Friday, February 28
Developer interest in Coliseum and Downtown persists despite claims
Developer interest in the vacant Richmond Coliseum and Downtown real estate near it appears to be alive and well.
Let the people decide
Since the dawn of this republic, African-Americans have been in a constant struggle to become fully vested in our right to vote. From being counted as three-fifths of a human being; to literacy tests; to poll taxes; to the fight to ratify the 15th Amendment; to the historic signing of the 1964 Voting Rights Act; to being disenfranchised by an overzealous criminal justice system or restrictive voter ID laws; African-Americans’ right to participate in the governance of this country constantly has been challenged and denied.
‘Confederate monuments speak truth to power’
Re “Confederate statues in State Capitol remain unaddressed,” Free Press Feb. 13-15 edition:
Thanks to City Council for voting down the Coliseum plan
Re “Begin again: City Council majority strikes $1.5B Coliseum and Downtown development project, urging the administration to start over with public inclusion,” Free Press Feb. 13-15 edition:
#ReclaimingYourVote by Marc H. Morial
“Voter suppression isn’t guns and hoses and bully clubs and Bull Connor. It’s administrative burdens that interfere with your right to vote. In the South, they try to stop you from getting on the rolls ... and to stay on the rolls ... and have your ballot be counted. We need our democracy to work, we need poverty to end, we need disenfranchisement to be a thing of the past, because when people are suppressed or oppressed it rages. It may be silent for some time but eventually it will come out.” – Stacey Abrams, former Georgia lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate
Housing programs jeopardized in Trump budget by Charlene Crowell
Once again, the White House budget proposal slashes funding and programs that many low- and moderate-income consumers rely upon.
Lizzo, 'Just Mercy' win top honors at NAACP Image Awards
Lizzo was named entertainer of the year and “Just Mercy” won best motion picture, best actor and best supporting actor Saturday at the NAACP Im- age Awards, as the show that recognizes entertainers of color ladled honors on the film that was snubbed by bigger shows throughout awards season.
Governor, lawmakers hit the basketball court for cancer research
The governor, lobbyists, legislators and their assistants left Capitol Square last Thursday to face off on the basketball court for a cancer research fundraiser.
Richmond Black Restaurant Experience starts March 1
The sixth edition of the weeklong Richmond Black Restaurant Experience begins Sunday, March 1, with a food truck extravaganza from 1 to 5 p.m. at Kanawha Plaza, it has been announced.
60th Anniversary
Members of the Richmond 34 remember their historic lunch counter protest in Downtown
On Feb. 22, 1960, more than 200 Virginia Union University students protested the whites- only policy at the restaurant and lunch counter at Thalhimers department store in Downtown, challenging its segregationist dining policy in solidarity with similar student efforts taking place across the country.
Randolph-Macon heading into postseason with Miles Mallory
Randolph-Macon College’s basketball squad is fueled up and prepared for postseason takeoff.
Marrow sets new Hampton University scoring record
Jermaine Marrow has surpassed one legend. Now he’s closing in another. The Hampton University senior guard recently broke Rick Mahorn’s HU career scoring mark.
Lady Panthers favored to win 4th crown in 5 years
The Virginia Union University Lady Panthers have barely tapped the brakes in running roughshod over the CIAA women’s basketball tournament during the past five years.
CIAA's last hurrah in Charlotte
VUU, VSU in good shape going into CIAA Tournament
Virginia Union University has arrived at the 75th Annual CIAA Tournament with a full head of steam. Meanwhile, Virginia State University stubbed its toe during the final preparations for the tournament in Charlotte, N.C.
Thousands fill the Staples Center for Kobe Bryant’s ‘Celebration of Life’
A gallery of basketball legends joined thousands of Kobe Bryant fans in Los Angeles on Monday to pay tribute to the transcendent NBA star, his daughter and seven others who died in a helicopter crash last month that shocked the world of sports and beyond.
Actress and film festival co-founder Ja’Net DuBois succumbs at 74
Ja’Net DuBois, who played the vivacious neighbor Willona Woods on the 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” composed and sang the theme song for television’s “The Jeffersons” and was one of the founders of the largest black film festival in the United States, has died.
Restaurateur, model B. Smith dies at 70 from early onset Alzheimer’s
Barbara “B.” Smith, one of the nation’s top African-American models who went on to open restaurants, launch a successful home products line and write cookbooks, has died at her Long Island home at age 70 after battling early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Levy M. Armwood Jr., retired pastor, music teacher, dies at 79
Dr. Levy Mack Armwood Jr., retired pastor of historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jackson Ward and a 32-year music teacher for Richmond Public Schools, has died.
Personality: Quanda Lashun Baker
Spotlight on local president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women
Almost five years ago, Quanda Lashun Baker was among the charter members of the Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, establishing a branch of the women’s nonprofit organization dedicated to making a difference in the community.
Local architects receive top industry recognition
Two African-American architects are among five Virginians who have been named to receive the top honor of the American Institute of Architects — induction into the AIA’s College of Fellows, the equivalent of its hall of fame.
Panels to explore UR's history with race
The University of Richmond is set to grapple with its history with race next week with two panels that will coincide with the institution’s 180th Founders Day on Wednesday, March 4.
Judge dismisses $30M lawsuit stemming from traffic stop
A judge has thrown out a Richmond woman’s $30 million lawsuit claiming civil rights violations by a Richmond Police officer and the city government after she was handcuffed during a traffic stop.
St. Luke Building ready for tenants
The historic 117-year-old office building in which Richmond business great Maggie L. Walker launched a bank and led a crusade for African-American economic independence has been renovated into an apartment building that is ready to welcome its first tenants.
Gray candidacy announcement set for Sunday; another mayoral challenger expected
Richmond City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray plans to formally announce her challenge to Mayor Levar M. Stoney this weekend.
School Board sends $436M budget to Mayor Stoney
Richmond Public Schools is calling on City Hall and taxpayers to boost spending on public education by $21 million during the next school year in a bid to advance its strategic plan for educational improvement.
Polls open on Super Tuesday March 3 for Democratic presidential primary contest
Voters in Virginia are getting their chance to help select the Democratic contender to face President Trump in the fall election.
Katherine G. Johnson, trailblazing NASA mathematician immortalized in the film 'Hidden Figures,' dies at 101
Katherine G. Johnson, the mathematical genius whose calculations took her from a behind-the-scenes job in a segregated NASA as portrayed in the film “Hidden Figures” to a key role in sending humans to the moon, died on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, at her residence at an assisted living facility in Newport News.
Blood Feud
Descendant pushes to be recognized by Pamunkey Tribe despite vestiges of ‘Black Laws’
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe’s fight in the General Assembly for the right to build gambling casinos in Richmond and Norfolk is shining a renewed spotlight on the tribe’s use of racial bigotry to ensure its survival.
Friday, February 21
Emmy-nominated actress Paula Kelly has died at 77
Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in the film “Sweet Charity,” has died. She was 77.
Councilwoman to challenge Stoney for mayor, sources say
For months, City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, has been the only person mentioned as a possible opponent to Mayor Levar M. Stoney in his November re-election bid.
Life as they know it: Homeless residents of Cathy's Camp tent city talk about drawbacks of leaving
Money and comfort are among the reasons that the homeless encampment across from the Richmond Justice Center is still standing and the city’s goal of dismantling it is still unrealized.
Bloomberg met with support, opposition in Richmond
Roughly two weeks before Super Tuesday, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was in Richmond looking for support from voters and from many of the lawmakers whose campaigns he helped fund.
Obama Elementary School: New name, new spirit
It was an Obama love fest last Friday as students, teachers, officials and special guests dedicated Barack Obama Elementary School, the North Side school built in 1922 and previously named for a Confederate general that was renamed in September 2018 to honor the nation’s first African-American president.
School Board approves new names for 3 schools
Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School. Cardinal Elementary School. River City Middle School. Those are the new names for George Mason Elementary in Church Hill, E.S.H. Greene Elementary in South Side and the new middle school on Hull Street Road, respectively.
Statue of archsegregationist remains in Capitol Square
Richmond and other Virginia localities are on track to gain permission from the General Assembly to take down Confederate statues.
VCU to open STEM center to aid area public school students
Careers in science, technology, engineering and math are booming.
New children's library to open Feb. 20 at Whitcomb Court
Whitcomb Court is getting a new children’s library from the Fountain of Youth Foundation.
Pamunkey tribe's status as preferred casino developer in question
Will the Pamunkey Indian Tribe hold on to its status as the preferred developer of resort hotel-casinos in Richmond and Norfolk?
VCU receives funding for pediatric brain injury research
Children who suffer brain injuries as the result of accidents or playing sports are expected to get more dedicated care at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU as the result of new funding.
City's credit rating upgraded
Richmond’s government has moved closer to its long-term goal of achieving an AAA credit rating from Wall Street credit rating agencies.
Advocates seek full decriminalization of marijuana
Around 30 people called for the full decriminalization of marijuana during a rally in Capitol Square last Saturday, challenging a Democrat-sponsored bill that they said would lead to continued disproportionate arrests of people of color.
Virginia emerges as the South's progressive leader under Dems
In a state once synonymous with the Old South, Democrats are using their newfound legislative control to refashion Virginia as the region’s progressive leader on racial, social and economic issues.
Personality: Barney Cobb
Spotlight on former John Marshall High track star to be inducted into VHSL Hall of Fame
Barney Cobb, renowned for his exceptional speed, is sprinting straight into the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. The former John Marshall High School track and field champion will be formally inducted April 26 during a ceremony in Charlottesville.
Thelma M. Robinston, longtime Richmond educator, dies at 99
Fueled by a love of education, Thelma Mealy Robinson rose from teacher to principal to assistant superintendent during a career largely with Richmond Public Schools that spanned more than 40 years.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala dies
The founder of the South African multi-Grammy Award-winning music group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala, has died at age 78, the group and the government have announced.
Catholic Diocese of Richmond launches new victims compensation process
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond wants to ensure that people who were victims of sexual abuse by priests and deacons are compensated as part of its efforts “to assist in the healing.”
New Air Force rules allow turbans, hijabs and beards
Muslim and Sikh advocacy groups are welcoming new guidelines issued by the U.S. Air Force allowing personnel to request a waiver to wear religious apparel, including turbans and hijabs, and to have unshorn hair or beards for religious reasons.
Graham vows to continue UK tour despite controversy
The Rev. Franklin Graham said he will seek alternative venues for a United Kingdom tour this spring after all eight venues reneged on plans to host the evangelist, saying his views on homosexuality are incompatible with the values of the British people.
Local legends Arthur Ashe and Willie Lanier bound for VIA Hall of Fame
Two of Richmond’s most famous athletes—both from Maggie L. Walker High School—have been selected for the Virginia Interscholastic Association Hall of Fame. Football legend Willie Lanier and the late tennis great Arthur Ashe Jr. will be among 12 inductees into the VIA Hall of Fame on June 26 in Charlottesville.
VUU to take on VSU Feb. 22 at Barco-Stevens Hall
The rematch between Virginia Union and Virginia State universities on Saturday, Feb. 22, might be billed “No. 1 scorer versus No. 1 team.”
Shaq's son, Shareef O'Neal, transferring to LSU
Talk about a tough act to follow. Shareef O’Neal, the 20-year-old son of basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, is transferring to Louisiana State University where his father was a two-time All-American.
Memories of Kobe Bryant flood All-Star Game
Team LeBron won the game. Anthony Davis scored the game-clinching point. Kawhi Leonard was MVP. But memories of Kobe Bry- ant garnered people’s attention and thoughts the most at last Sunday’s 69th NBA All-Star Game in Chicago.
Former MLB player Tony Fernandez dies at 57
Tony Fernandez, a brilliant shortstop who played 17 seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the Toronto Blue Jays, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Weston, Fla.
2 plays examine periods in history during Black History Month
There’s nothing like live theater performances during Black History Month to illuminate unforgettable characters.
Black Book Expo Freb. 22 and 23
The Elegba Folklore Society is hosting a Black Book Expo this weekend featuring local authors and entertainment.
Black History Month program to focus on civil rights icons Oliver W. Hill Sr. and Spottswood W. Robinson III
Noted Richmond civil rights attorneys Oliver W. Hill Sr. and Spottswood W. Robinson III and their role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that legally ended school segregation is the focus of a program, “Racial Segregation: Then and Now,” to be presented by the Chesterfield County Public Library.
Mural unveiling, African-American Read-In Feb. 27 at VMFA
A mixed-media mural of acrylic paint and photography will reflect the creative visions of Richmond Free Press photographers Sandra Sellars and Regina Boone and several others at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
AKAs present 16 debutantes
Sixteen young women were presented at the Debutante Presentation and Ball hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Upsilon Omega Chapter.
Celebrity Drag Bingo Feb. 20 at Diversity Richmond
Diversity Richmond is hosting Celebrity Drag Bingo at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Diversity Richmond Event Hall, 1407 Sherwood Ave.
Cathy's Camp
The Bible tells us, “The poor will always be with you.” But Richmond has got to find a better way to help people in need. Latest case in point: The people living in the Cathy’s Camp tent city.
Election Day holiday
We are bolstered by the recent passage of bills in the House of Delegates and state Senate to eliminate the shameful and insulting Lee-Jackson Day and replace it with a state holiday on Election Day in November.
Recommitting to a 'fair and equitable' society by Congressman A. Donald McEachin
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Trump's budget reveals his priorities by Julianne Malveaux
If you tell me how you spend your money, I can tell you what your values are. You say you are a Christian, but neither tithe nor have a church home. You say you support civil rights, but have no connection to a civil rights organization. You say you love your alma mater, but never contribute to the place.
Ditch the fear by Dr. E. Faye Williams
With all the fear-mongering, the unjust firings, transfers, name-calling, the profanity-laced rantings, the lying, the mean-spirited actions, the early negative predictions about the Democratic Party and its candidates, one could just give up and ask, “What’s the use of trying to make a difference about anything?”
Friday, February 14
From tribal college to VUU, Railey has growing power
It’s not where you come from, but how you play the game that counts. Tyriek Railey is making an impression at Virginia Union University despite having arrived from a school few Richmonders have ever heard of.
Casino gambling advances with Pamunkey Tribe in the driver's seat
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe has gained a boost from the General Assembly in its efforts to build lavish casino-resort hotels in Richmond and Norfolk.
Begin Again
City Council majority strikes $1.5B Coliseum and Downtown development project, urging the administration to start over with public inclusion
Start over — and this time include the public. That’s the cry from the five members of Richmond City Council who followed through Monday night in eliminating the $1.5 billion Coliseum replacement and Downtown redevelopment plan, just as they said they would do when the nine-member governing body met last week as a committee.
Lt. Gov. Fairfax's defamation suit against CBS News dismissed by federal judge
A federal judge on Tuesday tossed out a libel lawsuit filed by Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax against a television network he accused of slanted reporting on sexual assault allegations against him.
Investigation reopened into murder of Malcolm X
Who really killed Malcolm X? Nearly 55 years since his assassination on Feb. 21, 1965, in the Audubon Ballroom in New York, the human rights activist’s murder will be reinvestigated in the wake of new information uncovered in a Netflix documentary, prosecutors in New York said on Tuesday.
Confederate statues in State Capitol remain unaddressed
As the General Assembly wrestles over whether to give localities the right to control their Confederate monuments, their debate is being waged in the State Capitol — a virtual shrine to the Confederacy.
VUU surprised by $1M announcement on Founders Day
Virginia Union University President Hakim J. Lucas stood before an audience of more than 350 students, faculty, alumni, trustees and dignitaries last Friday to remember the past and mark the path to the future at the university’s 155th Anniversary Founders Day Convocation.
Free GRTC bus service being eyed
Free rides on GRTC buses? That idea has begun to percolate as a proposal by Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn to create a regional transportation authority to provide new funding for roads and public transit moves through the General Assembly.
RPS gets break on $3.32M city stormwater bill
Tear up that bill. That’s what Mayor Levar M. Stoney told the Richmond School Board to do with a $3.32 million bill for unpaid stormwater fees that has accumulated over 10 years.
Legal help offers children healthier futures
One silver lining for a parent with a child being treated at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University is access to free legal services.
Personality: Robert M. Lester
Spotlight on president of Club 533
An invitation from a friend and fraternity brother brought Robert M. Lester to Club 533 in 2012, offering him the opportunity to meet and listen to members from across decades. That night sparked Mr. Lester’s interest and desire to be a part of the club, now 64 years old, that still brings together men of accomplishment dedicated to improving the social and civic welfare of the community.
Longtime area photographer Waverly L. Williams Sr. succumbs at 76
Have camera, will travel. That was the motto of photographer Waverly Lee Williams Sr., who was always on the go to capture images of people, places and events, mostly in the Richmond area.
Dr. Aaron L. Dixon, former principal at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, dies at 62
“Impact children’s lives today for tomorrow.” That slogan shaped the career of Dr. Aaron Lorenzo Dixon, his family said.
New research reconsiders writings of enslaved Muslim scholar
He was from Senegal, wrote in Arabic and was enslaved. Or was he an Arab prince? He was a scholar who memorized vast passages of the Quran and mastered numerous Islamic texts. Or were his writings unintelligible? He was a devout Muslim. Or did he convert to Christianity? These are just some of the conflicting narratives about Omar ibn Said (or more correctly Sayyid), a black Muslim scholar captured in Senegal in 1807 and taken by boat to Charleston, S.C.
National religious leaders, scholars expected for symposium Feb. 19-21
Scholars from across the country are expected to attend a national symposium in Richmond exploring the politics of black religion through the legacy of Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, a civil rights icon, theologian and key aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The symposium, “Wyatt Tee Walker and the Politics of Black Religion,” will be held Feb. 19 through 21 starting at the University of Virginia and then moving for the final two days to the University of Richmond. All sessions are free and open to the public.
Sunday's NBA All-Star Game to have tributes to Kobe, daughter
You don’t need to be an NBA expert to predict someone wearing either No. 24 or No. 2 will be MVP of Sunday’s All-Star Game. In honor of the late Kobe Bryant, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who were killed Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, Calif., players on LeBron James’ West team will wear No. 2 in honor of Gianna, while players on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s East team will wear No. 24 in honor of Kobe.
2 with area ties on 'watch list' for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar national award
Armando Bacot has made a big splash during his freshman season at the University of North Carolina. The former Trinity Episcopal School standout is one of 20 players on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Watch List. The award is given to the top center in NCAA Division I.
VUU signs 20 to 2020-21 Panthers football team
The Richmond area is well represented on Virginia Union University’s list of football signees. Out of 20 recruits announced by Panthers Coach Alvin Parker, 13 are from Virginia and six from the 804 area code.
Gridiron pioneer Willie Wood dies at 83
Willie Wood, the college quarterback who became an NFL Hall of Fame safety, died Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, at age 83.
Love Stories
The Free Press proudly presents its annual Valentine’s Day feature sharing the Love Stories of four Richmond area couples.
Neither of us attended graduate school with the intentions of finding a soulmate, but that’s the thing about love — it doesn’t much care about your plans.
5 African-American leaders recognized as 'Strong Men & Women in Virginia History'
Five African-American leaders, including a retired judge, NASA scientist and inventor and a former NFL player, were honored during the eighth annual “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” awards program Feb. 6 at a Downtown hotel.
Events celebrating Black History continues
The celebration of Black History Month continues through February around the area.
'Hair Love' gives color to Oscar winners list
A touching story about an African-American father trying to do his daughter’s hair for the first time is an Oscar winner.
Lessons learned
Editorials
We applaud Richmond City Council for putting the brakes on the expensive project to replace the Coliseum and redevelop a portion of Downtown.
Hair discrimination alive and well by Julianne Malveaux
Andrew Johnson, a high school wrestler, was forced to submit to the humiliating act of having his dreadlocks shorn or have his New Jersey team forfeit their match to the opposing team. A gleeful white woman seemed too pleased to invade the young man’s person, and his team won, but at what price? When this happened in December 2018, there was a national outcry and the referee was suspended.
Remembering gun violence survivors by Marc H. Morial
On Jan. 8, 2011, I was performing my favorite duty as a congresswoman — meeting with my constituents — when it happened. In a matter of seconds, a gunman shot and killed six people, injured 12 others and shot me in the head outside a Safeway in Tucson, Ariz. I keep the memories of those we lost that day — 9-year- old Christina- Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, Gabe Zimmerman and Judge John Roll — close to my heart. And I will be forever bonded to my fellow survivors who will spend the rest of their lives dealing with injuries and trauma. — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
Low Line park request was for $125,000
Re “Mayor withdraws proposal to name city park plaza for Dominion Energy,” Free Press Feb. 6-8 edition: Thank you for the informative piece about Capital Trees and our work in the community. We are proud of our work to create public landscapes in the city that enrich and build community.
LGBTQ rights and protections a must in Virginia
Throughout my career as a public servant, I’ve worked to make sure that Virginia is a welcoming and safe place for everyone. The law should protect all of us.
Raise Minimum Wage
Our state is struggling. One in every six children in Virginia is growing up in poverty. Nearly two-thirds of Virginia families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold have at least one adult who is working, yet they are paid too little to make ends meet. There is one solution: Raise the minimum wage.
President's Day holiday closings
In observance of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 17, please note the following:
Friday, February 7
Commitment needed to solutions for homelessness and recidivism
With the Democratic primary season kicking into gear and the general election right around the corner, the stage is set for an impassioned battle of ideas and policy initiatives that could shape our country for the next decade.
Register to vote in Democratic primary
Want to vote in the Democratic presidential primary on Tuesday, March 3?
Meeting on homeless issue turns tense
A discussion meant to address and ease concerns for Richmond’s homeless residents quickly turned tense Wednesday afternoon.
Trump expands immigration ban to 4 African nations, 2 others
The Trump administration announced last Friday that it is curbing legal immigration from six additional countries that officials said did not meet security standards, as part of an election-year push to further restrict immigration.
N.C. woman files $15M lawsuit against the national NAACP
A woman who said she repeatedly told the national NAACP that her supervisor in the North Carolina conference had sexually harassed her is suing the national group and her former boss.
Senate fails to remove Trump from office
President Trump won acquittal Wednesday in the U.S. Senate, bringing to a close only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. The votes split the country, tested civic norms and fed the tumultuous 2020 race for the White House.
More bad news
As consultant points out flaws, City Council majority gives Mayor Stoney a choice to withdraw the $1.5B Coliseum and Downtown development plan or have it stricken
The bad news just keeps coming for the doomed $1.5 billion proposal to replace the Richmond Coliseum and develop an area of Downtown around it.
A real sickness
Forget the coronavirus. Would somebody please quarantine President Trump before he makes the nation sicker?
Marking time and history
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting women the right to vote, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture selected 20 women to re-create a 1915 photograph of suffragists taken at the State Capitol in Downtown. Like the women in the old photograph, the contemporary group is made up of individuals “fighting to break barriers for women, to improve their communities and to make Virginia a more equitable and just society,” according to museum officials.
'Virginians You Need to Know' lectures Feb. 8, March 21 at Main Library
Researcher, author and lecturer Elvatrice Belsches will speak about “Virginians You Need to Know” at a two-part lecture series at the Main Branch of the Richmond Public Li- brary, 101 E. Franklin St.
Soulidifly to launch free TV streaming service Feb. 14
Richmond-based Soulidifly Productions is jumping into TV streaming. Already turning out movies, children’s books and a monthly magazine, the black-owned company will launch an array of largely original programming on its own service, SoulVision.
Honoring a civil rights pioneer
More than 100 people were present last Saturday for the dedication of a state historical marker in Gloucester County’s Hayes community honoring the late Irene A. Morgan and her actions to battle racial segregation.
Spartans' Jermaine Bishop leads NSU in scoring
Jermaine Bishop seems to have a rust- proof jump shot and a crossover dribble that collects no cobwebs. After being sidelined for the better part of three seasons, Bishop’s jumper is smack dab on target for Norfolk State University.
4 TJ playes named to All-State football team
Honors continue to roll in for the highly successful Thomas Jefferson High School football squad.
Gone too soon
Sports world has been rocked through the years by loss of young athletes
The tragic death of basketball icon Kobe Bryant stirs painful memories of other athletes who died much too young.
Mahomes leads Kansas City to come-from-behind win at Super Bowl LIV
The New England Patriots’ combo of quarterback Tom Brady and Coach Bill Belichick dominated the past two decades of NFL football. Might the Kansas City Chiefs’ tandem of quarterback Patrick Mahomes II and sideline guru Andy Reid become the team to beat in the coming decade?
Justice Clarence Thomas talks about his faith in new documentary
U.S. Supreme Court Jus- tice Clarence Thomas, who is known for his reticence, speaks for much of a new two-hour documentary about his life.
RPS launches program to help dropouts get diploma or GED
Battling one of the highest dropout rates in Virginia, Richmond Public Schools is launching a Secondary Success Center to help students who have dropped out return to earn their high school diploma or a GED.
Journalist Gwen Ifill remembered with new postage stamp launched at her Washington church
In the historic African-American church where she worshipped, late journalist Gwen Ifill was remembered with a new Black Heritage postage stamp in a ceremony featuring dignitaries of the church, politics and journalism.
Anthony 'Pete' Rogers, retired educator, principal with RPS, dies at 92
Anthony Warren “Pete” Rogers was an advocate for teaching Richmond students how to work with their hands during his 35-year career with the city’s public schools.
Willie H. Gillenwater, one of the city's first certified special education teachers, dies at 91
Willie Harris Gillenwater was a pioneer in educating children with mental challenges in Richmond Public Schools.
Frank Tunstall III, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1220, dies at 70
Frank Tunstall III, the veteran president and business agent for GRTC’s unionized bus drivers, has died.
Personality: Kay Tyler
Spotlight on board president of Greater Richmond SCAN
It has been more than a decade since Kay Tyler started volunteering with Greater Richmond Stop Child Abuse Now, and she is still finding new ways to contribute to its mission of a safer future for Richmond youths.
Goldman drops appeal in plan for Coliseum referendum
Paul Goldman, leader of the Put Schools First campaign, is dropping his appeal of a Richmond Circuit Court ruling that blocked his efforts to put an advisory referendum on the ballot last November for Richmond voters to weigh in on the $1.5 billion Coliseum replacement plan.
Herring, other AGs sue to force U.S. to adopt ERA
Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring and two other Democratic state attorneys general sued a U.S. government official last week, seeking to force him to recognize Virginia’s recent vote to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and adopt the measure in the U.S. Constitution.
Mayor withdraws proposal to name city park plaza for Dominion Energy
A new plaza proposed for the city-owned Low Line Green that runs along the Capital Trail on the riverfront will not bear the name of Dominion Energy.
Delegate Luke E. Torian of Northern Virginia to speak Friday at VUU's Founders Day
Delegate Luke E. Torian of Prince William County will be the keynote speaker at Virginia Union University’s Founders Day Convocation at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the Allix B. James Chapel in Coburn Hall on campus.
After-school programs now in all RPS middle and elementary schools
Students at Richmond’s Albert H. Hill Middle School now can sign up for free after-school programs, thanks to a partnership with Richmond Public Schools and the nonprofit NextUp RVA.
School Board starts process for VCU to take over historic Moore Street School
Virginia Commonwealth University has gained a boost for its plan to take over the historic and vacant Moore Street School to expand the day care operation that its School of Education operates on the Monroe Park Campus. The Richmond School Board voted 8-1 Monday night to start the process of enabling VCU to obtain the building.
Richmond's housing issues have long history
Richmond must do a lot of work to solve its eviction problem that gives it the second highest eviction rate per capita in the nation.
Vigil Saturday for toddler fatally shot in Hillside Court
A candlelight vigil in memory of 3-year-old Sharmar L. Hill Jr., who was fatally shot while playing last Saturday afternoon outside his family’s home in the Hillside Court public housing community, will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, in the 1700 block of Southlawn Avenue.
Toppling the Trump kingdom by Dr. Barbara Reynolds
So now with the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate’s rush to acquit President Trump in this rigged impeachment trial, he will soon be free to continue using foreign countries or committing any other illegal acts to ensure his re-election in 2020.
Prison gerrymandering hurts black poliical power by Marc H. Morial
“When districts with prisons receive enhanced representation, every other district in the state without a prison sees its votes diluted. And this vote dilution is even larger in the districts with the highest incarceration rates. Thus, the communities that bear the most direct costs of crime are therefore the communities that are the biggest victims of prison-based gerrymandering. The Census Bureau’s decision to count incarcerated people in the wrong place interferes with equal representation in virtually every state.” — Prison Policy Initiative, The Prison Gerrymandering Project
