Thursday, December 31
Principal Joe Clark, who inspired film ‘Lean on me,’ dies
Joe Louis Clark, the baseball bat and bullhorn-wielding principal whose unwavering commitment to his students and uncompromising disciplinary methods inspired the 1989 film “Lean on Me,” died at his Florida home on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, after a long battle with an unspecified illness, his family said. He was 82.
Kudos to Richmond Free Press
Thank you, Richmond Free Press, for delivering a quality newspaper on a weekly basis.
Wider concerns about cemetery reclamation lacking in article
Re “Work at historic cemeteries continues during pandemic,” Free Press Dec. 24-26 edition:
General Assembly has final say on Capitol statue
The Virginia General Assembly has the final decision on the statue that will forever be a reflection of Virginia in our U.S. Capitol.
Others more deserving of a statue in U.S. Capitol
Re: “Statue of teen civil rights advocate set to represent Virginia in U.S. Capitol,” Free Press Dec. 17-19 edition:
The broader view, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
I remember the commonly accepted phrase describing politics as, “All politics is lo- cal.” The obvious understanding is that the individual politician and his/her constituents are best served when the interests of the “local” constituents, not partisan interests, are paramount in policy decisions.
COVID-19 relief measure inadequate, by Marc H. Morial
“I wish they would put themselves — the White House and Congress and everybody else making these decisions — in the shoes of us, the normal working people, who need help due to no fault of our own. I’m asking to be able to keep my apartment. To be able to live, and not live on the street. I’m not asking to be put in a golden apartment or anything. I just want to be able to live.” — Unemployed teacher Stephanie Lott, quoted in The Washington Post
A New Year’s message
"For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice." - T.S. Eliot
Tiger Woods and son don’t quite break from the pack
Team Woods attracted most of the cameras but fell short of winning the title at the PNC Championships in Orlando.
He breaks stereotypes at Arizona State
Jackson He is big, fast and strong, about what you’d expect of a football player at Arizona State University. But what makes him really special is his nationality. He is Chinese.
Jerry Rice’s son running in his dad’s footsteps
Here’s great news for University of Colorado football fans: Brenden Rice is starting to look a lot like his famous dad.
Punter Pressley Harvin III named first team All-American
It is common nowadays to see Black athletes excel at every position on the football field—every position, that is, except kicker.
Deion Sanders now to have 2 sons at Jackson State
Jackson State University football Coach Deion Sanders will now have two sons playing for him next season.
K.C. Jones, who won Olympic, NCAA and NBA championships, dies at 88
K.C. Jones and the word “winner” were always synonymous.
Holiday closing schedule
In observance of New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1, please note the following:
Applications now open for Parker Family Scholarship
Applications are being accepted for the new Parker Family Scholarship, a $1,000 award to be given to a high school senior enrolled in Richmond Public Schools who plans to continue his or her education at a four-year college or university.
Sister of man killed by police enters governor’s race
The sister of Marcus-David Peters, who was shot and killed by a Richmond Police officer in 2018 during what has been described as a mental health crisis, has formally announced her candidacy for Virginia’s gubernatorial race.
City expands plans for enslaved African memorial site in Shockoe Bottom
City Hall is moving to expand the space designated for a long talked about memorial to slavery in Shockoe Bottom well before development begins on what the city has dubbed the Enslaved African Heritage Campus.
Richmond solicits casino plans
City Hall took its biggest step this week toward bringing a state-approved gambling casino and resort hotel to Richmond.
Coalition pushes Black inclusion in marijuana legalization
Five years ago, after the General Assembly legalized the growing of marijuana’s cousin, industrial hemp, veteran grower Leroy Hardy Jr. sought to be among the people chosen to plant the first test plots to help interested farmers get the most from the crop.
Foremost wishes for 2021
With the start of 2021, the Richmond Free Press invited select city and state officials and leaders to share their foremost wishes for the new year. Following are their responses.
Chesterfield’s Megan Walker has WNBA, international playing career
The offseason for women’s elite basketball talent isn’t much different than the regular season. In the NBA, the average salary is $7.7 million. By sharp contrast, the average WNBA salary is about $101,000. That’s ample reason why many WNBA athletes — like local star Megan Walker — supplement their paychecks with far-away gigs across oceans, mountains and multiple time zones.
Emancipation Proclamation Day service to take place online
With a stroke of a pen, President Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in the warring South 158 years ago.
Ruby H. Walden, a force for community betterment in Suffolk, dies at 99
“I cannot do everything, but I can do some things. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, with the help of God, I will do.” Those are the words Ruby Holland Walden lived by until her death at age 99 in her native Suffolk on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, her family said.
Personality: Victoria S. ‘Vickie’ Oakley
Spotlight on board chair of Dancing Classrooms Greater Richmond
Education always has been a focus for Victoria S.“Vickie” Oakley.
Mayor heading strongly into his second term
Mayor Levar M. Stoney sees bright prospects ahead for Richmond if COVID-19 can be defeated quickly.
Sculpture honors 1st Black president of U.S. college
The first Black president of an American college is being honored with a sculpture installed in the Vermont city where he was born in 1826.
‘You just don’t know what's coming'
As the pandemic wears on, hundreds of families line up in a drive-thru for food from the Chesterfield Food Bank
For Tatanisha Rodriguez, the experience of going to a food bank for help for the first time just a week shy of Christmas produced a multitude of emotions and reactions.
New registration system to aid COVID-19 vaccination process
Local health officials announced a new initiative to help with management of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Thursday, December 24
‘Best gift ever’
Henrico mother receives the gift of life – a liver transplant – from 21-year-old son
Thanks to receiving from her oldest son what she calls “the best gift ever,” Tashawn D. Jones, 41, is enjoying an especially bright holiday season.
Serving MLK’s ‘dream’ was Dr. Willie Woodson’s passion
On Dec. 4, Richmond lost a good, decent and caring citizen, Dr. Willie Woodson, longtime pastor of First United Presbyterian Church in North Side who came out of retirement to pastor Trinity Ghanaian Presbyterian Church.
Celebrate this holiday with care, by Glenn Ellis
After almost eight months of quarantine, face masks and hand sanitizer, we are now in the middle of two unprecedented events: The COVID-19 pandemic and the first holiday season under measures that have changed how we carry out our family traditions.
Resolutions for the Biden-Harris administration, by Ben Jealous
Electing a new president and vice president was a gift that 81 million Americans gave to ourselves and to one another.
Rashida Jones named first African-American to lead cable news network
MSNBC has named Rashida Jones the first Black person and Black woman president of the network.
Area historian awarded $10,000 grant for documentary on Virginia Randolph
Historian Elvatrice Belsches’ 20-year dream to make a documentary about noted educator Virginia E. Randolph is getting an initial boost with a $10,000 grant from Virginia Humanities to support the research and development of a script.
Capital City Kwanzaa festival to go virtual beginning Dec. 26
Like many other holiday events, the Richmond area’s largest Kwanzaa festival is going virtual and also will provide evening shows online during the full seven days of the holiday that begins Saturday, Dec. 26, it has been announced.
Thomas ‘Tiny’ Lister, an athlete who rose to fame as a bully on the silver screen, dies at 62
Thomas “Tiny” Lister, a track and field champion, professional wrestler and actor, died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at his home in Marina del Ray, Calif.
College football losing Black coaches
The ranks of Black coaches in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision continue to shrink.
West End crew take Seattle Seahawks to victory over Washington
The Seattle Seahawks are a West Coast team with a strong West End of Richmond influence.
Integration of Negro Leagues’ stats into MLB called ‘marketing genius’ by former player
Don’t be surprised if there’s a spike in sales of old Negro League baseball gear— and just in time for the holidays.
Record mail volume and worker shortage lead to USPS delays
The U.S. Postal Service is struggling to deliver gifts, medications and other mail in a timely fashion.
Applications being accepted for new Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program
Applications currently are being accepted for the Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program, a new $10 million scholarship fund announced by the energy giant in July to aid African-American, Latino and other young people from under-represented groups seeking a college education or vocational training.
Money available for one-time help with overdue city utility bills
Behind on your utility bill? For city residents, there is help.
Gov. Northam takes action to help unemployed
Tens of thousands of Virginians who lost their jobs, but whose applications for unemployment benefits remain in limbo, are about to get their money.
Lee statue removed in U.S. Capitol; injunction remains keeping Monument Avenue statue
The statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was removed with ease Monday from the U.S. Capitol, but the towering statue of the slavery-defending general will remain on Monument Avenue for now, courtesy of a Virginia Supreme Court ruling.
'Charlie Brown’ Christmas trees lift school, spirits
Frank Pichel’s Christmas trees will probably never be chosen to light up New York’s Rockefeller Center. They look more like the droopy, pitiful tree made famous in the 1965 children’s animated classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Don’t spend your stimulus check just yet
On hold. That’s the status of the $600 government checks and a host of other aid contained in the $900 billion coronavirus stimulus package Congress overwhelmingly approved Monday.
Cherished Holiday Memories 2020
The holidays bring their own flood of memories — the joyful and the bittersweet.
Negro League players may alter MLB record books
Slugging catcher Josh Gibson always had the talent to be a Major League Baseball player. That was never in question. But it wasn’t until last week that the man known as the “Black Babe Ruth” officially became a major leaguer.
Work at historic cemeteries continues during pandemic
Drive into historic Evergreen and East End cemeteries, and it is immediately evident that the 12 years of restoration work is paying off.
Tuskegee Airman dies days before his 100th birthday and ceremony honoring military service
Tuskegee Airman Alfred Thomas Farrar died on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, in Lynchburg only days before a ceremony planned to honor his service in the program that famously trained Black military pilots during World War II. He was 99.
Personality: Kenda Sutton-EL
Spotlight on co-founder and board president of Birth in Color RVA
Kenda Sutton-EL knows that all births aren’t equal in Virginia.
Latest COVID-19 vaccine ‘a great opportunity’
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has come to Virginia, with Richmond and Henrico officials marking the arrival with a news conference Wednesday morning following the first vaccinations.
Biden taps diverse slate for top jobs
Backed by repeated state and U.S. Supreme Court affirmations that a majority of voters in America legally elected Democrat Joe Biden to be the next president of the United States, President-elect Biden and his teammate, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, have been steadily building a unique White House leadership team that dramatically reflects the nation’s diversity.
Thursday, December 17
Gov. Northam proposes $25M to transform Monument Avenue and historical sites
The state would provide nearly $11 million to repopulate Monument Avenue with figures of heroes to replace the Confederate statues that once dominated the street under a proposal from Gov. Ralph S. Northam.
Hampton president to step down after more than 40 years
After more than four decades at the helm, Hampton University President William R. Harvey announced Monday that he will step down in June 2022.
Roll up your sleeve
Virginia officials introduce COVID-19 vaccine with initial inoculation of front line health workers
When the opportunity arose to be one of the first in Virginia to get a shot of the new COVID-19 vaccine, the choice was obvious for Dr. Roberson.
VSU, NSU receive multimillion $ bonanzas
Virginia State University just received a gift of $30 million, the largest private donation since its founding 138 years ago. Norfolk State University also received a record-setting gift of $40 million.
State watchdog report finds significant flaws in state’s special education efforts
Every year, more than 2,300 special education students — 20 percent — are awarded essentially worthless diplomas when they graduate.
Personality: Pamela B. Smith
Spotlight on president of the Richmond Metropolitan Chapter of The Charmettes
Pamela B. Smith was first inspired to join the Richmond Metropolitan Chapter of The Charmettes 25 years ago.
Former Newport News Delegate Mamye BaCote, a member of the Richmond 34, dies at 81
As a student at Virginia Union University, Mamye Edmondson BaCote took part in the lunch counter sit-ins led by VUU students to end whites-only, sit-down service at restaurants and lunch counters in Downtown.
Do you see what I see? Planetary alignment to create a ‘Christmas star’
A star, a star will dance in the night on Monday, Dec. 21.
Hoop-less
CIAA pulls plug on basketball because of pandemic
There will be no CIAA men’s or women’s basketball this winter. Nor will there be any women’s volleyball. The CIAA Board of Directors has voted to cancel the seasons because of fears related to COVID-19.
Chesterfield teen receives $10,000 grant to kick-start home-school academy
Watching her younger brother struggle as he started high school through a home-school program, Nasiyah Isra-Ul went online to try to find resources to help.
Statue of teen civil rights advocate set to represent Virginia in U.S. Capitol
Teenage rebel Barbara Rose Johns, who led a student strike in Farmville that ultimately helped eradicate government-enforced racial segregation in the United States, is recommended to be Virginia’s new statue in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall.
City Council backs year-round homeless shelter, approves master plan
Rhonda Sneed has gained City Council support after a year of pleading for City Hall to create a year-round shelter for the homeless.
Families of homicide victims gather online for 30th annual remembrance ceremony
Members of the Richmond community gathered online last week to remember homicide victims and their survivors at the Richmond Coalition Against Violence’s 30th Annual Holiday Memorial Program.
Trailblazing Black country singer Charley Pride, winner of 3 Grammys from 30 No. 1 hits, succumbs to COVID-19 complications
Charley Pride, one of country music’s first Black superstars whose rich baritone on such hits as “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” helped sell millions of records and made him the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, has died. He was 86.
More U.S. churches commit to reparations
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas acknowledges that its first bishop in 1859 was a slaveholder. An Episcopal church erects a plaque noting the building’s creation in New York City in 1810 was made possible by wealth resulting from slavery.
Russell Wilson finalist for NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year
Former Richmonder Russell Wilson is one of 32 finalists for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
VCU has history of capitalizing on 3-pointers
Players, even coaches, come and go. But one thing seems constant regarding Virginia Commonwealth University hoops— the 3-pointer is a Rams center-ring attraction.
VCU Rams rout N.C. A&T 95-59 in latest matchup with HBCU
The latest chapter in Virginia Commonwealth University’s long history of playing historically Black colleges and universities didn’t go well for the visitors from Greensboro, N.C.
The NBA’s official season opens Dec. 22
Ready or not, here comes the NBA, just in time for the holidays.
Cleveland Indians changing their name after 105 years
Major League Baseball’s Cleveland team will drop its “Indians” name following persistent criticism that it was offensive to Native Americans, the franchise said on Monday.
Saving ourselves
Attorney Benjamin J. Crump urges graduates to use their degrees, positions and voices to speak up for others
“It is up to Black people to save Black people,” noted at- torney Benjamin J. Crump told graduates during Virginia State University’s 2020 virtual commencement exercises held online last Saturday.
VCU student delivers main speech at winter commencement
Creativity and a willingness to adapt are paramount.
Mothers Club comes to an end after 66 years
After 66 years of donating to charities, helping individuals and organizations in the Richmond community and building a strong bond of friendship among their members and children, The Mothers Club has disbanded.
The gift
We are awestruck by Tuesday’s announcements of the latest largesse by billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, including gifts of $30 million to Virginia State University and $40 million to Norfolk State University.
Light at the end of the tunnel
We have waited for this moment — the arrival of a vaccine for COVID-19, the dreadful virus that has taken the lives of more than 304,000 people across the country, including more than 4,500 Virginians, and impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands others who have been stricken and/or hospitalized during this pandemic.
Biden, be bold, by Julianne Malveaux
I expected neither sparks nor extreme surprises as President-elect Joe Biden began to announce his Cabinet. I did expect diversity, and we’ve seen it. But I didn’t expect the number of Obama-era retreads to be included in this Cabinet.
Revive U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
A new president takes office with the sense of possibility that comes with a new dawn. This is particularly true for President-elect Joe Biden, who will be taking office after the divisive turmoil of Donald Trump’s years in office.
What now, America?
With the 2020 election cycle coming to an end and a new year on the horizon, I should feel hopeful for the state of this nation and for the state of politics. However, I do not.
Thursday, December 10
Stop blocking COVID-19 relief, by Ben Jealous
It is going to be a hard Christmas for many Americans. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is soaring. The virus is spreading faster than ever. Families and small business owners whose incomes have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic are being hurt by the U.S. Senate’s refusal to provide any relief since April.
Affected Henrico residents not informed about new arena project
Re: “Henrico Coliseum? Navy Hill developers who were rejected in Richmond plan to build a bigger development with a new 17,000-seat arena off Parham Road in Henrico County,” Free Press Dec. 3-5 edition:
Colorado young scientist and app creator named Kid of the Year
A 15-year-old Colorado high school student and young scientist who has used artificial intel- ligence and created apps to tackle contaminated drinking water, cyberbullying, opioid addiction and other social problems has been named TIME magazine’s and Nickelodeon’s first Kid of the Year.
Baseball slugger Richard ‘Dick’ Allen dies at 78
Richard Anthony Allen, among baseball’s most powerful sluggers of his generation, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.
USA Track and Field Hall of Famer Arnie Robinson Jr. dies
Arnie Paul Robinson Jr., the 1976 Olympic long- jump champion, died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020.
Olympic champion and American hero Rafer Johnson dies
Rafer Johnson, widely regarded as among the greatest athletes of all time and the man who helped subdue Robert F. Kennedy’s assassin in 1968, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, in Sherman Oaks, Calif. He was 86.
Mayweather to fight again
As long as there is money to be made, Floyd Mayweather isn’t hanging up his boxing gloves.
Washington Wizards shake things up, snag Russell Westbrook in trade
There’s an adage that if you keep doing the same ol’ things, you’ll keep getting the same ol’ results. The Washington Wizards, stuck in mediocrity for years, took this to heart and decided to shake up things in the nation’s capital.
Few Black head coaches leading top NCAA football programs
Black players are common on the college gridiron. But the same isn’t true for coaches wearing the headphones on the sidelines.
Shaka Smart sports new look
Some of Coach Shaka Smart’s former Virginia Commonwealth University fans might not recognize the former Rams coach nowadays in a crowd.
Drive-thru live nativities are tailor-made for a COVID-19 Christmas
At the Nativity display outside Faith Church of Lafayette, Ind., the baby will be laid in a manger this year, surrounded by friendly beasts — except for the donkeys. They bite. In the past, the camels have been known to kick.
Martha Norris Gilbert, who led the former Virginia Department for Children, dies at 82
Martha Norris Gilbert, who led the first Virginia agency that focused on children and was involved in expanding pre-school programming in public school divisions across the state, has died.
Controversial Broad Street high-rise ordinances withdrawn
The battle over possible Broad Street high-rise buildings has temporarily ended in victory for the opponents.
Maggie L. Walker’s personal and professional papers donated to NPS
Thirty boxes of letters and other documents from the desk of Richmond great Maggie L. Walker are now in the hands of the National Park Service.
Sen. Morrissey in legal trouble again
Richmond Democratic state Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey confirms that when he was running for office in November 2019, he gave out doughnuts to election staff inside the polling place at the Powhatan Community Center on Fulton Hill on Election Day and also took pictures with some of them.
Mayor appoints Lincoln Saunders as acting CAO
J.E. Lincoln Saunders is now in charge of City Hall operations.
Officials stress equitable access for Blacks, Latinos to COVID-19 vaccine
Virginia is preparing for its first supply of COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in the next week or so, with 480,000 doses now expected with the first wave.
Henrico man’s gardening passion grows YouTube followers
Randy Battle has a passion for gardening. Now he’s sharing that passion with a worldwide audience.
Chris Shelton of Louisa steps up this season for HU Pirates
Hampton University’s Chris Shelton wears the same jersey number — 12 — as he wore last year.
Food distribution set for Saturday at Petersburg church
A Petersburg church will host the distribution of 5,000 to-go meals in partnership with a Newport News nonprofit that is on the front lines of feeding people.
Dr. Willie Woodson, minister and community activist, succumbs at 72
Dr. Willie Woodson wore multiple hats as a Richmond faith leader.
Personality: Kevin Holder
Spotlight on president of Iota Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity during centennial
Six years after Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was created at Howard University, a new chapter was established in Richmond in the summer of 1920.
Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe makes it official: He wants another 4 years
Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe has been saying for months he wants his old job back. On Wednesday, Mr. McAuliffe made his bid official.
Gov. Northam signs ‘Breonna’s Law’ banning no-knock warrants
Two of Breonna Taylor’s aunts watched in Richmond on Monday as Gov. Ralph S. Northam ceremonially signed a statewide ban against police use of no-knock search warrants, a law named after Ms. Taylor, a Kentucky woman who was fatally shot when Louisville police broke down her door in the middle of the night.
Cozy with Chromebook
Richmond School Board votes for students to continue virtual classes through the end of the academic year
Richmond students won’t be going back into school buildings for in-person classes next semester.
Women power
Military veteran becomes first-time homeowner through Habitat initiative
Spring Cambric broke down in tears as she stood surrounded by family and friends last Saturday on the front porch of her new North Side home.
We must participate in Richmond casino, by Alfred Liggins
For decades, the state of Virginia has had a dismal track record when it comes to economic inclusion for African-Americans, especially as it pertains to the award of meaningful contracts and providing equal access to economic development opportunities to Black businesses.
Thursday, December 3
Dr. Andrew M. Mosley Jr., retired pastor of Quioccasin Baptist Church, dies at 80
Dr. Andrew Monroe Mosley Jr., who served as pastor of Quioccasin Baptist Church in Henrico County for three decades during his 52-year ministry career, has died.
Personality: Floyd Lee Brown Jr.
Spotlight on the Black History Museum’s holiday tradition, Soul Santa
Nothing can stop Soul Santa, not even COVID-19.
City Council member wants to send Richmond 300 plan back to drawing board
Too many flaws. That’s City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson’s take on a proposed new master plan, dubbed “Richmond 300,” to guide the city’s future development and enable Virginia’s capital to become the “welcoming inclusive, diverse, innovative place” it seeks to be.
Federal lawsuit filed over tear-gassing of inmates at Richmond Justice Center
In late August, during an outbreak of the coronavirus at the Richmond City Justice Center, deputies under the command of Sheriff Antionette V. Irving tear-gassed inmates who raised concerns about safety practices. Dozens of others in the same area also were impacted.
Henrico Coliseum?
Navy Hill developers who were rejected in Richmond plan to build a bigger development with a new 17,000-seat arena off Parham Road in Henrico County
Richmond is about to lose its title as the region’s entertainment capital.
Harvard elects first Black male student body leader
A 20-year-old from Mississippi has be- come the first Black man elected student body president at Harvard.
Remain vigilant
At the grassroots and national levels, we must continue the fight against the fascist activities of the Republican Party. We must continue our support for President-elect Joe Biden for the next two years because the Republicans have indicated their sabotage plans.
America faces threat
As an 84-year-old man, it is hard to comprehend how America has changed so much in a few decades, especially in how people now perceive the precious rights and liberties granted us by our Founding Fathers when they drew up the greatest Constitution in the world.
All workers need paid sick days, by Sarah Milston
In Virginia, we currently have no law requiring employers to offer paid sick days for their workers. This means that working Virginians aren’t guaranteed the right to earn paid time off based on the hours they work.
The DNA of a Black woman, by Chuck Richardson
There is something magical about a fearless, intelligent, incorruptible Black woman — a woman willing to sacrifice and face any obstacle she must for a greater cause than herself. Black women have been, and continue to be, the crucible of fortitude. Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, Fannie Lou Hamer and thousands of others have been the bedrock of African-American progress.
Step aside, Ms. Showalter
When a public servant fails to serve the public, then she or he should step down from office or be removed.
Buyer beware
We were not surprised that the developers of the defunct new Richmond Coliseum and Downtown development project ran to the welcoming embrace of Henrico County when their costly $1.5 billion Navy Hill project was rejected last year in Richmond.
Tyson and Jones give fight winnings to pandemic victims
For old time’s sake, and for the good of charity, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. put on quite a show Nov. 28 in Los Angeles.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers make league history with 3 Black coaching coordinators
If there was an NFL award for coaching diversity, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be a leading contender.
Rookie Antonio Gibson becomes Washington team hero on Thanksgiving
Antonio Gibson has become a new hero in Washington and a villain in Dallas.
Jaret Patterson rushes into the record books
Jaret Patterson has raced straight into the college football record books and smack dab into the NCAA spotlight.
NSU basketball opens on a roll
If Norfolk State University can play as well at home as it has away, the Spartans are looking at a banner season.
Tuskegee Airman Frank Macon dies
One of only two original, remaining Tuskegee Airmen in Colorado has died. Frank Macon died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at his home in Colorado Springs. He was 97.
David N. Dinkins, NYC’s first Black mayor, dies at 93
Few American leaders have faced the battery of urban ills that confronted David N. Dinkins when he became New York’s first Black mayor in 1990.
Bruce Boynton, who inspired 1961 Freedom Rides after Richmond arrest, dies at 83
Bruce Carver Boynton, a civil rights pioneer from Alabama who inspired the landmark “Freedom Rides” of 1961, died Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. He was 83.
Virginia NAACP names new executive director — Da’Quan Love
Da’QuanM.LoveisthenewexecutivedirectoroftheVirginia State Conference of the NAACP.
Faye B. Walker, a backbone of the African dance and culture group Ezibu Muntu, dies at 66
Faye Bettina Walker spent 47 years teaching and spreading interest in African dance in the Richmond area and beyond.
South Side woodland to be turned over to city for possible parkland, trails
South Side is gaining 13 additional acres of parkland as a gift from the land’s current owners, it has been announced.
Organizations raise $1M for new racial justice fund
Several organizations in Richmond have partnered to raise $1 million for a fund set to expand wealth and educational op- portunities for the Black community and to address structural racism.
State’s second medical marijuana dispensary opens in Richmond
Virginia’s second medical cannabis processor has opened in Richmond.
Virginia redistricting committee takes shape; public can apply
More than a half dozen legislators have been named to a bipartisan redistricting commission that seeks to fairly draw congressional and state legislative districts.
Residents can have their say on Richmond casino survey
What community benefits do you want a Richmond gambling casino to provide?
Electoral board chair planning hearing on city registrar’s removal
James M. Nachman, chairman of the Richmond Electoral Board, is planning to hold a board hearing to consider the removal of veteran Richmond Voter Registrar J. Kirk Showalter.
Downtown illumination Dec. 4 to kick off the holiday
Downtown will light up for the holidays with the annual RVA Illuminates celebration this Friday, Dec. 4.
The Ingramettes to receive honorary degrees
The Richmond-based Ingramettes are still serving up gospel music five years after the death of their founder and leader, Maggie Ingram.
