Thursday, June 25
City Council members call for ban on police use of tear gas, pepper spray as demonstrations continue
Ban the tear gas, pepper spray, flash bangs and rubber bullets that Richmond Police and their law enforcement partners have used repeatedly to disperse protesters clamoring against police brutality and racial injustice. That’s the cry from two Richmond City Council members who have witnessed the demonstrations and choked on the tear gas, and believe its use by police needs to end.
Field Day for ham radio operators
On June 27 and 28, thou- sands will be involved in the American Radio Relay League Field Day.
‘Cut losses and ties’ with Washington team
Re: “Washington NFL team to skip training in Richmond,” Free Press June 18-20 edition:
Reminder of new laws taking effect July 1 or later
The General Assembly passed hundreds of new laws earlier this year, most of which will go into effect on July 1.
Put Confederate monuments in their place
Flying or displaying a Confederate flag outside of a museum is a tacit acceptance of the evil that it represents — slavery, Jim Crow, bigotry, racism, and death, not to mention treason.
Even for conservatives, no denying reality by Rev. Dean Nelson
Too many white people on the right and left only want to listen to Black people who agree with them on everything.
I stand with the ‘looters and lowlifes’ by Julianne Malveaux
According to the Washington Post, the 45th president told 19,126 lies between his inauguration in January 2017 and June 1, 2020. By now, the number has likely edged toward 20,000, as his Tulsa “rally” last Saturday yielded dozens more.
Disturbing
We supported Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s call for the resignation of former Richmond Police Chief Will Smith.
Aunt Jemima being retired by Quaker Oats
America’s painful struggles over racism have finally caught up with Aunt Jemima, that ubiquitous fixture served up at breakfast tables for 131 years.
Actor Jamie Foxx to play heavyweight champ Mike Tyson in biopic
Jamie Foxx is in the gym muscling up for what he hopes will be a knockout performance.
Netflix CEO and wife donate $120M to HBCUS
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, are donating $120 million toward student scholarships at historically black colleges and universities.
Beyonce drops new surprise single on Juneteenth; sales to benefit Black businesses
Beyoncé did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises — a new single called “Black Parade.”
Feds sue Stafford County over law blocking Islamic cemetery
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against a Virginia county for “imposing restrictive zoning requirements” that blocked an Islamic nonprofit from building a cemetery.
Longtime coach Marvin Bridges succumbs at 65
Marvin Bridges, a longtime football and basketball coach in Richmond on the youth and high school levels, died Monday, June 8, 2020. He was 65.
Music educator and band director John H. Scott Jr. dies at 59
As a young man, John Henry Scott Jr. loved playing the trumpet in marching bands in high school and college.
Few African-American golfers on PGA tour
When Tiger Woods burst onto the PGA scene in 1997, many expected a deluge of African-American golfers to follow.
Local high school-to-college talent picked for fantasy ‘Home Sweet Home’ hoops team
With a lull in the sports world, it’s time to announce Richmond’s all-time “Home Sweet Home” basketball team.
Personality: William ‘Danny’ Robinson
Spotlight on board chair of Feed More
During the COVID-19 pandemic that has thrust thousands of Virginians into joblessness and unemployment assistance providing some but not total relief, the need for food aid has rarely been greater. Fortunately, this is where Feed More, led by board chairman William “Danny” Robinson has stepped in to address the community’s needs.
City Council starts process to rename Lee Bridge and other Confederate memorials
Legal tangles continue to block removal of state-owned statues honoring Confederate Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue and in the State Capitol.
City attorney cautions officials against any emergency order to remove Confederate statues
Calls for City Hall to remove the last three city-owned Confederate statues on Monument Avenue before people are injured or killed trying to pull them down appeared to die this week after Interim City Attorney Haskell C. Brown III cautioned that city officials and any contractors hired to do the work could face felony charges.
Who should be on Monument Avenue?
Who should go on the pedestals along Monument Avenue once the Confederate statues are removed?
City sets up $6M eviction assistance plan to aid during COVID-19
Janice Lacy had a job she loved transporting elderly and disabled people. But then COVID-19 hit and she was laid off in mid-March after the state of emergency was declared.
Henrico police chief to retire
Another area police chief is stepping down as protests continue against police violence and racial injustice.
RPS names 6 new principals
Open High School and five preschool centers will have new principals when Richmond Public Schools begins the 2020-21 academic year.
Rep. McEachin handily wins Democratic primary contest
Richmond voters joined others in the 4th Congressional District in supporting Rep. A. Donald McEachin for a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Virginia to enter Phase Three of reopening on July 1
Restrictions on businesses and public gatherings across the state will be further relaxed beginning Wednesday, July 1, as Virginia moves into Phase Three of its reopening plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 testing sites
In addition to free community testing sites, COVID-19 testing is offered at health clinics, urgent care centers and drug store clinics throughout the Richmond area.
RPS students, families celebrate at ‘different’ graduation ceremonies
There was no glitz and glamour or boisterous cheering typical at graduations, but students in the Class of 2020 at two Richmond high schools had the adoration and cheers of family Tuesday when they accepted their diplomas during ceremonies that practiced social distancing.
Sen. Jennifer McClellan announces her candidacy for governor
After 15 years in the General Assembly, Sen. Jennifer L. Mc- Clellan wants to play a bigger role in shaping state policy.
FBI finds no hate crime in old noose in Bubba Wallace’s NASCAR garage
NASCAR went to Talladega Superspeedway last weekend on heightened alert after Bubba Wallace, its only Black driver, took on an active role in a push for racial equality.
Home health workers often overlooked in state COVID-19 protection efforts
Ever since the COVID-19 emergency was declared in March, the state has pushed a well-publicized effort to get masks, gowns and other protective gear for doctors, nurses and other health care workers in hospitals and nursing homes.
Under fire
Calls grow for Interim Chief Blackwell to resign after word of his fatal 2002 officer-involved shooting
Interim Richmond Police Chief William V. “Jody” Blackwell is supposed to be the right person to focus on “necessary public safety reform, healing and trust building within the community.”
Thursday, June 18
Washington NFL team to skip training in Richmond
Following a decision from the National Football League, the Washington pro football team will not be traveling to Richmond to train in late July and early August.
Juneteenth being recognized as state, city holiday
On June 19, Virginia will see the first steps of a new celebration for the Commonwealth.
Booted out
After days of protests and videos of police tear-gassing and pepper-spraying peaceful crowds, Richmond Police Chief Will Smith was asked to resign Tuesday by Mayor Levar M. Stoney
A year ago, new Richmond Police Chief Will Smith was extolled as the best thing since sliced bread when it came to leading 754 sworn officers in the fight against crime.
Court hearing Thursday on Confederate statue removal
Can Gov. Ralph S. Northam use his authority to remove the huge, state-owned statue of traitorous and slavery-defending Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Monument Avenue?
LGBT activists see had work ahead despite U.S. Supreme Court victory
LGBT rights activists are elated by a major U.S. Supreme Court victory on job discrimination, and hope the decision will spur action against other biases faced by their community despite Trump administration efforts to slow or reverse advances.
RPS to review relationship with Richmond Police, consider reopening options
Two Richmond School Board members urged the administration to dissolve the school system’s relationship with the Richmond Police Department, eliminating the school resource officers who patrol the city’s high schools, middle schools and alternative school.
Young people advocate for bigger goals and lasting change
Downtown echoed with the sound of cheers last Saturday as more than a hundred young people and their families gathered for the RVA Youth Rally at the Maggie L. Walker statue and shared their ideas for building a better future.
COVID-19 testing
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering free community testing for COVID-19.
VSU facing possible $26M deficit, enrollment drop
Virginia State University has become a prime example of the financial hits historically black colleges and universities are taking because of the coronavirus.
City voter registrar to host June 22 ‘Drive Up, Drop Off!’
Early voting in Richmond is jumping in popularity ahead of the Tuesday, June 23, party primary, and city Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter is taking an extra step to ensure mail-in ballots get counted.
40 candidates throwing hat in ring for City Council, School Board seats
Contests are shaping up in Richmond for seven City Council seats and six School Board seats.
SCC bans most utility cutoffs until Aug. 31
Virginians who have fallen far behind in paying their electric bills have gained a two-month reprieve from disconnections.
GRTC to offer free rides through June 2021
GRTC, which eliminated fares in March, will continue free rides on the Pulse bus rapid transit system, regular buses and CARE vans through at least June 30, 2021. For now, riders still will be required to wear face coverings.
Personality: Wanda S. Hunt
Spotlight on founder and coordinator of ‘Purple Sunday’ Alzheimer’s awareness program
During the months of June, July and August, Alzheimer’s disease education will be part of church services at congregations around the state.
Clergy testify to outrage, hope in D.C. demonstrations
A series of religious demonstrations in Washington last weekend mixed prayerful calls for racial equality with frustra- tion with law enforcement, lawmakers and the Trump administration.
Tierra Terry selected as new coach of VUU Lady Panthers
Tierra Terry has been selected as Virginia Union University’s new women’s basketball coach.
Jayla Henderson and Kevin Gayles top city scholar-athletes for Class of 2020
Jayla Henderson, captain of the Thomas Jefferson High School girls’ basketball and volleyball teams, and Kevin Gayles, Huguenot High School’s football team captain, were honored as the Richmond Public Schools 2020 Scholar-Athletes for their athletic, academic and extracurricular achievements.
7-foot senior at The Steward School sees his basketball prospects growing
Efton Reid has grown out of all his old clothes while growing into being one of the nation’s top college basketball prospects.
Hampton University cuts golf teams
Hampton University is discontinuing its men’s and women’s golf teams because of the financial impact of the coronavirus.
Unicia Buster’s quilt art paints perfect picture for 2nd Street Festival poster design
Artist Unicia R. Buster’s quilt art has been seen for years around Richmond and elsewhere.
Venture Richmond cancels festivals
October will come and go in Richmond without two of its largest people-attracting events, the 2nd Street Festival and the Richmond Folk Festival.
Juneteenth events planned for Friday and Saturday
Talk about timing. Amid the upheaval over racial equity and police brutality, the Juneteenth celebration of freedom arrives Friday, June 19, and the once little-known holiday is suddenly gaining huge recognition in Richmond and Virginia.
Delroy Lindo gives riveting performance in Spike Lee’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’
In the jungle of Spike Lee’s sprawling and anguished “Da 5 Bloods,” Delroy Lindo’s titanic performance as a Vietnam veteran rises to a ferocious, even Shakespearean pinnacle.
Continuous traumatic stress disorder by Taikein M. Cooper
Mental health practitioners define post traumatic stress dis- order, or PTSD, as a traumatic event that causes strain for an indefinite amount of time.
Now’s the time for police reform, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
As the worldwide demonstrations continue three weeks after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman, the question is whether o
‘Wake up, everybody’
Most of us know the song recorded by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes from the 1970s, with the lyrics, “Wake up everybody, no more sleeping in bed. No more backward thinking, time for thinking ahead.”
Know your rights and legal consequences
A criminal conviction will have significant and life-altering consequences. A simple misdemeanor criminal conviction for an offense such as a curfew violation, disorderly conduct or other offenses can prevent or hamper future employment, access to public housing and eligibility for student loans.
Fort Pickett needs new name
I read about some people suggesting changing the names of Army and other military camps because the names they bear honor members of the Confederacy.
Why Lee statue should remain
I am aghast at the performance of Gov. Ralph S. Northam. He has ordered the removal of and permitted the desecration of the statue of Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue by a rowdy mob of anarchists.
Thursday, June 11
Internet radio stations flourish locally from the comfort of home
Homes in South Richmond have quietly been turned into radio stations that broadcast music and other offerings to thousands of listeners.
Richmond reopening takes next step Friday under state’s guidelines
Restaurants, museums, gyms and other businesses in Richmond can open more to the public beginning Friday as the city enters Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Supreme Court halts evictions through June 29
At least 1,349 households in Richmond and hundreds more around the state have a three-week reprieve from eviction proceedings as the state prepares to roll out a rent relief program.
Damon Duncan leaves after getting paychecks from two housing agencies
Damon E. Duncan, who began working full time as the executive director of the Montgomery, Ala., Housing Authority in early May before wrapping up his full-time job as CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, has finally quit.
Plans shape up for developments in Gilpin Court area
The Stallings family is preparing to go even bigger on developing its property in Gilpin Court, which lies north of Interstate 95 in Downtown and is best known for the public housing community.
City Hall has started parking enforcement again, more than two months after shutting it down, it has been announced.
City Hall has started parking enforcement again, more than two months after shutting it down, it has been announced.
Jehmal T. Hudson appointed as first African-American on SCC
Jehmal T. Hudson just made Virginia history. The veteran of energy policy making is the first African-American named a judge on the powerful State Corporation Commission since its establishment 118 years ago to regulate businesses, energy companies, railroads, banks and insurance companies in the Commonwealth.
Columbus and Wickham statues come down
Decrying police brutality and white supremacy, Richmond protesters have taken an active approach to removing symbols of oppression by pulling statues of Christopher Columbus and Confederate Gen. Williams Carter Wickham from their pedestals in public parks.
City launches aid efforts to help businesses damaged in protests
Recovery help is on the way for Richmond businesses damaged by vandals during the local protests over a white Minneapolis police officer’s killing of George Floyd.
Personality: Dr. Kimberly Williams Sanford
Spotlight on volunteer board chair of the American Red Cross Capital Chapter
With 2 million positive cases of COVID-19 in the United States and a hurricane season that started on June 1, the American Red Cross, the nation’s premier emergency response organization, likely will have its hands full into 2021.
804 Coaches for Change holds initial rally at Ashe statue
An energetic group called 804 Coaches for Change has its foot on the gas pedal with no thoughts of slowing down anytime soon.
Front-runners line up for NBA Rookie of the Year
An athlete need not come from a college powerhouse to create a big splash in the NBA.
Jason Nelson of John Marshall High hoops hones in on college pick
And the envelope please ... John Marshall High School basketball standout Jason Nelson has narrowed his list of college options to two.
It’s about time
It’s about time. That was our first reaction to Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s announcement last week that he is ordering the statue of Confederate traitor Robert E. Lee to be removed from Monument Avenue.
Where do we go from here?, by Charlene Crowell
The nationwide protests against the heinous killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman is reminiscent of the 1960s era of turmoil and voices that fervently called for social and economic justice. Today’s turbulent times make it appear that history is repeating itself.
Readers react to racism, police violence, protests and Confederate statues coming down
The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis is more than a reminder of white supremacy’s perpetrated racism.
Company uses flowers to send message during local protests
A local floral design company adorned the monuments of Maggie L. Walker and Arthur Ashe Jr. in a show of solidarity with local Black Lives Matter protesters and to make a positive statement about two highly regarded hometown heroes and trailblazers.
Michael Jordan donating $100M to racial equality and social justice organizations
Basketball legend Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand are giving $100 million to organizations dedicated to promoting racial equality and social justice.
Class of 2020 inspired by four-hour virtual ceremony headlined by the Obamas and Beyoncé
Former President Obama said in a commencement speech Sunday that the nationwide protests following the recent deaths of unarmed black women and men, including George Floyd in Minneapolis, were fueled from “decades worth of anguish, frustration, over unequal treatment and a failure to perform police practices.”
Legendary debate coach, Dr. Thomas F. Freeman Sr., dies at 100
Richmond native Thomas Franklin Freeman Sr. transformed historically black Texas Southern University into a national powerhouse in debate.
Bonnie Pointer, who prompted creation of The Pointer Sisters, dies at 69
Bonnie Pointer, who in 1969 convinced three of her church-singing siblings to form The Pointer Sisters, which would become one of the biggest acts of the next two decades, died Monday, June 8, 2020.
Alton H. Belsches Sr., retired police lieutenant, dies at 87
Alton Henry Belsches Sr. joined the Richmond Police Department in 1960 as sit-ins and demonstrations against racial segregation in Richmond were taking off.
Ministers join call for citizen review board
Faith leaders from 35 churches, synagogues and mosques serving Richmond issued a petition Tuesday calling for city political leaders to create a civilian oversight board for the Richmond Police Department.
Chris Beaty, former Indiana University football standout, killed during protests in Indianapolis
Former Indiana University football standout Chris Beaty was shot and killed Saturday, May 30, 2020, during protests in his hometown of Indianapolis over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Former NFL star defensive back Ken Riley dies
The sports world is morning the loss of former NFL and Florida A&M University great Ken Riley.
Falwell apologies for tweet with racist photo
Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. apologized Monday for a tweet that included a racist photo that appeared on Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s medical school yearbook page decades ago.
George Floyd, ‘cornerstone of a movement,’ is laid to rest
Fifteen days after George Floyd cried out for his mother with his final breaths, the 46-year-old who has become a worldwide symbol in the call for justice was laid to rest beside his mother after a funeral Tuesday in his boyhood home of Houston.
In context
Protesters and politicians alike are redefining Richmond by removing racist and obsolete symbols of oppression and inequality from public spaces
The daily explosion of young activists on Richmond streets is forcing a reckoning with Virginia’s racist past and the symbols of oppression that hang over it.
City Charter language may stymie efforts to remove Confederate statues
As demonstrations in Richmond for racial justice and against police brutality continued for the 12th day on Wednesday, all nine members of City Council already are on board for one monumental change — removal of the statues of Confederate traitors that litter Monument Avenue and other parts of the city.
Police Chief Will Smith orders policy review after tear-gassing of protesters
Restraint. That appears to the watchword for the Richmond Police Department that is still smarting from a June 1 incident in which officers fired tear gas and pepper-sprayed a crowd of hundreds protesting police brutality and racial injustice about 30 minutes before a city-imposed 8 p.m. curfew.
Free COVID-19 Testing
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues throughout Metro Richmond at events organized by the Richmond and Henrico County health districts, the Capital Area Health Network and the Chesterfield Health Department.
Gov. Northam announces plan to reopen schools in the fall
Richmond Public Schools teachers and students are to return to in-person classes after a long summer break, but with strict new social distancing guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Thursday, June 4
In remembrance
This week, we mark the sixth anniversary of the loss of Raymond H. Boone, the late founder, editor and publisher of the Richmond Free Press.
Martyrdom and change
George Floyd is now a martyr, his death precipitating marches across the nation and around the globe. His picture is a symbol for people of conscience everywhere.
Trump refuses to hold official White House portrait unveiling for President Obama
President Trump is showing his true colors again.
Black artists alliance to hold benefit online auction for COVID-19 relief
Members of the Black American Artists Alliance of Richmond are holding an online art auction from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6, to benefit CultureWorks’ COVID-19 Arts & Culture Relief Fund.
Oprah donates $12M to combat coronavirus
During a recent virtual address to the class of 2020 college graduates, Oprah Winfrey spoke of the need to provide for those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Class of 2020 gets virtual graduation send-off from Virginia celebrities
Olympic gold medalist Angela Hucles Mangano inspired the Class of 2020 with stories of overcoming challenges and having hope for the future last Friday during “Virginia Graduates Together,” a virtual celebration hosted by Gov. Ralph S. Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam.
A salute to famous athletes who served Uncle Sam
Al Bumbry was a star in the trenches long before gaining star status on the baseball diamond.
Where are the African-American catchers in MLB?
African-American baseball catchers are a vanishing breed.
Caylin Newton transfers from Howard to Auburn
Another quarterback named Newton is on the Auburn University football roster.
VUU football player Emmanuel Antwi earns co-valedictorian honors for Class of 2020
Emmanuel Antwi was No. 53 on the football field and No. 1 in the classroom at Virginia Union University.
Episcopal bishop ‘outraged’ by Trump church photo op
The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington sharply criticized President Trump on Monday for staging a visit to the historic St. John’s Church across from the White House, where he held up a Bible after authorities had cleared the area of peaceful protesters using tear gas.
Henrico, Chesterfield able to reopen under Phase Two of COVID-19 plan
Restaurants in Henrico and Chesterfield will be able to open Friday for limited indoor dining, along with gyms, museums, zoos, botanical gardens and sports facilities as most of the state enters Phase Two of Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s reopening guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shorter services, less singing and no dinners for churches during pandemic reopening
For more than a quarter century, Dr. James L. Sailes knew that every Sunday morning around 10:30, he would be proudly walking the aisles of Antioch Baptist Church in Varina, greeting scores of his 500 or so members with handshakes and hugs.
Former NFL player Roosevelt ‘Rosey’ Taylor dies at 82
Roosevelt “Rosey” Taylor, who played on championship teams in college and with the NFL, died Friday, May 29, 2020. Mr. Taylor was 82.
NBA legend Wes Unseld succumbs at 74
The basketball world mourns the loss of a legend. Westley “Wes” Unseld, among the most powerful inside forces in college and NBA history, has died.
Personality: Dr. James J. Fedderman
Spotlight on the incoming president of the Virginia Education Association
When Virginia schools return to some kind of normalcy in the future, its education system will be facing a bevy of challenges. With the effects of the coronavirus resulting in cuts in state education spending, localities have turned to cuts in expected pay raises, salary freezes and furloughs that have and will produce struggles for teachers, staff, parents, students and others. For those navigating this aspect of a tumultuous period in Virginia, the Virginia Education Association is working to create a path forward alongside its president-elect, Dr. James J. Fedderman.
Bookkeeping problems plague city operations, budgets
Sloppy bookkeeping at City Hall led to $3 million in revenue being squirreled away in unused accounts — and unavail- able to pay for schools, tree pruning and a host of other city operations.
Driving? Only hands-free cell phone use allowed in city
Holding a cell phone while driving in Richmond could cost you $125, beginning next week.
June 16 deadline approaching for absentee ballot applications
Early voting in the upcoming Tuesday, June 23, primary is underway. Rule changes are making it fairly easy to vote absentee ahead of Election Day in the contests to choose Democratic and Republican nominees to run for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
School Board approves new math, language arts curricula
After more than a month of seesaw debating, the Richmond School Board approved new curricula Monday night in two separate votes.
Black Lives Matter not welcome on billboards?
Is Lamar Advertising, which owns a major share of the nation’s highway billboards, preventing clients from posting signs using the phrase “Black Lives Matter”?
Free COVID-19 testing
Free testing for COVID-19 continues by the Richmond and Henrico health districts.
Business owners sweep up after vandalism
One of Richmond’s oldest family jewelry stores is recovering from late-night looting and vandalism last weekend by rogue elements attached to local protests of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Thousands of protesters hit the streets
A white Minneapolis police officer’s killing of 46-year-old George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for nearly 9 minutes was the final straw.
City erupts
Death of George Floyd in Minneapolis prompts plans for reform by Mayor Stoney and Gov. Northam, including removal of Confederate statues on Monument Avenue
The statues of Confederate traitors are headed for removal from Monument Avenue — ending their long reign as white supremacist icons of Richmond that extends back to 1890.
‘This must stop!’, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
In his poem “No Man Is an Island,” John Donne wrote, “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.”
How we can heal, by Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan
Words fail when I try to describe the events of the past few weeks. In the midst of a pandemic that disproportionately kills black and brown people, the pain, suffering and anger over the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd have touched every community in America, including Richmond.
Letters To The Editor: Reflections on the death of George Floyd
The senseless murders of black people who posed no threat have created the effect of rioting across the country.
