Thursday, May 28
City to open Friday at a ‘slow and steady pace’
Even with the coronavirus still causing sickness and death, Richmond is finally set to reopen, though gingerly and in a limited fashion, under what the state terms Phase One. It will be far from business as usual.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Despite the pandemic, construction continues on the new Cardinal Elementary School in South Side, one of three replacement schools Richmond is building.
‘I can’t breathe’
Minneapolis police officers fired after cell phone video shows one kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, who later died.
Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired in the wake of the brutal death Monday of George Floyd, a 46-year-old father and security guard, who died after being handcuffed by police and put face down in the street, where a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes.
Making sense of the 2020 Census, by Logan James
We know all lives matter, but are all lives being counted?
Exceptional? Data tell the story, by Lee H. Hamilton
Like most Americans, I have always considered the United States an exceptional country.
What about our children? by E. Faye Williams
Like many who’ve had to shelter in place, I’ve had time for introspection and reflection. I’ve had to limit contact with family members, but I’ve had the opportunity to share memories and plan for future engagements with them.
America does not value the lives of black people
There is no stronger proof of the truth of that statement than the 10-minute cell phone video showing the ghastly death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
Washington Nationals looking for a repeat championship
If the Washington Nationals are to repeat as World Series champion, the team will need help in replacing the power of departed All-Star Anthony Rendon, who is now with the Los Angeles Angels.
Beyond no fans in the stands, big changes in the NFL
The 2020 NFL season will take some getting used to.
Former TJ, South Carolina standout reclaims the headlines
Much to his own surprise, Philip Logan is back in the news.
Richmonder Bobby Dandridge was the final puzzle piece to the Bucks’ 1971 title
If and when NBA play resumes, the Milwaukee Bucks will try and scratch a nearly half-century itch. The franchise’s first and only NBA title was in 1971 with a cast featuring two all-time greats, Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, plus a lesser known but extraordinarily talented Richmonder.
Homegoing for Bishop
Mother Marcietia S. Glenn, first lady of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Chesterfield County, is comforted during the funeral last Friday of her late husband, Bishop Gerald O. Glenn. The 66-year-old founder and pastor of the church died Saturday, April 11, 2020, of complications from the coronavirus, which struck him, his wife, one of his daughters and son-in-law in March.
Richmond native Dr. Elizabeth Bouey-Yates, educator and philanthropist, dies in S.C.
Resource-starved schools in South Africa are benefiting from the work of Richmond native Dr. Elizabeth “Bettye” Bouey-Yates.
Personality: Amia Aaryn Graham
Amia A. Graham, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, has the distinction of graduating as the top student in Richmond Public Schools with a 4.9677 GPA.
GRTC passengers must wear face masks beginning Friday
The rides will still be free, but GRTC will require passengers to wear face masks, or nose and mouth coverings, as of Friday, May 29, to board its regular buses, vans and Pulse rapid transit.
Metropolitan Business League offering COVID-19 relief grants to SWaM businesses
ARichmond-based business trade group has launched a recovery fund to aid small, women and minority-owned businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, it has been announced.
SNAP benefits now can be used for online grocery shopping
Food stamps now can be used to buy groceries online in Richmond and across the state.
Campaign mounts to purchase Woodland Cemetery
Neglected Woodland Cemetery — the final resting place of Richmond-born tennis great and humanitarian Arthur Ashe Jr. and thousands of other African-Americans — soon could have new ownership if money can be raised.
City Council looks to ease zoning for homeless shelter locations
City Council this week took the first step toward lifting zoning restrictions that have largely limited homeless shelters to Downtown and low-income sections of the city.
Parades and curbside visits bring joy to veterans’ home residents
Retired Sgt. 1st Class William “Big T” Taylor had not seen his family since early March.
Delegate Carroll Foy announces historic bid for governor
Democratic state Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy formally launched her bid for Virginia governor Wednesday, using email and social media to make an initial appeal to voters in the era of the coronavirus pandemic.
No mask, no social distancing earns Gov. Northam criticism
Gov. Ralph S. Northam apologized Tuesday for not following his administration’s own COVID-19 safety guidelines during his Memorial Day weekend visit to Virginia Beach where he posed for photos with people along the oceanfront without a face mask or social distancing.
COVID-19 testing
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues across the Richmond area, with new testing events scheduled by the Richmond and Henrico County health districts.
Thursday, May 21
Area COVID-19 testing available
Here are upcoming free coronavirus testing events conducted by the Richmond and Henrico County health districts:
Library sign no help
The sign posted at the Franklin Street entrance of the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch in Downtown states: “For updates go to RVALibrary.com.”
There is hope
Recently, I learned about the number of people who, out of hopelessness and fear, are considering suicide during these challenging times.
‘Reva Trammell is no racist’
Re “Racist memorabilia puts Trammell in the hot seat,” Free Press April 30-May 2 edition:
What happens when we return to ‘normal’? by Glenn Ellis
Where should we be focusing our attention as a community at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic?
Equal protection under the law, by Rep. A. Donald McEachin
In February, Ahmaud Arbery was hunted and shot down by neighborhood vigilantes while jogging in Brunswick, Ga. His killers were not taken into custody until a national outcry over leaked footage of the assault three months later.
The fight for the 2020 vote, by Stacy M. Brown
Since the onset of COVID-19, voter registration in the United States has decreased by a whopping 90 percent.
Can an old black man get the Manafort treatment? by Julianne Malveaux
There were 4,623 incarcer- ated people over 65 in federal prisons during the first week of May. Until May 12, Paul Manafort, President Trump’s one-time campaign manager, was one of them. The 71-year-old petitioned the court for release to home confinement because of his age, heart condition and “fear of coronavirus.”
Princeton senior is first black valedictorian in university’s history
Nicholas Johnson is making history and making his family proud.
President Obama inspires Class of 2020, adroitly criticizes current leaders for mishandling pandemic crisis
Hours after former President Obama delivered two measured and inspiring na- tional commencement speeches to the Class of 2020 college and high school graduates last Saturday, social media lit up with comments of “Great speech, Mr. Obama. We miss you!” and “That’s what a president should be like. November 2020 can’t get here soon enough.”
Philanthropy steps up during the COVID-19 crisis
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has created a statewide and global health and economic crisis that is testing the fabric of people and communities and area charities as needs expand.
Dr. Clinton V. Turner Sr., former Virginia commissioner of agriculture and consumer services, dies at 76
Dr. Clinton Vassett Turner Sr., the first African-American to serve as Virginia commissioner of agriculture, has died.
City businesses ready to reopen, welcome customers next week
Renada Harris, owner of Silk Hair Studio on Broad Street near Virginia Commonwealth University spent last Thursday calling clients to cancel appointments made for Friday, May 15, the date businesses were to partially reopen under Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s executive order.
Richmond ramps up efforts for coronavirus testing, small business assistance
The City of Richmond will be working during the next week to expand COVID-19 testing for highly vulnerable residents and helping small businesses in a major way, even as surrounding counties and most of the state continue to reopen businesses and non-essential services under limited rules.
Baseball player, executive Bob Watson dies at 74
Bob Watson, who impacted baseball as a player and executive, died Thursday, May 14, 2020, in Houston at age 74. He had been in declining health for several years.
Former NBA All-Star Mo Williams to coach at Alabama State
Alabama State University, a public HBCU in Montgomery, is hopeful a former NBA All-Star will bring success to its basketball program.
VCU snags another transfer player, Levi Stockard III
Seems like just about any college basketball story nowadays includes the word “transfer.”
Miss local baseball? You can still get the food
With the coronavirus pandemic, fans are missing baseball. And some are missing ballpark food.
’His Airness’ Michael Jordan also knew how to swing a bat
Michael Jordan the basketball player is a global legend. His greatness is beyond debate. Meanwhile, Jordan the baseball player remains a bit of a mystery, his status open to discussion.
Personality: Duron Chavis
Spotlight on Resiliency Garden project leader
Hundreds of raised garden beds distributed throughout the region, ready to house healthy crops. Hundreds more in de- mand by residents in Richmond and its neighboring counties. And potentially hundreds of new urban farmers, ready to work and serve their communities at a time of great need.
Public policy summer academy scholarships available to Richmond and Petersburg students
High school and college students in Richmond and Petersburg are being offered scholarships to participate in a free online summer academy that will focus on youth and public policy amid the pandemic, it has been announced.
New type of renter’s insurance covers security deposit
When it comes to renting an apartment, one problem people face is the big outlay.
City tax bills go out without amnesty details
Richmond residents have until Friday, Aug. 14, to pay city taxes on their real estate and vehicles without being hit with a penalty and interest for late payment under a recently approved ordinance.
Judge rules that fewer signatures needed for mayoral candidates to get on Nov. ballot
Mayoral candidates in Richmond will need far fewer valid petition signatures to qualify for the ballot, thanks to a lawsuit one candidate filed challenging the current 500-signature requirement.
Federal judge dismisses Hanover NAACP lawsuit to change Confederate school names
A federal judge last week dismissed a lawsuit seeking to change the name, mascots and imagery of two Hanover County schools named for Confederate leaders, bringing a halt to a costly and contentious legal battle launched by the Hanover County Branch NAACP.
Richmond-Petersburg to become central to U.S. critical drug manufacturing and stockpile
Richmond has just become the national headquarters for a government effort to resolve a long-festering problem — American dependence on overseas supplies of life-saving medications.
School Board adopts $331M budget for 2020-21
The Richmond School Board on Monday adopted a $331 million budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year that begins July 1.
RPS plans in-person and virtual graduation ceremonies for seniors
Seniors attending Richmond Public Schools will have a graduation ceremony after all.
Final tribute
Richmond Police Chief Will Smith salutes and the department’s Honor Guard stands at attention as the family of the late Master Patrol Officer Dextor Lee Gadson Sr. prepares to enter the Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home last Saturday in the West End for a celebration of his life.
Answering the call
Volunteers with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps sometimes put their own health on the line to help during the COVID-19 pandemic
When Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s call went out for volunteers to help with COVID-19 efforts, Matilde Badillo responded.
Magistrate Judge Roderick C.Young of Richmond nominated to federal district court bench
Roderick Charles Young started out as a public defender and has risen through the legal ranks to U.S. magistrate judge in Richmond.
Historic first: A. Benjamin Spencer named dean of W&M Law School
As a University of Virginia law school professor, A. Benjamin Spencer has earned accolades for his knowledge of federal courts and civil litigation.
Thursday, May 14
Saluting Malcolm X, by A. Peter Bailey
A former U.S. president has been quoted as saying, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who want to govern themselves must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.”
Black people and COVID-19, by Sa’ad El-Amin
As the United States is trying to reopen after a nearly total shutdown caused by COVID-19, one of the major questions is whether it is too early to re- open and, by doing so, whether there will be a second round of infections and deaths.
What would Ida B. Wells do?
Crusading journalist Ida B. Wells, who fearlessly and tirelessly worked against racism and violence targeting African-Americans in the late 1800s and early 1900s, was posthumously honored last week with a Pulitzer Prize.
Think twice
We strongly support the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus in its opposition to begin re-opening Virginia’s businesses, restaurants and places of worship on Friday.
Pandemic can't stop nuptials for area newlyweds
When the coronavirus pandemic threatened to disrupt the wedding plans of Dr. Janet West and Rodney Jordan, love proved too strong – even during a time of social distancing and rules preventing no more than 10 people in one place at one time.
Andre Harrell, who founded Uptown Records and launched many careers, dies at 5
Andre Harrell, the Uptown Records founder who shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the late 1980s and 1990s with acts such as Mary J. Blige and Heavy D and also launched the career of mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, died Thursday, May 7, 2020. He was 59.
Grammy-winning singer Betty Wright succumbs at 66
Betty Wright, the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter whose influential 1970s hits included “Clean Up Woman” and “Where Is the Love,” is dead at age 66.
'Architect of rock 'n' roll,' Little Richard, dies at 87
Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” who built his groundbreaking sound with a boiling blend of boogie woogie, rhythm and blues and gospel, died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the age of 87.
Dolson B. Anderson Jr., a leader and deacon at Westwood Baptist Church, dies at 72
For more than two decades, Dolson Barnett “Butchie” An- derson Jr. was the volunteer leader of the media ministry for Westwood Baptist Church in Richmond’s West End.
Funeral arrangements announced for Bishop Glenn
A celebration of the life of Bishop Gerald O. Glenn, late founder and pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Chesterfield County, will be held next week, it has been announced.
Woody Strode and other African-American athletes went from sports to the silver screen
Woody Strode was among the first four African-Americans to play in the NFL, but that isn’t necessarily his top claim to fame.
VUU alum played for late Coach Don Shula with the Baltimore Colts
A native Richmonder played at least a small role in the historic coaching legacy of the late Don Shula.
Top NBA draft choice spent a week on college team
James Wiseman offers new meaning to the basketball term “one and done.”
VUU signs transfers to boost basketball team
Coming from near and far, help is on the way for the Virginia Union University basketball team.
Personality: Rahmah T. Johnson
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year
A holistic approach to counseling is the key to success for Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year Rahmah T. Johnson.
Public housing residents sheltered, temporarily, from eviction
Will there be a flood of eviction cases next month?
Stacey Daniels-Fayson named interim CEO of RRHA
Stacey Daniels-Fayson has been named interim chief executive officer of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Free Press receives Facebook Journalism Project grant
The Richmond Free Press has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Facebook Journalism Project to boost local journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
City Council waives tax penalties
Richmond residents and businesses will have until Friday, Aug. 14, to pay their 2020 city tax bills on real estate and on vehicles and other personal property without incurring an additional penalty or interest charge.
GRTC provides more protective gear to drivers
It took nearly two months, but GRTC is ramping up virus protection for drivers who have kept the public transit system rolling during the pandemic.
City employee dies of the coronavirus
A veteran social worker is the first City of Richmond employee to succumb to the coronavirus. Twelve others among the city’s 4,000 employees have tested positive for the virus.
City may be facing deficit in current 2019-20 budget
Three months ago, with the city’s economy booming, Richmond’s government projected an $8.5 million surplus when the current fiscal year ends June 30. But today, the city appears to be facing a $6.2 million deficit, according to the latest data for the 2019-20 fiscal year, after the coronavirus sent the local economy — and that of the state, the
Ready to reopen
Va. businesses, churches and some restaurants are poised to open on Friday under state guidelines despite VLBC's opposition
Editor's Note: In a major change that took place after publication of the May 14-16 edition of the Free Press, businesses in the city of Richmond will not reopen on Friday, May 15. At the request of Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Gov. Ralph S. Northam issued a new executive order extending business closures in Richmond until at least Thursday, May 28. The order, released about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, May 14, also included Accomack County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, which also requested to delay openings. In the Richmond area, businesses in Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, however, can reopen Friday under Phase One of the governor’s guidelines. Government leaders in those three counties submitted a letter to Gov. Northam rejecting any delay in opening.
High marks for counselor
RPS Teacher of the Year honor goes to Thomas Jefferson High’s Rahmah Johnson
Like a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes commercial, a band of dignitaries from Richmond Public Schools and the City of Richmond carrying bouquets of flowers and balloons followed by cameras and reporters marched down Ladies Mile Road last Friday morning to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime surprise.
Officials pump up COVID-19 testing, begin mask and hand sanitizer distribution to city's at-risk residents
Efforts to combat COVID-19 continue in Richmond’s high-risk communities and underserved neighborhoods.
More than rhetoric needed
Re “Kay Coles James heads National Coronavirus Recovery Commission,” Free Press May 7-9 edition:
COVID-19 info or campaigning?
Did 9th District Councilman Michael J. Jones misinform City Council in seeking permission to use city funds to send a direct mail card to his constituents?
Thursday, May 7
Daily Planet, CAHN and CrossOver clinics provide COVID-19 testing
As the coronavirus arrived in Richmond, the nonprofit Daily Planet Health Services in Downtown was among the quickest to set up a testing operation for its mostly low-income and homeless patients.
Nothing stops 80-year-old from taking her birthday bridge walk
When her 80th birthday arrived, Corrine V. “Coco” Mc- Claine was bound and determined not to let the coronavirus stop her from capping the celebration with her traditional practice — a walk across the Lee Bridge in Downtown.
Group proposes $350M development to replace city's old Public Safety Building
Richmond’s old Public Safety Building on 9th Street near City Hall would be replaced by a $350 million office development under a plan that has been submitted to the city administration.
Next steps
Gov. Northam moves to reopen Virginia on May 15
Movie theaters, barber shops and hair salons, restaurants and a host of other businesses deemed non-essential could begin to reopen Friday, May 15.
Shout out to those who deliver the Free Press to friends and neighbors
I would like to send out a special thank you to the informal volunteers who pick up the Free Press from boxes and newsstands and deliver it to friends, neighbors and others each week.
Public behavior concerns reader during COVID-19 crisis
My aunt and her daughter went to the Dollar Tree at Willow Lawn. There was a manager near her who sneezed several times. He was not wearing a mask. When my aunt asked him to cover his mouth, he replied, and I quote, “You shouldn’t be out here anyway.”
Coronavirus drives home the need for people to work together
Communities and neighborhoods across America, throughout Virginia and within our city limits have been demonstrating extraordinary resilience and resolve during this unprecedented time when the coronavirus has threatened every facet of our lives.
Prison problems during pandemic, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Across the United States and around the world, prisoners are among the most vulnerable to the coronavirus. Overcrowded facilities, shortages of food and medicine and totally inadequate testing expose prisoners who are disproportionately poor and afflicted with prior conditions that render them vulnerable to the disease.
What do we have to lose? by Julianne Malveaux
A little less than four years ago, the president tried to get black votes with the question, “What do you have to lose?”
Same storm, different boat
Our spirits were buoyed when we read the story this week by Trice Edney Wire-Global Information Network about flower growers in Kenya sending bouquets to doctors, nurses and others in the United Kingdom to thank them for their work on the front lines helping people through the COVID-19 crisis.
African-Americans claim several prestigious Pulitzer Prizes
People of color and stories about people of color dominated this year’s Pulitzer Prize awards announced Monday that recognize achievements in 15 journalism and seven arts and letters categories.
Area colleges spring for virtual commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020
Marchelle Williams has worked hard as a graduate student for the past two years in Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work. The 25-year-old Fredericksburg native was looking forward to that traditional special moment capping her latest achievement – walking across the stage during commencement to receive her master’s degree.
Former Richmond coach to be inducted into S.C. State Athletic Hall of Fame
Former Richmonder Benjamin “Benny” Blocker has been selected for induction into the South Carolina State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
VCU Rams waiting to hear about eligibility of new 7'1" Medley-Bacon
Virginia Commonwealth University basketball has added a new player, but the Rams must wait until May 20 to learn when he becomes eligible to play.
Hampton's Blue Thunder cheerleading squad turns to online tryouts
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting every aspect of athletics, even cheerleading. Hampton University has conducted a virtual tryout for its Blue Thunder spirit squad.
Juwan Carter looking to break records at NSU
Juwan Carter has met Aaron Sparrow and the two men hit it off. Now, with all due respect, Carter hopes to politely erase Sparrow’s name from Norfolk State University’s football record book.
Only one player at HBCU drafted into NFL
The once busy football pipeline between HBCUs and the NFL appears to have stalled. Out of seven rounds and 255 selections in the NFL’s virtual draft last month, only one HBCU athlete heard his name called.
Personality: Barry S. Watkins
Spotlight on board chairman of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
The coronavirus has seen many aspects of public life suspended to ensure public health. But that doesn’t include getting outdoors for fresh air and exercise. The 51.7-mile paved pedestrian and bicycle trail on state Route 5 between Richmond and Williamsburg, known as the Virginia Capital Trail, has become even more popular during the pandemic as people are anxious to get out of the house to exercise and ease the stress of staying indoors.
Hopewell man still waiting for Islamic center's collection to benefit his injured wife
After his wife was shot and nearly killed in their Hopewell home, Iftikhar H. Saiyed was grateful when the Tri Cities Islamic Center in Chester took up a collection from worshippers to benefit the family during her recovery. But nearly four years later, Mr. Saiyed said he is still waiting to receive the money that members raised.
Help set up for families needing diapers
Need diapers? A new effort has been launched to distribute diapers to families affected by COVID-19.
Food distribution to RRHA communities to begin again
Feed More, the area’s largest food bank, once again will be delivering food to public housing residents after being shut down in April over pandemic safety concerns.
Concerns arise over possession of former Cathy's Camp residents
What happened to their possessions? That’s what Rhonda Sneed wants to know on behalf of the former residents of Cathy’s Camp, the tent city that was demol- ished by the city in March, with most of the former residents moved to area hotels and motels.
Judge approves settlement dropping witness requirement in June 23 primary
As anticipated, a federal judge has approved a settlement that will allow voters to cast mail-in ballots without a witness signature for the June 23 primary elections. The ruling doesn’t apply to local elections taking place on Tuesday, May 19.
Va. HBCUs to receive $36.4M in COVID-19 relief
Just as parents, family and friends rally to help college and graduate students navigate a tough time, the federal government has carved a small slice of the multitrillion-dollar emergency CARES Act to help Virginia’s five cash-strapped historically black colleges and universities weather the financial toll brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
Obamas to deliver commencement addresses
Yes, they will! Former President Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, will salute the Class of 2020 in two separate virtual graduation ceremonies replacing the traditional end of high school and college.
School Board grapples with budget cuts and uncertainty in the next school year
The Richmond School Board and city schools administration continue to work on academic and staffing priorities as looming budget cuts and spending limits caused by the COVID-19 crisis hover like a dark fiscal cloud.
City Council clears way for $38.5M cut to 2020-21 budget
City Council is backing Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s proposal to cut $38.5 million from his initial budget plan for the 2020-21 fiscal year that begins July 1, even as some members aren’t sure it’s enough.
Free Press wins 13 state journalism awards
The Richmond Free Press continues its 28-year tradition of award-winning excellence.
Kay Coles James heads National Coronavirus Recovery Commission
Richmonders across the political spectrum are joining forces in trying to persuade people to keep their distance to help mitigate the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus that has taken the lives of more than 700 Virginians.
