Thursday, November 29
Holiday events underway in city
Richmond will turn on the holiday lights and welcome Santa to Downtown this weekend to officially launch the celebration of the season in the Capital City. First up will be the 34th Annual Grand Illumination on Friday, Nov. 30.
3rd Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival rescheduled for Nov. 29-Dec. 2
Boots Riley, writer and director of the independent film “Sorry to Bother You,” will talk about his film following a screening 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St.
Diana Ross slays as headliner of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Frigid weather and blustery winds didn’t chill the enthusiasm at the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where spectators bundled up in blankets and sleeping bags and the giant character balloons flew lower than usual.
Ella Mai sweeps 2018 Soul Train Awards
British singer Ella Mai won big at the 2018 Soul Train Awards, dominating in three categories during Sunday night’s telecast and taking honors for best R&B/soul female artist, and song of the year and the Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award for “Boo’d Up.”
‘Green Book’ offers small slice of amazing musician’s life, talent
Raise your hand if you have ever heard of Donald W. “Don” Shirley. I expect most of you are as unaware of this remarkable musical giant as I was before I went to see the new film “Green Book.”
Ali Center receives donation for Muslim cultures exhibit
The Muhammad Ali Center in Kentucky has received a donation to support an exhibit showcasing the diversity of Muslim cultures.
Rare ‘Slave Bible’ exhibition offers glimpse of Christianity’s role in slavery
On display on the ground floor of the Museum of the Bible is a lone volume that stands out from the many versions of the Bible shown in the building devoted to the holy book. It’s a small set of Scriptures whose title page reads “Parts of the Holy Bible, selected for the use of the Negro Slaves, in the British West-India Islands.”
Local real estate firm helping anti-hunger efforts
A lot of canned goods get thrown away when people move away. Now moving companies and real estate firms in Richmond and other parts of the country are making an effort to collect nonperishable foods and give them to food banks and other distribution points to help fight hunger.
VICPP to host advocacy forum this Saturday
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy is hosting a free forum to help empower people to address a range of critical issues facing the community, including health care, criminal justice reform, wage theft, eviction reduction, and to help community advocates prepare for the 2019 Virginia General Assembly session.
Small North Side congregation works hard to keep doors open
John S. “Johnny” Walker is on a mission to save All Souls Presbyterian Church as a center of faith and tolerance in North Side. Despite a shrinking congregation that has fallen to 40 contributing congregants, the 64-year-old Richmond native still sees a future.
Vernita Lee, mother of Oprah Winfrey, dies on Thanksgiving
Vernita Lee, the mother of Oprah Winfrey, has died at age 83. A spokeswoman for Ms. Winfrey issued a statement on Monday saying Ms. Lee died at her Milwaukee home on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2018.
Teaching while black
We have read with disgust report after report from around the nation of incidents of white people calling the cops on African-Americans who are engaged in nothing more than the normal activities of daily living — barbecuing while black, going to the pool while black, waiting at Starbucks while black, going into your apartment building while black, vacationing at an airbnb while black, selling Girl Scout cookies while black and campaigning for public office while black.
Personality: Paula R. Gray
Spotlight on first Ms. Exquisite Full-Figured Virginia 2018
And the winner of the first Ms. Exquisite Full-Figured Virginia 2018 is … That moment of suspense, when anxiety turned into joy, is forever etched in the mind of Paula R. Gray of Chesterfield.
Anna Wilson suffers injury at Stanford game in Hawaii
Anna Wilson, sister of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, is doing well after a big scare in Honolulu.
Bowie State loses in round 2 of NCAA playoffs
Bowie State University’s football season and quarterback Amir Hall’s college career both ended Saturday, Nov. 24, in Valdosta, Ga.
Richmonder Nigel Chavis named to All-MEAC team
Norfolk State University defensive end Nigel Chavis has been named All-MEAC for the second year in a row.
Nationwide talent bring boost to VCU Rams
Virginia Commonwealth University searches near and far for basketball talent, but lately the emphasis has been on far. Of Coach Mike Rhoades’ 14 players, just two are Virginians and only one has Richmond ties.
Freshman Pitts making big splash at VUU
Demarius Pitts saw no need to meekly dip his toes in the water to get a feel for college basketball. Boldly, he dove in head first instead.
Legend of NFL’s ‘Fearsome Foursome’ remains
The Los Angeles Rams, 10-1, are riding high these days with one of the NFL’s most historically explosive offenses — 36 points and 449 yards per game. It was much different in the 1960s, when the Los Angeles team rose to prominence with an intimidating defense featuring its famed “Fearsome Foursome.”
Some ‘Legacy Vendors’ to have spot at renovated 17th Street Farmers’ Market
Evelyn “Luceal” Allen and Rosa Fleming will be coming back to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market, while Timothy “Tim” Christian likely will not. For now, he will remain by Main Street Station.
Mayor uses ‘fake news’ moniker for media reports on Coliseum project
Is Richmond’s mayor adopting President Trump’s habit of labeling media reports he dislikes as “fake news”?
Carver Elementary loses national Blue Ribbon award
Richmond’s George W. Carver Elementary School is no longer a national Blue Ribbon school. The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that it was stripping the school of the national award given to the school in 2016 for academic achievement.
Mayor: Social Services would still have City Hall office if headquarters moved
The Richmond Department of Social Services would continue to have a presence at City Hall even if its headquarters building is moved to a distant location to make way for development of an apartment and retail complex as part of the Richmond Coliseum replacement plan.
Council committee blocks entry of medical transport company into Richmond market
A City Council committee has rebuffed Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s attempt to end the Richmond Ambulance Authority’s 28-year monopoly on emergency and non-emergency medical transports.
Step aside
Richmond City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto no longer lives in the district that he represents. He has acknowledged that he moved out of the 5th District in July into a house on West Franklin Street in the city’s 1st District with his pregnant wife and 2-year-old daughter, saying he needed larger accommodations for a growing family.
Pressure mounts for councilman to resign
Richmond City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto could soon face fresh pressure to resign from his 5th District seat following his admission last week that he and his family now live in a West Franklin Street house located in the 1st District.
Coliseum’s success raises new questions about need to replace it
The 13,500-seat Richmond Coliseum has been the busiest arena in Virginia during the past six years, according to a Chicago-based consulting company that was paid $500,000 by the city to review a proposal to replace the facility.
Advocate aims to change RPS culture through Restorative Practices program
An activist who moves people with the beat of drums will now have his hand on the pulse of Richmond Public Schools as the new manager of School Climate and Culture Strategy.
Kudos to Evergreen volunteer
Every once in a while, you come across a person who is willing to put the community ahead of all things. They do this day in and day out. George Nixon is such a person. He has volunteered to help correct the overgrowth at Evergreen Cemetery. He has worked tirelessly since March 2016, helping to clear about 18 of approximately 60 acres.
Why I don’t go to church
I don’t go to church because I find it irrelevant. When I went to church, even good ones with a message and an active congregation, I found serious issues were omitted.
Free HIV testing Dec.1 for World AIDS Day
In honor of World AIDS Day, free HIV testing will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St.
Trump and scandal
For several years, many of us were consumed by the night on which the popular television show “Scandal,” starring Kerry Washington, was broadcast. Well, it seems that the program was our preparation for what’s going on in our country today.
Is this really environmental justice?
The Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborative condemns Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s decision to suddenly replace two members of the state Air Pollution Control Board in the midst of the crucial permitting process for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline proposed compressor station in Buckingham County.
Wednesday, November 21
RRHA begins major move to turn over public housing to private interests
Residents of public housing can expect to see their apartment complexes come under the control and management of private landlords.
Councilman Agelasto’s move out of 5th District puts seat in jeopardy
A giant question mark now hangs over 5th District City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto. His continued service on Richmond’s governing body appears to be in jeopardy after a constituent who is a former state elections official disclosed to the media that the councilman and his family now live in the 1st District.
‘I am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper’ Day program Nov. 23
A new Richmond event to promote kindness and love of neighbors will take place from 10 am. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, it has been announced.
Gillum concedes in Fla. gov.’s race
Democrat Andrew Gillum, who had sought to become Florida’s first African-American governor, conceded last Saturday after a recount showed he had no way of catching his Republican rival Ron DeSantis, an ally of President Donald Trump.
Stacey Abrams to file federal lawsuit in wake of Ga. gubernatorial loss
ATLANTA Stacey Abrams broke the rules of politics until the very end. The Georgia Democrat, who came about 60,000 votes shy of becoming America’s first African-American female governor, refused to follow the traditional script for defeated pol
Undefeated, unforgettable
Maggie Walker 1975 football team opted to play annual Armstrong-Walker Classic at Thanksgiving rather than VHSL playoffs
The 1975 Maggie L. Walker High School football team was undefeated and unforgettable.
America: Is it what we say we are?
Recently we learned of boys in Baraboo, Wis., throwing Nazi salutes and flashing white power signs. This is disturbing. Who taught them to do this? Did they learn it at home or school? Did they pick it up from the chaos in our nation?
Prospects, peril for new Dems majority
Democrats have an enormous opportunity — and face a distinct peril — now that they will have majority control in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
‘Insist on unimpeachable truth’
If you truly desire to save our city and our children, you must demand that all people be held to the standard of unimpeachable truth. Years ago on the schoolyard of what is now Obama Elementary School, I remember that the privileged kids often would threaten other children by saying they would tell on them. They would make false accusations against their victims to the adults in charge.
We need to challenge and confront racism
Why can’t we simply be humble and bold enough to engage in truth? Fear, poverty and capitalism are used to harness control and build divisions among people, but offer no truth.
‘We allowed (Chief Durham) to slip away because we didn’t support him’
Re “ ‘I’m done:’ Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham announces his last day on the force will be Dec. 31,’ ” Free Press Nov. 15-17 edition:
Senior falls major cause of injuries, death in U.S.
If you or an older person you know has fallen, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five falls causes a serious injury requiring some form of hospitalization. Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, among the elderly.
‘Songbird of Togo’ reappears at WWI commemoration
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo of Benin reprised a hypnotic work of ethereal beauty by a youthful West African singer at a gathering of world leaders in the French capital of Paris.
KLM Scholarship Foundation to host 3rd annual benefit Day Party Dec. 1
The KLM Scholarship Foundation is hosting its 3rd Annual RVA HoliDay Party, a fundraiser organized by volunteers to raise money for book scholarships for students attending Virginia colleges.
Richmond Jazz Society to feature ‘The Jazz Side of Aretha Franklin’ Dec.11
The Richmond Jazz Society is featuring “The Jazz Side of Aretha Franklin,” the late “Queen of Soul,” on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Capital Ale House Downtown Music Hall, 623 E. Main St.
Coach Mike London leaves Howard for W&M
Coach Mike London, with deep roots in Richmond, is leaving Howard University to become the new football coach at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg.
Radford University stuns Notre Dame in basketball upset
A coaching staff with Richmond ties has pulled off the upset of the season in college basketball. Clearly falling under the “shocking” column, Radford University stunned the University of Notre Dame — and the world of college hoops — Nov. 14 in South Bend, Ind.
Ohioans looking to take it to the hoop at VSU
Jahmere Howze and Jalen Jackson took far different routes while reaching the same basketball destination.
Bowie State wins first round in NCAA playoffs
Bowie State University football is still going strong. The CIAA champion Bulldogs kept their season going with a 41-35 home victory last Saturday over the University of West Alabama in the first round of the NCAA Division II, Region 2 playoffs.
4 area teams heading to LA for Snoop Youth Football League Nationals
Four area youth football teams are heading to Los Angeles for the Snoop Youth Football League Nationals Dec. 14 through 16. The Snoop League was founded by rapper and entertainer Snoop Dogg in 2005 in Southern California. The league now has about 20 teams throughout California.
Churches fight predatory payday lending with political pressure, small loans
Anyra Cano Valencia was having dinner with her husband, Carlos, and their family when an urgent knock came at their door. The Valencias, pastors at Iglesia Bautista Victoria en Cristo in Fort Worth, Texas, opened the door to a desperate, overwhelmed congregant.
Civil rights advocate and adviser to Dr. King recommended for Congressional Gold Medal
The Rev. James Lawson, a United Methodist minister known for his advocacy of nonviolence in the civil rights era and beyond, has been recommended for a Congressional Gold Medal.
Rev. Roaf leaving St. Philip’s Episcopal to be ordained bishop of Western Tennessee
The Rev. Phoebe A. Roaf soon will be leaving the pulpit at historic St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in North Side to become bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee in Memphis.
Summit shares resources to boost health, food equity
Volunteers planted fruit trees and raspberries and blackberries last week on part of the lawn at Faith Community Baptist Church on Cool Lane in the East End.
“What are you most thankful for?”
This week, the Free Press hit the streets and asked Richmond area residents:
Personality: Michelle Evans-Oliver
Spotlight on AARP Virginia’s 2018 Rookie of the Year Award winner
“I was shocked. I was humbled. I said, ‘Wow! I didn’t think I had done anything out of the ordinary.” That was the reaction of Michelle Evans-Oliver, a volunteer AARP community ambassador, when she learned she had been selected as AARP Virginia’s 2018 Rookie of the Year.
3 RPS teachers win 2018 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence
Three Richmond teachers are among 16 public school teachers being recognized with the 2018 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence.
Thanksgiving holiday schedule
In observance of Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 22, please note the following closings:
Groundbreaking for 3 new city schools slated for Dec.19
Groundbreaking on three new Richmond school buildings will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 19, it has been announced.
Dr. Danny Avula to now run city and Henrico health districts
Public health programs in Richmond and Henrico County are expected to work more closely together now that they have the same director, Dr. Danny Avula.
Richmond Public Library to take over equipment, programming for city’s public access cable TV station
The Richmond Public Library is poised to add a new element to its offerings — a TV studio that will allow residents to continue to air live shows on a Comcast public access channel.
Love lights
Richmond often is called a city of lights. One reason is the “Love Lights” program in which a myriad of Downtown buildings are outlined in lights during the Christmas season.
Lawmakers hope Virginia will push ERA over finish line
A bipartisan group of five legislators will try again to get the Virginia General Assembly to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the next legislative session.
Congressman Robert C. ‘Bobby’ Scott, four other CBC members expected to lead House committees
Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour is expected to be a top Democratic priority in the next Congress, and U.S. Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott of Newport News will be in a prime position to lead the charge in January.
Thursday, November 15
Late Morgan State football coach named 2018 Trailblazer of the Year
The late Earl Banks, who coached Willie Lanier at Morgan State University, has been named Trailblazer of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.
Michelle Obama’s memoir already a best-seller
On its first day on sale, Michelle Obama’s new memoir already is a best-seller. The former first lady’s book, “Becoming,” was released Tuesday by Crown Publishing Group and already was a top seller at Amazon.com.
Thanksgiving food, fellowship at area events
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and fellowship. But it also can be a stressful and lonely time for others.
‘I’m done’: Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham announces his last day on the force will be Dec. 31
“I’m done. I don’t have another position waiting.” So said Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham after publicly announcing Tuesday he will retire effective Sunday, Dec. 31.
Teen’s idea for Kindness Week comes to fruition in Richmond
This is a special week for Binford Middle School student Jalia Hardy. The 13-year-old won the statewide “If I Were Mayor” essay contest during the spring sponsored by the Virginia Municipal League that challenged seventh-graders to describe what they would do if they were mayor of their hometown.
Jones gets pushback on renaming South Side center
Ninth District City Councilman Michael J. Jones has put on hold his proposal to rename the Southside Community Center for Richmond area entertainer Lonnie Battle, a.k.a. DJ Lonnie B.
City Council members not embracing new location for Social Services building
A marketing campaign to sell the public on the $1.4 billion plan to reshape Downtown and develop a new Coliseum is in full swing, even though the legislation to support the plan is still incomplete and has not been sent to Richmond City Council.
Officials break ground for new off-track betting parlor in South Side
A vacant, former K-Mart store in South Side is being transformed into a $30 million center for betting on horse racing called Rosie’s.
Chronic absenteeism declining among RPS students
This school year, the majority of Richmond Public Schools students are present and accounted for each school day. Harry Hughes, chief of schools, reported during the Nov. 5 Richmond School Board meeting that the rate of RPS students missing school has decreased since the beginning of the school year.
Director named for new VCU Health Hub in Church Hill
For more than 10 years, Natalie Pennywell led state Health Department outreach efforts to educate people about healthy eating and improved diets as a way to prevent and fight diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Blackwell development to continue with 96 available lots
It has taken 21 years, but the Hope VI redevelopment of Blackwell appears to be moving toward completion.
Greater Gilpin launches
On Tuesday, Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring launched Greater Gilpin, a three-year initiative to engage residents of the Gilpin Court public housing community in crafting approaches to reduce gun violence and raise their life opportunities.
City Council votes to sue opioid manufacturers
Richmond City Council Tuesday night declared a legal war on major manufacturers of addictive opioid pain medications that allegedly have made the city’s public safety costs balloon and resulted in the overdose deaths or hospitalization of thousands of city residents in the past 10 years.
Personality: Darlene A. Scott
Spotlight on Women Heart Champion and volunteer health advocate
Darlene Anita Scott, an associate professor of composition and creative writing at Virginia Union University, is a long-distance runner and the image of great health and fitness.
Richmond native and noted musician Melvin ‘Wah Wah Watson’ Ragin dies at 67
Melvin Marcellus Ragin learned to strum a guitar in Richmond and went on to become a legendary studio musician whose unique sound can be heard in more than 150 recordings that topped the charts at No. 1.
Wallace ‘Wally’ Triplett, football pioneer, dies at 92
Wallace “Wally” Triplett, who set many “firsts” as a pioneering African-American football player, died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, at his home in metropolitan Detroit. He was 92.
Erika E. Wheeler, musician and former outreach coordinator for the Richmond Symphony, dies at 63
Erika Eliza Wheeler combined a passion for music with a penchant for real estate.
Stan Lee, Marvel Comics writer and creator of the ‘Black Panther,’ dies at 95
Stan Lee, the creative dynamo who revolutionized the comic book and made billions for Hollywood by introducing human frailties in Marvel superheroes such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk, died Monday, Nov. 12, 2018.
Elite runners from Kenya and Ethiopia win Richmond Marathon
Kenyan and Ethiopian runners make up a tiny percentage of the total number of participants in the annual Richmond Marathon. But they’re clearly at the head of the pack.
Football season ends for VUU without playoff invitation
Just when the Virginia Union University Panthers were ready to dance, it was like the music stopped and the band went home. The Panthers were a dominant football team for 10 games. But the Panthers won’t get a shot at an 11th game they so coveted.
Bowie State wins CIAA football championship
Following its first ever CIAA football title, Bowie State University is moving on to the NCAA Division II playoffs.
NSU Spartans trample the HU Bison 29-17
Norfolk State University’s Juwan Carter won the “battle of the quarterbacks” and, more importantly, NSU came out victorious last Saturday as the Spartans beat the Howard University Bison before a crowd of more than 6,000 at Dick Price Stadium in Norfolk.
Panthers looking to Jemal Smith to defend CIAA title
Point guards less than 6 feet tall have played a major role in Virginia Union University’s storied basketball history. Jemal Smith is the latest to fill that bill.
Honoring the heroes
From left, brothers Richard, David and Howard Baugh stand with the life-size bronze statue of their late father, Lt. Col. Howard Baugh of Petersburg, a decorated fighter pilot who was among the noted Tuskegee Airmen flying combat missions during World War II.
2nd Annual Pocahontas Reframed Storytellers Film Festival starts Nov. 15
A four-day film festival this week featuring movies and live performances celebrating Native Americans and their stories will take place at the Byrd Theatre in Carytown.
Couple weds in Dominican Republic
Dr. Sesha Joi Moon and Janice Pritchett of Northern Virginia tied the knot in two ceremonies, including a destination wedding on July 20 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Night at the museum
It was “Love, Peace and Soul Saturday” last weekend at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and dozens of people enjoyed the evening of music, dancing and food as they wandered through the galleries perusing a wide variety of art.
AKA’s PROC Foundation to present 8 young men
Eight young men will be presented at the 24th Annual PROC Beautillion on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
African spiritual leaders at Elegba Folklore Society Nov.18
An African spiritual leader and the founder of an African spirituality institute will speak at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E. Broad St.
Legacy Vendors in danger of being shut out at 17th Street Farmers’ Market
The 17th Street Farmers’ Market Legacy Vendors — Luceal Allen, Rosa Fleming and Tim Christian — desperately need your help. They have been cut out of the renovated market in Shockoe Bottom, despite promises otherwise.
Marcus-David Peters and stereotypes
Marcus-David Peters’ death surely could have been avoided. Many white people have had naked, out-of-control encounters with the police since his execution and they were all taken in alive.
Trump and his illusions
Overheard after President Trump blew off last Saturday’s planned visit to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in France during the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I because it was raining:
Dismantling Jim Crow
The Urban League Movement congratulates two states in the Deep South that took a step out of the dark Jim Crow past by passing major criminal justice reforms on Election Day.
Trump’s problem with black women
A cursory look at the win-loss column after last week’s midterm election suggests that nobody left the table empty-handed.
Thursday, November 8
Personality: Warrick F. Scott Sr.
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit Wendell Scott Foundation
Warrick F. Scott Sr. was inspired by his grandfather, Wendell Scott of Danville, the first African-American race car driver to win a Grand National race, NASCAR’s highest level. That was in 1963, when pervasive racial prejudice repeatedly thwarted his efforts.
‘PC’ and ignorance
Megyn Kelly is off the air at NBC. After her horridly vapid statement saying she didn’t see anything wrong with blackface, she apologized the next day and even invited journalist Roland Martin on to take her to school. Mr. Martin did a brilliant job in explaining the history of blackface and the way it demeans African-American people, and it was great that he had the opportunity to educate, not only his odious host, but also the millions who watch Ms. Kelly daily.
Dark times
These are dark times. Thirteen pipe bombs were sent to two former presidents and other political and cultural leaders.
Coliseum project
Our initial review of the plans to replace the Richmond Coliseum and renew a swath of Downtown has raised more questions than support for the $1.4 billion proposal initiated by Dominion Energy CEO Thomas F. “Tom” Farrell II and backed by Mayor Levar M. Stoney.
To the future
We are buoyed and encouraged by Tuesday night’s election results — both in Virginia and across the nation.
Va. NAACP and latest redistricting efforts
Many of us know the history of Brown v. Board of Education. Because the actions we take today become the history of tomorrow, we want you to be familiar with Bethune-Hill v. Virginia Board of Elections. As a point of reference, this very important case is named for plaintiff Golden Bethune-Hill, an African-American woman from Newport News who was joined by 11 other plaintiffs in the case filed in federal court on Dec. 22, 2014.
Single mom goes from nearly $100,000 debt to savings
When Takiia Anderson graduated from Boston College Law School in 1999, she was a single mom with a 2-year-old, nearly $100,000 in student loans and a new job as a government attorney that paid $34,102 a year.
Idris Elba named sexiest man alive
Move over Barack Obama. Actor Idris Elba was named the sexiest man alive on Monday by People magazine. The London-born actor, 46, said he didn’t believe it when magazine officials told him.
Area men named to national 2019 commemoration commission
Two Richmonders will be among the 14 people who will help plan, develop and coordinate next year’s commemoration of the 400th anniversary arrival of the first Africans into English territory in what is now the United States.
Hanover NAACP hosts ‘Mind Your Business’ event
The Hanover Branch NAACP is hosting a networking event for entrepreneurs and those who want to start their own business.
Local innovator selected for Culture of Health Leadership program
Six Points Innovation Center in Highland Park builds young people into urban leaders and empowers them to build the city, explained Jacqulyn “Jackie” Washington, site director for the center.
Khalfani to speak at men’s fellowship
The Fifth Baptist Church Men’s Fellowship is sponsoring a public program on how to handle being stopped by the police at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St.
Would domestic terrorism law help prevent extremist shootings?
The package bombs sent to Democrats across the country and the killings of Jews at a Pittsburgh synagogue may seem like clear-cut cases of terrorism. But the suspects will almost certainly never face terrorism charges.
Trumpeter Roy Hargrove dies at 49
Trumpeter Roy Hargrove, a prolific player who provided his jazz sound to records across a vast range of styles and won two Grammys, has died at age 49.
Margaret ‘Peggy’ Brazil, former RPS principal, dies at 76
Margaret Williams “Peggy” Brazil spent 31 years as a Richmond Public Schools educator, capping her service as principal of Overby-Sheppard Elementary School in North Side. Her work helping Richmond schoolchildren build a foundation of knowledge is being remembered following her death on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. She was 76.
Legendary baseball slugger Willie McCovey dies
Willie McCovey, who was among the most respected and feared sluggers in baseball history, died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. Mr. McCovey was 80.
41st Annual Richmond Marathon kicks off Saturday
Runners take your mark. Approximately 19,000 runners are expected for the 41st Annual Richmond Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 10, that will wind its way through Downtown and the West End, south across the Huguenot Bridge, through South Side, north across the Lee Bridge, through North Side and back Downtown to the finish line at Brown’s Island.
City high schools heading to regional playoffs
It’s not over yet for Richmond’s five high school football teams. Despite less than glowing records, there will be five games on Friday, Nov. 9, involving city teams in the Virginia High School League regional playoffs.
‘Justice for Jabo’ picks up steam
A project called “Justice for Jabo” is underway to restore a long-ago honor to former Virginia Commonwealth University basketball star Charles “Jabo” Wilkins. Mr. Wilkins died Oct. 12 at age 70 in Greenville, N.C.
Hometown hero Ashe conquers Richmond 50 years ago in local Davis Cup match
Fifty years ago, Richmond native Arthur Ashe Jr. and the City of Richmond were front and center for global tennis. Court No. 1 at Richmond’s Byrd Park was the site of the prestigious Davis Cup tennis tournament May 3 through 5, 1968. Dating to 1900, the Davis Cup is international team tennis’ premier event and draws the sport’s marquee names.
NSU to wrangle the Howard Bisons Nov. 10 at Dick Price Stadium
Norfolk State University has lost four straight football games and more trouble is on the way. The Spartans’ next assignment will be to tangle with MEAC’s leading passer, Howard University’s Caylin Newton, brother of NFL star Cam Newton.
VUU wallops VSU; still looking for NCAA playoff berth
Virginia Union University continues to present a powerful case for an NCAA Division II football playoff berth.
VCU university-wide commencement back on; no venue announced
Facing a backlash from students, Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao has reversed course on eliminating the traditional university-wide graduation ceremony next spring.
CARE van drivers approve new contract
The third time worked. After rejecting two previous offers, union drivers with GRTC’s CARE paratransit service voted to approve the latest offer from the service’s operator, Cincinnati-based First Transit Inc.
Veterans ride free on GRTC Sunday, Nov. 11
GRTC will provide free rides to current and former members of the military on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, the transit company has announced.
Veterans Day observance
In observance of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 12, please note the following:
Veterans Day ceremony and Armistice Day Festival Nov.11 at the Carillon
Gov. Ralph S. Northam will help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I as the speaker at the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at Dogwood Dell Amphitheater in Byrd Park, 600 S. Boulevard.
Medicaid expansion enrollment continues
Enrollment for Virginia’s Medicaid expansion program, Cover Virginia, is now open and will continue through Saturday, Dec. 15.
Mayor Stoney pushes $1.4B plan to revitalize Downtown
The grand plan to overhaul a big chunk of Downtown — including replacing the Richmond Coliseum with a new, larger arena — with a combination of taxpayer dollars and private investment funds is now headed to Richmond City Council for review.
President Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions was fired on Wednesday after receiving unrelenting criticism from President Trump for recusing himself from an investigation into Russia’s role in the 2016 presidential race.
Hopes for an African-American governor dashed at the ballot box in 2 states
Highly energized contests in Florida, Georgia and Maryland in which African-Americans were candidates for governor drew thousands of voters to the polls, but not enough votes for any of the three to claim victory.
Dems take the House
Voter enthusiasm, coupled with rejection of Trump policies, results in Democrats regaining the U.S. House of Representatives in midterm election
Voters brought an end to one-party Republican rule in the nation’s capital in Tuesday’s election. Propelled by a surge of rank-and-file enthusiasm and widespread urban and suburban dissatisfaction with President Trump, Democrats took control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 2011.
Cheryl Burke wins Richmond School Board seat
Cheryl L. Burke, who was appointed in 2017 as the interim 7th District representative to the Richmond School Board, was elected Tuesday night to fill the seat for the rest of the term through 2020.
Sen. Tim Kaine glides to big re-election victory
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine declared that Virginia rejected the “the politics of hatred and division … the politics of peddling lies to get ahead” after handily winning re-election to his second six-year term.
Newcomer Abigail Spanberger claims narrow win over GOP incumbent
Democratic newcomer Abigail Spanberger of Henrico defied conventional wisdom and upset U.S. Rep. Dave Brat to win Virginia’s 7th Congressional District seat in her first run for public office.
Thursday, November 1
Grieving with Pittsburgh
Families of the 11 people killed in the synagogue massacre Saturday begin to bury the dead amid a national outpouring of support
Pittsburgh’s Jewish community began burying its dead following Saturday’s synagogue massacre. Funeral services were held Tuesday for a beloved family doctor, a pillar of the congregation, and two middle-aged brothers known as the Rosenthal “boys.”
New delivery service starts in Richmond
For a flat delivery fee of $1.95 and the cost of the goods, Richmonders can get diapers, toilet paper, beverages and snacks delivered to their home between noon and 4 a.m. seven days a week.
Richmond, segregation and paternalistic white supremacy
Segregation is no stranger to Richmond. Intentional measures to provoke racial animosity have been in place in Virginia since the early days of American settlement. Such measures include racial slavery, slave codes, racial terrorism, “racial purity” laws, Jim Crow laws,
‘Traitors to logic’
While some may intentionally disregard logic in making claims that the Civil War was not precipitated on the desire to maintain enslavement and subjugation of people of color, whom were referred to as the inferior race, the truth is there actually weren’t many reasons for secession.
Republican Party ‘has embraced racist policies’
In his letter to the Free Press, James Quash, former Portsmouth GOP chairman, labels the Democratic Party as racist with his erroneous arguments while trolling for votes for Republicans.
Kudos to Free Press, community volunteers
I would like to thank the Richmond Free Press profusely for its photos and story recognizing the actions of two generous individuals in our community who helped remedy a dangerous situation at George Washington Carver Elementary School.
Vote on Nov. 6
Last night, I finished reading “The Blood of Emmett Till” by Timothy B. Tyson. The 14-year-old was killed in 1955 because of who he was and where he was. On Saturday, it happened again in a Pittsburgh synagogue. Eleven Jewish parishioners were killed because of who they were and where they were.
Moving beyond tragedy
Something is clearly wrong in our nation when worshippers are gunned down at the Tree of Life Synagogue, as occurred last week, or at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., in 2015, or at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wis., in 2012.
Free Press Endorsements 2018
Tuesday, Nov. 6, is Election Day. And we believe there is no starker contrast or more clear choice for Virginia voters than in the race for U.S. Senate and in contests for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 4th and 7th Districts.
‘Wall of Honor’ unveiled on new Virginia Women’s Monument
Virginia First Lady Pam Northam and former First Lady Susan Allen, wife of former Gov. George Allen, gathered Tuesday with a small crowd in Capitol Square to proclaim a milestone in making a dream a reality.
TJ’s Jahlin Russell works like a wrecking ball
It’s no surprise Jahlin Russell plays football. The Thomas Jefferson High School senior is quick, strong, aggressive and fearless. He doesn’t back down.
Puerto Rican native Alex Cora manages Red Sox to World Series win
Diversity in the dugout. That was a theme during the Boston Red Sox’s World Series triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Sunday night’s victory, the Red Sox beat the Dodgers 4-1 to win the series. For the first time in World Series annals, managers for both baseball teams — Alex Cora of the Red Sox and the Dodgers’ Dave Roberts — are men of color.
A wrinkle in time: Deceased Montford Point Marine awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Towanda C. Lee’s father left many stories untold. He was a man of few words, she said. And when she was a child, she simply ignored his old war tales. It wasn’t until after he died in January 1991 that Ms. Lee discovered documents stowed in the basement that shed light on his hidden history.
Olympic ‘Black Power Salute’ rises 50 years later
Tommie Smith and John Carlos were among the fastest men of their generation. But it wasn’t what they did on the Olympic track that makes them most remembered. It’s what they did after their race — on the medals podium — that still resonates.
VUU Panthers meet VSU Trojans Saturday at Hovey Field
Virginia Union University football Coach Alvin Parker feels like his team has taken an unfair beating — not on the field, mind you, but in the polls.
Matthew Shepard’s ashes interred in Washington
After 20 years without a permanent resting place, the remains of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old college student whose brutal murder in 1998 in Wyoming has come to symbolize the plight of the LGBTQ community in America, were interred at the Washington National Cathedral.
Retired dentist Dr. Edwin D. Cooke Jr. dies at 85
Dr. Edwin Donald Cooke Jr. is being remembered as a caring dentist. The Air Force veteran practiced in the Richmond area for more than 35 years before retiring. Dr. Cooke, a resident of Prince George County, died Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, his family said. He was 85.
Poet and playwright Ntozake Shange dies at 70
Playwright, poet and author Ntozake Shange, whose most acclaimed theater piece is the 1975 Tony Award-nominated play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf,” died Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, according to her daughter.
Personality: Franchon L. ‘Fran’ Randall
Spotlight on chef coordinator of ‘Sauté and Sizzle: Richmond Men Are Cooking’
Franchon L. “Fran” Randall is a good cook, even if she says so herself. The pescatarian’s favorite dish to whip up is fresh spinach, red onion, basil and fresh garlic and tomato sauce over angel hair pasta and topped with grilled or baked salmon.
Obama Elementary to hold fall festival Nov. 10
North Side’s newly renamed school is having a fall celebration.
Gingerbread House Challenge to benefit Better Housing Coalition
Twenty-four teams will vie to create a prize-winning gingerbread house this weekend to benefit the Better Housing Coalition, a Richmond nonprofit that develops affordable housing, it has been announced.
Stoney launches census committee
Mayor Levar M. Stoney is seeking to ensure every city resident is counted in the official 2020 Census. This week, Mayor Stoney launched Richmond’s Census 2020 Complete Count Committee to help make it happen when the population count begins more than a year from now.
Crusade for Voters endorses Sen. Kaine, other candidates
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine has received the endorsement of the Richmond Crusade for Voters, the city’s oldest and largest African-American political group.
RRHA inspection turns up more heating problems
An inspection of heating equipment in the city’s 4,000 public housing units has turned up broken radiators and other problems in 250 units, according to Orlando Artze, interim executive director of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
VCU cuts university-wide commencement ceremony in 2019
Virginia Commonwealth University is the latest customer to be affected by a still largely undisclosed plan to replace the Richmond Coliseum. VCU officials announced Tuesday that the university-wide spring graduation ceremony held in early May at the 13,000-seat Coliseum since 1972 is off for 2019.
Mayor: COLA for retirees too costly
Too costly. That is Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s explanation for his decision to back away from his March promise that he would seek to use a surplus to pay for a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for retired city employees.
Election Day TUESDAY, NOV. 6 VOTE Polls Open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. At stake: A U.S. Senate seat representing Virginia; the state’s 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, including the 4th District that includes Richmond, Petersburg and parts of Henrico and Chesterfield counties, and the 7th District that includes parts of Henrico and Chesterfield counties; and the Richmond School Board’s 7th District seat.
RRHA reconsidering plan to demolish Creighton Court
The city’s key public housing agency is rethinking its vision of demolishing the six major public housing communities in Richmond and replacing them with “mixed-income” neighborhoods to end the concentration of poverty.
Critics claim voter suppression efforts may change Georgia governor’s race outcome
Thousands of people in Georgia hoping to participate in next week’s crucial gubernatorial election there could be blocked from voting because of the strict enforcement of its relatively new “exact match” rule.
After Pittsburgh, remember: We’re in this together
The resurgence of a newly emboldened white supremacy is the challenge of our time. The attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, in which 11 Jews were murdered as they gathered for Sabbath prayers, was but the most tragic of recent battlefronts.
1,000 attend vigil in Richmond
More than 1,000 people of different faiths, races and backgrounds came together Tuesday night in a community display of unity and love following the weekend tragedy in Pittsburgh, where 11 people were shot and killed by a gunman who entered the Tree of Life Synagogue and opened fire.
