Friday, September 27
Cityscape: Slice of life and scenes in Richmond
St. Andrew’s School marks 125 years
The 96 students at St. Andrew’s School join art teacher Chris Milk on Monday to get their first look at the mural they all helped create to mark the 125th year of the private school based in Oregon Hill.
Don't normalize poverty, inequity
Columnists
When the nation’s latest income and poverty data were released on Sept. 10, commentaries touted the progress that the data reflected.
Why is D.C. excluded from statehood?
Columnists
Many years ago, I moved to the District of Columbia and became aware that people in D.C. were not accorded voting representation in the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate.
Discuss future of Downtown with facts
Columnists
I serve on the Navy Hill Foundation, the organization that has proposed the replacement of the Richmond Coliseum and the redevelopment of Navy Hill and whose mission is, in part, to ensure that the Navy Hill development creates opportunities and services that benefit all Richmonders.
Impeachment begins
Editorials
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats, including U.S. Reps. A. Donald McEachin of Richmond, Robert C. “Bobby” Scott of Newport News, Abigail Spanberger of Henrico, and Elaine Luria of Norfolk, have finally called for impeachment proceedings to begin against President Trump. What took so long?
Lesson learned? Let's hope
Editorials
It is unfortunate that Selena Cuffee-Glenn, the city’s now former chief administrative officer, had to be cut loose from the City of Richmond. But we applaud Mayor Levar M. Stoney for making the right decision swiftly following the release of the inspector general’s report that found five of Ms. Cuffee-Glenn’s relatives are on the city payroll.
A night for historic 'firsts' for big wins at Emmy Awards
Gay performers shined at the Emmy Awards on Sunday with wins in several categories, including best actor in a drama series, which went to “Pose” star Billy Porter.
'Remember Them' commemoration of arrival of first Africans set for Oct. 1
A public convocation to mark the 400th anniversary of the forced arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia will take place 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market Plaza in Richmond, it has been announced.
31st Annual 2nd Street Festival to rock Jackson Ward Oct. 5 and 6
The 2nd Street Festival is back, and it’s bringing art, music and walking tours to Jackson Ward on Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6.
NFL has a paltry 3 African-American head coaches
If the NFL’s African-American head coaches were to throw a members-only party, they could hold it in the front seat of a Buick.
VSU forging a victory path through N.C. opponents
If Virginia State University is to be successful this fall, it needs to dominate the Carolina portion of its schedule. So far, so good.
Wide receiver Charles Hall moves into the fast lane at VUU
Charles Hall was merely a background figure — little more than an extra — last season for Virginia Union University football. This year, he has become a leading man.
Resilience after the hurricane
The president of the historically African-American Progressive National Baptist Convention traveled to the Bahamas island of Grand Bahama on Sept. 11 to assess the damage from Hurricane Dorian and came away with stories of damage and determination.
Arlington R. Banks, owner of Banks Coin Laundry in Jackson Ward, dies at 81
Arlington Raymond Banks spent much of his life clean- ing the dirt from people’s clothes, towels, sheets and other fabrics. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Mr. Banks operated a coin laundry and dry cleaners in Jackson Ward.
The Rev. George Nelson West, longtime area pastor, succumbs at 95
The Rev. George Nelson West, a longtime area religious leader who served several churches in Richmond, died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019.
Ira P. Washington Jr., retired educator and sports enthusiast, dies at 79
For Ira Payne Washington Jr., guiding middle school students to academic achievement was a calling. For nearly 50 years, he was a fixture at Henderson Middle School in Richmond’s North Side where he taught, ran the in-school suspension program and served as an assistant principal, with a lengthy illness forcing him into retirement.
Ramona J. Craighead, longtime educator and community volunteer, dies at 92
Ramona Johnson Craighead “was a nurse to some, a teacher to many and a role model and friend to all,” as her family put it. Mrs. Craighead, a former Richmond educator and community and church volunteer, died Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, after a lengthy illness. She was 92.
Personality: Dr. Emanuel C. Harris
Spotlight on president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity
A new outspoken, politically aware and socially conscious president has been installed to lead the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity.
State backs Dominion Energy plan for electric school buses by 2030
Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced Tuesday that the state would contribute $20 million to help replace diesel-powered school buses with cleaner, but more expensive electric buses in Richmond and across the state.
RRHA changes rankle residents, activists who are most impacted
Three months ago, 100 local residents and activists called on the Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority to bring more transparency, accessibility and accountability to the agency’s five-year plan for the city. Last week, those residents and activists faced new restrictions at a RRHA Board of Commissioners meeting that saw critical resolutions adopted, including the board’s 2019-20 budget and bonds for the redevelopment of 556 apartments, with little warning given to the community to be the most impacted by the decisions.
Forum on restorative justice, criminal justice reform Sept. 27
A coalition of organizations from across Virginia are holding a daylong forum on the role of restorative justice in criminal justice reform and ending mass incarceration.
Crusade for Voters makes endorsements for Nov. 5 races
Former Richmond City Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson has received the endorsement of the Richmond Crusade for Voters in the 5th District City Council race.
Youths from across Virginia join in Global Climate Strike
Chants drowned out the sound of traffic on Broad Street near City Hall last Friday as hundreds of people, largely youths, from across Virginia marched in two climate protests, demanding an urgent response to the threat of climate change.
Justice Center brings technology to inmates
Computer tablets are making it easier for families and inmates at the Richmond Justice Center to stay connected.
City Council empanels Coliseum commission -- with VUU president
The final seven members of a City Council commission to review the $1.5 billion Coliseum replacement proposal have been seated — starting a 90-day clock for them to review the plan.
Lewis family relocates to new home
Celieto L. and Janice F. Lewis have finally found a place to call home.
Family matters
Inspector general’s report details how 5 relatives of former CAO Selena Cuffee-Glenn were hired, but finds no evidence she was involved directly in their hiring
Lenora Reid is officially in charge of Richmond city government — for now. City Council voted 9-0 on Monday to confirm Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s request that Ms. Reid, the city’s chief financial officer, serve as interim chief administrative officer in the wake of her predecessor being fired because of nepotism.
VUU brings academic 'signing day' to Huguenot
Tuesday was a red-letter day for nine Huguenot High School ninth-graders. The stage in a school assembly hall was set with red and white balloons and logos for Richmond Public Schools and Virginia Union University.
Friday, September 20
Cityscape: Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Solar homes showcased in Carver area
The Carver neighborhood has joined the solar revolution.
Youth and climate change: A message for us all
Editorials
We applaud the advocacy and activism of young people locally and across the country in their efforts to create change and a better world. Such an effort is taking place Friday, Sept. 20, when young people around the world are leading a coordinated strike from school and work to protest government and business inaction on climate change.
'A fair shot' in America
Columnists
Felicity Huffman says she just wanted to give her daughter “a fair shot” at getting into the college of her choice. That is the reason the Emmy Award- winning actress paid someone to cheat on her daughter’s college entrance exam.
Coliseum review panel needs to be made right
Letter to the Editor
Re “Coliseum review panel stalled after attempt to add VUU president,” Free Press Sept. 12-14 edition:
Climate change and hurricanes
Columnists
Hurricane Dorian has drowned the Bahamas and devastated the coasts of North and South Carolina. There are trillions of dollars worth of damages to communities that will take years to rebuild.
Growing rift
City Council members angered by their colleagues’ action on Coliseum replacement proposal
The divisions among City Council members over the Coliseum replacement plan appear to be hardening.
Lt. Gov. Fairfax files $400M defamation suit against CBS
Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax is suing CBS for $400 million, claiming the company defamed him when it broadcast interviews with two women he said have falsely accused him of sexual assault.
Broken promises end legacy at 17th Street Farmers’ Market
They have been fixtures at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market in Shockoe Bottom for decades, just like their parents and grandparents before them. Now, sisters Evelyn Luceal Allen, 84, and Rosa L. Fleming, 80, have closed their stand beside the market from which they daily sold greens, tomatoes, watermelons, potatoes and other produce grown on their land in Hanover County.
4 city schools to get new names
The Richmond School Board has embraced renaming four city schools and approved, on an 8-1 vote Monday night, a process to make it happen.
Race question muted, but not eliminated on marriage license application
Virginia couples preparing for their wedding day no longer have to identify their race on their application for a marriage license, according to an opinion issued by Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring.
RPS bus service for preschool program not in full operation
The free bus service that was supposed to drive more parents to enroll their 4-year-old children in a Richmond Public Schools preschool program has yet to fully materialize despite administrative promises.
Climate actions planned for Friday as part of worldwide strike
Amid growing worries about climate change, Richmond environmental activists are joining the call for a worldwide strike on Friday, Sept. 20, to urge governments at all levels to get more involved in addressing the issue.
Hearing on Coliseum referendum petitions set for Sept. 30
The leader of a drive to allow voters to weigh in on the proposed Coliseum-replacement plan will get a chance to prove he submitted enough signatures to get a referendum on the proposal on the Nov. 5 ballot.
MJBL members pitch in for hurricane relief
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League saw a huge turnout from the Richmond community during the group’s efforts to collect hurricane relief items last Saturday at The Diamond.
Collaboration leads to new walk-in legal clinic in East End
A Virginia Commonwealth University community health program is joining with the University of Richmond and the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society to provide free legal advice in the East End.
Va. Interfaith Center for Public Policy to honor 6
Five people and a local organization will be honored at the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy’s 29th Annual Celebration and Awards Benefit at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd St. in Jackson Ward.
Morrissey has 'no scores to settle' in Senate; lays out policy proposals
When Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey staged a primary challenge against Sen. Rosalyn Dance in June, he also faced off against the state’s top Democratic leadership — Gov. Ralph S. Northam, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and former Gov. Terry McAuliffe — who supported the incumbent.
Virginia fined $3.8M for food stamp application errors
The federal government has slapped Virginia with a $3.8 million penalty because of mistakes made processing almost one in 10 food stamp applications last year.
Officials warn of e-cigarette dangers as vaping illnesses, deaths mount
When cases of lung disease linked to vaping began popping up across the country this summer, the Virginia Poison Center in Downtown began receiving calls from people who thought they might have become ill from using e-cigarettes.
Dr. Sheila K. Wilson Elliott
Dr. Sheila K. Wilson Elliott spent her childhood in Suffolk, unaware of the significance of her heritage in the indigenous Nottoway Indian Tribe, learning at a time when “information about Indians was just not available to us in school, and we pretty much felt that we were extinct.”
Prayer at the pole
Area ministers and church members gather last Saturday outside Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End to pray for students, teachers, administrators and all employees of Richmond Public Schools and other area school districts.
VSU's rushing attack seals victory over UNC-Pembroke; match with St. Augustine's this Saturday
Two seasons ago, Virginia State University featured the CIAA’s premier running back in Trenton Cannon, who is now with the NFL’s New York Jets. Last Saturday, it looked almost like Cannon had returned to Ettrick for a curtain call.
VUU looking ahead after 28-11 loss to Lenoir-Rhyne
The Virginia Union University Panthers were underdogs the first two weeks of the football season. But they just may be the big dogs for the rest of the season.
Quarterback Aarek Thomas ready to take John Marshall to championships
Phillip Sims left Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake as the most prolific passer in state history. Some of that aerial artistry seems to have rubbed off on his prized passing pupil at Richmond’s John Marshall High School. Coach Sims, who coaches the John Marshall Justices, sees some of himself in senior, third-year starter Aarek “Rico” Thomas.
Exonerated Five member stresses importance of knowing your rights in face of police questioning
As the credits rolled, the audience of more than 200 people fell silent with astonishment and anger after viewing “The Central Park Five,” a documentary by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon about the 1989 case in which four African-American teens and a Puerto Rican teen were wrongfully convicted in the brutal assault and rape of a white investment banker as she jogged in New York’s Central Park.
Daily Planet marks 50 years of vital service to the community
In 1969, concern about an epidemic of runaway and disaffected teens led to the creation of an organization offering a caring place with shelter, meals, health clinics and counseling without judgment.
'Take Your Community Back' motorcycle and auto ride Sept. 28
LaTasha S. “Tasha” Kenney is hoping hun- dreds of people will take part in an upcoming anti-violence action aimed at benefiting the families of two children who were victims of gun violence.
'Race in Academia' panel set for Sept. 24 at VCU
Four college presidents will explore racial disparities in higher education at the 2019 Wilder Symposium 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Virginia Commonwealth University’s W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave.
Sisterhood still connects poet Nikki Giovanni
Poet, scholar and activist Nikki Giovanni feels the loss everyday of her best friend Toni Morrison.
Friday, September 13
Who are the politicians in bed with tonight at the expense of the American people?
Letters to the Editor
Too many of the “devout” white male politicians who scream about the immorality of others are themselves immoral and insatiably greedy.
Coliseum review panel stalled after attempt to add VUU president
New twists occurred this week in the ongoing saga of the Navy Hill District Corp. proposal to replace the Richmond Coliseum.
Life interrupted: Kitchen fire throws Richmond family into upheaval, uncertainty
Kitchen fire throws Richmond family into upheaval, uncertainty
It just took a small fire on the stove on Aug. 23 to upend the lives of sisters Celieto L. and Janice F. Lewis.
What color is love? Virginia couples challenge state law requiring race on marriage license application
Three couples planning to get married in Virginia have filed a federal lawsuit challeng- ing a state requirement that they disclose their race on their marriage application.
Gov. Northam appoints 'diversity czar,' boards in upholding promise after blackface scandal
Dr.Janice Underwood will be the state’s first “diversity czar.”
MJBL, Hampton U. part of hurricane relief efforts for the Bahamas
People in Richmond and across the state are lending a hand to help residents of the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian settled over the islands, killing at least 44 people, leaving around 70,000 people homeless and causing billions of dollars in damage.
AKA Sorority to host 5th Annual HBCU College Fair Sept. 28
Six graduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority are hosting the 5th Annual HBCU College Fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Second Baptist Church-South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. in South Side.
5th District candidates present ideas at Crusade forum
The main chapel of Fifth Baptist Church was abuzz Tuesday night with ideas for the future of Richmond’s 5th District, and the city as a whole, as seven candidates made their case for the public’s vote during a community forum that showcased how the upcoming special election has grown beyond its goal of replacing an embattled City Council member.
RPS Board affirms rezoning plan will be finished by late Dec.
The Richmond School Board reaffirmed Monday night that it will complete school rezoning by late December.
Blackwell developer and mortgage executive facing federal fraud charges
An energetic entrepreneur who with his wife sought to upgrade housing in the Blackwell community and add new businesses to Manchester’s old downtown along Hull Street is facing federal fraud charges.
City Council approves anti-litter, anti-conversion therapy resolutions
It took five months, but Richmond City Council is finally putting its anti-plastic stance on record.
Middle schools now offering electives, PE after flouting state standards
After five years of parental lobbying, middle schools in Richmond appear to be on track with offering an array of elective courses that meet state requirements.
Federal appeals court ruling sets precedent in 'unreasonable' search case
Can police officers stop and search a random group of people found near a location where the officers believe gunshots have been fired? And even if the shooter is not among them, can they arrest an uninvolved person who turns out to be carrying a gun illegally as the result of a felony record?
Personality: Sandra A. Taylor
Spotlight on board chair of the Young Women’s Christian League
In June of 1959, 12 women founded the Young Women’s Christian League in Richmond with the goal of aiding the less fortunate through activism and community service. Today, 60 years later and 115 members strong, the organization continues its work through eight chapters with Sandra A. Taylor, the daughter of one of the founders, leading the organization’s board.
Alexandria seminary announces $1.7M slavery reparations fund
An Episcopal seminary in Alexandria has announced plans to create a $1.7 million endowment fund whose proceeds will support reparations for the school’s ties to slavery.
2 church-sponsored festivals set for Sept. 20, 21 in Church Hill
Back-to-back festivals will be held on church grounds in Church Hill next weekend.
Pope Francis preaches message of peace, care of the sick and environmentalism during 3-nation visit to Africa
Pope Francis greeted packed stadiums full of celebrating locals and spoke to crowds numbering up to 1 million people in Madagascar, the second stop on his weeklong, three-nation trip to Africa.
VUU upsets Hampton at Armstrong Stadium
Virginia Union University has scaled one mountain. Now the Panthers are looking to climb another.
VSU Trojans their own biggest opponent in 44-21 loss to NSU
Turnovers taste great fresh off the griddle, but can cause indigestion on the gridiron. Virginia State University is 0-1 largely because of its inability to hang on to the football.
Thomas Jefferson starts football season with new field, new quarterback and new classification
Jaylen Tyler scored three touchdowns in Thomas Jefferson High School’s opening 48-6 win at Colonial Heights High School. Shamar Graham tallied three touchdowns in the home-opening 56-6 rout of Armstrong High School on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
Richmond Flying Squirrels end season, honor Joe Taylor
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have wrapped up their season. And while Richmond wasn’t the best team in the Eastern League, the Flying Squirrels were best at drawing fans.
Yankees then and now: Team could field lineup of color in World Series
The New York Yankees are a diverse bunch fueled by numerous African-American and Latino players.
Serena Williams loses at U.S. Open
Maybe someday in the distant future, Serena Williams will look back and be proud of herself for making it to the final at four of the first seven Grand Slam tournaments she played in after having a baby. But not right now.
4th Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival starts Thursday
Raymond Santana, who was 14 when he and four other youths were wrongly charged with the attack and rape of a female jogger in New York City’s Central Park in 1989, will moderate a discussion about the now Exonerated Five case following a documentary film screening at the 4th Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival this weekend in Richmond.
4 to be honored at Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute Awards Luncheon Sept. 21 at VUU
Four area people who have demonstrated excellence in leadership will be honored at the inaugural Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute’s Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center at Virginia Union University.
Civil rights exhibit at City Hall
The words and photographs of 28 area residents who participated in the Civil Rights Movement in Richmond are now on display in City Hall.
Richmond area resident wins national publishing competition
Freelance writer Robin Farmer is set to release her first book, “Angel Dressed in Black,” in 2021 after winning a nationwide indie publishing contest.
Home-sharing sites roll out welcome mat for minorities
A handful of home-sharing services are trying to ease fears of discrimination by catering to specific minority groups.
We know the problems; we need action
Editorials
It’s tough to dig yourself out of a hole. But Gov. Ralph S. Northam is still in the trench trying to work his way out eight months after his sad and disgraceful blackface scandal.
Presidential dishonesty
Editorials
Presidential dishonesty is going on and, no, it’s not President Trump.
New Coliseum project ‘almost certainly a mistake’
Columnists
The Navy Hill development project proposes to spend $350 million in public money to build a massive 17,500-seat regional arena in Richmond’s small and valuable Downtown. The arena, paid for only by the City of Richmond, will short-circuit all other city capital projects — most notably schools and housing — for at least a decade. The arena is almost certainly a mistake.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Black Lives Matter activist Jalene Schmidt takes part in a protest last Sunday outside the national headquarters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
Friday, September 6
HOME to begin eviction diversion program
Richmond’s first ever program aimed at helping people avoid eviction is about to get a home base.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
New plans are brewing for the historic Blues Armory at 6th and Marshall streets in Downtown as part of the Navy Hill District Corp.’s proposal to replace the closed Richmond Coliseum, located just north of the armory.
Michael Brown was a ‘sacrificial lamb’
Re Column “Recovering from Ferguson” and Letter to the Editor “Media responsible for racial tensions,” Free Press Aug. 29-31 edition:
Asthma and back to school
As summer winds down and talk in households around the country turns to back-to-school preparations, many parents and students are getting ready for another school year with the challenges of asthma.
School supplies donations versus making education a budget priority
Columnists
The event promised to be one of those last-gasp-of-summer events that would raise a little money for a good cause. The young woman who called to tell me about it promised that I’d meet interesting people, enjoy excellent wines and that the cost of attending was modest. “We aren’t charging anything this year,” she said rather breezily. “But please bring school supplies.”
Congressional reps rebuke delay of payday loan rule
Columnists
Anyone who struggles with the rising costs of living knows all too well how hard it is to try stretching dollars when there’s more month than money in the household.
The status quo is unacceptable
Editorials
Another weekend, another mass shooting — this time in Odessa, Texas, where a 36-year-old man, who had been fired from his oil services job earlier Saturday, initially shot a Texas state trooper during a routine traffic stop and then went on a 10-mile, hourlong shooting rampage, killing and wounding people in passing cars, in neighborhoods, at car dealerships and shopping plazas and killing a postal worker while hijacking her mail truck.
Saving the past
Bradford family descendants, supporters work to protect old Sons and Daughters of Ham Cemetery
Dense woods fill much of a largely uncelebrated and essentially abandoned African-American burial ground in Henrico County that had been best known in recent years as a practice area for University of Richmond runners.
New Ebola drugs show promise
Two experimental treatments are raising hopes among medical personnel that a cure for the deadly Ebola virus has been found.
Robin Thede looks to build legacy in HBO comedy sketch show
Robin Thede knew plenty of talented African-American female comedians, but only a few were getting hired on popular TV comedy shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Mad TV.” So Ms. Thede decided to create her own show featuring some of the industry’s funniest black women. The comic-writer-producer-actress is breaking new ground with her HBO comedy series “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” which airs Friday nights.
Jepson Leadership Forum starts Sept. 17
Experts in the fields of technology, journalism, politics and education will examine leadership in the age of the internet during the annual Jepson Leadership Forum speaker series that kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the University of Richmond.
Crab Feast & Fish Fry fundraiser Saturday for Peter Paul Development Center
The Men of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will hold their annual benefit Crab Feast & Fish Fry 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Peter Paul Development Center, 1708 N. 22nd St. in the East End.
World Heritage Festival, Festival of Kites this Saturday
A free international festival on Brown’s Island that will offer children an opportunity to showcase their kite-flying skills will highlight Richmond events this weekend.
Big sounds
VUU Ambassadors of Sound Marching Band gets first female drum major
Diamond McGhee’s usual wide smile projects confidence. But the smile disappeared last week as she pulled her hair into a ponytail and focused on the students standing before her playing their instruments — clarinets, cymbals, drums, flutes, trombones and trumpets. This was band practice, but not just any band.
Steph Curry scores golf team for Howard University
What started as an innocuous conversation during a public event has evolved into a golf partnership between NBA star Stephen Curry and Howard University.
Richmond native helping to diversify NASCAR pit crew
Raynard Revels II, a former linebacker, is now tackling a new assignment. The native Richmonder has been chosen for NASCAR and Rev Racing’s Drive for Diversity Pit-Crew Program in Charlotte, N.C.
VSU Coach Reggie Barlow looking to recapture past magic in Saturday’s game against NSU
Coach Reggie Barlow’s first two seasons at Virginia State University resembled a smooth ride with a finely tuned engine. Last season was more like smoke steaming from the hood.
After 25-year hiatus, VUU Panthers to meet HU Pirates on the gridiron this Saturday
Virginia Union University and Hampton University are about to dust off one of the HBCU’s oldest gridiron rivalries.
‘A heavy lift’: Religious black voters weigh Buttigieg’s bid
The Rev. Joe Darby, a South Carolina pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, pondered a sensitive question that he knew was on the mind of his congregation. Would black voters be able to reconcile their conservative religious doctrine with voting for a gay candidate for president?
In Mississippi Delta, Catholic clergy abuse cases settle on the cheap
A famed Catholic religious order settled sex abuse cases in recent months by secretly paying two African-American Mississippi men $15,000 each and requiring them to keep silent about their claims, the Associated Press has found.
Personality: Dr. Milondra B. Coleman
Spotlight on Richmond Education Association president
The new school year brings increased responsibilities for everyone connected to the Richmond Public Schools system, but only one person is both managing her curriculum and plans to improve the lives of an entire city of schools employees. That person is Dr. Milondra B. Coleman, who balances teaching modern world history and AP government at John Marshall High School with her duties as president of the Richmond Education Association.
Israeli company introduces recycling bins for CVWMA made from recycled waste
Plastic made from banana peels, dirty diapers, discarded vegetables, mixed paper and other household waste? That’s right.
Visitation policy change for state prison inmates
Inmates in state prisons will be able change a visitation list only twice a year instead of anytime they wish, the Virginia Department of Corrections has announced.
Clarification
Richmond City Councilman Michael J. Jones, 9th District, said Monday that he would abstain if he had to vote today on the $1.5 billion Coliseum replacement plan.
Community colleges to host driver training for CDLs
Community colleges in Richmond and across the state are moving to become hubs for obtaining a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. Under a program announced Aug. 27 by Gov. Ralph S. Northam, community colleges are to be a one-stop shop where students can get required classroom training and hands-on vehicle experience and take the tests to obtain learner’s permits and CDL licenses.
Free small business course to start Sept. 19
“Mine Your Business,” a nine-week course on creating and running a small business, launches Thursday, Sept. 19, and aims to bring business fundamentals, coaching by mentors and the chance to win money to pump into a new venture.
City council candidates to meet in back-to-back forums
The eight candidates running to replace 5th District City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto will have two chances next week to impress voters at candidate forums where they will respond to questions.
Hearing on Coliseum referendum petitions still up in the air
Richmond Circuit Court Chief Judge Joi Jeter Taylor so far has not set a new hearing to consider whether city Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter wrongly threw out more than 2,000 petition signatures and keeping a nonbinding advisory referendum on the Richmond Coliseum replacement project off the Nov. 5 ballot.
Opening Bell
Richmond Public Schools students, parents, teachers and officials were up bright and early and full of optimism Tuesday morning for the beginning of the new school year.
Activist to head U.N. AIDS Office
The United Nations Office on AIDS has named a longtime activist on women’s issues to head the global health agency.
Reframing the history of slavery in Angola and U.S.
If the United States has 35,000 museums, a writer asked in 2014, why is only one about slavery? And if the wealth of this country was built on the backs of enslaved people from Africa, why has that story been vastly under-reported in our media, in our schools and in our political discourse?
