Friday, April 29
‘Every time I read your paper, I feel uplifted’
My family just moved to Richmond less than a year ago. One of the first things I did was research local news outlets to see what publications were worth reading.
‘Do empty seats in schools mean no property upkeep?’
Re “Saving Armstrong High priority for hundreds,” April 21-23 edition: I am a fifth-generation graduate of Armstrong High School and currently a social science major at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Not only did I graduate from Armstrong, I was the only female chosen to represent the city in the All-Virginia Choir.
Henrico resident’s letter draws response, help
Henrico resident Vivian Christian will have the opportunity to attend an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the first African-Americans to be hired by the Richmond Police Department in 1946, thanks to the generosity of the event’s organizers.
Raise the minimum wage
Day in and day out, men and women all over our country work hard at their jobs but hardly have anything to show for it. As the debate over income inequality and narrowing the ever-widening wealth gap continues to dominate our national and political conversations, private corporations and states are taking matters into their own hands, bridging the dueling divides of income and opportunity by increasing the minimum wage.
New $20 bill forces us to face past
Harriet Tubman soon will become the first African-American to appear on U.S. currency. This monumental decision is not only politically correct, as some have suggested, it is morally and socially correct.
It’s about time
Friday, April 22, was a red-letter day for the Commonwealth of Virginia. That’s when Gov. Terry McAuliffe removed the rusty shackles of discrimination from more than 200,000 men and women in Virginia, restoring their constitutional right to vote.
Flying Squirrels seek to attract more African-American fans
“I had a good time tonight,” Bobby Brown said to his family as they left The Diamond after attending a recent Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game.
Teacher Appreciation event scheduled on Friday Downtown
Richmond School Board member Shonda Harris-Muhammed, 6th District, is organizing the 4th Annual Teacher Appreciation Dance from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Hilton Richmond Downtown, 501 E. Broad St.
Binford celebrating 100th anniversary with entertainment, time capsule April 29
Binford Middle School is marking its 100th anniversary at the Binford Centennial Celebration, featuring entertainment, dance performances, student art exhibits and activities 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the school, 1701 Floyd Ave., in The Fan.
Volunteers ‘Rebuilding Together Richmond’, on Saturday
With hammers, paintbrushes and screwdrivers, hundreds of Richmond volunteers will spend Saturday, April 30, fixing up 39 homes in the Ruffin Road area of South Side.
City to hold radiothon to send kids to camp
Music lovers in Central Virginia can listen to their favorite song on the radio and help send a child to summer camp in the process.
Prince took it to the hoop as a youngster
The hilarious 2004 “Chappelle’s Show” sketch featuring musician Prince and basketball was based as much on fact as fiction.
Allen Iverson lone Virginian to be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame
Richmond’s high schools got an early glimpse of Allen Iverson’s athletic greatness. Before taking his talents to Georgetown University, the NBA and what will soon be the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Iverson left his mark on RVA.
HU’s Miles Grooms awaiting draft call from NFL
A native Richmonder who got a late start in football could be Hampton University’s next NFL entry. Miles Grooms hopes to hear his name called in the NFL draft scheduled for Thursday, April 28, through Saturday, April 30, in Chicago.
Gabby poised for gold at 2016 Summer Olympics
Gabby Douglas is seeking to become the first gymnast since Romanian Nadia Comaneci to win gold medals at back-to-back Olympics.
Brady’s ‘Deflategate’ suspension upheld
A U.S. appeals court on Monday restored the four-game “Deflategate” suspension of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, handing the National Football League a victory in the latest round in a battle with one of its marquee players. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York reversed a federal judge’s ruling that had overturned NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to penalize Brady over his alleged involvement in a scheme to deflate footballs used in a 2015 playoff game. The Patriots won that game over the Indianapolis Colts, putting the Patriots in the final where they won the Super Bowl.
RISC to host ‘Nehemiah Action’ at St. Paul’s Baptist Church
An interfaith group of more than 1,600 people are expected to gather 7 p.m. Monday, May 2, at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.
Temple of Judah starts ‘God’s Army’ initiative
The congregation of a Richmond church is taking to the streets in a bid to use prayer to halt the rash of homicides afflicting the city.
Oprah Winfrey to star in black megachurch TV drama series
Oprah Winfrey is returning to scripted television more than two decades after her last regular small screen acting gig in a show that is close to her heart — a family drama centered around a black megachurch in Memphis.
Most Americans pray for healing
The vast majority of Americans have prayed for the healing of others, and more than one in four have practiced the laying on of hands, a Baylor University expert reports.
Goodnight, sweet Prince
Fans in the Richmond area and around the world are listening to their favorite Prince songs, watching his iconic movie “Purple Rain” and partying like it’s 1999 in memory and honor of the pop icon who died Thursday, April 21, 2016, in his hometown of Minneapolis.
‘Me and Mrs. Jones’ singer Billy Paul dies at 80
Billy Paul, a jazz and soul singer best known for the No. 1 hit ballad and “Philadelphia Soul” classic “Me and Mrs. Jones,” died Sunday, April 24, 2016.
Hoops legend ‘Pearl’ Washington, 52, dies
Basketball legends often leave a personal calling card. For some, it’s soaring dunks. For others, it’s 3-point accuracy, defense, toughness under the boards or floor leadership. Dwayne Washington, known as “Pearl,” is remembered best for his signature cross-over dribble — a quicksilver strike that froze defenders and helped put Syracuse University on the college hoops map.
Rodney Sledge, former standout at George Wythe, dead at 41
Longtime football standout Rodney Alan Sledge, nicknamed “Percy,” died Monday, April 18, 2016, from injuries suffered in a March 29 automobile ac- cident on Interstate 95 in Chesterfield County. He was 41.
Personality: Marilyn H. West
Spotlight on board president of Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
The doors are about to open at the new Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward, and Marilyn H. West can barely contain her excitement.
U.S. Supreme Court hears appeal of convicted former Gov. McDonnell
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday in former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s appeal of his conviction on corruption charges involving $177,000 in gifts and sweetheart loans from a businessman seeking to promote a dietary supplement.
Cleveland to pay $6M in Tamir Rice’s death
Cleveland officials have agreed to pay $6 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old who was shot and killed by a police officer in 2014, according to documents filed in federal court on Monday.
3 team up to find new home for Squirrels in Boulevard area
Public pressure to keep baseball on the Boulevard appears to be having an impact. In a new effort, Mayor Dwight C. Jones is teaming up with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Virginia Commonwealth University to find a site for a new ballpark near The Diamond, but not on the 60 acres of public property the city wants to redevelop.
City Council continues talks on school funding
Richmond City Council appears to be stuck between a rock and a hard place as it seeks to craft a balanced $709 million operating budget that would become effective July 1. On one side are passionate supporters of Richmond’s public schools who want the council to shift more local tax dollars into public education to avoid the potential shutdown of Armstrong High School and four elementary schools. Find the money, they say.
Fill schools, not jails
More than 200 demonstrators call for more school funding
Kevin Lauray resolutely marched across the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge late Monday afternoon with his 4-year-old daughter, Aiyanna Lauray, on his shoulders as she held high a sign, “Support Our Schools.” His girlfriend, Shaira Maravilla, and their four other children walked the distance — from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End, across the bridge, to City Hall — with a crowd of about 200 to demand more money for Richmond Public Schools.
Morgan Bullock stands out in Irish dance
Morgan Bullock is starting to make a name for herself in the fast-growing arena of Irish dance. In late March, the Richmond area teen placed 50th for her solo dancing in her first foray into World Irish Dance Championships, becoming the only Virginian to be ranked among the 200 competitors in the age 15-16 category. She qualified to participate in the competition in Glasgow, Scotland, by placing among the top 15 dancers in regional competition in Dallas.
Power to vote
Gov. McAuliffe boldly restores voting rights of 206,000 Virginians, including disenfranchised African-Americans
David Mosby no longer feels like a second-class citizen. After years of being barred from the ballot box because of his criminal record, the 46-year-old home improvement contractor is finally able to vote and fully take part in the life of his community.
Wednesday, April 27
Maggie Walker statue project almost ready to roll
It’s official. No tree will overshadow the future Downtown statue of Richmond civic and business leader Maggie L. Walker. The Richmond Planning Commission this week ended the debate over the rare live oak tree that now stands at Broad and Adams streets and Brook Road.
Protesters seek year-round city-run homeless shelter
About 30 members of the city’s homeless community, advocates for homeless people and other concerned residents gathered behind the city’s old Public Safety Building early last Friday evening for a rally and sleep-in protest at the entrance of the emergency overflow shelter.
Metro Richmond air quality improves
Thousands of adults and children in the Richmond metropolitan area are breathing easier because the air is cleaner, although still far from pristine, according to the American Lung Association. The area improved to its best values on key measures of air pollution, the ALA reported in its annual national “State of the Air” report released Wednesday.
HOME wins settlement for disabled
Landlords cannot turn away prospective tenants because their income is from government disability payments, according to the fair housing watchdog agency Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia. Richmond-based HOME brought attention to that restriction attempt after bringing change to a Chesterfield County apartment complex.
Friday, April 22
Comments cause temperatures to rise at city School Board meeting
The Richmond School Board, like many public bodies in Virginia, has long barred speakers during its public comment period from engaging in “personal attacks of any individual” or expressing criticism of an administrator, a staff member, a principal or a teacher by name.
State Republicans playing politics with the environment
It is unacceptable that Republican leaders in the Virginia House of Delegates are playing dirty politics when it comes to one of the most serious issues facing the commonwealth. Climate change has been declared to be a threat by the military, it’s negatively affecting our community’s public health and worsening current inequality. Sea level rise caused by climate disruption is already impacting our family down in Hampton Roads with worsening flooding and increasing damage from flooding.
‘Put education first’
During the past weeks, I’ve attended community meetings, rallies and a mayoral forum — all of which were dominated by citizens’ concerns about our public schools.
Increase financial access
Our nation has made great progress in the advancement of minorities. However, the current election cycle serves as a reminder of how far we have to go. National, state and local political races are prompting many to ask the simple question, “Will our next elected officials create more opportunity for Richmond’s African-American community or stifle the progress that already has been made?”
Black-on-black and white-on-white crime facts
I have written about Bill O’Reilly, aka “Bill O’Racist,” and his proclivity to distort the facts when discussing African-Americans. Well, he’s at it again.
Drinking the water
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder should feel like he is in the eye of the storm — and in the crosshairs of state and federal investigators — when it comes to the appalling ongoing crisis of poisoned water in Flint. Last week, the myopic governor had the nerve to tell Flint residents that they should use more filtered water from Flint’s public tap and less bottled water.
How much is enough?
We continue to watch with great concern as the intense and sometimes emotional debate over school funding continues in Richmond.
Festivals, cleanups mark local Earth Day celebrations
There’s just one international Earth Day, but Richmond area residents will have the opportunity this weekend to attend festivals on both sides of the James River. Both events are scheduled to take place Saturday, April 23.
Mother of shooting victim to discuss documentary on teen son’s death
The case became a national sensation — an angry white man shooting into a car with four unarmed black teenagers for playing their music too loud. One teen was killed.
Holistic expo to be held May 7 at Richmond Raceway Complex
Five-time cancer survivor and Richmond resident Steven Wentworth is bringing the Greater Richmond Holistic Expo to the Richmond Raceway Complex in Henrico County.
Black social workers group hosts symposium April 22
The Richmond Association of Black Social Workers will present its spring 2016 education symposium, “I Am My People’s Keeper: Progressive Strategies in Dismantling the School to Prison Pipeline,” from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 22, at Sixth Baptist Church, 400 S. Addison St.
Va. People’s Assembly set for Saturday
Jobs, criminal justice reform, a living wage, LGBT rights and other issues will be the focus of the 8th Annual Virginia People’s Assembly that will convene this weekend at a Richmond church, it has been announced.
Author, poet to speak April 29 at Main Library Downtown
New York Times bestselling author and poet Nikki Grimes will speak 6 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St. in Downtown.
Richmond Jazz Society presents Kia Bennett in concert May 10
Richmond soul and jazz singer and songwriter Kia Bennett will make her hometown debut in a 7 p.m. concert Tuesday, May 10, at Capital Ale House Downtown, 623 E. Main St.
WNBA overlooks VUU champ
Virginia Union University’s Kiana Johnson impressed just about everyone during basketball season — everyone, that is, but the WNBA scouts.
English, Johnson grab attention at Portsmouth Invitational Tourney
Before Dennis Rodman became a household name among basketball fans, he was a relative unknown at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Former Martinsville 7-foot-1 giant may be top pick for NBA draft
It appears Thon Maker will be playing in the NBA sooner rather than later. The 7-foot-1 native of South Sudan has been cleared for the June NBA draft, where he is a possible lottery pick. Maker and his advisers discovered a possible loophole in NBA rules allowing him to sidestep the “one and done” college process that most elite prospects have gone through. To be eligible for the NBA draft, a player must be at least 19 and one year removed from high school. Maker, having turned 19 in February, qualifies on both counts, although he is essentially still in high school in Ontario, Canada.
Tubby Smith hired to coach at Memphis
Tubby Smith, whose coaching roots can be traced to Virginia Commonwealth University, is on pace to become the most successful African-American basketball coach in NCAA Division I annals. Smith, 64, was hired last week at the University of Memphis after spending the past three years at Texas Tech University. In coaching stops at Tulsa (1991-95), Georgia (1995-97), Kentucky (1998-2007), Minnesota (2007-13) and Texas Tech, he has amassed a record of 557-276 (67 percent).
Answer to church feeding program’s prayers was down the street
When leaders at Centenary United Methodist Church in Downtown were searching for a temporary site for their Friday feeding program for the homeless and working poor, little did they know the answer to their prayers was only a few yards away.
Westwood Baptist, other groups host park cleanup
The Enrichmond Foundation is partnering with a historic West End church, a community bank and the City of Richmond to organize the cleanup of a park they call a “hidden gem” in the West End.
Stop the Violence Parade coming to Mosby Court
The Ephesus Pathfinder Club at Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Side is organizing the first Richmond Stop the Violence Parade, it has announced.
Harlem churches see gospel tourist boom
The stern warning issued from the pulpit was directed at the tourists — most of whom had arrived late — a sea of white faces with guidebooks in hand. They outnumbered the congregation itself: A handful of elderly black men and women wearing suits and dresses and old-fashioned pillbox hats.
Funeral Monday for Wendell F. Davis
Wendell F. Davis traveled by bicycle and GRTC bus from his North Side residence to Western Henrico County on Thursday, April 14, to visit his daughter, stepdaughter and the love of his life, his 2-year-old granddaughter, Caleá.
Contractor Wilbur J. Dyer III dies at 57
Wilbur J. Dyer III had a deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit. And he also loved to construct and build.
Personality: Brittney Maddox
Spotlight on president of Good Clear Sound
Brittney Maddox seeks to make a positive difference in the community in her role as the president of “Good Clear Sound,” a slam poetry collective at Virginia Commonwealth University.
It’s all about the ‘Tubmans’
Anti-slavery crusader Harriet Tubman will replace former President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew announced Wednesday.
Criminal charges filed in Michigan water crisis
The Flint water crisis became a criminal case Wednesday when two state regulators and a city employee were charged with official misconduct, evidence tampering and other offenses over the lead contamination that alarmed the country and brought cries of racism.
Price of first class stamp drops by 2¢
A postage stamp now costs 47 cents — a drop of 2 cents for a first class letter.
Faith-based group out to change world for homeless students
More than 1,600 students in Richmond Public Schools are considered homeless because they lack a traditional place to live. They live in shelters with their families, bunk with relatives or on the couches of friends or find space in group homes or motels.
Petersburg shakeup continues
Irvin M. Carter Jr. has been dismissed as director of the Petersburg Finance Department in the latest city government shakeup.
General Assembly backs plan allowing anonymity for suppliers of lethal injection drugs
Death row prisoners will continue to be executed in Virginia. In a blow to death penalty foes, the General Assembly on Wednesday approved Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s proposal to allow the state to secretly purchase lethal drugs for executions from small drug manufacturers that would remain unidentified.
July 3 riverfront fireworks canceled
Richmond will have two fireworks shows to celebrate In- dependence Day on July 4th — the city’s traditional show in Byrd Park and the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ annual blast at The Diamond baseball stadium.
Frustration growing
City Council offers amendments to add millions of dollars to RPS while School Board approves cost-cutting measures
Community members are becoming increasingly angry and concerned about the future of Richmond Public Schools, especially after the Richmond School Board voted Monday to cut costs by shutting down two North Side buildings and implementing a new bus transportation system in the fall of 2016 that will make it more difficult for some students to get to their schools.
Tuesday, April 19
GRTC’s planned Bus Rapid Transit already $11.5M over projection
Richmond’s Bus Rapid Transit system is going to cost an additional $11.5 million to develop. But the state — and not Richmond — will pick up the extra expense, GRTC spokeswoman Carrie Rose Pace disclosed Tuesday. “Under the project agreement, the Commonwealth of Virginia will cover any costs that exceed the estimated project budget,” she stated in an email to the Free Press.
Four candidates to run in primaries for 4th District congressional seat
The election for the 4th Congressional District seat that now includes Richmond is beginning to shape up. Two Democrats and two Republicans have qualified to run for their respective political party’s nomination in a June 14 primary. The winners of the primaries then will face off for the seat in the November general election.
State NAACP election results upheld
After months of uncertainty, Linda Thomas is officially the president of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. She replaces Carmen Taylor of Hampton, who lost a close election last fall at the state convention. “I’m feeling pretty good. I’m anxious to get started, and the other members of the executive committee are anxious to get started,” said Ms. Thomas, a Caroline County resident whose husband, Floyd W. Thomas, serves on the Caroline Board of Supervisors
Entrepreneurs pitch products aimed at senior market
Patricia Fitzpatrick enthusiastically pitched the UZURV ride reservation service website and app that she and other entrepreneurs created to a three-member judges panel resembling the popular product pitch TV show “Shark Tank” at the Aging 2.0 Global Startup Search competition last week in Henrico County.
Friday, April 15
Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ opens April 19 at Altria Theater
Disney’s “The Lion King” roars back into Richmond next week, with all the enjoyable and familiar characters, costumes and songs.
Kudos to city’s juvenile detention center staff, leadership
Re “City juvenile detention center re-certified,” March 17-19 edition: Good job, Rodney Baskerville, superintendent of the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center, and staff. They not only passed the audit, but received 100 percent in all areas.
Price puts events out of reach for some area residents
Re: “First African-American police officers to be remembered in April 30 ceremony,” March 31-April 2 edition: I remember very well three of the four policemen who are to be honored. They were officers in my younger days. I would like to come to the ceremony, however, I cannot afford to pay the $50 the event organizers are charging to attend the ceremony. I am a citizen who lives off a very low income each month.
Fair Housing Act 48 years later
“Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white — separate and unequal. This deepening racial division is not inevitable. The movement apart can be reversed. Choice is still possible. Our principal task is to define that choice and to press for a national resolution … [It] will require a commitment to national action —compassionate, massive and sustained, backed by the resources of the most powerful and the richest nation on this earth. From every American it will require new attitudes, new understanding, and, above all, new will.” — Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (The Kerner Report), 1967
Clinton crime bill in context
Former President Bill Clinton mixed it up with Black Lives Matter activists last week as he defended his presidency and his 1994 crime bill while campaigning in Philadelphia for his wife, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. Hillary fans will say it isn’t fair that the Black Lives Matter folks keep raising issues from the Bill Clinton presidency. But the Clintons campaigned in 1992 by asserting that they were a “two for one” presidency, so raising those issues is at least somewhat fair.
For our children, our future
It became dismal listening to the plaintive pleas Monday night of people speaking before the Richmond City Council. One by one, dozens of children, parents and teachers took the microphone to ask for more money for Richmond Public Schools. Anyone tuning in during the middle of the three-hour session broadcast on public television would have thought they were watching a late-night commercial seeking money for Third World school projects for UNICEF or Save the Children. The descriptions were shocking and heart-wrenching, telling of broken-down buildings with tiles falling from the ceilings, supplies for classrooms provided largely from the beneficence of dedicated, but underpaid teachers struggling to maintain their own households, who clean their own classrooms because the building’s sole janitor already has too much to do, and sometimes fending off bad behavior and violence from children seriously in need of services.
TEDxRVA brings inspiration to Downtown
A university president with a comedic touch. A burlesque performer on a mission to continue the revival of her craft.
VUU holds scholarship ball April 15
R&B singer Will Downing will be a special guest at the 4th Annual Virginia Union University Scholarship Gala & Masquerade Ball this Friday, April 15, at The Richmond Marriott Hotel, 500 E. Broad St. in Downtown.
Bus trip to D.C. science festival April 16
A bus trip is being organized from Richmond to the 4th USA Science and Engineering Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington this Saturday, April 16.
Children’s choir presents free concert April 16
The Greater Richmond Children’s Intermediate Concert Choir will perform 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, in the Gellman Room at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., in Downtown.
Fashion show to benefit domestic violence victims
Models will walk the runway for a good cause at the Struttin’ 4 Domestic Violence Fashion Show from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 16, in the Lipman Auditorium at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Massey Library Technology Center, 1651 E. Parham Road.
Personality: AnnMarie Gilbert
Spotlight on the Big House Gaines Coach of the Year
Virginia Union University women’s basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert continues to add hardware to her already crowded trophy case following a record-breaking season on Lombardy Street. The first-year Lady Panthers head coach, who guided the team to a historic 28-win season and a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament’s Elite Eight, just received the latest acknowledgment for her coaching excellence. On Monday, Coach Gilbert was named the 2015-16 Big House Gaines College Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. “We are pleased to recognize Coach Gilbert for the outstanding job she did this season,” stated NSMA Executive Director Dave Goren in a news release. “Her team had a historic season and (she) truly deserves this award.”
Russell Wilson’s mother to speak at Women’s Day
She’s the mother of Richmond hometown hero Russell Wilson, star quarterback of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. And Tammy Wilson is going to be keynote speaker at the Women’s Day service 11 a.m. Sunday, April 17, at Third Street Bethel AME Church, 614 N. Third St., in Jackson Ward. Mrs. Wilson is expected to talk about her faith and her s
Farmville church to commemorate historic 1951 student walkout with Johns-Griffin Day
The Moton Museum and First Baptist Church of Farmville are presenting a Johns-Griffin Day commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the strike by students at R.R. Moton School in 1951.
Library of Virginia to open exhibit on religious freedom
The Library of Virginia will open its “First Freedom: Virginia’s Statute for Religious Freedom” exhibit Monday, April 18. The exhibit examines questions such as “What do we mean by religious freedom?” “What is separation of church and state?” “How do you balance one person’s beliefs with the common good?” and “How have our ideas about religious freedom changed since the founding of our nation?” according to a news release.
Flying Squirrels to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day Friday
April 15, 1947, is a red-letter day in sports history and American history. That is the date when Jackie Robinson, son of a family of Georgia sharecroppers, broke the color line in modern major league baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Frantz, Traynor win Monument Ave. 10K
One step forward for the celebration of local athletes. One step backward for diversity. That sums up the 17th running of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K last Saturday with nearly 30,000 participants and streets lined with excited but chilled fans.
Ed Davis, former Benedictine standout, looks toward NBA playoffs
Ed Davis’ reputation for rugged play under the backboards has earned him the nickname “Phys Ed” with the NBA Portland Trail Blazers. The 240-pound southpaw has developed into an elite rebounder —and short-range scorer — coming off the bench. “It’s not pretty,” he said of his ready-to-rumble style. “But someone has to set the hard screens, hit the offensive boards, do the dirty work.”
Former VCU Rams in NBA playoffs
Virginia Commonwealth University basketball fans will have two former Rams to follow in the upcoming NBA playoffs. Troy Daniels of the Class of 2013 is in his second year with the Charlotte Hornets, while Briante Weber, Class of 2015, was recently signed by the Miami Heat.
VSU coach looking to move from interim to permanent
As an athlete, Justin Harper was best known for his ability to catch a football. It was a skill that carried him all the way to the NFL.
Cannon lowers ‘Boom’ on VSU’s opponents
Successful college football recruiting is all about organization, forming contacts, perseverance and hard work. It also helps having a bit of luck.
Oliver Singleton, president of the MBL, dies
For more than 13 years, Oliver Rodney “Rod” Hunt Singleton played a critical role in providing more opportunities to minority-owned businesses as the president and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Business League in Jackson Ward.
Unsold food is ‘a godsend’
Boxes of tomatoes, peppers and other fruits and vegetables fill four tables in the basement social hall at Zion Baptist Church on South Side, creating the look of a small grocery store. “This is a pretty small load,” said John Thombs, who had brought the cornucopia to the church at 2006 Decatur St., where his wife, Betty, set it up with a few helpers.
Petersburg works to filter water meter debacle
Petersburg failed to upgrade its billing system so it could accept and use the data collected from the new digital water meters, despite Mayor W. Howard Myers and the Petersburg City Council making that a condition in approving the switch to the new meters.
Free Press wins big
The Richmond Free Press continues its 24-year tradition of award-winning excellence. The newspaper was recognized with 10 awards — including five first-place awards and runner-up for the Journalistic Integrity and Community Service Award — at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.
Verizon strike could impact local service
Members of Henrico County-based Local 2201 of the Communications Workers of America walked off the job early Wednesday in a strike against Verizon.
Candidate forum draws 12 seeking to become mayor
Richmond City Council President Michelle R. Mosby pledged “to renew a sense of trust in government.” Jack Berry, former director of Downtown booster group Venture Richmond, said, “I will make sure that the first dollar goes to the schools, not the last dollar.”
Transgender law tweaked in N.C. after backlash
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory slightly altered a new state law denounced as discriminatory with an executive order Tuesday, but the Republican stood firm on a controversial provision restricting transgender bathroom access. The governor’s order expands protections against discrimination for state employees to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Gov. McCrory also asked lawmakers to restore the right to sue in state court for discrimination, an option taken away by the measure passed last month.
Marching for dollars
City Council takes first steps to give more to RPS
Before dozens of students, parents and teachers began pleading, berating and challenging Richmond City Council to beef up funding for city schools, the nine members of the governing body had already taken the first step. In a 9-0 vote Monday night, in front of a packed council chamber of school supporters, the council approved an ordinance requiring the city administration to give to the schools real estate tax money collected from surplus property previously owned by the school system.
Tuesday, April 12
Henrico names new police chief
Henrico County’s choice of a new police chief reflects the growing influence of the Latino community in the Richmond area. The choice is Maj. Humberto “Hum” Cardounel Jr.
Council to CAO: Create plan to aid businesses impacted by BRT
Restaurants and other businesses along Broad Street could receive financial help to survive the expected 15 months of construction of the GRTC’s Bus Rapid Transit system.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects conservative challenge in voting rights case
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the method all states use to draw their legislative districts, rejecting a conservative challenge that could have given more clout to white, rural voters.
Friday, April 8
‘Friendly fire’ an excuse to explain away black man’s death
I find it troubling that another young black man has been shot and killed by the police and so little attention has been given to it by the news media. In Maryland, a plain clothes black police officer was killed March 13 by what was reported to be “friendly fire.”
High court needs a black woman
Scholars often opine that women in decision-making positions of authority would make more positive change in the future of the nation than men. With complete optimism, I believe that a genuine black woman in a decision-making position of authority would bring even more positive outcomes to our future.
Demand economic justice
This year’s presidential primaries have highlighted the importance of people of color to the Democratic Party coalition. Hillary Clinton’s lead in the party’s nomination race comes almost entirely from her strength among African-American and Latino voters. When people of color favor one candidate by large margins, they make the difference.
Ready or not
People turned out by the hundreds at Virginia Union University on Wednesday night to get an initial glimpse of the 12 announced candidates who want to become Richmond’s next mayor. It was the first forum for the candidates, hosted by L. Douglas Wilder, Richmond’s former mayor and a former Virginia governor.
Stealing the show
The 17th Annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K is this weekend. Even though participants may be running in cold and rainy conditions along a route laden with statues of vanquished icons of the Confederacy, the event typically provides a fun, healthy and wholesome experience for runners, walkers and observers alike.
Protection paramount
We join the Greater Richmond community in mourning the death of Trooper Chad P. Dermyer of the Virginia State Police. The 37-year-old husband and father of two was fatally shot last week during a training exercise at the busy Greyhound bus station on the Boulevard.
NFL quarterback Russell Wilson gets hometown welcome
Seattle Seahawks All-Pro quarterback Russell Wilson scored a touchdown with a hometown crowd of 4,500 people at the Richmond Forum, where he was the special guest and speaker Saturday night at the Altria Theatre.
TEDxRVA slated for April 8 at Carpenter Theatre
Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah, African dance scholar Dr. Elgie Gaynell Sherrod, special needs advocate Pam Mines, human rights advocate Jonathan Dau, musician Gull, and advocate Sheila Battle are among 20 presenters at the 4th Annual TEDxRVA 2016 event Friday, April 8, at the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Arts Center, 600 E. Grace St., in Downtown.
YWCA hosts public series for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The YWCA of Richmond is presenting several events as a part of its April recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Three lunch discussions are scheduled. The first is “Responding to Survivors: The Importance of Language” from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the YWCA of Richmond, 6 N. 5th St., Downtown.
U.Va. alumni sponsor fundraiser, film screening April 13
University of Virginia alumni will host a scholarship benefit next week at the Bow Tie Cinemas Movieland at Boulevard Square in Richmond featuring a screening of a locally made short film about Jackson Ward, it has been announced.
Brother versus brother
Jenkins’ buzzer beater gives Villanova the NCAA championship
It’s hard saying what will be remembered most about Kris Jenkins — his game-winning shot or the background story making it all possible. Jenkins swished a 22-foot buzzer beater, giving Villanova (aka “Thrillanova”) a 77-74 victory for the NCAA championship over favored University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill on Monday night in Houston.
Runners readying for 10K race on Saturday
The annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K is an event long on local appeal but short on local champions. Don’t expect that trend to change with Saturday’s 17th running of Richmond’s springtime endurance test. Approximately 30,000 runners are signed up to compete on what weather forecasters say will be a rainy, cold and possibly snowy morning.
Moncrief swinging for the stars with Flying Squirrels
There is a pot of gold waiting at the end of the baseball rainbow. But it sure can be hard getting there. Consider the quest of Carlos Moncrief.
Former ROC seeing renewal, growth after scandal and leadership change
Dr. Robert J. “Pastor Rob” Rhoden said he has seen a sprinkling of former members of the Richmond Outreach Center return over the past few months to attend worship services since he quietly was named as the church’s new senior pastor in January.
RPS threatens to close 5 schools
“It’s ridiculous.” That was the response Wednesday from Jakela Cannon, the mother of a John B. Cary Elementary School kindergarten student in the West End, to a cost-cutting plan introduced this week by the Richmond Public Schools administration that seeks to close Cary, three other elementary schools and Armstrong High School. The proposal would move those students to other existing schools in the district and consolidate three unidentified alternative schools into one.
Coalition hosts conflict resolution workshop April 9
Three Richmond area crime prevention groups are presenting a Citywide Violence Prevention Conflict Resolution Workshop. The workshop will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Royal Manchester Event Center inside the Richmond Christian Center, 1173 Wall St., in South Side.
Hope Christian Ministries sends water to Flint
Richmond-based Hope Christian Ministries has added its name to the list of area congregations and civic groups sending water to aid the lead-poisoned residents of Flint, Mich.
President Obama urges people of faith to stand strong
President Obama hosted his last Easter Prayer Breakfast with Christian leaders, pausing to reflect on what he called a “bittersweet” occasion.
Freeman’s ‘God’ series asks bigger questions about religion
It all started about seven years ago when actor Morgan Freeman visited the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Noticing the mosaics of Jesus inside the museum, Mr. Freeman asked his tour guide, who was Muslim, if the tiles had been covered when the building, originally a Greek Orthodox church, was used as a mosque. No, the guide said, because Muslims view Jesus as a prophet.
Personality: Allen S. Lee
Spotlight on winner of LEO Award for lifetime achievement in IT
“I was stunned. I couldn’t believe it,” Allen S. Lee, a professor of information systems at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business, says was his reaction to learning he was the recipient of the LEO Award for Lifetime Exceptional Achievement in Information Systems.
Another Barbara Johns?
Open High students plan citywide walkout to protest lack of funding
Imagine all 5,600 high school students in Richmond walking out to protest the physical conditions of their buildings. Then imagine them overflowing the Richmond City Council chambers a few hours later to bring their concerns to the nine-member governing body.
City’s anti-poverty office losing director
The city is looking for a new director to lead its anti-poverty effort through the city Office of Community Wealth Building. Thad Williamson announced he is resigning as the director to return to his position as associate professor of leadership studies at the University of Richmond.
Governor vetoes bills ahead of April 10 deadline
Richmond and other localities can still, if they choose, require employers with government contracts to pay workers a “living wage” that is well above the current $7.25 an hour federal minimum wage. However, the state will not be creating an experimental, independent school system where students in kindergarten through 12th grade could take all of their classes on a home computer or laptop.
Black Lives Matter co-founder brings message to Richmond
Opal Tometi, a co-founder of Black Lives Matters, said she and other leaders of the movement consider slogans, marches and rallies for just treatment for African-Americans to be critical, but it’s more important “to move to systems that protect and affirm black life.”
Men’s group seeking mentors for middle school boys
The Richmond Chapter of Concerned Black Men is looking for more men interested in mentoring youths. The program is holding its next orientation sessions for mentors Thursday, April 7, and Thursday, May 5, at the organization’s office, 2025 E. Main St. Both sessions will be 6 to 8 p.m.
Reversal of misfortune
Kemba Smith, whose prison sentence was commuted in 2000, dines with President Obama after meeting with White House aides
When U.S. Sen. Barack Obama was making his initial bid to become president of the United States, Richmond native and 1989 Hermitage High School graduate Kemba Smith was among the thousands volunteering in his ambitious history-making campaign.
Tuesday, April 5
First African-American police officers to be remembered in April 30 ceremony
Officers Doctor P. Day, John W. Vann, Frank S. Randolph and Howard T. Braxton made history when they were hired May 1, 1946, by the Richmond Police Department. They were the first African-Americans allowed to join the department since it was formed in 1807. Maj. E. Hudson Organ was Richmond’s police chief when they were hired.
Trial continued of Henrico cop charged in shooting
The case of a Henrico County police officer, who was charged with malicious wounding for shooting into a car and injuring a woman in mid-December, has been postponed for two months.
Richmond Public Schools undergoes staff changes
Richmond Public Schools’ leadership team is undergoing a major makeover. Ralph Westbay, who helped craft the school system’s current budget plan as the assistant superintendent for financial services, is retiring May 1.
Federal agency investigating local postal union election
The U.S. Labor Department is investigating the conduct of the Dec. 16 election of officers for the Richmond-based Old Dominion Branch Local 496 of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
City’s energy savings plan didn’t pan out
Earlier this year, City Hall rejected a proposal to use energy savings to pay for $13 million in improvements to an array of city buildings, including replacing old boilers, aging windows and outdated lighting.
Fulton streets may change for Bus Rapid Transit
Richmond is moving forward with a proposed $7.9 million overhaul of Dock and East Main streets to improve the road network for the new Stone Brewing plant and the coming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the East End. The project appears to expand potential sites for development near the riverfront and the Virginia Capital Trail, the Richmond-to-Williamsburg bike and pedestrian connector.
