Friday, January 25
Lt. Gov. Fairfax sits to take a stand
Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, the second African-American to hold statewide office in Virginia, made a statement with a “sit-in” of sorts last Friday in the state Senate chamber, where he presides.
State NAACP on the move
I have watched the Virginia State Conference NAACP up close over a number of years as a result of my membership initially in the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP and now the Richmond Branch NAACP.
Virginia’s ‘big falsehood'
Re Editorial, “Encouraging,” Free Press Jan. 10-12 edition: How sad and dismaying to watch our elected black leaders, along with black-oriented newspapers like the Richmond Free Press, leap to embrace Virginia’s big falsehood that seeks to erase some of our black history. What is that big falsehood?
The shutdown and collateral damage
As I write this, our federal government has been shut down for more than a month. At first, it seemed like a gamesmanship joke, like who was going to blink first.
The authentic King
The Rev. Bernice A. King is the youngest daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and echoes the passion and promise he voiced for America.
The ‘authentic King’
The Rev. Bernice A. King is the youngest daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and echoes the passion and promise he voiced for America.
Gov. Northam speaks at VUU Community Leaders Breakfast
Gov. Ralph S. Northam addressed the 41st Annual Community Leaders Breakfast last Friday honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a message of valuing Virginia’s diversity and the collective responsibility of supporting each other as the state moves forward.
Renovated Northside Family YMCA gears up for ribbon-cutting on Monday
Nearly one year after a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off a major renovation project, Richmond’s Northside Family YMCA will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its spacious revamped facility at 4207 Old Book Road. The ceremony will be held 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28.
Free tooth extraction clinic pulls in crowd
It was 9 a.m. and already 140 people were in line at the Capital Area Health Network’s free dental extraction clinic last Friday.
Racial reconciliation theme for 2-day event
With art, music, dance and spoken word, a national organization that fights injustice held a two-day event in Richmond to reflect on the history of slavery in Virginia and to promote racial reconciliation.
Bishop Charles A. West starting new church in Henrico County
Bishop Charles A. West, who ran the Operation Streets youth basketball program in Richmond for more than 20 years, is starting over with a new church.
Speaking Spirit Ministries says praise the Lord, pass the popcorn
Go to church and stay for a movie. That’s now possible at a satellite sanctuary of the independent Speaking Spirit Ministries.
Personality: Kevin Watson
“A lot of high school and college athletes see themselves as the next LeBron James-level professional athlete. But many falling short of that dream have to learn who they are and their skills and passions.”
VCU’s Marcus Evans on course for record books
Virginia Commonwealth University’s leading basketball scorer, Marcus Evans, is back where it all started for him — in the 804 area code.
Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots headed to Super Bowl LIII
Rematch! The Los Angeles Rams will get a long-awaited chance for redemption in Super Bowl LIII when they meet the New England Patriots on Sunday, Feb. 3.
VSU men’s team wins Freedom Classic, while VUU Lady Panthers clinch victory
The Virginia State University basketball team started this season with a multitude of questions. Since then, it has come up with all the right answers.
Disabled drivers could lose free parking Downtown
Drivers of vehicles bearing handicap license plates or placards are poised to lose the privilege of parking for two hours free on Downtown streets.
Crusade for Voters urges Agelasto to resign
The Richmond Crusade for Voters announced its support Tuesday for efforts to remove 5th District City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto from office because he no longer lives in the district.
Portal in Monroe Park to connect Richmonders to the world
A gold-painted shipping container that can transport you around the world without spending a dime has been placed in Monroe Park. Enter this portal, and instantly you will be connected via videoconferencing to people who have entered a similarly equipped portal in far off places such as Rwanda, Palestine, Honduras or Germany or closer locales like Milwaukee and Chicago.
Plans underway for new VCU in-patient children’s hospital
A new in-patient children’s hospital is being planned, according to Virginia Commonwealth University. The design work is underway nearly four years after VCU and Bon Secours pulled out of a proposed free-standing children’s hospital, collapsing that effort.
Federal panel selects redistricting plan for House of Delegates
A federal three-judge panel announced Tuesday it has selected a redistricting plan to end illegal packing of African-American voters into 11 Virginia House of Delegate districts.
Postal rates go up Sunday
The price of a first-class stamp will jump to a record 55 cents on Sunday, Jan. 27. The nickel increase from the current 50-cent stamp price is the largest single jump in the history of the American postal service, according to U.S. Postal Service records.
Case against VUU president in Florida appears stalled
Bethune-Cookman University in Florida appears to have halted its legal effort to hold former top officials accountable for their alleged role in saddling the Daytona Beach school with an overly expensive dormitory.
Showdown expected at Feb. 11 City Council meeting over renaming Boulevard for Arthur Ashe Jr.
Will the Boulevard be renamed for Richmond-born tennis great and humanitarian Arthur Ashe Jr.?
Richmond teacher is finalist for National Teacher of the Year
Richmond teacher Rodney A. Robinson’s star keeps rising. Mr. Robinson, who was selected in October as Virginia’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, is one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year.
Wakanda forever: ‘Black Panther’ poised for Oscar win
The box office smash “Black Panther” just made history as the first superhero film to be nominated for an Academy Award, the top award in the movie world. The film, directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler, is one of the eight movies, including “Green Book” and Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” that will compete for best picture honors at the 91st Academy Awards to be broadcast Sunday, Feb. 24, it was announced this week.
Sen. Harris enters presidential contest
She’s running! U.S. Sen. Kamala D. Harris announced Monday that she is seeking the 2020 Democratic nomination for president. She adds her name to a growing list of women who want to call the White House home.
$14M slice
RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras releases plan to cut $14M from city schools; $13M from central office alone
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras wants to strip $13 million from the school system’s budget by making cuts to the central office.
Friday, January 18
Groups using Super Bowl spotlight to push against Confederate statues
A coalition of civil rights groups in Atlanta is using this year’s Super Bowl to help kick off a renewed “war on the Confederacy,” in a fight to remove Confederate monuments around the nation.
Southside Hardware closing doors for last time Saturday
Southside Hardware was long a place to find the unusual, from replacement wicks for kerosene heaters to the special keys needed to operate radiators, antique radios and baby buggies.
Scooter legislation advances in City Council
Electric scooters are headed to Richmond, but this time legally. After two months of talks and review, Richmond City Council appears poised to approve legislation that would authorize scooter companies such as Bird and Lime to begin offering rental service.
Hundreds turn out for equal rights
Hundreds of social justice advocates, community members and students marched for women’s rights last Saturday in Richmond.
‘The Art of Freedom’ exhibit to open at Black History Museum
“The Art of Freedom,” a new exhibit opening Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, will feature more than 60 works by African-American artists expressing their meaning of freedom.
Sophomore Roosevelt Wheeler is John Marshall High’s tall secret weapon
Young basketball players and teams generally are taught to work the ball inside for a higher percentage of shots close to the basket. That strategy is likely to backfire against Richmond’s John Marshall High School. Facing the Justices, the closer to the basket the opponents get, the higher the degree of difficulty becomes.
24th Annual Freedom Classic Festival this weekend
The 24th Annual Freedom Classic Festival gets underway this week with family-friendly activities celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
NFL Conference finals players always have had flair
For Sunday’s NFL Conference finals, expect a steady diet of orchestrated end zone celebrations and other zany sideshows, minus the fear of penalty. It wasn’t always that way.
John E. Wilson, oldest living Harlem Globetrotter, dies in Chester
John E. Wilson, who was the oldest living Harlem Globetrotter, has died at age 91. Known as “Jumpin’ Johnny” for his uncanny leaping ability, Mr. Wilson died Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, at his home in Chester, where he was living with his son, John Wilson Jr., an assistant athletic director at Virginia State University.
MJBL players headed to Bahamas
Some local teenagers won’t have to wait until warm weather to play baseball. The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League is sending a team to Nassau, Bahamas, for games next week.
VUU, VSU revving up for Freedom Classic matchup Saturday
Virginia Union University’s basketball season has been given a jumpstart. When the Panthers trek to Ettrick on Saturday to play Virginia State University in the Freedom Classic, VUU will have new vroom under the hood.
Personality: Dr. Michael L.W. Moore
Spotlight on chair of Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker Educational Foundation
Legendary civil rights leader Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker wanted his legacy to center on educational opportunities for generations to come. The Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker Educational Foundation is the vehicle to perpetuate his lasting dream and provides scholarships for underserved youths to attend college.
Dr. Clara S. McCreary, longtime math professor at VUU, dies at 99
Dr. Clara Novella Sutton McCreary loved mathematics, and for nearly 42 years she shared that love with students at Virginia Union University. “My mother taught all the upper level math courses and also coordinated the pre-engineering courses.” said her daughter, Edwina Richmond, who followed in her mother’s footsteps in teaching math at VUU.
Thomas ‘T.C.’ Harrell, co-founder and former owner of Carolina Bar-B-Que, dies at 86
Thomas Christopher Harrell was the barbecue man of Church Hill for 44 years. Known to customers and friends as “T.C.,” the no-nonsense, though kindly Army veteran served up his own creations and family recipes for tangy, vinegar-based pork barbecue, ribs, cole slaw and greens at Carolina Bar-B-Que, the restaurant he started with his brother, Paul, in 1970 at 3015 Nine Mile Road near the Creighton Court public housing community in the East End.
True Hero
We hope our readers will pause within the coming days to reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an authentic advocate for human rights, justice and peace. His work on behalf of African-Americans, the poor, everyday workers, the neglected and the ignored pricked the conscience of the nation and helped America to start to live up to the ideals of freedom and equality as written in the U.S. Constitution.
27 years young
The Richmond Free Press turned 27 this week. We are proud to highlight this accomplishment as we remain one of the few independent newspapers still publishing in Virginia.
Trump civil rights assault continues
When new U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was asked on “60 Minutes” whether she thinks President Trump is a racist, she responded with the candor that makes her a compelling force in Washington: “Yeah, yeah, no question.”
Shame, shade in Birmingham
If anyone deserves a civil rights award, Angela Davis certainly does. The activist and scholar has been on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement all of her life. She has been especially active in prison reform matters and other civil and human rights issues.
Support for NAACP 1st Thursday Town Hall series
The modern-day NAACP is to be applauded for its creativity in developing the NAACP 1st Thursday Town Hall Meeting Series which began in October. The events are scheduled on the first Thursday of every month throughout 2019 and are held at 6:30 p.m. at Third Street Bethel AME Church in Downtown.
Suggestion for King license plate
Re “Proposed King license plate shelved until next year,” Free Press Jan. 10-12 edition: I read where the commemorative license plate plan honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was postponed until next year because only 100 signatures were collected.
Kudos to Va. Congress members for protecting the environment
When we drill, we spill. And when we spill off our shores, it can spell disaster for the whales, dolphins and coral that live in our oceans.
Tenn. inmate granted clemency credits church-affiliated program with changing her life
Each semester, the LIFE program at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., which is associated with Churches of Christ, pairs traditional students with inmates serving time in the Tennessee Prison for Women.
Area commemorations honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A host of speeches and events will take place starting this week honoring the legacy and memory of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
‘Pathetic’
School advocate Paul Goldman fumes over mayor’s school funding resolution that he claims does not meet City Charter requirement
Mayor Levar M. Stoney appears to be backpedaling on his pledge to meet a new City Charter requirement to provide “a fully funded plan to modernize” Richmond’s decaying school buildings.
Failure to deliver: Residents describe litany of problems hampering basic mail service
Jean Morris is tired of having the Forest Hill Post Office refusing to deliver packages to her South Side residence. Donna Royster is fed up with not receiving any of the letters her grandchildren keep sending her from Hawaii at her East End apartment.
Richardson gets legal help in action to remove Agelasto from office
Former 5th District City Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson said Tuesday he has hired an attorney to continue pursuing legal action to remove the district’s current representative, Councilman Parker C. Agelasto.
Richmond native Corey Blount hits world music at No.1
Richmond native Corey Blount is a good musician — so good, in fact, that a song he co-wrote, produced and performs on is No. 1 in New Zealand, Australia and Kurdistan. It also hit the Top 10 on the charts in The Netherlands. And on Anghami, a streaming service big in the Middle East and Northern Africa, it soared to No. 1 in Tunisia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.
Frank J. Thornton to seek 7th term on Henrico County Board of Supervisors
Frank J. Thornton plans to seek another four-year term on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors. The retired Virginia Union University French professor announced on Tuesday his bid for his seventh four-year term representing the Fairfield District, adding that it would be his “final term.”
Official: City has fallen short on lead abatement efforts, contractor training
City Hall has confirmed a Free Press report that it has failed to hire a qualified trainer to offer mandatory classes for small contractors seeking to compete to remove poisonous lead paint from Richmond residences.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday
In observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 21, please note the following:
VCU to hold spring commencement at Convention Center
Virginia Commonwealth University announced Wednesday that it will hold its spring graduation at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, the replacement site for the now closed Richmond Coliseum.
Natural gas price to rise in Richmond
Cook or heat with natural gas? Beginning with the February bill, Richmond customers will pay a bit extra for the fuel. Richmond Gas Works, the city’s gas utility, has announced customers will be charged an extra penny for every 10 cubic feet of natural gas used. Ten cubic feet is the equivalent of 75 gallons of gasoline.
Local man refunded stormwater fees
Are property owners in Richmond getting billed for stormwater fees they do not owe? Ronald Sizemore thinks it could be happening.
Cityscape: Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Workers are moving forward to create a $33 million apartment complex on a 2½-acre block in Jackson Ward, despite recent weather challenges.
Friday, January 11
Stray bullet narrowly misses pastor during New Year’s Eve service
A bullet that was fired into the air as the new year neared fell through a Texas church roof and narrowly missed a pastor, who said he then turned the service into a celebration of life.
Personality: Julie E. McConnell
Spotlight on the MRWBA’s 2018 Women of Achievement Award winner
Julie Ellen McConnell has always fought for the rights of the underprivileged and underserved — first as a public defender and now in defense of children in the court system. She was honored recently for her efforts as a legal advocate.
Honoring Dr. King
On Monday, Jan. 21, the nation will engage in a variety of activities saluting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a great American and world humanitarian.
R. Kelly and whether black girls’ lives matter
After viewing “Surviving R. Kelly,” Lifetime’s riveting six-part documentary on the R&B star’s decades of child and sexual abuse allegations, one question rings out to me above all others: Do black girls’ lives matter?
Encouraging
The Virginia General Assembly began its 2019 session this week, and last week, the 116th Congress got underway. As both legislative bodies get busy doing the work of the people, we feel a sense of hope and encouragement.
Barbara B. Abernathy Ross, longtime Carver community activist, dies at 77
When Virginia Commonwealth University sought to expand its campus north of Broad Street in the 1990s, the university hit a stonewall — civic activist Barbara Beatrice Abernathy Ross. As president of the Carver Area Civic Improvement League, or CACIL, Ms. Abernathy, as she was known in the community, fought against VCU’s plans to replace much of the neighborhood.
Fay A. Howlette, manager of her husband’s optometry practice, dies at 89
Fay Anderson Howlette aided her husband, the late Dr. John L. Howlette Sr., in offering a new option for eye care in Richmond before the start of the Civil Rights Movement.
CIAA fans — get ready for Baltimore
The CIAA Basketball Tournament is moving to Baltimore. The CIAA board of directors announced Tuesday that the men’s and women’s games will be held in 2021, 2022 and 2023 at Royal Farms Arena, an 11,100-seat facility in downtown Baltimore, about a block away from the Baltimore Convention Center and a short distance from the popular Inner Harbor.
Agelasto responds
City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto addresses latest effort to remove him from office through his lawyer, former Va. Attorney General Anthony Troy
Last-ditch efforts to remove Parker C. Agelasto from Richmond City Council appear to be failing — virtually ensuring the 5th District representative will be able to serve out the final two years of his term despite moving his family to a home in the 1st District.
Confusion, communication gaps adding to Henrico Branch NAACP problems
Even as it imposed sanctions on the president of the Henrico Branch NAACP, the national office of the civil rights group has allowed other officers who complained about Frank J. Thornton to flout its rules, the Free Press has learned.
VUU’s Joe Taylor named to College Football Hall of Fame
Joe Taylor, director of athletics for Virginia Union University, has been selected for the 2019 College Football Hall of Fame.
Taxes, gambling to lead debate in 2019 General Assembly
Virginia’s 2019 legislative session kicked off Wednesday, with lawmakers set to debate tax policy, gambling and a host of other issues.
Advocates seek laws to help immigrants drive, study
Immigrant rights advocates urged legislators Wednesday to provide driving privileges, wage theft protection and in-state tuition to people who reside in Virginia illegally.
City Council elects new leaders
Richmond City Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, makes a point Monday after being elected president of Richmond’s governing body.
RRHA residents in 117 units still having heating problems
Keeping all public housing residents warm remains a constant struggle, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority acknowledged Monday in an email to the Richmond Free Press.
Dr. Walker named visiting professor at UR
Dr. Corey D.B. Walker has left Virginia Union University after giving up his role as vice president and dean of the School of Theology on Dec. 31.
41st Annual Community Leaders Breakfast Jan. 18
Gov. Ralph S. Northam will be the keynote speaker at the 41st Annual Community Leaders Breakfast sponsored by Virginia Union University.
Rev. Nelson to be keynote speaker at Henrico MLK commemoration
The Rev. Tyrone Nelson, pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson Ward and chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, will be the keynote speaker at the 33rd annual celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Henrico County.
Proposed King license plate shelved until next year
Fewer than 100 vehicle owners applied to purchase a proposed state license plate honoring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., Richmond Delegate Dawn Adams’ office reported.
Rep. McEachin sponsors town hall on mail problems Jan.12
Problems with mail delivery? Congressman A. Donald McEachin wants to hear about them.
Christmas tree disposal, recycling event Jan.12
The Richmond Clean City Commission is helping residents safely dispose of Christmas trees by turning them into reusable mulch and sawdust through the “Bring One for the Chipper” program offered by the Department of Public Works.
Dawn Page retains chairmanship of Richmond School Board
Dawn Page, the 8th District representative on the Richmond School Board, narrowly kept her role as board chair in a close vote Monday night.
Nightclub owner, son of state senator arrested
The son of Petersburg state Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance is facing a new charge of felony drug possession.
State air board approves controversial Buckingham County compressor
A historic African-American community in pristine Buckingham County will have to learn to live with a noisy, smelly, potentially polluting piece of equipment, a state agency ruled this week.
Education funding, voting rights top Virginia Legislative Black Caucus’ 2019 priorities
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus on Wednesday outlined a legislative agenda that addresses education, civil rights, voting rights and criminal justice reforms.
Former inmates,their families and advocates to hold rally for prison reform
Advocates, former inmates and their families will hold a rally for prison reform from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Bell Tower on Capitol Square, it has been announced.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects GOP argument to hold up Va. redistricting
The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for a three-judge panel to redraw the boundaries of 11 Virginia House of Delegates districts — including five in the Richmond-Petersburg area — that were found to have been illegally packed with African-American voters.
2019 Freedom Classic moves to VSU Multi-Purpose Center on Jan.19
The Freedom Classic Festival basketball game has a new home. The 24th annual event is moving to the Multi-Purpose Center at Virginia State University in Ettrick.
Huguenot basketball team loses height, but not heart
A year ago, Huguenot High School had a mountain-sized basketball team, with a towering front line with players measuring 7-foot, 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-4. This year’s Falcons more resemble a foothill.
Ferrell helps Clemson clinch national title, ready for NFL
Talk about going out with a bang. On what would be his grand finale, Clemson University’s Clelin Ferrell dumped the University of Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a fourth down, 7-yard loss, snuffing Alabama’s flickering hopes.
Local teams return from Snoop Youth Football League Nationals with memories
Four area youth football teams returned from Los Angeles with no championships but with a treasure chest of memories.
5 of 7 African-American NFL coaches sacked
African-Americans seem to be on the NFL’s endangered coaching list. Only two black head coaches remain in the 32-team league after five were fired recently.
Why Andy Warhol’s Brillo pads and other things are kosher
When pop artist Andy Warhol set out to turn ordinary consumer goods into art, he got all the details right.
Muslim firefighter settles lawsuit
A Muslim firefighter who said he was subjected to firehouse harassment over his faith and race, including being fed pork in violation of his religious beliefs, has settled his lawsuit against New York City.
‘Green Book’ snags top awards at Golden Globes
“Green Book,” the film about the segregation-era concert tour of a black jazz pianist and his white chauffeur to the South, took top honors Sunday night at the annual Golden Globe Awards show.
Former Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell files for divorce
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has filed for divorce from his wife of 42 years. Mr. McDonnell confirmed earlier this week that he filed the paperwork. He declined to comment further.
Pottery, films premiere at Pine Camp Jan. 11
A new exhibit opening at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center on Friday, Jan. 11, will feature two student-made movies and new pottery created at the community arts center at 4901 Old Brook Road.
Remove or keep a statue? South Africa also debates painful legacy
A hulking statue of a late 19th century white leader, with a cane and top hat, has been a flashpoint for cultural conflict in South Africa for years. Black protesters threw paint on it. White supporters rallied around it. Authorities surrounded the statue with barbed wire and then ringed it with a more permanent fence.
Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
New apartments are taking shape on the hilltop in Fulton in the city’s East End.
Friday, January 4
Absence marks Emancipation Proclamation Day service
Jan. 1 marks one of the greatest days in American history — the day when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery amid the raging Civil War.
HBCUs packing power for second half of basketball season
Virginia State University’s recent basketball success can be traced all the way to Chièvres Air Force Base in Belgium. That’s where Armond Griebe, who has given the Trojans a front court boost, grew up tall and strong overseas in a U.S. military family.
Saving Bennett College
Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C., is an oasis where we educate and celebrate women, and develop them into 21st century leaders and global thinkers.
Obamacare ruling a ‘political hand grenade’
After two long years of fruitlessly trying to kill Obamacare, the Republican Party and President Trump have been given a political hand grenade by a federal judge in Texas to get the job done.
The clear difference
As we enter a new year, we look for positive messages of uplift to inspire and motivate us for the days to come. While many recommend we shed the past, we found a distinctive voice from the past urging us to step boldly into the future.
Dr. Daniels and others must ‘put their money where their mouths are’ to block gentrification
I learned 20 years ago the difference in wealth in the white and black communities. I took a white man home to his brick bungalow in the West End, which he said he had bought for $10,000 after World War II and which at the time was assessed by the city at $90,000.
‘Pass your blessings forward’
While riding around the city, I noticed many people handing out meals to the homeless. Some were individuals and organizations committed to doing kind deeds during the holiday season.
Higher judgment
Nearly every day I see or hear something about a person going into a school or club or restaurant killing people and then killing themselves. It’s young people mainly who are doing the killing.
NPS eyeing space for civil rights monuments in Mississippi
The National Park Service, which manages the country’s national parks and many of its national monuments, is studying a location or locations throughout Mississippi to place a monument or monuments to tell the state’s complicated and violent civil rights history, according to the winter 2019 issue of National Parks Magazine.
Alvin Ailey troupe marks 60th anniversary
It was March 1958 when an African-American dancer named Alvin Ailey, then making his living on the Broadway stage, gathered up a group of fellow dancers and presented a one-night show of his own works.
Noted NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, at 100, writing her autobiography
Retired NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, who turned 100 last summer, has waited long enough to tell her own story.
L.C. Bird’s Jaden Payoute to play in All-American Bowl
The state’s fastest high school sprinter is headed to Virginia Tech to play football. Chesterfield County’s L.C. Bird High School senior Jaden Payoute officially signed last week with the Atlantic Coast Conference school in Blacksburg.
Richmonders hoping to take Clemson to victory in College Football Playoff
It may be up to two Richmonders to achieve something no one else has been able to do — stop the University of Alabama. Keep your eyes on orange jerseys No. 99 and No. 12 for Clemson University in the College Football Playoff final on Monday, Jan. 7, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson defies Heisman history, breaks record
If there is such a thing as a Heisman Trophy jinx, Lamar Jackson seems immune to it — so far. At least among African-American quarterbacks, the Heisman — college football’s ultimate individual award — hasn’t exactly spelled a yellow brick road to NFL stardom.
Crystal Cathedral, former home of ‘Hour of Power’ to become Roman Catholic seat
For nearly 30 years, the Rev. Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral was not only a religious landmark, but an architectural wonder and an embodiment of flush times in Southern California’s Orange County.
Richard Overton, oldest World War II vet, oldest man in U.S., dies at 112
Richard Overton, the nation’s oldest World War II veteran who was also believed to be the oldest living man in the United States, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, a family member said. He was 112.
Muslim superhero who fought Nazis in comic books making a comeback
In 1944, the world met Kismet, an Algerian superhero who fought against fascists in southern France while wearing a yellow fez. He punched Nazis, foiled Hitler’s plans and came to the aid of civilians in need.
New center dedicated
Yvette Glasgow Keesee of Greenwood Village, Colo., and the Rev. William E. Jackson Sr., pastor-elect of Fourth Baptist Church, cut the ribbon opening the church’s Mary and John T. Glasgow Youth and Christian Development Center in Church Hill.
Personality: Glenwood W. Burley
Spotlight on chairman of Richmond Regional Mounted Police & Stable Project
Retired Richmind Patrolman Glenwood W. Burley is dedicated to boosting one of Richmond’s time-honored police traditions — the mounted police patrol.
Virginia to again consider marijuana decriminalization
When it comes to marijuana, Virginia has lagged behind many states where the drug has been decriminalized or legalized for recreational use.
Hasan K. Zarif, longtime re-entry specialist for Goodwill, retires
Minister Hasan K. Zarif has been “Mr. Re-Entry” for untold thousands of people making the transition from prison to civilian life. A former prisoner himself who rebuilt his life, Minister Zarif has been influential in helping others undertake the hard work of doing the same thing.
City’s hourly ‘living wage’ to rise to $12.07 under mayor’s proposed pay plan
More than 3,800 employees at City Hall, from janitors to executives, will be affected by the long-awaited overhaul of the city’s pay plan that Mayor Levar M. Stoney is expected to introduce Monday, Jan. 7, to Richmond City Council.
Richmond would have only 4 House representatives under redistricting plan
Richmond’s representation in the General Assembly could be reduced from five members in the House of Delegates to four if a three-judge federal court panel accepts changes proposed by a California professor to end racial gerrymandering.
Our foremost wishes for 2019
With the start of 2019, the Richmond Free Press invited select state and city officials and leaders to share their foremost wishes for the new year. Here are their responses:
Justice and Reformation providing space heaters to those in need
Public housing residents and others in Richmond who lose heat have a new alternative. A Richmond advocacy group is distributing space heaters to those who are shivering in cold apartments.
Women’s equity events slated for next week
Two events next week in Richmond will raise the banner for equity, justice and empowerment for women, including a rally at the State Capitol on the opening day of the 2019 General Assembly session and a women’s march and expo next weekend.
RPS seniors can apply free to more than 50 HBCUs
Richmond Public Schools students can apply to historically black colleges and universities for free, thanks to a partnership between RVA Future, the RPS Education Foundation and Common Black College Application.
Court Watch seeking volunteers
Court Watch of Central Virginia is seeking volunteers willing to watch the action in courtrooms in the Richmond area and gather information on how the legal system works.
Court moves closer to declaring Va. law unconstitutional linking court fines to driver’s license suspensions
For more than two decades, people who cannot pay court fines and costs in Virginia automatically have had their driver’s licenses suspended.
William C. Smith named interim police chief in Richmond
For now, William C. Smith is in charge of the Richmond Police Department. The 23-year department veteran took over as interim chief on Tuesday, New Year’s Day, following the official retirement of former Chief Alfred Durham.
Roadblock: Mayor’s $1.4B Coliseum plan hits a financing snag
The plan to replace the Richmond Coliseum with a new arena in Downtown appears to be running afoul of the Virginia Public Finance Act.
Tribe seeks to build Va.’s first casino in Norfolk
The Indian tribe that greeted English settlers at Jamestown and claims Pocahontas among its lineage said recently that it hopes to open in Norfolk what would be Virginia’s first casino.
New Virginia license plate honoring Dr. King?
Can Delegate Dawn M. Adams find 450 Virginians willing to pay $25 to $35 for a specialty license plate honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Monday, Jan. 7?
Training sessions aimed at developing new employees for East End market
A new East End market promises to bring employment and opportunity to a longtime food desert in the city. The Market @ 25th, scheduled to open in March at 25th Street and Nine Mile Road, will fill many voids in the neighborhood, including the need for long-term, large-scale employment.
