Wednesday, February 28
Va. MLK Commission kicks off community meetings March 1 at VUU
The state’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission will observe the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination through 12 “Community Conversations” beginning in March, each one at a location the Rev. King visited in Virginia.
Thursday, February 22
Where does it end?
Here we go again with this gun violence. Another 17 young lives lost and 15 injured in the high school shooting in Parkland, Fla. There were 26 people killed in the church in Texas, nine people in the church in South Carolina, 25 children in Sandy Hook, 32 at Virginia Tech, 19 people at Columbine, 58 people in Las Vegas.
Passing along history
February is Black History Month, with plays, programs and famous songs sung like “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” As black Americans, we are free to do wonderful things to make contributions to our community and our world.
U.S. lawmakers part of dream or nightmare?
I, too, am a dreamer. I dream of a time when we have a government that works for the average American — and not just for corporate America — without working at the expense of the average American. Most of our politicians on both sides of the aisle are continuing to give us a steady diet of nightmares while pretending to care about us.
New idea for old schools problem
Re “Feeding schools’ budget: City Council approves 1.5% meals tax hike for schools construction,” Free Press Feb. 15-17 edition:
Gun tragedies and inaction
We woke up the morning after the Florida high school tragedy hearing that 95 percent of the American people support stronger background checks before someone can buy a gun. That sounds like a no-brainer because only 4 percent of the people oppose these checks
‘Black Panther’ claws away racism
“The film serves as a breath of fresh intellectual air, especially amid today’s sociopolitical climate.
A child shall lead them
We are transfixed by the passion and activism of the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Fla.
‘Black Panther’ pounces on box office
“Black Panther,” the Disney and Marvel Studios’ epic superhero film featuring a largely African-American cast and director, is blowing away audiences and box offices, raking in record amounts from its opening weekend while gaining praise from former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Looking back, looking forward
New photo exhibition at Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia shares stories from a bygone era
A sense of dignity emanates from the faces peering out of the searing, black and white photos mounted in the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia’s upstairs exhibition space.
‘Pocahontas’ comes to Va.
More than 400 years after Pocahontas’ burial at St. George’s Church in Gravesend, England, near the mouth of the River Thames, the Pocahontas Project will honor and tell her real life story.
Russell Wilson to play pro football and baseball?
Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson and Brian Jordan juggled playing in the NFL and baseball at the same time. Now former Richmonder Russell Wilson, best known as the star quarterback for the NFL Seattle Seahawks, is considering double duty, too.
‘The Biscuit Man’ kneads track ambition at Huguenot
At the Bojangles restaurant where he has a part-time job, Tailey Tofoi good-naturedly refers to himself as “The Biscuit Man.”
VUU football Coach Alvin Parker hits ground running
Virginia Union University’s new football coach has hit Lombardy Street running. Since being introduced as the Panthers’ coach on Dec. 18, Alvin Parker has completed his coaching staff, signed his first recruiting class, arranged the spring football schedule and, perhaps best of all, averted the kind of player mutiny often associated with a coaching change.
Martin Luther King III brings message of hope to VCU
Be guided by your dreams, not distracted by your fears. This was the message that Martin Luther King III offered to students, faculty and the community during his talk Sunday evening at Virginia Commonwealth University.
NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace finishes 2nd at Daytona
Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. is making racecar history. The 24-year-old African-American driver finished second Sunday at the prestigious Daytona 500, behind Austin Dillon.
Highland Springs’ Jada Walker inherits mom, dad’s basketball genes
If anyone was ever born to shoot, dribble and pass a basketball, it might be Jada Walker. Her family tree likely has hoops on each branch and perhaps a 3-point arc surrounding the trunk. With great expectations, Jada arrived this season as a freshman guard at Highland Springs High School in Henrico County and she hasn’t disappointed.
Towering Andre Walker helping VUU push past the competition
Virginia Union University boasts its own version of “Andre the Giant” in 6-foot-11 Andre Walker. After a sputtering start, the senior transfer from Hofstra University is aiding VUU’s push toward a No. 2 seed for the CIAA Tournament that starts Feb. 26 in Charlotte, N.C.
Olympic speedskater credits success to God’s blessings
U.S. speedskater Maame Biney, 18, has a smile that can light up any room, a giggle that has charmed Olympic audiences and a joy that her coaches say has carried her so far in her athletic career at such a young age.
Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker remembered at service
The life and impact of Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker was remembered Saturday during a memorial service for the noted civil rights leader and minister held at Petersburg’s Gillfield Baptist Church.
James Woolfolk, retired owner of Woolfolk & Sons Seafood, dies at 95
The longtime owner and operator of a popular seafood restaurant in Church Hill has died. James W. Woolfolk Jr. ran Woolfolk & Sons Seafood for decades with his wife, Theresa, and their children in the 1600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.
Lerone Bennett Jr., noted historian of black America, dies at 89
Perhaps no other voice — or pen — captured the real life of Africans and African-Americans like Lerone Bennett Jr., the former editor of Ebony and JET magazines.
Personality: Tim Seibles
Spotlight on Virginia’s poet laureate
Tim Seibles’ love affair with writing began at an early age. As he grew up in Philadelphia, his mother, Barbara Seibles, didn’t believe he was wildly talented, but encouraged him to write because it would be a good talent to have. She thought the more he wrote, the better his writing would become, he recalls.
Taxpayers on hook for $11.25M for NFL training camp
Richmond taxpayers are being handed an $11.25 million bill for the Washington pro football team’s summer training camp on Leigh Street.
School Board approves $303.3M budget plan
Richmond schools Superintendent Jason Kamras and the Richmond School Board are seeking $11 million more from the city to operate schools in the next budget year that will begin July 1.
Ora Lomax matched with new dialysis center
The saga of Ora Lomax and her search for a new dialysis center has a happy ending after weeks of drama. The 86-year-old NAACP activist has been reassigned to a new center after being booted from the West End Dialysis Center after 12 years.
City receives only one proposal for Coliseum replacement
That remains the unanswered question as City Hall moves to review the one and only proposal submitted to replace the 46-year-old Richmond Coliseum with a modern $200 million arena and tackle other development in a 10-block area around the building, including a new hotel and housing.
Medicaid expansion moves ahead in House of Delegates
Efforts to expand Medicaid to about 300,000 low-income adults in Virginia continue to gain momentum, as Republican House leaders on Sunday publicly embraced a form of expansion that includes work requirements and copays.
Fla. school shooting survivors hoping to be catalyst for tougher gun laws
Bodies of the dead were still inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., when the teenage survivors of the Valentine’s Day massacre began speaking out about gun violence.
Federal appeals court rules Trump travel ban unconstitutional
President Trump’s latest travel ban on travelers from six largely Muslim countries is “unconstitutionally tainted with animus toward Islam,” a federal appeals court ruled last week, delivering another blow to the policy. In a 9-4 vote, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond said on Feb. 15 that it examined statements made by President Trump and other administration officials, as well as the presidential proclamation imposing the ban, and concluded that it “second-guesses our nations dedication to religious freedom and tolerance.”
Divine sounds: Foote family celebrates gospel radio station's first anniversary
Foote family celebrates gospel radio station’s first anniversary
Richmond radio station WQCN is marking its first anniversary of delivering gospel to fans in the area on 105.3 FM. Better known as “The Choice,” the station is the growing broadcast arm of the 150-member Faith & Love Fellowship Church based on South Side.
Tuesday, February 20
Councilwoman seeks to expand bulk trash pickup service
Richmond City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray wants the city to include mattresses and upholstered furniture among the items routinely picked up without charge as part of the new biweekly bulk-and-brush collection program.
Police officers, city settle overtime lawsuit
City Hall has agreed to pay a bit more than $27,000 to four police officers who claimed they were denied overtime pay while assigned to former Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ security detail.
Richmond Ambulance Authority again receives accreditation
The Richmond Ambulance Authority continues to rank as one of the top emergency service agencies in the nation. The national Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services made that finding in renewing the Richmond authority’s accreditation for another three years.
Saturday, February 17
Unveil the camouflage to combat bullying
Bullying is plantational authoritarianism. Someone posted on social media an adolescent male sobbing because of bullying incidents. Bullies are not those actually committing the conflicts, but those who have the authority to resolve the discords and don’t — or won’t — because of the camaraderie affiliation, causing continuing hostilities.
Dr. Lucas’ record should have been scrutinized
Re “VUU president accused of fraud,” Free Press Feb. 1-3 edition: I am a Virginia Union University alumnus and your article is not only embarrassing, but again indicative of extremely negligent administrative oversight on the part of the VUU Board of Trustees.
Dr. King’s legacy exploited
It is incredibly sad to watch how the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose life and legacy inspired and changed the lives of millions, is being used to hawk trucks. The ad during the recent Super Bowl for Dodge Ram Trucks used words from one of his most inspiring speeches, “The Drum Major Instinct,” which he delivered on Feb. 4, 1968.
Hustling backward in Richmond
Richmond City Council voted 7-2 on Monday night to increase the meals tax 1.5 percent, expecting annual revenue of $9 million. This will be leveraged to borrow $150 million over five years and earmarked for renovating and building new schools for Richmond Public Schools.
No deal
We understand the need for compromise, but we believe Democratic Gov. Ralph S. Northam caved to the Republicans when he struck a deal last week with GOP House Speaker Kirk Cox.
Meals tax redux
We applaud the Richmond City Council for approving the city meals tax hike. We heard the anguish — and the urgency — from people on both sides of the meals tax debate who spoke at Monday night’s City Council meeting. In the end, what unifies us all is the universal support for Richmond Public Schools and the 24,000 youngsters who attend them.
7 African-Americans honored for ‘2018 Strong Men & Strong Women in Virginia History’
Seven outstanding African-American leaders were celebrated during the sixth annual “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” awards program Feb. 7 at a Downtown hotel.
Martin Luther King III to speak Feb.18 at VCU
Martin Luther King III, son of the slain civil rights leader and Coretta Scott King, will speak 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Commonwealth Ballroom in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
Hip-hop panel Feb.19 at UR
Richmond-based hip-hop artist Mad Skillz and music producer Hank Shocklee, who has produced albums for Public Enemy, LL Cool J, EPMD and others, will be featured at a University of Richmond panel on hip-hop.
VUU rebounding in view of TV cameras
The Aspire TV cameras may have served as a wake-up call for Virginia Union University’s slumbering basketball Panthers.
Alexis Johnson leading a repeat for Lady Panthers
You might say Alexis Johnson has become the “Lady Walker Part Two” story for Virginia Union University basketball.
DaVaughn Kelsie lights it up for Shaw Univ.
DaVaughn Kelsie is Shaw University’s spark from the arc. The Richmond native leads CIAA basketball in filling the cup from behind the 3-point arc.
Smothering defense propels VSU against VUU and in CIAA
Virginia State University and the University of Virginia share more than just school colors. Wearing orange and blue, the University of Virginia has featured a smothering defense in rocketing to the top rank in college hoops.
Justin Tillman leads Rams to overtime win over Dayton
Virginia Commonwealth University basketball Coach Mike Rhoades says the Rams’ motto this season is “it takes what it takes.”
African dance company eyeing former Jackson Ward church building
Could the vacant former Sharon Baptist Church in Jackson Ward become a performing arts center for an African dance company and other arts groups?
Dr. Grace E. Harris, whose leadership helped transform VCU, dies at 84
Grace Edmondson Harris was rejected when she first sought admission to what is now Virginia Commonwealth University because she was African-American.
Battinto L. Batts Sr., former director of cooperative education at VSU, dies at 70
Battinto Leroy “Tunky” Batts Sr. helped hundreds of Virginia State University students graduate and find their career paths.
Flags at half-staff in memory, honor of Dr. Walker
Virginia’s state flag will be flown at half-staff over the Capitol and throughout the commonwealth in honor of the late civil rights icon Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker.
Personality: Rashad J. Seaborne
Spotlight on ‘Strong Men & Strong Women’ student essay winner
African-American teens are avid learners, like to learn and are America’s future. We all just have to be good human beings and know how to respect and treat others
Friday, February 16
New superintendent works to engage, build trust with school community
Superintendent Jason Kamras finished his first full week as the new head of Richmond Public Schools fielding a round of tough questions from about 50 teachers, staff and administrators at Broad Rock Elementary School.
Dialysis transfer up in the air for Ora Lomax
Ora M. Lomax expects to be transferred to another dialysis clinic, but it won’t be DaVita Dialysis Henrico in the Brookhill Azalea Shopping Center as she first expected.
Petersburg votes to rename Confederate schools
The Confederate names on three Petersburg public schools are coming down. The Petersburg School Board voted unanimously on Feb. 7 to rename the schools following a series of public meetings, a public hearing and survey of Petersburg teachers, students, families, school employees and the public.
Salsa classes may offer wider lessons
Is salsa coming to Richmond Public Schools? Attorney Brent A. Jackson is pushing to make it happen.
Virginia closer to legalizing marijuana for all medical uses
Virginia inched closer to greatly expanding medical marijuana use last week after legislation passed the state Senate with unanimous support — three days after its companion bill was approved by the House of Delegates. SB 726, which passed the Senate 38-0 on Feb. 5, would let doctors issue certifications for patients to use cannabis oil to treat the symptoms of diagnosed conditions or diseases. The measure is now before the House Courts of Justice Committee.
Presidents’ Day schedule
In observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 19, please note the following: Government
Symbolism fills official portraits of Obamas
They have been called “stunning,” “compelling,” “powerful” and “unexpected.” And now, the official portraits of former President Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, will be on view at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington.
Feeding schools’ budget
City Council approves 1.5% meals tax hike for schools construction
On July 1, people dining out in Richmond will pay an extra 1.5 percent in tax on their prepared meals. The projected extra $9 million in annual tax revenue will be used to repay $150 million the city plans to borrow to build up to four new schools in Church Hill and South Side to replace aging and decaying buildings.
Richmond native’s business has all eyes on Oprah
Oprah Winfrey has taken her look to the next level, thanks to Yolanda James, a Richmond native and eyewear boutique owner in downtown Washington.
Richmonder takes tech talent for transportation across country
Transportation planning used to involve a lot of educated guesswork on how, when and where people drive in cities and the countryside.
From home, Virginians can keep an eye on legislators
It may not offer the drama of “House of Cards,” but an initiative at the Virginia Capitol is lifting the curtain on the workings of the General Assembly.
Crusade for Voters to hold forum Feb. 20 on proposed meals tax hike
The Richmond Crusade for Voters on Wednesday urged Richmond City Council to delay for two weeks a vote on raising the meals tax to allow the organization hold a community forum on the proposal.
Former owner of WCLM radio settles, withdraws lawsuit
Preston T. Brown is ending his legal fight with his partners who bought the former WCLM-1450 AM radio station he co-owned and operated for 21 years.
State auditor concludes city doesn’t need state intervention
Richmond can handle its financial problems without the state needing to hold its hand. That’s the conclusion the state auditor of public accounts reached after reviewing the city’s information on its financial operations and holding discussions with the city’s finance officials.
Friday, February 9
Punxsutawney Phil needs to be retired
As time passes, traditions that are no longer in sync with enlightened attitudes must evolve. It’s time to retire Punxsutawney, Pa.,’s annual groundhog spectacle.
Confederate on Virginia Women’s Monument ‘will diminish’ it
Once again, the state of Virginia has allowed some to dishonor, or fail to acknowledge, the vast accomplishments and the very existence of a marginalized people or population as it proceeds toward the erection of another Confederate statue, that of Confederate Capt. Sally Tompkins on the Virginia Women’s Monument.
West End Dialysis Center responds
Re “ ‘I was handed a death sentence’: Advocates help NAACP stalwart Ora Lomax receive life-saving dialysis after a Henrico center moves to terminate her treatment,” Free Press Feb. 1-3 edition:
Unemployment and wage gap
President Trump keeps boasting about the low black unemployment rate, although African-Americans still suffer nearly twice the unemployment rate as white people do. What the president never mentions is the growing racial wealth gap — the economic disparity between white people and people of color that plagues this country.
Meals tax increase is ‘a critical start’
I am a single man with no children. I strongly support Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s proposal to add a cent and a half increase to Richmond’s meals tax to fund the construction of new schools for our city’s children.
A display of illness
Move over Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un. President Trump wants to show you up. Our ego-driven president wants to have a military parade showing off American might — tanks, planes, rockets, weapons and soldiers in step.
Let the journey begin
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — Chinese proverb The task to improve the long-neglected, decrepit buildings in which we expect Richmond’s 24,000 public schools students to learn is a daunting one.
Love stories
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature. It shares the love stories of four Richmond area couples.
Trumpet Awards to be presented Feb.11
Six people and the group Cameo will be celebrated for the their achievements and contributions during the 2018 Trumpet Awards to air on Bounce TV at 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11.
Philadelphia flying high after Eagles claim victory in Super Bowl LII
Philadelphia counts among its top heroes Ben Franklin. And the most famous date in Philadelphia is July 4, 1776, the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
U.S. athletes bring diversity to 2018 Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics, sometimes called the “white Olympics,” is gaining in diversity. The United States delegation of 242 athletes heading to South Korea will include 10 African-Americans, including its first African-American hockey player.
Jermaine Marrow brings excitement — and big fan numbers — to Hampton Pirates
Two of the brightest subjects regarding Hampton University basketball are Jermaine Marrow and home attendance. It’s reasonable to assume the two are linked.
Former Rams coach returns with Dayton Flyers to play VCU this Saturday
Virginia Commonwealth University and the state of Florida, while far apart geographically, have long been linked on the basketball map.
Standing room only for John Marshall-Trinity showdown at the Ashe Center
No. 1 versus No. 2. Private versus public.
Church to become regional private school for children with disabilities
A former church is about to become the new home of a regional private school that serves children with autism and other mental challenges.
Members await naming of interim pastor at Thirty-first Street Baptist
Thirty-first Street Baptist Church continues to face turmoil after the retirement of its pastor, Dr. Morris J. Henderson. Dr. Henderson officially stepped down as pastor of the East End church on Jan. 31, although he had stopped preaching at Sunday morning services earlier in the month. An interim pastor has yet to be named, members said.
Pat Robertson recovering from stroke
Televangelist Pat Robertson is recovering after suffering an embolic stroke.
Dennis Edwards, former member of The Temptations, dies at 74
Grammy winner Dennis Edwards, who performed lead vocals for some of the chart-topping Motown singles recorded by The Temptations in the 1960s and 1970s, has died at age 74.
Personality: Jamar Jones
Spotlight on area actor in Black History Month production
“We can learn from our ancestors that it is possible to blaze our trail in order to improve the lives of our descendants because they will be a direct reflection of what we accomplish in our lives.”
City Council vote on meals tax hike set for Feb.12
Proving more adept at corralling a majority of City Council votes on a big issue than former Mayors L. Douglas Wilder and Dwight C. Jones, Mayor Levar M. Stoney is rushing to gain quick approval of his plan to raise the city’s current 6 percent meals tax by 1.5 cents.
Ora Lomax to be treated at North Side dialysis center
After weeks of stress, Ora M. Lomax has learned a new clinic has accepted her for the life-saving dialysis treatments she needs.
RRHA tenants to get refunds in lawsuit settlement
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, which is the landlord for Richmond’s public housing, has agreed to refund nearly $1 million to current and former tenants who were overcharged for electricity over four years. In addition, the RRHA plans to return nearly $80,000 to tenants as it implements new utility allowances that will increase the amount of power tenants can use before they must pay.
Henrico schools superintendent to retire
Henrico County Public Schools Superintendent Patrick C. Kinlaw will retire June 30. The announcement was made Tuesday by schools officials.
City Council approves Larus Park water deal
Richmond City Council this week lifted an 18-year-old ban on development in a 106-acre city park in South Side to enable the city Department of Public Utilities to sell more water to Chesterfield County.
Creighton Court heating work to take longer than expected
Spring will have arrived before heat is fully restored to apartments in the Creighton Court public housing community, according Orlando Artze, interim chief executive officer of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Mr. Artze confirmed Tuesday that the work to install new baseboard heat in the 78 units where radiator heating failed likely will not be complete until March 29.
Kings Dominion changes name of roller coaster
Kings Dominion amusement park is changing the name of a roller coaster named after the war whoop of a Confederate soldier.
Florida votes to replace Confederate statue in Congress with one of Mary McLeod Bethune
Florida could soon help diversify the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall by replacing a Confederate general’s likeness with the hall’s first statue honoring an African-American woman.
Renewed Poor People’s Campaign starts first of several national actions
The renewed version of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign to lift poor people held its first national mobilization, with actions and events Monday in 32 states and the nation’s capital.
Ready to work
New RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras rolls out ambitious 100-day plan just days after being sworn into office
The new Richmond Public Schools chief wasted no time getting to work. Just four days after being sworn in, Superintendent Jason Kamras on Monday night rolled out his plan to get RPS moving.
Private contractors costing city big $ for snow removal
When snow falls in Richmond, City Hall is forced to pay big bucks to private contractors to clear the streets. The reason: Up to half of the aging fleet of city dump trucks that double as snowplows are usually parked, awaiting repairs, according to a new report from the Department of Public Works.
New report: Reforms to help drivers with suspended licenses not working
When Shaniqua Wyatt Jackson needs to go somewhere, she has to catch a ride with a friend or catch a bus. She knows how to drive, but the 37-year-old would court arrest because her driver’s license is suspended. It has been since 2015 because she could not pay the fines a Richmond judge imposed after finding her guilty of several traffic infractions.
CHIP program extended for 6 years
The Children’s Health Insurance Program, which benefits nearly 70,000 Virginia children and about 9 million youths across the country, has gained six years of new life and funding.
Minor re-elected chairman of Richmond Democratic Committee
James E. “J.J.” Minor III will continue to lead the Richmond Democratic Committee.
6 Virginia tribes win federal recognition
Six Indian tribes in Virginia have secured federal recognition after nearly 20 years. The recognition became official Monday when President Trump signed legislation that recently passed Congress.
Stolen private account information discovered by UR security
During a security sweep, the University of Richmond’s information security staff discovered a website containing a list of stolen account credentials — a list with approximately 1.4 billion pieces of private account information such as email addresses and passwords.
Homeward, volunteers take census of city’s homeless
As part of a statewide assessment, a nonprofit group is taking its annual census of Richmond’s homeless, aided by a coalition of outreach programs.
Friday, February 2
Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union address
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It is a privilege to join you tonight. We are here in Fall River, Mass., a proud American city built by immigrants.
New commission to investigate threats to voting rights
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s first speech at the Lincoln Memorial was not his celebrated 1963 address at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
The power of protests
For those of us who grew up during the marches, sit-ins and demonstrations of the 1960s and 1970s, we’re used to large, noisy crowds of people hitting the streets and sidewalks to create awareness and change on a whole range of issues.
Area Black History Month events
History, art, culture and the triumphs of African-American people will mark area programs and celebrations during Black History Month
Richmond Boys Choir: 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad St. Performance by “Richmond’s Ambassadors of Song” kicks off Black History Month. Concert included in museum admission, $8 adults and children; free for members. Info: (804) 474-7063.
Richmond Symphony’s ‘Remembering 1968: A Tribute to MLK Jr.’ this weekend at Carpenter Theatre
Mayor Levar M. Stoney, social entrepreneur Kelli Lemon and radio talk show host Gary Flowers will be guest narrators this weekend at performances of “Remembering 1968: A Tribute to MLK Jr.” by the Richmond Symphony.
Mars has star power winning 6 Grammys
R&B artist Bruno Mars won the top prize at the Grammy Awards on Sunday in another victory for pop-driven music over rap, now the most popular genre in the nation.
‘The Talk’ co-host, Sheryl Underwood, in Richmond for Feb. 3 benefit
The Omega Gamma Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will present Sheryl P. Underwood, co-host of “The Talk” on CBS, at “Sisters in Service,” a benefit Saturday, Feb. 3, honoring the community service of the four sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Intercollegiate Music Association concert Feb.10 at VSU
A concert featuring the symphonic band, mixed choir, string ensemble and jazz band from 17 colleges and universities will perform 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Anderson Turner Auditorium in Virginia Hall at Virginia State University.
Omarosa to join ‘Celebrity Big Brother’
Former White House staffer Omarosa Manigault, who exited the Trump administration last year, was unveiled as one of the contestants for the CBS reality show “Celebrity Big Brother” in a promo aired by the network Sunday during the Grammy Awards.
Lena Horne honored on U.S. Postal Service stamp
Lena Horne, the late great dancer, singer and Hollywood actress who fought for civil rights, is featured on a new stamp issued Tuesday by the U.S. Postal Service.
Super Bowl trivia for Sunday’s big game
Cheese steak or clam chowder? “American Bandstand” or “Cheers”?
VCU Rams readying for high-profile game against Rhode Island Rams
Rams versus Rams, and Rhoades versus Rhode Island are two ways to bill Virginia Commonwealth University’s next high-exposure basketball opportunity.
Injuries contribute to VSU’s loss to Bowie State University
Cyonte Melvin is a bundle of basketball talent, but he’s not fully healthy. In a nutshell, that sums up the Virginia State University Trojans who took a rare stumble last Saturday in a 65-55 loss to Bowie State University at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center.
Jada Boyd packs a wallop in VHSL record book
You don’t judge a book by its cover. Nor is it wise to judge an athlete by the size of their school. As it turns out, one of Virginia’s elite basketball prospects attends one of Virginia’s smallest public high schools. Meet Jada Boyd, a junior technology major at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School in Petersburg, enrollment 359 for grades 9 through 12.
Richmond Flying Squirrels to unveil ‘Funnville’ at April 13 opening
The Richmond Flying Squirrels generally lead the Eastern League in attendance, and it is no secret why. Since arriving at The Diamond on the Boulevard in Richmond in 2010, the Squirrels management has continued to upgrade the overall fan experience, especially for children.
Service set for Dr. Walker
A memorial service for Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker Jr. will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 17, at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry St. in Petersburg.
Photo of then-Sen. Obama and Minister Farrakhan may have tanked presidential chances
It was during a mid-2005 Congressional Black Caucus meeting on Capitol Hill when award-winning journalist Askia Muhammad captured one of the most significant photos of his career.
Personality: Morris Roberson
Spotlight on Central Virginia Chapter president of NOBLE
We are all one community. Law enforcement is just one of the many professions found among the people in our community.
Thursday, February 1
VUU president accused of fraud
Dr. Hakim J. Lucas was supposed to be the ideal fit when Virginia Union University’s board named the 40-year-old as the historic institution’s 13th president in August.
RRHA finds more extensive heating problems
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has confirmed that heating problems are far more extensive than projected in the city’s public housing communities, which local activists have said for several months.
Chief Durham touts city’s 2017 crime drop; asks for public’s help
Richmond residents can breathe a little easier as overall crime in the city dropped by 1 percent in 2017. During a media presentation on Jan. 24 at police headquarters, Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham said violent crime — homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault — dropped by 2 percent in 2017, while property crimes — arson, burglary, larceny and auto theft — rose by 1 percent.
City report offers grim view of future revenue, expenses
Richmond appears to be booming. Construction is underway on new apartments, commercial space and government buildings.
City, schools officials struggle over how to fund school building improvement plan
Richmond officials continue to struggle over a funding plan for the public school system’s facilities. In a two-hour meeting Monday night of the Education Compact, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, and members of the Richmond School Board and Richmond City Council exchanged ideas and concerns on the best way to move forward to replace or improve the city’s aging and decrepit school buildings.
Va. Legislative Black Caucus pushes bipartisan measures to end school-to-prison pipeline
Capital News Service The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus was joined Monday by a bipartisan group of state legislators supporting bills to combat the school-to-prison pipeline.
Free pediatric dental clinic Friday, Feb. 2, at VCU School of Dentistry
“Give Kids a Smile” is the theme of an annual one-day program in Richmond and across the country to provide no-cost dental services to children.
Book about civil rights attorneys Oliver Hill, Spottswood Robinson launches Feb. 8
“We Face the Dawn,” a book about intrepid Richmond-based civil rights attorneys Oliver W. Hill Sr. and Spottswood W. Robinson III, will be launched at an event 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. in Downtown.
‘I was handed a death sentence’
Advocates help NAACP stalwart Ora Lomax receive life-saving dialysis after a Henrico center moves to terminate her treatment
Getting kicked out of a dialysis clinic is the worst thing that can happen to a patient with failing kidneys. But that is what 86-year-old Ora M. Lomax has been facing.
Church Hill North project among city’s costliest new apartments
Some of the costliest apartments in Richmond are being built on the former site of Armstrong High School in the 1600 block of North 31st Street in the East End — miles away from the hot development centers of Manchester, Scott’s Addition and Downtown.
Richmond lawmakers submit bills to help high school students, businesses
Juniors and seniors in Richmond Public Schools would receive paid apprenticeships and training with local businesses, and participating employers would get tax credits from the state, under legislation filed by Richmond lawmakers.
While governor decries gun violence, state Senate OKs guns in church
Lamenting the fact that more than 900 Virginians were killed by guns last year, Gov. Ralph S. Northam said Tuesday that the state should do more to restrict the proliferation of firearms.
City receives top fire protection rating
Richmond is now rated as one of the best communities for fire protection in the country, it has been announced. City Hall received notice Monday of the rating from New Jersey-based Insurance Services Office Inc., which rates nearly 45,000 communities and whose information property insurance companies use to set insurance rates on homes and businesses.
