Thursday, May 26
Headed for self-destruction
Since the 1970s, black folks have resolutely refused to organize a national unity movement to promote and protect our cultural, economic, political, educational, health and legal interests in what is still basically a white supremacist/racist country. One of the most significant and very harmful results of our refusal is the too high rate of homicides in too many urban areas throughout the country.
Boost the homefront first
America is literally falling apart. In Flint, children were poisoned by the lead contamination of the water. In Washington, the subway system is plagued by fires and delays. Arlington Memorial Bridge, which connects the North to the South, the Capitol to Arlington National Cemetery, may have to be closed soon. President Kennedy’s eternal flame may burn forever, but the bridge is on its last legs.
Memorial Day
In honor of those who are gone, in remembrance of those we love, we lift you up in spirit on Memorial Day.
Oprah to star in Henrietta Lacks story
Oprah Winfrey will star in an HBO movie based on the 2010 nonfiction book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.
Madonna, Stevie Wonder pay homage to Prince at Billboard Music Awards
Madonna paid homage to Prince by wearing his signature color and bringing another icon, Stevie Wonder, onstage to sing the classic “Purple Rain” at Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards. Sitting atop a purple throne, Madonna kicked off the tribute with a version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which Prince wrote and Sinead O’Connor recorded. She was teary-eyed as she sang the song, videos and photos of Prince projected behind her.
Cosby to stand trial on sexual assault charge
A Pennsylvania judge on Tuesday ordered comedian Bill Cosby to stand trial on accusations of sexual assault, the most serious setback so far for a man who epitomized the all-American dad on the 1980s sitcom “The Cosby Show.” Judge Elizabeth McHugh found that prosecutors presented enough evidence to support allegations that he drugged and assaulted a woman in 2004. The judge rejected arguments from Mr. Cosby’s defense lawyers that the case should be thrown out.
Bishop Tutu’s daughter quits priesthood after gay marriage
The daughter of Nobel laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa has given up her clergy credentials after marrying a Dutch woman. Mpho Tutu told South African media that because her church did not recognize her wedding, she could no longer serve in the country.
Trump wooing evangelical Christians
Donald Trump is moving quickly to rally the evangelical base of the Republican Party as the presumptive GOP presidential nominee pivots toward a general election contest where the conservative Christian vote will be crucial to his chances for winning the White House.
Federal authorities seek death penalty in S.C. church massacre
Federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a man accused of killing the pastor and eight parishioners in a racially motivated attack at an African-American church in Charleston, S.C., last June, the U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday. “The nature of the alleged crime and the resulting harm compelled this decision,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement.
VUU’s Taylor White named CIAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Few have maximized their college experience more than Virginia Union University’s Taylor White.
MLB’s Jackie Bradley has Richmond roots
The hottest hitter in major league baseball has deep Richmond roots. Boston Red Sox centerfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who has an epic 29-game hitting streak, was born in Richmond in 1990, and played baseball in the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League.
African-Americans, Latinos few among MLB managers
Talk about a discrepancy. About 28.5 percent of the players in Major League Baseball (MLB) are Latinos, but there are no Latinos in the managers’ offices, according to the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports based at the University of Central Florida.
High school baseball players heading to camp in Cincinnati
In Major League Baseball’s search for young African-American talent, the Richmond area hasn’t been overlooked. Tyriq Branch of Henrico High School and Chris Hayden at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield County have been selected to participate in the Breakthrough Series, June 15 through 19 in Cincinnati.
Carter-Sheppard no longer headed to Central Florida
Jeremy Carter-Sheppard has announced on Twitter that he is de-committing from the University of Central Florida and will re-open his recruitment. The John Marshall High School senior basketball standout signed with UCF coach Donnie Jones last November. On March 23, former Duke University All-American Johnny Dawkins was named the new basketball coach at UCF, replacing Coach Donnie Jones, who was fired.
NSU basketball signs 3 transfer players
In need of immediate help, Norfolk State University basketball has gone all in on transfers. Spartans Coach Robert Jones recently announced three more signings — all transfers.
Mamie Rallins, former Olympic hurdler, Hampton University coach dies at 74
Two-time Olympian and former Ohio State University and Hampton University women’s track coach Mamie Rallins died Monday, May 16, 2016, in a car wreck near Port Clinton, Ohio.
Jim McMillian, member of L.A.Lakers 1972 championship team, dies at 68
Jim McMillian, a key component of the longest winning streak in NBA history, died Monday, May 16, 2016, at his home in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Personality: Glen Besa
Spotlight on retiring director of Sierra Club’s Virginia chapter
For the last 14 years, Glen Besa has been working to protect the environment as director of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Issue after issue, he has led the club’s more than 15,000 Virginia members and supporters in protecting and improving air and water quality, advancing clean and renewable energy sources, understanding climate change and holding politicians accountable on decisions impacting the environment.
Manchester Courthouse renamed to honor Henry and Harold Marsh
Civil rights was central to the law firm that Henry L. Marsh III organized with the late legal giants Oliver W. Hill Sr. and Samuel W. Tucker.
Republicans file suit to rescind rights restoration to 206,000 Virginians
Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe is facing a court fight over his April 22 order restoring voting rights to 206,000 felons who have completed their sentences, including about 40,000 people convicted of violent offenses. In a case filed Monday, Republican leaders in the General Assembly and four voters have asked the Virginia Supreme Court to find the governor acted illegally and to order him to rescind the blanket restoration of rights that allowed the affected individuals to vote, serve on juries and run for office.
Mistake may prevent hundreds from voting
A flawed list could keep hundreds of felons in Richmond and possibly thousands across the state from being properly registered to vote and having their votes counted in the upcoming June 14 primary election, the Free Press has learned. At least 420 felons in Richmond were still waiting to be put on the voter rolls by Monday’s voter registration deadline even though they believe they are covered by Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s April 22 order restoring rights to 206,000 people who had completed their sentences and any probation or parole requirements.
Gordon to be among highest paid city officials
Reginald E. “Reggie” Gordon is looking forward to the new challenge of leading the Office of Community Wealth Building, City Hall’s anti-poverty initiative, after nine years of overseeing American Red Cross operations in the Richmond area and most of the state.
Deadline May 30 for city storm drain art competition
The City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities is seeking five artists who can paint a picture of the importance of keeping the James River, the city’s source of drinking water, clean.
National Urban League issues annual State of Black America report
Declaring that the state of black America is “locked out” of economic, social and educational equality, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial said in his State of Black America Address last week that at least $1 trillion must be invested in America’s urban communities in order to bring a semblance of justice.
Memorial Day holiday schedule
A list of closings and schedule changes for Memorial Day, Monday, May 30:
National Policy Alliance schedules black political convention in Gary, Ind.
As the U.S. presidential and congressional campaigns remain in full throttle, the National Policy Alliance, a coalition of 16,000 black elected and appointed officials and more than 1 million black policymakers, has organized a National Black Political Convention to be held June 9 through 12 in Gary, Ind.
Roses to remember
Army medic honors fallen soldiers by crafting steel roses for Gold Star families
As a combat medic in the Army, Anthony Vella witnessed the agonizing deaths of fellow soldiers killed in Afghanistan. When he returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Lee in 2013, he sought to escape the memories of a “living hell” but honor his lost comrades.
Friday, May 20
City workforce center can help those denied federal job assistance
Re “Ignoring call to duty: Failure to sign up for Selective Service hurts thousands,” May 5-7 edition: A Richmond Free Press article informed readers how failing to register for the Selective Service can hinder men from receiving federal financial assistance, such as workforce services and Pell Grants for education.
Investing in black men
Mayors and community leaders in cities across the country are working every day to create vibrant and healthy communities where all of our youth, families and neighbors can thrive. All too often, though, the promise of safe, healthy and hopeful communities for all is not being realized for African-American men. Indeed, while they represent significant populations in many of our cities, these men face a disproportionate impact from violence.
‘Something bigger than myself’
“We’ve got a justice gap when too many black boys and girls pass through a pipeline from underfunded schools to overcrowded jails … Black men are about six times likelier to be in prison right now than white men.” Those words rang in my ears and lingered in the air like a heavy, heavy fog that morning. As I stared at President Obama, I kept repeating to myself, “Right now?”
60 years back, 60 years ahead
Education is the great equalizer, so it has been said. Take for example Irving L. Peddrew III. He was a teenage honors student at his all-black high school in Hampton whose future seemed limitless. He received offers to attend numerous schools across the nation. Yet he chose Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
‘Success is … in the lives that you impact,’ Delegate Aird tells VSU graduates
Virginia State University President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah was beaming like a proud father during this, his first, and the university’s 130th commencement held last Sunday at the Richmond Coliseum.
El ignites passion, inspires VCU grads
“Go make the world a better place for people everywhere,” was the recurring message to the more than 5,000 graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University at commencement exercises last Saturday at the Richmond Coliseum. “This begins not only a new chapter in your life, but a new chapter for humanity,” said VCU President Michael Rao. In addition to congratulating the graduates, he thanked them for the opportunity to be a part of their educational lives. “What you’ve done here extends beyond our campus boundaries,” Dr. Rao continued. “Lives will be changed — not just courses completed.”
Yoga behind bars
Relaxation, meditation techniques can help heal inmates
Yoga and meditation are being offered at Richmond’s jail to help prepare inmates for positive re-entry into the community — and help keep them from returning to jail.
‘Celebrate Jackson Ward’ this weekend
The Richmond Symphony and a host of community arts groups will spend the weekend entertaining the public at a festival in Abner Clay Park called “Celebrate Jackson Ward: Past, Present and Future.”
First African-American student to attend Va. Tech finally gets degree
More than 60 years after Irving Linwood Peddrew III of Hampton broke the color barrier to become the first African-American student to attend Virginia Tech in rural Blacksburg, he finally received his degree. Mr. Peddrew, now 80, was awarded an honorary bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering during the university’s commencement Friday, May 13, at Lane Stadium.
Armstrong tennis players honing their game
At Richmond’s Armstrong High School, the only girls sport involving a net has been basketball. After Armstrong High School merged with and moved into the former John F. Kennedy High School building on Cool Lane in 2004, girls tennis practically vanished. The sport had little traction previously at either school.
For Toronto Raptors fans: Fast facts
Maybe it’s time for the National Basketball Association to shift its name to the International Basketball Association. With the slogan “We the North,” the Toronto Raptors have reached the NBA Eastern Conference finals for the first time in franchise history.
3 of 9 quarterbacks chosen in NFL draft are black
A wave of talented African-American quarterbacks has emerged as NFL headliners in recent years. But what are the prospects for the next wave?
Few HBCU quarterbacks drafted by NFL
The last quarterback from a historically black college or university to be drafted by the NFL was Alabama State University’s Tarvaris Jackson in 2006. Virginia Union University’s Shawheem Dowdy would like to end that decade-long drought. There’s no faking the tape measure, scales or radar gun, and Dowdy has what the scouts generally covet — a large, durable frame and a howitzer for an arm.
MJBL registration open
Registration is under- way for the upper age groups of the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League.
BeBe Winans’ life story on stage
BeBe Winans, the seventh son of the famous gospel singing Winans family, owes much of his fame to 1980s televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker.
Meeting called for May 23 to unite city
Uniting the City 2, a meeting called to bring Richmonders together, will be held 6 p.m. Monday, May 23, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St., in the West End.
World’s oldest person dies at 116 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Susannah Mushatt Jones, the world’s oldest person, has died in New York at age 116. Ms. Jones, who was affectionately known by family and neighbors as Miss Susie, died Thursday, May 12, 2016, at a public housing facility for seniors in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she had lived for more than three decades, according to Robert Young, a senior consultant for the Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group.
Personality: Dr. Susan T. Gooden
Spotlight on president of American Society for Public Administration
Being in leadership is not always an easy thing. Leaders must tackle the tough decisions and issues for their organization. But Dr. Susan T. Gooden, professor of public administration and policy at Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, is up to the challenge.
Future of food
VSU Harding Street Urban Agriculture Center uses cutting-edge technology to grow fish, vegetables
A former recreation building in historic downtown Petersburg has been transformed by Virginia State University into an innovative center for urban food production.
Full-service grocery store planned for East End
A new full-service grocery store is headed to Church Hill, it was announced Tuesday. Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, City Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, and T.K. Somanath, executive director of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, issued a joint statement about the planned market that is expected to bring about 25 full-time and 22 to 30 part-time jobs to this employment-starved area of the city once it opens — likely a year or more from now.
Manchester Courthouse to be renamed for Marsh brothers on May 20
It took 16 months, but the long-awaited public ceremony to rename the Manchester Courthouse for Richmond’s first African-American mayor, Henry L. Marsh III, and his late brother, Harold M. Marsh Sr., will take place Friday, May 20. Mayor Dwight C. Jones, who proposed the renaming, will lead the 4 p.m. rededication of the building at 920 Hull St. in South Side.
Chocolate Chip: A radio treat for 40 years
Chocolate Chip is still spinning records as a Richmond radio disc jockey. Every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m., he takes listeners on an R&B stroll down memory lane with his oldies show on WCLM-AM 1450.
Gordon to lead Office of Community Wealth Building
Reginald E. “Reggie” Gordon is leaving his leadership post with the American Red Cross to direct Richmond’s anti-poverty initiative.
Recycle old electronic equipment this Saturday
Richmond residents can recycle old and broken computers and other electronic equipment, as well have their sensitive documents shredded, in an E-Cycle event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at 6807 Midlothian Turnpike, the parking lot of a former Kmart.
Gun used to kill Trayvon Martin auctioned; is bid real?
Online bidding for the gun used by George Zimmerman to kill unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., in 2012 ended on Wednesday, although it was not clear whether the final offer of $138,900 was legitimate.
New police chief takes helm in Ferguson
Ferguson, Mo., the site of violent protests after a white police officer shot and killed an unarmed black teenager in 2014, swore in an African-American police chief Monday.
Richmond School Board shelves school closings
Armstrong High School will not be closed. Nor will four Richmond elementary schools — Cary, Overby-Sheppard, Southampton and Swansboro. And there will be no merger of two alternative schools.
Tuesday, May 17
2 hospitals team up to explore new rehab facility
VCU Health System and Sheltering Arms Hospital have taken the first step to develop a new hospital for people suffering from stroke, brain or spinal cord injuries or other severe physical injuries. The hospitals announced a joint venture Monday to build a new inpatient care center for those needing surgery and other acute treatment for disabling physical conditions. As yet, no site has been identified, although VCU has long preferred to develop this type of facility on its medical campus Downtown.
GRTC to start express service to Kings Dominion
GRTC will resume daily express bus service from Richmond to Kings Dominion amusement park in Hanover County, begin- ning Memorial Day weekend.
Coleman not seeking re-election to School Board
The Rev. Donald L. Coleman will not be seeking re-election to the Richmond School Board. The two-term, 7th District representative announced Monday he would be stepping down in December — becoming one of at least three members who will not return.
Friday, May 13
Barlow ready to lead VSU Trojans
You don’t have to examine his résumé to be convinced of Reggie Barlow’s success in football. Just look at his hand. With a Super Bowl ring glistening on one finger, Barlow was introduced, May 5 as Virginia State University’s third football coach in three years, and the fourth in five seasons.
Just hit ‘off’ switch
Is watching the GOP’s political news broadening your 4-year-old’s vocabulary? Are they using terms like S.O.B. in front of grandma because John Boehner taught it to them?
Flint, country in crisis
The Flint water crisis is now two years old — and the water still isn’t safe to drink. There have been civil and criminal investigations, two congressional hearings and extensive reporting, particularly during the presidential primary in Michigan. Gov. Rick Snyder appointed a special task force. Yet only 33 pipes — 3 of every thousand — have been replaced.
Unwelcomed promises
It’s human nature to develop methods of personal survival or providing for self-protection. They’re not the same for everyone, but many are common. One predictable survival standard is that one should believe that a person will attempt to do that which she or he promises to do.
Right to vote
Sometimes you know you’re on the right path when you’re met with more and more resistance. That can be said in the case of more than 200,000 former inmates in Virginia whose voting rights were restored April 22 by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Farewell, Dr. Perkins
We were surprised to hear the news that Dr. Claude G. Perkins is ready to step down as president of Virginia Union University.
Curry wins MVP Award again
Stephen Curry, the best player on the NBA’s best team, has won his second straight MVP award. In so doing, the Golden State Warriors’ point guard became the first ever to win the MVP unanimously, collecting all 131 votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.
City Council to strip Mayor Jones’ detail
Will Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones have to handle his own commute to and from City Hall rather than being chauffeured by a police officer when the new budget year begins July 1?
VUU places 9th in golf championship
Joshua Mohun and Bart Kaminski helped Virginia Union University finish ninth among NCAA Division II schools at the National Minority College Golf Championships.
VIA Heritage Association meeting May 21
The VIA Heritage Association will meet 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Azurest South Alumni House at Virginia State University.
Story told
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia opens with 3-day event
Hundreds of people joined in the grand opening celebration last weekend of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward.
VUU grads rejoice
Tears of joy, smiles and cheers mark the graduation ceremony last Saturday for Virginia Union University’s Class of 2016.
Benefit concert Sunday for Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond
Hebrew music guitarist Yhoshuah Adama and the gospel-based Whosever Will Choir of Virginia Union University will headline a benefit concert this weekend for the 87-yar-old Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond.
African-American cemetery in Charlottesville to be restored
The Daughters of Zion Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010, but there are no markers telling of the Charlottesville cemetery’s cultural and historical significance. Instead, there’s trash and sinking and broken gravestones.
Police host safety forum
The Richmond Police Department is hosting a safety awareness forum for places of worship from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, May 14, at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road.
Northside Crusaders Baptist Church founder, Rev. John F. Tyler Jr., dies at 100
The Rev. John F. Tyler Jr. was born in 1916, early enough to experience direct contact with the survivors of slavery. He also lived long enough to see the election of the nation’s first African-American president.
Personality: Laurinda Finn-Davis, RN
Spotlight on Va. Health Dept.’s Central Region Nurse of the Year
Laurinda Finn-Davis, RN, represents the epitome of giving. The reproductive health nursing supervisor with the Richmond City Health District regularly goes above and beyond the requirements of service and care to ensure that people are valued.
Obama to Howard grads: ‘Be confident in your blackness’
In his final seven months as America’s first African-American president, President Obama advised Howard University graduates on how to excel and impact change as black people in America.
VUU president to retire
After seven years and five months leading Virginia Union University and having a campus building named in his honor, Dr. Claude G. Perkins is ready to retire.
The city rundown:
$1.2B needed to maintain infrastructure
The City of Richmond needs to borrow $1.2 billion during the next 10 years to maintain its streets, provide sidewalks, ensure dozens of bridges remain usable and keep its 84 buildings in good shape, according a mayoral task force examining the future borrowing needs of the city government.
Area groups mobilize to register former inmates to vote
Groups throughout the Richmond region are taking steps to get formerly incarcerated individuals registered to vote and, ultimately, to the polls.
Settlement reached in South Side mobile home suit
The war over mobile homes in Richmond appears to have ended in a truce. Under a settlement approved Monday in federal court, the City of Richmond has agreed to modify an aggressive code enforcement program that led to the condemnation of dozens of mobile homes in the past three years, displacing mostly Latino families.
Sisters act to save home
Nuns rally support to block sale of historic St. Emma’s, St. Francis property
Defying their superiors, four nuns are fighting to save the historic 2,265-acre property in Powhatan County that was once home to two Catholic boarding schools for African-American youths.
Tuesday, May 10
City Public Works director revokes alternative work schedules
With rare exceptions, employees in Richmond’s Department of Public Works no longer are permitted to work at home or have flexible work schedules. Effective April 4, the privilege was revoked for employees to telecommute — or work by computer and telephone from another location — or to secure alternative schedules. The action was taken by Emmanuel O. Adediran, the department’s director.
Lower electric bills expected
Warmer winter weather and cheaper natural gas are fueling plans by Dominion Virginia Power to lower electricity costs for residents.
Friday, May 6
Commitment to city children ‘shameful’
It is said that a government’s budget is an expression of its commitment to its citizens. Well, what’s clear is that Richmond’s commitment to our schoolchildren is shameful.
Stop whining, start grinding
It’s interesting how the young folks have started using a term that describes what the older folks should be doing. I hear young people saying, “I’m grinding,” and I hear older folks whining. Young people know they have to “just do it,” as the saying goes, in order to achieve their dreams. In many cases they are willing to take risks and forego the creature comforts that could accrue to them via high level corporate salaries. They are willing to sacrifice in order to pursue their own path in life, unconstrained by the “rules” someone else sets for them.
Our children pay the price
Editor’s note: The 65th anniversary of the historic Moton School student strike in Prince Edward County over
World Press Freedom Day
“At home and abroad, journalists like all of you engage in the dogged pursuit of informing citizens, and holding leaders accountable, and making our government of the people possible. And it’s an enormous responsibility. And I realize it’s an enormous challenge at a time when the economics of the business sometimes incentivize speed over depth; and when controversy and conflict are what most immediately attract readers and viewers.
National nightmare
On Tuesday night, the Republicans’ worst nightmare became the entire nation’s problem. That horror show, of course, is billionaire Donald Trump’s victory in the Indiana GOP primary. He is assured of being the Republicans’ nominee for president in November.
Telling the Story
Black History Museum & Cultural Center opens in new Jackson Ward home
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia opens this week in its newly renovated space, featuring exhibitions and a photography display telling the story of African-Americans in Virginia.
Friday Cheers starts this week at Brown’s Island
Warmer temperatures, longer days and that dusting of pollen on the cars can only mean one thing: The return of Friday Cheers.
Photography exhibit to open May 13 at Pine Camp
The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is celebrating National Photography Month with an exhibit at the Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center.
VSU to name Barlow as new coach
Reggie Barlow, a former NFL player and Alabama State University football coach, will be introduced as the new football coach at Virginia State University, the Free Press has learned.
TJ’s new football coach trying to ‘translate talent into more wins’
Chad Hornik scored noteworthy victories, both on and off the field, as football coach at Richmond’s Thomas Jefferson High School from 2012 to 2015.
Charles Oakley, fifth VUU inductee into Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
Charles Oakley has completed the journey. A native of Cleveland, Oakley arrived in Virginia in 1981 as an 18-year-old freshman basketball player at Virginia Union University.
VCU’s Alie-Cox mentioned as NFL prospect
Virginia Commonwealth University doesn’t have an intercollegiate football team. But surprisingly, it may have an NFL prospect.
VCU Rams lose another player by transfer
Virginia Commonwealth University’s list of basketball players who are transferring continues to grow. Michael Gilmore, a 6-foot-9 sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla., is the latest Ram to depart.
Lisa Borders is new president of WNBA
The decades old Women’s National Basketball Association has passed the more established pro leagues in terms of administrative diversity.
Personality: Susan G. Quisenberry
Spotlight on Central VA affiliate leader of Race for the Cure
Susan G. Quisenberry volunteered to help with Richmond’s very first Race for the Cure in 1998 after both of her parents succumbed to cancer during a nine-month span.
Afeni Shakur, mother of rapper Tupac, dies at 69
Afeni Shakur, the former Black Panther who inspired the work of her son, rap icon Tupac Shakur, and fostered his legacy for decades after he was slain, has died of an apparent heart attack, authorities said Tuesday. She was 69.
School bus plan raises safety concerns
Tara Spencer stands on her porch in the Creighton Court public housing community each school day and watches as her 12-year-old daughter, Japria, waits about 20 yards down the street to catch the bus to Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School where she is a sixth-grader.
$5.5M more found for city schools
Parents and students may hate it. But Armstrong High School and four elementary school buildings — Cary, Overby-Sheppard, Southampton and Swansboro — are moving closer to the chopping block.
Ignoring call to duty
Failure to sign up for Selective Service hurts thousands
Register for Selective Service. Otherwise, you could ruin your life. Jacquel Parker wishes he could tell that to every young man turning 18.
Thursday, May 5
Maggie Walker Class of 1967 starting cleanup effort at area cemeteries
A renewed effort is being mounted to clean up four long neglected, but historic African-American cemeteries that sit on the eastern border between Richmond and Henrico County.
Array of speakers slated for commencement ceremonies
Graduates will jump for joy, parents will beam with pride and speakers will try to inspire a generation of future leaders. It’s graduation time at colleges and universities across Virginia and the nation.
African-American mayors elected in 3 cities
Voters in Norfolk and Roanoke elected African-American mayors in Tuesday’s municipal elections. And in Hampton, Mayor George Wallace lost his re-election bid to another African-American.
Nuns to sell St. Emma’s-St. Francis property in Powhatan
A religious order founded by an American saint plans to sell the 2,265-acre property in Powhatan County that once housed two Catholic boarding schools for African-American youths.
Malia Obama headed to Harvard — in 2017
Malia Obama has chosen Harvard University to be her college home. The long-waited announcement came Sunday. The oldest daughter of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama has elected to take a year off after high school, however, and will enter the prestigious university in Cambridge, Mass., in the fall of 2017.
Obama drops mic at correspondents’ dinner
President Obama took aim at Democrats and Republicans alike last Saturday in his final appearance headlining the star-studded White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. However, he saved his sharpest barbs for Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump.
Tuesday, May 3
March set for Linwood Lambert death
The family of Linwood Lambert Jr. and other community members will mark the third anniversary of the former Richmond resident’s death with a march for justice Wednesday, May 4, in South Boston, where he died after three police officers stunned him 20 times with Tasers while he was in their custody.
$32.7M
That’s the amount state gives city for jail costs
That’s how much cash-strapped Richmond has received from the state for reimbursement of costs related to the construction of the six-story, $134.6 million Richmond Justice Center in Shockoe Bottom, Tammy Hawley, a spokesperson for Mayor Dwight C. Jones, told the Free Press last Friday.
Monday, May 2
Contract awarded for Richmond Pulse construction
Richmond’s Bus Rapid Transit project has cleared its final funding hurdle.
