Thursday, July 30
No fall football for Va. high schools
The Virginia High School League, which governs most public school athletics across the state, has called timeout on all fall sports because of COVID-19.
Policing and COVID-19: A dangerous combination
As protests in Richmond continue to draw attention to decades of overpolicing, it has become abundantly clear that the status quo cannot hold. Richmond is a city with deeply entrenched segregation and brutal poverty alongside glittering new developments. Recent police actions here make the state’s “Virginia Is for Lovers” slogan ring hollow. These responses to protests are made even more harmful by police reliance on aggressive strate- gies that only exacerbate the health risks of the coronavirus.
Inequality and injustice must end
The most recent acts of evil that brought about innocent deaths of Black people due to police brutality and white racism compel the faculty of School of Theology at Virginia Union University, or STVU, to condemn these acts in the strongest possible way. We will continue to do what is necessary for our students by empowering them to do justice in the Black community and beyond.
There’s no question, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
Jane Elliott said, “If we didn’t have all those years when Black lives didn’t matter, we wouldn’t have to have a Black Lives Matter movement now.”
Restore the Voting Rights Act, by Marc H. Morial
“Although the court did not deny that voter discrimination still exists, it gutted the most powerful tool this nation has ever had to stop discriminatory voting practices from becoming law. Those justices were never beaten or jailed for trying to register to vote. They have no friends who gave their lives for the right to vote. I want to say to them, ‘Come and walk in my shoes.’” — Congressman John Lewis reacting to the U.S Supreme Court’s Shelby v. Holder deci- sion in 2013.
Oprah’s O magazine to end monthly print editions after 20 years
O, The Oprah Magazine is ending its regular monthly print editions with the December issue after 20 years of publication.
July 1 was red-letter day for former inmate Rojai Fentress
Rojai Fentress, arrested in 1996 on a murder charge when he was just 16 years old, woke up on July 1 at the Augusta Correctional Center as inmate No. 1038804.
Beyonce’s new ‘Black Is King’ premieres July 31
Social media is buzzing in anticipation of Beyoncé’s new visual album, “Black Is King,” that premieres Thursday, July 31, on Disney+.
John Blake, whose coaching helped Dallas win 2 Super Bowls, dies at 59
John Blake, who made a coaching impact on both the NCAA and NFL levels, died Thursday, July 23, 2020, of a heart attack. He was 59.
Clash of the quinquagenarians: Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. to fight
Professional boxing is turning back the clock.
Several Richmond Flying Squirrels have made leap to the majors
The primary objective of a minor league baseball team is to prepare players for the major leagues.
WNBA opens shortened season with tribute to Breonna Taylor
WNBA players opened their season last weekend wearing uniforms featur- ing Breonna Taylor’s name to honor the 26-year-old emergency medical technician and former high school basketball player who was shot and killed by plainclothes police who broke down the door of her Louisville, Ky., apartment on March 13 to serve a narcotics search warrant.
Megan Walker temporarily sidelined with WNBA New York Liberty
The New York Liberty has hit the refresh button.
Charles Evers, Mississippi civil rights and political figure, dies at 97
Charles Evers, who led an eclectic life as a civil rights leader, onetime purveyor of illegal liquor in Chicago, history-making Black mayor in deeply segregated Mississippi and contrarian with connections to prominent national Democrats and Republicans, died Wednesday, July 22, 2020. He was 97.
Chef and hip-hop artist-producer Joshua “Freeze” Reed succumbs at 37
Joshua Lawrence “Freeze” Reed, a talented chef and well-known Richmond hip-hop artist and music producer, has died.
David J. Wall, longtime supervisor with the Richmond Department of Public Works, dies at 68
David Jerome Wall was known as “The Professor” in the Richmond Department of Public Works because of his knowledge of the department and the city.
Edna Keys-Chavis, first African-American and female city clerk, dies at 66
Edna Keys-Chavis made history in 1990 when she became Richmond’s first African-American and the first woman city clerk — the official record-keeper for City Council.
Thousands pay tribute to Rep. John Lewis, the last of the Big Six civil rights icons
Thousands of Americans from Alabama to Washington have paid their final respects to Congressman John Lewis, an American icon and civic rights giant, during a series of memorial tributes that began last Saturday in his hometown of Troy, Ala., and encompassed solemn but emotional ceremonies in two state capitals and the U.S. Capitol, where his body laid in state.
First Lady Michelle Obama premieres podcast with first guest – her husband
Former First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off her new podcast on Wednesday with a familiar guest — her husband, former President Obama.
Personality: Tani Washington
After four years of researching, writing and making oral presentations in high school forensics and debate competitions, Tani Washington has made history.
Poll shows Mayor Stoney leading in mayoral contest
Incumbent Mayor Levar M. Stoney is the front-runner in the race for the city’s top elected office, with 2nd District Councilwoman Kimberly B. “Kim” Gray running a close second in the seven-way race, according to an independent poll of the Richmond contest.
Slave memorial and museum gets jumpstart under mayor’s plan
A long-stalled effort to develop a museum and memorial park in Shockoe Bottom to tell the story of enslaved people in Richmond seems to have gained fresh momentum, but that could quickly evaporate.
Kamras seeking removal of school resource officers
A 90-minute virtual town hall with Richmond Public Schools students may lead to the elimination of police officers in city schools.
Annual National Night Out moved to Oct. 6
Richmond’s observance of the annual National Night Out will not be held on the traditional first Tuesday in August — Aug. 4 this year — because of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been announced.
Henrico schools to reopen virtually this fall
The Henrico School Board voted unanimously last week to reopen schools this fall using a full virtual learning format for the first semester.
Rape kit backlog cleared
It took five years, but the backlog of 2,665 untested rape kits in Virginia has finally been eliminated, Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring has announced.
New policies to help RRHA tenants
With nearly two in five residents of public housing in Richmond behind in paying rent and/or electricity charges, the city’s housing authority is pushing policy changes to avoid mass evictions.
2nd complaint filed against Judge Cavedo
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Cavedo is facing a second complaint to the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission seeking his removal from the bench based on the judge’s efforts to bar the city and state from removing Confederate statues.
Confederate icons swept from Virginia Capitol building
After 88 years, the statue of Confederate traitor Robert E. Lee is gone from the State Capitol.
George Floyd Hologram Memorial brings new light, tribute to Monument Avenue
Hundreds of people gathered at the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue on Tuesday night to hear the family of George Floyd and their attorney Benjamin Crump speak and to witness the unveiling of a new hologram in tribute to Mr. Floyd.
‘Defunding police’ rejected
Richmond City Council kills proposal to examine police funding in social, mental health and community services and move the money to other departments
No to reducing the Richmond Police budget to assuage demonstrators’ demands to “defund police.”
Police, others stymied by outside agitators at demonstrations
Are “outside agitators” and white supremacists infiltrating the Black Lives Matter protests against racial injustice and police brutality?
Thursday, July 23
Judge steps down
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Cavedo recuses himself from Confederate statue cases as formal complaint filed against him with judicial commission
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Cavedo has given up his fight to preserve the statues of racist Confederate gener- als in the city, potentially opening the door to removal of the biggest statue of all — the one to Robert E. Lee at Monument and Allen avenues.
Reaching out
I’m a volunteer for an environmental organization. Like many similar organizations, the great majority of our leaders are white, middle-aged or older and middle class or better. Of course, this is not representative of Virginia.
President Obama on the death of Congressman John Lewis
Editor’s note: Former President Obama issued the following statement last Saturday on the death of Rep. John Lewis of Georgia. It stands in stark contrast to that tweeted by the current occupant of the White House.
When John Lewis met Malcolm X in Kenya, by A. Peter Bailey
In his book, “Malcolm X: The FBI File,” Dr. Clayborne Carson wrote about a first-time meeting between Brother Malcolm X and a young John Lewis while both were traveling in Africa in October 1964.
Keeping land in the family, by Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan and Parker C. Agelasto
As Virginia and America continue the long overdue work of addressing structural inequity, our Commonwealth has taken one significant step toward fixing a leading cause of loss of land and wealth for African-Americans.
Judge Cavedo and no more regrets
Judge Bradley B. Cavedo did the right thing by removing himself from further involvement with cases concerning the Confederate statues along Monument Avenue and in Richmond.
Protest appears to mix with mayoral campaign
The race to become Richmond’s next mayor appears be bleeding into the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.
Tony Taylor, first Black All-Star with the Philadelphia Phlllies, dies at 84
Tony Taylor, the first Black All-Star to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, has died of complications from a stroke. He was 84.
Kamaru Usman defends MMA welterweight title on ‘Fight Island’
Fight fans who admired boxer Floyd Mayweather are likely to have an appreciation for Kamaru Usman.
More college football shaken up by COVID-19
College football continues to take a beating from the coronavirus.
Baseball picks up new ‘traditions’ under coronavirus
The Major League Baseball season is generally a marathon, with a grinding 162-game regular season schedule. This year, the season will more resemble a sprint, thanks to COVID-19.
The R-word: How the Washington NFL team’s name came to be
George Preston Marshall was a hateful bigot when it came to African-Americans. Yet he seemed to have an affection for Native Americans.
2020 Festival of Arts goes online with live virtual performances
The coronavirus can’t stop the show.
Ashe statue to stay put
On Richmond’s Monument Avenue, the collection of towering statues honoring Confederate veterans was interrupted by one noticeably different: A monument to hometown tennis legend and human rights activist Arthur Ashe Jr.
Rev. C.T. Vivian, Freedom Rides organizer and key adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dies at 95
The Rev. C.T. Vivian, an early and key adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who organized pivotal civil rights campaigns and spent decades advocating for justice and equality, died Friday, July 17, 2020, the same day as fellow civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis of Georgia.
Personality: Martha Franck Rollins
Spotlight on board chair of Coming To The Table RVA
From growing up on Plantation Road in segregated Martinsville to co-founding a nonprofit striving to confront and heal the legacy of slavery and racism, the life of Martha Franck Rollins has been long, eventful and transformative — and it’s far from its final chapter.
Dominion Energy announces $25M in grants to HBCUs
Richmond-based Dominion Energy has announced it will provide $25 million in grants to historically black colleges and universities over a six-year period.
Census estimate shows city growth, but lag in people returning forms
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Rich- mond’s population surged past 230,000 on July 1, 2019, for the first time in at least 45 years.
VSU may have to repay up to $12M for alleged misuse of federal grant
Virginia State University may have to ante up for a financial problem that appears to be growing.
3 inmates, 2 staffers at city jail test positive for COVID-19, numbers higher in Henrico
At least three inmates and two staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus at the Richmond Justice Center, Richmond Sheriff Antionette V. Irving disclosed Tuesday.
Chesterfield schools to reopen for online learning in the fall; Henrico leaning toward virtual option
Chesterfield County Public Schools is following Richmond’s lead, approving reopening this fall for virtual learning only.
Richmond School Board awaits details on fall’s virtual reopening
In just a few weeks, Richmond Public Schools will be starting a new school year – virtually.
City prosecutor to review Marcus-David Peters case
The Marcus-David Peters case is getting another look.
Tearful, rambling Kanye West launches presidential campaign
In his first rally for his last-minute presidential campaign, rapper Kanye West ranted against abortion and pornography, argued policy with attendees and at one point broke down in tears during rambling remarks Sunday at a Charleston, S.C., wedding venue and convention center.
Rep. John Lewis
A lion of the Civil Rights Movement and ‘conscience of Congress’ dies at 80
Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, a lion of the Civil Rights Movement whose bloody beating by Alabama state troopers in 1965 helped galvanize opposition to racial segregation, and who went on to a long and celebrated career in Congress, died late Friday, July 17, 2020. He was 80.
Thursday, July 16
Personality: Shelby Brown McDowney
Spotlight on founder of Mission From The Heart Foundation
When a letter arrived from the Internal Revenue Service confirming that Shelby Brown McDowney’s newly formed organization, Mission From The Heart Foundation, received its nonprofit classification, it was like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. “When I opened the mailbox and saw the letter, I started jumping up and down and dancing in the rain,” Ms. McDowney says. “I’ll never forget the day.”
Chief Smith embraces police reform, but wants to control it from the catbird seat
New Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith is raising a yellow caution flag for those pushing to reform the department and support budget cuts to “defund the police.”
Online Only
Threat of COVID-19 keeping RPS students at home
Richmond Public Schools students will continue learning online this fall when the 2020-21 academic year starts Sept. 8.
Washington NFL team drops racist name
The most polarizing name in North American professional sports is gone.
Questions swirl around judge
Lawyers representing Mayor Levar M. Stoney and the city have rushed to the Virginia Supreme Court, requesting the state’s highest court overturn a Richmond Circuit Court judge’s 60-day injunction barring the mayor from using emergency authority to take down Confederate statues.
Hanover’s Confederate school names eliminated
The Hanover County School Board voted 4-3 Tuesday night to change the names and mascots of Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School.
Fund grows to help pay for Confederate statues’ removal
When city officials decided to promptly remove the Confederate statues along Monument Avenue and other parts of the city, everything was in place for the action except the money to pay for it.
Low-key efforts waged to remove statue of segregationist Harry F. Byrd Sr. from Capitol Square
In the midst of widespread efforts to remove Confederate memorials, a similar change may be on the way for Richmond’s Capitol Square.
New RPS HR director comes from system with similar challenges
Sandra Lee has her work cut out for her.
Housing aid for families impacted by COVID-19
Many of the estimated 3,800 Richmond area families facing court hearings that could lead to eviction may qualify for the state’s new rent relief program.
Dr. Oliver W. ‘Duke’ Hill Jr., retired VSU professor, administrator and researcher, dies at 70
While his celebrated attorney father devoted his life to using the law to break down racial barriers, Dr. Oliver White Hill Jr. focused his attention on eliminating racial disparities in education.
How Jesus became white – and why it’s time to cancel that
The first time the Rev. Lettie Moses Carr saw Jesus depicted as Black, she was in her 20s. It felt “weird,” Rev. Carr said. Until that moment, she’d always thought Jesus was white.
CIAA football, fall sports latest casualty of COVID-19
CIAA football for 2020 ended before it began.
Late VUU Panther William Dillon nominated for College Football Hall of Fame
The late William Dillon, renowned for his exciting interceptions, is poised to pick off another honor.
VUU to add All-American and All-State track recruits
Virginia Union University can hardly wait to hear the starting gun for the 2020-2021 track and field and cross-country seasons.
Culture shift’ bringing some top b-ball prospects to HBCUs
HBCU basketball prospects are looking up partly because of what Norfolk State University basketball Coach Robert Jones terms a “culture shift.”
Help for women in addiction to expand with new CARITAS center in South Side
In a bit more than two months, Richmond will have a new shelter and treatment center for women struggling with addiction and homelessness.
Former Negro League Baseball players to highlight MJBL’s Bonds Symposium
Two former players with Negro League Baseball will speak on a virtual panel as part of the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League’s annual Bobby Bonds Symposium.
Judge Cavedo
Events and new information arising during the past few days give us grave concerns about the continued involvement of Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Cavedo in the legal cases regarding the Confederate statues on Monument Avenue.
The enemy within, by Julianne Malveaux
At least six Black children were killed during the “Fourth of You Lie” weekend. They weren’t doing anything wrong, just attending a community picnic, or going to visit a grandmother, or riding in a car.
Rezoning best for schools, by Danielle M. Greene
Headlines have ricocheted across the nation about Richmond City Council’s support for removing the Confederate monuments.
Safe voting during the pandemic
As a young political activist, my 18th birthday was monumental because I would be able vote. However, I turned 18 on Nov. 24, 2016, and missed the opportunity that year to participate in one of the most significant and historical presidential elections that will happen in my lifetime.
Possible names for the Washington NFL team
The Washington NFL franchise is a disgrace! In the year 2020, Washington team owner Daniel Snyder cannot possibly continue to rationalize keeping his ridiculously racist team name in the face of widespread, righteous public condemnation.
Hatred and hypocrisy
Currently, we are in the midst of a major and long overdue reckoning in this nation.
Thursday, July 9
L.A. Lakers looking to get back on top after long drought
In recent years, the Los Angeles Lakers have turned from prince to frog and, now, back to prince.
Automatic expungements can help remove barriers by Mayor Levar M. Stoney
Unjust and racist policies continuously serve as a barrier to progress for our Black and brown communities, creating a stifling environment for socioeconomic mobility that makes it less and less likely for each generation to be better off than the last.
School safety
We understand the unfortunate conundrum parents and families are facing as school districts across the state grapple with how to reopen safely and effectively during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faculty votes to drop Lee name from Washington & Lee University
Faculty at Washington and Lee University voted on Monday to remove Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s name from the school.
Turmoil at EBONY and Essence magazines prompts changes at top
EBONY and Essence magazines are in trouble.
Flying Squirrels going Hollywood with ‘Movies in the Outfield’ at The Diamond
With the baseball season shut down because of the coronavirus, The Diamond will take on a new look on Thursday and Saturday nights this summer by showing family films beach-blanket style on the field.
Black History Museum reopening July 14
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is reopening Tuesday, July 14, with a new set of guidelines in the wake of COVID-19.
Richard Bland College suspends sports for 2020-21
Richard Bland College athletics are down, but not out.
Makur Maker chooses Howard University
Well-traveled Makur Maker has selected Howard University for his next basketball stop.
American players hold spotlight in Korean baseball
You’d never guess who’s tearing up the Korean Baseball Organization, or KBO.
Rudolfo Anaya, ‘godfather’ of Chicano literature, dies at 82
Rudolfo Anaya, a writer who helped launch the 1970s Chicano Literature Movement with his novel, “Bless Me, Ultima,” a book celebrated by Latinos, has died at 82.
Personality: Timothy O. Mallory
Spotlight on president of Richmond Chapter of Concerned Black Men
It all started in first grade— sort of. In 2011, a father was invited by one of his son’s elementary schoolteachers to join a volunteer organization focused on providing African-American boys in fifth through 12th grade with mentors and positive role models.
Lab hiring for COVID-19 testing
A private lab based in the Richmond area announced Tuesday that it is adding 400 employees to conduct and process tests for COVID-19.
IRS filing shows Monroe Park Conservancy running deficit
Does a nonprofit group authorized by City Hall to manage Monroe Park need a bailout?
New law gives teeth to Richmond’s gun ban
Remember when a group of gun toters invaded City Hall to protest gun controls and jangled nerves at a City Council meeting as they filled the seats?
Arthur Ashe Jr. birthday work day set for Saturday at Woodland Cemetery
The Woodland Cemetery Volunteers are holding a work day this weekend at the historic African-American cemetery in honor of the birthday of the late Arthur Ashe Jr., who is buried there.
Maggie L. Walker 156th birthday events starting July 11
The National Park Service is hosting a range of activities to celebrate the 156th birthday of Maggie L. Walker, the first African-American woman in the nation to charter a bank and become its president.
Wilder claims racism in state library lag in processing his gubernatorial papers
Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is accusing the state library of racism for its slow pace in processing and publicly presenting records from his tenure as the nation’s first elected African-American governor.
School officials, mayor tour progress of new River City Middle School
As the city’s second Confederate monument was being taken down last week, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, School Board Chair Linda Owen and Vice Chair Cheryl Burke toured one of three educational monuments under construction that are dedicated to the future of city students.
Utility giants abandon natural gas pipeline plans
The rural tranquility of Union Hill — a community that newly freed slaves built in Buckingham County after the Civil War — is no longer facing disturbance from a giant, noisy natural gas compressor.
Free COVID-19 testing
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing 9 to 11 a.m. at the following locations:
Pandemic ‘is still very real’
The spread of COVID-19 has slowed in Richmond – but the city isn’t in the clear just yet.
Ashe sculptor consultant for moves
In his four decades of studying history around the world and interpreting it through professional sculpture work, Richmonder Paul DiPasquale has faced many a challenge. Today, he is in the midst of helping the city turn a major page in its history.
Child care a major issue as RPS officials grapple with reopening plan
A 3-foot change could help working parents — most notably single mothers — keep their jobs or avoid the cost of expensive day care.
Name change coming for Washington NFL and Cleveland MLB teams?
More than a dozen Native American leaders and organizations sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday calling for the league to force the Washington NFL team owner Dan Snyder to change the team name immediately.
Remnants of the Confederacy
The statue of Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, the last of the four city-owned Confederate statues on Monument Avenue, was taken down and moved to storage Tuesday
The former capital of the Confederacy has largely been wiped clean of the racist statuary that has long dominated the landscape.
Federal report condemns state failure to intervene in special education compliance
For more than four years, former schoolteacher Kandise Lucas has repeatedly condemned the Virginia Department of Education for its alleged failure to intervene against schools in the Richmond area and across the state that are denying special needs children a free and appropriate public education — most notably African-American children.
D.C. Statehood is a racial justice issue by Ben Jealous
The District of Columbia is the one spot where there is no government for the people, of the people and by the people, the great abolitionist and D.C. resident Frederick Douglass once wrote.
Climate crisis is a social justice issue
People in the city of Richmond protested during the past month and they have been heard. The city that was once on fire at the close of the Civil War is again on fire — spiritually and politically. Now is the time for Richmond’s citizens to step up and demand real changes from our local and national elected officials.
Discrimination, political correctness and profiteers
If we want to truly be equal, take all the statues down, and don’t show favoritism to any one race or gender.
Why is Rojai Fentress still in prison?
On April 13, 1996, Thomas W. Foley was shot in a breezeway of an apartment building on Midlothian Turnpike while trying to purchase crack cocaine.
Thursday, July 2
Gun rights advocates holding rally and march Saturday in Downtown
Thousands of people are expected to descend on Richmond this Saturday for a protest at the State Capitol against perceived injustice— new gun control laws that went into effect Wednesday, July 1.
Possible format for making presidential debates ‘enlightening’
In the upcoming presidential debates, two changes for at least one debate would give the voters a chance to see something entirely different than the same old, same old we have become used to.
July 4th fireworks in Richmond, Chesterfield
The nation will turn 244 years old on Saturday, July 4, but many of the traditional holiday events and fireworks spectaculars have been eliminated because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Free COVID-19 testing
The Richmond City Health District is offering free community testing for COVID-19.
Legal efforts continue against use of tear gas on peaceful protesters
From marches to nighttime clashes and courtroom battles, the demand for racial justice and an end to police violence continues in Richmond — now the epicenter of Virginia protests and police actions to control the situation more than a month after they began.
Gone!
After more than 100 years, the statue of Confederate ‘Stonewall’ Jackson on Monument Avenue comes down
Goodbye, “Stonewall” Jackson.
Movement goes into chaos
I can understand the current movement, but things have gotten way out of control.
'Remember children living with domestic violence’
Most people would agree domestic violence is a blight on society generally and directly on people and families affected by it.
Make Kunta Kinte’s burial site a mecca
In a 1965 edition of Collier’s Encyclopedia, an account of the arrival of the first enslaved people in Virginia was offered thusly, supposedly by someone who was there: “About the last of August came in a Dutch man of warre that sold us 20 negars.” That’s markedly different from the way I usually see it portrayed.
Excellence in education is paramount
As a veteran participant in the struggle for racial justice, I enthusiastically support the unparalleled street demonstrations, sparked by the 8-minute, 46-second police execution of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and spearheaded by the Black Lives Matter movement.
COVID-19 trials need minorities, by Dr. Asefa Mekonnen
The minority community’s relationship with the medical and scientific world has not been built upon trust. This is particularly true with African-Americans.
Freedom
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” — Nelson Mandela
Henrico prosecutor lodges hate crimes against KKK member; sets up complaint email for police abuse
Hate crime charges have been filed in Henrico County against a self-proclaimed Ku Klux Klan leader who allegedly drove his truck through a crowd of demonstrators at a Black Lives Matter march early last month.
Richmond Justice Center begins COVID-19 testing
More than three months after the coronavirus pandemic began, the Richmond City Justice Center is conducting its first mass testing of inmates, deputies and staff for COVID-19.
VSU outlines cuts to absorb $26M deficit
Financially troubled Virginia State University appears to be on track to fill a $26 million hole in the 2020-21 budget, although at least half of the solution appears to be temporary patches that will last only one year.
Fourth of July closing schedule
In observance of the Fourth of July holiday on Saturday, July 4, please note the following:
Foundation poised with cash to purchase Woodland Cemetery
The Evergreen Restoration Foundation has raised the $50,000 needed to purchase Woodland Cemetery, a historic African-American cemetery in Henrico County that is the burial ground of Arthur Ashe Jr., the Richmond-born tennis great and humanitarian.
Black lives celebrated and mourned at emotional BET Awards
Black power, suffering and the fight for justice took center stage at the BET Awards on Sunday, the first Black celebrity event since recent nationwide mass protests broke out over systemic racism.
NASA names D.C. headquarters for engineer Mary W. Jackson of ‘Hidden Figures’ fame
The early African-American women at NASA will not be hidden anymore.
Arthur Ashe’s life story coming to the big screen
The life of legendary tennis great and local hometown hero Arthur Ashe Jr. will be told in a film by an Oscar-winning writer and an Indian movie producer and former international tennis competitor who once played Mr. Ashe and lost.
Personality: Demetrius W. Frazier
Spotlight on co-founder and president of Black Men Read
In the wake of the murder of Philando Castile by a St. Anthony, Minn., police officer in 2016, Demetrius W. Frazier was among many searching for answers to this tragedy. Mr. Frazier, along with Lance Adams, turned to literature as a tool to forge connections with other African-American men centering on discussions around books addressing the issues that led to Mr. Castile’s death.
NBA’s Vince Carter ends record 22-season pro career
Vince Carter, among the most dynamic and durable players in NBA history, has announced his retirement.
Claudell Washington, former MLB All-Star, succumbs at 65
Claudell Washington, who was among the youngest players to become an All-Star in Major League Baseball history, has died.
African-American baseball standouts snapped up in MLB draft
Who will be the Major League Baseball’s nextAfrican- American All-Star?
Price and Betts boost L.A. Dodgers’ World Series dreams
Since the Los Angeles Dodgers’ last World Series championship in 1988, 17 different franchises have won baseball’s top prize. To help snap the drought in Tinseltown, the Dodgers have beefed up its roster with a pair of likely future Hall of Famers.
‘Tip Your Cap’ in honor of 100th anniversary of baseball’s Negro Leagues
A monthlong “Tip Your Cap” campaign hon- oring the formation 100 years ago of baseball’s Negro Leagues got underway June 29.
New Police Chief Gerald Smith greeted with eventful first day
For Gerald M. Smith, the first day as Richmond’s new police chief was anything but routine.
Four mayoral candidates endorse Shockoe Bottom slavery memorial park
For more than five years, Ana Edwards, her husband, Phil Wilayto, and other supporters have vigorously lobbied City Hall to transform parking lots in Shockoe Bottom into a memorial park to remember and honor the enslaved who were once bought and sold like cattle in the area.
Minister Farrakhan to speak July Fourth
Minister Louis Farrakhan, head of the Nation of Islam, will address the range of current issues facing the United States in a talk scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4.
Virginia Ready launches new job training program with community colleges, bonuses
Get trained for a high-paying job, network with companies that are seeking to fill thousands of vacant positions and earn a $1,000 bonus. That’s the promise of a new Virginia Ready, that launched Monday.
School Board continues to wrestle with reopening plans, issues
As the Richmond School Board works to come up with a plan for reopening city schools in the fall, one of the big concerns is educational equity and what that means for a school system where nearly 20 percent of the 24,000 students have special or high needs.
