Friday, December 30
Divergent political lives
In August 2000, Jesse Jackson Jr. was a man with a bright future. He was the son of Jesse L. Jackson Sr., the civil rights firebrand who twice ran for president and audaciously planted the seed that, someday, an African-American could be elected the nation’s commander in chief. Unlike his tree-shaker dad, Jesse Jr. was a jelly maker. He was a three-term U.S. representative from Illinois, experienced in the legislative process.
A message to remember
On Dec. 19, the Electoral College met to cast their ballots for the new president after a bitterly contested election in a deeply polarized nation. Last Sunday, the vast majority of Americans celebrated Christmas, literally the mass of Christ, marking the birth of Jesus.
Assault on liberty and justice
During a presidential campaign rally in Dimondale, Mich., Republican nominee Donald Trump made an impassioned, six-word overture to African-Americans, who had shown little enthusiasm for his campaign: “What do you have to lose?”
New Year’s wish
New Years Wish
Emancipation Proclamation Day Service Jan. 2
Amid a raging Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln took a major step to promote the American ideal of liberty.
First Lady Michelle Obama had 8-year impact on fashion
The morning after First Lady Michelle Obama’s big speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2012, in which she argued passionately for a second term for her husband, designer Tracy Reese’s phone was ringing. And ringing.
Charles City native produces new citrus-infused whiskey
Walter A. Crawley is tapping his roots in Charles City County in seeking to create a better whiskey. The 53-year-old food industry veteran believes the harsh taste of corn-based alcohol can turn people off, particularly people who are trying their first drink.
August Wilson’s ‘Fences’ now on big screen
Denzel Washington is excited. Not so much because he is an Oscar front-runner for his role in “Fences,” but because bringing the award-winning stage play about blue collar African-Americans to the big screen has been a long-held dream.
Personality: Mary Allen Waller
Spotlight on board chair at LINC’s 20th anniversary
Mary Allen Waller was 26 years old when she lost her mother to a cancerous brain tumor. It was devastating, she says. Her mother was only 50.
Simone Biles, LeBron James named AP Athletes of the Year
She won a record-tying four gold medals to go along with a bronze during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Maynor, Kodjoe among 6 inductees into VCU Athletic Hall of Fame
Eric Maynor starred in basketball at Virginia Commonwealth University and later smoothly transitioned to the sport’s professional ranks.
No.20 sparkles again in VCU basketball
Brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright are credited with inventing the airplane. More recently, brothers Bradford and Jordan Burgess have helped lift Virginia Commonwealth University basketball to exciting new heights.
Armstrong team strong on top scorers
Last season, Armstrong High School basketball took one step back. This year’s Wildcats hope to take a few steps forward, probably with Brian Harris leading the charge.
Foremost wishes for 2017
Kaine, Stoney, Locke, Bourne and Nelson tell them They respond to a special Free Press invitation
Kaine, Stoney, Locke, Bourne and Nelson tell them They respond to a special Free Press invitation
What are you hoping for in the new year?
New Year’s is a time when people take stock of the past year and make plans for changes and improvement for the future. The Richmond Free Press talked with pedestrians in Downtown and asked:
Mayor-elect Stoney to take oath of office Dec. 31
Richmond’s Mayor-elect Levar Stoney is to take the oath of office at City Hall on New Year’s Eve, according to his staff, with a public inauguration expected two weeks later. Mr. Stoney is scheduled to take the oath at noon Saturday, Dec. 31, in the City Council chambers, according to his press secretary, Jim Nolan.
Sources: Hilbert to be next City Council president
Richmond City Council is poised to elect 3rd District Councilman Chris A. Hilbert as its new president, sources confirmed this week, while 7th District Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille is expected to win the post of vice president.
New Year’s holiday schedule
In observance of the New Year’s Day 2017 holiday, please note the following: City and county public schools: Winter break began Monday, Dec. 19. Schools reopen Monday, Jan 2, 2017.
City bonuses may cause future budget problems
Just days before leaving office, Mayor Dwight C. Jones quietly awarded nearly $2 million in bonuses to most of the city’s 4,000 employees in seeking to brighten their holidays and thank them for their “dedication and commitment” during his tenure.
Jan. 3 deadline to register to vote in state Senate election
to register to vote in state Senate election
Under scrutiny, Trump announces plans to dissolve his foundation
President-elect Donald Trump said he intends to dissolve his charitable foundation, the Donald J. Trump Foundation, which has been under investigation by the New York attorney general. The president-elect gave no timeline for winding down the foundation, but said in a statement released on Dec. 24 that he wanted “to avoid even the appearance of any conflict with my role as president.”
Plans advance to build memorial, museum to U.S. lynching victims
The Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organization that provides legal representation to indigent defendants and prisoners denied fair and just treatment in the legal system, plans to open the first national memorial to African-American victims of lynching.
DeVry University agrees to $100M fraud settlement
Special to Trice Edney News Wire For the third time in two years, a large, for-profit college has faced charges of defrauding its students. This time, the charges stem from promises of jobs and incomes that never materialized. On Dec. 15, the suburban Chicago-based DeVry University agreed to a $100 million settlement to end a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission last January.
Architect of new National Museum of African American History & Culture has ALS
The lead architect of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture disclosed that he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease earlier this year.
Kwanzaa 50-year-old holiday
Henrico family sees value, impact of celebrating the 7 principles of the 50-year-old holiday
Shakila Davis and her family have celebrated Kwanzaa since the 1970s. And for Mrs. Davis, celebrating the African-American holiday that is now in its 50th year is as important as ever.
Va. Republicans announce plans to roll back welfare benefits
Virginia Republicans will seek to make the government program known as Temporary Aid to Needy Families, or TANF, even more temporary in the upcoming General Assembly session — potentially impacting tens of thousands of poor families in Richmond and other localities across the state.
Scholarship aimed at helping former inmates
A new scholarship has been set up to help former inmates at Richmond’s jail gain work in the building trades, attend community college or secure a high school equivalency degree, or GED. Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. announced the program as part of a partnership with a Richmond area nonprofit that provides re-entry services to released offenders, OAR, which stands for Opportunity, Alliance, Re-Entry.
Bon Secours deal with city crumbles on Westhampton school building
Outgoing Mayor Dwight C. Jones has long complained that he never received proper credit for the deal he crafted with the Bon Secours hospital system that brought the Washington pro football team’s training camp to Richmond.
Richmond registrar needs money for Jan.10 special election
Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter is gearing up for the Richmond special election Tuesday, Jan. 10, when voters will pick a new state senator to replace A. Donald McEachin, who is heading to Washington to represent the 4th Congressional District.
Friday, December 23
All for ‘Merry Christmas’
When December dawns, thoughts turn to the greatest of all seasons — Christmas. A lot of customs have become associated with Christmas since the reason for this great season was born more than 2,000 years ago. The birth of Christ changed the world and offered hope and eternal life to all who believe in him.
A right to express one’s feelings
While the Obama presidency and the year itself both come to an end, the double standard extant between folks of color and others continues unchecked.
Change takes place from the bottom up
When President Obama first ran on the slogan, “Yes We Can,” I was all in. I, as well as others, understood the importance of a collective effort to affect progressive change.
Investigate voter suppression
The CIA conclusion that the Russians intervened in our elections in order to help elect Republican Donald Trump has sent Washington into one of its fabled tizzies.
Ben Carson: A never-ending nightmare
When Ben Carson emphatically declared that he has no government experience that would qualify him to run a federal agency, most took this to mean that he would quietly fade from public attention. We should have known better.
Holiday wishes
To our Free Press readers, subscribers, advertisers and supporters,
Cherished Holiday Memories
The holidays for many represent a season of light during the darkest time of the year. Whether you spend this season celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, the memories we create with family, friends, loved ones — and even strangers — stick with us for a lifetime.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival set for Dec. 30 at Altria
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa, the seven-day holiday created by Pan-African scholar Dr. Maulana Karenga.
Grambling wins Celebration Bowl
This has the makings of a bounce-back basketball season at Huguenot High School. After three straight lackluster campaigns in which the Falcons were a combined 17-42, the dark clouds are parting.
Huguenot revving up for basketball season
This has the makings of a bounce-back basketball season at Huguenot High School. After three straight lackluster campaigns in which the Falcons were a combined 17-42, the dark clouds are parting.
VCU Rams to meet Louisiana, Howard U. at Siegel Center
Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball prospects are looking up — both short and long term. The Rams have survived a challenging early schedule with an 8-3 record that includes a close 80-77 victory last Saturday over visiting Middle Tennessee State University.
Lady Panthers’ Brittany Jackson making her mark
Brittany Jackson has not only inherited Kiana Johnson’s jersey number — No. 3 — but also her role as dominating guard at Virginia Union University.
Roof guilty in church massacre
The jury in the federal hate crimes trial of avowed white supremacist Dylann Roof found him guilty on all counts for gunning down nine African-American parishioners at a historic church in Charleston, S.C., last year.
Personality: Doris Walker Woodson
Spotlight on Maymont House Benevolent Society Award winner
Doris Walker Woodson was reluctant when asked to be the community outreach coordinator for Maymont’s project to tell the story of the people who worked as domestic servants for the Dooley family that built and owned the 100-acre Richmond estate from 1893 to 1925.
Free Press receives award from Diversity Richmond
The Richmond Free Press has received the Partners in Progress Award from Diversity Richmond for its continuing sensitivity to issues facing the LGBTQ community and its reporting, photography and editorials surrounding the June 2015 shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., in which 49 people were killed and 53 others were injured.
Federal appeals court upholds right of city employees to express opinions on social media
Police officers and other government employees do not completely surrender their First Amendment rights when they go to work.
Holiday schedule In observance of Christmas, please note the following:
City and county public schools: Winter break began Monday, Dec. 19. Schools reopen Monday, Jan.2.
It’s official: Electoral College makes Trump 45th president
Virginia’s 13 members of the Electoral College unanimously cast their votes Monday for Hillary Clinton, a show of support for the Democratic candidate on the same day Republican electors in other states officially elected Donald Trump president.
Michigan officials face charges in Flint water crisis
Michigan prosecutors on Tuesday charged four former government officials in Flint, including two city emergency managers, with conspiring to violate safety rules in connection with the city’s water crisis that exposed residents to dangerous levels of lead.
Gift of the heart
Earl Fleming, a Richmond makeup artist, entertainer and advocate who has given so much to others, receives gift of life from stranger
This Christmas, one of Richmond’s living legends, who has spent his life giving to others, received the most beautiful gift of all: The gift of life.
Friday, December 16
Tips to avoid the holiday blues
The six weeks encompassing Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are for most a magically unique time of year. But for many, the holidays bring hurt. Caused by factors including the weather, separation, death, stress, unrealistic expectations, hyper-sentimentality, guilt or overspending, holiday depression can zap the merriment out of even the most wonderful time of the year.
‘German-Americans and Italian-Americans also were interned during WWII’
Re editorial, “The lessons of war,” Dec. 8-10 edition:
Know your HIV status
I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past eight years. Here and around the world, over 18 million people are receiving the treatment and care they need — millions of infections have been prevented. What once seemed like an impossible dream, the dream of an AIDS-free generation, is within our grasp. But we know that there’s work to do to banish stigma, save lives and empower everyone to reach their potential…Today we remember those we’ve lost, and reflect on the extraordinary progress we’ve won. We give thanks to the heroes on the front lines of this fight and tomorrow we get back out there, because together, we can do this.” — President Obama’s video message for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 On June 5, 1981, the Centers for Disease Control published its weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report. The report, which described five cases of previously healthy, young gay men in Los Angeles infected with a rare lung infection, eventually would become recognized as the first official report on HIV/AIDS in the United States.
Bitter pill to swallow
When Donald Trump was running for president, he specifically targeted the white working class, telling them he would prevent their jobs from leaving the country, bring back manufacturing jobs and revive the oil and steel industries. He hasn’t taken office yet, but he already has celebrated the fact that Carrier, a heating and air conditioner manufacturer in Indianapolis, Ind., has agreed to keep jobs in the United States, even though the company had announced earlier that it would move jobs to Mexico.
Moving forward
We are relieved the investigation of Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ administration and the alleged use of city resources in the construction of the new Chesterfield sanctuary by the mayor’s church, First Baptist Church of South Richmond, has been completed.
Free and fair election?
That has been the chief U.S. rallying cry for decades regarding elections in countries around the globe, including South Africa, Venezuela, Palestine and even Iran.
Roland Martin to VSU grads: ‘Game time is on’
Roland S. Martin, host and managing editor of TV One’s “News One Now,” delivered part-speech, part-sermon Saturday to the 400 fall graduates of Virginia State University.
VCU grads: Beginning of another journey
“Go out and make your parents proud and your families proud,” Todd P. Haymore, Virginia’s secretary of commerce and trade, told Virginia Commonwealth University’s fall graduates.
‘Clara’s Christmas Gift’
Nearly 500 people attended The Dance Candle Academy of Performing and Sacred Arts performance, “Clara’s Christmas Gift,” last Saturday at Virginia Union University.
Operation Santa Claus provides Christmas cheer for area families
The holiday season is a time of celebration for many people. But for families struggling to make ends meet, a bountiful Christmas can be out of reach.
Community dinner, dialogue Dec. 20
Coming to the Table RVA, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping communities “heal from our country’s traumatic past of enslavement,” is hosting its monthly community dinner and dialogue 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, 3601 Seminary Ave., in North Side.
Black female entrepreneur, freedom fighter to be put on Canada’s $10 bill
Special to Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNewsToday.com Nine years before Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala., bus to a standing white person, a black Canadian woman, Viola Desmond, was dragged to jail by police for sitting in the whites-only section of a movie theater.
N.C. Central plays Grambling in Saturday’s Celebration Bowl
College football’s overall champion won’t be decided until Jan. 9 in Tampa with the University of Alabama, Clemson University, the University of Washington and Ohio State University the contenders. The crowning of an HBCU football champ comes much sooner.
JeQuan Lewis pushing VCU Rams to the win
Whether the distance is 15 feet or 21 feet, JeQuan Lewis is the player Virginia Commonwealth University wants taking the shots.
Tall men help John Marshall open season with wins
Surprisingly, the Richmond area’s tallest basketball team might represent a high school rather than a college. John Marshall High School’s front line just may have an inch or two over the likes of Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Richmond and Virginia Union University.
Aron Stewart’s retired number not really retired at UR
Insisting “I’ve been discriminated against for 42 years,” Aron Stewart remains bitter toward his alma mater, the University of Richmond.
Delta House property returned to church
The dreams have evaporated for turning a former Church Hill church sanctuary into the home of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Church collecting basic necessities for incarcerated people
A Church Hill congregation is seeking to dramatically expand its efforts to provide care packages of toiletries and underwear to people who are incarcerated, it has been announced.
As president of the Old Dominion Medical Society, Dr. Sonja Johns is looking to use the organization’s lobbying power to ensure that all Virginians have access to quality health care.
First Shiloh Baptist Church’s music and arts ministries are hosting “It’s All About the Baby,” a Christmas worship celebration, 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the church, 8150 Walnut Grove Road in Mechanicsville.
Personality: Dr. Sonja Johns
Spotlight on president of the Old Dominion Medical Society
As president of the Old Dominion Medical Society, Dr. Sonja Johns is looking to use the organization’s lobbying power to ensure that all Virginians have access to quality health care.
Council approves $1.7M for new police hires
During the next eight months, Richmond expects to add 75 new police officers to beef up its declining force. That includes two classes of recruits at the Training Academy and two additional classes of recruits to begin the six to seven months of training within two months, according to Police Chief Alfred Durham.
Petersburg meltdown averted with short-term loan
Petersburg’s once bleak financial situation is starting to brighten. Banking giant Wells Fargo provided a $6.5 million, short-term loan to the city last week that has eased the city’s financial crunch, enabled it to meet payroll through the end of the budget year on June 30 and ensured payment of current bills.
Richmond Kickers given 40-year lease to operate City Stadium
Wrapping up its four-year term, Richmond City Council rushed Monday to give the Richmond Kickers, the area’s professional soccer team, control of the 20,000-seat City Stadium in the West End.
Trump blows off intelligence briefings, reports of Russian hacking
Former CIA director Leon Panetta said Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump risks being blamed after any potential attack on the United States if he refuses to receive more regular intelligence briefings. U.S. officials told Reuters that Mr. Trump is receiving an average of one presidential intelligence briefing a week — far fewer than most of his recent predecessors. However, officials said Vice President-elect Mike Pence gets briefings around six days a week.
Painful testimony from 72-year-old survivor of S.C. church massacre
A 72-year-old retired nurse recounted for jurors on Wednesday how she cowered under a table while Dylann Roof killed nine of her fellow worshippers at a historic black church but spared her so she could tell the story of what he had done.
Attorney general: Hate crimes tear at the fabric of our communities
Hate crimes tear at the fabric of American communities and represent a stain on the country’s soul, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said at a mosque and Muslim community center on Monday.
Angie’s wings
Purple angel wings worn on helmet by Highland Springs player to honor his late mother guide team to second championship
The Highland Springs High School football team may have had help from above last Saturday in clinching its second straight Division 5 state football championship.
Tuesday, December 13
Pop-Tarts removed from RPS after student claims to find bugs inside
A parent of a Richmond Public Schools student claims that her son’s cafeteria- issued Pop-Tart was contaminated with insects and has demanded an investigation.
Chesterfield case dismissed against education advocate
Kandise N. Lucas no longer has to fear spending 15 days in jail for advocating for a disabled student in Chesterfield County. During a hearing Monday in Chesterfield Circuit Court, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office dropped a trespassing charge against Ms. Lucas stemming from last June at Ecoff Elementary School in Chester.
City expects big savings on utility bonds
Good news for Richmond utility customers who worry about rising costs for city water, sewer and gas service: The city expects to save $4.17 million a year on the cost of repaying money it borrowed for utility projects. With the savings extending for the next 24 years, the amount saved would total $100 million.
Saturday, December 10
Remain vigilant during the holidays
With crimes and homicides spiking this year, one must be aware of their surroundings at all times. With the holiday season in full force, more criminals are now on the prowl. We must be the eyes and ears of the community and inform police when a crime is observed.
Return on investment?
Having read some of the post-election statements by our top black organizations, and after watching some of their leaders on TV news shows commenting and lamenting the loss by the Democrats, I thought about the effectiveness of our champions for civil rights, economic empowerment and political empowerment. How effective have they been in terms of gains for the collective of black people, their primary constituents?
An appeal to Donald Trump
On Sunday, a man armed with an assault weapon marched into a popular pizza place — Comet Ping Pong — in Washington. He said he had come to “self-investigate” false stories spread by hate sites that the restaurant was the center of a Hillary Clinton ring trafficking in children. He reportedly fired his rifle one or more times and was arrested. Luckily, no one was injured.
Commonwealth Links donate shoes to shelter at luncheon
On a recent Saturday at a Downtown hotel, groups of women — some wearing snazzy hats and 5-inch heels — headed to a luncheon, all the while carrying another pair of shoes. Why?
Lighted boat parade, carriage rides, holiday open houses on tap in Richmond
Boats lighted and decorated for the holidays will cruise down the James River this weekend at the 24th Annual James River Parade of Lights.
National Urban League CEO to keynote VUU Community Leaders Breakfast
Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, will keynote Virginia Union University’s 39th Annual Community Leaders Breakfast.
Va. Center for Inclusive Communities holds support rally at Jackson Ward church
More than 400 people poured into Belle Hall at Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church in Jackson Ward on Sunday afternoon to show support for religious tolerance.
Company helps churches, nonprofits start websites — for free
Religion News Service Members of Trueworship Tabernacle used to walk their Corpus Christi, Texas, neighborhood handing out fliers about upcoming events.
Religious leaders celebrate denial of easement for Dakota Access pipeline
Native American and other religious leaders called the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision on Sunday to deny an easement for the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline an answer to prayer.
Educators worry science will be casualty of Trump administration
Science and education professionals are increasingly alarmed about the impact President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks — many of them evangelical Christians — could have on science standards in public schools.
Thompson resigns as football coach at John Marshall High
Damon “Redd” Thompson, admitting “the fire came out of me,” has stepped down as John Marshall High School’s football coach following three disappointing seasons.
Friday, December 9
Varner wins big
Harold Varner III won the Australian PGA Championship on Sunday, becoming the first African-American to win a professional golf tournament since Tiger Woods.
VUU track coach moves to VSU
Track and field/cross- country Coach Wilbert Johnson is changing schools without changing conferences, or even area codes.
VCU to take on ODU Saturday in Norfolk
Football has come between Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University, except for one night a year. In one of the state’s oldest basketball rivalries dating to 1948, the VCU Rams will travel by bus to Norfolk on Saturday, Dec. 10, to meet the ODU Monarchs at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.
Mitchell crafting his own future at VUU
It was a long and rocky road — cluttered with pitfalls — that led John Mitchell to Virginia Union University. The VUU senior tells of a heartbreaking ordeal of youth survival. But here’s the good news: The “John Mitchell Story” appears headed to a smiley-face ending.
Granberry taking it to another level at VSU
If any element was missing from last season’s Virginia State University basketball success, it was a dominant, under-the-basket post player.
Personality: Kathey B. Stone
As parents around Richmond prepare for the holidays by purchasing gifts, scheduling mall visits, tapping into savings and sharing holiday cheer, Henrico County resident Kathey Bacon Stone will be in Whitehouse, Jamaica, giving the best gifts of all — time, opportunity and love.
Mayor-elect Stoney appoints 2 to key positions
On the campaign trail, Levar Stoney promised to be a “visionary, forward-thinking” leader who would restore confidence in Richmond City Hall.
School Board chairman eyes run for House of Delegates
Jeff M. Bourne just won a second term on the Richmond School Board. But his tenure might turn out to be far shorter than four years.
Herring, Woody signal plans to run for re-election
Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring and city Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. already are gearing up to run for re-election next year.
Federal judge finds no ADA violation in Sheriff’s Office hiring decision
A federal judge has found that Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. did not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act when he declined to reassign a disabled deputy to a vacant payroll position and instead hired someone else to fill the job.
Prosecutor vows to retry S.C. ex-officer after mistrial in death of motorist
A South Carolina prosecutor said she would retry the former South Carolina police officer, a white man, who shot and killed a black motorist as he ran during an April 2015 traffic stop.
Civil rights coalition to hold pre-inaugural march in D.C. on MLK weekend
The Rev. Al Sharpton, head of the National Action Network, has announced that a coalition of civil rights and advocacy organizations will lead a march and rally at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington on Saturday, Jan. 14 — less than a week before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
La. congressman new CBC chair
Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond has been elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 115th Congress, which begins Jan. 3.
Race central issue in Virginia-Maryland redistricting arguments before high court
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy appears to hold the decisive vote in two cases involving challenges from African-American voters to electoral districts in Virginia and North Carolina.
Mayor Jones’ final bow
Richmond’s chief executive reflects on his 8 years in office
Mayor Dwight C. Jones entered City Hall in 2009 amid the worst recession in 75 years. He sought to be “a unifier” who would end the turmoil between the Mayor’s Office, City Council and the School Board and would create a Richmond people were proud of.
Plans could transform Grace St. block into retail-residential mix
Nearly a block of city-owned parking space near the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Arts Center in Downtown could be transformed into a mix of residences, offices and retail shops, accompanied by an 800-car parking deck.
Police funding decision before City Council Dec. 12
Richmond City Council has dropped its plan to hold a special meeting to shift $1.7 million to the city Police Department to cover the cost of hiring and training 20 recruits.
Councilman-elect Jones not interested in leadership post
The Rev. Michael J. Jones says he is not campaigning to become vice president of Richmond City Council when the governing body begins a new term and selects new officers at its organizational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The incoming 9th District City Council member said Monday that he is not interested in a leadership post in response to a Free Press report last week.
Friday, December 2
Trump’s choices portend disaster
Jane Elliott is not commonly known in American households. She holds no fame among the elites, nor does she command any known political clout. She doesn’t boast of great wealth. Seeing her, one probably would think of her as being non-threatening, even grandmotherly.
Broader view needed on Castro
Fidel Castro, Cuba’s leader for almost six decades, has died at 90 in Havana. USAToday’s headline on Monday read, “No Mourning in Miami,” noting the continued bitterness of those who left Cuba. The Washington Post featured testimonies condemning Mr. Castro’s authoritarian government. A revolutionary, a brutal dictator who sided with the U.S.S.R. in the Cold War, a sponsor of guerilla wars, leader of a failed economy — Mr. Castro’s death has unleashed the full indictment against him.
On health
As the talk grows in Washington about dismantling and/or privatizing nationally supported health care programs, including Obamacare, or the federal Affordable Care Act, and Medicare, we remind our readers that the health and lives of countless individuals and families have been made better because of such programs. Destroying these programs will have a deleterious impact within Richmond, the state and the nation.
Keeping it real
We are trying very hard to keep an open mind — and a thimble of optimism — about what lies ahead under the new administration of soon-to-be President Donald Trump.
Downtown comes alive with holiday events, parade
Love Christmas lights, holiday cheer and the thought of a white Christmas? What about tree lightings and holiday movie binge watching?
Soul Santa returns to Black History Museum
Soul Santa is returning to Richmond at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Area events to commemorate 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor
Dec. 7 marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, when Japanese forces bombed the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Army airfield at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,100 were wounded during the early morning attack that resulted in the United States entering World War II.
Coretta Scott King memoir slated for release Jan. 17
Toward the end of her life, Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., founder of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and American civil and human rights hero, commissioned Dr. Barbara Reynolds to write her memoir.
VCU shines in The Bahamas; plays next in Miami
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Jonathan Williams entered this basketball season with a well-deserved reputation as a playmaker.
N.C. A&T bows to UR in NCAA football playoff
North Carolina A&T State University’s 2015 football season ended with a party as victors of the inaugural Celebration Bowl. This football season’s conclusion was more like a dreaded visit to the dentist.
Richmond’s Malcolm Bell hoping to lead N.C. Central to Celebration Bowl victory
North Carolina Central University features one of the top passers in HBCU football, along with one of the most dangerous runners in HBCU football.
Va. Tech takes on Clemson for ACC championship
If Clemson University is to win the Atlantic Coast Conference and/or the National College football titles, the championship trophies are likely to reveal Richmond area fingerprints.
Southside Ducks win 5th straight championship
Football is alive and kicking — and quacking, too — at the Southside Community Center. Headquartered on Warwick Road at the site of the former ROC church, the Southside Ducks are piling up touchdowns and winning trophies.
Faith Leaders Moving Forward hosts dinner program on economic advancement
Community economic development. That will be the focus of a dinner program that the nonprofit Faith Leaders Moving Forward will host 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Sixth Baptist Church, 400 S. Addison St. near Byrd Park, it has been announced. The event is called “We Rise Together Now!” said Dr. Charles L. Shannon III, founder and
Evergreen Cemetery cleanup Saturday
Volunteers once again are being recruited to continue the cleanup of historic but overgrown Evergreen Cemetery on the border between Richmond and Henrico County.
Personality: Linda S. Jordan
Spotlight on founder of Coalition Against Violence
Linda S. Jordan knows that pain comes in all forms. A domestic violence survivor and 16-year breast cancer survivor, Ms. Jordan admits that there is no pain like that she experienced 26 years ago when she buried her teenage son, William Jordan III.
Stoney draws transition team from various sectors
Mayor-elect Levar Stoney is drawing on people from business, education, government and other backgrounds to help him make the transition to Richmond’s chief executive post.
As only incumbent, Bourne to play integral role on new School Board
When Richmond residents cast ballots on Nov. 8 for representatives to the Richmond School Board, looming were the major issues faced by the public school system — declining school accreditation, a multimillion-dollar budget deficit and high teacher turnover.
Petersburg official involved in water meter problems put on leave
A Petersburg official who played a key role in the city’s water meter snafu has been placed on administrative leave, the Free Press has learned.
City Council poised to honor late coach Andrew ‘Bo’ Hobbs
Richmond City Council is planning to honor the late Andrew N. “Bo” Hobbs Jr., the longtime girls’ basketball coach at Thomas Jefferson High School, with an honorary street sign.
McEachin endorses McClellan to replace him in state Senate
Richmond Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan appears to be on a glide path to the state Senate to succeed A. Donald McEachin, who is headed to Washington to represent the 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Trump changes course
President-elect Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to step back from running his global business empire to avoid conflicts of interest, as concern over his dual role mounts ahead of the Republican’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
President Obama awards 21 the Medal of Freedom
President Obama awarded the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest civilian honor in the United States — to 21 key figures at a star-studded ceremony at the White House last week.
No charges for officer who killed Charlotte man
A prosecutor on Wednesday cleared a Charlotte police officer in the killing of a black man whose death touched off civil unrest, and he presented detailed evidence to rebut assertions that the slain man was unarmed.
Richmond native Dorothy Height to be honored on postage stamp
Richmond native Dorothy Height, who devoted her life to fighting for racial and gender equality, will be honored on a new postage stamp, the U.S. Postal Service has announced.
Cleared
Allegations dismissed that Mayor Dwight C. Jones used city resources to benefit his church
Mayor Dwight C. Jones is off the hook. Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring announced Wednesday that Mayor Jones has been cleared of allegations that he used city resources to benefit the South Side church where he also is senior pastor.
