Wednesday, November 30
Consultants find Petersburg is nearly broke
For interim Petersburg City Manager Tom Tyrell, Christmas and New Year’s cannot come too soon. That’s when property owners are supposed to pay their next quarterly bill for real estate taxes — and steer fresh revenue into the depleted Petersburg coffers.
Mayor Jones proposes less than half initially planned for city police
Police Chief Alfred Durham is likely to get only half the money he had been promised to hire and train new recruits to help beef up staff at the Richmond Police Department.
Former RPS warehouse to become furniture building center
Call it a $1.6 million windfall for Richmond Public Schools to use to upgrade some of its schools. The money is to come from the sale of the school system’s former warehouse on Arlington Road near The Diamond to Richmond-based McKinnon and Harris, an outdoor furniture manufacturer.
10 groups interested in leading Boulevard redevelopment project
At least 10 groups have responded to Richmond’s call for companies to redevelop the 60 acres of mostly cleared city property that includes The Diamond baseball stadium and the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center on North Boulevard. “This is the kind of response that we wanted,” Lee Downey, the city’s chief development officer, said as the city begins the process of selecting a master developer to transform the area into a potential $300 million complex of offices, retail stores and residential units.
Thursday, November 24
Get ready now for midterm elections
The apprehension that I felt upon Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election has only increased as he has announced the appointments of his chief of staff, strategist and cabinet members.
2016 election an assault on democracy
America’s election system is a disgrace, as the 2016 presidential election once more demonstrates. This isn’t sour grapes. I’m disappointed that my candidate lost, but the election is over and the results are in. What every American ought to be outraged at, however, is that the United States is still not a democracy of one person, one vote. Our electoral system is suppressing the right to vote for millions.
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
Trump most hated man in America
How long will you attack a man?
Prepare for what’s about to happen
Now that the election is over and everyone has wiped the tears from their eyes, I still have these questions: What happened? Why did it happen? Are we, as Americans, ready for what’s about to happen?
Richmonders should consider return to city manager form of government
I am very disappointed and upset with the outcome of Richmond’s mayoral election — disappointed because we had an opportunity to have a trained, experienced person to operate the city and get us back on solid ground. I’m upset with those who used their influence to cause us to miss this desperately needed opportunity. Injustice is injustice and it does not matter on whom or how it is inflicted.
What are you most thankful for in 2016?
Thanksgiving is the season when we pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives and give thanks fo
10 young men presented at AKA’s PROC Beautillion
Ten young men were presented at the 22nd Annual PROC Beautillion on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Richmond Sheriff’s Office helps 65 families at Thanksgiving
Sixty-five families of inmates at the Richmond City Justice Center will have a Thanksgiving feast, courtesy of the Richmond Sheriff’s Office, it has been announced.
Smokey Robinson receives Gershwin Prize
An emotional and humbled Smokey Robinson received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song last week at a soul-stirring concert at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington.
‘Festival of Praise’ coming to Altria on Dec. 4
Grammy, Stellar, Dove, BET and NAACP Image Award-winning gospel singer/songwriter Fred Hammond is returning to Richmond for the third consecutive year of his “Festival of Praise Tour.”
Richmond Boys Choir at VMFA next Sunday
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is hosting the Richmond Boys Choir on Sunday, Dec. 4, during the museum’s “Open Studio Plus: Music and Art-Making” program.
N.C. A&T to play UR Saturday at Robins Stadium
North Carolina A&T State University and the University of Richmond, both smarting from defeat, will try and get well — and keep their football seasons alive — in a game Saturday, Nov. 26, at UR’s Robins Stadium. North Carolina A&T, located in Greensboro, N.C., will visit UR for a 2 p.m. first round matchup in the NCAA’s 24-team Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs.
Lady Walker and the Cleveland-VUU connection
It’s a small world. If you didn’t believe that before, you will with Virginia Union University basketball standout Lady Walker. For starters, her first name really is Lady. She has the same name as her fraternal grandmother. “It’s funny,” she said with a smile. “I’ll hear someone on the street say, ‘Hey, Lady!’ and I think they’re talking to me. And then I see they’re calling someone else.”
Dave Roberts NL Manager of the Year
Dave Roberts found a cure for a record-setting plague of injuries this season as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first-year manager.
Richmond Parks and Rec hosts football championships
Southside Community Center was a double winner last Saturday as the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities held its annual Youth Football Championships at City Stadium.
Giving Heart’s Community Thanksgiving Feast warms community for 11 years
A festive Thanksgiving meal that everyone can enjoy — that’s what a community-spirited group will be offering in Richmond on “Turkey Day.”
Personality: Free F. Egunfemi
Spotlight on founder of Untold RVA
Free Folasade Egunfemi is seeking to spread history throughout the Richmond community like seeds in a garden. Born in Englewood, N.J., and raised in Richmond, Ms. Egunfemi wants to offer residents, newcomers and tourists an opportunity to educate themselves about people and places of impact from bygone eras.
Wednesday, November 23
Neck injury leads to time card investigation, shake-up at Richmond post office
Shekeera Greene injured her neck while delivering mail in late August. Now the letter carrier’s injury has led to a shake-up of the U.S. Postal Service in Richmond.
Funding guidelines, old decisions hamper RPS, study finds
Richmond Public Schools is stuck in a system of inefficiencies based largely on state and federal funding guidelines and operational decisions made years ago.
GRTC to pilot on-demand service for elderly, disabled
Taxicab, Uber and Lyft drivers soon could be taking elderly and disabled people shopping, to the doctor and to other places in Richmond and Henrico County.
Newest Rhodes Scholars are Richmonder at Howard, U.Va. students
A Howard University senior who lives in Richmond and a University of Virginia senior from Maryland are among 32 Americans chosen as 2017 Rhodes Scholars.
Richmond NAACP selects Minor as new president
James J. “J.J.” Minor will be the new president of the Richmond Branch NAACP.
Race beginning for new City Council president
A three-way race appears to be shaping up to replace outgoing City Council President Michelle R. Mosby, 9th District, who gave up her seat in an unsuccessful run for mayor.
Winning ways
Levar Stoney’s path to Mayor’s Office started on the gridiron
Long before Levar Stoney threw his hat into Richmond’s political ring, he was tossing footballs for York County’s Tabb High School. He was as on target then — wearing jersey No. 14 as Tabb quarterback — as he became in the city’s mayoral competition. Richmond’s mayor-elect was a three-year starting quarterback for Tabb and ranked among the Bay River District’s leading passers, while also serving as a runner.
Documents show letter carriers’ pay reduced
At least three supervisors in Richmond’s Main Post Office appear to routinely change the time cards of letter carriers — without the carriers’ knowledge or permission — in order to reduce their pay.
Delegate McClellan to run for McEachin’s state Senate seat
Richmond Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan is going to run for the 9th District Senate seat in a still-to-be-announced special election.
Plan introduced to lease City Stadium to Richmond Kickers
City Stadium — the aging city-owned sports facility in the near West End that hosts soccer and football games — could soon become the permanent home of the Richmond Kickers soccer team.
Gov. McAuliffe announces cyber security training program for vets
Military veterans are being offered a new opportunity to protect and serve. But this time, they won’t need to carry weapons. On Veterans Day last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the launch of Cyber Vets Virginia, which aims to enlist former service members in positions to protect computer systems.
Proposals to build 2 schools, redo George Wythe under review
Richmond Public Schools might provide incoming Mayor Levar Stoney with a potential blueprint for addressing the problem of outdated and increasingly worn-out school buildings.
Norrell School, annex to close on North Side
For the past few years, Richmond schools employees have replaced students in the old Albert V. Norrell Elementary School on Fendell Avenue and the nearby Norrell Annex on West Graham Road, buildings named for one of the first African-American principals in Richmond.
Saturday, November 19
Free Press readers react to Nov. 8 presidential election 3
November 9, 2016. The sun didn’t come out this morning. The sky is dark and gloomy, and Mother Earth’s cheeks are wet with tears. So are mine.
Free Press readers react to Nov. 8 presidential election 2
After receiving the presidential election results, it has felt like a nightmare for so many.
Free Press readers react to Nov. 8 presidential election 1
I’ve been writing letters to the Richmond Free Press for more than 12 years. I have never been at a loss for words. I have never grappled to organize my thoughts. I have had a 40-year love affair with words and politics, yet, this morning, I am empty.
What about the children?
“I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust ...We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better.” — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall As far back as June 2015, the National Urban League called upon all presidential candidates to refrain from using racially divisive and disparaging language in their campaigns.
How will we respond to election?
What started as laughable and incredulous has become reality: Donald Trump is now our president-elect. No one seems to be laughing now. Many people seem to be in a state of dismay and disbelief. It appears many people drank the Kool-Aid of the mainstream media polls and felt as though former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would coast into the White House with ease.
Personnel is policy
Nine days have passed since Donald Trump was named the winner of the presidential election, and the world has not come to an end — although for many, it may seem like it.
Collard greens: Only $66 at Neiman Marcus
First, cultural appropriation Twitter police called out the popular food blog “Thug Kitchen” in 2013 when a 29-year-old white couple from Hollywood revealed themselves as the anonymous authors of the highly acclaimed blog written largely in black vernacular English.
Ethiopian runners win 2016 marathon
The 39th edition of the Richmond Marathon, like many of the races before it, was dominated by runners from East Africa. More than 17,000 mostly local and state runners and enthusiasts lined up Saturday in Downtown for the three races — the 26.2-mile marathon, the 13.1-mile half-marathon and an 8K race.
VSU ends season with win; Winston-Salem State wins CIAA
Virginia State University has added an exclamation mark to an already bold-letter football season. In a late addition to the Trojans’ schedule, VSU traveled 635 miles to defeat Tuskegee University in Alabama 45-35 last Saturday.
VUU scores 2 wins at Earl Lloyd Classic
A mix of veterans and newcomers has Virginia Union University feeling optimistic about its upcoming basketball season. VUU opened last weekend with a 86-83 overtime win over host West Virginia State University and a 88-77 victory over the University of Virginia-Wise in the Earl Lloyd Classic in Institute, W.Va.
John Marshall scholar-athlete Greg Jones signs with JMU
Two of Greg Jones’ favorite things are basketballs and books. The John Marshall High School senior’s impeccable credentials as a student and an athlete have earned him a full scholarship to James Madison University.
Huguenot hoops star Taya Robinson going to VCU
The Huguenot High School-to-Virginia Commonwealth University basketball connection has clicked again. Taya Robinson is the latest Falcon to announce her intentions of becoming a VCU Ram. The 5-foot-11 do-it-all senior officially signed with VCU Coach Beth O’Boyle at a ceremony last week at the Forest Hill Avenue high school.
VCU sharpshooters are best in Rams record book
The two most accurate shooters in Virginia Commonwealth University basketball history are featured on Coach Will Wade’s current roster, with a season that opened Nov. 11 with an 80-67 win over visiting University of North Carolina-Asheville. Based on records dating to 1968, 6-foot-7, fifth-year senior Mo Alie-Cox and 6-foot-7 junior Justin Tillman rank No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, among the best shooting Rams of all-time, albeit from close range.
Johnson selected to NCAA Division II Management Council
Felicia Johnson’s busy schedule just got busier. The veteran Virginia Union University administrator has been selected to represent the CIAA on the NCAA Division II Management Council.
1961 VUU hoops star leads Panthers’ 1,000-point Club
Jim Junot never scored a point in basketball for Virginia Union University, but he’s good at counting them for others. Thanks to Junot, VUU’s veteran sports information director, the Panthers have a long overdue list of all-time scorers.
Gwen Ifill, Washington journalist, was also a historymaker
Gwen Ifill, a preacher’s kid who grew up in New York public housing to embark on a nearly four-decade journalism career and became the gold standard of Washington political reporting, died Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, after a yearlong battle with cancer. She was 61.
Free Thanksgiving meal Nov. 19 in South Side
The Richmond Christian Center in South Side will be the host site for a pre-Thanksgiving feast for the less fortunate. The event, called “A Thanksgiving Meal,” will be held noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the fellowship hall of the church at 214 Cowardin Ave., it has been announced.
Trump’s religious mentor was mentored by Bishop T.D. Jakes
Less than a day after the man she spiritually mentored won the presidential election, the pastor who has been called “Donald Trump’s God whisperer” preached a black church revival in North Carolina’s most pro-Hillary Clinton county. The Rev. Paula White did not come to Durham to talk about politics. She did not mention Mr. Trump. And many among her listeners seemed unaware of her now famous connection.
African-American faith leaders mourn, vow to continue fight after election
Back when so many thought Hillary Clinton would be the next president, two dozen African-American leaders wrote to the Democratic nominee asking her to explain her policies related to the poor and the police.
Mayor-elect Stoney plans to be ‘hands-on, visible, transparent’
As he looks forward to becoming Richmond’s next mayor, Levar Stoney is planning to be more visible after he takes office. As he puts it, he wants to be a “hands-on, visible and transparent mayor who can be a champion for accountability, measure outputs and inputs and, at the end of the day, say that the buck stops with me.”
Richmond’s Kay Coles James leading Trump transition
As a black female Republican, Kay Coles James sits in contrast to the images of white men who often are characterized as the base of the political right.
Advocacy groups bracing for change
President-elect Donald Trump pledged during his campaign to “Make America Great Again” by building a wall between the United States and Mexico, nationalizing stop-and-frisk policing, banning Muslim immigration, de-funding Planned Parenthood and dismantling federal policies, including environmental protections.
How will Donald Trump’s win impact your life?
“Hopefully, his tax plan will benefit the working class and middle class. I’m kind of excited, though, because I feel like he’s a wild card, and I’m interested in seeing how it’s going to play out. I think the White House will humble him. He has no choice but to be humble. Maybe with people surrounding him, he’ll get the wisdom to run the White House effectively.”
Election Day less than smooth for local voter
Eugene M. Price finally has been told his vote will count, six days after the Nov. 8 election. The 73-year-old Richmond auto mechanic said Monday he got a call from the city Voter Registrar’s Office telling him that the provisional ballot he cast was accepted and would be included in the city’s total vote after it was determined that he was properly registered to vote and that his name should have been on the voter rolls.
Fight brewing over Richmond NAACP leadership
A leadership fight has entangled the Richmond Branch NAACP. President Lynetta Thompson is facing opposition in her bid for re-election to a second, two-year term. Her challengers are Dr. Ravi K. Perry, an associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, and James J. “J.J.” Minor, chairman of the Richmond City Democratic Committee and son of Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn.
Friday, November 18
Personality: Clary W. Carleton
Spotlight on Richmond’s 2017 Teacher of the Year
Clary W. Carleton, Richmond Public Schools 2017 Teacher of the Year, could be a prototype for encouraging students to use their spirit of protest productively.
How did Hillary Clinton win popular vote, but lose election?
In last week’s presidential election, Republican Donald Trump won 289 Electoral College votes, more than the 270 needed for him to become the nation’s 45th president.
Progress marked some results in Nov. 8 elections
While Hillary Clinton didn’t break the glass ceiling last week to become the nation’s first female president, other barriers were broken in races around the country.
Power moves
Uncertainty reigns as President-elect Trump prepares to take office
President-elect Donald Trump has jangled nerves with his unexpected Election Day victory and his appointment of a firebrand arch conservative, former Richmonder Steve Bannon, as his chief strategist.
Petersburg strains to keep operating with shrunken workforce
During her eight-month stint as Petersburg’s interim city manager, Dironna Moore Belton had a simple solution to handling the bills the city had no money to pay.
VSU shuts down appearance by controversial pyschologist
A controversial figure who promotes black unity, but who also has labeled the gay rights movement a conspiracy to reduce the black population, has been barred from speaking at Virginia State University.
Altria to add 200 jobs in area
Richmond is expected to gain at least 200 jobs as a result of tobacco giant Altria Group’s decision to close factories in Illinois and Pennsylvania that produce Black & Mild cigars, Skoal chewing tobacco and other tobacco products.
Public hearing on city bike trail plan Nov. 22
The city’s Department of Public Works will host a public forum from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, to seek public feedback on the city’s Bicycle Master Plan.
Richmond plans to hire new auditing firm
Richmond is preparing to hire a new auditing firm as part of its effort to get the year-end audit of its finances done in a more timely fashion.
Wednesday, November 16
Stoney to be city’s youngest mayor
Levar Stoney will be the next mayor of Richmond. Belying earlier polls that portrayed him as an also-ran in the contest, Mr. Stoney swept to a surprising outright victory in Tuesday’s election by capturing five of the nine City Council districts — the magic number.
Saturday, November 12
Richmond’s African-American history is national history
Re: Op-ed column, “Save sacred ground for the future,” Oct. 20-22 edition:
Throwing money at problem in city schools not the solution
Re: “City school officials: Test scores to get worse before they get better,” Oct. 20-22 edition:
Standing with Native Americans
When my brothers were younger, a common playtime activity was the game of “Cowboys and Indians.” Fueled by the Hollywood theatrical Western genre, it was played in fields and playgrounds all across the nation. No one wanted to be the Indian and suffer the routine fate of dying under brutal circumstance.
The Obama legacy
“May you live in interesting times.” This adage, attributed tenuously to the Chinese, bespeaks a preference for order over change. We now live in interesting times and Americans are hungering for change. Yet, surprisingly, President Obama enjoys increasing popularity as he heads into the final days of his presidency.
A national nightmare
We awakened to a nightmare Wednesday morning with news that Republican Donald Trump, the racist, sexist, misogynistic, xenophobic, anti-black, anti-Latino, anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, vulgar candidate for president, actually won. His election initially caused global turmoil, with financial markets in the U.S. and abroad reeling. Dow stock futures nosedived 800 points Tuesday night before recovering.
Fresh face at City Hall
We congratulate Richmond’s next mayor, Levar Stoney, the former state secretary of the commonwealth who was instrumental in helping shepherd Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s effort to restore the voting rights to felons in Virginia who had served their time.
VCU’s Wilder School to honor 6 at Nov. 30 luncheon
The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University will host its 12th Annual Excellence in Virginia Government Awards during a luncheon ceremony noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Richmond Marriott in Downtown.
Petersburg strains to keep operating with shrunken workforce
During her eight-month stint as Petersburg’s interim city manager, Dironna Moore Belton had a simple solution to handling the bills the city had no money to pay.
39th Annual Richmond Marathon runs on Saturday
The 39th Annual Anthem Richmond Marathon is Saturday, Nov. 12. The race could boil down to this: Benjamin Zywicki vs. the East Africans.
VSU topples VUU Panthers 48-21
Virginia State University zoomed across the finish line of the 2016 football season as if powered by rocket fuel. By contrast, Virginia Union University appeared to be running on fumes as it sputtered to the end.
VSU in last-minute matchup Saturday against Tuskegee
It doesn’t get much better than this. If Virginia State University’s basketball forecast were any brighter, you’d need a visor and wrap-around shades to read this preview.
Friday, November 11
VSU beats NSU in double-overtime exhibition game
It was just an exhibition game, but Virginia State University, an NCAA Division II team, flexed its muscles against Norfolk State University, a Division I team, on Saturday, Nov. 5, in Ettrick.
Trojans picked to dominate CIAA basketball
It doesn’t get much better than this. If Virginia State University’s basketball forecast were any brighter, you’d need a visor and wrap-around shades to read this preview.
VUU hoping for hoops wins
Virginia Union University ranks with the nation’s most improved basketball programs over the last two years. And there are signs the upswing will continue.
Bishop Hunt to celebrate 45th anniversary Nov.13
Refuge Temple Assembly of Yahweh Yahoshua the Messiah is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its pastor, Bishop Milton J. Hunt.
Charleston ‘on eggshells’ with 2 racially charged trials
Trials in two South Carolina shootings that rocked the country last year and raised questions about race in America started last week, putting the city of Charleston on edge as the community awaits the testimony and jury decisions.
Miss. church torched, vandalized with Trump graffiti receives support
Two days after a black Mississippi church was torched and marked with “Vote Trump” graffiti, more than $180,000 has been raised to repair it.
D.C. approves ‘Death with Dignity Act’
The City Council in the nation’s capital has overwhelmingly voted for a bill that would allow terminally ill people a medically assisted death.
Personality: Johnnie E. Hagans
Spotlight on president of Military Retirees Club Inc.
Johnnie E. Hagans says joining the military was the biggest chance he ever took. And he’s glad he did. He urges young people to consider the military as an option.
‘Right person at right time to do the job’
In an election season where “stronger together” resounded among Democrats nationally, Richmond mayoral front-runners Jack Berry and Joe Morrissey and their supporters congregated on Election Night in diametrically opposing spaces.
A. Donald McEachin now headed to Congress
Henrico state Sen. A. Donald McEachin soon will be heading to Washington. The 55-year-old attorney who carried the Democratic banner claimed the revamped 4th Congressional District seat Tuesday to cap a hard-fought contest with his Republican rival, veteran Henrico County Sheriff Michael L. Wade. Sen. McEachin’s victory will change the state’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives, which now will have four Democrats and seven Republicans. It also will trigger competition to fill his state Senate seat.
4 new faces to join 5 incumbents on Richmond City Council
The five veterans on Richmond City Council will have four new colleagues in dealing with the plans and initiatives of the new mayor.
Richmond School Board will have nearly complete turnover
Jeff M. Bourne will be the only holdover when the Richmond School Board starts a new four-year term in January. The board’s current chairman and a deputy Virginia attorney general, Mr. Bourne, 40, received 63 percent of the vote in the 3rd District in North Side to easily defeat two challengers, Kevin A. Starlings and Jessee M. Perry and secure a second term. However, Richmond voters swept out three other incumbents and filled five vacant seats, ensuring eight new individuals — four African-Americans and four white people — will join Mr. Bourne in overseeing Richmond Public Schools when the board convenes for the first time next year.
‘I will be president for all Americans’
Republican Donald Trump offered these remarks about 3 a.m. Wednesday from New York after winning the presidential election:
Thank you. Thank you very much, everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting; complicated business; complicated.
‘Never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it’
Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans.
‘Nobody had to wonder whether she would accept the outcome’
Richmond resident and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, who was tapped to be Hillary Clinton’s vice presidential running mate, introduced her Wednesday before her concession speech. His wife, Anne Holton, former Virginia secretary of education, was by his side:
‘They kilt us, but they ain’t whupped us yet’
Democrat Hillary Clinton defeated in one of nation’s most stunning political upsets in history
Emboldened Republicans claimed a mandate Wednesday for Donald Trump after his stunning election as the 45th president of the United States.
Friday, November 4
To ‘Tiger Tom’: Thanks for the memories!
Re “ ‘Tiger Tom’ hits 100: Local radio, news icon was voice of community for more than 50 years,” Oct. 27-29 edition: Congratulations to “Tiger Tom” for reaching 100 and being married to his wife of 56 years. I remember listening to him regularly when he was at WANT radio station. Yes, there was only one Tiger Tom. He continued to do what he loved for more than 50 years.
‘Joe Morrissey is no Marion Barry’
The political advertisement in the Richmond Free Press of black women standing alongside mayoral candidate Joe Morrissey is mind-boggling. Mr. Morrissey’s personal behavior would be well in line within the social norms of the 1800s, when a white male could do whatever he desired with black girls and women without suffering any repercussions.
‘Don’t be fooled: Support Joe Morrissey’
Most people will agree that Richmond has been run by financial elites as long as Richmond has been Richmond. Some may remember the performing arts mess when Mayor L. Douglas Wilder had to publicly tell them that “I run this town and I don’t work for Jim Ukrop,” who now is chairman of candidate Jack Berry’s mayoral campaign.
Republicans ‘cloak their racism’ in the law
The Republicans are practicing a scorched-earth policy toward the black people of America.
Mayoral election: Time to navigate Richmond toward a better future
It was the early to mid-1990s. The setting: The Commonwealth Club on West Franklin Street in Downtown. A gathering of Richmond’s most prominent civic and business leaders — African-American, white people, public and private representatives — was underway. The order of business? To envision Richmond’s future.
School Board choices
Four years ago, we, like many, had high hopes that the new representatives to the Richmond School Board would usher in progress.
City Council choices
The record of the past four years shows Richmond City Council has beefed up spending on schools, created an
John F. “Jack” Berry for mayor
Like many of you, we have agonized about our choice for mayor. For a time, we were uncertain about endorsing any of the candidates running. In public forums, debates and on a Free Press questionnaire, all of the candidates have promised the same things — to upgrade the operation of our city government, to improve the delivery of basic services and to find some way to renovate or replace our crumbling public schools.
A. Donald McEachin for Congress
A. Donald McEachin for Congress
Again, Hillary Clinton for president and Tim Kaine for vice president
Again, Hillary Clinton for president and Tim Kaine for vice
Voter power
At stake: U.S. presidency and vice presidency, U.S. House of Representatives, Richmond mayor, Richmond City Council and School Board.
VUU Panthers to take on VSU Trojans Saturday at Hovey Field
The much anticipated Virginia Union University-Virginia State University “showdown” has lost some of its luster, especially for the host Panthers.
VUU’s Nieves wins at CIAA cross-country championship
Luis Nieves and Virginia Union University continue to dominate the CIAA men’s cross-country championship. In winning his second straight individual title, Nieves also led the Panthers to a third consecutive team crown Oct. 27 at Richmond’s Bryan Park.
Rams host exhibition game Nov. 4 at Siegel Center
This will be a major “hello and goodbye” basketball season for Virginia Commonwealth University. Rams fans are welcoming four promising freshmen while bidding farewell this season to six seniors. All will be in action Friday, Nov. 4, when VCU plays host to Queens University of Charlotte, N.C., in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. at the Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St.
Local, state players on NBA opening rosters
Michael Gbinije and Treveon Graham are the Richmond area’s latest contributions to the NBA. Benedictine College Prep alumnus Gbinije is a 6-foot-7 rookie guard/forward for the Detroit Pistons. Last winter, he helped spur Syracuse University to the NCAA Basketball Tournament Final Four.
Black College Football Hall of Fame winners announced
William “Billy” Joe, who coached Central State University of Ohio to two NAIA national championships, has been selected to the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2017.
Washington National Cathedral faces calls to remove stained glass of Confederate generals
After quietly removing panes bearing the Confederate flag from its stained glass windows, leaders of the Washington National Cathedral are now wondering what to do about remaining images of Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
First black female diocesan bishop elected in Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis has elected the first black, female diocesan bishop in the history of the Episcopal Church.
Smithsonian’s Quran exhibit aims to dazzle, while offering opportunity for understanding
Islam prohibits the depiction of God or prophets, and some Muslims believe drawing any animate being is also forbidden. Certainly no such images appear in the Quran, its central holy book.
Personality: Kenneth A. ‘Ken’ Free
Spotlight on board chair of 50-year-old Metropolitan Junior Baseball League
Ken Free believes baseball taught him how to survive.
Virginia is for ‘Loving’
Six years after Mildred Loving’s death in Caroline County outside of Richmond, people from all over the world still post messages on a website with her online obituary.
VUU Choir concert at Second Baptist
The Virginia Union University Choir, led by Dr. Willis L. Barnett, will perform 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd.
Officials ready to protect voters from intimidation
State, local and federal officials said this week they will “act promptly and aggressively” to protect voters in Richmond and across the state from any intimidation or other attempts to block their right to vote in next Tuesday’s election. The U.S. Department of Justice said district election officers — all assistant U.S. attorneys — will be on duty in Richmond, Alexandria and Newport News from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Black patrons turned away from Fan restaurant
Is a Richmond restaurant using a “dress code” to bar African-American patrons? To Amanda Whitlow, it seemed that way when she went to District 5 restaurant in The Fan for Sunday brunch with her boyfriend, her brother and friends to celebrate her 23rd birthday.
Officer acquitted in shooting
Henrico Police Officer Joel D. Greenway did nothing wrong when he shot up a car he was trying to stop from leaving a gas station’s parking lot on Nine Mile Road, gravely wounding a female passenger in unleashing seven bullets at the unarmed occupants.
Education advocate arrested in Richmond
Kandise Lucas, an advocate for children with special needs, was arrested on Tuesday, adding to her rap sheet. Richmond police arrested Ms. Lucas at Blackwell Elementary School in South Side after she accompanied a parent to a meeting concerning development of an individualized education plan, or IEP, for her son. This is the fifth time in the past year that Ms. Lucas has been arrested for trespassing on school grounds, and the first of such arrests in Richmond.
Chief Durham decries drop in police force
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham is tired of hearing he should be doing more to stem the bloodshed in Richmond. He hears that refrain every time there’s another killing — and there have been 52 already this year, up nearly 27 percent from a year ago when 41 people were reported slain.
City audit report completed for 2014-15
It came in nearly a year late, but Richmond finally has completed the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or CAFR, for fiscal year 2015 — and gained good news to boot.
Opportunity time
Richmond mayor’s race hit by 11th-hour surprises
The Richmond mayor’s race has been turned topsy-turvy as the days count down to Election Day next Tuesday, Nov. 8. As the apparent front-runner, Joe Morrissey, scrambles to contain a new sex scandal with fierce denials, one of his six rivals, City Councilman Jonathan T. Baliles, announced Wednesday he has ended his bid for the city’s top post. Trailing far behind in recent polls, Mr. Baliles issued a message to his supporters on his campaign website that he was dropping out.
Voting Is Power
Next week, voters will decide the future leadership of our nation and our city. Tuesday, Nov. 8, is Election Day, when the campaigns for office will end and the people will decide the winners. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. People in line at 7 p.m. still will be able to vote.
2 vying for open seat in 4th Congressional District
Next week, voters will decide the future leadership of our nation and our city. Tuesday, Nov. 8, is Election Day, when the campaigns for office will end and the people will decide the winners.
Thursday, November 3
City continues to catch up on paying old bills
Richmond City Hall is doing a far better job of paying its bills by its self-imposed 30-day deadline, according to a new report to Richmond City Council.
NAACP aids education advocate in Henrico trespass case
With help from the Henrico Branch NAACP, education advocate Kandise Lucas no longer is facing a charge of trespassing at Glen Allen High School. She also can go to other Henrico County schools without fear of arrest after a ban on entering school property was lifted.
Virginia ends hospital-style regulation for abortion clinics
Virginia’s Board of Health voted on Monday to remove contested regulations on abortion clinics that included meeting hospital-like building standards.
Halloween candy exchange to benefits troops, teeth
Richmond area Kool Smiles dental offices are holding their 5th Annual “Operation Troop Treats” program to give youngsters’ teeth a post-Halloween break and give U.S. troops overseas a sweet reminder of home. Between Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 5, children and families can go to three area Kool Smiles dental offices and swap some of their Halloween candy for toys.
