Friday, December 28
Criminal justice reform bill signed into law
The widespread unhappiness across the nation over President Trump’s partial federal government shutdown at Christmas may have all but overshadowed the guarded praise surrounding a bipartisan victory for Congress and the president.
Actor Michael B. Jordan in spotlight for athletic role in ‘Creed II’
Michael Bakari Jordan has scored a cinematic knockout for his role as a boxer in “Creed II,” a sequel to the original 2015 film “Creed,” a continuation of the “Rocky” movies.
LA Chargers get new jolt with Coach Anthony Lynn
After a lengthy, listless period, the NFL’s newest Los Angeles franchise is all charged up.
VUU fans get Christmas gift in Jordan White
Virginia Union University basketball fans received a “White Christmas” in a way they weren’t expecting.
Dr. S. Dallas Simmons, late VUU president, to be inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame
The late Dr. S. Dallas Simmons, former president of Virginia Union University, is among seven people chosen for induction into the 2019 John B. McLendon CIAA Hall of Fame.
Noted female Little League pitcher signs with HU
Mo’ne Davis became a celebrity in 2014 by showing off her lively pitching arm in the Little League World Series.
“What is your wish for the New Year?”
New Year’s is a time for self-reflection and hope, with people opening their hearts and minds with dreams and resolve on how to make the next 365 days better than the past.
Madam C.J. Walker’s New York estate sold
The New York estate built a century ago by Madam C.J. Walker, a daughter of slaves who made her fortune selling hair care products for black women, has been bought by the owner of Essence magazine and his family.
Richmond Continentals honor Mayor Stoney, others at annual fundraiser
The Richmond Chapter of the Continental Societies Inc. honored Mayor Levar M. Stoney with its “Champion for Children” Award at the group’s 43rd Annual Elegance in Black & White gala on Dec. 21.
2018 year in photos
During the last 12 months, the Free Press has documented life and events in the Richmond area.
Top 10 stories of 2018
At the end of each year, people begin writing New Year’s resolutions that they pretty much know they will not be keeping. Yet, it’s a popular ritual.
Trump and the wall
“Yes, if we don’t get what we want, one way or the other … I will shut down the government,” President Trump said to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi, referring to his demand for $5 billion to build his border wall.
Richmond’s ‘devaluing of black history’
Mayor Levar M. Stoney recently posted on Twitter that he was “pleased” to receive a petition seeking to rename the Boulevard after Arthur Ashe Jr., the accomplished black tennis player and Richmonder.
Southern Baptist seminary report ties founders to slavery, white supremacy
Founders of one of the nation’s largest seminaries owned more than 50 slaves and said that slavery was morally correct.
‘Revival!’ brings mostly black cast to movie depiction of Gospel of John
For creator Harry Lennix, the new movie “Revival!” — a retelling of the Gospel of John with a mostly African-American cast — is a film whose time has come.
Deacon Charles Williams named interim head of Office for Black Catholics
Deacon Charles Williams has been appointed interim director of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Office for Black Catholics. The appointment was made by Bishop Barry C. Knestout, effective Dec. 1.
William Lomax, longtime barber in Jackson Ward, dies at 87
Longtime Richmond barber and NAACP stalwart William Lomax has died. Mr. Lomax, who was best known for his barbershop in Jackson Ward, succumbed to illness Friday, Dec. 21, in hospice in Henrico County. He was 87.
Jeffrey A. Goode, area wedding and funeral singer and member of Bak ’n Da Day, dies at 57
Jeffrey Antoine Goode regularly sang at funerals, weddings and other family and community events and was a tenor for 18 years with the popular Richmond a cappella quintet Bak ’n Da Day that serves up Motown, R&B and Broadway show tunes.
Personality: Herbert H. Southall Jr.
Spotlight on 2018 Astorian of the Year
Herbert H. Southall Jr. is proud to carry on the legacy of his father and to uphold the traditions of the Astoria Beneficial Club, a Richmond men’s club started 117 years ago to help eliminate the barriers to full citizenship for African-Americans.
City tackling polluted water
Richmond’s most heavily polluted watersheds that drain into the James River will get some extra attention, thanks to a $1 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, it has been announced.
Medicaid enrollment jumps
More than 182,000 Virginia adults — or nearly half of the 400,000 projected to be eligible — have enrolled in Medicaid health care coverage that will begin Jan. 1, Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced.
Information blackout in new city ambulance permit case?
The Richmond Ambulance Authority has, for now, avoided competition for non-emergency transports that help financially support its crucial emergency service.
Contractors claim they are left out of city lead removal contracts
Small African-American contractors like Anson Bell and Nathan Beyah claim they are being locked out of work to remove from 150 Richmond homes and apartments toxic lead paint that yearly damages the developing brains of dozens of young children.
New Year’s holiday closings
In observance of New Year’s Day, Tuesday Jan. 1, please note the following:
In observance of New Year’s Day, Tuesday Jan. 1, please note the following:
Chief Durham reflects on his tenure in Richmond
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham is done. He wrapped up Dec. 20 by issuing promotions to 12 officers, including naming three deputy chiefs and tapping one, William C. Smith, to serve as acting chief.
Gentrification: The ‘Negro Removal’ program displacing black people, culture
Gentrification has emerged as a major threat to black communities that have been centers for black business and economic development, cultural and civic life for generations.
Councilwoman to seek state help on Agelasto residency issue
Parker C. Agelasto’s future as the 5th District representative on City Council apparently will depend on whether the General Assembly or another state entity gets involved.
National NAACP suspends Frank J. Thornton, Henrico Branch president
In an extraordinary action, national NAACP President Derrick Johnson has suspended for a year the membership of Frank J. Thornton, president of the Henrico Branch NAACP and son of Frank Thornton, chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors.
$ for schools
Mayor Levar M. Stoney announces $800M plan to fully fund school construction over next 20 years
The mayor announced a plan on Dec. 20 to provide the $800 million that Richmond Public Schools wants to improve and modernize schools, a majority of which are 60 or more years old and seven of which are 100 years old.
Justice Ginsburg recovering from surgery to remove cancerous growths
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is recovering after surgery to remove two malignant growths in her left lung.
Friday, December 21
At Christmas, babe in manger is not always white
When the Rev. Kip Banks’ family pulls out its nativity scene each Christmas, the African features of the baby Jesus provide lessons on both the Bible and self-esteem.
Senate passes major criminal justice reform package
The U.S. Senate voted 87-12 Tuesday to usher in the most substantial change to the 1990s tough-on-crime sentencing laws that have ballooned the federal prison population and created a criminal justice system that is seen as costly and unfair.
Groundbreaking: RPS and city officials celebrate the start of construction of 3 new city schools
It was a day for smiles, celebration and looking to the future Wednesday as Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras and elected city and School Board officials broke ground for three new city schools.
Probe finds Trump illegally used foundation as ‘a checkbook’ for his campaign, business
President Trump’s charitable foundation reached a deal Tuesday to go out of business, even as the president continues to fight allegations he misused its assets to resolve business disputes and boost his run for the White House.
Bump stocks banned
The Trump administration on Tuesday banned the high-power gun attachments of the type used in last year’s Las Vegas shooting massacre of 58 people, giving the owners of “bump stocks” 90 days to turn in or destroy the devices and blocking owners from being able to register them.
Critics assail Trump panel recommendations that would strip students of civil rights while not boosting student safety
The Trump administration on Tuesday moved to roll back an Obama-era policy that was meant to curb racial disparities in school discipline but that critics say left schools afraid to take action against potentially dangerous students.
Closure pending as Bennett College loses accreditation
After two years of probation, Bennett College, one of just two historically black private women’s colleges in the country, has lost its accreditation, threatening the 145-year-old school’s survival.
City Council approves commission to review $1.4B Coliseum project
City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray scored a signal victory in securing an 8-1 vote Monday in support of her plan to create a commission of citizen experts to review the $1.4 billion plan to replace the Richmond Coliseum and redevelop at least 10 blocks of Downtown near City Hall.
VUU spokesperson blasts claims by doctoral student as ‘false, ill-advised, arbitrary and capricious’
Virginia Union University is pushing back against a student-written letter and online petition calling for an investigation and the removal of VUU President Hakim J. Lucas and Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chair of the VUU Board of Trustees.
Cheryl Burke sworn in to hold School Board seat through 2020
Retired elementary school principal Cheryl L. Burke was sworn in Tuesday as the official 7th District representative on the Richmond School Board. Mrs. Burke, 65, who was appointed by the board in 2017 to fill the seat on an interim basis, won a special election on Nov. 6 to fill the seat for the remainder of the term through December 2020.
RRHA working again to settle heating problems
Tina Shaw has gotten most of what she wanted for Christmas — working heat in her two-bedroom apartment in the Creighton Court public housing community.
Dominion seeks $300M from customers for coal plant upgrades
Dominion Energy wants customers to pay more than $300 million, which would cover the cost of upgrading three coal-burning power plants, plus some extra money.
Council to seek new chief of staff
Richmond City Council will be seeking a new chief of staff after quietly accepting on Monday the resignation of Lou Brown Ali, who has held the post since 2011 after serving as the city clerk.
Bridging RVA to serve Christmas dinner
Christmas Day dinner for all. That’s what Bridging RVA is promising on Tuesday, Dec. 25. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Congregation Beth Ahabah, 1121 W. Franklin St. in The Fan, it has been announced.
Petition drive continues for Put Schools First
Put Schools First is still collecting signatures to get a proposed change to the City Charter on a future Richmond ballot to allow voters to decide whether to pump more tax dollars into school construction and limit financing for the Coliseum replacement project that Mayor Levar M. Stoney has endorsed.
Personality: David Fowler Jones Sr.
Spotlight on Founder of TH-JAW Foundation
David F. Jones Sr., founder of the TH-JAW Foundation, truly believes it takes a village to raise a child.
Grammy winning singer Nancy Wilson dies at 81
Grammy award-winning singer Nancy Wilson, whose silky vocals turned out hits ranging from R&B to jazz and funk, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at her home in Pioneertown, Calif., a desert community near Joshua Tree National Park.
Rev. Roslyn Brock to speak at annual Emancipation Proclamation Day service Jan. 1
The Rev. Roslyn M. Brock, chairwoman emeritus of the national NAACP Board of Directors, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Emancipation Proclamation Day service at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St.
With tears, megachurch pastor defends $200K Lamborghini gift to wife
The new pastor of a South Carolina megachurch gave his wife a $200,000 Lamborghini SUV for their eighth anniversary earlier this month, and he’s been getting heat on social media for it ever since.
N.C. A&T wins Celebration Bowl
The crown for black college football will rest with North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C., at least until December 2019. It’s becoming a tradition.
Claflin Coach Ricky Jackson unafraid to outmaneuver his alma mater, VUU
Ricky Jackson said he is “proud to be a Unionite.” But that didn’t stop him from dealing his alma mater a recent basketball beating.
Larry Doby on track for Congressional Gold Medal
Larry Doby, the first African-American to play baseball in the American League, is on track to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The U.S. Senate has passed legislation to honor the former Cleveland Indians centerfielder.
Cedric ‘C.J’ Wiggins returns to area to help VSU Trojans
Home is where the heart is. With just one college basketball season left, Cedric “C.J.” Wiggins has moved closer to his roots, in part to accommodate parents, grandparents and friends.
Most cherished holiday memories
The memories we create during the holidays with family, friends and loved ones stick with us. The generous spirit of love and compassion gives us hope for our collective future.
Deshauna Barber, Miss USA 2016 and VSU alumna, keeps it real for VSU fall graduates
Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber, a Virginia State University alumna and captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, provided some valuable life lessons during VSU’s fall commencement, which was held last Saturday at the school’s Multi-Purpose Center.
28th Annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival slated for Dec. 29
James Small, a former professor at the City University of New York who is an expert on African and African-American world history and politics, will be the keynote speaker at the 28th Annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Saturday, Dec. 29.
Navy Hill-Coliseum project: Subsidized gentrification?
I applaud Richmond City Council for approving the creation of a committee to review the Navy Hill-Coliseum proposal. The project has been hailed by the city administration as a game-changing economic empowerment project, one that is immune from the potential, yet familiar, negative consequences of costly development projects. But this is simply too good to be true.
City Councilman Michael J. Jones responds
The Free Press included in an article regarding City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto an implication that I might own residential property outside the city of Richmond.
What the world needs now
May all of us remember that God sent his son to show us how to make the world a better place.
Rep. Karen Bass new CBC chair
In January, the most ethnically and culturally diverse Congress in United States history will be seated. Among the historic “firsts,” the Congressional Black Caucus will exceed 50 members for the first time in its 47-year history and Rep. Karen Bass of California has been elected its chair.
‘Young, gifted and dead’
The gregarious 9-year-old Alabama girl was just that, a girl, a little girl, a brown-skinned baby girl with braids or, in one picture, a side ponytail. Her family described her as “bubbly,” but bubbles burst, sometimes in the worst way.
Thursday, December 13
Richmond Coliseum redux
The more we learn about the proposed Coliseum development in Downtown, the more we don’t like it. We are skeptical about the figures and arguments trotted out to convince City Council and Richmond residents to support the $1.4 billion plan.
Letter to VUU board offers insight into theology school, university problems
Dr. Corey D.B. Walker may continue to teach after stepping down as vice president and dean of Virginia Union University’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at the end of December.
City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto out of the woods?
Pressure appears to be lifting for Richmond City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to resign his seat despite moving from the 5th District he represents to the city’s 1st District. Two key city officials, the Richmond voter registrar and the city attorney, have backed away from the issue of whether Mr. Agelasto’s move disqualifies him from remaining on City Council, leaving it uncertain whether any mechanism exists to enforce a requirement in the Virginia Constitution and state code that he, like other state and local officials, must live in the district he serves.
City Council to take up affordable housing and homeless issues at Dec. 17 meeting
Richmond’s governing body is planning to provide a $1 million increase to a City Hall loan pool that assists developers in generating affordable housing and to boost the city’s role in tackling the issue of homelessness.
New City Council chief of staff?
Richmond City Council soon could be looking for a new chief of staff. Lou Brown Ali, who has held the post since 2011, may be on her way out. Asked Tuesday, she confirmed that she might be resigning, “but I’ll learn more about that later.”
VSU accredited for 10 years by SACS
Virginia State University, despite shrinking enrollment, has secured re-accreditation for a full 10 years, it was announced Tuesday. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reaffirmed VSU’s accreditation at its annual meeting Tuesday in New Orleans after finding the university complied with all of its standards.
Grade snafu flunks ‘A’ student
Michael Donovan was surprised when his son brought home a report card for the first nine weeks at Lucille M. Brown Middle School that showed the sixth-grader had an F in Spanish.
Steel fabrication company to open in South Side
A York, Pa., company is creating 70 jobs for welders, machine operators, truck drivers and others in Richmond after re-opening a factory and warehouse in South Side that most recently was used to build large bridge components.
Public meetings on city parking improvement postponed
Public meetings on proposals to improve parking in Carytown, Downtown, Manchester and Scott’s Addition are being rescheduled for mid-January as a result of the snowstorm, organizers announced Tuesday.
Personality: Gilbert W. Wilkerson Sr.
Spotlight on president of Coalition Against Urban Violence
Christmas is a time for faith, family and counting blessings. But for someone who has had a loved one tragically taken from them through violence, the season can be full of pain and sorrow.
Rev. Dennis E. Thomas, former pastor of First African Baptist Church, dies at 62
The Rev. Dennis Earl Thomas has come to the end of his 41- year career as a church leader, preacher and musician. The former pastor of First African Baptist Church in Richmond died Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Philadelphia. He was 62.
State NAACP to push ‘Energy from God’ bill
Schools, churches, mosques and synagogues across Virginia could go solar, if the Virginia State Conference NAACP has its way. Under a legislative proposal the civil rights organization is advancing dubbed the “Energy from God” bill, a $1 billion, three-year pilot program would be created to equip buildings devoted to public education and religion with solar panels, particularly in low-income urban and rural areas.
‘Be conscious … of making a positive impact,’ VCU fall graduates told
Christy Coleman, chief executive officer of the American Civil War Museum, offered graduates firsthand insight on what their future paths may hold during Virginia Commonwealth University’s fall commencement ceremony last Saturday at the E.J. Wade Arena at the Siegel Center.
Highland Springs wins state football title again
The Highland Springs High School football team members are running out of fingers to display their bling. The Springers captured their fourth consecutive Class 5 state championship title last Saturday with a 37-26 victory over Stone Bridge High School of Ashburn in Northern Virginia.
CIAA Basketball Tournament eyeing move beginning 2021
The CIAA Basketball Tournament might have a new host city in 2021. Following the athletic conference’s fall board meeting in Charlotte, N.C., it was announced Friday, Dec. 7, that Norfolk and Baltimore are in contention to host the tournaments, from 2021 thorough 2023, along with Charlotte.
Maggie Walker’s Austin Wade stands out in two sports
It’s not so unusual for a high school athlete to play two sports. What is unusual is to be playing both sports at the same time. That’s the rare case with senior Austin Wade at the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.
Gary Steele,Calvin Huey broke color barrier on Army-Navy football teams
The U.S. Military Academy’s football team, Army, is known as the Black Knights, but it wasn’t until 1966 it had its first African-American player. Gary Steele, a military brat whose father was a Buffalo Solider, broke the color barrier in West Point, N.Y., as a star tight end.
Do black lives matter?
On Sunday, Dec. 2, two young men were shot on Raven Street in the East End. One, a juvenile, was found around 9 p.m. with an apparent gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital. About two hours later, police were called back to the same block and another young man, 17, was found. He had been shot and killed.
Why Baugh should go to church
Re Letters to the Editor, “Why I don’t go to church,” Free Press Nov. 29-Dec. 1 edition:
Virginia for sale?
Many elected officials should have “For Sale” signs outside their office doors. They also should make it known that they are discriminatory in who gets to buy them. They are “For Sale” to the white corporate and banking sectors only.
Where is the white church?
In 2019, we will commemorate 400 years since the first 20 enslaved people were transported by ship from Africa by white slave traders and landed in Jamestown, Va.
Hope and change
Do you remember how much we looked forward to hope and change when President Obama was running for office? As I talk with people daily, they long for those days and wish the former president and his wife, Michelle Obama, could return to the White House. Some even wish they could return with Mrs. Obama as president.
Coats for winter
Several hundred new winter coats were distributed to people of all ages last week by two different organizations, just in time for the snowfall last Sunday.
‘Fund our Future’
Ty Logan has his eyes set on a bright future and wants the State of Virginia to properly support it. “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor. I want to be a lawyer. I want to be an astronaut,” the junior at Richmond Community High School said. “I want more investing into our education right now. I want the state to care about our learning, not test scores.”
Jury recommends neo-Nazi spend life behind bars for death at Charlottesville rally
A Charlottesville jury says the man who killed 32-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer and injured nearly 40 other people with his car during a neo-Nazi rally last year should spend the rest of his life in prison.
Gov. Northam announces plan to boost education spending
Just days after a major march in Richmond calling for more state dollars for public education, Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced Tuesday that his next proposed budget will include $268.7 million in additional school funding, including increased spending for new school construction, at-risk students and money to boost teachers’ pay.
Pushback: Individuals, coalitions raising questions, opposition to mayor’s $1.4B Coliseum development plan
As Mayor Levar M. Stoney and representatives of the Navy Hill District Corp. stump throughout the city to marshal support for the $1.4 billion plan to replace the Richmond Coliseum, resistance is beginning to appear.
Tears flow as Tyler Perry pays off layaway bills for 1,500 people in Atlanta
Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry knows how to wish his Atlanta neighbors a Merry Christmas — the filmmaker paid off all the customers’ items held on layaway at two local Walmart stores.
Thursday, December 6
ICE deports undocumented immigrant who left church sanctuary
He left church sanctuary for what he hoped was a short appointment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. He never returned.
Bush 41: ‘The closer’
Could former President George H.W. Bush have defeated current President Donald Trump? In a way, it already happened — in 1992, although nobody would have known it at the time.
‘River City Arts’ exhibit opens Dec. 7 at Pine Camp
A new exhibit, “River City Arts,” will open this week at Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center featuring the works of three Richmond area artists, it has been announced.
Veteran news photographer shoots for retirement
Richmond native Willie Redd has laid down his video camera and stepped away from WWBT-NBC12 after more than four decades of covering local and national news.
Wilder-Fury heavyweight title match ends in draw
Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury were each undefeated upon meeting last Saturday for the World Boxing Council heavyweight title in Los Angeles. After 12 bloody, bruising rounds, both were still undefeated as the bout was ruled a draw by three ringside judges.
Justices are 3A team to beat despite injury, transfer
No excuses necessary. John Marshall High School basketball Coach Ty White seeks no pity, although it would be hard to blame him if he did. Despite the team’s loss of 6-foot-10 Isaiah Todd, who transferred, and the temporary loss of 6-foot-10 Roosevelt Wheeler to injury, Coach White insists John Marshall is the team to beat in the state 3A division.
North Carolina A&T heading to Celebration Bowl Dec. 15
North Carolina A&T State University is making Atlanta a regular stop on its football travel itinerary. For the third time in the four-year history of the Celebration Bowl, the Aggies are heading to Georgia to play in front of a national television audience.
Lady Panthers’ ‘Towers of Power’ jump-start hoops season
There are at least three towers at Virginia Union University. A visitor can’t miss the brick and mortar tower — the 160-foot Belgian Building — in the middle of the Lombardy Street campus.
Nation bids farewell to former President George H. W. Bush
Former President George H.W. Bush was celebrated with high praise and loving humor Wednesday at a farewell to the man who was America’s 41st president and the last president to serve on active duty in wartime.
Einstein’s ‘God letter’ hits auction block
A handwritten 1954 letter by physicist Albert Einstein in which the Nobel laureate is dismissive of religion in general and Judaism in particular is expected to bring a seven-figure price when auctioned by Christie’s in New York City on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
Cedar Street Baptist to hold dedication service Dec.15
Cedar Street Baptist Church of God has spent three years and $3.5 million renovating its original sanctuary at Cedar and 24th streets in Church Hill.
Personality: Ashley A. Morgan
Spotlight on Richmond’s 2019 Teacher of the Year
A William Fox Elementary School teacher’s youthful dream paved the way to Richmond’s highest teaching honor. Ashley A. Morgan, 28, a first-grade teacher at the Hanover Avenue school in The Fan, was named the 2019 Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year last week during the school district’s annual ceremony. She wins $1,000.
RPS needs $150M more to fund strategic plan
Richmond Public Schools will need to beef up its budget with an added $150 million over five years to help implement its strategic plan to bolster city schools. Superintendent Jason Kamras presented the Richmond School Board with the cost estimate for the first time during its meeting Monday night.
Special VCU council offers plan for human remains from old medical research
A proper burial in a historic African-American cemetery, recognition on the Virginia Commonwealth University medical campus and continued research.
Public meetings slated on city parking issues
Parking is one of the key issues that City Hall is seeking to address as it moves ahead in preparing a new master plan for Richmond. A series of meetings began this week to allow residents in seven areas where parking is a contentious issue to review and discuss recommendations from a consultant, DESMAN.
‘March for More’ demonstration set for Dec. 8
Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Virginia education leaders will hold a “March for More” rally and demonstration this weekend to demand more state money for public education.
Help for health care sign-ups on Dec. 8
Celebrate Healthcare is teaming up with First Baptist Church of South Richmond to help people enroll in health insurance plans under the federal Affordable Care Act and the state’s Medicaid expansion program.
On separate TEDx stages, a local mother and daughter share their perspectives on education and identity
They were already close, but Dr. Hollee Freeman said her bond with her daughter is even stronger after they were invited to speak at separate local TEDx events within weeks of each other.
State NAACP president muddies group’s stance against Dominion Energy pipeline project
The Virginia State NAACP is reaffirming its opposition to Dominion Energy’s $6.5 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline because it believes a key element of the pipeline — a natural gas compressor station —poses a pollution risk to a historically African-American community in Buckingham County, 75 miles west of Richmond.
Dr. Corey Walker leaving VUU School of Theology
Virginia Union University will soon start looking for a new dean for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. In a surprise move, Dr. Corey D.B. Walker announced in a letter to the students and faculty that he is leaving what he called his “dream” job as a VUU vice president, theology school dean and professor of religion and society on Dec. 31.
In limbo: City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto casts decisive vote in latest poll on Coliseum project despite looming questions over his qualifications to hold 5th District seat
Richmond City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, is continuing to play a prominent role on the nine-member governing board despite ongoing concerns about the legality of his seat on council since his move last summer to another council district.
Churches, payday loans and the Bible
I think it is a positive concept that a church is dispensing micro loans to community members. It is obvious that payday lenders target the minority community, and black people in particular. Most of the customers I have seen are African-American.
Kudos Free Press on City Hall coverage
Re “Council committee blocks entry of medical transport company into Richmond market” and “Coliseum’s success raises new questions about need to replace it,” Free Press Nov. 29-Dec. 1 edition:
Prejudice also strikes ‘scruffy-looking’ white people
You do not have to be African-American to receive prejudicial treatment from Virginia Commonwealth University Police. You can be a scruffy-looking white person and receive roughly comparable treatment.
Trump endorses bipartisan federal sentencing reform effort
President Trump’s boisterous and often denigrating political rhetoric during most of the 2018 midterm campaign season and his post-election assault on the federal court in California may have overshadowed his positive take on federal prison sentencing.
The new voter suppression
“Georgia elections officials deployed a known strategy of voter suppression: closing and relocating polling places. Despite projections of record turnout, elections officials closed or moved approximately 305 locations, many in neighborhoods with numerous voters of color.
The Bush legacy
We believe that one’s life is like a scorecard or balance sheet — filled with both positives and negatives. And when one dies, others (perhaps even God) will look at the ledger and add up both sides.
