday in Petersburg
The Rev. Al Sharpton will be the guest speaker at the 11 a.m. service at Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg on Sunday, Sept. 20, the church’s pastor, Dr. George W.C. Lyons Jr., has announced.
Blake vows to use police takedown as ‘catalyst for change’
The New York City Police Department on Friday released a security camera video showing former tennis star James Blake being tackled, thrown to the ground and handcuffed by an undercover officer in a case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred as Mr. Blake, formerly the world’s fourth-ranked player, was calmly standing by the entrance of a midtown Manhattan hotel, waiting for a car to take him to the U.S. Open.
Hate crimes, racist speech should be condemned
In America, all youths should be able to live without fear and the threat of race-based violence. Sadly, reports of explicit racism and violence directed at Latinos are on the rise.
4 ways for young voters to have impact
The younger you are as a registered voter in the United States, the less likely you are to cast your ballot. And the more you may have to lose by not doing so.
Fair housing’s unfinished business
In early September, public policy experts, housing advocates, civil rights leaders, academicians and others came together to listen, learn and craft a way to advance housing rights and opportunities. Convened by HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, the conference celebrated major milestones in the fight for fair housing, recalled noteworthy achievements and itemized all that still remains to be accomplished.
Another government shutdown
Congress must approve a budget by Oct. 1, or our government will shut down. That means that people will not be paid and, technically, government departments will cease to operate. Social Securitypayments, veterans’ benefits and more will cease to be paid. Literally, government will shut down.
Sanders in the lion’s den
Hats off to Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Earlier this week, the U.S. senator from Vermont went into the proverbial lion’s den of religious fundamentalists at the late Rev. Jerry Falwell’s ultraconservative Liberty University in Lynchburg. And like Daniel in the Bible, he came out unscathed. In fact, he apparently gained the respect — if not the votes — of many students at the college.
On the races
Why is it that we wait until guests come before we bring out the good dishes? With the arrival this week of the UCI Road World Championships and thousands of national and international cyclists, the City of Richmond has shown that it, too, suffers from the same dippy syndrome of waiting for guests before bringing out the good stuff.
Going to the races: A quick guide to the UCI Championship bike races
The world will be in our front yard starting this week as cyclists with the 2015 UCI Road World Championships race through Richmond.
Journey for Justice’ makes stop in Richmond
“The struggles (for civil rights) that our parents and grandparents fought still continue. Those who would take away hard-earned rights take note: A new generation has taken up the challenge. As we march on this America’s ‘Journey for Justice,’ we say to everyone, ‘We will not turn around!’ ”
Hilda Y. Warden, 97, one of first black graduate students at RPI School of Social Work
Hilda Yates Warden had an unquenchable passion for helping the less fortunate. “Her greatest achievement was guiding people in the right direction,” said her son, George Warden Jr.
Rev. Jesse Jackson’s mother dies at 92
Helen Burns Jackson, mother of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, has died. She was 92.
Thursday, September 17
Personality: Lindsey N. Shavers
Spotlight on Jack and Jill Mid-Atlantic Teen President
It’s hard to believe Lindsey N. Shavers finds enough hours in the day to fulfill all her leadership responsibilities. The senior in Henrico High School’s International Baccalaureate program was a human dynamo this summer, wearing many leadership hats.
From ‘Mumbles’ to ‘MVP’
Petersburg basketball icon Moses Malone dies at 60
Moses Eugene Malone, the Petersburg native and basketball icon whose talent took him directly from high school to the pros, died of apparent heart failure while sleeping Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.
VSU wins in Tennessee, welcomes Kentucky State to Ettrick
Virginia State University features two star running backs plus a defensive back that can really run. That combination enabled first-year Coach Byron Thweatt to record his initial Trojans victory last Saturday against Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn. The Trojan win over Tusculum: 40-16.
VUU beats St. Augustine’s, on the road to Gardner-Webb
In two coaching seasons at Virginia Union University, Coach Mark James is 9-3 overall, but 7-0 against North Carolina opponents.
Serena loses at U.S. Open, but remains a champion
Serena Williams had been a vulnerable conqueror at this year’s majors, living dangerously and dicing with defeat on numerous occasions as she tried to become only the fourth woman to complete a calendar Grand Slam. Her luck finally ran out Sept. 11 at the U.S. Open on a court where she had not been beaten since 2011.
City hands keys to port to state authority
Jobs, jobs, jobs — that’s the vision being conjured up as Richmond hands the keys to its 120-acre port to the state of Virginia for 40 years. On Monday, the same night as Richmond City Council gave a thumbs up to a proposal for a freestanding children’s hospital on the Boulevard, the nine-member governing body also unanimously approved the award of a four-decade lease of the shipping facility to the state. The hope: That the VPA will do for Richmond what it has done for another inland port in Front Royal — spark major job growth by attracting new businesses seeking port services.
Alicia Rasin suffers relapse
Alicia Rasin, Richmond’s “ambassador of compassion” who had been inactive in recent months because of health problems, planned to return to her volunteer mission of helping relatives of homicide victims.
Wednesday, September 16
Aspire Academy hopes to inspire student interest
They’re lost in the classroom and repeatedly act out — leading to repeated suspensions, expulsion and, sometimes, criminal charges.
City more bike-friendly with new lanes, racks
Richmond is well on its way to becoming a bicycle-friendly town, according to Mayor Dwight C. Jones.
Richmond schools spokesman resigns
Less than three months after he was hired, Richmond Public Schools spokesperson Richard Davis III has resigned his position. His last day on the job was Aug. 28, according to an RPS official.
Friday, September 11
A mountain of problems uncovered in city finance division
Unpaid bills piled up and bank statements went unreconciled for months, creating uncertainty in the cash flow. Then after half the staff left, temporary workers had to be hired to try to clear the backlog of unpaid invoices from vendors who begged to be paid.
Despite setback, sibling catering business expanding
Their food was too popular. That’s why the owners of GFC Catering contend they no longer deliver their trademark $5.55 Friday lunch deal to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ headquarters.
Redistricting plans should be nonpartisan
Despite convening briefly for a special session in mid-August, the Virginia General Assembly failed to meet the deadline imposed by a federal court for redrawing the boundaries of the state’s 3rd Congressional District. The failure of the General Assembly to address its responsibilities leaves the map drawing in the hands of the federal judiciary.
March, learn, grow by joining ‘Journey for Justice’
Re “NAACP 860-mile ‘Journey for Justice’ to stop in Richmond,” Sept. 3-5 edition:
Illusion of post-Katrina recovery
Katrina does not need the word “Hurricane” as a descriptor; we are on a first name basis with her. Nearly 1,500 people died as a result of that storm, and others were abandoned, left to fend for themselves in unbearable heat, polluted waters and filthy municipal facilities. Hundreds of thousands, called “refugees,” were relocated in what could certainly be called Third World refugee camps. And many more were sent to what Barbara Bush thought was a pretty nice place, the Houston Astrodome.
Mis-education of the South
Regarding recent events in Morehead, Ky., and court clerk Kim Davis who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, a New York Times article mentions “the old politesse and grace,” which supposedly helped people in that town get along in spite of ideological differences. But in the former slave states, what passes for “grace” is often syrup poured over venom.
Move on
Time heals most wounds. And time wounds most heels.
No hero
Kim Davis is neither a hero nor a martyr in our book. The sobbing, pious and defiant Kentucky county clerk gained national attention after spending five days in jail rather than issuing marriage licenses to same sex-couples.
Va. PrideFest set for Saturday on Brown’s Island
Richmond native and American Idol finalist Rayvon Owen will headline the entertainment at Virginia PrideFest.
Free yearlong pass to national parks
Fourth-graders and their families can visit the national parks and federal recreation areas of their choice across the country for free for an entire year.
Arbor Day Foundation offering trees
Get 10 free white flowering dogwood trees when you join the Arbor Day Foundation. The price to join: $10.
Chesterfield NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday
The Chesterfield County Branch NAACP is holding its 2015 Freedom Fund Banquet from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Richmond Marriott in Downtown.
Art festival to benefit CARITAS
The 24th Annual 43rd Street Festival of the Arts will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Forest Hill Avenue and 43rd Street on South Side.
Social justice conference at Hampton U. on Sept.1
The Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center for African Diaspora Studies at Norfolk State University, in partnership with the Civil Rights Institute at Hampton University, is hosting a daylong conference called “1619: Making of America.”
Scott’s Funeral Home expanding with new chapel
Scott’s Funeral Home is developing a new chapel. The $1.5 million chapel is going up in the 100 block of East Brookland Park Boulevard, across the street from the Scott’s current facility.
Black Caucus hosts annual prayer breakfast Sept.19
National gospel recording artist VaShawn Mitchell and the Rev. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago will headline the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc.’s annual prayer breakfast.
They’re calling, making plays in the NFL
Robert Griffin III’s ongoing health struggles in Washington leaves the NFL with six African-American starting quarterbacks to kick off the season. Griffin, the former Heisman Trophy winner and first-round draftee out of Baylor University, has been replaced by Kirk Cousins.
Flying Squirrels soar in attendance for Eastern League
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are Eastern League champions again — at the box office, that is. For the fourth time since arriving in Richmond in 2010, the Squirrels led the Eastern League in total attendance — 417,828 fans for 69 home dates — and per game attendance of 6,055.
VUU Panthers on the prowl for second victory
Freshmen Hakeem Holland and Lamar Webster are the dual dynamos that fueled Virginia Union University’s maroon and steel football engine last Saturday. Perhaps benefitting from the surprise factor, the fledgling Panthers’ running backs contributed mightily to a 35-21 opening victory over Brevard College of North Carolina before a crowd of 7,245 fans at Hovey Field.
VSU Trojans trying for first win in Tennessee
Virginia State University is 0-1 and facing a 405-mile bus ride to try and even the ledger. The Byron Thweatt football coaching era began last Saturday at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick with a 35-16 loss to California University of Pennsylvania, which is part of the tough Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
John Marshall has old luck despite new field
John Marshall High School has a new football field that it plans to take full advantage of this fall. Hoping to “bring the pride back” to the North Side, Justices Athletic Director Lamont Davis has scheduled six home games this season.
Personality: Julia Warren
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit celebrate! RVA
Julia Warren believes children in disadvantaged communities should be able to enjoy a big birthday bash in a safe and fun environment.
Pope Francis a stranger to the U.S. in many ways
New York When Pope Francis sets foot on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington on Sept. 22, it won’t just be his first time in the United States as pontiff. It will be his first time in the country — ever in his life.
Maya Angelou’s art collection up for auction
The art collection of celebrated writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is heading to auction this month. Among the highlights of the Sept. 15 Swann Galleries sale is a painted story quilt that hung in Dr. Angelou’s home. It’s a work by African-American artist Faith Ringgold titled “Maya’s Quilt of Life” that was commissioned by Oprah Winfrey for Dr. Angelou’s 69th birthday in 1989. It depicts Dr. Angelou surrounded by flowers, along with excerpts from some of her writings. It’s an acrylic on canvas with pieced fabric border that could bring $150,000 to $250,000.
Serena beats Venus to move to semifinals
Serena Williams is now two wins away from completing an historic calendar year Grand Slam. She kept her bid alive by outslugging older sister Venus 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 in a power-packed, 98-minute quarterfinal at the U.S. Open on Tuesday.
Richmond schools to close, modify schedule for bike races
Less than a month after announcing that Richmond schools would be open during the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, the district has backpedaled.
Morrissey pulls out of Senate race
Petersburg state Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance may have an easier road to victory on Election Day in November in her bid to win her first full four-year term representing the 16th Senate District, which includes most of Richmond’s East End. Her only opponent, independent candidate Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey, ended his campaign this week due to a medical issue, a paralyzed left diaphragm, which interferes with his breathing.
VSU, NSU have smallest freshman classes in years
Enrollment is continuing to retreat at Virginia’s two historically black public universities, Norfolk State and Virginia State. Both institutions apparently have admitted their smallest freshman classes in at least a decade, and total enrollment has declined to levels not seen in at least 15 years or longer.
General Assembly refusal to adjourn blocks governor
For at least the sixth time in the past 34 years, the House of Delegates is refusing to adjourn a special session. And that decision by the Republican-dominated body appears to throw a constitutional monkey wrench into Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s plan to keep Justice Jane Marum Roush on the Virginia Supreme Court.
Thursday, September 10
NAACP officials call for continued probe into Chesterfield woman’s death
Richmond private investigator Perry Hicks began probing the mysterious disappearance and death of Ogechi Sarah Uwasomba three months ago at the behest of the Richmond NAACP and other concerned parties.
$6.4M to Freddie Gray’s family
Baltimore agrees to pay before trials of police officers
Baltimore city officials on Wednesday approved a $6.4 million civil settlement to the family of Freddie Gray, whose death from an injury in police custody triggered protests and rioting.
Tuesday, September 8
NAACP ‘Journey for Justice’ to stop in Richmond
“I’m going to put on my tennis shoes and march.” That was Richmond NAACP President Lynetta Thompson’s enthusiastic declaration as “America’s Journey for Justice” march nears Richmond.
GRTC slowdown ends; drivers get back pay
GRTC bus drivers have received the back pay they were due and have ended an informal work action that slowed service dramatically on various routes last week. The drivers received the anticipated back pay last Friday, according to Frank Tunstall III, president and business agent for Local 1220 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents bus operators and mechanics for the Greater Richmond Transit Co.
Friday, September 4
Herring to run for re-election, not for governor
Mark Herring enjoys his job as Virginia’s attorney general. That’s why the state’s top legal officer announced Wednesday that he would seek re-election for a new four-year term in 2017 rather than going after the top job of governor.
Amelia Boynton Robinson, civil rights activist, dies at 104
Free Press staff, wire reports MONTGOMERY, Ala. Amelia Boynton Robinson helped change America. The first African-American woman to run for Congress served on the front lines during the Civil Rights Movement. Almost beaten to death in a march for voting rights in 1965, she was among those who pushed the country to pass a strong law to finally ensure African-Americans could cast a ballot without facing literacy tests, poll taxes and vicious attacks.
Ministry is ‘a family business’
It’s a family affair at Southside Baptist Ministries on South Side. Dr. Lonnie Stinson, 65, is the founder and senior pastor of the church at 5515 Bryce Lane.
Rep. Scott hosts Labor Day picnic
Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott will be dishing out politics and lots of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs again on Labor Day.
VUU looking toward new season; Saturday opener at Hovey Field
Mark James began his first coaching season at Virginia Union University with modest expectations. Much has changed heading into year two.
Encourage schools to serve healthier lunches
With the new school year just around the corner, parents’ attention is focused on clothes, supplies and lunches. Yes, school lunches!
Restoring ‘good time’ would cut prison costs
At some point, most inmates in Virginia’s prisons will be released into society. Therefore, the public has an interest in both the financial and social costs of lengthy prison sentences.
Will education be a priority in Lumpkin’s Jail makeover?
Re “Lumpkin’s Jail site to get new life,” Aug. 20-22 edition:
Black-on-black violence needs attention, too
I was watching “The Kelly File” on Fox News several nights ago when Megyn Kelly had a segment about the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Stop the violence is plea from Richmond youths
These letters were written by young people participating in the Richmond Peace Education Center’s Youth Gun Violence Prevention Workshop this summer and submitted by the workshop’s lead facilitator, Alison R. Wilson.
GOP’s enemies list
It’s getting more and more difficult to keep up with the lengthening list of people, groups and nations the Republican Party’s presidency-seekers are designating as targets.
The new face of activism
“This aint yo mama’s civil rights movement.” Those were the words emblazoned on activist Rahiel Tesfamariam’s T-shirt as she was arrested in Ferguson, Mo., during protests marking the one-year anniversary of the police killing of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown.
Honoring all workers
Monday, Sept. 7 is Labor Day. It’s an annual tribute to the contributions workers have made in building this country and sustaining its prosperity. Our community understands what that means. America was built — literally — on the backs of our ancestors whose unpaid labor has provided a legacy of wealth for scores of individuals and families and propelled our nation and economy to its exalted position.
Bellamy to power VSU push to repeat as CIAA champs
In ancient warfare, battering rams were used to break up masonry fortifications and splinter wooden gates. Kavon Bellamy is a modern-day battering ram — gridiron-style — wearing blue and orange. The Virginia State University junior rips through defensive linemen and flattens linebackers en route to first downs, touchdowns and Trojan victories.
Huguenot wins opener over TJ
So far, so good. Huguenot High School is undefeated, untied and unscored upon, albeit after just one game in a new era of Falcons football. Led by Jameko Coleman’s defense and the rushing of Donte Lester, the Falcons are pumped after christening their new stadium last Saturday with a 14-0 win over Thomas Jefferson High School.
Healthy again, Anderson gets first win
McDaniel Anderson, who enjoys introducing himself as “Mr. Mack from way back,” is happy being 1-0 as Armstrong High School’s first-year football coach.
Eaton wins gold, breaks own world record
BEIJING, China Dubbed “the world’s greatest athlete,” American Ashton Eaton broke his own world record in winning the gold medal in the grueling, 10-event decathlon at the World
Bradley still hot
Richmond native Jackie Bradley Jr. continues to swing a hot bat for the Boston Red Sox.
Kanye, Swift replay encounter at MTV Video Music Awards
Taylor Swift may have won the most Moonmans on Sunday, but it was her reunion with rapper Kanye West on the MTV Video Music Awards stage that stole the show, as Kanye declared he will run for the U.S. presidency in 2020.
‘War Room,’ with black cast, sleeper Christian hit
The box office underwent a religious conversion last weekend as Christian crowds flocked to see “War Room,” lifting the low-budget salute to prayer above two other more highly publicized debut films — the Zac Efron drama “We’re Your Friends” and the Owen Wilson thriller “No Escape.”
Kyle Jean-Baptiste, 21, rising Broadway star
Kyle Jean-Baptiste appeared to be headed to acting stardom. This summer, the talented 21-year-old became the first African-American and the youngest performer to play Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” on Broadway.
NBA’s ‘Chocolate Thunder’ Darryl Dawkins dies at 58
Darryl Dawkins was a mountain of a man with a persona to match. To the delight of fans and the media, he shattered backboards, gave poetic names to his power dunks, sparked the invention of the breakaway rim and made NBA history at 18 by challenging and defeating the system.
Personality: Monica Smith-Callahan
Spotlight on community engagement director for Richmond 2015
Monica Smith-Callahan recalls her first public speaking experience at age 5 at Antioch Baptist Church in the Varina community where she grew up.
U.S. Supreme Court allows McDonnell to remain free
Bob McDonnell once again has had his date with a federal prison cell postponed. This time, the former Virginia governor got help from the U.S. Supreme Court.
City schools start with teacher vacancies, new salad bars
Timothy Billups and his staff in the Richmond Public Schools Department of Human Resources began the summer with the daunting task of filling nearly 400 teacher vacancies. With school bells set to ring for the new RPS school year Tuesday, Sept. 8, they’ve whittled that number to well under 100. The latest tally submitted by Mr. Billups on Aug. 25 to the Free Press shows 76 vacant teacher positions — five in elementary schools, 41 in secondary schools and 30 in special education.
Back-to-school success tips
For thousands of public school students across the region, summer’s almost over. School officially starts Tuesday, Sept. 8.
A resurrection story
Richmond Christian Center climbing back from bankruptcy with entrepreneurial efforts
Richmond Christian Center climbing back from bankruptcy with entrepreneurial efforts
Tuesday, September 1
Dance-Morrissey race opens with rift over death penalty
Petersburg Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance is promising to propose a moratorium on executions of death row prisoners if she is re-elected.
McDonnell remains free while high court considers his case
Free Press staff, wire reports Bob McDonnell’s date with prison has been delayed again. The former Virginia governor, convicted of 11 counts of corruption, won a temporary reprieve Monday from the U.S. Supreme Court.
New United Way head faces fundraising challenge
Giving to United Way is continuing to shrink. Ten years ago, the umbrella charity could raise at least $20 million between Labor Day and Thanksgiving through its workplace campaign to benefit nonprofit partners.
Organization aims to improve health in state
Keisha Smith is on a mission to provide better access to health care for all Virginians, particularly in underserved communities such as Richmond. She aims to do so in her new position as the executive director of the Henrico County-based Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority.
