Monday, April 30
Mixed feelings about Winnie Mandela
Re “ ‘Mother of South Africa’ dies at 81,” an obituary on Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Free Press April 5-7 edition:
‘The choice is ours’
I believe God is the spirit of love and compassion. The devil is the spirit of evil, with no compassion. I believe God wants all of us to love people more than money.
Medicaid expansion is ‘designed to plunder from taxpayers’
Re Letter to the Editor, “Medicaid expansion is a moral imperative,” Free Press April 19-21 edition:
Problems with protecting consumers
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is supposed to “protect” consumers from fraud and predatory lending. But since 45 has ruled the roost, he has empowered exploiters to extract too much money from consumers.
Economic justice and fair housing
“The housing problem is particularly acute in the minority ghettos. Nearly two-thirds of all non-white families living in the central cities today live in neighborhoods marked with substandard housing and general urban blight. Two major factors are responsible. First: Many ghetto residents simply cannot pay the rent necessary to support decent housing. In Detroit, for example, over 40 percent of the non-white occupied units in 1960 required rent of over 35 percent of the tenants’ income. Second: Discrimination prevents access to many non-slum areas, particularly the suburbs, where good housing exists. In addition, by creating a ‘back pressure’ in the racial ghettos, it makes it possible for landlords to break up apartments for denser occupancy, and keeps prices and rents of deteriorated ghetto housing higher than they would be in a truly free market.” – Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (the Kerner Commission), 1968 Former Vice President Walter Mondale, who co-sponsored the Fair Housing Act along with U.S. Sen. Edward Brooke, the first popularly elected African-American in the U.S. Senate, was interviewed recently on the occasion of the Fair Housing Act’s 50th anniversary.
Confronting racism
There was a time not too long ago when businesses in Richmond and across the South would call the police to arrest black people who sat down at lunch counters because they wanted to order. So we found a sad irony in the April 12 arrest of two black men in Philadelphia because they sat down at a Starbucks and didn’t order anything.
Step up
We are greatly disappointed by Richmond City Council’s failure Monday night to approve a tax on cigarettes. The 80 cents per pack tax, proposed by Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, would have generated $5 million annually that would have been dedicated to the repair and maintenance of Richmond’s aged and dilapidated public school buildings.
Richmond native returns as star of film, helping others at Richmond International Film Festival
The Richmond of Tamika Lamison’s youth has evolved into a thriving artistic hub. Ms. Lamison, an actor and director who now lives and works in Los Angeles, grew up in South Side in the 1980s. “When I come home, I certainly see a huge effort to completely infuse a great deal of artistic life into Richmond,” Ms. Lamison told the Free Press in a telephone interview last week.
UniverSoul Circus celebrates 25th anniversary in Richmond through May 6
The UniverSoul Circus returned to Richmond this week in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The circus under a single-ring big top opened Wednesday, April 25, and will run through Sunday, May 6, at Richmond Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Ave.
City to host international violin competition in 2020
Richmond will host the 2020 “Olympics of the Violin” — the International Menuhin Competition, it has been announced.
Sunday, April 29
Retired Army major earns salute on the golf links
Retired Army officer Duncan Hardcastle has become the golfing star with the stripes. The 51-year-old Midlothian resident also draws attention for being a rare African-American at some of the bold-letter golfing events in the area and around the state.
VSU on the lookout for its next great running back
Auditions for the marquee role of the next Trenton Cannon are now underway at Virginia State University. Realistically, the All-American tailback will be nearly impossible to replace. Finding a replacement might be compared to trying to find a fill-in for the Statue of Liberty.
VSU opens football season in Norfolk at Labor Day clasic
Virginia State University hopes to start its 2018 football season the same way it opened the 2017 season — by defeating Norfolk State University in the Labor Day Classic.
Ballard, Rodriguez leaving VCU
Jeremy Ballard, having served two stints as Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball assistant coach, is leaving Richmond to become head coach at Florida International University in Miami.
Hal Greer, Philadelphia 76ers all-time scorer, dies at 81
Hal Greer, the Philadelphia 76ers’ all-time scorer and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has died.
VSU opens football season in Norfolk at Labor Day classic
Virginia State University hopes to start its 2018 football season the same way it opened the 2017 season — by defeating Norfolk State University in the Labor Day Classic.
U.S. Supreme Court hears Muslim travel ban arguments
The U.S. Supreme Court has so far had little to say about Donald Trump’s time as president, even as the nation has moved from one Trump controversy to another. That’s about to change.
Historian doesn’t want Civil War soldier’s story lost
It’s such a small, unremarkable headstone for such a remarkable life. In an age when the average male life expectancy barely topped 40, 56-year-old Peter Williams enlisted with the 29th Regiment, U.S. Colored Infantry, to fight for the Union in the Civil War.
Yvonne Staples of Staple Singers fame dies at 80
Yvonne Staples, whose voice and business acumen powered the success of the Staple Singers, her family’s hit-making gospel group that topped the charts in the early 1970s with the song “I’ll Take You There,” has died. She was 80.
Personality: Adolph White
Spotlight on volunteer caretaker for purple martin nesting at Bryan Park
Every spring, there is a great migration that one Bryan Park volunteer anticipates and anxiously looks forward to.
City eliminates $240,000 admissions tax debt of Richmond Jazz Festival
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration has quietly eliminated the estimated $240,000 in admissions taxes that the popular Richmond Jazz Festival owed the city, three highly placed sources have told the Free Press.
80¢ cigarette tax goes up in smoke at City Council
Richmond smokers will not have to pay an extra 80 cents for a pack of cigarette. After hearing from more than 50 speakers and nearly an hour of debate, Richmond City Council, with a 6-3 vote, killed a proposal to impose a city tax on cigarettes that Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, had spearheaded.
Tree problems go unanswered by city
Editor’s note: Just before the Free Press Wednesday deadline, Spencer Turner sent a text message to a Free Press reporter stating: “Thanks for help. They are cutting tree down Friday. The power of a free press.” As of deadline, the Free Press had not been able to confirm Mr. Turner’s statement with city officials. By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Henrico schools hosts Family Learning series summit April 28
Henrico County Public Schools is hosting a Family Learning Series Summit, featuring workshops and activities on topics such as parenting, literacy, diversity, study skills, mental health and exceptional education. The summit is free and will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Hermitage High School, 8301 Hungary Spring Road.
William & Mary board apologizes for role in slavery
The College of William & Mary formally apologized for its role in slavery and Jim Crow at its Board of Visitors meeting last Friday.
Williams sisters join Billie Jean King in equal pay push
A day before playing in the 2005 final at the All England Club, Venus Williams addressed a meeting of the Grand Slam Board, urging Wimbledon and the French Open to offer equal pay to male and female players.
Memorial to nation’s lynching victims opens
Elmore Bolling defied the odds against black men and built several successful businesses during the harsh era of Jim Crow segregation in the South. He had more money than a lot of white people, which his descendants believe was all it took to get him lynched in 1947.
Saturday, April 28
Pulse driving businesses down
Transit construction has hurt Downtown establishments
By Jeremy M. Lazarus Richmond City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray has been getting an earful from restaurants and businesses along Broad Street that have seen customer numbers fall and revenues shrink during the 20-month construction of Pulse, GRTC’s new bus rapid transit system
Friday, April 27
Deadline May 11 to apply for lead water line replacement grants
Richmond homeowners could receive a $2,500 grant to replace lead water lines from the city’s meter into their homes, the city Department of Public Utilities has announced.
Friday, April 20
A worthy state holiday
We are pleased by Virginia’s inaugural Barbara Johns Day, which will be observed on Monday, April 23. That is the day in 1951 that the 16-year-old activist led her fellow students on a walkout to protest the deplorable conditions at the all-black Moton School in Prince Edward County.
VCU’s Institute for Contemporary Art embraces community with grand opening block party Saturday
For more than a year, curious eyes in Richmond and across the nation have watched an angularly shaped structure rise at the corner of Broad and Belvidere streets, the newest offering in the country’s array of contemporary art museums and spaces.
A Taste of Brookland Park food festival April 21
A North Side residential and commercial corridor that dates back to the 1920s will be the toast of the town this weekend with tasty experiences.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar wins Pulitzer for music
California rapper Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for music Monday for his album “DAMN.,” organizers announced. Mr. Lamar, 30, is the first rapper to win the prestigious award. The Pulitzer follows the five Grammy awards won by Mr. Lamar in January for the album.
Bey blows up at Coachella, boosts HBCU scholarships
On the back of wide praise for her two-hour performance at the Coachella music festival, Beyoncé on Monday said she was offering $100,000 in scholarship money to students at four historically black colleges and universities.
VUU banking on talent of Tabyus Taylor this fall
Virginia Union University football fans were treated last season to what amounted to a teaser of what Tabyus Taylor can do with a football under his arm.
VUU to host CIAA golf championship
Virginia Union University will partner with Richmond Region Tourism to host the CIAA Golf Championships on April 19 and 20 at the Club at Viniterra in New Kent County.
Double threat for the Yankees
The New York Yankees, nicknamed the “Bronx Bombers,” may pack more ammunition this year than ever before, and that’s saying something.
Monument Avenue 10K now a national championship
In case no one has noticed, the annual Monument Avenue 10K has changed dramatically. The event continues to draw more than 25,000 participants and ranks among Richmond’s best organized and most anticipated community activities.
Thursday, April 19
President Carter talks ‘Faith’ in book
In his 32nd book, titled simply “Faith,” former President Jimmy Carter looks at how belief in God and others has shaped his 93 years.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush dies
A private funeral for former First Lady Barbara Bush, the only American woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president, will be held on Saturday, April 21, at a Houston church where her family has been members since the 1950s, officials said.
Personality: Dr. Renata A. Hedrington Jones
Spotlight on Black Social Workers’ NIA Lifetime Achievement winner
Growing up in a strong, close-knit family with a hard-working, disciplined, kind and unconditionally loving mother and aunt are the ingredients that produced Dr. Renata A. Hedrington Jones, winner of the National Association of Black Social Workers’ most coveted award.
Henrico hotel pays workers with free lodging
An aging hotel in Henrico County has found a way to virtually eliminate wages. Instead of money, employees get a room in exchange for working 40 hours a week checking in guests, doing maintenance work, cleaning rooms or filling other needed roles.
Can Richmond afford 4 planned new schools?
One unanswered question hovers as the Richmond School Board and schools Superintendent Jason Kamras push the city to seek bids for new buildings to replace four aging schools: Can the city afford them?
Free Press wins 11 state journalism awards
The Richmond Free Press continues its 26-year tradition of award-winning excellence. The newspaper was recognized with 11 awards, including four first place awards, at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.
New Capitol Square monument honors Virginia’s native tribes
Leaders of Virginia’s Native American tribes joined Gov. Ralph S. Northam, members of the Virginia Indian Commemorative Commission, state legislators, dignitaries and state residents Tuesday morning to dedicate a new monument in Capitol Square honoring Virginia’s first inhabitants.
Area students expected to walk out Friday for gun violence rally
Thousands of high school students and their supporters are expected to ignore threats of discipline from their school divisions and pour into Downtown this Friday, April 20, to protest gun violence in schools and issue a fresh call to lawmakers to pass stronger gun control laws, according to police.
Starbucks to close 8,000 U.S. stores for racial bias training
Starbucks Corp. will close 8,000 company-owned U.S. cafés for the afternoon on Tuesday, May 29, to train nearly 175,000 to prevent racial discrimination in its stores.
Target settles claims it screened black people, Hispanics out of jobs
Target Corp. has agreed to review its policies for screening job applicants and pay $3.74 million to settle a lawsuit claiming its use of criminal background checks kept thousands of African-Americans and Hispanics from obtaining employment.
A heroine honored
April 23 now designated as Barbara Johns Day in Virginia to honor 1951 student activist who helped dismantle public school segregation
Today’s students need to continue to speak out when they see injustice. That was the message from Joan Johns Cobbs, the younger sister of the late Barbara Johns, and Mrs. Cobbs’ classmate, Joy Cabarrus Speakes, as Virginia prepares to celebrate the first Barbara Johns Day on Monday, April 23.
Kindergarten registration April 19
Registration for kindergarten is Thursday, April 19. That’s the registration date for 15 school divisions in the Richmond area covering 152 elementary schools. Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30 can start kindergarten in the fall, but they must be registered at the school they will attend.
VCU dean steps down after filing countersuit against L. Douglas Wilder
L. Douglas Wilder is proving he still has plenty of bite.
Health systems securing naming rights to GRTC’s Pulse
Richmond area taxpayers apparently will not have to spend as much to subsidize rides on GRTC’s new bus rapid transit service, also known as Pulse, thanks to two area health care giants, VCU Health System and Bon Secours Richmond Health System.
RRHA still fixing heating systems
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has restored heat to 318 apartments, but still has 93 units in various public housing communities to complete, according to an update released last week.
Rebuilding Together Richmond seeking volunteers for April 28 repair blitz
Want to help people stay in their homes?
Friday, April 13
Hear history from one who made it
In recent days, we’ve enjoyed some wonderful reflections about the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his colleagues during the mid-1960s peak of the Civil Rights Movement.
Double standard?
I usually do not send in my opinion concerning various issues, even though I may have one. But this time, I must respond.
‘The Silent Support Syndrome’
There seems to be a reluctance by white moderates in Virginia — elected officials and otherwise — to challenge the public existence of Confederate statues in the Commonwealth. I refer to such as “The Silent Support Syndrome.” Following the American Civil War, Virginia was one of the last seven states to re-join the United States of America, along with Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas. Virginia was among the first states to erect statues to Confederate generals and soldiers in the 1890s.
The new Poor People’s Campaign
Recently, comedian Chris Rock made a good point when he said that U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has represented the state of Kentucky for more than 30 years and he’s one of the nation’s most powerful and richest senators.
Hurry, Mr. Mueller
The law is closing in on President Trump and he’s not happy.
Early mistake?
Richmond’s new schools superintendent, Jason Kamras, recently named five of the six top officials he is bringing in to be a part of his cabinet in running the city’s public school system.
Inaugural ‘I Have a Dream’ Festival Saturday
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney will be the grand marshal of the community “I Have a Dream” Parade at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, in Richmond’s East End, that also will feature music from the No BS Brass Band.
Defenders to honor local activists at anniversary banquet
Four community activists will be honored as the Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality marks its15th anniversary with a banquet from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 13, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike, it has been announced.
VUU 6th Annual Masquerade Ball and Scholarship Gala this Friday
Actress and singer Jo Marie Payton, known for her role as Harriette Winslow on the television sitcom “Family Matters” and as the voice of Suga Mama Pride on the Disney Channel’s “The Proud Family,” and comedian Micah “Bam-Bamm” White will co-host the 6th Annual Masquerade Ball and Scholarship Gala benefiting Virginia Union University.
‘The Spirit of Armstrong’ docudrama set for April 19
“The Spirit of Armstrong,” a docudrama about Armstrong High School and the need for equity in education, will be presented 6 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Armstrong High School Auditorium, 2300 Cool Lane.
From doughnuts to dancing, ‘The Bachelorette’ films in RVA hot spots
The Bachelorette is in town and looking for love — and Richmonders love to look for her. Fans of “The Bachelorette” have been in a frenzy since photos of the hit ABC reality show filming in Richmond surfaced on social media last weekend.
Jackie Robinson Day
Flying Squirrels to observe it April 15 at The Diamond
Every April 15, the immense historical significance of Jackie Robinson is celebrated at professional baseball stadiums across America.
‘Funville’ opens Friday the 13th
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have an antidote for any hints of Friday the 13th bad luck that might haunt the home opener.
Early players tried slipping past baseball’s color line
Long before Jackie Robinson broke into professional baseball under the bright lights of New York City, there were other men of color with unquestionable talent who tried doing the same.
VUU to have home field advantage next fall
Virginia Union University’s upcoming football season will be top heavy with home games.
Preston Beverly moves from No. 2 to No.1 as coach at Richard Bland College
Richard Bland College has chosen Preston Beverly to usher its basketball program into the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1.
Atlanta March on Monday marked route of MLK funeral 50 years ago
Relatives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led more than 1,000 people on a march Monday in downtown Atlanta, where large crowds gathered 50 years earlier for the slain civil rights leader’s funeral procession as a mule-drawn wagon pulled his casket through the streets.
Liberty president censors student newspaper over critics
Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. stifled an effort by the school’s newspaper to report on an event last weekend organized by his critics, said a student editor.
Mom uses stun gun to wake son for church
A Phoenix woman shocked her teenage son with a stun gun to wake him for church services on Easter, authorities said.
Bridal designer Amsale Aberra dies at 64
Bridal Fashion Week this time around will include a tribute to couture designer Amsale Aberra, who died of cancer just days before her scheduled show.
Personality: Camilla Tramuel
Spotlight on chair of 50th anniversary commemoration of historic New Kent school case
In the shadows of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a little known Virginia school desegregation case was instrumental in changing the lives and education of schoolchildren across the commonwealth as well as the country.
School Board moves on plan for 4 new schools
The Richmond School Board has started the process to replace four aging school buildings, three in South Side and one in Church Hill.
Mayor on hook for school modernization plan with charter change signing
Backed by a unanimous legislature, Gov. Ralph S. Northam has signed a new charter measure for Richmond that will require Mayor Levar M. Stoney to come up with a fully funded plan for modernizing every city school without a tax increase or explain why he cannot.
J.E.B. Stuart Elementary headed for a new name
The Richmond School Board signaled its intent to rename J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School, is named for a Confederate cavalry leader.
Confederate flag replaced at Riverview Cemetery
A Confederate flag flying in Riverview Cemetery in Richmond’s West End has been replaced with a new banner — the Christian flag, a white banner with a red cross centered in a small, blue square in the flag’s top left corner.
From hoops to music, Cornell Jones still playing to win
Cornell Jones may have lost the hops that made him such an exciting basketball performer, but his distinctive soulful voice remains a Richmond treasure.
Medicaid expansion, state budget talks continue
Virginia’s budget impasse remained unresolved Wednesday as the Virginia House and Senate adjourned about 90 minutes into the special session called by Gov. Ralph S. Northam without taking any action.
Chief Durham to host Third Precinct town hall April 12
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham will host a town hall meeting with residents of the Third Precinct area from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave.
Henry L. Marsh III talk, book signing April 17
Former state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, whose work as an attorney put him on the front lines of the legal wars for civil rights, will talk about his new book, “The Memoirs of Hon. Henry L. Marsh III: Civil Rights Champion, Public Servant, Lawyer,” 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St.
Howard University students end 9-day sit-in
The occupation of a Howard University administration building in Washington by students making demands to school officials has ended.
Evicted
Richmond ranks No.2 nationally in displacing people from their homes and apartments by eviction
Marcel Slag has been fighting evictions for 28 years as a lawyer with Central Virginia Legal Aid and its now independent Justice Center.
104-year-old city real estate firm sold
Brothers Jeffrey Finn and John S. Finn Jr. are breathing new life into the oldest African-American-owned real estate company in continuous operation in Richmond.
Hours, enforcement increase for city meters
Drivers can now park longer at Downtown street meters, but the city also plans to increase enforcement.
City natural gas price going down
Richmond residents who cook and heat with natural gas will get a price break on its cost next month because of a sharp jump in production.
Friday, April 6
Armstrong High time capsule takes alumni, students back in history
Armstrong High School’s storied past collided with its present last Saturday as a legion of several hundred Wildcats, mostly from the Armstrong High School Alumni Coalition, gathered to witness the opening of a 1952 time capsule.
Personality: Jalia L. Hardy
Spotlight on state winner of VML’s ‘If I Were Mayor’ essay contest
If Jalia Hardy were mayor of Richmond, she would focus on the city’s economy as well as youths and educational programs. She would listen to ideas and suggestions from citizens and create a nonprofit organization that would give care packages of food and toiletries to the homeless.
Trauma-informed care focus of FACTS in Va.
On March 11, Oprah Winfrey presented a story on “60 Minutes” on “Childhood Trauma’s Long-Term Effect,” uncovering how trauma affects a child’s brain and can lead to physical, mental and social health problems throughout a child’s life. The special also highlighted trauma-informed efforts.
Young people able to understand what leaders don’t
Re “ ‘Our ballots will stop bullets:’ Thousands take to streets in Richmond, D.C. and across the nation to demand gun control and school safety,” Free Press March 29-31 edition:
Coretta Scott King wanted secrets about her husband’s death exposed
Efforts must be increased to break down the wall of secrecy surrounding the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Gun control debate ignores black lives
Students from across the country walked out of class on March 14 at 10 a.m. to protest gun violence and demand new legislation. The students left classes for 17 minutes to commemorate the 17 lives lost in the Parkland, Fla., high school shooting. Some even left for 18 minutes to acknowledge a young black girl who was killed in an accidental shooting in Birmingham, Ala.
More work to do 50 years later
The 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination comes amid a fierce struggle for the soul of America. We will celebrate the progress th
The lessons
Memories of the life and lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are flooding back this week as the national media and groups across the nation remember the young Baptist minister who died 50 years ago on April 4, 1968. Before the 39-year-old Dr. King was gunned down by an assassin’s bullet in Memphis, Tenn., he inspired a nation by his nonviolent movement for change and his thoughtful, yet simple eloquence calling for the basic rights of freedom, dignity and equality for African-Americans and oppressed people everywhere.
‘Get Lit’ program to feature local authors April 7
More than a dozen local authors, playwrights, poets and spoken word artists will be the special guests this weekend at “Get Lit,” a program sponsored by the Richmond Public Library’s Black Male Emergent Readers Literacy Program.
Zetas host elder care symposium April 14
The Alpha Phi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is hosting a free Elder Care Symposium 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 8175 Grove Road in Mechanicsville.
Villanova wins crown
Villanova University has climbed to the top step of college basketball’s highest staircase. And the Wildcats made it the old-fashioned way — minus any “one and done” elite, NBA-bound freshmen players.
Notre Dame wins women’s championship with last-second shot
Arike Ogunbowale has a hard name to pronounce and apparently a hard jump shot to defend. She also is pressure-proof it seems.
Hill helps Maggie Walker Governor’s School sprint into the record books
Taylor Hill’s stunning success in track and field has surprised many people, including Hill herself. The Church Hill resident set the bar of expectations quite low when initially signing up for the sport at the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.
Capel named head coach at Pittsburgh
Jeff Capel III, a coach familiar to Richmonders, is the latest addition to a relatively small fraternity — African-American head coaches at NCAA Division I basketball programs.
Coach Tubby Smith returns to N.C. to coach at his alma mater
Tubby Smith has coached five schools to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. He’s hoping High Point University, his alma mater, becomes the sixth.
Catholic diocese apologizes for display of figure hanging in tree
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond apologized last Friday for the “insensitive” hanging of a homemade mannequin in a tree outside Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Henrico County.
‘Mother of South Africa’ dies at 81
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who emerged as a combative anti-apartheid campaigner during her former husband Nelson Mandela’s decades in jail but whose reputation was later tarnished by allegations of violence, died on Monday, April 2, 2018, at the age of 81.
Joe Morrissey disbarred for violating State Bar rules
“Fighting Joe” has been hit with a knockout blow. For the second time in his career, Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey, a savvy attorney and former Richmond prosecutor who built a reputation as a courtroom battler, has lost his license to practice law.
Why is it flying?
The Confederacy may have been defeated, but the flags of the rebels who fought to separate from the United States to keep black people in bondage still fly in city-owned cemeteries.
Confederate statues must come down, commission told
At a raw and emotional meeting last week with members of the Monument Avenue Commission, several speakers told commission members there is no middle ground — the Confederate statues cannot remain on Monument Avenue if the city wants to evolve beyond its racist past.
Medicaid expansion to be key in state budget battle April 11
The high-stakes battle over Virginia’s next two-year budget resumes next Wednesday, April 11. On the line: Expansion of health care to 300,000 to 400,000 low-income Virginians, pay raises for state workers and teachers, and increased state support for education, mental health and workforce development.
City Hall fends off ransomware attack
The Richmond City Hall information technology staff has fended off the same kind of ransomware attack that crippled city computers in Atlanta for more than a week.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Fifty years after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, the world honors his legacy and leadership in civil rights activism to bring freedom, equality and justice to all people.
Remembering MLK
People in Richmond and across the nation pause to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his death
On the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed 50 years ago, tens of thousands of people gathered at small and large events in Richmond and other cities on Wednesday to mourn his death, celebrate his life and rekindle his struggle for economic and social justice.
Thursday, April 5
Suggestions offered to add ‘context’ to Monument Avenue statues
Richmonders are posing creative ideas for adding context to the Confederate statues along Monument Avenue. At a meeting hosted by members of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond last Friday, many of the 60 people attending the event said they would prefer the statues to be removed or relocated.
Kamras fields questions, concerns at community meeting
Richmond schools Superintendent Jason Kamras met with more than 60 parents, educators and community members from the city’s 3rd District last week in the latest of his community meetings to talk about his vision for Richmond Public Schools and to listen to concerns people have about the school system.
City introduces Living Wage Certification Program
Richmond community and business leaders gathered last week at the Washington NFL team’s training center to celebrate and discuss efforts to ensure a living wage for workers.
Manns named new Henrico schools equality and diversity officer
Monica Manns, a 43-year-old former Henrico County educator and administrator, is Henrico County Public Schools’ first director of the Office of Equity and Diversity.
City treasurer seeking volunteers for new board
City Treasurer Nichole Richardson Armstead is taking a first step to carry out her campaign promise to turn her office into a center for financial literacy.
